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SlU, Shipowners Sue Administration on Blended Credit Cargo
Seek Law Enforcement, Not Special Treatment
The federal government's
continued refusal to obey the
nation's cargo preference laws
is "beyond comprehension,"
SIU President Frank Drozak said
following the Union's and
Transportation Institute's filing
of a lawsuit seeking the enforce
ment of the laws.
Last month the two organi
zations were forced to go to
court, almost a year to the date
after the Reagan administration
began its "Blended Credit" pro
gram. The program, adminis
tered by the Department of Ag
riculture, has accounted for
almost $1 billion in agricultural
commodity sales to foreign na
tions. None of the shipments
has sailed on American-flag
ships.
The U.S. District Court suit
seeks a permanent injunction
against the government from
disobeying long-standing cargo
preference laws and a judgment
that the prevailing cargo regu
lations apply to the blended credit
program. The suit cited the Cargo
Preference Act of 1954 and Pub
lic Resolution 17 as the basis
for the SIU's action.
Both the law and the resolu
tion basically call for 50 percent
(Continued on Page 4.)
fz'
OMictel PaUttcatlon oi the
Intematioml Union • Ationtlc, Onif, Lidws and miuid WatanDtMrict *AI L4!IU^|^|^J^j^lWni ikwIM}
Busy Year on the Hill for Maritime Labor & Industry
DEC 081983
Boggs-Tribie, Alaskan Oil Bills Are
While none of the dozens of
maritime-related bills intro
duced this congressional ses
sion has made it through tlie
legislative maze to become law, \
many have made a great deal of
progress
Both houses of Congress are
expected to adjourn for the year
by the middle of November.
Congress may return to Wash
ington, but indications are that
if representa.tives do resume the
session, none of the maritime
issues will be moved along.
Here is a rundown of the
major maritime bills and issues
the SIU has either backed or
•I'm a Little bit Skeptical' — BlaggI
Cunard Bill Killed;
We'll Wait and See
One vote in the Senate Commerce
Committee killed a mea^e which
would have generated more than
1,(X)0 seafaring jobs, opened the
domestic cruise market to an
Union Busting Thwarted
ACBL & Dixie:
Take Notice
More than two years of back pay
and pension contributions, plus a
''bargaining order, were won by The
United Industrial Workers in a Na
tional Labor Relations Board case
closely related to the SIU's fight
with ACBL. The UIW is an affiliate
of the Seafarers International Union
of North America.
The two companies, Louisiana
Dock Company (LDC) and Ameri
can Commercial Terminals (ACT),
(Continued on Page 3.)
American conqHmy and provided
desperately needed passenger ships
for military use. On the same day,
Nov. 16, the House Merchant Ma
rine and Fisheries Conunittee over
whelmingly approved a similar
measure to re-flag two Cunard
ships.
"I'm disappointed that 1,0(X)
American seamen won't be work
ing this spring and surprised that the
massive campaign against these
bills was able to fool so many peo
ple," SIU President Frank Drozak
said.
The two bills were new versions
of legislation introduced earlier this
year which would have granted
domestic trading privileges to
Cruise American, an Americanowned company which planned to
purchase the two Cunard vessels,
the Princess and Countess, and use
(Continued on Page 3.)
fought this year and where they
stand. Next month the LOG will
provide a rundown on other
maritime legislation for the year.
B<^gs-TrlUe
These two bills, H.R. 1242
and S. 1624, are the backbone
of maritime revitalization this
session. While there are some
differences in the bills, both have
basically the same goals.
They would reserve 5 percent
of the nation's bulk imports and
exports for American-iflag ships
in the first year. In each follow
ing year that amount would be
(Continued on Page 3.)
SIU's New Santa Rosa
;.v '
x-
It was transformation time in
Baltimore for the Santa Rosa
(Delta). It was also time for 27
SIU members to crew up the
22-year-old combination pas
senger/container ship.
Recently acquired from
American President Lines, along
with her sister ship the Santa
Paula which will also carry a
top-to-bottom SIU crew, the
Santa Rosa was getting a much
needed sprucing up after more
than a year in lay-up on the
West Coast.
While Maryland Shipyard and
Drydock workers scrambled
about the 19,555 dwt vessel,
welding, painting the 668-fopt
huU, and checking out the cranes
and gear, the first part of the
SIU crew was aboard readying
her for departure to Philadelphia
and the start of her maiden voy
age.
(Continued on Page 10.)
November 1983/LOG/I
Jr.- J .
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Drozak Heads U.S. Seafarer Delegation in Madrid
ITF Backs SlU Minimum Safe Manning Levels
The SIU led the way to two
Deck Department—two deck Maritime Organization for final flag practice. It will also help^
close the gap between U.S.-flag
important minimum safe man officers and three deck ratings; approval.
One of the major issues at the and runaway-flag ships.
ning level standards at last
Engine Department—one chief
month's International Trans engineer, one engineer and one convention was the problem of
More than 500 representa
flag-of-convenience shipping.
port Workers Federation meet motorman/engineer rating;
ing in Madrid, Spain.
Steward
Department—one The ITF's campaign was re tives from 63 national transpor
viewed and strengthened in an tation unions around the world
The SIU delegation, headed cook.
by President Frank Drozak, won
These manning levels will be attempt to discourage and even attended the eight-day conven
the unanimous support for new submitted to the International tually eliminate the runaway- tion.
levels on 12,000 GRT ships and
over, and for the first time in
Receives Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award
ITF history set levels for tug
JC
and tow vessels. Also for the
first time, entry ratings were
specifically included in certain
positions.
The action on the manning
levels is important because of
the worldwide trend in crew
reduction, which many times
NEW YORK ... The lack of the Congress, have neglected decline of the American mer
does not take into account the unity in the U.S. maritime com the merchant marine. He said chant marine in other than war
reduced safety standards that munity weighed heavily on the that the national government has time circumstances."
(Continued on Page 4.)
may result.
mind of Rep. Mario Biaggi (D- failed "to arrest the long term
The niinimun levels were de N.Y.) when he spoke at the
rived when the ITF Seafarers annual AGTOS award dinner
Manning Section met at Piney here on Oct. 14.
Point earlier this year and ham
Biaggi, who was the 1983 re
mered out the number of crew- cipient of the Admiral of the
members needed for safe and Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award from
efficient operations. In addition, the United Seamen's Service,
the SIU and the British Nationals said, "I admit to a growing sense
Union of Se^en worked closely of frustration with the industry
in getting the measure passed itself in failing to provide lead
by the ITF.
ership and unity in promoting
Here are the minimum safe its own revitalization."
He was particularly upset by
manning levels adopted:
the disunity in "maritime labor
Deck Department—^three deck
officers, one bosun, three ABs itself, the traditional source of
and three OS/junior/entry rat considerable initiative behind
most of the major maritime la'Ws
ings;
Engine Department—^three enacted in this century."
engineer officers, one electri
As a result of this concern,
cian (a trained crewmember), Biaggi said he sent a letter to
one repairman, two engine room AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkratings, one junior/entry rating; land requesting his "personal
Steward Department—one intervention to restore unity and
chief steward, one cook, one refocus the perspective within
second cook, one steward/stew the maritime labor community
on the larger issues determining
ardess.
Other—one master and one the industry's future."
Biaggi was highly critical of SlU President Frank Drozak and Rep. Mario Biaggi (D-N.Y.) get together
radio officer.
The towboat levels (along with the way the U.S. government, for a photo at the annual AOTOS award dinner held in New York City.
both the executive branch and Biaggi was the recipient of this year's award.
a captain) are:
Congressman Biaggi Earns
Praise for Maritime Service
./
Ottici»l PuWication ol the Sealirers IntemationjI Union ol
North Amence, AHintc, Gutt. (jKes and Inland Waters District.
AH.-CIO
November 1983
Vol.45, No. 11
Executive Board
Frank Drozak
President
Joe DIGiorgio
Ed Turner
Secretary-Treasurer
Angus "Red" Campbell
Vice President
Charles Svenson
»rt
New York
ast
UnHUI
Aaeitwit EdWDf
New York
2/LOG/November 1983
Mike Sacco
Vice President
Joe Sacco
Editor
lelta Homayonpour
Associate Editor
Executive Vice President
Vice President
Leon Hall
Vice Pre^dent
George McCartney
I
Wee President
Mike Hall
Associate Editor
Washington
Assistant Editor
Washington
kyiwMiB HHraim
Assistwit Editor
Waahihgton
7^?L»!r
monthly by Seafarers International Union, Atlantic. Gulf,
Utes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746, Tel. 8990675.
jiostage paid at M.S.C.
Md.
20790-9998
X.-ir' Second-class
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wi.a.ii. Prince
rrince Georges,
tieorges,• nr>
MO.irnn.
zu/ao-aasw and
ana at
ai additional
aooiiionai
IQTCD- ConH
Cnrinnc
Md 2^746
address changes to the LOG,
5201 Auth ill...
Way, Camp Springs,
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�Boggs-Trible,
Alaskan Oil Bills
:i - • V
ACBL & Dixie: Take Notice
(Conthnued from Page 1.)
along with ACBL, are all part of
Texas Gas Corp.'s massive inland
waterways conglomerate. This twosumer, energy, national defense and-a-half-year-old case marks the
(Continued from P^e 1.)
increased by 1 percent, until by and trade reasons.
fourth victory against the largeThe ships used, about 50 SIU- scale union-busting attenyrts within
the year 2000 American ships
contracted ships, are the types the conglomerate.
would be carrying a full 20 per
of small tankers the military
cent of the bulk cargo.
SIU President Frank Drozak said,
would need in an emergency. If "This decision should be a clear
To meet the demand for ships,
the oil was exported, most of signal to labor law violators, in
some 168 to 300 new ships would
those ships would go into lay- cluding Dixie Carriers and ACBL,
have to be built in American
yards. The House version of the up. In addition, thousands of that they will eventually pay a high
maritime jobs would be lost be price for their illegal practices."
bill requires a 15 percent oper
cause the oil would be exported
ating and construction cost re
According to the NLRB admin
in at least 50 percent foreign- istrative law judge's 97-page deci
duction for U.S. ships. Backers
flag vessels.
of the bill point to recently ne
sion, the two companies failed to
There is a possibility the Sen "bargain in good faith with the
gotiated SIU contracts as the
ate may act on its version of the UIW." LCD and ACT bargained in
basis for some of the operating
Act before the end of the year. bad faith and violated the existing
cost reduction. New technology
The Senate bill contains a six- contract despite its expiration. The
will also make ships cheaper to
year ban on exports, and the law requires that old contracts con
run and yard costs will be re
two houses would have to get tinue until labor and management
duced by what is called series
together to agree on the length bargain in good faith. The contract
construction. In other words, it
of the export ban.
is cheaper, because of common
expired in 1981.
and
larger
volume,
to
design
Cargo Preference
The judge ruled that the com
build 10 ships rather than one ^
panies
had no right to change the
The House and Senate heard
ship.
testimony on several new cargo contract, discontinue their contribu
The Senate version calls for
preference bills this year. Some tions to the UIW's pension and
a larger cost reduction, 20 per
were relatively minor, but the welfare plans, call for layoffs of
cent, and supporters have tes
two major pieces, H.R. 2692 and persormel without first bargaining
tified those reductions can be
S. 1616, would revamp and with the union, and change the
made. It also allows for some
stremnline current cargo pref working conditions — wages and
additional tax and financial
erence laws and make them eas hours — of its employees in die
breaks for the builders and op
ier to enforce, by making a sin union protected by the contract.
erators.
As a result of these violations of
gle law covering cargo
The legislation could create
preference.
more than 100,000 new Ameri
Basically the legislation calls
can jobs in shipbuilding, ship
for all cargo which is national
ping, supply industries and sup
defense related to be shipped
port industries.
1(X) percent on U.S.-flag ships.
Several military officials have
It also mandates that 50 percent
said the legislation would help
of all cargo with which the gov
the nation's defense posture by
ernment is directly or indirectly (Continued fk'om Page 1.)
providing sorely needed tank
involved must be shipped on
ers, freighters, RO/ROs and
them in the Jones Act passenger
American ships.
other ships to transport U.S.
Both bills have been through business. Because the ships were
military men and supplies around
hearings at the subcommittee foreign built, a special congres
sional waiver was needed.
the world.
level and await further action.
H.R. 1242, introduced by Rep.
The opponents of the bill argued
Reagan Proposals
Lindy Boggs (D-La.) has made
that the action would be a death
it through su^ommittee hear
The Reagan administration's blow to American sh^yards. But no
ings and mark-up and now awaits
major thrust in maritime legis American passenger ship has b^n
hearings before the fiill House
lation was a proposal that bas built in more than 25 years, and the
Merchant Marine Committee.
ically would allow the wholesale Cunard ships would We provided
In the Senate, the bill, intro
transfer of American shipbuild some $5 million for each vessel in
duced by Sen. Paul Trible (Ring capacity to foreign yards. annual maintenance in American
Va.) has had hearings on the
H.R. 3156 would allow subsi yards, plus an additional $5 million
subcommittee level.
dized operators to obtain ves in needed work to meet U.S. Coast
Alaskan Oil
sels overseas, use new re-flagged Guard standards.
Since the introduction of the bill,
ships for cargo preference trade,
The House recently passed a
use Capital Construction Funds several proposals for Americannew version of the Export
for overseas shipbuilding, per built passenger ships have popped
Administration Act, the law that
form overseas repairs without up. Therediave been reports of as
contains the ban on exporting
the current 50 percent tariff and many as six ships to be built in
Alaskan oil. It prohibits the ex
increase the amount of foreign American yards. However, those
port of the oil for another four
ownership from 49 percent to deals seem to be shaky according
years.
to congressional members.
75 percent.
The Senate has yet to act on
"I'm a little bit skeptical. It
The legislation has not passed
the legislation.
seems strange that this thing de
the hearing stage in the House
The ban on export of the oil
veloped after this legislation was in
was imposed for a combination or Senate and indications are it
troduced ... I haven't seen a con
won't.
of employment, economic, con
National Labor Law, the NLRB
judge has ordered LDC and ACT
to:
• bargain in good faith with the
UIW;
• cease and desist firom setting
up its own plans;
• render full recovery of pay
ments, plus interest, to die UIW's
pension and welfare plans;
• make Up the difference in con
tributions and benefits to the em
ployees received from the compa
nies' illegal fiind to those received
under the UIW plans; and
• make fiiU restitution of wages
and hours of enqiloyment lost by the
companies' illegad action to its
employees of tte UIW.
Time and time again, NLRB
judges have ruled against the
massive unfair labor practices of
these subsidiary companies.
"This record of lawlessness
demonstrates a preconceived and
studied master plan by this huge
conglomerate to bust the Seafarers
International Union," Drozak said.
"The NLRB has proven that ille
galities are not a profitable enter
prise. The Seafarers International
Union wiU, whenever the situation
wan^ts, pursue all legal remedies
to insure that justice is achieved for
all its union member," Drozak
concluded.
Cunard Bill Killed;
We'll Wait and See
tract, has anybody on this conunittee seen a contract?" Rep. Mario
Biaggi (D-N.Y.) asked at the mark
up session.
During the session it was brought
out that no keel-laying dates have
been set in any of tte tentative deals
to build passenger ships in Ameri
can yards — and nobody has seen
any contracts.
During the recent Grenada ac
tion, the U.S. State Department
asked Cunard Lines to make avail
able the two ships in case they were
needed for evacuation, or troop
transport, Rqp. Edwin Forsytfae (RN.J.) said.
The Senate action Idlls the bill for
this year. Cruise America owners
said they would continue to seek
ways to enter the domestic crui^
market.
What's next? SIU President
Drozak said, "We'll just wait and
see what happens now. I certainly
hope these new ships are built. But
we'll have to wait until all the
smoke clears to really find out."
November '1983 / LOG /
I • "t"
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SlU, Shipowners Sue Administration on Blended Credit Cargo
Seek Law Enforcement, Not Special Treatment
(Continued from Page 1.)
T
of all cargo which the govern
ment generates to be shipped
on U.S. vessels.
Three government officials are
named as defendants in the suit:
Agriculture Secretary John
Block, Transportation Secre
tary Elizabeth Dole and Mari
time Administrator Adm. Har
old Shear.
"It's ironic and sad," Drozak
said, "that we are forced to go
to court when one of the de
fendants even agrees the cargo
preference laws apply."
He was referring to a July
1983 memo from Shear to the
Agriculture Department in which
Shear said cargo preference laws
did apply to blended credit, but
also told the department that he
would decline to enforce them.
"Both the Cargo Preference
Act and its legislative history
indicate the ocean transporta
tion of goods purchased with
federal assistance is covered by
the U.S.-flag requirement of the
statute," Shear wrote.
The Agriculture Department
has claimed that the blended
credit program does not fall un
der cargo preference laws,
mainly because of the type of
financial help the government
provides. The program com
bines government loan guaran
tees and low-interest loans to
purchasing countries to finance
the sales.
"The law is cut and dried. It
is simple. If the government
provides financial assistance, half
the shipment must go on Amer
ican ships. The government is
providing financial assistance in
the blended credit program, but
they are not living up to the law.
That's why we went to court,"
Drozak said.
He noted that in the past the
SIU and other maritime groups
have had to pressure and lobby
the government to live up to the
Cargo Preference Act.
"We had to fight tooth and
nail to get the administration to
ship the Egyptian flour on
American ships earlier this year.
If you look back you can see a
pattern of disregard for the law,
especially since Reagan took of
fice. So far, despite all his prom
ises, he hasn't done much of
anything to help the American
maritime industry. It's a shame
that we have to go to court to
enforce the laws that protect
American seamen and ship
pers," Drozak said.
SIU members and American
shippers have had a hard enough
time finding work in the past
several years without having to
fight the government for law- i
fully guaranteed jobs, he said.
In addition, according to the
suit, if the blended credit pro
gram is allowed to continue
without cargo preference en
forcement, other agricultural
commodity programs could be
diverted into the blended credit
program in am attempt to get
around the laws.
"We're not asking for any
special privilege. We're simply
asking that the law be enforced,
that the government obey the
law," Drozak said.
Glidewell Is Named
To Alabama Fed.
Tribute to Poet
New Maritime Safety Biii Making Headway
'•?•
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1.4
(See Story on page 40.)
The 34 members of the
Poet's crew earned an addition
to their legacy last month when
the House Merchant Marine and
Fisheries (Committee passed a
maritime safety bill.
The bill, H.R. 3486 was a
direct result of the loss of the
SlU-crewed
and also the
NMU-manned Marine Electric
and the oil drilling rig Ocean
Ranger, said Rep. Walter B.
Jones (D-N.C.), committee
chairman.
The bill requires stricter re
porting requirements for ships,
raises the penalties for operating
an unsafe ship and also in
creases the amount of liability
on a vessel owner in cases of
injury or death.
"Each of these terrible tra
gedies identified deficiencies in
our present maritime safety re
gime, primary of which were
unreasonable delays in notifying
the Coast Guard of concern for
the vessels' safety and a situa
tion where an absurdly low fine
provided no deterrent to oper
ating a vessel without a certifi
cate of inspection," Jones said.
Currently the fine for oper
ating a vessel without a valid
inspection certificate is only a
flat $1,000. The bill would hike
it to $10,000 per day the vessel
is operated without an inspec
tion certificate. The fines for
other violations of inspection
regulations also were increased.
The bill requires a vessel mas
ter to communicate his ship's
exact location every 48 hours
to the vessel owner. If the owner
has reason to believe the ship
is in trouble or if he has not
communicated with the ship for
48 hours, the owner must use
all available means to locate the
vessel and promptly notify the
Coast Guard.
The increase in liability levels
came in the form of an amend
ment from Rep. Gerry Studds
(D-Mass.). It increases the
amount of liability the owner
must make in death or injury
cases from the current $60 per
ton of vessel to $420 per ton.
That aspect of the bill will
receive further attention in
hearings before the Merchant
Marine Subcommittee later this
month. The SIU has backed a
move for unlimited liability, but
that may come later, according
to Rep. Mario Biaggi (D-N.Y.),
subcommittee chairman.
"The only argument in op
position was a fear that this
quick fix might close the door
to further consideration of the
problems associated with the
SIU Mobile Port Agent Tom GHdewell was elected vice president of
the Alabama State Federation of
Labor, AFL-CIO, at the state labor
federation's convention this month.
limitation of liability. This, I
promise, will not be the case,"
he said.
Biaggi Gets Maritime Awartd
ident Lane Kirkland, a member
of the Masters j Mates and Pilots
union. The 1981 award was given
posthumously to former SIU
President Paul Hall.
At the dinner, awards were
also given to merchant ships and
individuals for acts of heroism
and bravery at sea. Among those
honored was the crew of the
SlU-contracted Santa Maria
(Delta).
According to the United Sea
men's Service, the ship was
awarded the Mariner's Plaque
because, "under conditions
much like those of wartime, the
crew of the SS Santa Maria
accepted the dangers of the sit
uation when the vessel entered
South Atlantic waters on a trip
to Argentina during the Falk
land Islands crisis. Maintaining
regular lifeboat drills, special
watches and displaying the
American flag on the highest tier
of containers on deck, Capt.
Adrian Jennings and the crew
safely completed their voyage,
despite buzzing by Argentine
military planes."
(Continued from Page 2.)
One bright spot, the congress
man noted, was the imminent
enactment of the Ocean Ship
ping Act of 1983.
Biaggi told the 600 people
attending the award diimer that
"enactment of this legislation
represents a long awaited first
step toward revitalizing the
maritime industry—beginning
with the liner sector."
He was proud of the unity of
the maritime industry on this
regulatory reform bill.
The congressman added,
however, that "unfortunately,
the unprecedented effort behind
enactment of maritime regula
tory reform legislation has
proven the exception—rather
than the rule—where the mari
time industry is concerned. Yet
this precedent proves what can
be accomplished when the en
tire industry turns to and sets
sail together."
Biaggi is the 15th recipient of
the AOTOS award. Last year's
award went to AFL-CIO Pres
4 / LOG / November 1983
n
�Delegates From All Ports Will Meet in March
SlU Plans Crews Conference in Piney Point
Set Proposals for New Deep-Sea Contract
A
n SIU Crews Conference
.to hammer out proposals
for a new A&G District deepsea contract is being scheduled
to take place in March at the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship in Piney
Point, Md. Delegates will rep
resent the deck, engine and
steward departments, and will
be elected from all constitu
tional ports.
Dates for the conference, and
for the nomination and election
of delegates, will be announced
in the LOG next month.
In the meantime, a contract
questionnaire is being mailed to
all deep-sea members. The pur
pose of this questionnaire is to
encourage all SIU members
covered by the deep-sea con
tract to participate in drafting
and developing proposals deal
ing with wages, working con
ditions, and hcEilth and welfare
benefits.
The present three-year deepsea tanker and freightship/passenger contracts run out Jun&
15, 1984.
J
SIU President Frank Drozak
is calling the upcoming contract
negotiations a "critical junc
tion" in the forward movement
of the SIU. He said that dele
gates to this conference are going
to have to weigh the needs of
our membership against the
realities of the U.S. maritime
industry.
For this reason, Drozak said,
it is very important that every
mentber affected by this con
tract take the time to express
his or her concerns and sugges
tions.
In addition to wages, working
conditions, and health and wel
fare programs, the conference
will also examine and develop
proposals dealing with training
and upgrading; SIU shipping
rules and the SIU constitution;
legislation and politic^ action,
and improvements in shipboard
meeting and membership com
munication.
Besides mailing the confer
ence questionnaire to the homes
of all deep-sea members, copies
of the survey will be available
in all SIU halls, and are being
mailed to all ships at sea.
All questionnaires must be
returned to SIU headquarters
bv Feb. 15, 1984.
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Members are encouraged ta take part in making decisions on contract proposals.
Last Name
First Name
Street
City or Town
Book Number
Social Security Number
Middle initial
State
Zip
Dept. (Deck, Engine, Steward)
I. SIU CONSTITUTION. The SIU Constitution sets forth the rules and regulations governing the Union, its
members and its officers. The constitution spells out your rights and your respon
sibilities. The purpose of the SIU Constitution is to describe these rights and
'
responsibilities so that everyone will know and understand vyh^ is expected of him.
Do you have any suggestions for improving the SIU Constitution?
II. PENSION. WELFARE & VACATION PLANS. The SIU benefit plans make it possible for Seafarers and their
families to face the future with dignity and confidence. Improvement in the Pension,
Welfare and Vacation Plans will be included in the contract negotiations.
:
Do you have any recommendations for improving the plans?
III. EDUCATION & TRAINING. Training to meet the challenges of new technology, academic enrichment
to provide a fuller meaning to the lives of Seafarers, and professional counseling to
deal with the stresses of a seafaring life are all parts of the SlU's program to meet
the needs of our members.
Do you have ideas on how we can expand or improve these programs?
If you need more space — use a separate sheet of paper.
1.^
November 1983/LOG/5
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I Continued from previous pagei
IV.
SHIPBOARD MEETINGS & MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATION. Shipboard meetings give our members
"
an opportunity to express their opinions on all matters concerning their jobs, and
their rights and duties as SlU members.
Do you have any suggestions on how shipboard rheetings can be made more
effective? Do you have any ideas on how we can improve communications between
our members at sea and headquarters ashore?
i'
V.
LEGISLATION. The maritime industry is the most federally regulated and legislated industry in the U.S.
'
The Merchant Marine Act of 1970, the Oil Import Bill, Public Health Hospitals and
the Jones Act are just some of the important areas affected by legislation.
What do you think we can do to protect our jobs and job security through legislation?
V
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VI. POLITICS AND THE LAW. "Politics Is Porkchops." This is the fact of life for Seafarers. It was through
political action and your participation in SPAD that we won the Merchant Marine
Act of 1970, and won the legislative battle for the Oil Import Bill. Again — it's all
tied in with jobs and job security.
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How can we become more effective?
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VH. THE SlU CONTRACT & SHIPPING RULES. Keeping in mind the condition of the maritime industry
"
today and the changes we can expect iii the future, what are your suggestions for
updating the Standard Freightship & Tanker Agreement and the SlU Shipping Rules?
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If you need more space — use a separate sheet of paper.
6 / LOG / November 1983
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Pledges Continued AFL-GIO Support
KirMand Gets Paul Hall Memorial Award for Dedieation
To U.S. Maritime Industry
NEW YORK
AFL-CIO
President Lane Kirkland last
month became the fourth recip
ient of the Paul Hall Memorial
award given by the Maritime
Port Council of Greater New
York and Vicinity.
In his acceptance speech at
the Sheraton Centre Oct. 22,
Kirkland said that he was
"deeply honored" to be given
the award.
Calling Hall "an authentic
leader," Kirkland said that "my
friend and colleague Paul Hall
shared a vision of a strong Labor
Movement."
Paul Hall was president of the
SIU and the AFL-CIO Maritime
Trades Department. He passed
away in 1980 of cancer at the
age of 65.
The award to Kirkland, in the
form of a plaque, was given to
him by Paid Hall's widow. Rose.
In her speech, Mrs. Hall said
that Kirkland was "a dear and
close friend of Paul." He was a
"strong supporter of the U.S.
merchant fleet" and he "made,
revitalization of the maritime
industry a top priority."
Noting that this "award hon
ors great leadership," Mrs. Hall
told the audience of almost 1,000
people that "it takes men and
women like Lane Kirkland to
make us see the possibilities."
In part the plaque read, "As
Paul Hall once said: 'If the fight
is long, and your opponent for
midable, you need one thing: a
good captain who can give a
team direction and turn money,
marbles and chalk into laws,
jobs and benefits.' Lane Kirk
land is that captain."
In his speech, Kirkland was
highly critical of the Reagan
administration. He said that the
"promise of maritime renewal
has been broken by this admin
istration" which "... contin
ues to recite from its textbook
of free trade."
Kirkland said: "The U.S.
needs a comprehensive and for
ward looking maritime policy."
The AFL-CIO president told
the audience that the Competi
tive Shipping and Shipbuilding
Act of 1983 (better known as
the Boggs bill) "offers the best
alternative" for helping to re
vitalize the U.S. fleet.
He said that the AFL-CIO
"will continue to fight for its
passage."
Noting that"" "our Labor
Movement is in good fighting
shape," Kirkland said that Paul
Hall "loved a good fight and he
would have loved the one we're
going into today."
Memorial Service
Held for Seafarer
As the recipient of the fourth annual Paul Hall Memorial award, AFLCIO President Lane Kirkland (c.) holds the plaque he was given by the
Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity at their dinnerdance last month. With Kirkland are, from the left: Jean Ingrao, executive
secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department; Jack
Brady, executive vice president of District 2 of the Marine Engineers
Beneficial Association, AMO; Ed Panarello, executive director of the
New York Port Council; Jack Caffey, special assistant to the SIU
president and vice-president of the New York Port Council; Frank
Lonardo, president of the New York Port Council; Stephen J. Leslie,
trustee of the New York Port Council and vice president of the Maritime
Trades Department, and Rose Hall who presented the award to Kirkland.
Thomas Bradley Dead at 55,
Head of Md.-DC AFL-CIO Unit
Thomas M. Bradley, 55, pres
ident of the Maryland State and
District of Columbia AFL-CIO
Labor Federation since 1979,
died Oct. 27 at Franklin Sq.
Hospital in Baltimore.
Bradley had suffered a mas
sive heart attack early in
October.
He had been a member of the
Machinists Union (LAM) since
1949, rising from shop steward
to president of the LAM, Local
1561, in Baltimore.
Later on, Bradley was direc
tor of the Baltimore Council on
Political Education (COPE) and
headed Baltimore's Central La
bor Council from 1974 to 1979.
He had been a vice president
of the AFL-CIO's Maryland
State Labor Federation before
he was tapped by the unit's
Executive Board to be chief of
the federation. In 1981, at the
state federation's convention,
he was elected to a full presi
dential term.
AFL-CIO President Lane
Kirkland and Secretary-Treas
urer Thomas R. Donahue cited
Bradley's leadership and fervor
in a letter to his widow, Jean;
four children and two grand
children:
"His dedication, his energy,
his integrity and his judgment
were tremendous assets to the
workers who elected him as their
leader . . . We will cherish his
memory . . . Tom's death has
spread sorrow and a deep sense
of personal loss to trade union
ists throughout Maryland and
far beyond its borders," wrote
Kirkland and Donahue.
2 Brothers of the Sea Buried in the Deep
Friends of Dwayne Cook hold a memorial service for their fellow Seafarer,
presumed misslnq at sea off the SS Santa Ross at)out two months ago.
Present at the Oct. 2 ceremony at North Point In San Francisco, Calif,
are from the left: John Halllg, Kathy Hertz and Dell Lovern. The picture
was sent In by another of Cook's good friends, George "Lenny" ZIntz
Jr.
On Oct. 13, aboard the SS Transcolumbia (Hudson Waterways),
burial services were conducted for Pensioner Wilhelm Woeras by Capt.
R.L. Edmonds with all ship's personnel present. They mourned the
deceased's passing as his remains were consigned to the deep.
On Aug. 16 on the bulker Star of Texas (Titan Navigation), Chief
Engineer John O'SuUivan was buried at sea with full honors at the start
of the Gulfstream according to his last request.
His ashes were given back to the sea during a sunset service.
Bosun Gene Paschall, Asst. Cook Yvonne Smith, Seafarers Ray
Fletcher, Bobby Williams, James Dies and other crewmembers off
watch helped to honor the departed.
Capt. Richard D. Stewart led the solemn services. During the
ceremony, the entire crew on and off watch observed a period of silence
for O'Sullivan.
November 1983/LOG/7
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MFOW Celebrates
100th Anniversary
In San Franeiseo
HE PACIFIC COAST Ma
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rine Firemen, ODers and
Watertenders Union (MFOW),
SlU-affiliated since 1953, cele
brated its 100th year (1883-1983)
as more than 1,000 members,
pensioners, families, friends and
maritime notables took part in
a gala dinner-dance fete Oct. 28
near the union's headquarters
in the port of San Francisco.
Earlier in the day of the Cen
tennial Celebration, at a "Mar
itime Unity" conference at the
MFOW hiring hall, SIU Presi
dent Frank Drozak congratu
lated the West Coast union's
chief, Henry "Whitey" Disley
and his membership for their
first "hardest" 100 years and
attacked the Reagan administra
tion on its maritime policies.
In his speech, Drozak related
his years as SIU San Francisco
port ^ent knowing the MFOW
late Presidents Vincent J. Malone, Sam Bennett, William W.
Jordan and Harry Jorgensen.
Drozak declared in his re
marks that: ". . . It is a singular
achievement (by the MFOW)
simply to have survived in such
a rocky, unpredictable, feastor-famine industry such as our
maritime industry is . . ."
He pointed out that the West
Coast "is really the birthplace
of the permanent seafaring
unions of this country" and the
MFOW "the first to set up an
organization devoted to the pro
tection and welfare of the crewmembers of the unlicensed en
gine
department
aboard
American flagships." And he
added the SUP was founded in
1885 and the Marine Cooks and
Stewards Union began in 1901.
Drozak further outlined the
MFOW's early struggles to
correct the primitive wages and
living and working conditions
and brutality aboard the ships
praising its "staying power" to
survive the first difficult times.
The SIU president said "Our
principal problem now ... is to
preserve the maritime indus
try." And
. There is now
no indication that the present
administration is determined to
reverse the frightening decline
of American shipping."
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8/LOG/November 1983
I
Drozak held that:
• "The present administra
tion . . . has dismantled long
standing maritime programs
which . . . enabled the Ameri
can merchant marine to main
tain some viability ...
• The administration has dis
carded these programs without
providing any replacement
mechanisms that would allow
American shipping to at least
maintain its existing capability
until a transition to more effec
tive and suitable programs could
be adopted.
• "The administration con
tinues to practice 19th-century
economic philosophy, espe
cially with regard to the U.S.
merchant marine, while the rest
of the nations of the world sup
port their national fleets in terms
of real-world economics and
politics.
• "Whereas the Maritime
Administration was once the lead
agency and the protector of the
interests of U.S.-flag shipping,
it no longer is able to demon
strate any initiative in behalf of
the industry it was created to
serve. The effective functioning
of the Maritime Administration
has been completely smoth
ered."
Drozak concluded "What we
are seeing today is the pursuit
by the administration of a plan
for the destruction of the Amer
ican flag industry. None Of Pres
ident Reagan's pledges to de
velop an American shipping
capability consistent with our
national interests have been
honored."
Joining SIU President Drozak
on the podium were newly re-
SIUNA President Frank Drozak congratulates MFOW President Disley.
elected San Francisco Mayor
Dianne Feinstein, California
Congresswomen Barbara Boxer,
6th District and Sala Burton,
5th District; California Con
gressman George Miller and U.S.
Sen, Milton Marks, State Lt.
Gov. Leo McCarthy, APL head
W. B. Seaton, Matson Line chief
Michael S. Wasacz and Pacific
Maritime Assn. President Wil
liam E. Coday.
Also at the symposium were
M.C., John F. Henning, secre
tary-treasurer of the State La
bor Federation; SIU VP George
McCartney, MTD SecretaryTreasurer Jean Ingrao, TI
Chairman Emeritus Herbert
Brand, SUP President Paul
Dempster, ILWU President
James Herman, Deputy Super
intendent of the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy Commodore
Thomas Patterson, MARAD
WeLCMHi! DELEfiATES
Officials and delegates at the first MFOW Convention in San Francisco, 1945.
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Drozak-—^'Next 100 Years to be Just as Diffieult
A caU for Maritime Labor Unity;
to r.) MFOW President "Whitey" DIsley;. SIUNA President Frank Drozak; Satiors Union of the Pacific President Paul
Dempster, and DLWU (Longshoremen) President Jimmy Herman. ^
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Happy
Birthday
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(Continued from Page 8.)
Western Region Director Capt.
S.W. Galstan and SIU San
Francisco Field Representative
John Ravnik.
Other MFOW Centennial
Celebrations were held Oct. 15
in the port of Honolulu, Hawaii;
Nov. 12 in the port of Seattle,
Nov. 13 in San Pedro, Calif, for
the port of Wilmington and in
the ports of Brooklyn, N.Y.,
New Orleans and Portland, Ore.
At the union's 100th birthday
party, commemorative pins were
distributed with a 64-page his
torical highlights book program
entitled "From Hell Hole to
High Tech" showing the found
ing fathers of the union, the
early sailing and steamships with
chapters "The Early Days 1850i915," "Living Aboard Ship,"
"1900-1922," "The Fighting
Years," "Seamen and the Law,"
"The War Years," "The Post
War Years," and "The Agoniz
ing Years 1974-1983."
•S
Democratic Cmigreaswomwi Sain Burton (r^ht) and Barhara Boxer war on hand fwr the ceidHratton. Here they meet with
SIUNA Piesidait Frank Drozak and Vice Presid«Dt George McCartney^
November 1983/LOG/9
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SlU's Santa Rosa
(Continued from Page 1.)
Chief Steward Jim Bergstrom
was in the ship's pantry trying
to organize the stores after hav
ing been aboard for less than 24
hours. He promised that the
food would be "tops" for the
crew and the dozen passengers.
It will also be the same.
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Up on the passenger deck,
Steward Assistant Lloyd Zim
merman said he was walking
and working proof that "dili
gence pays off." Zimmerman
had been making a regular com
mute from his home in Roanoke,
Va. to the Baltimore hall in
search of work. His perserverance will pay off in a payoff
now.
y. • • •
A deck below in the crew
quarters, Windell Saunders,
steward's assistant, was putting
a few homey touches on the
I''
Getting the SaW Rosa shipshape
allows Ted Drobbins, AB, time to
brush up on directions.
AB Bernard-Miclak <above) helps make the Santa Rosa shine with a
fresh cbat of paint on the bridge wings. Below, Lorenzos Ordansa is on
his way back up the gangway after an errand on the docks.
J
crews' quarters, hanging new
drapes and cleaning up a bit.
While most of the activity on
deck was from shoreside em
ployees, a few SIU deckhands
were about. John Barcroft, a
standby AB, was checking one
of the chain lockers while ABs
Ted Drobbins and Bernard Miciak were applying fresh coats
of paint to the bridge.
Port Agent A1 Raymond had
just put a job call out that morn
ing for the rest of the deck and
engine crew, and they were due
onboard the next day. This would
give them a little more than two
days to bring the Santa Rosa
out of drydock, sail her up to
5'C-
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10/LOG/November 1983
Philadelphia and have her
spruced up and ready for the
first trip—cargo, passengers and
all.
The Santa Rosa will call Phil
adelphia home and make regular
stops on a 28-day run to
Charleston, S.C., Miami, Fla.,
and the east coasts of Vene
zuela, Colombia and Panama.
To a novice, it might have
looked as if the Santa Rosa
would take two months before
she would be ready to sail. But
the professional and hardwork
ing SIU crew would have her
ready, as if the Santa Rosa was
transformed by magic.
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Atop the Santa Rosa crane offers a fine
view of a flurry of activity along Baltimore's
Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock ship
yards.
WIndell Saunders, steward assist
ant, hangs curtains in refurbished
crew quarters.
Standby AB John Barcroft pulls up a chain from the top deck
as the high pitched sounds of welding, sanding and drilling
whine in the background.
Lloyd Zimmerman (above) spent several weeks driving from his Roanoke,
Va. home to Baltimore in search of a ship. He found the Santa Rosa.
Here he makes some last minute adjustments in a passenger's cabin.
Both the passengers and the crew will enjoy the same meals and Chief
Steward Jim Bergstrom (r.) said the cooking will be "tops" on each 28-
day voyage.
November 1983/LOG/II
�-^B^'
Area Vice Presidents'
Report
Great Lakes & Western Rivers, by V.P. Mike Sacco
Gulf Coast, by VP. Joe Sacco
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are still going full force on
the Dixie strike which is eight
months old. On all fronts we con
tinue to be active. Our leaflets and
picketing are having an impact as
is our campaign to inform con
sumers about the situation.
Dixie Carriers is part of a con
glomerate called Kirby. Though
the company contends that our
strike has had little effect on it,
their second quarter e^ings have
dropped tremendously. We've
slowed down the company's op
erations. Our consumer information campaign, directed at the people
with whom Kirby does business, has been very successful.
Kirby's attempt to break this Union is a classic example of what's
happening throughout this country in the transportation sector. There
have been big efforts to bust the unions in other transport fields,
such as buses and airlines. Just look at what's happening at Greyhound
buses and Continental Airlines.
Our attack against Kirby and Dixie is a multi-pronged one, and on
Nov. 14 we will take depositions in Texas on a suit against Dixie for
its calculated plan to destroy the Union.
Meanwhile we are continuing to fiilly service our deep-sea and
inland equipment. We have completed work on the Bay Houston
Towing contract which expires shortly and we are sending out contract
questionnaires to our members at Radcliff. Also, the new three-year
Higman Towing contract which provides wage increases for our
members has been ratified.
In other news from the Gulf, SIU MobUe Port Agent Tom Glidewell
has been elected vice-president of the State AFL-CIO in Alabama.
Also, at the State Federation's convention a resolution was unani
mously passed urging all of Alabama's congressional legislators to
vote for the Boggs bill in the House and the Trible bill in the Senate.
Both these bills would greatly help revitalize the U.S. maritime fleet.
East Coast, by V.P. Leon Hall
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^or a few days last month I
visited our hall in Santurce,
Puerto Rico. At a payoff on the
SlU-contracted Puerto Rico (Puerto
Rico Marine) I held a shipboard
meeting to discuss many of the
important issues facing this Union
and the maritime industry today. I
also visited our Crowley opera
tions while I was there.
From the port of Gloucester, one
of our Union fishing representatives, Leo Sabato, reports that an
SlU-contracted fishing boat, the
Grace and Tom sank in the Atlantic last month. None of the
crewmembers was hurt when the vessel went down at about 4 a.m.
on Oct. 17 approximately 15 miles east-southeast of Gloucester. A
vessel nearby heard the Grace and Tom's SOS and was quickly
beside her.
In other news from that port, prices for ground fish have been
going up but the fishing is poor.
Also, scallops are very, very scarce and at one point the price off
the boat was $7.45 a pound.
In the port of Baltimore we crewed the Santa Rosa (Delta) wMch
is scheduled to go to Charleston, Miami and on to South America.
This ship was formerly owned by American President Lines on the
West Coast. Delta also bought another APL ship and named her the
Santa Paula. She was in the Sparrows Point shipyard for repairs and
will be shifted to the Maryland Drydpck in Baltimore. Possible
crewing time for her is the end of November.-,
Also in Baltimore we expect the pushboat Sugar C. (Sonat Marine)
to return to service shortly. She's currently laid up in Philadelphia
for repairs.
From the port of Norfolk we have word that the CS Long Lines
returned to Wilmington, N.C. after doing an emergency repair job in
Nova Scotia.
In the inland field, ballots have to be in by Nov. 21 on the
Lynnhaven contract out of Norfolk. Meanwhile, the contract at
Northeast Towing has been extended.
ast month 1 was an SlUNA
delegate to the triennial meet
ing of the Joint Seafarers and
Dockers Conference of the Inter
national Transport Workers Fed
eration held in Madrid, Spain.
Five hundred delegates from 63
countries attended the week-long
meeting.
Through the efforts of SlUNA
President Frank Drozak and the
entire American delegation we were
able to get a minimum manning
scale resolution approved by the
joint session of the ITF.
T
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Also, the delegates unanimously approved the UNCTAD code
which calls for bilateral shipping agreements among trading partners.
1 found the conference very interesting and informative. It gave
us a chance to meet with seafarers from around the world. We
learned that many seafaring nations face the same problems that we
do—runaway flags, a declining maritime industry, lack of cargo.
It was a very useful meeting and 1 feel that positive results will
continue to come from it in the future.
In news on the homefront, we have word from Algonac that one
of our Great Lakes Seafarers, Willis Lawrence^ will be getting a
special award from American Steamship Company. Twenty years ago
Brother Lawrence lost his arm in a shipboard accident. He did not
give up sailing though. Instead he rehabilitated himself so he could
continue to work aboard ship. Last year he went to the Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to upgrade. He sails as a
QMED aboard the self unloading diesel ship Nicolet. (A full story
on Brother Lawrence will appear in a future issue of the LOG.)Also, inland news from the Lakes includes word that SlU-con
tracted Zenith Dredge has three more weeks to complete the Duluth,
Minn.-Superior, Wis. harbor deepening project.
Politically on the Lakes, two long time friends of the SIU, Michigan
State Senators David Serotkin and Phillip Mastin are facing recall
elections. We're urging our members to vote no in the two elections—
one to be held Nov. 22 and the other on Nov. 30.
West Coast, By V.P. George McCartney
O
n the West Coast our long
time SlUNA affiUate, the Ma
rine Firemen's Union, is celebrat
ing its centennial birthday.
Here is San Francisco on Oct.
28, the Firemen held a full day
discussion on maritime unity. The
principal speaker was SIU Presi
dent Frank Drozak. Among the
topics he discussed were the Boggs
bill, maritime unity and revitalization of the U.S. maritime indus
try.
Early this month 1 went to a keel
laying ceremony for one of our ships in San Diego. She's the John
B. Waterman (Waterman Steamship), and she's being converted from
a combination RO/RO containership to a T-AK maritime pre-positioning ship for the Military Sealift Command in support of the
Marine Corps.
Included in the conversion is the lengthening of the ship by 126
feet. All cargo holds wUl be air conditioned. The work on her is
being done at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Yard. Two more
Waterman ships, sister ships of the John B. Waterman, are also set
to be converted. They are the Thomas Heywood and the Charles
Carroll.
From Wilmington we have word that the SlU-contracted passenger
liner SS Constitution (American-Hawaii Cruises) will be in Los
Angeles in December for the first time since she began her Hawaii
Cruises. She will then go on to a San Francisco shipyard for some
repairs before heading back to Hawaii.
In Seattle where the SlU-contracted Rose City (Pacific Shipping)
came in recently, we were proud to hear that crewmembers rescued
85 boat people off the coast of Borneo, Indonesia. Newspaper articles
particularly cited four men, two of whom jumped into the ocean to
help the boat people. The four cited by the paper are all SIU
members—Bosun Perry Greenwood and ABs Jeff Kass, Greg Turay
land Sippo. We're very proud of these men and the entire crew.
12 / LOG / November 1983
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�Seafarers
HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL
OF SEAMANSHIP
VH,- .
Piney Point Maryland
New Facilities Enhance Learning Experiences
in the SHLSS Steward Department
The SHLSS Steward Program
offers a lot of hands on experience
to our seafarers, and we have a
new training facility at the SIU
headquarters building in Camp
Springs, Maryland.
The cafeteria, staffed by SIU
trainees and upgraders has been
Making sandwiches is one of
the responsibilities of Cook
and Baker Florencio Nieves
Junior from N.Y.
preparing and serving breakfast
and lunch, Monday through Fri
day since May 31, 1983. The new
facility was designed by the per
manent SHLSS Steward Dep^ment to best incorporate training
needs. While working at the^SIU
headquarters cafeteria. Stewards
participating in the program now
have the advantages of exposure
to customers, cooking food to
order and often they are able to
meet some of their SIU officials.
The crew for the new SHLSS
training galley consists of five
entry-level trainees, one Assistant
Cook, two Cooks and Bakers, one
Chief Cook, and in permanentpositions Chief Steward/Instruc
tor John Cleveland and Cashier
Debbie Miller. Don Nolan,
SHLSS culinary director, oversees
the new cafeteria as well as all
of our other Steward Department
programs.
The five entry-level trainees are
chosen from each class and nor
mally spend four weeks in this
training facility. Steward
upgraders fill the other positions
SHLSS Culinary Director Don Nolan, and
SHLSS Chief Steward/Instructor John
Cleveland discuss supplies needed for the
Thursday Shipbuilders Luncheon.
for a two-week period during their
scheduled six-week training
course.
Each day, Monday through Fri
day, John Cleveland picks up the
training crew at 4:30 a.m. at the
SHLSS campus. They then begin
the 65 mile drive to the SIU head
quarters building.
Preparations for the 7:30 a.m.
to 9:30 a.m. breakfast begin
immediately upon arrival at
Camp Springs. Following
breakfast, the crew reorganizes
to prepare lunch which is offered
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Throughout the day. Chief
Steward/Instructor
John
Cleveland sees to the assignment
of specialty duties for each
member of the crew, while giving
individual instruction and atten
tion to each student's needs. The
crew then cleans and secures the
galley and returns to the SHLSS at
Piney Point about 4:30 p.m. ,
A unique aspect of the new
facility is that much of the
food served is grown on the
SHLSS farm which raises beef,
pork and fresh vegeta;bles. On
most Thursdays a Shipbuilder's
Chief Cook, Jeff Booth from
Houston, Texas expertly
dices tomatoes.
luncheon is served which allows
a lot of creativity. Gourmet food
is prepared and Garde Manger
(food decorations) are made. For
special events, such as the SIU
headquarters dedication, all the
food and garnishments were
prepared by the SHLSS Steward
department.
Our Seafarers will certainly
benefit from this new and
welcomed addition to our Steward
Program.
Third Cook, Mark POwell (r.)
prepares decorative radishes
for a salad bar while Chief
Steward/instructor John
Cleveland inspects his work.
Toppings for tacos are being prepared by
Special Stewards Leonard Kelly (c.) and Jerry
Rhodes (r.) under the watchful eye of Chief
Steward/Instructor John Cleveland.
November 1983/LOG/13
4'
T'
�•3
•'-4V..
Way
Take the Master/Mate Freight and Towing Course
The Master or Mate of a freight
or towing vessel is one of the more
demanding jobs on the water. A
lot of decisions and respon
sibilities are in this person's h^ds.
At SHLSS we train seafarers to
take on these responsibilities.
The eight week course consists
of classroom instruction in the
.rSf*.
areas of: ship construction,
shiphandling, cargo gear and
stowage, navigation, rules of the
road, safety, stability, ship's
business and shipboard routines.
This course is designed to prepare
the experienced seaman for the
United States Coast Guard
Master/Mate Freight and Towing
license examination.
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The Master/Mate class from (I. to r.) Melvin Beckneii, Billy
Williams, Larry Snider and Robert Bakeman, practice plotting
courses and distances in preparation for the U.S. Coast Guard
examination.
A High School
Diploma can Open a
lot of Doors for You
The High School Equivalency
Program (GED) offered through
the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship prepares
Seafarers to take the GED exam
and earn their high school
diplomas. Over 1700 Seafarers
have already successfully com
pleted the program and received
their Maryland State High School
Diplomas.
The GED program is available
to all SIU members who are in
good stjmding with the Union.
Upgraders can enroll in the pro
gram while they are at SHLSS for
a vocational course or apply
through the Upgrading Applica
tion in the Seaferers LOG. SHLSS
entry level students also have the
opportunity to take the GED pro
gram while they are in basic train
ing, The decision is left up to
eligible students. If they are
interested in the program, it is
incorporated into their schedules.
The GED program is made up
of the five content areas of
science, social studies, English,
math and literature. It runs from
four to six weeks depending on
the needs and abilities of the
students. Diagnostic tests are
given in the content areas to
determine what the students need
SHLSS Instructor John Chanslor (c.) demonstrates the use of
navigational triangles to students (I. to r.) Melvin Beckneii,
Billy Williams, Larry Snider and Robert Bakeman.
Recent SHLSS GED Graduates
to learn or review. The GED
instructors evaluate the tests and
design a course of study that will
meet each students' specific
needs. Students work at their own
pace through small group or
individualized instruction. Even
though the GED program is a
non-graded course, the students
are given regular progress reports
to evaluate their GED perfor
mance. These evaluations guide
students in their studies.
Many SHLSS students have
experienced success in the GED
program because of the special
learning conditions. With the
personal and creative approaches
used in GED instruction, the
Bill Davis
students progress confidently
through the course materials. At
the same time, interest and
Bill Davis, who ships out of
motivation is enhanced when
Brooklyn N.Y., has been in die
the enthusiastic instructors
SIU since 1971. He came to the
demonstrate how basic skills can
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
be applied to the students'
of Seamanship on July 25th to
maritime careers. The program
also includes study and test t^ng enter the GED program. "Having
an eighth grade education, I was a
skills which prepares the student
to sit for the one day state litde nervous about going back to
administered exam.
school," says Bill, "but the
The GED program is only one teachers here are great!" He took
of the many successful education
the GED exam six weeks later and
opportunites offered at SHLSS to passed the test. What does the
prepare the Seaferer for the future hold for Bill.? He's looking
future.
on toward college.
14 / LOG / November 1983
-•'-iiiiiii.iii/i
Taher Abdulla
Taher AbduUa has been a U.S.
citizen for 12 years and ships out
of Seattle, Wash. He read about
the school's GED program in
the Seaferers LOG, applied for,
and was accepted into the pro
gram. He also completed the
CPR, firefighting
and LNG
courses while enrolled in the GED
program. "The program is very
good!" says Taher. "I had never
been to the school before and
once you're here you realize how
much the SIU is doing for the
membership. Every member
should take advantage of the pro
grams offered here."
�-i
:..'s-•'I'- tt.' t
The SHLSS Refrigeration Course
m
is a Chilling Experience
Few malfunctions aboard ship
can affect the comfort of the crew
as much as an air conditioner
breakdown, whether it's in the
galley, the crew quarters or
affecting the cargo of a refrigera
tion container.
The six week refrigeration
course offered at the Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship consists of both
classroom and practical shop
training. The areas covered
include: the theory of refrigera
tion, refrigerants and their use,
R-11 and R-12 refrigeration
systems, operations, maintenance
and trouble-shooting of various
shipboard refrigeration systems.
operation and controls of cen
trifugal refrigeration machinery
and operations and maintenance
of refrigerated container systems.
Practical shop training includes:
constructing, operation and
trouble-shooting working
refrigeration systems and
operating and trouble-shooting
working refrigerated container
units.
To be eligible for the Refrigera
tion Systems Maintenance arid
Operations course all applicants
must hold a QMED Any Rating
endorsement, or endorsement as
Refrigeration Engineer and Elec
trician, or equivalent inland ex
perience.
John Linton from New York checks a refrigeration system sche
matic diagram.
DIESEL ENGINEER'S UNINSPECTED VESSELS
Where Do You Stand?
i
I -,
Taking a resistance reading with an OHM meter are George
Ackley from Seattie and Brenda Murray from Jacksonville.
Instructor Eric Malzkuhn (c.) explains how air flows across a
condenser to Thomas Maga (I.) and John Raba.
NAME
SdC. SEC. #
DIESEL
BOOK If
Our records indicate that you completed the Diesel License
Course at SHLSS, however we do not have a copy of your
license in our files.
It is requested that you provide us with a xerox copy of your
license, front and back, so that we can update our files.
If your name does not appear on this list and you hold an
Assistant or Chief Diesel Engineer License, please submit a
copy of your license and your name will be added to the list at
that time.
NAME
SCO. SEC. #
BOOK,c
J. ^
-
*' • I
i
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DIESEL
The following information is provide to update my records: I
received my Asst/Chief Engineer's License on
Date
• Assistant Engineer Uninspected Vessel
• Chief Engineer Uninspected Vessel
Name:.
SS^ _
Book
Address:.
Telephone X'
November 1983/LOG/15
: f
�^13
upgrading Course Schedule
January Through March 19
ii"*-
^s.
-nri tn imnrove Job Skills
i
Steward Upgrading Courses
,.™7" M™V°CtlS*HS ~ SS
School of Seamanship.
For convenience
*Mg?ne^^depairtmen^
•clu?s%Tdeck'de%rtment co'urses; steward department
"tfand Boatmen and deep 3to upgrade are
Ita%|though every effort will be
Sir "»
.1.«11— 1"
•'rSw "1— '1 '•""' —
\. "•'
Y' _, ^
Check-In/ Completion
Length of
Course
Cgume__
Assistant Cook
cook and Baker
Chief Cook
Chief Steward
varies
varies
varies
varies
bi-weekly
b -week y
monthly
I# '
Recertlflcatlon Prograrns
Ss"un Recertification
Check-In
Q3te
Completion
Date
Febmary 20
MarcM6
Graduation
April 2
special Notice
"•^Su^Field Representatives in all ports will assist members
QMED Listing Changes
'"TSno'wm|Ss°es®wiil.be held through March 1984 as
listed below:
•,
•I-
Engine Upgrading Courses
Course
ii;:>
QMED
Pumproom
Maintenance &
Operation
Marine Electrical
Maintenance
Marine Electronics
Refrigeration Systems,
Maintenance &
Operations
Fireman/Watertender
& Oiler
Gonveyorman
Diesel Scholarship
Third Assistant
Engineer
Tankerman
Check-In
Date
Completion
Date
^oihrpa^--k^
March 12
January 9
MaySI
February 24 '
QMED list.
January 3
March 2
March 5 m
February 27
April 13
April 13
February 13
March 29
January 3
January 3
January 9
February 3
February 24
March 16
January 4
January 12
Deck Upgrading Courses
Course
t-'
Pcl'l •
!:•/
•
f-^^i
?-: ,
^ if
•ll
p
several c°n«"°??wpn nl^ check the August list to verify our
First Class Pilot
Towboat Operator
Scholarship Program
Able Seaman
Quartermaster
Third Mate
Celestial Navigation/
Third Mate
.
Celestial Navigation/
Master/Mate Freight ^
Towing
.
,
Celestial Navigation/
Towboat Operator
Lifeboatman
Se^"af^ets .Harry Lundeberg School of
is a list of correctior« which have been made to the
BranconI, Robert
Castle, Vernon
Fedesovlch, John
Fischer, Erik
Groaning, Richard
Hooper, Allen
Llnah, Kenneth
Mittendorff, Steven
Kguez'c^iios
Rodriguez, Carlos
Washington, Eddie
07/83
12/79
04/75
03/75
06/73
09/83
01/76
00/77
08/78
08j78
12/75
07/83
09/83
05/82
10/81
05/82
07/81
09/83
12/82
09/83
0W83
03/82
04/82
10/81
09/81 • 04/79
06/79
10/81
.........
i Mail To;
SeStets Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
Director of Vocational Education
Piney Point, Maryland 20674
\
i
i The following information is provided to update my records^
1 received my QMED rating on
~
1
I have completed the following specialty course(s):
i Marine Electrical Maintenance -p—— Welding
1 Refrigeration Systems, Maintenance & Operations —-
January 3
January 23
Date
February 24
March 16
March 12
January 3
January 9
March 19
April 26
February 17
March 16
April 20
11 hold a valid 3rd/2nd AssisI tant Engineer License issued
•on
—
March 5
April 6
March 19
April 20
February 27
March 9
i Pumproom Maintenance & Operation
:
— D»esel Regu
~
Automation Date
Electronics
Date
NAME.
BOOK
_
ADDRESS
Date
TELEPHONE ^
i Note; Each member should provide a photocopy of evidence
1 substantiate changes in the above records.
16 / LOG / November 1983
• 'i is
10/81
11/81
Completion
Check-In
Pate__
05/82
'It
.
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Apply Now for an SHLSS Upgrading Course
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
Upgrading Application
•Mf|^
>ss»\
I
'
Date of Birth
Name
Address.
"S
^ClJyJ
(5Ta!e)
Telephone
(Zip code)
'
Book/!f
Social Security ff
Date Book
Was Issued
If
(Street)
Inland Waters Member •
Deep Sea Member •
(Area ooae)
Lakes Member •
•
—I
Pacific •
Seniority
Port Presently
.Registered ln_
.Port Issued.
^
Mo./Day/Year
(MiddieT
(first)
(Last)
Endorsement(s) or
License(s) Now Held.
No n (if-yes, fiy in below)
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS Trainee Program; • Yes
Trainee Program: From.
to.
""
(dates attended)
~
No • (if yes, fill in below)
Have you attended any SHLSS Upgrading Courses: • Yes
Course(s) Taken
-
Do you hold a letter of completion for Lifeboat: • Yes No • Firef ightlng: • Yes No • CPR: • Yes No •
i
-
Date Available for Training
•
Ol
r
. . • '
I Am interested in the Following Course(s) Checked Below or Indicated Here if Not Listed
• Tankerman
• AB Unlimited
• AB Limited
• AB Special
• Quartermaster
• Towboat Operator Inland
• Towboat Operator Not More
Than 200 Miles
• Towboat Operator (Over 200 Miles)
• Celestial Navigation
• Master Inspected Towing Vessel
• Mate Inspected Towing Vessel
• 1st Class Pilot
• Third Mate Celestial Navigation
• Third Mate
.
ALL DEPARTMENTS
ENGiNE
DECK
.
• FOWT
• OMED—Any Rating
• Marine Electronics
• Marine Electrical Maintenance
• Pumproom Maintenance & Operation
• Automation
• Maintenance of Shipboard Refrigeration
Systems
• DIeeel Engines
• Assistant Engineer (Uninspected
Motor Vessel)
• Chief Engineer (Uninspected
Motor Vessel)
• Third Asst. Engineer (Motor Inspected)
• Welding
• LIfeboatman
ADULT EDUCATiON DEPARTMENT
• Adult Basic Education (ABE)
• High School Equivalency
Program (GEO)
• Developmental Studies
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
STEWARD
•
•
•
•
•
No transportation will be
paid uniess you present
originai receipts after course
compietion.
COLLEGE PROGRAM
Assistant Cook
Cook & Baker
Chief Cook
Steward
Towboat Inland Cook
• Nautical Science
Certificate Program
• Scholarship/Work Program
RECORD OF EMPLOYMENT TIME—(Show only amount needed to upgrade in rating noted above or attach letter
of service, whichever is applicable.)
QATE SHIPPED
RATING HELD
VESSEL
DATEOF DiSCHARGE
DATE
SIGNATURE
RETURN COMPLETED APPLiCATION TO:
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg Upgrading Center, Piney Point, MD. 20674
November 1983/LOG/17
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INVENT IN ^PAD
md JOB SECURITY
World Report
For the first time since the end of the
Vietnam War, American troops have been
engaged in battle. Unlike Vietnam, how
ever, the fighting has not been confined to
one area, but is being staged on two
continents and in two vastly different set
tings.
There were some disturbing signs that
tended to get lost in the rush of events.
For one thing, American forces and
resources were being spread terribly thin.
President Reagan's defense buildup has
been deficient in one very critical area:
America's sealift capability.
Over the past three years the Reagan
administration has cut funding for the
maritime industry to the bone.Were things
to get out of hand in Lebanon or Gre
nada—or even to heat up in the Philippines
or El Salvador—this country would prob
ably have to rely upon foreign-flag vessels
to transport its troops and supplies. In
light of the cold reception given to the
Grenada invasion, can we afford to rely
upon countries like Panama and Liberia
to protect our vital national interests?
IT'tf A ^MALL PRICE TO fWV
Ciinard BUI
H.R. 2883, a bill that would add two
ships to this nation's depleted passenger
vessel fleet, is waiting for House floor
action. The Senate version of the bill,
S. 1197, is being considered by the Senate
Commerce Committee.
The bill is an important one. Among
other things, it would create 1,000 seafar
ing jobs at a time when the maritime
industry is in a state of near depression.
Under the bill's provisions, two Britishflag passenger vessels—the Canard Prin
cess and iht Canard Coantess—would be
re-registered in the American merchant
marine with a minimum of red tape. Op
ponents of the bill contend that the legis
lation would weaken the Jones Act. Ac
cording to SIU President Frank Drozak,
this is not true.
The SS Constitation and the SS Inde
pendence were redocumented under the
American registry several years ago, and
there has been no noticeable weakening
of the Jones Act. To the contrary: the
American-flag merchant marine is stronger
in the sense that it can now boast two
passenger vessels among its 564 vessels
fleet.
AtaskanOU
The terms of the Export Administration
Act, which bans the export of Alaskan
oil, was extended until a final determina
tion is made on the bill. That doesn't seem
to be too far in the future: the House of
Representatives passed the legislation by
a voice vote. Senate action is still pending.
The legislation is of the utmost impor
tance to SIU members. At least 40 con
tracted SIU tankers carry oil from Alaska
to the Lower 48 states. The loss of those
18/LCX3/November 1983
ships would pose a devastating blow to
the maritime industry, especially now when
things are so tough.
The bill deals with a pressing national
security matter. Domestic supplies of oil
have become even more important now
that the shipment of foreign oil is jeopard
ized by the continuing war between Iran
and Iraq. Both sides now threaten to mine
the Straits of Hormuz, through which a
large percentage of the world's oil passes.
In a related matter, the Reagan admin
istration has failed to fill the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve at levels mandated by
law. That leaves the country even more
vulnerable to a shut-off of its oil supplies.
The Export Administration Act was
originally set to expire Sept. 30.
Maritime Safety
The Maritime Safety Bill, H.R. 3486,
was passed out of the House Merchant
Marine and Fisheries Committee. The bill
seeks to improve reporting requirements
for U.S.-flag vessels. The SIU and other
maritime unions see the legislation as an
important first step in the prevention of
maritime disasters like the SS Poet.
Several amendments were added to the
legislation while it was in committee. The
most important of these amendments was
the decision to increase liability limitations
from $60 to $420 a ton. The figure had not
been raised since 1936, and no longer
represented a true market value.
CDS Payback
House and Senate conferees met and
hammered out a compromise Appropria
tions Bill for State, Commerce and Justice.
Among other things, the bill pushes back
the enforcement date of a proposed De
partment of Transportation rule allowing
subsidized operators to participate in the
domestic trade contingent upon Aeir pay
ing back their Construction Differential
Subsidies. As it now stands, no action on
the bill can be taken before June 15,1984.
�With the SIU Fishermeh Out of Qloucester
Aboard the
Ida and Joseph
BOARD THE IDA AND
A
JOSEPH IN IPSWICH
BAY. . . . The crewmen are
literally thigh deep in fish. Their
yellow oilskins and high rubber
boots provide protection as they
work among the thousands of
menhaden pogies that fill the
hold and swamp the deck of this
SlU-contracted boat that works
out of Gloucester, Mass.
The fishermen are members
of the Atlantic and Gulf District
of the SIU. Their former union,
the Atlantic Fishermen's Union,
a long-time affiliate of the SIU
of North America, merged into
the A & G District in 1980. The
SIU fishermen are represented
in Gloucester by Mike Orlando
and Leo Sabato.
Gloucester fishermen catch
many types of fish. They drag—
that is, pull a net on the bottom
of a boat—^for groundfish like
flounder, haddock, cod and red
fish. They also fish for shrimp
in season with special nets,
But ,
trip that this LOG
reportertook on a beautiful, late
June day was aboard a seiner
that was looking for menhaden
pogies.
This fish is abundant in the
Gloucester area from early June
until October. They're not edi
ble but are instead used for
fertilizer and for oil for cosmet
ics.
While the menhaden pogies
are available, the 40-year-old
Ida and Joseph goes out nearly
every day in search of a full
load. This day in June the hard
work of her 12-man crew would
pay off early.
Leaving her mooring at the
Seven Seas Wharf in Gloucester
at 3:30 a.m., the Ida and Joseph
headed out of Gloucester Har
bor, passed the Fort area and
the breakwater and went north.
She then passed Rockport,
rounded Halibut Point and
headed into Ispwich Bay.
The Ida and Joseph is 84 feet
long. She can carry 65 tons of
fish in her hold and another 70
tons on deck. A seine boat, the
Little Ida, which is 42 feet long,
is towed behind. On deck, the
Ida and Joseph carries a dory
boat.
Though all the crew helps out
when the fish are pulled in, many
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AS Ssh swamp the deck of the Ida and Joae^ Ambrose Scola wwhs one of the winches.
Though haid to believe, this Is not the end of the catch.
In the galley of the Ida and
Joseph Is Cook James Intenante—the man respon
sible for the hearty and de
licious meals.
™««e
S?^
When the call comes from the spotter plane that a school
s;;:^srjssi;;s2:ii!riSssiLS2W sssrrss:^:s^rs»i«-i».
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catch of the day.
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E^oylng their early morning breakfast are. from the left. Msheimen Gordon Goveny.
Ambrose Scola and Peter Scola.
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The sunrise this morning was
of them also have other jobs.
For instance, James Interrante, not as spectacular as the crew
the cook onboard the Ida and said it can sometimes be, but
Joseph, starts getting breakfast the air was fresh and a little
ready long before the 3:30 a.m. cool, and being on the water
departure time. Breakfast is a was a pleasure.
Crewmembers were on deck,
real treat. Plenty of bacon, bread,
butter, jam, coffee and eggs any getting ready for the fishing
ahead, or drinking coffee and
way you want them.
The area below deck is small enjoying the morning. They
but cozy. The galley, the mess talked about their lives as fish
and the fo'c's'le are all in one ermen, about the places we were
passing, and about the coming
area.
day's work.
On the trip to the fishing
Asked whether we'd see any
grounds and at various breaks
in the work, some of the crew whales—^there's a whale watch
would jump into bunks and try sightseeing boat that works out
to sleep. The wooden table was of Gloucester—crewman Gor
a narrow platform until the sides don Goveny said we weren't
went up. Then it could easily going out far enough. He talked
accommodate eight or more about a time "six or seven ye^s
ago when we were competing
people.
Swinging the dip net over to the Ida and Joseph is Steve D'Amico.
Behind him is Nate Mickey Paris!.
with the whales for herring." fishermen were just barely com
These leviathans of the deep will ing out ahead.
Larry Scola, captain of the
go into a school of herring being
boat, expired that every year
fished and take one, huge bite.
Whales have even been known repairs and renovations alone
to get into the fishermen's nets. on the Ida and Joseph come to
That's bad news for the fisher anywhere between $20,000 to
men because the whales break $30,000.
The Ida and Joseph uses a
right through the expensive ny
lon nets. The one on the Ida spotter plane to locate the fish
and Joseph is 17 fathoms deep since they are much more visi
ble from the air. Sometimes
and 210 fathoms long.
This day there would be no around 5:30 a.m. a Ivge school
whales. There would only be, of fish is seen by airplane pilot
the fishermen hoped, plenty of Mike Calamo.
The men go into action, put
menhaden pogies. At the begin
ning of the season, the fish proc ting on their oilskins, preparing
essing plant in Gloucester that the boat. Fisherman Steve D'A
buys the pogies was paying $44 mico heads for his motorized
dory which is taken off deck
a tonf
Now, however, the plant was and lowered into the water.
Other fishermen head for the
only paying $37 a ton and the
Little Ida, board her and let her
loose.
Now the adventure begins.
As the Ida and Joseph stands
by, D'Amico in his dory deftly
and quickly circles around the
fish to keep them together. The
Little Ida gets in close and low
ers her huge net. It spans out
in a wide oval. At the right
moment, the fishermen start to
tighten the net which is purse
seine. This means that the strings
of the net are drawn together at
the bottom and the fish captured
inside. Slowly the net is tight
ened and the oval shrinks.
The Little Ida and the Ida and
Joseph come alongside each
other now and the fishermen
must work quickly. A huge catch
of fish like they have could en
Unfastening the lines on the Little Ida are SlU Fisheimen WilUam Parisi (I.) and Jimmy
Pizzfanenti.
circle the seine boat if the fish
ermen don't keep them in place
at the side of the vessel.
The net is drawn up, partly
by hand, and as the first layer
surfaces there's a mass of sil-.
very, jumping fish.
A dip net is now used to get
the fish from the water to the
Ida and Joseph. This resembles
a miniature purse seine at the
end of a large wooden pole. The
pole is lowered into the mass of
fish and when there's enough in
the net the strings are drawn,
the pole raised, the fish carried
over to the boat where the net
is opened releasing the catch.
His work finished in the dory,
D'Amico rides the dip net from
the Little Ida to the big boat and
operates the pole. It's hard work.
like most of the work on the Ida
and Joseph. On the Little Ida,
three men have to strain to raise
a part of the seine net to each
new layer of fish. But at least
on one another and following
the same pattern as the first.
By the time they're finished,
the fishermen have caught over
280,000 pounds of fish. Once
One fisherman said, "I tried working
ashore. It was no good."
today the work is fruitful. By 7
a.m. the hold is filled and there's
fish stored on deck—about
130,000 pounds of menhaden
pogies. As the fishermen say, it
was a "good set."
There would be two more sets
that morning following quickly
the hold is filled, the fish are put
on deck. As they pile up, wooden
boards are placed around deck
to build up the sides of the boat.
Boards are also placed in front
of some strate^c areas like the
winches and galley entrance. By
the time the fishermen are
isy.
*
�^Tcup
S^^Mow^eck.
Lany Maicantonlo rides the dip net over ftom the Ulto Ids. across the net flUed
pojes. to the llshladened deck of the Ida and Joseph.
^ -•:.r
though much of the net Is pulled up mechanlcalljr. these three jroung flshetmen stUl
have to use their muscles to raise a part of it.
through, there doesn't seem to sands of people. St. Peter is the
be a nook or cranny aboard ship patron saint of fishermen and
the festival is funded from con
that doesn't have a fish in it.
By 9 a.m. we are heading back tributions given by Gloucester's
home, passing sights like fishing boats. (See story in Au
Straitsmouth Island and the Twin gust 1983 LOG.)
The men will have three days
Lights. The men relax, taking
in the sun, eating sandwiches or off from the daily fishing routine
porkchops if they feel like it. of rising in the wee hours of the
The cook is prepared to make morning and following the mi
a full dinner. Usually the boat gratory pogies. When the pogie
is out much later and doesn't season ends in October they'll
get back until three or four in start going out—sometimes for
the afternoon. This day we'll be days at a time—in search of
other fish.
back just after 11 a.m.
Today's catch was bountiful
On the way home cheers go
up when the crew learns they and the day was warm and sunny.
will have the next three days But the fishermen also go out in
off for the annual St. Peter's the winter. Most of the time
Fiesta, a landmark festival in they must face cold and ice and
Gloucester that draws thou- rain. Sometimes their best ef
22/LOG / November 1983
^
forts are fruitless. And even
when they have good catches,
they get back into port to face
unprofitable prices for their fish.
The U.S. tariffs are low on fish
from Canada where that gov
ernment subsidizes its fishing
boats. The fresh fish exported
from Canada is one of the rea
sons for low fish prices in New
England.
The fishermen's work is dan
gerous. On the Ida and Joseph
there was a young fisherman,
Larry Marcantonio, whose father
was lost several years before
when his boat disappeared dur
ing a storm. On that same boat
was the son of the Ida and
Joseph's cook, James Interrante. Nothing was ever found
L .
V;
- ,3;"
v-t
The Biblical words on the
base of the Fishennen's Me
morial statue in Glouces
ter, Mass. are veiy apt for
most of the town's resi
dents.
of the men or the boat.
Yet, despite the danger, the
hard work, the uncertain profit,
there were very few complaints
from the men concerning thenwork.
One fisherman said, "I tried
working ashore. It was no good."
Despite certain disadvantages,
he liked being on that fishing
boat, being on the water.
For the crewmen onboard
the Ida and Joseph and for all
(Soucester's fishermen, may the
years ahead be filled with many
"good sets."
�Serving DeepSea Members and Fishermen
,y
Here are two views 5 the SIU hainn Gloucester, Mass. The photo on the left shows the entrance to the hall as seen from St. Peter's Park. The
photo on the right was taken from the dock area and shows the picture windows which surround much of the building.
At Home in the Gloucester Hall
By MARIETTA HOMAYONPOUR
HE SIU'S HALL in
T
Gloucester, Mass. is a good
place for members to sit around
and talk, or play cards, or shoot
some pool.
Helping the Gloucester hall run
smoothly Is Administrative Assist
ant Del Martus.
The beautiful hall, which was
built from scratch by the Union,
opened its doors in October of
1981. Right next to St. Peter's
Park and the waterfront in
downtown Gloucester, the hall,
which is on one level, is cylin
drical in shape. There are plenty
of large picture windows facing
the harbor where fishing boats
of various sizes and shapes are
tied up.
The Gloucester hall serves
SIU deep-sea members and SIU
fishermen. The fishermen used
to be part of the Atlantic Fish
ermen's Union, a long time af
filiate of the SIUNA. In 1980
the union merged into the SIU
A&G District.
SIU fishing representatives in
Gloucester are Mike Orlando
Playing a game of pool at the SIU hall In Gloucester are two fishing
captains, Jahn Favazza (1.) and John Parisi.
and Leo Sabato. They often sit
with the members to discuss the
catches • or the latest price of
fish.
Also working out of the hall
is SIU Field Representative Joe
Corrigan and Administrative
Assistant Del Martus who for
many years worked at the SIU's
old hall in Boston.
Bob Stevens was Gloucester
port agent for two years, but he
recently left to become the SIU
port agent in Philadelphia.
The Gloucester hall is beau
tifully landscaped and fits in well
with the harbor, the park and
the surrounding area.
It's a pleasant place to sit and
rel^ and exchange fish stories.
Or, if you're lucky, as this re
porter was, you might hear a
sweet Itedian tune about the sea •
from an 87-year old retired bar
ber who was visiting a friend at
the hall. Bella canzone!
' -~,v- 'A "
,• J-
^
SIU Fishing Representative Mike
Orlando sits at his desk in the Union
hall In Gloucester.
Posing for the camera are Jack Scandallto (1.), a lobster fisherman, and
John Alello, an SIU pensioner.
• -J
Shooting the breeze at the Union hall are, from the left: SIU Fishing
Representative Mike Orlando; Anthony Parisi. a retired baiber; Tom
Randazza, an active fisherman, and Leo Sabato, SIU fishing repre
sentative In Gloucester.
This scene of Gloucester fishing boats is what SIU members see from
the windows of their Union hall.
November 1963/LOG/23
, ,iI
II
�Aboard SlU-Contracted
Ogden Wabash
1
t
.*
In New Jersey
k .z •
T
he OGDEN WABASH (Og
den Marine) docked at the
Exxon terminal in northern New
Jersey last month. Seafarers
were able to bask in the beau
tiful Indian summer weather
during their time off in port.
As usual, time in port was
precious and hurried. Most sail
ors had their bags packed way
before the ship actually hit port.
Despite the rush to get ashore,
seamen were anxious to meet
with Kermett Mangrem, their
SIU rep. Many were interested
in talking about the status of the
new trip relief rules.
Mangrem told the crew that
the six-man Permanent Job Trip
Relief Study Committee had
$•^ •:.
completed its report after hav
ing spent nearly three months
at Union headquarters review
ing the options open to the Union
and the membership.
The committee had been
elected earlier this year in a
heavily attended membership
meeting in the port of New York.
After much deliberation, the
committee recommended that
the status of the Permanent Job
Trip Relief Program be fully
reviewed at a SIU Crews Con
ference which will be held in
•: •
• 1-
f
T
Herman Holmes Is the saloon
messman.
March at the Seafarers Harry
Liindeberg School of Seaman
ship in Piney Point, MD.
The committee also recom
mended that the Union maintain
existing procedures through June
15, 1984, with one exception.
Effective Oct. 1,1983, all reliefs
requested shall be for at least
125 days.
Most members onboard the
Ogden Wabash were satisfied
with the committee's findings,
especially the part about the 125
days.
Wiper Mike "Mad Max" Crane Is
all set to hit port.
Crew gets chance to bask in Indian
summer and catch up on SIU news.
•J _
4• 4-.
"i"- '
1
SIU Rep Kermett Mangrem talks to OS Hubert Cain (I.) and Preston
Mllanc about the 125-day trip relief requirement.
aS4 / LOG / November 1983
I
OS Hubert Cain (I.) and Ed Demoss, AB, are good friends.
�•^' •'-•Mr
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1
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scii"" %
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AB Domingo Contreras (I.) and Second Pumpman Fred Head pose for
this picture
Juan Castillo, AB, waits to talk to SlU Rep Kermett Mangrem.
Xlj*
November 1983/LOG/25
.— -
, ;•: I
' '--a
, ,.
^
M; •I . . •
�and maritime policy.
Senator
J. James Exon
S
'•\
enator J. James Exon (D-Neb.)
was the first Nebraskan to be
elected directly to the U.S. Senate
after serving as governor. In 1978,
Jim Exon won election to the United
States Senate representing the
"Comhusker State."
Sen. Exon has an impressive list
of Senate committee assignments.
He serves on the Budget Commit
tee. On the Armed Services Com
mittee, Exon is Jhe ranking minor
ity member of the Manpower and
Personnel Subcommittee and sits
on the Military Construction Sub
committee and the Strategic and
Theater Nuclear Forces Subcom
mittee. And on the Commerce,
Science and Transportation Com
mittee, Sen. Exon is the ranking
minority member of the Aviation ,
Subcommittee and sits on the Sur
face Transportation Subcommit
tee. The senator serves as a Deputy
Minority Whip of the Senate and
is a member of the Senate Export
Caucus.
The senator is an avid supporter
of maintaining the current restric
tions on the export ban of Alaska
Oil. He is a co-sponsor of S. 1197
which continues the imposition of
those restrictions.
On Sept. 20, 1983, Sen. Exon
voted in support of an amendment
on the Interior Appropriations bill
for acquisition of oil to fill the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a
rate of 220,000 barrels per day, the
current rate. The president sought
to decrease the fill rate of the SPR.
Through the efforts of Exon and
others, the current fill rate of the
SPR was maintained.
A champion of the consumer.
Sen. Exon recently introduced leg
islation to protect consumers from
odometer fraud on used cars and
trucks.
Upon the introduction of his bill,
he said "the tampering of odome
ters on motor vehicles is not lim-
"The company of just and righteous men is better than wealth and
a rich estate."
^
_
Euripides, Aegeus." Fragment 7
State officials estimate that odom
eter tampering costs consumers
from $5 to 10 million annually. This
legislation would make it illegal to
tamper with the odometers on used
vehicles that are transferred be
tween states."
SIU is proud to work with such
dedicated senators as Sen. Exon
and Sen. Kasten and we look forwm-d to continue cooperating with
them in developing a positive pro
motional American maritime pol
icy.
Help Deliver the Mail
If you are joining a vessel—and especially if you are going
on a foreign fly-out—you can help your Union and your
shipmates by delivering the mail.
When you are ready to leave, see the Dispatcher at the
SIU hall and get from him a supply of: Ship's Minutes
Crew List forms; Repair Lists, and a few copies of the LOG.
This will be a big help because some ships are without
these necessary forms because of delays in postal mailing
systems.
%
S
enator Robert Kasten Jr. (RWis.), a native of Wisconsin,
served in the U.S. Hpuse of Rep
resentatives representing the state s
Ninth Congressional District be
fore he was elected to the U.S.
Senate from the "Badger State
in November 1980.
Sen. Kasten sits on several ke_
committees whose jurisdictions af
fect the American maritime indus
try. The senator is a member of
the Budget Committee. On the Ap
propriations Committee, he sits on
its subcommittees of Defense, En
ergy and Water Development j
Transportation and Related Agen
cies; Agriculture, and Foreign Op
erations as the subcommittee
chairman. On the Commerce, Sci
ence and Transportation Commit
tee, Kasten is chairman of its Con
sumer Subcommittee and is a
member of its Merchant Marine
Sen. J. James Exon
Subcommittee
and Surface Transited to any one state. The launder
portatipn Subcommittee. And on
ing of vehicle titles and tampering
the Small Business Committee, the
of odometers is a serious national
senator is chairman* of its Entreproblem which deserves a remedy
preneurship and Special^ Problems
by the federal government.
Facing Small Business Subcom
"The growing national problem
of odometer fraud on used vehicles mittee, as well as a member of its
Government Procurement Sub
is costing consumers billions of
committee.
dollars each year. In Nebraska alone
Going On a Fly-Out?
26 / LOG / November 1983
Senator
Robert Kasten Jr.
Sen. Kasten is concerned about
the Great Lakes shipping industry
and its effect on the economy of
Wisconsin which borders the Great
Lakes. Late last year, Kasten
served as a member of the HouseSenate Conference Committee to
iron out the differences between
the House and Senate versions of
the Transportation Appropriations
legislation. The Senate version
contained a provision to eliminate
$110 million in debt on the St.
Lawrence Seaway. Upon its ap
proval by the conferees, Kasten
said, "As a member of the confer
ence, my top priority was to see
the debt forgiveness all the way
through. For the first time in more
than 30 years, the Senate has ac-"
knowledged the disadvantage the
debt on the St. Lawrence Seaway
has caused on Great Lakes ship.ping. This vote to eliminate the
debt is a real boost to Great Lakes
ports and offers new hope for a
strong maritime industry on the
Great Lakes and will benefit the
Wisconsin economy and many
farmers and businesses as well."
The senator believes in a strong
Sen. Robert Kasten Jr.
American fleet as evidenced by his
support of the export ban on Alas
kan oil. And in 1981, on a Senate
vote in the Budget Reconciliation
bill, Kasten voted to retain the
cargo preference applicability to
the Agricultural Trade and Devel
opment Act with its provision for
P.L. 480 programs.
Sen. Kasten is for "free trade,
but it must also be fair trade. The
American auto industrj^ and the
steel, plastics and electronics in
dustries that supply it, are cur
rently at a disadvantage with Japan
because of international monetary
problems and other factors they
could not possibly control. It's un
fair to punish them—the auto in
dustry—for these conditions. We
need time to make this industry|
competitive again, and extending
the import limit will give us that
time."
As a member of the Senate Ex
port Caucus, Kasten recognizes
the need''for a strong commitment
to expanding exports of American
made goods and farm products and
to increase trade opportunities with
other countries. But we haven't
been doing our best to expand
exports and we're losing jobs be
cause of it. Through thq Senate
Export Caucus we hope to identify
and act on the best means of im
proving America's competitive
ness internationally and create new
job opportunities here at home."
SIU espouses the same philos
ophy as Sen. Robert Kasten on
"free trade vs. fair trade," ex
panding our export markets and
developing the Great Lakes mari
time industry. We look forward to
working with Senator Kasten to
find solutions to these problems
facing America's maritime indus
try and America's national^ econ
omy.
�Inland News
Oar Members
AtWerk
Higman Tewing Contract Ratified
By an overwhelming majority of Higman Towing Boatmen of
Orange, Texas, a new contract was ratified recently.
Gains for the rank-and-file membership Included wage hikes
and boosts In benefits.
For the first time In a Higman Towing contract, a large Increase
In sick pay was won by SlU negotiators.
By the end of this year, Higman Towing will have two new 264foot by 50-foot single-skin liquid barges now being built at the
Jeffboat Shipyard In Jeffersonvllle, Ind.
N.E. Towing Pact Is Extended
A contract extension of the old pact at Northeast Towing In the
port of Norfolk was negotiated for their Boatmen recently.
Dixie Carriers Beef Waits on Appeais
Before going on to a NLRB trial, the SlU and Dixie Carriers,
now struck, are awaiting decisions on court appeals.
Mall vote ballots were sent out last month to Boatmen at
Lynnhaven Services Co. on their new contract here. The ballots
have to be returned by Nov. 21.
And new contract negotiations were still going on for Boatmen
of the Allied Ocean Towing Co. here.
Giideweii AFL-CiO Labor Councii VP
Mobile Port Agent Tom Glldewell was recently elected and
sworn In as a vice president of the AFL-CIO Alabama State Labor
Council, Mobile District.
Wage Reopener at Nationai Marine Service
Wage reopening negotiations, not a new contract, at National
Marine Service In the port of St. Louis, Mo. were going on at the
end of last month.
Tug Littie Curtis Back at Piney Point
Laid up for repairs, the tug Little Curtis (Steuart Oil Transport)
Is now back In service In PIney Point, Md.
Coordinated Caribbean Opens N.J. Unit
The towboat Jim Ludwig (Orgulf) pulls out of the Crescent City harbor
afters visit by SlU Rep. J. Steve Ruiz.
Early this month Coordinated Caribbean Transport (CCT) opened
a terminal at 1200 Newark Tpke., Kearny, N.J. to serve the New
York metropolitan area.
Other CCT terminals will be opened within this year In the ports
of Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago, among others.
Great Lakes D & D Dredges Cieveiand Harbor
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. began the fall dredging of
the Cleveland harbor early In November and finished a job In
Toledo, Ohio.
Luedtke Engineering has begun new dredging jobs at the
Sandusky, Ohio harbor and at Point Moullee, Mich.
At the start of this month, the company was nearing completion
of a hydraulic dredge operation at Toledo harbor.
Zenith Dredge Co. was to have finished harbor deepening In
the Duluth, MInn.-Superlor, Wis. harbor.
Here's the SlU crew on deck of the towboat Rebecca Smith (Crescent
Towing) last month. They are (I. to r.) Capt. Mike Orllllon, Chief Engineer
Aldon J. Barletto, and Deckhands Toby Jones and Dave Henson in the
port of New Orleans.
For Higher Pay and
Job security
Upgrade Your Skiiis
At SHLSS
November 1983/LOG/27
•
••'S't; .-.J-
I
�•
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-">4i'' s-.n V ""'••-C—'• - ^
•thkA.-
inland Pensioners
Frank J. Blachowicz, 62,
joined the Union in the port of
Norfolk in 1975. Brother Blackowicz was born in Maryland
and is a resident of Norfolk.
<S
, Vl_,
•,1^
'•
•
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'• -.
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E Ear
•; ••?£I
4lC^
Chester Ellis Lewis, 65,
joined the Union in the port of
Norfolk in 1969 sailing as a cook
for Plymouth Towing from 1967
to 1973 and for lOT from 1973
to 1977. Brother Lewis is a vet
eran of the U.S. Army during
World War II. He was born in
Lowland, N.C. and is a resident
there.
Daniel Fred
erick Carey, 51,
joined the Union
in the port of New
York in 1959 sail
ing as a cook for
the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers from 1952
to 1956', Dixie Carriers from 1952
to 1975 and for Marine Towing
(lOT) from 1975 to 1982. Brother
Carey attended the Piney Point
lOT Conference. He was born
in Racine, Wis. and is a resident
of Merritt Is., Fla.
George C. Orfleld, 69, joined
the Union in the port of Norfolk
in 1973 sailing as a cook on the
tug Remus (Allied Towing).
Brother Orfield sailed for Allied
Towing from 1974 to 1977. He
also sailed for Harbor Towing
from 1943 to 1969 and on their
^ tug Virginia. Boatman Orfield was
born in Richmond, Va. and is a
resident of Norfolk.
Ml,
If
; 11
•',|1:
-i.
I
ni
Pensioner Hugh Francis Ram
sey, 70, succumbed to cancer in
the Memorial Hospital of Gal
veston, Texas on July 8. Brother
Ramsey joined the Union in 1947 ^
in the port of Houston sailing
as a pilot and captain for Dixie
Carriers in 1974 and on the Dixie
Raider in 1980. He was a vet
eran of the U.S. Navy in World
War II. Boatman Ramsey was
bom in Greenville, Texas and
was a resident of Hitchkok,
Texas. Interment was in Grace
Park Cemetery, Alta Loma,
Texas. Surviving is his widow,
Johnnie.
SO SORRY
In the September LOG's In
Memoriam column, we inad
vertently reported the un
timely demise of inland pen
sioners, Boatmen Robert B.
Ricker Sr., 65, of Abita
Springs, La. and Carroll Vin
cent Sadler, 67, of Mathews,
Va.
We sincerely apolo^ze to
them and their families for
our error and hope we didn t
cause them too much discom
fort.
,
Both are "still very much
alive."
Pensioner Hairy Irving Col
lins, 70, passed away on Oct.
24. Brother Collins joined the
Union in the port of New York
in 1960 sailing as a deckhand
and mate for the N.Y., New
Haven and Hartford Railroad
and the Penn Central Railroad
from 1936 to 1960. He hit the
bricks in the 1961 Greater N.Y.
Harbor strike. Boatman Collins
was a former member of the
Masters, Mates and Pilots union
from 1940 to 1960. He was a
vkeran of the U.S. Navy m
World War II. Bom in Spring
field, Mass., he was a resident
of Mystic Islands, Tuckerton,
N.J. Surviving are a son, Mi
chael of Burke, Va. and two
daughters, Madeline and Mau
reen.
SIU = Job Security
Cb
)
i
Charles Anton Turner, 61,
joined the Union in the port of
Baltimore in 1957 sailing as a
mate for Curtis Bay Towing in
1969. Brother Turner began
sailing in 1959. He was born in
Baltimore and is a resident there.
BeiKjamin "Ben" Frank Sha^
Jr., 26, died of head injuries
sustained in a pleasure boat crash
on the Severn River in Annap
olis, Md. on July 27. Brother
Shawn was graduated from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship (SHLSS)
Entry Trainee Program, Piney
Point, Md. in 1977 as an assist
ant bosun. He sailed as a tug
pilot for Crowley Marine in the
port of Wilmington in 1981.
Boatman Shawn was a veteran
of the U.S. Coast Guard. Born
in Ann Arundel County, Md.,
he was a resident of Centreville,
Md. Burial was in the Kingsley
Church Cemetery, Chester, Md.
Surviving are his mother, Mitzi
M. Roth and a sister, Melodye
Hope Valliere of Sevema Park,
Md.
NARCOTICS
CAN END
YOUR
SEAFARING
CAREER
AND YOUR
LIFE...
STEER
CLEAR
OF
THEM
fSi-
• Ii'
Louis
Szalejko, 65, joined
the Union in 1947
in the port of Phil
adelphia sailing
as a deckhand,
mate and captain
for Curtis Bay
Towing for 35
years. Brother Szalejko was
captain and docking master on
the tug Reedy Point (Curtis Bay)
on the Delaware River for 25
years. He began sailing in 1933
as a messboy on oceangoing
tugs, the Valley Forge, Catawissa and Tamagua (all Read
ing Railroad). Boatman Szalejko
in 1940 sailed on the tug T.J.
Sheridan (Sheridan Transpor
tation). Szalejko is a veteran of
the U.S. Army in World War II,
serving on rescue boats in New
Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelego, the Southern Philippines
and Luzon and the Ryukys Is
lands. He was awarded the
Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with
five Bronze Stars, the Philippine
Liberation Medal with a Bronze
Star, the American Theater
Medal, the American Defense
Medal, the Victory Medal and
the Good Conduct Medal. A na
tive of Philadelphia, he is a res
ident of Williamstown, N.J.
In Memoriam
28/LOG/November 1983
<is\
k-f'
�BEG PARDON
Due to a misunderstanding in the
Pensioners Corner column we had Sea
farer Athanasios P. Vassiiikos of the
port of Baltimore retiring from the SiU.
Actually, Brother Vassiiikos is still sail
ing. He joined the Union in 1941.
Deep Sea
Guillermo Castro, 62,
joined the SIU in the port of
San Juan, P.R. sailing as a
recertified bosun. Brother
Castro was graduated from
the Union's Recertified Bo
suns Program in the May 1974
class. He was born in Puerto
Rico and is a resident of Santa
Juanita Bayamon, P.R.
Henry Wooden Lovelace,
Jr., 58, joined the SIU in the
port of Houston in 1956 sailing
as an AB. Brother Lovelace
is a veteran of the U.S. Navy
in World War II. He was born
in Lynchburg, Va. and is a
resident there.
Edward Joseph Mosakowski, 57, joined the SIU in
the port of Philadelphia in 1951
sailing as an AB. Brother Mosakowski is a veteran of the
U.S. Army in World War II. He
was born in Philadelphia and
is a resident there.
Mason Hall, 61, joined the
SIU in 1944 in the port of
Norfolk sailing as an oiler.
Brother Hall was born in Los
Angeles, Calif, and is a resi
dent of Denair, Calif.
Peter "Pete" Vincent
Hammel, 69, joined the SIU
in the port of New York in
1955 sailing as a chief cook.
Brother Hammel attended a
Piney Point Educational Con
ference. He is a veteran of
the U.S. Navy in World War
II. Seafarer Hammel was born
in Louisiana and is a resident
of Chalmette, La.
Ernest Edward Mulierl, 65,
joined the SIU in the port of
Boston, Mass. in 1957 sailing
as a wiper. Brother Mulieri
was bom in Boston and is a
resident of Salem, Mass.
Chester Ralph Coumas, 63,
joined the SIU in the port of
Jacksonville in 1960 sailing as
a chief electrician. Brother Cou
mas upgraded at Piney Point in
1969. He has two years of col
lege and has also worked as a
hair stylist and roulette croupier.
He was born in Manteca, Calif,
and is a resident of Las Vegas.
Charles Walter Maynard,
62, joined the SIU in the port
of New York in 1955 sailing
as an AB and ship's delegate.
Brother Maynard sailed from
1945 to 1982. He is a veteran
of the U.S. Coast Guard in
World War II. Seafarer May
nard was born in Erie, Pa. and
is a resident of Carteret, N.J.
Herman Pedersen, 57,
joined the SIU in 1944 in the
port of New York sailing as
an AB. Brother Pedersen is a
veteran of the U.S. Army in
World War II. He was born in
Omaha, Neb. and is a resident
of Sonoma, Calif.
Jorge Rodriguez, 66, joined
the SIU in 1943 in the port of
New York sailing as an AB.
Brother Rodriguez hit the
bricks in the 1961 Greater
N Y. Harbor beef. He was bom
in Puerto Rico and is,a resi
dent of New York.
Ben Rucker, 65, joined the
SIU in 1944 in the port of New
York sailing in the steward
department. Brother Rucker
Was born in Georgia and is a
resident of Port Arthur, Texas.
Robert Earl Tyler, 54,
joined the SIU in the port of
San Francisco in 1955 sailing
as a chief electrician and
QMED. Brother Tyler is a vet
eran of the U.S. Navy during
the Korean War. He was born
in Shubuta, Miss, and is a
resident there.
John William White, 70,
joined the SIU in the port of
Jacksonville in 1970 sailing
as a chief cook. Brother White
is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
He was born on Block Is.,
R. I. and is a resident of Hous1 ton.
Ferdinand Bernard, 65,
joined the SIU in the port of
New Orleans in 1955 sailing
in the steward department for
the Delta Line and for the
Waterman Steamship Co.
Brother Bernard is also a fur
niture assembler. He is a vet
eran of the U.S. Army in World
War II. Seafarer Bernard was
born in New Orleans and is a
resident there.
Milton Jack Brown, 50,
joined the SIU in the port of
Jacksonville in 1961 sailing
as an AB for Sea-Land. Brother
Brown began sailing in 1955.
He is a veteran of the U.S.
Navy in World War II. Seafarer
Brown was bom in Hot Springs,
Ark. and is a resident there.
Harvey Edward Burge, 65,
joined the SIU in the port of
Seattle in 1972 sailing as an
AB. Brother Burge is a resi
dent of Seattle.
Alton Joseph Clement, 62,
joined the SIU in 1941 in the
port of New Orleans sailing
as a FOWT on the U.S. Army
Transport Evangeline (East
ern Steamship) in July 1942.
Brother Clement worked on
the New Orleans Waterman
Shoregang from 1978 to 1979.
He was born in La Fouche,
La. and is a resident of New
Orleans.
Charles C. Fritz Jr., 62,
joined the SIU in 1943 in the
port of Philadelphia sailing as
a QMED and ship's delegate.
Brother Fritz was born in
Pennsylvania and is a resi
dent of Philadelphia.
Morton "Morty" Julius
Kerngood Jr., 62, joined the
SIU in the port of Baltimore in
1955 as a recertified bosun.
Brother Kerngood was grad
uated from the Union's Re
certified Bosuns Program in
December 1973. He sailed for
Sea-Land and on the SS
Oceanic
Independence
(American-Hawaiian Cruises)
in 1981. Seafarer Kerngood
sailed as a deck delegate and
was also a cook and sales
man. A delegate to the 1972
5th Piney Point Educational
Conference, Kerngood was
born in Maryland and is a
resident of Baltimore.
George Wilson Arnold, 59,
joined the SIU in the port of
Houston in 1963 sailing as an
AB. Brother Arnold began
sailing in 1956. He was born
in Los Angeles, Calif, and is
a resident of Seattle.
Robert Lee Beale, 61,
joined the SIU in 1947 in the
port of Tampa sailing as an
AB. Brother Beale is a veteran
of the U.S. Navy during World
War II. He was born in Virginia
and is a resident of Jackson
ville.
John Michael Stiles, 61, joined the SIU
in 1947 in the port of New York sailing as
an AB. Brother Stiles attended the 1970
SHLSS Crews Conference No. 7 at Piney
Point, Md. He was born in Pennsylvania and
is a resident of Green Creek, N.J.
Curtis Anderson, 66, joined the SIU in
the port of Baltimore in 1956 sailing as a
cook on the SS Caguas (Puerto Rico Ma
rine). Brother Anderson sailed from 1947 to
1981. He was born in Smithfield, Va. and is
a resident of Baltimore.
(Continued on Page 30.)
November 1983/LOG/29
-r-'.ir- k
i
.: I
�„ Ora^s
^esci/e
'"'""'a WODZ 1"® "fa Ca).
r""®™ c^ Z "!' ^'^-s
the Coast Guard wl,
® "''">
^?reJa«ve1y"4^®"""®'' ®®P'Khclter of
®®®- Susy
Z^®" from fe'":
waf
^sferred to fL «''°®' and
jAe tanker he/nlw
^
''®r huSdr"''®^^'
'lours.
for several
P"'
®'By and tinie ^T'®
on»y husband who w» 7'"P8 for
'^®''«'. The crew's
""ors concern was
i5?2?ii~ss
ne ship proyZl'/" easy task
ythout which in ,h ^""^hreak
conditions 'ther^
^"<1
"""^ "ot have
Guard
ffly boat. J ^3 fatten me off
fr^sfen-ed to hi »"
^'lere J was eenn
^^dge
*^ary
S^®®cedforby
®«'o. a nulse wh f "'® ®'"ef
'"'/!®';/obeabo^d'"'='^'y''ap.
and concgJJ® wow was so kind
hand what wondiJ , ^ ^^t^ ^ork on Slsf^ people hVe
naaliy express m i.®®" never
""•at they did forij^"'"'
Class-A", ^
Class "B"
Class -C"
'"
SANFR^Ci^OSflffpEj
66
. . ." • " *
* •*• • •-.
""^'''''rot'i'i^ihGroui^j;;;;--:::
Clas!
ON
Class 'B'
Class
-.-oa
^ '
0
®i*and Total (All
Groups).
0
Class
SEATTLE
Class (<B'
19
Class
1
^'•and Total
*9
0
0
k »»
Groups)
Class (<
Class i€'B *»
Class
k 99
•'•••
^ONOLVtv
15
0
23
17
"999
-•••
8
1
1
.g''a«d Total (All
Groups).
ivi;;—11
From Nov leto
If f
I •
^
^
^
Corn,
'^Pa9.5'
a»af Ia»„
'j^fT^theUnto'^^'''' 62, i"d^f®"P'Jacks<Jrvffll'jf;j''nedfh
^'T"'Con'hk^; ^l.^tean War fp^
Wl
P'S^'^S
fai/toad
i Sl>
fai/road from
from iSl>
r5r";.2;.';S2,S«
"e ,S a resident t^'ere
.''Sr3^*»'sa'n'«»
^'^^Bukee
''"'d was 1«
'' ''"'d
iJ^
Wa
'" t/Vorld
'^odd W
Kcfxs?,
Qboard the
KSS^
»'W
Co., fr^ ffcnsin.
,ato„
^nt ftere.
dent
'•°n's
rott
'•°d's rotw
'" ^'Pena
LOG/November 1933
I... .(Qemtany, Cam.
""d ,s a resident of
°'®te the in i"*"®® Mowani c
"""Seattle.
®
�U,....-: ..
^>."r.V^ - . •:-'^-*T'"
Aimss
LagalAid
In the event that any SlU nwrnbera
have legal problems In the various
ports, a list of attorneys whom they
can consult Is being published. The
member need not choose the recom
mended attorneys and this list |s In
tended only for Informational pur
poses:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Schulman & Abarbanel
358 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10001
Tele. # (212) 279-9200
BALTIMORE, MD.
Kaplan, Heyman, Greenberg,
Engelman & Belgrad
Sun' Life Building
Charles & Redwood Streets
Baltimore, Md. 21201
Tele. # (301) 539-6967
CHICAGO, ILL.
Katz & Friedman
7 South Deartiom Street
Chicago, III. 60603
Tele. # (312) 263-6330
DETROIT, MICH.
Victor G. Hanson
19268 Grand River Avenue
Detroit, Mich. 48822
Tele. # (313) 532-1220
GLOUCESTER, MASS.
Orlando & White
1 Western Avenue
Gloucester, Mass. 01930
Tele. # (617) 283-8100
f
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Archir, Peterson and Waldner
1801 Main St. (at Jefferson) Suite 510
Houston, Texas 77002
Tele. # (713) 659-4455 &
Tele. # (813) 879-9842
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Fogel, Rothschild, Feldman & Ostrov
5900 Wllshire Boulevard, Suite 2600
Los Angeles, Calif. 90036
Tele. # (213) 937-6250
WILMINGTON, CALIF.
Fogel, Rothschild, Feldman & Ostrov
239 South Avalon
Wilmington, Calif. 90744
Tele. # (213) 834-2546
MOBILE, ALA.
Simon & Wood
1010 Van Antwerp Building
Mobile, Ala. 36602
Tele. # (205) 433-4904
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
Barker, Boudreaux, Lamy,
Gardner & Foley
1400 Richards Building
837 Gravier Street
New Orleans, La. 70112
Tele. # (504) 586-9395
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Kirschner, Walters, Willig,
Weinberg & Dempsey Suite 110
1429 Walnut Street
>
Philadelphia, Pa. 19102
Tele. # (215) 569-8900
ST. LOUIS, MO.
Gmenberg, Sounders & Levine
Suite 905—Chemical Building
721 Olive Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Tele. # (314) 231-7440
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
John Paul Jennings
Henning, Walsh & Ritchie
100 Bush Street, Suite 440
San Francisco, Calif. 94104
Tele. # (415) 981-4400
SEATTLE, WASH.
Davles, Roberts, Reid,
Anderson & Wacker
100 West Harrison Plaza
Seattle, Wash. 98119
Tele. # (206) 285-3610
TAMPA, FLA.
Hamilton & Douglas, P. A.
2620 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33^
Tele. # (813) 879-9842
'
1. Fabled sea creature
7. What to do at SHLSS
13. Like crashing waves
14. Treasure Isiand author (init.)
16. Competed
17. Slopes
19. Impaired
20. Nervous strain
22. Where fish are packed
23. Stay in bed late (2 words)
24. Extra work hrs.
26. A kind of boat
27. An indeterminate amount
28. Undergrad. degree
30. District
33.
of thee
35. Strong wind
37. Wander aimlessly
39. Iran
41. What oil may have done
42. Muhammad or Baba
44. 13 through 19
45. Enclosure for swine
46. Russian mountain range
48. Roll of money
50. Not identified
53. Have in mind
56. Arm of Mediterranean
59. Margarine
60. Shape of Italy
61. Pal
63. Irritate
65. Canter or trot
67. Courage
68. World Series winners
«
SeaLog X-Word
By Debbie Greene
" =•'
.•-.yr
32. Capably
34. One from Nantucket or Martha's Vine
yard
35. Multiplied
36. Not ashore
38. Navy officer (abbr.)
40. SlU Exec. VP (init.)
42. Noah's boat
43. Labor group (abbr.)
46. Loosen
47. Clean the deck
49. Type of knot
50. French one
51. New (comb, form)
52. Bowline and half hitch
54. Excursion
55. Sailor's patron saint
57. Type of disco dancer
58. Akin to etc.
62. Pronoun
a Yankee...
63.
64. Boxing term
66. That is (abbr.)
Answers Next Month!
Answers to Previous Puzzle
•J'
Personals
Thomas Driscol
Steven Zubovich
Checks are waiting for you
(from the Seatrain bankruptcy
proceedings) in a lawyer's office
in New York. Please contact
Israel Seeger, Esq., Miller &
Seeger, 60 East 42nd St., New
York, N.Y. 10165 or phone (212)
867-6162.
Charles Walter Rhodes
Please contact your sister,
Mrs. Grace McGinnity, 11874
Majella Dr., Bridgeton, Mo.
63044,(314)739-1229.
•«'
-I:'
11
m
Down
1. Tall vertical spar
2. Detective novelist Gardner
3. Horses
4. Supplies with staff
5. Creative person
6. Member of AMA
7. We
8. Type of knot
9. Precipitation
10. Peaks
11. Where venison comes from
12. Circular water movemerit
15. Album
18. Alone
19. Principal sail
•Or
21. Salamander
22. Accts.
24. Rows
25. Snares
28. Visually impaired
29. Caspian and North China
31. Send out
••c' •:•
The Professional Touch
That's what graduates of the Marine Electrical
Maintenance Course have—the professional skills
to maintain electrical systems aboard ship. These
are the skills that mean more money and more
job security. They're the skills you get when you
take the Marine Electrical Maintenance Course.
For more information contact the Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Maryland, or
fill out the application in this issue of the Log.
Course Starts
January 3
Darryl Handle
Please contact your aunt, Lula
Bragg, as soon as possible.
Harold Bowen
(or famUy member)
Please contact Midge Edens,
4719 W. 12th PI., Cicero, Illinois
60650; telephone (312) 780-0508.
•-Si-
November 1983/LOG/31
�• f> ""If'"
Crewmembers from the Sea-Land Independence disembark for some
time ashore.
•': ''i-'
f ' «• '.• ..-'K
ul
HE CREW aboard the SIUcontracted Sea-Land Inde
pendence had a little more time
in port than usual when the ship
docked in Port Elizabeth, N.J.
on Oct. 26.
Normally at the end of the
Sea-Land Independence's 21day run she docks one momiiig
and leaves the next. But this
time, according to some of the
crewmembers, she was waiting
for two feeder barges and was
not scheduled to sail until later
that evening.
T
Needless to say, the crew was
grateful for the extra time in
port.
The Sea-Land Independency
runs to Rotterdam, Holland and
to Bremerhaven, West Ger Membere of the ship's committee aboard the Sea-Land Independence
many.
are from ttre left; Vernon Ferguson, Jr., third cook and steward de^^.
The ship, which cames a Lee DeParlier chief steward and secretary-reporter; Wiiii^ Mortimer,
D-9 classification, was bufit in bosun and chairman, and Oiiie Johannisson, AB and deck delegate.
1980 and is powered by diesel
engines. She has a design speed
of 22 knots and can carry 897
resentatives went over a num
35 foot or 40 foot containers.
During the shipboard meeting ber of issues of importance to
held before the payoff, SIU rep- Seafarers.
\ I
Preparing some lunch onboard the
Sea-Land Independence is Sea
farer Frank Adkins, chief cook oh
the shore gang.
•\
32/LOG/November 1983
f-<n.
�Looking relaxed as he stands on
the gangway of the Sea-Land In
dependence is SlU Brother Darryl
White, day QMED
Sitting around the table in the crew's mess of the Sea-Land Independence are, from the left: Tim Donoghue,
wiper; William Ramirez, OS; Angel Centeno, OS; Hazel Johnson, chief cook, and Ron Laner, QMED.
CL —Company Lakes
L —Lakes
NP -Non Priority
OCTOBER 1-31, 1983
Port
Algonac
Port
Algonac
Port
Algonac
Smiling for the camera as they get
ready for some port time are Able
Seamen Al Mitt and George Wilkey.
Port
Algonac
Dispatchers Report for Great Lakes
*TOTAL REGISTERED
TOTAL SHIPPED
''REGISTERED DN BEACH
All Groups
All Groups
All Groups
Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP
DECK DEPARTMENT
20
0
2
31
7
0
45
7
2
ENGINE DEPARTMENT
20
2
0
20
8
0
30
2
0
./ .
STEWARD DEPARTMENT
3
0
0
10
1
0
3
3
0
ENTRY DEPARTMENT
17
9
1
0
0
0
38
26
7
Totals Ail Dopartmonts .
60
13
1
61
16
0
116
.*"Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month.
**"Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month.
1
1
38
•
9
>
PL
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes
specific provision for safeguarding the membership's
money and Union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by Certified Public Accountants every three
months, which are to be submitted to the membership by
the Secretary-Treasurer. A quarterly finance committee
of rank and file members, elected by the membership,
makes examination each quarter of the finances of the
Union and reports fully their findings and recommenda
tions. Members of this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered
in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund
agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist of Union
and management representatives and their alternates. All
expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the headquarters of
the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and senior
ity are protected exclusively by the contracts between the
Union and the employers. Get to know your shipping
rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available
in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation
of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the
contracts between the Union and the employers, notify
the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return re
ceipt requested. The proper address for this is;
Angus "Red" Campbell
Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way and Britannia Way
Prince Georges County
Camp Springs, Md. 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to
you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union
or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are avail
able in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages
and conditions under which you work and live aboard
your ship or boat. Know your contract rights, as well as
your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper
sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU
V
' A.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGA
TIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in
all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this
constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its con
tents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempt
ing to deprive you of any constitutional right or obligation
by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc.,
as well as all other details, then the member so affected
should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal
rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These
rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in
the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the
employers. Con.sequently, nd member may be discrimi
nated against because of race, creed, color, sex and na
tional or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is
denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should
notify Union headquarters.
viiinmi
patrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails
to protect your contract rights properly, contact the
nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY —THE LOG. The Log has
traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving
the political purposes of any individual in the Union,
officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing
articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective
membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September, 1960, meetings
in all constitutional ports. The re.sponsibility for Log
policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of
the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board
may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to
carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid
to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an
official Union receipt is given for same. Under no circum
stances should any member pay any money for any reason
unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made without
supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a
payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he
should not have been required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to Union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION
—SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its pro
ceeds are used to further its objects and purposes includ
ing, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation
and furthering of the American Merchant Marine with
improved employment opportunities for .seamen and
boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective office. All
contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be
solicited or received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a con
dition of membership in the Union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above improper
conduct, notify the Seafarers Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation
and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. Sup
port SPAD to protect and further your economic, poli
tical and social interests, and American trade union
concepts.
If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have
been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right of
access to Union records or information, he should immediately notify
SIU President Frank Drozak at Headquarters by certified mail,
retum receipt requested. The address is 5201 Auth Wmy and Britannia
Waj^ Prince Georges Count}^ Camp Springs, Md. 20746.
November 1983/LOG/33
�-sessK-T'
Directory of Ports
Crew Aboard SS Inger Honors Retiring "Tino"
Tuesday, Oct. 4 was a mem
orable day aboard the SS Inger
(Reynolds Metals), especially for
Faustino "Tino" Pedraza.
After a sailing career span
ning five decades (1940-1983),
"Tino" was on his last voyage
before starting a well-deserved
retirement.
The day was dedicated to
the long-time Seafarer—^from a
breakfast including "hot pepper
omelette Tino" to "Tino's
farewell cake" for the evening
dessert.
A . quiet, soft-spoken man,
"Tino" was quite moved as he
thanked all hands for their show
of goodwill and best wishes.
Frank Drozak, President
Ed Tumar, Exec. Vice President
Jon DIGIorglo, Secretary-Treasurer
Leon Hall, Vice President
Angus "Red" Campbell, Vice President
Mike Sacco, Vice President
Joe Sacco, Vice President
George McCartney, Vice President
HEADQUARTERS
Brother "Tino" Pedraza (center) is about to make the first slice in his
farewell cake^ Helping to make this retirement dinner a memorable
occasion for "Tino" are AB John Benedict (I.) and OS Kader Solomon.
Thanks to Capt. Lawrence Dyer for the photo and to Milton Phelps,
chief steward aboard the Inger, for sharing this event with the mem
bership.
Dispatchers Report for Deep Sea
r. A- ' - .
•' KJ?
'•|l-
1
•' •••J •,
'
"s
OCT. 1-31, 1983
'TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups
Class A Class B Clau C
TOTAL SHIPPED
AH Groups
Class A Class B Class C
"REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups
Class A Class B Class C
Trip
Ralloli
DECK DEPARTMENT
Port
Gloucester...
New York....
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Norfolk
Mobile
New Orleans .
Jacksonville..
San Francisco
Wilmington ..
Seattle
Puerto Rico ..
Houston
Pinev Point ..
Totals
3
68
2
11
18
12
38
22
28
10
36
2
31
0
281
6
25
3
6
8
2
10
17
13
7
11
6
24
0
138
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Port
Gloucester...
New York....
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Norfolk
Mobile
New Orleans .
Jacksonville..
San Francisco
Wilmington ..
Seattle
Puerto Rico..
Houston
Pinev Point ..
Totals
1
68
2
13
13
12
30
18
19
5
17
5
31
0
234
1
14
0
2
2
5
8
12
8
5
11
3
16
0
87
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Port
Gloucester...
New York....
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Norfolk
Mobile
New Orleans .
Jacksonville..
San Francisco
Wilmington ..
Seattle
Puerto Rico ..
Houston
Pinev FPoint ..
Totals.
0
28
0
7
9
10
19
14
18
0
9
2
19
0
135
1
18
0
1
2
0
1
7
14
1
5
2
4
0
56
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
5
Port
Gloucester...
New York....
Philadelphia..
Baltimore....
Norfolk
Mobile
New Orleans .
Jacksonville..
San Francisco
Wilmington ..
Seattle
Puerto Rico..
Houston
Rnw Point ..
Tolns
1
19
1
7
7
1
12
7
20
2
11
4
13
0
106
5
81
6
15
23
8
15
20
56
15
28
8
42
10
332
0
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
18
1
1
0
1
0
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
•6
0
3
1
90
ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0
0
1
0
34
6
0
0
0
0
5
1
0
10
4
0
0
4
0
28
4
0
23
4
0
15
1
0
2
4
0
12
15
0
12
2
0
4
11
0
0
1
0
162
41
STEWARD DEPARTMENT
0
0
0
0
17
31
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
3
5
0
0
1
0
29
7
0
19
7
0
29
17
0
1
2
16
0
13
0
1
2
0
17
2
6
0
0
101
0
134
ENTRY DEPARTMENT
0
58
0
4
15
3
71
35
16
10
28
3
30
0
273
1
21
0
6
11
0
5
13
4
1
15
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
3
8
174
2
29
23
47
108
62
95
42
59
11
109
0
769
12
62
3
13
22
17
28
47
32
32
23
10
62
0
383
0
2
0
0
0
1
3
2
3
1
1
0
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
5
3
151
2
34
22
39
86
39
60
31
43
10
85
0
605
5
29
0
4
8
9
27
26
27
15
16
5
42
0
213
2
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
4
2
3
0
0
0
15
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
2
0
2
0
0
0
7
0
69
0
12
17
28
54
22
36
10
22
15
52
0
337
3
45
0
2
4
1
12
16
73
11
10
3
9
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
7
1
3
0
0
0
15
2
45
1
18
6
7
29
10
40
8
13
9
28
0
214
16
249
7
36
50
36
75
66
214
71
58
39
113
0
1,030
0
20
0
0
0
3
8
4
82
6
8
0
5
0
136
1,925
1,795
179
0
Totals All Departmeots
755
813
33
500
232
1
"Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month.
""Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month.
IS
Shipping in the month of October was the same as the month of September. A totai of 907 Jobs were
shipped in October on SlU-contraeted deep sea vesseis. Of the 907 Jobs shipped, 569 jobs or about 62
percent were taken by "A" seniority members. The rest were fiiied by "B" and "C" seniority peopie. There
were 15 trip reiief Jobs shipped. Since the trip reiief program began on Aprii 1,1982, a total of 420 relief
Jobs have been shipped.
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, Md. 20746
(301)899-0675
ALGONAC, Mich.
520 St. Clair River Dr. 48001
(313) 794-4988
BALTIMORE, Md.
1216 E. Baltimore St. 21202
(301) 327-4900
CLEVELAND, Ohio
1290 Old River Rd. 44113
(216) 621-5450
COLUMBUS, Ohio
2800 South High St.,
P.O. Box 0770, 43207
(614) 497-2446
DULUTH, Minn.
705 Medical Arts Building 55802
(218) 722-4110
GLOUCESTER, Mass.
11 Rogers St. 01930
(617) 283-1167
HONOLULU, Hawaii
707 Alakea St. 96813
(808) 537-5714
HOUSTON, Tex.
1221 Pierce St. 77002
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE, Ra.
3315 Liberty St. 32206
(904) 353-0987
JERSEY CITY, N.J.
99 Montgomery St. 07302
(201)435-9424
MOBILE, Ala.
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 36605
(205) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS, La.
630 Jackson Ave. 70130
(504) 529-7546
toll Free: 1-800-325-2532
NEW YORK, N.Y.
675 4 Ave., Brooklyn 11232
(212) 499-6600
NORFOLK, Va.
115 3 St. 23510
(804) 622-1892
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.
2604 S. 4 St. 19148
(215) 336-3818
PiNEY POINT, Md.
St. Mary's County 20674
(301)994-0010
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.
350 Fremont St. 94105
(415) 543-5855
SANTURCE, P.R.
1057 Fernandez Juncos St.
Stop 16 00907
(809) 725-6960
SEATTLE, Wash.
2505 1 Ave. 98121
(206) 623-4334
ST. LOUIS, Mo.
4581 Gravois Ave. 63116
(314) 752-6500
WILMINGTON, Calif.
408 Avalon Blvd. 90744
(213) 549-4000
Support SPAD
34 / LOG / November 1983
. '• -
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pFlKa
Deep Sea
Samuel "Sam"
Joseph Ander
son, 72, passed
away from heart
failure at the
Longacres Race
track, Renton,
Wash, on Aug.
14. Brother An
derson joined the SIU in 1947
in the port of New York sailing
as a chief electrician for SeaLand from 1974 to 1978 and on
the SS Del Oro (Delta Line)
from 1979 to 1980. He was a
veteran of the U.S. Army before
World War II. Seafarer Ander
son was born in Jacksonville
and was a resident of Seattle.
Cremation took place in the
Bleitz Crematory in Seattle.
Surviving are his widow. Delores; two brothers, John of
Jacksonville and Ernest of Se
attle, and a sister-in-law. Norma
Stickland of Bronson, Fla.
Mario Eduardo Bnischini, 62,
died in Buenos Aires, Argentina
on Sept. 26,1982. Brother Bnis
chini joined the SIU in the port
of New Orleans in 1963 sailing
as a cook for the Delta Line and
as a chief steward on the ST
Cove Trader (Cove Shipping).
He also sailed inland in 1957
and for the Steuart Oil Trans
portation Co. in 1975. In 1968
he was graduated from the An
drew Furuseth Training School
in New Orleans and in 1969 he
was assistant manager of Brennans's Restaurant in that city.
He was dining room manager of
the Hotel Plaza, Buenos Aires
from 1957 to 1959; assistant ban
quet manager of the Alvear Pal
ace Hotel, Buenos Aires from
1959 to 1963, and manager of
the Esquire Bar and Restaurant,
Buenos Aires from 1963 to 1%7.
For eight months in 1974 at
Michigan State University Ho
tel School, East Lansing, he
studied Food and Beverage
Management, Service, Con
trols, Quantity Production,
Communications and Front Of
fice Procedures. Burial was in
Chacarita Cemetery, Buenos
Aires. Surviving is a brother,
Herminio of Santa Fe, Rosario,
Argentina.
SIU
it's
Your
Union
Pensioner Ed
Delaney, 57, died
on
Oct.
6.
Brother Delaney
joined the SIU in
the port of New
Orleans, He was
bom in Port Ar
thur, Texas and
was a resident of Bush, La.
Cremation took place in the
St. John Crematory in New
Orleans. Surviving are his
widow, Susan and two daugh
ters, Kathryn of Bush and Mar
sha.
Otis Daniel Eddings Jr., 29,
succumbed to leukemia in the
East Orange (N.J.) General
Hospital on Aug. 16. Brother
Eddings joined the SIU follow
ing his graduation from the
SHLSS, Piney Point, Md. Entry
Trainee Program in 1972. He
sailed as a QMED on the ST
Golden Monarch (Apex Ma
rine). Seafarer Eddings was bom
in Glen Ridge, N.J. and was a
resident of Bloomfield, N.J. In
terment was in Glendale Cgmetery in Bloomfield. Surviving
are his parents, Otis Sr. and
Azzilee Eddings of Bloomfield.
Pensioner
Alfred "Al" Jo
seph Gardner, 65,
died on Oct. 1.
Brother Gardner
joined the SIU in
1943 in the port
of Mobile sailing
as a chief cook.
He hit the bricks in the 1965
Chicago ta?ci beef. Seafarer
Gardner also attended the 1972
Piney Point Educational Con
ference and the 1975 Union
Crews Conference there. Bom
in Watertown, Mass., he was a
resident of East Milton, Mass.
Surviving is a brother, Thomas
of Needham, Mass.
Thomas Lee Gary, 27, was
reported missing off the SS Wal
ter Rice (Reynolds Metals) on
Oct. 1,1982 in Nederland, Texas.
Brother Gary joined the SIU
after his graduation from the
SHLSS Trainee Program, Piney
Point, Md. in 1973. He sailed as
a QMED previously on the ST
Overseas New York (Maritime
Overseas). Seafarer Gary was
bom in Charlotte, N.C. and was
a resident there. Surviving are
his parents, Hubert L. and Mary
Gary of Charlotte.
Henry Harold Gilder Sr., 57,
died in the Baptist Medical Cen
ter, Jacksonville on Aug. 9.
Brother Gilder joined the SIU
in the port of Jacksonville in
1970. He sailed in the steward
department. Seafarer Gilder was
a veteran of the U.S. Navy in
World War 11. Born in Alamo,
Ga., he was a resident of Atlan
tic Beach, Fla. Burial was in the
Beaches Gardens Cemetery,
Atlantic Beach. Surviving are
his widow, Guillerma; two sons,
Henry Jr. and Walter; a daugh
ter, Margaret E. Fawley of Hallandale, Fla., and a sister, Elnora Bryant of Jacksonville.
George Elliott
King, 64, died of
lung failure in
the Providence
^edical Center
in Seattle on
Sept. 28. Brother
King joined the
SIU in 1943 in
the port of Norfolk sailing as a
recertified bosun. He graduated
from the Union's Recertified
Bosuns Program in April 1976.
Seafarer King was bom in Mem
phis, Tenn., and was a resident
of Portland, Ore. Cremation took
place in the Butterworth Cre
matory, Seattle. Surviving is a
daughter. Carmen M. Eichler of
Portland.
Pensioner
Austin Nathaniel
Kitchings,
79,
passed
away
from a heart
attack in the
Nassau General
Hospital, Fernandina Beach,
Fla. on Sept. 25. Brother Kitch
ings joined the SIU in the port
of Savannah, Ga. in 1957. He
was bom in South Carolina
and was a resident of Fernandina Beach. Burial was in the
Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach. Surviving are
his widow. Sue; a daughter. Sue
Badwa of Femandina Beach,
and a sister Elouise K. Burton
of Jacksonville.
Pensioner
Perry McSwain
Klauber,
75,
passed away in
Greenwood, S.C.
on Sept. 23.
Brother Klauber
joined the SIU in
1940 in the port
of Baltimore sailing as a FOWT.
He also sailed during the Viet
nam War and walked the picket
line in the 1961 Greater N.Y.
Harbor strike. Seafarer Klauber
was born in St. George, S.C.
Surviving is a brother, Louis of
Atlanta, Ga.
John Eric McManus, 24, died
of lung failure on the SS Walter
Rice (Reynolds Metals) in
Vlaardingen, The Netherlands
on Aug. 20. Brother McManus
joined the SIU after graduating
from Piney Point in 1979. He
sailed as an AB. Seafarer
McManus was born in Ports
mouth, Va. and was a resident
there. Surviving are his parents,
Kenneth and Peggy McManus
of Portsmouth.
Gary Mitchell
Moore, 24, suc
cumbed to leu
kemia in the
Shands Teaching
Hospital, Florida
on July 5. Brother
Moore joined the
SIU sailing as an
oiler. He was bom in Houston
and was a resident of Gainsville,
Fla. Interment was in the Forest
Meadows Park Cemetery in
Gainsville. Surviving are his
widow, Nola; a son, Timothy,
a daughter, Janie, and his par
ents, Harold and Anna Moore.
iv.
ia.y/ ' y.
Pensioner Ignacio Pires, 77,
passed away on
Sept. 19. Brother
Pires joined the
SIU in the port
of New York. He
was bom in New
York City and
was a resident of Brooklyn. Sur
viving are a son, Bemard and a
daughter, Jane Sullivan of
Brooklyn.
Pensioner Edward James
Pools, 69, passed away on Oct.
23. Brother Ponis joined the SIU
in the port of Baltimore in 1959
sailing as a bosun. He was bom
in Boston, Mass. and was a
resident of Baltimore. Surviving
are his widow, Vema and two
daughters, Deborah of Balti
more and Mrs. Terry Binder also
of Baltimore.
James Emit Prater, 51 died of
a stroke in the Touro Infirmary,
New Orleans on Aug. 25. Brother
Prater joined the SIU in the port
of New Orleans in 1%2. Sur
viving are his widow, Judith and
a daughter, Jeanette.
November 1983/LOG/35
- ,7
�'
'^'
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wm
Digest of Ships Meetings
S;
^i:
V-
iS- 'r
•' "•«.
rl
. .,
ur'
^•H'
m'm-
BUTTON GWINNETT (Water
man Steamship Corp.), October 2—
Chairman R.D. Smith Jr.; Secretary
Peter Gebbia Jr.; Deck Delegate Louis
Hackey. Some disputed OT was re
ported in the deck department. This
arose out of a misunderstanding be
tween the mate and the men who
offerred to work the cargo in order to
have time off in Bombay or Colombo.
They did not realize that in order for
one-half the gang to go ashore, the
other half would have to work overtime
in each port. A brief emergency situ
ation arose aboard ship when the en
gine room caught fire. Through it all,
the steward department was able to
keep food on the tables. And for this,
they were given a hearty vote of thanks
for a job well done. The steward department, in turn, thanked the officers
for helping keep the ship safe through
out the shipboard hazard. Heading
back to New York for payoff.
EDWARD RUTLEDGE (Water
man Steamship Corp.), October 1—
Chairman A.T. Ruiz; Secretary P.L
Hunt; Educational Director J.C. Blatchford. Some disputed OT was reported
in the engine department. It will be
taken up with the patrolman. The bo
sun told all hands that the crew repair
list was given to all department heads
and that most repairs were made.
Those items that still need fixing will
be done in port. He thanked all mem
bers for helping make this a good trip.
The secretary expressed the same
feelings, noting that everyone did a
good job and got along very well. It
was suggested that when called out
to work the crane, all hands should be
called on. And when working 12 hours
or more, there should be reliefs, with
at least two hours of sleep time. Crewmembers were also advised to lock up
all movies and books whiie in port.
The steward department was given a
vote of thanks from the bosun for the
good food and for keeping the ship in
tip-top shape. Heading out to New York
and Newport News, Va.
LNG GEMINI (Energy Transpor
tation Corp.), October 2—Chairman
R.D. Schwarz; Secretary Guy De Baere;
Educational Director J. Ponti; Treas
urer James Gregory; Deck Delegate
-jt',
f-
r
r,,-
36 / LOG / November 1983
J. Batorski; Engine Delegate J. Valle;
Steward Delegate David Pappas. Some
beefs were reported in the engine
department, but everything is running
fairly smoothly. There is $395 in the
ship's fund. The chairman reported
that Mr. Lamneck and a MEBA union
official met the ship in Osaka, Japan.
All members had a chance to talk with
the men, which was useful. There was
also some discussion about the next
contract coming up in June. All hands
welcomed aboard the new (their old)
steward, Guy De Baere, and gave a
vote of thanks to the steward depart
ment for a job well done this past
voyage. Crewmembers were also asked
to try and keep the lounge areas neat
and clean. One minute of silence was
observed in memory of our departed
brothers and sisters.
INGER (Reynolds Metals Co.),
September 11—Chairman Stanley
Jandora; Secretary Milton J. Phelps;
Educational Director J. Dixon; Deck
Delegate Faustino Pedraza; Engine
Delegate William Marino; Steward Del
egate Juan Melendez. No beefs or
disputed OT was reported in any of
the three departments. There is $37
in the ship's fund. The chairman ex
tended the thanks of Capt. Dyer to the
deck department for a fine job of clean
ing out the holds prior to arrival in Long
Beach. He also reminded "B" men that
they must get off the ship after 125
days. Working together aiways gets
the job done and makes for a pleasant
voyage, said the chairman. And he
added that all repairs should be re
ported as soon as noted. The steel
door leading from the steward depart
ment head to the line storeroom area
will be fixed when the ship puts in at
Corpus Christi. Payoff is expected in
Port Newark, N.J.; then on to Corpus
Christi, Texas.
NEW YORK (Bay Tankers), Oc
tober 2—Chairman L.C. Rich; Secre
tary William C. Wroten; Educational
Director J. Walker; Deck Delegate R.E.
Wagner; Engine Delegate J. Walker;
Steward Delegate R. Williams; Treas
urer Steve Ramsey. Some disputed
OT was reported in the deck depart
ment. The bosun reported that the
voyage is progressing smoothly. The
ship is scheduled for one more trip
between Valdez and Panama before
laying up, probably in Portland, Ore.
Since the ship is scheduled fpr lay-up,
the $130 in the ship's fund will be used
to purchase movies and frozen pizza
in Long Beach, time permitting. The
bosun also read a letter from Red
Campbell, clarifying the disputed stew
ard department OT and the shipping
rule pertaining to "B" men on foreign
articles on the Alaska-to-Panama run.
It stated that "B" men on this run may
remain aboard until the articles are
terminated even if they acquire their
125 days before termination of articles.
Foreign articles are protected by mar
itime law. He thanked Brother Camp
bell for his prompt reply to the queries.
There was a request for antenna repair
service when the ship is in the yard.
A iist of rooms with non-working an
tennas should be turned in. The bosun
will check with the captain to see if the
radio operator can check the antenna
plates in each of these rooms. Next
port: Puerto Armuelles, Panama.
OGDEN CHARGER (Ogden Ma
rine), September 18—Chairman Franz
Schwarz; Secretary Simon Gutierez;
Educational Director J. Babson; Deck
Delegate T.D. Seager; Engine Dele
gate Greg Brecht; Steward Delegate
J. Rielly. No disputed OT. The chair
man advised all members to familiarize
themselves with the oil pollution control
system. He said that this couid save
jobs in the long run since ship owners
can lose their charters because of oil
pollution. A motion was made and
seconded that men standing wheel
watches under the direction of the pilot
in close waters should be allowed to
take one hour turns. It was noted that
two hours on the wheel is often quite
a strain on some of the seamen. The
steward reminded all crewmembers to
cooperate in returning soiled linen.
Repairs on the TV have to be made,
and a new washing machine is needed.
A vote of thanks was given to the
steward department for a job well done.
Next port: Baton Rouge, La.
OGDEN DYNACHEM (Ogden
Marine), October 2—Chairman H.B.
Rains; Secretary Donnie W. Collins;
Educational Director Joel Spell; Deck
Delegate J. Rodriguez; Engine Dele
gate Joseph W. Spell; Steward Dele
gate Stonewall Jackson. Everything is
going well—no beefs or disputed OT
reported. There is $130 in the ship's
fund, and the arrival pool in Bayway
should bring in another $100. The
bosun stated that payoff wiil be in
Bayway, N.J. on Oct. 10. It has been
a good trip even with nine days in San
Francisco. The secretary thanked the
deck delegate for bringing some LOGs
back from the hall. It's good, he said,
to read about what's going on behind
the scenes. The educational director
agreed that there is some good reading
in the LOG, and suggested that SPAD
be on everyone's mind at payoff. There
was a serious discussion on the merits
of a permanent jobs program versus
the old rotary system. Members talked
about the pros and cons of each, but
Donnie Collins, ship's reporter/secre
tary, summed it up best when he said,
"I have learned long ago that the Union
will do what is best for its membership.
I think that all the officials of the Union
shouid be given a vote of thanks for a
job well done in such [difficult] times."
The steward department was given a
vote of thanks for the fine food and
menus and for keeping a very clean
ship. Next port and port of payoff:
Bayway, N.J.
OGDEN LEADER (Ogden Ma
rine), October 2—Chairman W.L. Os
borne; Secretary Gerald E. Sinkes;
Educational Director A. Alexakis; Deck
Delegate Joseph W. Moore; Steward
Delegate George Quinn. Disputed port
time was reported in each of the three
departments. Sixty-eight dollars was
turned over to the secretary for the
ship's fund. Another $10 was later
added to that amount, for a balance
of $78. The chairman noted that payoff
wiil take place shortly after arrival in
Bayway, N.J. Overtime will not be
included in the pay envelopes, but will
be added to the pay for the next
voyage. Crewmembers getting off,
however, will be paid in full. The ed
ucational director advised the mem
bers to upgrade as soon as they can.
He noted that unrated jobs are getting
scarce—"Don't get caught holding the
bag." Brother Donaldson brought the
new health and welfare and p^ension
booklets aboard in Baytown, Texas,
and the ship's reporter read the com
munications report to the members. A
couple motions were made which will
be referred to the Negotiating Com
mittee. One was that job calls be made
on the hour, as before, until 1600 hrs.
Too many jobs are being lost to "B"
book members. The other was that
Seafarers be allowed to register in the
port of their choice by phone. Thou
sands of dollars are often spent just
trying to get registered, especially when
members live inland. A vote of thanks
was given to the steward department
for a job well done. A vote of thanks
was also given to the sanitary men for
keeping the passageways and rooms
cleaned. Next port: Bayway, N.J.
OVERSEAS ALASKA (Maritime
Overseas Corp.), October 2—Chair
man F. Cottongin; Secretary G. Rich
ardson; Educational Director H. Gran
ger; Engine Delegate J. J. Tate;
Treasurer C. Todora. None of the de
partments had any beefs or disputed
OT to report. There is $58 in the ship's
fund. The chairman reminded every
one to report items that need fixing to
their department head. He also cau
tioned members to take care when
using bar bells and other exercise
equipment. The chief engineer said
that a new washing machine was to
be put aboard this trip. Also, the TV
antenna will be checked. If money is
needed for its repair, it will be taken
from the ship's fund. Several items
were brought up for clarification. One
was that crewmemljers would like more
information on reducing an "A" book
Seafarer to a "B" book because of not
having 90 days per year. When brought
up for a \/bte, everyone voted to do
away with it. The other item was that
crewmembers would like more infor
mation on the welfare plan. It was
suggested that .next time a patrolman
is aboard, he should bring along some
written information so that members
will know exactly what their benefits
consist of and how best to use them.
A vote of thanks was given to the
steward department. Next port: Texas
City, Texas.
�PRIDE OF TEXAS (Titan Navi
gation), October 2—Chairman Joseph
Michael: Secretary John W. Calhoun;
Educational Director Douglas K.
McLeod. Some disputed OT was re
ported in the steward department which
will be settled at payoff. Word from the
captain has it that the ship will sail on
October 15 from Philadelphia. One
wiper left the ship unfit for duty in
Tunis. No replacement was sent to the
ship. It was suggested that movies be
exchanged this trip and that the Union
get the company to send mail to the
ship more often. It was also suggested
that the hospital supplies be checked
and that rubber-boots be furnished by
the ship. Next port: Philadelphia, Pa.
IM/V RANGER (Ocean Carriers
Inc.), September 25—Chairman Peter
Loik; Secretary Welden O. Wallace;
Deck Delegate D. Taylor; Engine Del
egate Tom Harris; Steward Delegate
Gregory Lee. No disputed OT was
reported although the engine depart
ment expressed a desire to contact
the Union on what constitutes over
time. One man from the steward de
partment missed the ship in Sweden,
so the department has been running
shorthanded. The ship is in Latvia,
USSR, and many rules need to be
followed. No one may take photos of
the dock area and no money is to be
taken out of the country. Also, a mid
night curfew is in effect. The chairman
reminded all hands to conduct them
selves in a proper manner for their
own well-being. The educational direc
tor stressed'the importance of donating
to SPAD. "In the long run," he said,
"you will come up a winner." Several
items are in need of repair, including
the tape player. Also, the fire axe has
been missing since Suez and has been
reported to the mate. A vote of thanks
was given to the steward department
for a fine job this trip. Next port is, as
yet, unknown.
SEA^LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), October 9—Chairman
L.C. Cope; Secretary John J. Doyle;
Deck Delegate John R. Nelson; Stew
ard Delegate Frederick Stack. No dis
puted OT was reported. There is $191
in the movie fund. The chairman re
ported that the patrolman was asked
about the 7.5% wage increase which
was given to the medical plan and
whether it should be deducted when
filing income tax forms. Also, articles
on ship legislation affecting the mari
time industry were copied and given
to all delegates for their crew to read.
It was suggested that as many mem
bers as are able attend the ship's
safety meetings. A discussion was held
about the permanent jobs issue. The
membership aboard the Sea-LandEx
plorer unanimously rejected the con
cept of permanent jobs, preferring in
stead the old rotary shipping system.
The video machine will be sent ashore
in Yokohama to be repaired. Next port
is Hong Kong; then back to Oakland,
Calif, for payoff in November.
SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE
(Sea-Land Sen/ice), October 2—
Chairman William Mortier; Secretary
Lee de Parlier; Educational Director
M. Humphries. No beefs were brought
up nor disputed OT reported. There is
$14.20 in the ship's fund. The ship's
chairman just returned from his vaca
tion and the chief steward is now off
on his vacation (a replacement is al
ready aboard). No communications
have been received from headquarters
as the ship moves on toward Rotter
dam. The chairman asked for sugges
tions for the next contract. One brother
in the deck department requested clar
ification on time off. Another sugges
tion made was that a member leaving
the ship overseas due to a death in
the family be able to rejoin the ship
without loss of job. There was also a
spirited discussion on some of the
minor points of shipboard living. Port
of expected payoff is Elizabeth, N.J.;
then heading down to Norfolk, Va.
SEA-LAND PACER (Sea-Land
Service), October 2h-Chairman James
Corder; Secretary D.G. Chafin; Edu
cational Director Richard Robertson;
Engine Delegate Leon Lockey; Stew
ard Delegate Biliran Sierra. No dis
puted OT. There is $10 in the ship's
fund. The bosun reported that a reply
to a letter sent to Leo Bonser has been
received with regard to the motion to
have the Welfare Plan pay all (100%)
medical expenses: dental, optical, etc.
The reply was posted, and a motion
was made and seconded to send an
other letter expressing the desire for
full rhedical coverage, this time to the
Negotiating Committee. Crewmemt>ers were also reminded of the im
portance of contributing to SPAD and
of keeping informed about Union ac
tivities by reading the LOG. The chair
man will check with the mate about
additional keys for the crew lounge.
Several members stated that while in
Port Elizabeth they could not get into
the messroom at the meal hour be
cause of all the extra people eating
there. Something needs to be done
about this problem. The crew messman gave a vote of thanks to the deck
department for keeping the lounge dean
and bringing trays in from the bridge.
Members stood for one minute of si
lence in memory of our departed broth
ers and sisters.
SENATOR (Coordinated Carib
bean Transport), October 2—Chair
man D. McCorvey; Secretary James
Gillian; Educational Director John C.
Courtney. Some disputed OT was re
ported in the engine and deck depart
ments. Everything is running smoothly,
according to the chairman. Payoff is
expected to take place in Miqmi. One
QMED will be getting off at that time,
so one replacement is needed. A mo
tion was made by J. Courtney and
seconded by James Gillian that head
quarters consider making Jacksonville
a constitutional port and hall. A vote
of thanks was given to the steward
department for a job well done. Next
port: Miami, Fla.
Digest of Ships Meetings
STONEWALL
JACKSON
(Waterman Steamship Corp.), October
16—Chairman William Kratsas; Sec
retary Thomas Liles Jr.; Educational
Director Clarence Hemby; Deck Del
egate Ed Ayuazian; Engine Delegate
Oscar R. Bird; Steward Delegate Jose
Santiago. There were quite afew num
bers of disputed OT hours in the deck
department which will be taken up with
the patrolman at payoff. The secretary
reported that the minutes of the last
meeting (voyage 34) were mailed to
headquarters. The repair list will be
put out later, and the crew list from the
last port is ready to go. One AB got
off in Port Keland. The Union will be
notified of this by mail from Jeddah,
as there is no ship's fund on this
voyage. The electrician finally got the
washers and dryer hooked up, so that's
one less item to worry about, One
minute of silence was observed by all
hands in memory of our departed
brothers and sisters. Next port is Jed
dah, Saudi Arabia; then on through
the Suez Canal to Newport News, Va.
and New Orleans, La.
TRANSCOLUMBIA
(Hudson
Waterways), September 18—Chair
man R.W. Pinkham; Secretary P.J.
Franco; Educational Director S. Green;
Deck Delegate R.L. Williams; Engine
Delegate H.R. Latham; Steward Del
egate R.D. Shields. The chairman re
ports that the ship will sail from Sunny
Point to Wilmington, N.C., then to the
shipyard and payoff in Jacksonville,
Fla. It will then head out to Mobile for
further orders. The Transcolumbia has
just come back from a trip to the Middle
East. Reports are that it was a long,
hot and dry trip to the ports of Hodeida
and Raysut in North Yemen and the
Gulf of Oman. There was no shore
leave—just sand and billy goats. But
some of the crewmembers did manage
to hook 15-lb red snappers over the
fantail. The crew was also presented
with two plaques for their part in Op
eration Bright Star '83. One was from
General Kingston of the Rapid De
ployment Force; the other from Colonpl
Hoffrichter of the Third Army. Next port:
Jacksonville, Fla.
LNG TAURUS (Energy Transpor
tation Corp.), October 2—Chairman
Glenn D. Miller; Secretary R.F. Frazier;
Educational Director L.J. Gordon; Deck
Delegate Walter Olivera; Engine Del
egate Harry Gearhart; Steward Dele
gate George O. Taylor. No disputed
OT reported. There is presently $938
in the ship's fund. Bosun Miller re
ported that all past problems have
been cleared up aboard ship. He also
spoke of the penalties of using any
drugs on any ship. This caution has
been made repeatedly, and the com
pany will not become involved if per
sons get picked up on drug charges.
The latest LOGs were received for
each department, and the educational
director stressed that upgrading is nec
essary for both personal and Union
welfare—especially now in these slow
shipping times. While everything is
running smoothly most of the time, it
was mentioned to the entry ratings that
they should show some respect for the
older seamen, both on the job and
personally. One minute of silence was
observed in memory of our departed
brothers and sisters. Next port: Nagoya, Japan.
Official ships minutes were also re
ceived from the following vessels:
AMCO VOYAGER
BEAVER STATE
CAGUAS
LNG CAPRICORN
CHARLESTON
COVE LEADER
COVE TRADER
GEORGE WYTHE
OGDEN WABASH
OVERSEAS AUCE
OVERSEAS HARRIETTE
PATRIOT
PHILADELPHIA
POINT VAIL
SANTA CRUZ
SANTA ISABEL
SEA-LAND ADVENTURER
SEA-LAND ECONOMY
SEA-LAND ENDURANCE
SEA-LAND EXPRESS
SEA-LAND LEADER
SEA-LAND MARINER
SEA-LAND VENTURE
STAR OF TEXAS
STUYVESANT
THOMPSON PASS
WALTER RICE
Monthly
Membership Meetings
Date
Port
New York.......
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Norfolk
Jacksonville
Algonac
Detroit
Houston
New Orleans
Mobile
San Francisco
Wilmington
Seattle
Piney Point
San Juan
St. Louis
Honolulu
Duluth
Gloucester.
Jersey City
Deep Sea
Lakes, Inland
Waters
.Monday, December 5
•Tuesday, December 6
, .Wednesday, December 7
, .Thursday, December 8
, .Thursday, December 8
......Friday, December 9
Friday, December 9
Monday, December 12
Tuesday, December 13.
Wednesday, December 14
.Thursday, December 15
.Monday, December 19
.Friday, December 23
Friday, December 9
.Thursday, December 8
Friday, December 16
.Thursday, December 8
Wednesday, December 14
Tuesday, December 20
.Wednesday, December 21
^
2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
9; 30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
2; 30 p.m.
2; 30 p.m.
• 2: 30 p.m.
2: 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2 30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
,. • • 2:30 p.m.
November 1983 / LOG / 37
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Letters To The Editor
'A Xime to Get Together . ..'
Afl it IB now a reality that Beagan Is running for a second
term as president of the United States, it'is time for all maritime
unions to get together, as they shoxild have done right after
World War n, and return the merchant marine to the
D^artment of Commerce. It is also time for all maritime unions
to get together with other unions which are affected ly the
decision of this president to dose the doors of the United States
Public Health Service hospitals to merchant seamen, especisdly
to the old-thne seamen for whom these hospitsds were created
by the Congress of the United States.
Why the Congress did not step in to stop these closures is not
understood.... The unions, in a way, are to blame for t.hia by
letting the Coast Guard get the power that they have today over
the merchant seamen....
What does the Coast Guard do for the merchant seamen? It
only punishes them for any little mistake that they may make.
It does not give them the ben^ts that their own people have,
such as hospitalization It does not give the seamen the right of
pensions that their own militaiy has: It gives the merchant
seamen nothing but a bad time.
Tears ago the merchant marine was under the Department of
Commerce and was subject to punishment by the shipping
commissioner and the masters of the ships. Today it is subject
to punishment by the mlUtary. The real question is: Did any
Congress of this United States ever give the Coast Guard the
authority to control a civilian industisr? What Congress was
it?...
J
Ho, we do not w^t a man Uke Beagan for president—a man
who slams the doors on the greatest heroes that this country
has ever had
This country practically begged the seamen to
take their ships to sea into every war zone in the world. Now
thsy refuse to recognize their service to t.hia ccunttiy.
There is no military [organization] in this country that has
lost more men than the merchant marine.
;
David jr. Baxzy B^OO
Seattle, Wash.
n-
'Kelp the Snr Help Tou .. .'
K.
<;
While I was aboard the U8T Pacific in February of 1981, my
left hand was broken up pretty badly after being hit by a steel
bar while securing the anchor.
I was taken off ship and sent home. Since then, I have had
nine operations on my hand. Number 10 is coming up at the
end of October.
I would Uke to say that the SIU and the Wel£sure Flan have
stood beside me all the way. They have paid all my doctors' and
hospital bUls.
My doctors say I will never sail again. This makes me very
sad because I will not see my shipmates or ports of call again.
So I would Uke to take this time to thank the SIU and the
Welfare Flan and all my shipmates for being Just great.
Brothers, the SIU stands beside you all the way. So help the
SIU help you—give to SFAD all you can.
Donald muer K-8846
Fittdlmzgh, Pa.
«
<1 Am Very GratefU ...'
C'l
I am one of the SIU members who received a congratulatoiy
letter upon getting mj engineers Ucense.
Thank you very much for your congratulations; but these
congratulations also belong to the SIU and to the SHLSS at
Flney Foint, Md. That school gave me the necessary skills and
encouragement in order to take the Ucense.
I came to the U.S. in 1967. As a new immigrant and without
the knowledge of the English language, I could not imagine that
success.
... I am very gratefhl to my Union, to its unforgettable [past]
president, Faul Hall, and to its officers.
numk 3rovi agalm
Vielc V. Palorombla P-849
M/LOG/November 1983
"Gallant Ship—Gallant Men"
Ian A. Millar, founder of the Sons and Daughters of U.S.
Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, is writing a book
entitled "Gallant Ship—Gallant Men." It will be the saga of
the SIS Stephen Hopkins and her battle with the German raider
Stier.
Millar is trying to get in touch with anyone who helped
build the Hopkins, any of her surviving crewmembers, or any'
friends or kin of those crewmembers who did not survive.
He would like to include as many people as possible in
order to make this book a fitting memorial to those who took
part in this epic sea battle.
If you have any information which might help Mr. Millar in
completing this book, please contact him by writing to:
Ian A. Millar
1806 Bantry Trail
Kemersville, N.C. 27284
Seafarer Rose Takes
Top Coin Prize
Here is a smiling F. M. Rose after winning first place in the exhibit for
foreign coins after 1500. Thanks to Coin World for the photo.
P.M. Rose, Seafarer and coin
collector extraordinaire, won
"Best In Show" award at the
92nd anniversary convention of
the American Numismatic As
sociation in San Diego, Calif,
last August.
Rose, who last sailed on the
MiV Senator (Coordinated Car
ibbean Transport), previously
took "Best In Show" at the
Numismatics International con
vention in Dallas, Texas, the
Blue Ridge Numismatic Asso
ciation show in Birmingham,
Ala., and the Miami Interna
tional, all last year.
The name of his most recent
prize-winning exhibit was "The
Wonderful World of Chopmarks
on Chinese Dollars." He also
won the first place award in the
exhibit category for foreign coins
issued in 1500 A.D. and later.
Said ^ose, "I've been col
lecting chopmarked coins for 20
years and exhibiting them com
petitively for 12.1 guess I'm an
overnight success."
Need Medical Records from USPHS?
Here's Where to Get Them...
If you need to obtain copies of your medical records from
the USPHS, do not write to your local USPHS hospital. All
USPHS hospitals have been closed.
Send all requests for medicals records to:
U.S. Public Health Service
Health Data Center
10000 Aerospace Road
Lanham, Md. 20706
According to a PHS official, the Health Data Center is now
caught up with the backlog of requests it has received. Any
new requests should take from two to four weeks to process.
�Your Participation In Safety Programs Is Needed
SIU Stresses Safety at Sea, On the Rivers, On the Lakes^
the program was the increase in the trans
SHIP IN THE MIDDLE of the ocean portation of hazardous cargoes.
The SIU Safety Director is Bob Vahey
is a very vulnerable thing. The surges
of the sea and the^ vagaries of weather are who can be reached at the Union hall in
much more powerful than even the biggest New Orleans. Located in each of the follow
ing ports is one Safety Committee member:
of vessels.
It's only through man's brains and inge New York; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Jack
nuity that he can battle the elements and sonville; Santurce, P.R.; Piney Point, Md.;
New Orleans; Algonac; St. Louis; Wilming
survive.
With the hoses and chemicals he puts ton, Calif.; San Francisco, and Honolulu.
aboard a ship to fight a fire, with the elec There are two committee members in Hous
tronics he uses to gather information, with ton.
The program is working to promote safety
the lifeboats he uses in an emergency, and
through his own alertness, man makes his in deep-sea. Lakes and inland shipping.
The goal of the program is to minimize
position on the sea a little more secure.
That's why it's so important for equipment accidents by early detection of potentially
to be in good working order, for safety dangerous working conditions. According to
standards to be enforced, and for crewmem- Vahey, members of the Safety Committee
bers and officers to be trained, qualified and are available to sit down with Seafarers and
Boatmen when a ship or tug comes into port
to be at their sharpest at all times.
That's why it's so important to speak up to make sure that there have been periodic
if you see safety violations or any sWpboard safety meetings and that safety and accident
condition that represents a potential hazard. prevention aboard the vessels are empha
sized.
Uimecessary Losses at Sea
Safety Begins with You
In recent years tragic accidents have caused
There are many things that a patrolman
the death of too many seamen. In the fall of cannot see for himself and he must rely on
1980, the SS Poet, an SlU-contracted ship, the crewmembers for information. For in
disappeared in the Atlantic and not a trace stance, on one ship there was a complaint
of her, or her 34 crewmen was ever found.
that the lines were handled wrong in a foreign
Just this year there was the tragic sinking port. The SIU patrolman could not have
of the Marine Electric in which 31 crew- ^ known that unless the crewmembers spoke
membef^Tost their lives,, many of them Up. That problem was subsequently cor
because of exposure. They had no survival rected.
Our contracted companies are also very
suits.
^ you see a situation or condition aboard concerned about safety and SIU Safety
your ship, tug or barge that is a potential Committee members work closely with them
safety .hazard, there are a number of things to reinforce the companies' own safety pro
grams and to send a strong message that
you can do.
• On a ship, tell the bosun who can then safety is a joint labor-management concern.
For instance, in the port of Wilmington,
flag the problem as a safety hazard. The
bosun can then inform the skipper about it. SIU Representative and Safety Committee
On a tug or barge, inform the captain im member Marshall Novack participates in a
montlily meeting with Crowley Maritime
mediately.
• Discuss the matter at your weekly ship crews to discuss safety matters. Safety meet
board meeting or safety meeting on the tug. ings with Crowley have also been held in
If remedial action is not provided, bring the the port of Jacksonville, Fla. and are planned
matter to the attention of the SIU patrolman in other ports.
at the next port of payoff or to the patrolman
Promoting Survival Suits
who next services your tug or barge.
• Communicate the hazardous situation
One big area of discussion nowadays con
through regular Union correspondence, i.e.. cerning safety is exposure or survival suits.
Ship's Minutes, letters to SIU headquarters. On the Great Lakes, where hypothermia is
Very often the patrolman at the payoff or such a threat, exposure suits are carried on
the servicing visit on a tug will be a member nearly all ships. But hypothermia is also
of the SIU Safety Committee. This commit very significant in other areas as the Marine
tee was reactivated by the Union in March Electric disaster shows.
1981 because of projected Coast Guard cut
That collier went down Feb. 12 some
backs and a sinking interest in worker safety 30 miles off the Virginia coast in 40 degree
by the federal government.
waters. After the incident, Capt. Joseph S.
Blackett, chief of search and rescue for the
To Promote Acddent Preventkm
Fifth Coast Guard District in Portsmouth,
The committee was set up as part of a Va. said that "waterproof, insulated survival
Union Safety Program to insure the right of (or exposure) suits would have saved many
SIU members to a safe working environment ... of the 31 crewmen who died. . ..."
Though it's not a requirement on deepand to emphasize accident prevention and
sea vessels yet, some of our contracted
working safely.
Another reason cited for establishment of companies have taken the initiative and put
By MARIETTA HOMAYONPOUR
A
exposure suits on their equipment. For in
stance, SONAT carries "survival suits on all
of its vessels and Moran supplies them on
its long distance^boats. As the result of a
recently signed contract with Crowley, sur
vival suits will be placed on the Philadelphia
to San Juan run.
The SIU is seeking to have a law passed
that will require that the suits be put on all
vessels including small vessels and ships
that are owned and operated by government
agencies and departments or ships chartered
by those agencies.
A Strong Legislative Program
The Union is also strongly supporting
legislation H.R. 3486 (see story page 4) that
would:
• raise the daily fines for operating with
out proper inspection;
• require that each vessel report in every
48 hours;
• require that each ship owner notify the
Coast Guard when a ship does make its
report;
• improve and install satellite communi
cations onboard ships, and
• allow the Coast Guard to investigate
incompetency and misconduct charges against
licensed personnel.
However, though the Union endorsed the
bill, there are several important areas that
the SIU feels should be covered by the
legislation. Among them are;
• reduction of the waiting period before
the Coast Guard begins a search and rescue
period;
• better training for Coast Guard person
nel involved in ship inspection;
• the overburdening and underfunding of
the Coast Guard;
• the poorly devised manning standards;
and
• the possible switch to the private sector
for certain Coast Guard functions.
The responsibility for safety aboard ship
rests on many shoulders—the Coast Guard,
the unions, the companies, the crewmen.
All must work toward achieving the safest
possible conditions at sea.
You, as the crewmember who spends
months on the water, can add valuable
information to that fight for safety. Don't
hold back. If you know of a safety hazard,
or even if you reasonably think there might
be one, or if you have an idea for a way to
prevent accidents or injuries, speak out!
Finally, if a job is clearly uns^e and there
is a significant hazard involved, you have
the right to refuse.
However, the issue of safety must not be
used as a smokescreen to avoid work. There
must be the threat of a significant safety
hazard present before the work is refused.
If you have any suggestions or problems
concerning safety aboard SIU ships and
boats, please write to:
Bob Vahey, SIU Safety Director
(i30 Jackson Ave.
New Orleans, La. 70130
November 1983/LOG/3B
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"Our Men Are All Together"
Memorial Installed
for Lost Grew
of the S.S. Poet
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The tragedy has brought fam
By LYNNETTE MARSHALL
T^RIZZLING RAIN cast ilies together. In the Save Our
l^Philadelphia's Old Swedes Seaman Committee (SOS)
Church of Gloria Dei in a som founded by the families, there
ber shroud Oct. 23. The um is a drive to make sense of what
brellas of solitary mourners filed appeared a "senseless" trag
edy, by legislating for changes
through the iron gateway and
down brick pathways to the main in safety laws. (Less than two
chapel. It was the third anni weeks later, a SlU-backed,
versary memorial service on the stringent new Maritime Safety
loss of the'SIU-contracted 5.5. biU was passed by the House
Poet and the dedication of a Merchant Marine and Fisheries
plaque in memory of the 34 lives Committee. See story page 4.)
For three years, Mrs. Lislotte
lost at sea.
As they still waited to learn Zukier Fredette, the committee
what became of the ship that leader and founder, searched for
set sail Oct. 24, 1980 in clear a home for a memorial to her
skies from the port of Philadel son Hans Peter Zukier and the
phia with a cargo of com bound Poet crew. She and her husband
for Egypt, fathers and mothers, designed the memorial in the
wives, sons, daughters and SIU form of an open Bible. Not long
friends watched the solemn ago. Reverend Robert Peoples,
changing of the guard by the Chaplin of the Seamans Church
U.S.S. Forrestal color guard and Institute of Philadelphia who also
listened to music from the Chap officiated at the dedication serv
lain Dale Fife and Dmm Corps. ices, arranged for a place for
Sermons from the Book of the plaque in the Old Swedes
Common Prayer were read by church on the historic city s
Minister David Rivers and of waterfront.
A few families have not given
fered as a message: "That they
should not be despondent; that up hope, and await their loved
loved ones, though they are gone, ones return. But the plaque
brings comfort. Families see the
they were once here."
A moments' silence; then one memorial and again realize, Our
son of a Poet father unveiled men are all together."
the bronze plaque inscribed with
the names, ages and home towus
of the ship's crewmembers, in
cluding 24 SIU brothers. A
daughter lit an eternal candle,
and a steady slow line emptied
'My main concern in a large
from church pews to view the
confrontation is the availability
48 inch by 30 inch plaque at the
of merchant ships, rather than
altar. It said, "Pray for us."
Many wept openly. Mothers the availability of combat ships.
We have allpwed our merchant
held standing children fast,
pointing out a father's name. A marine to be degraded to a dan
trio singing chanty songs was gerous point."
too overcome to sing the song
Admiral Thomas Moorer (Ret.)
they had written to the crew for
Chairman of the
this occasion. An elderly naan
Joint Chiefs of Staff
broke down and was steadied
during the Vietnam War
by strangers.
Quote
Of the
Month
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Cra..nrine Mvofs Wife of SIU AB MOSBI Myers who was aboard the
s S Poets fateful last trip, looks away from her husband's name as
Hfliiahter Terase views the bronze memorial tribute to her father and
(•
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40 / LOG / November
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Seafarers Log Issues 1980-1989
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes XLII-LI of the Seafarers Log
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
November 1983
Description
An account of the resource
SEEK LAW ENFORCEMENT, NOT SPECIAL TREATMENT
BOGGS-TRIBLE, ALASKAN OIL BILLS ARE STILL PENDING
CUNARD BILL KILLED; WE'LL WAIT AND SEE
SIU'S NEW SANTA ROSA
ITF BACKS SIU MINIMUM SAFE MANNING LEVELS
CONGRESSMAN BIAGGI EARNS PRAISE FOR MARITIME SERVICE
BOGGS-TRIBLE, ALASKAN OIL BANS
ACBL & DIXIE: TAKE NOTICE
SEEK LAW ENFORCEMENT, NOT SPECIAL TREATMENT
NEW MARITIME SAFETY BILL MAKING HEADWAY
SIU PLANS CONFERENCE IN PINEY POINT TO SET PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEEP-SEA CONTRACT
KIRKLAND GETS PAUL HALL MEMORIAL FOR DEDICATION TO US MARITIME INDUSTRY
THOMAS BRADLEY DEAD AT 55
MFOW CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY IN SAN FRANCISCO
SIU'S SANTA ROSA CREWED TOP TO BOTTOM
NEW FACILITIES ENHANCE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
STEER YOUR WAY TO A BETTER FUTURE
A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA CAN OPEN A LOT OF DOORS FOR YOU
THE SHLSS REFRIGERATION COURSE
ABOARD THE IDA AND JOSEPH
OGDEN WABASH
SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE COMES HOME TO PORT ELIZABETH ... AND HAPPY SHORETIME
CREW ABOARD SS INGER HONORS RETIRING "TRIO"
MEMORIAL INSTALLED FOR LOST CREW OF THE SS POET
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VOL 45, NO. 11
1983
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
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SEAFARERS LOG
MARCH 2024
VOLUME 86, NO. 3
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
ARC Honor Joins SIU Fleet
Seafarers are sailing aboard the newly reflagged ARC Honor, which has enrolled in the U.S.
Maritime Security Program. Operated by TOTE for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, the vessel formerly was named the Tulane. Pictured from left to right in the group photo are (standing) Oiler Shagaryah Adams, OS Ningning Li, Steward/Baker Clark Williams, AMO members
Gage Reamy, Dean Lynch, Zach Krissoff and Jim Delgado, Oiler Kwesi Andohkow, and Bosun
Kenneth Loria Zuniga. In the front row, also from left: Chief Cook Rudy Oliva, Oiler Reinaldo
Fostanes, AMO members Ryan Ferschke and John Gall, SA Diana Perez, AMO members Chad
McDuffie and Eric Fresh, and AB Martin Josephson. Page 4. (Ship photo by David Potter)
SIU President Testifies on Red Sea Shipping
SIU President David Heindel is pictured at a recent House hearing on security issues
pertaining to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He testified on behalf of several maritime labor organizations and was joined by three other panelists. Heindel
emphasized the ongoing importance of protecting mariners, and he reiterated the
unwavering commitment of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Page 3.
BLS ISSUES UNION MEMBERSHIP REPORT • PAGE 2 // SIU ACTIVE AT INDUSTRY EVENT • PAGE 20
�President’s Report
Bipartisan Backing in D.C.
N
ewer members of the SIU may not know that
our headquarters operations weren’t always
based in Maryland. For a little longer than
half of the organization’s existence, the SIU was
headquartered in New York, starting with our
founding in 1938.
We relocated to the Washington, D.C. area in
1982, and it wasn’t because of relatively cheap real
estate. The move had everything to do with putting
ourselves in the best possible position to
advocate both for the union and for the U.S.
Merchant Marine as a whole.
Whether you’re an old salt, a new member or
somewhere in between in your maritime career,
David Heindel
you undoubtedly know that our industry is heavily
regulated. To the point where you’d probably have a hard time naming a
federal agency that doesn’t have at least a secondary maritime connection.
Other industries face a similar landscape, and that’s why so many unions
and trade associations and other advocacy groups have offices in and around
the nation’s capital. State and local politics are vital in their own rights, but
a lot of our biggest-picture work happens at the federal level. When you
read and hear about the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo
preference, the Tanker Security Program, the Export-Import Bank and other
initiatives that promote a strong American-flag fleet, those usually depend on
backing from Congress and the administration.
With all of that in mind, I welcomed the recent opportunity to testify in
Congress about the ongoing safety concerns involving commercial shipping
in the Red Sea and nearby areas. Throughout the course of that hearing in
late January, it was obvious that there is strong bipartisan support for our
industry – the kind of well-informed backing that we’ll need in order to fully
revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Similarly, a week after that hearing, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin),
who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,
wrote to the commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command and to
the head of the U.S. Maritime Administration to promote detailed dialogue –
and action – related to our nation’s sealift capabilities. I believe that this kind
of engagement can only benefit American maritime.
Without grassroots political action, our industry would disappear. That’s
why I appreciate your support of SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action
fund. It’s why we’re returning to Capitol Hill next month for the annual
Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a day-long event that promotes mariners,
U.S.-flag operators, and pro-maritime laws and programs. And it’s why we’re
coming up on 42 years in our current home base in Camp Springs. For better or
worse, politics is the name of the game. That’s how we promote our industry
and protect your jobs, and we’ll never stop. But Washington isn’t allencompassing, and grassroots means all of us – we can’t succeed on this front
without you spreading the word back home.
Union, Yes!
The latest report on union membership from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics reinforces what we in the labor movement have long known. Union
members typically enjoy higher wages and better benefits than their
unrepresented counterparts in the workforce.
Other reports and studies over the years have concluded that union
members generally are more productive than non-union workers, and that
union shops have less turnover. This makes sense, because when workers
know they’ve got a true voice on the job, and when they have the security of
a union contract, they are bound to be invested in their day-to-day tasks and
responsibilities. I think people outside the labor movement also overlook the
reciprocal, three-way accountability that comes with union membership. This
involves the employer, the union, and the rank-and-file members. Our success
is interdependent.
I was pleased to read about an overall increase in union membership this
past year and I’m optimistic about our movement’s opportunities to capitalize
on the pro-worker, pro-union sentiments across the country.
Congrats and Best Wishes
Last but not least, I extend a warm welcome to Willie Barrere in his new
role as National President of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO). The SIU is already working well with Willie, who was elected by
his union’s executive board to complete the term of Paul Doell. We are very
familiar with Willie and are confident that he’ll be a steady hand at the wheel.
As you may know, Paul recently retired after nearly a decade as president.
Like so many of us from his era, Paul devoted his entire working life to
maritime labor – he began his AMO career in 1972. He did a great job and we
wish him all the best in retirement.
Union Membership Grows, Though Obstacles Impact Density
Newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) found an overall increase in union
membership across the country in 2023 along with a
very slight drop in member density.
Published on Jan. 23, the annual report also concluded that union members, on average, earn more
money than workers who do not have union representation – upwards of $9,000 per year.
The report shows that overall union membership
grew by 139,000 in 2023. Union membership in the
private sector increased by 191,000 members, with a
majority of new members under the age of 45.
According to the BLS, “The union membership rate
– the percent of wage and salary workers who were
members of unions – was 10.0 percent in 2023, little
changed from the previous year.”
Responding to the report, the AFL-CIO (to which the
SIU is affiliated) pointed out that although more than
70% of Americans polled in a recent survey approve
of unions and 59% support unionization in their own
workplaces, American workers face obstacles from
Seafarers LOG
Volume 86 Number 3
March 2024
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone
(301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes
Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
The SIU engaged an
environmentally
friendly printer for
the production of this
newspaper.
2 • SEAFARERS LOG
several angles that prevent density numbers from
increasing along with approval rates.
Union-busting is just one of many challenges workers face as they organize their workplaces, according
to both the federation and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The latter organization noted, “At its core,
the decline (in union density) reflects an intentional
political effort to suppress workers’ wage growth and
shift income to profits and executive salaries by stripping away the most important leverage that workers
have – the right to bargain collectively.”
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su addressed the
legislative challenges that must be dealt with in order
to facilitate unionization for interested employees in
both sectors. She stated, “We know there is a tremendous amount of work still to be done. Unions have
been under attack for decades, with union-busting
laws being passed in states across the country. But
multiple states in recent years have rolled back some
of these so-called ‘right-to-work' laws, recognizing
the damage they can do to worker organizing. We also
know that current federal law allows union-busting
to stifle workers exercising their rights, which is why
the Biden-Harris administration continues to support
passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Although union
density remained flat in 2023, that doesn’t reflect the
surging momentum that working people have carried into this year. Waves of workers across industries
and geography are joining unions despite vicious
union-busting campaigns by large corporations. Polling data shows that 71% of Americans support unions,
the highest level in nearly 60 years, with 88% of young
people showing support for unions. And as the BLS
numbers show, the union difference in wages remains
strong, driving increased interest among workers to
have a voice on the job.
“Every worker who wants to join a union should be
able to without facing intimidation and harassment
from their employer,” Shuler continued. “Corporations
spend more than $400 million per year on union-busting consultants to stop worker organizing, and
corporate leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos –
themselves hoarding billions of dollars – have made it
their mission in life to stop their own employees from
having a voice at the workplace.”
Shuler concluded, “The labor movement is more
focused and committed than ever on ensuring that
every worker who wants a union has a fair shot at
joining one. Organizing is happening at a rate not seen
in generations, and new federal investments by the
Biden administration in emerging sectors of the economy creates more opportunity for workers to attain
good union jobs.”
Among the data from the BLS report:
• The union membership rate of public-sector
workers (32.5 percent) continued to be more than five
times higher than the rate of private-sector workers
(6.0 percent).
• The highest unionization rates were among workers in education, training, and library occupations
(32.7 percent) and protective service occupations (31.9
percent).
• Men continued to have a higher union membership rate (10.5 percent) than women (9.5 percent).
• Black workers remained more likely to be union
members than White, Asian, or Hispanic workers.
• Non-union workers had median weekly earnings
that were 86 percent of earnings for workers who were
union members ($1,090 versus $1,263).
• Among states, Hawaii and New York had the highest union membership rates (24.1 percent and 20.6
percent, respectively), while South Carolina and North
Carolina had the lowest (2.3 percent and 2.7 percent,
respectively).
MARCH 2024
�House Hearing Examines Red Sea Threat
Testifying at a U.S. House of Representatives
hearing on the volatility of Red Sea shipping,
SIU President David Heindel underscored
the U.S. Merchant Marine’s commitment to
delivering the goods while also calling for
continued safeguards that protect all mariners
transiting the area.
Heindel spoke on behalf of several
maritime labor organizations Jan. 30 in the
House Transportation and Infrastructure
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation. Three others joined him on
the panel: Mediterranean Shipping Company
Executive Vice President of Maritime Policy
and Government Affairs Bud Darr; I.R.
Consilium CEO Dr. Ian Ralby; and National
Retail Federation Vice President of Supply
Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold.
Heindel testified for the SIU and also the
American Maritime Officers; International
Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots;
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association;
Marit ime Trades Depar t ment; a nd
Transportation Trades Department.
“The United States Merchant Marine is
proud of our record over the last quarter of
a millennium,” Heindel stated in his formal
testimony. “We have operated side-by-side with
the United States military in virtually every
conflict in the history of the United States.
We provide the materiel and supplies to the
warfighter and they, in turn, have protected
our vessels and crews as we sail into harm’s
way. While the current situation involves the
Houthi rebels in Yemen, we may well face in
the future more sophisticated adversaries.
The experience we are gaining now has
demonstrated to the U.S. citizen mariners who
are in harm’s way that U.S. naval and other
military personnel stand with them and will
continue to do so.”
He added, “Working together again has
strengthened the bond between the U.S.
Merchant Marine and the military, and we
hope our success will deter our adversaries
from taking unwise action against American
shipping. The efforts taken so far to protect
our vessels in the region have demonstrated
the United States is committed to protecting its
shipping and keeping the sea lanes open, and
we hope this will incentivize other carriers to
put their vessels under the U.S.-flag and use
American citizen mariners, as has happened
in past conflicts. Our members aboard ship
and our organizations ashore are committed
to working with Congress, the Administration,
U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California)
MARCH 2024
and the Armed Forces to continue doing what
has been our traditional mission – to deliver
the goods, in peace and in war, as we have since
1775.”
Moreover, he emphasized that the U.S.-flag
industry’s “biggest need right now is secure
communications, whether this is in the form
of specialized equipment, naval liaisons
embedded on board our ships, or additional
American civilian mariners with proper
clearances and certificates on board having
direct communications between our ships and
combat ships in the area.”
“Congress must find new and
innovative ways to bolster the U.S.
Merchant Marine.” – U.S. Rep. Salud
Carbajal (D-California)
Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Webster
(R-Florida) set the stage for the hearing in
his opening statement, which included the
following: “The Red Sea is critical as a shipping
corridor for global maritime commerce
connecting Europe and Asia and Suez Canal,
representing nearly 20 percent of container
traffic and a significant portion of oil and
liquefied natural gas shipments.
Since October, Houthis, an Iranian backed
separatist group based in Yemen, have sought
to disrupt global commerce by significantly
increasing attacks against military and civilian
vessels transiting the Red Sea. To date, dozens
of vessels have been targeted either through
hijacking, attempted hijacking, or missile or
drone strikes, putting ships and their crews at
risk.”
R an king Member Salud Carbajal
(D-California) opened with a tribute to U.S.
mariners. He said that the current risks at
sea are, in some ways, “business as usual for
American mariners. Through every emergency
conflict and war, the United States Merchant
Marine has shown up,” Carbajal stated. “They
bravely sailed during World War II when ships
were being sunk daily by torpedoes, (with)
many lives lost. They delivered military
supplies to our troops during the Gulf War,
when foreign mariners and foreign companies
refused. They routinely sail hospital ships to
disaster-stricken regions. Currently, American
mariners are showing their bravery and
dedication by sailing through the Red Sea to
deliver military cargo and humanitarian aid
SIU President David Heindel testifies in the House.
to the region. Congress must find new and
innovative ways to bolster the U.S. Merchant
Marine.”
Darr was the first panelist to speak. He
described the challenge in the Red Sea as “an
unprecedented series of attacks by non-state
actors upon commercial shipping. There have
certainly been attacks in the past, either by
states that were well-organized, and there
have been attacks by non-state actors such
as Somali piracy some time ago, which seems
unfortunately to be reemerging now. But as
non-state actors go, the level of sophistication
of the targeting, the weaponry, and the boldness
is absolutely unprecedented, and they have in
fact taken control of a vital sea lane which is
essential not only for U.S. economic interest,
but for trade to flow more broadly throughout
the world.”
Ralby, who later answered numerous
inquiries during the hearing’s questionand-answer segment, explained some of the
complexities in the region.
“Even if the Israel-Gaza situation ended
today with a complete resolution that was
mutually agreeable to all parties involved, the
Houthis would continue to attack shipping,”
he said. “One-hundred percent of the ballistic
missile capabilities of the Houthis could be
taken out, and the Houthis would still attack
shipping…. Since the 19th of November, the
Houthis have seized on a convenient narrative
that played into something that they wanted.
They have opportunistically taken advantage
of the Palestinian situation and made it a cause
that aligned with their own interests, albeit
hypocritically so. If we look at that hypocrisy,
the Houthis have, over the last 10 years, killed
more Muslim Arabs than Israel has in 75 years
of its existence. The Houthis do not care about
the Palestinian cause, except insofar as it
furthers them.”
Gold noted, “While the volume of U.S. trade
through the Suez Canal is small, the disruption
impacts are being felt far and wide. The biggest
challenges for retailers are the additional
volatility, cost uncertainty, and overall risk to
the supply chain. Retailers are being forced to
readjust their supply chains to ensure product
delivery.”
The hearing lasted approximately two
hours and included questions from a dozen
or so lawmakers. Full video and PDF copies of
the formal testimony are available on the SIU
website and on the subcommittee site.
U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Florida)
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 3
3
�SIU Welcomes New Jobs as ARC Honor Flags In
S
IU members are sailing aboard the newest addition to the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier
(ARC) fleet: the ARC Honor.
Operated by Seafarers-contracted TOTE, the ARC
Honor – formerly the M/V Tulane – was reflagged to
American registry and renamed on Feb. 2 in the port
of Incheon, Korea, with U.S. Coast Guard personnel on
hand. It is the ninth roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel in
ARC’s American-flag fleet, and is enrolled in the U.S.
Maritime Security Program (MSP).
Bosun Kenneth Loria Zuniga, speaking as the ARC
Honor prepared to depart on its first voyage from
South Korea to the United States, said, “Everything is
going well. We have a good crew and everyone seems
happy. The ship is in good condition. Like any other
vessel, there is work to do, but it’s good.”
The bosun described the re-flagging event as
“very low-key,” and he also complimented the professionalism of the ship’s captain and officers, who are
represented by the Seafarers-affiliated AMO.
In a news release, ARC said the new addition “will
be among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry
tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other
high and heavy project cargoes. The vessel is 754 feet
long with a 21-foot-high main deck and a stern ramp
rated for cargo weighing up to 320 MT.”
The ship was built in 2012 in South Korea.
SIU President David Heindel stated, “The leadership team at ARC once again is demonstrating its
commitment to our industry, to our mariners, and to
our nation by bringing this vessel under the Stars and
Stripes. The SIU has been with ARC from the beginning, and we’re excited about providing the crew for
the ARC Honor.”
Pictured next to the ship are (from left) OS Lacorie Ray, AB Alexis
Dowdell, and AB Carl Piercy.
The newest addition to the Maritime Security Program fleet is pictured (above and below) in South Korea shortly after being renamed
and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes.
AMO National President Willie Barrere said, “The
Maritime Security Program and the participating U.S.
mariners and ships are crucial elements of our U.S.
sealift strategy, our national defense, and commerce.
AMO proudly joins our industry partners in welcoming the ARC Honor to our U.S.-flag fleet.”
ARC President and CEO Eric Ebeling noted, “This
tremendously capable and flexible U.S.-flag ship is
crewed by American merchant mariners and now
operates in ARC’s global network supporting America’s national defense and economic security through
trade.”
“Congratulations to American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier on bringing a new vessel into the U.S-flag fleet!”
said U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “As
a new addition to the Maritime Security Program,
this ship and her crew of U.S. credentialed mariners
will support our nation’s economic security and provide sealift capacity for our Armed Forces operating
around the world.”
The first SIU members to sail aboard the ARC Honor
included Bosun Loria Zuniga, ABs Alexis Dowdell,
Martin Josephson and Carl Piercy, OSs Ningning Li
and Lacorie Ray, Oilers Shagaryah Adams, Kwesi
Andohkow and Reinaldo Fostanes, Steward/Baker
Clark Williams, Chief Cook Rudy Oliva, and SA Diana
Perez.
Created in 1996 via the enactment of the Maritime
Security Act, the MSP fortified the military’s sealift
capability in times of war or emergency by providing
the Department of Defense access to dozens of U.S.flag, U.S.-crewed commercial vessels (currently there
are 60 ships in the MSP fleet). As repeatedly pointed
out by program supporters, the capability provided
by the MSP comes at a significantly lower cost to
taxpayers than creating a permanent fleet of reserve
government vessels to match it. The MSP also does
not jeopardize the country’s readiness by depending
on foreign-flag vessels, foreign crews and foreign shipping companies.
Moreover, as a testament to the program’s tremendous value, it has enjoyed military support as well as
exceptional bipartisan backing since its inception.
Tentative Agreement Reached with Bay-Houston
In September 2023, Seabulk Towing sold its U.S. harbor towing operations and assets, and Bay-Houston Towing acquired the eight tugs in service in Texas and Louisiana as part of the sale. In late January,
Bay-Houston signed an agreement with the SIU to resume operation of those tugs under a newly negotiated contract. According to SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, “This contract represents
a smooth transition in the sale of Seabulk to Bay-Houston, and includes significant pay increases and continuation of the excellent benefits and work rules contained in the old Seabulk Contract.” In the
photo above, left, from left to right: Vice President of Bay-Houston Steve Huttman, SIU AVP Michael Russo, Owner of Bay-Houston Philip Kuebler, SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Chief Engineer
and Engine Delegate Richard Johnson and Captain Josh Rodriguez, who served as the Wheelhouse Delegate. The remaining photo shows members completing paperwork aboard a vessel.
4 • SEAFARERS LOG
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
4
MARCH
2024
�Freedom Star Facilitates Practical Training
Hands-on training has always been a staple of
numerous courses at the SIU-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland, dating to its founding in
1967.
For nearly the past eight years, one of the most
visible tools that’s utilized for practical instruction
at the school is the Freedom Star, a training ship
based at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education (PHC). Built in Florida in 1981,
the ship underwent a major refurbishment and
conversion in 2012 upon being transferred from
NASA to the U.S. Maritime Administration. Four
years later, the agency assigned it to the PHC, where
it routinely is used for both entry-level instruction
(as part of the apprentice program) and in upgrading
courses.
“Having a live platform to train on makes our
already-stellar program second to none,” a PHC
spokesperson stated.
The Freedom Star is 176 feet long and 37 feet wide.
According to its Operation and Familiarization
Manual, the molded-steel ship can accommodate
a crew of 50 for 12-hour day voyages and a crew of
36 for three-day overnight deployments. The ship
is powered by two main diesel engines “providing
a total of 2,900 horsepower turning two seven-foot
propellers with controllable pitch. Maneuverability
is enhanced with a water jet stern thruster and bow
thruster of conventional propeller/tunnel design.
The ship’s cruising speed is 12 knots, with a range of
6,900 nautical miles….”
PHC instructors conduct segments of many
classes – across all three shipboard departments –
on the Freedom Star. Those courses include (among
others) Able Seafarer-Deck, Advanced Firefighting,
Junior Engineer, Marine Reefer Tech, Chief Steward,
Galley Operations, and more, plus apprentice
training.
More information about PHC courses is available
online at www.seafarers.org
MARCH 2024
With one exception (the ship photo above), all of the snapshots on this page were taken during a December training mission that originated in Piney
Point, Maryland – home of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The vessel photo is slightly older but shows the
Freedom Star in its customary dockside spot.
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
5
LOG • 5
�Rental car discounts just for you
Looking for an affordable rental car? With Union
Plus Car Rental Discounts, your next trip just got a
lot cheaper. Get exclusive deals from 6 car rental
companies and save up to 25%.
Get Extra Savings and Perks
from Loyalty Programs
Save on your next trip
See more at
unionplus.org
SIU-CR-2-12-24
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from January 13 - February 14, 2024.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of February 15, 2024.
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
C
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Port
Total Registered
All Groups
A
B
C
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
31
2
2
15
2
7
5
30
17
24
1
3
24
8
3
1
7
16
1
17
10
0
3
9
1
4
4
19
33
6
1
2
14
3
3
0
5
6
1
9
3
1
1
2
1
3
0
9
5
4
0
3
8
0
0
1
1
2
0
2
6
0
1
18
2
4
3
23
25
19
1
4
18
8
1
1
9
8
0
20
0
1
3
14
1
3
2
18
23
5
2
2
12
2
1
0
3
1
2
4
0
1
0
1
2
1
0
3
3
2
0
3
2
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
2
0
1
11
2
1
2
11
12
9
0
2
9
3
1
0
1
5
1
10
34
2
6
22
1
13
10
47
32
27
2
10
24
8
3
1
10
28
1
44
12
1
2
13
0
5
5
28
44
14
0
5
17
2
3
0
5
7
0
12
3
2
0
4
1
4
0
10
9
8
1
1
10
0
0
0
4
5
0
3
TOTAL
216
133
46
171
99
21
83
325
175
65
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
5
1
1
11
1
2
6
7
16
12
1
3
11
6
0
0
4
9
1
10
107
1
0
1
3
2
0
3
13
20
4
0
0
6
0
1
2
0
7
0
2
65
1
0
2
2
1
0
2
3
3
0
1
0
5
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
25
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
9
8
3
1
2
4
2
2
0
1
3
0
3
42
5
0
2
14
2
3
11
9
24
14
2
5
21
10
1
0
4
13
2
12
154
1
0
2
4
1
2
5
17
22
3
1
0
8
3
1
1
1
8
0
5
85
1
0
0
2
1
0
3
2
5
0
0
2
11
0
0
0
1
2
1
4
35
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
6
0
2
6
4
5
6
10
9
8
1
2
12
14
1
2
4
7
1
15
115
0
2
1
2
2
1
1
4
17
3
0
2
17
1
1
3
9
2
0
5
73
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
3
4
0
1
0
3
2
0
2
0
2
1
2
23
3
0
1
6
0
3
4
11
21
3
0
1
12
4
2
1
5
3
0
14
94
1
1
0
3
0
2
1
5
7
2
0
0
6
1
0
2
4
1
0
6
42
6
0
1
12
4
4
6
24
26
15
1
3
22
22
1
3
5
13
2
39
209
0
3
1
5
2
3
3
4
22
2
0
5
15
5
1
3
10
4
0
8
96
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
7
6
1
1
1
5
2
0
0
0
3
0
2
31
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
3
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
3
6
3
2
6
0
4
3
18
34
14
1
0
10
3
1
6
1
5
0
13
17
1
3
16
1
2
3
28
46
10
3
3
20
4
1
8
0
10
2
15
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
4
1
2
5
0
1
3
16
22
10
1
0
8
1
0
3
0
6
0
7
4
2
3
10
1
1
2
6
22
6
0
0
19
3
0
7
0
2
1
8
0
1
0
2
0
1
0
4
3
2
0
0
3
1
0
7
0
0
0
4
2
0
0
1
0
2
1
4
2
4
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
3
0
3
11
3
0
7
0
4
5
26
56
20
0
0
18
12
1
4
3
11
0
12
23
0
4
17
1
3
6
42
120
26
2
5
33
12
1
5
1
15
1
16
TOTAL
14
130
193
8
90
97
28
25
193
333
GRAND TOTAL
452
401
287
365
294
148
195
713
549
464
Trip
Reliefs
Deck Department
Engine Department
1
1
2
8
0
0
3
10
17
8
0
4
11
3
0
1
4
12
0
7
92
0
0
1
4
1
0
1
9
12
1
1
2
7
1
1
1
1
5
0
0
48
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
3
4
1
1
0
4
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
19
Steward Department
March & April
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Monday: March 4, April 8
Friday: March 8, April 12
Thursday: March 7, April 11
Thursday: March 21, April 25
Honolulu
Friday: March 15, April 19
Houston
Monday: March 11, April 15
Jacksonville
Thursday: March 7, April 11
Joliet
Thursday: March 14, April 18
Mobile
New Orleans
Jersey City
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Port Everglades
San Juan
Wednesday: March 13, April 17
Tuesday: March 12, April 16
Tuesday: March 5, April 9
Friday: March 8, April 12
Thursday: March 14, April 18
Wednesday: March 6, April 10
Thursday: March 14, April 18
Thursday: March 7, April 11
St. Louis
Friday: March 15, April 19
Tacoma
Friday: March 22, April 26
Wilmington
Monday: March 18, April 22
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
MARCH 2024
0
0
0
3
1
1
1
7
8
4
0
1
14
3
0
2
4
2
0
6
57
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
2
1
1
0
0
11
Entry Department
SEAFARERS LOG •
OCTOBER 2023
7
SEAFARERS
LOG • 7
�Former Seafarer Cooks Up Sauce, Success
H
ouston-based “Chef Machete” has
famous clients and award-winning
restaurants – but to the SIU, he’s
known as Chief Cook Trinidad Gonzalez, who
sailed from 2013-2019, primarily on tugs in the
Gulf of Mexico.
“The Seafarers International Union made
me the man I am today,” said Gonzalez. ”All
the organizational skills and the experience
of managing a crew – in fact, I organize and
structure my kitchens to this day like I
learned from sailing.”
Like many mariners, Gonzalez comes from
a seafaring family. “Both of my brothers, my
father and my grandfather were all mariners,”
he said. “That’s what we were raised for, you
know. After I moved out, I went to Cali, did
my own thing, and then in 2013 I decided it
was time to see the world. I was waiting and
waiting for jobs out on the West Coast, but
then I moved to Houston and got a job on a tug
right away. It was all [good] from there!”
He was preceded in the SIU by his father,
pensioner Angel Gonzalez, who also sailed as
a harbor pilot for many years after finishing
his career with the union, and by his older
brothers: AB William Mallow, who sailed with
the SIU until 2003, and AB Juan Gonzalez,
who is currently a tugboat captain with SIUcontracted G&H Towing.
Throughout his sailing career, Trinidad
knew his true passion was cooking. “I always
wanted to be a cook,” he stated. “Growing
up, my thoughts always kept going back to
eventually being a chef. I was sailing for
Crowley, and on the weekends, I would sell
tacos out of my taco truck, and that’s how it
started. It really started to take off, and I knew
I had a good thing going at that point.”
Now the owner of three Gordo Niños
locations in the Houston area, Chef Machete
serves up Tex-Mex alongside his secret sauce,
a purple-in-color dipping sauce with a taste
similar to a savory ranch that he calls “Lean
Sauce.”
He said, “I actually started working on
the sauce when I was still sailing; on the
weekends I’d make a new batch, and take
it back to my guys Monday morning. Ten
months later, I finally perfected my sauce.
After that, I knew I had to come ashore and
start up a restaurant.”
He added, “My main clientele now is local
Houston rappers, athletes, and politicians.
Everybody’s got to eat, and they like what I
make, so it’s easy like that. I’ve served 50 Cent,
E-40, George Strait.… They keep coming back,
too.”
SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, who works out
of the Houston hiring hall and is a longtime
friend of Gonzalez, said, “It is an amazing
feeling to see our SIU brother become so
successful. His purple sauce is the most
creatively delicious thing I have ever tried.”
Through it all, Gonzalez remembers his time
sailing fondly, saying, “I would recommend
everyone join the Seafarers. I have friends that
I talked into it, and some of them are captains
and pilots by now. All the skills I learned, I
have put to good use making my culinary
dreams come true.”
Grilled Mahi Tacos, covered in the signature sauce.
Chef Machete tops all his offerings with his signature purple sauce.
Rapper 50 Cent (left) poses for a photo with Chef Trinidad Gonzalez.
The Seafarers LOG office sampled the signature sauce, and found the
ranch-like sauce to be both delicious and hard to describe.
Internet celebrities Druski (right) and Johnny Shipes (left) stopped by to
sample Chef Gonzalez's (center) sauce.
Country legend George Strait (left) poses for a photo with Chef Gonzalez (right).
8 SEAFARERS
LOG
OCTOBER 2023
8
• SEAFARERS LOG •
MARCH 2024
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez (far left)
pitches in during a career fair in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, where he helped
spread the word about the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education. This event focused on members of the Army Reserve and
the National Guard.
WELCOME ASHORE IN LAUDERDALE –
Recertified Steward Abraham Martinez (left), pictured at
the hall with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, began sailing with
the SIU in 1989. He’s shown picking up his first pension
check.
CAREER PROGRESS – The SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, have a long history of facilitating
career progress for members – from entry-level to licensed positions. Embodying that standard is hawsepiper Third
Assistant Engineer Lisa Harewood-Francis (second from right), pictured at the February membership meeting in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, with (from right) SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, and FOWT Jeremie
Francis, Lisa’s husband. Lisa joined the SIU 24 years ago, earned her license six years ago, and currently sails as a
member of the Seafarers-affiliated AMO.
CLASSMATES CATCH UP ‒ Reminiscing at the hall
in Mobile, Alabama, are retired Recertified Bosun Ray Waiters
(left) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. They went through the AB
course together in Piney Point in 1977.
ABOARD EL COQUI – Pausing for a snapshot on the Intrepid ship are
(from left) Electrician Edwin Velez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, and Bosun Juan
Negron. The vessel sails in the Jones Act trade between Jacksonville and Puerto
Rico, which is vital for the island and for the U.S. Merchant Marine.
ABOARD ARC INTEGRITY – Jacksonville Safety Director Adam Bucalo submitted these photos from a weekend servicing of the TOTE ship. Spirits are high aboard the vessel, in part because of a new contract
featuring unprecedented wage gains, he reported. Those pictured include AB Ryan Henderson (at the gangway) and (from left in the group photo) Bosun Kyren Ancrum, Paul Hall Center Apprentice Antoine Kozel, AB
Anthony Green, Chief Cook Tomas Bernardez-Martinez, and Steward/Baker Kristina Jones.
9 SEAFARERS
MARCH
2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
9
LOG • 9
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Taking the oath at the January membership meeting are (from right to left) STOS Christopher Stevens,
STOS Michael Jones, GUDE DeContee Saypoh, OS Cedric Armstrong, SA Toinette Williams, OMU Denard Williams, and Chief Cook Maurice Henry. Williams
and Henry received their respective A-seniority books, while the other Seafarers attained B-seniority. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left.
SENATE CANDIDATE BACKS MARITIME –
SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) chats with U.S.
Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) at the Texas AFL-CIO
COPE Convention in Austin in late January. Allred,
a strong supporter of the Jones Act, is running for
U.S. Senate.
ABOARD MATSONIA ‒ Pictured from left on the Matson ship are (above, right) Safety Director Gordon Godel and Recertified Steward Nee Tran, along
with (remaining photo) Chief Cook Jeffrey Phillips and ACU Nasser Hasson.
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – GUDE
Nestor Montano receives his first pension check at
the hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1998. SIU
Port Agent Warren Asp is at right.
ABOARD PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT – Meeting aboard the
APL vessel on the West Coast are (from left) Chief Cook Bernardo
Celi, Safety Director Gordon Godel, Chief Cook Perry Asuncion, ACU
Nathalie Norie and Steward/Baker Brian Kluth.
OJT FOR APPRENTICES – Pictured aboard the TOTE-operated
car carrier Patriot in Baltimore are (from left) Paul Hall Center
Apprentice Brenda Gonzalez Potash, SIU Port Agent John Hoskins,
and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Marshall Whitcraft.
10 •SEAFARERS
10
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
MILESTONE IN GARDEN STATE – Brother
Debbie Garcia (left) receives his A-seniority book.
He sails as an AB and is pictured at the Jersey City
hall with SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
10
MARCH
2024
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
REINFORCING MARITIME SUPPORT – During the recent Virginia AFL-CIO Legislative Conference in Richmond, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey
and Patrolman Josh Rawls met with the governor and state delegates to shore up backing for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights.
Pictured from left in photo above, left are Torrey, Delegate Phil Hernandez, and Rawls. From left in the other photo are Delegate Jeion Ward, Rawls
and Torrey.
REGISTERED AND READY – Seafarer Raul
“Tito” Morales (left) is ready to ship out as a bosun.
He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo.
WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON
‒ Capt. Wes Bertrand (left) picks up his first
PROMOTING SIU CAREERS ‒ Pictured at a career
fair in San Antonio for military veterans are (from left)
Safety Director Kevin Sykes and Patrolman Kelly Krick.
pension check at the hiring hall. He’s pictured
with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo; the two Seafarers
sailed together on the Sea Reliance (Intrepid).
Bertrand started sailing with the union in 1986.
ARTISTIC TOUCH ‒ NY Waterway Shop Steward George Schumpp (left) and
Senior Deckhand Modesto Penton decorate their ferry to brighten the mood for
passengers. Thanks to SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson for the photo.
AT NORFOLK HALL – In photo above, right, identical twin sisters Kimberly Vargas (left) and Kim Smith are excited to soon sail aboard
the same vessel for the first time. And they’ll be in the same department, too – Kimberly is a chief cook, Kim a chief steward. In photo above,
left, Chief Cook Garry Brandon displays his newly obtained A-seniority book, while GUDE Jaquan Jones (remaining photo) receives his full
B-book at the January membership meeting.
MARCH 2024
ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Meeting aboard the
TOTE ship in Puerto Rico are (from left) Recertified Bosun Victor
Nunez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera and Electrician Randy Slue.
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
11
LOG • 11
�SIU Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Question: What are some things you like about the school?
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
Yunlay Bridges
Chief Cook
Yahia Yahia
AB
I’ve been away from it for a
while, but I appreciate the
opportunity to come back
and feel like I never left. It’s
state-of-the-art. The things
that they have done over the
last 10 years – it just really
blew my mind to see how
much things have changed
and yet it’s still the same in
some ways.
The school offers a great
education, free lodging and
food. It provides everything I
need to continue my career.
I’ve been here twice.
Michael Kanga
Bosun
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
It’s great. Come to Piney
Point and get everything you
need. I love the school. Think
about it: You have a free
school, free meals, free hotel.
If you want to eventually be
a captain, if you want to be
a chief engineer, come down
and get an education. This is
the place to start.
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
Rondell Richardson
Chief Steward
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
The school teaches you
responsibility. It teaches you
how to be out on your own,
especially as a young man
or young woman coming up.
It’s different from the outside
world – when you come here,
it’s more peaceful and there’s
more togetherness.
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
Ricky Sencida
Chief Steward
It’s definitely very educational.
I feel lucky to be here; this
is my fourth time (taking
classes). I’m thankful they
have a school like this.
Tony Pragosa
Chief Steward
It’s a pretty decent campus
and there are a lot of things to
do around here. The
instructors are phenomenal –
they’re great to work with.
Mildrid Seck
OS
The training is really interesting. Basically, you learn
everything here, including
how to live on your own and
how to communicate with
others and work in groups.
Pic from the Past
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Seafarers gather for a union meeting in 1974 aboard the Seatrain Carolina.
12 •SEAFARERS
12
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
MARCH 2024
�Welcome Ashore!
DEEP SEA
RIGOBERTO BEATA
Brother Rigoberto Beata, 69,
signed on with the union in 2002
when he sailed on the Allegiance.
He shipped in the engine department and upgraded often at the
Paul Hall Center. Brother Beata
most recently sailed aboard the
Stena Polaris. He resides in Los
Angeles.
CARMELO DELA CRUZ
Brother Carmelo Dela Cruz, 66,
started his career with the Seafarers International Union in
1990 when he sailed aboard the
Independence. He upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Dela Cruz
last worked on the Maunawili and lives in Las Vegas.
ROMULO GUTIERREZ
Brother Romulo Gutierrez, 62,
joined the SIU in 1997. He first
shipped on the USNS Capella and
sailed in the deck department.
Brother Gutierrez upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He last sailed on the
Overseas Texas City and makes his
home in Houston.
ABRAHAM MARTINEZ ROCHEZ
Brother Abraham Martinez
Rochez, 67, joined the union in
1989, initially sailing aboard the
Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. Brother Martinez
Rochez most recently sailed on
the Magnolia State. He lives in Lauderdale Lakes,
Florida.
We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.
GAVINO OCTAVIANO
JOSEPH WILLIAMS
Brother Gavino Octaviano, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Rover. Brother
Octaviano was a member of the
deck department and also worked
on shore gangs. He upgraded often
at the Paul Hall Center and was
last employed with American Service Technology Inc. Brother Octaviano lives in Daly
City, California.
Brother Joseph Williams, 57,
started his career with the union
in 1992, initially sailing aboard
the Westward Venture. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on several occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Williams
most recently shipped on the
USNS Curtiss. He lives in Kenner, Louisiana.
RICKY PETTAWAY
Brother Ricky Pettaway, 61, became a member of the
union in 1991. He shipped in the engine department
and first sailed on the Sealift Indian Ocean. Brother
Pettaway upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the USNS
Capella and settled in Mobile, Alabama.
TIMOTHY PILLSWORTH
Brother Timothy Pillsworth, 69,
donned the SIU colors in 1978,
sailing first aboard the Inger. He
sailed in both the deck and engine
departments and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother Pillsworth most
recently worked at Watco. He is a
resident of Kingston, New York.
MARIO RAMIREZ
Brother Mario Ramirez, 65, joined
the union in 2008. A steward
department member, he initially
shipped on the Atlantic. Brother
Ramirez upgraded his skills at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. He concluded his career
aboard the Seakay Sky and lives in
Houston.
PETER SCHUETZ
GREAT LAKES
JEFFERY DAVIS
Brother Jeffery Davis, 71, became
an SIU member in 1977. He first
shipped on the Columbia and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Davis sailed in both the deck and
engine departments. He concluded his career with Great Lakes
Towing and settled in Trenton, Michigan.
RESAT DILER
Brother Resat Diler, 64, signed on
with the SIU in 2003. He initially
shipped aboard the Presque Isle
and was a deck department member. Brother Diler upgraded at
the Piney Point school multiple
occasions. He most recently sailed
on the Burns Harbor and resides in
Largo, Florida.
INLAND
JOHN BILICH
Brother Peter Schuetz, 57, became a
member of the union in 1989 when
he sailed on the Independence.
Brother Schuetz worked in the
steward department and upgraded
often at the Paul Hall Center. He
most recently shipped on the Manulani and resides in Honolulu.
Brother John Bilich, 64, joined the
Seafarers International Union in
1979. A deck department member,
he was first employed by Crescent
Towing and Salvage. Brother
Bilich upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions. He
last sailed on the Rocketship and
makes his home in Foutain Inn, South Carolina.
DARYL SPICER
JAMES HOFFMAN
Brother Daryl Spicer, 66, signed on
with the SIU in 1993. He first sailed
aboard the Independence and
worked in all three departments.
Brother Spicer upgraded often at
the Piney Point school. He last
sailed aboard the Overseas Cascade
and is a resident of Santa Anna,
Texas.
Brother James Hoffman, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1991. He
sailed in the deck department
and initially worked on the John
Paul Bobo. Brother Hoffman
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Piney Point school. He last
shipped on the Liberty Island and
resides in Lynn Haven, Florida.
NESTOR MONTANO
MERCURIO TALICTIC
MARTIN MERAVY
Brother Nestor Montano, 68,
started sailing with the SIU in
1998. He sailed in all three departments and first shipped on the
Gus W. Darnell. Brother Montano
upgraded often at the Piney Point
school. He concluded his career on
the Overseas Boston and resides in
Tacoma, Washington.
Brother Mercurio Talictic, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 2003 and
first sailed aboard the Calvin P.
Titus. He upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center in 2004 and sailed in the
deck department. Brother Talictic’s
final vessel was the Maersk Detroit.
He makes his home in Sugarland,
Texas.
Brother Martin Meravy, 62,
embarked on his career with
the Seafarers in 1990 when he
shipped with McAllister Towing
of Virginia. He worked in both the
deck and engine departments and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Meravy was last employed by Allied Transportation.
He lives in Chesapeake, Virginia.
RANDY MCKENZIE
Brother Randy McKenzie, 65,
joined the union in 1981 when he
sailed aboard the Leo. He worked
primarily in the engine department and upgraded often at the
Paul Hall Center. Brother McKenzie last shipped on the Calvin
P. Titus and makes his home in
Drums, Pennsylvania.
MARCH 2024
SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS
2023
13
• OCTOBER LOG
• 13
�Final Departures
DEEP SEA
FERNANDO ABUAN
Pensioner Fernando Abuan, 67,
passed away December 11. He signed
on with the Seafarers International
Union in 2007 when he sailed
aboard the Baldomero Lopez. A steward department member, Brother
Abuan last shipped on the John Paul
Bobo in 2016. He became a pensioner
in 2023 and settled in Woodland, California.
MICHAEL ALGHAFEILI
In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.
ALBERT CAULDER
SALEH SALEH
Pensioner Albert Caulder, 75,
passed away December 20. He
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1978. Brother Caulder first
shipped with Interocean American Shipping and sailed in the
deck department. His final vessel
was the Delaware Trader. Brother
Caulder became a pensioner in 2010
and made his home in Rocky Face, Georgia.
Pensioner Saleh Saleh, 88, passed
away December 10. A deck department member, he signed on with
the SIU in 1970. Brother Saleh first
worked on the John P. Reiss. He
last shipped aboard the Liberty
Belle in 1992. Brother Saleh went
on pension in 2000 and made his
home in Dearborn, Michigan.
SALVATORE CICIULLA
Pensioner Michael Alghafeili, 75,
died December 18. He started shipping with the union in 1981, initially
working on the Transcolumbia.
Brother Alghafeili worked in both
the deck and engine departments.
He concluded his career aboard the
Cape Washington before retiring in
2016. Brother Alghafeili was a Baltimore resident.
Pensioner Salvatore Ciciulla, 81,
died December 28. Sailing first with
Crowley Towing and Transportation, he donned the SIU colors in
1979. Brother Ciciulla worked in the
deck department and spent most of
his career in the deep sea division.
He last shipped on the Pride before
going on pension in 2007. Brother Ciciulla resided in
Scoglitti, Italy.
ILARIA AMAYA
JOHN GEHRING
Pensioner Ilaria Amaya, 69, passed
away January 6. She joined the SIU
in 1998 when she sailed on the Gem
State. Sister Amaya was a member
of the steward department and last
shipped on the Maersk Virginia in
2010. She became a pensioner in
2019 and made her home in Miami.
Pensioner John Gehring, 82, passed
away December 30. He signed on
with the Seafarers in 1987. A steward department member, he first
shipped on the USNS Silas Bent.
Brother Gehring last sailed on the
Calvin P. Titus. He became a retiree
in 2007 and settled in Ronan,
Montana.
JOSEPH ARCH
Pensioner Joseph Arch, 79, died
December 31. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1960. Brother
Arch first shipped on the Losmar
and was a member of the engine
department. He last sailed aboard
the Chemical Explorer, before retiring in 2002. Brother Arch resided in
Denham Springs, Louisiana.
LLOYD BETHEA
Pensioner Lloyd Bethea, 78, passed away November
15. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first shipped
on the Lykes Explorer. A member of the engine
department, Brother Bethea concluded his career
aboard the Benavidez in 2015. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Frederick,
Maryland.
FREDERICK HAYSTON
Pensioner Frederick Hayston, 65,
died December 5. He embarked on
his career with the SIU in 2002, initially sailing aboard the USNS Dahl.
Brother Hayston worked in the
deck department and concluded his
career aboard the Texas Enterprise
in 2016. He began collecting his pension in 2023 and lived in Miramar, Florida.
JAMES STETTER
Pensioner James Stetter, 80, died
November 24. He became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 2001. Brother Stetter first
sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor.
He was a deck department member
and last shipped on the St. Clair.
Brother Stetter, who also sailed in
the deep sea division, went on pension in 2015 and
lived in Calumet, Michigan.
JIMMY WHITING
Pensioner Jimmy Whiting, 75,
passed away December 9. Brother
Whiting embarked on his career
with the Seafarers in 1992, initially
sailing on the Independence. He
worked in the deck department.
Brother Whiting’s final vessel was
the Matson Tacoma. He began collecting his pension in 2013 and resided in Las Vegas.
GREAT LAKES
DWIGHT SELL
Pensioner Dwight Sell, 92, died January 5. He joined the Seafarers in
1973 and first worked on the J.A.W.
Iglehart. Brother Sell sailed in the
steward department. He became a
pensioner in 1997 after concluding
his career on the Paul H. Townsend.
Brother Sell made his home in
Alpena, Michigan.
CLARENCE LOFTON
MOHAMED SHARIFF
Pensioner Clarence Lofton, 88, passed away December 27. He joined the union in 1965 and first shipped
aboard the Del Valle. Brother Lofton worked in the
deck department. He last sailed aboard the Humacao
before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother Lofton
was a resident of Chickasaw, Alabama.
Pensioner Mohamed Shariff, 91,
passed away December 31. He
donned the SIU colors in 1964 and
initially sailed aboard the Reiss
Brothers. Brother Shariff shipped
in the steward department and last
sailed aboard the Global Sentinel.
He retired in 1996 and resided in
Dearborn, Michigan.
FRANCISCO CACERES
CARL NEAL
Pensioner Francisco Caceres, 79,
died December 16. He became a
member of the union in 1989 when
he sailed aboard the USNS Silas
Bent. Brother Caceres worked in
the deck department. He last sailed
aboard the Horizon Challenger and
retired in 2009. Brother Caceres
lived in San Antonio, Texas.
Pensioner Carl Neal, 80, died
December 12. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1964.
Brother Neal first shipped on a
Seatrain Lines vessel. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments and last sailed aboard the
Belofin Kestrel. Brother Neal retired
in 2014 and called Buffalo, Texas, home.
14 •SEAFARERS
14
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
ROBERT WILLIAMSON
Pensioner Robert Williamson, 87, died December
15. Brother Williamson signed on with the SIU in
1961. He sailed with Great Lakes Towing for almost
his entire career and became a pensioner in 1998.
Brother Williamson lived in Delavan, Wisconsin.
MARCH 2024
�INLAND
WALLACE ASHWOOD
Pensioner Wallace Ashwood, 70,
passed away December 31. He began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1986.
An engine department member,
Brother Ashwood was employed
with Moran Towing of Texas for
most of his career. He went on
pension in 2009 and called West
Columbia, Texas, home.
CARL COUSIN
Pensioner Carl Cousin, 64, died December 1. He
embarked on his career with the union in 2006 and
shipped in the deck department. Brother Cousin
worked with Westbank Riverboat Services until 2010.
He became a pensioner in 2023 and resided in Gretna,
Louisiana.
GARY DAVIS
Pensioner Gary Davis, 69, passed
away January 3. He joined the SIU
in 1977, initially sailing with Hvide
Marine. Brother Davis worked in
both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with
G&H Towing before retiring in 2020.
Brother Davis made his home in
Groves, Texas.
JOHN MACKEY
Pensioner John Mackey, 77, died
January 12. In 2008, he became a
member of the Seafarers International Union. Brother Mackey was
a deck department member and
sailed with OSG Ship Management
for his entire career. He became a
pensioner in 2016 and lived in Kingman, Arizona.
BOBBY MALONE
Pensioner Bobby Malone, 63, has passed away. He
began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he was
employed with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother
Malone worked in the deck department. He was last
employed with Martin Marietta in 1996. Brother
Malone started collecting his pension in 2022 and
called Poplarville, Mississippi, home.
JOHN NIDAY
Pensioner John Niday, 72, died
November 13. A deck department
member, he joined the union in
1973. Brother Niday was employed
with G&H Towing for most of his
SIU career. He became a pensioner
in 2017 and resided in Port Isabel,
Texas.
MARVIN PAGE
Pensioner Marvin Page, 81, passed away December
15. He donned the union colors in 1967. Brother Page
shipped in the deck department and worked with
Mariner Towing for the duration of his career. He
retired in 2013 and was a resident of Tampa, Florida.
MARCH 2024
JUAN RAMOS
JAMES HYDES
Pensioner Juan Ramos, 89, died
December 4. He became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1977, initially working
for Crowley Puerto Rico Services.
Brother Ramos was a deck department member. He retired in 1996
after concluding his career with
Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Ramos lived in Catano, Puerto Rico.
Pensioner James Hydes, 89, passed
away October 26. Brother Hydes
began sailing in 1967. He first
sailed aboard the Evergreen State
and worked in the engine department. Brother Hyde’s final vessel
was the Texaco Minnesota. He
went on pension in 1989 and made
his home in the Cayman Islands.
KENNARD JACKLEY
Pensioner Kennard Jackley, 83,
passed away November 29. He
began sailing in 1966 and first
shipped on the Point Barrow.
Brother Jackley sailed in the
engine department. He concluded
his career aboard the Genevieve
Lykes and retired in 1995. Brother
Jackley resided in Slidell, Louisiana.
RAYMOND RUSHON
Pensioner Raymond Rushon, 88,
passed away December 15. A deck
department member, he began
sailing with the SIU in 1996. Brother
Rushon was employed by Crowley for his entire career. He began
collecting his pension in 2001 and
made his home in Havertown,
Pennsylvania.
BRUCE KEENE
Pensioner Bruce Keene, 86, died December 26.
Brother Keene was last employed by Boston Fuel
Company. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived
in South Portland, Maine.
NMU
ANTONIO AFONSO
Pensioner Antonio Afonso, 91, died October 28. An
engine department member, Brother Afonso last
shipped on the Mormac Sun. He became a pensioner
in 1989 and lived in Porto, Portugal.
DONALD COLLINS
Pensioner Donald Collins, 90,
passed away October 30. Brother
Collins worked in the deck department and began sailing in 1966. He
last sailed aboard the Chesapeake
before becoming a pensioner in
1986. Brother Collins called Whistler, Alabama, home.
JOYCE MARKS
Pensioner Joyce Marks, 81, passed away November
11. Brother Marks sailed in the engine department
and last shipped on the Marine Duval. He went on
pension in 1994 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas.
LIONEL MCMASTER
Pensioner Lionel McMaster, 98, died November 28.
Brother McMaster first sailed in 1944. He shipped
in the deck department, initially aboard the Joshua
Chamberlain. Brother McMaster last sailed aboard
the Mormac Cape and began collecting his pension in
1970. He was a resident of Brooklyn, New York.
WILLIAM SANTIAGO
JAMES COWARD
Pensioner James Coward, 85, died December 8.
Brother Coward sailed as a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the American Marketer and
began collecting his pension in 1993. Brother Coward
made his home in Brooklyn, New York.
EDWARD FERNANDEZ
Pensioner Edward Fernandez, 86,
passed away November 29. Brother
Fernandez started sailing in 1969,
initially aboard the Amoco Illinois.
He worked in the deck department
and last shipped aboard the Chemical Pioneer. Brother Fernandez
became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Elmwood Park, New Jersey.
Pensioner William Santiago, 100,
passed away November 18. Brother
Santiago started sailing in 1945.
He worked in the steward department, initially aboard the Coaldale
Victory. He last shipped aboard
the Constitution. Brother Santiago
became a pensioner in 1969 and
settled in Puerto Rico.
LEONARD TCHORZ
Pensioner Leonard Tchorz, 95, died October 20.
Brother Tchorz worked in the engine department.
He retired in 1997 after concluding his career with
Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Tchorz resided in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
ANGEL TORRES
FLOYD GROVES
Pensioner Floyd Groves, 90, died November 6.
Brother Groves worked in the deck department. He
retired in 1999 after concluding his career aboard the
Iowa Trader. Brother Groves resided in the Cayman
Islands.
Pensioner Angel Torres, 81, passed
away November 15. He began sailing in 1957, initially aboard the Coal
Miner. Brother Torres sailed in the
engine department. He concluded
his career aboard the Kenai and
retired in 1986. Brother Torres was
a Houston resident.
SEAFARERS LOG •
OCTOBER 2023
15
SEAFARERS
LOG • 15
�Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of
space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then
forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
MAERSK KENSGINGTON (Maersk
Line, Limited), November 5 – Chairman Carlos Gibbons, Secretary Hussain Nagi Ali, Educational Director
Juan Rochez. Crew still waiting for
improved Wi-Fi service as well as
smart TVs in every room. Chairman
advised members to check the Seafarers LOG or the SIU website for updates about benefits as well as other
important information. Grill in galley in working condition thanks to
the engineers. Educational director
reminded crew to upgrade at the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education
to secure better jobs and better pay.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested 30 for 30 vacation, new mattresses, new towels
and new linens.
MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line,
Limited) November 26 – Chairman
Roy Madrio, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Jing
Hui Huang. Chairman thanked everyone for a job well done and reiterated the importance of shipboard
safety. Payoff scheduled for following day. Secretary asked members to place dirty laundry on their
decks before getting off ship. Educational director encouraged crew to
upgrade at the Piney Point school.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested better pillows and
blankets and for every room to have
mounted brackets for TVs. Members
would like overtime hours to be
credited towards pension pay. Next
port: Charleston, South Carolina.
GARDEN STATE (Crowley), December 23 – Chairman Carlos Arauz,
Educational Director Alexander
Capellan Almonte. Chairman reminded crew to check documents
and to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Ship house clean and
sanitary. Members are pleased with
new Starlink Wi-Fi service. Crew
thanked steward department for a
job well done.
TORM TIMOTHY (Eco Tankers
Crew Management), December 23 –
Chairman Louis Ferrigno, Secretary
Keesha Holloway. Crew reviewed
procedures for sorting and disposing of trash. Members were reminded to place appropriate items
in designated bins. Crew plans to
discuss personal and mess hall
refrigerators with captain. Night
lunch to be moved into crew mess.
Bosun made plans to figure out
why TVs are not working. Members
were thanked for keeping smoking
lounge clean. Dryer needs to be installed, but still waiting on hotwork
approval. Weight tower to be in-
stalled/secured to deck once ship is
sailing. Members discussed stores
order, slop chest and new ideas for
menu items. Chief cook needs fan.
Chairman said crew did a great job
with reflag.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), January 3 –
Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary
Albert Sison, Educational Director
Aljohn Fernandez, Deck Delegate
Nathaniel Rivera, Engine Delegate
Ali Mohamed, Steward Delegate
Nasr Almusab. Ship received new
espresso machine, new refrigerator
and new treadmill. Crew held a moment of silence for the passing of
SIU President Emeritus Mike Sacco
and send their condolences to his
family. Chairman discussed various
topics including increases in vision
care and new prescription benefit to
aid weight loss. He talked about balance billing and urged crew to take
precautions when communicating
on board to ensure safety and security of ship. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for excellent
food, especially during the holidays.
Secretary reminded everyone of the
importance of union meetings and
members having the ability to voice
their concerns. He reminded crew
to keep mess halls clean and to take
care of the appliances and equipment provided by the company. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
would like unlimited Wi-Fi and 25
for 30 vacation days. Members motioned to increase steward assistant
wage to match entry level positions
in deck and engine departments.
Crew asked that cleaning grease
trap duties for the DEU be written
in the contract as penalty time. Next
port: Cherry Point, North Carolina.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line,
Limited), January 13 – Chairman
Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar
Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Stephen
Belden, Engine Delegate Christopher Eason. Chairman announced
payoff in Newark, New Jersey, on
January 16. Secretary reviewed ship
fund balance. Educational director
recommended members upgrade at
the union-affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested
a printer for ship library as well as
new vacuums and bigger refrigerators for each room. Members discussed hazard pay and asked for
health benefit increases and for vacation pay to increase to 20 for 30.
Crew thanked steward department
for good meals during the whole
trip.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. The annual
financial committee will be elected
during the April 8 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2023 records. Members of this committee may
make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust
fund agreements. All these agreements
specify that the trustees in charge of these
funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their
alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon
approval by a majority of the trustees. All
trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union
and the employers. Members should get
to know their shipping rights. Copies of
these contracts are posted and available
in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in
the contracts between the union and the
employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for
this is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to
are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to
the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the
proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other
union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
16
16 •SEAFARERS
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under
no circumstances should any member
pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment
be made without supplying a receipt, or
if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union
halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment
and as members of the SIU. These rights
are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union
has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated
against because of race, creed, color, sex,
national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he or
she is entitled, the member should notify
union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to
further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right
of access to union records or information,
the member should immediately notify
SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
MARCH 2024
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Title of
Course
Start
Date
DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
May 6
July 8
May 24
July 26
Fast Rescue Boat
August 19
August 23
Adv. Shiphandling
August 26
September 6
Adv. Stability
September 9
September 13
Adv. Meteorology
September 16
September 20
Search and Rescue Mgmt Level
September 23
September 25
Advanced Galley Ops
June 3
August 26
November 18
June 28
September 20
December 13
Chief Steward
April 22
July 15
October 7
May 17
August 8
November 1
SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES
Basic Training Revalidation
April 5
April 22
April 26
May 6
May 10
May 31
April 5
April 22
April 26
May 6
May 10
May 31
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
June 3
June 4
Government Vessels
April 22
May 13
June 10
June 24
April 26
May 17
June 14
June 28
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC)
April 15
April 19
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
April 22
April 26
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
April 29
May 3
MSC Storekeeper Basic
August 12
August 30
MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt
September 2
September 13
MSC Ship Clip
September 16
September 27
ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Marine Electrician
April 22
May 24
Adv. Refer Containers
May 6
August 26
May 17
September 6
Machinist
April 29
May 10
Pumpman
April 22
April 26
Welding
April 8
June 3
April 26
June 21
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
ServSafe Management
Date of
Completion
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Able Seafarer - Deck
Certified Chief Cook
Latest Course Dates
April 29
June 10
July 15
August 19
September 23
November 4
May 31
July 12
August 16
September 20
October 25
December 6
April 22
June 3
July 8
August 12
September 16
April 26
June 7
July 12
August 16
September 20
UPGRADING APPLICATION
____________________________
START
DATE
__________________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________
Home Port _____________________________________________________________________
E-mail ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________
Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member
Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the
supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the
purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me.
MARCH 2024
COURSE
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________
Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original
receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org
Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise
qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities.
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 17
17
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #903 – Graduated December 29 (above, in alphabetical order): John Bowen Jr., Raekwon Brooks, Emmanuel Capulong, Tristan Chavers, Adam Ferkula, Walter Figueroa,
Jeffrey Frye, Cody Gore, Brandon Haffner, Richard Holland, Justin Hughes, Kaden Ketcham, Joshua Mair, Alexis Martinez, Noah Neal, Lakisha Perry, Daniel Rodriguez-Perez, Taylor Smith, Vensen Suguitan, Michael Sutton,
Emma Wang and Conor Westbrook.
ADVANCED GALLEY OPERATIONS – Graduated February 2: Khiry Bivins, Xavier Burgos,
Julian De Los Santos, Edward Harnish, Diane MacDonald and Michael Page.
JUNIOR ENGINEER – Graduated February 2: Loren Arriola, Alexander Boothby, Mark
Dennison, Jesse Kleinfelter, Julian Rubbo and Ryan Sotomayor. Instructor Christopher Morgan is
at the far left.
CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated February 2: Taquisha Breathwaite,
Joshua Burnett, Daniel Jackson, Jose Sadaya, Dequan Smith Jr., Francis Solmirano and Myles White.
RFPEW – Graduated February 2: D'Angelo Brown, Dayshaun Brown, Robert Crain, Javon Norris Jr.,
Nesta Pafford and Dallas Smith.
RFPNW – Graduated January 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Brown, Patrick English, Bryn Erck, Lawrence Girard III, Scott Haselbauer, Jacob Isaacs, Nathan Jackson, Jonathan Jeronimo, Jeffrey McGowin Jr.,
Daquan Moreland, Quincy Nobles, Shaan Oberdieck, Halden Pettit, David Rojas, Ernest Ross Jr., John Scofield and Tyrone Simms.
18
18 •SEAFARERS
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
MARCH 2024
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated January 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Sukhbir Bains, Joseph Bowen, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Jeffery Griffin, Peter Hotchkiss, Caliph Johnson II, Russell
Lempke, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods, Richard Wright and Damon Zschoche (Not all are pictured).
TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated January 12: Shane Beall, Joshua Bermudez,
GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated January 12: Donald Appu, Ragab Ayed, Kemonei
Breathwaite, Robert Davis Jr., Van Dixon, Ibrahim Elsayed, Ryan Gallano, Antonio GonzalezEsteves, Tyrone Hernandez, Ajit Hettiarachi, Nathaniel Hunter, Twane Joe, Ramadan Karar, Khaled
Mohamed, Jesus Ortiz-Rivera, Patricia Ricks, Maeen Saleh, Michael Sanders Jr., Mildrid Seck,
Melissa Spies and Maurice Woodhouse (Not all are pictured).
Kirk Chambers, Jeffrey Corpstein, Derick Dy, Jon Erichsen, Morgan Hepburn, Kenji Hoffman, Jason
Icasas, Ion Irimia, Mark Malicki, Adrian Schubert, Mofeed Shaibi, Alvin Watson and Abdulrazak Yahia.
TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated January 19: Joshua Bermudez, Zion
MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER – Graduated February 2: Sukhbir Bains, Joseph Bowen,
Mohammed Elazzouzi, Leonard Garretti, Jeffery Griffin, Crystal Higgs, Caliph Johnson II, Josean
Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche (Not all are pictured).
Bradford, Joseph Burke, Kirk Chambers, Jeffrey Corpstein, Van Dixon, Jon Erichsen, Marlon Gayle,
Jose Gonzalez Del Valle, Roy Graham, Octavia Grant, Rasheed Groden, Jeremy Hebda, Morgan
Hepburn, Jason Icasas, Ion Irimia, Rami Kassem, Siniya Lee, Mark Malicki, George Mardones, Mofeed
Shaibi, Alvin Watson and Lawrence Wright (Not all are pictured).
GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated February 2: Andres Brown, Ana Calma, Benjamin Cone, Frederick Dunmore, Marlon Gayle, Te'angela Grant, Mark Griffin, Morgan Hepburn, Raynard Hoover, Richard Huffman,
Jalen Jones, Timothy Jones, Manuel Lulley, Gary Nelon, Luis Pareja Sanchez, Moses Scott IV, Torri Streeks, Tanesha Terrell, Jeremy Thigpen, David Thompson, Alvin Watson and Richard Wright (Not all are pictured).
MARCH 2024
SEAFARERS LOG •
OCTOBER 2023
19
SEAFARERS
LOG • 19
�MARCH 2024
VOLUME 86, NO. 3
SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
SIU Helps Promote Maritime Careers
Industry Event Underscores Jones Act’s Value to Puerto Rico
Careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine are viable
and rewarding.
The SIU helped amplify that message Jan. 15-16
in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where an industry event
involving the multi-mission training ship Empire
State took place. SIU Assistant Vice President
Amancio Crespo and Safety Director Ricky Rivera
took part in the gatherings, which included hundreds
of local students, cadets from the Maritime College
of the State University of New York (SUNY), local
officials, shipping company executives and others.
Seafarers-contracted TOTE operates the unionbuilt Empire State when it is activated, as was
the case for the training voyage to the territory. A
company spokesperson noted, “This voyage served
as an essential training exercise for the cadets, and
its arrival presented an opportunity for prospective
students from Puerto Rico to learn about serving in
the merchant marine…. The (domestic) maritime
industry provides more than 2,000 jobs and
contributes more than $96 million in wages and $221
million in annual economic output for Puerto Rico
alone.”
Crespo stated, “We appreciated the chance to
promote our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education to the guests. This was a
massive job fair and conference, with hundreds of
high school and college students attending. It went
really well.”
Event speakers included Puerto Rico Secretary
of State Omar Marrero; TOTE Group President and
CEO Tim Nolan; TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico Vice
President and General Manager Eduardo Pagan;
Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Joel
A. Piza Batiz, and others.
Pagan noted, “We welcome to Puerto Rico the
Empire State and its crew, who are training not
only to keep our economy running but are also
training to respond to any type of emergency, both
in the continental United States and in Puerto Rico.
Additionally, we’re excited to offer Puerto Rican
students the chance to learn” about maritime careers
“through an exclusive visit in which they will tour
the vessel, delving into the details of its operation,
and learning about service in the merchant navy. We
hope this visit will be beneficial for them and their
future.”
Philly Shipyard delivered the Empire State in
September 2023. The ship is part of the Maritime
Administration’s National Security Multi-Mission
Vessel (NSMV) program, which the shipyard
described as being “designed to provide world-
class training for America’s future mariners and to
support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
missions in times of need.” Altogether, the program
encompasses five new ships, with the last one slated
for delivery in 2026.
While the two-day event in Puerto Rico largely
focused on maritime careers, some of the discussion
centered on the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage
law. Often the target of unfair and inaccurate
criticism, the Jones Act has protected America’s
national, economic and homeland security for more
than century.
The law is vital to Puerto Rico, according to a
recent study by Ernst & Young.
Responding to that examination, Transportation
Institute Chairman and President James L. Henry
stated, “Jones Act carriers are dedicated to Puerto
Rico and help local businesses make goods more
affordable and the supply chain more reliable
compared to our global competitors. While the
entire global supply chain was disrupted during the
pandemic, our Jones Act carriers proved to be 27
times more affordable and eight times more reliable
than non-Jones Act carriers.”
Pictured at the industry event in Puerto Rico are (from left) SIU Asst.
VP Amancio Crespo, TOTE Group President/CEO Tim Nolan, and Safety
Director Ricky Rivera.
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (foreground) welcomes local students.
Guests climb the gangway for a shipboard tour.
The Empire State is part of a new program led by the Maritime Administration – and it was built by union
members at Philly Shipyard.
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (standing at right) addresses cadets aboard the Empire State.
�
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SIU PRESIDENT TESTIFIES ON RED SEA SHIPPING
ARC HONOR JOINS SIU FLEET
BLS REPORT SHOWS GROWTH IN UNION MEMBERSHIP
CHEF MACHETE COOKS UP SAUCE, SUCCESS
FREEDOM STAR FACILITATES HANDS-ON TRAINING
INDUSTRY EVENT UNDERSCORES JONES ACT'S VALUE TO PUERTO RICO
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03/01/2024
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Vol. 86, No. 3
2024
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4c16558de7c5280c0672a1dd5a871714.pdf
3b5f74c82b6363dae4e97f8f2f9439f2
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Text
SEAFARERS LOG
FEBRUARY 2024
VOLUME 86, NO. 2
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
Farewell to an Icon, Leader and Friend:
Michael Sacco: Feb. 14, 1937 – Dec. 28, 2023
The union is mourning the passing of SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco – and we also are celebrating his life. The group photo was taken early last year in Florida, where Mike had announced his
retirement. From left are SIU Executive Board members Nicholas Celona, David Heindel, Karen Horton-Genette, Nick Marrone, Tom Orzechowski, Bryan Powell, Mike Sacco, George Tricker, Dean Corgey,
Joseph Soresi and Augie Tellez. Coverage begins on page 3.
Seafarers Support Troops Via ‘Santa’s Castle’
The SIU’s long tradition of spreading holiday cheer in the Pacific Northwest continued in 2023, via an annual project (Santa’s Castle) that generates donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military
families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. Pictured above are Seafarers, SIU officials, and representatives from Santa’s Castle, gathering
at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, for a celebratory luncheon – and to put the finishing touches on the donations. Page 24.
NDAA UPDATE • PAGE 7 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO• PAGE 20
�President’s Report
In Peace and War
T
he safety of SIU crews is always our absolute
top priority. With that in mind, the union is
actively participating in high-level, recurring
discussions involving our military leaders, vessel
operators, fellow maritime unions and others –
including the International Transport Workers’
Federation – who are diligently working to help
ensure the wellbeing of mariners (and ships)
transiting the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait,
and the Gulf of Aden.
The formal launch of Operation Prosperity
Guardian in late December signaled a new level
of commitment from the U.S. and our allies to
protect commercial shipping in those areas. As
David Heindel
you undoubtedly know, Houthis have attacked
multiple vessels there with drones and missiles, which led to the United States
redesignating the Yemen-based rebels as a global terrorist group.
It is, to say the least, a volatile and fluid situation. But we are staying in
touch with our crews who sail in that region, and at press time we are finalizing
agreements that compensate them for working in dangerous areas. Financial
considerations are incidental, though, compared to our members’ safety, and on
that point we are confident in the plans and actions of our military personnel,
working cooperatively with the U.S. Merchant Marine.
I appreciate our members’ dedication as well as that of our military and our
allies. Stay tuned.
Apply for Scholarships
On a much lighter note, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has
taken steps to make it easier to apply for their 2024 scholarships, available
to members and dependents. As explained elsewhere in this edition, it’s now
relatively easy to handle the vast majority of the process online, and there is
also a dedicated email address to help answer questions and move things along.
This is a great benefit and I encourage everyone to give it a look, whether for
yourself or a family member or friend.
Recruiting and Manpower
Though hardly a month goes by without my mentioning the shipboard
manpower situation, I want to assure Seafarers that the union isn’t letting up
at all when it comes to recruiting and retention. We are working with the vessel
operators – and we are making progress, resolving issues along the way.
Some of the language in the most recent Defense bill will aid in this
endeavor, as it’ll more efficiently (and consistent with international standards)
help us train new ABs. It’ll also help Seafarers accumulate enough sea time to
upgrade your ratings.
As you know, the manpower challenges aren’t unique to our industry or our
union. We take them seriously and although there’s not a quick fix, we’re getting
there.
Remembering an All-Time Great
It’s no exaggeration to say I could write a book about SIU President Emeritus
Mike Sacco, so there’s no way to fully do justice to his career in just a few
sentences, paragraphs or pages. But, having worked with Mike for decades, I
want Seafarers to know how much he cared about you and how much he loved
this union.
Mike was a fantastic negotiator, but he never compromised on the things
that mattered most to our members. He believed in you, he was proud of you,
and he truly did everything reasonably possible to look out for Seafarers,
pensioners and your families.
Mike was easy to work for in the sense that he was inspirational and he
set such a tremendous example by working as hard or harder than the rest of
us. Like pretty much any great boss, he could be challenging, too – but only
because he demanded our best. Mike believed in second chances and he didn’t
expect perfection, but he wasn’t someone who listened to excuses. If we made
a mistake, he wanted it fixed and he always kept us looking forward, devoting
every resource to the SIU’s health and the sustainability of our industry.
I am grateful to have spent so much time with him, and I hope that you’ll read
every word of his coverage in this edition of the LOG. We will all miss him, but
his energy, vision and leadership will live on through all of us in his SIU family.
New TOTE Contract Features ‘Unprecedented’ Wage Gains
Seafarers have ratified a new 18-month
agreement with TOTE Services that prominently
features large wage increases on the eight ships the
company operates for American Roll-On/Roll-Off
Carrier (ARC).
During the January membership meetings, SIU
Vice President Contracts George Tricker reported,
“This new agreement features unprecedented
increases in both wages and overtime. This
agreement makes the ARC contract one of the
highest-paying contracts in the fleet. Along with
these increases, the new contract also contains
increases to Seafarers Vacation Plan and Seafarers
Money Purchase Pension Plan-related wages and
continued health benefits at the Core Plus Level (the
top one available to Seafarers).”
The contract applies to the following ships:
ARC Integrity, ARC Independence, ARC Resolve,
ARC Commitment, ARC Defender, Patriot, Liberty,
Endurance and ARC Honor.
Tricker added, “In addition to the aforementioned
contract, the union also secured a new TOTE car
carrier fleet-wide manpower pool agreement. This
agreement will provide preference and priority
Seafarers LOG
Volume 86 Number 2
February 2024
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
amongst equal seniority to those members who
have continuously sailed in the TOTE car carrier
ARC fleet.”
The new contract covers eight vessels, including the Honor (left) and Defender.
On the Recruiting Trail
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone
(301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes
Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
The SIU engaged an
environmentally
friendly printer for
the production of this
newspaper.
2 • SEAFARERS LOG
The union in mid-January took part in a well-attended career fair in Lafayette, Louisiana, sponsored by the Louisiana Workforce
Commission (LWC). Pictured from left are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, LWC Development Advisor Luis Orlando, and SIU Asst. VP
Chris Westbrook.
FEBRUARY 2024
�SIU Mourns Passing of Michael Sacco
Seafarers International Union President Emeritus
Michael Sacco died Dec. 28 in St. Louis, surrounded by
family members. He was 86 years old and passed away
from natural causes.
Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his
retirement in February 2023 (a period spanning nearly
35 years).
Reaction to his death consisted of a massive
outpouring of respect, appreciation, and affection.
Among those offering condolences: President Biden;
Elaine Chao, a cabinet secretary in two different
U.S. presidential administrations (she attended the
funeral mass); top officials from the AFL-CIO and the
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF);
rank-and-file Seafarers and SIU pensioners; leaders
of other U.S. unions; SIU Executive Board members;
American maritime industry business executives; U.S.
military and government officials; and many, many
others.
Giving one of the eulogies at Mike’s funeral mass
(he was a devout Catholic), which took place Jan.
6 in St. Louis, SIU President David Heindel stated,
“Mike was an inspiration to so many people, and not
just people from his union. He had that same effect
on military officers, government officials, corporate
executives and many others. He was one-in-a-million,
and he had a way of making you believe you could
accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Make
no mistake, he will be remembered as one of the most
significant, influential and accomplished maritime
labor leaders in our nation’s history. I truly do not
know if the U.S. Merchant Marine would still exist if
it weren’t for Mike.”
Mike served as president of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters (AGLIW) beginning in June
1988. He also worked as president of both the Seafarers
International Union of North America (a federation of
autonomous unions that includes the SIU AGLIW) and
the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) throughout
the same period.
Moreover, in November 1991, at its 19th Biennial
Constitutional Convention, Mike was elected a vice
president of the AFL-CIO, the federation of 60 national
and international unions representing more than 14
million workers in the United States. He eventually
became the senior vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council as its longest-serving member.
A protege of the late SIU President Paul Hall, Sacco
from 1980 to 1988 directed the SIU AGLIW’s Great
Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president.
Based in St. Louis, he served as secretary-treasurer of
the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council
(an MTD-chartered organization) and as an executive
board member of the Missouri State AFL-CIO.
Mike also was vice president of the Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to
1979. The school, located on the grounds of the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in
Piney Point, Maryland, prepares men and women for
a career aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels and provides upgrading opportunities to active members.
He became associated with the SIU in 1958 and
shipped aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels until he
came ashore during the 1960s to serve the SIU in a
Mike and the late AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka (right) were friends
and colleagues for decades. This photo is from the 2017 AFL-CIO convention in St. Louis. Rich passed away in 2021.
FEBRUARY 2024
our nation’s rank-and-file working people than our
Mike.
Mike Sacco was a trusted mentor and leader to his
members, a dear friend of the AFL-CIO and an inspiration to the entire labor movement. While our hearts
break today for this loss, the legacy of Mike’s service to
the SIU and trade unionism will live on forever.
- Joint statement from AFL-CIO President Liz
Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred
Redmond
Mike, thank you for all the support. Thank you for
your vision and your compassion. You have left a massive legacy and I’m proud to call you friend and advisor.
Many unions spent hours working with Mike exploring
the history of SIU, learning from his experience, determination, vision and courage to always be in a position
of influence, whether it be lobbying the American government, in its very different shapes and sizes over his
35 years, or in ITF circles on how to use our collective
leverage to benefit seafarers across the world.
- ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton
Members at the hiring hall in Honolulu memorialize Mike.
succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mike served in the
U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958.
Although his accomplishments as an SIU official
are too numerous to list, highlights included fostering
the successful merger of the National Maritime Union
into the SIU in 2001; helping secure the implementation of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a
staple of the industry; insisting that the Paul Hall Center constantly improved; unifying the industry during
critical political battles; and individually encouraging
every Seafarer, SIU official and staff member he ever
met.
Fittingly, Fr. Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member and
Catholic priest, helped officiate Mike’s memorial service. He also gave a brief eulogy, as did Mike’s son John,
the latter on behalf of the whole family.
In addition to John, survivor’s include Mike’s wife,
Sophie; daughters Valerie Moore, Angela Baker, and
Anne Marie Fry; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and sisters Ida DiCanio and Marie Sacco.
Following are some of the condolences and remembrances received by the union and by family members.
Mike was a force for fairness and decency. While
he was a kind and compassionate man, Mike never
backed down from a fight when it came to protecting
the rights of his fellow merchant mariners and workers
everywhere. Our country is stronger and our economy
is fairer because of his leadership and devotion. I know
his legacy will endure through all the lives he touched.
- President Joe Biden
His big personality and even bigger heart were
relentless in ensuring that working people had a seat at
the table in every boardroom and that their voices were
heard in every hall of power. Nobody fought harder for
Mike Sacco’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication
to seafarers’ rights. Mike was charismatic, tough, determined, and a great and inspirational leader with a sense
of humor that always seemed to sum up the situation
perfectly. He will be greatly missed.
- ITF President Paddy Crumlin
I first met Mike Sacco in the 1980s, just after he
became our union president. I was young back then and
prone to discouragement. Mike was very patient with
me and used to repeat this mantra often – his pep talk.
He’d say the SIU is a union of the unlicensed seafarers,
most of whom came from the streets with little education or prospects of employment; the union teaches
people job skills and gives them an opportunity to better their lives and make some decent money. In the end,
I sailed on and had a wonderful career and retirement
with no regrets. Rest easy, Mike. Mahalo Nui Loa (thank
you so very much).
- Brandon Maeda, SIU Pensioner
It saddened my heart to hear this news in this holiday
season. I will never forget his kindness, fair treatment
and love that showed everyone we are a family. These
qualities are the embodiment of a true mentor. His dedication toward work and his leadership will surely be
missed.
- Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman
Mr. Michael Sacco, thank you for being there. You
will be truly missed. I will always remember you keeping a smile on your face, and I know you are saying right
now, “Don’t cry for me; smile for me.” Much love to you
and my condolences go out to the family.
- GUDE Thommie Hampton
I was sorry to hear about Mike. He was a good man,
and I will always remember him and his brother Joe
from when I went through Piney Point in 1972. Mike put
his heart into the Seafarers International Union. We
will all miss you.
- SA Thomas Curley
Continues on Page 4
Elaine Chao (center), U.S. Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and
then U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Trump, worked closely with
Mike and the union for many years. She attended his memorial service. This photo,
taken at the SIUNA convention in 2017 in Piney Point, Maryland, also includes
Mike’s wife, Sophie.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU President Michael Sacco in 2022
SEAFARERS LOG • 3
�Remembering Michael Sacco
Continued from Page 3
Mike was a colleague, friend and mentor to me for
many, many years. Mike’s life and deeds will never be
forgotten.
- Robert Scardelletti, President Emeritus, Transportation Communications Union
Our industry and our nation lost a tremendous
leader with the passing of Mike Sacco. There is no part
of the American maritime industry untouched by his
wisdom, leadership and tenacity over the past decades.
In 1995, he played an integral role in the formation of
the American Maritime Partnership, our coordinated
industry coalition that to this day continues to effectively educate Congress and the Administration about
the benefits of the American domestic maritime industry. That’s just one part of his enormous legacy. Mike
Sacco was a giant like few others, and he will be sorely
missed.
- Jennifer Carpenter, President, American Maritime Partnership
President Sacco will be remembered for his devotion
to seafarers’ rights and service to the labor movement.
He brought stability during times of great change in his
union, including a merger. His lengthy tenure of service
will continue to be an inspiration to advocates of workers’ rights.
- Department of Professional Employees President Jennifer Dorning
We lost a true friend of all mariners, a mentor to
many and a great leader in the maritime industry. Seafarers will continue to receive the results of his steadfast
leadership that generated the fiscal soundness and generous benefits of these Plans well into the future. His
impact will not be forgotten. He has been a positive force
in my life for the past 33 years.
- Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen
Mike Sacco learned from Paul Hall that the SIU is
an important part of the labor movement. That’s why
he walked – and expected Seafarers to walk – many
picket lines across the country to show solidarity
with Maritime Trades affiliates and others. He made
sure Seafarers were known and respected within the
AFL-CIO.
- Daniel Duncan, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Emeritus, MTD
I knew Mike for pretty much my whole life, starting
with my first days as a trainee. We worked together
for decades, so I observed him in lots of different circumstances – many of them challenging and stressful.
He always maintained a laser-like focus on the goal at
hand, and he came through time after time. My overriding feeling about Mike is one of gratitude. I am grateful
to have spent so much time with him. I’m grateful to
have learned so much from him, about leadership and
foresight and dedication. His legacy and his example
will continue to inspire us.
- SIU President David Heindel
Mike (third from left) was never out of place, but, other than when he was spending time with family, he arguably never felt more at home than when
he visited with Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland, where this photo was taken in 2019. Also pictured along with the upgraders is then-SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left).
I knew him since 1975, and he influenced my life right
up to the present. He was a force of nature. People who
are larger than life cast a big shadow that touches many
people, and that is Mike’s legacy. Think of the thousands
of Seafarers and their families who have a better life
because of him. Mike always tried to emphasize the positive, and he cared about everybody’s family. I learned a
lifetime’s worth of lessons from him.
- SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
Countless hours with Mike over the years were filled
with “windshield time.” That is simply the time you
spend in a car with someone and talk. Those moments
as well as a morning coffee or a drink at dinner were
always filled with a lively conversation or story. What
I grew to realize over the years is, those interactions
were how Mike taught and mentored. His sense of history, knowledge of the industry and life lessons have
become invaluable to me as I grow older and face the
challenges he spoke of so often. I will certainly miss his
insight and keen instincts. His thoughts on family life
and strong conviction for the church will always remain
at the forefront of any conversation I may have when
someone asks, “What was he like?” He dedicated every
day to improvement and had great attention to detail. I
will always appreciate the room he gave me to grow as
a person and as a union representative. I could go on for
pages about the love and admiration that I and so many
others have for him, but I think that goes without saying. So many words could be used to describe his career
and life, but for me there is only one, and that word is
ICONIC.
- SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski
In this snapshot from 2001, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and NMU
President Rene Lioeanjie show satisfaction regarding the merger of the
unions.
I was privileged to be in the room on many occasions
when Mike held court. Whether the session was about
funding for a maritime program or the best political
strategy to achieve those goals, Mike was often the
conductor, if not the architect, for the entire maritime
industry. He would command any room with his presence alone and was at ease equally with the President
of the United States or the most recent class of apprentices in Piney Point. The SIU has never been in better
shape; Mike made sure of that. Today, the membership
truly has security, the kind that that lets you sleep well
at night. Knowing that you will always have a job, great
medical benefits, and a pension are all products of
Mike’s leadership. Mr. Sacco taught us well and we look
forward to being the custodians of his legacy.
- SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker
Mike (second from right) meets with Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland. Among those also
pictured is Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (second from left).
Members aboard the Cape Wrath (Crowley) conduct a moment of silence in Mike’s honor, in early January.
4
4 •SEAFARERS
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
FEBRUARY 2024
�Remembering Michael Sacco
Mike conducts the AFL-CIO election in Philadelphia in 2022.
Members at the January meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, pause to honor Mike’s memory.
Mike is a brother, friend and lifelong companion to
me in my SIU career. I met Mike back in 1975, when I was
an 18-year-old trainee in Piney Point. I was amazed at
the way his presence captivated the audience. He had
an enormous, enthusiastic and passionate energy about
him, a devotion to our union that I wanted to be part of.
This was his passion, the betterment of the Brotherhood
of the Sea. Over all these years, he has never wavered
from that passion. Mike’s sincerity and integrity was
his calling card. You felt comfortable when you met
him, and when you talked with him, he made you feel
connected. He is a lot of everything that is goodness all
rolled up into one wonderful person. He will be missed
and I will always remember the good times and memories that we shared together. I bid my brother farewell,
on his final voyage. May the warmth of our Lord’s eternal love be your guiding light.
- SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone
Mike Sacco has been in my life for 47 years. He was
my union ed teacher in piney point 1977, and I worked
with him and his brother Joey (late SIU executive vice
president) in the Gulf region. He was an inspiration and
a driving force in my career, and a teacher in how to promote and protect the SIU and the entire United States
Merchant Marine, along with the American labor
movement. I will miss him a lot.
- SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona
I’ve been in the union since 1989 but have known
Mike my entire life. I’ll remember how he commanded
respect from everybody and yet how he could be at ease
with anyone, whether it was the President of the United
States or an ordinary seaman. Mike was a giant of a
man in the labor movement. No one has ever been more
dedicated to the SIU.
- SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi
During the 2023 MTD meeting in Florida, Mike (right) welcomes AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond to the stage.
Mike Sacco is deeply loved and respected, and for
many of us Mike was a leader, a mentor, a confidant,
and trusted advisor. He treated us like family in many
ways. Some of us really understand how completely he
dedicated himself (and nearly every fiber of his being)
to the betterment of the maritime industry, the membership, his leadership team and staff, and the labor
movement writ large. Mike’s many contributions to
the maritime industry and labor movement cannot be
overstated. He had a big personality (to say it mildly);
with a steady hand, good instincts, keen intuition, and
prudent judgement which he wielded as a positive force
for our industry, and in many people’s lives – personally
and professionally. Mike, you will be sorely missed but
your legacy will live on with us forever.
- SIU Vice President of the Southern Region, Great
Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell
The flag outside the hall in Norfolk, Virginia, flies at half-staff in Mike’s honor.
FEBRUARY 2024
Editor’s note: On behalf of the union as well as
Mike’s family, we are deeply and sincerely appreciative of the many heartfelt condolences that have
been received. We attempted to publish and post
a reasonably representative sample; no slight is
intended to any organization or individual whose
comments don’t appear here.
Mike was based in St. Louis for many years and rarely if ever missed a
mass, whether he was home or travelling. His funeral mass took place
Jan. 6 at the city’s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; this photo was
taken an hour before the service.
SEAFARERS LOG •
OCTOBER 2023
5
SEAFARERS
LOG • 5
�U.S. and Allies Team Up to Protect Commercial Shipping in Red Sea
Lt. Charmaine Solis (left) observes commercial vessels sailing alongside the USS Mason in late December while
ship operates in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Gulf of Aden (U.S. Navy photo by Chris Krucke)
The Pentagon on Dec. 18 announced the formal
launch of an international effort to protect civilian
mariners and their vessels in the Red Sea.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated,
“The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks
originating from Yemen threatens the free flow
of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and
violates international law. The Red Sea is a critical
waterway that has been essential to freedom of
navigation and a major commercial corridor that
facilitates international trade. Countries that seek
to uphold the foundational principle of freedom
of navigation must come together to tackle the
challenge posed by this non-state actor launching
ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles
(UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations
lawfully transiting international waters.
“This is an international challenge that demands
collective action,” he continued. “Therefore,
today I am announcing the establishment of
Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important
new multinational security initiative under the
umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and
the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses
on security in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity
A crew member aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason looks through binoculars
on the bridge wing in early January while the ship sails in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
(U.S. Navy photo by Chris Krucke)
Guardian is bringing together multiple countries
to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada,
France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and
Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the
southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal
of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries
and bolstering regional security and prosperity.”
A few weeks later, the U.S. redesignated Yemen’s
Houthi rebels as a “Specially Designated Global
Terrorist group” following ongoing missile and
drone attacks on international shipping. The U.S.
and our allies also countered with multiple strikes
against the Houthis.
A U.S. government official, speaking on condition
of anonymity, said in a news report, “These attacks
(by the Houthis) fit the textbook definition of
terrorism. They have endangered U.S. personnel,
civilian mariners and our partners, jeopardized
global trade and threatened freedom of navigation.”
In late January, the SIU and several other
maritime labor organizations sent a letter to Gen.
Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of
the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANCSOM)
thanking the military for its ongoing support and
urging continued diligence.
In part, the letter (signed by SIU President David
Heindel and others) read, “We fully support the
recent strikes made against the Houthi rebels in
Yemen via American and international forces over
the last week. It is critical that the Houthi rebels
understand the consequences of attacking U.S-flag
shipping and that the United States will continue
to protect its sovereignty when that sovereignty
is threatened by illegal attacks. These attacks
represent the most significant attacks on the
United States Merchant Marine in more than half a
century.”
The labor groups also asked “for continued
cooperation and information sharing, to ensure that
our vessels and their crews have all the tools needed
to ensure safe transits of the area. Especially critical
are secure communication links between vessels
transiting the Red Sea and the naval vessels deployed
in the area to deter and defend against Houthi
attacks. While we understand that procedures are
being developed and so far, the joint efforts of our
vessel operators, mariners and naval personnel have
resulted in no casualties to U.S.-flag ships, we cannot
rest on past success. Continued communication,
especially at the tactical level, is crucial.”
Biden’s Pro-Worker Final Rule Pushes Federal PLAs into Effect
In an official White House statement, President health and safety protections,” Biden’s White House
Biden declared that construction projects for the briefing release reads.
PLAs are pre-hire collective bargaining
federal government valued at or above $35 million
will require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). agreements which are unique to the construction
This ruling is supported by the Biden-Harris industry. PLAs typically are negotiated between
administration after a period of demonstrated construction unions and construction contractors
success using PLAs to complete federal construction in order to establish the terms and conditions
projects with a quality, trained workforce in a timely, of employment for construction projects, as
defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
cost-effective manner, the White House reported.
This new mandate, called the Federal Acquisition Some commonplace conditions included in PLAs
Regulation: Use of Project Labor Agreements for are provisions that bind all contractors and
subcontractors
Federal Construction
Projects,
w a s "PLAs are good for business and they're good for to the agreement;
noannounced late last workers. Because of their proven track record of n o - s t r i k e ,
lockout clauses; and
year and published
success, the Biden/Harris administration strongly grievance/arbitration
on Dec. 22. It officially
took effect Jan. 22, supports PLAs, and is promoting their use on federal procedures.
Many of these
2024. The edict enacts projects that are being built across the country as
a g r e e me nt s
also
Executive Order 14063, we speak."
which was initially
-Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su include wage and
benefit specifications
published on Feb. 9,
as well as guarantees
2022. Historically, this
sets a new precent for federal construction projects, that highly skilled laborers will participate in the
as they had never needed to meet this requirement projects, as they may designate that hiring is done
through a union hiring hall. PLAs also often include
to move forward.
“For the first time in history, Project Labor health and safety provisions which help ensure that
Agreements will be required on federal construction the workers chosen for the project undergo safety
projects valued at or above $35 million. This means training, along with the implementation of other
that projects funded by my Investing in America workplace safety procedures.
According to the DOL, PLAs may also help
agenda will move faster and without delays, giving
taxpayers better bang for their buck. Workers improve diversity efforts on federal projects.
will have the security and peace of mind that Clauses which outline goals for hiring local
collectively bargained wages and benefits bring, community members on projects, incorporate
better pathways to good-paying jobs, and stronger equity plans, detail strategic recruitment policies
6
6 •SEAFARERS
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su
for workers from underserved communities, and
require participation of small businesses are often
included in PLAs for this reason.
Acting Secretary Julie Su, in the USDOL’s PLA 101
video, says, “PLAs are good for business and they're
good for workers. Because of their proven track
record of success, the Biden/Harris administration
strongly supports PLAs, and is promoting their use
on federal projects that are being built across the
country as we speak.”
FEBRUARY 2024
�U.S. Mint Honors Merchant Marine with WWII Memorial Silver Dollar
The U.S. Mint is gearing up to
the coin.
release a silver dollar coin with a
The commemorative coin’s
merchant mariner prominently
reverse was designed by Ben
featured on the coin’s face as a tribute
Sowards and Renata Gordon, and
to their significant contributions to
depicts a view from underneath
our country’s triumph in World War
the baldacchino at the World War
II. The new coin design is set to debut
II memorial. The baldacchino, or
early this year as part of the “Greatest
sculptural canopy, shown in the
Generation Commemorative Coin
center of the silver dollar coin is
Program.”
modeled after the Victory Pavilion
This series of three coins, which
in the World War II Memorial. Four
includes new illustrations to be
eagles each holding a laurel wreath
pressed onto the silver dollar, the
encircle the outer portion of the
half dollar, and the five-dollar coin,
coin, interspersed with text that
was unveiled by the United States
reads Victory, At Sea, On Land, and
Mint and the Friends of the National Artist’s renderings of the commemorative silver dollar show the front (above, left) and back. (Images courtesy U.S. Mint) In the Air. The top of the coin also
World War II Memorial last fall at the
includes the standard attribution
Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American
National World War II Memorial in
to the coin’s country of origin and E
soldiers and civilians during World War II,” said Pluribis Unum, and the bottom has WWII Memorial
Washington, D.C.
According to the Mint, “The coins will serve as United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “We written atop the value amount of the coin.
monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment hope this program will honor their unwavering
Pricing for the three-coin set includes
of the brave Americans who fought to defend the courage and selfless spirit.”
surcharges and is as follows: $35 for each $5 gold
Pictured on the front of the new memorial silver coin sold; $10 for each silver dollar sold; and $5 for
nation and advance peace and freedom throughout
the world. They also serve as a dedication to the dollar, designed by Beth Zaiken and Phebe Hemphill, each half dollar sold. In accordance with Public Law
National WWII Memorial in D.C, which was built to six people representing different branches of 117-162, also referred to as the Greatest Generation
honor the 16 million who served in the United States the military and the U.S. Merchant Marine work Commemorative Coin Act, these coins are mandated
Armed Forces during World War II, as well as the together to support the world. They stand above to be minted by the Secretary of the Treasury
400,000 who died and those who supported the war text that reads “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” and and are authorized to support maintenance and
the year, which is present on all U.S.-minted coins. repairs of the World War Memorial, as well as for
effort at home.”
“The Greatest Generation commemorative coin The words “World War II Memorial” and “Defenders commemorative and educational usage.
designs are emblematic of the National World War II of Freedom” are inscribed around the perimeter of
Visit www.usmint.gov for more information.
Defense Bill Contains Major Victories for Maritime
The SIU helped spearhead inclusion of two
potentially crucial pro-maritime components of
the newly enacted National Defense Authorization
Act (NDAA).
One of those statutes will reduce – by 50 percent
– the sea-time requirements for qualifying for an AB
endorsement. This change took effect immediately
upon President Biden signing the bill Dec. 22.
Depending on the specific kind of AB
endorsement, sea-time requirements have
decreased to 18 months (from 36), 12 months (from
24), and six months (from 12). The latter standard is
for Great Lakes ABs.
For now, those reductions are scheduled to
remain in place for three years, but the union and
others will work to make them permanent.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian
Schoeneman played key roles in securing the sea-
time modifications, and they both also credited
Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne R. Arguin Jr. for his
vital support.
The NDA A also strengthens U.S.-f lag
requirements for cargo preference shipments.
Through new reporting mandates and a change that
gives the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD)
final determinative authority regarding Americanflag vessel availability, the bill aims to help ensure
that U.S.-flag ships aren’t bypassed in favor of
foreign bottoms.
There are several other maritime components
within the bill, including ones that authorize
monies for the Title XI Federal Ship Financing
Program; require MARAD to publish briefings on
its national maritime strategy; and form a new
maritime workforce group that includes two slots
for representatives from labor.
President Biden signed the NDAA in December. (Official White House
photo)
Shenandoah Trader Joins TSP Fleet
SIU members are sailing aboard the recently reflagged Shenandoah Trader, operated by U.S. Marine Management. Built in South Korea in 2015, the 600-foot-long ship is enrolled in the U.S. Tanker Security Program. The
325,000-barrel tanker reflagged in Curacao in mid-December.
FEBRUARY 2024
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 7
7
�The
The Union Plus
Wireless
Wireless Program
WORKS
WORKS FOR ME
“The AT&T
AT&T Union
Union Plus
“The
Plus program
program is
is
outstanding. It’s
It’s another
outstanding.
another way
way II can
can
take advantage
advantage of
take
of the
the benefits
benefits of
of
being a
a union
union member.”
being
member.”
See more at
See more at
unionplus.org
unionplus.org
SIU-WR-1-17-24
�Seafaring Life Agrees with Mother and Son
For Seafarers Faith Gonse and her son,
Christopher, sailing with the SIU has proven to be
a resoundingly positive experience – one that holds
even greater promise for the future.
They shared a milestone late last year when they
received their respective B-seniority books at the
hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. It took two long trips
and the accumulation of sea time in order for Faith
to earn it. Chris completed three rotations to qualify.
Faith waited until both she and her son were
home for vacation in December so that they could
get the books together, as a family. “It was nice to
take a picture with my baby,” she said.
At press time, Faith was putting her hard-earned
knowledge to work, serving as a chief cook aboard
an Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Chris was on the
same ship, sailing as a GVA. They shared their
experiences with a LOG staffer via speakerphone
from their vessel in the middle of the ocean,
somewhere near Japan.
Faith joined the SIU in 2021, after having her fill
of working a job in another industry that she felt
was leading her nowhere. The SIU proved a good
fit from the start: Her first trip went so well, she
encouraged Chris (then a high school senior) to join
upon graduation.
He eventually took the advice after a slight
detour of sorts, joining in 2022 with the hope of
building a rewarding career with longevity. Initially,
Chris enrolled in a community college. “I finished
one year and decided it wasn’t for me,” he said.
Faith recalled that the know-how and
friendliness of SIU personnel at the Norfolk hall
boosted her comfort with the career change. “Once
I got in there, everyone was so warm, friendly,
professional and very knowledgeable,” she said. “I
just felt welcome and I knew that I was going to get a
lot out of being there. And I did.”
She added, “We’ve got the best patrolmen and
union hall staff. I mean they just go above and
beyond for everyone that I’ve seen in my short time
with the union. Whenever I go in there, they get
everything done that I need.”
Although they only have been with the union for
a few years, they have improved their quality of life
and had many great experiences together as a result
of their membership with the SIU, Chris and Faith
both said.
Consistent with viewing their work as a career
rather than merely a job, they also have made it a
Chief Cook Faith Gonse (left) and GVA Chris Gonse receiving their
B seniority books in Norfolk
FEBRUARY 2024
Chris Gonse and his mother, Faith Gonse, pose for a photo while on a vessel together.
point to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education, located
in Piney Point, Maryland. Chris most recently went
to the school in early 2023 for the government
vessels class, while Faith upgraded to chief cook in
December.
Faith said of her class, “I had the best time! All
the chefs were very knowledgeable and very willing
to help. It was a great environment. I learned a lot
while I was there. I can’t wait to go back and upgrade
again.”
Both members of this mother-son duo have
aspirations for their futures with the union. Chris
plans to upgrade to the highest level possible within
the engine department. “I’ll be getting as much
training and as much knowledge as I can on the
ships and move up from there and go as far as I can,”
he said.
Faith plans to sail more trips as a chief cook, and
then enroll for the next advanced galley ops class in
Piney Point.
Sailing together has been a great experience
for Faith and Chris, they both said. When asked
which voyage that they’ve been on is their favorite,
they both mentioned a trip to Australia. “It was a
very nice, very unexpected visit,” Faith said. “Every
port we go to together is special, but this one was
especially so. We got to cross the Equator, and
we never thought we’d get to visit someplace like
Australia. It’s not the usual port call so it was a
surprise and a bonus for us.”
“It’s a surreal moment. We got to see the Sydney
Opera House in real life, from right there on the
water,” Chris said.
Having the ability to work alongside your family
as you travel around the world is a rare experience
that Chris and Faith are both thankful to have. “It’s
a blessing to have home come with you when you’re
going out to sea for long periods of time. It’s about as
lucky as you can get,” he said.
“With Chris upgrading and eventually going in
his own direction on a different ship, it’s been really
amazing having this time with him and watching
him grow and watching both of us grow and travel
the world together,” Faith said. “He’s my favorite
person and I love him to pieces, and it’s just nice to
be able to have him here and watch him grow and
know that he’s going to have a good career with SIU.”
She concluded, “We’re really grateful to have
this opportunity and to be part of the union. It’s an
amazing organization.”
The view from a double decker tour bus outside of Sydney Opera House from the Gonse’s port call in Australia.
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
9
LOG • 9
�Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan
Introduction
This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an
annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your
multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information
about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called
“defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless
of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating.
It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in
any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year
beginning August 1, 2022 and ending July 31, 2023 (the “2022 Plan Year”).
How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan
is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its
assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s
funded percentage for the 2022 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years
is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets
and liabilities for the same period.
Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date.
They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in
that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets.
Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend
to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The
asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last
day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the
Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets
shown as of July 31, 2023 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited
financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final
audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2022 annual
report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2024.
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its
funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the
funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan
is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20
years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the
trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly,
if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees
of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement
and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a
plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to
reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.
The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in
the 2022 Plan Year.
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the
valuation date was 2,009. Of this number, 748 were current employees, 837 were
retired and receiving benefits, and 424 were retired or no longer working for the
employer and have a right to future benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for
plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay
promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree
through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as
necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”).
The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in
accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code.
Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written
guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments
which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the
following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2022 Plan Year. These
allocations are percentages of total assets:
10 •SEAFARERS
10
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor.
The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and
other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual
report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits
Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673.
Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street,
Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and
earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2022 Plan Year
will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2024. Annual reports do not contain personal information,
such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information
about your accrued benefits.
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or
plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required
by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A
plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not
sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan
must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the
plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits
at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC,
below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC
will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed
level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to
participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries
also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits
will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option.
This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited
(called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance
programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly
benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly
benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times
each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is
$35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued
monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the
PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the
participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed
amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75
(.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is
$357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit
of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be
$20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is
equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s
guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age
and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting
to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment,
the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan
within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency
(or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits
above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or
non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance
program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at
www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund
administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension
benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle
Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison
Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification
purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of
Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10
FEBRUARY 2024
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
SOLIDARITY IN DC – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from left) recently met in the nation’s capital with officials
CONGRESSIONAL BACKING – SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (right) and
U.S. Rep. Troy Carer (D-Louisiana) discuss maritime issues at a mid-December
gathering in New Orleans.
ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Pictured aboard the
TOTE ship in Baltimore are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice
Andrew Tingle and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins.
from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, including VP Luis Corral, Advocacy Officer Archie Ranin III, National
President Mike Democrito C. Mendoza, and National Exec. VP Gerard R. Sino (all pictured).
ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – Chief Cook
Esperanza Crespo is pictured during lunch aboard
the Intrepid ship while the vessel is docked at San
Juan Bay during cargo ops.
ABOARD CAROLINE MCKEE – AB Todd Wilson (left) and
Safety Director Jason Brown are pictured aboard the Port City Marine
Services vessel in Charlevoix, Michigan.
ABOARD PACIFIC COLLECTOR ‒ Seafarers gather for a Christmas Eve photo that coincides with
a union meeting on the TOTE ship.
WITH G&H BOATMEN – Group photo (above) includes Capt. Mathew McDowell, SIU
Asst. VP Mike Russo, Mate Oscar De La Garza, Wiper Derek Sexton and DDA Cody Klekar on
the Juno, while the photo at left features Safety Director Kevin Sykes (right) and the crew of
the C.R. Haden.
FEBRUARY 2024
SEAFARERS LOG •
OCTOBER LOG
2023• 11
11
SEAFARERS
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
INTERNATIONAL GATHERING – SIU VP Gulf Coast
Dean Corgey (right) helps welcome Belgium Prime Minister
Alexader De Croo to Houston. The prime minister traveled
with various government and Port of Antwerp officials for
(in part) meetings about international trade, apprenticeship
training and more.
WELCOME ASHORE IN SAN JUAN – Holding his first pension
check at the hiring hall is Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega Mercado (right),
who started sailing with the SIU in 1984. During his career, he sailed
to more than 20 different countries. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left)
noted, “As a bosun and as a friend, Isaac is the best. I thank him for
his tireless dedication and effort. The San Juan staff and membership
loves him!”
TAKING THE OATH IN SUNSHINE STATE ‒ Being sworn in at the December membership meeting
in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left, facing camera) STOS Torence Henry (B book), Chief Cook Jack Gourgue (A
book), AB William Bingham (B book) and STOS Kurran Robinson (B book). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing
at right.
ENJOYING SOME TIME OFF ‒ After consuming what
was described by a reliable source (Storekeeper Jason Devine,
center) as “a delicious Thanksgiving dinner” aboard the USNS
Pomeroy (Patriot), some of the mariners went scuba diving at Lau
Lau Beach in Saipan. Pictured from left are 1AE Sharon Darby,
Devine and 2AE Jordan Brown.
LOOKING FOR AN AQUARIUM? – Recertified
Bosun James Walker completes a nice haul during
his off-time aboard the Maersk Denver.
WELCOME ASHORE IN LONE STAR STATE – QMED Lee Collins (second from left)
picks up his first pension check at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with (from left) Patrolman
J.B. Niday, Asst. VP Mike Russo, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala.
FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – GUDE Michael Sabio (left in photo above, right, with SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday) and AB Prince Agyapong
(left in remaining photo, with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick) receive their respective B-books at the hiring hall.
12 SEAFARERS
LOG
OCTOBER 2023
12
• SEAFARERS LOG •
FEBRUARY 2024
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD CAPT. DAVID LYON – Pictured from left aboard the Sealift-operated vessel are Steward/Baker
Rommel Reston, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon Jr., and Bosun Jonmala Floresca.
ABOARD LIBERTY EAGLE – Pictured aboard the Liberty Maritime vessel
in Houston are (from left, standing) Recertified Bosun Albert Konning, Chief Cook
Yohanes Pribadi, GUDE Frederick Dunmore, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Nirel
Escalante and Kenny Galeno (both members of Class 900), Steward/Baker Neyda
Oviedo Bermudez, SA Irving Guerrero, GUDE Fredy Ruiz and ABM Jose Castillo
Lino. SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday is in front.
FULL BOOKS IN JERSEY – SA Nilza Chavez (left in photo above, left) and Chief Cook Juan A. Vallejo (left in
remaining photo) receive their B-books from SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. (If Juan’s name seems familiar, it may be
because his father is Recertified Steward Juan J. Vallejo.)
ABOARD MANULANI – The New Year’s Day menu aboard the Matson ship was
well-received. Pictured are Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Abdulwali
Mugalli, Chief Cook Khaled Alasaadi and vessel master Capt. Tim Kalke.
ABOARD MONTFORD POINT – Pictured aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel are (from left) Chief Cook Ashley
Hudson, AB Brice Ilao, Bosun Larry Dizon, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, QMED Tresten Porter, QMED Marquez
Fields, SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, and ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley.
MEMORABLE MOMENT ‒ QEE Todd Lander (left) receives his A-seniority
book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton.
13 SEAFARERS
FEBRUARY
2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023
B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Andrea President (left in photo above, right, with SIU VP West Coast Nick
Marrone) and GUDE Ruel Decrepito (center in remaining photo, with Marrone, right, and SIU Patrolwoman Kathy
Chester) receive their respective full books at the hiring hall.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023• 13
13
SEAFARERS
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified
ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Pictured from left in the group photo are Dayman Richard Sandiford, Dayman Urgel Peligro, Recertified Bosun
James Joyce and Watchstander Michael Sherman. Chief Cook Atrenique Deamus is in the remaining photo.
Bosun Felsher “Tony” Beasley (left) receives his first
pension check at the Philadelphia hall (Port Agent
Joe Baselice is at right). Beasley started sailing with
the SIU in 1979, and one could say he is part of an
SIU family – his father, brother, sons and nephews
all sailed or are currently sailing with the union.
WITH MEMBERS AT PENN TERMINALS ‒ Pictured at the Crowley facility
in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, are (from left) Seafarers Vernell Cornell, Dave DiCrecchio,
George Vazquez and Chris Wiley, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Seafarer John
Harvey, Safety Director Andre MacCray and Seafarer Scott Musick.
MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS – AB Rolando
Calimlim receives his A-seniority book at the
hall in Joliet.
STOPPING BY THE HALL – QMEDPumpman Marcelino Santos Bermeo (left)
– a second-generation Seafarer – proudly
points to his machinist class photo, taken
in Piney Point in November. He’s joined at
the San Juan hall by his spouse, Karla.
ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD ‒ Christmas dinner was a hit aboard the Patriot ship.
Pictured from left are Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon, OS Brandon Manipon and Chief
Cook Julian Abreu.
GIVING BACK IN THE COMMUNITY – The SIU has a long history of brightening the holidays for others, and that tradition was evident late last year in Jersey City (above, right) and Philadelphia (remaining photo),
among other locations. Seafarers in New Jersey donated toys to the Hudson County Central Labor Council – the CLC in turn passed along the gifts to a local Boys & Girls Club. Pictured at the Jersey City hall are (from
left) Danny Fiolek from the CLC, SIU VP Joseph Soresi, CLC President Barry Kushnir, and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. In Philly, members teamed up with other trade unionists to benefit residents of Hunts Haven family
housing (in nearby Chester). The latter effort was organized in part by Seafarer Vernell Cornell (fourth from right). Among those also pictured with Cornell are SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (fourth from left) and Safety
Director Andre MacCray (far right).
14 •SEAFARERS
14
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
14
FEBRUARY
2024
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 15 - January 16, 2024.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 16, 2024.
Port
Total Registered
All Groups
A
B
C
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
10
2
6
20
1
8
5
27
22
11
2
7
14
7
1
2
7
13
1
22
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Deck Department
4
0
2
10
0
4
4
15
24
9
1
3
9
1
0
3
2
2
1
1
0
3
0
2
1
1
0
3
7
4
1
1
4
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
8
3
3
11
1
9
5
21
13
10
1
7
9
4
4
1
5
14
3
14
4
1
1
2
0
4
3
12
23
4
1
1
10
1
0
5
2
5
1
3
1
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
4
2
1
1
3
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
4
4
2
8
0
0
2
16
11
8
1
1
10
2
2
3
3
8
1
7
17
1
4
31
2
10
12
47
48
29
3
12
22
13
3
1
12
22
0
48
4
3
2
21
0
5
4
33
41
16
1
5
15
1
0
0
2
6
1
6
0
3
1
3
1
2
1
4
8
6
1
1
5
0
0
0
4
5
0
3
TOTAL 188
95
31
146
83
20
93
337
166
48
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
1
0
3
4
0
2
2
7
15
2
2
2
9
4
0
1
0
9
1
2
66
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
2
3
1
0
0
8
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
23
2
1
2
1
0
0
0
7
6
4
1
0
6
3
1
0
0
2
0
6
42
1
0
4
10
1
1
10
19
26
13
2
6
21
5
1
2
6
17
1
14
160
0
0
2
7
0
3
4
15
20
2
2
3
11
5
1
1
2
8
0
8
94
1
0
0
2
0
0
2
3
6
2
0
2
9
2
0
0
1
1
0
5
36
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
13
0
2
0
10
3
2
1
1
1
0
4
42
6
0
0
14
1
3
8
31
42
14
0
2
20
14
2
3
8
11
2
23
204
1
1
0
7
1
1
5
8
14
6
0
4
14
8
1
2
8
7
0
9
97
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
5
3
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
0
0
2
25
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
6
2
0
1
4
2
0
5
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
2
1
5
2
3
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
3
14
4
0
12
0
2
7
28
53
24
0
0
19
9
0
4
2
15
0
13
18
1
4
18
1
4
7
30
121
28
1
2
43
16
1
9
3
11
0
14
Engine Department
1
0
5
7
2
0
7
9
21
4
1
4
14
2
0
1
6
11
1
6
102
1
1
3
3
1
0
1
6
18
5
1
1
8
1
1
1
4
2
0
5
63
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
3
8
5
0
1
5
2
0
0
0
3
2
6
45
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
1
5
1
2
0
0
3
0
1
17
Steward Department
February & March
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
Monday: Feb. 5, March 4
Algonac
Friday: Feb. 9, March 8
Baltimore
Thursday: Feb. 8 , March 7
Guam
Thursday: Feb. 22, March 21
Honolulu
Friday: Feb. 16, March 15
Houston
Monday: Feb. 12 , March 11
Jacksonville
Thursday: Feb. 8, March 7
Joliet
Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14
Mobile
Wednesday: Feb. 14, March 13
New Orleans
Tuesday: Feb. 13, March 12
Jersey City
Tuesday: Feb. 6, March 5
Norfolk
Friday: Feb. 9, March 8
Oakland
Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14
Philadelphia
Wednesday: Feb. 7, March 6
Port Everglades
Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14
San Juan
Thursday: Feb. 8, March 7
St. Louis
Friday: Feb. 16, March 15
Tacoma
Friday: Feb. 23, March 22
Wilmington
Tuesday: Feb. 20, Monday: March 18
Date change due to holiday observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
FEBRUARY 2024
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
2
0
1
6
1
2
2
15
17
6
0
1
13
13
1
2
3
4
1
15
105
0
0
0
4
1
2
3
6
13
4
0
5
15
5
0
1
6
1
1
9
76
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
4
4
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
19
1
0
1
4
0
1
5
8
20
4
2
3
10
8
4
1
1
3
1
11
88
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
4
11
0
1
1
15
3
0
1
6
1
1
3
51
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
4
0
0
0
4
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
14
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
5
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
7
3
1
4
1
0
4
15
37
10
1
0
13
9
0
6
0
8
0
5
9
1
4
9
2
2
1
13
63
21
0
1
23
13
0
10
3
4
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
TOTAL
14
124
190
5
57
106
27
23
206
332
GRAND TOTAL
409
361
263
302
236
157
204
724
563
441
Entry Department
4
0
1
2
1
0
1
8
13
7
1
0
3
5
0
2
1
3
0
5
3
1
2
4
1
0
6
4
31
12
0
1
14
6
0
13
0
3
0
5
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
15
LOG • 15
�SIU Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
This month’s question was answered in late 2023 at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia.
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Question: What would you like to do/accomplish in 2024?
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Arsenio C. Omabao Jr.
AB Maintenance
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
I want to continue my duties
as a bosun in the SIU.
Most importantly, I want to
get my QMED certification. I
want to keep moving forward.
Carl Royster
Chief Cook
Pinero Peek
OS
I want to become a steward
– a certified chief steward –
and keep working.
I want to make it up to becoming an officer. I want to
climb the ladder.
Elias Bonefont
AB
Keith Small
Steward/Baker
Keep smiling. I want to stay
in a positive environment.
My goal is to become debtfree. I also want to be better
with my craft.
David King
SA
Juditha Cuarez
SA
I want to become a chief
cook and keep sailing.
I would like to become a chief
cook.
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
Aaron Moore
Oiler
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
Pic from the Past
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Pictured aboard the LNG Libra in 1979 are Paul Klippel, Evan Jones, Bob O’Rourke, John Hamot, Howard Webber, W. Murphy, Jeffrey
Thompson and Richard Grant.
SEAFARERS
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
1616
• SEAFARERS
LOG
FEBRUARY 2024
�Welcome Ashore!
DEEP SEA
FLORITO ALEGADO
Brother Florito Alegado, 65, joined
the union in 2006. He was a deck
department member and first
worked on the Pride of Aloha.
Brother Alegado upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped
on the Horizon Spirit and makes
his home in Long Beach, California.
ANGELITO BASA
Brother Angelito Basa, 69, signed
on with the Seafarers in 2006
when he sailed aboard the North
Star. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on
multiple occasions. Brother Basa
shipped in both the deck and
engine departments. He last sailed
on the Yosemite Trader before settling in Auburn,
Washington.
ALFRANCIS BAUZON
Brother Alfrancis Bauzon, 61,
donned the SIU colors in 1993,
initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Bauzon was a
member of the steward department. He upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Bauzon’s last vessel was
the American Phoenix. He calls Spring, Texas, home.
ERIC BERRY
Brother Eric Berry, 67, joined the
Seafarers International Union in
2001. He first sailed aboard the
Green Point. A deck department
member, Brother Berry upgraded
at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his
career aboard the El Faro in 2009
and resides in Spring Valley, California.
JOHN BIMPONG
Brother John Bimpong, 66,
became an SIU member in 1991.
He worked in the engine department and first shipped on the Sea
Fox. Brother Bimpong upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on numerous
occasions. He last shipped on the
Charleston and lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.
HARRY DOWLING
JOHN MCBENTUM
Brother Harry Dowling, 66, embarked on his career
with the SIU in 1991, first sailing aboard the Sealift
Indian Ocean. Brother Dowling worked in the deck
department. He last shipped on the Maersk Alaska
and resides in Lilly, Pennsylvania.
Brother John McBentum, 68,
began his career with the Seafarers in 2010 when he sailed aboard
the R.J. Pfeiffer. Primarily an
engine department member, he
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
McBentum most recently sailed
aboard the Ocean Jazz. He calls Lake Elsinore, California, home.
DAVID HALIM
Brother David Halim, 65, became a
member of the union in 2002 when
he shipped on the USNS Bellatrix.
He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on several occasions.
Brother Halim’s final vessel was
the Yosemite Trader. He is a Philadelphia resident.
BRENT JOHNSON
Brother Brent Johnson, 65, joined
the SIU in 1987. He first shipped on
the USNS Bartlett and sailed in the
engine department. Brother Johnson upgraded on several occasions
at the Piney Point school. He last
sailed on the Horizon Crusader
and makes his home in Vidalia,
Georgia.
DANIEL JOHNSON
Brother Daniel Johnson, 65, began
sailing with the union in 1976, initially working aboard the Ponce.
An engine department member,
he upgraded often at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother Johnson’s final vessel was the Performance. He lives
in Lake City, Florida.
KEVIN KELLUM
Brother Kevin Kellum, 56, signed
on with the union in 1991 when he
shipped on the USNS Capella. He
worked in the deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Kellum most recently
sailed on the Pacific Tracker and
makes his home in Vancouver, Washington.
SI-XIN LING
Brother Si-Xin Ling, 66, joined
the Seafarers in 2006, initially
sailing on the Green Cove. Brother
Ling was a member of the engine
department. He last shipped on the
Cape Kennedy and lives in Gretna,
Louisiana.
LEANDER COLLINS
SPENCER LYLE
Brother Leander Collins, 66,
started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001
and first sailed aboard the St. Louis
Express. He upgraded at the Piney
Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Collins shipped in
the engine department and most
recently worked on the Cape Cortes. He is a Houston
resident.
Brother Spencer Lyle, 65, became
a member of the union in 1976. He
shipped in the deck department
and first sailed with National
Marine Service. Brother Lyle
concluded his career on the Commitment and settled in Livingston,
Texas.
FEBRUARY 2024
ABUDULL RAHIEM
Brother Abudull Rahiem, 65, signed on with the SIU
in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Sea-Land Trader.
Brother Rahiem upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. A steward department member, he last sailed on the Nedlloyd Holland. Brother
Rahiem lives in Philadelphia.
LEA RAMOS MEJIA
Sister Lea Ramos Mejia, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 2001. A
steward department member, she
initially shipped on the Chelsea.
Sister Ramos Mejia upgraded at
the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She concluded her
career aboard the Pelican State and
resides in Houston.
MELVIN SMALLS
Brother Melvin Smalls, 67, joined
the Seafarers in 2001 and first
sailed aboard the Seabulk Trader.
He upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions and
sailed in the deck department.
Brother Smalls most recently
shipped on the Hudson Express. He
makes his home in Ludowici, Georgia.
STEVEN SUESS
Brother Steven Suess, 65, started
sailing with the union in 1991,
initially working with Sea-Land.
Brother Suess upgraded his skills
at the Piney Point school in 1995.
He sailed in the deck department
and also worked on shore gangs.
Brother Suess was last employed
with Cargotec Services. He lives in Virginia Beach,
Virginia.
NMU
JAMES CARSON
Brother James Carson, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He
shipped in the deck department and concluded his
career with Boston Fuel Company. Brother Carson
calls Portsmouth, Rhode Island, home.
SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS
2023
17
• OCTOBER LOG
• 17
�Final Departures
DEEP SEA
ELRICK ARCHER
Brother Elrick Archer, 63, passed
away July 1. He became a member
of the SIU in 2003 when he sailed
aboard the Benno C. Schmidt.
Brother Archer was a steward
department member. He last
shipped on the Rio Grande Express
in 2020 and made his home in
Miami.
DONALD BARNEY
Pensioner Donald Barney, 75, died November 3. He
joined the union in 1979 and initially sailed aboard
the Lewis G. Harriman. Brother Barney sailed in the
deck department and concluded his career aboard
the Sam Houston. He started collecting his pension in
2013 and was a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia.
NELSON DORADO
Pensioner Nelson Dorado, 94,
passed away November 22. He
began his career with the Seafarers
in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Dorado first sailed
aboard the Duval. He last sailed on
the Stonewall Jackson before going
on pension in 1995. Brother Dorado
lived in Metairie, Louisiana.
GERALD FREEMAN
Brother Gerald Freeman, 65, died
October 2. He signed on with the
Seafarers International Union in
1987 when he sailed aboard the
USNS Chauvenet. Brother Freeman
worked in the deck department,
most recently aboard the Ocean
Freedom. He resided in Las Vegas.
In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.
JOE MARTIN
WILLIAM DUNNEY
Pensioner Joe Martin, 78, died
November 9. He became a member
of the SIU in 1965. Brother Martin’s
first ship was the Erna Elizabeth.
He worked in the engine department and retired in 2010 after
concluding his career aboard his
final vessel, the Benavidez. Brother
Martin resided in Mobile, Alabama.
Brother William Dunney, 69,
passed away July 11. He joined the
SIU in 1997 when he worked with
OSG Ship Management. Brother
Dunney sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the
Commitment and made his home
in Murrieta, California.
JESSE GARDNER
MICHAEL MOORE
Brother Michael Moore, 65, passed
away October 19. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 2001 and first sailed
aboard the Prince William Sound.
Brother Moore sailed in the deck
department. He last shipped on the
Alaskan Explorer and lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
CARL TEBELL
Pensioner Carl Tebell, 90, passed away November 26.
He joined the union in 1979, initially sailing aboard
the President Taft. Brother Tebell sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the
Columbia. He started collecting his pension in 1987
and was a San Francisco resident.
JEFFREY WISE
Brother Jeffrey Wise, 63, died
August 7. He became a member
of the SIU in 2000 and first sailed
aboard the USNS Invincible. Brother
Wise worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the
USNS Able. He resided in Virginia
Beach, Virginia.
YEN HUEY
Brother Yen Huey, 87, has passed away. He joined
the SIU in 1979 and first shipped on the Maunawili.
Brother Huey sailed in the steward department. He
last shipped on the President Truman and made his
home in San Francisco.
JACK JOHNSON
Pensioner Jack Johnson, 84, died
November 9. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1967 when
he sailed on a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Johnson sailed in the
engine department member and
also worked on shore gangs. He
began collecting his pension in 1992
and resided in Golden Valley, Arizona.
HOWARD KNOX
Pensioner Howard Knox, 88, passed away November 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1964. A deck
department member, Brother Knox first shipped on
a Victory Carriers vessel. He concluded his career
aboard the Cape Lobos and became a pensioner in
1998. Brother Knox lived in Corona, New York.
GREAT LAKES
KENNETH DYKSTRA
Pensioner Kenneth Dykstra,
93, passed away October 15. He
signed on with the Seafarers in
1968. Brother Dykstra was a deck
department member, and started
and ended his career with Arnold
Transit Company. He went on pension in 1995 and made his home in
Boyne City, Michigan.
INLAND
ANTONIO COLON
Pensioner Antonio Colon, 79, died
November 17. He started sailing
with the SIU in 1976. Brother Colon
worked in the deck department and
shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico
Services for most of his career. He
retired in 2001 and lived in Santa
Isabel, Puerto Rico.
18 •SEAFARERS
18
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
Pensioner Jesse Gardner, 92, died
November 14. A deck department
member, he signed on with the
union in 1978. Brother Gardner
sailed with Express Marine for the
duration of his career. He became a
pensioner in 2002 and lived in New
Bern, North Carolina.
PAUL MUTTA
Brother Paul Mutta, 57, has passed
away. He began sailing with the
Seafarers in 2007 and worked in the
engine department. Brother Mutta
was employed with Allied Transportation for his entire career. He
called Camden, North Carolina,
home.
SIDNEY POIRRIER
Pensioner Sidney Poirrier, 67, died November 16. He
joined the union in 1976 when he worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage. Brother Poirrier was a deck
department member and remained with the same
company until his retirement in 2011. Brother Poirrier resided in Covington, Louisiana.
JOHN REBER
Pensioner John Reber, 81, passed
away November 11. He began
sailing with the Seafarers in
1992. Brother Reber worked in
the engine department. He was
employed with Allied Transportation for the duration of his career.
Brother Reber became a pensioner
in 2011 and called Wanchese, North Carolina, home.
NMU
CHEW WAH
Pensioner Chew Wah, 102, passed
away November 14. He began sailing in the early 1940s. An engine
department member, Brother Wah
worked with Moore-McCormick
Lines for most of his career. He
retired in 1986 and made his home
in Brooklyn, New York.
HERSCHEL WILLIAMS
Pensioner Herschel Williams, 90, passed away September 19. Brother Williams sailed in the steward
department. He last shipped aboard the Baltimore
Trader before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother
Williams resided in Jacksonville, Florida.
FEBRUARY 2024
�Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of
space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then
forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line,
Limited) October 1 – Chairman Arsenio Obenza, Educational Director
Cirico Geonanga, Engine Delegate
Joshua Glancy, Steward Delegate
Christopher Coston. Chairman
thanked everyone for a safe trip. He
reminded members to leave clean
rooms for onboarding crew. Chairman suggested updating credentials
six months in advance and to have
all paperwork ready upon arrival at
the hall. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their
skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Ship in need of new
washing machine and dryer. Crew
remained alert and accountable
during trip.
gate William Fortner. Payoff at sea
scheduled for October 31. Chairman
advised members to update union
dues with patrolman to avoid falling behind and not qualifying for
full benefits. He suggested obtaining updated forms for shipping and
benefits. Educational director urged
crew to upgrade at the Paull Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members discussed various ideas pertaining to benefits.
Crew would like eligibility requirement for medical benefits to return
to 125 per year and one day in last
6 months. Members asked for raises
to all pensions, 20 for 30 vacation
and increases in steward department pay. Next port: Newark, New
Jersey.
LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), October 11 – Chairman
William Barrett. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
new mattresses, TVs and DVD players in all rooms as well as a new
refrigerator. Crew motioned to increase vacation to 30 for 30 for all
A-books and asked for 100% dental
coverage for members and their dependents. Next port: Port Hueneme,
California.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management), November 5
– Chairman Charles Hill, Educational Director Michael Blue. Crew
voiced concerns with ship captain
and his comments on their work
performance. Members noted lack
of compensation for overtime
worked beyond four hours, per deck
delegate. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew would like refrigerators in their rooms. Members asked
for 15 for 30 vacation and an updated contract with Phoenix Crew
Management.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line,
Limited), October 27 – Chairman
Rufino Giray, Secretary Kenneth
Hagan, Deck Delegate Edgardo
Martinez-Espada, Engine Delegate
Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Dele-
MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line,
Limited), November 12 – Chairman
Rolando Guity, Secretary Charles
B ro ok s , E ducat i o n a l D i re c to r
Wordell Prescott. Educational director reminded members to up-
grade at the Piney Point school.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested 30 for 30 vacation.
GOODWILL (Chesapeake Crewing, LLC), December 10 – Chairman
Ronnie Rodriguez, Educational Director Christopher Edwards. Members would like contracts to include
penalty pay for various tasks. Crew
requested refrigerators and TVs for
all unlicensed living quarters, as
well as additional entertainment
resources. Members asked to be
compensated for sailing four days
without accessible hot water due to
pipe leak on B-deck. Working TV has
been acquired in crew lounge and a
new washer for B-deck crew is to be
installed.
ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC),
December 17 – Chairman Shawn
Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin,
Educational Director Mark Campbell. Chairman encouraged members to continue working safely.
Secretary advised crew to keep up
to date on documents. Educational
director reminded members to keep
upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center in Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew requested microwaves in rooms.
Members asked for raises in safety
shoe allowances and a raise in vacation days. Next port: Tacoma, Washington.
NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 10 – Chairman Joseph White,
Secretary Lionel Packnett, Edu-
cational Director Linarys Castillo
Ortiz, Deck Delegate Roger Utter,
Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Members were pleased
to have Starlink internet service
and highly recommended it for all
ships. Chairman praised entire crew
for working well with one another
and keeping common areas clean. A
vote of thanks was given to steward
department for a job well done. Secretary gave special thanks to deck
department for handling sanitary
work. Educational director advised
crew to upgrade at the Piney Point
school to secure better pay. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
asked for clarification on safety
shoe reimbursement and tour rotation for B-books. Crew thanked
electrician for keeping washers and
dryers working. Next port: Houston.
HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise Operations), December 24 – Chairman
Jovan Williams, Secretary Marcelo
Param, Educational Director David
Watkins, Deck Delegate Emmanuel
Buyser. Ship still without internet
or cable service. Chairman encouraged members to recruit family
and friends to become Seafarers.
He asked for their continued patience when waiting for reliefs and
to make sure rooms are clean upon
departure. Chairman commended
steward department for their hard
work making sure members eat well
every day. Secretary thanked crew
for good housekeeping. OT was cut
in the deck department, while other
departments remain eligible. Members requested new furniture and
chairs in crew mess.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. Members of
this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and
separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust
fund agreements. All these agreements
specify that the trustees in charge of these
funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their
alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon
approval by a majority of the trustees. All
trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union
and the employers. Members should get
to know their shipping rights. Copies of
these contracts are posted and available
in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in
the contracts between the union and the
employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
FEBRUARY 2024
receipt requested. The proper address for
this is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to
are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to
the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the
proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other
union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under
no circumstances should any member
pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment
be made without supplying a receipt, or
if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union
halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment
and as members of the SIU. These rights
are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union
has negotiated with the employers. Conse
quently, no member may be discriminated
against because of race, creed, color, sex,
national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he or
she is entitled, the member should notify
union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to
further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right
of access to union records or information,
the member should immediately notify
SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
SEAFARERS LOG •
OCTOBER 2023
19
SEAFARERS
LOG • 19
�2024 Tax Tips for Seafarers
Following are some of the changes that took effect
in 2023, along with provisions that remain in effect
from prior years. For a more complete look at what's
changed in 2023, please visit www.irs.gov before filing
your return.
Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations
The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as
noted.
- The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts
and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017.
Described as the largest major tax reform in over three
decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions
that impact individuals and businesses.
- The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief
Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed by
then President Trump on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire.
- The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE
Act was signed into law by then President Trump
on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many
requirements for employer-provided retirement
plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and
other tax-favored savings accounts. While some of the
modifications went into effect retroactively or upon
enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry
future effective dates.
- The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion
economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by
then President Trump on March 27, 2020 in response
to economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the
recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021.
- American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In response to
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ARPA was signed
by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct relief from related hardship.
The ARPA provided for additional Economic Impact
Payments (stimulus checks), advanced payments of
the Child Tax Credit, housing assistance, and other
employment-related relief.
- Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: The Biden
administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed
into law in August 2022, providing numerous tax credits related to green energy.
- Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA):
This act was signed into law December 29, 2022. The
act expanded existing automatic enrollment programs, enhanced various retirement saving credits,
modified RMD (required minimal distribution) that
will help retirees with plan selection and decision
making.
Due Date of Returns
File a 2023 Form 1040 and pay any tax due by April
15, 2024. An automatic 6-month extension of time to
file the return can be made by filing Form 4868 and
paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and
interest. Then, file Form 1040 by October 15, 2024.
Where to Get IRS Information
comments or requests for help via email; and sign up
to receive local and national tax news by email.
Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer
questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer
information service, publications covering all aspects
of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150
topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax
system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the
number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2”
will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123.
You can also check the status of your refund. This
telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week.
Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available
in many IRS offices around the country to help with
tax questions that cannot be answered easily by
telephone.
Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions
regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS
District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a
Social Security number with the letter.
Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current
and prior year forms, instructions and publications.
For more information, or to file online,
scan this code
General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called
for general information between 7am-7pm your local
time.
Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to
download forms, instructions and publications; see
answers to frequently asked tax questions; search
publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure
your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS
2
20
20 •SEAFARERS
SEAFARERSLOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
FEBRUARY 2024
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Title of
Course
Start
Date
DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Latest Course Dates
Date of
Completion
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Lifeboatman/Water Survival
March 18
March 29
ServSafe Management
Able Seafarer - Deck
March 11
May 6
July 8
March 29
May 24
July 26
March 11
April 22
June 3
March 15
April 26
June 7
Advanced Galley Ops
Fast Rescue Boat
August 19
August 23
March 18
June 3
April 12
June 28
Chief Steward
Adv. Shiphandling
August 26
September 6
April 22
July 15
May 17
August 8
Adv. Meteorology
September 16
September 20
Search and Rescue Mgmt Level
September 23
September 25
SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES
Basic Training Revalidation
March 4
March 8
March 18
March 22
April 5
April 22
April 26
March 4
March 8
March 18
March 22
April 5
April 22
April 26
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
June 3
June 7
Government Vessels
March 4
March 25
April 22
May 13
June 10
June 24
March 8
March 29
April 26
May 17
June 14
June 28
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC)
April 15
April 19
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
April 22
April 26
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
April 29
May 3
MSC Storekeeper Basic
August 12
August 30
MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt
September 2
September 13
MSC Ship Clip
September 16
September 27
ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
FOWT
March 11
March 29
Marine Electrician
April 22
May 24
Marine Refer Tech
March 11
April 19
Adv. Refer Containers
May 6
August 26
May 17
September 6
Machinist
April 29
May 10
Pumpman
April 22
April 26
Welding
March 4
April 8
June 3
March 22
April 26
June 21
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Certified Chief Cook
March 18
April 29
June 10
April 19
May 31
July 12
UPGRADING APPLICATION
COURSE
____________________________
START
DATE OF
DATE
COMPLETION
__________________
____________________________
____________________________
__________________
____________________________
____________________________
__________________
____________________________
____________________________
__________________
____________________________
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
____________________________
__________________
____________________________
Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________
Home Port______________________________________________________________________
E-mail _________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
__________________
____________________________
Name__________________________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________
Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member
Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the
supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the
purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me.
FEBRUARY 2024
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________
Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original
receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org
Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise
qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities.
SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 21
21
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
902
APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #902 – Graduated December 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryden Beadle, Erika Bond, Esteban Geronimo Cisneros-Trevino, Tomas Clarkson, Jahari Amir Collier Watts,
Wahid Dickey, Elliot Dietrich, Austin Driggers, Diamond Jackson, Suneih Land, Kenyatta Mabine, Marlon Pamplona, Denise Parker, Chelan Peterson, Malik Rainey, Maurice Roberts Jr., Gary Rushing Jr., Lashawn Scott, Syncere
Swinson, Nature Torrey, Benjamin Wilkinson and Zamariya Wilson. Instructor Charles Noell III is at far right.
CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE #4) – Graduated December 29 (both photos directly above, in alphabetical order): Garry Bourgeois Jr., Zion Bradford, Bernardo Mozo Celi, Nikia Cooper, Gregory Davis,
Clare Kaleleiki, Joshua Moore, Thaisha Morris, Arthur Sison and Khaled Mohamed Yahia.
CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated December 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Faile, Todd Gallagher, Shadonna Jones, Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Ricky Enriquez Sencida. (Note: Not all are pictured)
22
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
22
• SEAFARERS
FEBRUARY 2024
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
JUNIOR ENGINEER – Graduated December 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Akim Davis-Griffin, Lesther Jesus Gonzalez, Cody Higgs, Quinton Sashington, Randy Slue, Daniel Ursitti, Joel Williams and Sean
Wilson. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at left.
TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated December 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Donald Appu, Etrenda Badger, Billy Joel Burgos-Burgos, Reynoldo Bush, Guy Butler Jr., Glenn
Christianson, Anthony Creer, Vannessa Curd, George Fababier, Tracey Manuel, Brian Marcus, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Esstonia Moore, Tonesha Odoms, Adrian Schubert, Oscar Vencer III, Thomas Williams and
Derek Willis.
RFPNW – Graduated December 5: Jon Erichsen.
FEBRUARY 2024
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG23
• 23
�FEBRUARY 2024
VOLUME 86, NO. 2
SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
‘Making Genuine Connections’
Editor’s note: Longtime readers may recall that
the LOG publishes annual coverage of the union’s
participation in Santa’s Castle, a philanthropic project
based in the Pacific Northwest. We’re taking a slightly
different approach this time, in the form of a firstperson account from SIU Assistant Vice President
Joe Vincenzo, who spearheaded the union’s outreach
from the start. During the most recent endeavor, the
SIU generated nearly $8,000 worth of gifts for military
families.
Early in 2007, I sat down with then-Administrative
Assistant Brenda Flesner, Patrolman Ryan Palmer
and our man of many hats Jim Ott, God rest his soul.
As the new port agent, I asked what we were going
to do both to provide an opportunity for Tacoma
members to shine in the community and to make
genuine connections with local organizations and
residents.
The two ideas that pulled on our heartstrings the
most were Toys For Tots, and Paint Tacoma Pierce
Beautiful. (Paint Tacoma is a story for another
edition.) We partnered with Toys For Tots for three
years before reaching out to Santa’s Castle, with
whom we have worked now for some 14 years and
going strong, with a running total donation well
north of $100,000. Toys For Tots is a worthy program
that serves the general public. Santa’s Castle serves
exclusively our war fighters and peace keepers,
which dovetails with the SIU’s mission as the Fourth
Arm of Defense. It was with this in mind that we
shifted to Santa’s Castle.
With the blessing of the SIU Executive Board and
their charitable giving, Seafarers have never come up
short in their generosity. (I remember one year when
the union hall was burgled and toys were stolen.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and thenSecretary-Treasurer David Heindel both pitched in to
make up the difference.) Santa’s Castle has proven to
be “all hands” each and every year, including retired
Seafarers. Year after year, the likes of Seafarers Dana
Cella, Shawn Fujiwara, Terry White, Tommy Belvin
and others continue to bring in toys, attend the
annual holiday luncheon in connection with the toy
drive and even help set up and man the serving line.
At the start of it all, I got some of the best advice
that a green port agent could have received. SIU Vice
President West Coast Nick Marrone told me at the
outset to show them who you are. He said that you
cannot tell them; but rather, you must show them. I
think of the motto, “Acta Non-Verba,” an appropriate
mantra for this lot of Seafarers who would come
together as a family from all walks of life, ethnicities
and religious affiliations, especially at this time of
year. Next year will be Santa Castle’s thirtieth year
serving the men and women in uniform at Joint
Base Lewis-McChord and beyond, and it will mark
the SIU’s fifteenth year as their partners. As always, I
know we will rise to the occasion.
Guests at the Tacoma hall enjoy the holiday buffet that coincides with
the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach.
SA Orlando Makiling (left) and Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla
volunteer for the project.
SIU-contracted companies regularly team up with the union for Santa’s Castle,
and that was the case again late last year. Pictured at the Tacoma hall are
Crowley Marine Personnel Director John Woodcock (left) and SIU Port Agent
Warren Asp.
Oiler Zachary Parker (left) and SA Thomas Curley help load some of the
donations for delivery to Santa’s Castle.
Supporting the mission are (from left) Recertified Bosuns
Modesto Rabena and LBJ Tanoa.
This year’s SIU donations had a dollar value of nearly $8,000. Rounding up some of the goodies are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, QMED
Dennison Forsman, SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Oiler Zachary Parker, and Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe.
�
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SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SACCO PASSES AWAY
NEW TOTE CONTRACT FEATURES UNPRECEDENTED WAGE GAINS
OPERATION PROSPERITY GUARDIAN CONTINUES
BIDEN'S PRO-WORKER FINAL RULE PUSHES FEDERAL PLAS INTO EFFECT
U.S. MINT HONORS WWII MARINERS WITH MEMORIAL SILVER DOLLAR
SHENANDOAH TRADER JOINS TSP FLEET
SEAFARERS SUPPORT TROOPS VIA SANTA'S CASTLE
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Vol. 86, No. 2
2024
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a86c4dcd45de63aeca23e1219a149567.pdf
196229d9a6a8ba11931f3f977405e8b1
PDF Text
Text
SEAFARERS LOG
JANUARY 2024
VOLUME 86, NO. 1
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
SIU's Year in Review
Rescues, Renovation, Recruiting & Retirement Highlight 2023
The union experienced no shortage of highlights last year, including the reopening of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia (above), following a months-long renovation. SIU President Michael Sacco early in the year announced his
retirement after a half-century of service to the union; he was succeeded by then-Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Those and other top stories are recapped on the back page.
Seafarer Honored in Maryland
Chief Cook Brittany Steward (second from left) on Nov. 16 received the Apprenticeship Champion
Award from the Maryland Department of Labor, as did other honorees. The agency describes the
award as “an honor bestowed to exceptional champions of apprenticeship who have a strong connection to apprenticeship in the State of Maryland.” Steward is a 2017 graduate of the apprentice
program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Pictured with her
at the event are (from left) SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D)
and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Page 4.
Whitmire Wins
Texas State Sen. John Whitmire (D) (center) will be the next mayor of Houston following his win in a runoff election Dec.
9. The SIU actively supported the labor-backed candidate for many months; Whitmire kicked off his campaign at the
Houston hiring hall. He also visited the hall Nov. 13 during a benefits conference, when this photo was taken. Pictured
from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President David Heindel, Whitmire, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, and SIU
Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski.
THANKSGIVING AT SEA • PAGE 7 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO • PAGE 8
�President’s Report
Stick Together to Boost Manpower
A
s reflected in our “year in review”
coverage this month, one of the
biggest stories of 2023 was the
SIU’s tireless effort to recruit new people
into our industry.
This is a multi-faceted challenge,
but we have made tangible progress,
including a recent legislative gain –
and a related upcoming tweak of the
apprentice program in Piney Point
– that will facilitate sailing in entrylevel jobs as well as upgrading to
David Heindel
ratings. We’ll share more details in
the months ahead, but this is a big win.
While I am confident in saying the SIU has worked
exhaustively and transparently to boost and retain
manpower, I am concerned that some of our allies
are trying to move in different directions to solve
the problem. It’s important that we work together as
an industry – labor and management alike – in order
to identify and implement the most effective, most
sustainable answers for America and its current and
future mariners.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t brainstorm for
creative solutions, but there’s nothing to be gained
through catching people off-guard with public calls
for steps that very well might weaken, rather than
strengthen, the U.S. Merchant Marine. Our industry
normally enjoys a well-earned reputation for being on the
same page. We need to return to that standard.
Again, in the SIU we are taking steps in the right
direction, and on that note, I thank our rank-and-file
members for always stepping up to provide the besttrained, most reliable shipboard manpower. It’s been
a challenge lately from a sheer numbers standpoint,
because of numerous activations, post-pandemic
retirements and new entries into the Tanker Security
Program, but you have answered the call.
As you all know, it’s vitally important to take a job if
you’re in position to do so – not just for the immediate
income and experience, but also to help ensure that your
jobs are still there in the future. Our survival hinges on
our dependability (along with grassroots political action,
but that’s a topic for another day). That’s something to
keep in mind the next time you’re weighing whether or
not to ship out.
Finally, I appreciate you continuing to do your part
by promoting the industry and helping recruit future
Seafarers, whether that’s by word-of-mouth or (as
numerous members have done) volunteering to assist at
a career fair. Your efforts are making a difference. Please
continue to help your union out where and when you can.
Safety First
As of this writing in mid-December, at least three
foreign-flag merchant ships and one U.S. warship had
been attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according
to the Pentagon. And, you may have read or heard about
in-port protests on the West Coast that involved an SIUcrewed vessel which may or may not have been carrying
military cargo.
The bottom line is that this is the right moment to
adhere to the World War II mantra, “Loose lips sink ships.”
These are emotionally and politically charged times.
Please take every precaution in your communications to
help ensure discretion and safety.
Seafarers LOG
Volume 86 Number 1
January 2024
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International
Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive;
Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern
Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201
Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes
Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an
environmentally friendly
printer for the production of
this newspaper.
2 • SEAFARERS LOG
Norfolk Hall Hosts Pro-Maritime
Virginia Senator, Congressman
The new-look hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, served
as a distinguished but still down-to-earth setting for a
recent gathering of Seafarers, representatives from
various unions – and two prominent politicians from
the Commonwealth.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D)
headlined the Nov. 20 meeting of the Hampton Roads
Ports Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades
Department). Both are longtime friends of the SIU,
backers of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and supporters
of workers’ rights. They took part in a question-andanswer luncheon as the council conducted its first inperson meeting since the pandemic.
“It was a great event,” said SIU Norfolk Port Agent
Mario Torrey. “I thanked them for being staunch
supporters of the Jones Act and all things maritime,
and made sure they know they are welcome here any
time. They actually asked a lot of questions about Piney
Point (home of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, in Maryland).”
The gathering lasted 90 minutes and was wellattended. Attendees included rank-and-file SIU
members and representatives from nine international
SIU members (from left) QMED John Morrison and OS Pinero Peek
chat with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) at the hiring hall in Norfolk.
SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) tells U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott
(D-Virginia) about the extensive renovations that were completed at
the Norfolk hall last year.
unions. Topics of discussion included the importance
of building more U.S.-flag ships; increasing support
for labor/company apprenticeship programs; boosting
federal labor laws; and maintaining support for
infrastructure investments.
Torrey, MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark
Clements and MTD Administrator Brittanie Potter
welcomed Kaine and Scott to the newly remodeled hall.
Both members of Congress told Torrey how impressed
they were with the facility (Kaine had visited a few
years ago).
Prior to the meeting, Kaine and Scott spoke
privately with participants and guests. Besides the SIU,
other MTD affiliates with representation included the
Boilermakers, Communications Workers, Electrical
Workers, Operating Engineers, Painters & Allied Trades,
and Teachers. In addition, the Masters, Mates & Pilots
and the Food & Commercial Workers participated.
Finally, both Kaine and Scott saluted retired MTD
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, who
opened the meeting and announced this was his final
function for the department.
Maritime Administrator Underscores
Need to Boost Recruiting and Retention
During recent remarks delivered at an annual
meeting of the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S.
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the
critical role of U.S. Merchant Mariners.
In a wide-ranging address that spelled out the
administration’s muti-faceted pro-maritime strategy,
Phillips spent significant time discussing American
crews and also touched on the global manpower
challenge.
Phillips said in part, “I have done a lot of
international engagement over the last few months,
meeting with leaders from the IMO, the UK, Vietnam
and Korea. In all of these engagements the one
consistent throughline that everyone spoke about was
the critical nature of the mariner workforce and, more
to the point, the mariner workforce shortage. For our
part, the Maritime Administration is … working to …
help recruit, train, and retain mariners by reducing
barriers to entry.”
She added, “I am beginning to focus more keenly
on quality of life for all mariners. Salaries for entrylevel
m e r c h a nt
mariners are at
an all-time high.
However, despite
t he comp e t it ive
pay, our industry
continues to grapple
w it h a mariner
shor t f a l l . W h i le
most acutely felt in
the efforts to recruit
and retain women
– who are woefully
u nder represented
at about 8% of the
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips maritime community
– the downward trend in the number of mariners across
all demographics, demands our attention. With that in
mind, over the next several months I am going to focus
on quality-of-life issues and work with the industry on
the sharing of best practices….
“I truly believe that to attract today’s workforce we
must change the ‘way we have always done it.’ Mariners
who want careers and families can indeed have both if
a pathway is mapped out in an effective family policy
and embraced by industry and labor.”
The administrator also provided an update on the
agency’s work to develop a formal national maritime
strategy, as directed by the Fiscal Year 2023 National
Defense Authorization Act. As previously reported
in the LOG, the Maritime Administration chose the
Center for Naval Analyses (CAN) “to identify and
examine the key components of an enduring national
maritime strategy... that can be leveraged for decades
to come,” Phillips said. “MARAD, working with CNA
and numerous stakeholders from across government,
industry, labor, academia, and other partners will
identify the commercial sealift requirements to
meet our nation’s future economic and security
needs, identify shortfalls and challenges in current
capabilities that need to be addressed, and provide
MARAD with options to address any shortfalls in
capacity and capability from which we then develop
our strategy. This includes addressing any shortfalls
in the areas of focus I mentioned earlier such as our
strained workforce and the modest presence of U.S.flag commercial ships in international trade.”
Moreover, Phillips said the agency “has developed
a five-year strategic Mariner Workforce Development
Plan to recruit, train, and retain merchant mariners….
We are close to a release date on this report, and it will
be posted on MARAD’s website.”
JANUARY 2024
�SIU Crews Honored at AOTOS Event
Congratulating NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan (second from right) are (from left) SIU Port Agents Joe Baselice and Ray Henderson, SIU
Exec. VP Augie Tellez and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi.
S
IU members were among the honorees at the most
recent Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards ceremony, which took place Dec. 1 in New York City.
Seafarers from the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano
Roosevelt, the roll-on/roll-off ship Midnight Sun (TOTE),
and the replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (whose crew
includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division) were among those recognized by event host the United
Seamen’s Service (USS).
Receiving the primary awards were Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial
Association President Adam Vokac; and Interlake Maritime
Services President Mark W. Barker.
SIU personnel in attendance included President David
Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Contracts
George Tricker, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone,
Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President
Government Services Nicholas Celona, Vice President Lakes
and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President Pat
Vandegrift, Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Jersey City
Port Agent Ray Henderson, Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey,
Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Manpower Director Mark
von Siegel.
Pasha, whose company employes numerous SIU members, said in part, “We need additional investment in training
and schooling of our mariner workforce, including funding
for high school and pre-high school programs. We need to
lower barriers for entry for our seafarers and to allow for our
service members to transition into commercial roles more
easily. It is crucial for this administration to communicate
the significance and value of these well-paying jobs and to
actively support the unions and employers in recruiting and
retaining these essential positions.”
He added, “We extend our gratitude to our hard-working
mariners who tirelessly carry out heroic duties to ensure the
The SIU gained new jobs following Great Lakes Towing
Company’s (GLT) acquisition of Sarter Marine Towing.
Sarter boatmen, though accretion, are now covered by the
current contract between the union and GLT.
“It’s all working out,” said SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd
Brdak. “The guys are really pleased to be in the union and
they’re excited about the benefits in particular.”
Deckhand Zachary Grovogel said that not having to pay
premiums for coverage through the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan “is definitely an improvement over what we
had before.”
He said the Sarter boatmen “are involved in towing, but
longer distance compared to the rest of the Great Lakes
Towing fleet. They’re in-harbor, whereas we’re more the longtow operations.”
In a news release about the sale, Sarter noted that the
transaction includes “purchase of the tugboats Donald J. Sarter and William C. Selvik, as well as all supporting machinery
and equipment and most other shoreside assets. The remaining five tugs in Sarter’s fleet will be chartered to [GLT] under a
long-term bareboat charter arrangement. [GLT] has retained
all employees of Sarter Marine and will supplement the
business with administrative and financial support to help
support and enhance Sarter’s current book of towing business in the region.”
“The Sarter Marine Towing team is excited to partner with
Great Lakes Towing. They have been a pleasure to work with,”
said Julie Sarter, president and owner of Sarter Marine.
GLT President Joe Starck stated, “The acquisition of Sarter Marine significantly enhances the Towing Company’s
capabilities in Northern Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This
is really a win-win outcome for everyone involved.”
SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right) meets with Sarter Marine boatmen in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Pictured from left are Deckhand
Zachary Grovogel, Deckhand Phillip Pfister, Brdak and AB Nicholas Sternard.
SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) and GLT Operations Manager Linsday Dew
are pictured aboard one of the company’s boats.
In attendance to help salute honorees are (from left) SIU VPs Nicholas
Celona and Bryan Powell and SIU President David Heindel.
ships remain safe and reliably on time. We also honor the
work of United Seamen’s Service in providing comfort and
assistance to our mariners worldwide.”
As previously reported in detail, the Roosevelt crew
helped rescue hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island
Ferry boat that had caught fire; the Midnight Sun crew quickly
extinguished a shipboard fire; and the John Lewis crew rescued a boater who’d been stranded at sea for five days off the
coast of Southern California.
SIU Fleet Expands With Sarter Marine Acquisition
JANUARY 2024
SEAFARERS LOG • 3
�Chief Cook Garners Recognition
A
n enthusiastic Seafarer recently received recognition
for her professional and inspirational dedication.
The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) on
Nov. 16 honored Chief Cook Brittany Steward and others
with the Apprenticeship Champion Award, which the
agency describes as “an honor bestowed to exceptional
champions of apprenticeship who have a strong
connection to apprenticeship in the State of Maryland.”
Steward is a 2017 graduate of the apprentice program at
the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland.
She’s also a frequent upgrader.
SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and
SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins attended the
ceremony in support of Steward, as did her mother and
brother.
Steward initially didn’t know she’d been nominated for
the award. MDOL Director of Apprenticeship and Training
Chris MacLarion learned of her background and then
visited the hiring hall in Baltimore to speak with Hoskins.
Inspired by Steward’s story (as relayed by the port agent),
he contacted Steward to learn more about the path that led
her to the PHC.
“I feel proud of the award because my journey has
been far from easy,” Steward told a Seafarers LOG
reporter. “I’m proud of the burning desire to rise above my
circumstances. The recognition is not just a testament
to my achievements but to the countless individuals
who have supported me along the way. I am proud of the
resilience I have developed, the empathy I have cultivated,
and the determination that has fueled my journey.”
The timing worked out well. Steward (a Baltimore
native but current Texas resident) had recently returned
from a voyage to Dubai, and already planned to travel to
Baltimore to visit family.
Steward mentioned that her early years were spent
with a foster family. Her mother worked diligently,
juggling multiple jobs and overcoming her own challenges
so that she may one day be reunited with her daughter.
Those efforts paid off and they indeed reconnected after
three years.
Steward said her mother has “always been there to
support me and to guide me on my path, even when I
made mistakes. She did her best with guiding me and I
appreciate that. She was definitely my biggest support
system. That’s really my motivation because her story
inspired me. No matter what you go through or what
you’ve been through, if you’ve got the right mindset, you
can do anything you want.”
After Steward graduated from Mergenthaler
Vocational-Technical High School (also known as Mervo)
in Baltimore City, she struggled to find her footing in
the working world. She eventually enrolled in a private
career school, where she amassed a significant amount
Chief Cook Brittany Steward (center) is pictured at the awards ceremony
with SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) and SIU Baltimore Port Agent
John Hoskins (right).
Celebrating the award are (from left) MDOL Director of Apprenticeship and
Training Chris MacLarion, Antionette Nelson and her daughter, honoree
Brittany Steward.
of student loan debt – and still had no clear career path to
show for it.
Prior to enrolling at the PHC, Steward at various times
had worked as a dental assistant, bartender, and staff
member in the Baltimore County American Job Centers.
A friend had suggested joining the Seafarers via the
apprentice program (which is registered with the U.S.
Department of Labor), but she didn’t take it seriously at
first.
“I was listening, but I wasn’t listening,” she admits,
until about two months later when she finally read the
information that she had asked them to provide. It was
then that she thought, “This is my ticket out of Baltimore.”
Her vision proved correct. She’d never left the city
until enrolling in Piney Point, but now has been to several
countries.
Steward may have delayed her entry into the U.S.
Merchant Marine, but she made up for it. After graduating
from PHC Class 826S on a Friday in 2017, she shipped out
the following Monday. As Steward described it, she “went
straight to the money,” and made $6,000 per month on her
first vessel.
Seeing that first paycheck “was life-changing,” she
recalled. “I received it and immediately paid off all of my
student loans. I’m debt-free.”
After successfully completing two voyages as an SA,
Steward returned to Piney Point to begin upgrading. She
then climbed the gangway of the USNS Impeccable in the
Philippines, ready to work as a chief cook – and promptly
was asked to step in as the new chief steward.
Understandably nervous, Steward overcame some
figurative speed bumps and handled the surprise
assignment.
“I was nervous but I did it,” she said. “I took that
opportunity to step up because I want to move up as fast as
I can. I will still upgrade and still take classes, but I wanted
to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Steward isn’t only focused on her own advancement,
though. Since finding her career path, she has shared her
story in hopes of enlightening others about maritime
careers.
“I’m trying to be reachable to people that look like me
in my environment, that talk like me, that dress like me
and think that they’re not supposed to be in these rooms,”
she said.
One method Steward launched was her own startup
YouTube channel.
“What made me start filming? I got tired of talking to
people in the neighborhood; they weren’t listening. So, I
said, instead of asking me, go to my YouTube channel and
if the information is for you, it’s for you,” she said.
She added, “I procrastinated on it for a few years
because I didn’t like how I talked in front of the camera.
I didn’t want to be too real, but I know my people are my
people. If you can relate to me, then I’m happy with that.”
(Her channel is @stuthesailor)
Meanwhile, the MDOL not only listened to Steward’s
story but found it compelling enough to include her in the
agency’s third annual awards event.
During the presentation, MDOL official Erin Roth
stated, “The reason that she’s getting this Apprenticeship
Champion award today is because she continues to tell
anyone and everyone in the city and where she lives
now out of her home base in Houston, Texas, about the
opportunities that apprenticeship can offer. So, thank
you, Brittany. We really appreciate you.”
Maryland DOL Honors Apprentices
The who’s who of Maryland labor and apprenticeship
gathered at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson,
Maryland, to take part in the state’s third annual apprenticeship awards ceremony, including Governor Wes Moore (D),
Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu (D), many other state
and county government officials – and representatives from
the SIU, including honoree Chief Cook Brittany Steward (see
separate article, this page).
SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Baltimore SIU Port Agent John Hoskins also attended the
gathering, which took place Nov. 16.
The ceremony was part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) celebration, which lasted from Nov. 13-19.
NAW included numerous events across the country (the
SIU participated in several of them) designed to publicize
the opportunities that apprenticeship offers for workers to
develop the skills employers value.
“The Maryland Department of Labor is proud to celebrate
National Apprenticeship Week and showcase the key success
of this program,” said Wu. “Maryland is full speed ahead on
growing apprenticeship through expanding to new industries, working with schools and colleges, and partnering with
communities across the state.”
Since the inception of these awards, the state has focused
on expanding the number of apprenticeships available to
people in Maryland and advocating for apprenticeships to
become more commonly acknowledged as viable pathways
to begin a career without defaulting to the traditional route
of higher education via college.
Steward is a graduate of the apprentice program at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. (That program
is open to applicants across the nation, not just Marylanders,
and is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.)
“We have some of the best four-year colleges in America
in the state of Maryland, and that’s a fact that we should all be
very proud of – but we are going to end this myth that every
single one of our students must attend one of them in order
to be economically successful,” Moore said.
Registered apprenticeship is widely considered an effective training strategy that leads to quality employment,
equips workers with job-relevant skills, and helps employers
meet their current and future workforce needs.
According to Moore’s proclamation, the U.S. DOL’s
apprenticeship week celebration was established in 2015 to
promote events that showcase the success and the value that
registered apprenticeship represents in both Maryland and
the United States for our workforce.
Currently, the state boasts more than 11,000 registered
apprentices who are active in the Maryland Apprenticeship
and Training Program. There have also been 165 new apprenticeship programs approved across key industry sectors over
the past seven years, 23 of which happened since January
2023.
“Maryland has set ambitious goals for expanding apprenticeship and we mean to meet them,” Wu said. “Registered
apprenticeship is key to our state’s economic success. We’ve
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• SEAFARERS
already hit historic highs in apprenticeship adoption and
today’s investments will accelerate our progress.”
Maryland has an increased workforce demand for
positions in many sectors, including teaching, advanced
manufacturing, clean energy, and cybersecurity. Apprenticeship programs have been created in order to help address
some of these needs, according to Moore’s proclamation.
He further noted that the unemployment rate in Maryland is only 1.6 percent, “which is the lowest unemployment
rate in the history of the United States.”
The governor also announced a new apprenticeship program. The $1.6 million Maryland Hospitality Management
endeavor will be sponsored by the U.S. DOL.
“The money will go towards six community colleges that
will sponsor apprenticeships, for management positions in
the hospitality sector. Together, these programs will reach
over 1,200 Marylanders,” Moore continued.
He also announced the appointment of five new
“apprenticeship ambassadors” who will help expand the
apprenticeship push in the state and will help recruit more
organizations to join in the movement.
“We are ready to unearth all the potential that this state
has,” Moore concluded. “We are prepared to invest in genius
– in the genius that each and every person has – and our job
becomes how we make sure they see that genius for themselves. The whole reason that we celebrate apprenticeships is
because we want to say to every single Marylander with a full
sense of certainty that you're more than worthy regardless of
the direction that you choose.”
JANUARY 2024
�Benefits Conferences Continue in New Year
Three more benefits conferences are scheduled
to take place within the first few months of the new
year, and those will mark the conclusion of a series of
15 that began last summer.
The gatherings are hosted by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan (SHBP) at various hiring halls and
are supported by the SIU. Seafarers, pensioners and
their families are encouraged to attend.
The remaining schedule is:
• Wilmington, California: Tuesday, Jan. 16
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Tuesday, Feb. 20
• Algonac, Michigan: Friday, March 8
(Editor’s note: The Wilmington date is new; the
originally scheduled conference had been postponed
due to inclement weather.)
Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen has
led the conferences and appreciates the widespread
participation.
“They’ve all been well-attended,” she said.
“Members and families have come out, and they’ve
asked great questions. We’ve talked about a lot of
different things.”
Bowen emphasized that membership feedback
from the first several conferences directly led to
positive change: “As a result of Seafarers talking
about their optical benefits, we put that (topic)
before the trustees, and they agreed to an increase
in those benefits. Vision benefits will double as of
Jan. 1, and I think this shows that the process works.
Leadership heard the members’ concerns and did
something about it.”
Conferences already have taken place in Norfolk,
Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma,
Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point,
Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New
Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Jersey City, New
Jersey.
As previously reported, the meetings usually
begin with an overview of the SHBP, including
eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription
considerations and more. Attendees have received
tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and
how to take advantage of new benefits.
Comparable information is shared during
separate reviews of the Seafarers Pension Plan,
Seafarers Vacation Plan, SIU 401K, and Seafarers
Money Purchase Pension Plan. Plentiful handouts
from the Seafarers Plans and from Cigna also are
available.
Pictured from left at the Mobile gathering are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook,
SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU President David Heindel, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Benefits Director Gunilla Watts, Media Coordinator/
Recruiting Lauren Liles, and SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White.
In the photos below, attendees pack the halls in (from top to bottom) Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, and Jersey City.
Retired Recertified Steward Denis Burke (second from left) and his
family attend the Houston conference and are pictured with SIU
President David Heindel (right) and Seafarers Plans Administrator
Maggie Bowen (left).
JANUARY 2024
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OCTOBER 2023
LOG • 5
5
�Thanksgiving in Jacksonville
This year’s Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, took place Nov. 20 and drew a large, enthusiastic
crowd of members, pensioners and guests. Additional photos are available on the SIU’s social-media pages.
Retired Recertified Steward Darryl Goggins,
Recertified Steward Jerome Jordan
SA Shantel Sykes, Chief Cook Brittany Harris
GUDE Ashanty Castillo, Administrative Assistant Ashley Castillo
ABG Vicente Mansilungan, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Steward/Baker Manuel Daguio
Recertified Bosun Tavell Love (right)
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Safety Director Adam Bucalo, Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Admin. Asst. Marquita Stamper, Port
Agent Ashley Nelson, Admin. Asst. Ashley Castillo, Patrolman Brian Guiry
JANUARY 2024
�Thanksgiving At Sea
SIU steward departments upheld the decades-long tradition of putting out scrumptious holiday spreads for Thanksgiving 2023.
Additional photos are available on our social-media pages.
ABOARD MAERSK KANSAS - Pictured from left are ABM Mike Pockat, ABM Alfonso Marin, SA Elena Tate, CS James McLeod and Bosun Kyle Silva.
ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Pictured from left in photo above, middle, aboard the Patriot-operated ship are Chief Cook Julian Abreu, SA Emily Lepley and Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon.
ABOARD MANULANI - Pictured from left in photo above, right, aboard the Matson-operated vessel are Capt. Travis Seely, Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and ACU Abdulwali Mugalli.
ABOARD MAERSK PITTSBURGH – Pictured from left in photo above, middle, are Chief Cook Erik Loret, SA Nagi Alzaim and Recertified Steward Ali Matari. The remaining photo includes other crew members and officers.
JANUARY 2024
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OCTOBER 2023
LOG •77
�Biden To Use Trade Pacts, Leverage
To Advance Worker Rights Worldwide
B
uilding on the provisions of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada
Trade Agreement (USMCA), the Biden administration recently launched a whole-of-government
initiative, via an executive order to use trade pacts and
other leverage to advance worker rights worldwide.
Biden’s objective, said Secretary of State Antony
Blinken, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, is to expand and increase
worker rights and incomes abroad. When those rights
advance and incomes advance, those workers benefit – and
U.S. workers do, too, the three said.
That’s because advancing workers’ rights and wages
abroad also removes low-wage exploitation, which many
businesses commonly use to export U.S. jobs and undercut
U.S. workers, the officials said.
“In support of workers and our national security interests, my administration will consider actions to integrate
and elevate workers’ rights and the promotion of high labor
standards in our foreign, international development, trade,
climate, and global economic policy priorities,” Biden’s
executive order declares.
Biden’s order supersedes more corporate-leaning trade
policies, some of which date back to the Gilded Age, which
heavily rely on foreign labor to produce U.S. goods. These
policies often came at a great cost to laborers in “opening
markets,” many of whom suffered abuse and repression.
Some examples include NAFTA, USMCA’s predecessor,
which passed in spite of strong union opposition.
Now, Biden is pivoting the government in a pro-worker
direction, and that drew cheers from the AFL-CIO. Its
then-top trade expert, Deputy Chief of Staff Thea Lee, led
the crafting of tough, enforceable worker rights into the
USMCA during the Trump presidency. Legislative directors
from the Steelworkers, the Auto Workers and the Teamsters helped.
Labor then worked with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro,
(D-Conn.) and other pro-worker lawmakers, to ensure
those tough standards remained and the USMCA passed.
Tai noted it’s led to large growth in Mexico in both independent unions – as opposed to company and pro-government
unions – and rising wages there, notably in the auto
industry.
With that as a model, as Tai and Su pointed out, Biden’s
executive order framework “will reshape how U.S. government agencies conduct international diplomacy by putting
workers’ rights and standards at the center,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said.
“Across the globe, working people are united in our fight
against growing corporate overreach and abuse, low wages,
attacks on organizing, the absence of strong benefits, and
poor working conditions. This new strategy is a major victory for workers everywhere and underscores workers’
rights are essential to our country’s national and foreign
policy, and national and economic security.”
Shuler added, “This framework will leverage diplomacy to promote internationally recognized labor rights
and worker organizing; create measures that enable swift
responses to violence and threats against trade union leaders, activists and organizations; improve the capacity of
U.S. agencies and foreign missions to engage with workers
and their representatives to improve the lives of working
people; and enhance and enforce fair trade practices. The
directive recognizes that no matter where we live, all workers deserve dignity and respect on the job. We need a global
economy that puts working people at the center.”
During a ceremony in San Francisco where the executive order was announced, and with many union members
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in attendance, Su (a Californian) said, “Every worker
deserves a just day’s pay for a hard day’s work. Every worker
should come home healthy and safe at the end of the day.
And every worker should have a right to join a union. These
are not just American values. They apply to workers around
the world. And in President Biden’s America, we want to
lead by example.”
Su also warned that the executive order to all federal
agencies to push worker rights worldwide, together, isn’t
enough. “Corporations are global. So, workers, and worker
power, and the way we think about workers have to be
global, as well,” she explained. “When some corporations
cut corners and contract out work to low-road businesses
that exploit workers around the world, it creates an unfair
playing field for every responsible business that does right
by its workers. When global actors are allowed to evade
labor laws in one country by exploiting workers in another
part of the world, this undermines workers’ rights everywhere. And when workers are harassed, discriminated
against, and attacked as they produce things sold all around
the world, we cannot simply look away and ignore the ways
our global economy brings with it global responsibility.”
Blinken outlined practical moves to enforce worker
rights worldwide, besides using trade pacts as leverage.
They include “engaging governments, workers, unions,
civil society and the private sector to protect and promote
internationally recognized labor rights.” He’s ordering
ambassadors to “engage with workers, with unions so their
voices are reflected in everything that we do.
“Second, we will work to hold accountable those who
threaten, who intimidate, who attack union leaders, labor
rights defenders, labor organizations – including using
things like sanctions, trade penalties, visa restrictions – all
the tools in our kit,” he said.
JANUARY 2024
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Muhiddin Awale
(center) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He first
sailed with the union in 1996. Congratulating him are SIU Asst. VP Joe
Vincenzo (right) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.
BOSUN CALLS IT A CAREER – Longtime Seafarer Boyce Wilson
(center) is pictured at the Houston hall (receiving his first pension check)
with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and Port Agent Joe Zavala. Wilson
started sailing with the SIU in 1990.
WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ QEP Craig Croft (center), who started sailing with the SIU
in 1985, displays his first pension check. He’s pictured at the hall with (from left) Asst. VP Mike Russo,
Patrolman J.B. Niday, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala.
PRE-THANKSGIVING TREAT ‒ An impromptu gathering took place on Thanksgiving eve at the
hiring hall in Oakland, California. Retirees and active members enjoyed good food and swapped sea stories,
according to Port Agent Duane Akers, who submitted this photo. Among those in attendance (and pictured
above) were retirees Emmanuel Bayani, Jovencio Cabab, Rolando Gumanas and Angelito Francisco, and
Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman.
JANUARY 2024
SIGNING UP IN ALGONAC – STOS
Chandler Williams (right) receives his B-book
at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Safety
Director Jason Brown.
ACTIVE IN APPRENTICESHIP WEEK – The SIU recently participated in National Apprenticeship
Week, a DOL-led effort featuring events from coast to coast. Pictured from left are AB Blake Stollenwerck,
SIU President David Heindel, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Louisiana Workforce Commission
Apprenticeship Director Stephen Peychaud. The SIU’s ongoing collaboration with the commission has
been successful. Meanwhile, Heindel commended Stollenwerck for stepping up on short notice to assist
in manning the first of the Tanker Security Program vessels.
FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – ABW Felipe Flores (right) receives his full book from Safety
Director Ricky Martinez at the hiring hall.
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OCTOBER 2023
LOG •99
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD ISLA BELLA –
ABOARD TUGBOAT TEXAS – This Seafaring selfie was taken aboard the
Great Lakes Towing boat during a servicing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. From left
are AB/Delegate William Hermes, AB Steve Rodziczak, SIU Algonac Port Agent
Todd Brdak, and AB Patrick Hermes.
Chief Cook Gregory Eady is
pictured aboard the TOTE ship.
As noted by vessel master Capt.
Andrew M. Mayher, “His hard
work and dedication has made
noticeable improvements to the
vessel by his shipmates and those
who visit.”
OUTREACH IN LONE-STAR STATE – In photo above, left, SIU Patrolmen Kelly Krick (left) and J.B. Niday (right) bump into SIU Chief
Engineer Pearson Smith (center) at a recent career fair at Texas A&M Galveston. Pearson, who sails with G&H Towing, is on active-duty orders
from the U.S. Navy Reserve. The remaining photo (taken at a separate gathering) includes AB/Tankerman Jarred Moylan, Krick and Safety
Director Kevin Sykes. The career-day event took place at Moylan’s alma mater: Aransas Pass High School.
YOUNG VOICES OF EXPERIENCE – Three SIU members
– all graduates of the apprentice program at the union-affiliated
school in Maryland – recently participated in a career fair
sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, a private school system in
Hawaii. The Seafarers shared their respective training and sailing
experiences with prospective apprentices. Pictured from left are
QE4 Jade Ezera, AB Desmond Unutoa, and AB Luke Satsuma.
MILESTONE IN GUAM – AB Julee Quiapos (left) picks up his
A-seniority book at the hall. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent
Victor Sahagon.
SALUTING A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE ‒ Coinciding with the recent benefits conference
in New Orleans, the union recognized retired Lead Bosun John Cain (center) for his more than 50 years with
the union. Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, VP Gulf
Coast Dean Corgey, Cain, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, and
New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association President Louis “Toby” Wattigney (who is a former
SIU captain with Crescent Towing).
10
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THANKING OUR VETERANS – This snapshot was taken shortly before Veterans Day
2023, aboard an SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferry. It includes (from left) Capt. Rick Thornton
(former U.S. Navy), Senior Deckhand George Schumpp (Army), and SIU Port Agent Ray
Henderson (Coast Guard).
JANUARY 2024
�At Sea & Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD STENA IMPERATIVE – Pictured from left in the galley of the Crowley vessel above, right are SA Richmond Almocera, Chief Cook Esper Jordan and Steward/Baker Jose Norales. Remaining photo includes
Safety Director Amber Akana, Norales and other crew members.
TAKING THE OATH IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Receiving their respective B-books at the hiring hall are (facing
camera, from left) STOS Dale Henry and QMED Tyler Summersill. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left.
B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – STOS Joshua Daniel (left) receives his full book at the
hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
ABOARD STENA IMPECCABLE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley ship in Hawaii are Pumpman Martin
Hamilton, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Bosun Isaac Amissah and Recertified Steward Anthony Jacobson.
AROUND THE NORFOLK HALL – In photo above, middle, OSs Travis Smith and Joseph Ilao display their newly acquired B-books. The outdoor photo features Chief Cook Carl Royster volunteering to help keep the
grounds tidy, while the remaining snapshot includes newly retired QMED George Kee (left) and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey.
JANUARY 2024
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG•11
11
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Notice
Increase in Vision Benefits
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 11 - December 12, 2023.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 13, 2023.
The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
are pleased to announce that they have decided to increase
the vision benefits that the Plan provides to mariners and
their families at the Core-Plus, Core and Pensioner benefit
levels. The new vision benefits will be double the amount
that was previously available. This increase in benefits goes
into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
Mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level
will now be eligible to receive up to $400 per person during
any 24 consecutive months, to help pay for eye exams,
glasses or contact lenses. At the Core level, mariners will
be eligible to receive up to $250 in vision benefits during 24
consecutive months, and their dependents may receive up
to $80 in vision benefits during this period. Pensioners and
their dependents will now be eligible for up to $80 in vision
benefits within 24 consecutive months.
The Trustees wish all participants in the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan a happy and healthy new year!
Port
Total Registered
All Groups
A
B
C
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
12
0
3
20
2
7
9
35
39
19
3
9
19
9
3
1
7
12
1
25
4
3
2
11
0
4
2
27
22
6
1
3
16
2
2
2
1
6
2
10
1
0
1
2
1
3
0
5
5
2
1
1
8
0
0
0
2
3
0
1
15
0
3
15
1
3
7
22
16
14
5
4
14
7
3
1
1
14
1
15
5
0
3
6
0
4
1
16
20
6
0
1
10
4
2
3
4
3
1
6
0
0
0
1
1
2
0
3
2
0
1
0
5
1
0
0
3
0
0
1
10
0
4
11
0
3
2
8
14
10
1
2
4
5
1
2
2
9
0
6
24
2
1
28
2
13
13
47
51
35
2
13
26
16
7
1
12
24
2
38
4
4
1
15
0
5
6
37
31
11
3
3
21
1
2
2
6
10
1
11
3
0
1
2
1
2
1
4
7
5
0
1
8
0
0
0
2
5
0
5
TOTAL
235
126
36
161
95
20
94
357
174
47
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
1
0
2
5
0
2
5
7
20
12
1
3
13
3
2
2
3
9
0
9
99
2
0
2
4
1
2
2
7
10
6
1
2
6
2
1
0
3
4
1
6
62
1
1
1
2
0
1
0
2
3
3
0
2
6
2
0
0
1
0
0
3
28
4
0
4
1
0
5
0
10
12
2
2
0
5
1
1
1
3
6
1
8
66
2
1
1
9
1
1
9
13
24
14
3
3
17
5
2
3
5
13
1
16
143
0
1
1
5
1
2
4
14
12
5
0
4
12
2
1
0
3
2
1
12
82
0
1
0
2
0
0
1
2
3
3
0
3
4
4
1
0
0
3
0
6
33
3
0
0
5
0
4
3
5
14
4
0
1
7
4
0
3
3
8
0
10
74
7
0
1
12
0
2
12
27
45
13
3
3
18
15
6
2
7
9
3
25
210
2
1
1
5
1
0
3
10
17
6
1
1
14
8
1
3
11
7
0
10
102
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
5
1
0
1
5
2
1
2
0
0
0
1
22
5
0
0
0
0
1
0
6
13
4
1
0
6
0
0
5
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
1
5
2
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
3
0
3
15
1
0
12
0
3
3
27
45
25
1
0
13
7
0
2
3
15
1
19
17
1
2
17
2
6
14
42
124
35
2
4
48
7
2
18
1
10
0
16
With Seafarers Aboard OS Santorini
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Deck Department
Engine Department
This snapshot was taken in early December in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Pictured from left aboard the Overseas Ship Management vessel are
OS Alex Needham, Chief Cook Joshu Lee, AB Christopher Collins, OS
Elvershon Williams, Bosun Ryan Legario, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday and
Steward/Baker Michael Carello.
January & February
Membership Meetings
Piney Point
Algonac
Baltimore
Guam
Monday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5
Friday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9
Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8
Thursday: Jan. 25, Feb. 22
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Joliet
Friday: Jan. 19, Feb. 16
Tuesday: Jan. 16, Monday: Feb. 12
Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8
Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15
Mobile
New Orleans
Jersey City
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Port Everglades
San Juan
Wednesday: Jan. 17, Feb. 14
Tuesday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13
Tuesday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6
Friday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9
Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15
Wednesday: Jan. 10, Feb. 7
Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15
Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8
St. Louis
Friday: Jan. 19, Feb. 16
Tacoma
Friday: Jan. 26, Feb. 23
Wilmington
Monday: Jan. 22, Tuesday: Feb. 20
Date changes due to holiday observances.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
2
1
2
2
0
3
3
10
14
4
2
2
13
3
3
3
3
4
1
11
86
2
0
2
1
0
3
0
3
12
2
2
1
3
0
0
0
1
3
0
2
37
2
0
1
1
0
1
0
3
1
0
0
0
7
1
0
0
1
1
0
3
22
Steward Department
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTAL
3
0
0
8
1
3
10
18
29
8
1
1
15
8
2
4
6
9
2
11
139
2
1
0
4
0
2
2
7
14
4
1
1
12
6
0
3
7
7
0
5
78
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
1
2
0
1
2
2
0
2
2
0
0
4
20
3
0
0
4
1
3
3
6
11
6
0
1
9
6
0
4
1
4
0
11
73
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
1
1
0
1
2
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
10
0
0
7
0
2
0
20
25
14
1
0
9
3
0
2
2
8
0
13
15
1
4
5
0
0
9
13
70
22
1
2
28
5
3
15
0
7
1
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
3
0
0
1
0
5
1
8
15
4
0
1
9
0
0
5
5
3
0
7
67
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
2
1
0
2
3
0
0
1
15
Entry Department
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
13
24
5
0
0
8
1
1
5
0
2
0
10
6
0
1
2
0
1
2
7
40
10
1
0
16
7
1
12
2
3
1
3
TOTAL
12
116
206
6
79
115
43
21
192
368
GRAND TOTAL
485
382
290
326
278
172
277
731
550
470
12
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
12
• SEAFARERS
JANUARY 2024
�Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of
space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then
forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
MAGOTHY (Argent Marine Operations,
Inc.), August 19 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto, Educational Director Ryan Sotomayor, Deck Delegate Justo Guity.
Chairman reiterated the importance
of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center
and reminded crew of the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan’s scholarship
opportunities. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew discussed dangerous-cargo pay and requested new fans,
linens and beds. TVs and refrigerators
are needed in rooms. Members reported
issues with internet service. Crew
asked for boot reimbursements, air
conditioning in galley, wage increases.
Crew requested specific wage allocations to be reported on pay vouchers.
SBX (TOTE Services), September 19 –
Chairman James Reynolds, Secretary
Annie Nodd, Educational Director
Rolando Torres, Deck Delegate Jehu
Laranjo, Engine Delegate Olivier Especa, Steward Delegate Gilma David.
Chairman discussed the MSC contract extension and explained how it
may delay annual raises. He reviewed
medical benefits as well as the pension plan. Secretary directed members
to the steward’s office to find all SIU
forms and reminded everyone to verify
documents before signing them. She
informed crew of upcoming benefits
conferences and encouraged everyone’s attendance. Educational director
recommended members upgrade at the
Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members suggested several additions for the next contract
including implementing “roommate
pay.” Crew motioned to increase continuity retention program and to make
increases to all wages across the board.
New dates for safety training courses
have been posted for those interested.
Next port: Honolulu.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel& Provisioning), September 30 –
Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary
Abraham Mills, Educational Director
Fernandez Wilcox. Chairman brought
up various overtime issues, including considerations regarding department delegates and meetings. He also
thanked the steward department for
a job well done. Secretary reminded
members to keep mess hall and laundry
room clean and thanked crew for help
with recent ship stores. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the
Piney Point school and reminded them
to keep their documents up to date.
Members requested increases to vacation and pension benefits. Crew experienced a safe voyage and good weather.
CAPE WRATH (Crowley), October 1 –
Chairman Prateek Poras, Secretary
Douglas Flynn, Educational Director
Timothy Chestnut, Deck Delegate Alexander Busby, Engine Delegate Morey
Lewis, Steward Delegate Wilma Joy
Smith. Chairman discussed manning
of Cape ships. Educational director
advised crew to renew documents in
timely manner and keep beneficiary information updated. He directed members to the SIU website to check for
upgrading courses at the Piney Point
school and reminded them to use the
member portal. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew asked for upgrades
to air conditioning, furniture and Wi-Fi
service. News books and movies were
requested as well as a new ice machine.
Next port: Charleston, South Carolina.
TEXAS (Seabulk Crew Management),
October 12 – Chairman Jovan Williams,
Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational
Director Michael Banks, Steward Delegate Jose Santos. Chairman asked for
members’ patience when they’re awaiting reliefs. Secretary encouraged crew
to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and
to keep physicals up-to-date. Educational director reminded members to
keep documents current and to leave
clean rooms for oncoming crew. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Three
refrigerators needed on ship, and engine department in need of winter gear.
Members requested increased coverage
for eyeglasses. Next port: Anacortes,
Washington.
MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), October 21 – Secretary Brian
Lunsford, Educational Director Lawrence Banks. Chairman advised crew
to stay on top of sanitation. Secretary
urged members to renew medical documentation early and to check credentials for expiration dates. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. New beds needed
on ship. Crew requested 30 for 30 vacation and improvements to medical and
pension benefits. Next port: Singapore.
U S N S B RU C E H E E Z E N ( O c e a n
Shipholdings), October 29 – Chairman
Robert Natividad, Secretary Emmanuel
Matias, Educational Director Yuri Hernandez, Deck Delegate Ricardo Dayrit,
Steward Delegate Marcus Dalton. New
plates and linen orders are underway
for next trip. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the
Piney Point school and announced
plans about completing documents. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new shower curtains
and shower mats. They asked for addi-
tional food and for easier access to the
internet.
MAERSK KANSAS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 11 – Chairman Kyle
Silva, Secretary James McLeod, Educational Director Francois Doucet, Deck
Delegate Alfonso Marin, Engine Delegate Adrian Darden, Steward Delegate
Cody Younghans. Chairman thanked
crew for working safely and keeping ship clean. He especially thanked
members for doing a good job with oil
cleanup. Educational director advised
members to take advantage of the new
courses being taught at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new linens
and towels. Crew needs carpet cleaner
and new washer and dryers. Steward
department was thanked for a job well
done.
TORM THUNDER (Eco-Tankers Crew
Management), November 25 – Chairman Ryan Scott, Secretary Michael
Watts, Educational Director Michael
Kelly, Deck Delegate Adam Riley, Engine Delegate Greg Alvarez, Steward
Delegate Angel Bernardez. New dryer
ordered. Fans and refrigerators in staterooms are being worked on. Chairman
told members to stay up to date on documents and physicals. Educational director urged crew to attend upgrading
courses at the Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for Gatorade powder mix to
drink while working in a hot-weather
climate. Crew requested increases in
vacation as well as pension benefits.
Members would like financial compensation for going past contractual sign
on time without a relief. Next port:
Guam.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. Members of
this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and
separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust
fund agreements. All these agreements
specify that the trustees in charge of these
funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their
alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon
approval by a majority of the trustees. All
trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union
and the employers. Members should get
to know their shipping rights. Copies of
these contracts are posted and available
in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in
the contracts between the union and the
employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
JANUARY 2024
receipt requested. The proper address for
this is:
George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to
are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to
the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the
proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other
union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official
capacity in the SIU unless an official
union receipt is given for same. Under
no circumstances should any member
pay any money for any reason unless he
is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment
be made without supplying a receipt, or
if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but
feels that he or she should not have been
required to make such payment, this
should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union
halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment
and as members of the SIU. These rights
are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union
has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated
against because of race, creed, color, sex,
national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is
denied the equal rights to which he or
she is entitled, the member should notify
union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to
further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right
of access to union records or information,
the member should immediately notify
SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is:
David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •13
13
�SIU Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
David Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. That
class included 11 Seafarers; the responses of the other six members were published in the previous edition.
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it?
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
Luis Garcia
Recertified Bosun
John Coleman
Recertified Bosun
Since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming
a seaman, because I’m from a port town
(Buenaventura, Colombia), and seeing
those seamen coming ashore, they were
almost heroes. I joined the SIU thanks to
a friend, in 2004. The reasons I’m still
an SIU member are because of all the
benefits we get, good money, traveling
to different countries for free, and I spent
quality time with my family when I’m
home.
I joined and
have stuck with
it because the
SIU offers great
money and great
benefits. You can
live anywhere you
want, and you have
a flexible work
schedule.
Robert Hoppenworth
Recertified Bosun
I joined the union because I was
able to start in the trainee program. I was in Class 535. I knew
I could upgrade and move up at
my pace, and of course make
more money and have a future.
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
Paul Brown
Recertified Bosun
I became a seaman
because I followed
in my father’s footsteps. I really enjoy
this career. The SIU
provides a great
opportunity to get
ahead in life, and it
has worked out very
well for me.
Junior Augustin
Recertified Bosun
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
Most of the men in my family are sailors, so I’ve had a desire to work on a ship from a young
age. After coming to the United States and being introduced to the SIU, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to fulfill my career goals as well as provide me the lifestyle I wanted. I’ve been
able to accomplish so many of my dreams – this career changed my life, and I truly enjoy what I
do. I’m very thankful for all the leadership and instruction I’ve gotten; there are some truly monumental leaders in the union, and their passion for the industry along with their professionalism
has motivated me and inspired my growth.
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
Pic from the Past
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
Oiler Antonio Garza works aboard the Overseas Alaska in 1971.
14
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
14
• SEAFARERS
JANUARY 2024
�Welcome Ashore!
DEEP SEA
EDDIE ALMODOVAR
Brother Eddie Almodovar, 66, signed on
with the union in 1977
when he sailed on the
Overseas Chicago. He
shipped in the engine
department and
upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on several occasions. Brother
Almodovar most recently sailed aboard
the Maersk Montana. He resides in Jensen
Beach, Florida.
ARMANDO AMANTE
Brother Armando
Amante, 70, started his
career with the Seafarers International
Union in 2004 when he
sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. He
upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions. Brother
Amante shipped in the steward department
and last worked on the Pacific Collector. He
is a resident of Kent, Washington.
EDUARDO BARLAS
Brother Eduardo
Barlas, 66, joined the
SIU in 2001. He first
shipped on the Maersk
Maine and sailed
in the deck department. Brother Barlas
upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most
recently sailed on the Maersk Columbus
and makes his home in New Milford, New
Jersey.
ANDREW BARROWS
Brother Andrew Barrows, 68, joined the
union in 1991, initially
sailing aboard the
Falcon Leader. A deck
department member,
he upgraded at the
Piney Point school on
several occasions. Brother Barrows’ final
vessel was the USNS Pililaau. He lives in
New Orleans.
FELSHER BEASLEY
Brother Felsher Beasley, 63, joined the
union in 1979, initially
sailing with Inland
Tugs. He worked in the
deck department and
upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Beasley last shipped
on the American Pride and makes his home
in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
JANUARY 2024
We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.
LEO BOGNOSON
STEVEN MCBRIDE
DONALD RICO
Brother Leo Bognoson,
65, started sailing with
the SIU in 1993. A deck
department member,
he first worked on
the Producer. Brother
Bognoson upgraded
on multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. His final vessel was
the Pride of America. Brother Bognoson
resides in Long Beach, California.
Brother Steven
McBride, 65, signed on
with the SIU in 1991.
He first sailed aboard
the USNS Indomitable
and worked in the deck
department. Brother
McBride upgraded at
the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed aboard the Chemical
Pioneer and is a resident of Atlantic City,
New Jersey.
Brother Donald Rico,
65, embarked on his
career with the Seafarers in 1991 and initially
worked on the Sealift
Atlantic. He was a
member of the deck
department and last
shipped on the Global Sentinel. Brother Rico
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. He
calls Morton, Washington, home.
JOSE BONITA
JULIOUS MIZELL
Brother Jose Bonita, 67,
joined the Seafarers in
2005, initially sailing
on the Steven L. Bennett. Brother Bonita
was a member of the
engine department. He
upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother
Bonita last shipped on the Washington and
lives in SeaTac, Washington.
Brother Julious Mizell,
65, joined the Seafarers
in 1978 and first sailed
aboard the Coastal
Kansas. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions
and sailed in the deck
department. Brother Mizell’s final vessel
was the Ohio. He makes his home in Denham Springs, Louisiana.
ISAAC VEGA MERCADO
Brother Isaac Vega
Mercado, 65, donned
the SIU colors in
1984 when he sailed
aboard the Venture.
Brother Vega Mercado
upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions. A deck department member,
he last shipped on the Ocean Glory. Brother
Vega Mercado settled in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
BOYCE WILSON
EDWARD GAVAGAN
Brother Edward Gavagan, 69, became a
member of the union
in 2001. He shipped in
the deck department
and first sailed with
Marine Personnel &
Provisioning. Brother
Gavagan upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. He most recently
sailed on the American Phoenix and settled
in Tampa, Florida.
TRACEY NEWSOME
Brother Tracey Newsome, 60, started his
career with the union
in 1987, initially sailing aboard the USNS
Harkness. A steward
department member,
he upgraded often at
the Piney Point school. Brother Newsome
most recently shipped on the Texas. He
lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
Brother Boyce Wilson,
63, signed on with the
union in 1990. He was
a deck department
member and first
sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic. Brother
Wilson upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions
and last shipped on the Alliance Fairfax. He
makes his home in El Campo, Texas.
INLAND
MICHAEL EDWARDS
EDISON INUMAN
ARISTEO PADUA
Brother Edison Inuman, 68, donned the
SIU colors in 2001,
following the NMU’s
merger into the SIU.
His first SIU ship
was the Cape Horn.
He was a steward
department member and upgraded often
at the union-affiliated Piney Point school.
Brother Inuman most recently sailed on
the KamoKuiki. He is a resident of San Jose,
California.
Brother Aristeo
Padua, 65, became an
SIU member in 2001.
He first shipped on
the Samuel L. Cobb
and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on
multiple occasions. A
deck department member, Brother Padua
concluded his career aboard the Alaskan
Legend. He resides in Cerritos, California.
GERALD KIRTSEY
STEPHEN PARKER
Brother Gerald Kirtsey,
61, joined the union in
1987. A steward department member, he
initially shipped on the
USNS Capella. Brother
Kirtsey upgraded his
skills often at the Paul
Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard
the California and resides in Jacksonville,
Florida.
Brother Stephen
Parker, 62, began his
career with the Seafarers International
Union in 1982, initially
sailing on the Long
Lines. He was a member of the steward
department and upgraded often at the
Piney Point school. Brother Parker last
shipped on the Ocean Grand and makes his
home in South Portland, Maine.
Brother Michael Edwards, 57, signed on
with the union in 1987. He was a deck
department member and sailed with G&H
Towing for the duration of his career.
Brother Edwards upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions. He settled in
Spring, Texas.
DOMENIC RIZZO
Brother Domenic Rizzo, 62, joined the
union in 1989 when he worked with Moran
Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Rizzo was
a deck department member. He last sailed
with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia and
resides in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey.
KENNETH WOMACK
Brother Kenneth
Womack, 64, began
sailing with the SIU in
2004, initially working
with OSG Ship Management. He sailed
as a deck department
member and upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney Point
school. Brother Womack concluded his
career with Penn Maritime and calls Rayville, Louisiana, home.
SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS
OCTOBER 2023
LOG •15
15
�Final Departures
DEEP SEA
BENJAMIN FERIA
Brother Benjamin Feria,
70, passed away October
10. He became a member
of the SIU in 2006 when
he sailed aboard the
Meteor. Brother Feria
was a steward department member. He last
shipped on the President Wilson in 2020 and
made his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
VIRGILIO HOFFMANN
Pensioner Virgilio
Hoffmann, 81, died September 18. He joined the
union in 1972 and initially sailed aboard the
Santa Mercedes. Brother
Hoffmann sailed in the
steward department and
concluded his career aboard the Lightning.
He started collecting his pension in 2012
and was a San Francisco resident.
DESMOND LYNCH
Brother Desmond
Lynch, 70, has passed
away. He was born in
Guyana and began his
career with the Seafarers in 1999. A steward
department member,
Brother Lynch was first
employed by H&M Lake Transport. He most
recently sailed on the Sam Laud in 2011 and
lived in Covington, Georgia.
KELLY MAYO
Pensioner Kelly Mayo,
63, died October 6.
Born in Toledo, Ohio,
he signed on with the
Seafarers International
Union in 1970. Brother
Mayo first sailed with
Michigan Tankers Inc.
and worked in the engine department. He
most recently shipped on the Overseas
Nikiski and went on pension last year.
Brother Mayo lived in Inverness, Florida.
ANGEL SOTOMAYOR
Pensioner Angel Sotomayor, 69, has passed
away. He joined the SIU
in 1969 and first shipped
with OMI Bulk Corporation. Brother Sotomayor
sailed in all three departments. He last shipped
on the El Morro and went on pension in
2007. Brother Sotomayor made his home in
Puerto Rico.
In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.
HERMAN STITH
EDWARD SCHAFFHAUSER
THOMAS JACKSON
Pensioner Herman Stith,
69, died November 8. He
began his career with
the Seafarers in 1997
when he sailed on the
Cape May. Brother Stith
was a steward department member and last
shipped on the Maersk Carolina in 2008. He
began collecting his pension in 2020 and
resided in Norfolk, Virginia.
Pensioner Edward Schaffhauser, 89, passed
away September 28. He joined the union
in 1974 when he worked with Gulf Atlantic
Transport. Brother Schaffhauser shipped in
both the deck and engine departments. He
last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce before
going on pension in 1996. Brother Schaffhauser resided in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
Pensioner Thomas
Jackson, 98, died September 27. He began
sailing in 1944, when he
worked on the Charles
L. O’Connor. Brother
Jackson was an engine
department member.
He last sailed aboard the American Clipper
before going on pension in 2002. Brother
Jackson resided in Jamaica, New York, his
home state.
RUDOLPH WINFIELD
Pensioner Rudolph Winfield, 78, passed
away October 21. He donned the SIU colors
in 1965. A steward department member,
Brother Winfield first shipped on the Cottonwood Creek. He concluded his career
aboard the Quality and became a pensioner
in 2011. Brother Winfield lived in Norfolk,
Virginia.
INLAND
ROBERT ANDERSEN
Pensioner Robert Andersen, 83, died October 25. He started sailing with the SIU in
1978 and first sailed on the Manhattan
Island. Brother Andersen sailed in both
the deck and engine departments, and last
worked aboard the Padre Island. He retired
in 2002 and resided in High Falls, New York.
DAVID BREUNING
Pensioner David Breuning 81, passed away
October 31. Born in
Durango, Colorado, he
joined the SIU in 1977.
Brother Breuning was
first employed with
Allied Transportation
and worked in the deck department. He
retired in 2005 after concluding his career
with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Breuning made his home in
Orlando, Florida.
HUGH PREWITT
Pensioner Hugh Prewitt, 92, died October 7.
He signed on with the
union in 1963 and sailed
in the deck department.
Brother Prewitt first
sailed with HVIDE
Marine. He was last
employed with National Marine Service
and became a pensioner in 1998. Brother
Prewitt lived in Nederland, Texas.
NMU
EZEQUIEL DE OLIVEIRA
Pensioner Ezequiel De Oliveira, 92, died
June 22. Brother De Oliveira worked in the
deck department, lastly aboard the Maersk
Texas. He became a pensioner in 2002 and
resided in Brazil.
ELIAS ERAZO
Pensioner Elias Erazo,
93, passed away November 6. Born in Honduras,
Brother Erazo began
sailing in 1959. He was
an engine department
member and last sailed
aboard the Majorie
Lykes. Brother Erazo retired in 1991 and settled in Sunrise, Florida.
HERMAN GOVAERT
Pensioner Herman
Govaert, 85, died June
26. Brother Govaert
first shipped aboard the
Green Dale, and worked
in the deck department.
He last sailed on the
Mormac Dawn and
became a pensioner in 1993. Brother Govaert lived in Belgium, his birthplace.
CLIFTON HUGHES
Pensioner Clifton
Hughes, 97, passed
away August 2. Brother
Hughes sailed in the
engine department. He
last shipped aboard the
Lyra and retired in 1993.
Brother Hughes made
his home in Rusk, Texas.
JOHN JENNINGS
Pensioner John Jennings, 70, passed away
August 27. Brother
Jennings sailed in the
steward department.
He last shipped on the
Green Wave in 2003.
Brother Jennings began
collecting his pension in 2017 and was a resident of Lancaster, California.
FRANCISCO MARCHENA
Pensioner Francisco Marchena, 85, died
October 30. Brother Marchena was born in
New Jersey. He worked as a deck department member and last sailed aboard the
Mormac Star. Brother Marchena retired in
2000 and settled in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
CARL SAARI
Pensioner Carl Saari, 86, passed away
October 21. An engine department member,
Brother Saari was born in Limestone, Michigan. He concluded his career aboard the
Agent before retiring in 1993. Brother Saari
made his home in Mathias, Michigan.
SIU SHOWS SUPPORT
DIMAS RODRIGUEZ
Pensioner Dimas Rodriguez, 90, died February
16. He embarked on his
career with the Seafarers
in 1966, initially sailing
aboard the Seatrain New
York. Brother Rodriguez
was a steward department member and concluded his career
aboard the Guayama in 1994. He settled in
Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.
16
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
16
• SEAFARERS
SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (fourth from left) attends the 248th birthday celebration of the
U.S. Marine Corps in San Jose, California, along with other guests. The event took place last November.
JANUARY 2024
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Title of
Course
Start
Date
DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Latest Course Dates
Date of
Completion
SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES
Lifeboatman/Water Survival
February 19
March 18
March 1
March 29
Able Seafarer - Deck
March 11
March 29
Basic Training Revalidation
February 2
February 12
February 16
March 4
March 8
March 18
March 22
April 5
April 22
April 26
February 2
February 12
February 16
March 4
March 8
March 18
March 22
April 5
April 22
April 26
ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
FOWT
February 5
March 11
March 1
March 29
Marine Electrician
April 22
May 24
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
February 5
February 9
Marine Refer Tech
March 11
April 19
Government Vessels
Adv. Refer Containers
February 5
February 16
February 26
March 4
March 25
April 22
March 1
March 8
March 29
April 26
Machinist
April 29
May 10
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
April 22
April 26
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
April 29
May 3
Pumpman
April 22
April 26
Welding
March 4
April 8
March 22
April 26
STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES
Certified Chief Cook
February 12
March 18
April 29
March 15
April 19
May 31
ServSafe Management
February 5
March 11
April 22
February 9
March 15
April 26
Advanced Galley Ops
March 18
April 12
Chief Steward
February 12
April 22
March 8
May 17
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________
Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member
Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
COURSE
____________________________
START
DATE
__________________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________
Home Port _____________________________________________________________________
E-mail ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes
No
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
__________________
___________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the
supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the
purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me.
JANUARY 2024
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________
Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original
receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org
Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise
qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG17
• 17
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
901
APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #901 – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Israel Christian-Grace, Aminata Diallo, Emma DiGennaro, Eden Dulin, Caleb Estrada, Dennis Freeman Jr., Austin
Gass, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Laurence Iledan, Justian Jones, Antoine Kozel, Madison Kruer, Marcos Medina-Vargas, Mario Odom Jr., Dominic Pena, Orlando Quirantes, Simeon Roberts, Xavier Roberts, Sarah Silverleaf, Eric
Simmons, Andrew Tingle, Wesley Tingle, Kiefer Vanderbilt and Marshall Whitcraft. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
ABLE SEAFARER DECK – Graduated August 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Ali, Jonathan Cordova-Alonso, Joshua Daniel, Elijah Diallo, James Jones, Derrel Oliver, Carl Piercy, Cody Quinn, Julian
Ramirez, Felix Rivera Rodriguez, Dean Schrantz, Venise Spears, Preston Stine, Mark Stookey, Kamron Stripling, and Zachary Wilkinson. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
ADVANCED REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennis Blake II, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, David Hain-Mendez, Ethan Love, Yahya Ali Mohamed and Kelly
Percy. Instructor Roy Graham is at left, while Instructor Mike Fay is in the back, third from the right.
18
SEAFARERS LOG
LOG • OCTOBER 2023
18
• SEAFARERS
JANUARY 2024
�Paul Hall Center Class Photos
RFPNW - PHASE 3 – Graduated December 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Taher Albaneh, Alexander Baum, David Bessey, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Ne'shawn Christopher, Michael Cruz Diaz, Qaadir Gillette-James,
Colontae Hargrove, Wade Henry, Lynn James Jr., Lamar Johnson, Jeremiah Mills, Jabar Mohamad, David Morris, Gary Wassel Jr., and Dylan Wright.
ADVANCED GALLEY OPERATIONS – Graduated November 10 (above, in alphabetical order):
Charlene Briggs, Esstonia Moore, Jacob Parrilla, Tony Pragosa, William Sanchez, and Delphine Simmons.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
JUNIOR ENGINEERING - PLANT MAINTENANCE II – Graduated November 17 (above, in
alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Akim Davis-Griffin, Lesther Gonzalez, Cody Higgs, Quinton Sashington,
Randy Slue, Daniel Ursitti, Joel Williams, and Sean Wilson. Instructor Christopher Morgan is second from
left.
WELDING & METALLURGY – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Clark, Marquez Fields, Jean Lozada, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Michael Wilt. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Instructor Chris
Raley is at the far right.
CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4 – GROUP A) – Graduated November 24 (above, in
alphabetical order): Timothy Cooper, Alondra Delgado, Benny Feria, Faith Gonse and Britorria Hogan.
JANUARY 2024
CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4 – GROUP B) – Graduated November 24 (above, in
alphabetical order): De'vine Lents, Joseph Lucas, Jubaree McHellen, Pura Moreno Soriano, Kevin Robinson
and Suyapa Ruiz.
SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER
2023
SEAFARERS
LOG19
• 19
�JANUARY 2024
VOLUME 86, NO. 1
SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO
SIU Year in Review: 2023
New Tonnage and Contracts
SIU President David Heindel (left) makes his first speech as the fourth
president of the SIU. Michael Sacco, the previous president, is at right.
I
n 2023, the SIU’s top priority wasn’t hard to determine. In
the pages of the Seafarers LOG, as well as on the SIU’s social
media pages, it clearly proved to be the year of the recruiter.
From job fairs, ad campaigns and community outreach, the
union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education (PHC) have been hard at work finding new mariners to join the Brotherhood of the Sea.
However, the biggest story of the year is clear: the
retirement of longtime SIU President Michael Sacco,
and the subsequent appointment of SIU President David
Heindel. The SIU Executive Board convened Feb. 13 near
Orlando, Florida. Sacco announced his retirement and
then nominated Heindel (who had served as the union’s
secretary-treasurer since 1997) as his successor. SIU
Executive Vice President Augie Tellez seconded the
nomination; a unanimous vote of approval followed.
Subsequently, the board unanimously approved the
respective appointments of Tom Orzechowski as secretarytreasurer and Bryan Powell as vice president of the SIU’s
Great Lakes and Inland Waters sector. Orzechowski had
served as Lakes vice president since 2003; Powell had been
an assistant vice president since 2007.
“Dave will do a great job and he has my complete
confidence,” Sacco stated. “He has proven himself
throughout his lifetime of service to the SIU. We are also
fortunate to have outstanding leadership throughout
our executive board, and I know this will be a seamless
transition.”
The following are other top stories from the year,
grouped into broad topics.
The first tonnage of the year to join the U.S.-Flag
fleet was the Badlands Trader, a tanker operated by U.S.
Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) for Maersk Line,
Limited., reflagged to United States registry on April 17 in
Piraeus, Greece. In July, Pasha Hawaii’s new LNG-powered
containership Janet Marie was delivered, as well as the
TOTE-operated Empire State and a new NY Waterway tug,
the Arthur E. Imperatore. In August, the Janet Marie was
christened, as were the Crowley tug Artemis and the USNS
Navajo (operated by MSC).
Near the end of the year, an influx of new tonnage added
jobs for SIU members, including the SLNC Star (Chesapeake
Crewing) the Allied Pacific (Patriot), the purchase of the
Alaskan Frontier by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), and
the impending additions of the Cape Sable and Cape San Juan
(Crowley) into the Ready Reserve Force (RRF).
In 2023, multiple contracts were negotiated, with others
ongoing as the year concluded. Contracts that were agreed
and voted upon in 2023 included a mid-contract pay increase
with G&H Towing and a new three-year contract with Great
Lakes Dredge and Dock.
Five SIU members employed by NY Waterway played vital roles in safely
evacuating hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry that caught
fire in late December 2022. (Photo courtesy Baris Barlas, Big City Tourism)
Rescues
Just missing our print deadline for the 2022 Year in
Review, SIU members aboard a NY Waterway ferry came
to the rescue of hundreds of passengers aboard a disabled
Staten Island Ferry on Dec. 22. The NYPD and FDNY
responded to the incident by requesting aide from other
ferries in the harbor, and the SIU crew of the Franklin Delano
Roosevelt rushed to help the passengers in peril. The SIU
members rescued 558 passengers from the doomed vessel,
with the remaining 310 taken to shore by other vessels.
The rescues didn’t stop there: On January 3, the Sagamore
(operated by Sealift) rescued 15 from the Straits of Florida;
the National Glory (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning)
handled two such operations, one in February involving
21 migrants and the other in early March involving 15
distressed individuals; the Overseas Long Beach (OSG) saved
12 migrants on March 30; the ATB Legacy (Crowley) saved
eight migrants who had been stranded for nearly a month on
March 1; and both the Overseas Nikiski (OSG) and Overseas
Santorini (OSG) performed rescues – 18 hours apart – on May
30-31. Members of the SIU Government Services Division
also helped handle rescues, including one involving the
USNS John Lewis.
SIU President David Heindel (left) was a featured speaker Aug. 9 as
Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii christened its new containership Janet
Marie in Oakland, California. Pictured at the event are (from left) Heindel,
company President and CEO George Pasha IV, SIU VP West Coast Nick
Marrone and Elyse Pasha, wife of George.
Maritime News
The Seafarers LOG saw a noteworthy redesign in 2023.
As mentioned above, the union experienced just the
third transfer of power in the SIU’s history. President
Heindel pledged his unyielding support of the rank-and-file
in a meeting which took place in mid-February, and began
serving in said role shortly thereafter, as the fourth SIU
president.
In other news, Daniel Duncan, former Seafarers LOG
editor and executive secretary-treasurer of the SIUaffiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, retired
after more than three decades of service to the maritime
community. Also retiring in 2023 was SIU of Canada
President Jim Given, who was succeeded by Mike Given.
The union also completely renovated the hiring hall in
Norfolk, Virgina, over the course of 2023, culminating in a
re-dedication ceremony which took place on July 25. Heindel
said the refurbished hall “symbolizes improvements in
the present and the hope for the future. This location is
excellent, and now this facility itself is state of the art and
will serve our membership well into the future. It’s a place
where our members and their families can feel safe and
proud to come and take care of their business.”
Additionally, the union and the Seafarers Plans teamed
up to conduct a series of benefits conferences at numerous
halls. A few more such meetings are scheduled for 2024.
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education hosted many important gatherings
SIU and Paul Hall Center personnel devote lots of time and resources toward
recruiting, as reflected by this December snapshot taken in Jacksonville,
Florida. Safety Director Adam Bucalo is at left.
throughout the year, including a meeting of the high-level
U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) Sealift
Executive Working Group, typically referred to as the EWG,
on August 30. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is
the labor representative on the committee.
Other notable events throughout 2023 included:
the return of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic; the first
Congressional Sail-In since the COVID-19 pandemic; and the
opportunity for four SIU apprentices to serve as flag-bearers
during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington
National Cemetery.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Seafarers LOG
itself underwent a notable change, moving to a new, fullcolor format beginning with the October 2023 edition. The
change has been received positively by readers.
Final Departures
Last year saw the following maritime figures cross the
final bar: Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center Director
John Gallagher; AFL-CIO President Emeritus Thomas R.
Donahue; retired SIU Assistant Vice President Chester
“Chet” Wheeler; and SIU Representative Gerard Dhooge.
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present
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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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January 2024
Description
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SIU CREWS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT
MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR UNDERSCORES NEED TO BOOST RECRUITING AND RETENTION
NORFOLK HALL HOSTS PRO-MARITIME SENATOR, CONGRESSMAN
SIU FLEET EXPANDS WITH SARTER MARINE ACQUISITION
CHIEF COOK HONORED BY STATE OF MARYLAND
BENEFITS CONFERENCES CONTINUE
SIU YEAR IN REVIEW
INCREASE IN VISION BENEFITS
Creator
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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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01/01/2024
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Vol. 86, No. 1
2024
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
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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
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Piney Point
Jersey City
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Jacksonville
San Juan
Algonac
Norfolk
Houston
New Orleans
Mobile
Oakland
Port Everglades
Joliet
St. Louis
Honolulu
Wilmington
Guam
Tacoma
Monday after first Sunday
Tuesday after first Sunday
Wednesday after first Sunday
Thursday after first Sunday
Thursday after first Sunday
Thursday after first Sunday
Friday after first Sunday
Friday after first Sunday
Monday after second Sunday
Tuesday after second Sunday
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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
�
Dublin Core
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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
Publisher
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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
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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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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
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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01/01/2023
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Newsprint
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VOL. 85, NO. 1
2023
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ab3119f07803247e5a2ccc0bdf82774e.pdf
7a51b87bf769370c74924ff3fcc8286c
PDF Text
Text
NOVEMBER 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 11
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU Crews Up Seabulk Pride
The double-hulled tanker Seabulk Pride once again carries an SIU crew, following the vessel’s Sept. 23 delivery to Seafarers-contracted Seabulk (a SEACOR subsidiary) in Pascagoula,
Mississippi. The vessel is expected to operate coastwise between Houston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It had been operated by Chevron under a bareboat charter. SIU Port Agent Jimmy
White (left in photo directly above) met with the crew shortly after they signed on. The initial crew included Bosun Brian Gauntt, ABs Jerald Welcome, Joshua Welcome, Victor Nunez,
David Chance and Richard Oliver, QEP Derrick Sullivan, Wiper Austin Smith, GUDE Jaden Radcliff, OMU John Cacella, Steward/Baker Jasmine Garrett, Chief Cook Robert Hunter and
GVA Saleh Almurisi. Built in 1998 in Newport News, Virginia, the Seabulk Pride previously carried an SIU crew for many years before the aforementioned charter.
Union Answers Call
For Hurricane Relief
The SIU wasted no time springing into action to
help victims of Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian,
which caused extensive damage in Puerto Rico
and Florida, respectively, in September. The wideranging relief efforts included gathering supplies in
San Juan, Puerto Rico (among several other locations), and then distributing them to some of the
hardest-hit areas. A few of the SIU volunteers are
pictured at right, at the San Juan hiring hall, with
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left). Donations also
were taken at the halls in Houston; Jacksonville,
Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Philadelphia;
and Tacoma, Washington. Numerous labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, plus Seafarerscontracted vessel operators have helped with the
outreach. Page 3.
Bosuns Credit Union, School For Life-Changing Opportunities
Members of the union’s newest class
of recertified bosuns shared riveting
individual stories when they graduated
Oct. 3. They credited the SIU and its
affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education with offering excellent career and upgrading
opportunities. Following the monthly
membership meeting in Piney Point,
Maryland, they gathered with SIU officials for this photo. Pictured from left
(front row) are VP Contracts George
Tricker, VP Tom Orzechowski, Recertified Bosuns Neftali Erausquin and Ronald Poole Sr., Exec. VP Augie Tellez
and Recertified Bosuns James Hall,
Nasser Hafid and Larry Dizon. Pictured
from left in the back row are Patrolman Josh Rawls, Port Agents James
Bast and Ray Henderson, Recertified
Bosuns Carlos Gibbons and Richard
Molina Blackman, Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift
and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Page 5.
Unions, Coalition Back Jones Act
Page 2
73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 1
El Faro Memorial Dedication
Page 7
10/24/22 8:51 AM
�President’s Report
‘See the Whole Wide World’
Around the world, the maritime industry battled a manpower shortage even before the COVID-19 pandemic. That challenge has only
become more pronounced in the last couple of years, and it certainly
extends into many other occupations across the globe.
Nevertheless, our union, along with our
affiliated school and many of our contracted
vessel operators have invested substantial
resources to attract people either specifically
to the SIU or at least to the broader U.S.
Merchant Marine. I’m confident that, once
they’re here, newcomers will find lots of reasons to either stick around with us or move
on to licensed positions elsewhere in the
industry.
American maritime – and the SIU in
particular – has much to offer. As one of our
newest recertified bosuns recently put it,
“While my friends back home were discovMichael Sacco
ering the world wide web, I got to see the
whole wide world: all seven continents, both
while employed aboard ships and during my
vacation time. I’ve earned good wages and benefits for me and my
family, while funding my retirement plan.”
I’d call that a powerful endorsement from someone with firsthand
experience. And, there are so many additional stories and viewpoints
just like that one. There’s a reason why we’ve been around since 1938.
If you know any prospective Seafarers, by all means send them our
way. Encourage them to visit a hiring hall and/or check out our website. This is still a profession in which you can go as far as you want to
go, and our union offers excellent contracts with top-of-the-line benefits, not to mention flexibility and opportunities to see the world.
Importance of Political Action
While we’ve probably exhausted the topic of the Jones Act in this
space in recent years, the most recent attacks against our country’s
freight cabotage law once again underscore why the SIU remains politically active. By having well-informed backers both in Congress and
in the administration, we are able to help turn back these misguided
attempts to weaken or eliminate a policy that has served the United
States and its citizens for more than a century.
Sitting around and hoping someone else will deliver our message
on Capitol Hill (and at every level of government, for that matter)
never has been our approach and never will be. There’s turnover in
literally every election cycle, and that means we’re constantly making
introductions and explaining our value to legislators and to others who
regulate American maritime.
These types of actions are vital to protecting your jobs, and that’s
why we don’t take shortcuts. It’s also why we support candidates who
support maritime along with workers’ rights, regardless of political
party. Heck, it’s why we relocated headquarters from New York to
suburban D.C. 40 years ago. Our industry’s fate is mainly decided in
Washington, and we’ll continue wearing a path between Camp Springs
and the nation’s capital for as long as that’s the case.
Thank You
I’ll close this month’s message with heartfelt thanks to everyone
who has stepped up for hurricane relief efforts in the aftermath of
Fiona and Ian. It’s difficult to even watch news footage of the destruction to people’s homes, not to mention thinking about the loss of life.
But I’m proud of our union, our members and our labor movement for
immediately pulling together and helping however we can, wherever
we can.
This is also nothing new for the SIU, and while it’s a classic case
of hoping we’ll never need to do it again, we know better. There will
be other storms. And the SIU will be there for our brothers and sisters,
like always.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 84 Number 11
November 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Maritime Labor Blasts
Unnecessary Waiver
Industry Calls Out Absurd Criticism of Jones Act
The winds from Hurricane Fiona had barely
moved past Puerto Rico before misguided critics
of America’s freight cabotage law began asking for
unnecessary waivers.
At one point a Category 4 storm, Fiona made
landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 18, knocking out electrical power across the entire territory. Parts of the
island were hit with nearly three feet of rain.
Nevertheless, U.S.-flag vessels continued delivering supplies to Puerto Rico almost uninterrupted.
As was the case five years ago, in the aftermath of
Hurricane Maria, distribution on the island itself
was challenging (due to infrastructure damage), but
those issues had nothing to do with the Jones Act.
Reality didn’t stop several members of Congress
from seeking a blanket, year-long waiver, nor did
it prevent a single foreign-flag ship from showing
up unannounced and securing a single waiver after
initially being denied.
Responding to the waiver, the SIU, AMO,
MEBA and MM&P sent a joint statement to the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security that read
in part, “Our unions represent American Merchant
Mariners who sail aboard Jones Act vessels, including those that serve Puerto Rico. Every day,
our mariners go to work to ensure that Puerto Rico
and the rest of the United States have safe and dependable domestic shipping, helping to move all
the goods they need to live, work, and raise their
families….
“The Jones Act is critical to our continued ability
to maintain a domestic U.S.-flag merchant marine.
As such, we take protecting it seriously. That’s why
we are shocked and outraged at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision to issue an illegal, unjustified and unnecessary Jones Act waiver
for a British Petroleum tanker that took active steps
to ignore and then circumvent fundamental American law.”
The statement continued, “This waiver is a betrayal of the principles of federal maritime law dating back centuries, made worse by the facts of the
case. A foreign ship with a foreign crew loaded fuel
in an American port and diverted to Puerto Rico
to take advantage of increased fuel prices after the
island was hit by Hurricane Fiona. There was no
national security crisis. There were American ships
available – indeed, the ship was at sea four days before a waiver was even applied for. This cargo was
not humanitarian aid. It was a blatant cash grab and
a bald-faced political stunt. The companies behind
this vessel gambled that they could pressure the
U.S. government into ignoring our laws and policy
because of the hurricane and they were correct.
“Let us repeat – this waiver was unnecessary,”
the unions added. “U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign
flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, either from American ports or from foreign ports, had
safely discharged their cargoes in Puerto Rico after
the storm. American ships were available. Ameri-
can crews were available. But none of that mattered, because the political optics of a ship waiting
to bring fuel to the island apparently matters more
than a century of bedrock American law.”
The statement concluded, “This waiver is an undeserved slap in the face to American mariners and
U.S.-flag vessel operators. It potentially opens the
door for future incursions by foreign-flag interests
by giving them a roadmap of what they need to do
in order to bully our government into giving them
what they want – just show up on our doorstep and
call the press. It sets a dangerous precedent, and
it threatens the domestic industry at a time when
we – like many other sectors of the economy – are
challenged with worker shortages. In the strongest
possible terms, we condemn the issuance of this
waiver, and we urge the Department of Homeland
Security to never approve a waiver like this again.”
The coalition American Maritime Partnership
(AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, also objected to the waiver. In a letter to DHS Secretary
Alejandro Mayorkas, AMP President Ku’uhaku
Park stated, “The waiver is unlawful…. DHS has
rewarded a foreign operator who has been widely
criticized, both in Washington, D.C. and in Puerto
Rico, for its behavior.”
Similarly, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner
Jenniffer González Colón noted, ““At each and
every meeting, I have been assured by federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, FEMA,
and the Corps of Engineers that there is an adequate
supply of fuel on the island that is available to consumers and that subsequent delivery is planned of
more fuel in the short, medium and long term….
The vast majority of the fuel that Puerto Rico consumes comes from outside the United States, which
is why it is transported on foreign-flagged ships
from foreign ports. Therefore, the Jones Act does
not apply and a waiver would not change the way
fuel is transported at all.”
The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that goods transported from one
domestic port to another be carried aboard vessels
that are crewed, built, flagged and owned U.S. Upwards of 90 countries across the globe maintain
some form of cabotage law.
Earlier this year, a new study by Ernst & Young
examined the Jones Act’s effects on Puerto Rico
and concluded, “Across multiple metrics, shippers
overwhelmingly associated better carrier performance with Jones Act carriers than non-Jones Act
ones. In addition to providing stability and security
in the region, the Jones Act shipping industry continues to provide substantial economic benefits to
Puerto Rico.”
The study also found that the law has created and
helps maintain more than 2,000 jobs in the territory;
contributes $96 million in wages; and is responsible
for $221 million in economic output.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Oct.
13 published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) aimed at helping employers and workers determine whether a worker is an employee
or an independent contractor under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
In announcing the proposed rule, the DOL
noted it “would provide guidance on classifying workers and seeks to combat employee
misclassification. Misclassification is a serious
issue that denies workers’ rights and protections
under federal labor standards, promotes wage
theft, allows certain employers to gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding businesses, and
hurts the economy at-large.”
The department further pointed out, “The
NPRM proposes a framework more consistent
with longstanding judicial precedent on which
employers have relied to classify workers as
employees or independent contractors under the
FLSA. The department believes the new rule
would preserve essential worker rights and provide consistency for regulated entities.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded the
announcement.
“The Biden administration once again delivered
Proposed Labor Rule
‘Victory for Workers’
Continued on Page 7
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 2
November 2022
10/21/22 11:54 AM
�SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (standing) is pictured outside the Houston hall. On Sept.
30, the union teamed up with personnel from the Port of Houston, National Shipping of
America, LLC and the office of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for a donation drive gathering relief supplies for those affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida.
A container of relief supplies is hauled from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall on Oct. 1 to
Fort Myers, Florida.
Seafarers Assist Hurricane Victims
Union Helps With Donations, Distribution after Fiona, Ian
The SIU is teaming up with national and local labor
organizations, Seafarers-contracted vessel operators and
other supporters to collect and deliver storm-relief supplies following Hurricanes Fiona and Ian – primarily to
Puerto Rico and Florida, but also to the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Alaska.
Collection points include the hiring halls in Houston;
Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Fort Lauderdale,
Florida; Tacoma, Washington; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While donations are welcome at those locations, Seafarers are encouraged to check with their local halls and also
keep an eye on the SIU website for related updates.
Fiona, at one point a Category 4 storm, hit southwestern
Puerto Rico with 85 mph winds on Sept. 18. Parts of the
island were flooded, and all of Puerto Rico’s estimated
1.47 million power customers initially were left without
electricity. Perhaps of greater immediate concern, around
a quarter-million water customers initially had no service.
By early October, power and water services had been
restored to the vast majority of residents.
Ten days after Fiona struck Puerto Rico, Ian devasted
Florida on Sept. 28 and then made landfall again two days
later in South Carolina. Official estimates are ongoing, but
at press time in mid-October, Ian reportedly had caused
more than 130 deaths in Florida along with billions of dollars in damages.
The labor movement stepped up in support within hours
of Fiona striking Puerto Rico and again after Ian. Among
the organizations pitching in are the SIU, Maritime Trades
Department (MTD), IBEW, AMO, MEBA, MM&P, Longshoremen, Teachers, Machinists, AFGE, AFSCME, Carpenters, AFL-CIO and others.
According to the American Maritime Partnership in a
Sept. 23 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro
Mayorkas, 2,000 containers were positioned in the port
of San Juan prior to the storm to provide supplies. When
all the island’s ports reopened following the hurricane,
U.S.-flag vessels resumed operations on their dedicated
U.S.-Puerto Rico terminals, with six Jones Act ships either
already offloaded or preparing to dock by the end of that
day.
Meanwhile, a large-scale relief effort led by the SIU
took place Oct. 8 in Puerto Rico. Seafarers and others from
the labor movement had prepared supplies for a few days
earlier. They then delivered more than 1,000 individual
grocery bags, bottled water and other supplies to residents
in Hormigueros and Penuelas.
During preparations at the hiring hall on Oct. 6, Chief
Steward Ingrid Ortiz noted, “We’re going to the south of
the island, where everybody was very affected by the hurricane, and we’re planning to help with food and anything
else they might need.”
Recertified Steward Bam Bam Aguilera added, “We’re
working to help everybody who needs it.”
“We’re putting everything together for our brothers and
sisters in Puerto Rico,” said Michael Jacob, who sails in
the steward department.
SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, based
in San Juan, stated, “While it’s nothing new for SIU members to step up and help their fellow citizens, I’m grateful
for their generous response to Hurricane Fiona. They’ve
put in a lot of work and have always done so with a great
attitude and a can-do spirit. It’s what the SIU is all about.”
President Biden visited Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Oct.
3. He touched on the financial support the federal government is providing to residents, and saluted them for
their “resilience and determination. Quite frankly, it’s
pretty extraordinary, when you look at it from afar. And
you deserve every bit of help your country can give you.
That’s what I’m determined to do, and that’s what I promise you…. We’re going to make sure you get every single
dollar promised. And I’m determined to help Puerto Rico
build faster than in the past and stronger and (be) better
prepared for the future.”
Two days later, the president spoke in Fort Myers, Florida. He said, “I’ve instructed my administration to bring
every element of the federal government together to help
with the immediate needs and long-term rebuilding. You
have my commitment and America’s commitment that
we’re not going to leave. We’re going to see you through
this entire process.”
Chief Cook Wilson Peniston and QEP Yuri Oliveros help
load pallets of water outside the hiring hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
SIU members and other volunteers sort and stack supplies at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico (photo at right), then briefly
pause for a snapshot while holding some of the assembled bags that were delivered in the following days (above).
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 3
Seafarers LOG 3
10/21/22 11:54 AM
�Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor (far left) and other crew members are pictured with local fire department personnel.
All Hands Safe Following Midnight Sun Fire
No injuries and no damage were reported
following a small fire aboard the Seafarerscrewed Midnight Sun (TOTE Services).
SIU members including Recertified Bosun
Thomas MacGregor quickly extinguished the
fire on the front deck of the ship, which was
docked in Tacoma, Washington. Local fire department personnel arrived on scene, but the
fire already had been put out.
According to the vessel operator, no cargo
was aboard the vessel. A published report in-
dicated the incident “was likely caused by an
electrical fire in a piece of (a vendor’s) maintenance equipment on the upper deck, the Tacoma
Fire Department told the local News Tribune.”
MacGregor had just arrived to the ship, on
Sept. 23.
“I was still in my leathers from riding my bike,” he said. “But I was part of
the quick response team, me and the chief
mate. It took three minutes, if that, for our
two teams to get suited up, and about 20
U.S. Rep. Garamendi Introduces
New Pro-Maritime Legislation
A longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant
Marine isn’t letting up in his efforts to promote
the industry.
On Oct. 3, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (DCalifornia) introduced the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet
Act” (H.R.9102), along with cosponsors U.S.
Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and U.S. Rep. Alan
S. Lowenthal (D-California). Among other advancements, the legislation would strengthen
federal cargo preference laws to increase the
number of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels
delivering cargo to foreign ports.
The bill is backed by the SIU, as well as the
Maritime Trades Department, Transportation
Trades Department, Liberty Maritime, Marine
Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA),
International Organization of Masters, Mates
& Pilots (MM&P), and the Maritime Institute
for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID), among other organizations.
Garamendi, who chairs the House Armed
Services Subcommittee on Readiness and
serves as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said, “For
too long, Congress and both Democratic and
Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going
vessels to dwindle. The global supply chain
crunch during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade
of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island building in the South China Sea and
saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown
that the United States cannot remain reliant on
foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
“My comprehensive, bipartisan legislation
would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet
of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing government cargo during peacetime
so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during
wartime or emergencies,” he continued. “The
United States has the world’s most capable
Navy, and we need an equally impressive fleet
of commercial cargo vessels crewed by Ameri-
4 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 4
minutes to knock down the fire.”
The bosun added that prior safety training
definitely paid off, prominently including the
related courses that are staples at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education.
“This (effective response) is all because
of the basic training that we get at Piney
Point and the drills we do on board,” MacGregor stated. “It went smoothly and everybody did what they were supposed to do.”
can mariners,” concluded Garamendi.
According to Garamendi’s office, the bill
would:
n Restore the requirement in place from
1985 to 2012 that at least 75% of gross tonnage of seaborne cargo for international food
aid programs be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. Current law only requires 50% minimum
gross tonnage, following a sneaky cut to the
program.
n Restore the requirement in place from
1985 to 2012 that the U.S. Department of
Transportation reimburse international food
aid programs for any cost premium under the
U.S.-flagged vessel cargo preference, to protect the overall budget for food aid exports
from increased shipping costs.
n Reaffirm the Maritime Administration
(MARAD) as the only federal agency able to
waive the U.S.-flag requirement for government cargo, in the rare instances when such
commercial vessels are unavailable at fair and
reasonable rates.
n Strengthen transparency and oversight
by requiring public notice online of all waivers
of the U.S.-flag requirement and timely notification to Congress. Current law holds similar
requirements for waiving the Jones Act.
n Allow vessels seeking federal cargo contracts to be re-flagged into the United States
registry for less than three years, provided they
satisfy similar requirements as vessels enrolled
in the existing Maritime Security Program.
n Clarify that the current U.S.-flag vessel
requirement for international food aid applies
to all agricultural products, not just commodity crops.
n Implement the reforms to cargo preference laws recommended by the Government
Accountability Office’s report on “Actions
Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight,” published on Sept. 12, 2022.
The full text of the “Rebuilding the United
States-Flag International Fleet Act” is available online.
Other SIU members aboard the ship include ABG Gamal Muflahi, ABB Artemio
Galaura, ABM Saleh Alsinai, ABG Samed
Kassem, ABM Raymond Green, ABM
Scott Ryan, AB Daniel Mensah, QEE Gajatri Normatova, OMU Rohmy Butler,
OMU Mohamed Alghazali, OMU Majed
Alsharif, GUDE Mohamed Kassem, Recertified Steward Dennis Skretta, Chief
Cook Robert Haggerty and SA Khaled
Yahia .
MARAD Announces Two New Initiatives
Backing Cargo Preference Compliance
A key agency recently announced
it is taking steps aimed at enforcing
regulations that benefit the country
as a whole, including the maritime
industry.
On Sept. 16, during testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee
on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Maritime Administrator
Ann Phillips (Rear Admiral, USN,
Ret.) announced two efforts intended
to support federal compliance with
cargo preference requirements.
“Cargoes paid for by American
taxpayers belong on American ships,”
she said. “Cargo preference requirements are not just ‘Buy America’
requirements, they are requirements
that also help to strengthen America.”
The hearing was titled, “Cargo
Preference: Compliance with and Enforcement of Maritime’s Buy American Laws.”
Phillips announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will
issue a formal “Request for Information” to solicit input from all
stakeholders on cargo preference
requirements. Under the nation’s
federal cargo preference laws, the
Department of Defense must move
100 percent of its cargoes on U.S.crewed, U.S.-flagged vessels. Outside of the Department of Defense, at
least 50 percent of other governmentimpelled cargoes must ship on U.S.flagged vessels.
Additionally, Phillips announced
that MARAD will resume publishing comprehensive federal cargo
preference data. Ensuring that such
information is publicly accessible
is intended to increase interagency
efficiency and to provide transparency regarding the movement of
government-impelled cargo on both
U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged
vessels.
Beyond these announcements,
Ann Phillips
U.S. Maritime Administrator
MARAD is also working with the
White House’s “Made in America
Office” to help agencies understand
cargo preference requirements, the
administrator explained. In conjunction, MARAD is in the process
of communicating with all related
federal departments and agencies to
remind them of their obligations and
to request that they each identify a
single point of contact, with whom
MARAD can work to implement and
ensure cargo preference requirements
are being met.
As defined by MARAD, “Cargo
Preference is the general term used
to describe the U.S. laws, regulations
and policies that require the use of
U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of
cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is
being shipped under an agreement of
the U.S. Government, or as part of a
Government program.”
November 2022
10/21/22 11:54 AM
�‘SIU Gave My Family a Better Life’
Bosuns Reflect on Successful Careers, Opportunities
The seven Seafarers who recently completed bosun recertification training at the
SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, had no shortage of interesting insights
when they delivered graduation speeches Oct.
3.
Completing the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC)
top curriculum for deck department mariners
were Neftali Erausquin, Richard Molina
Blackman, Ronald Poole Sr., Carlos Gibbons, Larry Dizon, James Hall and Nasser
Hafid. The two-week course covered numerous topics including leadership, teamwork,
social responsibilities and safe workplaces,
contracts, benefits plans, politics as it pertains
to the maritime industry, simulator training,
vessel operations and more. Most of it took
place on the PHC’s southern Maryland campus, though the class also included a day at
the union’s headquarters building, located in
Camp Springs, Maryland.
Following are some highlights of the respective graduation remarks, given during the
monthly membership meeting at the PHC.
Neftali Erausquin
A Seafarer since 2003, Erausquin said
his overall experience during the class was
“amazing. All of the content was useful, and
my eyes were opened to things I’d never
known about. The school itself also looks
great. I’m proud to be an SIU member.”
He thanked SIU officials, PHC personnel,
and everyone who works at the Jersey City,
New Jersey, hall for their guidance and efforts,
and also credited his family for being supportive.
After encouraging fellow Seafarers to
support the union’s voluntary political action
fund (SPAD), Erausquin urged the apprentices
to “upgrade and stay focused. The sky is the
limit for you.”
Richard Molina Blackman
Previously a member of the National
Maritime Union (NMU), Blackman became a
Seafarer when the NMU merged into the SIU
in 2001.
“It has been a great experience,” he said.
“I came to the school in 2004 to upgrade for
my AB ticket, and have sailed as a bosun since
2012. Finally, after 21 years as an SIU member, through hard work and dedication I am a
recertified bosun. It means a lot to me.”
He thanked all of the personnel at the
Houston hiring hall along with the staff and
instructors at the PHC.
Blackman continued, “I thank all the union
officials for your good leadership and hard
work, fighting every day for all of us. Without
you, we wouldn’t be here.”
He said the SIU remains “a fundamental
part of my life. It has given me many opportunities to provide a great living for me and my
family.”
Addressing the apprentices, he concluded,
“You are the future of this great union. Learn
and listen to your instructors; work hard and
upgrade.”
Ronald Poole Sr.
Poole joined the SIU in Mobile, Alabama,
in 1999. He said his most recent experience at
Carlos Gibbons
Recertified Bosun
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 5
Neftali Erausquin
Recertified Bosun
Richard Molina Blackman
Recertified Bosun
the PHC was “outstanding,” and that he particularly appreciated learning about the various components of the Seafarers Plans.
He described becoming a recertified bosun
as the culmination of a career-long dream.
“With hard work and dedication, each and
every one of you out there (in the auditorium)
can be on this stage, too,” he said to his fellow members and apprentices. “The sky is the
limit for you – all you have to do is want it.”
Poole, who still sails from Mobile,
wrapped up his speech by saying, “Life in the
union has been good for me and my family. I
have two daughters in college and one more
to go.”
audience, Dizon said the recertification class
helped him “gain more knowledge about leadership and the operations and benefits the SIU
offers us.”
He said that when he joined the union in
2005 in Norfolk, Virginia, “it changed my life.
Opportunities came my way. I developed and
enhanced my skills and was able to travel to
many places. I experienced different cultures
and met people from all walks of life.”
He continued, “The SIU gave my family a
better life…. I’m so grateful to be part of the
Brotherhood of the Sea.”
He thanked the instructors, encouraged
support of SPAD, and said the school made
him feel at home.
Carlos Gibbons
Like has classmates, Gibbons, an SIU
member since 2001, said that completing recertification carried great significance.
“I feel overwhelmed with pride, and I am
very thankful and blessed for this wonderful
achievement,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been
possible without the help and support from the
officials in New Jersey, and I thank them.”
He said that the combination of union
membership and clear chances for career advancement have served him well “in many aspects of my life – too many to mention in this
short speech. But the most important one is
the opportunities to continually upgrade. I’m
grateful for that. It has helped me improve my
skills and also helped me financially, there’s
no doubt about it.”
After thanking the union’s officials for
their work in protecting members’ job security, Gibbons told the apprentices, “When you
are at sea, listen to your superiors. Follow
orders and always do your best. Always show
up with a positive attitude, and don’t hesitate
to ask questions.”
Larry Dizon
With his wife and two daughters in the
Larry Dizon
Recertified Bosun
Ronald Poole Sr.
Recertified Bosun
placent. This is your best shot at a bright
future.”
James Hall
Shortly after finishing his enlistment in
the Navy in 2000, Hall “realized how much
I missed going to sea,” he said. Before the
year ended, he’d enrolled in the apprentice
program.
Since then, he stated, “While my friends
back home were discovering the world wide
web, I got to see the whole wide world: all
seven continents, both while employed aboard
ships and during my vacation time. I’ve
earned good wages and benefits for me and
my family, while funding my retirement plan.”
Hall thanked his family, PHC personnel,
and SIU officials and staff at headquarters,
in New Orleans and in Houston for their
efforts and supportiveness. He said of the
union’s top officials: “They are uniquely
well-versed in the intricacies of all facets
governing our livelihood. Their combined
experience, knowledge and established
relationships are not easily replicated. It is
incumbent on us to donate to SPAD so that
they can continue this vital work on our
behalf.”
Lastly, he said to the apprentices, “When
you get to sea, make yourselves part of the
team. Ask questions and don’t become com-
Nasser Hafid
A frequent upgrader and a Seafarer since
1994, Hafid said he would “go a different
route” with his graduation speech – and
he delivered with a captivating, firsthand
account that illustrated why he holds the
union in high regard.
“Only a few people know what happened,” said Hafid (who is readily amenable to the details being published).
“There’s always a day in your life that you
never forget, and that day is Feb. 23, 2013
for me. I was overseas, visiting my family
(in Yemen) after a long trip. I was driving
along, and had my mother and cousin (in
the vehicle). A bullet came through the car
door, into the side of my chest, went all
the way through and lodged into my right
bicep…. It hurt, but I did not cry. I’m a
bosun.”
All indications are that he hadn’t been
specifically targeted, but survival wasn’t
certain. Nevertheless, he recovered enough
to return to the U.S., where he visited the
hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington.
“I got to the counter and started telling
the patrolman what had happened,” Hafid
said. “He stopped me and we went to talk
in the back. He got the port agent, the other
patrolman and the secretary…. I was requesting to see a doctor. When I was telling
them what happened to me, you could see
the empathy in their eyes. They dropped
everything they were doing and focused on
me. They treated me like their family member, and not just a member of a union.”
He then noted that when “headquarters
found out, you know what they said? ‘Get
that man whatever he needs.’ Like a bosun
would say to his deck department, just get
it done. The SIU was there when I needed
them the most.”
James Hall
Recertified Bosun
Nasser Hafid
Recertified Bosun
Seafarers LOG 5
10/21/22 12:31 PM
�Prior to negotiations, members aboard the President Cleveland fill out contract suggestion
forms. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Reynaldo Ricarte, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera,
Steward/Baker James Watson and ACU Ali Suwaileh.
Pictured aboard the President Kennedy in Oakland, California, are (from left) ACU Moosa
Mohamed, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, Steward/Baker Aurelio Esperanza, Chief Cook
Jonathan Yates and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. The members had just reviewed and voted
on a new contract.
Seafarers Ratify Additional Work Accords
Seafarers recently ratified two more
contracts featuring assorted gains and
appeared well on their way to approving
a third pact as well. Those agreements
cover members sailing with Pasha Hawaii, APL Marine Services, and Subcom,
respectively.
According to SIU Vice President
Contracts George Tricker, “These agreements essentially wrap up what has been
a very busy and successful year for the
contracts department and the membership. The new contracts raise wages,
either maintain or increase benefits, and
include other gains. This wouldn’t have
been possible without the excellent work
of rank-and-file Seafarers and the outstanding efforts of our negotiating committees.”
The agreement with Pasha Hawaii,
which largely mirrors the standard
freightship contract, was negotiated by
Tricker and SIU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone, while Pasha was represented by Ed Washburn. It was ratified
by an overwhelming majority. The five-
year pact includes annual wage increases
and maintains benefits.
Meanwhile, the new two-year agreement with Subcom includes wage increases above and beyond the standard
contract, while maintaining the current
Core-Plus level of benefits. The contract
was negotiated by Tricker, with Scott
Winfield representing Subcom. Voting
continued at press time, but the initial
feedback was very positive.
Finally, the new two-year agreement with APL includes wage increases
in both years, and adds the Juneteenth
holiday. It also includes a clothing reimbursement, an increase to pension benefits, and maintains the current benefits
plan at the Core-Plus level.
This contract was negotiated by Marrone and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, and
was ratified by the membership upon the
successful completion of bargaining.
“This new contract is an outright win
for the members and certainly a good
agreement for the company as well,” said
Marrone.
Recertified Steward Sergio Castellanos (photo above) checks
contract suggestions aboard the President Roosevelt in southern California. Pictured aboard the President Wilson in the photo
at right are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman, ACU Kevin Robinson,
Chief Cook Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Recertified Steward
Frank Malahi. The members reviewed the proposed new contract and voted to ratify it.
Members, Guests Must Make
Arrangements Prior to Showing Up
For Stay at Paul Hall Center Hotel
Seafarers are welcome to stay at the Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Maryland, even if they’re not enrolled in a class
there – if space is available and a reservation has been
made.
Members are encouraged to work with their respective port
agents or email Jay Wiegman at jaywiegman@seafarers.org
regarding reservations for themselves and any family members
who want to stay with them at the school. The cost for room
and board for members is $40 per night (plus tax), and $10
apiece for each guest. Again, this applies to individuals who
are not enrolled in a course. Anyone showing up to the base
unannounced will not be allowed on campus.
In addition to verifying arrival and departure dates, members will be required to submit proof of vaccination (or exemption from the requirement) from COVID-19 both for
themselves and any guests.
6 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 6
November 2022
10/21/22 12:34 PM
�Worker Categories Based on Legal Precedent
Continued from Page 2
on its promise to put working people first,”
Shuler stated. “By restoring commonsense
rules to determine who is an employee,
and making it harder for employers to
intentionally misclassify their employees
as independent contractors, the DOL’s
announcement will increase protections
and expand benefits to so many working
people who have been subjected to corporate work-arounds. Too many companies
put profits over people, intentionally misclassifying their workers as contractors to
avoid providing the pay, overtime, workplace rights and benefits that employees
are due under labor and employment laws.
This proposed rule will ensure DOL has
the tools to protect employees against the
current and escalating problem of misclassification.”
Shuler added, “While today’s announcement is a major step forward, we
know there is still so much more to do
to make our economy more fair and equitable. The AFL-CIO and its allies will
continue to push for legislation and regulations to give workers the rights they
deserve.”
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said,
“While independent contractors have an
important role in our economy, we have
seen in many cases that employers misclassify their employees as independent
contractors, particularly among our nation’s most vulnerable workers. Misclassification deprives workers of their federal
labor protections, including their right to
be paid their full, legally earned wages.
The Department of Labor remains committed to addressing the issue of misclassification.”
Specifically, the proposed rule would
do the following, the DOL reported:
n Align the department’s approach with
courts’ FLSA interpretation and the economic reality test.
n Restore the multifactor, totality-ofthe-circumstances analysis to determine
whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the FLSA.
n Ensure that all factors are analyzed
without assigning a predetermined weight
to a particular factor or set of factors.
n Revert to the longstanding interpretation of the economic reality factors. These
factors include the investment, control and
opportunity for profit or loss factors. The
integral factor, which considers whether the
work is integral to the employer’s business,
is also included.
n Assist with the proper classification
of employees and independent contractors
under the FLSA.
n Rescind the 2021 Independent Contractor Rule.
When announcing the NPRM, the
DOL further noted that it is “responsible
(Photo courtesy AFL-CIO)
(Photo courtesy AFL-CIO)
Marty Walsh
Secretary of Labor
Liz Shuler
President, AFL-CIO
for ensuring that employers do not misclassify FLSA-covered workers as independent contractors and deprive them of
their legal wage and hour protections.
Misclassification denies basic worker
protections such as minimum wage and
overtime pay and affects a wide range
of workers in the home care, janitorial
services, trucking, delivery, construction, personal services, and hospitality
and restaurant industries, among others.
Before publication of today’s proposed
rulemaking, the department’s Wage and
Hour Division considered feedback
shared by stakeholders in forums during the summer of 2022 and will now
solicit comments on the proposed rule
from interested parties. The division encourages all stakeholders to participate
in the regulatory process. Comments,
which must be submitted from Oct. 13
to Nov. 28, 2022, should be submitted
online or in writing to the Division of
Regulations, Legislation and Interpretation, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-3502, 200
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20210.”
Upwards of 600 people attended the ceremony; a few of them are pictured above, while the statue is shown in the image below. (Photos by Jack Routhier)
El Faro Memorial Dedicated in Maine
A newly dedicated statue in Rockland,
Maine, will help preserve the memories
of the El Faro’s final crew.
The creative work – formally dubbed
“El Faro Salute!” – was unveiled Sept. 24
before hundreds of attendees. SIU Port
Agents Ray Henderson and James Bast
represented the union at the gathering;
the SIU also co-sponsored the event.
“Both the ceremony itself and the
sculpture were really well done,” said
Henderson, who regularly sailed aboard
the El Faro before coming ashore to
work for the union. “It was an honor to
be there.”
All 33 individuals aboard the El Faro
perished when the vessel sank in a hurricane near the Bahamas on Oct. 1, 2015.
The crew included 17 SIU members.
Two of the ship’s officers hailed from
Maine, as does Jay Sawyer, who designed the new memorial and graduated
from Maine Maritime Academy.
The ceremony, which lasted approximately one hour, featured remarks by
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 7
Sawyer, Rockland Mayor Ed Glaser, officials from two local museums, and others.
As described in the ceremony’s
printed program, “This memorial features two maritime officer uniforms in
salute position to signify the honor that
the maritime family in this region, and
around the world, desire to express to
the El Faro crew, and the respect and
compassion offered to the families and
loved ones of the crew that continue to
endure this tragedy.” The names of all
33 individuals from the ship are etched
on the front of the statue, which is made
of steel.
“I was brought to tears. Pictures don’t
do it justice,” said Rochelle Hamm,
widow of SIU member Frank Hamm,
who was part of the last crew.
“We are handing this over to the local
community to be the host,” said Sawyer.
“You’ve been selected. This community,
because there are two crew members on
this ship that lived in this community. Be-
cause this is Rockland, the art capital of
Maine…. It’s because of the lighthouse
that’s out there at the end of the Breakwa-
ter, and El Faro is Spanish for lighthouse.
It’s for the sunrise; it’s one of the most
beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.”
Seafarers LOG 7
10/21/22 11:54 AM
�Seafarer by Day, Tattoo Artist by Night
Continued from Page 20
dreds of dollars, but can reach well into
the thousands.
“When you go back to, say, the 1950s,
someone who had tattoos was kind of a
rebel,” Musick says. “It seemed like in the
1990s, it became a little more socially accepted. A lot of the skateboard kids were
getting into tattoos, and TV shows like
Ink Masters brought it into everyday life.
People saw that tattoos could be something beautiful, and weren’t just for military members and motorcycle riders.”
Nevertheless, learning the trade wasn’t
straightforward or quick for Musick.
“When I got into it, there weren’t a lot
of shops around,” he recalls. “Back in the
day, you really had to prove your worth.
The old-timers weren’t giving up any
tricks of the trade, so you had to hope one
of them would take you under their wing.
Working as a mechanic was sort of the
same thing. Eventually, if the old-timers
felt you were really interested, they’d
show you.”
As his interest in tattooing grew, Musick “said to myself, this can’t be that
hard. There was one company you could
buy equipment from. I bought it and basically taught myself” during a span of
several years.
Decades later, after applying more
tattoos than he can count, Musick still
appreciates the ongoing experience as an
avocation. He’s a part-timer in a regional
chain (Body Graphics) where he has
worked for the last 22 years. Previously,
he’d run a business from his home.
“My union job obviously comes first,
and accounts for my benefits and (eventual) pension,” Musick says. “My tattoo
job is fun money and just enjoying the
art.”
‘Team Player’
Those familiar with Musick’s work –
as a Seafarer and as an artist – say plenty
of good things about both areas.
Musick graduated from high school
in 1985 and immediately followed in the
footsteps of his father, Jim, also a longtime SIU member (who passed away in
2018).
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, then working as the union’s port
agent in Philadelphia, met Scott when
he signed on at Crowley’s terminal in
Pennsauken, New Jersey.
“Scott has always been a team player
and a hard worker,” Heindel notes. “I
eventually became familiar with Scott’s
artwork through his Facebook postings.
His art is nothing short of extraordinary
and unique. I’ve used his talents several
times to create T-shirts for [motorcycle]
charity runs, and he’s never disappointed.”
Musick also created the art for shirts
that were highlighted at an El Faro memorial dedication in 2016 at the hiring
hall in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Knowing how good Scott’s work
is, I wanted to use his talents to create
something for that ceremony,” Heindel
recalls. “His ability to capture the essence
of the moment and use it to remember our
brother and sister Seafarers in a memorial
T-shirt for those attending, was nothing
short of brilliant.”
Retired Seafarer Mike Fay worked with
both Jim and Scott Musick for many years.
“Scott and I shared the same passion
for motorcycles and did a lot of rides
together,” Fay says. “As far as being a
co-worker, I wish we had more like him.
He’s very skilled, and always rolled up
his sleeves and tackled assignments while
staying clear of the nonsense.
“I remember when he decided to learn
tattooing and would practice on raw
turkeys,” Fay continues. “Scott’s tattoos
speak for themselves. I have quite a few
from him myself.”
Musick reports for work at the power shop in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Early Start
Tattoos grabbed Musick’s attention
from early childhood. His father had several tattoos; Musick regularly drew copies
and other images.
Musick got his first ink at age 14, at a
now-defunct shop in Camden, New Jersey.
“My dad took me and lied about my
age,” Musick recalls. “I just got a name
on my arm, but from that day on, it was
pretty much off to the races. I stopped
counting my own tattoos when I got to 30
of them.”
Nowadays, Musick is pleased by the
industry’s growth, though he is puzzled
by some of the seemingly random images
that people select.
“A tattoo is supposed to be something
personal that tells a story about your life,”
he says. “The ones that I really get the
most joy from (applying) is when someone comes in for a memorial tattoo for
someone who’s passed away. When I get
done and they look in the mirror and tears
of joy come to their eyes, I know I’ve
done my job.”
Fortunately, those are usually the only
types of tears he sees as an artist. Asked
in general how much it hurts to receive
a tattoo, Musick replies, “I won’t say it’s
painless, but nine times out of 10, people
say it’s not bad at all. If someone doesn’t
know what to expect, I’ll dip my needle
into some water (for a trial run). The
outline seems to be a little more painful,
only because of the configuration of the
needles” (more than a half-dozen different
ones typically are used on a tattoo).
Musick can finish a basic tattoo (such
as a name) in a few minutes, whereas, for
complex designs such as full sleeves, “I’ll
work until they tap out. Most people last
four or five hours.”
He plans to stick with both of his
professions for the foreseeable future,
and says he remains grateful for his circumstances: “I’m very blessed to be a
member of the SIU and to have a job with
Crowley.”
International
Solidarity
SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel (at podium and also visible
on monitor) on Sept. 29
was a featured speaker
at the Norwegian Seafarers Union Congress
(convention), which took
place in Tromsø. He
updated attendees on
various work done by
the SIU and the International Transport Workers’
Federation, for whom
he serves as Seafarers’
Section chair. He also
congratulated Johnny
Hansen, who’s retiring,
on his years of service
as president of the host
organization.
8 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 8
November 2022
10/21/22 11:54 AM
�Notice:
Credentials Lost Due to
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
E d i t o r ’s n o t e : T h e
U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following
news item on Oct. 6. It’s
available on the SIU
website.
In accordance with
Federal regulations,
duplicate
Merchant
Mariner Credentials
(MMCs) may be issued
free of charge to mariners whose credentials
were lost or destroyed
as a result of Hurricane
Fiona in Puerto Rico
and Hurricane Ian in
Florida. Affected mariners should follow the
steps below to obtain an
expedited replacement
credential:
Provide a statement of
loss to the National Maritime Center (NMC) via
fax at (304) 433-3412 or
via e-mail at IASKNMC@
uscg.mil. The statement
should contain the following:
n Mariner’s full name
n Mariner’s date of birth
n Mariner’s reference
number (MRN) (if you
don’t know the MRN, include the mariner’s Social
Security number)
n The mailing address
that the replacement credential should be sent to
n Current phone number and/or e-mail address
that the NMC can use to
contact the mariner with
questions, if necessary
n Description of the circumstances surrounding the
loss/destruction of the credential.
Unless otherwise requested, any duplicate
MMCs issued per the request process above will
include a corresponding Medical Certificate,
if previously issued.
We will make every effort to have duplicate
credentials mailed out
the next business day.
Alternatively, mariners
may submit form CG719B, Application for
Merchant Mariner Credential, to one of the
Regional Exam Centers
with the information
above. If your credential
is unserviceable due to
damage or your lost credential is subsequently
found, that credential
should be mailed to the
NMC.
If you have questions
or feedback regarding
duplicate credentials,
please contact the NMC
via our Online Chat or
Ticketing System, by emailing IASKNMC@
uscg.mil, or by calling
(888) IASKNMC (4275662).
Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain
U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer
November & December
Membership Meetings
Piney Point..........................Monday: November 7, December 5
Algonac.............*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Baltimore....................Thursday:November10, December 9
Guam...............*Friday: November 25, Thursday: December 22
Honolulu.............................Friday: November 18, December16
Houston...........................Monday: November 14, December12
Jacksonville.......................Thursday: November 10, December 8
Joliet..............................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Mobile.........................Wednesday: November 16, December 14
New Orleans...................Tuesday: November 15, December 13
Jersey City............................Tuesday: November 8, December 6
Norfolk..................*Monday: November 14, Friday: December 9
Oakland.........................Thursday: November 17, December 15
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: November 9, December 7
Port Everglades.............Thursday: November 17, December 15
San Juan........................Thursday: November 10, December 8
St. Louis.............................Friday: November 18, December 16
Tacoma.............................Friday: November 25, December 23
Wilmington..................Monday: November 21, December 19
* Algonac and Norfolk changes in November due to Veteran’s Day observance
* Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 9
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from September 16 - October 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of October 16.
Port
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
20
0
1
12
2
8
5
16
19
16
0
4
12
7
1
4
4
18
1
18
168
6
1
1
10
0
3
3
7
25
7
1
4
8
3
1
4
4
6
0
4
98
1
0
0
3
0
3
0
3
2
1
0
0
3
0
0
1
1
3
0
0
21
Deck Department
12
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
12
7
2
3
0
0
9
4
2
5
2
0
22
16
1
20
17
3
11
4
1
0
2
1
3
3
0
9
4
3
4
2
0
2
3
0
2
3
1
4
0
0
13
4
0
0
0
0
14
9
0
146
82
14
3
1
0
8
0
1
1
18
15
8
0
0
3
0
2
3
3
7
0
5
78
27
2
2
24
1
14
9
43
40
41
2
11
24
14
3
7
4
32
4
47
351
8
3
2
15
1
6
4
22
34
16
1
6
13
5
1
4
6
6
0
9
162
2
0
0
4
0
5
0
6
4
3
0
2
3
1
1
0
1
4
0
1
37
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
2
0
8
1
0
5
7
13
8
1
1
9
2
6
0
2
13
3
14
97
0
0
3
3
1
0
9
5
11
3
2
3
6
2
0
2
0
5
1
6
62
2
0
1
1
0
0
2
2
2
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
3
1
2
19
Engine Department
4
0
1
1
0
0
1
4
0
11
2
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
5
2
1
11
6
1
6
3
0
1
0
0
2
1
1
5
2
0
3
1
0
2
0
0
1
2
0
1
1
0
7
10
3
2
0
0
4
3
1
72
38
10
2
0
2
5
0
0
2
6
4
1
1
1
2
0
0
2
1
11
1
2
43
6
2
1
12
1
3
11
15
23
14
0
1
13
7
7
0
4
16
3
26
165
1
0
2
5
2
4
9
6
25
8
2
7
12
4
0
4
1
4
1
12
109
2
0
1
1
0
0
1
4
3
1
0
1
4
1
0
0
0
1
1
2
23
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
0
1
5
1
2
3
10
16
5
0
1
9
6
1
2
3
5
0
14
88
2
0
0
7
2
1
0
2
12
2
1
4
9
4
1
4
4
0
0
10
65
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
4
1
0
0
2
2
0
2
2
0
0
3
19
Steward Department
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
6
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
10
1
0
19
8
1
5
2
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
12
4
1
6
3
2
1
0
0
0
5
1
0
3
0
5
2
1
0
0
0
10
5
0
82
37
7
0
0
2
1
0
1
1
2
11
2
1
1
3
2
0
1
0
2
0
7
37
4
0
2
12
0
7
8
21
24
9
1
3
11
16
0
8
7
12
1
28
174
2
0
0
11
1
3
3
7
21
4
0
6
17
6
1
3
3
0
0
17
105
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
5
2
0
0
5
2
0
1
2
0
0
3
22
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
2
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
1
12
9
2
0
2
0
1
3
6
14
5
0
0
10
5
1
2
0
8
0
12
80
8
1
3
3
0
3
2
12
49
10
2
0
12
3
4
8
1
3
0
2
126
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
6
Entry Department
6
6
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
3
4
7
5
17
36
5
9
1
2
0
0
2
12
6
3
0
1
10
5
0
1
5
1
0
1
6
3
70
91
2
0
1
1
0
0
0
2
10
3
1
0
1
0
0
6
1
0
0
3
31
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
3
3
2
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
4
0
3
22
13
3
0
4
0
3
3
15
27
14
1
0
13
11
2
2
0
17
0
25
153
10
2
1
5
1
4
5
21
85
20
2
2
31
5
4
7
0
12
0
9
226
305
185
306
189
712
529
308
227
C
122
Reliefs
All Groups
A
GRAND TOTAL: 365
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
A
B
C
Seafarers LOG 9
10/24/22 8:52 AM
�UNIONS ON PARADE – Maritime labor had a strong turnout for the 43rd Annual Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition Labor Day Parade, as evidenced by this photo.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – The union and its affiliated school in Maryland shared a booth at the St. Mary’s
County Fair in late September. Pictured from left are Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Tyrell Mitchell, Kalycia Banks
from the PHC Student Services office, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey and PHC Apprentice Stephanie Vidrio.
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Derek Chestnut (left) receives
his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ray
Henderson is at right.
WITH SEAFARERS IN HOUSTON – Bosun Hernando Bansuelo (left in photo at left), who started sailing with the union in 1990, picks up his first pension check, while GUDE Wuelner
Arzu (left in photo at right) receives his full B-book before heading to Piney Point to upgrade. They’re both pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
10 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 10
November 2022
10/21/22 11:54 AM
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC – OS Jamal Saleh (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak) displays his
newly acquired B-book, while ABs Taha Al Amri (center) and Ahmed Al-Arashi (photo at right) hold their respective A-books
at the hiring hall
FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – OMU Julian Misla (right) receives
his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo.
FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Michael Robinson (left) picks
up his full B-book at the hiring hall in Mobile, Alabama. SIU
Port Agent Jimmy White is at right.
SUPPORT FROM LABOR – Several Houston-area Seafarers volunteered for block walking earlier
this year in support of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who’s up for re-election. Pictured from left
are Steward/Baker Rene Gil, AB Washington Williams, AB Reynaldo Bernardez and SIU Houston
Safety Director Kevin Sykes.
ABOARD CHABRIA SEA – SIU member Nathaniel
Fair Jr. (left) and SIU Jersey City Patrolman Jose
Argueta are pictured aboard the Centerline Logistics vessel in Bayonne, New Jersey.
ABOARD USNS ALGOL – This Seafaring Selfie is courtesy of Recertified Bosun
Ritche Acuman (right), pictured with GUDEs Ruel Decrepito and Rodolfo Ludovice while working aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated vessel on the West Coast.
AT WILMINGTON HALL
– GVA Shayef Shayef
(left in photo at immediate
right, with SIU Port Agent
Gerret Jarman) picks up
his A-seniority book in
southern California, while
AB Patrick Wheat (left in
photo in center, also with
Jarman) receives his full
B-book. The remaining
photo at the far right includes SA Benny Feria
(left) and SIU Patrolman
Jesse Sunga. Feria is
displaying his newly acquired full B-book.
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 11
Seafarers LOG 11
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Inquiring Seafarer
Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Traiming and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are you most excited for on your first ship?
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Christian Marty
Apprentice
Seeing the world. I’m pretty
excited to go to many European
countries, but in general I’m excited to travel to foreign lands and
experience new cultures.
Raheem Harris
Apprentice
The money, to be honest. But
I’m also looking forward to gaining
job experience, and experience new
foods. The food is a big one for me.
Jevon David
Apprentice
I’m excited to start a new career, and see where my path leads.
I’m looking forward to a job
where I’m not stationary, and this
career is certainly not your typical
9 to 5.
Justin Manley
Apprentice
I’ve always been into engines,
and I figure it can’t be too different
to work on a ship’s engine. Bigger
turbos, bigger injectors, it’s just a big
diesel engine. The money doesn’t
hurt, either.
Masaddiq Walton
Apprentice
Travelling the world, and experiencing different cultures. I’ve
never been outside the country.
I’m also looking forward to experiencing the sense of community
aboard a ship.
Deshon Hagans
Apprentice
I’m really just looking forward to
a career I can get comfortable in. I’m
in it for the long haul, so the job stability offered in the SIU is really key
for me. I’m ready for a long career
as a mariner.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
Pic From
The Past
The SIU launched
its headquarters
operations in Camp
Springs, Maryland,
40 years ago – officially on Oct. 18,
1982, following a
relocation from New
York. This snapshot
from the union’s archives shows the
building as it neared
the final stages of
construction.
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
12 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 12
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
November 2022
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
MOHAMED AHMED
Brother Mohamed Ahmed, 53,
signed on with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1990, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
He worked in the
deck department,
most recently
aboard the Midnight Sun. Brother
Ahmed settled in Melvindale,
Michigan.
HERNANDO BANSUELO
Brother Hernando Bansuelo, 67,
donned the SIU
colors in 1990
when he shipped
on the Sealift Caribbean. He sailed
in the deck department and upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Bansuelo’s final
vessel was the National Glory. He
calls Spring, Texas, home.
GEORGE BIESELIN
Brother George Bieselin, 72, started
his career with the SIU in 2001. He
first sailed aboard the Liberator and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of membership. Brother
Bieselin worked
in the engine department. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Kensington and is a resident of Boynton Beach, Florida.
SUSANO CORTEZ
Brother Susano Cortez, 67, joined
the union in 1987.
A steward department member,
he initially sailed
aboard the Independence. Brother
Cortez upgraded
often at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school. He
most recently
sailed on the Horizon Pacific and
makes his home in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
JOSE DE SOUZA
Brother Jose de Souza, 67, began
sailing with the union in 2001, initially on the USNS
Mount Washington. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother de
Souza concluded
his career on
the SBX. He lives in Miami Beach,
Florida.
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 13
BRENDA GRAYS
WALTER OTT
Sister Brenda Grays, 72, joined the
Seafarers in 1988.
She was a member of the steward department
and first sailed
aboard the USNS
Harkness. Sister
Grays upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. She
last sailed aboard
the President Jackson and resides in
Houston.
Brother Walter Ott, 69, began sailing with the union in 1976 when he
shipped on the
Maryland. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Ott last
sailed on the
Maersk Seletar. He
lives in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
LEONEL GUTIERREZ
JIMMIE ROBLES
Brother Leonel Gutierrez, 65, embarked on his
career with the
union in 2002,
first sailing on
the Gemini. A
deck department member,
he concluded his
career aboard the
Prentiss Brown.
Brother Gutierrez makes his home in Riverview,
Michigan.
Brother Jimmie Robles, 65, joined
the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on
the Flickertail
State. He worked
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occasions. Brother
Robles concluded
his career on the
Maersk California and makes his home in Golden
Valley, Arizona.
MICHAEL KOZAK
PHYLLIS JUSTINE SORESI
Brother Michael Kozak, 52, signed
on with the SIU
in 1992 when he
sailed aboard the
Franklin J. Phillips. He shipped
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Kozak last shipped on the Alaskan
Explorer. He resides in Cape Coral,
Florida.
Sister Phyllis Justine Soresi, 56,
signed on with the union in 1990,
initially sailing
aboard the Independence. She
shipped in both
the steward and
deck departments
and also worked
on shore gangs.
Sister Soresi was
last employed with
American Service
Technology and resides in Pocono
Lake, Pennsylvania.
KRISTIN KRAUSE
Sister Kristin Krause, 56, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union
in 1991. A
steward department member,
she first shipped
on the American Eagle.
Sister Krause
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. She concluded her
career on the Overseas New York
and settled in Atlantic Beach,
Florida.
THOMAS MOORE
Brother Thomas Moore, 55, embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in
1989, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Harkness. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Moore most
recently shipped on the USNS
Denebola and lives in Queen Anne,
Maryland.
GREAT LAKES
HAROLD GOETZ
Brother Harold Goetz, 63, started
sailing with the
union in 1977. He
first worked with
Peter Kiewit Sons
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1996.
Brother Goetz
concluded his
career with Great
Lakes Towing.
He makes his home in Sault Sainte
Marie, Michigan.
MICHAEL KRUSE
Brother Michael Kruse, 65, signed
on with the union in 1988. He
initially sailed
aboard the Steel
T. Crapo, and
worked in all
three departments.
Brother Kruse
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently shipped
on the Walter J.
McCarthy and is a resident of Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
JOHN COX
Brother John Cox, 61, joined the
SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard
the Champion. A
deck department
member, he upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on numerous occasions
and also came
ashore to serve as
a port official before returning to
sea. Brother Cox
last worked with G&H Towing. He
lives in Kingwood, Texas.
MITCHELL FOWLER
Brother Mitchell Fowler, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1983. He was a
deck department
member and first
worked for Allied
Transportation.
Brother Fowler
upgraded his
skills at the Piney
Point school in
2020. He was
last employed by
Penn Maritime
and is a resident of Wilmington,
North Carolina.
MICHAEL HARVEY
Brother Michael Harvey, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1999 when he shipped with
Penn Maritime. He was a member of
the deck department and continued
working for the same company for
the duration of his career. Brother
Harvey makes his home in Concord,
North Carolina.
ISOLINE MAJOR
Sister Isoline Major, 66, signed on
with the union in
1998. She sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Sister Major’s first vessel
was the Sumner;
her last, the Legend. She is a resident of Lauderhill, Florida.
ROBERT MORGAN
Brother Robert Morgan, 73, started
sailing with the SIU in 1994 when
he worked for McAllister Towing of
Virginia. He was an engine department member and remained with the
same company for the duration of
his career. Brother Morgan resides in
Port Haywood, Virginia.
RONALD POOLE
Brother Ronald Poole, 62, signed
on with the union in 2005, initially
sailing on the
MahiMahi. He
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and
shipped in the
steward department. Brother
Poole’s final ves-
sel was the Delta Mariner. He is a
resident of Pensacola, Florida.
BRUCE ROBRECHT
Brother Bruce Robrecht, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1979 when he
sailed with Higman Barge Lines.
He was a member of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother Robrecht last worked
for OSG Ship Management. He
resides in Great Mills, Maryland.
ROBERT STEARNS
Brother Robert Stearns, 62, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1978. A
deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school on multiple occasions.
Brother Stearns worked for Crowley
Towing and Transportation for theduration of his career. He makes his
home in Neptune Beach, Florida.
DENIS SWANSON
Brother Denis Swanson, 62, donned
the SIU colors
in 1994. He upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occasions and sailed
in the deck department. Brother
Swanson worked
for Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He settled in Mt.
Dora, Florida.
TIMOTHY TRAYNOR
Brother Timothy Traynor, 62, started
his career with the union in 1979
when he worked
with Crowley.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Traynor
last worked with
Ameristar Casino. He is a resident
of Munster, Indiana.
JOSEPH VIOLANTE
Brother Joseph Violante, 63, joined
the SIU in 1976, initially shipping
with G&H Towing. He sailed in
both the deck and
steward departments and also
worked on shore
gangs. Brother
Violante upgraded
on several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
was last employed with American
Service Technology and resides in
Bacliff, Texas.
Seafarers LOG 13
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
YAHYA ALHAJ
Pensioner Yahya
Alhaj, 85, died
August 17. He
joined the SIU
in 1972 and first
sailed aboard the
Saginaw Bay.
Brother Alhaj
worked in both
the deck and engine departments and concluded
his career aboard the El Faro in
2001. He began collecting his
pension in 2003 and called Dearborn, Michigan, home.
RAMON ALI
Pensioner Ramon Ali, 74, passed
away August 31. He embarked
on his career
with the union
in 1967 when
he sailed on the
Steel Design. An
engine department member,
Brother Ali last
shipped on the
Virgo. He retired
in 2016 and lived in Scarsdale,
New York.
ANGEL CAMACHO
Pensioner Angel Camacho, 72,
died September 16. He began
his career with the SIU in 1968
when he shipped with Interocean
American Shipping Corporation. Brother
Camacho primarily sailed in
the deck department. He last
sailed aboard
the Horizon Discovery before
becoming a pensioner in 2005.
Brother Camacho resided in
Carolina, Puerto Rico.
SIGRID CONNARD
Sister Sigrid Connard, 92, died
September 8. Born in Germany,
she began sailing with the SIU in
1978. Sister Connard was a steward department member and first
shipped on the Santa Magdelena.
She last sailed on the President
Jackson and made her home in
Medford, Oregon.
ROBERT DIAZ
Pensioner Robert Diaz, 77,
passed away September 22. He
signed on with the Seafarers
International Union in 1969,
initially sailing aboard the Sagamore Hill. Brother Diaz was an
engine department member and
last shipped aboard the Eugene
A. Obregon in 1988. He went on
pension in 2010 and settled in
Brandon, Florida.
JAMES OTANI
Pensioner James Otani, 83, has
passed away.
After signing on
with the union
in 1982, he first
sailed on the
Constitution.
Brother Otani
was a steward
department
member and last
shipped on the Independence
in 1993. He went on pension in
2009 and called Hilo, Hawaii,
home.
ANDRE SMITH
Pensioner Andre Smith, 71,
died September 8. He joined the
union in 1975
and first sailed
on the G Walton.
Brother Smith
primarily sailed
in the engine
department. He
concluded his
career aboard
the Sea Fox in
1998. Brother Smith became a
pensioner in 2016 and was a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia.
GREAT LAKES
WILLIAM LEHTO
Pensioner William Lehto, 80,
passed away September 28. He
joined the SIU in 1966 and was
an engine department member. Brother Lehto was first
employed by
Buckeye Steamship Company.
He last sailed
aboard the
Kinsman Independent before
retiring in 1995.
Brother Lehto
lived in Ironwood, Michigan.
WILLIAM MULCAHY
Pensioner William Mulcahy,
62, died October 1. He donned
the SIU colors in 1977 when he
shipped aboard
the Adam E.
Cornelius. He
worked in the
deck department and most
recently sailed
on the Walter
J. McCarthy. Brother
Mulcahy began collecting his
pension in 2019 and lived in Orange Park, Florida.
GERALD RIFENBARK
Pensioner Gerald Rifenbark,
80, passed away September 13.
He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1988
when he shipped on the Paul H.
Townsend. Brother Rifenbark
sailed in the steward department.
He last shipped on the Susan
Hannah in 2007 before retiring
the same year. Brother Rifenbark
resided in Interlochen, Michigan.
INLAND
RICHARD GORDON
Pensioner Richard Gordon, 90,
died September 26. He joined
the SIU in 1963, initially sailing with American Steamship
Company. An engine department
member, Brother Gordon was
last employed by Bob-Lo Island.
He became a pensioner in 2003
and lived in Northville, Michigan.
NMU
In addition to the foregoing individuals,
the following union members have also
passed away. Insufficient information
was available to develop summaries of
their respective careers.
NAME
AGE
Johnson, Leonard
85
Kenoyer, Frederick 96
Linch, Eugene
98
McCoy, Nelson
91
Olivo, Ignacio
98
Powers, Auriel
78
Powery, Barricks
90
Scott, Elbert
89
Simpson, Robert
76
Stigler, Joseph
80
DOD
09/03/2022
09/14/2021
10/10/2022
09/29/2022
09/06/2022
09/28/2022
10/07/2022
08/20/2022
09/19/2022
09/27/2022
Norfolk Renovations Continue
As previously reported, extensive renovations are taking place at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Some of
the early stages of the months-long project are shown in
these photos from the commonwealth.
14 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 14
November 2022
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited) July 31 – Chairman John O’Shaughnessy,
Secretary Joshua Heath, Educational Director Mark Campbell.
Good trip reported by chairman.
He stressed the importance of
safety and urged members to
keep documents up to date. Crew
requested increases to dental,
vacation, and retirement benefits. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 13
– Chairman Gerald Alford,
Secretary Thomas Johnson, Educational Director David Watkins, Steward Delegate Kacey
Hare. Educational director
encouraged crew to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members reviewed latest communications, including a
letter from the SIU VP Contracts
George Tricker. Crew requested
to increase vacation accrual to 25
for 30. Next port: New York.
AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 16 – Chairman
Joshua Mensah, Secretary Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds, Engine
Delegate Oscar Lacayo Ruiz.
Educational director reminded
members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
still waiting for Wi-Fi and refrigerators in rooms. Members
voiced concerns about laundry
room and need more coffee and
coffee cups.
WASHINGTON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), Sep-
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
tember 1 – Chairman Modesto
Rabena, Secretary Samuel
Harris, Educational Director
Lonny Scott, Engine Delegate
Tyesha Boyd. Chairman reviewed details of new contract.
Secretary read the President’s
Report from the latest edition of
the Seafarers LOG. Educational
director discussed latest union
meeting at Piney Point, new jobs
and ways to help recruit new
members. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members asked for
clarity regarding overtime issues
and more information about ship
fund. Crew requested refrigerators in rooms and asked about
cashing in vacation.
JEAN ANNE (Pasha), September 3 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair.
Chairman gave suggestions for
modifying the job hiring process,
including online registration and
job bidding. Members weighed
in on latest contract negotiations.
Treasurer discussed plans for unused money from ship’s fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew would like retirement age
to be lowered, additional supplements to insurance benefits, and
physicals to be required annually for those with no health issues. Vote of thanks given to the
steward department for helping
with new hire and for the nutritious and varied menus. Crew
especially enjoyed the outdoor
barbecues.
MAERSK KENSINGTON
(Maersk Line, Limited), September 4 – Chairman Hussein
Mohamed, Secretary Daniel
Culhane, Educational Director Florentino Arriola. Crew
still waiting on TVs, linens and
for repairs to washing machine.
Members discussed details of
new contract. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
requested better internet and an
extra day off every 30 days.
Honoring WWII Mariners
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), September 10 –
Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Cole Briggs. Crew still
in need of refrigerators. New
grill purchased via ship’s fund.
Members are owed unpaid
wages for performing trash
handling and separation tasks,
per engine delegate report.
Crew proposed using union
time towards pension, rather
than sea time. Two mattresses
have been received and more
are on the way.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning),
September 11 – Chairman
James Gregory, Secretary
Frank Starling, Educational
Director Francois Doucet,
Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz,
Engine Delegate Damien Law.
Educational director advised
crew to read the Seafarers
LOG for updates and encouraged everyone to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Treasurer noted the
value of ship fund and slop
chest purchases. Both help
improve the quality of life
aboard ship. Deck delegate
recommended getting new and
improved equipment to fight
any fires that may occur. Engine delegate discussed penalty
pay and clothing allowance. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Ice machine in need of repair.
Members requested better
Wi-Fi and TVs in rooms.
On Sept. 24, WWII Merchant Mariner Dave Yoho (left) presents
the crew of the SS John W. Brown with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal first awarded to the
merchant mariners of WWII earlier this
year. Accepting the award on behalf of
the crew, past and present, are Project
Liberty Ship member Brian Hope (middle)
and Hugh Cadzow, chairman of Project
Liberty Ship.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 15
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Paul Hall Center
Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
November 28
December 16
Lifeboat/Water Survival
November 21
December 2
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW November 14 December 9
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
December 5
January 5
Chief Steward November 14 December 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training Revalidation
November 14
November 14
December 2 December 2
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
December 12
December 16
Government Vessels December 5 December 9
Important Notice To All Students
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, but
later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions
department immediately so
arrangements can be made to
have other students take their
places
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 16
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
11/22
November 2022
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #886 – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Emile Alphonse, Cedrick Burton Jr., Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Jack Collier IV, Manuel Delgado,
Ayman Nashid Elahi Jr., Tahj Horton, Mari Enid Huggins, Micheal King, Adam Mason, Tyrell Mitchell, Dominick Nesbitt, Jovanny Otero Negron, Felicia Roberts and Zachary Wilkinson.
UA to AS (D) – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Green, John
Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Javier Rosa
Aguirre and Ethan P.B. Stacy.
Important
Notice to
All Students
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 17
FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Zakarya Ahmed AlMalhani, Adrian Bartholomew, Sean Carter and Joseph Smith. Instructor John Wiegman
III is at center.
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places
Seafarers LOG 17
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Medical Care Provider – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Jarion Andrews, Louise Digman, Jessina A.K. Fernandez, Dominique Glover, Jason Hintz, Gilbert
Johnson, Steven Miller, Mario Standberry, Tyree Watkins Jr., and Jonathan White.
Welding – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez,
Devon David, Damon Johnson, Anson Johny, Ryan Kaleolani Manlapit and Nicholas Simoneaux. Class
instructor Chris Raley is at the far right.
Water Survival (Upgrader) – OS Amos
Porter (above) recently completed his requirements in this course. The Jacksonville,
Florida upgrader graduated September 9.
18 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 18
UA to FOWT – Graduated September 23 (above, in alphabetical order):
William Aebi, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera and Julian Rubbo.
Government Vessels – Graduated September 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Tony Bassali, Charlene Briggs, Joshua Irvine, Jan
Mamadou Jalloh, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Terrell Knott, Melody Mitchell, Abdelhak Moutmir, Robert Neff, Angel L. Pagan Sanchez and
Kyle Williamson.
November 2022
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�Government Vessels – Graduated September 23 (photo at
left, in alphabetical order): Edward Mills, Setphen Nowell,
Yuriy Prytchak, Victor Janell
Valentin-Delgado and Yahia
Obadi Yahia.
Important
Notice To
All Students
Students who have
registered
for
classes at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, but later
discover - for whatever reason - that
they can’t attend,
should inform the
admissions department immediately so
arrangements can be
made to have other
students take their
places
Advanced Meteorology – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order):
Joseph Baird, David Fitzgibbons, Matthew O’Donnell, Scott Salo and Andrew Torti.
Small Arms – Graduated August 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Natalio Rey Malinao
Almosa, Joseph Hendricks and Craig Joseph.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated September 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Ashley Fabor, William Fortner, Ashley Grahm, Kevin Hubble Jr., Randy Madrid, Jamaal McKenzie,
Rolando Antipuesto Odon, Reinaldo Rivera, Jason Simmons and Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
November 2022
73687_SEAFARERSLOG.indd 19
Seafarers LOG 19
10/21/22 11:55 AM
�NOVEMBER 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 11
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 17-19
The photo at left, those above and the two at bottom left and center show some of Scott Musick’s handiwork – all original designs.
Seafarer’s Passion for Ink
Runs More than Skin-Deep
Self-Taught Tattoo Artist Musick ‘Very Blessed’
Longtime Seafarer Scott Musick may have
inadvertently discovered an ultimate test of friendship.
While becoming a self-taught tattoo artist 30
years ago, he practiced on various inanimate objects – and also gave free tattoos to several friends.
“I’m happy to say they’re all still my friends
today,” says Musick, who works as a refrigeration
mechanic for Crowley at Penn Terminal in Chester,
Pennsylvania.
Though hardly an old-timer at age 56, Musick
has a tattooing background that is becoming far
less common as the industry burgeons into a billion-dollar, mainstream enterprise. Today, it’s easy
to locate licensed body-art schools, and official
apprenticeships are available. Published reports
indicate that more than 145 million Americans
have tattoos, including more than half of all U.S.
citizens younger than 40. Costs of tattoos widely
vary; they’re typically somewhere in the low hunContinued on Page 8
Musick (above, right) works on a tattoo for fellow SIU member Dave Mendez.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel asked Musick to design artwork for a T-shirt commemorating
the El Faro’s final crew. This is the finished product.
Scott Musick (left) is pictured with his father, Jim, at Petty’s Island.
20 Seafarers LOG
73687_SEAFARERSLOG_X.indd 20
November 2022
10/24/22 8:57 AM
�
Dublin Core
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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 2022
Description
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SIU CREWS UP SEABULK PRIDE
UNIONS ANSWER CALL FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
BOSUNS CREDIT UNION, SCHOOL FOR LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES
MARITIME LABOR BLASTS UNNECESSARY WAIVER
ALL HANDS SAFE FOLLOWING MIDNIGHT SUN FIRE
U.S. REP. GARAMENDI INTRODUCES PRO-MARITIME BILL
MARITIME ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES BACKING CARGO PREFERENCE
SEAFARERS RATIFY ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS
EL FARO MEMORIAL DEDICATED IN MAINE
SEAFARER SCOTT MUSICK'S PASSION FOR INK RUNS MORE THAN SKIN-DEEP
Creator
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Seafarers Log
Source
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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11/21/2022
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Vol. 84, No. 11
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/90375fdb72a1e06e79f348c53e965b2d.pdf
3280f72af729e90c8e6deefbe188c1d7
PDF Text
Text
OCTOBER 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 10
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Building for the Future
SIUNA Conducts Quinquennial Convention
Delegates and guests met online Sept. 14 for the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) convention, which takes place every five years. The convention theme – Building for the Future – was reflected throughout
the proceedings. SIUNA President Michael Sacco is pictured at top right. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (immediate
right) delivered keynote remarks via a video that had been recorded a day earlier. The convention was engineered
from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right in photo
directly above) and Legal Counsel Leslie Tarantola (left) are pictured on the campus. Pages 4-5.
Pasha Ship Christened
The SIU on Sept. 2 joined in celebrating the christening of the new Pasha Hawaii vessel George III (pictured at right). A ceremony took place in Long Beach,
California. Pictured from left in the photo above are Ed Washburn, Senior VP
of Fleet Operations for Pasha Hawaii; SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo; and SIU
Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman. Extensive details about the ship were
reported in the September LOG and are available on the SIU website.
Seafarers Recognized for Rescues
Page 3
Remembering Adm. Herberger
Page 6
�President’s Report
Support for Cargo Preference
A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives made it crystal clear
that our country is best-served by maintaining strong cargo preference laws.
Through joint testimony submitted on behalf of several maritime unions,
the SIU took part in the Sept. 14 hearing, conducted by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation. Two days
earlier, the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) released a report identifying ways to better
enforce cargo preference compliance.
As you may know, cargo preference has been
under attack this year, via House and Senate resolutions that attempt to leverage the war in Ukraine
to justify a waiver. As the unions said in our joint
testimony, these resolutions not only ignore the
impact such a waiver would have on America’s
commercial sealift readiness capability, but totally
disregard the impact it would have on the jobs
of American merchant mariners. If these resolutions were enacted, the federal government would
Michael Sacco
give up control of the carriage of U.S.-taxpayer
financed food aid cargoes to foreign-flag, foreigncrewed ships.
We also pointed out that, contrary to what the sponsors of these resolutions
would have us believe, existing U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements are not hindering our government’s efforts to export food aid. If the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) uses the funding made available by Congress to respond to the worldwide food crisis and
either the volume of food aid cargo exceeds available American-flag tonnage
or U.S.- flag vessels aren’t available at “fair and reasonable” rates, existing
law already allows for the waiver of the cargo preference “Ship American”
requirements. Put simply, the resolutions are completely unnecessary.
I was especially encouraged by remarks from U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio
(D-Oregon), who chairs the full House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee, and from U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California), chairman of
the subcommittee.
DeFazio said in part, “The U.S. depends on a robust merchant fleet not
only for economic purposes but also for national security. This past year,
we’ve seen the negative effects of an industry dominated by foreign companies and interests wreaking havoc on our supply chain. It is counter to U.S.
interests to increase reliance on foreign-flagged vessels. For decades we’ve
seen the U.S.-flag fleet shrink… The flags-of-convenience system has exacer
exacerbated this issue, allowing companies to flag their vessels under countries that
lack labor, safety, and environmental standards. Cargo preference provides a
backbone to support the dwindling internationally sailing U.S.-flag fleet, especially when coupled with other incentive programs like the Maritime Security
Program.”
He added, “There’s an old saying: cargo is king. By providing a baseline
of cargo for U.S.-flagged ships, we incentivize more vessels to join the fleet.
Without guaranteeing cargo for U.S. vessels, we lose demand for U.S.-owned
and -crewed ships.”
DeFazio also voiced concern about agencies that have skirted cargo prefer
preference requirements.
Carbajal put it this way: “Compliance with cargo preference law is closely
tied to the sustainment of American jobs and national security. It requires that
government-impelled cargo be shipped overseas using U.S. flagged vessels –
in other words, vessels crewed by U.S. mariners, owned by Americans, and
abiding by U.S. laws. Guaranteeing a steady supply of cargo through cargo
preference programs equates to job security for these hardworking citizens.
Along with the Maritime Security Program and the Jones Act, cargo prefer
preference ensures that the U.S. seagoing maritime industry does not disappear
completely...”
There were many other encouraging statements throughout the hearing,
which featured multiple panels and representatives from labor, business,
government and the administration. Their respective conclusions are consistent with what we’ve known all along: America’s national, economic and
homeland security depend on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, and the U.S.
Merchant Marine relies in part on maintaining and enforcing cargo preference
laws.
Comprehensive Study Underscores
How Puerto Rico Benefits from Jones Act
U.S.-Flag Vessels Reliably, Efficiently Serve Territory
A new study finds that Puerto Rico benefits from
reliable service by Jones Act carriers.
The Transportation Institute on Aug. 23 announced the findings of research by Ernst & Young
(EY). The report evaluated the Jones Act and its
implications on freight rates, container availability, port congestion, and carrier performance in
the Caribbean Region relative to global averages.
The analysis considered the timeframe between
January 2019 and December 2021 and captured the
heightened volatility of freight movement during
the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and showed
that global shipping rates increased 27 times more
and delays were eight times higher than with Jones
Act carriers.
“Across multiple metrics, shippers overwhelmingly associated better carrier performance with
Jones Act carriers than non-Jones Act ones,” according to the study. It also concluded that “in addition to providing stability and security in the region,
the Jones Act shipping industry continues to provide substantial economic benefits to Puerto Rico.”
“Jones Act carriers are dedicated to Puerto Rico
and help local businesses make goods more affordable and the supply chain more reliable compared
to our global competitors,” said Transportation
Institute Chairman and President James L. Henry.
“While the entire global supply chain was disrupted
during the pandemic, our Jones Act carriers proved
to be 27 times more affordable and eight times
more reliable than non-Jones Act carriers.”
EY engaged in primary data collection through
a survey of 49 companies that ship to and from
the continental United States and the Caribbean.
The survey gathered information from shippers on
advantages or impediments that they experienced
while shipping via Jones Act and non-Jones Act
carriers with respect to freight and shipping cost,
the availability of containers, and the resiliency and
adaptability in carrier customer service models to
meet the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain
challenges. The study also evaluated the economic
contribution of the Jones Act shipping industry in
Puerto Rico based on direct, indirect and induced
contributions.
Among the study’s key findings:
n Global shipping rates increased 27 times more
than rates in the Caribbean Region
n Global shipping vessel delays were eight times
more than in the Caribbean Region
n Jones Act economic impact on Puerto Rico
is as follows: created or helped maintain more than
2,000 jobs; contributed $96 million in wages and was
responsible for $221 million in economic output.
Major League Baseball Union Affiliates with AFL-CIO
The Major League Baseball Players Association
(MLBPA) on Sept. 7 announced that it is formally
affiliating with the AFL-CIO, with a goal of supporting the efforts and strengthening the voice of
the national labor movement.
The SIU also is an AFL-CIO affiliate. SIU President Michael Sacco is the longest-serving vice president on the federation’s executive council.
“The MLBPA has a proud, 56-year history
of success rooted in unity and a highly engaged
membership,” Executive Director Tony Clark
said. “We look forward to bringing that history
and experience to bear as a more formal part of
the movement.”
The announcement was made during an appearance by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Clark at
the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
“The MLBPA and every single one of its 1,200
players have a home in our movement because
this union understands and lives the meaning of
the word solidarity by leveraging the power of
sports and helping others,” said Shuler. “Together,
with our 12.5 million members, we will bring our
strength to their fights, including working to organize 5,400 minor league players.”
The AFL-CIO and many of its member unions
offered consistent support that helped the MLBPA
withstand a 99-day lockout by Major League Baseball to achieve significant improvements in a fiveyear collective bargaining agreement reached on
March 10.
The MLBPA will play an active role in the AFLCIO’s Sports Council, a working group of unions
representing professional athletes founded to align
interests in areas of common concern with service,
hospitality and other workers who support the professional sports industries.
The Sports Council founding unions include the
NFL Players Association, the National Women’s
Soccer League Players Association, the United
Soccer League Players Association-CWA, the U.S.
Women’s National Team Players Association and
the newly organized United Football Players Association-USW.
SIU Jobs Secure Aboard T-AGOS Vessels
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 84 Number 10
October 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
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Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
The U.S. Defense Department in mid-August announced that SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings,
Inc. will operate the USNS Victorious, USNS Able (above), USNS Effective, USNS Loyal, USNS
Impeccable and USNS Howard O. Lorenzen for up to five years (through October 2027). The SIU
represents the unlicensed crews of those vessels with the incumbent operator and will continue doing
so with Ocean Shipholdings. (U.S. Navy file photo)
October 2022
�ITF Recovers $37.6 Million in Unpaid Wages
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) continues making a major, positive
impact on the lives of mariners around the world.
The latest evidence for that sentiment surfaced in mid-August, when the federation
revealed that its inspectors recovered $37.6 million in unpaid wages to foreign crews across the
globe.
According to a report, “The ITF’s 125 inspectors and coordinators completed 7,265
inspections in 2021 to support thousands of
seafarers with wage claims and repatriation
cases, despite COVID-19 restrictions preventing inspectors’ ability to board ships for much
of the year.”
The SIU is an ITF affiliate. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel chairs the organization’s Seafarers’ Section.
“ITF Inspectors get their name because they
board and ‘inspect’ ships,” the federation said
in announcing the back-pay figures. “They
educate seafarers about their rights and support
crew to enforce these rights. The officials cover
more than 100 ports across 50 countries.
“Inspectors are trained to look for exploitation, overwork – even for signs of forced labor
and modern slavery,” the ITF continued. “On
many vessels, inspectors have the right to ex-
amine wage accounts, employment contracts,
and to review recorded hours of work and rest.”
“It’s not uncommon for crew to be paid at
the wrong rate by a shipowner, or less than the
rate set out in the employment agreement covering the ship,” said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. “Crew can generally work
out when they’re being underpaid. And that’s
when they contact us. ITF inspectors help seafarers recover what’s owed to them.”
Trowsdale said the makeup of seafarers’
wage claims was changing: “Concerningly,
we’re seeing a rise in the number of seafarers
reporting non-payment of wages for periods
of two months or longer, which actually meets
the ILO’s definition of abandonment. Seafarers might think it’s normal to go unpaid for a
couple of months, waiting for a shipowner to
sort out financing, but they need to be aware
that non-payment can also be a sign that a shipowner is about to cut them loose and leave them
abandoned.”
The ITF reported 85 cases of abandonment to the International Labor Organization (ILO) last year, an historic high. In
many of those cases, abandoned crew had
already been waiting on several weeks’ or
months’ of unpaid wages – including those
aboard the storm-hit MV Lidia.
An ITF inspector based in Hong Kong,
Jason Lam, helped eight Burmese seafarers who
were crewing the MV Lidia recover almost USD
$30,000 in unpaid wages after they ran aground
in October 2021, thanks to a typhoon that left
them close to shipwrecked. The shipowner refused to pay the two months’ wages he owed
them, abandoning them and ruling out any assistance to get them home.
Weeks of campaigning by Lam on behalf of
the seafarers had an impact, and on November
2, 2021, the crew flew home – full wages in
hand.
Moreover, inspectors also helped thousands
of mariners return home at the height of the
crew-change crisis.
Trowsdale added that inspectors adapted
and found new ways of working during the
pandemic.
“I’m extremely proud of the work our inspectors have done to support seafarers in the
last year, often working in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances,” he said. “It’s always been important for our team to be able to
physically get to seafarers – to board ships and
educate crew on their rights. So, when COVID19 restrictions presented a challenge to inspec-
tors to board vessels, there was a real question:
‘What will happen to the seafarers who need
us?’”
As the crew-change crisis worsened in early
2021, a flood of requests filled the ITF’s inboxes from mariners desperate to sign off and
get home. COVID-related border restrictions
were the underlying reason for the dilemma,
which impacted an estimated 400,000 seafarers at the worst point of the crisis. But on some
ships, other more sinister factors were at play
in keeping crew from their families, according
to the federation.
“There is evidence that some shipowners
were using COVID-19 as an excuse to keep seafarers working beyond their initial contracts and
in complete violation of those seafarers’ human
and labor rights,” said Trowsdale. “Thankfully,
our team was wise to what was going on and
despite everything we got thousands of seafarers home.
“Keeping crew on board while pretending
their hands were tied may have saved those employers a few dollars in flight fares, but in today’s society that kind of conduct gets noticed,”
he concluded. “There are no shadows to hide in
anymore when it comes to global supply chain
accountability.”
SIU members sailing aboard the Maersk
Tennessee, the APL-operated Herodote, the NY
Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln and the Centerline Logistics-operated tugboats Richardson
Sea and Chabria Sea were all involved in rescues this year.
On July 22, the SIU crew of the Maersk
Tennessee spotted a man in need of help, 40
nautical miles off the coast of Florida. The man
was piloting a jet ski, which had run out of fuel,
and had drifted out to sea. The crew worked to-
gether to get the man onboard with the port pilot
ladder and slant combination, with a rescue boat
on standby but ultimately not needed.
The SIU members aboard the Tennessee at
the time included Bosun Keller Gilyard, ABs
Koksal Demir, Delroy Fernandez Fernandez, Michael Kanga, Nathaniel Lynch and
Troy Mack, QE4 John Jaremchuk, QEE Ann
Mensch, GUDE Amer Ahmed, Steward Baker
Susan Emmons, Chief Cook Velicia Williams
and SA Emy Smith.
Once onboard, the rescued man informed
the crew that he had been stranded for nearly
five days. He was later transferred to a U.S.
Coast Guard vessel which linked up with the
Tennessee.
On August 10, the crew of the Herodote –
which includes SIU members working in the
steward department – was presented with an
award from a rescue that took place on March
21.
As detailed by the Coast Guard Certificate
of Merit: “On March 21, 2022, while underway
on a voyage from Saipan, CNMI, to Hakata,
Japan, your crew observed smoke and flames on
the horizon from a fishing vessel approximately
eight nautical miles from your vessel’s position
and 107 nautical miles from Tanegashima Island, Japan. You immediately diverted towards
the observed fire and discovered the Japanese
fishing vessel YUUJIN MARU No. 51 was completely engulfed in flames from the superstructure to the waterline with no visible name or
designating marks, and no visible signs of survivors. The crew of the CMA CGM HERODOTE
took immediate action to search for survivors,
made radio broadcasts for assistance from vessels in the area, contacted USCG District 14
Command Center Honolulu and further coordinated SAR efforts with the Japan Coast Guard.
You remained on scene and provided invaluable
real-time information to SAR experts. The CMA
CGM HERODOTE was joined by the Greeceflagged tanker WOODSIDE ROGERS to assist
with the response and soon located three per-
sons in the water, who were then recovered by
the WOODSIDE ROGERS. It was discovered
that a total of eight crewmembers were onboard
the YUUJIN MARU No. 51, comprised of six
Indonesian and two Japanese nationals. CMA
CGM HERODOTE continued to search for survivors until relieved by Japanese Coast Guard
air and surface assets approximately seven
hours after the initial sighting.”
The SIU crew onboard the vessel included Recertified Steward Karl Meyer,
Chief Cook Wardell Paze and ACU Jose
Ayon-Ayon.
Not even a week later, a crew of SIU members working aboard the NY Waterway-operated ferry Abraham Lincoln responded to two
kayakers in distress on August 16.
According to Captain Anthony Ryan, “It
was a real busy time of day, as far as boat traffic. I’m just happy nobody got hurt, and we
were able to save them.”
Ryan and his crew brought the kayakers
aboard and safely transported them to Pier 11.
No injuries were reported.
Finally, an award ceremony took place Aug.
24 for the crews of the Richardson Sea and
Chabria Sea, who were involved in a rescue
that saved the life of a jet skier in New York
Harbor on June 25 – the International Day of
the Seafarer.
The award ceremony recognized the efforts
of SIU members Ryan Bradley, Corey Harris
and John Huggins, who were involved in the
rescue. The details of the rescue were previously reported in the August issue of the Seafarers LOG.
Seafarers Receive Recognition for Rescues at Sea
A photo taken from the Maersk Tennessee
during the rescue of a stranded jet skier.
(Photo courtesy USMMA)
The crew of the NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln, pictured with the two rescued kayakers (left and second from left). (Photo courtesy NY Waterway)
Not Everyday Cargo
The SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca
(U.S. Marine Management) in midAugust picked up an F/A-18E Super
Hornet in Sicily, Italy. The aircraft had
been recovered from the Mediterranean Sea after being blown off the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman during
heavy weather. AB Michal Penkwitz is
pictured in front of the plane in photo
at the immediate right, while the image
at the far right, courtesy of the U.S.
Navy, shows the aircraft being lowered
onto the Mendonca’s deck.
October 2022
Seafarers LOG 3
�Convention Focus: Workplaces of Future
SIUNA Embraces New Tech, Says Workers Must Have a Voice
The Seafarers International Union of
North America (SIUNA) conducted its 2022
Quinquennial Convention online, under the
theme “Building for the Future.”
Hosted in Piney Point, Maryland, the
event took place Sept. 14 and included approximately 60 delegates and guests who
connected online from across the U.S. and
Canada. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered the keynote address via a video that
had been recorded the previous day (see
separate story).
Delegates elected the following officers
for five-year terms in office: President Michael Sacco, Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel, and Vice Presidents Paul Doell, Jeff
Richards, Nicole Walsh, Anthony Poplawski,
Dave Connolly, Tom Orzechowski, Nick Celona, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone, Joseph
Soresi, Augie Tellez, George Tricker, Pat
Vandegrift, Jim Given, Marcus Woodring,
Monte Burgett, Karen Horton-Gennette and
Laura Lopez.
They also passed resolutions addressing automation and the future of work; the
supply chain; grassroots political action and
voter turnout; the Jones Act; crew changes;
the PRO Act; opposing a proposed second
register in the U.S. Virgin Islands; wind
energy; Union Plus; cargo preference laws;
support for our troops and veterans; appreciation for the Biden Administration’s backing
of unions and the maritime industry; support
for Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
Fred Redmond; and a remembrance of many
who’ve passed away since the prior convention.
The proceedings also featured reports
from individual SIUNA affiliates and from
the various committees (who also met online
the previous day).
In his opening remarks, Sacco stated,
“Our convention theme is ‘Building for the
Future,’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
It’s probably most obvious in the wind-energy sector, which I believe will be a major
source of jobs for many of our affiliates.
We’ve been laying the groundwork for those
opportunities for quite a while, and the jobs
aren’t too far off on the horizon.”
He continued, “Our efforts definitely go
beyond wind energy, of course. The SIUNA
and our affiliates continue to work with our
contracted companies, our allies throughout
the labor movement and our political representatives to stand up for our members. That
means doing everything possible to make
sure they have good contracts; the training
they need; a voice in the workplace; job security; and a bright future.”
He then encouraged the affiliates to boost
Some of the delegates and guests are shown participating in the convention via Zoom (photo above).
voter turnout and to “support candidates
who’ll support working families, regardless
of political party.”
Throughout the convention, the COVID19 global pandemic was part of every report.
Sacco pointed out that the pandemic “has affected all of our affiliates, and definitely not
always in the same ways. For some, there are
jobs that disappeared and still haven’t come
back. For others, the term ‘essential workers’ took on new meaning and often meant
extended hours and extended tours. For the
most part, I think we’ve all done an excellent job weathering the storm, delivering the
goods and standing up for our members.”
He touched on the state of organized
labor, noting a number of recent high-profile
organizing victories and an unprecedented
level of public support for unions.
Regarding the maritime industry, Sacco
said he believes it is “heading in the right
AFL-CIO President
Applauds SIUNA
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler commended the work
of Seafarers and encouraged officials and rank-and-file
members to support pro-labor candidates in the midterm
elections.
Shuler submitted a video message for the SIUNA
convention, which took place online Sept. 14.
“I just have to start by recognizing your president,
Mike Sacco, who is not only an incredible leader of
your union, but a true leader within our federation,” said
Shuler. “Serving on our executive council, and as president of the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department, and
even conducting the elections for Fred (Redmond) and I
at the AFL-CIO convention last June. Thank you, Mike,
and to (SIU Executive Vice President) Augie Tellez,
(SIU Secretary-Treasurer) Dave Heindel and all the executive board leaders and activists, we are so grateful for
your dedication to our labor movement.”
She continued, “And that’s what the Seafarers do: You
show up whenever you’re needed, and you deliver the
goods. That’s especially true in times of crisis. It was Seafarers who delivered supplies to Allied troops in World
War II, and helped evacuate people from Manhattan after
4 Seafarers LOG
direction, but we all know the battles never
end. We’re currently in a very serious fight
about cargo preference laws, and we’re doing
everything possible to educate Congress and
preserve American maritime jobs. We had
manpower challenges even before the pandemic, and as many of you know, those have
only grown.
“Otherwise, we’ve made significant
gains by securing the new Tanker Security
Program, an American-flag cable fleet, and
full funding for the Maritime Security Program,” he added. “And, as mentioned, we’re
also getting in on the ground floor to secure
good union jobs in the wind-energy sector.
I think we’re in good shape overall. We’ve
got a very worker-friendly administration
and we’ve got plenty of opportunities to get
things done.”
While much of the convention focused
on pandemic-related challenges along with
9/11. And there’s no question that you all have stepped
up to address the challenges the pandemic has posed to
our economy and our supply chain. That’s what unions
do. We show up for each other, and we use our collective
power to fight for a better future for our communities.
And people are recognizing this. Not only is the public
support for unions at 71 percent, but we’re seeing incredible momentum building around organizing.”
She spoke on some of the new technologies that
will shape the future of the SIUNA: “New industries
are emerging all around us. And we need to make sure
that those jobs are good, union jobs from day one. And
workplaces of the future, the SIUNA International Affairs Committee pointed out the
ongoing issue of crew abandonment.
“Historically, this is an under-reported
issue, and yet we know of more than 70
such cases in 2021 alone, almost always
involving so-called flag-of-convenience or
runway-flag ships,” the committee wrote.
“According to the International Maritime
Organization, the total number of cases that
were recorded from 2004 to 2020 was nearly
500 and involved almost 6,000 seafarers. As
noted by the IMO, ‘Seafarer abandonment
is a serious problem that can blight the lives
of those caught up in it. It must be tackled
and it needs continual cooperation, not just
between the IMO and ILO and non-governmental organizations devoted to seamen’s
welfare, but with flag states, port states and
other industry groups, too. We all have a duty
to protect seafarers.’”
by being the source for the most highly skilled, highly
trained, most productive workers on the planet, that’s
how we get a foothold. And we are seeing that in industries like offshore wind….
“But now we want to expand that, and make sure every
aspect of the industry is union, wall to wall,” Shuler continued. “And this, of course, includes all the work in the
maritime trades. From construction, to the 20-plus years
of maintenance work on barges and supply ships, wind
turbine installation vessels, crewing transports, operations
and maintenance vessels.… We are going to fight for all
of that to be union work. And I am personally committed
to this fight, because this is about the future.”
Lastly, Shuler described the importance of voting.
“We all know that the course of our future, it will
depend on who’s writing the laws and making the rules,”
she said. “And that’s why I know all of you will show
up in these critical midterm elections. Our Labor 2022
plan is built on the organizing power of unions, and our
ability to talk to one another about the issues that affect our daily lives. When we have those one on one,
face to face conversations with our members about the
issues, we can break through the polarization, and the
echo chamber. We can be those trusted messengers on
the job, on the phones, listening to our members about
what’s important to them. And then connecting it to the
pro-workers candidates who share our values, and who
will show up for us. That’s how we’re going to win in
this election.”
October 2022
�Participants listen to a report (above, left), while the image at right features the convention artwork
SIUNA Convention 2022 – Summary of Resolutions
The following is a brief summary of
the resolutions passed by convention delegates, not including the In Memoriam
statement.
Resolution 1: Automation and the Future of
Work
The SIUNA and its affiliates stand
ready to embrace new technology and the
advancements that come with them, as
long as such developments are made with
workers in mind and with workers having a
seat at the table to negotiate their use.
Resolution 2: Supply Chain
While the global supply chain quickly
slowed down at the height of the pandemic,
getting it back to where it was remains a
concern. The U.S.-flag and Canadian-flag
maritime unions are working to help provide solutions.
Resolution 3: Get Out the Vote
Exercising one’s right to vote goes beyond presidential and congressional elections. Union families must vote the whole
ballot, from state legislatures to city halls
to local school boards. The SIUNA and its
affiliates will mobilize on every level to
ensure utmost union member participation
in the upcoming 2022 elections and those
that follow, because labor’s interests are at
stake.
Resolution 6: Opposing the Proposed USVI
Open Register
The SIUNA and its affiliates call upon
the Biden Administration, the Congress,
the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration to reject any effort
that would have U.S. Virgin Islands-flag
vessels be treated as if they are the same as
U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed ships for any purpose or for any program. An open register
in the U.S. Virgin Islands would take cargo
from U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American citizens, and place it on vessels that do
not use American crews, do not pay American taxes and do not meet American safety
and labor standards.
Resolution 7: The PRO Act
It is time for the United States to bring
its labor laws into the 21st century. It is
time for the Senate to pass, and the nation
to enact the PRO Act, organized labor’s
top legislative priority. This legislation,
already approved twice by the House of
Representatives, would help ensure that
workers have a right to vote to form a
union in an atmosphere defined by free
speech and open communication, and
without fear of retaliation for standing up
for their rights.
Resolution 8: Wind Energy
The SIUNA and its affiliates will con-
tinue working with other brothers and
sisters throughout the labor movement to
plan, build and maintain North America’s
energy-producing offshore windfarms. We
will maintain our vigil on the cabotage
laws of the United States and Canada to
make sure these renewable energy jobs go
to highly trained, qualified American and
Canadian union workers.
Resolution 9: Union Plus
The SIUNA remains enthusiastically
committed to fully supporting and participating in Union Plus programs and in
helping ensure that rank-and-file members of our affiliate unions receive the
most current information about those
programs.
Resolution 10: Cargo Preference
Cargo-preference laws are good for
America, good for the U.S. maritime industry – and good for the foreign citizens
who benefit from many of the cargoes
themselves. The SIUNA thanks the Biden
administration for supporting these laws,
which should be maintained and strengthened.
Resolution 11: Appreciation for the Biden
Administration
The Biden Administration is well
on its way to being the most pro-union
administration ever. Not only that, the
president himself has been an outspoken
supporter of American maritime, starting
in his first week in office. We are grateful
for the support and will continue backing politicians and administrations who
understand and respect the importance of
organized labor.
Resolution 12: Support Our Troops and
Veterans
The SIUNA has a rich tradition of supporting our men and women in uniform
– both active duty and retired – and their
families. We will continue our efforts to
help ensure that every veteran in search
of employment finds it in short order. We
hold our troops and veterans in the very
highest regard, and we thank them for their
service.
Resolution 13: Support for Liz Shuler
and Fred Redmond
The SIUNA offers its unyielding support to Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond.
Delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention on
June 12 elected the duo to serve as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively,
of the nation’s largest labor federation.
The SIUNA looks forward to working with
both of them and supporting their ongoing
fight for economic justice for working people across the country.
Resolution 4: Jones Act Support
The SIUNA will continue its critical
fight for jobs created within the scope of
the Jones Act. This law supports America’s
mariners and shipyard workers along with
other shoreside personnel. It has proven its
value to the economy and national security
for more than a century.
Resolution 5: Crew Changes
Perhaps no pandemic-induced challenge for the world’s mariners has loomed
larger than achieving crew changes. While
significant progress has been made when
it comes to getting mariners to and from
work, the sheer scope and complexity of
the crisis are noteworthy.
The International Chamber of Shipping
at one point stated the following: “The
continuing inability of ship operators to
conduct crew changes has been the single
greatest operational challenge confronting
the global shipping industry since the Second World War.”
The SIUNA applauds the work of every
organization that has stood up for seafarers throughout the pandemic. We recognize
both the tremendous progress and the work
that remains.
October 2022
Pictured from left in photo at left are
Legal Counsel Leslie Tarantola and SIU
Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. SIU
President Michael Sacco is shown in the
screenshot directly above.
Seafarers LOG 5
�Vice Adm. Herberger Passes Away at 91
Revered U.S.-Flag Stalwart Served at TRANSCOM, MARAD
The U.S.-flag maritime industry lost a
true and devoted friend when retired Vice
Adm. Albert Herberger (USN) passed
away Aug. 26. He was 91 years old.
“Admiral Herberger was more than a
friend,” recalled SIU President Michael
Sacco. “He was a merchant mariner. He
was a Navy man. He understood logistics
and transportation. He knew us.”
Following a 32-year career in the
Navy, Herberger served as the U.S. Maritime Administrator from 1993 to 1997.
During that time, he was the point man
for the Clinton administration to secure
passage of the “maritime revitalization”
program.
Proposed in 1992 by the George H.W.
Bush administration to rebuild and refortify the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in the
wake of the 1991 Kuwaiti war, maritime
revitalization finally passed the Congress
and was signed into law by President
Clinton in 1996 as the (still-operating
today and highly successful) Maritime
Security Program.
Herberger was a regular presence at
Maritime Trades Department functions,
speaking at the department’s 1995 convention as well as at the 1994 and 1995
executive board meetings. The New
York/New Jersey Maritime Port Council presented him with its Government
Man of the Year Award in 1996. (That
same year, he received the Admiral of
the Ocean Seas Award from the United
Seamen’s Service.) He also delivered
the keynote speech at the SIU-affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland, when
the facility opened an exhibit of World
War II U.S. Merchant Marine posters in
1995.
The Albany, New York, native graduated
from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
in 1955. After sailing as a merchant mariner for three years, he joined the Navy. He
commanded war ships and held shore-side
posts in the Navy. In his last assignment, he
was the first deputy commander-in-chief of
the U.S. Transportation Command, where
he worked directly with Sacco and other
maritime union officers while helping
launch the command.
Great Lakes Coalition
Honors Rep. Gallagher
A major maritime coalition recently saluted U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) for his strong
support of the industry.
The Great Lakes Maritime Task
Force (GLMTF), to which the SIU is
affiliated, presented Gallagher with
the organization’s 2022 Legislator
of the Year Award, during a late-July
ceremony in Green Bay.
In announcing the recognition, the
GLMTF said, “Congressman Gallagher has spearheaded legislation that
invests in shipbuilding on the Great
Lakes, improves the maritime supply
chain during the winter, and ensures
the Great Lakes Navigation System
remains viable for years to come.”
“At a time when China is commissioning three ships in a single day,
we desperately need to strengthen
the American shipbuilding industrial
base to expand, support, and service
the fleet,” said Gallagher.
“Congressman Gallagher’s support for U.S. Merchant Mariners,
Wisconsin ports, and Wisconsin
shipbuilding drives economic stability in the Great Lakes region and
in the nation. Simply put, he helps
to create family-sustaining jobs
for thousands,” stated Mark Ruge,
president of the Wisconsin Domestic
Maritime Coalition.
John Baker, an official with the
International Longshoremen’s Association and vice president of the
task force, added, “Mike Gallagher
invests in the American worker protecting sailors from damaging ice
floes, advancing U.S. shipbuilding,
and keeping the maritime supply
chain moving on the nation’s Fourth
Sea Coast.”
GLMTF President Jim Weakley
stated, “The work done by Congressman Gallagher to correct years of neglect to the Great Lakes Navigation
System during the winter months is
monumental. The Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act is a great step in
the right direction. In addition, the
support Congressman Gallagher
provided to get the Great Lakes designated as a navigation system with a
guaranteed allocation of money from
the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund
will undoubtedly serve the Great
6 Seafarers LOG
U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher
(R-Wisconsin)
Lakes region for decades to come
and that is why he is our Legislator
of the Year.”
Gallagher noted, “The importance of the Great Lakes cannot be
overstated. Here in Northeast Wisconsin, these lakes are crucial to not
just our economy, but to our way of
life, and it’s critical we do everything
we can to preserve these national
treasures for generations to come.
It’s an honor to be named the 2022
Legislator of the Year by the Great
Lakes Maritime Task Force, and I
look forward to continuing my work
to both protect the Great Lakes and
expand opportunities for the businesses that rely on them.”
The award presentation took
place at the U.S. Venture, Inc. facility in Green Bay. President and CEO
of U.S. Venture John Schmidt stated,
“The Port of Green Bay serves as a
critical link in the supply chain for
gasoline, diesel, and renewable energy products supplied to Northeastern Wisconsin. We appreciate and
commend Congressman Gallagher
for his continued support of the Port
and the Great Lakes.”
The GLMTF has 74 member organizations. According to the coalition, “The Great Lakes commercial
maritime industry supports more
than 147,000 American jobs in eight
Great Lakes states and generates
more than $25 billion in economic
activity.”
Among his military and civilian recognitions are the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Legion of
Merit, the Department of Defense Medal
for Distinguished Public Service, and the
National Defense Transportation Association Distinguished Service Award.
During his tenure at the Maritime Administration, Herberger was known as
being greatly admired, determined and
friendly. Upon his retirement, the staff
presented him with a life-size photo
from when he threw out a first pitch at a
minor league baseball game. Years later,
he told others he had that photo as well
as all his awards in his den, but his young
grandchildren were more interested in his
pitching form than his record of service.
Upon his passing, the Maritime Administration issued a statement that reads
in part, “Our sincerest condolences go to
his family and loved ones during this
time…. He was a stalwart merchant mariner…. We will forever remain inspired
by his leadership and his impact on the
maritime community.”
Vice Adm. Al Herberger
White House Issues Labor Day Proclamation
Editor’s note: Following is the text of this
year’s Labor Day statement from President
Biden. It was issued September 2, the Friday
before the holiday.
American workers have built our communities, laid the foundation for our democracy,
and powered the engine of our prosperity.
From the factory hands who forged an Arsenal
of Democracy and helped beat back fascism
during World War II, to the immigrants who
assembled the transcontinental railroad that
connected America’s coasts, to the health care
professionals and first responders who mobilized selflessly during the pandemic to save
countless lives, American workers have guided
us through our most difficult moments and delivered some of our Nation’s greatest triumphs.
Unions have been the voice of American
workers, guiding their path to power as a major
force in our society. Unions fought for higher
wages and family-supporting benefits, established vital health and safety standards, secured
an 8-hour work day, eradicated child labor,
guarded against discrimination and harassment,
and bargained for every worker’s fair share
of economic prosperity. They give workers a
say in critical decisions affecting their lives
and livelihoods and play a transformative role
in shaping the future of our democracy. The
middle class built America, and unions built the
middle class. When organized labor wins, families win. We all win.
I said from the start that I would be the most
pro-worker and pro-union President in American history, and I am keeping that promise.
When I took office, I put money in the pockets
of hardworking Americans with the American
Rescue Plan, offering families much-needed
breathing room. I have now enacted a bold,
long-term economic agenda that will lead to
historic investments in our Nation and our
workers: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,
the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation
Reduction Act. My economic agenda is a oncein-a-generation blueprint to rebuild America,
out-compete every other economy in the world,
and create thousands of good-paying and cleanmanufacturing jobs. We are putting plumbers,
pipefitters, electrical workers, steel workers,
and so many others to work on a range of
projects – from rebuilding our infrastructure
to manufacturing semiconductors, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. Many of
these jobs will be union jobs.
This is just the beginning. To give workers more power and raise wages, I signed an
Executive Order calling for a ban on unfair
non-compete agreements that hinder people
from building on their experience to take
new jobs in their industries. I created a White
House Task Force on Worker Organizing and
Empowerment with the aim of identifying new
ways the executive branch can facilitate the
organizing of workers. I also appointed a former union president and card-carrying union
member to serve this country as the Secretary
of Labor.
Still, there is more we can do. I believe
every worker should have a free and fair choice
to organize and bargain collectively with their
employer without coercion or intimidation.
That is why I called on the Congress to finally
pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the
Right to Organize Act and the Public Service
Freedom to Negotiate Act, which will make it
easier for private-sector, State, and local government workers to join a union and bargain
collectively.
As our economy recovers and rebuilds, we
must build it from the bottom up and the middle out – not the top down – so everyone benefits. Our Nation continues to fall short of its
promise to deliver equal opportunity to workers
of color and women, among others, and we can
do more to ensure that good-paying jobs are
accessible to everyone. Only when all workers
have a strong voice in their wages, benefits,
and job treatment can we start to change how
we value their labor. Only then can we begin to
reward work and not just wealth.
I have had the honor of meeting workers of
every stripe. I have visited longshore workers
in California, firefighters in Colorado, transit
workers in New Jersey, welders in Wisconsin,
and teachers in Virginia, among many others.
I also welcomed frontline worker-organizers
into the Oval Office. Whenever I meet members of America’s labor community – dedicated
women and men who derive purpose from their
work – I am reminded of something my father
used to tell me: “A job is about more than a
paycheck – it is about dignity and respect.”
This Labor Day, let us honor those trailblazers who have fought for the rights of working
people. Let us stand in solidarity with all workers and strengthen their ability to organize and
bargain with employers. Let us give thanks to
all of America’s workers who build this Nation
and pave our future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN
JR., President of the United States of America,
by virtue of the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and the laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim September 5, 2022, as
Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and
people of the United States to observe this day
with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the energy and innovation of
working Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand this second day of September,
in the year of our Lord two thousand twentytwo, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortyseventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
October 2022
�Students enhance their skills on a Star Cool unit.
Upgrader Derek Chestnut programs software on a new PrimeLINE unit.
ARCM Class Raises Bar for Technology Skills
Updated Course Features Cutting-Edge Equipment
A popular course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education (PHC) has
updated its curriculum and added new
equipment that utilizes the latest tech-
Instructor Mike Fay (right) and Seafarer
Devin Sem
nology in the reefer container industry.
These changes signal major improvements to the school’s advanced
refrigerated container maintenance
(ARCM) class, a two-week offering at
the Piney Point, Maryland, campus.
Mike Fay, a longtime Seafarer and
electrician who occasionally teaches
at the PHC, developed the ARCM
class and serves as its lead instructor.
He explained that the recently added
state-of-the-art units can handle a wide
range of cargo – some of which is both
expensive and delicate.
“It’s not uncommon to see $1 million worth of pharmaceuticals in one
container, and that content has to be
maintained at exact temperature, humidity and oxygen level,” Fay said.
“This requires the person working
on the equipment to have an in-depth
knowledge of capacity controls and operating systems.”
One way for students to gain or
enhance such knowledge is by training with top-end equipment, and the
PHC boasts such gear. The school recently added Carrier PrimeLINE unit
that allows students to learn “on the
next generation of units equipped with
electronic expansion valves and digital control valves,” Fay noted. “These
components give the unit the capability to keep a 40-foot loaded container
within one-half of one degree of setpoint, thereby helping ensure the customer’s product integrity.”
Fay also mentioned that students in
the July ARCM class took on the task
of refitting a vintage, out-of-service
Star Cool reefer unit with new, upto-date components, including a 2.0
frequency converter, a variable-speed
compressor and the latest digital controller. By the time the students completed their work on that unit, it was
fully operational.
One highlight of the July course was
a visit and some guest instruction from
field subject-matter expert Benjamin
Hernandez, service manager of the
Americas for Star Cool/Maersk Container Industry.
“It was an honor to have Benjamin
share his knowledge with the class,”
Fay said. “He was so impressed with
the whole Paul Hall Center training facilities that he offered the support of
the Star Cool factory in Denmark to
supply training aids and tech support.
The school has always partnered with
SIU-contracted companies for donating actual reefer units from their fleets
for training, but this is the first time a
major manufacturer has offered factory
support. This ensures that the PHC will
continually have the capability to train
students with the latest technology
well into the future.”
Guest Instructor Benjamin Hernandez
SIU, Express Marine
Sign 3-Year Agreement
SIU members employed by Express Marine are sailing under provisions of a new three-year contract
featuring numerous gains.
The recently ratified agreement
contains signing and safety bonuses,
yearly wage boosts, and increases to
mileage reimbursements and contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan.
Negotiating for the SIU were Captain Riley Johnson and AB Scottie
Duncan, alongside Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice.
Baselice said of the pact: “It’s a
good contract. We worked hard to
reach a new deal with Express Marine that addressed all the concerns of
the membership including wage and
related increases, while maintaining
two-for-one pension and Core Plus
level (medical) benefits.”
Johnson stated, “With regard to
October 2022
the present economic environment in
which we are operating, and the everchanging maritime industry, I believe
we have a contract that will allow
management and labor to continue
moving forward into a prosperous
future. We all look forward to working with the new management here at
Express Marine, and together meeting
the challenges that will arise.”
The new contract –which runs from
June 16, 2022 until June 15, 2025 –
covers approximately 25 members.
According to its website, Express
Marine, Inc. “has provided safe, reliable tug and barge transportation for
dry bulk and liquid cargos along the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Caribbean
and associated bays, harbors and rivers for more than 100 years.” SIU
members sail aboard the company’s
fleet of tugs and barges, which range
from smaller inland units to larger offshore ones.
An Express Marine crew (photo above)
poses for a snapshot after contract ratification. From left to right are Mate Robert
Arble, AB Bruce Wilkinson and Captain
Eddie Garner. In the photo at right, Mate
Robert Arble counts the ballots.
Seafarers LOG 7
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAGOTHY (Argent Marine
Operations), May 8 – Chairman
Frank Hedge, Secretary Tristan
Cordero, Educational Director
Tracy Mitchell, Deck Delegate
Abdullah Ansah, Engine Delegate
Samuel Ayers, Steward Delegate
Nagi Ali. Chairman thanked crew
for a safe voyage and for keeping
garbage separated. He reminded
members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland, and to keep
documents up to date. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. New mattresses have been ordered. Galley
still needs dishwasher and grill.
Members proposed one physical
examination requirement per year.
Crew requested raise in pension
benefits, additional vacation benefits, increased dental coverage, and
better Wi-Fi aboard ship. Steward
department was thanked for a job
well done. Next port: Portland,
Oregon.
USNS EFFECTIVE (Crowley), July 29 – Chairman Edgar
Elegino, Secretary Delia Peters,
Educational Director Emiliano
Guevara, Engine Delegate Robert Murphy, Steward Delegate
Cameron Keating. Members
offered suggestions pertaining to
crew change relief procedures.
Crew suggested searching for a
relief a month in advance, posting jobs to all ports immediately,
providing incentive programs for
members who extend their contracts and conducting job fairs to
advertise the maritime industry
and job vacancies. Treasurer listed
some purchases recently made for
various parts of vessel. Steward
delegate commented on stores.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC),
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir
requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
July 31 – Chairman Charles Hill,
Secretary Edward Gavagan, Educational Director Bobby Conner,
Steward Delegate Gamal Asaad.
Chairman discussed personnel
change while vessel was in Tampa,
Florida shipyard. Secretary reminded crew to check and renew
papers early. Educational director urged members to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Steward department was
thanked for providing good food.
HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine
Personnel & Provisioning), July
31 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Shari Hardman,
Educational Director Alton Hickman, Deck Delegate Jonathan
Eitz, Engine Delegate Matthew
Wright, Steward Delegate Alexus
Guillory. Crew revisited ongoing issues with dryer, dishwasher
and air conditioning in galley.
Chairman reported a smooth
voyage. Special thanks given to
the steward department for good
meals. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education. Engine
delegate issued request pertaining
to overtime rates. Crew discussed
new contract and reiterated the
importance of shipboard meetings. Members were reminded to
keep prescription medication up to
date. Next port: Charleston, South
Carolina.
ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk
Line, Limited), Aug. 1 – Chairman
Eugene Perez, Secretary Timothy
Dowd, Educational Director Frederick Williams, Deck Delegate
Marcos Santos Gamboa, Engine
Delegate Dennis Pangan. Chairman talked about new contract
and difference in pay. Secretary
advised crew to renew documents
early since they are taking longer
than usual to process. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
asked for clarification for B-book
seniority and asked how long
jobs can be held in rotation. Crew
discussed shipping rule enforcement by halls and asked questions about relief and rotary jobs.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning),
August 3 – Chairman Felsher
Beasley, Secretary Sharray
Turner, Educational Director Moses Mickens, Engine
Delegate Steve Tate, Steward
Delegate Lea Ramos. Crew
discussed contract and agreed to
send for ratification. Chairman
thanked everyone for keeping
ship clean and discussed upcoming shipyard stay. Educational director encouraged crew
to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center in southern Maryland and to
stay on top of documents. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Next port: Beaumont, Texas.
EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August
5 – Chairman Abdulkarim
Mohamed, Secretary Jayson
Velez-Cruz, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed, Engine Delegate Mark Canada,
Steward Delegate Kirk Fisher.
Crew discussed cargo preference
laws, which are vital to the U.S.
Merchant Marine and which benefit U.S. national, economic and
homeland security. Educational
director advised members to upgrade in Piney Point and keep up
with documents. Crew received
computer with internet access as
well as copies of new freightship
and tanker agreements. Members
requested an extra vacation day
Aboard El Coqui
Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry submitted this photo of ABs Raul
Colon Matos (left) and John Diaz Hernandez. The duo works
aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel, which
sails in the Jones Act trade.
per month or extra pay in lieu of
day off. Crew suggested items
to include in next contract such
as penalty pay for the use of any
rust removal chemical and flexible rotation for permanent crew.
Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political
Activities Donation, the union’s
voluntary political action fund).
Vote of thanks was given to steward department.
POHANG PIONEER (U.S. Marine Management), August 21
– Chairman Ahmed Ghaleb, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Engine Delegate Edward Galbis, Steward
Delegate Steven Johnson. Crew
asked for a slop chest on ship and
for TVs and DVD players. Requested items are to come upon
arrival at dock. Crew commented
on improvement with stores.
Members suggested extending
vacation for permanent positions
from 60 to 75 days to allow more
time to handle personal business.
Gym equipment was moved to fan
room, which is reportedly loud
and uncomfortable for members.
Crew discussed restriction to ship
while in Korea. Still no notice
reportedly provided by Korean
government, so no shore leave
available.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
8 Seafarers LOG
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
October 2022
�PROMOTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS – The SIU was well-represented at this year’s New York State AFL-CIO convention, which took place in August. Serving as delegates (photo at left,
from left) were SIU Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, UIW Rep. Jordan Esopa, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ON THE JOB IN TEXAS – SIU-crewed G&H Towing boats are shown in the foreground while the SIU-crewed ARC Defender (TOTE) is in the background.
INITIATIVE IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST – AB Raul Molina
(above) in early August did some repairs to the flag stand that
has been at the center of the counter in the Tacoma hall for
the last 12 years. He built the stand all those years ago and
(without being asked) showed up recently with his tool belt on.
TALKING MARITIME WITH CANDIDATE – SIU Port
Agents John Hoskins (left) and Mario Torrey (right) meet
with Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore earlier this year at a gathering in Baltimore. They discussed
workers’ rights and the maritime industry.
WELCOME ABOARD – SIU Houston Safety Director
Kevin Sykes (standing) assists with a recent orientation
at Seafarers-contracted G&H Towing in Galveston, Texas.
ABOARD GREEN LAKE – Pictured from left in the group photo at right are Bosun Augustus Udan, Chief Cook Gil Serrano, SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman and SA Bernardo Celi.The photo at left shows a piece of cargo on the Waterman-operated vessel.
October 2022
Seafarers LOG 9
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD EL COQUI – Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry submitted these photos from the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning
vessel, which sails in the Jones Act trade.
Oiler Blake Washington
Chief Cook Maurice Henry Jr.
AB Victor Velez, Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry, AB Joe Dupre
A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Alan Boiser (center) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in late
August. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera.
10 Seafarers LOG
AB Timothy Paul
AB Erick Toledo, AB Jerry Maya, QEE Edwin Velez
A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Christopher Torres (left) displays his newly
acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall in southern California. SIU Port
Agent Gerret Jarman is at right.
October 2022
�WITH SEAFARERS IN SAN JUAN – These snapshots were taken at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico. In photo at left, AB Jonamie Encarnacion (left) holds his newly acquired A-seniority
book and first A-book registration. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at right. In photo at right, AB Sergio Valentin (right) displays his recently obtained A-seniority book (Crespo is at
left). The remaining photo includes QMED Kabir Garcia Santiago (left), who definitely embraces the opportunities for upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. This year
alone, he has successfully completed more than a half-dozen different courses, including tank ship familiarization, government vessels, helo firefighting, advanced reefer container
maintenance, marine electrician and more. He’s displaying the diplomas with help from Crespo.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE – Pictured at the hall following
the membership meeting on Aug. 11
are (group photo, from left) AB Donald
Desir, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SIU
Port Agent Ashley Nelson, AB Lafonte
McWhite and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey. In the other photo, also taken
at the hall earlier that week, Nelson
(left) gives the union oath to AB Andrew
Malidore, who received his full B-book.
WITH SEAFARERS IN LAUDERDALE – Two members recently hit milestones at the hiring hall in Florida. Chief Steward
Isoline Major (left in photo at left) picked up her first pension check, following an SIU career that started in 1998. And, AB
Andrew Graham (left in photo at right) received his A-seniority book. Both Seafarers are pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris
Hopkins.
October 2022
FULL BOOK IN PHILLY – AB Keith Field (left) receives
his full B-book at the Philadelphia hall. He’s pictured with
SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice.
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Nicholas Panagakos (right)
receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Jersey
City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray
Henderson.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Van Pelt Family: A Legacy of Seafaring
Union Provides Gateway
To Rewarding Profession
The Van Pelt family embodies the long tradition of multiple
generations sailing with the SIU. In total, seven members of the
extended Van Pelt family have joined the SIU since 1978, often
with each other’s encouragement.
The first Van Pelt to join, retired Chief Engineer Timothy Van Pelt, recently took an instructional position at the
Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education. His son, Junior Engineer Tim Van Pelt II, has also
started a part-time teaching position at the school, while continuing to periodically work aboard an SIU-crewed vessel.
Van Pelt II said that his three cousins – AB Kathleen
Moxey, AB Holly Scheper and Bosun Patricia “Trish” Hausner – had more of a direct influence in getting him to join the
Brotherhood of the Sea.
“When my father graduated high school, it was, ‘go to college, join the military, or work at the steel mill’,” Van Pelt II
said. “But he never steered his sons to join the SIU.… That
said, my brothers and I inevitably joined the union.” Tim’s
brothers, Electrician Brett Van Pelt and 3rd Engineer Justin
Van Pelt, were the most recent additions to their union family,
which also includes their grandfathers who worked as Steelworkers.
Tim Sr. said, “I don’t think I pushed any of them at all.
Kathleen was just hanging out at my house, and I threw out
the idea of joining. She took off and ran with it, and ended up
doing over 10 years on the LNG ships. Tim, he was in college,
working at a bank in a suit and tie. One day, he told me, ‘I don’t
want to go back to college, I want to do what you do and go
work on ships.’ And Brett, he got into Piney Point before he
was 18, with a letter from me, and became a chief electrician
by 20.”
Moxey said of her decision to join the SIU, “We had gone
over to a party at [the Van Pelt’s] house. I had just graduated
college with a degree in kinesiology, and I knew that ‘Big Tim’
had sailed. It has always interested me, so I asked him about
it, and he encouraged me to learn more. I knew I wanted to do
something for three to five years, and then I ended up sailing
for 12.”
“I came through as a trainee a year after high school, and
it’s been a life-changing decision for me,” said Tim. Sr. “I don’t
know where I’d be without it. I spent 14 years on the LNG
ships, and when I was home, they would call me all the time
to fill in, for Moran Towing or the cable ships, even the Ready
Reserve Ships when I was in town.”
“Growing up, we lived in a nice home and never went without,” said Van Pelt II. “I saw the life my father was able to provide, and I’m very grateful for everything sailing has brought me.
I met my wife working, and have made sailing my life’s work.”
Tim Sr., who has spent the bulk of his time working aboard
steam-powered vessels, reflected on his career, saying, “I sailed
for 42 years, and my whole family was part of my career at
one point or another. I sailed with each of my boys, including
two trips – once on the Antares with Tim and Brett, and once to
Cuba with Tim and Justin. Three Van Pelts on one ship, that’s
pretty unheard of!”
He continued, “Back in the day, the joke was that my wife
was nicknamed ‘Central Command,’ because when (the) manpower (office) needed some emergency staffing, they would
contact her first, not even me or my boys, and ask if any of us
were available to take a job. When a Van Pelt was called on, we
never turned down a job. We’re very reliable that way.”
During his career, he spent a considerable amount of time at
the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland: “I took
full advantage of the school down here. I took every course I
could, and just the way they make you feel down here, with
all the camaraderie, I loved coming to the school. I’d bring my
family every chance I got, too.” He came ashore briefly, and
worked as a union official for a time before returning to sea.
“I just missed it,” he recalled. “I worked my way up to chief
engineer, and I just had to get back out there. And I think the
officials understood.”
A part-time physical trainer now, Moxey said, “Sailing was
quite the experience. I really enjoyed seeing the world, travelling to Indonesia and Korea … and the freedom to work when
you want, and leave when you want, is a real perk.”
When asked if she would encourage her younger relatives
to join the SIU, she said, “If they wanted to travel and see the
world, I would. I know it’s pretty different now, as far as the advanced training and all that. And to all mariners, but especially
female members, I would encourage them to make a friend, and
try to sail with them as often as you can. It really helps with any
feelings of loneliness.”
Tim Van Pelt II came ashore in 2020 for a contracting job,
but saw an opportunity to give back to the SIU through teaching. “I saw that the school needed instructors, and Piney Point
is a part of me and a part of my family,” he said. “I have many
fond memories of this place, and I’ll keep coming down here to
work for as long as they’ll have me.”
He concluded, “During my sailing career, it was rewarding
in both experiences and financially, and I was able to work with
my family members on many occasions. Now, I get to help
teach the next generation of mariners.”
Van Pelt Sr. concluded by talking about coming ashore:
“When I retired after 42 years, I told the guys, ‘I’m not trying
to break any Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron records here.’ And now
I’ve answered the call again to teach younger mariners at Piney
Point. Teaching is sharing your knowledge, and all my knowledge came from the school in the first place. But now I can pull
from that and my experiences at sea, and it’s heaven-sent. I
never thought I would be doing this, but I love it. I love teaching electricians, QMEDs and trainees, because I know it will
change their lives for the better.”
Brett and Tim Van Pelt Sr. (photo above) meet in Piney Point in 2010. Pictured from left in the
photo at right are Tim Van Pelt II, Tim Van Pelt Sr. and Justin Van Pelt.
Kathleen Moxey (photo above) said she initially planned to sail for
a few years but stuck around for 12. In the photo at right, Moxey
works aboard an LNG ship in a 1990s-era photo.
12 Seafarers LOG
Brett and Tim Van Pelt Sr. (photo at left) are pictured aboard the
RRF vessel Wright. Tim Van Pelt II (above) is pictured earlier this
year while teaching aboard the Freedom Star in Piney Point.
October 2022
October 2022
Seafarers LOG 13
�Everyday savings just for you
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affordable with wireless savings, cash back shopping, discounts at
restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more.
Wireless
Savings
Cash Back
Shopping
Restaurant
Discounts
Movie Tickets
& Live Events
Exclusive discounts for union families
See more at
unionplus.org
14 Seafarers LOG
October 2022
�TSA Offers Online TWIC Renewal
Editor’s note The following
news item was issued by the
Transportation Security Ad
Administration on August 10.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
enhanced the renewal process for the Transportation
Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) to help support
critical transportation workers.
Starting August 11, 2022, TSA
enabled the ability for current TWIC holders to renew
their credentials online, which
eliminates the need to go to an
enrollment center and makes
the five-year renewal process
more convenient.
TWIC is required by the
Maritime Transportation Security Act for mariners and workers who need access to secure
areas of the nation’s maritime
facilities and vessels. Jointly
administered by TSA and the
U.S. Coast Guard, TSA conducts a background check to
determine a person’s eligibility
and issues the credential. The
Coast Guard regulates the use
of TWIC in the maritime environment. U.S. citizens, lawful
permanent residents, naturalized citizens, asylum seekers,
refugees, and nonimmigrants
in lawful status may apply for
the TWIC credential.
Nearly 60 percent of TWIC
holders renew their card every
five years. Renewing online
eliminates the need to go to
an enrollment center, supports
U.S. critical infrastructure and
supply chain workers, and
saves travel time and expenses
associated with being away
from work. Most eligible applicants receive their TWIC
card in less than 10 days.
Those applicants with more
complex cases may require 60
days or longer for processing.
Applicants may check their
TWIC status online at any
time.
Most applicants, including
U.S. citizens, nationals, and
lawful permanent residents,
will be able to renew online
without the need to visit an
enrollment center. Please visit
TSA’s enrollment provider
website for information on
TWIC enrollments and renewals. If applicants encounter dif
difficulty renewing online, they
may contact customer service
at (855) 347-8371. For more
information on the TWIC
program, visit the TSA TWIC
website or the Coast Guard
TWIC website.
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from August 15 - September 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of September 15.
Port
A
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
Notice: Improvement to
SHBP Prescription Benefits
In order to ensure that par
participants have access to the latest
and most efficient insulin monitoring and delivery systems, ef
effective June 1, 2022 the Trustees
approved covering new insulin
delivery systems as a part of the
prescription benefits under the
Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan (SHBP). These devices
differ from traditional insulin
pumps because they incorporate
insulin directly into the device.
They simplify insulin monitor
monitoring and more accurately treat
diabetes. Examples of these
devices include: V-Go products
and Omnipod.
Eligible participants should
provide their OptumRx card at
the pharmacy when filling this
prescription. If you are unsure
about whether your device is
covered under this improved
benefit, please contact the SHBP
at (800) 252-4674.
October & November
Membership Meetings
Piney Point...............................Monday: October 3, November 7
Algonac....................Friday: October 7, *Monday: November 14
Baltimore....................Thursday: October 6, November10
Guam..................Thursday: October 20, *Friday: November 25
Honolulu.............................Friday: October 14, November 18
Houston...............*Tuesday: October 11, Monday: November 14
Jacksonville.......................Thursday: October 6, November 10
Joliet..................................Thursday: October 13, November 17
Mobile.........................Wednesday: October 12, November 16
New Orleans........................Tuesday: October 11, November 15
Jersey City............................Tuesday: October 4, November 8
Norfolk..................Friday: October 7, *Monday: November 14
Oakland..............................Thursday: October 13, November 17
Philadelphia......................Wednesday: October 5, November 9
Port Everglades...............Thursday: October 13, November 17
San Juan............................Thursday: October 6, November 10
St. Louis...............................Friday: October 14, November 18
Tacoma...............................Friday: October 21, November 25
Wilmington....................Monday: October 17, November 21
* Houston change in October due to Columbus Day observance.
* Algonac and Norfolk changes in November due to Veteran’s Day observance
* Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day obser
observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
October 2022
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent recertified steward class.
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
Bruce Johnson
Recertified Steward
I joined as an escape route. My
father was hounding me to make a
(career) decision, and I overheard
someone say they were going into
the merchant marine. My father
got the paperwork for Piney Point;
it turned out to be one of the most
rewarding things I’ve done.
Alexander Cordero
Recertified Steward
Since I joined in 2003, I’ve had
many great experiences and I have
learned a lot. I definitely appreciate
our contracts and our medical and
pension benefits. I would encourage
everyone to never give up and never
quit learning.
Sajid Foster
Recertified Steward
I joined the union because my
family were union members. I
started my career with the SIU at
age 18 and have remained involved
because we are a strong part of the
American labor movement. The
union gave me many opportunities
and is still giving me opportunities.
Bryan Alvarez
Recertified Steward
I joined the union because my father is also a union member. I got on a
ship with him as a teenager and did a
trip to Europe on the car carrier Courage. After the voyage, I realized that I
wanted to become a merchant mariner
and see the world. The SIU changed
my life and I’m still very passionate
about it.
Abraham Mills
Recertified Steward
I had always wanted to sail
and go overseas. I thank the SIU
for giving me a good job, making good money so I can provide
a quality life for my family. Being
a steward is a great career, and the
union is an important part of my
life.
Marlon Brown
Recertified Steward
I’ve been part of the SIU since
2000, and ever since then, the union
has always been an important part of
my life, for me and my loved ones. I
can’t thank the union enough for all it
has done for the members.
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
The Seafarers-crewed Massmar is pictured in 1952. Vessel operator Calmar Line was a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel.
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
16 Seafarers LOG
October 2022
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
JAIME AUSTRIA
Brother Jaime Austria, 67, started his
career with the union in 1992 when
he shipped on the
Independence. A
steward department member, he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occasions. Brother
Austria most
recently sailed on
the Horizon Enterprise. He makes his home in Las
Vegas.
GODOFREDO BANATAO
Brother Godofredo Banatao, 66,
signed on with the Seafarers in 2012.
He sailed in the
engine department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Banatao’s
first and last ship
was the Pride
of America. He
makes his home in
Waipahu, Hawaii.
SAMUEL CALDER
Brother Samuel Calder, 65, joined
the SIU in 1997, when he sailed
aboard the Sumner.
He upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions and shipped
in the steward
department.
Brother Calder
last shipped on
the USNS Henson.
He is a resident of
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
JOSE CALONG CALONG
Brother Jose Calong Calong, 62,
began sailing with the union in 1999,
initially shipping
on the Alaska.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school in 2001.
Brother Calong
Calong most recently sailed on
the Alaskan Legend. He lives in La
Mirada, California.
SERVANDO CANALES
Brother Servando Canales, 57,
signed on with the SIU in 1991
when he sailed
aboard the Matej
Kocak. He
shipped in the
engine department
and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother
Canales last sailed
on the Jean Anne.
He resides in Lomita, California.
RAY CHAPMAN
Brother Ray Chapman, 62, became
October 2022
a member of the
Seafarers International Union in
1981. He sailed
in both the deck
and engine departments and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Piney Point
school. Brother
Chapman’s first vessel was the
USNS Potomac; his last, the Beaver
State. He resides in Gig Harbor,
Washington.
NOEL CORALDE
Brother Noel Coralde, 67, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
2007 and initially
sailed on the
Pride of Aloha.
He was a member of the deck
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Coralde most
recently shipped
on the Chemical Pioneer and lives in
Toms River, New Jersey.
CHARLES FRANKS
Brother Charles Franks, 65, began
sailing with the
union in 1991
when he shipped
on the Ranger.
He was a member of the deck
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Brother
Franks last sailed on the Ohio. He
lives in Mobile, Alabama.
GREGORY GURVITS
Brother Gregory Gurvits, 65, signed
on with the Seafarers in 2001. A
deck department member, he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year of membership. Brother
Gurvits first
sailed aboard the
Maersk Maine.
He most recently
shipped on the Maersk Ohio and
settled in North Fort Myers, Florida.
CATHERINE HAYS
upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on several occasions and primarily sailed in the
engine department.
Brother Hill’s final
vessel was the
Garden State. He
lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
was an engine department member.
Brother Turner
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. He most
recently sailed
on the Marjorie
C and makes
his home in Las
Vegas.
BRANDON MAEDA
MEDARDO VALERIO
Brother Brandon Maeda, 66, signed
on with the union
in 1983. He first
sailed aboard the
Independence
and worked in the
steward department. Brother
Maeda upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school. He
last shipped on
the USNS Maury and is a resident of
Hilo, Hawaii.
Brother Medardo Valerio, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 2004. He first
shipped on the
Pride of Aloha
and worked in the
engine department. Brother
Valerio’s final
vessel was the
USNS Denebola.
He calls Jacksonville, Florida,
home.
ROMUALDO MEDINA ARRIOLA
Brother Romualdo Medina Arriola,
71, began sailing with the Seafarers
in 1994, initially
shipping aboard
the Independence.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on several
occasions. Brother
Medina Arriola last shipped
aboard the Overseas Tampa. He lives in Richmond,
Texas.
PAMELA MONACO
Sister Pamela Monaco, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978 when she
sailed aboard
the McLean.
She was a deck
department
member and
also worked on
shore gangs.
Sister Monaco
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on
multiple occasions. She last was
employed by American Service
Technology and is a resident of
Mount Shasta, California.
THOMAS ODEM
Sister Catherine Hays, 61, joined the
SIU in 1988 and
first sailed on the
Independence. A
steward department member, she
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Sister
Hays concluded
her career on the
Brownsville and
makes her home in Humble, Texas.
Brother Thomas Odem, 65, began
his career with
the SIU in 1995.
He sailed in
both the steward and engine
departments and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Odem’s first vessel was the Independence; his last,
the Groton. He resides in Pahoa,
Hawaii.
MICHAEL HILL
JESSE TURNER
Brother Michael Hill, 65, started his
career with the SIU in 2002 when
he shipped on the Paul Buck. He
Brother Jesse Turner, 66, started his
career with the union in 2001. He
first shipped on the Consumer and
CLEVELAND WEST
Interstate Oil. He resides in Yardley,
Pennsylvania.
SHERRIE FULLER
Sister Sherrie Fuller, 62,
donned the SIU
colors in 1998.
She sailed with
OSG Ship Management for the
duration of her
career. Sister
Fuller lives in
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
WILLIE GARDNER
Brother Willie Gardner, 70, joined
the SIU in 1992, first sailing with
Moran Towing of Texas. He shipped
in the engine department and last
worked with Crowley Towing and
Transportation. Brother Gardner
calls Summit, Mississippi, home.
LAWRENCE LEDET
Brother Cleveland West, 67, began
sailing with the Seafarers International Union in
1991. He sailed in
the deck department and first
shipped on the
Constellation.
Brother West upgraded his skills
at the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He
most recently sailed on the USNS
Algol and lives in Mobile, Alabama.
Brother Lawrence Ledet, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994 when
he shipped with
Westbank Riverboat Services.
He was a member
of the engine
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Ledet most recently worked
with Penn Maritime and makes his
home in Gretna, Louisiana.
MARK WILLIAMS
MIGUEL MARTINEZ
Brother Mark Williams, 65, joined
the SIU in 1975 when he sailed
aboard the Mohawk. He upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center within his first
year of membership and shipped in
both the deck and engine departments. Brother Williams last shipped
aboard the Long Lines. He is a resident of Newark, Delaware.
Brother Miguel
Martinez, 62,
signed on with
the union in 1989.
He initially sailed
with G&H Towing and was a
deck department
member. Brother
Martinez was last
employed with
Tugz Company. He lives in Montgomery, Texas.
GREAT LAKES
LARRY HALL
Brother Larry Hall, 65, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1990 when he
shipped on the Kinsman Independent. He sailed in both the deck and
engine departments. Brother Hall last
shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy
and resides in Ansted, West Virginia.
INLAND
GERARD BLACK
Brother Gerard Black, 70, joined the
union in 1990. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions.
Brother Black worked for OSG Ship
Management for most of his career.
He is a Pittsburgh resident.
ROBERT BURNS
Brother Robert Burns, 62, began
shipping with the SIU in 1978, initially working with American Barge
Lines. He was a deck department
member and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother Burns was last employed by
CLIFTON POTTER
Brother Clifton Potter, 62, started
sailing with the Seafarers International Union in
2007. He shipped
in the deck department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Potter was employed with Express Marine for
the duration of his career. He calls
New Bern, North Carolina, home.
MARVIN WHITE
Brother Marvin White, 62, became
a member of the SIU in 1979. He
upgraded at the Piney Point school
within his first year of membership
and sailed in both the deck and engine
departments. Brother White worked
with McAllister Towing of Virginia
for his entire career. He lives in
Knott’s Island, North Carolina.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
RICHARD HARMON
Brother Richard Harmon, 106,
died July 30. A Texas native, he
joined the SIU in 1955. Brother
Harmon was a steward department member. He last sailed on the
President Tyler and made his home
in San Francisco.
DONALD HUFFMAN
Pensioner Donald Huffman,
68, passed away August 22. He
signed on with the Seafarers International Union
in 1978, initially
sailing aboard the
Pisces. Brother
Huffman was a
steward department member
and last shipped
aboard the Green
Lake in 2012. He
went on pension
in 2019 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
ERIK JENSEN
Pensioner Erik Jensen, 96, died
August 30. He joined the union
in 1948 and
first sailed with
Sprogue Steamship Company.
Brother Jensen
was a deck
department
member. He
concluded his
career aboard the
Endurance and
retired in 1999. Brother Jensen
was a resident of Orangevale,
California.
COLLIE LOPER
Pensioner Collie Loper, 92,
passed away August 15. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1956
when he sailed
with Waterman Steamship.
Brother Loper
sailed in the
steward department. He last
shipped on the
Cape Intrepid
before becoming a pensioner in
1991. Brother Loper lived in Mobile, Alabama.
PIERANGELO POLETTI
Pensioner Pierangelo Poletti, 80,
died September 10. He began
sailing with the union in 1967, initially shipping aboard the Western
Planet. Brother Poletti was a deck
department member and last sailed
on the Performance in 1992. He
went on pension in 2006 and was a
resident of Humble, Texas.
MARIO RUIZ
Brother Mario Ruiz, 50, passed
away July 2. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1994 when
he shipped on the Independence.
18 Seafarers LOG
Brother Ruiz
primarily sailed
in the deck department and also
worked on shore
gangs. He most
recently shipped
on the Resolve
and lived in
Houston.
CHARLES SANDINO
Pensioner Charles Sandino, 68,
died August 18. He became a
member of the
SIU in 1975,
initially sailing with G&H
Towing. Brother
Sandino worked
in both the deck
and engine departments and
concluded his
career aboard the Developer in
2004. He began collecting his
pension in 2019 and called Texas
City, Texas, home.
Brother Collings lived in Grapevine, Texas.
CHARLES GAUTIER
Pensioner Charles Gautier, 85,
died August 30. He donned the
union colors in 1965, initially
sailing with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Gautier worked in
the deck department. He was last
employed by Mariner Towing
and began collecting his pension
in 1999. Brother Gautier called
Mount Olive, North Carolina,
home.
PAUL HART
Pensioner Paul Hart, 64, passed
away August 19. He joined the
SIU in 1996 and was a deck department member. Brother Hart
was employed by Crowley for
the duration of his career. He retired in 2018 and made his home
in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania.
DONICE LAWSON
Pensioner Donice Lawson, 83,
died August 20.
He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1992.
Sailing in the
deck department,
Brother Lawson
worked for Penn
Maritime for his
entire career. He
became a pensioner in 2001 and
resided in Virgilina, Virginia.
RONALD LEBLANC
Pensioner Ronald LeBlanc, 89,
passed away August 31. A deck
department member, he began
his career with the Seafarers in
1994. Brother LeBlanc worked for
Westbank Riverboat Services for
the duration of his career. He went
on pension in 2004 and settled in
New Orleans.
NMU
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their
respective careers.
NAME
Calo, Andres
Garza, Juan
Henry, Ernest
Nolan, Thomas
Rivera, Oscar
St Mary, Alfred
AGE
91
94
98
92
88
92
DOD
09/06/2022
08/27/2022
08/12/2022
08/30/2022
08/12/2022
08/22/2022
STEPHEN SENTENEY
Pensioner Stephen Senteney, 90,
passed away
August 4. He
embarked on
his career with
the union in
1966 when he
sailed on the
Alice Brown.
An engine department member, Brother
Senteney last shipped on the
Westward Venture. He retired in
2003 and lived in Marysville,
Washington.
WILLIAM STONE
Pensioner William Stone, 75,
died May 11. He
started sailing
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1969.
He shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Stone’s
first vessel was
the Andrew Jackson; his last, the
Patriot. He became a pensioner in
2005 and resided in Grants Pass,
Oregon.
Have You Missed
An Issue of the
Seafarers Log?
INLAND
CHARLES COLLINGS
Pensioner
Charles Collings,
83, passed away
August 1. He
became an SIU
member in 1960
and initially
sailed on the
Captain Sitina.
Brother Collings
shipped in both
the deck and engine departments. He was last employed with
Crowley before retiring in 2007.
PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org
You can also scan this QR code to
go directly to the website
October 2022
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
October 31
November 4
Date of
Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
October 17
November 28
November 4
December 16
Radar/ARPA
October 10
October 21
Lifeboat/Water Survival
October 24
November 21
November 4
December 2
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
November 14
December 9
FOWT
October 24
November 18
Marine Electrician
October 31
December 2
Welding
October 31
November 18
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
October 31
December 5
December 2
January 5
ServSafe Management
October 24
November 28
October 28
December 2
Advanced Galley Operations
October 10
November 4
Chief Steward
November 14
December 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training Revalidation
October 21
November 14
December 2
October 21
November 14
December 2
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
December 12
December 16
Government Vessels
October 17
October 24
November 7
December 5
October 21
October 28
November 10
December 9
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
October 24
October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
October 24
October 28
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
October 2022
Important Notice To All Students
Students who have registered for classes at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the
admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take
their places
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
10/22
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #885 – Graduated August 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Lana Cooper, Daquan Moreland, Anthony Ramos Villafane, Matthew Rathbun, Derek
Smaw Jr., and Robert Stockbridge.
Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Jordan Banks, Mark Dixon, Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer III,
Levi Gorokhovsky, Eachen Hoffrichter, Paul Luis Jimenez, Mikael Lassiter, Justin McClellan, Zion Oliphant, Darius Parker and Errol Wade-Cephas.
20 Seafarers LOG
October 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated August 26 (photo at left,
in alphabetical order): Micko
Lawrenze Angeles Cercado,
Maria Escobar, Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Danielle Gore, Austin Smith, Sean Wilson and
Mizukami Aulaumea Youn.
John Wiegman III, their instructor, is at the far right.
Upon the completion of their
training, each plans to work
in the engine departments
aboard SIU-crewed vessels.
RFPEW (Upgraders) – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Adrian Bartholomew, Dominic Jones,
Robert Teiko and Daniel Ursitti.
RFPNW (Upgrader) – GVA Ronald Burris (above) recently completed his requirements in the course. He graduated August 19.
Government Vessels –
Graduated August 19 (photo
at right, in alphabetical
order): Bernard Butts, Montavis Harold, Sean Init Hernandez, Adam Laliberte, Travis
Lunsford, William Monroe,
Carmus Peet, Michael Robinson, Ekedra Turner and
Derrick Vaughan.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have
registered for classes
at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime
Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they
can’t attend, should
inform the admissions
department immediately so arrangements
can be made to have
other students take
their places
October 2022
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels – Graduated August 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Kevin Brown Jr., Carmelo Calderon Santini, Ronald Embody, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Michael Murphy,
Robert Nixon Jr., and Yan Paing.
Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated August 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Gianni
Ellis, Shelly Ford, Nicholas Gianna and Karrington Plummer Jr.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated August 11 (above, in alphabetical
order): Joshua Burnett, Anthony Green Jr., Yan Paing and Aaron Searcy.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated August 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bowen, Todd Curry, Ronald Embody, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Dominique Glover, Raymond Green, Laurence Jamal Lafavor, Carlos Mohler Vega, Raul Padama Molina, Salah Ahmed Muthana, Khaled Qasim Shamman, Leanne Smith and Raul Cabrera Ventanilla.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
22 Seafarers LOG
October 2022
�Chief Steward – A pair of steward department upgraders
recently finished their requirements in this course. Graduating August 12 were Luke Vandegrift (above, left) and Elijah
Boson.
Important Notice
To All Students
Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bowen, Dominique Glover and
Charles Hinkle. Class instructor Thomas Truitt is at the far right.
Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated August 26 (above, in alphabetical order):
Joshua Burnett, Andre Dade and Aaron Searcy.
Students who have registered for classes at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason
- that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements
can be made to have other students take their
places
MLC Cook – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Irena Janson, David Norris and Edward Pinnace.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated August 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Isreal Caldwell, Kobe Cisero, Quinsha Davis, Jafet Misla-Mendez , Khalid Mohamed, Sonia
Pabon Barreto, Gustavo J. Romero Estrella and Carl Royster. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
October 2022
Seafarers LOG 23
�OCTOBER 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 10
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D WAT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 20-23
Members listen as U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (standing at far right) talks about the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Tacoma Reignites Annual BBQ
Congressman Addresses
Seafarers at Monthly Meeting
A
fter being shelved for a couple of years due to the pandemic, the
annual barbeque at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, restarted August 26 following the monthly membership meeting.
The feast and fellowship weren’t the day’s only highlights. Seafarers
also heard from U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Washington), who spoke
about the importance of workers’ rights and the U.S. Merchant Marine.
“The cookout is a longtime tradition here, so it felt good to continue
returning to normal,” said SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. “Everyone in
attendance also seemed to appreciate Congressman Kilmer’s remarks.
He’s definitely in our corner.”
The photos on this page were taken at the hall during and after the
meeting.
SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, Congressman Derek Kilmer, QEE Phil Greenwell
Members and guests help themselves to lunch. (Editor’s note: In the background at far right,
those are in fact the beginnings of this year’s Santa’s Castle donations.)
SIU Patrolman George Owen, SIU
Safety Director Duane Akers
24 Seafarers LOG
Retired SA Leroy Jenkins, Chief Cook
Leslie McGirt
AB Ayen Cabasag, Retired Recertified
Steward Tommy Belvin
AB Robert Calvo
QEE M’barek Nouhairi
Steward/Baker Clark Williams, Retired Recertified Steward
Scott Opsahl
October 2022
�
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SIUNA CONVENTION COVERAGE
REMEMBERING AL HERBERGER
KEY HEARING ON CARGO PREFERENCE
WHITE HOUSE ISSUES LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION
COALITION HONORS CONGRESSMAN GALLAGHER
SEAFARERS RECOGNIZED FOR RESCUES
SEAFARING IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR VAN PELT FAMILY
MLB PLAYERS AFFILIATE WITH AFL-CIO
STUDY CONFIRMS THAT JONES ACT BENEFITS PUERTO RICO
AFL-CIO PRESIDENT LIZ SHULER ADDRESSES SIUNA CONVENTION
Creator
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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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10/01/2022
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Vol. 84, No. 10
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e987a181291a45e3847249dd0c62a57a.pdf
494213d10aef08a1070cefaa64f24490
PDF Text
Text
SEPTEMBER 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 9
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
LNG-Fueled George III Delivered
Pasha Hawaii Vessel Signals New Jobs for Seafarers
SIU members are sailing aboard Pasha Hawaii’s new containership George III. The company took delivery of the 774-foot Jones
Act vessel in late July. A sister ship is scheduled for delivery by
the end of the year. Page 3.
Seafarers ‘Paint
Tacoma’ Again
Following a two-year pause caused by the pandemic, SIU
members pitched in for the resumption of Paint TacomaPierce Beautiful, a philanthropic outreach guided by Associated Ministries in the Pacific Northwest. This year’s
SIU team included AB Samed Kassem (photo below); the
volunteers prepped and repainted the house of a local
resident. Pages 12-13.
Six SIU Stewards Complete Recertification
Training at Piney Point-Based Paul Hall Center
Following the August membership meeting at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland, graduates of the
steward recertification class are pictured with SIU officials. From left in photo above are SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey,
SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Recertified Stewards Sajid Foster, Alexander Cordero and Bryan Alvarez, SIU Exec. VP
Augie Tellez, Recertified Stewards Bruce Johnson, Abraham Mills and Marlon Brown, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Page 7.
Rescue at Sea
Page 4
Standard Contracts Ratified
Pages 8, 9, 10, 24
�President’s Report
Perspective and Civility
“What is wrong with him?!”
“How can she believe such a thing?!”
“Why in the world would they support that kind of candidate?!”
These sorts of sentiments are all too
common nowadays, as many people retreat
to their social-media silos and their television “news” equivalents.
With Election Day on the horizon, this
is a perfect time to politely encourage our
members, retirees, officials and staff to
take a deep breath, focus specifically on
issues, and try to give people the benefit of
the doubt. Such an approach will be good
for one’s blood pressure, if nothing else.
Polarization in the U.S. has reached
alarming
levels, and that belief is backed
Michael Sacco
up not only by data but also by daily anecdotal evidence in all of our lives. Our
path to this regrettable destination partly
took root in local news deserts – as legitimate journalism dried
up, it was replaced by digital imposters cleverly masquerading as
authentic outlets. There are many hundreds of such online entities
across the country, most of them driven not by a desire to inform
and provide balanced reporting, but rather by the political agendas
of their big-money founders. The New York Times did a breathtaking, in-depth report on this situation a few years ago; there is no
end in sight.
When you combine the dwindling state of the true news media
with the proliferation of social media, it’s not pretty. Navigating
the murky waters of social media can be challenging, particularly
when it comes to politics. But one indisputable truth is that whatever you click on, you get more of. As one researcher put it, the
concept of confirmation bias is nothing new. “But in social media,
this bias is propagated simply by reading, liking, and sharing content that acts to support those convictions we already hold, while
avoiding content that challenges our beliefs. Essentially, we begin
to isolate ourselves from those opposing opinions until we’re surrounded with people who agree with us.”
Unlike traditional media outlets, social media at best has very
loose rules governing the truthfulness of its content. Even when
crackdowns occur, they’re often sporadic, tardy and not fully effective. The lack of accountability corresponds with a lack of accuracy.
Finally, we’d all do well to remember that in an age when so
many social media, traditional media and other outlets make their
living from online ad revenue, their respective content is usually designed to agitate – and to keep you clicking and tapping
and watching. This doesn’t just apply to Newsmax or MSNBC or
CNN. Pay attention to your local weather forecast and you’ll often
hear words like “damaging, destructive” and “severe,” even if
those are just slim possibilities for later in the week or in another
region. Behind the algorithm are equations that have figured out
how to keep us engaged.
Particularly with the November elections looming, I encourage
everyone to pay attention to issues rather than personalities, and
remember that the vast majority of people want what is best for
our country, even if we sometimes have different ideas about how
to achieve those goals. And, as always, be assured that the SIU
will support candidates who support our industry and workers’
rights, regardless of political party.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 84 Number 9
September 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
Pictured aboard the new passenger ferry Arthur E. Imperatore are (from left) NY Waterway Vessel Project
Manager Joe Carson, Port Captain Vincent Lombardi, Vice President of Operations Alan Warren and Maintenance/Operations Coordinator Donald Montemarano. (Photo courtesy NY Waterway)
NY Waterway Expands Fleet, Refits
Ferries with ‘Greener’ Engines
SIU-contracted NY Waterway is in the midst of a busy
and productive stretch.
The company unveiled the first of six planned retrofitted ferries on July 26, with the reintroduction of the M/V
Hoboken. The vessel, which is crewed by SIU members,
is now powered by two brand new engines, which use
25% less fuel and cut emissions by 80%.
“Every ferry takes dozens – sometimes hundreds – of
cars off the region’s roadways. They’re already a clean
and sustainable way to commute, and now they’ll be
even greener. It’s our mission to be a good steward of the
harbor, and we’re so thrilled to see the Hoboken reenter
service with cleaner engines, room for more passengers
and lower fuel use on every trip,” said Armand Pohan,
president, CEO and chairman of NY Waterway. “We are
so grateful to our partners at NJ Transit, the FTA (Federal
Transit Administration) as well as Senator Bob Menendez
(D-New Jersey) for this program.”
The old engines, four 600-horsepower EPA Tier 1 engines, have been replaced by two 900-horsepower EPT
Tier 3 engines. This has also allowed for an increase in
passenger capacity, from 149 to 247.
The upgrades were made possible by a $12 million
federal grant, along with the assistance of state-owned NJ
Transit. The expected delivery date of the sixth retrofitted
ferry will be in 2023.
In addition to the retrofitted ferries, NY Waterway
has taken delivery of two new 500-passenger boats, the
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Arthur E. Imperatore – the
latter of which is named after the late founder of the company. Those vessels are likely to be placed into service in
the fall, according to NY Waterway.
Imperatore, a visionary entrepreneur who helped create the modern commuter ferry system, died in November
2020 at age 95. He founded NY Waterway in 1986 in
Weehawken, New Jersey, and built it into a mass transit
system which has transported approximately 300 million
people.
Additionally, and as previously reported, Seafarers aboard NY Waterway vessels on July 12 rescued
nine individuals whose boat capsized in the Hudson
River.
Crew of Maersk Peary Receives
Commendation for Rescue at Sea
Seafarers and officers from the Mearsk Peary recently
received a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate
of Appreciation for their work in rescuing an otherwise
doomed sailor in December 2021. U.S. Navy Capt. Ken
Bridgewater presented the crew with the certificate while
the ship was at anchor in Honolulu on July 8, in a ceremony also attended by SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso.
As part of a much larger rescue effort, Seafarers sailing
aboard the Maersk Peary pulled a man from the Aegean
Sea on Dec. 22. The SIU crew aboard the Peary, which
was en route to deliver vital fuel and supplies to McMurdo
Station in Antarctica, included: Bosun Damon Zschoche;
ABs Marie Acosta, Roni Castillo, Joshua Gail, Edward
Majesky and Derek Willis; QE3 Lateef Sanusi; QEP
Rickey Yancey; GSTU Lakeeba Bazemore; Wiper Ali
Laith; Recertified Steward Tony Spain; and Chief Cooks
Osmar Ramos and Randy Hampton. The ship’s officers
are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers.
“It is a pleasure to present this award on behalf of the
Coast Guard,” said Bridgewater. “The efforts of the merchant mariners often go unnoticed, but Maersk Peary’s
participation in this multi-agency rescue mission is an example of this community’s professionalism, dedication to
duty and ability to answer the call to a fellow mariner in
distress. This particular mission highlights their ability to
support a wide variety of missions that comes their way.
Bravo Zulu to the entire crew for an outstanding effort!”
The rescue saw the crew work as part of a larger
operation, searching in a grid pattern for migrants adrift
at sea following three separate accidents over the course
of a weekend. They discovered a drowning man clinging
to a boat fender, and pulled him aboard in the middle
of the night. The crew then transferred the man, who
was shivering but conscious, to the Greek Coast Guard
and resumed their grid search. The Maersk Peary was
then relieved of their search and rescue duties four hours
later, and returned to their original course.
After the rescue, vessel master Capt. Everett Hatton
said, “I am very fortunate for SIU to step up and provide
a top-notch crew on very short time as we rushed the
vessel from load port Greece just prior to the holidays.
This current crew proved to be well qualified and trained
when the alarms rang to turn to for a search and rescue
during the dark of the night. Without a hesitation, when
called to assist, all were there and added helping hands.
For the Maersk Peary crew, it was an outstanding effort
for everyone to be involved in this recovery.”
In that rescue operation, at least 30 migrants died in
three separate incidents in the same area, with more than
160 rescued. The combined rescue efforts saw at least
four Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek naval frigate,
eight merchant ships, three private vessels, three military
helicopters and a military transport plane all pitch in to
save as many lives as possible.
Pictured from left to right at the recognition ceremony are Bosun Damon Zschoche, AB Benjamin
Wilson, AB Marie Acosta and SIU Port Agent Hazel
Galbiso.
September 2022
�SIU Members Sail on New Containership
LNG-Powered George III Delivered to Pasha Hawaii
Following several pandemic-related delays, SIU-contracted Pasha Hawaii in late
July took delivery of the MV George III,
which the company described as “the first
liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel
to fuel on the West Coast and the first to serve
Hawaii.”
The 774-foot containership is the first of
two new Ohana Class vessels to join Pasha
Hawaii’s fleet, serving the Hawaii/mainland
trade lane as part of the Jones Act fleet. The
second ship, the Janet Marie, is slated for delivery by the end of this year.
Texas-based Keppel AmFELS is responsible for the construction of both vessels.
Recertified Bosun Kissinfor Taylor, part
of the first crew aboard the George III after
delivery, said the ship made a good first impression.
“Things are going very well,” Taylor
stated. “The delivery was delayed for almost
two years, so it’s good to finally be aboard.
The vessel itself reminds me of the new
Matson ships. The only big difference is this
one is LNG-powered. But we’re all working
hard, and I’ve sailed with most of the guys on
here for years.”
In announcing the delivery, Pasha Hawaii
stated, “Operating fully on natural gas from
day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses
the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean
vessels, representing the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly
vessel to serve Hawaii. Energy efficiencies
are also achieved with a state-of-the-art
engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.”
The Ohana Class vessels are named
in honor of George Pasha III and Janet
SIU crew members are pictured aboard the newly delivered George III with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (fifth from left).
Marie, the late parents of The Pasha
Group President and CEO George Pasha
IV, signifying three generations of service
to Hawaii.
“Today marks a moment in time that will
be remembered by many of us, including my
family and our incredible team members at
Pasha Hawaii who worked tirelessly to bring
MV George III to life,” said George Pasha IV.
“As we welcome the new MV George III to
the Pasha Hawaii fleet, we stand incredibly
proud of the perseverance and commitment
of our partners at Keppel AmFELS, and the
skilled men and women at the shipyard on
this tremendous accomplishment. We look
Union Jobs Secure Aboard
Six Prepositioning Ships
Seafarers-contracted Crowley in mid-August was awarded a new Defense Department
contract for operation of six prepositioning
vessels: the USNS John Bobo, USNS William
Button, USNS Baldomero Lopez, USNS Jack
Lummus, USNS Fred Stockham and USNS
Dewayne Williams.
Crowley already had been operating those
vessels, based on a previous award. The new
agreement is expected to last through September 2027.
According to the U.S. Military Sealift
Command (MSC), the Stockham is 907 feet
long, has a 105-foot beam and can sail at 24
knots, while the remaining ships are each 673
feet long, with 105-foot beams and sailing
speeds of up to 17.7 knots.
MSC describes its prepositioning program
as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s
readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning strategically places military equipment and supplies aboard ships located in key ocean areas
to ensure rapid availability during a major
theater war, a humanitarian operation or other
domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that
are crewed, built, flagged and owned American.
This law always has enjoyed bipartisan
political support in addition to receiving
strong backing from top U.S. military leaders. Among other benefits, the Jones Act –
which helps contribute billions of dollars
each year to the national economy – helps
maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable,
U.S.-citizen mariners who would be available to sail aboard military support ships in
times of need.
More than 90 countries around the world
maintain some form of cabotage law.
Talking Maritime with U.S. Senator
contingency. MSC’s seventeen prepositioning ships support the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency.”
The agency further notes, “Prepositioning
ships provide quick and efficient movement
of military gear between operating areas
without reliance on other nations’ transportation networks. These ships give U.S.
regional combatant commanders the assurance that they will have what they need to
quickly respond in a crisis – anywhere, anytime. During a contingency, troops are flown
into a theater of operations to rapidly employ
the cargo from these ships. Many of MSC’s
prepositioning ships are able to discharge
liquid, containerized or motorized cargo both
pier side or while anchored offshore by using
floating hoses and shallow-draft watercraft,
called lighterage, that are carried aboard.
This allows cargo to be ferried to shore in
areas where ports are non-existent or in poor
condition and gives the nation’s military
forces the ability to operate in both developed and undeveloped areas of the world.”
The SIU-crewed USNS John Bobo, shown in a file photo, is part of a program described
by the Military Sealift Command as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness
strategy.” (Photo by Cpl. James Gulliver)
September 2022
forward to beginning service to Hawaii
in August and taking delivery of the Janet
Marie later this year.”
In addition to Taylor, SIU members who
helped crew up the ship in July included ABs
Gerardo Arroyo, Bobby Belches, David
Connelly, Yassid Laboriel Lalin and Andrei Tretyak, QMEDs Benjamin Scott and
Tousif Khan, Steward/Baker Bryan Nystrom, Chief Cook Hussein Hussein and SA
Abdullah Alasfor.
The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage
law, has protected U.S. national, economic
and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that cargo moving between
SIU VP Gulf Cost Dean Corgey (left) and U.S. Sen. Ben Lujan (D-New Mexico) are
pictured in late July at a campaign event in Houston. Corgey thanked the senator for his support of the Jones Act and the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. They
also discussed the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Students line up to receive their free books and backpacks.
Volunteers and local government officials are pictured at the giveaway in
San Juan.
SIU Pitches in During Distribution Effort
Coalition Brings Books, Backpacks to Puerto Rico
From July 27-29, the SIU helped distribute educational books and backpacks to students in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of the
League of United Latin American Citizen’s
(LULAC) Convention, which took place July
25-30.
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) reads aloud to children gathered on stage at the
convention.
The American Federation of Teachers
(AFT), the Asociacion de Maestros de Puerto
Rico (AMPR) and LULAC partnered with
the SIU, the Transportation Institute (TI), and
SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime to ship
10,000 books to the island, as well as thousands of backpacks, for distribution among
the children living in Puerto Rico.
According to TI Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Fuentes, “AFT was a
big sponsor of the conference and was going
to send some books down as part of their
‘Reading Opens the World’ program. (SIU
Assistant Vice President) Amancio (Crespo)
heard about it at the AFL meeting, and called
Crowley and got them to ship the books
down for free, and AFT asked TI to buy backpacks. We gave out 10,000 books to about
1,200 students there, with the leftover books
going to children in housing projects on the
island.”
“Every child must have the opportunity to
recover and thrive, and reading is a foundational skill necessary for virtually everything
we learn and do – and reading well is an essential pathway to opportunity,” said AFT
President Randi Weingarten. “Kids long for
something that’s theirs – to explore faraway
places or learn about a great leader that looks
like them, and these books are fulfilling that
dream.”
Crespo stated, “It’s definitely a team effort, and we’re honored to be a part of it. I
was also chosen to read a book aloud to the
kids at the convention, and naturally I chose
‘El Coqui,’ which shares a name with the
Crowley vessel that shipped the books to
Puerto Rico.”
AFT’s “Reading Opens the World” program is similar in nature to the SIU-affiliated
“BookWaves” program that began in 2020,
and saw more than 100,000 books donated
to children in Puerto Rico with the help of
industry partners and union labor.
Pacific Tracker Crew Helps Save a Life at Sea
The SIU-crewed Pacific Tracker
recently aided a boater who’d suffered an unusual ailment that started
as a nuisance and eventually became
an emergency: a nosebleed that
lasted four days.
Mariners from the TOTE-operated
ship rendered assistance July 10-11
off the California coast. They picked
up the distressed boater and transported him to a Coast Guard helicopter near San Francisco.
According to Chief Mate A.J.
Quinn, a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers,
the Pacific Tracker had concluded a
government mission when the ship
received a communication from the
Coast Guard. The agency explained
the emergency and said the individual in question has been participating
in a yacht race between Hawaii and
California. A doctor who’d been consulted about the situation informed
the Coast Guard that the injured person needed to get to a hospital as
soon as possible, Quinn said.
The Pacific Tracker sailed approximately 200 miles to the boater’s
location in the Pacific, picked him up
in a fast rescue boat and brought him
aboard the parent ship. Vessel master
Capt. Jeff Royer arranged to meet a
Coast Guard helicopter off the coast
of San Francisco, 570 miles east of
the rescue location.
According to Quinn, the voyage
took more than a day to complete
even at full speed and in favorable
sea conditions. Once the Pacific
Tracker reached the rendezvous
point for the Coast Guard helicopter,
the captain maneuvered the vessel to
4 Seafarers LOG
comply with instructions from the
helicopter crew. The helicopter then
deployed a rescue swimmer onto the
deck of the Pacific Tracker with the
helicopter rescue winch; the patient
was transferred safely.
The Pacific Tracker is a government-owned tracking and telemetry
Personnel from the Pacific Tracker use a fast rescue boat during a recent mobilization
to assist a distressed boater.
ship in service for the Missile Defense Agency.
SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue included Bosun Kevin
Kellum, ABs Kennard Latson Graham and Joey Benosa, OS Sameer
Ahmed, QMEDs Roberto Borras
Valencia, James Ross, Marion
Collins Jr. and David Kelch, MDR
Sheena Jumamil, Oilers Samuel
Fagerness and Fredrick Hall,
Wiper Jesse Kleinfelter, GUDE Dionesio Monteclaro Jr., GVA Micah
Wideman, Chief Cooks Brittany
Williams and Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, and SAs Kion Miller, Dan
Monteclaro, James Petite, Michael
Stroud, Rasha Warthem and Lisa
Wert.
Rear Adm. Doug Williams of
the Missile Defense Agency sent a
congratulatory letter to the Pacific
Tracker’s captain and crew.
“Thanks to your actions, this sailor
received the medical attention he urgently required, Williams wrote. “As
a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer,
I am well aware of the time-critical
response desperately required for a
sailor in need, particularly in open
ocean waters. Your actions, along
with the efforts of the crew members
onboard the SS Pacific Tracker, made
a difference in that sailor’s life, and
demonstrated the values that we hold
dear in the Navy and by the Missile
Defense Agency…. Please accept my
sincere appreciation for your support
of the search and rescue efforts, and
pass on a hearty ‘Bravo Zulu’ to your
crew…. We are proud and honored
by your service to our program and
to our country.”
September 2022
�U.S. House Votes to Support Workers
Legislators Turn Back Latest Attack on Davis-Bacon
Congressional representatives recently upheld a law that’s crucial for
helping maintain good wages in the construction industry.
On July 19, House members voted 264165 to maintain the Davis-Bacon Act. All
223 voting Democrats opposed the move
to repeal the law, and thereby supported
workers, as did 41 Republicans.
Davis-Bacon, enacted in 1931 in the
depths of the Great Depression, helps
ensure decent wages for construction
workers who labor on federally funded
projects (such as highways, subways,
bridges, airport runways and, now, installing broadband). It mandates those
workers be paid a minimum of the locally prevailing wage in their area and
for their craft.
Labor Department surveys of workers and employers set those minimums,
which vary state by state, metro area by
metro area, and trade by trade. Supporters
have explained that such an arrangement
means Davis-Bacon ensures cut-rate construction contractors can’t low-ball workers on federally funded projects.
“Davis-Bacon requires workers on
federally funded construction projects
be paid no less than the wages paid in
the community for similar work,” House
Appropriations Committee Chair Rep.
Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) told her
colleagues. The Davis-Bacon skirmish
occurred during a session on the spend-
ing bill for the Departments of Housing
and Urban Development and Transportation for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
DeLauro added, “The House has
taken numerous votes on this issue, and
on every vote … has voted to maintain
Davis-Bacon requirements. We should
not be attacking working-class people,
men and women who work every single
day for a decent paycheck, and their
wages haven’t been increased with the
cost of inflation.”
“Dozens of studies over decades have
shown prevailing wages increase productivity, raise wages, help local contractors
and promote high-quality apprenticeship programs,” said U.S. Rep. Donald
Norcross (D-New Jersey), an Electrical
Worker. “Prevailing wage laws increase
productivity by attracting higher-quality
general contractors and subcontractors to
bid on public works; it levels the playing field. As a result, public projects cut
down on change orders and finish projects with greater efficiency.”
Concerning arguments against the
law, Norcross said, “I find it absolutely
unbelievable that … each and every
time” Davis-Bacon foes are “saying ‘I
am fighting to lower wages in my district. This is what my people want, they
want to be paid less.’ Not a word on what
the contractor/owners can make…. This
is insane. I would call it dumb, but I want
to be kinder. Let’s just call it wrong,
Notice/Reminder
Norfolk Hall Temporarily Relocates
The union has relocated its Norfolk, Virginia, operations while the old hiring hall undergoes extensive renovations. The current address:
111 Mill Creek Parkway
Suite 100
Chesapeake, VA 23323
The phone and fax numbers for the hall are unchanged. The temporary hall is located 14
miles from the old one.
Renovations at the old facility (115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510-1002) are expected
to last at least eight months.
The temporary hall in Chesapeake, Virginia
Notice
SHBP Conducting Annual
Verification of Dependents
In order to better serve all Plan participants, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is updating
its records regarding eligible individuals. Seafarers are scheduled to receive a letter from the Plan
in early September, along with a dependent verification form. The purpose of the form is to help
ensure that the Plan’s records regarding eligible family members are accurate.
Eligible individuals must fill out and return the dependent verification form to the Plan by
October 30, 2022, by email, mail or fax. If the Plan doesn’t receive the form by that date, your
dependents’ benefits will be suspended until the form is received. If you are on a vessel and
cannot return the form in time, please contact MAP at (800) 252-4674 (Option 2), or at map@
seafarers.org.
September 2022
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross
(D-New Jersey)
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro
(D-Connecticut)
hateful, misappropriated.”
He also pointed out repealing DavisBacon can backfire. States have their
own Davis-Bacon laws, governing their
construction projects. After Republicans
took total control of West Virginia’s legislature, they repealed the Mountaineer
State’s law in 2015, Norcross said. They
confidently predicted doing so would
cut construction costs so much the state
could build five new schools for the
price of four. It didn’t work, he added.
Studies showed “no savings from repeal, but massive decreases in wages,”
plus the hiring of “out-of-town contractors” and declining apprenticeships,
Norcross said. Repeal also removed
well-paying construction jobs from native West Virginians in one of the nation’s poorest states.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
General Counsel Jennifer A. Abruzzo and
the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Antitrust
Division Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter on July 26 signed a new memorandum of understanding creating a formal
partnership between the two agencies “to
better protect free and fair labor markets
and ensure that workers can freely exercise
their rights under the National Labor Relations Act,” the organizations said in a joint
announcement.
The DOJ and the NLRB “share an interest in promoting the free flow of commerce
and fair competition in labor markets, including through protecting American
workers from collusive or anti-competitive
employer practices and unlawful interference with employees’ right to organize,”
they said in the written statement. “The
agencies’ collaboration will focus on protecting workers who have been harmed or
may be at risk of being harmed as a result of
conduct designed to evade legal obligation
and accountability (such as misclassifying
employees or fissuring workplaces); interference with the rights of workers to obtain
fair market compensation and collectively
bargain (through labor market concentration/labor monopsony or other anti-competitive practices); and the imposition of
restrictive agreements or workplace rules,
such as non-compete, non-solicitation, and
non-disclosure provisions.”
Through greater coordination in information sharing, enforcement activity and
training, the agencies aim to “maximize
the enforcement of federal laws, including
the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA),
under the NLRB’s jurisdiction and the antitrust laws enforced by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. In particular,
this memorandum will allow the agencies
to refer cases of potentially illegal activity
to each other, as appropriate, and to coordi-
nate on enforcement,” they said.
“Under the NLRA, workers have the
right to organize to improve their pay and
working conditions,” said Abruzzo. “When
businesses interfere with worker organizing,
either through creating structures designed
to evade labor law or through anticompetitive practices, it hinders our economy and
our democracy. This memorandum will
strengthen the federal government’s ability to effectively stop this kind of unlawful activity, and therefore to better protect
workers’ right to freely associate with one
another to improve their wages and working conditions and to collectively bargain
through freely chosen representatives.”
Kanter stated, “Protecting competition
in labor markets is fundamental to the ability of workers to earn just rewards for their
work, to live out the American dream, and
to provide for their families. By cooperating more closely with our colleagues in the
NLRB, we can share information on potential violations of the antitrust and labor laws,
collaborate on new policies, and ensure that
workers are protected from collusion and
unlawful employer behavior. As the Department noted in the amicus brief we submitted
in the NLRB’s recent Atlanta Opera matter,
we support the Board’s ongoing efforts to
update its guidance to ensure that workers are properly classified under the labor
laws. Protecting the right of workers to earn
a fair wage is core to the work of both our
agencies, and it will continue to receive
extraordinary vigilance from the Antitrust
Division.”
In February, Abruzzo issued a memorandum to all field offices, committing to
working closely with other federal agencies
to ensure the government is “co-functioning
and co-enforcing all related laws in the most
effective and efficient way to ensure workers are fully protected, while minimizing
employers’ compliance burdens.”
DOJ, NLRB Form Alliance
To Protect Labor Markets
Seafarers LOG 5
�‘Time is Now for Fixing Broken Labor Laws’
Editor’s note: During the AFL-CIO convention earlier this year, delegates approved
the following resolution, titled “The Time is
Now for Fixing America’s Broken Labor
Laws.”
All across America, working people are
rediscovering the value of unions. From
nurses to videogame developers to graduate
teaching assistants, workers are organizing
in record numbers.
Public support for unions is the highest it
has been in 50 years. A majority of Americans supports unions, and the strongest support is among workers between the ages of
18 and 34.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has
shed new light on the importance of workers having a voice at work. Belonging to a
union can literally be a matter of life and
death at countless workplaces in America
where workers are exposed to the risk of
sickness and death every day of the week.
The pandemic has also highlighted deep
structural imbalances of power in our economy, as the wealth of billionaires has grown
by 70% during the pandemic. Today, 716
billionaires have more wealth than the entire bottom half of the population – or 165
million people.
Although the right to form unions and
engage in collective bargaining is a fundamental right guaranteed by the National
Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, the
desire of millions of workers to join a union
has been frustrated by unchecked corporate
power and our broken and outdated labor
laws. Even the right to strike, which should
be a universal right, has become meaningless with the widespread use of permanent
replacements. In the public sector, only half
the states recognize workers’ freedom to
engage in collective bargaining, and public
employees’ right to bargain is under persistent attack from anti-worker politicians.
While polls show increasing numbers of
Americans would join a union if they could,
union density continues to slide as corporations and their allies in Congress work
side by side to erect barriers to organizing
and bargaining. From Amazon to Google to
DoorDash, massive corporations are using
their wealth and power to deny workers our
fundamental rights. Corporate front groups
are also using their money and influence at
the state level to undermine collective bargaining rights for public employees.
Workers at these companies are not the
only ones who suffer from corporate greed.
Entire communities are held back as low
wages undermine education budgets, health
care and other basic public services. In 26
“right to work” states, more workers are
stuck in low-wage jobs than in non-right to
work states.
There is a growing consensus among
economists that unions are the cornerstone of a robust and sustainable economy.
Unions raise wages, reduce income inequality, promote workplace safety, negotiate retirement security and health benefits, and
ensure fairness and dignity for millions of
workers. Public sector unions support quality public services, and seek to maintain safe
and supportive communities. Unions also
strengthen our democracy and help bridge
the racial divide.
When greedy corporations exploit our
broken labor laws to keep workers down
and frustrate union organizing, the result
is that our economy is weaker, we are less
globally competitive and income inequality
continues to explode. The need to modernize and strengthen our labor laws has never
been more compelling, and today the AFLCIO commits to keeping labor law reform
at the top of our agenda until we succeed.
In 2019, the AFL-CIO began a campaign
to build support for the Protecting the Right
to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act would
modernize the NLRA to give working people a voice on the job so we can negotiate
for higher wages, better benefits, a more
secure retirement and a safer workplace. It
would impose financial penalties on companies and individual corporate officers who
violate the law. It also would override state
right to work laws, prohibit companies from
holding captive-audience meetings during
organizing campaigns, ban the use of permanent replacements during strikes and remove the ban on secondary picketing. The
PRO Act would ensure that all workers have
the right to join a union by cracking down
on employers who misclassify their workers
as independent contractors. Finally, it would
establish a process for mediation and arbitration to help employers and unions reach
a first contract.
Majorities in Congress agree that the
NLRA needs to be updated and strength-
ened. The PRO Act passed the House of
Representatives in 2019 and 2021 with
bipartisan majorities. President Biden has
called on Congress to send the PRO Act to
his desk. It is now up to the Senate to debate
and pass the PRO Act.
The AFL-CIO has also strongly advocated for the Public Service Freedom to
Negotiate Act (PSFNA) so that all public
employees have a right to bargain collectively. The PSFNA gives states the flexibility to write their own collective bargaining
laws for public employees subject to minimum standards, including allowing public
service workers to join together and have a
voice on the job to improve wages, working
conditions and the delivery of public services in their communities.
We stand with public sector workers
– nurses, teachers, EMS workers, custodians, corrections officers, child care providers and so many more – who have stood
courageously on the front lines of the fight
against the pandemic to keep their communities safe, healthy and strong while putting
their lives on the line. By standing together,
union members can demand workplace protections and safety standards and the ability
to use paid leave, as well as stay connected
to their jobs during these uncertain times. It
is now time to pass the PSFNA.
We reaffirm our commitment, which we
first made at the 2017 AFL-CIO Convention, that no candidate or elected official
who fails to endorse and fight for these fundamental reforms should receive the support
of working people.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
How to Identify and Avoid Monkeypox
Editor’s note: This article is provided by the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by an infection with a virus: the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is related to the virus that causes
smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to
smallpox symptoms but are milder, and monkeypox rarely causes death.
Monkeypox cases have been confirmed in
many countries, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23 to designate monkeypox as a public health emergency of international
concern. (The other diseases with this designation
are COVID and polio.) Among other considerations, this means shore leave may be affected in
some countries.
More than 99% of people who get this form of
the virus are likely to survive. Those at higher risk
of serious illness or death are people with weakened immune systems, children under age eight,
people with history of eczema (a skin condition)
and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Risk in the U.S. is low, although cases are increasing.
Monkeypox does not spread easily and the
risk of spread occurs only from people who have
symptoms (unlike COVID, where people without
symptoms can spread the disease). Close contact
is believed to be necessary to spread the disease.
Direct contact with someone with the rash or
scabs or contact with body fluids from someone
with the disease can spread it. Touching objects,
fabrics (towels, clothing, bedding) and surfaces
may spread it. Monkeypox can spread through
sex and by hugging, massage, prolonged face-toface contact and touching fabrics or objects used
during sex.
Symptoms include a rash that looks like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and
on other parts of body such as hands, feet, chest
or genitals. Flu-like symptoms also have been
reported in association with monkeypox (fever,
chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches and
back ache, and swollen lymph nodes). The rash
can start first or follow the flu-like symptoms by a
few days. Symptoms usually appear within three
6 Seafarers LOG
weeks of close contact with someone with monkeypox.
If you think you may have monkeypox symptoms (you notice a new or unexplained rash or
other symptoms) or if you have been in contact
with someone with who has monkeypox, take the
following steps:
n See a healthcare provider or contact your
local health department
n Remind the healthcare provider that monkeypox is circulating
n Avoid close contact (including intimate contact) with others until a healthcare provider examines you
n Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a healthcare provider examines you
n If you are waiting on test results, follow the
same precautions
n If your test is positive, stay isolated (in another area of your house from others and pets)
until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off,
and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. Use
a separate bathroom if possible – otherwise clean
surfaces frequently. Wear a well-fitting mask when
around others in your home, especially if you are
coughing or have sores in your mouth.
The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.
There are vaccines which may be recommended after exposure/before symptoms develop.
Reporting possible exposure as soon as possible
is important. Getting the vaccine early after exposure appears to be more effective in preventing
infection. There are medications that were developed for smallpox which appear to work with
monkeypox. People at higher risk for serious illness are candidates for these treatments.
Preventive steps include: do not touch the rash
or scabs of a person with monkeypox; do not
kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with a person with
monkeypox (it is not known whether a condom
can prevent monkeypox); do not share utensils
(fork/knife/spoon) or cups with a person with
monkeypox; do not handle or otherwise touch
the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with
monkeypox; wash your hands often with soap
and water or use a hand sanitizer; in Central and
West Africa, avoid contact with animals that may
spread monkeypox, usually rodents and monkeys.
Healthy Recipe
Honey Mustard Garlic Shrimp
Servings: 24
Ingredients
6 pounds shrimp, peeled
and deveined (21-25
count)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup garlic, minced
fine
Kosher salt
Black pepper, ground
Honey Mustard Sauce
1 cup Dijon mustard
1 cup honey
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 teaspoons granulated
garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne
pepper
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Pat shrimp dry with a paper
towel and place them in a small
bowl. Toss them in 1 tbsp olive
oil and a bit of salt and pepper.
Set aside.
Make honey mustard sauce by
whisking together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set
aside. Note that the cayenne
pepper adds some spice to this
recipe.
On the stove, heat a pan over
medium-high heat. Once the pan
is hot (a splash of water should
sizzle on it), place the shrimp on
the pan.
Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, then remove and
set aside in a bowl. They’ll
be opaque, pink, and slightly
browned when done.
Add the minced garlic to the pan
and cook for 1 minute. Add the
cooked shrimp back into the pan
and toss with the honey mustard
sauce. Remove from heat and
serve. Garnish with black pepper
and a sprinkle of parsley.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown
items): 96 Calories; 5g Fat
(43.6% calories from fat); 1g
Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; trace
Dietary Fiber; 0 mg Cholesterol;
127mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0
Grain (Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0
Vegetable; 1 Fat; 1 other Carbohydrates.
Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
September 2022
�Six Stewards Secure Recertified Status
Six SIU members recently registered
ground-breaking achievements in their respective careers by ascending to the highest rung of
the steward department’s upgrade training ladder. Each carved their names in the chronicles
of SIU history August 8 during the union’s
monthly membership meeting in Piney Point,
Maryland, when they graduated from the Paul
Hall Center’s (PHC) Steward Recertification
Program.
Completing the two-week course, which
is regarded as the school’s top steward department curriculum, were: Bryan Alvarez,
Marlon Brown, Alexander Cordero, Sajid
Foster, Bruce Johnson and Abraham Mills.
During their training, each received instruction in a wide range of disciplines including
computer technology, social responsibilities,
leadership, Coast Guard updates, baking skills
and other department-specific workshops on
sanitation, nutrition and more. The course also
offered insights on collective bargaining agreements, functions of the various departments
within both the SIU and the Seafarers Plans,
and the union’s affiliations with the Maritime
Trades Department and its parent group, the
AFL-CIO.
In keeping with tradition, each of the newly
minted recertified stewards addressed those in
attendance at the membership meeting. During
their presentations, they discussed their respective careers and offered valuable insights to
the apprentices. They also expressed gratitude
for the opportunities they have been afforded
to enhance their skills, improve their lives and
those of their families, and become better shipmates to their union brothers and sisters aboard
SIU-contracted vessels. Collectively, they also
thanked the union leadership for its continued
support, and the PHC vocational and hotel
staffs for providing excellent instruction and
accommodations, respectively.
Sajid Foster
Foster was the first to take the podium. He
sails out of the Port of Wilmington, California,
and launched his SIU career in the Crescent
City.
“I started my career with the SIU in 1996
in New Orleans; I was 18 years old, fresh out
of high school,” he said. The initial portion of
Foster’s career was spent in the inland division, followed by his transition into deep-sea
sailing.
Throughout his career, the union “gave me
many opportunities” the Louisiana native told
those in attendance. “And after all of those,
the SIU is still in my corner, still providing me
with even more opportunities. I stand before
you today as a living embodiment of the fact
that hard work does pay off.”
Foster told the trainees that they had the
whole world before them: the opportunity to
excel and have rewarding careers. “Stay strong
and soak up everything that you have learned
here at the school and that you will learn once
aboard vessels at sea. The sky is the limit,” he
said.”
Foster advised all rank-and-file members
to donate to SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund, so that the union’s leadership
will have the resources they require in order
to work on behalf of the membership’s best
interests.
Alexander Cordero
Recertified Steward
September 2022
Sajid Foster
Recertified Steward
Abraham Mills
Recertified Steward
Marlon Brown
Recertified Steward
Abraham Mills
Mills signed on with the union in 1999. He
currently ships out of the Port of Houston.
“On my first ship, I sailed as a GVA (general vessel assistant),” he told the audience.
“But in 2000, I came to the school here in
Piney Point for galley operations.”
From then until now, it’s been one positive
after another for Mills, who hails originally
from Sekondi Essikdu, Ghana. “The union
has been a very important part of my life and
benefitted me greatly,” he said. “Thanks to the
SIU, I have been able to provide a great quality
of life for my family.”
Sending a shout-out to the union leadership,
Mills thanked SIU President Michael Sacco,
the regional vice presidents and the Paul Hall
Center staff for the opportunity to enhance his
kills in the Steward Recertification Program.
He also expressed his appreciation to the
union’s contracts department for successfully
negotiating “good standard contract agreements.”
To the trainees, he said; “Nobody is telling you that the road will be easy, but I do not
believe that the union brought you this far just
to leave you, so always do your best. Payday is
coming.”
the quality of life for me as well as that of my
family.”
He credited the union’s officials for providing and protecting jobs for members as well
as the PHC instructors and staff for vocational
training opportunities. Brown encouraged fellow members to back SPAD and also to exercise their right to vote during all elections.
“To the trainees, please work hard while
you are here,” he said. “And when you get out
there aboard vessels, I advise you to keep your
ears open and your mouths shut.”
Bruce Johnson
Johnson, whose home port also is Jacksonville, was the veteran of his class, having
initially sailed aboard SIU-contracted vessels
once in 1980 and again in1981 before returning
to the SIU for the long hall in 1994.
“I joined the SIU when I was 21 and have
been sailing for 28 years,” he said. “I was here
at Piney Point in Trainee Class 315.”
Since becoming a Seafarer, Johnson said he
has sailed the world as a chief steward. “The
union has been instrumental in my life because
it gave me what I was lacking: opportunity,” he
said, “One which I have taken full advantage of.”
Reflecting on his return to the PHC for recertification training, Johnson said: “I could not
help but notice the amazing upgrades that I have
now seen firsthand. When I started here, there
were bungalows instead of this spectacular hotel
… and look at the beautiful media center.”
He thanked the PHC instructors for the
knowledge they imparted on him and his classmates and the staff for providing outstanding
accommodations.
“The union leadership needs our help when
it comes to protecting our industry and jobs,”
he said in closing. “We need to always do our
best on the job. We need to upgrade our skills
and recognize that SPAD helps to hold all of us
together.”
Marlon Brown
Brown joined the SIU ranks in 2000 and is
home-ported in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
“It’s my distinct honor to be here today,” he
told his peers upon taking the podium. “Likewise, I am thrilled to have this opportunity (to
complete the PHC’s top steward department
curriculum).”
Brown acknowledged the major role the
union has played in enhancing the quality of
his life and also the positive impact that being a
Seafarer has had on his family.
“The union has been extremely important to
me and my loved ones,” he said. “I can’t thank
the SIU enough for all it has done to improve
Alexander Cordero
Cordero sails out of the Port of Jacksonville, Florida. Born in the Republic of the Philippines, he joined the union in 2003.
Since joining the SIU, “I have substantially
improved the quality of my life and that of my
family as well,” he said. “I have also learned
and experienced many positive things that
helped me excel in my chosen career.
“But my main goal really was to become a
recertified steward,” he continued, “And thanks
to the help of the SIU, that has been achieved
today.”
Cordero described his recertification training as a valuable commodity, noting “it opened
my eyes on how the union operates. The information I received on contracts, medical benefits, pensions and the money purchase plan
will prove invaluable when I return to work on
the ship and interact with my co-workers and
shipmates.”
He added that he had experienced and seen
firsthand the unmatched dedication exhibited
by union leadership in looking out for the good
of the rank-and-file.
In closing, Cordero shared his belief that
“it is through hard work and diligence that one
may advance and improve in life and on the
job.” In that spirit, he encouraged the trainees
to do the same. “Never give up, never quit
learning and work hard,” he said.
Bruce Johnson
Recertified Steward
Bryan Alvarez
Recertified Steward
Bryan Alvarez
Alvarez sails out of the Port of San Juan
and has been an SIU member for 13 years.
“I was a member of PHC Trainee Class 713
back in 2008 and was only 19 years old at the
time,” he said. “I already had knowledge about
the maritime industry because of my father,
Bosun Julio Cesar Alvarez. That makes me a
second-generation Seafarer and a legacy in the
flesh thanks to the SIU.”
Alvarez told the audience he has sailed
aboard a variety of vessels while working for
many different companies. “I did 232 days
straight on the Noble Star, my first ship,” he
said. “That vessel no longer exists, but the
experience I gained on it while working with
great shipmates from this union improved my
skills significantly.”
To continue honing and expanding his skills,
Alvarez returns to the PHC every other year for
upgrade training. “Consistency is key to success,” he told the trainees. “Remember, never
settle for less when you can be so much more.
“Amongst you are the future leaders for this
industry,” he continued. “Waste no time and be
as professional as you can be from day one….
Upgrading is a must.”
Alvarez thanked everyone who played
a role in making his steward recertification
training possible, including union officials and
his wife, Rubi Pacheco. “She worked with
and supported me every step along the way,”
he said. “I’m a father of three beautiful kids;
thanks to her and the SIU, I have been able
to provide them a good education and a good
lifestyle.”
In closing, Alvarez encouraged his brothers and sisters to support SPAD to ensure that
the union leadership will continue to have the
resources it requires to continue promoting and
protecting the membership’s interests.
“The SIU changes lives every day,” he said,
“I am proof of that!”
Seafarers LOG 7
�HONOLULU HALL
Members Approve 5-Year Standard Contracts
New Agreements Increase Wages, Maintain Benefits and Jobs
By an overwhelming majority, SIU members have approved the new
standard freightship and tanker agreements, details of which were reported in last month’s LOG. The five-year contracts feature wage increases and maintain benefits. They mandate shipboard internet access
for all Seafarers; increase pension benefits for some of the more-experienced members; and preserve all existing SIU jobs. Pictured on this
page and the two that follow are photos of members voting in favor of
the contracts aboard ship and in the hiring halls (or shown shortly before
or after doing so). SIU officials also appear in some of the photos.
OREGON
MAERSK KINLOSS
MAERSK PEARY
MARJORIE C
8 Seafarers LOG
September 2022
�OHIO
MAUNALEI
OCEAN GRAND
AMERICAN FREEDOM
ARC COMMITMENT
TACOMA HALL
MISSOURI EXPRESS
September 2022
Seafarers LOG 9
�RRF CREWS FROM CAPE ISLAND, CAPE INTREPID
EMPIRE STATE
EL COQUI
MONTFORD POINT
JERSEY CITY HALL
OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES
KEYSTONE STATE
OVERSEAS BOSTON
10 Seafarers LOG
USNS JOHN GLENN
September 2022
�KUDOS TO CAPE INTREPID CREW – The SIU crew of the Ocean Duchess-operated ship recently
received congratulations for a job well done during an activation. They got a letter from the Maritime
Administration calling the sea trial “a great success due to a prime example of TEAMWORK…. Congratulations to all of you.” Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa added his kudos to everyone aboard during the
mid-July operation and also thanked the Honolulu and Tacoma halls for filling the jobs. Pictured from
left to right are (back row) SA Talama Moega, SA Rene Caballero, GVA Kassem Saleh, GUDE Israel
Serrano, AB Nigel Williams, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, (front) Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, GUDE
Charles Bishop, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, AB Raul Molina and OS Nick Sabuco.
MSC DIRECTOR TOURS SCHOOL – The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently hosted a high-ranking
official from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. MSC Director of Total Force
Management Gregg Pelowski (second from left) is pictured at the Piney Point,
Maryland, facility with (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, PHC VP Tom Orzechowski, PHC Director of Vocational Training and
Education Priscilla Labanowski and PHC Instructor Wayne Johnson.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD USNS CURTISS – Former Piney Point classmates Bosun Bryan Hayden (left) and SIU Wilmington
Port Agent Gerret Jarman are pictured aboard the
Crowley-operated vessel following a review and vote
on the new standard contracts. They are graduates of
apprentice Class 679, back in 2006.
WELCOME ASHORE IN MOBILE – Bosun Cleveland West (center) is pictured at the hall with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey
(right) and SIU Port Agent Jimmy White. West sailed with the
union for 31 years.
SPRUCING UP IN SAN JUAN – Local Seafarers recently pitched in for some routine
maintenance and cleaning at the hiring hall. QMED Richard Vega (left in photo at left) is
pictured setting up for patio maintenance with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (standing).
Pictured from left in the other photo are Crespo, Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez and AB
Edwin Pagan.
September 2022
WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Longtime Seafarer Tony Spain (left), a recertified steward, picks up
his first pension check at the union’s temporary quarters in Virginia. SIU Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain is at right. Tony sailed with the
SIU for 44 years.
WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE
– OMU Medardo Valerio (right) picks up his
first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU
Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left.
ABOARD SEA POWER – SIU Asst. VP
Mike Russo (right) and AB Doug Crawford
are pictured aboard the Eco-Tankers ATB
in early August.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta, SIU Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley, ABM Samed Kassem, SIU Patrolman
George Owen, Bosun Francis Miller, ABG Obaid Ali, GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed and Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla.
‘Paint Tacoma’ Project
Returns with Flourish
AB Mohamed Haruna
Seafarers Help Brighten Community in Pacific Northwest
A tradition in Tacoma, Washington, resumed this year after a two-year break, as
SIU members and their families pitched in for a worthy cause.
“After a two-year, COVID-19-induced hiatus, the Port of Tacoma was back,
repainting a house for a local resident in need as part of the Associated Ministries
program Paint Tacoma Beautiful,” said SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, who led the
union’s effort. The program selects homeowners in the Greater Tacoma area (normally once per year), and sends volunteers to prep, power wash and repaint their
respective homes, all free of charge.
This year, the SIU members repainted the home of Crystal Jordan. “I received
a postcard from the Associated Ministries, and I got in contact with them,” Jordan
said. “They sent me an application, and after that I was put in contact with the SIU.
“The whole experience was pretty nice,” she added. “The weather was cooperative, though after they did the pressure wash, there was a heat wave, which wasn’t
their fault. The house is absolutely gorgeous now. The colors I chose were very,
very pretty, and I’m very happy with it.”
“This year definitely felt more important than past years, in helping us find a
back-to-normal feeling as we see a way through the pandemic,” said Asp. “The
membership here was like we never skipped a beat, including one member’s girlfriend that wanted to be involved in the program. As is customary for our members,
across departments and cultures, port staff and active mariners, we had a total of 14
volunteers, who worked for four days and 103 total work hours.”
The SIU volunteers included Asp, Safety Director Duane Akers, Patrolman
George Owen, Port Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley, Recertified Bosuns Sanjay Gupta and Thomas MacGregor, Bosun Francis Miller (and his girlfriend,
Candace Parlier), ABM Samed Kassem, AB Mohamed Haruna, ABG Obaid Ali,
GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed, Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla and SA Javier Wurttele.
Asp added, “I would like to give a special shout out to Samed Kassem, whose
family has been in the union for decades. He was involved for the entire evolution,
from pressure washing to final painting. He gave ‘everything in the tank’ this year.
The port has no plans of slowing, and looks forward to painting another house in
2023 and beyond.”
“I’ve been involved multiple years, since probably 2016,” said Miller. “This
year, I brought my girlfriend with me to help. On the second or third day, there was
rain, but I went on the first day, and the weather was super hot and beautiful out.
I’ve never seen a home get painted so fast; we were almost 50% done after the first
day.
“The homeowner was very nice, very pleasant when she met with us,” Miller
continued. “I think she was really happy with the color she chose; it matched the
colors of her plants and the surrounding greenery. I was responsible for the trim,
stripping it down, scaling it and painting the trim all along the doors and windows.”
When asked if he would volunteer for the next Paint Tacoma project, he replied,
“If I’m home, they know they can call me and I’ll happily help out with this every
year. I hope they invite more family members to help out next year, and really turn
Paint Tacoma into a family affair.”
12 Seafarers LOG
SIU Safety Director Duane Akers
Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor
Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left) and Bosun Francis Miller
SIU Patrolman George Owen is pictured above while
the photo at immediate left shows GUDE Abdulsalam
Mohamed (left) and ABG Obaid Ali.
Homeowner Crystal Jordan (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp
September 2022
SA Javier Wurttele
September 2022
Seafarers LOG 13
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 22
– Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey,
Educational Director Jonathan
Collier, Deck Delegate Russell
Hayden, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate
Keith Hall. New Wi-Fi system to
be installed soon. Standard tanker
agreement is almost complete.
Secretary thanked crew for help
with recent stores. Educational
director reminded members to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Ship to receive new recliners for
lounges and cabins. Copies of new
contracts were requested by bosun.
Members requested increases in
vacation and pension benefits and
for physicals to be required annually. Steward department was
thanked for great meals. Next port:
Valdez, Alaska.
LOUISIANA (Intrepid Personnel
& Provisioning), July 5 – Chairman Kennard Campbell, Secretary Benjamin Piker, Educational
Director Kevin Hall, Engine
Delegate Stephen Jenkins, Steward Delegate Bernard Lawes.
Chairman advised crew to get
physicals as soon as possible after
signing off. New contract for
standard shipping is out as of July
1. Educational director reminded
members to keep documents up to
date and to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Wi-Fi needed on
ship. Crew discussed issues with
job reliefs being filled on time.
Members requested more vacation
time and for retirement to be based
on base wage of rating. Next port:
Anacortes, Washington.
MATSON TACOMA (Horizon
Lines, LLC), July 8 – Chairman
Alfie Cicat, Secretary Lovie
Perez, Educational Director Jason
Powell, Steward Delegate Nasser
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
Ahmed. Chairman recapped the
new contract. He urged crew to
pay dues on time and to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political
Activities Donation, the union’s
voluntary political action fund).
Secretary directed members to
the SIU online portal for updates
to documents, direct deposit of
vacation checks, etc. Educational
director advised members to obtain substantial wage increases by
upgrading often at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members requested an
increase in pension. Next port: Tacoma, Washington.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk
Line, Limited), July 10 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Ronald
Byrd, Educational Director Jeffrey
Thrash, Deck Delegate Samuel
Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Jason
Fuller, Steward Delegate Julian
De Los Santos. Chairman reviewed
ship fund and asked for a round of
applause to steward department for
a job well done. He reported a great
trip despite hot weather during shipyard period. Secretary advised members to stay on top of all documents.
Educational director urged crew to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Converter boxes/transformers needed in
each stateroom. Members requested
new mattresses, pillows and linens.
Crew asked for wage and vacation
increases and would like medical
to be added to retirement. Members
expressed frustration with CHS not
handling physicals fast enough. The
need for high-speed internet was
mentioned as well as the ability to
bid for jobs online.
PELICAN STATE (Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning), July
10 – Chairman Brandon Albro,
Secretary Josue Iglesia, Educational Director David Garrett,
Engine Delegate Mathew Palmer,
Steward Delegate John Noel. New
contract should be coming soon as
well as Wi-Fi. Secretary reminded
members to renew documents
in advance. Educational director
encouraged crew to upgrade at the
union-affiliated Piney Point school
and to donate to SPAD. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed several proposals for
new five-year standard freightship
and tanker agreements. Topics included pay increases, Wi-Fi access
aboard all vessels, more vacation
days, and updates to permanent
and/or rotary job calls for trip tour
reliefs. Members suggested splitting Gulf Coast job board equally
between Florida hiring halls and
asked to access all contracts via
the membership portal.
MAERSK PEARY (Maersk Line,
Limited), July 13 – Chairman
Ronald Paradise, Secretary
Jorge Roman Feliciano. Ship
crew awarded MSC plaque for
excellent work during past underway replenishments. Members
received a nice pay raise thanks
to the new contract. Educational
director urged crew to upgrade
at the Piney Point school. He
informed members that passports
can be expedited by filling out
a special union-provided form.
New microwave and electric
smoker can be purchased in the
near future per ship treasurer. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Many underway replenishments to
come in Hawaii. Crew requested
better Wi-Fi, TVs and refrigerators
in all rooms, and power converters.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), July 16 – Chairman
Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar
Mercado, Educational Director
Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate
John Worae, Engine Delegate Ian
Jordan. Chairman thanked steward
department for a job well done.
He recommended members to
Aboard USNS Button
Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson (left) submitted this photo from
the Crowley-operated ship along with kudos for AB Octavio Henriques (center) and Second Mate Joseph Fiore.
upgrade at the Piney Point school
and to check credentials. Secretary
reminded crew about new policy
regarding returning jobs. New
fans needed for crew. Members requested additional vacation pay and
medical benefits.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), July 17 –
Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational
Director Leland Peterson, Deck
Delegate Ahmed Al-Arashi, Engine Delegate Charles Walker,
Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab.
Chairman encouraged crew to vote
on proposed contract. Members
shared bad experiences with CHS
medical and voiced their opinions of new contract. Secretary
reminded crew to keep mess hall
and laundry room clean. Educational director advised members
to attend upgrading courses at the
Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Better Wi-Fi
service needed as well as new TVs
in some rooms. Members suggested several improvements to
health and vacation benefits and
requested an increase in vacation
days. Crew would like the ability
to file for vacation after 30 days
of employment and for an equal
pay scale across all entry level
positions. Next port: Cherry Point,
Washington.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
14 Seafarers LOG
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
September 2022
�Notice/Reminder:
USCG Positive
Drug Test Advisory
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 15 - August 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of August 15.
Port
A
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
The U.S. Coast Guard first issued the following advisory in
2020. It remains current and is reprinted here as a reminder.
Potential for Positive Drug Test Result
From Use of Hemp-Plant Products
This Marine Safety Advisory is to ensure that mariners, marine
employers, and sponsoring organizations are aware that some products marketed as hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause a positive drug test. In accordance with 46 CFR 16.201(c), an individual who fails a chemical
test for dangerous drugs must be removed from duties directly affecting the safe operation of the vessel, and is subject to suspension
and revocation proceedings against his or her credential under 46
CFR part 5. Use of hemp or CBD products is not accepted as an affirmative defense (acceptable excuse) against a THC-positive drug
test result. For these reasons, mariners wishing to avoid a positive
THC drug test result should exercise extreme caution when considering the use of any hemp or CBD product because such use
could result in the loss of their merchant mariner credential and immediate removal from safety sensitive duties aboard a vessel. This
warning applies to hemp and CBD products in any form, including
those that are taken by mouth and those that are applied to the skin.
THC is the primary psychoactive component of the Cannabis
sativa plant. Hemp and marijuana are different strains of the Cannabis sativa plant and both contain varying concentrations of THC
and CBD. THC is considered a dangerous drug because it produces
an intoxicating effect on the user and poses safety-risks to vessel
operations. The U.S. Coast Guard prohibits THC use by mariners
because of its known debilitating effects, and all U.S. Coast Guardrequired drug tests screen mariners for use of THC.
Recent changes to Federal and State laws have resulted in a
surge in the availability of over-the-counter hemp products and
CBD products throughout the United States. Hemp products and
CBD products are marketed to the general public in several forms
such as food and medicinal products, dietary supplements, oils, cosmetics, and hair products. In some cases, product manufacturers
market these products as low in THC, or THC-free. Mariners should
be aware that over-the-counter hemp products and CBD products
have not been approved as medications by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore,
users lack federal assurances of their ingredients, THC-content,
quality, effectiveness, or safe use. As a result, mariners using these
products put themselves at risk of having a THC-positive drug test
result.
It remains unacceptable for any U.S Coast Guard credentialed
mariner or other safety-sensitive worker working aboard a vessel
that is subject to U.S Coast Guard drug testing regulations to use
THC. Claimed use of hemp products or CBD products is not an acceptable defense for a THC-positive drug test result. To learn more
about the risks of hemp and CBD products visit the FDA website at
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-needknow-and-what-were-working-find-outabout-products-containingcannabis-or-cannabis.
This Safety Advisory was developed by the U.S. Coast Guard
Office of Investigations and Analysis. Questions or comments
should be sent to: DAPI@uscg.mil.
September & October
Membership Meetings
Piney Point...............*Tuesday: September 6, Monday: October 3
Algonac...................................Friday: September 9, October 7
Baltimore............................Thursday: September 8, October 6
Guam...............................Thursday: September 22, October 20
Honolulu.............................Friday: September 16, October 14
Houston...............Monday: September 12, *Tuesday: October 11
Jacksonville.......................Thursday: September 8, October 6
Joliet..................................Thursday: September 15, October 13
Mobile.........................Wednesday: September 14, October 12
New Orleans........................Tuesday: September 13, October 11
Jersey City............................Tuesday: September 6, October 4
Norfolk..................................Friday: September 9, October 7
Oakland..............................Thursday: September 15 , October 13
Philadelphia........................Wednesday: September 7, October 5
Port Everglades..................Thursday: September 15, October 13
San Juan..............................Thursday: September 8, October 6
St. Louis...............................Friday: September 16, October 14
Tacoma...............................Friday: September 23, October 21
Wilmington....................Monday: September 19, October 17
* Piney Point change in September due to Labor Day observance
* Houston change in October due to Columbus Day observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
September 2022
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What’s something you experienced on a ship that you weren’t expecting?
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
Kobe Cisero
Chief Cook
The different types of people
and cultures you meet on a ship.
I like it, though. It’s fascinating learning about those cultures
from the people themselves both
on a ship and ashore in a foreign
country.
Dominic Jones
Wiper
Being away from my son is way
harder than I thought it would be.
You have to grow up quick when you
join the Seafarers. But it makes my
time at home that much more important to me.
Quinsha Davis
Chief Cook
The job is harder than it looks!
Working in the steward department isn’t just throwing stuff together, it’s a whole job. It requires
a lot of skill and training to do the
job properly.
Jared Johnson
Oiler
I don’t stress on ships. I take it
one day at a time, and don’t worry
about it. It helps to always keep a
positive mental attitude, and keep
your head up.
Daniel Ursitti
GUDE
When things go awry, or
there’s an emergency in the
engine room, everything gets
pushed to the side. All your interpersonal issues don’t matter
anymore, and everyone bands
together to fix the issue. Nothing
else matters but the task at hand.
Ashley Grahm
Chief Cook
I was pleasantly surprised to find I
had so much free time. I was able to
travel and see all kinds of places and
try new things. Plus, the bragging
rights over all the places you’ve been
aren’t bad. But as long as you can
maintain your drive, this career can
really take care of you for life.
William McIntyre
AB
A lot is different. Standing
watch, tying knots, all of that is
important – but you also have to
be a good crew. You have to help
out your fellow mariners, and do
your duty, and the rest will take
care of itself.
Leanne Smith
Chief Steward
I went on the ship alone, and I
came back with close friends. You
spend enough time on the same ship,
with the same crew, and they become
family. But it’s still important to
come back and upgrade your skills,
and when you’re on a ship, help out
your fellow sailor.
Pics From The Past
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
16 Seafarers LOG
Billed as “the largest ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere,” the SIU-crewed U.S.T. Atlantic (above, right) formally was
christened in February 1979 at Newport News (Virginia) Shipbuilding. The LOG’s coverage of the ceremony noted the ship “has
an overall length of 1,187 feet and a beam of 228 feet)…. She is 95 feet from keel to main deck and will have a draft of over
70 feet when fully loaded.” The crude carrier, built for U.S. Trust and leased to Shell, was operated by Interocean Management
Corp. and carried an unlicensed crew of 32. Elizabeth Kemp Renner, wife of Shell Oil board of directors member William Renner,
is pictured christening the ship (photo at left).
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
September 2022
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
ABDOULLA ALSSOUDI
Brother Abdoulla Alssoudi, 65,
started his career with the union in
1999 when he
shipped on the
USNS Silas Bent.
A deck department member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Alssoudi most
recently sailed on
the William R. Button. He makes his
home in Brooklyn, New York.
WILLIAM BELCHER
Brother William Belcher, 65, joined
the SIU in 1981, when he sailed
aboard the Benjamin Harrison. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions and shipped
in the steward
department.
Brother Belcher
last worked on the
Padre Island. He
is a resident of Norfolk, Virginia.
MICHAEL BRISCOE
Brother Michael Briscoe, 66, began
sailing with the union in 1992,
initially on the
Independence.
He shipped in
the steward department and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Briscoe most recently sailed on the USNS Watkins.
He lives in Thayne, Wyoming.
ALLEN COOPER
Brother Allen Cooper, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 1973 when he
sailed aboard the Fort Hoskins. He
shipped in the engine department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Cooper last sailed on
the Eugene A. Obregon. He resides
in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
ISMAEL GAMBOA
Brother Ismael Gamboa, 65, became
a member of the
Seafarers International Union in
2009. A deck department member,
he first shipped on
the Observation
Island. Brother
Gamboa’s final
vessel was the
USNS Denebola.
He resides in Newport News, Virginia.
DIANA HOUSE
Sister Diana House, 65, embarked
on her career with the Seafarers
in 2001 and initially sailed on the
Quality. She was a member of the
steward department and upgraded
September 2022
at the Paul Hall
Center on several occasions.
Sister House
most recently
shipped on the
Liberty Promise and lives in
Houston.
ment. Brother Miller upgraded at the
Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Global
Mariner and is a Baltimore resident.
WILLIAM MOGG
RAFAEL LEON ORTIZ
Brother Rafael Leon Ortiz, 67,
began sailing with the union in 2009
when he shipped
on the Sam Laud.
He was a member of the engine
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Leon
Ortiz last sailed
on the Isla Bella. He lives in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
MOSTAFA LOUMRHARI
Brother Mostafa Loumrhari, 70,
joined the SIU in 1990 when he
sailed on the Independence. He
sailed in the steward department
and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother
Loumrhari concluded his career
on the Manukai
and makes his home in Las Vegas.
GAMAL MEAWAD
Brother Gamal Meawad, 65, signed
on with the union in 2009. He first
sailed aboard the
President Adams
and worked in the
steward department. Brother
Meawad upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions. He
last shipped on
the Maersk Memphis and is a resident of Brooklyn,
New York.
MICHAEL MERRELL
Brother Michael Merrell, 66, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1990,
initially shipping aboard the
Courier. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Merrell last
shipped aboard
the Maersk Idaho. He lives in Oklahoma City.
STEVEN MILLER
Brother Steven
Miller, 65, donned
the SIU colors
in 1977. He first
sailed aboard the
Overseas Alaska
and worked in the
engine depart-
Brother William Mogg, 65, began
his career with the SIU in 1989. An
engine department member,
he initially sailed
with Inland Lakes
Management.
Brother Mogg
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He most
recently shipped
aboard the North
Star and resides in University Place,
Washington.
MICHAEL NOVAK
Brother Michael Novak, 65, started
sailing with the
union in 1985,
initially shipping
on the USNS Stalwart. He sailed in
the engine department and concluded his career
aboard the USNS
Bold. Brother
Novak makes his
home in Bellevue, Washington.
PAUL PAGANO
Brother Paul Pagano, 61, joined the
union in 1991 and
first sailed aboard
the Libra. He was
a member of the
engine department
and upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Pagano
last shipped
aboard the Alliance Fairfax. He
lives in Palm Coast, Florida.
JESSIE PARENTE
Brother Jessie Parente, 65, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
2003. He upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center and sailed
in the engine department. Brother
Parente’s first
vessel was the
Buffalo; his last,
the Ocean Glory.
He makes his home in La Grange
Park, Illinois.
RUBEN RIVERA
Brother Ruben Rivera, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union in
2006, initially
sailing aboard the
Westward Venture.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Brother
Rivera’s final
vessel was the Maersk Chicago. He
resides in Flushing, New York.
TONY SPAIN
Brother Tony Spain, 63, signed on
with the SIU in 1978. He initially
shipped with Inland Tugs and was
a steward department member.
Brother Spain
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He most
recently sailed
on the Maersk
Peary and resides
in Chesapeake,
Virginia.
BOYD SPIVEY
Brother Boyd Spivey, 66, started
his career with the Seafarers in
2003 and first
sailed aboard the
Cape Texas. A
deck department
member, Brother
Spivey upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school. He
last shipped on
the Missouri Express and makes
his home in Houston.
LARRY STEVENS
Brother Larry Stevens, 68, signed
on with the union
in 1987. He
initially sailed
aboard the William Baugh and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Stevens
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
in 2002. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean
Giant and settled in Lynn Haven,
Florida.
GERMAN VALERIO
Brother German Valerio, 65, joined
the SIU in 1984 and first sailed
with Delta Queen
Steamboat
Company. He
upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on multiple occasions and shipped
in engine department. Brother
Valerio last sailed
on the Overseas
Philadelphia and makes his home in
Houston.
INLAND
ROMOLO DICESARE
Brother Romolo Dicesare, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 2014. A
deck department member, he was
employed by Harley Marine for the
duration of his career. Brother Dicesare is a resident of Wallingford,
Connecticut.
DENNIS GASKILL
Brother Dennis Gaskill, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafar-
ers in 1992 when
he shipped with
CG Willis, Inc.
He was a member of the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Gaskill was last
employed by Express Marine. He makes his home in
Bayboro, North Carolina.
RUDOLPH HOUDEK
Brother Rudolph Houdek, 64,
signed on with the union in 1981.
He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
within his first year of membership
and sailed in the engine department.
Brother Houdek was employed with
Crowley Towing and Transportation
for his entire career. He lives in Bayport, New York.
RANDY ISENHART
Brother Randy Isenhart, 61, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1989. He was
a member of the
deck department
and first sailed
with OSG Ship
Management.
Brother Isenhart
upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on numerous occasions. He was
most recently employed by Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning and lives
in West Cape May, New Jersey.
DAVID KANE
Brother David Kane, 59, started
sailing with the
Seafarers in 1996.
He was a deck
department member and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple
occasions. Brother
Kane worked for
Penn Maritime for
the duration of his
career. He resides in Knotts Island,
North Carolina.
LUIS PEREZ MENENDEZ
Brother Luis Perez Menendez, 62,
signed on with the union in 1996.
He first sailed with Crowley Puerto
Rico Services and
was a member of
the deck department. Brother
Menendez upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. He was
last employed by
Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Hatillo,
Puerto Rico.
GARY PIERCE
Brother Gary Pierce, 65, joined the
SIU in 1975. He was first employed
by Allied Transportation and sailed
in the deck department. Brother
Pierce upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center in 1977. He concluded his
career with OSG Ship Management
and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
HANS EKROTH
Pensioner Hans Ekroth, 93,
passed away
July 16. He
signed on with
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1952.
Initially sailing aboard the
Longview Victory, Brother
Ekroth was
an engine department member.
He last shipped aboard the Gem
State and went on pension in
1991. Brother Ekroth was a resident of Lynnwood, Washington.
JERRY FRIZZELL
Pensioner Jerry
Frizzell, 81,
died June 27. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1990
and sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Frizzell’s first vessel
was the Cleveland; his last,
the Buffalo Soldier. He became a
pensioner in 2004 and settled in
Lake Charles, Louisiana.
MARVIN JAMES
Brother Marvin James, 54, has
passed away.
He began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1987 when he
shipped on the
USNS Kane.
Brother James
worked in the
steward department and most recently sailed on
the Independence. He lived in
Jacksonville, Florida.
ANTONIO MARTES
Pensioner Antonio Martes, 80,
died August 8. Brother Martes
became a member of the SIU
in 1967, initially sailing aboard
the Steel Scientist. He was an
engine department member and
concluded his career aboard the
Sealand Express. Brother Martes
retired in 2007 and called Brooklyn, New York, home.
JACKIE MCDANIEL
Pensioner Jackie McDaniel, 82,
passed away August 8. He embarked on his
career with the
union in 1961
when he worked
with Moore-McCormack Lines.
A deck department member,
Brother McDaniel last shipped
18 Seafarers LOG
on the Quality in 1998. He went
on pension the same year and
lived in Angleton, Texas.
CELSO ORDONEZ
Pensioner Celso Ordonez, 68,
died June 14.
He joined the
Seafarers International Union
in 1998 and first
shipped on the
Cape Florida.
Brother Ordonez primarily
sailed in the
deck department and concluded
his career aboard the Freedom in
2008. He became a pensioner in
2019 and settled in Miami.
VAN PHAN
Pensioner Van Phan, 83, passed
away July 13.
He signed on
with the SIU in
1981, initially
working with
Sealand. Brother
Phan sailed in
the engine department and
also worked on
shore gangs. He
concluded his career with World
Crane Services and retired in
2002. He made his home in Long
Beach, California.
KARL MAYHEW
Brother Karl Mayhew, 62,
died June 19.
He became a
member of the
SIU in 2001.
A deck department member, Brother
Mayhew first
shipped on the
Cape Juby. He
most recently sailed aboard the
Maersk Columbus and resided in
Ogdensburg, New York.
ROBERT VAZQUEZ
Pensioner Robert Vazquez, 61,
passed away
August 2. He
began sailing
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1989
when he shipped
on the Rover.
Brother Vazquez
was a deck department member.
He last sailed aboard the Maersk
Yorktown and went on pension
in 2020. Brother Vazquez was a
New York City resident.
JERRY WOOD
Pensioner Jerry Wood, 90,
passed away May 7. He signed
on with the SIU in 1951 and first
sailed aboard the Louis Emery
Jr. Brother Wood was a steward
department member. He last
shipped on the Stephen W. Pless
before going on pension in 1995.
Brother Wood lived in Virginia
Beach, Virginia.
GREAT LAKES
RONALD DEROUIN
Pensioner Ronald Derouin, 69,
died July 13. He
joined the SIU
in 1998. For the
majority of his
career, Brother
Derouin sailed
with Upper
Lakes Towing.
He retired in 2016 and resided in
Gladstone, Michigan.
JOHN KRUSE
Pensioner John Kruse, 93, passed
away August 9. Brother Kruse
signed on with the union in 1960.
He first sailed with American
Steamship and was a steward department member. Brother Kruse
was last employed by Great
Lakes Associates and retired in
1988. He made his home in Two
Rivers, Wisconsin.
DAWN WEYMOUTH
Sister Dawn Weymouth, 75, died
July 19. She started sailing with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1990. Sister Weymouth was a
steward department member. Her
first vessel was the Southdown
Challenger; her last, the American Mariner. Sister Weymouth
resided in Inverness, Florida.
INLAND
ROBERT CUOCO
Pensioner Robert Cuoco, 68,
passed away July 15. He joined
the SIU in 1990
and first shipped
on the Cove
Liberty. Brother
Cuoco worked
in the deck department. He
concluded his
career aboard
the Northerly
Island and went on pension in
2015. Brother Cuoco lived in
Tamworth, New Hampshire.
BRUCE GOUGH
Pensioner Bruce
Gough, 83, died
July 15. He
signed on with
the Seafarers in
1989 and sailed
in the deck
department.
Brother Gough
worked for
Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career.
He went on pension in 2001 and
was a Las Vegas resident.
LAURIE JACKSON
Brother Laurie Jackson, 63,
passed away June 4. He became
an SIU member in 2007 and
shipped in the
deck department. Brother
Jackson sailed
with Penn
Maritime for
the duration of
his career. He
called Laurel,
Mississippi,
home.
WILLIE MCCARDLE
Pensioner Willie McCardle, 94,
died June 30. A member of the
deck department, he joined
the union in
1962. Brother
McCardle sailed
with National
Marine Service
for most of
his career. He
became a pensioner in 1985
and settled in Metairie, Louisiana.
GERALD SHARP
Pensioner Gerald Sharp, 89,
passed away
July 2. Brother
Sharp joined
the Seafarers
in 1972 when
he worked with
Pudget Sound.
He sailed in
the steward
department and
concluded his career aboard the
Rover. Brother Sharp became a
pensioner in 1996 and resided in
Avon Park, Florida.
DONALD TODD
Pensioner Donald Todd, 78,
died July 4. He embarked on
his career
with the union
in 1975. An
engine department member,
Brother Todd
worked for Cape
Fear Towing for
the duration of
his career. He
retired in 2006 and settled in
Wilmington, North Carolina.
NMU
EDWARD GAILLARD
Pensioner Edward Gaillard, 77,
died July 5. He sailed with the
NMU prior to the 2001 merger
with the SIU. Brother Gaillard was a steward department
member. He last sailed aboard
the Navigator and retired in
2009. Brother Gaillard resided in
Charleston, South Carolina.
In addition to the foregoing
individuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.
NAME
Guidry, Horace
Hidalgo, Adam
Hopkins, Harold
Jackson, Anthony
Jawad, Muhanna
Jones, Victor
Martinez, Genaro
Pokorski, Lavern
Rivers, William
Smith, Charles
Stuart, Richard
Vazquez, Efrain
AGE
81
101
74
94
84
101
90
97
87
79
96
98
DOD
07/09/2022
07/16/2022
07/22/2022
07/27/2022
11/07/2021
05/25/2022
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06/28/2022
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September 2022
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Medical Care Provider
September 26
September 30
Basic Training
October 3
October 7
Date of
Completion
Basic Training Revalidation
October 7
October 21
November 14
December 2
October 7
October 21
November 14
December 2
October 17
November 28
November 4
December 16
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
December 12
December 16
Government Vessels
Radar/ARPA
October 10
October 21
Lifeboat/Water Survival
September 26
October 24
November 21
October 7
November 4
December 2
September 19
September 26
October 17
October 24
November 7
December 5
September 23
September 30
October 21
October 28
November 10
December 9
RFPNW
September 26
November 14
October 14
December 2
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
October 24
October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
October 24
October 28
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
October 31
November 4
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
September 26
November 14
October 21
December 9
FOWT
October 24
November 18
Junior Engineer
September 19
November 11
Marine Electrician
October 31
December 2
Marine Refer Tech
September 19
October 28
Welding
October 31
November 18
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
September 19
October 31
December 5
October 21
December 2
January 5
ServSafe Management
September 12
October 24
November 28
September 16
October 28
December 2
Advanced Galley Operations
October 10
November 4
Chief Steward
September 12
November 14
October 7
December 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
September 19
Students who have registered for classes at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the
admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take
their places
September 23
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
September 2022
Important Notice To All Students
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
9/22
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #884 – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Jevon David, Da’Shon Hagans, Bryan Halista, Raheem Harris-Stewart, Christian Marty,
Evan Murff, Malik Perez, Timothy Resultan, Masaddiq Walton and Faith Wood.
UA to Able Seaman-Deck – Graduated July 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Georgia Bussink, Paul Calcaterra, Jaquaz Del Vako Javon Jenkins, Martin Roi Briones Morales, Christopher Nicolosi, Anoalo Tuimanua Stanley and Garrett Williams.
20 Seafarers LOG
September 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Able Seafarer Deck – Graduated June 10 (photo at left,
in alphabetical order): Ryan
Chapman, Lynne Hazelip,
Christian Ivezic and Sarah
Wilson. Their instructor, Dominic Hix, is at the far right.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered for classes at
the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education,
but later discover for whatever reason
- that they can’t attend, should inform
the admissions department immediately so
arrangements can be
made to have other students take their places
Marine Electrician – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, Angel Ivan Colon Cintron, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, James Fells, Kabir
Garcia Santiago, Jeffrey Hamer, Thedford Jones Jr., and Ethan Love. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani
and Scott Salo. Class instructor Thomas Truitt is at the far left. Zachary Parker (second from right) assisted
Truitt with this class.
September 2022
Water Survival (Upgraders) – A pair of upgraders recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating June 17 were
D’mitri Hill (left) and Darius Harley.
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Seth Duke Alejandro Alonzo, Darrol Bates, Khaleel Boatner, Ray Fugit, Malcolm Haynes Jr., Keesha Holloway, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Kenneth Ledeoux, Cleon McBride, Jody Owens, Levon Prophet, Sabbah Kassim Shaibi, Isaiah Thomas, Tyequan Thompson, Bernard Wade II,
Mackenzie Wincelowicz and Richard Wythe Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Small Arms – Graduated
June 23 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): William
Dowzicky III, Richard Owusu,
Harry Phillip, Levon Prophet,
Gary Torres and Mackenzie
Wincelowicz.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have
registered for classes
at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime
Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they
can’t attend, should
inform the admissions department
immediately so arrangements can be
made to have other
students take their
places
Basic Training – Graduated June 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Thomas Burch, Olivia Gross and Kimberly Vargas.
22 Seafarers LOG
MSC Supply Configuration Management – Daniel
Edward Fields (above) recently completed his requirements in this course. A member of the deck department,
he graduated June 3.
September 2022
�Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated July 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Derek Chestnut, Jerome Culbreth Jr., Kabir Garcia Santiago, Thedford Jones Jr., Justin
Nicholson, James Pascocello, Cesar Arnaldo Rivera Polanco and Devin Sem. Class instructor Mike Fay is at the far right while Ben Hernandez, service manager, Maersk Container
Industry, is at the far left.
UA to FOWT – Graduated July 8 (above, in alphabetical order):Johnathan Bumgarner, Jose Enrique Carrasquillo, Cristian Curet-Lara, Nikita Featherston, Lance Gibson, Wilson Onixon
Montero Centeno, Aaron Juan Moore Jr., Ryan Rendell Velez Sotomayor and Michael Zabielski.
Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated July 15 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Sherron Davita
Decoteau, Alexander Marcelino
Dominguez, Supattara Inthapanti,
Nadzeya Mikhailovna Kuptsova,
Vanessa Louise Osborne-Brumsey
and Luke Vandegrift. Instructor
Christina Hurry is second from the
right.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered
for classes at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training
and Education, but later
discover
for whatever
reason - that
they can’t attend, should
inform the
admissions
department
immediately so arrangements
can be made to have other students take their places
September 2022
Seafarers LOG 23
�SEPTEMBER 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 9
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 20-23
SUNSHINE STATE
Majority Approves Standard Contracts
An overwhelming majority of Seafarers have given the “thumbs up” for the new standard
freightship and tanker contracts which among other significant features include wage increases.
Photos on this page, as well as others on Pages 8-10 show members voting in favor of the
new accords while aboard ship and in union hiring halls. In addition to rank-and-file members,
some of the photos also include union officials.
TS GOLDEN BEAR
OVERSEAS NEW YORK
WASHINGTON
�
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Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond
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NY WATERWAY EXPANDS FLEET, REFITS FERRIES WITH 'GREENER' ENGINES
CREW OF MAERSK PEARY RECEIVES COMMENDATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA
SIU MEMBERS SAIL ON NEW CONTAINERSHIP
UNION JOBS SECURE ABOARD SIX PREPOSITIONING SHIPS
COALITION BRINGS BOOKS, BACKPACKS TO PUERTO RICO
PACIFIC TRACKER CREW HELPS SAVE A LIFE AT SEA
US HOUSE VOTES TO SUPPORT WORKERS
DOJ , NLRB FORM ALLIANCE TO PROTECT LABOR MARKETS
SHBP CONDUCTING ANNUAL VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENTS
'TIME IS NOW FOR FIXING BROKEN LABOR LAWS'
SIX STEWARDS SECURE RECERTIFIED STATUS
MEMBERS APPROVE 5-YEAR STANDARD CONTRACTS
'PAINT TACOMA' PROJECT RETURNS WITH FLOURISH
NOTICE/REMINDER: USCG POSITIVE DRUG TEST ADVISORY
MAJORITY APPROVES STANDARD CONTRACTS
Creator
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Seafarers Log
Source
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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09/01/2022
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VOL. 84, NO. 9
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7af4dd9b2967081e71b945194c08e626.pdf
b68ac44db0b26f47b38c6a0b2a041615
PDF Text
Text
JUNE 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 6
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
WWII Mariners Honored with Gold Medal
Nearly 77 years after fighting ended and 34 years after token veterans’ recognition was granted, U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II received the Congressional Gold
Medal for their service, during a bipartisan presentation inside the U.S. Capitol on May 18. Above, WWII mariners are pictured immediately after the ceremony. U.S. Rep.
John Garamendi (D-California), a longtime proponent of the official recognition, is at far right. Page 3. (Photo courtesy Defense Dept.)
D.C. Event Focuses on Jobs
Pictured at a wind-energy event in Washington, D.C., on May 4 are (from left) SIU New Bedford Port
Agent James Bast, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson.
SIU Members Help Conclude Operation Deep Freeze 2022
Catching Up in Piney Point
Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) recently completed safety training at the
Paul Hall Center – and also chatted with SIU President Michael Sacco (right)
while at the school in Piney Point, Maryland. “It was great to catch up,” the
bosun noted.
The SIU-crewed Ocean Giant handled the second segment of this year’s resupply mission to
McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Bosun Richard
Hamilton provided this photo (and others), shot
from the Waterman-operated vessel as it sailed
to the National Science Foundation facility. Page
24.
DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act
Page 2
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 1
Contracts Ratified
Page 4
5/23/22 4:16 PM
�President’s Report
Answering the Call
Congratulations to SIU members and to all of our union’s port personnel for the incredible job you did last month in filling a large number
of jobs in less than 24 hours, in response to a handful of no-notice vessel
activations. Our industry, like so many others, is currently weathering
a manpower strain, so this wasn’t exactly an
ideal time to handle those activations – but
you all rose to the occasion, like always.
On one hand, sure, this was just a case of
doing our jobs. But realistically, it wasn’t easy,
it was important and time-sensitive, and our
team answered the call.
I extend my thanks and admiration to everyone who helped get it done.
New Leadership at MARAD
Speaking of congratulations, I’m glad to
note the recent confirmation of Rear Adm. Ann
Phillips (USN, Ret.) to the post of maritime adMichael Sacco
ministrator. She definitely has big shoes to fill
– our longtime friend, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby,
did an excellent job at MARAD (and previously at the Military Sealift Command) – but I know she’s up to the task.
We’re already working with the new administrator and will continue
doing everything possible to help the agency fulfill its critical mission
of strengthening and maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine. MARAD
obviously is a crucial agency for Seafarers; their work to promote American-flag shipping and U.S. crews is part of our lifeblood.
My thanks also go to Lucinda Lessley for her outstanding work as
acting administrator prior to Adm. Phillips’ confirmation. Her integrity
and thoughtfulness shined through at all times.
Register and Vote
While some Seafarers already have voted in this year’s primaries,
it’s not too soon for others to double-check their voter registration status
ahead of Election Day 2022 (Tuesday, November 8). Make sure you and
your eligible family members are registered, and please support promaritime, pro-worker candidates.
Without question, there has been an awakening across the U.S. regarding workers’ rights. In part, that’s why the labor movement finds
itself at a crossroads with the elections on the horizon. The combination of a labor-friendly administration and a rising interest in collective
action has generated considerable momentum, but at the same time,
the opponents of labor are as well-funded and determined to dismantle
worker power as they have ever been. To make matters even more complicated, partisan gridlock has stalled progress on more than one item on
the labor movement’s agenda.
It’s no secret that union membership across the country has declined
over the years, but union households still play a major role in determining outcomes of many elections. This depends, though, on everyone
from the movement exercising their constitutional right to vote. That the
enemies of the working class have attempted so many times to interfere
with that right only reveals how terrified they are of a unified labor
movement making its voice heard.
This encouragement goes beyond presidential and congressional
elections. Union families must vote the whole ballot from state legislatures to city hall to local school boards. Those who seek to swipe power
away from America’s working class operate best under the cover of
darkness, funneling money into races and legislative manipulations that
mostly escape the notice of national and even your local media.
That’s why labor cannot leave any political stone unturned. Leadership must do its part to educate members on the issues, but ultimately
the responsibility rests with each union member to cast her or his ballot strategically. Without concentrated political power at every level of
government, the labor movement cannot achieve its goals. And make no
mistake, those goals benefit not just America’s working families, but all
of America.
DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently underscored
his support of America’s freight cabotage law.
During an April 27 hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the secretary answered a question from U.S.
Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) about the
Jones Act.
Palazzo noted that during his time in Congress, he has seen “constant attacks against the
Jones Act by special interest groups bent on
allowing foreign ships and crews to push out
American sailors and shipbuilders.”
The congressman then pointed out that President Biden’s Made in America executive order
“explicitly emphasized the importance of Jones
Act shipping…. Do you support the Jones Act
and are you committed to rigorous enforcement
of the Jones Act?”
Mayorkas replied, “I do and I am. And I want
you to know that the President’s Buy American
initiative is something that he is holding the entire administration to. We have strict protocols
to which we must adhere and we do so quite
proudly with respect to our contracting to make
sure that we are indeed buying American…. I do
believe in the Jones Act. I do support it. I know
I have a waiver authority and we exercise that
quite prudently in only cases of emergency….”
The hearing concerned the Fiscal Year 2023
Department of Homeland Security Budget.
The Jones Act is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It helps sustain
more than 650,000 American jobs while pumping billions of dollars into the U.S. economy
each year.
U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-Michigan), longtime
union organizer and member of the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Labor
Caucus, announced on May 10 that the U.S. House
of Representatives adopted his resolution to grant
congressional staff in the right to organize and bargain collectively, which was included in the rule for
the Ukraine supplemental, by a vote of 217-202.
The passage of the House resolution is the final
step required to grant legal protection to most congressional House employees. The Senate must pass
its own resolution in order for Senate employees to
have the same protections.
“After 26 years, the House has finally provided
its workers the fundamental human right to form
a union without fear of retaliation. As someone
who has spent decades in the labor movement
and devoted their life to protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, this moment stands out as a
major highlight,” said Levin. “Congressional staff
are joining a broader movement of workers in our
society who are organizing, bargaining collectively
and stepping up to make clear that they want more
of a voice in their workplaces. I’m so proud that
Congressional Democrats upheld our values of believing in the collective voice today. If there is any
place in the country that needs to walk the walk and
respect the will of workers, it is the U.S. Congress –
the bedrock of democracy. We cannot stop fighting
until every worker in the country can form a union
without interference.”
He added, “I want to thank deeply Speaker
Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Majority Leader
Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), Whip James Clyburn
(D-South Carolina) and Chairperson Zoe Logfren
(D-California) for their partnership in this important
effort and for their steadfast commitment to workers
in the People’s House. Finally, I want to express my
sincere gratitude and admiration to the congressional staff who fought to make this moment possible,
shared bravely their workplace experiences, good
and bad, clearly illustrated their need for the protected right to organize and demonstrated the sheer
power of worker solidarity.”
Logfren stated, “One of the first votes I cast as
a Member of the House – late on my very first day
in that Congress – was to pass the Congressional
Accountability Act. As someone who grew up in
a union family, as a former congressional staffer,
and as a longtime advocate of workers’ rights and
protections, I was proud to cast that vote. However,
Congress failed to follow through on an important
part of the law that would provide legislative branch
staff with the option to organize, if they choose.
Today, I’m proud to cast my vote for Congress to
follow through on that promise. I am thankful for
the tireless advocacy on behalf of Congressional
staff by my colleague Representative Levin, the
members of the Congressional Workers Union for
their courage, and Speaker Pelosi for her leadership
as we act to support those who make our work on
behalf of the American people possible.”
House Staffers May Form a Union
International Propeller
Club Honors U.S. Rep.
Joe Courtney At Event
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 84 Number 6
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
June 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
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Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
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Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut)
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut),
a longtime advocate of the U.S. maritime
industry, received the prestigious Salute
to Congress award May 17 in Arlington,
Virginia. The award is sponsored by the
International Propeller Club. When announcing Courtney’s selection as this
year’s honoree, International Propeller Club
President C. James Patti said, “During his
time in Congress, Chairman Courtney has
been a forceful and outspoken advocate
for all segments of the maritime industry.
Throughout his career, he has played a key
role in the enactment of numerous maritime
legislative initiatives and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the programs and policies important to our industry are funded,
implemented and enforced.” SIU Executive
Vice President Augie Tellez and Legislative
Director Brian Schoeneman attended the
gathering.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 2
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�USA Maritime: Keep ‘Ship American’ Rules
The coalition USA Maritime, to which
the SIU is affiliated, has expressed strong
opposition to a misguided attempt to turn
over the transportation of U.S.-government
financed cargoes to foreign-flag, foreigncrewed shipping interests. Such a move
would, according to USA maritime, severely
weaken the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine,
cost thousands of American maritime workers their jobs, and destroy the ability of the
U.S.-flag industry to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability relied upon
by the Department of Defense.
Writing in response to a pair of concurrent resolutions introduced in the U.S.
Senate, the coalition described the “ship
American” components of cargo preference
as “essential to the maintenance of our U.S.Flag Merchant Marine.”
Further, USA Maritime called the resolutions unnecessary, because the law “already
allows for the waiver of Ship American preferences if U.S.-flag vessels are not available
at fair and reasonable rates. USAID cur-
rently waives Ship American rules for 40%
of its flagship Food for Peace program and
awards 70% of such cargoes to foreign carriers.”
The statement continued, “The resolutions are overbroad. They are not limited
only to supplies for Ukraine but would waive
Ship American rules everywhere. Resolution
bined – accounts for only 8% of program
costs. The premium for using U.S.-flag ships
accounts for less than 1% of program costs.”
The statement concluded, “Today’s environment of rising peer nation competition
from Russia and China is not the time to give
up our U.S.-flag shipping capacity or turn
it over to foreign interests. We need to be
“The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of
program costs.” – USA Maritime
37 would waive Ship American rules indefinitely; Resolution 38 would divert cargoes
to foreign carriers for an arbitrary three-year
period.”
Significantly, the coalition also spelled
out how the resolutions “dramatically overstate the cost of shipping American. All
ocean shipping under the Food for Peace
program – foreign-flag and U.S.-flag com-
prepared to support our allies in Europe and
elsewhere with American sealift ships and
American mariners who have never failed to
answer the call when needed by our nation.”
According to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, cargo preference “is the
general term used to describe U.S. laws,
regulations and policies that require the
use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement
of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished,
or financed by the U.S. Government. It also
includes cargo that is being shipped under
an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as
part of a Government program.”
Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There
are corresponding percentage requirements
that specify how much of the cargo must be
moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 percent.
Cargo amounts themselves vary from
year to year. For example, according to the
Congressional Research Service, U.S. international food-assistance outlays fluctuated
from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in part
on demands that changed due to conflicts in
Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020
and ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag
ships delivered approximately 650,000
metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the
globe.
Rear Adm. Phillips Takes
Leadership Reins At U.S.
Maritime Administration
the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deployment of goods in support of the
Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she
was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which
included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of
the Amphibious Expeditionary
Forces along the U.S. east coast.
She earned a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in 2016.
Ku’uhaku Park, president of
the American Maritime Partnership (to which the SIU is affiliated), said Phillips’ confirmation
comes “at a time when maintaining a strong American Maritime
is even more critical than ever.
We look forward to working
with Admiral Phillips to ensure
our nation has the shipbuilding, sealift capacity, and reliable
movement of commerce that is
essential to America’s security.”
MARAD is self-described
as the Department of Transportation agency “responsible for
America’s waterborne transportation system…. At our core, we
support the technical aspects of
America’s maritime transportation infrastructure – things like
ships and shipping, port and
vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety.
We promote the use of waterborne transportation, and ensure
that its infrastructure integrates
seamlessly with other methods
of transportation. MARAD also
maintains a fleet of cargo ships
in reserve to provide surge sealift
during war and national emergencies, and is responsible for
disposing of ships in that fleet,
as well as other non-combatant
government ships as they become obsolete.
“Beyond that, we work hard
to maintain the overall health of
the U.S. Merchant Marine. Commercial mariners, vessels, and
intermodal facilities are vital
for supporting national security,
and so the agency provides support and information for current
mariners, extensive support for
educating future mariners, and
programs to educate America’s
Ann Phillips testifies at a Senate young people about the vital
hearing in late December 2021. role of maritime operations in
the lives of all Americans.”
(Sipa USA/Alamy)
Ann Phillips is the new head
of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), following her
confirmation by the Senate on
May 10.
Phillips retired as a rear admiral after serving nearly 31
years on active duty with the
U.S. Navy.
“We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips at the
Maritime Administration,” stated
SIU President Michael Sacco.
“She has an accomplished record
within the Navy and in Virginia.
“We also thank Lucinda Lessley for her work as the acting administrator,” he added.
Prior to being nominated by
President Biden in October 2021,
Phillips was the Special Assistant to the Virginia Governor for
Coastal Adaptation and Protection. In that role, she coordinated
with federal, state and local partners to create equitable strategies
to deal with rising waters and
climate impact to critical coastal
infrastructure assets within the
commonwealth.
She received her commission through the Naval Reserve
Officers Training Corps upon
graduation from the University
of North Carolina in 1983. She
served aboard two vessels – the
USS Cape Cod and the USS San
Jose – during Operations Desert
Shield/Desert Storm. She was
the first commanding officer
aboard the USS Mustin.
As the executive assistant to
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One day before the medal ceremony, personnel from the American Merchant Marine Veterans, their families and
friends visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
World War II Merchant Mariners Honored
With Congressional Gold Medal in D.C.
The SIU on May 18 joined in celebrating long-overdue recognition for
U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War
II as they received the Congressional
Gold Medal in the Capitol Building.
Ten members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) participated in the one-hour ceremony, which
featured remarks from members of congress, the administration, and the military. SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez represented the SIU at the event.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the
highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The veterans received the medal
on behalf of the approximately 1,500 remaining mariners of World War II.
More than 1,200 SIU members lost
their lives in wartime service.
“The bravery demonstrated by the
U.S. Merchant Mariners to keep Allied
Forces supplied during World War II is
second to none,” said AMMV President
Dru DiMattia. “In the face of targeted
attacks by German submarines and Uboats, the unarmed U.S. Merchant Mariners met the moment with resilience
and courage, and serve as an inspiration
for all of American maritime.”
In 2020, Congress unanimously
passed the Merchant Mariners of World
War II Congressional Gold Medal Act
thanks in part to the advocacy of U.S.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-California)
and Senator Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) along with organizations including the SIU. The bill was promptly
signed into law, but the official award
was delayed due to the global pandemic.
“We gave up our yesterdays for your
and their tomorrow,” stated former mariner Dave Yoho during the ceremony,
which he called a “humble tribute to
my fallen brothers.” Yoho served in
the engine department, signing on as a
16-year-old.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCalifornia) and Senate Republican
Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky)
led the congressional delegation to recognize the mariners.
“We celebrate these patriots for
doing their part to preserve liberty,” Pelosi told them.
“They earned their rallying cry: ‘We
deliver the goods,’” added McConnell.
Garamendi and the late U.S. Rep.
Don Young (R-Alaska) pushed Congress for years to honor the World War
II mariners with a gold medal.
After saying it was “a great day,
a happy day,” Garamendi declared,
“Without you, the success of the World
War II would not have happened.”
House Republican Leader Kevin
McCarthy (California) said the presentation was “long overdue.” He saluted
the mariners: “Everything America
asked them to do, they delivered.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) paid tribute by quoting President
Franklin Roosevelt: “The merchant marine delivered the goods when and where
needed in every theater of operation and
across every ocean in the biggest, most
difficult job ever undertaken.”
Also taking part in the presentation
were Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer,
commander of the U.S. Military Sealift
Command; U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Scott Buschman; and U.S. Maritime Deputy Administrator Lucinda
Lesley.
The gold medal will be placed on
display in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the Academy in Kings
Point, New York. The World War mariners on hand received duplicates. They
included Yoho, William Balabanow,
Gerard Driscoll, James T. Lindsey,
Charles A. Mills, George Offenhauser
Sr., Bob Ross, James Sciple, Jack Laub
and George Shaw.
For information on ordering a replica of the medal, email Katrina McRae
at katrina.mcrae@dot.gov.
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5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Penn Maritime Crews Approve 3-Year Pact
SIU members employed by Penn Maritime recently ratified a three-year contract
that features significant gains.
The new agreement, approved in
mid-April and covering approximately
250 Seafarers, calls for annual wage increases; boosts contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan
(SMPPP); raises the food allowance; and
provides medical coverage for all members through the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan (SHBP).
The latter point is noteworthy, according to members and union officials. Penn
Maritime was acquired by Kirby Corporation in 2012. Since then, any new employees received medical coverage through a
company plan. Typically, those mariners
paid several thousand dollars apiece each
year just for the premiums (whereas Penn
Maritime members covered via the SHBP
do not have to pay premiums).
“Getting everybody back on the SHBP
medical coverage was huge,” said Chief
Mate John Harvard, who served on the
union negotiating committee. “For guys
that have families, it’s a really big help.
It shows that the company has some commitment to the members; hopefully, we
can keep building trust and mutual respect.”
The SIU bargaining team included
Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey,
Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph
Soresi, Assistant Vice President Mike
Russo, Harvard, Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons and Chief Engineer Jeff
Pictured from left are Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons, Chief Mate John Harvard, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Kirby Exec. VP
of Vessel Operations Jim Guidry, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo and Chief Engineer Jeff Rydza.
Rydza. Negotiations took place in Houston.
“This is a great example of a union and
a company working together to hammer
out a good agreement,” Russo said. “It’s
something we can all be proud of. I think
everybody walked away feeling good
about this.”
Harvard said the contract “exceeded
my expectations. I think it was a good
contract and we’re headed in the right direction. You don’t always walk away with
everything you want, but we didn’t lose
anything – just gained. Kudos to Dean,
Joe and Mike for their work on the contract.”
Soresi said, “The bargaining went well
and we secured a good agreement. It certainly seems as if most the members are
happy with the results.”
Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving asphalt along inland and
coastal waterways.
Seafarers Ratify New Contract
At VanEnkevort Tug and Barge
A new six-year agreement is in place for
Seafarers employed at VanEnkevort Tug &
Barge, Inc. (VTB). Members overwhelmingly ratified the pact through a combination
of shipboard and remote voting in April.
The contract took effect April 1 and lasts
through March 2028. It calls for annual wage
increases for the first three years and then
a wage and benefit reopener in April 2025.
The pact boosts company contributions to
the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan
(SMPPP), maintains health benefits, and also
preserves the Paul Hall Center benefit for
training and upgrading.
SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak negotiated on
behalf of the union.
Nearly 50 Seafarers are employed by VTB.
They work aboard four state-of-the-art articulated tug-barge units on the Great Lakes, primarily hauling taconite and stone.
VTB was founded in 1967.
Conveyorman Chris Heffernan said
maintaining health care coverage and securing yearly wage increases for the first three
years are the contract’s highlights.
OS Joshua Childers said he values the boost
to the SMPPP “and how every year, there will
be pay raises. This was a good step forward,
working towards what everybody wants.”
Powell stated,“This agreement provides
a robust wage package and various other
enhancements for our members working for
VTB. It is a fair and reasonable package both
for the members and company, which is always the goal.”
SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo directly above) meets with Cook Mark Quinney, AB Jonathan Slanga, OS Darrin McMillan, OS Alphonso Davis and OS Joshua Childers
aboard the Dirk VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio. Pictured from left aboard the Clyde VanEnkevort
in Toledo, Ohio in photo at immediate right are SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert, Watchman Gerald
Johnson, Conveyorman Chris Heffernan, OS Adam VonRiedel and AB/Delegate Anthony Cronk.
The SIU-crewed Laura L. VanEnkevort is shown in the photo at top right.
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June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Biden Administration Mandates U.S.
Materials for Infrastructure Projects
The White House has issued new
guidance, requiring that the materials
purchased for projects funded by the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA) be produced domestically. The
stated goal is to ensure that federal
dollars spent on infrastructure projects
support U.S. manufacturing and stimulate the domestic economy.
As highlighted by this latest guidance, the bipartisan infrastructure
package contained a requirement that,
starting on May 14, “none of the funds”
allocated to federal agencies for projects may be spent “unless all of the
iron, steel, manufactured products, and
construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States.”
“From day one, every action I’ve
taken to rebuild our economy has
been guided by one principle: Made
in America,” President Joe Biden said
in an April 14 speech in Greensboro,
North Carolina. “It takes a federal government that doesn’t just give lip service to buying American but actually
takes action.”
“There are going to be additional opportunities for good jobs in the manufacturing sector,” said Celeste Drake,
director of Made in America at the White
House Office of Management and Budget.
Biden said he looks to reduce reliance
on foreign materials, create American
jobs and ease supply chain concerns.
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway said
in a statement, “President Joe Biden’s
interim Build America, Buy America
guidance will ensure that publicly
funded infrastructure projects help
to rebuild the nation’s manufacturing
base, strengthen supply chains and support good-paying jobs for U.S. workers…. America’s workers stand ready
not only to build new transportation
systems, communications networks and
other infrastructure through the IIJA,
but to supply the raw materials, parts
and components needed for all of those
projects. These workers lead the world
in responsible production practices,
and they’ll deliver unparalleled quality,
ensuring new roads, bridges and other
improvements stand the test of time.
The USW looks forward to working
with President Biden and his administration to finalize the Build America,
Buy America guidance and unlock the
full power of the IIJA.”
The guidance includes three conditions that must be met for the requirement to be waived: if the purchase
“would be inconsistent with the public
interest”; if the needed materials aren’t
produced “in sufficient and reasonably
available quantities or of a satisfactory
quality”; or if U.S. materials increase a
project’s cost by more than 25%.
President Biden speaks in mid-April in North Carolina, underscoring his commitment to
maintaining U.S. jobs. (Image courtesy White House Twitter account)
VP Emphasizes ‘Historic Commitment
To Worker Organizing and Empowerment’
The Biden administration will continue working to
be known not merely as pro-worker, but as the most
pro-union administration in U.S. history.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered that message
April 12 during a gathering at a Sheet Metal Workers
facility in Philadelphia. Attendees included U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh; U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
(D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pennsylvania);
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D); Philadelphia Mayor
Jim Kenney (D); and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler,
who traveled with the vice president.
Harris described Shuler as a friend and “a fighter.
She goes to work every day for the working people of
our nation, and she is an essential partner to our administration.”
The vice president’s speech was titled, “The Administration’s Historic Commitment to Worker Organizing
and Empowerment.” She detailed many of the steps that
demonstrate the commitment, including cross-country
travel with Walsh for visits to “job sites and training
facilities and union halls.”
After mentioning Walsh’s long background in organized labor (including growing up in a union household), Harris said that although their respective histories
differ, they have much in common.
“My parents met while they were marching for civil
rights,” Harris stated. “They taught me that people can
make a difference and that when we use our collective
voice, whether at a protest or a picket line, we can drive
great change. And that belief in the power of solidarity
has guided me, [Walsh], and all of us our entire lives.
And it guides our administration.
“President Joe Biden and I are determined to lead
the most pro-union administration in America’s history,”
she continued. “We know, each and every day in ways
big and small, unions change lives. Unions negotiate
better wages and safer working conditions for millions
of workers around our country.”
Harris also pointed out, “Even if you are not a member of a union, you (should) thank unions for every
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 5
benefit that you receive. Thank unions for the five-day
workweek, for the weekend, for sick leave. We should
all – anyone who works in America – know that you
have benefited from the hard work, from the fight of the
leaders in this movement. Our labor leaders, our unions
train people to take on good jobs.”
However, unions contribute more to society than just
a skilled workforce, she said. The labor movement and
the good jobs it helps create and maintain “provides
community. It provides home. It provides a place that
remembers that nobody should be made to fight alone.
Vice President Kamala Harris tells a Philadelphia audience that the administration remains solidly committed
to workers and the labor movement. (Photo by Bastiaan
Slabbers)
It is so fundamental in terms of the approach, which
says that we all know we are stronger when we stand
together. That is at the heart of the spirit behind this
movement.”
She continued, “Unions create stronger communities.
They bring people together. And they, of course, protect
workers from things like harassment and discrimination.
They give workers a voice. Put simply, unions move our
nation forward. And the American people know it. The
American people know that when unions win, workers win, families win, communities win. When unions
win, America wins, as evidenced by the fact that, today,
unions have their highest approval rating since 1965.”
Despite the favorable views of unions, it often remains an uphill climb to join one. The vice president
said that’s because, in part, “powerful forces in our
country have been hard at work building barriers to stop
workers from organizing. We’ve got to then take it on
with a powerful counterforce, which is why our administration is working even harder to tear those barriers
down.”
She discussed the work of the White House Task
Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which
she and Walsh lead. “Last year, our task force proposed
nearly 70 actions the executive branch of our government can take to protect and expand the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain,” Harris stated.
“Our President, Joe Biden, accepted every single one.”
Harris explained that the bipartisan infrastructure bill
that recently became law “will put thousands of union
workers, carpenters, and pipefitters, and plumbers, and,
yes, sheet metal workers, to work across the country.”
She concluded, “Every worker deserves a safe and
a healthy workplace. Every worker deserves a job with
good wages and fair benefits. Every worker in America
deserves the choice to join a union. And the President
and I will always stand with you to defend these sacred principles. Our administration will do everything
in our power to ensure the workers of our nation can
succeed and can thrive. Because when workers succeed
and thrive, so does our nation.”
Seafarers LOG 5
5/20/22 8:43 PM
�AFL-CIO Posts Annual ‘Death on the Job’ Report
The AFL-CIO on April 26 released its
31st annual report, “Death on the Job: The
Toll of Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and health.
The report features information on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses,
as well as workplace safety inspections,
penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational
Safety and Health (OSH) Act. It also includes information on the state of mine
safety and health, and the state of worker
safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a video press conference which
highlighted the report’s release, AFL-CIO
President Liz Shuler outlined the findings
of this year’s narrative and stressed the
federation’s commitment to worker safety.
She also expresses urgency in holding the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA), Congress
and employers everywhere accountable for
stronger safety measures. Joining Shuler
were AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Rebecca Reindel; M.J. Burke, first
executive vice president of the American
Federation of Government Employees National VA Council; and Isaiah Thomas, an
Amazon warehouse worker in Bessemer,
Alabama.
Among other disturbing findings, this
year’s report reveals that in 2020:
n 340 working people died every day
because of hazardous working conditions.
n More than 4,764 workers were killed
on the job from injuries alone.
n An estimated 120,000 workers died
from occupational diseases.
n The job fatality rate was 3.4 per
100,000 workers.
n Latino and Black workers remain at
greater risk of dying on the job than all
workers.
n Employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses.
n Musculoskeletal disorders continue
to make up the largest portion (21%) of
work-related injuries and illnesses.
n Underreporting is widespread—the
true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is estimated at 5.4 million to 8.1
million each year.
“That’s tens of thousands of families
losing a parent, a child, a sibling, every single year,” said Shuler. “Latino and Black
workers specifically remain at greater risk
of dying on the job than all workers. That
is, frankly, unacceptable.”
Despite these disturbing findings,
OSHA still does not have the resources
needed to hold employers accountable and
enact lasting change, the federation reported. “Workers need more job safety and
health protections, not less,” the AFL-CIO
said when announcing the report. “Last
year, there were only 1,719 OSHA inspectors nationwide, 755 on the federal level
and 965 on the state level. That’s just one
inspector for every 81,427 workers. Federal OSHA’s budget amounts to $4.37 to
protect each worker, with no federal standards for protections against workplace
violence and COVID-19.”
Reindel emphasized how the AFL-CIO
is calling on both OSHA and MSHA to
enact stronger job safety and health protections, for Congress to increase resources
for job safety agencies, and for workers to
have a real voice on safety and health in
our workplaces without the fear of retaliation or intimidation.
“Having regulations is important,” said
Burke during the call. “COVID-19 and
the pandemic disproportionately impact
minorities and Latinos, as well as women
who are about to give birth. It’s so important as we hear the voices of workers
across America. I can tell you why I joined
a union: It’s about the safety and security
of each other.”
“Amazon loves to brag about how they
have a safe work environment, and if there
are any issues, the workers can bring them
up to management,” said Thomas. “However, we do not work in a safe work en-
vironment, and every time we bring these
issues up to management, we are not heard,
which is why we’re fighting so hard for our
union at Amazon.”
The OSH Act went into effect some
51 years ago, promising every worker
the right to a safe job. More than 647,000
workers now can say their lives have been
saved since the passage of the OSH Act,
the AFL-CIO reported. Since that time,
workplace safety and health conditions
have improved, the federation added.
“But too many workers remain at serious
risk of injury, illness or death as chemical
plant explosions, major fires, construction
collapses, infectious disease outbreaks,
workplace assaults and other preventable
workplace tragedies continue to occur,”
the AFL-CIO stated. “Workplace hazards
kill and disable approximately 125,000
workers each year – 4,764 from traumatic
injuries, and an estimated 120,000 from occupational diseases. Job injury and illness
numbers continue to be severe undercounts
of the real problem.
“Over the years, our progress has become more challenging as employers’ opposition to workers’ rights and protections
has grown, and attacks on unions have intensified,” the federation continued. “Big
Business and many conservative politicians have launched aggressive assaults on
worker protections. They are attempting to
shift employers’ responsibility to maintain
a safe workplace to individual worker behavior, and undermine the core responsibilities of workplace safety agencies.”
The federation also reported that the
prior administration in Washington “rolled
back progress, attacking longstanding
workplace safety protections – targeting
job safety rules on beryllium, mine safety
examinations and injury reporting, and
cutting agency budgets and staff – and attempted to dismantle the systems for future
protections.”
In the fall of 2019, OSHA began reducing the number of inspections involving
significant cases and complex health hazards, a policy that is still in place today. In
the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic,
OSHA was largely absent from workplaces
where it has the authority and responsibility to enforce workplace safety laws,
according to the federation. While the
number of inspectors and inspections have
improved in FY 2021, “there is much more
progress to be made to meet or exceed prepandemic levels,” the AFL-CIO noted.
“The COVID-19 pandemic also brought to
light the weaknesses in federal oversight of
state OSHA plans. Congress continues to
fund job safety at stagnant levels, allowing
an OSHA budget that still only amounts to
$4.37 to protect each worker covered by
the OSH Act.”
The federation concluded, “While
progress is slow, the Biden administration has taken important steps to protect
workers, prioritizing worker protections
on its regulatory agenda, taking steps on
targeted enforcement efforts on urgent
hazards, and filling staff and leadership
vacancies. It also launched broad efforts
on worker empowerment and targeting
workplace inequities. President Joe Biden
has appointed and nominated strong candidates focused on worker protection to
lead job safety and health agencies and
labor agencies. Immediately upon taking
office, he appointed a longtime United
Steelworkers (USW) safety and health
leader, James Frederick, as acting assistant secretary for occupational safety and
health. In April 2021, the Senate confirmed Marty Walsh, the Boston mayor
from the construction trades unions, as
secretary of labor. In April 2021, Biden
nominated Doug Parker to be assistant
secretary of labor for occupational safety
and health – the head of OSHA – and he
was confirmed Oct. 25, 2021.”
The “Death on the Job: The Toll of
Neglect” report may be viewed in its entirety at aflcio.org/reports/death-job-tollneglect-2022
The U.S. Department of
Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) in late
April announced the availability of an additional $14.8 million in funding, for a total of
$39.8 million, for the America’s Marine Highway Program
(AMHP).
In March, MARAD announced the availability of
nearly $25 million in grant
funding for the AMHP through
the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law. The FY 2022 Appropriations Act made an additional
$14.8 million available for the
AMHP.
According to the agency,
“The America’s Marine Highway Program supports the
increased use of the nation’s
navigable waterways to relieve landside
congestion, provide new and efficient
transportation options, and increase the
productivity of the surface transportation system. By working closely with
public and private organizations, the
AMHP helps create and sustain American jobs in U.S. ports, on vessels, and
at shipyards, while also improving our
supply chains.”
“Under the president’s leadership, we
are making a once-in-a-generation investment in our ports and intermodal infrastructure to move goods faster, strengthen
supply chain resiliency, and reduce the
climate impacts of port operations,” said
Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda
Lessley.
In announcing the additional funding,
MARAD also reported, “The Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law aims to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails; upgrade
and expand public transit; modernize
the nation’s ports and airports; improve
safety; help tackle the climate crisis; advance environmental justice; and invest
in communities that have too often been
left behind. It will drive the creation of
good-paying jobs and grow the economy
sustainably and equitably to help everyone
get ahead for decades to come.”
Coast Guard Foundation Marine Highway Program
$14.8 Million Boost
Recognizes Seabulk CEO Gets
Raises Available Grant Funding to nearly $40 Million
A top executive from an SIU-contracted company recently received accolades from the U.S. Coast Guard.
On April 22, the Coast Guard Federation conducted its 26th Tribute to the
United States Coast Guard Seventh District, which honors personnel from the
agency and members of the general maritime community who have contributed to
the success of the Coast Guard’s mission.
Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO
of Seabulk (left), is pictured with Crowley
Chief Operating Officer Ray Fitzgerald.
(Photo courtesy Coast Guard Foundation)
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73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 6
The night’s main honoree was Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of
Seabulk, for his support of the men and
women of the Coast Guard throughout
his career, which spans more than 30
years.
In attendance from the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice
President of Contracts and Contract Enforcement George Tricker, Assistant Vice
President Kris Hopkins, and Seafarers
Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen.
During his remarks, Thorogood told
a story about how Coast Guard-operated
landing craft supported U.S. Marines in
the Pacific Theater of World War II, ultimately leading to the release of his grandparents, who had been taken captive by
Japanese forces from a diplomatic posting.
Keynote speaker Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz thanked the
foundation and those in attendance for
their support, and was met with a standing ovation. Schultz was set to retire from
the Coast Guard in June after 39 years of
service.
Also recognized were Coast Guard
and industry efforts to safely evacuate
250,000 cruise ship passengers at the
start of the pandemic, as well as the work
of a helicopter crew from Coast Guard
Air Station Clearwater that rescued four
people after extreme weather capsized
their vessel 30 miles west of Cedar Key
in June 2021.
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Former Transportation Sec.
Mineta Passes Away at 90
Partnership to Boost Diversity
The SIU is proud to partner with the Louisiana-based “Open Waters” project, which aims to attract
people to employment opportunities in the domestic maritime industry – and in particular, works to
increase diversity within the industry. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left) is pictured at
a recent meeting with other Open Waters personnel. From left are Captain Michael Bopp, president,
Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Westbrook; Captain Roy Vance of the Crescent River Port Pilots
Association; Captain Louis Wattigney, Jr., vice president, New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots
Association; and Captain Lee Jackson of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association.
For more info about Open Waters, visit: https://openwaterslouisiana.com/
The SIU joins the rest of the
nation in mourning the passing of
Norman Y. Mineta, who died May
3 at the age of 90.
Mineta, serving as U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the
George W. Bush administration,
addressed SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meetings in 2004, 2005
and 2006.
“Secretary Mineta was someone our industry could count on,”
recalled SIU President Michael
Sacco. “He always stood with us
while serving in the Cabinet and
the Congress.”
The California native served
20 years in the U.S. House of
Representatives, where he represented San Jose and nearby
California cities. He rose to
chair the House Transportation
Committee before leaving Congress in 1995. In 2000, President Clinton nominated him to
be Commerce Secretary. Upon
confirmation, he became the
first Asian-American to serve
in the Cabinet.
In 2001, President Bush asked
Mineta to stay in the Cabinet as
the Transportation Secretary. He
held the post into 2006.
Mineta never forgot being
uprooted as a 10-year-old from
his California home to spend 18
months with his family in a Wyoming internment camp created
immediately after Japan attacked
Secretary Mineta addresses a
2005 Maritime Trades Department
meeting.
Pearl Harbor in December 1941 to
bring the United States into World
War II. He championed civil liberties and worked hard to gain an
official apology for those Japanese Americans from the federal
government, which happened in
1988.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Strokes: Know the Signs,
Take Preventive Steps
Editor’s note: This article is provided
by the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan Medical Department.
According to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
nearly 800,000 people in the United
States have a stroke every year. During
the past few years, strokes were the second-leading cause of mortality around
the world, accounting for 11% of all
deaths.
There are three main types of strokes.
The first (and most common) accounts
for approximately 87 percent of all cases.
This is the ischemic stroke. It happens
when blood flow through the arteries in
the brain become blocked and there is a
decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the area below the blockage.
The second type of stroke is the hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused by a rupture in an artery in the brain, which in
turn causes damage to surrounding tissues.
The third type is the transient ischemic attack, abbreviated as TIA. It is
sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” This
happens when blood flow in an artery is
temporarily blocked, usually for no longer than a few minutes.
Common risk factors for strokes
include untreated hypertension,
smoking, high cholesterol, obesity,
and diabetes. Trauma to the head or
neck, and cardiac arrhythmias are
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 7
also sometimes responsible.
Many risk factors can be modified
through lifestyle changes. For instance,
exercising regularly and adopting a
healthful diet can decrease chances of
having a stroke. Managing diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, limiting
alcohol intake, and losing weight also
may help.
It may be useful to be aware of stroke
symptoms. For example, the face may
droop to one side, and/or a person’s
smile may be uneven. The face may
become numb. Other symptoms can
include arm weakness, slurred speech,
confusion, dizziness, and headache.
Strokes can occur at any age but are
most common in people ages 55 and
older.
Getting prompt medical treatment is
imperative to decrease the damage done
by a blocked artery. Treatment may include blood thinners (to dissolve a clot)
and other medications.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “A
stroke is a medical emergency, and
prompt treatment is crucial. Early action
can reduce brain damage and other complications…. Effective treatments can
also help prevent disability from stroke.”
The CDC reported that stroke-related costs in the United States “came
to nearly $53 billion between 2017 and
2018. This total includes the cost of
health care services, medicines to treat
stroke, and missed days of work.”
Healthy Recipe
Baked Salmon w/Everything Bagel Seasoning
Servings: 24
Ingredients
9 pounds salmon fillet, cut into
5oz. portions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
2 teaspoons dried garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried onion, minced
1 tablespoon sea salt
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a small bowl, combine dehydrated garlic, poppy seeds, sesame
seeds, caraway seeds and fennel
seeds and stir to combine.
Generously sprinkle salmon with
salt and pepper and press skinless side into the “everything” seasoning mixture to
coat.
Heat oil in a large oven-safe heavy pan over medium-high heat. Flip.
Add salmon seed-side down and sear 3-4 minutes. Flip salmon.
Transfer pan with everything salmon into oven and cook 6-8 minutes, until fish is
fully cooked.
Serve hot,
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 214 Calories; 7g Fat (32.8% calories
from fat); 34g Protein: Trace Carbohydrate; Trace Dietary Fiber; 89mg Cholesterol; 349mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable;
1/2 Fat.
Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
Seafarers LOG 7
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP)
is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage,
or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain
qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is
known as COBRA.
Generally, if you are the employee, you will be
eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain
period of time if you lost coverage because you did
not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If
you are the family member of a covered employee,
you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of
time when the employee loses coverage; or if you
are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or
the death of the employee; or in the case of a child
of an employee, the child reaches an age at which
the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death
of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60
days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to
purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify
the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible
to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or
dependent child of an employee, you may also elect
COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage
when the employee retires.
When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits
from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you
will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation
coverage for yourself and/or your family members,
even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits.
This will enable you and/or your family to continue
to receive the same level of benefits that you had
prior to your retirement for a certain period of time.
If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree
health benefits, you will begin to receive those
benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan
will now accept money orders as payment for the
COBRA premium.
For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the
Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also
available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.
seafarers.org, under “Benefits-Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800252-4674.
Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan
Introduction
This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan
(the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called
“defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This
notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not
required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”).
How Well Funded Is Your Plan
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure
called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the
plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s
funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below.
The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period.
Valuation Date
Funded Percentage
Value of Assets
Value of Liabilities
Funded Percentage
2021
2020
January 1, 2021
January 1, 2020
151.6%
145.9%
$1,926,792,688
$1,760,929,899
$1,270,798,767
$1,207,119,802
2019
January 1, 2019
131.9%
$1,547,219,772
$1,172,841,327
Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the
stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable
levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a
plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are
measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s
assets for each of the two preceding plan years.
The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since
this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in
progress.
December 31, 2021
Fair Market Value of Assets $2,130,000,000
December 31, 2020
$1,926,792,688
December 31, 2019
$1,760,929,899
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than
80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may
also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become
insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If
a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement
plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan
are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and
benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and
future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or
critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining
status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided.
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,197.
Of this number, 7,312 were current employees, 6,785 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,100 were
retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding
policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to
provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers
Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on
the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary.
Investment objectives
Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large
losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be
invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all
transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries.
Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and
other Plan expenses.
Investment Guidelines
With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a
bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard
to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions.
Asset Allocation
The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding
ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched.
Asset Class
Domestic Equities
Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents
Real Estate
Target
50%
40%
10%
Range
40% - 60%
30% - 50%
0% - 20%
Standards of Investment Performance:
Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research
capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to
achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance
results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as
well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry.
Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment
may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code.
8 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 8
The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when,
based on all available information, it is prudent to do so.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of
investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets:
Asset Allocations
Percentage
1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing)
0
2. U.S. Government securities
9
3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities):
a. Preferred
11
b. All other
0
4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities):
a. Preferred
0
b. Common
26
5. Partnership/joint venture interests
5
6 Real estate (other than employer real property)
1
7. Loans (other than to participants)
0
8. Participant loans
0
9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts
35
10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts
0
11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts
0
12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities
0
13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds)
13
14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts)
0
15. Employer-related investments:
a. Employer Securities
b. Employer real property
0
16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation
0
17. Other
0
For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described
in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675,
or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the
“Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy
of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports
also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s
Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by
calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount
of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your
accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.”
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans
that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan
administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A
plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits
when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that
can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the
level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to
the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits
at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will
be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a
right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate
insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans
and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the
PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly
benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited
service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years
of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of
$600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing
the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed
amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75.
Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate
for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20
monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s
guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are
preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting
to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any
benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination
or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit,
disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance,
death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go
to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact
your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension
benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your
Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 8990675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer
identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329.
June 2022
5/23/22 4:16 PM
�Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc.
This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security
Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental
Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund.
Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,150,712 as of July 31, 2021, compared
to $1,683,441 as of August 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of
$467,271. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the
difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of
$15,001,476, including employer contributions of $14,992,140, realized losses of $10,980 from the sale of assets,
earnings from investments of $17,510 and other income of $2,806.
Plan expenses were $14,534,205. These expenses included $400,876 in administrative expenses and
$14,133,329 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed
below are included in that report:
1. An accountant’s report;
2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers;
3. Assets held for investment; and
4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District
Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA
94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 for the full annual
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.
You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the
assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and
accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs
given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are
furnished without charge.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730
Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington,
DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.
Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund
This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 942430964, for the year ended June 30, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security
Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center
Fund, a trust fund.
Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $83,495 as of June 30, 2021
compared to $45,678 as of July 1, 2020. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its
net assets of $37,817. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $700,148, including employer
contributions of $695,826, earnings from investments of $42 and other income of $4,280.
Plan expenses were $662,331. These expenses included $238,822 in administrative expenses and $423,509 in
benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed
below are included in that report:
1. An accountant’s report;
2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and
3. Assets held for investment.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District
Seafarers Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report,
or $.25 per page for any part thereof.
You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the
assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and
accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these
two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs
given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are
furnished without charge.
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at
730 Harrison Street, No. 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington,
DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the
Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.
Annual Funding Notice MCS Supplementary Pension Fund
Introduction
This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the
“Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit
pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean
that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any
way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending
December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”).
Funded Percentage
The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called
the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get
this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for
the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value
of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period.
Valuation Date
Funded Percentage
Value of Assets
Value of Liabilities
2021
January 1, 2021
310.30%
$6,449,649
$2,078,497
2020
January 1, 2020
302.33%
$6,405,877
$2,118,801
2019
January 1, 2019
314.91%
$6,561,949
$2,083,726
Fair Market Value of Assets
The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.”
Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock
or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of
future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded
status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the
last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of
the two preceding plan years.
The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since
this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in
progress.
Fair Market Value of Assets
December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
$6,990,835
$6,801,674
December 31, 2019
$6,700,794
Participant Information
The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 708. Of this
number, 305 were current employees, 274 were retired and receiving benefits, and 129 were retired or no longer
working for the employer and have a right to future benefits.
Funding & Investment Policies
Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy
relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum
amount annually as required by law.
Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for
making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement
income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital,
some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed
rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities
with the balance invested in fixed income securities.
Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets:
Asset Allocations
1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing)
2. U.S. Government securities
3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities):
a. Preferred
b. All other
4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities):
a. Preferred
b. Common
5. Partnership/joint venture interests
6. Real estate (other than employer real property)
7. Loans (other than to participants)
8. Participant loans
9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts
10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts
11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts
12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities
13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds)
14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts)
15. Employer-related investments:
a. Employer Securities
b. Employer real property
16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation
17. Other
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 9
Percentage
0
8
9
0
0
23
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
8
50
0
0
0
0
For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective
trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway
Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675.
Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status
Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than
80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also
apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent
(run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan
enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if
a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt
a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension
plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and
declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to
participants and beneficiaries.
The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year.
If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022,
separate notification of the status has or will be provided.
Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report
Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form
5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s
annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from
the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200
Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may
obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports
do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan
administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below
under “Where To Get More Information.”
Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans
Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become
insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required
by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if
its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan
must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such
resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by
the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the
amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial
condition improves.
A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries
also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including
loss of a lump sum option.
Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC
The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to
receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs
with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your
Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment
equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the
accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month
times a participant’s years of credited service.
Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual
rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the
participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate
is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit
is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10).
Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes
of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a
$20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s
guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).
The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement
death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit
payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that
were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or
benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly,
the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay
status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or
severance pay.
For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan
administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below.
Where to Get More Information
For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret
Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 301-899-0675.
Seafarers LOG 9
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Important News Notices, Maritime Notes for All Seafarers
Renewing Tanker Asst.
Endorsements: What
Seafarers Should Know
In an effort to assist in combatting the delays at the National Maritime Center (NMC)
for renewing Merchant Mariner Credentials
(MMC), the Vocational Office of the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has identified a frequent issue that
causes applications to be delayed.
If a mariner is renewing their MMC and
holds endorsement(s) for Tanker Assistant
DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG, they must
meet the sea service requirement for renewal.
To do this, one must show proof of 90 days
of seatime, on a DL or LG tanker, within the
past five years, to maintain the endorsement,
OR a new course completion certificate. If
the mariner does not have either the qualifying seatime or the course certificate, they
must request in writing to renew without
the Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker
Assistant LG endorsements. This can be
done by writing a statement on the USCG
CG-719B MMC application form under Section II, in the “Description of Endorsement(s)
Desired” box, or by attaching a separate written statement requesting to renew the MMC
without Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker
Assistant LG along with any international
tanker endorsements.
If the mariner does not provide this information, the renewal application will be
delayed and an “Awaiting Information”
letter will be mailed requesting it. The
mariner then will need to provide the necessary information in the allotted time, as the
application will not move through processing
until it has been received.
For more information, visit:
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/
Coast Guard: Shipboard Mask
Mandate No Longer in Effect
Following a court ruling in mid-April,
the U.S. Coast Guard announced the elimination of shipboard mask mandates for
U.S.-flag vessels (and for some other modes
of transportation).
The agency on April 19 posted an update
to its “Marine Safety Information Bulletin:
COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the
Maritime Transportation System.”
In part, that update reads, “On April
18, 2022, the U.S. District Court, Middle
District of Florida, vacated the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
mandate for mask wear in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs as well
as on airplanes, buses, trains, and most other
public conveyances in the United States, including vessels. Per this ruling, the CDC
has declared that the mandate is no longer
in effect. Federal agencies are reviewing
the court’s decision. In the interim the Coast
Guard will not enforce the directives requiring mask use on public transportation and in
transportation hubs. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor
public transportation settings.”
The complete update and several related
links are available in an April 20 news post
Postdating of Merchant Mariner Credentials
The recently published rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the
International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and
Changes to National Endorsements” (78
FR 77796) authorizes the Coast Guard to
postdate a Merchant Mariner Credential
10 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 10
Notice to Seafarers
About ROS Seatime
The union has learned that the U.S. Coast
Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) is
denying mariners who have submitted ROS
time for renewal of Basic Training (BT). For
the purpose of the recency requirement, ROS
seatime counts day for day for renewal of BT,
Advance Fire Fighting, Personal Survival
Craft (PSC), and Fast Rescue Boat (FRB).
If you have received a denial letter for
this issue, you should immediately email
iasknmc@uscg.mil with the subject line “elevate to supervisor” and request reconsideration
of ROS seatime not being counted day for day.
Both the union and our affiliated school in
Piney Point are in contact with NMC personnel regarding this situation.
New Service Offers Convenient
Method to Show Vaccination Status
The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members
a new way of keeping proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the
ready, on mobile devices.
By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their
vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information
listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified, the information can be stored digitally on the member’s
mobile device, as well as uploaded to their online SIU member
portal (the latter will happen automatically).
Once a member’s vaccine records are verified by the state
medical database, their proof of vaccination through the WellCheck app can be used at both foreign ports of entry as well as
various events and gatherings which require a verified record.
All members are strongly encouraged to upload their vaccine
cards through the WellCheck app, even if they have previously
submitted their information. Additionally, when a member receives a COVID-19 booster shot, they are encouraged to upload their updated vaccine card through WellCheck.
Members can also save their verified vaccine information to
their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their mobile devices,
to ensure they have ready access even if they lose internet connectivity.
This is an added service being provided to the membership
at no cost, and is not mandatory.
To get started, see the May 17 post on the SIU website or
visit:
https://tinyurl.com/bdz48avh
Seafarers Are Encouraged
To Renew Documents Early
Editor’s note: Due to the turnaround
times for merchant mariner credential (MMC) renewals, Seafarers are
encouraged to start the process up to
eight months before their respective
documents expire. Starting the process early will not shorten the “life”
of the original document. This is due
to a postdating option that the Coast
Guard’s National Maritime Center
began offering in 2014. Parts of the
original notice (which is still in effect)
explaining the postdating procedures
and related benefits follow.
on the SIU website.
The agency further pointed out, “Questions concerning this notice may be
forwarded to Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, at wearamask@uscg.mil.”
Previously, the Coast Guard reported,
“The CDC mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime conveyances into, within, or out of the United
States and to all persons at U.S. seaports.
The term commercial maritime conveyance
means all forms of commercial maritime
vessels, including but not limited to cargo
ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, selfpropelled barges, and all forms of passenger carrying vessels including ferries, river
cruise ships, and those chartered for fishing
trips, unless otherwise exempted.”
(MMC) up to 8 months…. The implementation plan for postdating MMCs and the
impact on the current delayed issuance
process are listed below.
Postdating:
n Postdating of an MMC is defined
as placing an issue date on the MMC
that is in the future.
n Postdating of MMCs will only apply
to applications for renewal of a credential
where no other credential activity is requested or results from the transaction.
n Except upon receipt of written request documenting the need for immediate issuance, the National Maritime
Center (NMC) will automatically postdate credentials with the appropriate
future date.
n The issue date of the MMC will
be the day following the date of expiration of the current MMC, but no
more than 8 months in the future. The
expiration date and period of validity
of the credential will be 5 years from
This is the first screen that will greet Seafarers when
signing up with WellCheck.
the date of issuance.
n If the expiration date of the mariner’s current credential is beyond 8
months from the date that the Coast
Guard accepts a complete application,
the new credential issue date will be
8 months from the date of application
acceptance, at which time the current
active credential will become invalid.
n Any transactions initiated after a
postdated MMC has been approved and
mailed will result in endorsement labels
being printed and mailed for both the
mariner’s active MMC and the postdated
MMC. Mariners must ensure that the endorsement labels are properly placed in
the appropriate MMC.
n The new credential will not be valid
until the issue date listed on the new
MMC. Mariners must continue to carry
their current credential until that date.
n In accordance with the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), mariners are
required to return expired or otherwise invalid credentials to the NMC. When the
current credential expires, it should be
mailed to the NMC.
n It is the responsibility of the mariner to maintain control of the postdated
credential. If a credential is lost, mariners
must follow the procedures to apply for a
duplicate, found in 46 CFR Part 10.231.
Mariners and other providers should
contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or 1-888IASKNMC (427-5662) with any
questions or feedback.
This code will open the NMC landing page for credential applications and
renewals. Scroll down and look for the
“Renewal” tab. For desktop access, go to
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_
mariner_credential/
The “Renewal” tab on the desktop version
is on the right side, approximately halfway
down the landing page.
June 2022
5/23/22 3:37 PM
�MEETING WITH PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (right) and
Patrolman Adam Bucalo (left) chat with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried during
a labor-sponsored “meet and greet” at an IBEW hall. Fried is running for governor of Florida.
FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – OSM Carlos Velasquez (left) receives his full B-book
at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Recertified Bosun Lee
Hardman (photo at immediate left) and AB Desmond Unutoa (directly above) display mahi-mahi they caught in
Hawaii, while AB John Escobar (photo at far left) puts the
finishing touches on his new artwork aboard the SubCom
vessel.
ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – In-person career fairs are becoming more common as COVID-19 restrictions
ease throughout much of the nation. In photo at right, SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson (right) and
Patrolman James Bast man the SIU table at a recruiting event in Brooklyn, New York. In the photo above, SIU
Houston Patrolmen Kelly Krick (right) and Clay Casteel (second from right) chat with students at a “Career
Day” event hosted by Aransas Pass High School.
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 11
Seafarers LOG 11
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo and SIU Government Services Division
Representative Jesse Ruth recently met with federal mariners in San Diego. They also helped conduct
habitability inspections on two new builds at General
Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard. The photo at
left was taken at NASSCO; Vincenzo is second from
right, while Ruth is at left. The other two individuals are
from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The large group
photo below was taken aboard the USNS Miguel Keith,
while the remaining shapshot above includes new and
longtime CIVMARS waiting at a local hotel for vessel
assignments.
ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Many thanks to Bosun Anthony Newbill (below left) for these recent photos from one
of the newer additions to the SIU-crewed fleet. “It’s a very
nice and clean ship with an around-the-world trip,” the bosun
noted. “The crew aboard the vessel has seemed very happy
with the size of the rooms and the Wi-Fi.” The Commitment
is operated by TOTE Services for American Roll-On Roll-Off
Carrier.
Oiler Seth Schrader
Oiler John Albritton
12 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 12
AB Yassid Lalin
Steward/Baker
Reshawn Solomon
SA Samone Alston, Chief Cook Ricardo
Petilo
June 2022
5/23/22 4:16 PM
�NEW DUTIES IN OAKLAND – SIU Patrolman Antjuan
Webb (left), who sailed as a recertified bosun, shipped
out his first member in early April: Recertified Steward
Robert Bostick.
REMEMBERING BROTHER BROYLES – Aboard Matson’s
Mahimahi, vessel master Capt. Leonard Lambert (left) presents
SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb with the paperwork and flag from
Recertified Steward Greg Broyles’ burial at sea. (The paperwork
is illegible in the photo only because of lighting.) Brother Broyles
shipped out of Oakland and sailed with the SIU since 1989. He
passed away in December, at age 58, after a courageous battle
with cancer. His last ship was the Mahimahi.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
CONNECTING IN ATLANTIC – The SIU-crewed tanker Maersk Peary (right) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (left), whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division, meet April 21 in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the U.S. Navy, they conducted “the first two-station consolidated cargo replenishment at sea (CONSOL).
CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted commercial tanker charted by Military Sealift Command conducts underway
refueling operations, transferring cargo to a fleet oiler at sea.” (U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Mate Daniel Hall)
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Recertified
Bosun Gregory Agren (left) is pictured at the hiring hall
as he receives his first pension check (SIU Port Agent
Warren Asp is at right). Agren started sailing with the
SIU in 1987.
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 13
FIRST TRIP COMPLETE – SA Maximo Bencosme (right)
is pictured at the San Juan hall with his wife, Vivian, after
completing his first voyage as a Seafarer (aboard the
Crowley-operated USNS Able).
WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – QMED James
Sieger (left), who began sailing with the SIU in 1973,
displays his first pension check at the hiring hall hall. SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right.
SPRUCING UP HOUSTON HALL – Bosun Sergio Gonzalez volunteers some time and elbow grease in early April in the
Lone Star State.
Seafarers LOG 13
5/20/22 8:11 PM
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Wireless
Savings
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See more at
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6/22
14 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 14
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�State Dept. Offers
Passport Reminder
Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of State issued this notice earlier
in the year. It’s also available on the
SIU website.
Updated Notice to Mariners With International Voyages
Effective February 18, 2022
To better serve mariners during
this time we are updating our temporary provisions for passport renewals.
These provisions are subject to change
once operations are on a more normal
footing.
Qualifications
n Be a credentialed merchant
mariner;
n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82
application for passport renewal.
(Check eligibility at https://travel.
state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/
have-passport/renew.html); and
n Have a current passport that is
expired or expiring in 7 months or less.
Application and Mailing Instructions
Applicants must submit the following:
n DS-82 application completed,
signed, and dated. Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print
your form: https://pptform.state.gov.
This tool produces a barcode to help
us process your application faster;
n Passport photograph taken
within the past six months;
n Current passport;
n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back.
n A check or money order in the
amount of $208.32 made payable to
U.S. Department of State if applying
for a passport book only. If applying
for both the passport book and card,
the total fee is $238.32. This amount
includes the passport fee, expedite fee,
and 1-2 day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please
visit travel.state.gov).
n Letter from supervisor on company
letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union.
The supervisor letter should include the following details:
n Applicant’s full name;
n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union
representative;
n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and
n Date the letter was issued.
Applications must be sent by
traceable overnight delivery service
to: El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/
EP) 44132 Mercure Circile, PO Box
1073, Sterling, VA 20166-1073. Attn:
Mariner Program
Service Expectations
Completed passports will be
mailed using a 1-2 day delivery ser-
vice. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address
and not a P.O. Box.
Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about
one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be
completed and sent out by Friday of
the same week.
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 12 - May 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 13.
Port
A
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
C
A
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
Requesting a Second Passport
Mariners may wish to apply for
a second limited validity passport
(4 years). Second passports provide
greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For
more information, please see: travel.
state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/
have-passport/second-passport-book.
html.
Following are the two options for
applying for a second passport.
Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport
To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include:
n A second DS-82 application
(with photograph) completed, signed,
and dated;
n Signed statement describing
the need for a second passport. (This
is required in addition to the company
letter authorizing use of these special
procedures); and
n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling
$416.64 ($208.32 per application).
Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current
Valid Passport
If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying
for their second passport, they can
apply at a passport acceptance facility
using a DS-11 form. They can expect
to receive the second passport within
the expedited timeframe posted at
travel.state.gov. To apply at a passport
acceptance facility, applicants need:
n Completed (not signed) DS-11
application;
n Passport photograph;
n Photocopy of their 10-year
passport data page;
n Signed statement of need for
a second passport as outlined on our
website;
n Payment of $208.32 to the U.S.
Department of State, which includes
$60 for expedite service and the additional $18.32 for 1-2-day return
delivery; and
n Additional payment of $35 to
the passport acceptance facility to execute the application.
To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see iafdb.travel.state.
gov.
June & July
Membership Meetings
Piney Point..............................Monday: June 6, *Tuesday : July 5
Algonac...........................................Friday: June 10, July 8
Baltimore..........................................Thursday: June 9, July 7
Guam...............................................Thursday: June 23, July 21
Honolulu................................................Friday: June 17, July 15
Houston..............................................Monday: June 13, July 11
Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: June 9, July 7
Joliet..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14
Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 15, July 13
New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: June 14, July 12
Jersey City............................................Tuesday: June 7, July 5
Norfolk..................................................Friday: June 10, July 8
Oakland..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14
Philadelphia....................................Wednesday: June 8 , July 6
Port Everglades.................................Thursday: June 16, July 14
San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 9, July 7
St. Louis...................................................Friday: June 17, July 15
Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 24, July 22
Wilmington......................... *Tuesday : June 21, Monday: July 18
* Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance
* Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 15
Seafarers LOG 15
5/23/22 3:37 PM
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who recently served on the annual financial committee.
Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it?
Richard Toth
Chief Steward
I got into this industry after
being in the restaurant business,
back in the mid-1990s. I shipped
for seven or eight years and then
got back into the restaurant business – went through three or four
restaurants, owning, running, consulting. Then I decided the place
for me is back at sea, with this
wonderful union we have.
Gerard Costello
Recertified Bosun
I basically wanted to be a free man
and control my own life. I saw the opportunity when I was very young –
other men that did this – and I followed
them. It’s been 38 years now.
Riley Donahue
QMED
I always liked travel, and you
get plenty of that in this industry.
You can make good money, too.
It’s just a good lifestyle for me.
Cayetano Toledo
Chief Steward
You can travel around the world
for free, and at the same time, you get
paid. I’ve been doing this for 26 years
and I love it. A number of my family
members also are in the SIU.
Marilou Toledo
Chief Cook
You have a chance to travel all
over the world, and it’s a goodpaying job. This career has helped
me and my family a lot.
Exxl Ronquillo
Recertified Steward
This was the best opportunity for me
and my family. You can travel around
the world. I’ve always appreciated the
SIU since I joined in 1989.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
16 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 16
Steward-department Seafarers are pictured aboard the Long Lines in October 1981 in Newark, New Jersey, where the cable
ship was prepping for its next job. Overall, the galley gang included 22 people – part of a crew of 120 that was almost evenly
split between licensed and unlicensed personnel. Few steward-department names are available in the original captions that
accompanied this and other photos from the AT&T ship, but, Chief Cook Ralph Trotman is in front, second from right; Saloon
Messman Terrence McArdle is seated at far left in the second row; Saloon Messman Pierre Bailey is seated at far right in the
second row; and Third Cook Clarence Lacey is standing second from right in the back row.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
MOHAMED ALI
Brother Mohamed Ali, 66, began
sailing with the SIU in 1993.
He first sailed
aboard the Independence and
worked in all
three departments. Brother
Ali upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
He last sailed
aboard the USNS Red Cloud and
lives in Oakland, California.
FELICISIMO BALORAN
Brother Felicisimo Baloran,
67, joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1999,
initially sailing aboard the
Independence.
He shipped in
the steward department, most
recently aboard
the Maunalei. Brother Baloran is a
Honolulu resident.
RICHARD BARNHART
Brother Richard Barnhart, 62,
signed on with the Seafarers
International
Union in 1990
when he sailed
on the Flickertail State. He
upgraded often
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school and
shipped in the
deck department. Brother Barnhart’s final vessel was the Horizon
Enterprise. He resides in Murrieta,
California.
KERMIT BENGTSON
Brother Kermit Bengtson, 67,
became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1999.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Bengtson’s first vessel
was the Long Lines; his last, the
Comet. He lives in Wells, Nevada.
RAMON DURAN
Brother Ramon Duran, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992,
initially sailing
on the Independence. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school in
1997. Brother
Duran last shipped on the Horizon
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 17
Pacific and makes his home in
Stockton, California.
CARLITO EPISIOCO
Brother Carlito Episioco, 65,
signed on with the union in 1988,
initially shipping
with Crowley
Towing and
Transportation. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Episioco last shipped aboard the
APL Thailand. He is a Las Vegas
resident.
REGINALD GREEN
Brother Reginald Green, 65,
started sailing with the union
in 1978 when
he worked for
Southern Ohio
Towing. He
primarily sailed
in the deck department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1985.
Brother Green’s final vessel was
the Ambassador. He lives in
Tampa, Florida.
JAIME GUERRERO
partment. Sister Rogers upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She most recently
sailed aboard the Ohio and calls
Clarksville, Tennessee, home.
Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Currence remained
with the same company for his
entire career. He resides in Gulf
Breeze, Florida.
JOHN SCHAFER
JOHN FIGGINS
Brother John Schafer, 57, donned
the SIU colors
in 1993 when he
shipped on the
Gemini. An engine department
member, he upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Schafer’s final
vessel was
the Indiana Harbor. He lives in
Blackduck, Minnesota.
Brother John Figgins, 64, signed
on with the union in 2007, initially sailing
aboard the Adam
E. Cornelius.
Brother Figgins
was a deck department member and upgraded
on multiple
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
He was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and settled
in Montpelier, Ohio.
JOSEPHUS WILLIS
Brother Josephus Willis, 61, began
sailing with the union in 1999. He
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on several occasions and was a
member of the deck department.
Brother Willis’ first vessel was the
USNS Pollux; his last, the Cape
Race. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia.
GREAT LAKES
STEVEN MCDONALD
Brother Jaime Guerrero, 66,
joined the union in 2001 and first
sailed aboard
the Fredericksburg. He sailed
in both the deck
and engine departments and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Guerrero most recently shipped on
the Maersk Detroit and resides in
Selma, North Carolina.
Brother Steven McDonald, 62,
joined the union in 1993 and
first sailed with
Upper Lakes
Barge Lines.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school in
1995. Brother
McDonald remained with the
same company for the duration of
his career. He resides in Escanaba,
Michigan.
PERRY McCALL
JUAN SANCHEZ
Brother Perry McCall, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1982 when
he sailed on the
Cove Leader.
He shipped in
the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the Piney
Point school.
Brother McCall
concluded his career on the Cape
Orlando and settled in Modesto,
California.
Brother Juan Sanchez, 65, started
sailing with the union in 1974,
initially shipping on the J.T.
Hutchinson. A
deck department member,
Brother Sanchez
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. He concluded his career
working with Great Lakes Towing
and lives in Cape Coral, Florida.
SHIRLEY ROGERS
Sister Shirley Rogers, 66, became
a member of the
Seafarers International Union
in 2016. She
initially sailed
aboard the Edward A. Carter,
Jr. and worked in
the steward de-
INLAND
STEVEN CURRENCE
Brother Steven Currence, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989 when he shipped
with Moran Towing of Texas. He
was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney
RUSSELL FURTNEY
Brother Russell Furtney, 67,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2013.
He upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions and was a
member of the
deck department.
Brother Furtney
worked with
Foss Maritime for the duration of
his career. He lives in Seattle.
THOMAS MERCER
Brother Thomas Mercer, 62,
started sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Mercer was employed by Allied
Transportation
for his entire
career. He resides in Emerald Isle,
North Carolina.
JOSE GONZALEZ-MORALES
ANTHONY RINKUS
Brother Anthony Rinkus, 64,
joined the Seafarers in 1990 and
first shipped aboard the George
Washington. He upgraded at the
Piney Point school in 2001 and
worked for Port Imperial Ferry
for the duration of his career.
Brother Rinkus resides in Chalmette, Louisiana.
STEPHEN THALHEIMER
Brother Stephen Thalheimer,
62, signed on
with the union
in 1992. A deck
department
member, he was
employed by
Moran Towing
of Maryland
for his entire
career. Brother
Thalheimer settled in Dover,
Delaware.
ROBERT VAN BLUNK
Brother Robert Van Blunk, 63,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1978 when he sailed
with Mariner Towing. He was a
member of the deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school within a year after joining the union. Brother Van Blunk
was last employed by McAllister
Towing and is a Philadelphia
resident.
JAMES WILKISON
Brother James
Wilkison, 62,
started sailing
with the Seafarers in 2004. He
sailed in the
deck department
and worked for
G&H Towing
for the duration
of his career. Brother Wilkison
resides in Houston.
NMU
Brother Jose Gonzalez-Morales,
66, signed on with the union
in 1976 when he worked with
Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He
sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother
Gonzalez-Morales continued
working for the same company
for the duration of his career. He
makes his home in Miami.
MIECZYSLAW PEKALSKI
DANIEL MORRIS
Sister Raymona
Pohlman, 65,
became a member of the SIU in
2001. She sailed
with the NMU
prior to the SIU/
NMU merger.
Sister Pohlman
was a member
of the steward
department and concluded her
career on the Chelsea. She makes
her home in Arcade, New York.
Brother Daniel Morris, 66, donned
the SIU colors
in 1986. A deck
department
member, he was
employed by
Crowley Towing
and Transportation for most
of his career.
Brother Morris
is a resident of
Laurel Fork, Virginia.
Brother Mieczyslaw Pekalski, 65,
donned the SIU colors during the
2001 SIU/NMU Merger. A deck
department member, he upgraded
at the Piney Point school in
2002. Brother Pekalski last sailed
aboard the Energy Enterprise. He
resides in Poland.
RAYMONA POHLMAN
Seafarers LOG 17
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
NGOC ALLEN
Pensioner Ngoc Allen, 70, passed
away February 15. She joined the
Seafarers International Union
in 1988 and first
shipped on the
Bonnyman. Sister
Allen sailed in the
steward department and concluded her career
aboard the Ocean
Atlas. She became
a pensioner in 2016 and settled in
Robertsdale, Alabama.
EDWARD CAIN
Pensioner Edward Cain, 81, died
April 19. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1960
when he sailed
aboard the
Sampan Hitch.
Brother Cain was
a deck department
member and last
shipped on the
Independence. He
retired in 2002 and resided in Grand
Bay, Alabama.
DOYLE ELLETTE
Pensioner Doyle Ellette, 75, passed
away April 4. He signed on with
the SIU in 1969,
initially sailing
aboard the Eagle
Traveler. Brother
Ellette was a
deck department
member. He last
shipped on the
Constellation
before going on
pension in 2011.
Brother Ellette lived in Irvington,
Alabama.
REUBEN FIFE
Pensioner Reuben
Fife, 74, died
March 7. A deck
department member, he started
sailing with the
union in 1987.
Brother Fife’s
first vessel was
the USNS Silas
Bent; his last, the
Intrepid. He became a pensioner in
2015 and settled in Thailand.
JERRY GONZAGA
Pensioner Jerry Gonzaga, 70, passed
away March 31. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1989. The
deck department
member’s first
vessel was the
Independence.
Brother Gonzaga
last shipped on
the USNS Wheeler
before retiring in
2017. He resided
in Omaha, Nebraska.
DAVID KNUTSON
Pensioner David Knutson, 67,
18 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 18
died March 10. He joined the SIU
in 1976, initially shipping on the
Saginaw Bay. Brother Knutson was
a member of the deck department
and last sailed aboard the USNS Red
Cloud in 2007. He became a pensioner in 2021 and settled in Medford, Oregon.
was the USNS
Capella; his last,
the Cleveland.
Brother Vinca
became a pensioner in 2006
and settled in
Corpus Christi,
Texas.
FERDINAND LUGO
Pensioner Ferdinand Lugo, 83,
passed away March 3. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1990. A
deck department
member, Brother
Lugo first sailed
on the Sea Fox.
After concluding
his career aboard
the Alliance Fairfax, he retired in
2015. Brother Lugo made his home
in Jacksonville, Florida.
JULIAN MENDOZA
Pensioner Julian Mendoza, 89, died
March 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1961, initially
sailing with Waterman Steamship.
Brother Mendoza
sailed in all three
departments. He
last shipped on
the Cleveland
before becoming a
pensioner in 1998.
Brother Mendoza called Laredo,
Texas, home.
LUIS PEREZ COLON
Pensioner Luis Perez Colon, 77,
passed away April 15. He began
sailing with the
Seafarers in 1970;
one of his first
ships was operated by MooreMcCormack.
Brother Perez
Colon was a
deck department
member and also
worked on shore
gangs. He last worked for Horizon
Lines of Puerto Rico before retiring
in 2006. Brother Perez Colon lived
in Puerto Rico.
GILBERTO SERRANO
Pensioner Gilberto Serrano, 84,
died April 2. He joined the union
in 1961 and was
a steward department member.
Brother Serrano first sailed
aboard the Alcoa
Pilgrim. He last
shipped on the
Hawaii and went
on pension in
2003. Brother
Serrano was a resident of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.
MIGUEL VINCA
Pensioner Miguel Vinca, 81,
passed away March 31. He started
sailing with the SIU in 1990.
Brother Vinca sailed in the steward department. His first vessel
GREAT LAKES
JAMES JOHNSON
Pensioner James Johnson, 93, died
April 14. He joined the Seafarers
International Union in 1953. Brother
Johnson first worked for Michigan
Interstate Railway. He was last employed by Michigan Tankers before
his retirement in 1975. Brother Johnson lived in Traverse City, Michigan.
LYNN MINER
Pensioner Lynn Miner, 72, passed
away February
25. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1978 when he
sailed with Michigan Interstate
Railway. Brother
Miner worked in
all three departments and last
shipped on the
Buffalo. He became a pensioner in
2014 and resided in Beulah, Michigan.
RICHARD ROWLAND
Pensioner Richard Rowland, 73,
died March 16. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 2004. An
engine department member,
Brother Rowland
first sailed on the
Sam Laud. He last
shipped on the
Burns Harbor and
went on pension
in 2015. Brother
Rowland resided in Hampstead,
North Carolina.
INLAND
ELTON ADAMS
Pensioner Elton Adams, 79, passed
away March 15. A member of the
deck department,
he joined the
union in 1963.
Brother Adams
first worked for
Hvide Marine.
He was last
employed with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. Brother
Adams became a pensioner in 2005
and made his home in Hemphill,
Texas.
WAYNE BERRY
Pensioner Wayne Berry, 66, died
March 28. He signed on with the
Seafarers in 1987. Sailing in the
deck department, Brother Berry
worked for Crowley Towing and
Transportation for the duration of his
career. He went on pension in 2007
and was a Phoenix resident.
BERNARD CAIRES
Pensioner Bernard Caires, 78,
passed away March 8. He joined
the SIU in 1981
and first sailed
with Gloucester
Fisherman’s
Fund. Brother
Caires was a
member of the
deck department.
He concluded
his career with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation and retired in
2009. Brother Caires resided in Cape
Canaveral, Florida.
STEWART CORRY
Pensioner Stewart Corry, 89, died
August 15. He began sailing with
the SIU in 1962.
Brother Corry
was employed
by G&H Towing
for his entire career. He became
a pensioner in
1999 and settled
in Houston, his
birthplace.
MICHAEL DOUTHITT
Pensioner Michael Douthitt, 74,
passed away March 23. He signed
on with the union
in 1983, initially
working with
Dravo Basic Materials. Brother
Douthitt sailed in
the deck department. He was
last employed by
Martin Marietta
and went on pension in 2011. Brother Douthitt made
his home in Houma, Louisiana.
HENRY FOSTER
Pensioner Henry Foster, 88, died
March 14. He became a member of
the Seafarers International Union
in 1962 when he
worked for R.K.
Davis Transportation. Brother
Foster was a deck
department member. He concluded
his career with
Express Marine
before retiring in 1999. Brother
Foster resided in Pinetown, North
Carolina.
ELWIN LEBOUEF
Pensioner Elwin Lebouef, 74, passed
away April 3. A steward department member, he
joined the Seafarers in 1992.
Brother Lebouef
first shipped with
Dixie Carriers.
He most recently
worked with Allied Transportation and began
collecting his
pension in 2014. Brother Lebouef
lived in Houma, Louisiana.
JERRY MUNSON
Pensioner Jerry Munson, 83, died
April 2. He donned the SIU colors in
1970, initially
sailing with
Michigan Tankers. Brother
Munson was a
member of the
deck department
and was last
employed by
Mariner Towing. He became
a pensioner in 2000 and settled in
Green Bay, Wisconsin.
WILLIAM PARKS
Pensioner William Parks, 92, passed
away February 26. He embarked on
his career with
the union in 1970
when he worked
for Moran Towing of Virginia.
Brother Parks
sailed in the deck
department and
was last employed
by STC Peggy S.
Corporation. He
retired in 1991 and lived in Onancock, Virginia.
THEOPHLIOUS WALLACE
Pensioner Theophlious Wallace, 92,
died April 16. He signed on with the
Seafarers International Union
in 1970. Brother
Wallace was first
employed with
Brooklyn Eastern
District Terminal.
He last worked
with New York
Railroad Company and went on
pension in 2001. Brother Wallace
went on pension in 2001 and settled
in Staten Island, New York.
NMU
GEORGE BROWN
Pensioner George Brown, 78, died
March 25. He sailed with the NMU
prior to the 2001 merger with SIU.
Brother Brown was an engine department member. He last sailed
aboard the Eric G. Gibson before becoming a pensioner in 2008. Brother
Brown made his home in Shreveport, Louisiana.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME
Fernandez, Miguel
Kasky, Benny
Walker, Earl
West, Lawrence
AGE
DOD
94
100
89
93
04/09/2022
03/16/2022
04/12/2022
04/16/2022
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
HORIZON ENTERPRISE
(Sunrise Operations), February 19 – Chairman George
Khan, Secretary Toney Morris, Educational Director
Carlos Amaya Avila, Deck
Delegate Gerald Durham,
Engine Delegate Michael John
Valdez, Steward Delegate
Jaime Austria. Chairman
reminded crew to follow the
company’s COVID-19 policy
and mentioned new policy
promoting safe workplaces.
Crew discussed CHS and the
long wait for physicals to clear.
Educational director reminded
members to keep documents up
to date. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members were
reminded to keep all public places clean. Crew made
several recommendations for
the next standard contract negotiation. Recommendations
included the availability of
Wi-Fi at all times, a raise in
overtime budgets when there
is an annual crew raise, as well
as raises in vacation pay and
dental coverage. Members suggested annual pay raises and
dental benefits for pensioners
to match membership rates.
CHS is not doing a very good
job with physicals. According
to members, CHS doesn’t answer phone calls and takes too
long to provide results.
COMMITMENT (TOTE Services), February 21 – Chairman Anthony Newbill, Engine
Delegate John Albritton.
Chairman thanked members
for a safe voyage and reminded
everyone to leave clean rooms
for oncoming crew. Secretary
praised crew for keeping mess
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes.
The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
hall clean. Educational director encouraged members to
upgrade at the Piney Point
school and to stay on top of
documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members
requested improvements to the
movie room, more gym equipment, transformers for rooms,
better Wi-Fi and an upgrade
to the computer room. Crew
also asked for improvements
to health coverage, better communication from union hall and
more clarification for shore
leave. Next port: Brunswick,
Georgia.
EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March
18 – Chairman Abdulkarim
Mohamed, Secretary Troy
Smith, Educational Director
Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate Mark Canada. Chairman
advised crew to take advantage
of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. Educational director
urged members to check documents for expiration. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
still without Wi-Fi access.
Members were encouraged
to donate to SPAD (Seafarers
Political Activity Donation, the
union’s voluntary political action fund). Steward department
was commended for a job well
done. Crew requested increases
to retirement and medical benefits. Next port: Cherry Point,
Washington.
MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk
Line, Limited), March
20 – Chairman Ferdinand
Gongora, Secretary Glenn
Williams, Educational Director
Samuel Sanders, Deck Delegate Zachary Ballard, Steward Delegate Adele Messina.
Chairman commended crew for
a wonderful trip. Secretary reminded members to place used
linens in laundry bag outside in
passageway before departure.
Educational director recommended that crew upgrade at
the Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested increases
in vacation to 20 for 30 and
asked for one day off per
month. Crew would like to see
all contracted companies under
one standard contract.
USNS BRUCE HEEZEN
(Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.),
March 27 – Chairman Robert
Natividad, Secretary Tyrane
Savage, Educational Director Michael Ribeiro, Deck
Delegate Abdo Saleh, Engine
Delegate Alex Oliva, Steward
Delegate Emmanuel Matias.
Educational director reiterated
the importance of upgrading at
the Paul Hall Center. Members
were advised to keep a current
address on file. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed COVID-19 home test
kits and a possible data breach
at CHS. Letters regarding data
breach have been mailed out.
Educational director stressed
the importance of remaining
ready and available due to the
ongoing war in Ukraine. Members requested internet access.
ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), March 27 – Chairman
John Cedeno, Secretary In-
grid Ortiz-Rosario, Educational Director Jesus
Martinez-Ortiz, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin. Chairman reminded members to
keep all documents safe when
going ashore. He explained
the importance of contributing to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and
401K participation. Chairman
thanked everyone for good
housekeeping, working safely,
and reported positive moral on
ship. Members were instructed
to place used linens in laundry
bags outside stateroom doors.
New linens will be issued
the day before arrival of new
sign-on. Educational director
advised crew to take advantage
of the upgrading opportunities
at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. Interested members should submit applications
well in advance due to high
demand. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. DVR is on order
for crew lounge. Crew would
like better pillows and new
mattresses. Members asked
when requests for standbys will
be reestablished instead of pay
in lieu of day off. Crew went
over various topics including
pension, vacation and 401K
benefits as well as tour of duty
completions. Steward department was thanked for a job
well done organizing storage
spaces. Next port: Jacksonville,
Florida.
NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 27
– Chairman Joseph White,
Secretary Lionel Packnett,
Deck Delegate Hernando
Bansuelo, Engine Delegate
Christian Frederick, Steward Delegate Esperanza
Crespo-Guillen. Crew expressed gratitude for new
contractual wage increase.
Chairman thanked members for a job well done.
He reminded everyone to
be considerate of shipmates
by cleaning up after themselves and being quiet in
passageways. Crew reviewed
new contractual working
rules and wages. Secretary
thanked members for helping
with storage and garbage,
and keeping the mess halls
clean. Educational director
reminded everyone of the
benefits of upgrading often
at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new
mattresses. Next port: Houston.
JEAN ANNE (PASHA),
April 3 – Chairman
Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair.
Secretary stressed the
importance of member
participation in contract
discussions with company.
Crew went over various
contract negotiation topics
including days required for
retirement, 401K matching, cost of living increases
and physical requirements.
No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members requested new mattresses and
flatscreen TVs in rooms.
Good morale reported on
ship. Vote of thanks given
to steward department for
doing an outstanding job.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 19
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions
under which an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members should know
their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In the
event anyone attempts to require any such
payment be made without supplying a receipt,
or if a member is required to make a payment
and is given an official receipt, but feels that
he or she should not have been required to
make such payment, this should immediately
be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 19
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
June 27
August 29
July 15
September 16
Radar/ARPA
October 10
October 21
Lifeboat/Water Survival
August 1
August 29
September 26
October 24
November 21
August 12
September 9
October 7
November 4
December 2
Fast Rescue Boat
June 20
August 22
June 24
August 26
RFPNW
July 25
September 26
November 14
August 1
August 12
October 14
December 2
August 19
Leadership and Management Skills
August 8
August 12
Advanced Shiphandling
August 22
September 2
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
Advanced Stability
September 5
September 9
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Welding
October 31
November 18
Engineroom Resource Management
August 1
August 5
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
July 11
August 15
September 19
August 12
September 16
October 21
ServSafe Management
July 4
August 8
September 12
July 8
August 12
September 16
Advanced Galley Operations
June 20
August 15
October 10
July 15
September 9
November 4
Chief Steward
July 18
September 12
November 14
August 12
October 7
December 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
September 19
September 23
Medical Care Provider
September 26
September 30
Basic Training
August 8
October 3
August 12
October 7
Basic Training Revalidation
July 8
July 11
July 15
August 1
July 8
Juy 11
July 15
August 1
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
August 29
December 12
September 2
December 16
Government Vessels
June 27
July 18
August 1
August 15
August 29
September 19
September 26
October 17
October 24
July 1
July 22
August 5
August 19
September 2
September 23
September 30
October 21
October 28
RFPEW
July 25
September 26
November 14
August 19
October 21
December 9
FOWT
August 29
October 24
September 23
November 18
Junior Engineer
July 11
September 19
September 2
November 11
Marine Electrician
October 31
December 2
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
October 24
October 28
Marine Refer Tech
September 19
October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
Advanced Refer Containers
July 18
July 29
June 27
October 24
July 1
October 28
Welding
July 11
September 26
July 29
October 14
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
August 15
October 31
August 19
November 4
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 20
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s
Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
6/22
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #881 – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jahnia Cain, Peter Krsna Katha Espinosa, Julius Franks II, Shailynn Guillory, Justin
Manley, Zachary Parker, Alton Simpson, William Taylor, Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams.
UA to AS-D – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryan Aleman Medina,
Robert Coleman III, Jacob Couvillon, Richard Diaz Jr., and Brandon Hoisington. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)
UA to AS-D – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik
Arnold and Tyler Vitulli.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG (Phase III) – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical
order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran,
Travis Morris and Jaime Rios.
Welding & Metallurgy – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvin Ebdane Alcasid, Diole Abello Bonifacio, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Wordell U’lam Prescott
and Lonny Scott. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far left.
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 21
Seafarers LOG 21
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels (Bosuns) – Graduated March 18 (above,
from left): Naser Abdulaziz Saed Ahmed, Gregory Jackson and
Franz Eder.
Government Vessels – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Roslyn Anderson, Toby Blunt, Joherky
Concepcion Castillo, Orin Godfrey Jr., Anthony Martinez, Shereka Morris, Rahman Phillip, Brian Alberto Rojas
Perez, Michael Smith and Donald Williams Jr.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 18 (above, in
alphabetical order): Daniel Hanback, Nathaniel Lynch and Roger
Stewart.
Machinist – Graduated April 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Vernon Van Humbles, Daniel
Jaim Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 22: Juan Rafael
Santiago Robles (left) and Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez.
Small Arms – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Hassan Ahmed, Franz Eder, Noel Ramos Gemo, Gregory Jackson, Charles James, Mustafa Abdul Malik,
Tomas Merel, Godofredo Froiland Milabo III, Nadiyah Taylor and Montiesha Wilcox. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
22 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 22
June 2022
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Mohsen Munassar
Alamri, Luke Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Jahmal Jones, Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani, Michael McGlone, Justin
Nicholson, Gajatri Normatova and Julius Castillo Udan.
Basic First Aid – Graduated April 29: LBJ
Bliss Tanoa.
Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated April
8: Ronald Caoleng Santos (left) and George Stephanos Galanis.
Government Vessels – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Gilbert Tito Allende Jr., Rodolfo Campbell, Sherron Davita
Decoteau, Theodore Gonzales, Aurora Santos Kirkwood, Toriano Addaryl Lawson Jr., Emily De Dios Lepley, Domenick Longmire,
Mustafa Abdul Malik, George Marcelo Mardones, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Abdulla Nasar Mohamed Mused, Muafa Ali Mohamed Quraish, Isabel Reino Sabio, Derrick Siefke, Kim Smith, Travis Smith, Loretta Stewart, Mukhtar Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh
and Michael Wees.
Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 29: Nicoll QuinonesRodriguez (left) and Agnes Jocson Gamboa.
Important Notice To All Students
Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Domingo Cardona,
Jocecil Lugo Rivera, Nadine Cecile Nomed-Ryf, Samuel Ortiz Reyes, Johanns Rivera-Rivera, Kevin Santiago De
Jesus, Dewayne Thomas and Dennis B. Vega. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
June 2022
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 23
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should
inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.
Seafarers LOG 23
5/20/22 8:11 PM
�JUNE 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 6
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
Seafarers-Crewed Ocean Giant
Finishes Operation Deep Freeze
Bosun Richard Hamilton did his
homework before sailing to Antarctica for
the first time, but reading about Operation
Deep Freeze (ODF) definitely isn’t the
same as helping run it.
“I knew what to expect but, being from
Florida, I didn’t know much about winter
clothing,” Hamilton said. “The only ice I
know about goes in a glass.”
Nevertheless, he and his shipmates
aboard the Waterman-operated Ocean
Giant earlier this year successfully
wrapped up the latest iteration of ODF,
the annual resupply mission to McMurdo
Station, which is overseen by the U.S.
National Science Foundation. The mission began in late December on the West
Coast; the Ocean Giant returned to Port
Hueneme, California, in late March.
(Earlier, the SIU-crewed Maersk Peary
delivered fuel to McMurdo during the first
segment of ODF.)
“We had to keep moving to stay
warm,” Hamilton recalled. “The crew did
very well. Everybody did their job. Over-
all, it was a good discharge, especially
considering the conditions we were working in.”
According to the U.S. Military Sealift
Command (MSC), the Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station’s ice pier in
mid-February, after a stop at partner facility in New Zealand. The cargo offload was
conducted by Seabees from Navy Cargo
Handling Battalion ONE. During a 14-day
period, 503 pieces of cargo that include
containers filled with mechanical parts,
vehicles, construction materials, office
supplies and electronics equipment, and
also a modular building were transferred
from the ship, MSC reported. In total, the
SIU-crewed vessel “delivered 80 percent
of the supplies needed (for) the year’s survival at McMurdo Station,” according to
the agency.
“This year’s ODF mission was a great
success for MSC,” said Leonard Bell,
deputy commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific. “The mission presented
unique challenges that the crews of our
Cargo operations (photo below, left) involving the SIU-crewed Ocean Giant take place
during Operation Deep Freeze 2022 in Antarctica. In the file photo directly above, the ship
loads materials in California for a prior iteration of Deep Freeze. (Vessel photo by Vance
Vasquez, courtesy U.S. Navy)
ships and our team on the ground handled
flawlessly. The mission is an example of
the true professionalism and dedication
to duty that our entire team exemplifies
over and over again. We are truly proud to
have supported ODF 2022, and we look
forward to our continued support to the
National Science Foundation in the years
ahead.”
Hamilton said the crew made the best
of it despite not being able to leave the
ship due to COVID-19 protocols, and despite worsening weather.
“The first day, the weather was beauti-
Virginia Backs Jones Act
The Virginia General Assembly earlier this year passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight
Virginia Capitol (in Richmond)
24 Seafarers LOG
73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 24
cabotage law. Text of the resolution
follows.
WHEREAS, Virginia’s rich history
of shipbuilding and maritime trade
makes the Commonwealth a critical hub
in the nation’s transportation system
and essential in the growth of offshore
renewable energy development; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical
importance of maintaining resilient
domestic industries and transportation services for Virginia’s citizens and
workforce; and
WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine
Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act
and codified in Title 46 of the United
States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the
United States be owned by American
companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards;
and
WHEREAS, America’s ability to
project and deploy forces globally and
to supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the
civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and
mariners; and
WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones
Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as additional eyes and ears
to monitor the nation’s 95,000 miles of
shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable
inland waterways; and
WHEREAS, Virginia is home to over
19,280 maritime jobs supported by the
Jones Act that generate $1.3 billion in
labor income; and
ful – cold, but not bad,” he said. “It turned
a lot worse from that point on. Minus-15
degrees was the coldest, and the warmest was 3. I had never experienced cold
weather like that before, but everything
went well between the crew, the McMurdo
personnel, Navy personnel and others who
were involved.”
He added that he would make the voyage again: “It’s definitely something to
see.”
SIU crews have supported Operation
Deep Freeze for decades; the first mission
took place in 1955.
WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs
create ladders of opportunity through
high-paying, family-wage careers that
offer significant career advancement
without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive
student loans; and
WHEREAS, the Jones Act fleet,
more than 40,000 vessels strong, supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs
and over $154 billion in economic output nationally, including more than $4
billion in the Virginia economy; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the
House of Delegates concurring, That
the General Assembly hereby express
its support for the Jones Act. In affirming its resolute support for the
Jones Act, the General Assembly also
celebrates the centennial of the Jones
Act as it continues to foster a strong
domestic maritime industry that is
critical to Virginia’s and the nation’s
economic prosperity and national security; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the
Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of
this resolution to the Speaker of the
United States House of Representatives,
the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Virginia
Congressional Delegation so that they
may be apprised of the sense of the
General Assembly of Virginia in this
matter.
June 2022
5/20/22 8:43 PM
�
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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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JUNE 2022
Description
An account of the resource
DHS SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS BACKS JONES ACT
HOUSE STAFFERS MAY FORM A UNION
INTERNATIONAL PROPELLER CLUB HONORS U.S. REP JOE COURTNEY AT AVENT
USA MARITIME: KEEP 'SHIP AMERICAN' RULES
REAR ADM. PHILLIPS TAKES LEADERSHIP AT U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS HONORED WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL IN D.C.
PENN MARITIME CREWS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT
SEAFARERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT AT VANENKEVORT TUG AND BARGE
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MANDATES U.S. MATERIALS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
VP EMPHASIZES 'HISTORIC COMMITMENT TO WORKER ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT'
AFL-CIO POSTS ANNUAL 'DEATH ON THE JOB' REPORT
COAST GUARD FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES SEABULK CEO
MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM GETS $14.8 MILLION BOOST
FORMER TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY MINETA PASSES AWAY AT 90
NEW SERVICE OFFERS CONVENIENT METHOD TO SHOW VACCINATION STATUS
RENEWING TANKER ASST. ENDORSEMENTS: WHAT SEAFARERS SHOULD KNOW
NOTICE TO SEAFARERS ABOUT ROS SEATIME
COAST GUARD: SHIPBOARD MASK MANDATE NO LONGER IN EFFECT
SEAFARERS-CREWED OCEAN GIANT FINISHES OPERATION DEEP FREEZE
Creator
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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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06/01/2022
Format
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Newsprint
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
VOL. 85, NO. 6
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6a8d5a538096e86814a1ec886a228d46.pdf
3900d65ed2868ae8a593cd227f4967ee
PDF Text
Text
MAY 2022
VOLUME 84, 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
U.S. House Hearing Underscores
Need for Strong Maritime Industry
Readiness Requires Reliance on ‘Commercial Industry Partners’
The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation
Command and the acting head of the U.S. Maritime
Administration recently told a key House subcommittee that the U.S. Merchant Marine remains vital
to the nation’s security. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
(left in photo at left) and Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley (right in same photo) also offered candid assessments of challenges facing the
industry. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut)
(right in photo above) chaired the hearing. Page 3.
U.S. Ready Reserve Force
Becomes More Modern
Modernization of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is underway, as the
Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration recently announced its
purchase of two vessels: the Honor (below) and Freedom (photo at right), both
roll-on/roll-off ships. Formerly part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, both
ships will be renamed as they join the RRF. Page 4.
Financial Committee Meets
Page 2
Remembering Don Young
Page 5
�President’s Report
Union Yes
The recent win by workers who formed a union at an Amazon distribution
center in New York is excellent news in its own right, but it also signals even
greater potential for employees across the country.
For anyone who missed it, this was no April Fools’ Day joke: On April 1,
more than 2,500 individuals voted to join the Amazon Labor Union. They won the election by more
than 500 votes, overcoming a massive anti-union
campaign and securing the first such victory in
the company’s history. One prominent publication
called it “one of the biggest wins for organized
labor in a generation.”
Whether an election happens at a large facility
like the Amazon warehouse or at comparatively
smaller ones like the various Starbucks locations
that have recently unionized, it’s always heartening to see workers pulling together and choosing
union representation. It also demonstrates that even
though our nation’s labor laws remain severely outMichael Sacco
dated, workers can in fact beat the odds and win.
Labor unions have always served as the strongest employee advocate in any workplace. From
factory floors to the federal government to the deckplates, union members have
always counted on their organization to fight for their rights, wages, safety and
health care. Through continual work and perseverance, unions will remain a
cornerstone of the American workforce.
It would be even better news if wins like the one at Amazon were the rule
rather than the exception. And I believe that’ll be the case if the Protecting the
Right to Organize (PRO) Act becomes law. This legislation, long overdue,
would restore fairness to a process that gradually has become severely slanted
in management’s favor.
When workers want to form or join a union, they should be free to do so,
without employer interference. The PRO Act would give them that chance.
Meanwhile, kudos to the grassroots movement in New York that culminated in
a spirit-lifting victory for workers.
Industry Remains Vital
Comments from the commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command during a recent congressional hearing clearly spelled out how our nation
depends on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost reiterated her support of our industry – including our crews – saying the time is now
for American-flag fleet revitalization.
On the latter point, the Ready Reserve Force began taking steps in the right
direction with the acquisitions of two newer ships. This is a good start, and I’m
hopeful it’s just that: a start. The RRF is a critical component of our nation’s
sealift. It should consist of modern vessels.
Be sure to read our coverage of the hearing, which also included excellent
remarks by Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and by representatives from both sides of the aisle.
Upgrading in Piney Point
I’ve recently had opportunities to spend a fair amount of time at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. It’s good to see our operations safely
moving back towards something that resembles pre-pandemic times, even if
we’re not totally there yet.
As the school ramps up its course frequency, I encourage Seafarers to take
advantage of everything it offers. The Paul Hall Center is the key to moving up,
boosting your earning power, and staying on top of the requirements for your
particular job.
Check out the upgrading course schedule in the LOG or on the SIU website. If you need help getting started, contact the school, your port agent or the
union’s membership assistance office. Plenty of people are ready and willing to
help.
I remain proud of the school, which has come a long, long way in its nearly
55 years of operation. It’s a first-class facility with modern equipment and a
great staff, and it happens to be located on a very scenic spot. Utilize it for a
brighter future.
Committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work.
Members Review Paperwork at Headquarters
Rank-And-File Seafarers Approve
Union’s 2021 Financial Records
Seven SIU members in early April approved
the union’s financial records for 2021.
The SIU Constitution requires that a group
of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow
members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Accordingly, this process began with
the financial committee’s election in Piney
Point, Maryland, and then in the following
days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU
Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland.
The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2021 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 June membership meetings.
Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (chairman), Chief
Steward Richard Toth, QMED Riley Donahue, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo, Recertified
Bosun Gerard Costello, Chief Steward Cayetano Toledo and Recertified Steward Exxl
Ronquillo.
They were elected April 4 at the monthly
membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education.
The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU
Constitution, which lists the duties of the an-
nual financial committee along with rules and
procedures for electing the group.
In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined
the procedure for controlling of the funds of
the union and have found that the system of
internal control is adequate to safeguard them
properly…. 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 accordance 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 Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift
also worked with the committee “and made
himself and the records of his office available”
to the group, according to the report.
Finally, the union’s legal counsel met with
the committee and made themselves available
should the committee members have any questions.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 84 Number 5
May 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
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Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
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Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright ©
2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
Finance committee members and headquarters personnel are pictured as the group wrapped up its work.
Seated (from left) are Chief Steward Cayetano Toledo, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo and QMED Riley Donahue. Standing (also from left) are Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Chief Steward Richard Toth, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (who chaired the
committee), and Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer.
May 2022
�U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman
(R-Virginia)
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney
(D-Connecticut)
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
Commander, TRANSCOM
Lucinda Lessley
Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator
Military Readiness ‘Inextricably Linked’
To U.S. Commercial Maritime Industry
House Hearing Emphasizes Need for U.S. Crews, Newer Ships
A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives featured candid discussion about
challenges facing the maritime industry, and
also emphasized the critical need for a strong
U.S. Merchant Marine.
Two individuals testified at the March 31
gathering, conducted by the House Armed
Services Subcommittee on Readiness and
Seapower and Projection Forces: U.S. Air
Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the United States Transportation
Command (TRANSCOM); and Acting U.S.
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley.
Titled “Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise,” the hearing featured strong
words of support for U.S. mariners, not just
from the panelists but also from legislators.
Chairman Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut),
after pointing out that U.S. “mobility forces”
already had conducted more than 200 missions
“in support of the effort to deliver weapons
and supplies to the brave people fighting in
Ukraine” expressed wide-ranging distress about
sustaining the ability to execute such missions.
“Today, the ships and aircraft that comprise
our sealift and airlift capabilities are challenged
by readiness shortfalls, obsolescence, and an
evolving threat landscape,” he said. “Congress
has acted on a bipartisan basis to address some
of these issues….”
For example, Courtney commended the
recent securing of full authorization for the
Tanker Security Program (TSP).
Courtney also said he remains “very concerned about the path forward on recapitalizing
our sealift fleet. In just a decade, nearly threequarters of our fleet will reach the end of their
service life…. I remain firmly committed to the
three-pronged strategy of cost-effective life extensions for current ships, the procurement of a
discrete number of used ships and the start of a
domestic new-build effort…. We will continue
to look at an ‘all of the above plan’ for sealift,
rather than the either-or choice between used or
new ships.”
Ranking Member Rob Wittman (R-Virginia)
said of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “If there is
anything in this war that we can use as a lesson
learned, it is the value of our logistics forces and
their need to pace with the combat forces…. I
would propose a strategy that expands our
Tanker Security Program; that ensures our intra-theater connector strategy is coupled with a
prepositioned force appropriate for the Pacific
distances our forces will be required to traverse;
that has adequate surge sealift forces; and, that
has adequate bulk fuel stores positioned at the
correct locations….”
Van Ovost stressed the military’s reliance on
“our commercial industry partners” to help ensure ongoing readiness. She said the country’s
ability to “project and sustain military forces
anywhere on the globe at a time and place of
our nation’s choosing … could not happen
without our total force and civilian personnel,
who are critical to our daily capacity and ability
to seamlessly transition to a wartime footing.
The DOD’s ability to project military forces
is inextricably linked to commercial industry.
These industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet
day-to-day and wartime requirements.”
Emphasizing those points, the general
added, “During times of war, 90% of our personnel are transported via commercially contracted air and 90% of our military cargo is
transported by sealift vessels.”
Van Ovost also said recapitalizing the sealift
fleet must be a top priority.
“By 2032, approximately 70% of government-owned surge sealift ships will approach
the end of their service life and must be replaced,” she stated. “DOD, DOT, U.S. Navy
and TRANSCOM made initial progress in executing the strategy to recapitalize the fleet with
used sealift ships from the commercial market
and are working through the process of the initial purchases. The Vessel Acquisition Manager
will also survey additional ships authorized for
purchase in FY22. These first ships are a welcome beginning to the recapitalization of vital
square footage and capacity.”
Lessley described many of the laws and
programs that help maintain the U.S. maritime
industry and then pointed out, “These programs
are sustained by a strong and highly qualified
U.S. Merchant Marine and shoreside personnel.
As they always have during times of crisis in
our nation’s history, U.S. Merchant Mariners
and other critical transportation infrastructure
workers – including longshore workers, truckers, rail workers, and warehouse workers – have
gone above and beyond during the COVID-19
pandemic to ensure the effective operation of
our maritime transportation system and our intermodal supply chains. These essential workers have moved record volumes of cargo often
at great personal risk, and we remember their
heroic efforts and sacrifices during the COVID19 pandemic.”
Like other speakers, Lessley also described
challenges to the nation’s strategic sealift capability, which she said includes “an aging fleet,
operations in increasingly contested environments, a shortage of available mariners, and
unprecedented readiness challenges brought on
by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
She pointed out, for instance, that the Ready
Reserve Force (RRF) consists of just 41 government-owned vessels. “This is nearly the
smallest the RRF has been since inception and
provides only a fraction of the sealift needed by
the DOD,” she said.
Lessley added, “Due to the declining number of ships in the U.S.-flag oceangoing fleet,
MARAD is concerned about our ability to
quickly assemble an adequate number of qualified mariners to operate large ships for surge
and sustainment sealift operations if an extended mobilization were to occur.”
She then explained some of the steps the
agency is taking for potential mitigation.
Meeting With Ukrainian Ambassador
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (fifth from left), in his role as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, joined other officials in meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Singapore
Kateryna Zelenko (fourth from right). During an April gathering in Singapore, they discussed current conditions for Ukrainian mariners and the suffering of citizens in Ukraine. ITF
General Secretary Steve Cotton is between Heindel and the ambassador. Also pictured are (from left) John Canias, ITF Maritime Department; Simon Spacey, VP Human Resources,
CMA-CGM; Guy Platten, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping; George Pitaoulis, Marine Personnel and Development Director, ABC Maritime; Vitalii Chaika, Group
Crewing Director at ASP Ship Management; Capt. Belal Ahmed, Managing Director, Western Shipping; and Francesco Gargiulo, CEO, International Maritime Employers Council.
May 2022
Seafarers LOG 3
�RRF Adds Two Newer Vessels to Fleet
The Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a
vital component of United States combat
deployment capability, is set to receive
some critically needed tonnage this year.
The Honor and Freedom are expected to
enter service this fall, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD).
The two ships, formerly part of the
American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC)
fleet, will be renamed the Cape Arundel
and Cape Cortes, respectively, adding
more than 432,000 square feet of total
sealift capacity and 316,000 square feet of
military cargo capacity, MARAD reported.
Both vessels carried military cargoes (and
SIU crews) for many years and participated
in the Maritime Security Program (MSP).
The two ships will replace older vessels retired in Fiscal Year 2022 and will be owned
by the Department of Transportation.
“The Ready Reserve Force is an essential element of U.S. national security,”
said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are proud to use this innovative
method to more quickly acquire two additional vessels and ensure America’s Ready
Reserve Fleet is always ready to answer
the call.”
According to MARAD, “The Ready
Reserve Force is a subset of vessels within
MARAD’s National Defense Reserve
Fleet (NDRF) ready to support the rapid
worldwide deployment of U.S. military
forces. As a key element of Department of
Defense (DOD) strategic sealift, the RRF
primarily supports transport of Army and
Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support equipment, and initial resupply during
critical surge periods – the period of time
before commercial ships can be secured for
similar support.”
The Freedom is one of the new scheduled additions to the RRF.
The current RRF is comprised of 41
vessels, which are required to be “at the
ready,” defined by MARAD as “fully operational within their assigned five- and
10-day readiness status.” Most if not all of
those ships include SIU crews, both during
an activation as well as during periods of
reduced operating status (ROS).
“We selected these ships to continue the
RRF recapitalization because each meets
criteria set forth in the National Defense
Authorization Act and provides a standard
set of capabilities that we identified with
the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command,
and U.S. Transportation Command,” said
Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda
Lessley. “These vessels will provide reliable sealift capacity for years to come.”
These vessels were purchased using
a vessel acquisition manager (VAM), an
integrated program office that includes
MARAD and Naval Sea Systems Command members and leverages commercial
practices, according to MARAD. This enables the Departments of Transportation
and Defense “to partner with the industry
to effectively and more quickly replace
aging sealift vessels with newer ships to
meet national security requirements,” the
agency reported.
Previous Maritime Administrator
RADM Mark Buzby, speaking in 2018,
explained the importance of the RRF
when he noted, “From 2002 to June of
2008, 118 ship activations were called for
in support of Operations Enduring Free-
Mobilizing for Atlantic Resolve
The SIU-crewed Endurance (below) and Liberty Passion (above) are among the vessels that
recently began sailing in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, described by the U.S. Army
as a “pre-planned, rotational force deployment (that) was announced in December 2021.” The
Endurance (operated by TOTE Services for ARC) is pictured April 6 arriving in Denmark, while
the Liberty Passion (Liberty Maritime) is shown March 21 in Greece as an M1 Abrams tank
disembarks. According to the Army, “The rotation will include joint and multinational training
events to build readiness, increase interoperability and enhance the bond between NATO Allies and regional partner nations.” (Endurance photo courtesy ARC; Liberty Passion photo by
Spc. Austin Steinborn, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
4 Seafarers LOG
dom and Iraqi Freedom. In that period,
there were 13,575 ship operating days
with a reliability rate of 99 percent. Almost 25 percent of the initial equipment
needed to support the U.S. armed forces
operations in Iraq was moved by the RRF.
By comparison, Military Sealift Command’s combined sealift fleet of large,
medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO)
and fast sealift ships carried 29 percent of
the cargo required for the invasion.
“The RRF provides significant cost
savings to the Department of Defense
by maintaining shipping capacity in a
reduced operating status until needed,”
Buzby added. “These vessels also provide
maximum flexibility to an already thinly
stretched Navy.”
NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo:
Ditch Captive-Audience Meetings
National Labor Relations Board
(NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer
Abruzzo on April 7 issued a memorandum to all field offices announcing that she will ask the board to
find mandatory meetings in which
employees are forced to listen to
employer speech concerning the exercise of their statutory labor rights,
including captive audience meetings,
a violation of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
Abruzzo explained that the board
has long recognized that the NLRA
protects employees’ right to listen to – or refrain from listening
to – employer speech concerning
their rights to act collectively to
improve their workplace. “Forcing
employees to attend captive audience meetings under threat of discipline discourages employees from
exercising their right to refrain from
listening to this speech and is therefore inconsistent with the NLRA,”
the board announced.
The memo asserted that years
ago, the board incorrectly concluded
that an employer does not violate the
NLRA by compelling its employees
to attend meetings in which it makes
speeches urging them to reject union
representation. As a result, employers commonly use explicit or implied
threats to force employees into meetings about unionization or other statutorily protected activity.
“This license to coerce is an anomaly in labor law, inconsistent with the
Act’s protection of employees’ free
choice. It is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of employers’
speech rights,” said Abruzzo. “I believe that the NLRB case precedent,
Jennifer Abruzzo
NLRB General Counsel
which has tolerated such meetings, is
at odds with fundamental labor-law
principles, our statutory language,
and our Congressional mandate. Because of this, I plan to urge the board
to reconsider such precedent and find
mandatory meetings of this sort unlawful.”
She said she’ll urge the board to
correct that anomaly and propose
they adopt “sensible assurances that
an employer must convey to employees in order to make clear that
their attendance at these meetings
is truly voluntary. Such an approach
will appropriately protect employers’
free-speech rights to express views,
arguments, or opinions concerning
the employees’ exercise of their protected labor rights without unduly infringing on the rights of employees to
refrain, or not, from listening to such
expressions.”
May 2022
�Young is pictured in 1998 (photo at right) addressing a Maritime Trades Department meeting, and (third from left in the photo
above) in 2015 during the Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a yearly event (during non-pandemic times) that promotes the
industry. Among those also in the photo are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right).
Pro-Maritime Congressman Young Dies
Alaska and the U.S. maritime industry
lost a unique advocate March 18 when U.S.
Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) died at age 88.
“It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don
Young, the Dean of the House and revered
champion for Alaska, passed away today
while traveling home to Alaska to be with
the state and people that he loved. His
beloved wife Anne was by his side,” said
a statement from his spokesperson, Zach
Brown.
Young was an unwavering backer of
the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was the
only member of Congress who was a licensed merchant mariner, from his days
as a tugboat captain prior to becoming an
elected official. He also spearheaded a direct connection between Alaska citizens
and the apprentice program at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
President Joe Biden stated, “There is
no doubt that few legislators have left a
greater mark on their state. Don’s legacy
lives on in the infrastructure projects he
delighted in steering across Alaska; in the
opportunities he advanced for his constituents; in the enhanced protections for Native tribes he championed. His legacy will
continue in the America he loved.”
“I had many meetings over the years
with Don Young,” recalled SIU President
Michael Sacco. “He truly was one of a
kind. You always knew where you stood
with him. And he always stood with us.”
Young was born on June 9, 1933, in
Meridian, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Chico State
College in 1958. Young moved to Alaska
in 1959, the same year Alaska became a
state. After becoming mayor of Fort Yukon
in 1964, he held various state-level offices
until he was elected to the U.S. House in
1973. He remained U.S. Representative
for nearly 50 years, and was the longestserving current member of Congress at the
time of his death.
Young spoke at the Executive Board
meetings of the SIU-affiliated Maritime
Trades Department, AFL-CIO in both
1998 and 2003. He contributed his voice
and presence in support of many key maritime programs and laws, such as the recently enacted Tanker Security Program,
the Maritime Security Program, The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, and the Jones Act.
“As a mariner myself, I recognize the
crucial role the maritime industry plays in
delivering goods to communities across
the globe,” said Young in 2014. “I am a
strong supporter of the Jones Act, which
I believe is necessary to maintaining a
viable U.S. Merchant Marine fleet that
keeps Alaskan communities fueled and
supplied even in some of the world’s most
challenging conditions. Alaska’s maritime
industry is not only critical to our state’s
economy, it is also an important part of
our state’s identity.”
Paul Doell, president of the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers,
said, “Don Young was a tough, blunt,
reliable advocate of the U.S. merchant
fleet and American merchant mariners in
all trades, and he held close ties to AMO
throughout his long service in the U.S.
House of Representatives. Our union always had an open door to his office, and I
was privileged to have been among AMO
staff members to discuss maritime issues
with him, reveling in his earthy perspective.”
“Everybody knows Don Young,”
Young himself said in a 2016 interview.
“They may not like Don Young; they may
love Don Young. But they all know Don
Young.”
UVC Gains Status as Official AFL-CIO Labor Constituency Group
The Union Veterans Council (UVC)
in mid-March got a boost from the AFLCIO.
The federation’s executive council
(SIU President Michael Sacco is the
longest-serving member of that group)
unanimously voted to recognize the UVC
as the AFL-CIO’s seventh official labor
constituency group.
UVC Executive Director Will Attig
noted, “During the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention, the AFL-CIO passed a resolution
to form the Union Veterans Council. From
its inception, the UVC was a force multiplier for union veterans and all working
families in their fight for economic freedom and security. And we are proud to
announce that because of our success and
growth, the UVC is becoming its own
nonprofit labor organization….”
He continued, “This decision by the
UVC board, with the support of the
AFL-CIO, will allow us to scale our programmatic work and capacity to be even
more effective as we fight to help union
veterans and all working families better
their lives. The Union Veterans Council’s
foundation will remain unchanged and
our mission to bring working-class vet-
erans together to speak out on the issues
that impact us most remains the same….
The Union Veterans Council was built to
protect working-class veterans and their
interests. We will continue to do so now
with greater authority and reach. I want
to thank everyone who was a part of this
transition and for your continued support
in the next part of our journey.”
The related AFL-CIO Executive
Council statement reads in part: “Union
members in every industry, occupation
and region of the country have proudly
and bravely served in the armed forces
of the United States…. Since its founding 13 years ago, the UVC has steadily
and sustainably grown in its outreach, its
effectiveness and its fundraising capacity. With a diligent focus on organizing
– at the national and local level – coupled
with the initiative and creative thinking
of UVC leadership, the UVC has evolved
into a force multiplier for federation
and affiliate organizing, legislative and
electoral campaigns, and other important
initiatives. The UVC has now reached
operational capacity that makes its status
as a constituency organization more appropriate than its former project status.”
Seafarers Contract
Ratified at Inland
Lakes Management
May 2022
The federation’s other constituency
groups are as follows (with descriptions
from the AFL-CIO website:
A. Philip Randolph Institute: APRI
is an alliance between labor and the civil
rights movement. Today, it fights for racial equality and economic justice.
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance: APALA is the nation’s first national organization of AAPI workers. It
focuses on advancing worker, immigrant
and civil rights.
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
CBTU is an independent voice for Black
workers within the labor movement.
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
CLUW unifies union women to face
shared concerns. The coalition focuses
on action on issues important to women
workers.
Labor Council for Latin American
Advancement: LCLAA represents 2 million Latino workers. The council organizes working people to protect the rights
and expand the influence of Latinos.
Pride At Work: Pride@Work brings
together the labor movement and the
LGBTQ community in pursuit of social
and economic justice.
A new four-year contract between the SIU and Inland Lakes Management (ILM) covering licensed mariners has been negotiated and ratified.
ILM operates the SS Alpena on the Great Lakes. The
vessel is a self-unloading bulk carrier that hauls cement.
The contract is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2021 and runs
through Oct. 31, 2025. It calls for annual wage in-
Will Attig
UVC Executive Director
creases and maintains the current health and pension
benefits.
Additionally, the new agreement maintains the
Paul Hall Center benefit for training and upgrading.
Negotiating on behalf of the union were Assistant
Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd
Brdak.
Seafarers LOG 5
�With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan
Vessel master Capt. T. Pham submitted these snapshots from
the U.S. Marine Management, Inc. vessel, which is operating in the Far East. The photo directly above with members
holding flags includes ABDM Fernando Haber, ABW Harvey
Carvajal, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, ABDM Tomas Calderon
Robinson, ABW Peter Stoker and ABW Roy Enriquez. The
tank-cleaning photo (immediate right) includes the aforementioned Seafarers plus Pumpman
Walden Galacgac,
QMED Joshua Bonita,
and QMED Elhassene
Elkori, while the remaining photo at top
right includes (almost)
the whole crew. The
Maersk Michigan is a
600-foot-long product
tanker that was built in
2003 in Japan. It has
a beam of 104 feet.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Migraine: More Than a
Headache, It’s a Disease
Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
A migraine is not merely a headache,
but a neurological disease that can
cause debilitating attacks, often with
other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Episodic and chronic migraines are
terms used to describe how many migraines a person has per day or per
month. These attacks can last for several hours to days.
Migraines are thought to result from
changes in levels of the brain chemicals
in certain regions of the brain. Symptoms vary at different stages of migraines, and they may occur in children
and teenagers as well as adults.
Warning signs that a migraine may
be imminent might include mood
swings, food cravings, increased thirst
and frequent yawning. An aura may be
experienced before or during the migraine. There can be changes in vision
and hearing, and difficulty speaking.
A headache is the actual phase of the
migraine attack and may include pain
on one or possibly both sides of the
head, along with eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sounds and
even smells.
Treatment can range for taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol to heavy sedatives
and narcotics. There are many medica-
6 Seafarers LOG
tions on the market for treatment. Alternative treatments include hypnosis,
relaxation tapes, head-bands, nasal
sprays and acupuncture.
Persistent migraines warrant an appointment with a specialist.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly have signs and
symptoms of migraine, keep a record of
your attacks and how you treated them.
Then make an appointment with your
doctor to discuss your headaches. Even
if you have a history of headaches, see
your doctor if the pattern changes or
your headaches suddenly feel different.”
The organization further recommends immediate treatment if an individual experiences any of the following
signs and symptoms, which may suggest an urgent medical situation: an
abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap; headache with fever, stiff neck,
confusion, seizures, double vision,
numbness or weakness in any part of
the body, which could be a sign of a
stroke; headache after a head injury;
a chronic headache that is worse after
coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement.
Moreover, the American Migraine
Foundation estimates that at least 39
million Americans live with migraine,
but “because many people do not get
a diagnosis or the treatment they need,
the actual number is probably higher.”
Healthy Recipe
Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Thighs
Servings: 24
Ingredients
3/4 cup sriracha sauce, separated 1/4 cup & 1/2 cup
3/4 cup honey
7 pounds chicken thigh,
boneless
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper
flakes
24 whole plums, cut into
wedges
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley,
chopped
Preparation
Whisk together 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce and honey; set aside.
Place chicken in a large resealable plastic storage container; add remaining 1/2 cup
Sriracha sauce, apple cider
vinegar, salt, and crushed red
pepper. Seal container and turn to coat chicken. Let stand in refrigerator for 2 hours.
Preheat a charcoal or gas grill with greased grill rack for direct cooking over medium heat.
Drain chicken; discard marinade. Grill chicken 15 to 20 minutes or until done (165 degrees),
turning several times and brushing with reserved Sriracha-honey mixture.
Brush cut sides of plums with oil and grill, cut sides down, during the last 5 minutes of grilling or until slightly charred. Remove chicken and plums to platter. Cover and let stand 5
minutes. Sprinkle chicken with parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 330 Calories: 21g Fat (56.4% calories from fat);
19g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate, 1g Dietary Fiber; 88mg Cholesterol; 198mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 2 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.
Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
May 2022
�Full Books in Alabama
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 10 - April 11. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 11.
Port
Chief Cook Jonte Crenshaw (left) and AB Daniel Flanagan (right) receive their full B-books. They are pictured
with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White following the March
membership meeting at the hall in Mobile.
Update on SIU Text Alerts
Beginning April 28, 2022, individuals who have signed
up for SIU text alerts were scheduled to begin receiving messages from a new number: (412) 899-8989. (The prior number
was 97779.)
No action is required to maintain an existing subscription. The change is due to new industry regulations that essentially are mandating a move to a “10-digit long code”
(abbreviated as 10DLC) for organizations that send text messages.
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May & June
Membership Meetings
Piney Point..........................................Monday: May 2, June 6
Algonac..............................................Friday: May 6, June 10
Baltimore.....................................Thursday: May 5, June 9
Guam..........................................Thursday: May 19, June 23
Honolulu...........................................Friday: May 13, June 17
Houston.........................................Monday: May 9, June 13
Jacksonville........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9
Joliet............................................Thursday: May12, June 16
Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 11, June 15
New Orleans......................................Tuesday: May 10, June 14
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 3, June 7
Norfolk...............................................Friday: May 6, June 10
Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 12, June 16
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
All Groups
B
Registered on Beach
Trip
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
A
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
20
2
5
17
1
9
8
35
32
23
2
4
18
6
3
1
3
25
2
14
230
5
3
2
4
1
8
1
21
18
7
1
5
11
5
2
3
1
7
1
5
111
3
0
0
4
1
3
0
7
3
1
2
0
4
1
1
0
2
2
0
0
34
Deck Department
14
4
1
0
4
1
4
1
0
18
7
3
1
0
0
8
7
1
3
1
0
28
11
4
28
16
3
20
4
3
0
0
1
4
3
0
11
6
3
3
1
0
0
4
0
1
2
0
4
2
0
13
5
1
1
0
0
24
8
0
185
86
21
2
2
3
11
0
5
1
15
16
13
0
3
3
2
1
1
3
11
0
8
100
36
6
5
31
3
16
9
52
54
53
1
10
33
24
4
1
7
35
2
37
419
6
3
4
6
2
11
4
30
32
12
3
7
14
6
3
2
1
3
1
21
171
2
0
0
7
1
3
0
10
7
2
1
0
4
2
1
1
2
5
0
0
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
3
2
3
11
0
4
6
12
13
9
1
1
12
7
2
2
3
13
1
10
115
2
0
3
2
0
2
4
6
14
6
0
4
11
5
1
4
2
6
0
5
77
0
0
1
1
0
1
2
1
2
1
0
1
2
2
1
0
0
2
0
6
23
Engine Department
3
2
1
1
0
0
1
2
1
5
2
0
0
2
0
3
2
0
5
0
1
12
5
1
15
9
1
5
4
0
0
1
0
2
4
0
8
9
1
5
3
0
0
0
1
0
3
0
4
3
0
6
3
2
1
1
0
6
6
2
82
61
11
1
0
1
6
0
2
1
8
10
3
0
2
6
4
1
1
2
5
0
5
58
4
2
3
15
0
4
14
19
21
16
3
4
16
8
4
3
7
18
4
17
182
1
1
1
5
0
1
8
11
17
7
0
1
14
8
4
5
2
8
1
5
100
0
1
0
1
0
2
1
2
6
1
1
1
6
3
0
0
0
3
0
6
34
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
5
0
2
7
0
2
4
19
29
8
1
1
10
11
0
5
2
6
0
18
130
1
1
0
5
1
0
1
6
11
2
0
3
8
4
1
1
4
5
0
9
63
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
5
2
0
2
6
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
21
Steward Department
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
8
2
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
11
4
0
17
9
4
6
1
1
1
0
1
2
3
0
8
6
1
10
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
6
0
6
1
1
0
0
0
16
3
0
92
43
12
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
8
6
3
0
2
6
1
0
1
2
2
0
12
47
9
0
1
14
1
3
12
25
30
16
1
4
18
18
0
8
3
12
1
25
201
5
1
0
10
0
0
2
8
19
3
0
5
16
8
1
3
4
5
1
16
107
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
3
1
0
1
5
1
1
3
2
0
0
1
22
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
2
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
14
8
0
0
2
1
2
2
11
10
11
1
0
8
2
2
1
0
16
0
19
96
4
1
2
1
1
2
1
15
55
11
0
0
20
5
1
11
0
1
0
12
143
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
2
9
Entry Department
4
1
1
0
0
3
2
3
0
1
0
1
0
2
7
14
16
37
9
9
0
0
0
0
3
10
0
1
2
0
2
11
0
0
8
7
0
0
9
6
63
106
1
0
0
3
1
0
0
3
10
4
0
0
4
0
0
4
0
2
0
3
35
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
3
4
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
2
21
14
3
0
2
1
5
5
16
30
22
3
0
18
7
0
1
0
23
0
24
174
8
1
0
1
0
2
2
16
89
21
1
2
33
10
1
8
0
8
0
16
219
347
221
368
240
823
552
323
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 4, June 8
Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 12, June 16
San Juan...........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9
St. Louis................................................Friday: May 13, June 17
Tacoma...............................................Friday: May 20, June 24
Wilmington.........................Monday: May 16, *Tuesday : June 21
* Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth Observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
SPAD Works For You
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
May 2022
GRAND TOTAL:489
253
150
Seafarers LOG 7
�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 answered by upgraders attending classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: Has being a mariner measured up to what you thought it would be since you joined 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
Nadine Nomed-Ryf
Chief Cook
Yes, it has, because I have
learned a lot about the job, people
and what being a mariner is really
all about. I’m from France, so all
of this was really new to me when I
first started. I have been sailing for
almost three years and I am very
happy about what I have achieved
so far. It’s been a rewarding experience.
Samuel Ortiz
Chief Cook
Being a mariner is far more exciting
and rewarding than I thought it would
be when I joined. Put simply, it has
changed my life in a real good way.
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
Dennis Vega
Chief Cook
It’s been awesome so far. Since
joining, I’ve had the opportunity to
see a lot of new places and meet a
lot of new people. The experiences
have been great with some ups and
downs, but mostly ups. Overall, it’s
been a really great experience.
Dewayne Thomas
Chief Cook
I have learned a lot since sailing as
chief cook. And yes, being a mariner is
everything that I thought it would be.
I’ve sailed for the last three years as a
chief cook and it has been a really good
experience for me.
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
Kevin Santiago
Chief Cook
Being a mariner is way more
than I expected it to be. Sailing has
changed so many things in my life
in a positive way. It’s really been a
dream come true for me.
Johanns Rivera Rivera
Chief Cook
Yes, it has. Being a merchant mariner so far has been an awesome career
for me and I’m glad I chose it. Going to
sea has made my life better and better
and better.
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
8 Seafarers LOG
SIU pensioner Farid Zaharan submitted this photo, taken in July 1974 in Poti, Georgia. He’s standing third from right. “Some of
the people were from the crew of the SS Eagle Traveler (Sea Transport Corp.) and the others were from the seamen’s club,”
wrote Zaharan, an OS on that voyage and an active Seafarer from 1970-2008.
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
May 2022
�SUPPORTING PRO-LABOR CONGRESSMAN – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey) (second
from left) greets SIU personnel during a campaign kickoff March 21. Pictured from left are SIU VP
Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Pascrell, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Patrolman James
Bast.
TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell
(left) meets with U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) during a labor gathering in Chicago
in late March. They spoke at length about the Maritime Security Program, the
Jones Act, and America’s cargo preference laws and their collective importance
to the nation’s security and economy.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime members recently called it a career in the Crescent City. Carl
Gegenheimer (second from left in photo at left) retired from Crescent Towing after 47 years of service. He worked his way up
from deckhand to captain and served as a union delegate. This photo was taken at his retirement luncheon. Pictured from
left are SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Carl, Kurt Gegenheimer (Carl’s brother and also Crescent’s director
of sourcing and procurement), and Crescent VP Eddie Pinner. The photo at right includes Chief Engineer Grant Wilkinson
(center), pictured at the New Orleans hall with his wife, Lynn, and Westbrook. A Seafarer for 33 years, Grant spent most of
his career sailing with Crescent Towing, but he also sailed in the deep-sea division, including during Operation Desert Storm.
READY TO SHIP OUT – Seafarer Anthony Roman
(right) displays the shipping card for his first relief
steward job as he prepares to head to the Maersk Misaki. He’s following the footsteps of his brother, Jorge
Roman, who also sails from the San Juan hall in the
steward department. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo
is at left.
ABOARD CAPE WASHINGTON
– Seafarers aboard the Crowley
vessel recently delivered materiel
overseas for a publicly reported,
multinational military exercise.
Some of the crew (and one lifeboat)
are pictured here, including Recertified Bosun Rick James (above).
May 2022
Seafarers LOG 9
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Recertified
Steward Perry McCall (left) receives his first pension
check at the hall, from SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. McCall sailed with the SIU for nearly 40 years.
NEW CONTRACT FOR NATIONAL GLORY –
Seafarers in mid-March overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement
covering the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship. The four-year contract includes
yearly wage increases and maintains benefits.
Among those pictured on the vessel are AB
Roger Utter, AB Hernando Bansuelo, Recertified Bosun Jay White, QMED Keith Carswell,
Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Bosun
Richard Molina-Blackman, Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett, Electrician Linarys Castillo Ortiz, SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin
Sykes and SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala.
10 Seafarers LOG
FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Erik Ruiz (left) receives his full B-book at
the hiring hall on March 29. SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick is at right.
A-BOOK IN SUNSHINE STATE – Chief Steward Grazyna Tomaszewska (left) receives her
A-seniority book at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
hall. SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins is at right.
ABOARD OCEAN GLORY – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel
and Provisioning ship in Richmond, California, in early March (photo below)
are SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday, AB Oliver Vickers and AB Steven
Sparenborg.
May 2022
�ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Pictured on the SubCom vessel are (from left) Bosun’s Mate Richard Molina Blackman,
AB/SJ Desmond Unutoa, AB/SJ Andre Barbary, GVA James Stanford, AB Jorge Alamo, AB Stokley Callender, GVA Darius
Harley, Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman and AB Kyle Kinsley.
A-BOOK IN GOLDEN STATE – QMED Yuri Hernandez
(left) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Wilmington, California. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman
Jesse Sunga Jr.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Seafarer James
Wilkison (right), a tugboat captain with G&H Towing, picks
up his first pension check at the hall. SIU Asst. VP Mike
Russo is at left.
ABOARD TAINO – Pictured in late March aboard the Crowley vessel in
San Juan, Puerto Rico, are (photo above, from left) Bosun Kemer Rojas,
Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, Crowley Chief Port Engineer (and SIU
hawsepiper) Armando Garayua, Second Mate Germaine Williams and
ABM Raymond Maldonado (all from San Juan). In the photo immediately
below (also from left) are Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez, Recertified Steward Kim Strate and ABM Victor Cortes, stripping and waxing galley decks.
ABOARD SEABULK ARCTIC – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right in photo above) is pictured with Pumpman Jeff
Roddy aboard the Seabulk Tankers Inc. vessel, while
the snapshot below includes (from left) Chief Steward Al
Ramseur and Chief Cook George Burgos.
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Nicholas Panagakos (right) picks up his A-seniority book.
He’s pictured at the Jersey City hall with SIU
Port Agent Ray Henderson.
May 2022
Seafarers LOG 11
�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
Bradenton, Florida.
LILIA BARRACA
JEFFRY CESVET
Sister Lilia Barraca, 65, began
her career with the SIU in 2001
when she sailed
aboard the Allegiance. She
sailed in both
the deck and
steward departments and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on several occasions. Sister
Barraca most recently shipped on
the Pacific Collector. She makes
her home in Kunia, Hawaii.
Brother Jeffry Cesvet, 66, signed
on with the SIU in 2005, first
sailing aboard
the RJ Pfeiffer.
He shipped
in the deck
department
and upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school on
several occasions. Brother
Cesvet concluded his career on
the Green Cove. He resides in
Laguna Woods, California.
JOHN BENNETT
LESLIE CHOICE
Brother John Bennett, 66, started
sailing with the Seafarers in
1978, initially
working for
States Steamship. He was a
steward department member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Bennett
concluded his career aboard the
Lurline. He lives in Sacramento,
California.
Brother Leslie Choice, 65, started
sailing with the union in 1977,
initially working
for Dixie Carriers. He primarily sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Choice
last shipped on the OMI Star and
settled in Houston.
ROBERT BROWN
Brother Robert Brown, 58,
donned the SIU colors in 1982
when he
shipped on the
Taurus. He
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions. Brother
Brown was a
steward department member and most recently
worked on the Cape Washington.
He calls Catonsville, Maryland,
home.
STEVEN BROWN
Brother Steven Brown, 67, began
his career with the Seafarers
International Union in 1975,
initially sailing aboard the Long
Lines. He upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine
department. Brother Brown’s
final vessel was the Tacoma. He
is a resident of Ashford, Washington.
GWENDOLYN CAMPBELL
Sister Gwendolyn Campbell,
66, joined the Seafarers in 1976.
She sailed in
the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Sister
Campbell’s first
vessel was the
Santa Mariana;
her last, the El
Morro. She makes her home in
12 Seafarers LOG
JAMES CLARK
Brother James Clark, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1973 when he
shipped on the Transpanama. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center in 1976. Brother Clark’s
final vessel was the Producer. He
resides in Port Charlotte, Florida.
KEVIN COMBS
Brother Kevin Combs, 66, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1981, initially
sailing on the
Virgo. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on numerous
occasions. Brother Combs most
recently shipped on the Maersk
Idaho and lives in Gainesville,
Florida.
JAMES DAVIS
Brother James Davis, 65, joined
the SIU in 1998 when he sailed
on the USNS American Osprey.
He sailed in the deck department
and upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Davis concluded his career on the Maersk
Carolina and makes his home in
Norfolk, Virginia.
SAMUEL DAVIS
Brother Samuel Davis, 65, signed
on with the union in 1974. He
first sailed aboard the Baltimore
and worked in both the deck
and engine departments. Brother
Davis upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the
Seabulk Trader and is a resident
of Mobile, Alabama.
DANIEL DEAN
Brother Daniel Dean, 62, began
sailing with the Seafarers in
1978, initially
shipping on the
Columbia. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Dean
last shipped
aboard the Safmarine Mafadi. He
lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
MICHAEL FAY
Brother Michael Fay, 63, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1975 when
he shipped on
the Notre Dame.
He worked in
the engine department and
upgraded the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Fay was last
employed by Crowley. He lives
in Westmont, New Jersey.
VIRGILIO FUCANAN
Brother Virgilio Fucanan, 67,
donned the SIU colors in 2001.
He first sailed
aboard the
Chemical Pioneer and worked
in the deck
department.
Brother Fucanan upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on
the Charleston Express and is a
Houston resident.
FRANCISCO GAMBOA
Brother Francisco Gamboa, 70,
began his career with the SIU
in 1997. He shipped in both the
deck and engine departments
and initially sailed aboard the
Independence. Brother Gamboa
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last
shipped aboard the Puget Sound
and resides in Honduras.
RALPH GARNER
Brother Ralph Garner, 60, started
sailing with the union in 1986,
initially working on an OMI
ship. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Garner concluded his career aboard the
Cape Knox and settled in Panama
City, Florida.
GREGORY HAMILTON
Brother Gregory Hamilton, 66,
joined the union in 1972 and first
sailed aboard
the Fairland.
He was a member of the deck
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Hamilton last shipped
aboard the Alaskan Navigator.
He lives in Vista, California.
ROBERT IVANAUSKAS
Brother Robert Ivanauskas, 68,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1973
when he shipped
on the Brooklyn. An engine
department
member, he
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Ivanauskas most
recently shipped on the Integrity. He calls Bel Air, Maryland,
home.
DONALD LUMPKINS
Brother Donald Lumpkins, 65,
became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1992,
initially sailing aboard the
Anders Maersk.
He worked in
the engine department and
upgraded often
at the Piney
Point school. Brother Lumpkins
last shipped on the USNS Stockham. He resides in Goose Greek,
South Carolina.
GREGORY MCNIEL
Brother Gregory McNiel, 66,
signed on with the SIU in 2006.
He initially
shipped aboard
the Bonny and
was a steward department member.
Brother McNiel
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous
occasions. He
most recently sailed on the Texas
and resides in Pompano Beach,
Florida.
DIANE MICHENER
Sister Diane
Michener,
65, joined the
union in 1979
when she sailed
aboard the El
Paso Southern.
She was a steward department
member and upgraded at the
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. Sister Michener’s
final vessel was the Express. She
lives in Athens, New York.
CAROLYN MILSTEAD
Sister Carolyn Milstead, 65,
started her career with the SIU
in 2000, initially sailing
on the Patriot.
She worked
in the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Sister
Milstead most
recently shipped on the Independence II. She calls Valdosta,
Georgia, home.
SCOTT OPSAHL
Brother Scott Opsahl, 63, started
his career with the Seafarers in
1980 and first
sailed aboard
the Oceanic Independence. A
steward department member,
he upgraded
often at the
Piney Point
school. Brother
Opsahl last
shipped on the Horizon Kodiak
and makes his home in Tacoma,
Washington.
DENNIS PICKERING
Brother Dennis Pickering, 65,
signed on with the union in
1978. He initially sailed on
the Aries and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Pickering upgraded on
numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
last shipped on
the Liberator and is a resident of
Harbor City, California.
ALBERTO SEMEDO
Brother Alberto Semedo, 69,
joined the SIU in 2001 and first
sailed on the
Kenai. He upgraded at the
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and shipped
in the engine
department.
Brother Semedo most recently sailed on the
Ocean Jazz and makes his home
in Harbor City, California.
CHARLES SNEED
Brother Charles Sneed, 68,
signed on with the Seafarers
International Union in 2001.
He first shipped on the OverContinued on next page
May 2022
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
Continued from Page 12
seas Marilyn
and sailed in
both the deck
and engine
departments.
Brother Sneed
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. He
concluded his
career aboard the Philadelphia
Express and calls Mobile, Alabama, home.
ORLANDO SUAZO
Brother Orlando Suazo, 65,
began sailing
with the SIU
in 2002. He
sailed in the
steward department and first
shipped on the
USNS Able.
Brother Suazo
upgraded
his skills at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
He most recently sailed on the
Maersk Montana and lives in
New York.
TECUMSEH WILLIAMS
Brother Tecumseh Williams, 64,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1977, initially
sailing on the
USNS Potomac.
He primarily
sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Williams last shipped
aboard the Maersk Ohio and
resides in Green Cove Springs,
Florida.
GREAT LAKES
JAN KAMINSKI
Brother Jan Kaminski, 66, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1990. He initially
sailed on the St. Clair and was
a deck department member.
Brother Kaminski last shipped
aboard the Walter J. McCarthy and resides in Boca Raton,
Florida.
LIONEL TAYLOR
Brother Lionel
Taylor, 73,
signed on with
the SIU in
1999, first sailing aboard the
Independence.
He was an
engine department member
and upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Taylor last
shipped on the Ocean Gladiator. He resides in Brooklyn, New
York.
SANYBOY WHITING
Brother Sanyboy Whiting,
60, joined the
union in 1990.
He was a deck
department
member and upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother Whiting’s first
vessel was the Independence;
his last, the Global Sentinel. He
makes his home in Ewa Beach,
Hawaii.
JAMES WILLIAMS
Brother James Williams, 69,
started sailing with the Seafarers
in 1978 when he
worked on the
Galveston. An
engine department member,
he upgraded his
skills at the Paul
Hall Center in
2001. Brother
Williams concluded his career on the Horizon Pacific. He
lives in Dayton, Ohio.
May 2022
INLAND
LUIS ALVAREZ PAGAN
Brother Luis Alvarez Pagan, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1983.
An engine department member,
he was employed by Crowley
Puerto Rico Services for his
entire career. Brother Alvarez
Pagan lives in Puerto Rico.
FRANCIS ARNONA
Brother Francis Arnona, 64,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1975. He was a
member of the
deck department
and worked for
Crescent Towing and Salvage
for the duration
of his career.
Brother Arnona
makes his home in Picayune,
Mississippi.
RAYMUNDO ESTAYA
Brother Raymundo Estaya, 66,
signed on with the union in 1990.
His first vessel
was the Sealift
Atlantic and he
sailed in the engine department.
Brother Estaya
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. He last
sailed aboard
the Terrapin Island and settled in
Richmond, Texas.
CARL GEGENHEIMER
Brother Carl Gegenheimer, 65,
donned the SIU
colors in 1975.
A deck department member,
he worked
for Crescent
Towing and
Salvage for the
duration of his
career. Brother
Gegenheimer is a New Orleans
resident.
ANGEL GONZALEZ
Brother Angel Gonzalez, 63,
started sailing with the Seafarers
in 1980. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Gonzalez worked for
G&H Towing
for most of his
career. He resides in League City,
Texas.
MARK HAYES
Brother Mark Hayes, 57, joined
the SIU in 2000, initially working on the Dodge Island. He
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
within his first year of membership and was an engine department member. Brother Hayes
concluded his career on the
Padre Island and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
DALLAS HIGGINS
Brother Dallas Higgins, 62,
signed on with the union in 1978.
He first sailed
with Hvide
Marine and
was a member
of the deck
department.
Brother Higgins
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. He was last employed by
Seabulk Tankers Inc. and makes
his home in Nederland, Texas.
MARK LASKOWSKI
Brother Mark Laskowski,
62, started his career with the
Seafarers in
2006 when he
worked on the
Sound Reliance. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Laskowski’s final vessel was the Pacific Reliance. He
lives in Vassalboro, Maine.
BOBBY MALONE
Brother Bobby Malone, 62,
joined the SIU in 1981. He
was first employed by Dravo
Basic Materials and sailed in
the deck department. Brother
Malone concluded his career
working for Martin Marietta
and resides in Poplarville, Mississippi.
FRANK MARTINE
Brother Frank Martine, 60,
donned the SIU
colors in 2003.
He was a member of the deck
department and
first sailed with
Moran Towing of Texas.
Brother Martine
most recently
shipped with G&H Towing. He is
a resident of Livingston, Texas.
HAL OWEN
Brother Hal Owen, 65, embarked
on his career with the SIU in
1978 when he
sailed with Inland Tugs. He
was a member
of the deck
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Owen was last employed
by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in
Naples, Florida.
ASCENCION PASTOR
Brother Ascencion Pastor, 72,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2001
when he sailed
with Delta
Queen Steamboat Company.
He sailed in
the steward
department and
concluded his
career aboard
the Mississippi
Queen. Brother Pastor is a New
York resident.
JOHN PHILLIPS
Brother John Phillips, 65, started
his career with the SIU in 1977.
An engine
department
member, he
first sailed with
Dixie Carriers.
Brother Phillips
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. He
most recently
worked with
Crescent Towing & Salvage and
settled in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ
Brother Orlando Rodriguez, 66,
started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977. He primarily sailed
in the steward department and
worked for Crowley Puerto Rico
Services for the duration of his
career. Brother Rodriguez makes
his home in Miami.
ERIC SHORT
Brother Eric Short, 62, signed on
with the union in 1979. A deck
department member, he upgraded
at the Piney Point school in 1981.
Brother Short worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage for his
entire career. He resides in Covington, Louisiana.
MICHAEL STEPHENS
Brother Michael Stephens, 60,
joined the SIU in 1978, initially
working for
American Towing. He sailed
in both the deck
and engine departments and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Stephens most
recently shipped on the Resolve.
He lives in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey.
JAMES TOMLINSON
Brother James Tomlinson, 64,
began his career
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1999
when he worked
for Higman
Barge Lines.
A deck department member,
Brother Tomlinson was last
employed by Crowley in 2004.
He calls Trinity, Texas, home.
AUGUST WERDENBERG
Brother August Werdenberg,
62, signed on
with the SIU
in 1984. The
deck department member’s
first vessel was
the Northerly
Island. Brother
Werdenberg last
shipped aboard
the Dodge Island. He settled in Merritt Island,
Florida.
GRANT WILKINSON
Brother Grant Wilkinson, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 1990
when he sailed
on the Stephen
W. Pless. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
in 2014. Brother
Wilkinson was most recently employed with Crescent Towing &
Salvage. He lives in Mandeville,
Louisiana.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
THOMAS ALLEN
Pensioner Thomas Allen, 86, died
January 16. He signed on with the
Seafarers International Union
in 2000. Initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Loyal,
Brother Allen was
a steward department member.
He last shipped
aboard the
Cyprine and went
on pension in
2015. Brother Allen was a resident
of East Wareham, Massachusetts.
FRANK CASBY
Pensioner Frank Casby, 84, passed
away January
17. He donned
the SIU colors in
1979 and sailed in
all three departments. Brother
Casby’s first vessel was the Cove
Engineer; his last,
the USNS Bellatrix. He became
a pensioner in 2007 and settled in
Franklinton, Louisiana.
JEFFREY CHAPPELOW
Pensioner Jeffrey Chappelow, 70,
died November 30. He began his
career with the
Seafarers in 2001
and first shipped
on the Paul Buck.
Brother Chappelow worked in
the deck department and last
sailed on the
Lightning. He
became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Ontario,
California.
HYDEN ELWIN
Pensioner Hyden Elwin, 74, passed
away January 22. Born in Honduras,
he signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968. Brother
Elwin initially sailed aboard the
Steel Flyer and was an engine department member. He last shipped
on the Overseas Arctic and became
a pensioner in 2012. Brother Elwin
called Petal, Mississippi, home.
BILLY HILL
Pensioner Billy Hill, 64, died February 26. He joined
the union in 1976
when he sailed
aboard the Transeastern. Brother
Hill worked in the
deck department
and most recently
shipped on the
Maersk California. He retired in
2016 and lived in Livingston, Texas.
LESTER HOFFMAN
Pensioner Lester Hoffman, 78,
passed away March 7. Signing on
with the SIU in
1967, he was first
employed by Hudson Waterways.
Brother Hoffman
was a deck department member.
He concluded
his career aboard
the USNS Algol
before retiring in
2005. Brother Hoffman resided in
Bay City, Michigan.
JULIUS KOTAN
Pensioner Julius Kotan, 80, died
December 10. He started sailing with
the union in 1965, initially working
for Sea-Land. Brother Kotan sailed
in the steward department. He last
shipped on the Wabash and became
a pensioner in 2006. Brother Kotan
lived in Daytona Beach, Florida.
JULIUS COPELAND
Pensioner Julius Copeland, 83,
passed away January 24. He joined
the union in 1972
and first sailed
aboard the President Fillmore. A
steward department member,
Brother Copeland
last shipped on
the Achiever. He
retired in 2005 and made his home
in Clovis, California.
ROBERT DAVIS
Pensioner Robert Davis, 68, died
February 8. He started sailing with
the SIU in 1988.
Brother Davis was
a steward department member and
first shipped on
the Independence.
He most recently
sailed aboard the
Liberty Promise
and went on pension in 2021.
Brother Davis resided in Montgomery, Texas.
14 Seafarers LOG
PETE MACARAEG
Brother Pete MacAraeg, 92, passed
away January 12. He began his
career with the Seafarers in 1968.
Brother MacAraeg was a steward
department member and first worked
on the Santa Magdelena. He last
sailed aboard the Liberator in 1985
and was a San Francisco resident.
FRANK MARTIN
Pensioner Frank Martin, 68, died
January 4. He embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 1987
when he shipped
on the Kauai.
Brother Martin
worked in the
steward department. He most
recently sailed
aboard the John
U.D. Page in
2019. Brother Martin became a pensioner earlier this year and lived in
Jacksonville, Tennessee.
ODELL MURRAY
Pensioner Odell Murray, 81, passed
away January 30.
An engine department member,
he started sailing
with the union
in 2001. Brother
Murray’s first vessel was the Marine
Chemist; his last,
the Resolve. He
went on pension in 2011 and made
his home in Houston.
EDDY NEWMAN
Pensioner Eddy Newman, 66, died
February 17. He donned the SIU
colors in 1990.
Brother Newman
was a member of
the engine department and first
shipped aboard
the USNS De
Steiguer. He last
sailed aboard the
Howard O. Lorenzen before retiring
in 2019. Brother Newman resided in
Las Vegas.
JORGE OSORIO
Pensioner Jorge Osorio, 83, passed
away December 25. He embarked on
his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1960. Brother Osorio
initially sailed aboard the Titan.
He worked in the deck department
and last sailed on the J.E.B. Stuart.
Brother Osorio retired in 1996 and
lived in Costa Rica.
ISMAEL PURGANAN
Pensioner Ismael Purganan, 74, died
January 25. He
joined the SIU
in 1995 when
he sailed on the
Independence.
Brother Purganan
shipped in the
deck department
and concluded
his career on the
Horizon Kodiak.
He became a pensioner in 2017 and
resided in Renton, Washington.
ment member, Brother Vazquez also
worked on shore gangs. He became
a pensioner in 2002 and made his
home in Brooklyn, New York.
EFREN VILLAROSA
Pensioner Accursio Balbo, 89,
died February
2. He became a
member of the
SIU in 1980, initially sailing with
Gloucester Fishermen. Brother
Balbo retired in
1997 and settled
in his hometown, Gloucester, Massachusetts.
SAMUEL WOOTEN
WILLIAM BOBAC
Pensioner Samuel Wooten, 83, died
February 13. He embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers International Union in
1988, first sailing
aboard the USNS
Triumph. Brother
Wooten was a
deck department
member. He concluded his career
aboard the Developer before retiring in 2005. Brother
Wooten called League City, Texas,
home.
Pensioner William Bobac, 99, passed
away February 17. He signed on
with the Seafarers
in 1956. Sailing in
the deck department, Brother
Bobac first
worked for Arundel Corporation.
He was last employed by McAllister Towing of
Baltimore before
going on pension in 1984. Brother
Bobac was a Baltimore resident.
NMU
JEFFREY YAP
Brother Jeffrey Yap, 61, passed
away January 1.
He started sailing
with the SIU in
1980. Brother Yap
was a deck department member
and first shipped
on the Oceanic
Independence. He
last sailed aboard
the Jack Lummus
in 2009 and resided in Kaunakakai,
Hawaii.
JOSEPH QUITUGUA
EDGARDO VAZQUEZ
Pensioner Edgardo Vazquez, 91,
died September
22. He embarked
on his career with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1963 when he
worked with Waterman Steamship.
A steward depart-
ACCURSIO BALBO
Pensioner Efren Villarosa, 85, passed
away January 19.
He signed on with
the union in 1996
when he sailed on
the Independence.
An engine department member,
Brother Villarosa
last sailed aboard
the Jack Lummus.
He became a pensioner in 2015 and was a resident of
Honolulu.
GREAT LAKES
Pensioner Joseph Quitugua, 73,
passed away
January 21. He
first sailed with
the SIU in 2001,
initially working
on the Patriot.
Brother Quitugua
shipped in both
the deck and engine departments.
He last shipped on
the Dewayne T. Williams and retired
in 2019. Brother Quitugua lived in
Guam.
in both the deck and engine departments and worked for G&H Towing
for the duration of his career. He
became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Houston.
MUSAID ISMAIL
Pensioner Musaid
Ismail, 86, died
February 4. He
joined the SIU
in 1966 when he
sailed on the Reiss
Brothers. Brother
Ismail worked in
all three departments and last
shipped on the
John Boland. He retired in 2001 and
lived in Yemen.
INLAND
RODGER ALLBRITTON
Pensioner Rodger Allbritton,
76, passed away
November 28. He
began his career
with the union
in 1976. Brother
Allbritton sailed
JOHN MURRAY
Pensioner John Murray, 96, died
January 15. Born
in Philadelphia,
he sailed with the
NMU prior to the
2001 merger with
SIU. Brother Murray went on pension in 1968. He
was a New York
resident.
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
Anderson, Admiral 89
Batista, Ricardo
88
Bazile, George
94
Brenton, Michael
89
Calderon, Jose
92
Cardinale, Orazio
96
Cardriche, Jules
97
Carpio, Federico
84
Chaves, Antonio
87
Fafard, Alfred
74
Ford, Frank
96
Hernandez, Luis
77
Hobbs, Henry
96
Katz, John
97
Kerns, James
82
Kranz, Herbert
96
Lewis, Marvin
94
Martinez, Juan
87
Martins, Carlos
89
Perez, Juana
97
Rodriguez, Alexander 95
Santiago, Jose
91
Tanner, Samuel
88
Townsend, John
95
Vaneckelen, Emanuel 95
Wallace, Clarence
68
DOD
02/28/2022
03/16/2022
03/13/2022
07/28/2021
02/15/2022
01/04/2022
02/05/2022
01/28/2022
02/23/2022
01/29/2022
11/29/2021
02/18/2022
02/15/2022
01/25/2022
02/22/2022
12/19/2021
01/18/2022
12/31/2022
01/29/2022
02/26/2022
12/31/2021
01/14/2022
01/20/2022
02/17/2022
02/06/2022
01/17/2022
May 2022
�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.
USNS MONTFORD POINT
(Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), January 21 – Chairman Kenneth
Steiner, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director
Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Jason Bentz, Engine Delegate Robert Varney, Steward
Delegate Jose Sadaya. Crew
still needs email access. Satellite phone is the only means
of communication. Next port
of call Suez Canal and over to
Greece to drop supplies. Fueling to take place in Spain for
trip to U.S. Ship scheduled for
ROS in Virginia. Thirty-day
stores received in Bahrain and
possibly will take on more
in Spain. BBQs will be held
while at sea per secretary’s
report. Educational director
reminded members to update
vaccine cards and to check requirements before applying to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew reviewed latest
COVID-19 guidelines and ROS
schedule. Ship in need of new
washer and dryers. Members
discussed 401K and pension
benefits.
Deck delegate reminded crew
to check documents before expiration. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members plan
to include lobster and prime
rib in future Thanksgiving and
Christmas meals.
LIBERTY PEACE (North Star
Shipping Company), January 23 – Chairman German
Nunez, Deck Delegate Ruben
Lopez, Engine Delegate
Lionel Alvarez Jr., Steward
Delegate Nikia Stripling.
Company still charging for
Wi-Fi access. Crew requested
more towels, wash cloths, fitted sheets and refrigerators
in each room. Internet works
only half of the time. Educational director urged members
to upgrade whenever possible.
MAERSK DENVER (Maersk
Line, Limited), February 6
– Chairman James Walker,
Secretary Ronaldo Torres,
Educational Director Herman Castro, Engine Delegate
Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez.
Shipyard period postponed to
June. Secretary reminded members to get COVID-19 vaccine
booster to ship out. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in retirement as well as prescription
eyeglass coverage.
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk
Line, Limited), February 13 –
Chairman Ion Boros, Secretary
Caezar Mercado, Educational
Director Tijani Rashid. Chairman praised steward department for serving delicious
meals and for their professionalism. Crew discussed safety
protocols and requirements
for attending courses at Paul
Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members
requested increases to the food
budget, higher vacation pay,
better internet connectivity, and
the return of annual medical requirements. Next port: Newark,
New Jersey.
USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), February
3 – Chairman Nagi Mihakel,
Secretary Charles Sassone,
Educational Director Randy
Slue. Members revisited
various topics from previous
meeting. Chairman discussed
overtime issues. Department
delegates should receive one
hour per meeting and members should receive one hour
weekly for room sanitation.
Crew should receive penalty
pay for power washing or handling chemicals. Issues from
last meeting are still ongoing.
Educational director reminded
crew to be mindful of internet
usage and encouraged them
to upgrade at the Piney Point
school. Members requested
equal internet accessibility,
company-provided TVs, new
mattresses and better pillows.
MAERSK KENSINGTON
(Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Hussein
Mohamed, Secretary Arlene
Thomas, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck
Delegate Yamira Colon Del
Moral, Engine Delegate Juan
Rochez, Steward Delegate
Frederick Conroy. Crew discussed possibility of acquiring larger TV and hopes for
better reception and Wi-Fi.
Chairman encouraged crew to
renew documents as early as
six months in advance. Vote
of thanks given to steward department for working hard and
serving good food. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Big
washing machine needs to be
fixed. Crew offered input on
future contract negotiations.
Members asked for 18 for 30
vacation days and a day off
every 30 days. Crew requested
30-minute coffee time and a
pay increase to reflect cost of
living expenses.
EDWARD A. CARTER, JR.
(Sealift, Inc.), February 27
– Chairman Daron Tinney,
Secretary Janelle Harper,
Educational Director Joshua
King. Crew reviewed old business including Wi-Fi “vouchers” and satellite phones in
lounge. Chairman mentioned
the possibility of losing Wi-Fi
and/or cell capabilities during
March 14-March 18 exercise.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed
ship-joining procedures and
quarantine protocol. Ship gym
in need of floor padding, new
treadmill, equipment repairs
and overall updating. Crew
lounge couches need to be replaced. Next port: Jinhae-gu,
South Korea.
MAERSK DETROIT. (Maersk
Line, Limited.), February 27
– Chairman William Barrett,
Deck Delegate John Walsh.
Educational director recommended members to upgrade
at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members
requested heaters, and TV
repairs. Crew asked for 100%
dental coverage, 30 for 30 vacation, pension eligibility after
20 years and an increase to
food budget.
MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE
Services), February 27 – Chairman Thomas MacGregor,
Secretary Dennis Skretta,
Educational Director Sutthipong Ticer, Deck Delegate
Bakr Saber Elbana. Ship restrictions still in effect. MMC
and medical certificates can be
renewed online per chairman.
Educational director advised
crew to get the LNG endorsement to work on the North
Star and Midnight Sun. He reminded everyone to check the
Seafarers LOG and union portal for class dates and informed
them of the latest COVID-19
vaccination requirements. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew discussed watch-standing
scenarios and wiper wages.
Members suggested a supply
of personal hygiene products
in the slop chest. With ship
restrictions they are not able
to go ashore to purchase their
own.
USNS WATERS (Ocean
Shipholdings Inc.), March
4 – Chairman Nagi Mihakel,
Secretary Charles Sassone,
Educational Director Randy
Slue. Members continue to
ask for internet access. Captain unwilling to approve any
overtime over four hours per
day. All previous overtime issues remain. Secretary asked
crew to be mindful of disposable items and cleaning-supply
usage. Keeping ship stocked is
very challenging due to company budget cuts. Members
were reminded to clean up
after themselves. Educational
director encouraged crew to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center
and to look out for one another.
Engine department asked why
there is no class to upgrade
from QMED to 3AE. Company
has allowed ship to order new
linens but has deducted the
cost from the consumable budget. Members requested new
mattresses, better pillows, and
company-provided TVs.
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
May 2022
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions
under which an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members should know
their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In the
event anyone attempts to require any such
payment be made without supplying a receipt,
or if a member is required to make a payment
and is given an official receipt, but feels that
he or she should not have been required to
make such payment, this should immediately
be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
July 18
July 29
Welding
June 6
July 11
June 24
July 29
Engineroom Resource Management
August 1
August 5
Date of
Completion
Gap Closing Courses
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
MSC Ship Clip
June 6
June 17
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 23
June 3
Certified Chief Cook
May 30
July 11
August 15
July 1
August 12
September 16
ServSafe Management
May 23
July 4
August 8
May 27
July 8
August 12
Advanced Galley Operations
June 20
August 15
October 10
July 15
September 9
November 4
Chief Steward
July 18
September 12
November 14
August 12
October 7
December 9
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
Lifeboat/Water Survival
May 23
August 29
October 17
November 28
June 10
September 16
November 4
December 16
June 6
August 1
August 29
September 26
October 24
November 21
June 17
August 12
September 9
October 7
November 4
December 2
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Fast Rescue Boat
June 20
August 22
June 24
August 26
RFPNW
June 27
July 25
September 26
July 15
August 12
October 14
Leadership and Management Skills
August 8
August 12
Advanced Shiphandling
August 22
September 2
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
Advanced Stability
September 5
September 9
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
July 25
September 26
November 14
August 19
October 21
December 9
FOWT
June 13
August 29
July 8
September 23
Junior Engineer
July 11
September 2
Marine Electrician
May 16
June 17
Marine Refer Tech
September 19
October 28
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
September 19
September 23
Medical Care Provider
September 26
September 30
Basic Training
June 6
August 8
June 10
August 12
Basic Training Revalidation
June 3
June 10
July 8
July 11
June 3
June 10
July 8
Juy 11
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
August 29
December 12
September 2
December 16
Government Vessels
June 13
June 27
July 18
August 1
August 15
June 17
July 1
July 22
August 5
August 19
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
October 24
October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
June 27
October 24
July 1
October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 23
August 15
October 31
May 27
August 19
November 4
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.
5/22
May 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class # 880 – Graduated March 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Dale Armstrong III, Jonathan Cordova-Alonso, Kaylah Hill, Jerome Johnson Jr., Jacob
Kitten, La’Terri Kohn, Samuel Lambert, John Rapoza, Felix Manuel Rivera Rodriguez, Dean Schrantz, Blake Seele and Brittney Sharp.
Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated March 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Donovan Armstrong, Seth James, Bryce Kennebeck, Colin Sabitsky, Jesse Schecher, Kyle Smith,
Alec Stensaa, Stuart Waite and Jason White. Their instructor, Dominic Hix, is second from the right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels.
Important Notice
To all Students
May 2022
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students
take their places.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Medical Care Provider – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bechtel II, Steven Benavides Jr., Christian Bryant, Aaron Burnett, Kenneth Cabrera, Carlos
Mohler Vega, Patrick Montgomery, Karl Morrow Jr., and Kareem Walters.
Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bechtel II,
Steven Benavides Jr., Christian Bryant, Carlos Mohler Vega, Patrick Montgomery, Michael Norman and Kareem Walters.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated
March 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Tyson
Broussard and Mark Edgell Jr.
Government Vessels – Graduated February 25 (photo at
right, in alphabetical order): Kierra Bradley, Patrick Montgomery, Karl Morrow Jr., Eric Van
Mose, Gajatri Normatovea,
Andrew Palmer, Blair Royal,
Ronald Sease and Jamika
Thomas.
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.
18 Seafarers LOG
May 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated February 4
(above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Benjamin Capellan
Almonte and Joseph Smith.
FOWT – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Freeman Adamson, Cody Carroll, Nikita Featherston, Dennison Forsman, Anson Johny, Jacob Massie, Eriv Van Mose, Jose Pena, Tyson Richardson and Michael
Taylor.
Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated March 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Robert Boomer, Kelly Doyle, Charles Drumm, Edward Mateo Galbis,
Matthew Gillespie, Alonzo Griswell, Noel Lau, Kelsey Longhi, Louis Alberto Valencia and Liberato Zacarias Viray.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated March 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Mohamed Ali, Charlene Briggs,
Keshyra Armani Brinkley, Paul Erickson Jr., Ahmed Mohamed Hussain, Mery Sofia Koch Lupa and Kristyn White.
May 2022
Chief Steward – Loretta Stewart, above, graduated
from this course March 25
Seafarers LOG 19
�MAY 2022
VOLUME 84, 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 17-19
AMP: Industry Delivers
Despite ‘Baseless Criticism’
The head of a major coalition recently
pushed back against unfounded commentary
about the domestic maritime industry.
Ku’uhaku Park is president of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a group
whose members include the SIU along with
representatives from every component of the
industry. In late March, he posted an editorial under the headline: “American Maritime
Serves Nation In Face of Baseless Criticisms.”
Park began, “There is an old yet familiar
saying in politics that you should ‘never let a
good crisis go to waste.’ As such, it has been
no surprise to see the anti-Jones Act activists come out of the woodworks – yet again
– as energy prices have increased around the
globe in the wake of the war in Eastern Europe.
“The anti-Jones Act ideologues and oil
trader opportunists, ever predictably, are now
calling for waivers to undermine America’s
cornerstone maritime law,” he continued.
“They claim that the Jones Act is responsible for the increased price at the pump
across America. Not only are they wrong on
the facts but doing away with the Jones Act
could have severe unintended consequences
for our nation’s national security, homeland
security, and economic security.”
He explained that gas prices have “skyrocketed in recent months in part due to
uncertainty in global energy markets as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.”
However, Park noted, “The fact of the
matter is that, according to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration, the price consumers face at the pump is directly correlated
to the cost of crude oil – a global commodity.
The fundamental relationship between crude
oil price and gasoline price is consistent
and fluctuates upwards and downwards in
tandem. Similarly, when the price of wheat
“While it has become reflexive
for some to point to the Jones Act in
every crisis, waiving this law simply would not have an impact on
lowering the price of gas. However,
it would put money in the pockets
of oil traders and foreign interests at the expense of American
national security and American
workers.”---Ku’uhaku Park, president,
American Maritime Partnership
changes, so does the price of bread. They’re
intertwined.”
In February and March, Park said, crude
oil prices increased by almost 57%. Given
that the cost of crude correlates to around
56% of at-the-pump gasoline prices, “it’s
clear what is actually responsible for the
increased cost of gasoline. By contrast, the
incremental increase in transportation costs
during this same time period due to rising
fuel prices has been minuscule. In general,
the cost of transportation is a small fraction
of the delivered cost of gasoline.”
He then turned to a question often asked
Tennessee Backs Jones Act
General Assembly Adopts Resolution
The Tennessee General Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution
supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law.
Text of the resolution follows.
WHEREAS, Tennessee’s 950-mile-long network of navigable water-
Tennessee State Capitol
20 Seafarers LOG
by other U.S.-flag advocates: Who might
benefit from waiving the nation’s freight
cabotage law?
“The main group of people looking to
line their pockets with a Jones Act waiver for
gasoline would be oil traders,” Park wrote.
“In the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a
reporter for Reuters coined the phrase ‘disaster arbitrage’ to describe situations where oil
traders use broad Jones Act waivers to pocket
millions of dollars. Under a broad Jones Act
waiver, oil is transported on foreign vessels
that pay no U.S. taxes, employ foreign mariners at substandard wages, and avoid other
U.S. laws even when American vessels are
standing by and available to transport the
goods. ‘The traders pocket the difference,’
Reuters said, never passing along any savings to consumers. Despite the Jones Act exemptions, gas prices remained high only to
the benefit of a select group of profiteering
fuel brokers.”
While a waiver wouldn’t appreciably
affect gasoline prices, it “could potentially
have devastating consequences for our nation’s security, especially at a time of uncertainty around the world,” Park asserted. “If
nothing else, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
underscores the importance of ensuring our
nation’s ability to protect our economic and
homeland security at home and to support
our national security interests around the
world. The Jones Act ensures that we have a
domestic shipbuilding base as well as a pool
of mariners to draw upon during cases of national emergency.”
He pointed out that the domestic maritime
industry “has kept our nation supplied during
the pandemic and the resulting supply chain
AMP President Ku’uhaku Park
crisis with consistent, reliable service,” and
called it “an insult … to take jobs away from
these Americans now, at a time of rising inflation and global uncertainty.”
Park concluded, “While it has become reflexive for some to point to the Jones Act in
every crisis, waiving this law simply would
not have an impact on lowering the price of
gas. However, it would put money in the
pockets of oil traders and foreign interests
at the expense of American national security
and American workers.”
ways, including access to two of the nation’s largest rivers in the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers, makes it a critical hub in the nation’s
transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the current global pandemic has demonstrated the critical
importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation
services for the citizens and workforce of Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act
and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels
carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and
WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally and
supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the
civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and
WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s
homeland security as added eyes and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000
miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee is home to 20,630 maritime jobs supported by
the Jones Act, the eighth highest per capita among all states, which jobs
generate $1.24 billion in worker income; and
WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity
through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and
extensive student loans; and
WHEREAS, the more than 40,000-vessel-strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and more than $154 billion in economic output nationally and $4.5 billion to Tennessee’s economy; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED
TWELFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE,
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONCURRING, that this body affirms its resolute support for the Jones
Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act and its important role in fostering a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Tennessee’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and to national
security.
May 2022
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present
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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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MAY 2022
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RANK AND FILE SEAFARERS APPROVE UNION'S 2021 FINANCIAL RECORDS
MILITARY READINESS 'INEXTRICABLY LINKED' TO U.S. COMMERCIAL MARITIME INDUSTRY
RRF ADDS TWO NEWER VESSELS TO FLEET
NLRB GENERAL COUNSEL ABRUZZO: DITCH CAPTIVE-AUDIENCE MEETINGS
PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN YOUNG DIES
UVC GAINS STATUS AS OFFICIAL AFL-CIO LABOR CONSTITUENCY GROUP
SEAFARERS CONTRACT RATIFIED AT INLAND LAKES MANAGEMENT
AMP: INDUSTRY DELIVERS DESPITE 'BASELESS CRITICISM'
TENNESSEE BACKS JONES ACT
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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05/01/2022
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VOL. 84, NO. 5
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e431c79636c171398397c0937c086e5e.pdf
612d687e9714514e52a62fca7a02165b
PDF Text
Text
APRIL 2022
VOLUME 84, 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
Crowley Adds Tanker Stena Polaris
SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged Stena Polaris (above), an outright addition to the Crowley fleet. The company was awarded a Defense Department contract for
time charter of an “ice class” tanker that is expected to last for nearly five years. The Stena Polaris reflagged last month in Jacksonville, Florida. Built in 2010, the ship is 600 feet long.
Administration Underscores Support for Unions
President Biden on March 5 hosted a labor roundtable in Wilmington, Delaware, during which he listened to union officials and reiterated his strong backing of the labor movement.
He also reaffirmed his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Biden is pictured in front, second from left. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is kneeling at far left. SIU Executive VP Augie
Tellez is in the second row (sixth from right), behind the president’s left shoulder. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who also addressed the group, is standing at far left. Page 3.
AFL-CIO Slams Proposed Open Register
Page 2
Unions Ready to Mobilize
Page 3
�President’s Report
Ready to Deliver
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains the dominant story worldwide, and
it definitely affects not just the maritime industry from a business standpoint
but also, more importantly, the people who work in it. Through our affiliation
with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the SIU is doing whatever we can to ensure the wellbeing of Ukrainian
civilian mariners – and Russian civilian mariners,
too.
We also stand ready to mobilize if needed, as
America’s fourth arm of defense. Understandably,
we’re cautious in what is reported at certain times.
Suffice it to say, we’ve always delivered and we
always will.
If the global pandemic caused many of us to
view our lives at least a little differently and more
appreciatively, the Russian invasion has done so
in a most appalling way. The SIU joins with the
AFL-CIO in condemning the violent invasion.
We stand in solidarity with the workers and their
families who are impacted by the devastation, and
Michael Sacco
offer our condolences for lives that have been lost.
We also join the global labor movement and
our other allies in calling for an immediate end
to Vladimir Putin’s military aggression, and we support extensive economic
sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, particularly
those focused on Putin and his protectors.
Ukrainian unions have struggled for decades to guarantee the internationally recognized right to organize and bargain collectively. Unions have
courageously fought corruption that is widespread in the Ukrainian economy.
All these brave efforts by Ukraine’s unions are now threatened by the Russian
military invasion, which is destroying the basic democratic rights of freedom
of association, assembly and speech that are necessary for all effective trade
union action.
The Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine flagrantly violates international law and undermines the right of Ukraine and of all nations to selfdetermination free from the threat of violence. The consequences of the attack
on Ukraine are vast – tens of thousands of lives may be lost, while millions
of people already have been displaced. Countries will need to house, feed and
support the many refugees fleeing the violence. Putin’s war jeopardizes international peace and global economic recovery. Workers and their families are
still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and can ill afford the higher oil
and food prices and further disruption to the supply chains this war is causing.
The SIU will do everything within our power to support our brothers and
sisters in Ukraine.
Wins for Maritime
As reported elsewhere in this edition, the newly passed government
spending bill contained several important victories for the U.S. maritime
industry. These wins don’t happen without a sustained effort to elect and educate pro-maritime legislators and pro-maritime administrations. That is why
the SIU remains politically active and why we ask our rank-and-file members
to support SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund.
Funding for the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program,
and Cable Security Fleet is a collective dose of great news not just for the
SIU but for the entire country. These programs are important to U.S. national,
economic and homeland security. I applaud the efforts and votes of everyone
who supports them.
Jones Act
Whenever I believe that Jones Act critics have hit a new low, they slither
even lower. That’s been the case recently when a few absolutely nonsensical articles were posted with the claims that America’s freight cabotage law
somehow is driving up gasoline prices. Those preposterous pundits also suggest that waiving the Jones Act would be in order.
Let’s get a couple of things crystal clear. There is plenty of U.S.-flag vessel capacity to handle any voyages transporting oil within the United States.
And – here’s the real news – a waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would
only benefit oil traders.
The Jones Act has protected our nation for more than a century and it remains one of the soundest policies on the books.
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 82 Number 4
April 2022
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2 Seafarers LOG
Industry Secures Full Funding
For Tankers, MSP, Cable Ships
The maritime industry fared well in the recently
approved federal spending bill.
Congress in early March passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The $1.5 trillion
omnibus package includes full funding for the new
U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP), the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), and for two U.S.flag cable ships.
Originally approved near the end of the year
2020, the TSP calls for an initial fleet of 10 U.S.flag tankers. The program, strongly backed by U.S.
military leaders, will decrease reliance on foreignflag ships and foreign crews.
The MSP, enacted in 1996 and extended several
times since then, provides stipends for a fleet of 60
civilian-crewed, militarily useful vessels available
to the Defense Department as needed.
The spending bill, which was signed into law
March 15 by President Biden, moved along at what
one pundit called “the congressional version of
warp speed.” It passed in the House less than 24
hours after introduction and then cleared the Senate
a day later, on March 11.
However, passage also followed months of
delay and three continuing resolutions that allowed the government to operate. A shutdown
would have occurred March 11 at midnight without either another continuing resolution or passage
of the bill.
The bill reportedly contains $730 billion in
non-Defense spending and $782 billion in Defense
spending. It further includes a separate $13.6 billion
in aid for Ukraine. It provides government funding
through September 2022.
AFL-CIO Opposes Open Register
Executive Council Adopts Statement Denouncing Plan
The AFL-CIO Executive Council on March 15
unanimously adopted a statement opposing a proposed
open register in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SIU President Michael Sacco, the council’s longest-serving member, provided background on the
situation to other board members (see related story,
this page).
In part, the statement reads, “American merchant
mariners are the gold standard for the world in terms
of safety and training. From iron ore for steel mills
along the Great Lakes to food aid to hungry citizens
in Africa, from materiel for American armed forces
stationed around the world to vital household goods at
domestic ports, they deliver.
“For generations, foreign interests and their allies
have tried to find ways to circumvent the nation’s
labor and tax laws to take good jobs away from hardworking Americans,” the statement continues. “The
latest effort, announced last month, calls for the creation of a so-called open registry for the U.S. Virgin
Islands. As outlined, this initiative would take cargo
from U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American citizens,
and place it on vessels that do not use American crews,
do not pay American taxes and do not meet American safety and labor standards. This attempt to create
a flag of convenience using the U.S. Virgin Islands is
wrong and harmful to American workers.”
The statement concludes, “The AFL-CIO joins
with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; the
Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO; and the
Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO in calling upon
the Biden Administration, the Congress, the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration to
reject any effort that U.S. Virgin Islands-flag vessels
be treated as if they are the same as U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed for any purpose or for any program. At the
same time, we reiterate our commitment to work with
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco
the Biden Administration and the Congress to achieve
a more robust, commercially viable U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed fleet that will continue to protect America’s
economic, military and homeland security.”
Previously, a joint statement from shipboard maritime unions including the SIU pointed out, “The proposed U.S. Virgin Islands flag of convenience open
registry will not benefit the United States nor America’s maritime industry, any more than any other second or open registry benefits a national flag country.
In fact, the establishment and growth of second registries by other industrialized nations has done little
more than decimate their national flag fleets to the
point that they are no longer able to provide the requisite military security and logistical support to their
flag nations.”
SIU President Pens Open Letter
To Governor of U.S. Virgin Islands
Editor’s note: This letter was posted on the
SIU website on Feb. 21, 2022, and it has been
circulated on Capitol Hill. It was written in response to the governor’s public support for a proposed second register. Visit the SIU website and/
or check last month’s LOG for additional coverage of the proposed second register.
Dear Governor Bryan:
On behalf of the Seafarers International Union
(SIU), which has maintained a strong presence
in the U.S. Virgin Islands for more than a halfcentury, we are perplexed by your recently announced partnership with a for-profit maritime
school that charges $22,000 per year for tuition.
The SIU – which represents thousands of
USVI residents via our affiliated United Industrial Workers – has an associated school in Maryland offering U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses
for entry-level mariners and for experienced
seafarers. The school – the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education – is highly regarded throughout the industry and it does not
charge tuition.
We provide viable career paths, and we also
have immediate job openings for credentialed
mariners. Our union has contracts with the vast
majority of American-flag deep-sea vessel operators, plus collective bargaining agreements with
several major inland tugboat companies. Those
contracts, typically including excellent pay and
benefits, mean ample job opportunities for Seafarers.
Additionally, graduates of our apprentice program (which is certified by the U.S. Department
of Labor) are guaranteed a first job aboard a U.S.flag vessel.
This would seem to offer a far more attractive opportunity for USVI residents than the one
you publicly committed to. Our training facilities
and curriculums are second to none; our school
doesn’t charge tuition; and we’ve got plenty of
jobs for our members.
We welcome the chance to work with you to
explore training and career opportunities for our
fellow citizens from the USVI.
Sincerely,
Michael Sacco
President, Seafarers International Union
April 2022
�Maritime Labor Backs President Biden
On Ukraine, Sanctions Against Russia
The presidents of six American maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, sent a letter to President Biden
underscoring their support for his handling
of the war in Ukraine and reaffirming the
availability of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Dated March 9, the letter conveys the
unions’ “strong support for the actions you
are taking to combat the horrific and unjustified attack by Russia against Ukraine.
This unprovoked attack not only threatens the right of freedom-loving people in
Ukraine to continue to live in a democracy
but poses the most serious threat to our
friends and allies in Europe since World
War II.”
The union presidents pointed out that
U.S. mariners always answer the nation’s
call, and will do so again if needed.
“As they did during World War II and in
every conflict and international emergency
before and since, the men and women of
the United States-flag merchant marine
stand ready to do what we can to support
the strongest possible economic responses
necessary to bring this conflict to a quick
and successful conclusion,” the letter
noted. “To this end, we strongly endorse
your decision to end all oil and natural gas
imports from Russia as well as the imposition of additional rigorous trade sanctions
against Russia as deemed appropriate.
“We understand and appreciate that
these actions will likely have a negative
economic impact on many of our fellow
citizens and many of our members who are
still struggling to recover from the impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the labor
leaders continued. “However, the men and
women of the United States-flag merchant
marine also understand that such a sacrifice is once again necessary in order for
our country to provide the leadership the
rest of the free world has come to expect
and rely upon.”
They concluded, “As our nation’s fourth
arm of defense, the United States-flag merchant marine and its cadre of American
merchant mariners have a unique role and
proud tradition of service to our country in
time of war or other emergency. We again
stand ready to work with you and your
Administration to provide the support and
service our country needs.”
Signing the letter were Sacco; Sailors’
Union of the Pacific President Dave Con-
AMP Sets Record
Straight On Jones
Act, Energy Prices
A major maritime coalition recently sent a letter to President Biden to address misconceptions
about the Jones Act. Specifically, the letter addressed the transportation of crude oil and other
energy cargoes in the United States in light of the
Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It was sent by the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated.
“We appreciate your support and the overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress for the
Jones Act,” the letter began. “Ukraine is a lesson
that America must provide for its self-defense
and economy, and that the 650,000 U.S. men and
women of American Maritime will continue to
move what our nation needs, including energy.”
The coalition further pointed out the following:
n There is more than adequate American vessel capacity to address any requirements to transport oil within the United States.
n A waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would
only benefit oil traders. U.S. consumers would
not benefit.
n The recent dramatic increase in gas prices
has overwhelmingly been driven by the increase
in crude oil prices, which have risen by nearly
57% in just over two months.
n Congress has expressed its concern about ensuring that American vessels are used to move oil
from the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) before
considering the possibility of Jones Act waivers.
n Jones Act waivers outsource U.S. jobs and
undermine American security.
AMP followed the last point by stating, “Now
is certainly not the time to issue waivers that
replace American companies and mariners with
vessel operators and mariners from other nations.
The domestic maritime industry has kept our nation supplied during the pandemic and the resulting supply chain crisis with consistent, reliable
service. It would be both ironic and insulting to
take jobs away from these Americans now, at a
time of rising inflation and global uncertainty. It
is particularly egregious that some have called
for Jones Act waivers as a result of the Russian
invasion of Ukraine, a situation that underscores
the importance of ensuring our nation’s ability to
protect our economic and homeland security at
home and to support our national security interests around the world. The Jones Act ensures that
we have a domestic shipbuilding base as well as
a pool of mariners to draw upon during cases of
national emergency.”
The entire letter is available on the SIU website.
April 2022
nolly; American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell; International Organization
of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Don
Marcus; Marine Firemen’s Union President Anthony Poplawski; and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President
Adam Vokac.
Meanwhile, the Joint Negotiating
Group (JNG) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have designated areas in the Black Sea and the Sea
of Azov as “Warlike Operations Areas,”
triggering an increased security level and
other entitlements for foreign mariners in
the war zone.
The designation was agreed at an emergency in early March. Discussions focused
on repatriation, payment of wages, safe
transit and respect of individual seafarers’
rights, particularly for mariners from the
region.
The JNG and ITF negotiate and ensure
application of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreement, which is the
only international collective bargaining
agreement covering terms and conditions
for seafarers in international trade on more
than 9,000 ships.
“The escalation in hostilities and conflict in Ukraine has put enormous pressure
on seafarers of all nations and an industry
already laboring under the demands and
challenges of the pandemic,” the organizations said in a joint statement. “The parties
agreed that the welfare of seafarers and the
protection of their rights in this unprecedented situation was paramount to the
spirit and intent of the IBF agreement.”
They added, “The facilitation of support
from governments worldwide for potential
refugee arrangements for Ukrainian seafarers and their families was also considered. The social partners agreed to increase
pressure on governments to waive visas for
Ukrainian seafarers to ease their repatriation.”
The JNG consists of the International
Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC),
the International Mariners Management
Association of Japan (IMMAJ), the Korean Shipowners Association (KSA), and
Taiwan-based company Evergreen.
The ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated, has member organizations around
the world who collectively represent more
than 20 million transport workers.
President Biden (second from left) pauses for a snapshot with maritime union officials. Pictured from left are MM&P President Don Marcus, President Biden, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha.
Biden Reaffirms Jones Act Support
President Biden, meeting with the
AFL-CIO leadership and principal
officers of international unions on
March 5, said once again he will not
waiver in his longtime support for the
Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law.
The president was responding to a
statement from SIU Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez during the
gathering in Wilmington, Delaware.
Tellez, who attended with MEBA
Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha
and MM&P President Don Marcus,
thanked the president for standing
with American mariners throughout
his career as a senator and vice president. He alerted Biden to new attacks
being directed at the Jones Act in
the wake of rising petroleum prices
because of the Russian invasion of
Ukraine. The maritime contingent
noted recent news columns preposter-
ously trying to claim the Jones Act as
anti-American.
Tellez also informed the president
about the February announcement
proposing an open registry in the U.S.
Virgin Islands that would take away
cargo from U.S.-flag ships and jobs
from American mariners.
Biden told Tellez, Rexha, Marcus
and the other labor leaders he will
continue to fight for American mariners and workers.
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh
also met with the union officials,
numbering 39 in all and including
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.
Biden thanked the labor officials for their support and outlined steps the administration has
taken to help union members in
the first year of the administration.
Walsh spoke of the need to work collaboratively to empower American
workers and underscored the president’s support for strong unions as
key to the middle class.
The group further discussed the
unprecedented economic growth experienced in the U.S. and the addition
of 678,000 jobs in February, along
with a 3.8% drop in the unemployment rate. A total of 7.4 million jobs
have been added since the start of the
administration.
Additionally, attendees touched
on the administration’s wide range
of accomplishments thus far when it
comes to creating union jobs and protecting Davis-Bacon provisions, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law and the American Rescue Plan.
The group echoed its thanks to the
president, the secretary and administration officials for the historic investment the administration has made in
American workers.
Seafarers LOG 3
�CDC Updates Guidelines for Masks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) on Feb. 25 significantly loosened its mask recommendations
as part of updated guidance for coping with
COVID-19.
Under the new guidelines, more than 70
percent of the U.S. population resides in
areas with “low” or “medium” COVID-19
community levels, meaning masks are not
recommended for the general public.
In areas with a “high” level, which at
press time included about 30 percent of the
U.S. population, masks would still be recommended in public indoor settings. Under
the “medium” level, people at higher risk
are encouraged to talk to their doctor about
wearing a mask.
A map which outlines current COVID-
19 Community levels nationwide is available on the CDC website (https://www.cdc.
gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/
covid-by-county.html0).
Following the CDC’s lead, the SIU on
March 9 amended its COVID-19 policies
to remove mask-wearing requirements
at headquarters, the hiring halls and the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
The change applies to all employees and
visitors who are fully vaccinated and have
received booster shots (if they are eligible
to get a booster shot). Visitors who have
vaccine exemptions or who, even though
eligible to receive a booster shot, have chosen not to receive a booster, must present a
recent negative test result and wear a mask
State of the Union
when entering all of the former locations.
Masking in schools has been an area of
heated debate around the country. Under
the new CDC guidelines, universal masking in schools is now only recommended in
areas with a “high” level.
“Our new framework was rigorously
evaluated, both with current data and retrospectively during the Alpha, Delta and
Omicron waves, and these new metrics
have demonstrative predictive capacity
for weeks into the future,” CDC Director
Dr. Rochelle Wilensky said during a media
briefing on the new recommendations.
“This new framework will provide the
best way for us to judge what level of preventive measures may be needed in our
communities,” she added. “If or when new
Sponsors: Submarine Repair Bases
Will Create Thousands of Union Jobs
Editor’s note: The following article, lightly
edited for local style, was written by Mark Gruenberg of the Press Associates Union News
Service. The SIU and the Maritime Trades Department have endorsed the project; representatives from both organizations took part in the
conference, hosted by the National Press Club.
SIU President Michael Sacco addresses Seafarers and guests at the
March membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He covered numerous topics, including the union’s efforts to encourage faster document processing by the National Maritime Center; manpower obligations; maritime
jobs in the wind-energy sector; the loosening of some pandemic restrictions; ongoing professionalism of SIU members; and more.
Seafarers May Sign Up
For Free Credit Monitoring,
ID Protection Past May 31
As previously reported, Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) earlier this
year informed the SIU and the Seafarers Plans that the company “was the target
of a cyber intrusion” that may have involved current and former SIU members’
personal information.
CHS in February mailed a letter to all potentially affected Seafarers. Recipients are asked to note that, although the letter specifies May 31 as the cutoff for
enrolling in free credit monitoring and identity protection, individuals are able
to elect those services even if they miss the deadline. People may still call the
number listed in the letter after May 31, or contact CHS directly to elect credit
monitoring and identity protection, at no charge.
If members have any difficulty with this process, contact the SIU membership assistance office at (800) 252-4674, Option 2.
As noted in the letter, there is no evidence that anyone’s personal information has been used inappropriately.
More information is available on the SIU website, in the March edition of
the Seafarers LOG and in the letter from CHS.
4 Seafarers LOG
variants emerge or the virus surges, we
have more ways to control the virus and
protect ourselves and our communities
than ever before.”
In a related development, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on
March 9 extended the mandate for mask
use on public transportation and in transportation hubs through April 18. The mandate had been set to expire on March 18.
According to TSA officials, the extension is based on a recommendation
from the CDC. In a March 10 statement,
the agency said the CDC will work on a
“revised policy framework for when, and
under what circumstances, masks should
be required in the public transportation
corridor.”
Sponsors of a plan to build submarine repair
bases in Northeastern Ohio, at Lordstown and
Lorain, predict that when they’re up and fully
running, they’ll create 4,000-5,000 full-time
union jobs.
And their prediction, at a panel discussion
in Washington, D.C., announcing the proposed
Bartlett Maritime Plan, doesn’t count up to 2,000
union construction jobs needed to build the bases,
nor the spinoff of an estimated 41,000 ancillary
jobs once those big shops are up and running.
All the construction jobs, “including subcontracting jobs, will be 100% union labor,”
pledged Edward Bartlett, a retired merchant
marine captain and CEO of Bartlett Maritime
Construction. His firm put together the plan.
Groundbreaking on the planned American
Naval Shipyard complex, split between the two
cities, is expected in six months, after planning,
plus hiring the first 30 apprentice trainees. Construction would take three to four years, in order
to satisfy environmental rules. The two bases
will be built with union-made steel and cement,
Bartlett added.
Bartlett’s firm decided on Northeastern Ohio
due to its excellent transportation connections
– expressways, railroads, Cleveland’s international airport, and especially Lake Erie – and
surplus of available highly skilled metal trades
workers, he explained.
“The UAW trained them well,” before General Motors closed its Lordstown auto assembly
plant in 2019, he elaborated. Ever since word
of this project leaked “my email inbox has been
full” with skilled workers asking when and
where to apply.
Speakers also emphasized that the new submarine repair bases are needed for national
security. Repairs are far behind on the current
47-boat fleet, including some submarines more
than 30 years old.
Moreover, the Navy wants to expand the
fleet by 50%, to 70 submarines. China and Russia notice how long and how many U.S. subs are
laid up, one speaker added.
“We have been the world’s dominant maritime power for years,” explained AFL-CIO
Metal Trades Department President James Hart.
“But America’s manufacturing base is diminishing,” and its current shipyards are 80% devoted
to Navy construction and 20% to Jones Act
ships needed for domestic trade.
“We’ll need to build another shipyard to take
care of this problem” of repairing and rehabbing submarines,” Hard said. “We can’t sit on
our hands. China is building two shipyards right
now. We can have all the ships in the world, but
it matters how many you have that can go to
sea.”
Building the yards and staffing them with
skilled craftspeople “gives those workers a
hand up, not a hand out. We’re looking to put
them to work,” added Lance Heasley, president
of the Akron-based International Chemical
Workers Union Council, a sector of the United
Food and Commercial Workers.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
reinforced backing from the union and the MTD
(where he also serves as an official).
“Our attack subs and aircraft carriers are the
most potent force projection weapons we have,”
added retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert Frick.
The two yards “will provide the most rapid
effective solution” to repair problems, once
they’re built, he explained.
Repair drydocks aren’t cheap, said Bechtel
Business Development Manager Rich Capitan, who spoke from the audience and, after
the press conference, provided the construction
and 41,000 ancillary job estimates. He added
planned rehabilitation of one big sub drydock at
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, alone will take five years
and cost $20 million.
The Pearl Harbor project illustrates another
point: a construction worker shortage. Hawaiian
building trades workers are working on Pearl
Harbor, building a light rail system in Honolulu, and either rehabbing old city hotels there
or building new ones, all at once. The state’s
unions and contractors are discussing transferring union workers from the mainland U.S.
One part of the submarine complex will be
a Lordstown depot, employing 1,000 unionists.
It’ll use part of the site of the old GM plant.
Workers will maintain submarines’ weapons
and equipment. The other will be the actual
American Naval Shipyard in Lorain, employing at least 3,000 unionists.
“It’ll be completely enclosed, all in a single
building, to take weather issues out” of the
equation, a consideration given winters along
the southern shore of Lake Erie, said Bartlett.
The American Naval Shipyard project will
not cost the federal government any money,
since financing will come from a public-private
partnership. Ohio will provide funds from industrial development bonds and Goldman-Sachs
will raise the cash for the Bartlett Maritime
Corp., which put the deal together. At the end
of a 30-year lease, the feds get the two yards.
The American Naval Shipyard project will
cost “multi-billions” of dollars, said panelist
Bill Daley of Goldman-Sachs. It’ll be built by
a public-private partnership with the state of
Ohio using money from industrial development
bonds while his firm raises the private funds.
But the project still needs to show political
backing. Sponsors rolled out a joint supportive
letter from U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (D-Ohio)
and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and three other
Ohio lawmakers, all Democrats. One, Tim
Ryan, a longtime union backer, as is Brown,
seeks the Senate seat Portman is retiring from
this year.
The firm’s information packet includes a
unanimous endorsement from the Lorain City
Council. Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill, who also
spoke, said that after GM left, “Everybody had
the perfect project for us” to replace it, “but nobody had any money. This one does.”
April 2022
�Forum Speakers Underscore Their
Compelling Support for Jones Act
America’s freight cabotage law – a
vital source of U.S. maritime jobs – enjoys ongoing, strong support from the administration and from all components of
the industry.
That conclusion was a main takeaway
following the 2022 Capital Link Jones Act
and U.S.-Flag Shipping Forum, an online
conference that took place Feb. 24-25.
Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley gave the keynote
speech on the forum’s first day. Panelists throughout the event included representatives from domestic shipyards, law
firms, and Seafarers-contracted companies including Crowley Maritime; Matson; TOTE; Pasha; Overseas Shipholding
Group; Seabulk; Great Lakes Dredge &
Dock; American President Lines; Liberty
Maritime; and Maersk Line, Limited.
Lessley assured attendees that the administration’s support of American maritime is unwavering.
“The Biden-Harris Administration
is working on every front to support a
strong U.S. Merchant Marine,” she said.
“The administration is crystal clear that
the U.S.-flagged fleet, including of course
our Jones Act fleet, plays an essential role
in both our national and our economic security.
That is why, shortly after taking office,
President Biden issued an executive order
laying out his Made in America agenda.
The order reaffirms what we have always
known: The Jones Act is truly a ‘make it
in America’ policy on our waterways.”
She continued, “As you know, the
Jones Act guarantees that cargoes moved
between U.S. ports travel on vessels that
are built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Because of the Jones Act, today,
more than 40,000 vessels of all types, all
built in the United States, ply our nation’s
waterways, reliably delivering domestic
passengers and goods to the places they
need to be using the most fuel-efficient
mode of transportation available.”
The Jones Act, which has helped safeguard the nation for more than a century,
“also ensures that we have strong domestic shipbuilding capability,” Lessley
pointed out. “Our Jones Act fleet in turn
supports more than 150 active shipyards
that, according to a 2021 MARAD study,
support nearly 400,000 jobs and generate
$28.1 billion of annual labor income as
well as more than $42 billion in GDP.
taken to improve maritime workplace
safety; and a formal Mariner Workforce
Development Plan, which “will bolster
safety, and support for both credentialed
and prospective U.S. mariners based on
several key goals, including supporting
existing mariner workforce development
programs, mariner education, and training
institutions, and improving mariner workforce diversity and workplace safety,”
Lessley stated. “This will be intended to
nurture and grow a strong U.S. Merchant
Marine, which is integral to the contiguous, non-contiguous, and international
trade.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration is working on every
front to support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.” – Acting U.S.
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley
“The Jones Act also supports a domestic merchant fleet of 96 ocean-going vessels crewed by thousands of highly skilled,
unionized merchant mariners qualified to
operate sealift assets for national defense
needs,” she added. “The Jones Act is truly
a cornerstone of our U.S. maritime industry and the Biden-Harris Administration is
working hard to strengthen this industry
by building on this essential foundation.
And with new opportunity on the horizon,
such as the emergence of offshore wind as
a renewable energy source, the Jones Act
remains poised to remain the cornerstone
of our nation’s maritime industry into the
foreseeable future.”
She also discussed the America’s
Marine Highways Program; investment
in ports across the country; steps being
Newly elected American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Ku’uhaku Park
also addressed the forum. (The SIU is an
AMP affiliate.)
“I’m happy to report that overall support for the Jones Act in Congress and the
administration has never been higher than
it is today,” he said. “An overwhelming
majority of the Members of Congress in
both parties and in both chambers support the Jones Act. In addition to the Congress, this administration is extremely
supportive of the Jones Act. President
Biden strongly supported the Jones Act
during the campaign and then reiterated
his strong support publicly almost immediately upon taking office.”
He underscored the Jones Act’s importance: “The Jones Act is the fundamen-
tal law of our business, underpinning an
industry that supports nearly 650,000
family-wage jobs and provides more than
$150 billion in economic value every
year. Labor income for the exceptional
mariners and other workers in this industry totals about $40 billion annually.
There are about 40,000 vessels in the U.S.
domestic fleet – one of the largest domestic fleets in the world.”
Park said the rationale for backing the
law remains quite sound.
“Historically, the Jones Act has enjoyed support for three reasons: national
security, homeland security and economic
security,” he said. “Senior military officials and senior homeland officials have
consistently talked about the importance
of the Jones Act to the security of our nation…. It is not lost on our elected leaders
that repealing the Jones Act would be outsourcing our nation’s jobs and security.”
He said an additional reason “for the
strong support today is the supply chain
crisis, which has reminded us all in
vivid ways that reliable transportation is
not an academic point. The recent supply chain crisis has really underscored
the importance of a reliable domestic
maritime industry, particularly in the
U.S. non-contiguous trades. Today, as
you all know, America faces one of its
worst supply chain disruptions ever for
containerized cargoes…. It is a dismal
picture with one bright spot: the performance of the U.S. domestic maritime industry…. Additionally, when the
COVID-19 pandemic began, international carriers canceled more than 500
trans-Pacific sailings. In contrast, Jones
Act carriers have provided uninterrupted
service and maintained a lifeline to many
states and communities.”
Louisiana Senator Introduces
Bipartisan American Offshore
Worker Fairness Legislation
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana) recently introduced the American
Offshore Worker Fairness Act. This bill,
cosponsored in the House by Reps. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and John Garamendi (D-California), provides a level
playing field between U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels working
in offshore energy activities in U.S. waters, according to its proponents.
“U.S. and Louisiana mariners and
maritime companies lose when foreign
vessels, which do not pay U.S. taxes,
business taxes or payroll taxes, take advantage of loopholes to hire foreign workers for half the cost,” said Cassidy. “This
bill … gives the American worker a fair
shot.”
The proposed changes also improve
the oversight of foreign-flag vessels and
the mariners who work on them.
“Our bipartisan bill closes an egregious Jones Act loophole so that foreign-flagged vessels are held to the
same high standards as U.S.-flagged
vessels developing our nation’s offshore
energy resources, including for offshore
wind projects,” said Garamendi. “As the
former Ranking Member of the House
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I know that American workers and U.S.-flagged vessels
are ready, willing, and able to do this
work.”
April 2022
Graves stated, “Louisiana has a great
opportunity with this bipartisan legislation to bring more jobs to the Gulf region
and make sure there are good job opportunities in Louisiana. Other countries are
taking advantage of using foreign vessels
and workers operating in U.S. waters. This
is not a level playing field, not putting
America first, and we need to close this
loophole. This bill takes us a step closer
to bringing parity to the market. I look
forward to working with my colleagues
in ensuring an American workforce produces America’s energy and promotes our
way of life in south Louisiana.”
“The Shipbuilders Council of America
and the 400,000 men and women in our
domestic shipbuilding workforce strongly
support the American Offshore Worker
Fairness Act,” said Matthew Paxton, president of the council. “This commonsense,
bipartisan legislation closes a loophole
that has long been exploited by foreign
competitors to undercut America’s maritime workforce. We applaud the efforts of
Senator Cassidy, Representative Graves,
and Representative Garamendi in showing leadership by standing up for the men
and women of America’s maritime industry.”
“On a level playing field, U.S. vessels
and U.S. merchant mariners can compete
with any anyone on the planet. However,
we cannot compete with mariners making
Sen. Bill Cassidy
(R) Louisiana
Rep. Garret Graves
(R) Louisiana
far less than what any U.S. citizen would
or should accept,” said Offshore Marine
Service Association President Aaron
Smith. “The American Offshore Worker
Fairness Act closes this loophole and ensures that when foreign vessels operate in
U.S. waters, they play by our rules and
pay U.S.-level wages. As such, we wholeheartedly endorse this legislation and applaud Dr. Cassidy for all he is doing to
help Louisiana mariners.”
As stated in the “Frequently Asked
Questions” that was issued by Cassidy’s
office alongside the bill, “U.S. mariners
are already serving on U.S.-owned/U.S.flagged and U.S.-owned/foreign-flagged,
and even in some very rare cases foreignowned/foreign-flagged subsea construction vessels. This class of vessels perform
very technical and demanding work
within the offshore industry so know
U.S. mariners can do this work. Further,
the U.S. merchant marine is highly skilled
and qualified, and the U.S. has some of
Rep. John Garamendi
(D) California
the best maritime training schools in the
world, thus, there is no reason to think
that additional U.S. mariners cannot be
trained to conduct this work.”
The American Offshore Worker Fairness Act would:
n Require the U.S. Coast Guard to
inspect these vessels annually to ensure
compliance with this law and that the
crew members on these vessels secure
TWIC cards from the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
n Require mariners on foreign-flagged
vessels be either U.S. citizens or citizens
of the nation where the vessel is flagged.
n Limit the number of visas that could
be issued to crew of each foreign vessel
to 2.5 times the number of crewmembers
on that vessel. This would allow for regular crew shift changes.
n Require foreign vessels prove their
ownership on an annual basis.
The full text of the bill is available
online.
Seafarers LOG 5
�Deadline Extended
Recruiting in the Beaver State
Some Pensioners Remain
Eligible to Resume Sailing
SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp (front, second from left) is pictured with students at the Tongue Point
(Oregon) Job Corps Center, visiting with aspiring mariners in mid-March. In recent years, some of the
graduates have joined the SIU and shipped out. “These young mariners have represented our port well,
and we continue to recruit from this program,” Asp said.
A recent trustee action
lengthens the opportunity for
some SIU pensioners to resume
sailing.
Seafarers Pension Plan
(SPP) Trustees, in an effort to
recruit qualified mariners, announced in 2021 that pensioners who had retired within the
last five years could to return
to work with an SIU-contracted
employer without having their
pension benefits suspended.
This development required relaxing some formal regulations
of the SPP through the end of
last year.
Now, those regulations
won’t be enforced at least
through June 30, 2022 –
which means eligible pensioners may resume (or continue)
sailing.
According to a memo from
an SPP subcommittee, “This
waiver of the suspension rules
only applies to those pensioners
who have retired within the last
five years. Deep-sea seamen
can return to covered employment for an unlimited period of
time during this period. Inland
boatman can return to covered
employment for a period of
90 days per calendar year. All
pensioners returning to covered
employment must sail above
entry level and comply with all
the requisites of the Shipping
Rules, if applicable, or any contractual provisions contained in
a collective bargaining agreement.”
Pensioners returning to
work under these provisions
will maintain the seniority level
they enjoyed at the time of their
retirement.
In the initial communication
from last year (which still holds
true), the trustees noted, “This
trustee action allows eligible
pensioners to continue collecting their full monthly pension
benefits, earn the wage rates
specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement
and, if you are receiving a
wage related pension benefit,
you could also earn additional
$15 increments for every 120
days of covered employment
for which you work. In addition, if you resume employment and work for 90 days, you
will become eligible for active
seafarer benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan
and your claims would be processed in accordance with those
rules.”
Interested pensioners are
asked to contact their local port
agent for more information.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Preventing, Treating
High Cholesterol
Editor’s note: This article is provided
by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department.
High cholesterol can be a result of diet,
lifestyle (including smoking), and/or genetics. Without testing, it is difficult to
determine if a person has high cholesterol,
because there are no symptoms.
However, having elevated cholesterol
levels may increase an individual’s risk
of heart attack, stroke and other complications.
Cholesterol is a fatty molecule needed
by cells in order to function. It is produced
by the liver but also may be acquired from
the foods a person eats.
The term “high cholesterol” refers to the
amount of cholesterol circulating through
the blood at any given time. High cholesterol usually is diagnosed by a blood test.
A doctor will order a lipid panel to measure
low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and
cholesterol levels. If results are high, the
doctor will decide whether to recommend
medications. Lifestyle changes also may be
in order.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LDL,
sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes
up most of your body’s cholesterol. High
levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk
for heart disease and stroke. HDL, or
“good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol
6 Seafarers LOG
and carries it back to the liver. The liver
then flushes it from the body. High levels
of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for
heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends that routine cholesterol screenings for adults after age 20 be conducted
yearly or more often if results continue to
be high.
High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits or plaque to build up inside of the arteries, especially in the brain, kidneys and
heart. When this happens, blood flow is diminished or it may stop completely, leading to any number of complications.
Maintaining a healthful diet rich in
fiber, vegetables, limited red meat and
processed foods can help keep cholesterol
levels in check. So can exercising, drinking
more water and fewer sodas and alcohol.
Medications can be helpful for those
with high cholesterol. They include statins;
cholesterol absorption inhibitors; bempedoic acid (Nexletol); bile-acid-binding resins; and others.
Statins, perhaps the most commonly
known medication for high cholesterol,
block a substance the liver needs to make
cholesterol. This causes the liver to remove
cholesterol from a person’s blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, choices include
atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol),
lovastatin (Altoprev), pitavastatin (Livalo),
pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor).
Healthy Recipe
Chicken Bruschetta
Servings: 24
Ingredients
6 1/2 pounds chicken
breast without skin
2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash
seasoning
6 teaspoons kosher salt
12 cups roma tomato,
diced
1 1/2 cups fresh basil
leaf, thinly sliced
3 cups sweet onion, diced
12 teaspoons garlic,
minced
18 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons balsamic
vinegar, salad dressing
Preparation
Preheat grill to 350 F.
Combine tomatoes, onion,
basil, garlic, olive oil, and
balsamic vinegar dressing. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to
marinate for at least 15 minutes. Can be refrigerated while chicken is cooking.
Season the chicken with salt and Mrs. Dash, and grill or pan-fry until well done
(internal temp of 165 F).
Cut chicken into slices and top with bruschetta mixture in 2” hotel pan. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 227 Calories; 12g Fat (46.3% calories
from fat): 24g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 57mg Cholesterol;
543mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat: 1 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat.
Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
April 2022
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Training with the Troops
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 14 - March15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15.
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
Port
The Seafarers-crewed USNS Dahl (pictured above)
teamed up with members of the U.S. Air Force 33rd
Recue Squadron in Kadena, Japan, to conduct deck
landing qualifications aboard the Patriot-operated vessel in the Philippine Sea in early February as part of
Exercise Cope North 22. The operation is a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise that includes
Australian, Japanese and U.S. forces, according to the
U.S. Navy. The Dahl is part of Maritime Prepositioning
Ships Squadron 3; it strategically “places containerized
and palletized cargo throughout the Indo-Pacific Region
for all U.S. Armed Services, including the Air Force,” the
Navy reports. (Photo by Second Mate Garrett Flottman)
Update on SIU Text Alerts
Beginning April 28, 2022,
individuals who have signed
up for SIU text alerts will receive messages from a new
number: (412) 899-8989.
(The prior number is 97779.)
No action is required to
maintain an existing subscription. The change is due
to new industry regulations
that essentially are mandating a move to a “10-digit
long code” (abbreviated as
10DLC) for organizations
that send text messages.
In accordance with legal
requirements, subscribers
will receive a “goodbye”
message from 97779 (which
will read, “The SIU is changing numbers. You’ll hear
from 4128998989 after this.
No action required by you to
remain subscribed.”). Then,
they’ll get a “hello” message
from the new number, which
will read: “SIU: Welcome
to our new number. Thanks
for being part of our mobile
news network.”
All of our opt-in keywords
will remain unchanged.
To sign up for alerts, text
the word “join” to 97779 before April 28, or text “join” to
(412) 899-8989 after April 28.
April & May
Membership Meetings
Piney Point..........................................Monday: April 4, May 2
Algonac..............................................Friday: April 8, May 6
Baltimore.....................................Thursday: April 7, May 5
Guam..........................................Thursday: April 21, May 19
A
B
All Groups
C
A
Jacksonville........................................Thursday: April 7, May 5
Joliet............................................Thursday: April 14, May12
Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 13, May 11
New Orleans......................................Tuesday: April 12, May 10
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: April 5, May 3
Norfolk...............................................Friday: April 8, May 6
Oakland...........................................Thursday: April 14, May 12
Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: April 6, May 4
Port Everglades..............................Thursday: April 14, May 12
San Juan...........................................Thursday: April 7, May 5
St. Louis................................................Friday: April 15, May 13
Tacoma...............................................Friday: April 22, May 20
Wilmington.......................................Monday: April 18, May 16
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
C
Reliefs
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
19
4
1
18
5
9
3
33
32
29
2
6
17
16
1
1
2
20
4
28
250
6
3
3
5
1
6
1
15
18
4
2
4
9
2
4
1
4
3
0
12
103
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
5
2
4
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
2
0
1
22
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
1
3
10
1
3
5
4
20
8
1
2
10
4
0
3
4
12
0
15
110
1
1
0
3
2
2
4
4
13
3
1
0
10
1
2
3
2
2
1
2
57
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
4
0
1
0
4
0
0
1
0
2
0
1
18
Engine Department
3
2
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
5
1
0
1
1
0
0
3
0
2
2
0
6
9
0
13
13
2
4
2
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
7
11
4
3
3
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
3
3
0
5
2
1
2
0
0
14
2
0
74
56
10
1
0
2
1
0
2
2
3
9
2
0
0
6
1
0
0
2
2
1
6
40
6
0
3
12
0
5
12
19
28
12
3
6
10
9
2
1
8
17
4
21
178
1
1
0
5
1
2
5
10
19
8
1
2
11
7
3
4
2
5
2
11
100
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
5
1
1
0
5
2
0
0
0
1
0
2
23
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
0
1
10
1
2
5
15
23
5
1
0
14
11
0
2
2
7
0
20
121
5
1
0
4
1
0
1
9
13
0
0
5
15
6
1
2
6
3
0
5
77
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
5
1
0
0
1
2
1
5
0
1
0
0
19
Steward Department
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
0
2
1
1
1
0
0
5
2
0
8
3
0
15
10
4
6
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
11
6
0
7
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
2
2
4
0
4
2
1
0
0
0
15
7
0
85
43
10
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
5
10
0
0
1
6
3
0
3
1
3
0
9
43
4
0
2
17
1
3
6
20
28
16
3
6
20
22
0
4
3
14
1
26
196
6
1
0
7
1
0
2
11
22
5
0
6
15
9
1
2
5
4
1
10
108
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
1
2
1
4
0
1
0
1
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
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
2
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
3
15
10
0
2
2
0
1
2
11
22
9
1
0
12
2
1
3
0
10
0
9
97
5
0
1
1
0
1
1
13
50
16
0
0
30
7
3
9
1
8
0
3
149
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
4
Entry Department
10
2
1
0
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
1
9
5
13
26
4
7
0
0
0
0
7
17
2
2
0
3
2
5
0
1
7
5
0
0
7
5
68
83
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
11
1
0
0
2
0
0
3
1
4
0
1
27
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
7
4
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
2
23
13
5
0
3
0
4
6
8
38
18
2
0
16
8
1
2
0
15
0
13
152
6
1
0
2
0
1
3
18
91
25
2
2
29
7
0
11
0
14
0
10
222
334
208
337
194
823
535
314
GRAND TOTAL: 496
April 2022
B
Trip
Deck Department
14
4
0
0
1
1
2
2
0
20
5
0
0
0
0
5
5
0
1
0
0
29
13
4
25
17
1
15
7
5
2
0
0
5
0
1
9
12
3
9
3
1
2
4
0
1
1
0
6
1
0
11
4
0
5
0
1
13
10
2
174
89
19
Honolulu...........................................Friday: April 15, May 13
Houston.........................................Monday: April 11, May 9
Registered on Beach
256
122
4
2
1
9
0
2
0
9
19
9
0
1
5
2
2
2
0
7
0
10
84
32
5
4
36
6
20
7
52
59
55
1
9
31
26
1
1
8
26
1
46
426
7
5
3
15
1
8
4
26
34
15
3
8
13
4
3
1
3
5
2
15
175
2
0
0
8
0
1
0
11
10
3
0
1
7
1
1
1
0
5
0
2
53
Seafarers LOG 7
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are some things you like about this school?
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
Kristyn White
Chief Cook
You’re learning as you go. What
you do here is what you’re going to
do on the ship. This is my first time
here; everybody is so respectful,
and they give positive feedback.
It’s going really well.
Ahmed Hussain
GVA
Everything is good at the school.
There’s a lot of support here; anything
we need, we get it. This is my second
time here. My experience here has
been very good.
Wordell Prescott
QMED
The instructors are awesome,
including the welding instructor,
Chris Raley. I feel like I’m a better
welder since I’ve taken his class.
This is my third time here. All of
the practical training we get is very
useful for shipboard life.
Mery Koch
Chief Cook
I like the knowledge of the chief
cooks here and the teacher, Paul (Gelrud). He’s amazing. The passion he
puts into the class is great. We’re encouraged to do our best and keep learning.
Daniel Leon
QMED
The courses are very informative and they really help us out.
Welding is a good example; I used
to weld, but I wasn’t that good.
After taking the class, I improved.
I’ve been here four times.
Charlene Briggs
Chief Cook
I like the sense of community – the
feeling that the school belongs to all of
us. It’s a great place to upgrade. There
are good chefs and good instructors
here.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
The Sea-Land Defender joined the SIU-crewed fleet in 1980, when this snapshot was taken. Constructed in Japan, the dieselpowered vessel was 745 feet long and had a service speed of 22 knots.
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
8 Seafarers LOG
April 2022
�PRESIDENT TOUTS INFRASTRUCTURE BILL – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak represented the union Feb. 17 during a visit by President Biden to Lorain, Ohio. Biden highlighted the numerous expected benefits of the bipartisan
infrastructure bill that passed last year. The group photo at left includes (from left) Brdak, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur
(D-Ohio) and Leonard DiCosimo, President, Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4. Brdak is in the foreground
of the selfie, while the president is at the podium.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALASKANS – The SIU has a long history of providing maritime career opportunities for citizens
from the Last Frontier, and that tradition is alive and well. Pictured at the Anchorage hall (photo at left) are future mariner
Faith Wood, who recently began the apprentice program in Piney Point, Maryland, and (photo at right) Clayton Laulainen.
At press time, Laulainen was awaiting his start date for the apprentice program.
A-BOOK IN JACKSONVILLE – Chief Cook Olive Stewart-Paul (center) picks up her A-book.
She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolmen Eddie Pittman (left) and Adam Bucalo.
April 2022
WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Recertified
Bosun Marc Marcus (right), pictured with SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the hiring hall, receives his first
pension check. Marcus started sailing with the SIU in 1971.
WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – AB Virgilio Fucanan (center) visits the hiring
hall to pick up his first pension check. His wife, Fermilia, is at left, while SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick is at right.
Seafarers LOG 9
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
TALKING MARITIME WITH REP. CRIST – The hiring hall in Jacksonville,
Florida, hosted a labor “meet and greet” Feb. 16 for U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist
(D-Florida), who’s running for governor of Florida. Also in attendance was
Dr. Tracye Polson, who’s running for an at-large seat on the Jacksonville
City Council. In photo above, Crist (left) poses with SIU Port Agent Ashley
Nelson. The congressman also is in the remaining photos – greeting Chief
Storekeeper Lisa Curtis (far right) and AB Timothy Brock (immediate right).
HONORED BY PORT COUNCIL – SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left) has been active with the San Francisco Bay Area and Vicinity Port Maritime
Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department) since 1990. At a meeting March 9 in San
Francisco, the council saluted him with a plaque and best wishes as he transfers to New
Orleans. Pictured from left are SUP President Dave Connolly (who also serves as port
council president), Celona, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski (port council VP), and SIU
VP West Coast Nick Marrone.
WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook John Bennett (second from right) is
pictured at the hiring hall while receiving his first pension check. He started sailing with
the SIU in 1978. Standing with him are (from left) Administrative Assistant Dylan Rivera,
Patrolman Kathy Chester and Port Agent J.B. Niday.
B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – OS Matthew Conley (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring
hall. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right.
10 Seafarers LOG
SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – The USNS John Lenthall (left) sails next to the aircraft
carrier USS George H.W. Bush during an underway replenishment March 4 in the Atlantic
Ocean. The Lenthall’s crew includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Valek)
April 2022
�WITH SEAFARERS IN SAN JUAN – SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo submitted these photos, taken at the hiring hall. ABW Alexis Figueroa is
pictured in photo at left, displaying his first SIU discharge following completion of a 120-day tour aboard the USNS Invincible (Crowley). (He previously sailed with the Military Sealift Command.) In photo at center, QEE/3rd Asst. Engineer Jose Encarnacion (left) stops by the hall with his wife
and their daughter following the Seafarer’s full tour aboard the USNS Montford Point (Ocean Shipholdings). Chief Steward Kevin Valentin is at
left in photo directly above, with Crespo. Valentin is holding the shipping card for his first steward relief job, aboard the USNS Soderman (Patriot).
The photo at right includes ABW Angel Pagan (right) and Crespo. Pagan, a four-year member who’d just finished a long tour aboard the SLNC
Goodwill (Chesapeake Crewing), noted, “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me, my wife and my two daughters.”
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD ATB COURAGE – Pictured aboard the Crowley
vessel are (from left) Second Mate Ernesto Rios Pratt and
AB/Tankerman Sean Leeson.
ABOARD OVERSEAS CHINOOK – SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala (right in photo at left) submitted these snapshots from the OSG vessel. He’s pictured with AB/Tankerman Carlos Avila. The other photo at right includes Avila and
SA Mujahed Mosa.
GETTING OUT THE VOTE – Seafarers team up with other trade unionists in Houston to “block walk” for pro-labor candidates ahead of recent elections.
April 2022
Seafarers LOG 11
�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
LOUIE ACERIDANO
Brother Louie Aceridano, 71,
started his career with the
union in 2006
when he shipped
on the Green
Ridge. A steward department
member, he
most recently
sailed on the
Resolve. Brother
Aceridano makes his home in
Burien, Washington.
BENJAMIN ADVINCULA
Brother Benjamin Advincula, 65,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1991, initially
sailing on the
Independence.
He sailed in
the steward
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother Advincula most
recently sailed on the Buffalo. He
makes his home in Port Jefferson
Station, New York.
FAUSTO ARANDA
Brother Fausto Aranda, 66,
joined the SIU in 1994, when he
sailed aboard the Independence.
He upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occasions and
shipped in the
steward department. Brother
Aranda’s final
vessel was the
Bay State. He is a resident of
Richmond, Texas.
JAMES ATWELL
Brother James Atwell, 52, began
sailing with the union in 1994.
An engine
department
member, he first
sailed aboard
the Humacao.
Brother Atwell upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
multiple occasions and most
recently sailed on the Cape Rise.
He lives in Elizabeth City, North
Carolina.
CHRISTOPHER BEATON
Brother Christopher Beaton,
68, signed on with the SIU in
1979, first sailing aboard the
Tam Guilden.
He shipped
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on several
12 Seafarers LOG
occasions. Brother Beaton last
sailed on the USNS Gordon. He
resides in Palm Bay, Florida.
REX BOLIN
Brother Rex Bolin, 61, became a
member of the
Seafarers International Union
in 1977 when he
shipped on the
Charleston. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Brother Bolin’s final vessel was the Cape Diamond. He
resides in Port Charlotte, Florida.
CURTIS BURKS
Brother Curtis Burks, 65, embarked on his
career with
the Seafarers
in 1986, initially sailing
on the USNS
Chauvenet. He
was a member
of the deck department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center in 2016. Brother
Burks most recently shipped on
the USNS Seay and lives in Houston.
FLORENTINO CABALLERO
Brother Florentino Caballero, 72,
began sailing
with the union
in 1998 when he
worked aboard
the USNS Yano.
He was a member of the steward department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother Caballero last sailed on the Agate.
He lives in the Bronx, New York.
THOMAS CASEY
Brother Thomas Casey, 68,
joined the SIU in 1974 when
he sailed with
Inland Tugs.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Casey
concluded his
career on the
Northerly Island and makes his
home in St. Louis.
DENIS COSSIO
Brother Denis
Cossio, 71,
signed on with
the union in
1996. He first
sailed aboard
the Liberty
Spirit and
worked in both the deck and
steward departments. Brother
Cossio upgraded at the Piney
Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the
Maersk Saratoga and is a resident of Port Washington, New
York.
LAWRENCE CROFT
Brother Lawrence Croft, 60,
began sailing with the Seafarers
in 1981, initially
shipping with
G&H Towing. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Croft last shipped aboard the
USNS Pollux. He lives in Dickinson, Texas.
WILLIAM GROW
Brother William Grow, 61,
donned the SIU colors in 1998.
He first sailed
aboard the
USNS Prevail,
and worked
in the steward
department.
Brother Grow
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on
numerous occasions. He most
recently sailed on the Manulani
and is a resident of Fallbrook,
California.
JEROME JORDAN
Brother Jerome Jordan, 63, began
his career with the SIU in 1981.
A steward department member, he initially
sailed aboard
the Independence. Brother
Jordan upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center on
numerous occasions. He most recently shipped
aboard the American Liberty and
resides in Jacksonville, Florida.
MIKE KIFLE
Brother Mike Kifle, 66, started
sailing with the union in 1989,
initially shipping on the
Independence.
He sailed in the
engine department and upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Kifle concluded
his career aboard the USNS
Fisher and settled in Houston.
KENNETH KOONTZ
Brother Kenneth Koontz, 61, joined
the union in 1997 and first sailed
aboard the McDonnell. He was a
member of the engine department
and last shipped aboard the Sumner
in 2003. Brother Koontz lives in
Lemoore, California.
FRANK MARTIN
Brother Frank Martin, 68, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1987. He upgraded often at
the Paul Hall
Center and
sailed in the
steward department. Brother
Martin’s first
vessel was the
Kauai; his last,
the John U.D. Page. He makes
his home in Jacksonville, Tennessee.
JAMES MCCORMICK
Brother James McCormick, 69,
became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1975,
initially sailing
aboard the SeaLand Market. He
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother McCormick’s final vessel
was the Oregon. He resides in
Kirtland, Ohio.
AHMED MIHAKEL
Brother Ahmed Mihakel, 64,
signed on with the SIU in 1978.
He initially
shipped on
the Point Julie
and was a
deck department member.
Brother Mihakel
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
He most recently sailed on the
American Endurance and resides
in Costa Mesa, California.
DAVID MOE
Brother David Moe, 68, started
his career with the Seafarers in
2003 and first sailed aboard the
Green Mountain State. A deck
department member, Brother
Moe last shipped on the Observation Island. He makes his
home in Toledo, Oregon.
MELVIN NELSON
Brother Melvin Nelson, 63,
signed on with the union in 1995.
He initially sailed with Delta
Queen Steamboat Company and
worked in the engine department.
Brother Nelson upgraded on
numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He last shipped on
the Honor and is a resident of
Cypress, Texas.
DANA PARADISE
Brother Dana Paradise, 62,
joined the SIU in 1979 and first
sailed on the
El Paso Cove
Point. He upgraded at the
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and shipped
in the steward
department.
Brother Paradise most recently
sailed on the Overseas Santorini and makes his home in Fall
River, Massachusetts.
JOHN PARKHURST
Brother John Parkhurst, 69,
signed on with the Seafarers
International
Union in 1988.
He first shipped
on the Rover
and sailed in the
engine department. Brother
Parkhurst upgraded often at
the Paul Hall
Center. He concluded his career
aboard the Resolve and calls Garland, Texas, home.
MICHAEL RUETER
Brother Michael Rueter, 56,
began sailing with the SIU in
1991. He sailed
in the engine
department and
first shipped
on the Sealift
Arctic. Brother
Rueter upgraded
his skills at the
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He most recently
sailed on the SBX and lives in
Athens, Texas.
HERNAN SANGA
Brother Hernan Sanga, 65,
signed on with
the SIU in 2001,
first sailing
aboard the Mokihana. He was a
steward department member
and last shipped
on the Meteor. Brother Sanga resides in Carson, California.
SAIDU SESAY
Brother Saidu Sesay, 68, joined
the union in 2001. He was a deck
department member and upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Sesay’s first
vessel was the Gem State; his last,
the Maersk Kinloss. He makes his
home in Houston.
NATIVIDAD SUAZO
Brother Natividad Suazo,
67, started sailing with the
Seafarers in
2003 when he
worked on the
Continued on next page
April 2022
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
Continued from Page 12
Sulphur Enterprise. A deck department member, Brother Suazo
concluded his career on the
Magnolia State. He lives in New
Orleans.
JACK WALKER
Brother Jack Walker, 65, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1989, initially
sailing with
OLS Transport.
He was a deck
department
member and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Walker last shipped
aboard the Liberator and resides
in San Clemente, California.
He sailed in the deck department
and concluded his career aboard
the USNS Gilliland. Brother X
lives in Fairfield, Alabama.
GREAT LAKES
JAMES FISHER
Brother James Fisher, 71, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1974. He initially sailed on
the Southdown
Challenger and
was a deck department member. Brother
Fisher last
shipped aboard
the St. Clair and resides in Harbor Springs, Michigan.
RICHARD METCALF
WALLACE WILLIAM
Brother Wallace William, 57,
signed on with the union in
1995. He first
sailed aboard
the USNS Able
and worked in
the deck department. Brother
William upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous
occasions. He most recently
shipped on the Green Bay and is
a resident of Tampa, Florida.
Brother Richard Metcalf, 65,
joined the union in 1979 and
first sailed on
the Monticello.
He worked in
the engine department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Metcalf
last sailed on
the American Republic. He settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
JOHN WAGNER
BEVERLY WILLIAMS
Sister Beverly Williams, 70,
embarked on her career with the
SIU in 2000,
initially sailing aboard the
USNS Assertive.
She upgraded
on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point
school and primarily shipped
in the deck department. Sister
Williams last sailed on the Evergreen State. She calls Crystal
River, Florida, home.
Brother John Wagner, 67, started
his career with the Seafarers in
1979 when he
shipped on the
Paul Thayer.
He sailed in
both the deck
and steward
departments
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school within
his first year of membership.
Brother Wagner’s final vessel
was the William Roesch. He
makes his home in Girard, Pennsylvania.
ELIJAH X
Brother Elijah X, 65, signed on
with the union in 1991, initially
sailing aboard the Sealift Pacific.
April 2022
Hall Center. Brother Konjoian
worked for Crowley Towing and
Transportation for the duration of
his career. He is a resident of Port
Charlotte, Florida.
SIDNEI BARBOZA
ERNEST LEE
Brother Sidnei Barboza, 62,
signed on with the union in 2002,
initially sailing
aboard the USNS
Brittin. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Barboza
last sailed aboard the Vision and
settled in Miami.
Brother Ernest Lee, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1991 when
he sailed on the
American Cormorant. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 2014.
Brother Lee’s
final vessel was the Legend. He
makes his home in Gretna, Louisiana.
ROBERT CHAPMAN
Brother Robert Chapman, 65,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2007. He was a member of the deck department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
within his first year of membership. Brother Chapman was employed by Allied Transportation
for the duration of his career. He
lives in Currituck, North Carolina.
INLAND
MICHAEL ALLEN
Brother Michael Allen, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1995.
An engine department member,
he was employed by Westbank
Riverboat Services for most of
his career. Brother Allen is a resident of Meraux, Louisiana.
Brother Fulgencio Anaviatate
Santiago, 67, embarked on his
career with the Seafarers in 1977
when he shipped with Crowley
Puerto Rico Services. He was a
member of the deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
Brother Mario Luis, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1996 when he sailed with
American Marine Corporation.
He sailed in the deck department
and remained with the same
company for duration of his career. Brother Luis lives in Kailua,
Hawaii.
DARRYL NELSON
Brother Ronald Dortch, 70,
started sailing with the Seafarers
in 1973. He was a deck department member and worked for
Dravo Basic Materials for his
entire career. Brother Dortch resides in East Brewton, Alabama.
Brother Darryl Nelson, 62,
started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He
first shipped
on the Beaver State and
worked in the
deck department. Brother
Nelson upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. He last worked on
the Dodge Island and resides in
Mobile, Alabama.
FRANK GILL
Brother Frank Gill, 67, signed on
with the union in 1979. He first
sailed aboard the
Santa Maria and
was a member of
the deck department. Brother
Gill upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2003.
He was last
employed by
Crowley Towing
and Transportation and makes his
home in Long Beach, California.
Brother William Kelch, 66, joined
the SIU in 1977. He was first employed by G&H Towing and sailed
in the deck department. Brother
Kelch upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on
multiple occasions. He concluded
his career with Crowley Towing
and Transportation and resides in
Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
STEVEN KONJOIAN
FULGENCIO ANAVIATATE
SANTIAGO
MARIO LUIS
RONALD DORTCH
WILLIAM KELCH
KEVIN WIMBLEY
Brother Kevin Wimbley, 65,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2006
when he sailed
on the Black
Eagle. He sailed
in the deck department and
upgraded on
numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Wimbley most recently shipped on the
Liberty and makes his home in
Rexford, Montana.
school in 1989. Brother Anaviatate Santiago was last employed
by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in
Puerto Rico.
Brother Steven
Konjoian, 66,
donned the SIU
colors in 2003.
A deck department member,
he upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul
MARSHALL NOVACK
Brother Marshall Novack, 67,
signed on with
the union in
1976. He sailed
in the deck
department
and initially
worked aboard
the Erna Elizabeth. Brother
Novack upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
He last worked with Crowley
Towing and Transportation
and makes his home in Laguna
Hills, California.
Center. He concluded his career with G&H Towing and resides in Corpus Christi, Texas.
JOHN SARES
Brother John Sares, 68, donned
the SIU colors in 1991, initially
sailing on the Cape Charles. An
engine department member, he
last sailed aboard the Mississippi Queen. Brother Sares is a
resident of Skokie, Illinois.
MICHAEL TRAUGHBER
Brother Michael Traughber,
62, embarked on his career
with the SIU
in 1979 when
he shipped on
the Overseas
Washington.
He was a
member of the
deck department and was
last employed
by Southbay Barge. Brother
Traughber makes his home in
San Pedro, California.
JOHN WOZUNK
Brother John Wozunk, 62,
joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he
sailed with
American
Towing and
Transportation.
He worked in
both the deck
and engine
departments
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school in 1979. Brother
Wozunk concluded his career
working for Crowley. He lives
in Blackwood, New Jersey.
PAUL WYLEMSKI
Brother Paul Wylemski, 63,
signed on with the union in
1995. He initially sailed with
Crowley Towing and Transportation and
worked in both
the deck and
engine departments. Brother
Wylemski upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
2001. He last worked for Penn
Maritime and makes his home in
Newington, Georgia.
JACK PEGRAM
Brother Jack Pegram, 59,
joined the SIU in 1987. He was
a deck department member and first
shipped aboard
the Manhattan
Island. Brother
Pegram upgraded often at
the Paul Hall
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
MILES BLACK
Pensioner Miles
Black, 77, died
January 3. He
signed on with the
SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard
the Manhattan.
Brother Black was
an engine department member and
also worked on
shore gangs. He last worked for Cargotec Services and went on pension in
2006. Brother Black lived in Mount
Lake Terrace, Washington.
JOSEPH BOURGEOIS
Pensioner Joseph
Bourgeois, 97,
passed away
January 19. He
joined the union
in 1942 and first
sailed aboard the
Henry Baldwin. A
deck department
member, Brother
Bourgeois last
shipped on the Pioneer and retired
in 1985. He made his home in Citrus
Springs, Florida.
GREGORY BROYLES
Brother Gregory
Broyles, 58, died
December 2. Born
in Los Angeles,
he started sailing with the SIU
in 1989. Brother
Broyles was a
steward department member and
first shipped on
the Independence. He most recently
sailed aboard the Mahi Mahi and resided in Norman, Oklahoma.
DAVID CLAYPOOL
Brother David Claypool, 60, passed
away December
13. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1994,
initially sailing
aboard the USNS
Bellatrix. Brother
Claypool sailed
in the engine department. He last
shipped on the Advantage in 2006
and called Kingman, Arizona, home.
CARLOS EBANKS
Pensioner Carlos Ebanks, 82, died
December 22. He began his career
with the Seafarers
in 2001. Brother
Ebanks was a deck
department member and worked
on the Keystone
Texas for the duration of his career.
He went on pension in 2010 and
settled in Marrero,
Louisiana.
SYLVESTER FURTADO
Pensioner Sylvester Furtado, 101,
14 Seafarers LOG
passed away January 15. He donned
the SIU colors as
a charter member
in 1939. Brother
Furtado was a
member of the
deck department
and first shipped
aboard the Robin
Doncaster. He last
sailed aboard the Del Viento before
retiring in 1982. Brother Furtado resided in Williamsport, Maryland.
HENRY HAYES
Pensioner Henry Hayes, 78, died
January 4. A
steward department member,
he started sailing
with the union
in 1990. Brother
Hayes’s first vessel was the USNS
Pollux; his last,
the USNS Loyal.
He went on pension in 2008 and made his home in
Mobile, Alabama.
ADEL IRANI
Brother Adel Irani, 56, has passed
away. Born in India, he embarked
on his career with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1999. Brother
Irani initially
sailed aboard the
Global Sentinel.
He worked in
both the deck and
engine departments and most
recently sailed on the Maersk Kinloss. Brother Irani was a resident of
Torrance, California.
RALPH KIRBY
Pensioner Ralph Kirby, 72, died
January 16. He
joined the SIU
in 1989 when
he sailed on the
John Paul Bobo.
Brother Kirby
shipped in the
deck department
and concluded
his career on the
Freedom. He became a pensioner in 2014 and lived
in Port Charlotte, Florida.
ERIC MANLEY
Pensioner Eric Manley, 58, passed
away February
1. He first sailed
with the SIU in
1987, initially
working on the
Gemini. A steward department
member, Brother
Manley last
shipped on the
Cape Intrepid. He
retired in 2018 and was a resident of
Shelton, Washington.
KENNETH SMITH
Pensioner Kenneth Smith, 77, passed
away January 4. He joined the SIU
in 1986, initially sailing aboard the
USNS Assurance. Brother Smith was
a member of the deck department
and last sailed aboard the USNS
Heezen. He became a pensioner in
2016 and settled in Honolulu.
WILLIAM SMITH
Pensioner William Smith, 84, died
January 14. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1978. A
steward department member,
Brother Smith
first shipped
aboard the Manukai. After
concluding his
career aboard the
Reliance, he went on pension in
2002. Brother Smith was a Honolulu resident.
SANTOS THOMAS
Pensioner Santos Thomas, 72,
passed away October 1. He signed
on with the union
in 2001 and first
sailed aboard the
Chilbar. Brother
Thomas sailed
in the steward
department and
most recently
shipped aboard
the USNS Watkins. He retired
in 2016 and settled in the Bronx,
New York.
EDDY USMANY
Pensioner Eddy Usmany, 81, died
January 7. He joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1986.
Brother Usmany
initially shipped
aboard the USNS
Bowditch and
worked in the
steward department. He became
a pensioner in
2009 after sailing on his final vessel, the Yorktown
Express. Brother Usmany made his
home in Palm Coast, Florida.
EMERSON WALKER
Pensioner Emerson Walker, 92,
passed away February 5. He began
his career with the
SIU in 1965 when
he sailed on the
Iberville. Brother
Walker shipped
in the engine department and also
worked on shore
gangs. He was last
employed by Sealand and retired
in 1994. Brother Walker lived in La
Habra, California.
GREAT LAKES
EDWARD KRAUSE
Pensioner Edward Krause, 96, died
January 9. He joined the Seafarers
International Union in 1946. Brother
Krause was a deck department member. He worked for Erie Navigation
for the duration of his career and retired in 1988. Brother Krause called
Sandusky, Ohio, home.
NICKOLAS VERBANAC
Pensioner Nickolas Verbanac, 94,
passed away December 30. He
joined the SIU
in 1961 and first
sailed aboard
the J.A. Kling.
Brother Verbanac
was a member of
the deck department. He last
shipped on the
J.A.W. Iglehart
and retired in
1997. Brother Verbanac made his
home in Toledo, Ohio.
INLAND
BRUCE BEAM
Pensioner Bruce Beam, 70, died
January 13. He
signed on with the
Seafarers in 2004.
Sailing in the engine department,
Brother Beam
worked for G&H
Towing for the
duration of his career. He went on
pension in 2019
and resided in La Marque, Texas.
IVEY BROWN
Pensioner Ivey Brown, 81, passed
away January 3.
He began sailing
with the union
in 1958, initially
working aboard
the Del Monte. A
deck department
member, Brother
Brown was last
employed by
OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner
in 2003 and settled in Youngstown,
Florida.
MARY HOPKINS
Pensioner Mary Hopkins, 78, died
January 8. She embarked on her career with the SIU in 1998 when she
worked with Orgulf Transport. Sister
Hopkins was a steward department
member and continued working for
the same company for the duration
of her career. She retired in 2008 and
made her home in Odessa, Missouri.
WILLIAM JUSTI
Pensioner William Justi, 92, passed
away January 30.
A steward department member, he
joined the union
in 1975, initially
working for Tug
Management
Corp. Brother
Justi’s final vessel
was the Abby G.
He became a pensioner in 2010 and
lived in Spring Hill, Florida.
TIMOTHY MACRURY
Pensioner Timothy MacRury, 66,
died January 13. He became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1976 when he sailed with
H&M Lake Transport. Brother Ma-
cRury sailed in both the deck and
steward departments. He last worked
for OLS Transport and began collecting his pension in 2020. Brother
MacRury resided in Port Huron,
Michigan.
KENNETH MCLAMB
Pensioner Kenneth McLamb, 69,
passed away January 22. He donned
the SIU colors in
1980 and initially
sailed on the
Overseas Joyce.
Brother McLamb
was a member of
the deck department and most
recently sailed
aboard the Legacy
in 2016. He became a pensioner the following year
and settled in Waynesville, North
Carolina.
DOUGLAS PARKER
Pensioner Douglas Parker, 66, died
November 29. He embarked on
his career with the union in 1974.
Brother Parker sailed in the deck
department and was employed by
Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. He most
recently sailed in 1986, went on
pension in 2018 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida.
DEWEY ROUTH
Pensioner Dewey Routh, 95, passed
away January 28. He began his
career with the Seafarers in 1976,
initially working for Crowley Puerto
Rico Services. Brother Routh was
a deck department member. He last
shipped with Crowley Towing and
Transportation and made his home
in Jacksonville, Florida.
JOHN THOMAS
Pensioner John Thomas, 89, died
December 31. He embarked on his
career with the SIU in 1970 when
he worked with Steuart Transportation. Brother Thomas was an engine
department member. He was last
employed by STC Peggy S Corporation and went on pension in 1995.
Brother Thomas made his home in
Tangier, Virginia.
NMU
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME
AGE
Alvarez, Ramon
Bonilla, Pedro
Broussard, Nelson
Camarda, Frank
Johnson, Solister
Laboriel, Jorge
Olan, Gilberto
Powery, Wordsworth
Rosario, Jorge
Scott, Samuel
77
88
93
91
94
76
85
93
79
70
DOD
01/24/2022
01/07/2022
01/26/2022
01/14/2022
12/28/2021
12/30/2021
02/02/2022
01/12/2022
01/22/2022
11/29/2021
April 2022
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
LONE STAR STATE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning),
November 21 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Martin
Buck, Educational Director
Teon Shelton. Chairman noted
this was first union meeting since re-crewing vessel.
He encouraged everyone to
keep documents updated and
stressed shipboard safety and
mutual respect. He thanked
SIU and Seafarers Plans officials “for keeping our jobs
safe and our benefits intact.”
Secretary welcomed everyone
aboard. Educational director
encouraged fellow mariners
to upgrade at union-affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested
shipboard Wi-Fi and asked that
this subject be included in next
contract negotiations. Next
port: Lake Charles, Louisiana.
OVERSEAS MYKONOS
(Overseas Ship Management),
January 1 – Chairman John
O’Shaughnessy, Secretary
Juan Vallejo Hernandez,
Educational Director Patrick Montgomery, Steward
Delegate Mohammad Abou
Abdou. Members reviewed old
business including discussions
of increasing pension and vacation benefits, and Wi-Fi and
computer access aboard ship.
Chairman gave thanks to the
steward department for doing
a great job during the holidays.
He reminded everyone to keep
documents up to date and reiterated the importance of safety.
On behalf of crew, secretary
praised SIU Executive Vice
President Augustin Tellez for
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.
his great work at the White
House. He instructed members
to separate garbage and to keep
rooms clean. Educational director urged crew to upgrade
at the Piney Point school and
to check the SIU website for
upgrading courses. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members revisited suggestions to
increase pension pay and asked
for a higher food budget.
USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), January 16
– Secretary Charles Sassone,
Educational Director Randy
Slue, Deck Delegate Troy
Glatter. Crew waiting on arrival of new bosun to elect a
chairman. Educational director
encouraged members to take
advantage of the upgrading
opportunities at the Paul Hall
Center, which will increase individual earning potential. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested pay increases, penalty pay for ship
restriction, Wi-Fi access and
a better satellite phone. Crew
asked for new mattresses and
better pillows. Next port: Cape
Canaveral, Florida.
INDEPENDENCE (TOTE
Services), February 2 –
Chairman Edward Wright,
Secretary Gerald Hyman,
Educational Director Marcos
Arriola, Deck Delegate James
Armer, Steward Delegate
Anthony Parks. Chairman
thanked crew for staying
diligent in their duties and
keeping positive attitudes despite delays during trip. He
informed members of upcoming shipyard period that will
With Seafarers on Horizon Pacific
Gathering for a union meeting aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel in Oakland, California, are (from
left) Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone,
Electrician Aaron Ellis and Bosun Josesimo Balerite.
extend the normal length of
the trip. Educational director
reminded crew to stay up to
date with required immunizations, physicals and Coast
Guard documents. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Secretary announced a higher food
budget, citing the rising prices
of food during COVID-19
pandemic. Ship placed under
MSC charter midway through
voyage. Crew restricted to
ship in Asian ports. Members
would like to see current
agreement replaced with SIU
Standard Freightship Agreement. Members requested
monthly payment increases for
pensioners. Next port: Corpus
Christi, Texas.
HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), February 5
– Chairman Josesimo Balerite, Secretary Todd Curry,
Deck Delegate Paul Dilbeck,
Engine Delegate Anthony
Henry, Steward Delegate
Kenneth Huddleston. Chairman talked about safety
aboard the vessel and advised
crew to leave clean rooms
for oncoming members. He
emphasized importance of
wearing masks and using
gloves at the serving line.
Secretary recommended crew
go to Piney Point to upgrade.
He also recommended donating to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund.
No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members discussed
COVID testing and were reminded to show up to ship on
time for reliefs. Steward department was thanked for nice
dinners that were put out for
Christmas and New Year’s.
Union representative was
requested on ship for payoff.
Wi-Fi needs to be fixed for
better connection. Members
expressed their appreciation
for direct deposit. Next port:
Oakland, California.
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
April 2022
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions
under which an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members should know
their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity
in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In the
event anyone attempts to require any such
payment be made without supplying a receipt,
or if a member is required to make a payment
and is given an official receipt, but feels that
he or she should not have been required to
make such payment, this should immediately
be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the
contracts which the union has negotiated
with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of
race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic
origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not
limited to, furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime workers, the
preservation and furthering of the American
merchant marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because
of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal,
or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of
membership in the union or of employment. If
a contribution is made by reason of the above
improper conduct, the member should notify
the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by
certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action
and refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Welding April 25 May 13
June 6 June 24
July 11 July 29
Engineroom Resource Management
August 1
August 5
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
May 2
May 20
MSC Ship Clip
June 6
June 17
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 23
June 3
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
April 25
May 27
May 30 July 1
July 11 August 12
August 15 September 16
ServSafe Management April 18 April 22
May 23 May 27
July 4 July 8
Able Seafarer-Deck May 23 June 10
August 29 September 16
October 17 November 4
Advanced Galley Operations
June 20
July 15
August 15 September 9
October 10 November 4
Lifeboat/Water Survival April 11 April 22
May 9 May 20
June 6 June 17
August 1 August 12
August 29 September 9
Chief Steward May 9 June 3
July 18 August 12
September 12 October 7
Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24
August 22 August 26
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
RFPNW April 25 May 13
June 27 July 15
July 25 August 12
Leadership and Management Skills
August 8
August 12
Advanced Shiphandling
August 22
September 2
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
Advanced Stability
September 5
September 9
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW April 25 May 20
July 25 August 19
FOWT June 13 July 8
August 29 September 23
Junior Engineer July 11 September 2
Marine Electrician May 16 June 17
Marine Refer Tech
September 19
October 28
Advanced Refer Containers
July 18
July 29
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
September 19
September 23
Medical Care Provider
April 11
April 15
Basic Training June 6 June 10
August 8 August 12
Basic Training Revalidation
April 22
April 22
May 6 May 6
June 3 June 3
June 10
June 10
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
August 29
September 2
December 12
December 16
Government Vessels April 11 April 15
April 25 April 29
May 9 May 13
June 13 June 17
June 27 July 1
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
October 24
October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
May 2
May 6
June 27 July 1
October 24 October 28
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 9
May 13
May 23 May 27
August 15 August 19S
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.
4/22
April 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #878 – Graduated January 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcantony Arcila, Tyler Bean, Corey Bellezza, Alexander Bennett, Deyni Steven
Camacho Fernandez, Dashiel Depaulis, Nathan Dixon, Mark Ina Jr., Jordan Jeffries, Matthew Kaufmann, Joseph Lucas, Dahlia Grace Puaokuupuuwai Milsap, Kyara Isabel Nunez,
Riley Russ, Kamron Stripling, Jeremy Stultz, Steven Ware and Kenneth Wilson.
Apprentice Water Survival Class #879 – Graduated February 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Ali, Jarrett Conkey, Alondra Delgado, Matthew Epstein, Parker Hampton,
Kyle Jolivette, Derrel Oliver, De’andre Peden, Markalle Redd, Darryl Shack Jr., and Mark Stookey.
Important Notice
To all Students
April 2022
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students
take their places.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bates, Brandon Coleman, Martin Cox, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Nathaniel Howard, Cordera Looney,
Noah Pittman, Richard Russ Jr., and Emilie Whitlow. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-crewed vessels.
Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated February 25 (above, from left): Venise Spears
and Ronald Burris.
Advanced Reefer Container Maintenance – Graduated February 18 (above, from left):
M’barek Nouhairi and Gajatri Normatova. Mike Faye, their instructor, is at the far right.
Government Vessels – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Rizaldy Manalopilar Ano Jr., Daniel Avery, Julian De Los Santos, Lydia Dye, Herb Gulliford, Lionel Hall,
Leroy Harris, Terry Herndon, Noah Hughes, Heather Lassiter, Tiara MacKlin, Ethan Martell, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado, Edsel Auguis Renegado, Tameka Scott, Adam Felix Soto
and Tyrone Wilson.
18 Seafarers LOG
April 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Junior Engineer (Plant Maintenance) – Graduated February
18 (left, in alphabetical order):
Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Luzern Hawkins, John Jaremchuk
III, Jorge Yakeny Laboriel Lalin,
Zion Lyons, Kelly Percy, Brandon
Thornton, Neil Laconsay Tupas,
Harry Whitney IV and Fernandez
Lacpta Wilcox Jr.
Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose
Felipe Clotter, Emmanuel De Gracia Matias, Melissa McCartney and Lareesa Warren.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated February 25 (above, in alphabetical
order): Roslyn Anderson, Orin Galvez Godfrey Jr., Rahman Phillip and Brian Alberto Rojas
Perez.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated February
11 (photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Erik Bain, Jessica Davis,
Julian De Los Santos, Eliezer
Estremera, Deon Greenidge,
Hussein Abdul Hussein, Christopher Kluth, Tracey Manuel,
Latara Rengifo and Anthony
Roman.
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.
April 2022
Seafarers LOG 19
�APRIL 2022
VOLUME 84, 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 17-19
Attendees converse in person (at the Paul Hall Center) and via online connection.
SIU Safety Directors Meet for Yearly Training
On March 8, SIU safety directors from across the country met
virtually for a series of training
sessions and presentations designed
to provide the team members with
up-to-date information.
The SIU safety directors who
attended the virtual meeting included Amber Akana, Ben Anderson, James Brown, Gordon Godel,
Anthony Houston, Gerret Jarman,
Joseph Koncul, Andre MacCray,
Kevin Marchand, Osvaldo Ramos
and Kevin Sykes. Additional meeting participants included SIU
President Michael Sacco, SIU
Executive Vice President Augustin
Tellez, SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, SIU Vice President
Contracts George Tricker, Paul
Hall Center Vice President Tom
Orzechowski, Paul Hall Center Assistant Vice President Bart Rogers,
Paul Hall Center Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr., Culinary
Instruction Coordinator John Het-
manski and SIU Piney Point Port
Agent Mario Torrey.
MacCray said, “Regardless of
whether it is in person or via video
conferencing, the safety meeting
is always productive. This last one
shared some useful information
regarding recruiting, shipboard
safety, the future direction of the
union and much more.
Johnson Jr. remarked, “It’s
always good for the different
departments at the school to communicate with the safety directors
during these meetings. It gives us
all an opportunity to educate ourselves on each other’s processes,
discuss industry updates and/or
changes, and review our strengths,
shortcomings and potential solutions.”
Topics covered during the meeting included COVID-19, shipboard
safety trends, sanitation, and the
latest details from the Recruiting
and Contract offices.
Oregon Congressman
Introduces Safer Seas Act
In House of Representatives
Introduced in the House of Representatives at the end of
February, the Safer Seas Act aims to combat sexual assault
and sexual harassment (SASH) in the maritime industry.
It was introduced by Chair of the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) along with 17 co-sponsors, and the bill has since been
referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation.
According to the subcommittee, the bill:
n Clarifies the Coast Guard’s ability to deny, suspend,
or revoke a merchant mariner credential to individuals who
have been convicted of sexual harassment or sexual assault;
n Strengthens transparency surrounding companies’
sexual assault policies and procedures;
n Protects victims and witnesses who report SASH incidents from discrimination;
20 Seafarers LOG
Taking part in the meeting from Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel, Paul Hall Center Asst. VP Bart Rogers, Paul Hall Center Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr.,
Paul Hall Center VP Tom Orzechowski and SIU President Michael Sacco.
n Directs the Coast Guard to initiate rulemaking to determine safe levels of alcohol consumption by crew members aboard vessels;
n Outlines surveillance requirements, which may be
used as evidence in criminal or marine safety investigations;
n Creates a master key control system to limit the personnel who have access to private spaces;
n Requires reporting to the Coast Guard by any seafarer, master, or vessel owner with knowledge of sexual
harassment or sexual assault;
n Extends the right to civil action for those pursuing
sexual assault and sexual harassment cases;
n Provides the Secretary of Transportation the ability
to waive requirements for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
students who provide reasonable safety concerns when obtaining a merchant mariner license required for graduation;
and
n Adds definitions for sexual assault and harassment.
“We are taking a critical step toward eliminating
sexual violence in the maritime industry,” DeFazio said.
“With this legislation, we can help fight assault and harassment in maritime transportation through penalties
for perpetrators, new requirements for vessel owners,
expanded legal recourse for victims, and a myriad of
policies to prevent sexual assault and harassment in
the first place. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law and protect
hard-working seafarers.”
“As chairman of the Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from survivors of
sexual assault, harassment, and abuse from within our maritime industry – and I know that keeping our seas safe is a
mission that will not be complete without eradicating these
threats to our seafarers,” said Carbajal. “The Safer Seas Act
will focus not just on preventing future sexual violence,
but also on supporting survivors and holding perpetrators
accountable.”
The bill is supported by maritime unions, including the
SIU, AMO, MEBA and the Maritime Trades Department,
AFL-CIO.
“We applaud the efforts of the Committee to work with
maritime labor and the industry to create meaningful reforms that will ensure safe and equitable workplaces for
mariners now and in the future,” said Greg Regan president
of Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
April 2022
�
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INDUSTRY SECURES FULL FUNDING FOR TANKERS, MSP, CABLE SHIPS
AFL-CIO OPPOSES OPEN REGISTER
SIU PRESIDENT PENS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR OF U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
MARITIME LABOR BACKS PRESIDENT BIDEN ON UKRAINE, SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA
AMP SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON JONES ACT, ENERGY PRICES
BIDEN REAFFIRMS JONES ACT SUPPORT
CDC UPDATES GUIDELINES FOR MASKS
SPONSORS: SUBMARINE REPAIR BASES WILL CREATE THOUSANDS OF UNION JOBS
SEAFARERS MAY SIGN UP FOR FREE CREDIT MONITORING ID PROTECTION PAST MAY 31
FORUM SPEAKERS UNDERSCORE THEIR COMPELLING SUPPORT FOR JONES ACT
LOUISIANA SENATOR INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN AMERICAN OFFSHORE WORKER FAIRNESS LEGISLATION
SOME PENSIONERS REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO RESUME SAILING
SIU SAFETY DIRECTORS MEET FOR YEARLY TRAINING
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04/01/2022
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VOL. 84, NO. 4
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/777f2801d9ea76d88c0d50d7e8d2832b.pdf
4d98004a6f4bf3f0185b43c07e40b100
PDF Text
Text
FEBRUARY 2022
VOLUME 84, 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 Back Military Families
Through Annual Holiday Project
Members Again Step Up for ‘Santa’s Castle’
For the second year in a row, the pandemic didn’t deter Seafarers from taking part in Santa’s Castle, an annual holiday gift
drive that benefits U.S. military families in the Pacific Northwest. The union’s participation in Santa’s Castle goes back more
than a dozen years. Pictured at immediate left, retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates bikes at the Tacoma hall,
a collection point. SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, who spearheads the union’s outreach, is at right. The remaining photos show
Seafarers (including Chief Cook Hernando Basilan, photo at right) loading toys into trucks and vans following a luncheon for
Santa’s Castle representatives, fellow members, pensioners, SIU staff and other guests. Page 24.
Maersk Peary
Crew Members
Save Life at Sea
SIU members and AMO officers aboard
the Maersk Peary saved an individual
late last year as part of a multinational
search and rescue operation in the
Aegean Sea north of Crete. Bosun
Damon Zschoche (left) and AB Roni
Castillo are pictured aboard the Peary
following the rescue. Page 4.
Pandemic News
Page 3
Tax Tips for 2022 Filing Season
Pages 12-14, 20
�President’s Report
Fight for Voting Rights Continues
Despite a congressional setback in late January, the AFL-CIO and
other proponents of voting-rights legislation will continue the fight.
As you may know, our efforts are focused on two bills: the John
Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would reinstate federal
power to review some state voting laws in
order to avoid discrimination, and the Freedom to Vote Act, a wider-ranging piece of
legislation that aims to establish national
guidelines for voting by mail, early voting and
other segments of the electoral process.
I believe that the Freedom to Vote Act and
the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement
Act would protect the right of every American
to cast our vote and have that vote counted.
Collectively, the bills are an appropriate federal
response to the attacks on voting rights happening in state legislatures all across the country.
“Advancing voting rights is how we deMichael Sacco
fend America against those who want to tear
workers apart,” stated AFL-CIO President Liz
Shuler. “Mobilizing on voting rights is also
how we can take on the filibuster, which has been used for generations
to block progress for workers.”
The federation has noted dozens of states in recent years have modified their voting laws to make the process of casting a ballot more difficult or to replace nonpartisan election officials with those professing
support for only one side.
Unfortunately, any action on two bills has been stalled by the threat
of a filibuster, which under current Senate rules calls for 60 senators to
declare they are willing to allow either measure to simply be debated.
There is nothing more fundamental in a democracy than the right
to vote, and that’s why we’ll continue working with the federation and
other allies to defeat voter suppression tactics and secure voting rights
for working people nationwide.
Put simply, voting is a fundamental right. I encourage Seafarers to
be involved, to know the issues and to meet the candidates. This union
doesn’t care what party they belong to. We just ask them to stand up for
the workers and their families who elected them.
Annual BLS Report
Around press time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued
its annual report on union membership. It showed a decline in 2021 to
the same rate as in 2019, which was 10.3 percent, and an overall total
membership of 14 million. In 2020, membership rates had increased,
but that was mostly because union jobs proved more secure than nonunion ones during that stretch of the pandemic.
One stat that jumped out at me from the report: On average, union
members earn an additional $10,000 per year compared to unrepresented workers. They also typically enjoy better benefits.
While it isn’t immediately reflected by the raw data, I don’t think
there’s any question the past year saw remarkable union momentum –
high-profile campaigns at flagship American employers, major moves
in new industries, and widespread strikes as workers stood up for a fair
deal and a better life.
The substantial level of union activity in 2021 demonstrates that
workers want and value unions. The fact that unionization nevertheless declined is a glaring testament to how easy it is for employers who
oppose unions to exploit our weak and outdated labor laws to thwart
workers’ attempts at organizing, and how broken U.S. labor law really
is. It is urgent that Congress pass the Protecting the Right to Organize
(PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.
In some ways, the 2021 union numbers are a wakeup call. The Biden
administration and Congress must institute policies (such as the PRO
Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act) that promote the
right to union representation and collective bargaining as we rebuild our
economy.
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 82 Number 2
February 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 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
This illustration from the U.S. Maritime Administration shows the general look of the multi-mission vessels
Domestic Shipbuilding Gets Boost
With Keel-Laying at Philly Shipyard
Multi-Mission Vessel Achieves Construction Milestone
A ceremony late last year signaled good news for
U.S. shipbuilding.
Philly Shipyard – a union facility – on Dec. 10 conducted a keel-laying event for the first of up to five
state-of-the-art training vessels for the nation’s state
maritime academies. SIU Executive Vice President
Augie Tellez attended the ceremony, along with a wide
range of guests from the industry, government and the
military.
“These new vessels – known as National Security
Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) – are designed to provide world-class training for America’s future mariners
and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need,” the shipyard noted in
a joint news release with TOTE Services, the vessel
construction manager.
“Today’s first NSMV keel laying is a critical milestone in an innovative effort that is producing stateof-the-art vessels in an American shipyard that will
both train the next generation of American mariners
and provide a new disaster response capability for the
nation,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda
Lessley. “We commend everyone who is working hard
to keep this effort on schedule and on budget, and we
look forward to the final delivery of the first ship.”
The keel laying is a ceremonial recognition in
which the first grand block of the vessel is loaded into
the building dock. Keel laying traditions are said to
bring good luck to the ship during construction and to
the captain, crew and cadets that will sail on the vessel throughout her operating life. The first NSMV is
scheduled to be delivered to SUNY Maritime College
in 2023.
Steinar Nerbovik, president and CEO of Philly
Shipyard, stated, “Today represents a momentous
achievement in U.S. maritime education and a significant investment in the local economy and job creation.”
According to the release, “The NSMV is an important investment in America’s shipbuilding indus-
try, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each
NSMV will be built using 7,000 metric tons of steel
produced by U.S. mills and fabricated by skilled labor.
The first of four main generator engines, manufactured
by Wabtec Corp. in Grove City, Pennsylvania, recently
arrived at the shipyard and will be lowered into the hull
in the first quarter of 2022.”
The NSMV will feature numerous instructional
spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for
up to 600 cadets to train at sea.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime
Administration (MARAD) selected TOTE Services to
be the vessel construction manager for the NSMV program in May 2019 “to ensure the utilization of best
practices in commercial ship construction,” the agency
reported. “As an industry leader in vessel services, ship
management and marine operations, TOTE Services
will oversee development of these new vessels, which
will provide a strong U.S. maritime fleet, crewed by
the world’s best-trained merchant mariners.” In April
2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct up to five NSMVs. These ships will
be owned and operated by MARAD.
“TOTE Services’ contract with MARAD demonstrates a new acquisition process to federal shipbuilding, where the government benefits from commercial
best practices to design and construct vessels that are
built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made
steel and U.S.- made engines,” said TOTE Services
President Jeff Dixon. “Our aim is straight – we’re committed to the success of this program and to delivering
these vessels for MARAD, so that our future cadets
have the modern training platforms they deserve.”
Congress has appropriated funding to replace aging
training vessels at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy and Texas A&M Maritime Academy, respectively.
TOTE Services retains an option for a fifth NSMV for
the California State University Maritime Academy, if
additional funding is appropriated by Congress.
NLRB Sets Dates for Rerun Vote at Amazon
It remains an uphill climb, but new dates have been
set for a rerun vote for union representation at Amazon’s
warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama. The National Labor
Relations Board (NLRB) on Jan. 11 announced that ballots will be mailed Feb. 4 and counted March 28.
Last year, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store
Union (RWDSU) lost in an election “skewed by massive
company labor law-breaking,” as one pro-worker pundit
noted. The campaign, vote and aftermath gained nationwide attention; President Biden vocally supported the
organizing drive.
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said the recent
NLRB notice doesn’t go far enough to prevent illegal
tactics by the company similar to the ones they used in
2021. According to the Press Associates union news service, “In the last election, the RWDSU lost after Amazon intimidated workers and convinced the U.S. Postal
Service to put a big gray mail collection box under an
Amazon-emblazoned tent in the company’s parking lot
right outside the main entrance to the warehouse, which
is the size of several football fields. After Amazon forced
enlargement of the electorate, a common employer tactic,
some 1,600 workers were eligible to vote.”
The board’s notice said the mailbox “created the appearance of irregularity” in the voting. So did Amazon’s
illegal polling of workers’ views during “mandatory”
captive-audience meetings. Both “tainted the outcome”
and made a fair election impossible, Appelbaum said.
He added, “We are deeply concerned the decision fails
to adequately prevent Amazon from continuing its objectionable behavior in a new election. We proposed to the
NLRB a number of remedies that could have made the
process fairer to workers” but they weren’t included in
the rerun election notice.
Press Associates also reported that, since the first
vote, the NLRB ordered Amazon to post a notice at all
of its warehouses and other facilities nationwide admitting it broke labor laws through various anti-union tactics
(banning conversations in break rooms, for example) and
promising not to do so again.
Workers who were employed by Amazon during first
vote, but no longer work there, are not eligible to vote this
time. Because of the company’s high turnover, union organizers have had to essentially start from the beginning.
The NLRB’s Birmingham regional office (which covers Bessemer) was scheduled to mail ballots to all workers on the warehouse payroll on Jan. 8, or to those who
toiled there an average of at least four hours a week for
the 13 weeks before that date.
Appelbaum concluded, “Workers’ voices can and
must be heard fairly, unencumbered by Amazon’s limitless power to control what must be a fair and free election, and we will continue to hold them accountable for
their actions.”
February 2022
�President Biden provides an update on the omicron variant. (Image courtesy of the White
House)
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left), pictured at federation headquarters immediately
after her election to the top post last year, has pushed for stronger workplace protections during the pandemic. AFL-CIO Executive VP Tefere Gebre is at right.
COVID-19 Pandemic Heads into Third Year
Omicron Variant, Court Ruling Among Latest Developments
Given the sometimes-exhausting nature
of persevering through the COVID-19 global
pandemic, it occasionally may seem as if the
novel coronavirus has been around forever.
However, March 11 in fact will mark
two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19, the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a
pandemic. The Trump administration had
pronounced a public health emergency a
month earlier (Feb. 3, 2020).
At press time (late January), there had
been at least 850,000 deaths in the United
States caused by COVID-19 since the pandemic’s onset. More than 66 million cases in
all 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington,
D.C. had been reported.
Globally, there have been more than
331 million cases and more than 5.54 million deaths confirmed. More than 9.71 billion vaccine doses have been administered
worldwide.
Meanwhile, the omicron variant – first
detected in the U.S. on Dec. 1, 2021 – has
rapidly become the dominant strain of the
coronavirus. Just one month after that first
detection, it accounted for 95 percent of the
nation’s COVID cases. The U.S. in early
January recorded more than one million positive cases in a single day, as hospitalizations
skyrocketed. Public health experts said that
although omicron is extremely contagious,
vaccines have helped prevent more-severe
reactions among many who’ve been immunized.
Like the rest of the nation, the SIU has felt
omicron’s effects. At various times from late
December to mid-January, the union periodically and temporarily closed several hiring
halls for precautionary reasons (including
Baltimore, Jersey City, Wilmington and Jacksonville, plus headquarters). In early January,
headquarters temporarily reduced its in-person staffing while increasing off-site work.
The union-affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland, announced that, effective February 1, 2022, any upgraders or apprentices
CDC Offers Latest
Input on Vaccines
Editor’s note: This information is taken
from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/work.html
COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against COVID19 Infections and Hospitalizations
Vaccines reduce the risk of COVID19, including the risk of severe illness and
February 2022
must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,
including a booster shot if the student is eligible to receive one.
Just before the New Year, the union and
Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning announced a memorandum of understanding
(effective Jan. 1) regarding COVID protocols
for mariners sailing aboard vessels operating
in the Jones Act trade (excluding MSC-chartered vessels). The memorandum, available
on the SIU website and at the halls, modifies
the vaccine requirement and stipulates corresponding shipboard safety measures.
While the U.S. health care system became
overwhelmed due to omicron, the Supreme
Court on Jan. 13 temporarily blocked the
Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test mandate for large employers. The court did permit a vaccine mandate to remain for medical
facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid payments.
Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor
and Elena Kagan dissented in the former
ruling. They said the majority usurped the
power of Congress, the president and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
“In the face of a still-raging pandemic,
this Court tells the agency charged with protecting worker safety that it may not do so in
all the workplaces needed,” they said in their
dissent. “As disease and death continue to
mount, this Court tells the agency that it cannot respond in the most effective way possible. Without legal basis, the Court usurps
a decision that rightfully belongs to others.
It undercuts the capacity of the responsible
federal officials, acting well within the scope
of their authority, to protect American workers from grave danger.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said the
federation is “disappointed” by the court’s
decision. “While infections and hospitalizations surge, we again urge the Biden administration to require employers to provide
protections beyond vaccines,” she said.
Shuler called for a “COVID-19 standard for health-care workers” along with
“an emergency standard to ensure all at-risk
death among people who are fully vaccinated. In addition to data from clinical
trials, evidence from real-world vaccine
effectiveness studies show that COVID-19
vaccines help protect against COVID-19
infections, with or without symptoms (asymptomatic infections). Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalizations has remained
relatively high over time, although it tends
to be slightly lower for older adults and for
people with weakened immune systems.
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective Against
Most Variants
Viruses are constantly changing and
A Maui resident (left) gets tested for COVID-19 on the island. At-home tests now are
available at no charge for anyone who requests them. (U.S. Army National Guard photo
by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama)
workers are provided layers of protections
against COVID-19 transmission at work like
improved ventilation, distancing, masking
and paid leave. We will not beat this pandemic until we stop the spread of the virus
at work.”
Also at press time, the Biden administration announced a program to mail up to 500
million at-home COVID-19 test kits to every
household that requests them. These kits
could be mailed to as many as 160 million
addresses. Union members who work for the
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be critical to
the success of the program. Test kits can be
ordered at COVIDTests.gov.
“The APWU is excited and fully supports
this plan,” said American Postal Workers
Union (APWU) President Mark Dimond-
new types of the virus, called variants,
occur. New variants of the virus that
causes COVID-19 are spreading in the
United States and in other parts of the
world. COVID-19 vaccines are effective
against the Delta variant and other variants
with widespread circulation in the United
States. Current vaccines are expected to
protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the
Omicron variant. We don’t yet know how
effective the vaccines will be against new
variants that might arise. CDC will continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness to
see if variants have any impact on how
stein. “It is in the interests of the health and
wellbeing of the general population as this
dangerous pandemic continues. It underscores the invaluable role of the public Postal
Service in the lives of the people. It shines a
light on the importance of maintaining universal service to every address and person.”
“The ongoing pandemic has proven beyond a shadow of doubt the critical importance of the services we provide six and
seven days a week to keep people connected
and essentials moving,” National Association
of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Fredric
Rolando said. “This partnership is the perfect
example in action. Letter carriers are proud
to be the face of this important initiative as
we continue serving all communities equitably.”
well COVID-19 vaccines work in realworld conditions.
Vaccine Breakthrough Infections
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at
preventing infection, serious illness, and
death. Most people who get COVID-19 are
unvaccinated. However, since vaccines are
not 100% effective at preventing infection,
some people who are fully vaccinated will
still get COVID-19. This is called a breakthrough infection. Even when people who
are fully vaccinated develop symptoms of
COVID-19, they tend to be less severe than
in people who are unvaccinated.
Seafarers LOG 3
�In photo at left, SIU and AMO members team up to launch the Maersk Peary’s
rescue boat. The Peary’s bridge wing life-ring buoy, orange smoke and light are released (photo above) while crew members encourage the survivor to grab the buoy.
SIU Members Assist in Dramatic Rescue
As part of a much larger rescue effort,
Seafarers sailing aboard the Maersk Lineoperated Maersk Peary pulled a man from
the Aegean Sea on Dec. 22.
The SIU crew aboard the Peary, which
was en route to deliver vital fuel and supplies to McMurdo Station in Antarctica,
included: Bosun Damon Zschoch; ABs
Marie Acosta, Roni Castillo, Joshua
Gail, Edward Majesky and Derek Willis;
QE3 Lateef Sanusi; QEP Rickey Yancey;
GSTU Lakeeba Bazemore; Wiper Ali
Laith; Recertified Steward Tony Spain;
and Chief Cooks Osmar Ramos and
Randy Hampton. The ship’s officers are
represented by the Seafarers-affiliated
AMO.
The following is an abbreviated description of the rescue that was provided
by vessel master Capt. Everett Hatton:
“On the evening of December 22, at
2030 local time, while Maersk Peary was
transiting the Aegean Sea north of Crete
and on the way to Suez Canal, the Navigation Bridge Watch Officer, Third Mate
Gemma Nguyen, received a call on VHF
Channel 16 from Rescue Center Piraeus.
“The call was to inform Maersk Peary
to join in a search mission for a vessel that
capsized the previous day, and of which
we were now in the immediate vicinity.
Our plotted route to Suez Canal took us
to within 13.5 nautical miles of where the
vessel was initially reported being capsized
with possibly 60 people.
“We contacted the Command Vessel
and received instructions with coordinates
making a box, and were told to proceed
there while keeping a lookout for possible
survivors in the water. At 2048, while our
area was being plotted, I decided to head
on a northerly heading into our box. As we
approached our given area of patrol, we
slowed the vessel, added extra lookouts
and manned the searchlights scanning
ahead of the bow while doing our grid
search.
“At 2157, after about an hour of slow
steaming with searchlights headed north in
our grid search, I noticed something in the
water just off our starboard bow. I could
tell that, based on our current heading (001
T) and speed (@ 5.0 knots), the white object would pass close down the starboard
side. I kept the searchlight on the object
while Third Mate and Bosun focused on it
with binoculars. As we got closer, it was
determined that a person could be seen
with arms raised holding onto the white
object (later identified as a boat fender).”
Castillo told the Seafarers LOG, “I
was already in bed around 2100 when
I got a call from the bridge to report to
the fast rescue boat on the starboard side
of the ship. We had a man overboard. I
was thinking it was a crew member, as I
got dressed quickly and started heading
out to the boat. As soon as I got there, I
went to my assignment as the sea painter.
Directed by the officer in charge, we
launched the rescue boat and headed toward the man in the water. They got him
in the boat and brought him back, hooked
him into the rescue boat. He asked for
some drinking water, and we also gave
him a banana.”
The crew recovered the man from the
wreckage and brought him on board. As
described by the captain, “He had no energy to assist in getting himself into the
rescue boat. He was wearing only a t-shirt,
shorts and socks. It looked like he must
have jumped into the water from being
asleep.”
Crew members work with personnel from the Greek Coast Guard to ensure a safe
transfer.
4 Seafarers LOG
Mariners from the Peary prepare to transport the survivor to the vessel.
Castillo recalled, “From the time I received the call from the bridge and got the
boat in the water to the time we got the
man back to the boat, it was less than 20
minutes.”
The crew then transferred the man,
who was shivering but conscious, to the
Greek Coast Guard and resumed their
grid search. The Maersk Peary was then
relieved of their search and rescue duties four hours later, and returned to their
original course.
“After the Greek Coast Guard took the
survivor, I never did hear about his condition,” said Hatton. “I can only speculate
that he is doing fine as he was conscious
and moving around a bit on his own when
we passed him off.”
The captain concluded, “I am very
fortunate for SIU to step up and provide a
top-notch crew on very short time as we
rushed the vessel from load port Greece
just prior to the holidays. This current crew
proved to be well qualified and trained
when the alarms rang to turn to for a
search and rescue during the dark of the
night. Without a hesitation, when called
to assist, all were there and added helping
hands. For the Maersk Peary crew, it was
an outstanding effort for everyone to be
involved in this recovery.”
During that weekend, at least 30 migrants died in three separate incidents in
the same area, with more than 160 rescued.
The combined rescue efforts saw at least
four Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek
naval frigate, eight merchant ships, three
private vessels, three military helicopters
and a military transport plane all pitch in to
save as many lives as possible.
A Greek Coast Guard vessel arrives near the Peary.
February 2022
�Protect Personal Info from Cyber Criminals
Editor’s note: This article is provided by
the union’s legal department.
You’ve probably heard about serious
data breaches that have occurred in recent
years across the globe. These incidents have
affected millions of people worldwide, crippled businesses and government agencies,
and caused huge financial losses.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that these
attacks are on the rise, and that nearly everyone is at risk.
One of the most common types of digital
breaches is known as ransomware. When a
ransomware attack occurs, the criminal encrypts all of the user’s data, and then will
not allow access to the data unless the business or individual pays a ransom. According to the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), more than $350 million was paid
in the U.S. in ransom during 2020 alone.
Related expenses (such as downtime and
implementing new security measures) may
have exceeded $20 billion.
Many of the losses experienced by individuals are the result of emails or text messages that are designed to trick the reader
into clicking on a link or into providing
certain information. This type of email is
called phishing. Some hackers are skilled
at using various techniques to steal personal
data, including information about bank ac-
counts, credit cards, other assets and general
information about a person’s identity such
as birth date, address and Social Security
number. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that people lost $57
million to phishing schemes last year. However, there are certain preventive steps that
will help you to avoid becoming a victim of
these scams.
For instance, always examine emails
carefully before clicking on any links, no
matter how urgent the email seems to be.
These are questions and considerations to
keep in mind:
Does the email claim to be from your
bank or credit card company? Scroll over
(but do not click on) the sender’s address
carefully. Is it really from your bank or
credit card company? Banks and credit card
companies generally do not send emails
about problems with an account; they will
usually call. If you’re unsure, call your bank
or credit card company using the number on
your credit card (not the phone number in
the email) instead of clicking on the link.
Is it an email saying you won a prize,
or you just have to provide certain information in order to claim a large sum of money?
Why would this person contact you? If it
sounds too good to be true, it’s probably
false. Check the sender’s address.
Is it an email or phone call that claims
to be from the IRS saying that you owe back
CHS Updates: Seafarers Encouraged
To Schedule Appointments ASAP
As previously reported, both the union
and the Seafarers Plans are closely working with Comprehensive Health Services
(CHS) to facilitate better service for SIU
members.
In that spirit, CHS – which is now
part of a parent organization named Acuity – informed the SIU and the Seafarers
Plans that they are experiencing periodic
delays in various locations, due to a combination of staffing shortages, COVID
protocols and (in the northeast) inclement weather.
Seafarers are encouraged to schedule
appointments as soon as possible. Immediate or very-near-future appointments
may not be available in some locations,
and turnaround times for test results
likely will vary.
Specifically, CHS/Acuity in early
January had advised that the earliest appointments at any of their Seattle/Tacoma
clinics were in February. (Some of the
Concentra clinics in that region are taking walk-ins, but they’re not guaranteed.)
The situations were similar in Hawaii and
California.
Also, the company is working with
clinics in Guam and Manila to coordinate
appointments while meeting their respective local government requirements for
quarantining and testing.
Feel free to contact CHS/Acuity and/
or the SHBP Medical Department with
questions, and keep an eye on the SIU
website for updates.
One that Didn’t Get Away
Six mariners aboard the Maersk Denver pulled in a 200-pound blue marlin (by hand).
Pictured from left are Capt. Craig Rumrill, Recertified Bosun James Walker, Third
Mate Matt Crowley, First Engineer John Harrison, Chief Engineer Tim Burchfield and
Electrician Herman Castro.
February 2022
taxes, and threatening you with legal action
if you don’t respond? The IRS does not send
such emails, and they do not make threatening phone calls.
Is it an email or phone call claiming
that a relative is in trouble, and needs money
urgently? Check with your relative to make
sure they are ok, but these types of calls and
emails are almost always scams.
Is it an email that claims to be from an
online retailer, contacting you about a problem with your order? Look at the sender’s
address carefully. Is it really from Amazon,
Costco, UPS or whoever it claims to be
from? Is the company logo completely accurate? Are you actually expecting a package from that retailer? Is the order number
correct?
Does the language of the email sound
like the person or company it is supposed to
be? Are there grammatical mistakes or misspellings? Is the language awkward? These
are often signs that the email is not genuine.
Usually, scam emails and phone calls
will try to make you feel urgency to act
quickly. Common tactics by the scammer
include threats of legal action, account closure, or forfeiture of prize.
Realistically, there are very few situations so urgent that you cannot take the time
to carefully review the email and verify
who really sent it. If in doubt, look up the
phone number for the company or person
who supposedly sent the email, and confirm
whether or not it is genuine. Do not click on
any links or provide any information.
It is also important to maintain strong
passwords for all of your personal accounts
so that cyber criminals cannot easily crack
your password and access your account. A
strong password should not contain personal
information (like your birthdate or your
spouse’s name) and should not be a single
word that appears in the dictionary. Strong
passwords should be longer and complex.
One method to create a suitable password
that you can easily remember is to make up
a sentence, but substitute numbers and special characters (#, !, *, etc.) for some of the
letters, or put them in between the words.
There are various websites that you can use
to test your password’s strength.
These are just a few suggestions to avoid
becoming the target of cyber criminals. The
following is a link to an article from the
Federal Trade Commission regarding other
steps you can take to protect yourself from
these scams:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/
how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
Internet criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people, so
it is important that you pay close attention to emails, maintain strong passwords
and change your passwords from time to
time.
ITF Announces New Steps
To Protect World’s Mariners
A hefty chunk of the world’s mariners soon will be able to safely join
ships despite unpredictable changes
to government border policies internationally.
That’s according to a joint press release dated Dec. 16 from three international maritime organizations. The
release states that shipowners, mariner
unions and maritime employer groups
are in the process of establishing their
own approved international network
of quarantine facilities. The move
comes as the omicron variant spurs
some governments to close their borders to seafarers needing to leave and
join ships.
Dubbed the Crew Enhanced
Quarantine International Program
(CrewEQUIP), the effort came into
fruition via a partnership between the
International Maritime Employers’
Council; the International Chamber of
Shipping; and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Collectively, these organizations represent
more than 80 percent of the global
merchant fleet and nearly one million
international seafarers through almost
200 affiliated unions.
CrewEQUIP will create a list of
trusted hotels available for crew quarantines that are independently reviewed. The program is designed to
overcome frequent changes in government border policies affecting international crew by having the highest
standards and industry-best protocols
in place. Such an arrangement should
help ensure that crew members will
continue to safely get to vessels even if
governments increase their quarantine
requirements.
Spokespersons from the groups
said the program is urgently needed to
avoid the shipping industry’s return to
the worst extremes of the crew change
crisis, which saw 400,000 seafarers
trapped working aboard vessels beyond
their initial contracts in late 2020, with
an equal number unable to join vessels
and earn income.
While a global, permanent system
with digital vaccine and testing recognition is still urgently needed, the various officials said CrewEQUIP would
be important to have in place in the interim to support greater levels of crew
change. The groups also welcomed the
December announcement of a new
joint WHO-ILO-industry action group
to advance digital “yellow cards” for
mariners and other workers who need
to cross borders for their jobs.
Under the CrewEQUIP plan, shipping companies and their representatives such as crewing agents and vessel
managers are able to sponsor pre-embarkation quarantine facilities for seafarers to be considered for recognition.
Facilities must meet CrewEQUIP’s
stringent standards for hygiene, testing
integrity and data security.
A facility must also pass inspections
by Lloyd’s Register, the program’s recognized external auditor, to become
and remain accepted CrewEQUIP providers.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel, who also serves as Chair of
the ITF Seafarers’ Section, welcomed
the CrewEQUIP partnership, noting: “A successful crew change needs
everything to line up across the port
states, transit countries, and the right
facilities available in place in the home
country of seafarers involved. Currently, even seemingly minor alterations to a government’s border, health
or quarantine policies can bring a
planned crew change to a halt – often
leaving a seafarer with no option but to
continue working onboard beyond their
initial contracts….
“Thorough
programs
like
CrewEQUIP, unions and industry are
providing a robust system that reduces
at least one of the factors that risk successful crew changes,” Heindel continued. “It’s an important initiative and we
encourage all responsible shipowners
and employers to get behind.”
Seafarers LOG 5
�Honoring Bosun’s Wishes
In accordance with his directive, the remains of Recertified Bosun Stig Sasse were
committed to the sea from the Liberty Pride, while the vessel was sailing in the North
Atlantic. Vessel master Capt. Bruce Bonnecarrere (right in group photo, also shown
in other photo), who sailed with Sasse, conducted a brief shipboard ceremony and
scattered the ashes. “He loved the sea and enjoyed getting to meet a lot of good
shipmates and people all over the world,” the captain said. “He sailed for 44 years
and used to ship out of the Houston hall.” An SIU pensioner, Sasse passed away
Nov. 29, at age 64. He most recently sailed in early 2020.
Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan
Barer Passes Away at 82
U.S. maritime industry stalwart Stanley H.
Barer, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in
Seattle on Dec. 13, 2021, following a decade-long
battle with pancreatic cancer. Widely regarded
as a brilliant attorney, dedicated philanthropist
and successful entrepreneur, Barer co-founded
Saltchuk Resources in 1982, a family of transportation and distribution companies that had
acquired more than 30 entities across air cargo,
marine services, energy distribution, domestic
shipping, international shipping and logistics.
(Saltchuk’s subsidiaries include companies that
employ SIU members.) He served as chairman
of Saltchuk until 1994 and was named chairman
emeritus in 2001.
“The industry lost a powerful voice in Stan,”
said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a true
ally of the American mariner and spent his career
working towards improving shipping and trade
between the U.S. and our allies. He also was a tremendous advocate for the Jones Act, and he will
be dearly missed.”
Barer was born in 1939 in Walla Walla, Washington, to David and Dorothy Barer, who had immigrated to the United States from Ukraine and
England, respectively, and made their living in the
scrap metal business. The middle child and first of
his family to graduate from college, Barer knew
from an early age that education was the key to
his future success.
After graduating from Walla Walla High, Barer
earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the
University of Washington. He was hired by U.S.
Sen. Warren G. Magnuson, whom he worked for
in Washington, D.C., as legal counsel for the U.S.
Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, which Magnuson chaired. Barer served as
the U.S. Senate lawyer for enactment of the 1964
Civil Rights Act, helping write the landmark legislation. From 1965-1967, he served as the Assistant
U.S. Attorney in Seattle before returning to D.C.
to serve as Magnuson’s Chief of Staff. In 1972,
Barer worked as legal counsel for the U.S. Delegation to the first United Nations Conference on the
Environment at Stockholm, Sweden.
In 1974, he returned to Seattle with the love
of his life, Alta Barer, and joined the Garvey
Schubert Barer law firm. He began what would
become the focus of his long professional career:
rebuilding U.S.-China trade relations, including
the watershed 1979 legal opinion which reopened
direct shipping and aviation between the U.S. and
Stan Barer
the People’s Republic of China for the first time
since 1950.
While a significant change to international
law, it also embodied one of Barer’s core beliefs:
The world is filled with shared values, and civility
can lead to greater understanding.
A staunch Democrat, Barer was an American first, advising presidents on matters of international trade regardless of party affiliation,
from Johnson through Obama. Active in political
fundraising, he and his wife hosted several such
events in the Barer family home. They hosted
Hillary Clinton as First Lady and then again as a
candidate for the U.S. presidency and held several
events for former U.S. Sen., Secretary of State and
presidential candidate John Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Throughout his career, Barer earned global
recognition for his achievements, including the
2021 Gates Volunteer Service Award, presented
to individuals whose philanthropy and service
have taken the University of Washington to new
heights. In 2011 and again in 2018, he was honored in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People with
a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in
furthering relations between China and the United
States. In 1996, he was honored with the Admiral
of the Ocean Seas Award, a prestigious transportation award in the U.S.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Treatments for Lower Back Pain
Editor’s note: This article is provided
by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department.
Back pain is one of the most common
reasons people see a doctor or miss work.
It’s also not age-exclusive, as children may
experience back pain.
Symptoms may range from a dull, periodic ache to a nearly constant pain. It may
come on suddenly from an accident or develop slowly over time as people age.
Generally, there are two types of back
pain. Acute, or short-term pain, may last
for a few days to a few weeks. Most lower
back pain is acute. It can resolve on its
own with a blend of self-care, anti-inflammatory medications, heat, ice, or physical
therapy.
Chronic pain is defined as discomfort
that continues for more than 12 weeks,
even when the underlying cause has been
treated. Approximately 20% of the population with back pain will be considered
chronic. Surgery may be the final option
for relief, but sometimes, even this does
not work.
The lower back includes the lumbar
vertebrae (L1-L5). This region supports
much of the weight of the upper body. The
spaces between the vertebrae are called
discs. They act as shock absorbers throughout the spinal column. Ligaments hold the
vertebrae in place, and tendons attach the
muscles to the spinal column. Nerves run
6 Seafarers LOG
through the spinal column also.
The causes of lower back pain can be
mechanical in nature, such as a disruption
in the way the spine is made. There are also
congenital problems such as scoliosis (an
abnormal curve in the spine), lordosis (an
exaggerated arch in the lower back), and
kyphosis (hunch-back).
Pain can come from an injury, degenerative problems, nerve and spinal cord
problems.
Back pain is diagnosed by patient
symptoms, X-ray, CT scans, and MRIs.
Treatment is based at least in part on the
severity of pain, and may include medication, steroid injections, physical therapy
and surgery.
Keep in touch with your physician when
pain occurs. Rest as needed and follow up
as directed.
The Mayo Clinic recommends contacting a doctor if back pain persists past a few
weeks; is severe and doesn’t improve with
rest; spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee;
causes weakness, numbness or tingling in
one or both legs; or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.
The same organization notes, “In rare
cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if your
back pain causes new bowel or bladder
problems; is accompanied by a fever; or
follows a fall, blow to your back or other
injury.”
Healthy Recipe
Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Goat Cheese
Servings: 24
Ingredients
9 pounds chicken breast, 6 oz each
2-1/4 cups goat cheese
24 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup oregano, fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 pound prosciutto, sliced thin
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
Line a 2” hotel pan with foil, and grease it with cooking spray
Mix the goat cheese, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and granulated garlic
Butterfly each chicken breast 3/4 of the way through. Open the chicken breast
like a book. Spread 1-1/2 tablespoons of goat cheese mixture inside each breast.
Lay the slices of sun-dried tomatoes on top. Finally, sprinkle a tiny bit of
chopped oregano on each breast.
Wrap each breast with two slices of prosciutto
Place the breasts on the prepared backing sheet. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or
until the chicken has reached 165 degrees F.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (excluding unknown items): 329 calories; 18g fat (50.6% calories
from fat); 37g protein; 2g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 112mg cholesterol;
676mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5-1/2 lean meat; 1/2 fat.
(Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship)
February 2022
�ABOARD MAERSK ATLANTA – Crew members are pictured next to the vessel during a shipyard period in Bahrain. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Hanapiah Ismail for the photo.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WITH SEAFARERS IN OAKLAND – Pictured in photo at center are Chief Engineer Yoali Salcedo (left) and SIU Port Agent
J.B. Niday aboard the Starlight Marine tugboat Z Three. The Seafaring selfie at left was taken aboard Matson’s Matsonia.
SIU Representative Kathy Chester is in the foreground. Pictured from left are ACU Ruben Siclot, Chief Cook Kirk Fisher and
Recertified Steward James Harper. The remaining photo at right, taken at the hiring hall, features (from left) SIU VP Nick
Celona, newly retired AB Neonito Sodusta (picking up his first pension check) and SIU VP Nick Marrone. “Thank you, SIU,
for having me as a member since 1994,” Sodusta wrote. “I am truly grateful and proud to have been part of the operations.”
ABOARD LIBERTY PASSION – Crew members and shipyard fire fighters gather for a safety drill in Manama, Bahrain. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew for the photo.
February 2022
Seafarers LOG 7
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
FULL BOOKS IN ALASKA – Picking up their respective full B-books at the Anchorage
hall are GVA Apollos Smalls (left in photo at left) and AB Dzmitry Sasnouski (left in other
photo). SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is at right in both snapshots.
A-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Mubarek
Ahmed (left) receives his A-seniority book
at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Todd
Brdak is at right.
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – OMU
Sotero Berame (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Asst. VP
Joe Vincenzo is at left.
AT THE HOUSON HALL – In
photo at left, OMU Francois
Bonilla (left) receives his full Bbook from SIU Patrolman Kelly
Krick. QMED Mike Kifle (left in
photo at left below) picks up his
first pension check (SIU Port
Agent Joe Zavala is at right).
Receiving his full B-book (right
in photo at immediate right,
with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo)
is STOS Erry Draper. The remaining photo below at right
was taken during a Christmas
luncheon; the hall also hosted
one for Thanksgiving.
ABOARD HORIZON KODIAK – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp submitted
these photos after a servicing. In photo directly above are Chief Cook Obadi Kassem (left) and ABM Alfred Polk. SA Mana Al Osfur (photo in center) is pictured in
the galley, while the remaining photo includes (from left) QMED Husain Ali Ali, AB
Adel Shaibi and SIU Patrolman George Owen.
8 Seafarers LOG
February 2022
�ABOARD LIBERTY PRIDE – Vessel master Capt. Bruce Bonnecarrere shared this photographic proof of Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve.
ABOARD MV PATRIOT – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins
(left) and Bosun Dixon Guity are pictured aboard the
TOTE vessel in late December.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Thanks to vessel master Capt. C. Kavanagh for this shipboard holiday photo. “The crew is
sporting knitted hats provided by the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Trenton, South Carolina,” Kavanagh noted. “The crew looks
forward to these hats and the Christmas boxes provided by the various Seafarers Missions.” Standing, from left: SA Kaleb
Politte, Recertified Bosun James Joyce, GVA Eric Chapman, AB Aretta Jones, CM Elliott Gabbert, 2AE Darnell Slayton and
AB Carlos Palacios-Nunez. Kneeling, from left: Chief Steward Kim Smith, Chief Cook Richetta Jackson and Chief Engineer
Joseph Reynolds.
ABOARD USNS BRITTIN – Crew members enjoy a holiday meal
aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. Thanks to Chief
Steward Erwin Renon for the photo.
February 2022
ABOARD MOKIHANA
– The Christmas and
New Year ’s meals
aboard the Matson ship
were well-received.
Pictured from left in
the group photo above
are Chief Cook Brandy
Clemons, Capt. Angel
Irlanda, Recertified
Steward Fakhruddin
Malahi and ACU Marilou Gumapas. (For additional photos, visit the
SIU Facebook page.)
ABOARD RJ PFEIFFER – Recertified Steward Ali
Munsar (left), Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (right) and
ACU Taleb Alarqaban teamed up to provide a wideranging menu for the New Year’s holiday aboard the
Matson ship. Numerous photos of the spread are
posted on the SIU Facebook page.
ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS – Shortly before the
holiday, steward-department Seafarers aboard the
vessel wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Pictured
from left in photo above are SA Ronald Pattiasina,
Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado and Chief Cook
John Nunez. Thanks to SIU Jersey City Port Agent
Ray Henderson for the photo.
Seafarers LOG 9
�Arriving at the Crowley terminal in San Juan are El Coqui crew members ABM Julio Perez Jr., Bosun Kemer Rojas, ABW Jonamie Encarnacion and ABM Christian Reyes (all residents of Puerto Rico).
Electrician Edwin Velez, Bosun Charles Ortiz and SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo are pictured aboard the El Coqui.
Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward
Jose Norales sail on the El Coqui.
Puerto Rico-Based Seafarers
Deliver ‘The Goods’ to Territory,
Mainland in Jones Act Trade
Throughout the twists and turns of the global COVID19 pandemic, one constant has been the reliability of SIUcrewed ships servicing Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland in
the Jones Act trade.
“I can say from firsthand experience that our members
are justifiably proud of their work that helps bring vital
cargoes to and from Puerto Rico,” said SIU Assistant Vice
President Amancio Crespo, who is based in San Juan. “They
also know that the Jones Act is a crucial source of jobs for
Puerto Rico residents.”
Recent data confirms earlier findings from a comprehensive study about America’s freight cabotage law and the
island. For instance, SIU-contracted Crowley in mid-January
reported that they were “smashing (cargo) volume records
in Puerto Rico,” thanks in part to the Seafarers-crewed vessels El Coquí and Taino, which sail between the territory and
Jacksonville, Florida.
As previously reported, a major study by Boston-based
economists concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either
AB Luis Venegas
El Coqui
Pictured Dec. 20 aboard the Perla Del Caribe
(TOTE) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are (from
left) Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez,
Steward/Baker Sharray Turner and SIU Asst.
VP Amancio Crespo.
Electrician Carlos Parrilla handles maintenance on a reefer container aboard the
Taino.
10 Seafarers LOG
retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico. In addition,
the report found that the state-of-the-art maritime technology,
Puerto-Rico focused investments, and dedicated closed-loop
service offered by Jones Act carriers provide a significant
positive economic impact to the island, at freight rates lower
or comparable to similar services to other Caribbean Islands.
“There has been much debate about the impact of the
Jones Act on Puerto Rico, particularly following Hurricane
Maria,” said John Reeve, the principal in Reeve & Associates and the lead economist on the study. “The findings of
our analysis show that reliable, efficient, and regular Jones
Act services benefit consumers and businesses on the island,
and no evidence suggests that exempting Puerto Rico from
the Jones Act would reduce consumer prices in Puerto Rico.
On the contrary, such an action may well increase prices.”
A pillar of U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century, the Jones Act requires that cargo
moving between domestic ports be carried on vessels that are
crewed, built, flagged and owned American.
Newly credentialed AB Jorge Alamo
(right) poses for a photo with SIU Asst.
VP Amancio Crespo in the San Juan
hall.
The holiday spirit was evident aboard Crowley’s Taino when this snapshot was taken before Christmas. Pictured are ABG Julio Perez, SA
Simone Smith, Recertified Steward Kim Strate, Bosun Kemer Rojas,
ABM Victor Cortes, Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez and Electrician Carlos
Parrilla.
Pictured from left aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) are
Electrician Hector Ginel, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno and
AB Gary Boyd.
Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, GUDE Ray Fernandez and
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo reminisce aboard the Isla Bella.
Many years ago, they worked together in the crane department
at Navierias de Puerto Rico.
Proudly displaying his first ABW registration (fresh out of Piney
Point) is Seafarer Kelvin Soto (left), a second-generation SIU
member. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo. Soto recently shipped out aboard the National Glory (Crowley).
February 2022
�TAKING UNION OATH – Pictured from left at the December meeting are SA Temiaka McLaurin,
Chief Cook Eugene Williams, Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau, Chief Cook Torrika Devine, ABM
Derrick Alexander and OMU Blake Washington. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right.
Devine and Alexander received their respective A-books, while the others picked up B-books.
BOOKS GALORE – Several Seafarers were sworn in during the November membership meeting. They’re pictured with union representatives at the hall, following
the meeting. In front (from left) are SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Steward/Baker Mamie Porter (who picked up her A-book)
and Chief Cook Michael Ray (A-book). In back are AB Nakia Miller (B-book), QEP
David Garrett (A-book) and GUDE Christopher Skinner (B-book).
With Seafarers in Jacksonville (and SC)
BACKING MDL – Steward/Baker Antajuan Beasley (right) is a longtime
supporter of the Maritime Defense
League. He’s pictured at the hall
shortly after contributing to the cause.
SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul is
at left.
SPIRITS HIGH AT HALL – From left, Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau, SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo and Chief
Cook Torrika Devine seem enthused about the holiday
luncheon. (Editor’s note: Please visit the SIU Facebook
page for additional photos from the gathering.)
ABOARD CAPE DECISION – Pictured from left aboard
the Keystone-operated vessel in Charleston, South Carolina, are Steward/Baker Vanessa Curd, SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson, QEE Mario Dela Cruz, QMED Elaine
Watts, GVA Marietta Kozerenko and Bosun Leslie Bracey.
READY FOR LUNCHEON – From left, ACU Rosalie Long, CC Joseph Arigo,
SA Florentino Espiritu and SA Michael Fincannon are among the volunteers and
guests at the Dec. 9 holiday luncheon at the hall.
HOLIDAY HELP – Chief Steward Manuel Daguio helps
prepare food for a holiday luncheon at the hall following
the December membership meeting.
SOLIDARITY – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) welcomes
Preston Drummer, regional VP for the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, to the luncheon. Drummer also serves as the
rep for Teamsters Local 512 to the Northeast Florida Central
Labor Council.
APPRECIATIVE GUESTS – Seafarers and representatives from Crowley Maritime enjoy the holiday luncheon.
Those pictured include Lawrence Akromah, Dana Antretter, Ed Hagan, Melissa Serridge, Elizabeth Banner, Josh
Lewis and Jon Roberts.
February 2022
Seafarers LOG 11
�What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season
sion added back in. MAGI threshold amounts for
the additional tax are as follows:
$250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving
Spouse)
$200,000 (Single/Head of Household)
$125,000 (Married Filing Separately)
Investment income reduced by deductions
Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations
The following is a list of tax legislation and properly allocable to the items of income and net
considerations affecting the current and future tax gain that make up the NII.
years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this docu- Social Security Tax:
Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and
ment in reference to the respective legislation.
employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages
The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The for Social Security. The maximum amount of
Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on De- wages subject to the Social Security are as follows:
$142,800 (2021)
cember 22, 2017. Described as the largest major
$147,000 (2022)
tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuMedicare Tax:
als and businesses.
Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and
The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster
Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages
Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations for Medicare, unchanged from 2020. There is no
Act, 2021 was signed by President Trump on De- wage base limit for Medicare tax. In 2021, in adcember 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions dition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be
an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the
that were set to expire.
The Setting Every Community Up following threshold amounts:
$250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving
for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE
Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law Spouse)
$200,000 (Single/Head of Household)
by the President Trump on December 20, 2019
$125,000 (Married Filing Separately)
significantly modifying many requirements for
employer‐provided retirement plans, individual
retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax‐favored Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction:
The Social Security portion of the self-employsavings accounts. While some of the modifications
went into effect retroactively or upon enactment ment tax is 12.4% in 2021. The Medicare portion
(December 20, 2019), many of them carry future of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable
effective dates.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- thresholds as noted above. A taxpayer can take an
nomic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES above the line deduction for a percentage of selfAct is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that employment tax paid during the year. The selfwas signed into law by the President Trump on employment tax deduction is limited to one-half
March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of self-employment tax paid.
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act
were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing Kiddie Tax:
The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In were repealed by the SECURE Act. For taxable
response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the years beginning in 2021, the first $1,100 of the
ARPA was signed by President Biden on March net unearned income of a child meeting certain
11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct requirements is not taxed, the next $1,100 is taxed
relief from related hardship. As discussed in fur- at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over
ther detail below, the ARPA provided for additional $2,200 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate.
Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), ad- A child is (1) under age 18 at the end of the tax
vanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing year, (2) age 18 at the end of the tax year and does
not provide more than half of his/her own support
assistance, and other employment-related relief.
Considerations – Build Back Better Act: with unearned income, or (3) is age 19-23 at the
The Biden administration’s Build Back Better Act end of the tax year, a full-time student, and does
was not enacted by the end of 2021. Significant not provide more than half of his/her own support
proposed changes in tax law will continue to be with unearned income.
monitored. All information provided below is currently in effect until otherwise altered by future Itemized Deductions
If more advantageous than the standard delegislation.
duction, an individual may elect to claim certain
Due Date of Return
File a 2021 Form 1040 and pay any tax due itemized deductions of personal expenses in deterby April 18, 2022. An automatic 6-month exten- mining taxable income. The most common itemsion of time to file the return can be made by filing ized deductions are listed below.
Medical and Dental Expenses: UnreimForm 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to
avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 bursed medical expenses may be claimed as an
itemized deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5%
by October 17, 2022.
Net Investment Income Tax (NII): In of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act
2021, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the indi- of 2020 extended this threshold, eliminating the
vidual’s net investment income for the year or the initial increase to 10% of AGI.
State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax
amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross
years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for taxes
income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount.
paid or accrued by an individual during the tax
Net Investment Income can be further catego- year that are not directly connected with a trade or
business, or with property held for the production
rized into three:
Category 1 (investment income) - income of income is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS)
of the aggregate of (1) state and local property
interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents
Category 2 (passive and trading income) taxes, (2) state and local personal property taxes,
-gross income from a trade or business that is a (3) state, local, and foreign income taxes, as well
passive activity with respect to the taxpayer, or is a as state and local general sales taxes deducted in
trade or business of trading commodities or finan- lieu of state and local income taxes.
Mortgage Interest Deduction: The decial instruments
Category 3 (gain on dispositions) - net gain duction for mortgage interest is limited to underfrom disposition of property. MAGI for the pur- lying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000
pose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is for MFS) for tax years 2018-2025. The deduca person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign tion for interest on home equity indebtedness is
earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclu- eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any
Following are some of the changes that took
effect in 2021, along with provisions that remain
in effect from prior years.
Please check www.irs.gov before filing your
return.
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) $1,100, or (2) the sum of $350 and
the individual’s earned income. See the current amounts below.
Filing Status
Married Filing Joint
Head of Household
Single/Married Filing Separately
2021
$25,100
$18,800
$12,500
Additional Standard Deductions
Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ)
Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH)
$1,350
$1,700
acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 Million
($500,000 for MFS).
Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums (PMI)
has now been extended by the Tax Extenders Act
through 2021. This allows a taxpayer whose income is below certain thresholds to deduct the cost
of premiums on mortgage insurance purchased
in connection with acquisition indebtedness on a
taxpayer’s principal residence. The deduction is
reduced by 10% for every $1,000 by which the
taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $100,000.
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. Under the CARES Act,
the 60% limitation has been increased to allow
for contributions up to 100% of the taxpayer’s
contribution base 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 allowed to be carried
forward and deducted for up to five years, subject
to the later year’s ceiling. For tax years beginning
in 2021, an individual who does not itemize deductions may claim a charitable contribution deduction of up to $300 ($600 in the case of a joint
return) for any cash contribution made during
the tax year that would otherwise be allowed as
an itemized deduction. The deduction is claimed
in calculating taxable income in 2021, not as an
above-the-line deduction in calculating AGI as allowed in 2020.
Miscellaneous Deductions: Job-related
expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the
2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no longer
deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees.
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.
Phaseout: Before 2018, an individual’s
itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of adjusted gross income (AGI) when AGI exceeded
certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions is temporarily eliminated by the
TCJA, and therefore does not apply to tax years
2018-2025. The phaseout does not affect the itemized deductions for medical expenses, investment
interest expenses, casualty or theft losses, or gambling losses.
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 such
as real estate taxes paid and investment expenses.
Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions
Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 20182025, 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 eligible for the child
tax credit with respect to the child
Child Tax Credit: The American Rescue Plan Act of
2021 modified CTC for tax year beginning 2021 in
a few significant ways:
The credit is fully refundable for most
taxpayers has 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.
Maximum Child Tax Credit increased
to:
$3,600 for each qualifying child under age 5
$3,000 for each qualifying child under age 18,
but at least age 5
$500 for any other dependent
The credit that exceeds $2,000 per child
begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s MAGI
exceed the amounts listed in the Child Tax Credit
chart immediately below.. This phase-out cannot
reduce the credit below the $2,000. Any remaining
credit amount is then subject to additional phaseout under the rules for non-2021 tax years (Phaseout #2). In the phase-out range, the child tax credit
is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above
these thresholds.
The credit may be paid in advance in
monthly installments.
The amount of advance is based on the IRS’s
estimate based on 2020 or 2019 tax returns whichever is more recent, and any updated information
taxpayer provided to the IRS in 2021.
Payments were sent on the 15th of each month
from July through December 2021
Unless extended by the Build Back Better
pending legislation, these payments will not continue in 2022.
Continued on Page 14
Child Tax Credit
Filing Status
MAGI Phase-out #1
Married Filing Joint
$150,000
Head of Household
$112,500
Single/Married Filing Separately $75,000
MAGI Phase-out #2
$400,000
$200,000
$200,000
Tax Rates & Thresholds
2021 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2021, including the taxable income range for each bracket.
10%
12%
22%
24%
32%
35%
37%
Married Filing Joint
$0 - $19,900
$19,901 - $81,050
$81,051 - $172,750
$172,751 – $329,850
$329,851 – $418,850
$418,851 - $628,300
$628,301+
Head of Household
$0 - $14,200
$14,201 – $54,200
$54,201 - $86,350
$86,351 - $164,900
$164,901 - $209,400
$209,401 - $523,600
$523,601+
Single
$0 - $9,950
$9,951 - $40,525
$40,526 - $86,375
$86,376 - $164,925
$164,926 - $209.425
$209,426 - $523,600
$523,601+
Married Filing Separately
$0 - $9,950
$9,951 - $40,525
$40,526 - $86,375
$86,376 - $164,925
$164,926 - $209,425
$209,426 - $314,150
$314,151+
Estates & Trusts
$0 - $2,650
N/A
N/A
$2,651 - $9,550
N/A
$9,551 - $13,050
$13,051+
2021 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Rates: Below are the 2021 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status.
Married Filing Joint
Head of Household
Single
Married Filing Separately
Estates & Trusts
0%
$0 - $80,800
$0 - $54,100
$0 - $40,400
$0 - $40,400
$0 - $2,700
15%
$80,801 - $501,600
$54,101 – $473,750
$40,401 - $445,850
$40,401 - $250,800
$2,701 - $13,250
20%
$501,601+
$473,751+
$445,851+
$250,801+
$13,251+
Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2021, your broker would 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.
12 Seafarers LOG
February 2022
�Tax Tips for Members
How to Prepare A Tax Return
Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year.
Income Records
Forms W-2/W-2G
Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends, Brokerage Statements, Misc.) and
Schedules K-1 (Investment in
Partnerships/S-Corporations)
Itemized deductions and tax credits
Medical and dental payment records
Real estate and personal property
tax receipts
State and local tax payments
Interest payment records for items such
as a home mortgage or home equity loan
Charitable contributions
Records of payments for childcare so
an individual could work
Educational expenses
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)
Due to staffing issues, processing paper
returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS
encourages taxpayers to file electronically.
Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs.gov/efile-options
Filing Paper Return
Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G
and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040.
Attach all other schedules and forms
behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number.
If 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.
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
Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full
listing of electronic payment options.
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.
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.
Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to
make payments by phone.
Refunds
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.
For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2
February 2022
weeks if deposited directly into a checking
or savings account.
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.
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
15, 2021, 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 2020, 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:
Jones Act settlements for lost wages
Amounts received in place of wages
from accident and health plans (including
sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy
Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than
the premium paid
Canceled debts
State income tax refunds
Rents
Repayments
Royalties
Unemployment benefits
Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts
Endowments
Original Issue Discount
Distributions from self-employed plans
Bartering income (fair-market value
of goods or services received in return for
services)
Tier 2 and supplemental annuities
under the Railroad Retirement Act
Lump-sum distributions
Gains from the sale or exchange (in-
cluding barter) of real estate, securities, coins,
gold, silver, gems or other property (capital
gains)
Accumulation distributions from trusts
Prizes and awards (contests, raffles,
lottery, and gambling winnings)
Earned income from sources outside
the United States
Director’s fees
Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate
Embezzled or other illegal income
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:
Benefits from government welfare
programs
Jones Act settlements for injuries,
pain, suffering, and medical costs
Maintenance and Cure
Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness
Disability retirement payments (and
other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration
Child support
Gifts, money, or other property inherited or willed
Dividends on veterans’ life insurance
Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death
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
Certain amounts received as a scholarship
What Items Are Considered Deductions
and Credits
The following are common deductions
and credits, which are discussed in more
detail in above sections:
Standard Deduction
Itemized Deductions
Medical and Dental Expenses
State and Local Taxes
Home Mortgage Interest
Mortgage Insurance Premiums
Charitable Contributions
Gambling Losses
Qualified Business Income Deduction
Student Loan Interest
Education Credits & Deductions
Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Child & Dependent Care Credit
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.
Why Seafarers Must Pay State Income Tax
Federal law prohibits employers from
Away at Tax Time
Should Seafarers find themselves
overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates
are equipped to provide some taxpayerrelated services. At a minimum, IRS
forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin,
Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London,
England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris,
France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome,
Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan.
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.
Seafarers LOG 13
�What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season
Continued from Page 12
File 2021 Tax Return to compare advanced CTC with qualified CTC. As the nature
of family and life situation are unpredictable, IRS
might over or underpaid the advanced CTC. Letter 6419 from IRS will arrive January 2022 to
provide the total amount of advance Child Tax
Credit payments that were disbursed to taxpayer
during 2021.
Advanced < qualified: If the amount of
your Child Tax Credit exceeds the total amount
of your advance Child Tax Credit payments, you
can claim the remaining amount of your Child Tax
Credit on your 2021 tax return.
Advanced > qualified: If you received
a total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that exceeds the amount of Child Tax Credit
that you can properly claim on your 2021 tax year,
you may need to repay to the IRS some or all of
that excess payment. Example of situations where
could result in such positions:
Your income increased in 2021.
A qualifying child in 2020 does not meet
qualifying child criteria in 2021 (see definition
following)
Your filing status changed for 2021
Your main home was outside of the United
States for more than half of 2021.
Full Repayment Protection: taxpayers
qualify for full repayment protection and won’t
need to repay if 1) taxpayers’ main home was in
US for more than half of 2021 and 2) AGI is less
than below:
$60,000 if you are married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower.
$50,000 if you are filing as head of household.
$40,000 if you are a single filer or are married
and filing a separate return.
No Repayment Protection: This repayment protection amount is phased out when taxpayers exceed AGI listed below on their 2021 tax
returns:
$120,000 if you are married and filing a joint
return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower
$100,000 if you are filing as head of household
$80,000 if you are a single filer or are married
and filing a separate return
Definition of a Qualifying Child: Must meet all
criteria:
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).
Residence: For more than half the year, the
person must have the same residence as you do.
Age: must not have attained the age of 18 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.
Support: the person did not provide more
than half of his or her own support during the year.
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 1-800772-1213. 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.
Definition of a Qualifying Relative: MUST meet
all criteria:
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.
Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than the exemption
amount (zero for tax years 2018-2025).
Support: the person did not provide more
than half of his or her own support during the year.
Cannot be claimed as Qualifying Child
by someone else: The individual must not be the
qualifying child of the taxpayer or of any other
taxpayer for the tax year.
Child and Dependent Tax Credits: The American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded by making it
fully refundable; increasing the amount of qualifying expenses, the credit percentage, and the AGI
threshold for reducing the credit percentage; and
effectively extending the credit to U.S. possessions.
A qualifying individual definition is slightly
different than qualifying child for CTC (Child
Tax Credit)
a dependent of the taxpayer who is a qualifying child under the age of 13.
a dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself
or herself; or
the taxpayer’s spouse who is physically or
mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself.
There must be earned income to take the
credit.
Amount of credit equal to the amount of tax-
14 Seafarers LOG
payer’s employment-related expenses multiplied
by an applicable percentage determined by the
taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum
amount of qualified expenses to which the credit
may be applied is $8,000 for cost to care for one
child under the age of 13 or up to $16,000 for two
or more children, so that the parents can either go
to work or be in the process of looking for work.
The 50% credit percentage is reduced (but not
below the phaseout percentage) by one percentage point for each $2,000 (or fraction thereof)
by which adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds
$125,000.
The maximum credit is $4,000 for one qualifying individual and $8,000 for two or more qualifying individuals.
Adoption Credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,440 per child
with adjusted gross income phase out starting at
$216,660. 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 2021 tax
returns one or more adoption-related documents.
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 2021:
3+ Qualifying Children: Credit up to $6,728
if you earn less than $51,464 ($57,414 if married filing joint)
2 Qualifying Children: Credit up to $5,980
if you earn less than $47,915 ($53,865 if married
filing joint)
1 Qualifying Child: Credit up to $3,618
if you earn less than $42,158 ($48,108 if married filing joint)
No Qualifying Children: Credit up to
$1,502 if you earn less than $21,430 ($27,380
if married filing joint)
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 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 (see chart at the top of the next two columns) 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.
For tax years beginning in 2021:
Education Credits & Deductions: Following are tax credits and deductions related to educational expenses incurred during the tax year,
including definitions of qualifying expenses.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit:
For tax year 2021, 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 Employer Identification Number (EIN)
of the educational institution to which payments
were made.
Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year
2021, 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
Deductions for Qualified Business Income
Filing Status
Married Filing Joint
Single/Head of Household
Married Filing Separately
Threshold Amount
$329,800
$164,900
$164,925
joint return) and is fully 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.
Tuition and Fees Deductions: The tuition
and fees deduction does NOT apply to tax years
beginning after December 31, 2020.
Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs: Qualified higher education expenses generally include
tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books
and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar
program, at an eligible educational institution.
An eligible educational institution includes most
colleges, universities, and certain vocational
schools.
529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses:
The TCJA changed the definition of qualified
higher education expense. For purposes of the 529
plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now
include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious
school. 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.
Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain Education Incentives: Taxpayers must
receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from
educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit
or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees.
Educator Expenses: The Protecting
Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 schoolteachers of up to $250
per year ($500 if you and your spouse were
both eligible educators) for expenses paid or
incurred for books, certain supplies, computer
and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years
beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also
include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the
curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/
she teaches.
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.
Retirement Accounts Contribution Deductions:
Below is information regarding current tax year
contribution limits, required distributions, and
various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans.
Traditional IRAs: For 2021, 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 2021 is
$66,000-$76,000 ($105,000-$125,000 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 are subject to income
limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI
between $125,000-$140,000 ($198,000-$208,000
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.
SIMPLE 401(k) plan: The limit on
employee elective deferrals is: $14,000 in 2022
($13,500 in 2021 and 2020)
401(k) Contributions and Limitations
on Elective Deferrals: Limit of employee elective salary deferral is $19,000 for 2021 and $
20,500 for 2022. Overall limit on contribution to
a participant’s plan including elective deferral and
employer matching contributions is the lessor of
Phase in Ceiling
$429,800
$214,900
$214,925
employee compensation or $58,000 for 2021.
Excessive contribution: 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.
IRA Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following legislation updates are in effect beginning tax
year 2020 and continue to be in effect. Additional
provisions enacted by the CARES Act are also
noted.
Age Limitation - The 70½ age limit for
contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. Effective tax year beginning after December 31,
2019 individuals can continue to make contributions for as long as they earn compensation
Required Minimum Distributions
(RMDs) - The starting age for individuals to
begin taking RMD from traditional IRA, SEP
IRA and SIMPLE IRA must begin on or before
April 1 of the year following the year in which
an IRA owner turns age 72 (Prior 2020 was 70½
years old
Inherited IRA Rule - Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31,
2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years,
subject to certain exceptions.
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.
For 2021, the early withdrawal penalty of 10% is
reinstated, with exceptions related to non-COVID
disaster relief discussed in later sections.
401(k) Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following provisions are in effect for the noted tax
years
Long-term, part-time employees may now
qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in
plan years beginning after December 31, 2020
Early withdrawal penalty exemption of
$5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December
31, 2019
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
Increased cap to encourage higher autoenrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019
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.
Health Care Coverage Credits: Below is health
care coverage reporting information and current
year requirements for related tax credits.
Health Care Coverage: Beginning in tax
year 2019, you no longer need to either make a
shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 if
you don’t have essential health care coverage for
part or all of the tax year.
Premium Tax Credit: Individuals with
low to moderate income who get health coverage
Continued on Page 20
February 2022
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Retired Seafarer Turns 100
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 16 - Jan. 17. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 17.
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
Port
Vincent Wesley had a straightforward request for his
100th birthday: having his photo appear in the LOG. The
retired steward-department mariner was born Feb. 13,
1922 and sailed out of Brooklyn, New York, throughout
the 1950s and 1960s. “I would like to say hello to all the
men who sailed with Farrell Lines, Moore-McCormack,
and the Military Sea Transportation Service (forerunner
to the Military Sealift Command),” Wesley wrote.
Personal
Writer and former tugboat deckhand Mark Hannon is
assisting a retired mariner in writing his memoir. Hannon
would like to hear from any SIU members who worked out
of the New Orleans and/or Mobile, Alabama, halls during the
1960s. He’s reachable by phone at (443) 615-5228 and by
email at mwhannon@verizon.net. Hannon’s website is https://
markhannonbooks.wordpress.com/.
February & March
Membership Meetings
Piney Point...........................Monday: February 7, March 7
Algonac...............................Friday: February 11, March 11
Baltimore......................Thursday: February 10, March 10
Guam..........................Thursday: February 24, March 24
Honolulu..............................Friday: February 18, March 18
Houston...........................Monday: February 14, March 14
A
B
All Groups
C
A
Mobile...........................Wednesday: February 16, March 16
New Orleans......................Tuesday: February 15, March 15
Jersey City............................Tuesday: February 8, March 8
Norfolk............................Friday: February 11, March 11
Oakland...........................Thursday: February 17, March 17
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: February 9, March 9
Port Everglades...............Thursday: February 17, March 17
San Juan..............................Thursday: February 10, March 10
St. Louis.........................Friday: February 18, March 18
Tacoma....................................Friday: February 25, March 25
Wilmington...............*Tuesday: February 22, Monday: March 21
* Wilmington change in February due to President’s Day
observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
C
Reliefs
All Groups
A
B
C
13
1
2
21
5
13
4
30
30
14
2
7
15
8
2
0
6
14
1
21
209
7
3
1
12
0
1
2
22
25
13
2
4
12
4
0
6
2
7
2
3
128
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
6
7
4
0
2
6
3
0
1
0
5
1
2
42
Deck Department
10
4
0
2
3
0
1
3
0
13
9
2
1
0
0
3
2
0
7
3
0
25
16
4
17
17
6
20
7
1
2
3
0
8
1
1
17
7
3
9
0
3
2
0
0
1
7
1
5
2
0
15
4
1
0
0
0
16
1
0
174
89
22
5
3
1
9
0
3
0
18
17
9
0
3
4
3
0
2
2
10
0
4
93
23
0
2
32
5
14
11
68
54
35
1
11
27
15
3
2
12
36
5
45
401
6
3
0
20
1
8
2
34
37
12
2
6
18
5
4
2
6
13
2
12
193
3
0
0
2
0
2
1
9
9
6
0
2
7
3
0
0
1
5
1
5
56
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
0
1
7
1
1
3
12
12
2
1
6
9
4
1
0
4
10
10
11
87
0
0
2
3
0
1
2
7
10
4
1
2
8
5
1
2
2
8
0
6
64
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
1
1
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
11
Engine Department
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
2
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
2
0
10
2
0
9
7
1
7
2
0
2
0
0
3
4
0
5
9
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
3
0
2
1
0
12
4
0
0
0
1
7
6
1
69
45
7
0
0
1
3
0
1
0
4
4
4
1
3
3
1
0
2
1
6
0
7
41
4
1
2
13
0
4
5
15
31
10
2
4
16
6
1
2
4
12
2
21
155
2
0
1
13
1
7
6
14
20
6
1
4
14
5
1
3
3
14
2
9
126
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
1
2
0
5
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
16
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
0
0
2
3
0
3
4
13
11
7
2
4
9
16
1
3
2
7
1
21
109
0
0
2
5
1
0
3
7
5
3
0
3
8
3
0
3
3
2
1
6
55
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
Steward Department
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
8
2
0
0
1
0
4
0
0
4
1
0
9
2
0
8
10
0
4
3
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
10
8
2
9
3
0
1
0
0
2
5
0
3
0
1
8
2
0
0
0
0
7
8
0
81
47
3
0
0
0
4
0
4
0
5
12
1
0
1
7
3
0
1
2
2
0
6
48
2
1
2
8
0
8
11
28
23
10
4
5
24
18
3
4
3
16
1
35
206
0
0
1
9
3
0
5
12
14
8
0
5
16
7
1
2
4
6
1
10
104
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
2
1
1
0
2
3
0
0
2
0
0
0
14
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
10
5
3
2
3
0
1
3
8
14
8
0
0
14
3
0
1
0
5
0
5
75
5
2
1
5
1
1
3
7
40
9
2
0
19
6
0
14
2
5
0
7
129
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
4
Entry Department
1
2
0
2
2
2
3
4
0
0
1
2
3
2
3
9
9
25
7
10
0
1
1
0
12
18
4
2
0
0
1
9
0
0
3
3
0
0
9
2
59
93
1
0
1
1
0
2
0
1
7
3
0
0
5
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
31
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
4
5
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
7
1
4
27
10
4
0
5
0
2
7
18
28
20
0
1
14
11
1
0
1
21
0
17
160
4
1
1
7
2
1
12
20
74
18
1
2
32
3
0
12
3
12
3
11
219
322
186
328
213
789
583
305
GRAND TOTAL: 415
February 2022
B
Trip
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
Jacksonville....................Thursday: February 10 , March 10
Joliet...............................Thursday: February 17, March 17
Registered on Beach
240
125
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was posed to mariners attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: What do you like most about being a merchant mariner?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
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
Georgia Bussink
Ordinary Seaman
There are not many professions
in which you have the world as
your office. The SIU has provided
me the opportunity to travel as
part of my career; one that gives
me the flexibility and ability to
take substantial time off to travel
and do what I love.
Michael Casas
Wiper
I get to travel the world with my
brothers and sisters. I get a say and a
vote in this industry. The union supports me and provides me with different experiences here at school as well
as every time you get on a different
ship.
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
John Paul Mauras
Ordinary Seaman
The opportunity it gives me to
travel around the world, to meet
and work with new people who
come from various backgrounds.
Alexander Jackson
Ordinary Seaman
It gives me the freedom to explore
the world while at work. It also provides me the opportunity to take time
off to explore it at my own pace.
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
Henry Nkwor
Wiper
It affords me the opportunity to
travel the world. It also provides
me with a safe, constant job and
allows me the flexibility to take
time off when I want in order to
spend time with my family.
Kristopher Guthrie
Wiper
Being a merchant mariner gives
me the opportunity to travel the world
while also being able to provide for
my family back home.
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
16 Seafarers LOG
OS Robert Keith is pictured aboard the SS Steel Designer (Isco, Inc.) in South Vietnam in January 1972. The victory ship carried bombs and ammunition to various South Vietnamese ports during the war. Keith graduated from the trainee program in
1971, upgraded to AB and sailed with the SIU for several years. He remains a personal advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine.
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
February 2022
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
AZAD ARDESHIRDAVANI
Brother Azad Ardeshirdavani,
70, joined the Seafarers International
Union in 2004,
initially sailing aboard the
Commitment.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions,
shipped in both
the deck and
engine departments, and also
worked on shore gangs. Brother
Ardeshirdavani’s final vessel
was the Maersk Columbus. He
is a resident of Webster, Texas.
ROBBIE BALLARD
Brother Robbie Ballard, 65,
began sailing
with the SIU in
1994. A steward department
member, he
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Ballard’s first
and final vessel
was the Independence. He lives in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana.
ROBERT DAVIS
Brother Robert Davis, 68, became a member of the Seafarers
International
Union in 1988.
He worked in
the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Davis’s
first vessel was
the Independence; his last, the
Liberty Promise. He resides in
Montgomery, Texas.
TEODORO MARTINEZ
Brother Teodoro Martinez, 65,
embarked on his career with
the Seafarers
in 2001 and
initially sailed
on the Green
Cove. He was a
member of the
deck department and last
shipped on the
Independence
II. Brother Martinez makes his
home in The Bronx, New York.
ALI MOHAMED
Brother Ali Mohamed, 66,
signed on with the union in
1989. He first sailed aboard the
Independence and worked in
all three departments. Brother
Mohamed upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the
Global Sentinel and is a resident
of Coldwater, Michigan.
February 2022
JEFFERY MUNDY
MOHAMAD SHIBLY
Brother Jeffery Mundy, 70,
signed on with the union in
2015, initially shipping with
OSG Ship Management. He
sailed in both the deck and
steward departments and most
recently shipped aboard the
Patriot. Brother Mundy lives in
Venice, Florida.
Brother Mohamad Shibly, 66,
embarked on his career with
the SIU in
1985 when he
sailed aboard
the Maui. He
shipped in the
steward department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Shibly concluded his
career on the Cape Isabel and
settled in Federal Way, Washington.
WINFRED OPARE
Brother Winfred Opare, 66,
donned the SIU
colors in 2001.
He first sailed
aboard the
Columbia and
worked in the
engine department. Brother
Opare upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on multiple occasions. He last
sailed aboard the Alaskan Explorer and is a resident of Federal Way, Washington.
SQUEEZER PIERCE
Brother Squeezer Pierce, 65,
started sailing with the union
in 1978, initially shipping
on the Bradford Island. A
deck department member,
Brother Pierce
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions.
He concluded
his career aboard the Virgo and
lives in Greensburg, Kentucky.
JOHN REID
Brother John Reid, 59, began
his career with the SIU in
1988. A steward department
member, he
initially sailed
aboard the
USNS Indomitable. Brother
Reid upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center on
several occasions. He concluded his career
aboard the Cape Washington
and makes his home in Virginia
Beach, Virginia.
Brother Arturo Rodriguez, 67,
began his career with the SIU in
1987. He first
sailed aboard
the USNS Algol
and shipped in
all three departments. Brother
Rodriguez upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on several
occasions. He
concluded his career aboard the
Delaware Express and makes
his home in Houston.
JAMES BEATTY
Brother James Beatty, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1990, first
sailing aboard the Charles L.
Brown. He
shipped in
both the deck
and engine
departments
and upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother Beatty was last
employed by G&H Towing and
resides in Ragley, Louisiana.
ALMARIO SISON
Brother Almario Sison, 66,
became a member of the Seafarers International Union in
2001. He initially sailed aboard
the USNS Roy M. Wheat and
was a deck department member. Brother Sison upgraded
on numerous occasions at the
Paul Hall Center. He last sailed
aboard the Horizon Reliance
and calls Wilmington, California, home.
WILLIAM STOKES
Brother William Stokes, 65,
started his career with the
Seafarers in
1991 and first
sailed aboard
the USNS
Wyman. He was
a deck department member
and most recently sailed aboard the John
Paul Bobo. He makes his home
in Wewahitchka, Florida.
GREAT LAKES
TED CAFFY
Brother Ted Caffy, 60, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers
in 2002 when he shipped with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Caffy
was employed by the same company for the duration of his career.
He resides in Florala, Alabama.
Brother Timothy Brenno, 65,
signed on with the SIU in 1977.
He initially shipped aboard the
Del Mar and was an engine
department member. Brother
Brenno upgraded at the Piney
Point school multiple occasions.
He last sailed on the Sam Laud
and resides in Seymour, Tennessee.
Brother Timothy McKenna, 60,
donned the SIU colors in 1989.
He sailed in both the deck and
engine departments and first
shipped aboard
the Adam E.
Cornelius.
Brother McKenna upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
He concluded
his career working for Great
Lakes Towing and settled in
Cleveland.
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1980
when he shipped
on the Newark.
He sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments and also
worked on shore
gangs. Brother Layko upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last sailed
on the Dodge Island. He lives in
Vancouver, Washington.
THOMAS LENNANE
Brother Thomas Lennane, 71,
signed on with the union in 1998.
He sailed in the deck department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center in 2001. Brother Lennane
worked for Port Imperial Ferry
for his entire career. He makes
his home in Tomkins Cove, New
York.
DONALD MACDONALD
Brother Donald MacDonald, 65,
joined the SIU in 1978 when he
sailed on the American Heritage.
He primarily sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at
the Piney Point school in 1996.
Brother MacDonald last shipped
with H&M Lake Transport and
makes his home in Ottawa Lake,
Michigan.
DAVID FENTON
Brother David Fenton, 66, signed
on with the union in 2013. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Fenton
worked for
Crowley Towing
and Transportation for his
entire career. He
lives in Westport, Washington.
TIMOTHY BRENNO
TIMOTHY MCKENNA
ARTURO RODRIGUEZ
INLAND
TIM GREEN
Brother Tim
Green, 66,
started sailing
with the Seafarers in 2007. A
deck department
member, he
worked for Port
Imperial Ferry
for the duration
of his career.
Brother Green resides in Leonia,
New Jersey.
ROBERT HOPKINS
Brother Robert Hopkins, 62,
joined the SIU in 1979. He upgraded at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school within his first
year of membership and worked
in the deck department. Brother
Hopkins worked for Mariner Towing for most of his career. He resides in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee.
ROBERT LAYKO
DOUGLAS MCGUIRE
Brother Douglas McGuire 61,
donned the SIU
colors in 2007.
He was a deck
department
member and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions.
Brother McGuire worked
for G&H Towing for the duration
of his career and settled in Woodway, Texas.
AARON MORTON
Brother Aaron Morton, 65, embarked on his
career with the
SIU in 1995
when he sailed
with Westbank
Riverboat Services. He was
a member of
the engine department and
continued to work for the same
company for most of his career.
Brother Morton makes his home
in Harvey, Louisiana.
WILLIAM SISTARE
Brother William Sistare, 62,
joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978. A deck
department member, he sailed
with Marine Contracting for his
entire career. Brother Sistare
lives in Summerville, South
Carolina.
Brother Robert Layko, 65, joined
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
CORNELL ANDREWS
Brother Cornell Andrews, 69, died
November 3. He was born in Louisiana and joined
the SIU in 1969.
Brother Andrews
sailed in both the
deck and steward
departments and
first shipped on
the Transuper.
He last sailed
aboard the Gem
State in 2019 and
was a San Francisco resident.
JOSEPH LOYAL
Pensioner Joseph Loyal, 68, passed
away December 4. He signed on
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1990. A
deck department
member, Brother
Loyal first sailed
aboard the USNS
Kane. After concluding his career
aboard the Horizon Hunter, he
retired in 2011. Brother Loyal lived
in Lubbock, Texas.
JEFFREY PAGE
THELLIS BARNES
Brother Thellis Barnes, 66, passed
away November 8. Born in Alabama, he joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 2001.
Brother Barnes
first shipped
aboard the Virginian and was a
deck department
member. He most
recently sailed
aboard the Maersk Montana and
lived in Suffolk, Virginia.
PETER BEAN
Pensioner Peter Bean, 70, died
September 11. He signed on
with the SIU in
1970, initially
sailing aboard a
Seatrain Lines
vessel. Brother
Bean was a
deck department
member. He last
shipped on the
Overseas Martinez and went
on pension in 2018. Brother Bean
resided in the Philippines.
SEVERIANO BONAFONT
Pensioner Severiano Bonafont,
79, passed away November 12.
He began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1970. A deck
department
member, his first
vessel was the
Ponce. Brother
Bonafont last
shipped on the
El Yunque before retiring in 2006. He lived in
Puerto Rico.
DAVID GORDIUS
Pensioner David Gordius, 74,
died December 8. He joined the
SIU in 1980,
initially working
on the St. Louis.
Brother Gordius
was a member
of the engine department and last
sailed aboard
the Horizon
Consumer. He
became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in St.
Petersburg, Florida.
18 Seafarers LOG
Brother Jeffrey Page, 67, died
September 22. Born in Washington, D.C., he began sailing with
the union in 1978. Brother Page
was an engine department member
and first sailed aboard Waterman’s
A. Stephens. He last sailed on the
USNS Capella and resided in Rockville, Maryland.
CESAR RAMOS
Pensioner Cesar Ramos, 72,
passed away November 19. He
embarked on
his career with
the SIU in 1980,
initially sailing aboard the
Brooks Range.
Brother Ramos
was a deck
department
member. He last
sailed on the
Patriot and became a pensioner
in 2014. Brother Ramos made his
home in the Philippines.
ROLANDO ROMANILLOS
Pensioner Rolando Romanillos,
67, died November 12. He joined
the union in 1993
and was an engine department
member. Brother
Romanillos first
sailed aboard
the Producer. He
most recently
shipped on the
Ocean Freedom and went on pension in 2019. Brother Romanillos
was a resident of Long Beach,
California.
STIG SASSE
Pensioner Stig Sasse, 64, passed
away November
29. He donned
the SIU colors
in 2001 and first
sailed aboard
the Cape John.
A deck department member,
Brother Sasse
last shipped on
the Alliance St.
Louis. He retired last year and
settled in Houston.
He shipped in the
deck department
and most recently
sailed aboard the
Ocean Freedom.
Brother Scheck
went on pension
in 2017 and resided in Dickinson, Texas.
employed with
Interstate Oil
for most of his
career. He went
on pension in
2016 and made
his home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
RALPH GARDNER
WILLIAM SCHROEDER
Pensioner William Schroeder, 83,
passed away November 16. He
joined the SIU in 1964 when he
sailed on the Eagle Voyager. Brother
Schroeder shipped in the engine
department and concluded his
career on the El Faro. He became
a pensioner in 1993 and lived in
Germany.
JAMES WRIGHT
Pensioner James Wright, 81, died
November 20. He began shipping
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1967,
initially sailing on
the Selma Victory.
Brother Wright
worked in the
steward department. He last
sailed on the Anchorage and went
on pension in 2002. Brother Wright
resided in Puyallup, Washington.
ELLIS YOUNG
Pensioner Ellis Young, 77, passed
away November 17. He donned
the SIU colors
in 1970 when
he shipped on
the Penn Sailor.
Brother Young
was a member
of the engine department. He last
shipped aboard
the Newark Bay
and began collecting his pension in 2001. Brother
Young lived in Jacksonville, Florida.
Pensioner Ralph Gardner, 83, passed
away December 6. He began sailing with the
SIU in 1967
when he worked
aboard the Battle
Creek. Brother
Gardner was a
deck department
member and was
last employed by
Mariner Towing.
He retired in 1981
and settled in Ocala, Florida.
CHARLES GROGAN
Pensioner Charles Grogan, 87, died
November 19. He
became a member
of the Seafarers International Union
in 1961, initially
sailing with Moran
Towing of Virginia. Brother Grogan concluded his
career aboard the
Sam Houston and
went on pension in 1996. He resided
in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
WADE POOR
Brother Wade Poor, 43, passed
away October 22. He donned the
SIU colors in
2007, initially
working on the
Terrapin Island.
Brother Poor
was a member of
the deck department and most
recently worked
on the Douglas B.
Mackie. He was a
resident of Palmyra, Missouri.
GREAT LAKES
JAMES WILKINS
HARLEY THIES
Pensioner Harley Thies, 82,
passed away November 21. He
signed on with the SIU in 1966
when he was
employed by
Michigan Interstate Railway.
Brother Thies
worked in the
steward department and last
shipped on the
H. Lee White.
He became a
pensioner in 2002 and resided in
Muskegon, Michigan.
INLAND
JIMMIE SCHECK
ALBERT BURNS
Pensioner Jimmie Scheck, 64, died
December 2. He signed on with the
union in 1977. Brother Scheck’s
first vessel was the Zapata Courier.
Pensioner Albert Burns, 67, died
November 30. A member of the
deck department, he joined the
union in 1973. Brother Burns was
Pensioner James Wilkins, 86,
died December 3. He joined the
union in 1961 and first worked
for Gulf Atlantic Transport.
Brother Wilkins sailed in the
deck department and was last
employed by Interstate Oil. He
became a pensioner in 1997 and
lived in Belhaven, North Carolina.
NMU
CUTHBERT FORBES
Pensioner Cuthbert Forbes, 79,
passed away December 6. He
joined the Seafarers during
the SIU/NMU
merger in 2001.
Brother Forbes
sailed in both the
deck and engine
departments and
last sailed on the
Argonaut. He
began collecting
his pension in 2006 and made his
home in Cambria Heights, New
York.
CHARLES MCFIELD
Pensioner Charles McField, 86,
died December 13. A steward department member, he signed on
with the union during the SIU/
NMU merger in 2001. Brother
McField last shipped aboard the
St. Louis Express before retiring
in 2004. He was a New Orleans
resident.
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
Berrios, Julio
82
Cooper, Morris
94
Costoso, Benjamin 100
Duncan, Frederick
90
Evans, Henry
81
Farmer, Joseph
95
Herrenberg, August 85
Karadimas, Spyridon 97
Kitchen, Sandy
93
Ritter, James
80
Williams, Richard
78
Yamamoto, Takeo
95
DOD
04/05/2021
11/23/2021
12/23/2021
12/14/2021
12/06/2021
12/08/2021
11/08/2021
09/28/2021
12/08/2021
11/22/2021
11/16/2021
09/28/2021
Have You Missed
An Issue of the Log?
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February 2022
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 24 – Chairman
Domingo Leon, Educational Director Edwin Feliciano, Deck Delegate
Randolph Jemmott, Engine Delegate
Roger Nesbeth. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
vacation increase to 20 for 30. Carpet
cleaner needed. Crew discussed concerns with lack of fresh food aboard
ship.
LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), October 24 – Chairman Albert
Konning, Secretary Abraham Mills,
Educational Director Teodocio Ruiz,
Deck Delegate Christopher Chikwere, Steward Delegate Reginald
Jackson. Chairman thanked members
for safe voyage and announced payoff
in Galveston, Texas. He encouraged
crew to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Steward department thanked crew for
helping keep ship clean. Educational
director reminded members to upgrade
at Paul Hall Center and to check documents for expiration dates. Steward
department reported beef over unpaid
overtime. Members thanked SIU
President Michael Sacco for doing a
great job. Crew requested cost of living increase every two years and for
increased vacation benefits.
JEAN ANNE (Pasha) November 14
– Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair, Deck Delegate
Mohamed Saleh, Engine Delegate
Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate
Tammy Bingisser. Crew asked for
clarification on selection process for
recertifications. Members asked for
physicals to be required once annually. Vote of thanks given to steward
department for awesome food. New
BBQ grill and smoker have resulted in
more diverse foods coming from galley, along with outside BBQs. More
funds needed for crew activities and
galley equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate
reported good morale among steward
department members. Crew would
like higher-paying contracts and a
minimum of three people per steward
department. Members discussed costof-living increases.
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 COLUMBUS (Maersk
Line, Limited), November 14 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Christopher King, Educational Director
Guiomar Rancel, Engine Delegate
Arthur Bailey, Steward Delegate
Joseph Kudjoe. Chairman reminded
members to clean their rooms for the
next person. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew discussed
medical benefits, suggestions for next
contract, and expressed frustrations
with food budget.
TACOMA (Horizon Lines), November
14 – Chairman Christopher Pompel,
Secretary Clark Williams, Educational
Director Ronald Embody, Steward
Delegate Hernando Basilan. Chairman reminded crew that employment
start date was September 28, when they
were flown to Korea. Members were
reminded to keep up with documents
and physicals as wait times can be longer than expected. Educational director
advised crew to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members requested better internet service aboard ship. Crew asked
that companies no longer invoke ship
restrictions as they are all vaccinated.
MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line,
Limited), November 21 – Chairman
James Walker, Secretary Johnny
Sawyer. Chairman discussed upcoming shipyard period. He will contact
union representative regarding living
conditions and pay to cover any shortages. Chairman told members to expect
delays in Savannah and Houston. Educational director encouraged members
to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more vacation days. Members
asked for an increased food budget.
Crew requested TVs and DVD players
through ship funds. Also reported that
elevator does not stop on C deck.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management), November 28
– Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary
Johnnie McGill, Educational Director
Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Edward
Gavagan, Engine Delegate Jennifer
Diola. Prior beefs are under review at
headquarters. Stores will be received
at next port. Educational director urged
crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed
pay raises for pensioners. New galley
griddle installed and new front-load
washers have been ordered. Crew requested 15 for 30 vacation days. Next
port: Port Everglades, Florida.
Even Better than a Library
MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line,
Limited), November 28 – Chairman
Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar
Mercado, Educational Director Tijani
Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae,
Steward Delegate John Nunez. Members were advised to check documents
and to follow safety protocols at all
times. Educational director encouraged
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested more fans and fullsize refrigerators for each room. Crew
asked for a Wi-Fi upgrade, additional
vacation days and an increase to food
budget. Next port: Charleston, South
Carolina.
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 10 – Chairman
Wilfredo Velez, Secretary Jeffery
Toliver, Educational Director Carlos
Mohler, Deck Delegate John Walsh,
Steward Delegate Richard Oliva. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed response to previous
meeting report. Ship fund suggestions
list is placed by the whiteboard on A
deck. Crew discussed medical and
retirement benefits and requested increases in pension and vacation. Next
port: Elizabeth, New Jersey.
USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings), December 11 – Chairman Nathan Shuford, Secretary Alexander
Dominguez, Educational Director
Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Troy
Glatter, Engine Delegate Joseph Marino. Chairman reminded crew to get
medications early because CHS is taking a long time. He urged members to
upgrade at the Piney Point school rather
Many thanks to Chief Engineer Randall Macy for this unique snapshot of OMU Ben Anderson, taken during Thanksgiving weekend in
Chinhae, South Korea. Randall noted that Ben “found quite a place
to relax and read the Seafarers LOG on the MV Edward A. Carter
Jr” (Sealift, Inc.).
than third-party schools. Educational
director informed crew of technical
issues for medical certificates. If applications were sent between September
21 and September 28, they need to be
re-sent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested an increase
in pension and a decrease in sea-time
requirements. Crew asked for higher
wages and Wi-Fi access.
CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), December 23 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational
Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck
Delegate Russell Hayden, Engine
Delegate Raymond Roldan, Stew-
ard Delegate Keith Hall. Chairman
reiterated importance of staying on
top of documents. He informed crew
of amendments to shipping rules to
include longer rotations if desired. Negotiations for standard agreement will
start next year. Educational director
recommended crew attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. He
advised them to attend early to utilize
HLSS travel. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members asked company to
provide better WiFi. Steward department was thanked for holiday meals.
Crew requested 18 for 30 vacation
days, wage increases, and for physicals to be required annually. Next port:
Long Beach, California.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
February 2022
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
�What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season
Continued from Page 14
through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be
eligible for this refundable credit if meeting the
following requirements:
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).
Have household income at least 100%, but
no more than 400% of the federal poverty line
for taxpayer’s family size. 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.
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.
Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person.
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC):
The HCTC is a tax credit that pays a percentage of
health insurance premiums for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The
HCTC is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the PTC and has been extended by
the Tax Extender Act through 2021. Eligibility is
restricted to individuals who are eligible for Trade
Adjustment Assistance allowances because of a
qualifying job loss, or individuals between 55-64
years old whose defined-benefit pension plans
were taken over.
Affordable Care Act: Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) that affect individuals and businesses first
became effective in 2015. The Employer Shared
Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care
Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time
equivalent employees to either offer minimum
essential coverage that is “affordable” and that
provides “minimum value” to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make
an employer shared responsibility payment to the
IRS.
Energy Credits: The Tax Extenders Act
of 2020 extended many energy-related provisions
that were set to expire at the end of 2020. Below
are common energy credits.
Nonbusiness Energy Property: Through
2021, 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 energyefficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central
A/C, and circulating fans, subject to a lifetime cap
of $500.
Residential Energy Efficient Property
Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2024, the
credit is available only for eligible solar electric
property and solar water heating property. Beginning in 2021, qualified biomass fuel expenditures
now qualify for the credit. The credit is equal to
30% of the cost of eligible property placed in
service in 2018 or 2019; 26% of the cost of the
property placed in service 2020-2022; and 22% of
the cost of property placed in service in 2023. 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: An individual taxpayer may
claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing nonhydrogen 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.
This credit has been extended to include property
placed in service before January 1, 2022.
Energy Efficient Homes Credit: An eligible contractor may claim a tax credit of $1,000
or $2,000 for the construction or manufacture of
a new energy efficient home that meets qualifying
criteria. The credit is available on homes acquired
before January 1, 2022.
Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicles: Extended through 2021, a credit of between $4,000
and $40,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle, is available for the purchase of qualified
fuel cell motor vehicles. Depending on fuel efficiency, other vehicles may qualify for an additional $1,000 to $4,000 credit.
2-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicle
Credit: Capped at $2,500, the 10% credit for
highway-capable, two-wheeled plug-in electric
vehicles has been extended for vehicles acquired
prior to January 1, 2022. To qualify, battery capacity within the vehicle must be greater than or
equal to 2.5 kilowatts/hour.
Act. A disaster zone does not include any areas
that have been so declared only by reason of
COVID-19.
Use of Retirement Funds: To allow for
the re-contribution of retirement plan withdrawals for home purchases canceled due to eligible
disasters and provide flexibility for loans from
retirement plans for qualified disaster relief, there
is now an exception to the 10% early retirement
plan withdrawal penalty for qualified disaster relief distributions.
Other Disaster-Related Tax Relief: Per
the Disaster Act Sec. 304, other disaster-related tax
relief items include the following, applied after any
related provisions under the CARES Act.
Temporary suspension of limitations on charitable contributions associated with qualified disaster relief
For personal casualty losses, The Disaster
Act eliminates the current requirements that personal uncompensated casualty losses must exceed
10% of AGI to qualify for deduction. Also, the
taxpayer is not required to itemize deductions to
qualify for this relief
Taxpayers in designated disaster areas may use
the immediately preceding year to determine the
Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit
Automatic Extension of Filing Deadline: The IRS gives affected taxpayers until the
last day of the extension period to file tax returns
and make tax payments, including estimated tax
payments, that either have an original or extended
due date falling in the declared disaster period.
Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions: Below
are additional miscellaneous exemptions, credits,
and deductions that may be beneficial to reducing
taxable income.
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 20082011, 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 2020, the monthly
exclusion amount has increased to $270.
Standard Mileage Rates: The standard
mileage rate for 2021 is 56 cents/mile for business
miles driven, 16 cents/mile for medical/moving
expense, and 14 cents/mile for charitable services.
For tax year 2022, the business mileage rate is increased to 58.5 cents/mile, medical and moving
expense rate is increased to 18 cents/mile, and the
charitable rate remains the same at 14 cents/mile.
The business standard mileage rate cannot be used
to claim a deduction for unreimbursed employee
travel expenses for tax years 2018-2025. Additionally, standard mileage rate deductions related
to moving are currently available only to members of the Armed Forces.
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
Exemption: In 2021, the AMT exemption
amounts increased to $114,600 for married filing jointly, $57,300 for married filing separately,
and $73,600 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at
$1,047,200 for married filing jointly and $523,600
for other filers.
Foreign Income
Foreign Financial Assets: If you had
foreign financial assets in 2021, you may have
to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a
separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April
15, 2022 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the
calendar year. An automatic extension to October
15, 2022 is allowed if you fail to meet the April
15th annual deadline.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: U.S.
citizens and resident aliens living abroad who
have a foreign tax home and satisfy the bona fide
residence test or the physical presence test 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
2021, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $108,700. This exclusion amount
is increased to $112,000 for tax year 2022.
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 dollarfor-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 1-800-366-4484 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 (1-877-4384338). 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 1-800-908-4490 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.
With Seafarers Aboard SLNC Magothy
Clockwise beginning at top left,
Jacksonville-based SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson (right) is greeted by
ACU Noel Veloso aboard the ship.
AB Eddie Ebanks mans the gangway while Oiler Kianta Lee (facing
camera) and fellow mariners tackle
their next assignment.Oiler William
Patterson pauses for a quick snapshot. Steward/Baker Jessica Williams
is pictured aboard the Argent Marine
vessel in Jacksonville, Florida.
Disaster-Related Tax Relief: The Disaster Act,
officially part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act, provides relief for taxpayers
affected by Federally declared disasters in 2021
through 60 days following the enactment of the
20 Seafarers LOG
February 2022
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates
The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are
geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American
maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the
Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Machinist
March 14
April 1
Pumpman
April 4
April 8
Welding
February 14
April 25
June 6
March 4
May 13
June 24
Engineroom Resource Management
August 1
August 5
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
May 2
May 20
MSC Ship Clip
June 6
June 17
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 23
June 3
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
March 21
April 25
May 30
April 22
May 27
July 1
Advanced Galley Operations
April 4
June 20
April 29
July 15
Chief Steward
February 28
May 9
March 25
June 3
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
February 14
April 4
May 23
March 4
April 22
June 10
February 14
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 6
February 25
March 25
April 22
May 20
June 17
Fast Rescue Boat
June 20
June 24
RFPNW
February 28
April 25
June 13
March 18
May 13
July 1
Celestial Navigation
August 22
September 16
Leadership and Management Skills
August 8
August 12
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7
March 11
Advanced Shiphandling
August 22
September 2
Government Vessels
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
February 21
March 14
April 11
February 25
March 18
April 15
Advanced Stability
September 5
September 9
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
March 14
March 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
April 4
May 2
April 8
May 6
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 9
May 23
May 13
May 27
Lifeboat/Water Survival
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
April 4
April 8
Medical Care Provider
February 14
April 11
February 18
April 15
Basic Training
April 4
June 6
April 8
June 10
Basic Training Revalidation
February 25
March 21
February 25
March 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
April 25
May 20
FOWT
June 13
July 8
Junior Engineer
July 11
September 2
Marine Electrician
May 16
June 17
Marine Refer Tech
April 4
May 13
Advanced Refer Containers
July 18
July 29
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
February 2022
Important Notice to PHC Students
Effective Feb. 1, 2022, all upgraders or apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,
including a booster shot if the student is eligible to receive one.
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.
2/22
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #876 – Graduated December 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Keith Awkward, Charles Bishop, Micko Cercado, Keshun Corpus, Maria Escobar,
Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Danielle Gore, Noah Hepburn, Maurice Kent Jr., Walter Lewis, Dennis Smith Jr., Austin Smith and Mizukami Aulaumea Youn.
Government Vessels – Graduated December 17 (photo at left,
in alphabetical order): Mahfoud
Munassar Mohamed Al-Esfoor,
Alvinmar Iremedio Aldana, Garry
Brandon, Darryl Brice, Thomas
Doering, Ouida Fields, Drushelia Finney, David Garrett, Jeffery Griffin, Patrick Hurley, Nikita
Johnson, John Nichols, Emanuel
Spain Jr., Patricia Sullivan, Christopher Thompson and Emile Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Tank Ship Familiarization (DL)
– Graduated December 17 (photo
at right, in alphabetical order):
Majed Omar Alsharif, Saleh Abdo
Alsinai, Richard Barnes, Eric Bell,
Jonathan Augusto Bernardez,
Davon Brown, Christian Bryant,
Richard Cole, Sherron Davita Decoteau, Torrika Devine, Juan Luis
Guanill, Ashley Hudson, James
Jones, Jesus Miguel Mendez
Mercado, Muammer Saleh Qusiem, Yahya Qasim Shamman,
Charles Vandeventer, Juan Carlos Velasquez and David Weeks.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
22 Seafarers LOG
February 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated November
12 (photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Jamal Field, Anna-Maria
Halstead, Jeremy Harris, and
Frederick Wilson.
Celestial Navigation (Mates) – Graduated December 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness and Joseph Nicodemus.
Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated November 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeremy Harris, Ali Mohamed Saeed and Frederick Wilson.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated December 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Devin Brashear, Ashley Codrington, Atrenique Tramani Deamus, Jamel Hollomond, Lamarai Jones,
Felix P. Maldonado, Jeremy Poertner, Elvin Joel Rijos-Perez and Raul Cabrera Ventanilla.
Important Notice
To All Students
February 2022
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later
discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately
so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.
Seafarers LOG 23
�FEBRUARY 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 2
Tax Tips
For 2022 Filing Season
Pages 12-14, 20
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
Pictured from left are Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe, VP
of Purchasing Anita Vargo and SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, who
leads the union’s annual effort supporting the holiday toy drive.
Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray
(left), pictured with SIU Port
Agent Warren Asp at the Tacoma hall, says he’s happy to
contribute to Santa’s Castle.
Crowley Director of Labor Relations Daniel Lowry (left) and Marine Crewing Manager John Woodcock (center) drop off bikes at the hall. SIU Port
Agent Warren Asp is at right.
‘Blown Away by SIU’s Generosity’
Annual Outreach Benefits U.S. Military Families
The COVID-19 pandemic surely has induced innumerable “bah, humbug!” moments,
but nothing has diminished the SIU’s enthusiastic backing of an annual philanthropic
project benefiting U.S. military families at
Christmastime.
The yearly outreach known as Santa’s
Castle has become a staple for Tacoma,
Washington-area Seafarers, who’ve backed
it for more than a dozen years. Santa’s Castle
generates donations of toys and other gifts to
U.S. military families (mainly E-4 and below)
from Joint Base Lewis- McChord (JBLM),
Washington, and from other bases.
For 2021, the SIU stepped up with donations worth approximately $8,000. Most of
the contributions came from rank-and-file
members, but many others chipped in, including members of the union’s executive board,
pensioners, and officials from SIU-contracted
Crowley Maritime and TOTE Services, respectively.
The union also hosted a luncheon on Dec.
23 for Santa’s Castle representatives, SIU
members, retirees and family members, and
other guests. (The luncheon typically coincides with loading donations into trucks and
vans, but that gathering was skipped in 2020,
for precautionary reasons.)
“This was yet another good year for Tacoma Seafarers who turned out again to support the troops at JBLM with a considerable
donation,” said SIU Assistant Vice President
Joe Vincenzo. “It’s a way that we extend
heartfelt thanks to the troops for their dedication and professionalism in service to our
country.”
While no service members attended the
luncheon (an almost unprecedented rarity,
likely caused by pandemic-related precautions
at the base), Vincenzo, a U.S. Army veteran,
added that Seafarers “turned out by the dozens to break bread together in a true spirit of
giving, along with Santa’s Castle volunteers
and other special guests from the Inland Boatmen’s Union and the Transportation Institute.”
Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe
stated, “We couldn’t complete our mission if
the Seafarers didn’t adopt us and treat us so
nicely each and every year. Their dedication
to our program really gets us going and keeps
us afloat. We’re always blown away by the
SIU’s generosity.” (Santa’s Castle is a private,
non-profit organization.)
Handoe said that pandemic-related difficulties are ongoing when it comes to collecting and distributing donations, but Santa’s
Castle 2021 nevertheless proved successful.
“We were severely challenged in our
2020 season and in our 2021 season,” she
explained. “In 2020, everything was shut
down. We weren’t able to have people enter
our building, so we did curbside pickup that
year. We made it through on our leftovers and
Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left) donates to the
cause. At right is SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.
a few new donations. We then started 2021
in a deficit and struggled throughout the year,
but we made it. There’s always Christmas
magic, again thanks to organizations like the
Seafarers.”
Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing at Santa’s Castle, also appreciated steps
towards normalcy for the program in 2021
compared to 2020, even if at times they were
more like lurches.
“In 2020, we were so slumped,” Vargo
said. “Our shelves were empty. It had been
a long time since we had to help more than
2,000 families, and that took our inventory
from 100 percent to five. This past year
wasn’t as bad, and with the Seafarers and others, they helped us so much to get our shelves
restocked. By the grace of God, it all came
together, like always.”
Vargo said it appeared as if donations
rebounded in part because “everyone made
up for the year they couldn’t give. It’s amazing how the community came together and it
was great to see the SIU for the luncheon. We
missed having it last year.”
She concluded, “I thank the SIU so much
for always taking care of us. They’re like
clockwork, Joe and the rest. They’re always
amazing. We love it.”
The feeling seems mutual.
Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray has
donated items for the past few years and is
Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) and retired AB Benjamin Picar help load
donations into trucks and vans outside the hall.
“happy to help out the kids while showing
appreciation for their parents’ service,” he
said. “It feels good to do something for kids
at Christmas. Also, from working on a ship,
I understand being apart from your family at
times. This is a way to brighten their day.”
Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta started
sailing with the SIU in 1991. He said participation in projects like Santa’s Castle “is just
part of us. Whenever I get a chance, I donate.
I’m happy to help. It helps military families
so they can enjoy Christmas.”
Vincenzo emphasized that he doesn’t take
the members’ participation for granted, even
though they’ve supported Santa’s Castle and
other local winter-holiday outreach dating to
at least 2007. Along the way, Seafarers have
generated more than $100,000 worth of gifts.
“Getting there is never easy but for the
generous individual contributions from
members and other supporters,” he said. “We
the staff are truly grateful and humbled by
the level of participation and generosity that
Seafarers show year after year without fail,
pandemic or no. I like to think that this is our
way of pushing back with all due precaution
and reasserting ourselves after almost two
very challenging years.”
QMED Eduardo Arroyo
�
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Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond
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SEAFARERS BACK MILITARY FAMILIES THROUGH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PROJECT
MAERSK PEARY CREW MEMBERS SAVE LIFE AT SEA
DOMESTIC SHIPBUILDING GETS BOOST WITH KEEL-LAYING AT PHILLY SHIPYARD
NLRB SETS DATES FOR RERUN VOTE AT AMAZON
COVID-19 PANDEMIC HEADS INTO THIRD YEAR
CDC OFFERS LATEST INPUT ON VACCINES
SIU MEMBERS ASSIST IN DRAMATIC RESCUE
PROTECT PERSONAL INFO FROM CYBER CRIMINALS
CHS UPDATES: SEAFARERS ENCOURAGED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS ASAP
ITF ANNOUNCES NEW STEPS TO PROTECT WORLD'S MARINERS
SALTCHUK CO-FOUNDER STAN BARER PASSES AWAY AT 82
PUERTO RICO-BASED SEAFARERS DELIVER 'THE GOODS' TO TERRITORY, MAINLAND IN JONES ACT TRADE
'BLOWN AWAY BY SIU'S GENEROSITY'
ANNUAL OUTREACH BENEFITS U.S. MILITARY FAMILIES
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02/01/2022
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VOL. 84, NO. 2
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f3dd83933ea188abc414deaf2e09906b.pdf
a8bec59237341077396b603c5024e5a1
PDF Text
Text
JANUARY 2022
VOLUME 84, 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
U.S. Mariners ‘Are True Patriots’
Gen. Van Ovost Praises Merchant Marine; SIU’s Heindel Receives AOTOS Award
Addressing a maritime industry audience of more than 600, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (right in photo directly above, with SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and AMO President
Paul Doell) on Dec. 3 offered unequivocal support for American mariners and the industry. The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command described U.S. Merchant
Mariners as “true patriots” and said the nation must maintain a viable American-flag fleet. She made the remarks in New York during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards
dinner, a prestigious event sponsored by the United Seamen’s Service. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (photo at left) was a main honoree. Page 3.
Holiday Event Returns
Following a pause in 2020 for safety reasons, the yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at
the hiring hall in Oakland, California, returned to action Nov. 23. Always a popular and
well-attended event, the 2021 iteration featured remarks by several U.S. congressional
representatives. Pictured before the gathering are (front, from left) Seafarers James
Abilad, Michael Todman, Ali Munsar and Abdulla Mused. Those standing include SIU
VP Nicholas Celona (second from right), SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right), retired
Recertified Steward George Pino (second from left) and members of the 4th Marine
Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard. Page 5.
SIU’s Year in Review
While the ongoing pandemic was an ever-present factor, the year 2021 for the SIU could
have been nicknamed the year of the contract. No fewer than 15 new agreements were
reached during that span, including ones at Crescent Towing in New Orleans and in Mobile, Alabama. In photo above, Mobile-area boatmen are pictured with SIU Port Agents
Jimmy White (second from left) and Chris Westbrook (sixth from right). Page 20.
CIVMARS to the Rescue
Page 4
Thanksgiving at Sea
Pages 10-11
�President’s Report
America’s Shipyards
The state of American shipbuilding is a noteworthy example of the
effects of government policy.
While we in the SIU remain justifiably proud of the outstanding
work performed by union shipyard employees, the worldwide shipbuilding statistics are sobering. Only onethird of a percent of the world’s ships carry
the “Made in the USA” label. By contrast,
China produces around 40 percent, while
Korea and Japan account for 25 percent
each.
The main reason for that disparity is
straightforward: the U.S. eliminated its
construction differential subsidy program in
1981 but didn’t attempt to secure any sort of
reciprocity from other shipbuilding nations.
Asian yards, buoyed by billions of dollars
Michael Sacco
in subsidies, took over the global market.
It only took a little more than a decade for
America to go from being the biggest commercial shipbuilder in the world to no longer producing any vessels
for international trade.
All of that said, things are hardly hopeless. We still have more
than 100 shipyards in the U.S., most of them smaller facilities but all
crewed by capable, well-trained employees, many of whom belong
to unions, including ones affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department (where I also serve as president). In particular, union yards in
Philadelphia and San Diego in recent years have constructed some of
the world’s most modern, state-of-the-art tonnage, including tankers,
containerships, and container/roll-on, roll-off vessels.
But those ships are for the Jones Act trade, which largely has been
recapitalized. In order to truly bounce back, our shipyards need a
commitment from the federal government and a solid plan to rebuild
the Navy. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to do both.
Bringing back a modern version of the construction subsidy program
also would help level the playing field for securing contracts to build
commercial vessels for global trading.
In the interim, America would benefit by taking better advantage
of the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program. According to
the U.S. Maritime Administration, Title XI “provides for a full faith
and credit guarantee by the United States Government to promote the
growth and modernization of the U.S. merchant marine and U.S. shipyards. The program … provides U.S. Government guaranteed debt
issued by (1) U.S. or foreign shipowners for the purpose of financing
or refinancing either U.S.-flag vessels or eligible export vessels constructed, reconstructed or reconditioned in U.S. shipyards and (2) U.S.
shipyards for the purpose of financing advanced shipbuilding technology and modern shipbuilding technology of a privately owned, general shipyard facility located in the U.S.”
Title XI is not a subsidy program and it has been under-utilized for
too long. Studies have shown that for every dollar invested in the program, $20 worth of economic activity is generated.
America’s shipbuilding capability, like other parts of the maritime
industry, is vital to national, economic and homeland security. That’s
why the SIU believes it is of utmost priority to promote, protect and
grow United States shipyards from coast to coast. (More U.S.-flag
ships also mean more SIU jobs.) To do otherwise is to risk eventual
full dependence on foreign countries both for the nation’s commercial
trade and, more importantly, supporting the troops. Those risks are
obvious and unacceptable. We need to do something about it.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 84 Number 1
January 2022
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
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Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 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
Administrator Reports
More Progress with CHS
The union and the Seafarers Plans are continuing to
work with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to
identify and implement improvements in services for SIU
members.
In mid-November, the union and Seafarers Plans hosted
a meeting at SIU headquarters that included the CHS CEO
and their program manager for the Seafarers Health and
Benefit Plan. Attendees thoroughly discussed ways to
speed up the physical exam steps used by SIU members.
Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, in her
December report to the SIU membership, noted, “We met
with them to reiterate the seriousness of the problems our
participants have been facing during the exam process.
They once again committed to providing the quality of service that you need and deserve. CHS indicated that they are
in the process of upgrading their technology to make the
communication and flow of information between them and
the clinics a more seamless process. These major upgrades
are due to take place during second quarter of 2022. They
are also developing new surveys to identify areas that con-
tinue to need improvement. We will monitor their progress
in all areas to ensure that they deliver on their promises,
and will keep you posted on the outcomes.”
In a previous report, Bowen said CHS had eliminated
most of its backlog of exams that were awaiting review
through mid-September. That improvement “is a direct
result of our demand that more resources were required
to fulfill our agreement with CHS, including adding additional doctors,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the administrator in the December report
also mentioned that multiple mailings were sent to SHBP
participants in November. They included a cover letter and
notice outlining the positive changes to the SHBP due to
the No Surprises Act. The changes include out-of-network
emergency treatment being covered at the 90% in-network
levels; out-of-network ancillary services at an in-network
facility (such as an anesthesiologist, radiologist or surgeon)
will be covered at 90% of the qualifying payment amount;
and, out-of-network air ambulance service will be covered
at 90% of the qualifying payment amount.
NASSCO Christens USNS Milk
New jobs are on the horizon for
members of the SIU Government
Services Division following the Nov.
6 christening and launch of the USNS
Harvey Milk.
The ceremony took place at
union shipyard General Dynamics
NASSCO in San Diego, where the
vessel was built.
According to NASSCO, the
USNS Harvey Milk is the second ship
for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class
fleet oiler program. The new vessel’s
crew will include SIU CIVAMARS.
Stuart Milk, nephew of the ship’s
namesake and co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation,
served as the principal speaker at the
ceremony, which also featured remarks from NASSCO and U.S. Navy
representatives.
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCalifornia) and Paula Neira, Navy
veteran and clinical program director of the Johns Hopkins Center for
Transgender Health, were the ship’s
sponsors. Prior to launching the
742-foot-long ship down the ways,
Neira christened the vessel with the
traditional champagne bottle break
alongside the hull.
“We are justifiably proud of every
ship we build, but this one is special
because of her namesake. Today,
we are honoring Stuart’s lifetime of
selfless service, his hope for equality, and a world without hate,” said
David Carver, president of General
Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf
of the 3,500 employees of General
Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to
present the future USNS Harvey Milk
for christening.”
Former Secretary of the Navy
Ray Mabus declared the John
Lewis-class of oilers be named after
leaders who fought for civil and
Above, guests listen to remarks during the christening ceremony for
the USNS Harvey Milk. In photo at left below, Paula Neira does the
honors, breaking a champagne bottle alongside the hull. (Photos courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO)
human rights. The second of six
ships honors Harvey Milk, an activist who dedicated his life promoting
equality.
“Leaders like Harvey Milk
taught us that diversity of backgrounds and experiences help contribute to the strength and resolve
of our nation,” said Secretary of the
Navy Carlos Del Toro. “There is no
doubt that the future Sailors aboard
this ship will be inspired by Milk’s
life and legacy.”
“The christening of the USNS
Harvey Milk marks another historic
milestone in the history of our Navy
and our country. Harvey Milk’s
words and actions brought hope and
inspiration to many for whom our
nation’s lofty rhetoric of equality
and inclusion were not yet reality,”
said Neira. “Today, while we must
continue to carry on his work, and
much work still needs to be done, by
christening and launching this ship
we honor his legacy, celebrate the
progress that has been made in advancing diversity and inclusion for
so many, and we know that wherever
the USNS Harvey Milk will sail, she
will bring that message of hope and
inspiration to present and future generations.”
In 2016, General Dynamics
NASSCO was awarded the contract
by the U.S. Navy for the detailed
design and construction of the next
generation of fleet oilers, the John
Lewis class. The contract calls for
the design and construction of six
742-foot-long oilers with a full load
displacement of 49,850 tons. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy
carrier strike group ships operating
at sea, the oilers have the capacity
to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation
capability and up to a speed of 20
knots. These vessels will replace the
current T-AO 187-class fleet replacement oilers.
In addition to the christening of
this ship, two vessels in the T-AO
class fleet oiler program for the U.S.
Navy – the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), and the future USNS
Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) – are
currently under construction. The
lead ship, the future USNS John
Lewis (T-AO 205), was launched
earlier this year.
January 2022
�Van Ovost Backs Jones Act, U.S. Mariners
Gen.Van Ovost describes U.S. mariners as
“true patriots.”
The commanding officer of the U.S.
Transportation Command (TRANSCOM)
recently voiced her strong backing of the
U.S. Merchant Marine and the laws and
programs that keep it afloat.
Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost (USAF)
addressed more than 600 attendees Dec.
3 in New York during the annual Admiral
of the Ocean Sea event, sponsored by the
United Seamen’s Service. The audience
included maritime labor leaders (many
from the SIU), industry executives, other
military officers, international maritime
officials and others (see story, this page).
Gen. Van Ovost was the first speaker.
She said, “The Department of Defense relies on you to deliver our decisive military
force – a job you have done for decades.
This industry is critical to advancing
American interests. As a seafaring nation,
our country has been, and is, and will continue to be reliant on the strength of the
maritime industry and the many mariners
who are known for their determination,
their grit and selfless service. You are true
patriots.”
She pointed out that mariners “are
the first to go and the last to return” during major conflicts, and added that their
role isn’t limited to those periods. “You
are America’s economic lifeline during
peacetime,” she stated. “I’ve referred to
you as TRANSCOM’s fourth component.”
Gen. Van Ovost touched on current
challenges facing both the armed services
and the maritime industry. She emphasized the partnership between the public
and private sectors, their shared goals,
and the value of regular sealift exercises.
She also underscored the importance of
“minimizing our reliance on foreign entities”
She referred to a relatively recent
study that led to the creation of the new
U.S. Tanker Security Program and added,
“Programs such as the Tanker Security
Program, the Maritime Security Program
Pictured from left are honorees Tony Naccarato, Kathy Metcalf and David Heindel.
and the Jones Act ensure that we have reliable access to industry capabilities to meet
our needs.”
The general then recalled a quote from
retired Gen. Henry Hugh Shelton, former
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who
said: “Our national security depends on a
vital merchant marine foundation.”
Gen. Van Ovost concluded, “I could not
be more proud of the relationship between
TRANSCOM and the maritime industry.
We value the U.S. mariners operating U.S.
vessels, and we recognize the important
role our mariners play in the strength of
our nation.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel was one of the main honorees at the
awards dinner, and the union had a strong
turnout that included SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President
Augie Tellez, Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, Tom Orzechowski, Joseph Soresi,
Nick Marrone and Nicholas Celona and
many other officials.
Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer
Commander, MSC
SIU’s Heindel Honored with AOTOS Award
Metcalf, Woodhour, Naccarato, Mariners Also Recognized
On a night when much of the spotlight focused on
him, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel mainly
wanted to talk about others.
Heindel on Dec. 3 received the Admiral of the
Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award in New York, a prestigious honor presented each year by the United
Seamen’s Service (USS). This year’s honorees also included Bill Woodhour, president and CEO of Maersk
Line, Limited (MLL); Kathy Metcalf, president and
CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America; and
longtime labor relations icon Tony Naccarato, who
garnered what is dubbed a Special AOTOS Award.
Three Seafarers-crewed vessels also were recognized with USS Mariners’ Plaques: the USNS Patuxent, American Pride, and Horizon Reliance. The
plaques, bestowed for various acts of heroism at sea,
were presented by Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer,
USN, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command.
Prior to those presentations, Gen. Jacqueline D.
Van Ovost, USAF, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, addressed the audience of more than
600, including SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and others (see story,
this page).
Heindel called his award “the honor of a lifetime,”
and he thanked many people for supporting his work
throughout the years, including his family, Sacco,
other SIU officials, and colleagues from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), several of
whom travelled to the awards dinner from overseas.
(Heindel chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section.)
He emphasized that throughout his decades as a
union official, following several years as a rank-andfile mariner, his aim remained constant.
January 2022
“Whether we’re talking about the crew-change crisis that has consumed our many hours on Zoom or the
latest issue with the supply chain, shipboard automation, alternative fuels, training requirements or almost
any other maritime-related topic, my focus ultimately
is on the wellbeing of the individual seafarer,” Heindel
said. “That’s what motivates me, and on the rare occasions I look back, it’s what I’m most proud of.”
Reflecting on his time with the union, Heindel recalled, “I joined the SIU in the early 1970s, and one
reason I’ve always believed in the union is that we
don’t stand still. We constantly strive to make improvements, and the results speak for themselves.
Today, our members have free access to world-class
vocational training at our affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland. They’re part of a top-of-the-line,
fully funded pension plan that gives them security
when they look ahead to retirement. They’re covered
by excellent medical benefits, and they’re protected
by great contracts – which means their families are
protected, too.
“Another way we’ve helped our rank-and-file
members is by keeping up with the times regarding
recordkeeping, getting them easy access to their individual shipping and registration information, and
being able to communicate quickly using multiple outlets, regardless of whether they’re at sea or ashore,”
he continued. “That’s been a main focus throughout
my tenure as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer, and while
– like so many other things – the work is always ongoing, and we’ve made extraordinary progress over
the years.”
He also credited the USS and ITF and cited examples of their recent accomplishments.
Metcalf and Naccarato both applauded the industry
for its collectively cooperative nature, while also sharing insights about their respective backgrounds.
Woodhour, unable to attend because of a medical
procedure, delivered his remarks via recorded video.
He stressed the critical importance of the U.S. maritime industry and listed potential steps to expand it.
MLL President/CEO Bill Woodhour delivers his remarks
via video.
Seafarers LOG 3
�SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II (left) meets with
Chef Kellie Puff, a professor and chair of the culinary department at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Part of the union’s outreach includes
stops at the Alaska Youth Military Academy, whihc
is where the photo at right was taken. Marrone is
in the foreground, with students.
Union Ramps Up Recruiting in ‘Last Frontier’
It’s nothing new for the SIU to help
make Alaskans aware of maritime career opportunities, but the union in recent
months has increased its outreach in the
Last Frontier.
SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II has
spearheaded a broad outreach for prospective applicants to the apprentice program at
the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland; and for individuals already
working as credentialed mariners.
“We have gotten an enthusiastic reception everywhere we’ve gone” Marrone
said. “People are very interested in the
union and receiving their training at the
school. They’re eager to work!”
Such was the case Nov. 12 at the Alaska
Military Youth Academy, where Marrone
spoke separately with each platoon. Afterward, around two dozen students showed
interest in the apprentice program, which is
certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Another recruiting stop a few days later
proved it’s a small world. While manning
a booth at the Anchorage Job Expo, Marrone met STOS Melvin Mitchell, an active
Seafarer. (The SIU booth received very favorable reviews from attendees and from
Alaska Works Partnership, the sponsoring
entity.)
Other stops for the port agent have included Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson
(where he regularly meets with separat-
ing military members); King Tech Career
Center/Alaska Middle College School
(AMCS); the State of Alaska Anchorage/
Muldoon/Mat-Su D.O.L. Job Center Network; West Anchorage High; and the Culinary Arts University of Alaska Anchorage.
Meanwhile, upgrades are happening
at the hiring hall in Anchorage, including
adding phone lines, improving internet
connectivity and modifying some of the interior layout to facilitate daily operations.
Members Ratify 5-Year Contract
With Virginia Pilot Association
Wage Hikes, Improved Benefits Highlight Package
SIU members at Virginia Pilot
Association late last year secured a
new five-year contract that increases
wages and improves benefits.
The agreement covers 24 Seafarers who work at the Virginia Beach,
Virginia-based company.
“We did really well. This is the
best contract we’ve ever had,” said
Oliver Meyer, a launch operator who
served on the negotiating committee along with fellow member John
Cameron, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Port
Agent DeCarlo Harris.
Meyer said he particularly appreciates the increased pension credits,
along with the pay raises. He credited Soresi (“Joe was awesome”) and
also noted this was the first contract
negotiated with new management at
the company.
Like Meyer, Cameron hadn’t previously served on a bargaining com-
mittee, but he said the experience
went well.
“I’d heard some horror stories and
I know it’s never easy, but Joe was
fantastic,” said Cameron, who also is
a launch operator. “We chimed in and
voiced our opinion while remaining
professional. Overall, we’re really
impressed and really thankful. It’s
the best contract we’ve ever gotten.”
Seafarers at Virginia Pilot Association typically work one week on
(with each work day consisting of a
12-hour shift) followed by a week
off. During a work week, they sleep
ashore at a headquarters facility that
Cameron said functions similarly to
a firehouse.
Soresi stated, “I’m glad the members are pleased with the contract,
which I believe is a very fair agreement both for the union and for the
company. This agreement means stability for everyone concerned.”
Pictured from left are Seafarers Randy Grinnan and John Cameron, SIU Port Agent DeCarlo
Harris and Seafarers Gage Harper, Tyler Elswick, Oliver Meyer, Joel Otroba and Will Henson.
SIU CIVMARS Help Rescue 2 in Gulf of Oman
Two Iranian fishermen signal for assistance Nov. 27 after their boat had been adrift for
eight days in the Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Navy photo)
4 Seafarers LOG
CIVMARS from the SIU Government
Services Division helped rescue two fishermen who’d been stuck at sea for more than
a week.
On Nov. 27, the USNS Charles Drew
was involved in a rescue in the Gulf of
Oman. The dry cargo ship received word
of a distress call at 10 a.m. local time from
Combined Maritime Forces, an international maritime coalition headquartered in
Bahrain. The Charles Drew proceeded to
the site of a stranded fishing vessel, and provided food, water and medical care to the
two occupants – who had been adrift at sea
for eight days. The men from the disabled
craft were then transported to an Omani
coast guard vessel.
“This is what we are trained and ready
to do,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central
Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined
Maritime Forces. “As professional mariners, we have a responsibility to help people
in need at sea. We appreciate the government of Oman for its assistance and support
in helping us return the mariners home.”
January 2022
�Pictured from left in photo at immediate left are U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney
(D-California), SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), SIU VP Nicholas Celona and U.S. Rep. Jim Panetta (D-California).
In photo above, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) addresses the crowd.
Oakland Thanksgiving Event Resumes
Locally Renowned Gathering Features Congressional Remarks
Some of the details were different, for precautionary reasons –
but the enthusiastic fellowship and
great food were familiar to those
attending the annual pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in
Oakland, California.
The popular gathering skipped
2020 for safety reasons, but returned on Nov. 23, 2021 (in its
usual slot, which is the Tuesday of
Thanksgiving week).
Guest speakers included U.S.
Reps. Barbara Lee, John Garamendi, Jerry McNerney and Jim
Panetta (all California Democrats).
Other guests included military personnel; maritime union members,
pensioners and officials; numerous
building-trades union personnel;
shipping company executives and
staff; and others.
SIU Vice President Government
Services Nicholas Celona, long the
driving force behind the decadesold yearly event, said the mood
was upbeat for the 2021 feast.
“We took many precautions, including serving the meals in individual containers instead of going
with the usual buffet-style arrangement,” Celona said. “We made sure
plenty of hand sanitizer was available and we asked that everyone
bring their vaccination cards. We
also spaced out the tables more
than usual. People said they were
glad to be back.”
With 120 people in attendance,
the congressional representatives
gave brief remarks mainly focusing
on the holiday season, the infrastructure bill, and the importance
of creating and maintaining good
jobs in the U.S. They also emphasized the country’s ongoing need
for American mariners and U.S.flag ships.
Yardena Wolf (left), chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California), and SIU VP Nick Marrone
The hall hosted 120 people for the Thanksgiving gathering.
January 2022
Retired Recertified Steward George Pino (center) displays the U.S. Merchant Marine flag.
Lt. Col. Kevin. P. Arnett, commander of the San Francisco District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and retired Recertified
Steward George Pino
SIU VP Nicholas Celona (second from right) welcomes guests
Guests enjoy the holiday event in Oakland, California.
Seafarers LOG 5
�HONORING VETERANS IN HOUSTON – Seafarers and SIU officials are pictured with U.S.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (front, wearing mask) at a Veterans Day event. SIU Asst. VP Mike
Russo is second from left. Among those also pictured are Bosun German Nunez (right), Recertified Steward Fausto Aranda (left), SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (directly behind the congresswoman), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung.
BACKING PRO-WORKER REP. – The hiring hall in Philadelphia hosted an outdoor
labor breakfast for Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D). She’s in the center,
with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR – SIU Safety Director Ben Anderson snapped
this photo during a mid-November servicing of the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel. Pictured from left are QMED Leland Peterson, Steward/Baker Albert Sison, SA Ahmed
Moosa, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, GUDE Abdulrehman Shayef, AB Bonifacio
Fortes and Recertified Bosun Greg Hamilton.
FINAL FRONTIER – Bosun Kyle Silva (left) is
pictured with astronaut Mike Foreman at San
Jacinto Maritime in La Porte, Texas. The occasion was a “pool session” conducted by Bastion
Technologies of Houston. “Bastion engineers
equipment for NASA as well as the maritime industry,” explained Silva.
WITH SEAFARERS
IN JACKSONVILLE –
Pictured from left near
the hall are Chief Cook
Larry Griffin, Recertified
Steward Breon Lucas
and Chief Steward Robert Seim. SIU Patrolman
Adam Bucalo submitted
the photo and noted,
“As someone who also
sailed in the steward department, it would be a
real honor to work with
any of these men. It’s
why I took the photo.”
UPGRADE COMPLETE – Seafarer Luis Ricardo Venegas
Nolasco (right) proudly displays his first ABW registration
after recently upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured at the hall in San
Juan, with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
6 Seafarers LOG
WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Bosun
Denyse Sineath (right) picks up her first pension
check at the hall. She’s pictured with SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson. Sineath sailed with the SIU beginning
in 1997.
GENEROSITY IN TACOMA – Retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates two
bikes for the annual Santa’s Castle toy drive.
He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Asst. VP
Joe Vincenzo.
PHILANTHROPY IN PUERTO RICO – SIU Safety Director
Kevin Sykes (right) and Juan Sanchez of the AFT check inventory of books stored at the San Juan hall for eventual donation
to area students. The donations are part of a long-running outreach called BookWaves.
January 2022
�FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey
(left) congratulates AB Luis Mena after swearing him in for a full
B-book at the hiring hall.
ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Key Marine vessel in Florida are Chief Mate Ed Melvin, AE
Duncan Markie, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins and ABT John Daunoras. Thanks to Capt. Michael O’Connell for the
photo.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD HUDSON EXPRESS – Pictured at the gangway in Jacksonville, Florida, (photo at left) are AB Anthony Ellison (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. The group photo above includes (from left) Chief Cook David Johnson,
Steward/Baker Antonio Holmes, GSTU Kanish Johnson, AB Falando Williams, Wiper Terence Trip, AB Andrew Graham,
Bosun Zeki Karaahmet, AB Glenn Davis (seated), Pittman, Relief Bosun Damon Anderson and AB Jonathan Eitz. The
Marine Personnel and Provisioning ship is one of the reflagged vessels that have replaced the older Express ships running to Europe and back. Thanks to SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo for the photos.
ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Now sailing under the Stars and Stripes, the SubCom ship will serve in the newly established U.S. Cable Security Fleet. These snapshots – courtesy
of vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux – were taken in Guam. The photo at left includes Bosun’s Mate Mohamed Saleh, OMU Abdullah Alamri, OMU Nasser Ahmed, GVA Fayez Obad,
AB Altoria McKinney, OMU Damian Langley, Apprentice Patrick Estavillo, AB/SJ Dominador Diaz, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, GVA Kyree Carter, GVA Sarah Wilson, AB/SJ Alejandro
Cusi, GVA Nirale Rolle, Chief Electrician Boyko Kovatchev, Apprentice Bjorn Anthony, AB/SJ Hunter Cox, GVA Kenard Turner, GVA Travis Smith, AB/SJ Joel Saul and Bosun Steven
Whiting. The photo at right includes (from left) GVA/SA Philip Agcaoili, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, Chief Steward Raul Napoles, 3rd Cook Ammar Sailan, SA Shamori White and Chief
Cook Leone Buggage.
ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE – These photos were
taken during a weekend servicing in Jacksonville, Florida, in
late October aboard the TOTE
Services ship. Pictured from
left in photo at left are Bosun
Edward Wright, SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson and Recertified
Steward Gerald Hyman. The
photo at right includes (from left)
SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman,
Hyman, Chief Cook Jasmin
Franklin, Oiler David Hain-Mendez, Wright and AB Rodney Edwards.
January 2022
Seafarers LOG 7
�1/22
8 Seafarers LOG
January 2022
�Organized Labor
Applauds Passage
Of Infrastructure Bill
Leaders of the AFL-CIO and affiliate unions, including
the SIU, hailed congressional passage of the five-year $1.2
trillion infrastructure bill, which President Joe Biden signed
on Nov. 15.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez was an invited
guest at the outdoor signing ceremony.
“The Seafarers International Union enthusiastically applauds President Biden and Congress for enactment of the
bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act,” the SIU said in a
prepared statement. “This legislation is a massive victory for
our country, and a credit to President Biden, Vice President
Harris and the legislators who supported it.
“We are confident that, in addition to many other worthwhile outcomes, the bill will directly lead to new investment
in America’s maritime industry,” the statement continued.
“The legislation holds great promise for building new U.S.flag vessels and creating new job opportunities for the U.S.
Merchant Marine. The SIU is honored to have been invited to
the signing ceremony – a further reflection of the Administration’s respect for the labor movement. We look forward to
supporting the resultant efforts to help revitalize American
maritime.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Victories like this
are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden.” She
called the legislation “a monumental political and legislative accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline,
America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This
$1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate
change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water,
high-speed Internet, resilient transmission lines and more is
centered around the creation of good union jobs.”
The law includes a number of strong “Buy America”
provisions, which U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) had
strongly pushed for several years.
“America’s infrastructure used to be the envy of the
world,” said Brown. “But after years of neglect, we see it
crumbling all around us – at our airports, on bridges and
roads. We have lead in too many pipes, transit systems in
need of upgrades, and too many communities still without
broadband. Plenty of politicians have talked about fixing this
infrastructure, but it’s all been empty talk – until now. Now,
under President Biden, we are finally getting this done, with
the bipartisan infrastructure bill.”
A White House statement described the bill as “the largest
investment in the resilience of physical and natural infrastructure in American history. Millions of Americans feel
the effects of climate change each year when their roads
wash out, airport power goes down, or schools get flooded.
People of color are more likely to live in areas most vulnerable to flooding and other climate change-related weather
events. The law makes our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change
and cyber-attacks, with an investment of over $50 billion to
protect against droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and floods
– in addition to a major investment in the weatherization of
American homes…. These investments will unlock the full
potential of a clean energy economy that combats climate
change, advances environmental justice, and creates goodpaying, union jobs.”
January & February
Membership Meetings
Piney Point...........................Monday: January 3, February 7
Algonac...............................Friday: January 7, February 11
Baltimore......................Thursday: January 6, February 10
Guam..........................Thursday: January 20, February 24
Honolulu..............................Friday: January 14, February 18
Houston...........................Monday: January 10, February 14
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov. 9 - December 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9.
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
Port
A
B
All Groups
C
Mobile...........................Wednesday: January 12, February 16
New Orleans......................Tuesday: January 11, February 15
Jersey City............................Tuesday: January 4, February 8
Norfolk............................Friday: January 7, February 11
Oakland...........................Thursday: January 13, February 17
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: January 5, February 9
Port Everglades...............Thursday: January13, February 17
San Juan..............................Thursday: January 6, February 10
St. Louis.........................Friday: January14, February 18
Tacoma....................................Frida:January 21, February 25
Wilmington.........*Tuesday: January 18, *Tuesday: February 22
* Wilmington changes in January and February due to Martin
Luther King Day and President’s Day observances, respectively.
A
B
Trip
C
Reliefs
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
15
0
5
18
0
6
9
53
30
28
3
10
24
10
5
1
8
30
4
22
281
6
2
6
11
1
5
4
16
26
2
3
1
10
4
4
5
4
5
2
11
128
2
0
1
1
0
1
1
8
3
2
1
5
1
3
0
2
1
5
0
5
42
Deck Department
13
3
1
0
1
0
4
5
1
15
4
2
3
1
0
9
8
2
8
3
0
34
11
6
16
18
2
23
5
0
2
1
1
5
1
3
15
7
1
9
3
1
4
2
0
1
3
0
4
7
0
17
4
4
2
2
0
16
6
2
200
95
26
6
0
6
12
0
9
7
22
14
16
2
1
9
5
4
3
4
14
1
6
141
25
2
3
28
8
7
13
75
57
45
4
17
27
19
5
2
8
47
2
36
430
8
2
3
19
1
10
5
29
50
7
3
6
18
3
4
6
4
15
1
13
207
3
1
0
2
0
1
1
10
8
5
0
0
7
4
1
1
1
1
0
5
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 1
Wilmington
TOTALS
6
0
2
8
0
3
4
9
18
11
1
0
10
6
1
2
2
15
2
9
108
2
0
5
8
2
3
3
6
17
2
1
2
14
4
0
2
1
7
0
8
89
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
3
1
0
1
0
5
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
13
Engine Department
3
0
0
0
0
0
5
4
0
6
5
0
0
1
0
3
2
1
3
2
0
8
4
2
11
11
2
16
3
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
6
6
1
2
7
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
4
1
0
9
3
1
0
0
0
7
4
3
88
55
12
3
0
2
8
0
4
1
8
4
11
1
2
5
4
1
0
1
5
1
6
66
6
1
1
10
1
3
11
12
27
16
3
3
16
9
2
1
2
21
2
19
165
2
1
1
14
1
5
5
13
30
9
0
5
22
5
0
3
3
10
1
11
142
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
0
8
0
0
0
0
2
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
5
0
1
9
0
5
9
16
16
9
2
1
15
9
2
0
5
16
2
19
141
1
1
1
4
1
0
1
3
10
4
0
2
12
8
1
5
2
4
0
12
72
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
9
Steward Department
3
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
7
2
1
1
1
0
3
1
0
1
1
0
11
2
0
8
8
1
6
4
1
1
0
0
0
2
1
8
7
1
6
6
0
1
0
0
1
5
1
3
0
1
1
2
1
2
0
0
13
4
0
77
47
8
0
1
0
7
0
3
1
5
10
4
0
1
6
7
0
2
2
4
0
5
58
8
0
0
16
1
5
14
28
32
10
1
6
22
19
3
3
4
20
0
31
223
1
0
1
11
2
0
2
7
17
4
0
5
18
10
1
6
4
6
0
19
114
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
1
1
0
0
5
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
15
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
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
3
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
2
15
13
2
0
0
0
2
4
7
15
7
0
1
11
8
1
1
1
13
0
16
102
8
0
4
4
0
2
7
19
38
11
2
1
15
2
1
10
1
7
1
4
137
Entry Department
0
6
5
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
2
1
4
6
3
7
27
1
7
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
8
12
1
7
1
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
3
6
4
0
1
1
1
11
3
11
60
75
5
0
0
1
0
1
2
2
9
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
7
0
3
34
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
3
3
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
8
0
4
26
15
2
1
6
0
3
6
16
34
19
0
2
23
17
1
1
1
18
1
19
185
9
1
3
7
1
2
14
23
82
21
0
2
31
4
2
11
6
12
2
11
244
391
201
376
299
844
648
328
Jacksonville.....................Thursday: January 6, February 10
Joliet.................................Thursday: January 13, February 17
Registered on Beah
0
18
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
GRAND TOTAL: 545
January 2022
257
121
Seafarers LOG 9
�Thanksgivin
SIU Steward Departmen
The tradition of SIU steward department members putting forth extra effort to make holidays
special for their shipmates is practically as old as the union itself.
Thanksgiving 2021 proved no exception, as galley gangs on SIU-crewed ships around the world
went all-out with traditional menus, decorations and good cheer.
Based on emails sent to the LOG and reactions observed online, the food itself and the work that
went
Fo
“The
Faulk
of Th
enoug
Ab
memb
“I
Ot
SIU’s
deavo
Sim
Stew
ment
W
skill
Ed
imme
ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon (far right, wearing white top in photo directly above) submitted these photos (at immediate left and above) from the Patriot ship.
ABOARD MOKIHANA –Pictured from left in the photo at the
immediate right aboard the Matson ship are ACU Marilou Gumapas, Chief Cook Salah Omar, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and vessel master Capt. Dean Ventimiglia. The
photo below shows some of the Thanksgiving fare that was
served aboard the vessel.
ABOARD MAERSK HAR
Bernardez, Recertified St
The two photos at the ime
10 Seafarers LOG
January 2022
�g at Sea
s Brighten Holiday
t were greatly appreciated.
mple, Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Laycock (an SIU hawsepiper) wrote,
rd department did an excellent job preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Chief Steward Lamont
the rest of the department stayed up late the night before and rose early on the morning
iving to make sure everything was ready to go for our 1400 feast. The vessel was lucky
be in port at the time in Souda Bay, Crete. Lovely weather and a lovely dinner.”
the USNS Red Cloud (Patriot), Chief Steward Dennis Dizon praised his department
Chief Cook Vanessa Brumsey, SA Emily Lepley and SA Salman Alhobabi.
t so proud of my whole team,” he said.
ppreciated their work, too. Reactions to Red Cloud Thanksgiving photos posted on the
book page included requests for home delivery and kudos for an obviously spirited en-
y, Steward/Baker Fakhruddin Malahi (aboard Matson’s Mokihana) and Recertified
i Matari (Maersk Hartford) said they greatly appreciated the Thanksgiving compliived from shipmates aboard their respective vessels.
his is only a representative sample, many online commenters said it speaks well of the
nthusiasm demonstrated by SIU members sailing in the steward department.
note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days
y afterward. Many more are available for viewing on the union’s Facebook page.
ABOARD G&H BOAT – Crew members aboard the Mark K enjoy the feast. Pictured from
left are Chief Engineer Peter Ntaamah, Oiler Daniel Reas, Mate Kent Hayward and DDA
Ken Meaney. Thanks to Capt. John Cox for the photo.
ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – Pictured in the galley (photo at left, from left) are SA Lakeeba Bazemore, Chief
Steward Lamont Faulks and Chief Cook Osmar Ramos. Seated in the crew mess in the photo above are AB
Doug Hemphill, QMED Mike Joel, Bosun Orvin Mejia and Wiper Laith Ali.
RD – Pictured in the photo above are SA Mario
Ali Matari and Chief Cook Christopher Coston.
right also came from the vessel.
January 2022
ABOARD EL COQUI – Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward
Bryan Alvarez are pictured during Thanksgiving dinner prep aboard the
Crowley ship.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was answered by students at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in
November 2021
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: What are some of your plans for the rest of this year and/or the New Year?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
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
Bernard Nieves
Chief Cook
To complete this class and to
become a full-fledged chief cook,
and after that, go on vacation in
the Philippines.
Abraham Allamoth
Chief Steward
Go out there, make some money
and enjoy the shipping life. Buy a new
house.
Brandy Griffin
Chief Cook
Finish my chief cook class,
go out and make a ton of money,
and spend time with my family.
They’re in Virginia, Philly and
Michigan.
Naila Kling
Apprentice
To be experiencing the stars and
the moon and, instead of fireworks,
the real world. Meeting people who
are seasoned travelers and who want
to explore the world.
Sophia Lewis
Chief Cook
Travelling to all the places I
have dreamed about but haven’t
been able to get there until now,
and learning all of the flavored
dishes that each country offers.
Cody Quinn
Apprentice
Hopefully, in the New Year, I’m
looking forward to being on a ship.
This has been a good experience at the
school but I’m ready to get out there
and get started.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
12 Seafarers LOG
Original caption from the January 1975 LOG: “Deck delegate AB Aden Ezell Jr. (center) tells AB Ed Spooner it doesn’t hurt a
bit as Dr. Manuel Alvarez administers the first of seven shots needed for the trip.” Photo was taken aboard the Sam Houston in
Brooklyn, New York, before the Waterman vessel began its first overseas voyage.
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 2022
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
Performance and makes his home in
Cleveland.
KAREEM AHMED
Brother Kareem Ahmed, 50, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1992, initially sailing
aboard the
Independence.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and shipped in
the deck department. Brother
Ahmed’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. He is a resident of
University Place, Washington.
JOHN RUIZ
DEBRA GARDINER
Sister Debra Gardiner, 65, signed
on with the union in 1991. She
first sailed
aboard the
Independence
and worked
in the steward
department.
Sister Gardiner
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. She
last shipped on the USNS Regulus
and is a resident of Monroe, North
Carolina.
MARTIN ALLRED
Brother Martin Allred, 57, began
sailing with the SIU in 1989. An engine department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Green Valley.
Brother Allred
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He most
recently sailed
aboard the Cape
Race and lives in Little River, South
Carolina.
ISABEL MIRANDA
Brother Isabel Miranda, 65, signed
on with the union in 1991, initially
shipping on the
Independence.
He sailed in
the steward
department
and upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occasions. Brother
Miranda last
shipped aboard the Resolve. He lives
in Missouri City, Texas.
JOSEPH ARTIS
Brother Joseph Artis, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1975, first sailing aboard
the Baltimore.
He shipped
in the deck
department
and upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother
Artis last shipped on the Mokihana
and resides in Cathedral City, California.
Williams and resides in Guam.
Brother John Ruiz, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1971. An engine
department
member, he
initially sailed
aboard the
Overseas Progress. Brother
Ruiz upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1974.
He concluded
his career
aboard the Star of Texas and makes
his home in Houston.
INLAND
PETER BISHOP
Brother Peter Bishop, 71, donned
the SIU colors in 1971. A deck department member, he first shipped
aboard the Ponce. Brother Bishop
concluded his career working for
Crowley Towing and Transportation.
He is a resident of Venice, Florida.
JAMES CHASE
Brother Miguelito Salada, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in
1998 when he
sailed aboard
the USNS
Pathfinder.
He shipped in
the deck department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Salada concluded his career
on the Maersk Montana and settled
in Toms River, New Jersey.
Brother James Chase, 66, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in
2007 when he
shipped aboard
the Terrapin
Island. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school in
2015. Brother
Chase was employed by Great Lakes
Dredge and Dock for the duration
of his career. He resides in Carriere,
Mississippi.
DENYSE SINEATH
AHMED MOZEB
Sister Denyse Sineath, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union in
1997, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS
Silas Bent.
She worked
in the deck
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Sister
Sineath’s final vessel was the Alliance Fairfax. She calls Hilliard,
Florida, home.
PAUL CALIMER
TIMOTEO NUNEZ
JOHN THOMPSON
Brother Paul Calimer, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union
in 1977. He
worked in the
steward department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Calimer’s first
vessel was the
St. Louis; his
last, the Beaver State. He resides in
Aberdeen, Washington.
Brother Timoteo Nunez, 66, started
sailing with the union in 2004, initially shipping
on the Cape
Douglas. A
steward department member,
Brother Nunez
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous
occasions. He
concluded his
career aboard the USNS Pomeroy
and lives in Miami.
Brother John Thompson, 65, started
his career with the Seafarers in 1978
and first sailed
aboard the
Thomas Lynch.
He sailed in
the deck department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Thompson’s
final vessel was
the Gemini. He makes his home in
Canton, Maine.
DONOVAN CHRISTIE
JOSEPH QUITUGUA
Brother Donovan Christie, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983,
initially sailing
on the Aquarius.
He was a member of the deck
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on numerous
occasions.
Brother Christie last shipped on the
Brother Joseph Quitugua, 73,
joined the union in 2001 and first
sailed aboard
the Patriot. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school in 2006.
Brother Quitugua last shipped on the Dewayne T.
GREAT LAKES
MARC TANTRE
Brother Marc
Tantre, 66,
signed on with
the SIU in 1989.
He initially
shipped aboard
the Adam E.
Cornelius and
was a deck department mem-
in 2005. Brother Freitas worked for
Penn Maritime for his entire career.
He makes his home in Oviedo,
Florida.
SERVILLANO LOZANDI
MIGUELITO SALADA
Brother Ahmed Mozeb, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1999. He first
sailed aboard
the USNS Henson and worked
in the steward
department.
Brother Mozeb
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
He last sailed
aboard the President Adams and is a
San Francisco resident.
January 2022
ber. Brother Tantre upgraded at the
Piney Point school multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the
John Boland and resides in Fairport
Harbor, Ohio.
Brother Servillano Lozandi, 65,
joined the SIU
in 2002 when
he sailed on
the McDonnell. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother
Lozandi most recently shipped on
the Legacy and makes his home in
Miami.
DOMENIC MALLACE
Brother Domenic Mallace, 63,
donned the SIU colors in 2003, initially working
for Crowley.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center in 2008
and continued
his employment
with the same
company for the
duration of his
career. Brother
Mallace is resident of Collingdale,
Pennsylvania.
SCOTT CHEW
MICHAEL MULHARAN
Brother Scott Chew, 61, signed on
with the union
in 2000. He
sailed in the
deck department and upgraded often at
the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Chew worked
for the Penn
Maritime for
his entire career. He settled in Bangor, Michigan.
Brother Michael Mulharan, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in
1978 when he
sailed with CSX
Lines. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
multiple occasions. Brother
Mulharan was
last employed by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in
Chiefland, Florida.
RICHARD CORNELIUS
Brother Richard Cornelius, 64,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1976 when he sailed with
Mariner Towing. He was a member
of the deck department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center within his
first year of membership. Brother
Cornelius concluded his career with
OSG Ship Management and lives in
Delmar, Delaware.
DAVID FINDLEY
Brother David Findley, 61, started
sailing with the Seafarers in 1982.
An engine department member, he
worked fo Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career.
Brother Findley resides in Belle
Chasse, Louisiana.
RONALD FREITAS
Brother Ronald
Freitas, 71,
signed on with
the union in
2004. He sailed
in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
OWEN O’KEEFE
Brother Owen O’Keefe, 64, joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1983,
initially sailing
on the Aquarius.
A deck department member,
he most recently sailed
with Crowley
Towing and
Transportation.
Brother O’Keefe lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
GARY SMITH
Brother Gary Smith, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978. He
first shipped on
the Maryland
and worked in
the deck department. Brother
Smith upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
He last worked
for Crowley
Towing and Transportation and resides in Rogersville, Tennessee.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
WILLIAM BAKER
Pensioner William Baker, 96, died
October 8. He joined the Seafarers
International Union in 1943 and first
shipped with Joshua Hendy Corporation. Brother Baker sailed in the
deck department and concluded his
career aboard the Ultrasea. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled
in Sugarland, Texas.
barked on his career with the SIU
in 1993, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
Brother Guevara
was a steward department member.
He most recently
sailed on the Sunshine State last
year before becoming a pensioner.
Brother Guevara called Jacksonville,
Florida, home.
BYRON COLEMAN
Pensioner Byron Coleman, 66,
passed away August 25. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1991, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Titan.
Brother Coleman
was a deck department member.
He last shipped
on the Liberty
Wave in 2003 and
went on pension
in 2019. Brother Coleman lived in
Seattle.
DAVID KOORY
Pensioner David Koory, 71, died
October 24. He
joined the union
in 1990 and was a
deck department
member. Brother
Koory first sailed
aboard the Walter
J. McCarthy. He
last shipped on
the Patriot and
went on pension
in 2015. Brother
Koory was a resident of Ann Arbor,
Michigan.
DOMINICO DACUA
CLIFFORD LACON
LOUIS ESCARRA
DAVON MCMILLAN
Pensioner Louis Escarra, 96, passed
away August 24.
He joined the
SIU in 1957, initially working for
Penn Navigation.
Brother Escarra
was a member of
the deck department and last
sailed aboard the
Voyager. He became a pensioner
in 1992 and settled in Hollywood,
Florida.
Brother Davon McMillan, 65, died
September 4. Born in Monroeville,
Alabama, he
signed on with
the union in 1978.
Brother McMillan’s first vessel
was the Great
Land. He shipped
in both the deck
and engine departments and most
recently sailed
aboard the Resolve. Brother McMillan resided in Pensacola, Florida.
Pensioner Clifford Lacon, 82, passed
away November 7. He donned the
SIU colors in
2001 and first
sailed aboard the
Anders Maersk.
A deck department member,
Brother Lacon last
shipped on the
Maersk Kentucky.
He retired in 2010
and made his
home in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
ALBERT MOORE
Pensioner Richard Gegenheimer, 70,
died October 28. He signed on with
the Seafarers International Union
in 1974. A steward department
member, Brother
Gegenheimer first
sailed with States
Steamship. After
concluding his
career aboard the
Maui, he retired
in 2011. Brother Gegenheimer made
his home in Dunnellon, Florida.
Pensioner Albert Moore, 80, passed
away November 5. He joined the
SIU in 1960 when
he sailed on the
Arizpa. Brother
Moore shipped in
the deck department and concluded his career
on the Explorer.
He became a
pensioner in 2005
and lived in Mesa,
Arizona.
Pensioner Erasmo Guevara, 79,
passed away October 31. He em-
14 Seafarers LOG
Pensioner Richard Provost, 69,
passed away October 12. He donned
the SIU colors
in 1971 when he
shipped on the
William Reiss.
Brother Provost
was a member of
the deck department. He last
shipped aboard
the Anders
Maersk and began
collecting his pension in 2017.
Brother Provost lived in Marengo,
Wisconsin.
Pensioner Francisco Sanchez, 89,
died November 4. He joined the
union in 2001 and
initially sailed
on the Cape Victory. Brother
Sanchez shipped
in the steward
department and
concluded his career on the USNS
Fisher. He retired
in 2006 and made
his home in Corpus Christi, Texas.
ALI SHAIBI
RICHARD GEGENHEIMER
HERMUS PATRICK
Pensioner Hermus Patrick, 85, died
May 15. He began shipping with
the Seafarers International Union in
away October 30.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1988
when he sailed
aboard the Paul
H. Townsend.
Brother Filarski
worked in the
deck department
and last shipped
on the Presque Isle. He became a
pensioner in 2001 and resided in Alpena, Michigan.
RICHARD PROVOST
FRANCISCO SANCHEZ
Pensioner Dominico Dacua, 82,
died November
3. He began his
career with the
Seafarers in 1989.
A steward department member, his
first vessel was
the Independence.
Brother Dacua
last shipped on
the R. J. Pfeiffer
before retiring in
2005. He resided in Kapolei, Hawaii.
ERASMO GUEVARA
1976, initially sailing on the TransIndiana. Brother
Patrick worked
in the engine
department. He
last sailed on the
USNS Denebola
and went on pension in 2001.
Brother Patrick
resided in Brooklyn, New York.
Pensioner Ali Shaibi, 65, has passed
away. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1978 and first
shipped on the
TransColorado. A
deck department
member, Brother
Shaibi last sailed
on the Philadelphia in 1996. He
went on pension
in 2019 and called the Bronx, New
York, home.
WILLIAM STEELE
Pensioner William Steele, 80, died
November 19. He started sailing
with the Seafarers in 1967. A
deck department
member, Brother
Steele was first
employed by Higman Barge Lines.
He last shipped
aboard the USNS
Algol before
retiring in 1998.
Brother Steele was a resident of
Buna, Texas.
INLAND
DONALD MORGAN
Pensioner Donald Morgan, 91,
passed away October 4. He donned
the SIU colors
in 1972, initially
sailing with
Moran Towing
of Texas. Brother
Morgan was a
member of the
deck department
and was last employed by Allied
Transportation.
He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Newport News, Virginia.
WILLIAM FURMAN
Pensioner William Furman, 80,
died November
22. A member of
the deck department, he joined
the union in
1970. Brother
Furman was
employed with
Allied Transportation until
his retirement in
1998. He made his home in Portsmouth, Virginia.
MICHAEL LEAGER
Pensioner Michael Leager, 66,
passed away November 17. He
began sailing with the SIU in
1973 and worked in the deck department. Employed by Interstate
Oil for most of his career, Brother
Leager last sailed in 1987. He
became a pensioner in 2020 and
settled in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
JASPER MAMOLITI
Pensioner Jasper Mamoliti, 98, died
November 6. He
became a member
of the Seafarers International
Union in 1962.
Brother Mamoliti
sailed with Moran
Towing of Maryland for the duration of his career.
He began collecting his pension in 1984 and resided
in Lewes, Delaware.
MELVIN POTTER
Pensioner Melvin Potter, 74, died
October 28. He embarked on his
career with the union in 1965 when
he worked for R.K. Davis Transportation. Brother Potter sailed in
the deck department and was last
employed by Express Marine. He
retired in 2010 and lived in Bath,
North Carolina.
DANIEL WEBSTER
Pensioner Daniel Webster, 82,
passed away June 11. He joined the
SIU in 1973 when he worked for
Interstate Oil. Brother Webster last
sailed with Mariner Towing. He
began collecting his pension in 1993
and called Saugus, Massachusetts,
home.
NMU
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME
Cloutier, Richard
Del Rio, Jose
Dias, Arthur
Holloway, Jay
Mitchell, Claude
Mojica, Gloria
Palmore, Walter
Patiniotis, Roseto
Scace, Rodman
Sims, Harold
Townsend, Albert
AGE
80
98
72
93
89
90
93
90
92
94
92
DOD
10/07/2021
09/28/2021
09/24/2021
08/19/2021
10/01/2021
06/05/2021
11/08/2021
08/28/2021
09/10/2021
10/04/2021
11/10/2021
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GREAT LAKES
ALBIN FILARSKI
Pensioner Albin Filarski, 85, passed
January 2022
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July 21
– Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary
Pedro Castillo, Educational Director William Mercer, Deck Delegate
Michael Sinclair, Engine Delegate
Brandon Purcell, Steward Delegate
Santiago Amaya. Chairman reminded everyone to sanitize quarters
and wash hands regularly. Educational director advised crew to go to
the Piney Point school and upgrade.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested Wi-Fi. Steward
department was thanked for a job
well done.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management), July 29 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Shari
Hardman, Educational Director
Robert Noble, Steward Delegate
Juan Palacios Clother. Chairman
discussed COVID-19 vaccines and
encouraged crew to get vaccinated.
Members discussed pay for sanitation
and union meetings. Secretary reported transportation problems when
going from ship to gate in Port Arthur, Texas. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested 20 vacation
days for 30 days of employment.
Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), August
21 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational
Director Alexander Capellan, Deck
Delegate Clinton Crowden, Steward
Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chairman reiterated the importance of
practicing good hygiene and keeping
quarters clean. Educational director
urged crew to check documents and
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job
well done.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management), August 29 –
Chairman Charles Hill, Educational
Director Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine
Delegate Tresten Porter, Steward
Delegate Shari Hardman. Ship
restriction back in effect, per company orders. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members reported they
are not getting eight hours in lieu of
days off.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line,
Limited), September 3 – Chairman
Roy Madrio, Secretary Marcelo
Alicea, Educational Director Jerome
Culbreth, Deck Delegate Jon Mark
Newman, Engine Delegate Matthew
Yowell, Steward Delegate Sherre
Wilson. Chairman reiterated the
importance of getting the COVID-19
vaccine. He encouraged all departments to work safely and use proper
PPE. Chairman advised members
to take care of medical certificates
as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. Secretary reminded
crew to stay on top of documents.
Educational director urged members
to take advantage of the upgrading
opportunities at the Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Better Wi-Fi needed aboard ship as
well as new converters/transformers in each room. Crew requested
media entertainment options aboard
ship and raises in vacation benefits.
Members reviewed medical coverage
and provided suggestions to improve
relief practices. Next port: Newark,
New Jersey.
EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel
and Provisioning), September 14 –
Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed,
Secretary Troy Smith, Educational
Director Dhahabi Quraish, Engine
Delegate Mark Canada, Steward
Delegate Mohamed Noman. Crew
requested Wi-Fi availability and computer access aboard ship. No complaints from crew, everything going
great overall as reported by secretary.
Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members were encouraged
to contribute to the union’s voluntary
political action fund (SPAD). Ninety
percent of ship crew has received the
COVID-19 vaccination.
MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 19 –
Chairman Hussein Mohamed,
Secretary Randall Campbell, Educational Director George Bieselin,
Deck Delegate Milton Estrada,
Engine Delegate Juan Rochez. Effective October 1, proof of COVID19 vaccine (or an exemption and/
or a recent negative test result) will
be required to enter all hiring halls.
Secretary encouraged crew to continue following safety protocols for
COVID-19. Educational director
urged members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center. Crew requested better
Wi-Fi and for vacation accrual to increase to day-per-day rate.
HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon
Lines), September 26 – Chairman
Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director
Mbarek Nouhairi, Engine Delegate
Jeffrey Murray. Chairman encouraged members to contribute to
SPAD and to renew documents as
early as possible. Educational director reminded crew to advance their
skills by upgrading at the Piney Point
school. Members discussed disputed
OT for ship restrictions. Incorrect
mattresses received. Crew discussed
plans for revisiting topic of ship
restriction in contractual negotiations. Members offered suggestions
concerning ServSafe courses. Crew
asked for the minimum of relief positions be changed to 60 days or for sea
time requirement for collecting vacation checks be lowered to 45 days.
Members requested 20 vacation days
for 30 working days and indicated
operators are not transferring seatime documentation to headquarters
in a timely manner. Members were
instructed to turn off devices when
not in use to avoid compromising
accessibility for shipmates. Matson
reportedly continues to deny reimbursement for work boots. Crew
members would prefer to buy work
boots of their choice rather than
being restricted to Matson’s voucher
program for Red Wing shoes.
Steward department was thanked
for good food and clean house.
Deck department was thanked for a
job well done. Next port: Tacoma,
Washington.
DECISIVE (SubCom), October 11
– Chairman Victor Nunez, Secretary Gregory Johnson, Educational
Director Casey Frederick. Members discussed recent progress with
CHS medical exams and also talked
about COVID-19 vaccinations. The
Decisive and Dependable are enrolling in the new U.S. Cable Security
Fleet. Next project to start October
30 in Gulf of Mexico; will mobilize
in next port of call. Congratulations
given to UA Joseph Bates and UA
Alex Boothby for a job well done
during their second phase. Crew
discussed several suggestions for
next contract negotiation, including
changing “Earned Day” to “Day
off” with language that also reads
“and in Port.” Members would
like company-provided Wi-Fi, and
a reinstatement of “Penalty Meal
Hour” in the CBA. Crew suggested
additional manning for OMU/Welder
position with a higher pay rate. Contract should include specific, cablerelated work for deck department
during cable operations. Crew mentioned contractual wage increases
for personnel assigned to the Global
Sentinel, due to federal clearance
requirements and lack of communication during cable operations. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Next
port: Mobile, Alabama.
INDEPENDENCE (Eco-Tankers
Crew Management), October 24 –
The Winner
USNS Fisher vessel master
(and SIU hawsepiper) Capt.
Jennifer Senner submitted this photo of Chief Cook
Stevon Taylor, who won the
“fried-chicken faceoff” aboard
the U.S. Marine Management
vessel.
Chairman Dave Coleman, Secretary
Charles Roldan, Educational Director Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Emil
Norales, Engine Delegate Mario
Moralita, Steward Delegate Jermin
Matthews. Chairman announced
payoff at sea and instructed members
to give paperwork to captain when
signing on. Seafarers LOGs can be
seen in member portal. Educational
Director reminded members to take
advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Steward department trash cans to be
replaced and secured for bad weather.
Vote of thanks given to steward department for great work.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
January 2022
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Start
Date
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
July 18
July 29
Machinist
March 14
April 1
Pumpman
April 4
April 8
Welding
February 14
April 25
June 6
March 4
May 13
June 24
Engineroom Resource Management
August 1
August 5
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
May 2
May 20
MSC Ship Clip
June 6
June 17
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 23
June 3
Date of
Completion
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
February 14
March 21
April 25
May 30
July 11
March 18
April 22
May 27
July 1
August 12
Advanced Galley Operations
January 24
April 4
June 20
February 18
April 29
July 15
Chief Steward
February 28
May 9
March 25
June 3
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
February 14
April 4
May 23
March 4
April 22
June 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival
February 14
March 14
April 11
February 25
March 25
April 22
Fast Rescue Boat
June 20
June 24
RFPNW
January 24
February 28
April 25
February 11
March 18
May 13
Celestial Navigation
August 22
September 16
Leadership and Management Skills
August 8
August 12
Advanced Shiphandling
August 22
September 2
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
Advanced Stability
September 5
September 9
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
February 7
April 4
February 11
April 8
Medical Care Provider
February 14
April 11
February 18
April 15
Basic Training
January 31
April 4
June 6
February 4
April 8
June 10
Basic Training Revalidation
February 7
February 25
March 21
February 7
February 25
March 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
April 25
May 20
FOWT
January 24
June 13
February 18
July 8
Junior Engineer
January 24
July 11
March 18
September 2
Marine Electrician
May 16
June 17
Marine Refer Tech
April 4
May 13
Advanced Refer Containers
February 7
February 18
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7
March 11
Government Vessels
January 17
January 24
February 14
January 21
January 28
February 18
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
March 14
March 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
April 4
May 2
June 27
April 8
May 6
July 1
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 9
May 23
May 13
May 27
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.
1/22
January 2022
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #875 – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Banks, Omar Caldwell, Elijah Dejean Diallo, Mark Dixon, Ervin Flynn, Levi
Gorokhovsky, Jeffery Griffin, Eachen Hoffrichter, Naila Kling, Caleb Miller, Dane Paulson, Jack Pier, Cody Quinn, Julian Ramirez, Domingo Sadia, Brett Sardinas, Errol Wade-Cephas
and Rose Wilson.
Welding – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander,
David Argo Jr., Merville Lariosa Gallema, Seth Schrader and Anthony Solovyov. Class
instructor Chris Raley is at the far right.
UA to Able Seafarer (Deck) – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Diquan
Adamson, Bryan Aleman Medina, Lamar Doctor, Jeffery Griffin, Roger Mathews, David
May, Tanner Page, Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Johnny Young. Their instructor, Peter
Luhn, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated
Dec. 3 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Georgia Bussink,
Matthew De Maria, John Farash, Alexander Jackson, Jaquaz
Jenkins, Kumasi Johnson, John
Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Rosa Aguirre, Luis
Francisco Soto Collazo, Bradley Tucker and Garrett Williams.
Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck
departments of union-contracted
vessels.
January 2022
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPEW – Graduated Dec. 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Jorge
Garcia, Ryan Sotomayor and Darrell Whitaker. Instructor Christopher
Morgan is third from left.
Watchkeeping – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and
Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus.
Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Darvin
Brown, Kevin Brown, Sheree Brown, Nicholas Ehret, Jacarta Gibson, Lisa Hamilton,
Jon Harvey, Joshua Heath, Gregory LaSeer, Sean Outlaw, Fahmi Saeed, Jessica
Valentin and Angel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Qaid Mohammed
Alnaawi, Joseph Altamura, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Maurice Antonio Brodie, Luis Oscar
Cordero-Fuentes, Adolf Lopez Floresca, Jeremy Harris, Michael Ingram, Sterling Kirk, Terrance
Paige, Amy Torres and Frederick Wilson.
Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 19 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel
Abad, Leonard Anicola, Mark
Brownell, Michael Clark, Torrika
Devine, Jamal Field, Kenneth
Greenidge, Anna-Maria Halstead,
Supattara Inthapanti, Enchantress Johnson, Joshua Lux, James
Rockett, Eileen Singer, Keith Williams, Jeffrey Woods and Abdulrazak Obadi Yahia.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated Nov.
26 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Leonardo Dumagan Bagnol, Brandy Griffin, Sophia Lewis, La’sonia
Littles, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Mary Moelk,
Bernard Martinez Nieves II, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez and Chadon Tshaye `Williams.
Importance 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.
18 Seafarers LOG
January 2022
�Maritime Briefs
DOT, MARAD Release Report on Academy
The U.S. Department of Transportation
and the Maritime Administration (MARAD)
on Nov. 24 released a new report titled,
“Organizational Assessment of the U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA):
A Path Forward” and an accompanying
Implementation Plan prepared by the National Academy of Public Administration
(NAPA).
“USMMA students are remarkable leaders committed to serving the nation and
supporting positive change,” said Acting
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley.
“They deserve a modern, safe, and inclusive
learning environment where they have the
training and resources that will prepare them
to succeed in the U.S. merchant marine and
in our armed forces. We acknowledge, and
have been working to address, the many urgent issues raised by NAPA’s report and to
put USMMA on a path to modernization.”
NAPA’s assessment affirms that USMMA
faces “longstanding systemic issues” across almost all areas of its operations, including educational programs; facilities maintenance and
capital management; sexual assault and sexual
harassment (SASH) prevention and response,
including during the Sea Year; diversity, equity,
and inclusion; and internal and external governance.
The full report, including numerous recommendations for corrective and preventive actions, is available online.
Lakes Task Force Honors Sen. Peters
The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force has
recognized the tremendous work done by Michigan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) for protecting
and advancing the Great Lakes Navigation System.
“Senator Peters has moved the needle on
several extremely important projects in the
Great Lakes,” the organization (to which the
SIU is affiliated) said in a news release. “He
continues to be instrumental in efficiently funding the construction of a new large navigational
lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Senator Peters understands the economic benefits of Great
Lakes shipping and the need to make our ports
competitive and reliable even during the winter
season. To that end, he cosponsored the Great
Lakes Winter Commerce Act, which would
make icebreaking a higher priority for the U.S.
Coast Guard and ensured $350 million was included in the pending House Reconciliation Bill
for another heavy Great Lakes icebreaker. In
addition, he has worked tirelessly with the Port
of Monroe to resolve import and export issues
associated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s interpretation of rules that hampered
further port development with containerized
cargo.”
Council Thanks Rep. For Jones Act Support
Solidarity with the Jones Act was the topic
of a recent discussion between the leadership
of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council (PMC,
part of the Maritime Trades Department) and
a newly elected member of Congress from the
Aloha State.
During a November meeting, PMC President Randy Swindell and Secretary-Treasurer
Hazel Galbiso (the SIU’s port agent in Honolulu) thanked U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele (D-Hawaii)
for his support. Elected to the Congress in 2020,
Kahele serves on both the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee and the House
Armed Services Committee. Kahele also is a
20-plus-year veteran of the Hawaii Air National
Guard, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel.
The congressman reminded the PMC officials of his staunch support for the nation’s
freight cabotage law. (The Jones Act states that
cargo moved between domestic ports must be
carried aboard a U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.built and U.S.-owned vessel.)
He referred Swindell and Galbiso to his
posted remarks on the law: “The Jones Act
plays a critical role in support of U.S. national
security. Eliminating the Jones Act would allow
foreign-built ships to operate in our domestic
trade, which only rewards countries like China
at the expense of U.S. businesses and jobs.
Jones Act carriers provide a reserve force of
well-trained seafarers who in times of national
emergency can crew reserve sealift vessels,
while ensuring the United States does not need
to rely on foreign carriers to move people and
military assets.”
SIU Forges Ahead
Despite Pandemic
Continued from Page 20
Patrolman John “Jack” Sheehan died
on October 29.
Rescues and New Tonnage
SIU crews were on-hand for several rescues last year, jumping into
action to save lives in dire circumstances. In each instance, Seafarers
used their training and skills to rescue stranded boaters – the training
they hoped never to need to use.
In March, the survey vessel
Wolf River, returning from a crew
change on the Great Lakes Dredge
and Dock-operated Padre Island,
diverted course when the crew saw
a group of people whose vessel was
taking on water in the bay. The crew
saved a family of six, two adults
and four children. Also in March,
the crew of the CS Decisive rescued a boater in the middle of the
Pacific Ocean. In April, the crew
aboard the Sunshine State rescued
two boaters from their disabled
craft, and in July, the CIVMAR
crew of the USNS Patuxent rescued
15 people off the coast of Somalia.
Nine days later, the Patuxent would
again divert, rescuing four fishermen who had been adrift for 12
days in the Gulf of Aden. The crew
of the Golden State rescued two
boaters near Key West in August –
just before a tropical storm came
through the area – and in November, the CIVMAR crew of the USNS
Charles Drew rescued two Iranian
sailors who had been adrift for eight
days in the Gulf of Oman.
New tonnage entered the fleet,
including the reflagged tanker
Pohang Pioneer and (for the SIU
Government Services Division) the
USNS John Lewis and USNS Harvey Milk.
Union and Industry
Beginning in September, the
maritime industry was alerted to
reports of alleged sexual assault and
sexual harassment involving U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy cadets
who said they were victimized
while serving their Sea Year aboard
U.S.-flag vessels. The SIU, while
not involved in any of the allegations, is committed to continuing to
educate members about the ongoing
importance of protecting shipmates
from any and all harassment, and
will continue supporting those who
have been victimized at sea.
While a U.S.-flag vessel was
not the cause of a major blockage
in the Suez Canal in April, SIU
members were negatively impacted
by a historic backup as crews
worked to clear the obstructing
vessel. Many Seafarers shared their
stories during this time, and provided photos to better illustrate the
magnitude of this incident.
Within the SIU: Union election
results were tallied and announced
in January, with SIU President
Michael Sacco, Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and others re-elected by large margins;
longtime SIU official Kate Hunt
retired, and Nick Celona was appointed to serve as the Vice President of the Government Services
division; Heindel was named an
Admiral of the Ocean Sea recipient
by the United Seamen’s Service;
the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
opened a brand-new, state of the
art Media Center on campus; and
as of press time, significant progress was being made in clearing
the backlog of medical paperwork
with CHS.
2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program
Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:
Seafarers Scholarships
Dependents Scholarships
Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:
Five scholarships designated for dependents:
One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or
A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply.
university
Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year
courses of study at a community college or vocational school
To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF).
Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships.
Please send me the 2022 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 (circle one):
Self
Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746
January 2022
1/22
Seafarers LOG 19
�JANUARY 2022
VOLUME 84, NO. 1
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Hoisting the U.S. Flag aboard the Pohang Pioneer (from center of flag, clockwise)
are:Third Assistant Engineer Emily Blake, First Assistant Engineer Hunter Smith,
Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Chief Engineer James Cook, Captain Chris Fox,
Chief Mate Bill Harris, Third Mate Callum Foley, Bosun Ahmed Ghalib, Steward
Rudy Lopez and AB Larry Rawlins.
The SIU pushed for governments to prioritize mariners for COVID-19 vaccines. The work particularly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers completed their respective vaccinations
in April. That group included SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon,
ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz,
Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis
Ramos Rosa and others.
SIU’s Year in Review: 2021
Seafarers Persevere as Pandemic Continues
Outside of the SIU, the year 2021 could
easily be confused for 2020. The world was
still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,
including a number of variants which evolved
and threatened even the vaccinated population.
By December 2021, more than 48 million cases of COVID-19 were reported in the
United States alone. At the same time, 196
million people in the U.S. have been fully
vaccinated, and an estimated 231 million
people have received at least one dose of a
COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination numbers
are always climbing, and seemingly signify a
real chance at putting the pandemic in the rearview mirror.
Within the SIU, 2021 arguably should be
known as the year of the contract. As of early
December, at least 15 different contracts had
been ratified during the year, and those agreements dominated the Seafarers LOG headlines. The pandemic certainly had an effect
on how those negotiations took place, with
countless video conference calls replacing or
supplementing in-person meetings. But the
work still got done, and each contract included
major wins for Seafarers.
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.
the labor movement as a whole. In January,
President Biden issued a “Buy American”
executive order, which specifically mentioned
the administration’s support of the Jones Act.
The executive order also calls for federal dollars to be spent on goods made by American
workers using domestic content, and attempts
to close loopholes that have allowed jobs and
production to be shipped out of the country.
In June, the White House issued guidance to
provide transparency around the process of
waivers from the established Made in America
Laws, which includes any potential Jones Act
waivers.
As part of his Labor Day proclamation,
Biden doubled down, saying, “In my White
House, labor will always be welcome. I intend
to be the most pro-union president leading the
most pro-union administration in American
history.”
The House passed the “Protecting the Right
to Organize Act of 2019” in March, which has
been identified as a critically important piece
of legislation for the labor movement. Despite
this, no further actions have been taken regarding the PRO Act.
Arbitration Decision
In August, the union lost its arbitration
against the American Maritime Association
(AMA), which had required all mariners sailing aboard any of their affiliated companies’
vessels be vaccinated against COVID-19. The
union’s argument was that the AMA should
have first negotiated with the SIU, rather than
impose the mandate unilaterally.
In the months that followed, vaccine
mandates became the norm across many
industries, and federally required for all
government employees. As of December,
the union’s vaccination rates are very high,
with union employees and officials having
reached a 98 percent vaccination rate. Those
who remain unvaccinated have received
medical exemptions.
Crossing the Bar
The labor community lost AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on August 5. A true giant
in the movement and a longtime friend of the
SIU, Trumka helped fight for the union way of
life right up until his death, making an impassioned speech in support of the Mine Workers
just days before he passed. His legacy will
continue to have a lasting impact on workers’
rights. In the wake of Trumka’s passing, Liz
Schuler was elected the next president of the
AFL-CIO. She’s the first woman to fill that
position.
Additionally, AFL-CIO President Emeritus
John Sweeney passed away February 1; American Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice
President Mike Finnigan died on March 19;
longtime Paul Hall Center Instructor and Director of Training J.C. Wiegman passed away
on May 5; maritime industry pioneer David
Tolan passed away on July 6; and retired SIU
Continued on Page 19
Contracts
The year 2021 saw contract after contract
successfully negotiated and ratified, and across
the board each agreement included gains for
the covered members. Without exception, each
contract boosted wages while maintaining or
improving benefits.
Newly ratified pacts included: three-year
contracts with Crescent Towing, Seabulk,
OSG Inland, Penn Terminal, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning/Crowley ATB, Argent
Marine, Crowley Towing and Transportation,
and G&H Towing; four-year agreements with
Inland Lakes Management, American Steamship Company and Virginia Pilots (which has
been ratified as of press time); five-year contracts with Matson and Watco Transloading,
LLC; a six-year contract with Luedtke Engineering Company; and a groundbreaking nineyear agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line
that significantly improved on the old contract.
Legislative News
The Biden Administration has proven to
be a consistent ally to Seafarers, as well as
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continued providing courses for upgraders and apprentices, and also opened
a cutting-edge media center that’s being utilized for various classes. Students are pictured in the state-of-the-art facility.
�
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Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond
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January 2022
Description
An account of the resource
U.S. MARINERS 'ARE TRUE PATRIOTS'
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS MORE PROGRESS WITH CHS
NASSCO CHRISTENS USNS MILK
VAN OVOST BACKS JONES ACT, U.S. MARINERS
SIU'S HEINDEL HONORED WITH AOTOS AWARD
UNION RAMPS UP RECRUITING IN 'LAST FRONTIER'
MEMBERS RATIFY 5-YEAR CONTRACT WITH VIRGINIA PILOT ASSOCIATION
SIU CIVMARS HELP RESCUE TWO IN GULF OF OMAN
OAKLAND THANKSGIVING EVENT RESUMES
ORGANIZED LABOR APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
THANKSGIVING AT SEA
SEAFARERS PERSERVERE AS PANDEMIC CONTINUES
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
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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01/01/2022
Format
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Newsprint
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VOL. 84, NO. 1
2022
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/99828e8958cd00b6a5a8fb10b6dc02a4.pdf
573a7ac36fede770e5703327b870eafc
PDF Text
Text
DECEMBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 12
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
Happy
Holidays
2022 Meeting Dates
Page 5
Beck Notice
Page 5
Summary Annual Reports
Page 10
�President’s Report
Positive Initial Steps
The American maritime industry is taking appropriate steps to help
ensure that our workplaces are free from sexual assault and sexual
harassment (SASH). I’m sure many readers know that SASH has been
a primary topic since September, but regardless of your individual
level of awareness, I encourage you to read
the related articles in this issue of the LOG.
Keep an eye on our website for updates, too,
in between publications.
Although the recent allegations by former Kings Point students do not involve
SIU members, we are not sitting back and
brushing aside any part of our shared responsibility to protect all of our shipmates. We
are working with other unions, government
officials, schools and businesses to improve
shipboard life for everyone.
It’s an ongoing process and we take it
seriously. I believe the initial, industry-wide
Michael Sacco
response has been useful, and that this collective effort truly will lead to improvements.If you’ve spent any time in the SIU,
you’ve probably heard me say that we’re more like a family than a
union. In that spirit, continue treating your fellow members like sisters and brothers. Look out for one another, maintain your professionalism, and if you think something is wrong, use the proper channels to
make it known.
The American maritime industry is vital to U.S. national, economic
and homeland security. We’ve got our share of problems, like any
other industry, but I believe that the overwhelming majority of U.S.
Merchant Mariners are good people who work hard to make a living.
We’ll continue teaming up to protect our crews and to correct any
shortcomings.
Path to Success
Our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, remains a huge key
to our success. And, the latest improvements there are nothing short of
incredible.
The school’s new Media Center – utilized for various classes – is
absolutely cutting-edge. Student reaction to the massive upgrades has
been quite positive, and the instructors also are embracing the latest
technology. Be sure to check out our coverage elsewhere in this edition.
One reason the school is so important is that it enables the SIU to
provide well-qualified mariners to our contracted vessel operators.
But, to the individual members, Piney Point is critical because it signifies opportunity. Opportunity to upgrade. Opportunity to earn more
money. Opportunity to make the most of this unique career.
You can go as far as you want in this industry, from apprentice
all the way to captain. You have a chance to write your own success
story, make good money, take care of your family and take advantage
of top-of-the-line benefits.
The school is there for you, as is the SIU.
Happy Holidays
Although we’re all still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,
we’ve at least been able to take some steps toward normalcy during
the past year. It hasn’t been easy, and I appreciate the sacrifices and
efforts of everyone throughout our organization, starting with the
rank-and-file members and most definitely including our staff and our
officials.
As we head into the winter holidays, I wish everyone safety and
happiness. If you’re at sea during the holidays, thank you for helping fulfill our commitments. If you’re home, enjoy time with your
family and friends.
No matter what, guard your health and we’ll continue making
progress in the New Year.
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 83 Number 12
Gen. Van Ovost Takes Helm
At Transportation Command
U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost on Oct. 15 became the first woman to lead the
U.S. Transportation Command
(TRANSCOM), officially taking the reigns during a change of
command ceremony at Scott Air
Force Base, Illinois. The components of TRANSCOM include the
Army’s Surface Deployment and
Distribution Command, the Navy’s Military Sealift Command
and the Air Force’s Air Mobility
Command.
During the ceremony, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin
III said, “I’m not the world’s
most experienced logistician, but
I am one of the world’s most experienced consumers. So, I know
that I’m looking right now at the
people who make the American
military move. On any given day,
some 115 TRANSCOM railcars
are moving DOD equipment, 33
ships are getting underway and
1,500 trucks are delivering cargo.
And about every two minutes, a
TRANSCOM plane is taking off
or landing somewhere around the
world – hauling supplies, refueling aircraft or moving patients.”
Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, commended the
professionalism and capabilities inherent in the command.
He said TRANSCOM is the key
to American military successes
going back to World War II, and
noted the Red Ball Express (a
convoy system) that kept Allied
forces supplied over the beaches
of Normandy in 1944 after the
U.S. Merchant Marine delivered
the cargo. That same spirit still
permeates today’s U.S. Transportation Command, the chairman
said.
“I assure you, TRANSCOM
will defend our nation through
Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost
Commander
U.S. Transportation Command
“When people ask me ‘How
does TRANSCOM do it? What
is the secret to success?’ I tell
them the truth. We are blessed
with incredible people from
around the globe,” Lyons said.
“To the men and women of
TRANSCOM, it has been my
greatest honor to serve as your
13th commander.”
Van Ovost expressed her appreciation, and thanked Lyons
for his leadership and service:
“We are all grateful to have been
under your command and to have
taken part in your legacy,” she
said. “It is an honor of a lifetime
to be selected to lead the United
States Transportation Command
as we prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow, today. Together, we will deliver.”
White House Nominates Rear Admiral
Phillips for Maritime Administrator
President Biden on Oct. 14 announced the nomination of Rear
Adm. Ann Phillips (USN ret.) to
be the next U.S. Maritime Administrator.
According to the press release
from the White House, “Ann
Phillips is a leader in the field
of coastal resilience and climate
impact on national security at
December 2021
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
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AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
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Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
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The Seafarers International
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for the production of this
newspaper.
Rear Adm. Ann Phillips
Nominee for Maritime
Administrator Post
2 Seafarers LOG
rapid power projection and sustainment, while continuing to
build a unity of effort through the
strong bonds of our industry partners and our allies and partners,”
Van Ovost said. “We will also remain committed to our most critical asset – our people.”
Van Ovost is a career mobility airman who graduated from
the U.S. Air Force Academy in
1988 and has since commanded
the 384th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base,
Kansas; the 12th Flying Training
Wing at Joint Base San AntonioRandolph, Texas; and the 89th
Airlift Wing, or Presidential Airlift Wing, at Joint Base Andrews,
Maryland.
A pilot with more than 4,200
hours in 30-plus aircraft, Van
Ovost led Air Mobility Command
at Scott Air Force Base since August 2020, overseeing 100,000
military and civilian personnel and 1,100 aircraft spanning
aerial refueling tankers, massive cargo transport planes and
VIP jets. She’s also served as the
Joint Staff’s vice director; the Air
Force’s staff director; U.S. Central Command’s head of mobility
forces; and vice commander of
the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, a school focused on
rapid-response and combat mobility operations.
Austin said that Van Ovost
is the perfect person to follow
outgoing Commander Army
Gen. Stephen Lyons and to continue the development of the
command. “She’s a legend of a
leader, and the American military is lucky to have her on the
job,” the secretary said. “I know
that she’ll continue to push the
envelope and exceed all expectations, because that’s what she’s
always done.”
the regional, national and international level. In her current
appointment as the first Special
Assistant to the Governor of Virginia for Coastal Adaptation and
Protection, she is building a collaborative, whole of government
and community approach to address the impact of coastal flooding across the Commonwealth,
including the development of
Virginia’s first Coastal Resilience
Master Plan. In particular, she
coordinates across Federal, State,
local and other partners to create
equitable strategies to address
rising waters and climate impact
to federal, maritime, and other
critical coastal infrastructure assets in Virginia.”
Phillips served nearly 31 years
on active duty prior to her current
appointment. She received her
commission through the Naval
Reserve Officers Training Corps
upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983.
She served aboard two vessels –
the USS Cape Cod and the USS
San Jose – during Operations
Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She
was the first commanding officer
aboard the USS Mustin.
As the executive assistant to
the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deploy-
ment of goods in support of the
Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she
was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which
included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of
the Amphibious Expeditionary
Forces along the U.S. East Coast.
Phillips retired from the Navy in
2014.
“The American Maritime
Partnership congratulates Adm.
Phillips on her nomination to
lead the Maritime Administration, which plays a critical role
in supporting our defense readiness, the domestic maritime fleet
and hard-working American
mariners throughout the world,”
Mike Roberts, president, American Maritime Partnership, said
in a statement. “We look forward
to a swift Senate confirmation
process, so we can begin working with Admiral Phillips to
strengthen American maritime in
support of our homeland and national security.”
Phillips’ nomination will go
before the U.S. Senate for approval. Lucinda Lessley is the
acting administrator following
RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN ret.),
who served during the Trump administration.
December 2021
�Maritime Industry Focuses Efforts
On Helping Ensure Safe Workplaces
The American maritime industry is ramping up efforts to promote workplace environments that are safe for everyone.
Those joint endeavors involve the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) and its
Maritime Administration, U.S.-flag vessel operators, public and private maritime schools,
maritime unions and others.
As previously reported, in late September
2021, an anonymous member of the class of
2022 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
(USMMA) at King’s Point, New York, submitted an account detailing her alleged sexual
assault during her Sea Year. According to her
writing, she was raped by the first engineer
aboard her vessel (who was her supervisor as a
member of the engine department).
The anonymous victim’s report is posted
online on the website of the organization Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy. She describes
sexual harassment as a common occurrence
among the female students at King’s Point. A
second alleged victim posted a similar account
a few weeks after the initial one appeared online.
Subsequent, ongoing investigations by the
DOT and USMMA (and others) are aimed
at pinpointing the scope and specifics of the
problem and taking corrective action. In the
interim, the USMMA “Sea Year” program has
been suspended indefinitely.
The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education (PHC)
have not been implicated in any of the accusations or investigations, but both the union and
the school are actively working to shore up
safety for everyone. Their joint efforts include
conducting an anonymous, electronic sexual
assault/sexual harassment (SASH) survey
at the school; circulating a SASH flyer from
the U.S. Coast Guard’s Investigative Service;
developing a new SASH brochure; participating in industry-wide meetings (some of which
have included DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg
and DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg);
and reviewing the school’s SASH policy.
The SIU also teamed up with other unions
in issuing a letter to their respective members
in late October. Signing the communication
were SIU President Michael Sacco, American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell,
MEBA President Adam Vokac, MM&P President Don Marcus, SUP President Dave Connolly, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski
and ARA President Kelly Anderson.
The letter reads: “As you know, our industry recently made unwanted headlines due to
allegations of sexual assault and alcohol consumption aboard an American-flag vessel. We
take the incident with utmost seriousness, but,
regardless of how that particular case plays
out, the undersigned unions – who represent
the majority of deep-sea U.S. mariners – are
taking this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to helping ensure that all
seafarers have a safe workplace free of fear,
harassment, bullying and any kind of assault.
We are in the process of thoroughly but quickly
re-examining and, where warranted, updating
policies and practices that will facilitate educa-
The SIU has helped circulate this flyer from the Coast Guard in an effort to promote safety.
tion, protection and mutual respect within the
ranks of our memberships and throughout the
industry.
“Turning a blind eye is not acceptable. All
seafarers must be committed to active opposition to any type of harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior. It is our collective duty
to protect and respect our shipmates. As maritime professionals and decent human beings,
we must look out for one another.
“When a mariner experiences or observes
harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior, the alarm must go off. Such conduct must
immediately be stopped and/or reported. The
hierarchy aboard ship, the power relationship
inherent in that structure and the closed shipboard environment can become coercive. Mariners must not be compelled to endure an unsafe
workplace for the sake of their paychecks, careers, or reputations.
“Each of our organizations is committed
to ensuring the safety and fair treatment of
every member. Realizing we are dealing
with a social problem that can be magnified aboard ship, every member must share
the commitment to speak out and act when
they observe shipboard bullying, harass-
ITF: Maritime Must
Be Safe for Women
The International Transport Workers’
Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, recently weighed in on the maritime
industry’s increased efforts to ensure safe
workplaces.
In early November, the federation issued a statement that read in part: “A
brave female cadet recently published the
horrific experiences of sexual assault she
endured on board a vessel while attending
the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The
incident and response she details brings
shame on the shipping industry and underlines the urgent need for action to elimi-
December 2021
nate violence in the workplace.
“Eliminating violence in the workplace requires action from employers,
employees, and governments, since it is
everyone’s responsibility to ensure the
safety and security of seafarers, including
women seafarers.
“In her online post the cadet revealed
the full horror of the incident that occurred
on board a Maersk Line vessel while she
was serving her year at sea in 2019. Going
public prompted an independent inquiry
from A.P. Møller–Maersk, and investigations by the Maritime Administration of the
ment, discrimination, or assault.
“We know that our members are professionals, and that the overwhelming majority of
U.S. Merchant Mariners are decent folks who
work hard to make a living in a unique industry. We are often in leadership positions aboard
ship. Our personal example and insistence on
the safety and respectful treatment of our shipmates is the essence of leadership. Whatever
the rating, experience, or qualifications, a good
shipmate protects their co-workers and does
not tolerate any forms of abuse.”
During the November SIU membership
meeting in Piney Point, Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez encouraged Seafarers to treat each other with respect
and protect one another like family, whether
aboard ship, at the hiring halls, at the PHC or
elsewhere ashore.
The Sea Year program in particular has gotten the attention of Congress. On Oct. 29, six
members (all Democrats) wrote to Buttigieg
calling for remediation. Signing the letter were
Reps. Peter DeFazio, Adam Smith, Joe Courtney, Maria Cantwell, Jackie Speier, and Salud
Carbajal.
The letter in part said: “We are very con-
U.S. federal Department of Transportation.
“But we cannot leave it there. Policies
need action.”
Lena Dyring, women’s representative
from the ITF Seafarers’ Section, stated,
“Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, but
a reality for many seafarers, both male and
female, regardless of flag or company. We
know that women’s experiences in the shipping industry, ashore and at sea often do
not match the best intentions laid out in
policies. Although many women seafarer
trainees have great support during their
education ashore, including as part of mentoring programs, it is an all-too-common
experience that too many women seafarers
suffer from harassment and bullying. Too
many encounter discrimination in the workplace, and in the worst cases, assault.”
Dyring said everyone in maritime has
a responsibility to change the male-dominated culture and remove obstacles and
barriers faced by women in the industry.
Dyring also revealed that following a recent
cerned with the recent allegations of sexual
assault by a female cadet at the United States
Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) during
her Sea Year experience in 2019. This brave
female cadet not only shared her story on the
terrible circumstance she endured while at sea,
but also detailed alarming statistics regarding
the number of other female cadets within her
class who have also been harassed and assaulted…. In 2016, the Department of Transportation stood down the Sea Year program to
implement changes to better protect students.
But those changes clearly did not work, and we
are concerned that the cadets remain in danger.”
They recommended suspending the Sea
Year program for the current term and added,
“Prior to the resumption of Sea Year, we request the USMMA develop a public written
action plan that includes detailed steps that
will be taken to ensure the safety of cadets at
sea. While we understand the importance of
a timely graduation for USMMA cadets, the
safety of those same cadets should be your top
concern. We stand ready to assist the Department in ensuring a complete educational experience and a timely graduation.”
publication of an ITF statement condemning an assault on a female ITF inspector,
she received a letter from a woman seafarer
that contained a strong message to the industry “that is worth amplifying.”
In the letter, the seafarer argues that “violence is NOT the only reason why the maritime industry cannot retain more women.”
She suggests that it can be more difficult
for women to advance their careers.
Dyring said, “She is absolutely right that
positive contribution of women at sea need
to be celebrated and profiled. Together, we
can make a career at sea safe. We can make
it a secure place for everyone, including
women, so that all seafarers can progress
and achieve their full potential.”
In 2020, women made up 1.28% of the
overall global seafaring workforce.
The ITF will soon be publishing its own
support materials for women seafarers,
and will be specifically including guidance on seafarers’ rights to safe, healthy
and violence-free workplaces.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2022
Port
Traditional Date
January
February
Piney Point
Monday after first Sunday
3
7
Jersey City
Tuesday after first Sunday
4
Philadelphia
Wednesday after first Sunday
Baltimore
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November December
7
4
2
6
5
8
6
3
7
5
8
8
5
3
7
5
9
6
4
8
6
5
9
9
6
4
8
6
10
7
5
9
7
Thursday after first Sunday
6
10
10
7
5
9
7
11
8
6
10
8
Jacksonville
Thursday after first Sunday
6
10
10
7
5
9
7
11
8
6
10
8
San Juan
Thursday after first Sunday
6
10
10
7
5
9
7
11
8
6
10
8
Algonac
Friday after first Sunday
7
11
11
8
6
10
8
12
9
7
14
9
Norfolk
Friday after first Sunday
7
11
11
8
6
10
8
12
9
7
14
9
Houston
Monday after second Sunday
10
14
14
11
9
13
11
15
12
11
14
12
New Orleans
Tuesday after second Sunday
11
15
15
12
10
14
12
16
13
11
15
13
Mobile
Wednesday after second Sunday
12
16
16
13
11
15
13
17
14
12
16
14
Oakland
Thursday after second Sunday
13
17
17
14
12
16
14
18
15
13
17
15
Port Everglades
Thursday after second Sunday
13
17
17
14
12
16
14
18
15
13
17
15
Joliet
Thursday after second Sunday
13
17
17
14
12
16
14
18
15
13
17
15
St. Louis
Friday after second Sunday
14
18
18
15
13
17
15
19
16
14
18
16
Honolulu
Friday after second Sunday
14
18
18
15
13
17
15
19
16
14
18
16
Wilmington
Monday after third Sunday
18
22
21
18
16
21
18
22
19
17
21
19
Guam
Thursday after third Sunday
20
24
24
21
19
23
21
25
22
20
25
22
Tacoma
Friday after third Sunday
21
25
25
22
20
24
22
26
23
21
25
23
* Dates in bold indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional dates because of various holidays. These changes are as follows:
Wilmington change in January created by Martin Luther King Day Observance
Houston change in October created by Columbus Day Observance
Wilmington change in February created by President’s Day Observance
Algonac change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance
Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance
Norfolk change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance
Piney Point change in July created by Independence Day Observance
Guam change in November created by Thanksgiving Observance
Piney Point change in September created by Labor Day Observance
Meetings at all ports start at 10:30 a.m.
2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program
Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers’ Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:
Seafarers Scholarships
Dependents Scholarships
Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:
Five scholarships designated for dependents:
One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or
A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply.
university
Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year
courses of study at a community college or vocational school
To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF).
Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships.
Please send me the 2021 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 (circle one):
Self
Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746
4 Seafarers LOG
12/21
December 2021
�Piracy Incidents Plummet to Lowest Levels Since
1990s, but Violence Against Seafarers Continues
The International Chamber of Commerce’s
(ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB)
recently released their “Piracy and Armed
Robbery Against Ships” report for the period
Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2021. According to the latest
IMB statistics, reported incidents are down
to their lowest level in decades, but violence
against seafarers has continued, with 51 crew
kidnapped, eight taken hostage, five threatened, three injured, two assaulted and one
killed during the period.
According to the report summary, “IMB’s
latest global piracy report recorded 97 incidents of piracy and armed robbery for the first
nine months of 2021 – the lowest level of reported incidents since 1994. In 2021, IMB’s
Piracy Reporting Centre reported 85 vessels
boarded, nine attempted attacks, two vessels
fired upon and one vessel hijacked.”
The Gulf of Guinea region saw 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first
nine months of 2021, in comparison to 46 for
the same period in 2020. Additionally, Nigeria only reported four incidents during the first
nine months of 2021, compared to 17 in 2020
and 41 in 2018.
“We welcome the decrease of piracy and
armed robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea
and the efforts taken by maritime authorities
in the region,” said Michael Howlett, director,
ICC International Maritime Bureau. “However, there needs to be sustained efforts to ensure the continued safety of seafarers as they
transport essential goods throughout the re-
gion. Coastal States must redouble their coordination and security measures to ensure that
piracy and armed robbery incidents continue
to decline.”
There are still pockets of increased activity, as stated in the report: “The Singapore
Straits reported 20 incidents of armed robbery
– the highest number recorded since 1991.
Reported incidents in the Singapore Straits
are up from 15 in 2020 and just one incident
in 2019. These attacks are low-level and opportunistic in nature, but IMB warns that the
perpetrators pose a direct threat to seafarers
and vessels underway. In four incidents, crew
were either threatened, assaulted, or injured.
“The Callao Anchorage in Peru is another
area that has witnessed an increase of piracy
activity with 15 reported incidents in 2021 –
the highest number since 1991. As with the
Singapore Straits, these incidents are lowlevel thefts with knives being reported in 60
percent of the incidents. Attackers in the region possess the capacity to carry out violent
attacks with three crew taken hostage and a
further one each assaulted or threatened during the first nine months of 2021,” the report
continued.
Launched in 1991, the IMB Piracy Reporting Center is a 24-hour manned facility
that provides the maritime industry, governments and response agencies with timely and
transparent data on armed robbery incidents
received directly from the master or owner of
vessels.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Know Signs of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most
common disease in the United States. It is also
known as ischemic heart disease.
Many individuals may experience the first sign
that they have this condition by being diagnosed
with chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Symptoms may include heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, a sudden onset of sweating, general
weakness, and pain with activity.
CAD is caused by the buildup of plaque in the
interior walls of the coronary arteries that supply
blood to the heart. This plaque is made from the
deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the
artery. Over time, plaque buildup will cause the
inside of the arteries to narrow, which can partially
or totally block the flow of blood. This is known
as atherosclerosis.
The risk factors for CAD are as follows: physical inactivity, being overweight, age, unhealthy
eating habits, smoking tobacco products, and a
family history of heart disease (genetics).
Visiting your doctor and having routine testing
like echocardiograms, stress tests, and lab work
will help to detect problems early that can save
your life.
People can stay “heart healthy” by eating low-
fat diets that include ample fruits and vegetables,
drinking lots of water, limiting alcohol intake,
exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes, keeping doctor appointments, taking your
medications as instructed, limiting stress, and not
smoking.
The Mayo Clinic advises: “If you think you’re
having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your
local emergency number. If you don’t have access
to emergency medical services, have someone
drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself
only as a last option. If you have risk factors for
coronary artery disease – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, a strong family history of heart disease – talk
to your doctor. Your doctor may want to test you
for coronary artery disease, especially if you have
signs or symptoms of narrowed arteries.”
Adds the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, “Symptoms of coronary heart disease
may be different from person to person even if
they have the same type of coronary heart disease.
However, because many people have no symptoms, they do not know they have coronary heart
disease until they have chest pain, a heart attack,
or sudden cardiac arrest.”
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 nonmembers 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
December 2021
Healthy Recipe
German Paprika Roasted Hens (Servings: 25)
Ingredients
10 pounds Cornish game hens, split in half
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper, ground
¼ cup smart balance
1⅓ tablespoon fresh garlic, minced fine
1 pint onion, finely chopped
1 quart roasted red pepper, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1⅛ pints tomato sauce
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
½ cup paprika, sweet
1⅓ tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
1⅓ tablespoons chicken base
2⅔ tablespoons cornstarch, mix with cold
water
½ cup cold water
⅔ cup sour cream, light
Preparation
Wash & dry the chicken. Season with salt
and pepper, brown each side of the hens;
on a med.-high temp. flat top grill. Place in
2” hotel pans. Bake in a 325-degree oven
for 30-40 minutes until internal temp of
165 degrees F is reached. To make sauce:
In a steam jacketed kettle or stock pot,
saute the onion and roasted peppers with
the smart balance over med-high heat for
about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce,
parsley, chicken base, paprika, granulated
garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for
3 minutes longer. Thicken the sauce with
the cornstarch slurry. Add the sour cream,
blend well. Add the finished sauce to the
pans of chicken evenly. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information: Per Serving
(excluding unknown items): 251 Calories; 16g Fat (57.6% calories from fat);
20g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary
Fiber; 112mg Cholesterol; 442mg Sodium. Exchanges: O Grain (Starch); 2½
Lean Meat; ½ Vegetable; 1½ Fat; 0 Other
Carbohydrates.
(Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)
Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agrements
Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act
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 arrangements, 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 2020 calendar
year, the fee cost associated with this representa-
tion amounts to 79.73 percent of the dues amount.
This means that the agency fee based upon the dues
would be $398.65 (three hundred ninety-eight dollars and sixty-five cents) for the applicable year.
An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for
working dues.
This amount applies to the 2022 calendar year.
This means that any individual who wishes to elect
to pay agency fees and submits a letter between
December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022 will
have this calculation applied to their 2022 dues
payments which may still be owed to the union. As
noted below, however, to continue to receive the
agency fee reduction effective January 2023, your
objection must be received by December 1, 2022.
A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable 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 2020.
Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable 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,
David Heindel
Secretary-Treasurer
Seafarers LOG 5
�U.S. Representative Luria Thanks U.S. Mariners,
American-Flag Fleet During Remarks to Congress
Congresswoman Solicits Support for Workers, Industry
U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia)
praised the work of American mariners
and the U.S.-flag fleet while calling
upon Congress to continue its support for
these workers and the industry.
Luria, a graduate of the U.S. Naval
Academy who served in the Navy for 20
years before being elected to the House
of Representatives in 2018, made her
statement on the House floor Oct. 25.
“The United States needs a robust U.S.-flag maritime industry and a
trained and qualified mariner workforce
to support our surge sealift capabilities
SAB Action Makes
Official What’s
Already Occurring
A new action by the Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) means
a formal return to business as
usual when it comes to the Shipping Rules.
Prior SAB actions temporarily
amended the Shipping Rules in
order to help meet manpower obligations during peak stretches of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Those
actions (numbers 480 and 481,
respectively) are rescinded as of
Nov. 15, 2021.
“The new SAB (Action Number 486) makes official what has
already been happening,” said
SIU Vice President Contracts
George Tricker. “The hiring halls
long ago returned to normal business hours. Thanks to vaccinations and other safety measures,
registration and other shippingrelated procedures which periodically and temporarily were
done by phone or email are now
back to being handled in-person,
as prescribed by the Shipping
Rules.”
The full text of SAB Action
486 follows:
WHEREAS, Article IX entitled Shipping Rules, Sections 7.
and 9. grant the sole and exclusive authority to administer and/
or amend the shipping rules to
the Seafarers Appeals Board.
in responding to the crises and military operations around the world when
called upon,” the congresswoman said.
“Further, the U.S.-flag fleet routinely
responds to disasters and emergencies,
moves critical government and military cargo around the world, and carries
American farm products in support of
U.S. international development programs
to help developing countries in need.”
The member of both the House Armed
Services and Homeland Security committees called for continuing support for
the Maritime Security Program, which
provides funds for militarily useful U.S.flag commercial vessels and crews available to the armed forces in the event of
war or national emergencies.
“The shipping industry is facing unprecedented challenges today, but one
thing we know all too well is that a
strong commercial maritime capability enhances our national security,” she
added.
She wrapped up her address by thanking
“the U.S.-flag fleet and the U.S. Merchant Mariners who work every day to
support our military and our nation.”
U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria
(D-Virginia)
Retired Patrolman Sheehan Passes Away at 76
John James “Jack” Sheehan Jr. served
the SIU membership for nearly half a century before retiring in 2011, building a
well-earned sterling reputation along the
way.
Sheehan passed away Oct. 29 in New
York, reportedly after stroke-related complications. He was 76 and a month shy of
his birthday.
The New York City native wore many
hats with the SIU, most recently that of
a patrolman and safety director based in
Brooklyn, New York. He was hired in 1964
as a claims supervisor in his native city. In
1980, he transferred to the manpower office, also in the New York hall. Two years
later, he served as a representative for the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (then
named the Seafarers Welfare Plan).
He became a union representative in
1985. In 1991, Sheehan was called upon
to serve as the SIU safety director in New
York, a position he filled for nearly 17
years.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez worked with Sheehan for decades,
and gave the eulogy at his funeral service
in Staten Island, New York. Tellez described him as dedicated, likeable and full
of integrity.
“Jack was one of the good guys,” Tellez
said. “I met him in 1978 and he was part of
the manpower crew with Frank Pecquex,
Bobby Selzer and Lou Delma. He was a
dear friend and union brother. It was truly
an honor and privilege to deliver the eulogy, and I hope Jack’s family eventually
feels the heartfelt joy their fond memories
of him will bring.”
SIU Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi said, “I have known Jack all
Sheehan (center) celebrates the 2014 ceremonial opening of the Jersey City, New Jersey, hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and retired Paul Hall Center VP Don
Nolan.
my working career and I’ve never met a
more dedicated individual to this membership. He respected the rank-and-file members and he cared deeply about the SIU.”
Retired SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt said she “worked
with Jack for many years in Brooklyn.
Jack was a real gentleman and a real pro.
One thing that always stood out to me is,
the members really respected him and
liked him. Nobody ever said a bad word
about him. He treated everybody in a professional manner. He was just a great guy
to work with.”
When he retired and was asked to reflect on his career, Sheehan replied, “It
was my pleasure to work at the SIU and
with the membership. Through the years I
met some really great people. I will miss
all of them.”
WHEREAS, by prior action
the Seafarers Appeals Board has
amended the Shipping Rules to
secure and maintain an adequate
supply of qualified and trained
personnel aboard various U.S.flagged vessels, in particularly
Actions #480 and #481 in which
Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5 where
suspended due to Coronavirus
Pandemic restraints; and
WHEREAS, with the implementation of vaccinations,
precautionary measures and protocols in place, the need for Actions #480 and #481 no longer
exists.
NOW THEREFORE, with
the aforementioned in mind, the
Seafarers Appeals Board hereby
rescinds the conditions of SAB
#480 and #481, effective November 15, 2021.
Sheehan (left) chats with OMU Rafael Duran aboard the Sea-Land Challenger in 1993 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
6 Seafarers LOG
December 2021
�AMP: Domestic Industry Delivers
Maritime Groups Respond to Supply-Chain Questions
Two SIU-affiliated groups recently told
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg that the American maritime industry
is providing certainty to American customers and consumers, undeterred by supply
chain disruptions and congestion impacting global shipping and major international
U.S. ports, particularly on the West Coast.
Both the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) and USA Maritime were
responding to government requests for
comments, issued in late September and
mid-October, respectively.
AMP underscored the continued reliability of America’s domestic maritime
services despite the current supply chain
crisis.
“While the supply chain issues pertaining to our import-export trades persist, the
men and women of America’s domestic
maritime industry will continue to do our
part to deliver for Americans,” said AMP
President Mike Roberts. “The current supply chain problems highlight once again
the importance of maintaining a highly
resilient and dedicated American supply
chain for serving customers in our domestic markets.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
and foreign shipping supply chain crisis,
American maritime has provided steady
and reliable transportation service for
Americans across the United States, in-
cluding the non-contiguous areas of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. When the
COVID-19 pandemic began, more than
500 trans-Pacific sailings were cancelled,
or “blanked” by international carriers. On
the other hand, few if any domestic voyages have been blanked by any Jones Act
carrier during the same time period. The
ability to continue this uninterrupted service during a crisis is due in part to the
Jones Act, the fundamental law of the
maritime industry.
The USA Maritime comments were issued “to shed light on the critical need to
protect, preserve, and grow our maritime
workforce, specifically our mariners, for
all Department of Defense cargo needs,”
the coalition said in a statement issued by
its chairman, C. James Patti.
After reviewing a national security directive that spells out the ongoing need for
strong sealift capability, Patti quoted several prominent U.S. military leaders past
and present who have urgent called for
maritime industry revitalization.
He continued, “Without the capability
provided by the U.S.-flag international
fleet and its civilian American mariner
workforce, the Department of Defense
would be forced to either dedicate its resources to replicate, at significant cost to
the American taxpayer, the commercial
sealift readiness capability provided by our
industry or to entrust the security of our
nation and the safety and supply of American troops to foreign flag-of-convenience
vessels crewed by foreign nationals who
may not support U.S. defense operations.
To do so would be to 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.”
He described a “dangerous decline in
the American maritime manpower pool
(that) must be reversed as we critically
re-examine our national security supply
chain. The Administration must focus on
ways to stop the further loss of U.S.-flag
vessels and the resultant outsourcing of
American maritime jobs, and actively
work to increase the number of vessels
operating under the U.S. flag in order to
create and support more maritime job opportunities for Americans. It is imperative to ensure that our country has the
U.S.-flag commercial sealift capability
and trained American mariners needed
to support the Department of Defense
throughout its supply chain. To this end,
the Administration should invest in the
U.S.-flag merchant marine as a critical
component of our nation’s national security supply chain.”
The USA Maritime statement then
spells out the value of laws and programs
Report Shows Strong Union Presence
In America’s Renewable Energy Sector
A new report “illustrates how America’s
biofuel industry is growing union jobs and
helping to rebuild the middle class,” according to backers in the renewable energy sector.
In a joint statement from the Advanced
Biofuels Business Council, Growth Energy,
the National Biodiesel Board, and the Renewable Fuels Association, trade association leaders noted in early November that the report
– titled “Union Jobs in Ethanol & Biodiesel
Industries: An American Success Story”
– “underscores the truth behind President
Biden’s declaration that ‘doubling down on
these liquid fuels of the future will not only
make value-added agriculture a key part of
the solution to climate change — reducing
emissions in planes, ships, and other forms of
transportation — but will also create quality
jobs across rural America.’”
The report was authored by veterans of the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. General
Services Administration, and KPMG International (the world’s third-largest accounting
firm). They found that biofuel production supports more than 30,000 union jobs, primarily
in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation
and utilities, construction, and professional
and business services. These include jobs
filled by members of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers, Laborers’ International
Union of North America, International Union
of Operating Engineers, North America’s
Building Trades Unions, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers
International Union, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and many other labor
organizations across 20 states.
“Working people are front and center as we
tackle climate change,” said Daniel Duncan,
Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime
Trades Department (MTD), AFL-CIO. “It is
now clear that union members are not just on
the production side of the American biofuel
industry, but also build, operate, and maintain
the infrastructure that keeps homegrown fuels
like ethanol and biodiesel flowing. This sector
is an important source of strength for union
jobs, especially when it comes to growth in
agricultural regions of the nation. We’re proud
to be part of a supply chain that delivers for
middle-class families.”
December 2021
“Union labor has helped make America the
world’s largest producer and exporter of biofuels,” said a spokesperson for the Seafarers
International Union. “We should play to our
strengths as we decarbonize energy production, and growing the U.S. biofuels industry
means good-paying, green jobs for union
members.”
Indeed, the report concludes, “The U.S.
biofuel industry supports union jobs in construction and manufacturing, but as importantly relies on sectors with high union
densities to store and transport its products.
A key takeaway is that continued support for
the ethanol and biodiesel industries will have
a positive causal effect on union jobs and is a
pathway to an increase in union membership.
Ethanol and biodiesel industries are also helping to mitigate against a downward trend in
U.S. union density rates.”
Another section in the report touches on
why increased union membership is beneficial
for the country.
“The benefits of unions have long been
studied and understood,” the report notes.
“There is extensive literature linking union
membership to higher wages and greater
equality. Unions also increase the likelihood
that workers will receive various forms of
non-cash benefits, like health insurance and
retirement plans, and reduce wage disparity.
Unionized workers are significantly more
satisfied with their jobs than their nonunionized counterparts in the post-Great Recession
period. Unions also protect their members,
and others working alongside their members,
against dismissals and discipline without good
cause, and ensure workers will have a voice
in their workplaces, with a result that union
members tend to have longer job tenures than
non-union workers.”
Those benefits provided by unions “help to
define what it is to be a member of the middle
class in our country,” the report adds. “For
this reason, supporters of the American union
movement, and those committed to restoring
the American middle class, should welcome
the growth of industries that employ a sizable
number of unionized workers, particularly in
industries that have declined over the last few
decades.”
including cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program.
“In addition, to further halt and reverse
the downward trend in the number of vessels operating under the U.S.-flag and the
outsourcing of American maritime jobs
we urge the Administration to consider
strong, positive and innovative actions to
develop and implement meaningful 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,” Patti wrote.
“To protect our nation’s supply chain,
such initiatives should include the utilization of Federal tax law to incentivize
shippers to utilize U.S.-flag vessels for
a greater portion of commercial cargoes;
tax and economic policies that encourage
rather than discourage investment in the
U.S.-flag shipping industry; the negotiation of bilateral shipping and cargo sharing
agreements with our trading partners; and
policies that include a greater reliance on
U.S.-flag vessels as a means to achieve energy efficiency and a cleaner environment.
In so doing, we can better guarantee that
the United States will have the U.S.-flag
ships and American mariners it needs to
provide the assured logistics the Department of Defense requires.”
Aboard the Great Republic
SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo above) is pictured with Conveyorman Ali Musa and Recertified Bosun Amin Quraish aboard the Great
Republic in mid-October in River Rouge, Michigan. In the photo below,
deck-gang members tie up.
Seafarers LOG 7
�GETTING OUT THE VOTE – Houston-area Seafarers turn out for a block walk in support of Elizabeth Santos, who is
headed for a runoff election as a trustee of the Houston Independent School District. Pictured from left are GUDE Kevin
Cruz, Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas, GUDE Alpha Minko, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, another local volunteer, and GUDE
Oscar Amaya-Sanchez.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
FULL BOOK IN FORT LAUDERDALE – GVA Sam Pinnock (left) receives his full book at the hall. He’s pictured
with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins.
ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – These snapshots are from an Oct. 15 servicing of the TOTE Services ship in Jacksonville, Florida.
The group photo at left includes (from left) SA Jamika Thomas, Chief Cook Fernando Marques Ortiz, SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo
and Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz. Wearing the medal in the other photo is ABG Luis Ramos Rosa, with SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson. Luis placed third in a “virtual 5k” that’s part of a military birthday series (more info here: https://tinyurl.com/24mcvr74).
WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime members recently called it a career. In photo at left, Crescent Towing Capt. Kerry Wright (left, with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook) picks up his first pension check. He is a second-generation
Seafarer who sailed both deep sea and inland, beginning in 1984. Crescent Towing senior Engineer David Findley is in the
middle in the photo at right, also receiving his first pension check. He sailed with Crescent for 39 years and was a longtime
delegate. Kevin McDermott (right) (wheelman/deckhand delegate) worked with Findley on the same crew for the last 25
years and was on hand to congratulate him (and maybe razz him a little, too). Westbrook is at left.
8 Seafarers LOG
A-BOOK IN JOLIET – AB Ramir Maldepena
displays his newly acquired A-book at the
hall in early October.
ABOARD CAPE HUDSON – SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday
(right) and Recertified Steward Joe Gallo are pictured
aboard the Matson-operated vessel in San Francisco.
December 2021
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
BOOKS AND REMEMBRANCE IN
JACKSONVILLE – In photo at immediate right, pictured from left (facing camera) are AB Rahsean Lillard, SA Lawanda
Parker and Chief Storekeeper Donita
Dowdell, receiving their full B-books at the
September membership meeting. In the
other photo, members are sworn in during
the October meeting, which also included
a tribute to the final crew of the El Faro.
SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. Taking the oath are (from left)
ABM Kenneth Hardy, AB Javaris Wright,
GVA James Stanford, Chief Cook Cynora
Hunter, Chief Cook Jumaane Allen and
AB Tristan Johnson. Hardy, Hunter and
Johnson received their respective Abooks.
WITH SIU MEMBERS IN MARYLAND – SIU Port Agent
Mario Torrey (center in photo above) meets with Seafarers Sam McClelland (left) and Kevin Kuhne at the
Maryland Pilots Transfer Station at Solomons Island. In
photo below, FOWT Marco Baez Millan (left) receives
his full B-book. He’s pictured in Piney Point, Maryland,
with Torrey.
B-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – STOS John Paul Yap (right) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Safety
Director Gordon Godel.
PROMOTING SIU, MARITIME – From left: Recertified
Bosun Lionel Rivas, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and AB
Anwar Martinez are pictured Oct. 20 at maritime career fair
in La Porte, Texas.
December 2021
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Obaid Ali (left), who
sailed with the union from 1979 until September of this year, picks
up his first pension check at the hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp
is at right.
DEDICATED AND CREATIVE READER
– Recertified Bosun William Yurick shared
these snapshots of his son, Jamie, “reading
the LOG and then using it as a hat.” (Editor’s
note: We take no offense to using the LOG
for creative individual purposes – once readers have at least checked to see who retired
and who crossed the bar, of course.)
B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – OMU Robert Thomas (left) receives his full
B-book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
Seafarers LOG 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, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $300,647,795 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $239,118,635
as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an
increase in its net assets of $61,529,160. 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 $150,056,069.
This income included employer contributions of $126,536,677, employee contributions of $504,000, realized gains of $374,878 from the
sale of assets, earnings from investments of $21,212,545 and other income of $1,427,969. Plan expenses were $88,526,909. These expenses
included $13,362,500 in administrative expenses and $75,164,409 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:
An accountant’s report.
Financial information and information on payments to service
providers.
Assets held for investment; and
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 $12 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
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, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $9,873,587. These expenses included $1,149,262 in administrative expenses and $8,724,325
in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,700 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
$158,781,538 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $143,294,725 as of
January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase
in its net assets of $15,486,813. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference
between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value
of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired
during the year. The plan had total income of $25,360,400, including employer contributions of $9,953,970, employee contributions of $117,214,
gains of $920,787 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of
$14,365,924 and other income of $2,505.
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:
An accountant’s report.
Financial information and information on payments to service
providers.
Assets held for investment.
Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets.
Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and
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 $8.00 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.
OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022)
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, 2020 to December 31, 2020. 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 $32,348,901 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $28,942,105
as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an
increase in its net assets of $3,406,796. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that
is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end
of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year,
or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total
income of $77,288,729. This income included employer contributions of $74,272,675, realized losses of ($56,144) from the sale of
assets, earnings from investments of $2,825,099 and other income of
$247,099. Plan expenses were $73,881,933. These expenses included
$6,346,000 in administrative expenses and $67,535,933 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:
An accountant’s report.
Financial information and information on payments to service
providers.
Assets held for investment; and
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 $12.75 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
10 Seafarers LOG
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.
OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022)
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.
OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022)
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, 2020
to December 31, 2020. 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 $4,905,314.
These expenses included $76,670 in administrative expenses,
$4,760,850 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and
$67,794 in other expenses. A total of 15,502 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 $54,083,520 as of December 31, 2020 compared to
$46,556,626 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan
experienced an increase in its net assets of $7,526,894. This Increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value
of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s
assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The
plan had total income of $12,432,208, including employee contributions of $6,211,250, other contributions of $420,507, earnings
from investments of $5,737,408 and other income of $63,043.
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:
An accountant’s report.
Financial Information and information on payments to service providers.
Assets held for investment.
Insurance information including sales commissions paid by
insurance carriers.
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., 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.
OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022)
December 2021
�Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under
The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act
Notice/Reminders About
SIU Text Message Alerts
The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those
texts contain information relevant to members’ careers,
including important news about the SIU, its contracted
companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may
include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins.
The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may
be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on
an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their
provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at
any time, simply by texting the word STOP to 97779.
To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that
you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell
phone service plan that you have with your provider. You
are providing your cell phone number and your consent to
use it for these purposes with the understanding that your
cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else
without your express consent and that this service will not
at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office.
The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to
union members and imposes certain responsibilities
on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management
Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights,
may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court.
Union Member Rights
Bill of Rights - Union members have:
Equal rights to participate in union activities
Freedom of speech and assembly
Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments
Protection of the right to sue
Safeguards against improper discipline
Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements:
Union members and nonunion employees have the
right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements.
Reports: Unions are required to file an initial
information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report
(Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the
reports available to members and permit members to
examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available
from OLMS.
Officer Elections: Union members have the right to:
Nominate candidates for office
Run for office
Cast a secret ballot
Protest the conduct of an election
Officer Removal: Local union members have the
right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an
elected officer guilty of serious misconduct.
Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in
the LMRDA.
Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union
or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA
right.
Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use
or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with
a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights.
Union Officer Responsibilities
Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty
to manage the funds and property of the union solely
for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws.
Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal
union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime
punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.
Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle
union funds or property must be bonded to provide
protection against losses if their union has property
and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000.
Labor Organization Reports: Union officers
must:
File an initial information report (Form LM-1)
and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with
OLMS.
Retain the records necessary to verify the reports
for at least five years.
Officer Reports: Union officers and employees
must file reports concerning any loans and benefits
received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and
businesses that deal with their unions.
Officer Elections: Unions must:
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 401531 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
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
December 2021
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 11
�The brand new Media Center, which replaced the Library that previously occupied the same space.
A replica of the American
rial’s statue
PHC Unveils State-of-the-Art Media
Another campus improvement has come to the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, and it’s a big one: the
state-of-the-art Media Center.
Standing on the site of the old library building, the new multi-function facility contains multiple modern classrooms, high-tech meeting
rooms and a brand-new computer lounge. Furthermore, the entire building is equipped with the fastest high-speed Internet available on campus, making it a draw for students looking to complete their classwork
or catch up with friends and family.
Acting PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski stated, “With this renovation, the Media Center now becomes the focal point of the campus.
It represents a huge investment from the union and trustees, and sets us
up for the next 20 years in terms of space. The work was done as part of
the overall vision for the school: to bring us into the 21st Century with
unfettered Wi-Fi and countless technological advancements that serve
to move the school in line with what’s happening in colleges and technical schools across the country.”
The meeting spaces are equipped with a full suite of wireless microphones, allowing anyone in the room to be heard with the push of a button. The classrooms are outfitted with cutting-edge projection systems
which allow instructors to use the projectors as electronic whiteboards
without the use of an external computer, through the use of digital
“markers.”
PHC Assistant Director of Training Wayne Johnson Jr. said, “The
technology in the Media Center takes our school to the next level. One
example being in the classroom, our interactive Epson Projector’s allow
for instructor-controlled digital whiteboards utilizing a built-in camera
system, while simultaneously projecting a lesson, also interactive, to
students. The whiteboard notes from each lesson can be shared digitally
with everyone attending, as well as any notes or updates made by the
instructor during the lesson. This creates a seamless experience from
classroom time to study time for our students.”
Johnson Jr. continued, “Students have options. If they prefer working on PCs, we have them. If they prefer working with Macs, we have
those. A dedicated quiet room is on s
quiet environment if they prefer. Stu
out’ devices provided by the school
in their hotel rooms, or around camp
In addition, the building has a mu
years past, because it utilizes energy
a more efficient, modern HVAC syst
“The Media Center has greatly en
vided by the instructors,” said PHC
Szepesi. “The improved technology
delivery of instruction. This allows t
dustry in education.”
“It’s a very nice place to come an
Abraham Allamot. “You’ve got all
lounging areas, it’s well-lit and the I
SIU
Guests attend a meeting within one of the new meeting spaces
12 Seafarers LOG
December 2021
�In photo above, students study hard within the new study area. Trainees (photo below) take advantage of the latest computer hardware and fastest Internet
speeds on campus.
chant Marine Veterans Memo-
Center
allow students to work in a
also have the ability to ‘check
prefer to work on homework
aller carbon footprint than in
ent LED lighting fixtures and
d the quality of training proulum Coordinator Monica
es an interactive and dynamic
U to continue to lead the in-
g out,” said Chief Cook
computers out here, some
t is a lot better. The computContinued on Page 14
ent Michael Sacco (left) addresses a class of Recertified Bosuns inside one of the new classrooms.
December 2021
Seafarers LOG 13
�Posters and memorabilia from World War II adorn the walls and serve as the focal point of the main hall.
Facility Boasts Modern Amenities, Still Honors Past
Continued from Page 13
ers in the computer lab are fast, and the World War II memorial
looks beautiful in the center of the room.”
Chief Cook Richetta Jackson remarked, “I like everything
about it. The way they changed it is very nice, the computer lab
is very nice and well-lit, the computers are very good.… It’s
quiet and peaceful, too.”
While the facility is undoubtedly modern, careful attention
has been paid to honoring the past. Countless artifacts from
throughout the history of the union and the school line the walls
and adorn the meeting rooms, preserving the rich maritime history. In addition, a touchscreen pedestal computer is centrally
located within the Media Center, containing a wealth of information on the history of the industry and the SIU.
Serving as a focal point of the Media Center is a collection of
merchant mariner posters from World War II, as well as a miniature version of a sculpture created by Wilmington, California,
sculptor Jasper D’Ambrosi. The original statue, which depicts
two merchant mariners climbing a Jacob’s ladder after making a
rescue at sea, is part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans
Memorial in San Pedro, California.
“I’m very impressed with the new media center,” said Chief
Cook Virnabeth Cano. “It’s very spacious, quiet, very conducive to study and I love the place. I was very impressed, it’s a
big difference from what it was before.”
“Everything in the media center is excellent and updated,”
said Storekeeper Randy Corey. “The people over there are very
nice, and it’s actually just a beautiful sight to see. It’s money
well spent, and it’s being used to help us [the members] grow.”
Trainees brush up on thier studies at the Paul Hall Center
14 Seafarers LOG
Part of the WWII exhibit within the Media Center.
Culinary students taking a break in the lounge area.
December 2021
�Luedtke Pact Ratified
A new, six-year agreement between the SIU and Luedtke Engineering Company recently was negotiated and unanimously ratified.
The pact features annual wage increases for its first three years,
followed by a wage and benefit reopener for the period April 1, 2024
through March 31, 2027. It also maintains benefits, boosts the board
provision and creates a daily financial supplement for when employees are required to live aboard a tug.
The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak, and Port Agent Chad
Partridge.
Brdak stated, “Both the company and the union worked hard
throughout the negotiating process and reached an agreement that
is both fair and equitable for the SIU membership as well as for Luedtke Engineering Company. The SIU looks forward to continuing
the good working relationship with Luedtke and representing the
SIU membership working for Luedtke.”
Luedtke operates a fleet of tugs and dredges performing marine
construction services on the Great Lakes.
Watco Contract Approved
SIU members employed by Watco Transloading, LLC
(some of whom are pictured above and below) recently
ratified a five-year contract featuring wage gains, additional holidays and other improvements. Voting took
place Nov. 10; members approved the agreement,
which also maintains health and pension benefits, by
an overwhelming majority. SIU Patrolman James Bast
(standing at far right in photo below) credited delegates
Andres Rivera and Lawrence Rizzo for their outstanding
work during negotiations. Watco Seafarers are based in
Brooklyn, New York, and Elizabeth, New Jersey.
December & January 2022
Membership Meetings
Piney Point...........................Monday: December 6, January 3
Algonac...............................Friday: December 10, January 7
Baltimore......................Thursday: December 9, January 6
Guam..........................Thursday: December 23, January 20
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Oct. 13 - Nov. 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Nov. 14.
Total Registered
Port
A
Total Shipped
B
All Groups
C
A
Registered on Beach
B
All Groups
C
Trip
Reliefs
A
All Groups
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
20
1
2
19
4
5
9
38
30
28
4
8
19
4
4
2
6
19
2
19
253
5
2
3
7
0
8
2
19
31
5
3
2
15
2
3
2
4
9
3
10
135
2
0
2
1
0
0
0
7
7
0
1
4
7
3
0
1
0
3
0
2
40
Deck Department
6
3
1
0
2
0
1
2
2
18
3
4
4
1
0
10
4
0
7
1
0
30
10
5
23
25
5
19
8
3
3
2
1
6
1
2
18
9
5
12
2
0
2
0
0
3
1
1
3
3
0
16
7
1
2
3
0
26
11
1
209
98
31
3
0
2
11
0
4
2
20
26
16
2
1
12
4
0
2
0
10
3
8
126
27
5
2
34
6
11
12
71
54
51
3
17
30
21
6
1
8
37
1
32
429
11
2
6
18
0
12
6
36
48
13
4
6
23
4
3
5
6
15
3
13
234
2
1
0
5
0
2
0
10
9
4
2
2
8
3
1
0
0
3
0
5
57
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
1
4
9
1
4
3
7
19
15
1
2
17
3
1
2
4
11
0
12
118
1
0
3
5
0
3
3
11
17
7
0
4
11
4
0
1
3
6
0
6
85
1
0
1
2
0
0
1
2
1
0
1
1
5
1
0
0
0
2
2
2
22
Engine Department
4
1
1
0
0
0
2
3
1
8
4
0
1
0
0
3
0
0
3
5
1
7
9
2
15
14
1
13
5
2
1
0
0
2
1
1
8
11
4
3
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
6
5
0
4
2
3
0
0
1
13
4
2
95
66
19
4
0
1
5
0
0
3
5
9
7
1
1
6
1
0
2
6
3
0
8
62
2
1
4
10
1
4
9
13
23
18
2
4
20
7
4
1
7
23
1
17
171
0
1
2
10
0
3
3
15
27
9
0
8
18
8
1
2
6
11
0
12
136
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
1
2
1
0
0
6
2
0
0
0
5
1
2
24
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
0
1
13
2
3
6
15
18
6
1
2
12
5
4
4
2
5
1
11
115
0
3
0
8
2
1
2
8
12
8
0
3
17
6
0
8
7
4
1
7
97
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
1
4
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
15
Steward Department
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
5
6
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
2
1
0
12
6
2
10
11
2
10
4
0
1
0
0
0
5
0
9
10
1
6
7
0
1
0
0
2
3
2
1
4
0
6
2
0
2
1
0
8
3
0
79
65
9
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
9
7
2
0
2
4
4
0
2
3
4
0
8
49
7
0
0
17
2
6
9
23
31
12
1
5
22
17
3
4
3
10
0
25
197
2
1
0
10
2
0
2
8
15
5
0
7
16
10
0
8
6
4
0
18
114
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
1
4
2
0
0
1
2
0
1
18
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
12
5
3
0
6
2
1
3
10
23
9
0
1
15
7
1
0
0
10
1
12
109
3
1
2
6
1
2
5
15
55
17
0
1
25
1
0
15
3
6
1
4
163
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
6
Entry Depatment
3
3
2
0
0
2
2
3
1
1
1
0
2
0
10
9
14
29
9
6
0
1
0
0
10
17
6
2
1
1
0
18
0
1
6
2
1
1
8
3
76
99
2
2
1
1
0
0
1
3
9
0
1
0
5
1
0
4
1
2
0
1
34
1
0
0
0
0
2
2
4
4
1
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
9
0
4
31
14
1
1
8
1
2
2
15
33
25
0
1
28
20
0
1
0
16
1
20
189
11
1
1
5
2
2
10
17
84
20
1
1
29
3
1
6
8
13
0
9
224
426
240
389
271
828
673
323
Honolulu..............................Friday: December 17, January 14
Houston................................Monday:December 13, January 10
Jacksonville.....................Thursday: December 9, January 6
Joliet.................................Thursday: December 16, January 13
Mobile...........................Wednesday: December 15, January 12
New Orleans......................Tuesday: December 14, January 11
Jersey City............................Tuesday: December 7, January 4
Norfolk............................Friday: December 10, January 7
Oakland...........................Thursday: December 16, January 13
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: December 8, January 5
Port Everglades...............Thursday: December 16, January13
San Juan..............................Thursday: December 9, January 6
St. Louis.........................Friday: December 17, January14
Tacoma...............*Monday: December 27, Friday, January 21
Wilmington........................................December 20, January 18
* Tacoma change in December due to Christmas Observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
December 2021
GRAND TOTAL:498
305
158
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
OBAID ALI
Brother Obaid Ali, 72, started
his career with the union in 1978
when he
shipped on the
Santa Mariana.
He primarily
sailed in the
deck department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Ali most
recently sailed on the Cape Island.
He makes his home in Seattle.
JOHN ANDERSON
Brother John Anderson, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1981, initially sailing aboard the
Overseas New York. He upgraded
at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the
engine department. Brother Anderson’s final vessel was the OMI
Star. He is a resident of Crestview,
Florida.
RONALD AUBUCHON
Brother Ronald Aubuchon, 65,
began sailing with the SIU in
1981. A steward department member,
he first sailed
aboard the
Manhattan. Brother
Aubuchon
upgraded
often at the
Paul Hall Center and last sailed
on the Taurus. He lives in Elsberry, Missouri.
RALPH BROADWAY
Brother Ralph Broadway, 67,
signed on with the SIU in 1973,
first sailing
aboard the
Overseas Rose.
He shipped
in the deck
department
and upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school
on multiple occasions. Brother
Broadway most recently sailed on
the Atlantic Guardian. He resides
in Baltimore.
EUGENE BROWN
Brother Eugene Brown, 65,
became a
member of the
Seafarers International Union
in 1978 when
he worked for
G&H Towing.
He sailed in
the deck department and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Brown’s last vessel was the
Gemini. He resides in Jefferson,
Louisiana.
16 Seafarers LOG
MICHAEL CARVALHO
Brother Michael Carvalho, 55,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 2000, initially sailing
with Crowley
Towing and
Transportation.
He was a member of the deck
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on multiple
occasions. Brother Carvalho most
recently shipped on the Grand
Canyon State and calls Woodland,
Washington, home.
ROBERT COUVILLON
Brother Robert Couvillon,72,
joined the SIU in 1992 when he
sailed on the
Independence.
He primarily
sailed in the
deck department and upgraded often at
the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Couvillon
most recently shipped on the Cape
Intrepid and makes his home in
Tacoma, Washington.
JAMES DAVIDSON
Brother James Davidson, 66,
signed on with the union in 1974.
He first sailed
aboard the
Transeastern
and worked
in the deck
department.
Brother Davidson upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions. He last shipped
on the OMI Star and is a resident
of Essington, Pennsylvania.
LORENCIO DE LEON
Brother Lorencio De Leon, 65,
began sailing with the Seafarers in
1977, initially
shipping on the
Long Lines.
He sailed in
the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother De Leon last shipped
aboard the Midnight Sun. He lives
in Tacoma, Washington.
occasions. He most recently sailed
on the Liberty Grace and is a resident of Waianae, Hawaii.
MAGDY ELKEIK
Brother Magdy Elkeik, 65, started
sailing with the union in 2007,
initially shipping on the Pride of
Hawaii. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center in 2009.
Brother Elkeik
concluded his
career aboard the Maersk Sentosa
and calls Brooklyn, New York,
home.
ALLAN OYAO
Brother Allan Oyao, 66, signed
on with the SIU in 1998. He initially shipped
aboard the
Overseas Boston and was a
deck department member.
Brother Oyao
upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center
on numerous occasions. He most
recently sailed on the Overseas
Texas City and resides in Anchorage, Alaska.
ALBERT FRETTA
Brother Albert Fretta, 65, joined
the union in 1979 and first sailed
with El Paso
Southern
Tanker Co. He
was a member
of the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school.
Brother Fretta last shipped on the
Global Mariner. He lives in Deltona, Florida.
Sister Elena Lee, 70, began her
career with the SIU in 2005. A
steward department member,
she initially
sailed aboard
the Empire
State. Sister
Lee upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
She most recently shipped aboard
the Maersk Hartford and resides in
Sunrise, Florida.
LEOPOLDO MALOLOS
Brother Leopoldo Malolos, 65,
embarked on
his career with
the SIU in
2005, sailing
first aboard the
Pride of Aloha.
A deck department member,
Brother Malolos concluded
his career on the Pride of America.
He makes his home in Honolulu.
ALEJANDRO MEJIA
Brother Alejandro Mejia, 66, became a member of the Seafarers
International
Union in 2002,
initially sailing aboard the
Little Hales.
He worked in
the steward
department and
upgraded at
on the USNS Hess and sailed in
the deck department. Brother Peterson upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center in 1994. He concluded his
career aboard the ITB Baltimore
and calls Minden, Nevada, home.
ABDULLA QUARAISH
Brother Abdulla Quaraish, 65,
began sailing with the SIU in 1991.
He sailed in all
three departments and
first shipped
on the USNS
Chauvenet.
Brother Quaraish upgraded
his skills at the
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He
last sailed on the President Jackson
and lives in Lackawanna, New York.
RICHARD PARKER
Brother Richard Parker, 65, started
his career with the Seafarers in
1982 and first
sailed aboard
the Santa
Adela. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
on multiple
occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother Parker’s final vessel was the Courier. He makes his
home in Pensacola, Florida.
ELENA LEE
ERNEST DUMONT
Brother Ernest
Dumont, 68,
donned the SIU
colors in 1989.
He first sailed
aboard the
Independence
and worked
in the steward
department.
Brother Dumont upgraded at the
Piney Point school on numerous
the Piney Point school on several
occasions. Brother Mejia’s final
vessel was the Independence. He
resides in Miami.
RONNIE RANKIN
Brother Ronnie Rankin, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 1995, first sailing aboard
the Belofin
Kestrel. He
primarily sailed
in the deck
department and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on several occasions.
Brother Rankin most recently
sailed on the Overseas Los Angeles
and resides in Oakland, California.
RICHARD PAULSON
Brother Richard Paulson, 65,
signed on with the union in 1978.
He initially
sailed aboard
the Del Oro
and worked
in the steward
department.
Brother Paulson upgraded
often at the
Paul Hall Center. He most
recently shipped on the President
Kennedy and is a resident of San
Francisco.
WALTER RITVALSKY
Brother Walter Ritvalsky, 59, starting sailing with the Seafarers in
1991. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded
often at the
Piney Point
school. Brother
Ritvalsky’s first
vessel was the
Cape Farewell;
his last, the Cape Rise. He makes
his home in Portsmouth, Virginia.
JAMES ROMEO
PERCY PAYTON
Brother Percy Payton, 69, joined
the SIU in 1970 and first sailed
on the Arizpa.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and shipped in
both the deck
and engine
departments.
Brother Payton
last sailed on the USNS Effective
and makes his home in Denver.
Brother James Romeo, 67, joined
the union in 1978 when he worked
on the San Pedro. A deck department member,
he upgraded
on numerous occasions
at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Romeo
concluded his
career on the
Maersk Yorktown. He lives in Canadensis,
Pennsylvania.
DARRELL PETERSON
Brother Darrell Peterson,
65, signed on
with the Seafarers International Union
in 1986. He
first shipped
December 2021
�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.
MARK SCARDINO
Brother Mark Scardino, 63, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1980, initially
sailing on the
Ultrasea. He
was a steward
department
member and
upgraded often
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school. Brother Scardino
last shipped aboard the Horizon
Pacific and resides in Longview,
Washington.
on multiple occasions. Brother
Yournett’s final vessel was the
West Virginia. He lives in Orange
Park, Florida.
FRANCISCO ZUNIGA ARZU
Brother Francisco Zuniga Arzu,
65, began sailing with the SIU
in 1997. He sailed in the steward
department and first shipped on
the Independence. Brother Zuniga
Arzu upgraded his skills at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on
the American Liberty and lives in
Homestead, Florida.
RALPH THOMAS
Brother Ralph Thomas, 68, signed
on with the
union in 1978.
He first sailed
aboard the
John Tyler and
worked in the
engine department. Brother
Thomas upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most
recently shipped on the Alliance
Fairfax and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
MICHAEL WELLS
Brother Michael Wells, 62, embarked on his
career with the
SIU in 1982,
initially sailing aboard the
Aquarius. He
upgraded on
several occasions at the
Piney Point
school and shipped in the engine
department. Brother Wells last
sailed on the Alliance Fairfax. He
calls Enon, Ohio, home.
WALTER WISE
Brother Walter Wise, 72, joined
the Seafarers
International
Union in 1989
when he sailed
with Orgulf
Transport. He
sailed in both
the deck and
steward departments and
upgraded often at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother Wise most recently
shipped on the USNS Bowditch
and makes his home in Ava, Missouri.
MILTON YOURNETT
Brother Milton
Yournett, 65,
signed on with
the union in
1978, initially
shipping on
the Monticello.
He sailed in
the steward
department and
upgraded at the Piney Point school
December 2021
the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Brother Butterworth
concluded his career with Hvide
Marine and lives in Bonifay,
Florida.
INLAND
LOUIS AHRENS
Brother Louis Ahrens, 64, donned
the SIU colors in 1977. A deck
department
member,
he was first
employed
by National
Marine Service. Brother
Ahrens upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center in 1996. He concluded his career with Higman Barge Lines and
is a resident of Centerville, Texas.
EUGENE ARCAND
Brother Eugene Arcand, 63,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 2005 when he shipped
aboard the
Advantage. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and upgraded
often at the
Piney Point
school. Brother
Arcand was
last employed by Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He makes his
home in Englewood, Florida.
WALTER BECKETT
Brother Walter Beckett, 67, signed
on with the union in 2000. He
sailed in the
deck department and
worked for the
Association
of Maryland
Pilots for the
duration of his
career. Brother
Beckett settled
in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
ARTHUR BUTTERWORTH
Brother Arthur Butterworth, 62,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in
1978 when
he sailed with
Lynnhaven
Services. He
was a member
of the deck
department and
upgraded at
EARL DAIL
Brother Earl Dail, 70, started
sailing with
the Seafarers in 2000.
He worked
in the engine
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on numerous
occasions. Brother Dail worked
for Allied Transportation for
the duration of his career. He
resides in Edenton, North Carolina.
STEPHEN DIAZ
Brother Stephen Diaz, 62, signed
on with the union in 1976. He primarily sailed
in the deck
department
and worked
for Crowley
Puerto Rico
Services for
his entire career. Brother
Diaz upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. He makes his home in
Orlando, Florida.
CHRISTOPHER DINNES
Brother Christopher Dinnes, 62,
joined the SIU in 1978. He was first
employed by
Northern Towing and sailed
in both the deck
and engine
departments.
Brother Dinnes
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school within his first year of membership. He concluded his career on
the Paul Buck and resides in Spicewood, Texas.
RICHARD DOGGETT
Brother Richard Doggett, 64,
donned the SIU colors in 1986,
initially working for C.G.
Willis Inc.
He sailed in
both the deck
and steward
departments
and upgraded
on multiple
occasions at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Doggett was last employed by
Allied Transportation. He is a
resident of Portsmouth, Virginia.
remained with
the same company for the
duration of his
career. Brother
Fort makes his
home in McClellanville,
South Carolina.
ous occasions.
Brother Parrish
was employed
by Penn Maritime for the
duration of
his career. He
makes his home
in Merritt Island, Florida.
BRENDA HUNTER
Sister Brenda Hunter, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 2001 when she sailed with Delta
Queen Steamboat Company. She
was a member of the steward department and concluded her career
aboard the Mississippi Queen. Sister Hunter lives in Vinegar Bend,
Alabama.
MARK PHILLIPS
Brother Mark Phillips, 62, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1985 when he sailed with Hvide
Marine. He worked in both the
deck and engine departments.
Brother Phillips’ final vessel was
the Buccaneer. He lives in Port
Arthur, Texas.
ROBERT LAPOINTE
GARY TAYLOR
Brother Robert Lapointe, 64,
started sailing with the Seafarers
in 1979. He
first shipped
on the Leo and
worked in the
deck department. Brother
Lapointe
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on
several occasions. He last worked
on Padre Island and resides in
Canada.
Brother Gary Taylor, 64, signed on
with the union in 1975. He sailed
in the deck department and worked
for Crescent Towing and Salvage
for his entire career. Brother Taylor makes his home in Barataria,
Louisiana.
ROBERT MARSHBURN
Brother Robert Marshburn, 63,
signed on with the union in 1976.
He sailed in the deck department
and worked for C.G. Willis for his
entire career. Brother Marshburn
upgraded at the Piney Point school
in 1979. He makes his home in
Tyner, North Carolina.
SAMUEL NAING
Brother Samuel Naing, 69, joined
the SIU in 2007. He was a deck
department
member and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Naing
worked for
G&H Towing
for the duration
of his career. He resides in Katy,
Texas.
STEVEN NELSON
Brother Steven Nelson, 67, donned
the SIU colors in 1973, initially
sailing with G&H Towing. A deck
department member, he upgraded
at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Nelson was
last employed by Crowley Towing
and Transportation and is a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
TONY VARNUM
Brother Tony Varnum, 62, joined
the SIU in
1979. A deck
department
member, he
was employed
by Cape Fear
Towing for the
duration of his
career. Brother
Varnum resides
in Supply, North Carolina.
BRITT VICKERY
Brother Britt Vickery, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1978 when he
shipped with Crowley Towing and
Transportation. He was a member
of the deck department and continued working for the same company for his entire career. Brother
Vickery is a resident of Lake City,
Florida.
KERRY WRIGHT
Brother Kerry Wright, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1984. He
shipped in the
deck department and upgraded at the
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Wright
worked for
Crescent Towing and Salvage for
most of his career. He calls Gretna,
Louisiana, home.
STEVEN PARRISH
WARREN FORT
Brother Warren Fort, 63, embarked
on his career with the SIU in 1978
when he worked for Marine Contracting and Towing. He was a
member of the deck department and
Brother Steven Parrish, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU
in 2002. He was a member of the
deck department and upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center on numer-
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
AHMED BAABBAD
Pensioner Ahmed Baabbad,
71, died August 8. He started
sailing with the
Seafarers International Union
in 1978 when
he shipped on
the Del Sol.
Brother Baabbad sailed in
the deck department and
concluded his career aboard
the Comet. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in
Bakersfield, California.
RANDOLPH BOLLING
Pensioner Randolph Bolling,
66, passed away September
5. He joined
the union in
1972 and was
a deck department member.
Brother Bolling first sailed
aboard the Warrior. He last
shipped on the
Honor in 2016 and went on
pension in 2020. Brother Bolling lived in Slidell, Louisiana.
LEON BUTLER
Pensioner Leon Butler, 94,
died October 31. He donned
the SIU colors in 1968
when he
sailed aboard
the Overseas
Evelyn. A
steward department member,
Brother Butler
last shipped
on the Cape
Hudson. He retired in 1992
and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida.
RAYMOND ELSNER
Brother Raymond Elsner,
41, passed away July 12. He
signed on with
the union in
2000, initially
shipping aboard
the Kenai.
Brother Elsner
worked in the
deck department and last
sailed aboard
the Balboa in 2008. He resided
in Tok, Alaska.
MICHAEL HOOPER
Pensioner Michael Hooper,
65, died August 7. He embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1989 when he sailed
with G&H Towing. Brother
Hooper shipped in the deck
18 Seafarers LOG
department
and concluded
his career
on the Reliance in 2003.
He became a
pensioner in
2021 and lived
in Franklin,
Texas.
FRANCISCO MONSIBAIS
Pensioner Francisco Monsibais, 86, passed away October
26. He joined
the union in
1962 and first
shipped on the
Taddei Village.
Brother Monsibais last sailed
on the Commitment and went
on pension
in 2006. He called Galveston,
Texas, home.
CRAIG SMITH
Pensioner Craig Smith, 66,
died September 7. He became
a member of the SIU in 1974,
initially sailing aboard the
Erna Elizabeth. Brother
Smith was
an engine
department
member. He
last worked on
Padre Island
and retired in 2019. Brother
Smith made his home in Carriere, Mississippi.
JESSE TREVINO
Brother Jesse Trevino, 33,
passed away July 8. Born in The
Woodlands,
Texas, he began
sailing with the
union in 2016.
Brother Trevino
was a deck department member and first
sailed on the
USNS Able. He
most recently shipped aboard the
Honor and resided in Houston.
EDWIN VIEIRA
Pensioner Edwin Vieira, 94,
died October 21. He signed on
with the Seafarers in 1945
and first sailed
with Alcoa
Steamship. A
steward department member,
Brother Vieira
last worked
on the Julius
Hammer in
1995. He retired the same year
and settled in Kenner, Louisiana.
OSHEMA WATSON
Sister Oshema Watson, 39,
passed away September 22.
Born in Martin,
North Carolina,
she joined the
SIU in 2008.
Sister Watson
first shipped
on the Houston
and was an
engine department member. She most recently shipped
aboard the Severn and called
Williamston, North Carolina,
home.
GREAT LAKES
LOUIS BUNKER
Pensioner Louis Bunker, 87, died
September 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1962 and was
first employed
by Arnold
Transit. Brother
Bunker was a
deck department member
and remained
with the same
company for
the duration of
his career. He went on pension
in 1996 and lived in St. Ignace,
Michigan.
FRED HART
Pensioner Fred Hart, 78, passed
away October 19. He joined
the Seafarers in 1998 and was
a member of the engine department. Brother Hart first sailed
aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart.
He last shipped on the Alpena
and retired in 2011. Brother
Hart made his home in Alpena,
Michigan.
BOYD MESSER
Pensioner Boyd Messer, 68, died
September 3. He signed on with
the union in
1974 and sailed
primarily in the
deck department. Brother
Messer’s first
vessel was the
Adam E. Cornelius; his last,
the American
Mariner in 2015. He began collecting his pension in 2019 and
resided in Gulliver, Michigan.
DONALD SAUSMAN
Pensioner Donald Sausman, 74,
passed away October 16. He
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1965 when he shipped
on the Reiss Brothers. Brother
Sausman sailed in all three departments and concluded his
career aboard the Presque Isle.
He became a pensioner in 2006
and made his home in Eveleth,
Minnesota.
AHMED SHAIBI
Pensioner Ahmed Shaibi, 86,
died August 9. Signing on with
the union in
1970, he first
shipped on the
H.N. Snyder.
Brother Shaibi
worked in the
deck department and last
sailed aboard
the Southdown
Challenger. He retired in 1999
and called Lafayette, Louisiana,
home.
the Seafarers in 1967 when he
worked for Inland Tugs. A deck
department member, Brother
Pellegal was last employed by
Southern Ohio Towing. He went
on pension in 1999 and made his
home in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
CURTIS WOODS
Pensioner Curtis Woods, 85,
passed away September 27.
He began sailing with the SIU
in 1970 and was a member of
the deck department. Brother
Woods worked for Dravo Basic
Materials for his entire career.
He started collecting his pension
in 1995 and called Lumberton,
Mississippi, home.
INLAND
RUSSELL COGNEVICH
Pensioner Russell Cognevich,
74, passed away October 18. He
became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1974.
An engine department member, Brother
Cognevich
sailed with
Crescent Towing and Salvage
for the duration
of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and lived
in West Monroe, Louisiana.
JOHN GREENWAY
Pensioner John Greenway, 88,
died September 28. He donned
the SIU colors in 1976, initially
sailing with Allied Transportation. Brother Greenway was a
member of the deck department
and was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation.
He became a pensioner in 1998
and settled in Watkinsville,
Georgia.
WILLIAM MATHEWS
Pensioner William Mathews,
76, passed away October 13.
Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he
signed on with
the union in
1967. Brother
Mathews first
worked for
Victory Carriers and sailed
in both the
steward and
deck departments. He concluded his career
with Penn Maritime before retiring in 2007. Brother Mathews
resided in Aydlett, North Carolina.
NMU
IRVING MELTON
Pensioner Irving Melton, 82,
died October 15. He joined the
Seafarers during
the SIU/NMU
merger in 2001.
Brother Melton
was an engine
department
member and
last sailed on
the Chelsea. He
retired in 2004
and was a New Orleans resident.
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
Agu, Hussain
86
Albuliwi, Mirshid
87
Alexander, Samuel 88
Araujo, Felipe
94
Cervantes, Ruperto 98
Chan, Peter
98
Echement, Robert
73
Feliciano, Noel
81
Foreman, Rudolph
88
Gazali, Hamood
78
Gibson, Vernon
88
Gordon, Robert
92
Hanson, George
93
Hayes, Paul
96
Llano, Efrain
78
Martinez, Ernesto
96
Meggs, Cleveland
95
Murphy, John
92
Olander, Jon
81
Padro, Jose
83
Parchment, William 95
Trachin, John
86
Wells, Willie
82
Yandacka, Joseph
85
DOD
07/04/2021
07/30/2021
08/01/2021
09/01/2021
09/21/2021
09/01/2021
07/21/2021
10/15/2021
09/18/2021
07/27/2020
09/13/2021
10/16/2021
10/23/2021
09/20/2021
08/30/2021
07/14/2021
09/10/2021
03/10/2021
10/20/2021
08/27/2021
09/09/2021
09/15/2021
09/05/2021
07/09/2021
JEROME PELLEGAL
Pensioner Jerome Pellegal, 87,
died September 6. He joined
December 2021
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education.
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Richard Grubbs
Recertified Bosun
I joined straight out of the Navy,
to continue the lifestyle of the sea.
We have a strong union that has allowed me to reach my goals in life,
and for that I especially want to
thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco.
This union will allow you to get to
the goals you set.
Tavell Love
Recertified Bosun
I joined the union because I had a
cousin that worked as a secretary in
Jacksonville. She thought it would be
a good fit since I like money. I started
in 2002. I fell in love with the travel,
the respect and the type of work I was
doing. I’ve stayed with the union because I like what I do and I’ve made a
good living by being part of it.
Lionel Rivas
Recertified Bosun
Life has blessed me for being
part of this great organization. I
have to say the SIU has been good
to me and my family. If you know
anyone who’d like to be part of it,
I personally encourage them to do
so.
Joseph Gierbolini
Recertified Bosun
I started sailing in 1999, out of San
Juan, Puerto Rico, on the USNS Pathfinder. In the years since, starting in
Sasebo, Japan, I have seen the world. I
have been to Spain and the Philippines.
I’ve seen ports in the Middle East and
sailed the northern oceans. This union
has given me ability to control my future. But it not only provided a career,
it has given me the privilege to help
other sailors to become better sailors
and better men and women as they pursue their goals.
Brian Guiry
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU in 1999, to
travel and see the world. I’ve remained in the union because I
found a home in the organization. I
have built my entire adult life from
the skills and opportunities I have
learned and gained from the SIU. I
am very grateful for the union and
hope to continue as a member for
a long time.
Samuel Porchea
Recertified Bosun
I’ve been SIU in the for 24 years
and I still love it. This is the right job
for me, and it has made me not only
the man I am today, but the person I
always wanted to be. I really do love
my job.
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4001/4002
December 2021
The SIU-contracted Overseas Arctic is pictured shortly before its launch in 1970. Built at Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point
yard, the tanker weighed 62,000 dwt and had a capacity of 524,000 barrels. It could sail at 15.5 knots and was 731 feet long,
with a breadth of 105 feet.
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
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
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Start
Date
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
February 7
February 18
Machinist
March 14
April 1
Pumpman
April 4
April 8
Welding
February 14
April 25
June 6
March 4
May 13
June 24
Engineroom Resource Management
August 1
August 5
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
May 2
May 20
MSC Ship Clip
June 6
June 17
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 23
June 3
Date of
Completion
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
January 10
February 14
March 21
April 25
May 30
July 11
February 11
March 18
April 22
May 27
July 1
August 12
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
February 14
April 4
May 23
March 4
April 22
June 10
Lifeboat/Water Survival
January 17
February 14
March 14
January 28
February 25
March 25
Advanced Galley Operations
January 24
April 4
June 20
February 18
April 29
July 15
Fast Rescue Boat
June 20
June 24
Chief Steward
February 28
May 9
March 25
June 3
RFPNW
January 24
February 28
April 25
February 11
March 18
May 13
Celestial Navigation
August 22
September 16
Leadership and Management Skills
August 8
Advanced Shiphandling
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
February 7
April 4
February 11
April 8
August 12
Medical Care Provider
February 14
February 18
August 22
September 2
Basic Training
Advanced Meteorology
September 12
September 16
January 31
April 4
June 6
February 4
April 8
June 10
Advanced Stability
September 5
September 9
Basic Training Revalidation
January 14
February 7
February 25
January 14
February 7
February 25
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
RFPEW
April 25
May 20
FOWT
January 24
June 13
February 18
July 8
Junior Engineer
January 24
July 11
March 18
September 2
Marine Electrician
May 16
June 17
Marine Refer Tech
April 4
May 13
Advanced Refer Containers
February 7
February 18
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7
March 11
Government Vessels
January 17
January 24
February 21
January 21
January 28
February 25
Tank Ship-DL (PIC)
March 14
March 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
April 4
May 2
June 27
April 8
May 6
July 1
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
May 9
May 23
May 13
May 27
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.
12/21
December 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #874 – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Maximo Bencosme, Xavier Brown, Anthony Luis Gonzalez, Joseph Hall, Zane Jeremy
Kama Koal Hauanio, Paul Jimenez, Damonta Johnson, Mikael Lassiter, Brianna Majors, Zion Xavier Oliphant, Darius Parker, Teryana Privott, Johnny Smith and Ryan Torok. Class
instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. (Note: One individual pictured above discontinued this course several days before graduation.)
UA to AS Deck – Graduated Oct. 15
(photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Jorge Alamo Pagan, John Noel San
Buenaventura Alicaway, Rhiannon
Buttrum, Joshua Cutchin, Stephen
Fretwell, Joseph Anthony Gasparino
IV, Joseph Lawrence Murphy III, Terrance Lamonte Paige, Luke Isamu
John Satsuma, Mica Lucas Sexton
and Melvin Singletary.
Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Renee Michelle Clayton, Larry Lanzar Dizon, Mark Edmonds, Richard Flores, Robert Greenwood, William
Hall, Isaka Koanda, Andrew Malidore, Jamaal Nelson, Christian Oding, Roy Frayna Robles, Kevin Tyson, Derek Willis, Maurice Woodhouse Jr., and Craig Wooten. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)
December 2021
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Scarlett Amburgey, Pauline Crespo Guillen, Maurice Flemings, Troy Glatter, Mackenzie Latta, Claude Alferez Letts, German
Sebastian Nunez, Samuel Pentowski, Luisito Silot Pipo, Lloyd Walton Jr., and Artis Williams.
Advanced Galley Operations – Virnabeth Tomo
Cano, above, graduated from this course Oct. 22.
Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order):
John Joseph Caraan Alcos, Jameeka Booker and James Jones.
Marine Electrician – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennis Blake II, Bobbie Gibbs, Arvin Tarroza Heras,
Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Orlando Vallangca Pajarillo Jr., Ryan Palmer and James Pascocello.
Junior Engineer – Graduated Oct. 29
(photo at left, in alphabetical order):
Marco Antonio Baez Millan, Micah Champion, Robert Clark, Christopher Corpuz,
Gregory Crowder, Elhassene Elkori,
Samuel Fanjoy, Keilah Freeman, Hussain
Mohamed Hafid, Ferdinand Gabonada
Hullana and Jessica Valentin. Class instructor Christopher Morgan ia at the far
left. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated
Oct. 22 (photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Emmanuel Olabode Adeoti, Rahsaan Alexander, Stephen Burkhalter, Clinton Lopez Cephas,
Louis Ferrigno, James Hines, Robert Johnson,
Anthony Pacely Jr., and Joseph Toth.
22 Seafarers LOG
December 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
FOWT – Graduated Nov. 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Nicholas Rocco Chiappini, Michael Jamal Garcia, Darius Alexandre Jackson-Jordan, Julian Misla
Mendez, Isaac Pili, Makanaonalani Sing, Daryl Thomas Jr., Tara Trillo, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop, Roberto Abel Wadsworth and Kelly White.
Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated
Oct. 29 (photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Darvin Brown, August Cramer,
Charles James, Charles Toliver and
David Tucker.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated Oct. 22
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Leone
Buggage, Jonte Crenshaw, Leighanne
Deano, David Johnson Jr., Andrzej Marek
Mikosz, Jarek Stephan Ramos Santos, Gil
Serrano and Luke Vandegrift.
Importance 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.
December 2021
Seafarers LOG 23
�DECEMBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 12
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
WWII Mariner Shares Memories
Missive Recalls ‘Liberty Ships and Japanese Repatriation’
Editor’s note: This article was written by Mark S. Gleeson, a World War II
mariner and longtime vice chairman of
the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, part of the American Merchant
Marine Veterans. The committee helped
spearhead a successful effort to extend
the cutoff date for recognizing World
War II merchant mariners as veterans so
it matched the date used by the armed
services.
Even before the Japanese signed the
surrender on September 2, 1945, there
were decisions the Allied Command had
to make. There was the decision about
which troops would take command of
specific parts of Japan, how to get occupation forces to Japan, and how to get
the country up and moving again. Among
the difficult issues to face: There were
almost seven million Japanese soldiers
and civilians scattered on all the islands,
in China, Manchuria, Formosa, from
Japan down to Australia, from China to
almost the Hawaiian Islands. The troops
had to be demilitarized, equipment disposed of, and everyone brought home.
How to do this?
The Japanese merchant fleet and a
good part of their naval forces had been
destroyed or were partially inoperable.
In late 1945, the Allied Command, in
conjunction with the War Shipping Administration, decided that they would
allocate, on a temporary basis, 100 Liberty ships now in the Philippine area,
and 100 landing ship tanks (LSTs) from
the Marianas Island area. Sufficient hospital ships would also be made available
to the Japanese government to aid in
repatriation. It was planned that the Liberty ships would board 3,200 troops as
opposed to a normal 2,500, and an LST
would board 1,200 rather than a normal
700. The ships started to arrive in Japan
in February 1946.
I was a member of the crew of the SS
William Dean Howells, riding at anchor
in Manilla Harbor waiting for another
assignment when we were notified in the
middle of February that we would be one
of 100 Liberty ships designated for the
repatriation operation. We departed for
Japan the last week of February, arriving
at Yokohama, Japan, on March 1. The
distance was about 1,600 miles and the
weather was terrible. We hit a bad storm
halfway there.
We laid up in Yokohama harbor for
four days and then were assigned a dock.
A group of Army engineers and carpenters came aboard and constructed a line
of open-seat wooden toilets hanging over
the port side. There were about 25 seats
hanging over open water. A railing was
also attached to provide the individual
something to hang on to when relieving
himself. No additional toilet facilities
were available for 3,500 men.
We were to be ready to leave our ship
on March 5, in two days. We were to
leave everything as we found it, just take
our bags. Two notations appear in the
ship’s log:
Yokohama, Japan, March 5, 1946,
3:00 PM
Delivered vessel to the United States
War Department on a bareboat basis and
Master, Officers and Crew left the ship
for repatriation.
Harry T. Gower, Master
This photo of the SS William Dean Howells is believed to be from the late 1940s, and was taken by Walter E. Frost. The author sailed
aboard this vessel.
Yokohama Japan, March 5, 1946, 4:00
PM
The Master and Purser were billeted
in Camp Battalion #2, Yokohama, Japan,
and the remainder of the crew were billeted at the 4th Replacement Depot at Mitsubishi, Japan to await transportation to the
United States.
Harry T. Gower, Master
The deboarding of the ship began
in early afternoon, following a noon
luncheon. As soon as our kitchen crew
finished, a large group of Japanese cooks
came aboard and immediately started
food preparation. There was a large kettle
in the galley and one cook started cutting
big radishes and cabbage to make some
sort of soup. Not a word was spoken as
we passed down the gangplank to the
awaiting Army trucks. No special buses.
It was cold. Articles written about the lending of ships say it was necessary to have
all the instruction information for operation of the vessel relabeled in Japanese.
It seemed strange, but we were turning
over an armed vessel. The eight 20mms
were removed from the ship when it returned to Boston from Europe in late August
1945. The war was over.
In the middle of October 1945 all
armed merchant ships at sea were notified
to throw all the ammunition overboard. I
helped do this in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The three- and five-inch guns
had not been removed, so a Naval Armed
Guard was part of our crew. He kept
the guns oiled and in shape. The Armed
Guard departed to a local naval base when
we deboarded.
It was a long ride to the assigned replacement depot. Our temporary quarters
turned out to be a typical Army barrack:
a large, open room full of cots. Each cot
had a folded blanket, two sheets and a
pillow. That was it. Although the ship’s
log reads that the master and purser were
in another camp area, none of the officers
were included in our crew quarters. They
had to be with the master and purser.
Sometime after 6 p.m. it was dinner
time. We were the only crew that evening.
When we got to the mess area, we were
issued the Army metal mess kit, tin cup
and metal utensils. Our first meal was the
famous ground beef on a shingle, mashed
potatoes, fruit salad and black coffee. We
were shown how to clean our mess kits
by dipping them in successive big tubs of
boiling water and were told to take them
with us for the next meal.
We stayed at the replacement depot for
16 days, eating two meals a day, standing
in line with other crews who had their
ships taken, and Army replacements. Occasionally there were altercations when
some Army personnel would try to cut
into the line to get served first.
There was nothing to do. There was a
bathroom next to our sleeping area, and
once a week we were taken to a big shower area nearby and given a large towel
for our weekly bath. Nothing fancy and
we realized that the Japanese soldier had
had nothing fancy. Perhaps the officers
were doing better. We listened to the
Armed Forces Radio all day playing the
big band music and getting the latest occupation news. Arrangements were made
in a few days to take buses into Yokohama for shopping and tours.
The big day to start home appears in
the ship’s log:
Yokohama, Japan March 21, 1946,
8:00 PM
The Master, Officers, and Crew embarked aboard the USS General M.B. Stewart
(PA-140) for repatriation to the United
States.
Harry T Gower, Master
Regardless of what time the ship’s log
states, we departed for the transport after
our noon meal, this time in buses. The big
C-4 transport would hold 3,500 men, and
included in this total were six crews from
Liberty ships. It was a large ship, and the
merchant crews were assigned to the bunk
areas in the lower decks, in the stern area
of the ship. Someone figured that this area
was the roughest and noisiest. As the stern
came up in rough water, the most noise
and vibration from the shaft was in this
area. I think we only had three high pipe
bunks. Meals twice a day again, and limited opportunity to visit a PX on board.
I cannot remember one meal that was
served but we did use a metal tray and
utensils for meals, no mess kits. Certain
times were set for various areas to spend
time on deck. The plumbing did not work
all that well and when I went to check
out the shower area there was an inch of
water sloshing around in the showers.
That ended the use of the showers, but the
rest of the toilet facilities worked.
The ship master and officers were
provided better accommodations topside.
Some years later when I joined the Mon
Valley Chapter of the American Merchant
Marine Veterans and got to know some
of my new friends, I found one shipmate
who had been on the USS M.B. Stewart
as part of the crew. Although the Stewart
was an Army transport, the crew were
merchant seamen.
Fifteen days after we departed Yokohama, we arrived at Seattle. We settled in
a local hotel for several days until it was
time to sign off and go home. I took the
Great Northern sleeper train from Seattle
to Chicago, a three-day trip. I changed to
a 10-hour Pittsburgh train, arriving in Pittsburgh about 8 p.m. The local train to my
hometown did not leave till 10:30. I picked
up my bags and went to a large USO trailer
that was stationed just outside the entrance
of Penn Station. When I got to the trailer,
two large Navy Shore Patrol appeared and
stood in front of the door to the trailer. One
asked me where I was going. I replied I
would like a cup of coffee and something
to eat. I told him I had been en route home
for over a month: seven days from Manilla
to Japan, six days in Yokohama harbor, 16
days in a replacement camp, 15 days at sea
to Seattle, three days in Seattle, and four
days of train rides to Pittsburgh. One of the
SPs put his club against my chest and told
me I could not go in as I was not a veteran,
I was merchant marine. We did not get
served. I was too tired to argue; I picked up
my sea bags and went back to wait for my
train home.
It turned out that the repatriation arrangement worked well for the Japanese. With
188 Japanese ships and 191 Liberty ships
and LSTs sailing, it was possible at the end
of July 1946 to return 55 of the 100 Liberty ships back to the United States. The
first ships left Japan on August 16, 1946.
All the returning Liberty ships had Japanese crews who were returned to Japan on
transports.
The ship’s card for the SS William
Dean Howells says the ship was returned to San Francisco in July 1947.
By the end of 1948, the repatriation of
almost seven million Japanese men and
women was complete.
�
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GEN. VAN OVOST TAKES HELM AT TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
WHITE HOUSE NOMINATES REAR ADMIRAL PHILLIPS FOR MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR
MARITIME INDUSTRY FOCUSES EFFORTS ON HELPING ENSURE SAFE WORKPLACES
ITF: MARITIME MUST BE SAFE FOR WOMEN
PIRACY INCIDENTS PLUMMET TO LOWEST LEVELS SINCE 1990'S BUT VIOLENCE AGAINST SEAFARERS CONTINUES
U.S REPRESENTATIVE LURIA THANKS U.S. MARINERS, AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET DURING REMARKS TO CONGRESS
RETIRED PATROLMAN SHEEHAN PASSES AWAY AT 76
SAB ACTION MAKES OFFICIAL WHAT'S ALREADY OCCURRING
AMP: DOMESTIC INDUSTRY DELIVERS
REPORTS SHOW STRONG UNION PRESENCE IN AMERICA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR
PHC UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART MEDIA CENTER
LUEDTKE PACT RATIFIED
WATCO CONTRACT APPROVED
WWII MARINER SHARES MEMORIES
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12/01/2021
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VOL. 83, NO. 12
2021
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8c3607e294ac82f94e410d5d4b520f2e.pdf
666de202891b8a61071a519fab0d0a28
PDF Text
Text
NOVEMBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 11
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU Gains Jobs
As Tanker Reflags
Seafarers are sailing aboard the
recently reflagged tanker Pohang
Pioneer (main photo). Some of
the first crew members are pictured in the photo inset at immediate right. Page 3. (Ship photo by
Bengt-Rune Inberg)
Bosuns
Complete
Recertification
The union’s newest group of recertified bosuns (photo at right) graduated
in early October. They’re pictured with
SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right) at the union-affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland. From
left are Brian Guiry, Lionel Rivas,
Tavell Love, Richard Grubbs, Samuel
Porchea, Sacco and Joseph Gierbolini. Page 7.
Members Ratify
More Contracts
An exceptionally busy year for SIU
contract negotiations continued with
the recent ratifications of three new
agreements – at G&H Towing, Crowley
Towing and Transportation, and NCL.
Pages 3, 6.
Seafarers Persevere Through ‘Ida’
Page 4
Joint Maritime Labor Statement
Page 2
�President’s Report
More on PRO Act
During the White House Labor Day observance, both President
Biden and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized the importance of
passing legislation that would boost workers’ rights. Biden reiterated his
full support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, while
Shuler explained why the bill remains organized labor’s top legislative priority.
The bill already passed in the House of
Representatives but faces challenges in the
Senate, mainly because of a likely filibuster.
It has been several months since I wrote
about the PRO Act. For those who missed the
earlier communication or who are interested in
a refresher, I’ll start by pointing out that nearly
half of all nonunion workers (more than 60 million people) would join a union today if given
the chance, according to non-partisan polling.
Public approval of unions, at 65 percent, has
reached one of its highest marks in decades.
Michael Sacco
Union members can bargain for higher
wages and are much more likely to have
health care and a pension. The union advantage is even greater for people of color, women, immigrants, and others
who have confronted workplace discrimination. A union contract is a
potent weapon because it establishes fair and transparent systems for
hiring and firing, wages and more.
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 was a staple of
the New Deal. The NLRA led to a groundswell of organizing that built
the greatest middle class in history.
Immediately after World War II, though, some corporations and their
anti-worker political allies started conspiring to render the law toothless.
They got pro-business congresses in 1947 and 1959 to weaken the law.
In recent decades, employers have violated the NLRA with impunity,
routinely denying workers their basic right to join with co-workers for
fairness on the job.
Things have gotten so bad, there is an entire union-busting industry
that basically works nonstop to block workers from exercising those
rights. And, according to the AFL-CIO, in nearly half of all union organizing drives, employers break the law. They lie, threaten, and routinely
fire union supporters. Workers are forced to attend mandatory meetings
focused on union-bashing. Any fines for this illegal behavior are often
inconsequential.
This explains how we have reached the point where more than 60
million people would vote to join a union, but only one in 10 workers
actually has one. Not coincidentally, as the collective strength of workers to negotiate for better pay and benefits has eroded, the gap between
rich and poor has reached levels unseen since the Great Depression. The
fall of union density has been a direct cause of rising inequality over the
past four decades.
Passing the PRO Act will update the NLRA and give workers a fair
opportunity to join or form a union. Once workers vote to form a union,
the PRO Act will require the National Labor Relations Board to set a
time limit for the employer to commence bargaining a first contract.
(Too often, when workers choose to form a union, employers stall the
bargaining process to avoid reaching an agreement.)
The PRO act includes many other benefits for workers and their
families – and their employers. Workers who have a voice on the job are
the best kind.
Significantly, the PRO Act will finally end so-called “right to work”
(for less) laws once and for all. These laws have been promoted by a
network of billionaires and special interest groups in an effort to divide
working people and give more power to corporations at the expense of
workers. They have had the effect of lowering wages and eroding pensions and health care coverage in states where they have been adopted.
We’ve got a great opportunity to help enact the PRO Act. The SIU
will continue pushing to make it reality by getting it through the Senate
and onto President Biden’s desk for signature.
Message from Maritime Labor
Editor’s note: A signed copy of this letter is
available on the SIU website.
September 29, 2021
COVID-19 is here to stay. Our members aboard
vessels remain in grave danger with the Delta variant on the loose. Many of our organizations have
lost members to ravages of the disease; including
some who have lost their lives while aboard ship.
Several ships have had serious outbreaks over the
last 18-plus months, even as recently as this month.
Our advocacy for a consistent, reliable, and rapid
testing regimen for mariners proved to be worthwhile and effective. Now, with the supply chain and
military security of the country at risk, we ask that
all of our members educate themselves on the vaccines and choose to get vaccinated. This is primarily
for the safety of our shipmates and family members,
but also to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the
industry. It is a matter of future industry stability
and mariner job security.
As we stated in our July 2020 letter, each shipowner/operator has established their own diverging
policies and protocol, and they vary greatly from
employer to employer, even from ship to ship, depending on shipboard culture. In the absence of a
uniform and government-enforced protocol during
vessel in-port time, critical evolutions such as cargo
operations, vendor/contractor access and shipyard
repairs remain essentially unregulated and haphazard. This is an unacceptable situation that is beyond
the control of ship’s personnel and is a reason to be
fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.
We must continue taking every precaution
against the Coronavirus as recommended by company protocols and by applicable CDC guidelines,
including vaccination. Masks, social distancing,
hand and respiratory hygiene, cleaning and sani-
tizing have now become routine, but the best additional precaution for shipmates and families
includes becoming vaccinated.
Labor is working together and using every advantage to both protect your health and safeguard
your rights. With infection rates spiking due to the
Delta variant, we must maintain vigilance and discipline. Employers may intervene with reasonable or
ineffective workplace policy; either way we will let
them know that our contract rights remain in place.
We understand the stress and anxiety of working in
persistent and intensified danger and so we support
fair and common-sense safety practices ashore and
at sea. Your dedication, professionalism and perseverance are recognized, and your efforts are best
honored by ensuring your own safety and the safety
of others aboard ship buy getting vaccinated. Please
continue to notify your Union if you have concerns
regarding potential or actual COVID-19 exposure
or the safety of your vessel.
Wishing all health, safety, and fraternity,
Michael Sacco, President, Seafarers International
Union
Paul Doell, President, American Maritime Officers
Adam Vokac, President, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Anthony Poplawski, President/Secretary-Treasurer,
Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers
Association
Don Marcus, President, International Organization
of Masters, Mates & Pilots
Dave Connolly, President, Sailors Union of the Pacific
COVID-19 In Numbers
n There have been at least 700,000 deaths in the
United States.
n
More than 43 million cases in all 50 states,
U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., have been
reported.
n Globally, there have been more than 234 million cases and more than 4.8 million deaths confirmed.
n More than 6.32 billion vaccine doses have
been administered worldwide.
Source: World Health Organization
NMC Commander Visits Piney Point
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 83 Number 11
November 2021
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; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education welcomed National Maritime
Center (NMC) commanding officer Capt. Bradley Clare (left) for a campus tour Sept. 24. He’s pictured
at the school with SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) and PHC Instructor Roy Graham. Clare
took the helm at the NMC this summer.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
November 2021
�The newest addition to the SIU-crewed deep-sea fleet is on a regular run between Japan and Korea.
Union Welcomes New Shipboard Jobs
Reflagged Vessel Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet
SIU members are sailing aboard the
recently reflagged tanker Pohang Pioneer
– an outright addition to the Maersk Line,
Limited (MLL) fleet.
Built in 2018 by Dae Sun Shipbuilding
& Engineering Co. in Korea, the shallowdraft vessel is 357 feet long, has a beam
of 59 feet and can sail at around 18 knots.
It previously sailed under the Panamanian
flag before hoisting the Stars and Stripes
this fall.
“The ship is in good condition,” said
Bosun Ahmed Mohammed Ghaleb. “Our
run is between Japan and Korea. The food
is great and the crew is happy.”
Joining the bosun as some of the first
crew members aboard the reflagged vessel
(operated by U.S. Marine Management for
MLL) were ABs Ahmed Kassem, Larry
Rawlins and Hiten Shrimankar, QE2
Alex-Stephen Amarra, QE3 Jose Bonita, QE3 James Rodweller, Chief Stew-
ard Rudy Lopez and Chief Cook Steven
Johnson.
“The union appreciates this opportunity for additional work and, as always,
I’m totally confident that the membership will live up to their consistent level
of top-notch performance and professionalism aboard the Pohang Pioneer,”
said SIU Vice President Contracts
George Tricker.
MLL was established in 1983 to support
the conversion and operation of five maritime prepositioning ships on behalf of the
United States Navy. Today, the company
owns more than 20 U.S.-flag ships operating around the world to support the United
States with military, government, and humanitarian missions.
MLL participates in both the U.S.
Maritime Security Program (MSP) and
the related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift
Agreement (VISA).
Hoisting the U.S. Flag onboard the Pohang Pioneer (from center of flag, clockwise) are:
Third Assistant Engineer Emily Blake, First Assistant Engineer Hunter Smith, Chief Cook
Steven Johnson, Chief Engineer James Cook, Captain Chris Fox, Chief Mate Bill Harris, Third Mate Callum Foley, Bosun Ahmed Ghalib, Steward Rudy Lopez and AB Larry
Rawlins.
Members Ratifiy Pacts at Crowley, G&H
Adding to an already packed
year of contract negotiations,
two more agreements were recently ratified by the membership – with Crowley Towing
and Transportation and with
G&H Towing, respectively.
Each contract is for three years.
The Crowley pact covers
approximately 160 Seafarers. It
took effect July 1, and was ratified by an overwhelming majority of the members.
Highlights include yearly
wage increases, as well as increased pension contributions,
vacation benefit increases and
November 2021
various area-specific gains. In
addition, medical benefits were
maintained at the Core Plus
level.
Representing the SIU on
the negotiating committee
were Assistant Vice President
Mike Russo and rank-and-file
delegates Ward Davis, Norman Skipper, Craig Perry,
Peter de Maria and Ronald
Boatwright. Negotiations took
place via video conference calls
in order to meet safety requirements.
Meanwhile, members also
voted in favor of the G&H con-
tract by a large majority. The
agreement covers roughly 340
Seafarers; it took effect Oct. 1.
The new contract maintains
all benefits at their existing
levels, and expands parental
paid leave to include adopted
children. Negotiations took
place in-person in Houston
(with strong safety protocols in
place), while voting took place
on the tugs.
Serving on the union negotiating committee were Russo,
Port Agent Joe Zavala and
Patrolman J.B. Niday, as well
as delegates Jason Curtiss,
Mark Kazin, Stephen Prendergast,
Aaron Reed and
Christopher Wootton.
“Both sets of
delegates did an outstanding job sticking
together and fighting for everyone
to get a raise,” said
Russo. “They all
worked hard and it
shows in the final
results, which are
good contracts both
for the members and
for the companies.”
Bargaining took place online (photo above) for the Crowley Towing and Transportation contract. The negotiating committees for the G&H Towing agreement
(photo at left) are pictured in Houston following the conclusion of bargaining. SIU
Port Agent Joe Zavala (third from left), SIU Assistant VP Mike Russo (sixth from
left) and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (second from right) are among those pictured.
Seafarers LOG 3
�New Orleans-Area Seafarers Persevere Through
Hurricane, Maintain Professionalism on the Job
Whether at home, on the job or upon
returning after mandatory evacuation,
SIU members in New Orleans endured
Hurricane Ida with determination and
professionalism.
Many Seafarers continued working
during the Category 4 storm, which made
landfall in Louisiana on the sixteenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Ida struck
Aug. 29 and continued inland, bringing
catastrophic winds, massive rainfall and
tornadoes, plus flooding storm surge
along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Even though it subsequently weakened, Ida still pummeled the
northeastern U.S. with torrential rain.
By late September, more than 100
deaths from the hurricane had been reported. Ida also knocked out much of
Louisiana’s and Mississippi’s power
grids, leaving more than one million customers without power (including all of
New Orleans), some for more than two
weeks.
“Everybody in this area was impacted,” said SIU New Orleans Port
Agent Chris Westbrook, who followed
an evacuation order and left the region
for more than a week. “This was a much
more intense storm than Katrina but not
a widespread flooding event like Katrina.
This was more a wind event.”
All things considered, Westbrook was
pleasantly surprised to find that the hiring
SIU-crewed Crescent Towing boats hold
the SIU-crewed USNS Kennedy in place
during the hurricane.
SIU’s Heindel
Among 2021
AOTOS Honorees
The annual Admiral of the
Ocean Sea (AOTOS) awards
dinner returns to an in-person
format this year, and one of the
three main honorees is especially well-known to Seafarers.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel has been named
by the United Seamen’s Service
(USS) as an AOTOS recipient,
along with Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO Bill
Woodhour and Chamber of
Shipping of America President
and CEO Kathy Metcalf.
The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus – the first Admiral of the
Ocean Sea – will be accepted
by the three honorees Dec. 3
4 Seafarers LOG
hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey
sustained fairly minor damage. The hall
reopened Sept. 9, shortly after its power
was restored. One of the hall’s rooftop air
conditioning units blew off, and a number
of trees fell nearby.
“It could have been so much worse,”
he said. “Once the hall had power and
Wi-Fi, we made sure the members and retirees knew, so they could use it as a base
of sorts. The internet connectivity alone
was helpful for them to get information
from FEMA and other relief agencies.
We’ve also been able to assist members
and retirees with some relief supplies –
there’s a staging area near the hall, and
we’re working with the local, state and
national AFL-CIO, too.”
Westbrook also credited members
who stayed on the job at the height of the
storm.
“A lot of our tug guys went out and
kept everybody safe,” he said. “These
guys always step up to the plate. They
understand it’s part of their job. They all
have homes and families, too, but they
ran right into danger. You’re out there in
120-, 140-mph winds on the Mississippi
River…. They take pride in doing it.”
One such member is tugboat Capt. Vic
DiGiorgio, who has been a Seafarer for
37 years.
“We don’t run away from hurricanes
and storms,” he said. “We stay right in the
heat of it, and afterwards, we help get the
port straight. During storms, most of our
boats are holding onto ships and moorings.”
DiGiorgio was aboard Crescent Towing’s Margaret F. Cooper during Ida. That
boat teamed up with the South Carolina
and held the side-by-side, SIU-crewed
Altair and Bellatrix in place at the dock
for 24 hours.
“We fared pretty well,” he said. “After
that, we were pulling barges and boats
that had gotten blown away. A lot of them
got twisted up in anchorage.”
DiGiorgio stayed on the job for three
straight weeks. He returned home to find
relatively minor damage to his roof.
“I’m pretty lucky,” he said. “In our
neighborhood, we all have tarps on our
roofs, but I didn’t get it bad to where my
sheetrock fell through. A tree also fell on
a bunch of our vehicles at work (in the office parking lot), but I’m not complaining.
During Katrina, I lost everything – all I
had to my name was my sea bag.”
Another of the vessels held in place by
Crescent boats was the Cape Kennedy,
in New York City.
A special AOTOS Award
will also be presented to Tony
Naccarato, president and chairman of the American Maritime
Officers Service, a Washington-based association comprised of some of the largest
American-flag maritime companies. The aforementioned
recipients will share the evening with a group of American
seafarers who will be honored
for acts of bravery at sea.
LTG Kenneth R. Wykle,
USA, (Ret.), chairman of the
USS AOTOS Committee,
noted, “With such deserving
recipients, we are pleased to
continue the rich 52-year history of this prestigious event.”
He added, “Dave Heindel is
an esteemed labor leader and a
true friend to USS; Kathy Metcalf has brought a solid background in maritime affairs to
her role at the Chamber, and
Capt. Vic DiGiorgio (above) displays the
flag that flew from the tug Margaret F. Cooper during the hurricane. A new flag (photo
at right) took its place after the storm.
where Recertified Bosun Mark Fleming
worked during the storm. The Cape Knox
was anchored next to it.
“We had to pass out a bunch of extra
lines, and that was a good idea, because
we broke two,” Fleming recalled. “We
just bounced around a bit, and after the
storm we had broken lines to pick up. We
were up all night and had to run out and
tend to the tugboats a few times. The lines
had lifted and got draped over [items] on
deck, so we had to straighten those. By
then, the storm was slacking off.”
Fleming commended the Cape Kennedy’s crew for securing the vessel and
added, “You’ve got to have the crew on
there. If there was no one tending the
ship, I’m sure it would’ve been a much
different outcome…. The crew was outstanding, and everybody worked well.
We’ve been through so many of these
storms, I think we’re getting good at it.”
The Kennedy maintained power
(thanks to four massive generators) and
temporarily served as a floating hotel for
harbor police and other essential workers.
As for his own house, Fleming’s circumstance largely mirrored that of DiGiorgio (and Westbrook).
“I’ve got to get a new roof, but that’s
all,” Fleming said. There are four or five
bald spots. I’ve got a tarp on it and some
tubs in the attic.”
Pumpman Victor Martinez lives in
LaPlace, Louisiana, and remained in
his house when the hurricane hit, but he
described an unusual circumstance and
urged people not to follow his lead. Martinez was too ill to travel with his family,
who fled to Houston. Otherwise, he said,
he’d have joined them.
“I thank God I’m alive,” Martinez
said. “By the time I felt up to leaving, it
was too late. I took as many precautions
as I could take.”
He noticed the wind increasing around
1 a.m. “and then I felt the house shaking,
saw shingles flying, bent my knees and
started praying. It felt like the house was
going to pop off from the ground. There
was so much pressure.”
Martinez got a respite 90 minutes later,
but only because the eye of the storm was
passing over his home. Still, he emerged
unharmed, and his house wasn’t ruined
(though it did sustain broken windows,
roof damage and a wrecked air conditioning unit).
He said his daughter wasn’t as lucky
– she lost everything, as did some of his
acquaintances.
“You don’t realize how powerful these
storms are until you’re in them,” he concluded. “My advice is, it’s better to leave.
Material things can be replaced. I thank
God for everything.”
David Heindel
Bill Woodhour
Kathy Metcalf
Bill Woodhour now leads the
important American-flag division of Maersk.”
The AOTOS Award has
been presented for 52 consecutive years, including 2020
when the pandemic dictated a
virtual event. COVID-19 also
did not stop the industry from
fulfilling its collective role as
part of the nation’s essential
workforce, the USS pointed
out when announcing this
year’s awards.
“Despite the pandemic, the
American maritime industry –
management and labor – continued moving and handling
world commerce despite the
personal risk and danger presented by COVID-19 globally,” said Wykle. “We are
expecting the industry to turn
out to honor this year’s leaders and the brave seafarers who
will also be recognized at the
event.”
Proceeds from the AOTOS
event benefit USS community
services abroad for the U.S.
Merchant Marine, seafarers of
all nations, and U.S. government and military overseas.
November 2021
�Biden: Unions are ‘America’s Heart and Soul’
White House Hosts Labor Day Ceremony Honoring Workers
“Everyone is entitled to be treated with
dignity. And that’s what the labor union is all
about: dignity.”
President Biden credited his late father
with regularly reinforcing that message, and
the commander in chief shared it during his remarks at a Sept. 8 White House ceremony celebrating Labor Day. Also speaking at the event
were Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (a former
union member) and AFL-CIO President Liz
Shuler, among others.
Biden, always enthusiastic when discussing
the labor movement, expressed strong confidence
in Shuler, who recently was elected to lead the
federation after the unexpected passing of AFLCIO President Richard Trumka. Previously, she
had served as secretary-treasurer since 2009.
“I know you didn’t expect to be in this role
at this moment,” Biden said to Shuler during the
ceremony, “but as I told you before, I believe
that the future of American labor is in very good
hands. I really mean it.”
He continued, “In my White House, labor
will always be welcome. I intend to be the most
pro-union president leading the most pro-union
administration in American history.”
After observing a moment of silence for
workers who’ve died from COVID-19 and for
both Trumka and retired AFL-CIO President
John Sweeney, who passed away Aug. 5 and Feb.
1, respectively, Biden stated, “One of the things
I admired about Rich is that he understood what
people in this economy are really facing…. He
understood what had happened to workers in
this country, like you do. Rich understood the
past and the challenges, like so many of you
who lived and led through these moments. But
he also understood the future. He understood
who built this country and the tools that were
needed to build it back and build it back better.”
Biden reminded the audience (including
those watching online) that unions “fundamentally transformed how we live and how
we work in this country.”
He cited “the victories won by labor: the
eight-hour day; the weekend; time-and-a-half
for overtime; safety standards; sick days –
victories for all of us. When you all do that,
everybody benefits, whether they belong to a
union or not. When unions win, workers across
the board win. Families win, community wins,
America wins. We grow. And despite this,
workers have been getting cut out of the deal
for too long a time.”
He described a long period of shared prosperity from the late 1940s until 1979, at which
time “everything began to change. Productivity in the country has grown almost four times
faster than pay since 1979. That means the
workers have been giving much more to their
employers’ bottom lines than they’ve gotten
back in their paychecks, breaking the basic
bargain of this country. The bargain was: If
you work hard and you contribute to the welfare of the outfit you work with, you got to
share in the benefits. Well, that stopped for a
long time. That’s what got taken away for a lot
of people. Instead, some people started seeing
the stock market and corporate profits and ex-
President Biden reiterates his support for the labor movement.
ecutive pay as the only measure for economic
growth.
“By the way, the stock market has gone up
exponentially since I’ve been president,” he
continued. “You haven’t heard me say a word
about it…. My measure of economic success is
how families, like mine growing up – working
families busting their neck – how they’re doing;
whether they have a little breathing room;
whether they have a job that delivers some dignity, a paycheck they can support a family on.
Simply put, worker power is essential to building our economy back better than before.”
He described key executive orders he has
signed to boost workers’ rights and reiterated his
total backing of labor’s top legislative priority,
the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
“When Congress passed the 1935 Labor
Relations Act, it didn’t just say you can have
unions – (that) it should be allowed,” Biden
stated. “It said that we, the government, should
encourage unions and collective bargaining,
making it easier. And I believe every worker
should have a free and fair choice to join a
union. The law guarantees that choice. That
belongs to workers, not to their employers or
to special interests.”
He said there are numerous reasons for
workers to choose union representation.
“We know the economic reasons: Union
members get higher wages, better benefits, like
health insurance and paid leave, protections
against discrimination and harassment, and
a safer and healthier workplace,” Biden explained. “But there’s another reason – a basic
American reason. Workers who join unions
gain power – power over the decisions and the
decision-makers that affect their lives. Workers’
voices are heard and heeded. In a simple word,
a union means there is democracy. Democracy.
Organizing, joining a union – that’s democracy
in action. And it’s about dignity on the job, but
it’s also about creating good jobs.”
Shuler thanked the president and Vice President Kamala Harris for “leading the most proworker administration in U.S. history.”
She said the labor movement “is the single
most powerful force for progress in the United
States. In the past two centuries, industry by
industry – in factories, mines, and mills – we
challenged inhumane conditions. We created
safety standards. We transformed grim, dangerous work into good, sustainable union jobs.
This administration gets it. That’s how unions
built the American middle class.”
She credited the union members who’ve helped
keep the economy afloat during the pandemic before turning to the future of organized labor.
“We’re building a modern, inclusive labor
movement,” Shuler said. “A movement in every
sector and every community, with women and
people of color moving from the margins, to
the center. Unions are the best way to guarantee
equal pay, close wage gaps and fight discrimination at work. We create pathways to the middle class for veterans, for those who’ve been
sidelined – for everyone. The power of a good,
sustainable union job is life-changing. That’s
why 68 percent of Americans and 77 percent of
young people support labor unions. That’s the
highest approval ratings in over half a century.”
She added, “Everything is lined up. We’ve
got the public on our side, workers standing
up and taking risks, and the most pro-union
administration in history. This is our moment!
And shame on us if we don’t take advantage of
it. But with labor laws written in 1935, and the
corporate attacks that have chipped them away
over time, today it’s actually easier to stop a
union than it is to form one.”
Walsh spoke at the event and also issued a
proclamation that read in part, “This is a Labor
Day like no other. The pandemic has changed
how our country thinks about work – and working people. It has showed us how much we
depend on essential workers, including many
vulnerable and low-paid workers. And it proved
that we can transform our working conditions.
So, as we celebrate adding more than 4.5 million new jobs to the economy since January,
I invite workers and employers all across our
country to imagine a better, more just and more
sustainable partnership.
“To establish this new reality, the Department of Labor will stand shoulder-to-shoulder
with workers morning, noon and night,” he
continued. “From investing in a care economy
that allows workers to thrive in their jobs while
caring for their families, to building a more inclusive workforce and ensuring that the loss of
a job doesn’t mean the loss of financial wellbeing, we stand with America’s workers – and
the unions that support them. The Biden-Harris
administration’s ambitious agenda will address
the persistent injustices and inequities that organized labor has been fighting for more than
a century, and my colleagues and I are proud to
help carry out this critical effort.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler thanks the president and Vice President Kamala Harris for
“leading the most pro-worker administration in U.S. history.”
DOL Secretary Marty Walsh explains his
firsthand knowledge of the numerous benefits of union membership.
Maritime Trades Department Executive
Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (left) is
pictured with President Biden shortly after
the president’s speech.
November 2021
Seafarers LOG 5
�Seafarers Unanimously Ratify NCL Contract
New Agreement Features Numerous Improvements
Seafarers recently left no doubt about
their view of a new contract between the
union and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
Members unanimously ratified a nineyear agreement described by several as
“groundbreaking” for cruise ships, due to
how closely its wages and many other economic elements come to mirroring the SIU
standard freightship agreement. Voting
took place Sept. 24 in Portland, Oregon,
aboard the SIU-crewed Pride of America
– the only U.S.-flag deep-sea cruise ship.
“This is an outstanding contract, as
reflected by the overwhelming support
of the membership,” said SIU Executive
Vice President Augie Tellez. “It’s a fair and
beneficial agreement for both sides. I extend my sincere compliments to everyone
involved in the negotiations.”
Bosun Maximo Aguiran stated, “The
SIU-NCL agreement of enhanced economic terms has exceeded our expectations – better benefits, good wages, and
more money in our pockets. Thank you,
SIU.”
Engine Storekeeper Bryan Wells said,
“The wage increase gives newer members
the opportunity to not have to worry so
much about trying to earn a living wage,
especially while trying to get their time in
for seniority. I hope this will help remove
any stigma about this vessel and instead
show the opportunity it can be for those
members who are trying to get a start in
our industry. It’s definitely a nice starting
point that we can hopefully continue to im-
prove upon in the future.”
Assistant Engine Storekeeper Tanya
Awong also is pleased with the contract.
“Thank you to SIU and its officials for
the wage increase and enhanced economic
terms,” she said. “I’m very thankful for
what we got. It has been a long road with
NCL, especially as I started with SEATU
(an SIU-affiliated union), then crossed
over into SIU. I’ve seen many contract
changes over the years. I believe by far this
is the greatest, and I look forward to my
continued employment with NCL.”
Negotiations for enhancements to the
contract began in late 2019, and were
put on hold for several months due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. However, the SIU
and NCL agreed to a contract extension
earlier this year and bargaining resumed,
with the union and company negotiating
committees meeting numerous times (multiple times per week in some cases).
“Both committees worked tirelessly,
and that included nights, weekends and
holidays,” SIU Assistant Vice President
Bryan Powell said. “The aim was to
achieve an agreement that was more in line
with the industry standard agreements, and
I believe we achieved that with most of
the major economic elements. Frankly, the
package far exceeds what has been in effect historically in this market. I’m happy
all the hard work paid off and we were
able to deliver such a robust package for
the membership!”
SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom
Orzechowski stated, “The contract reflects
continued stability and continued partnership. I think everyone’s focus now is to get
this market back into play, relative to the
challenges of the pandemic.”
The contract includes a completely new
wage schedule with increased rates effective Oct. 1, 2021, providing average boosts
between two and four percent to base wage
rates (depending on rating) and an adjusted
overtime rate schedule equivalent to a 30
percent increase. The agreement also includes across-the-board increases of three
percent for all wages effective April 1,
2022 and each anniversary thereafter.
The Seafarers Vacation Plan benefit
will increase by one day each year until
2027 from the current level of nine days
of additional base pay for each 30 days
worked. As of April 1, 2027, the benefit
will be 15 for 30.
Additionally, the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefit will increase
from the current three percent of base
wages on the following schedule: April 1,
2022, four percent of all base wages; April
1, 2024, five percent of all base wages.
The pact also maintains medical and
pension benefits at the respective highest
levels.
Other features of the new agreement include increases to safety shoes reimbursement; boosts to the level of maintenance
and cure payments; and enhanced payments for loss of personal property.
Principle negotiators for the union and
Members ratify the contract, which features wage increases and other gains.
Pictured aboard the vessel from left are
SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Engine Storekeeper Bryan Wells and Bosun Maximo
Aguiran.
company bargaining teams, respectively,
were Powell and NCL Senior Vice President of Shipboard Talent Management
Christian R. Weindorf.
Lynn White, executive vice president
and chief talent officer at NCL, provided
the following statement: “Norwegian
Cruise Line continually reviews our compensation and benefits structure, allowing
us a competitive edge in attracting and
retaining the best talent in each area of
our operation. An extension of this commitment is our partnership with the SIU.
By working together over many months of
bargaining, we’ve agreed on an outstanding compensation package, including an
increased pay structure and ongoing benefit enhancements over the life of the agreement. We are very pleased that the SIU
membership ratified it unanimously, as we
believe it will greatly benefit our existing
shipboard SIU members and strengthen
our recruitment efforts in the future. We
thank the SIU for its continued commitment and partnership with NCL, and our
existing shipboard SIU members for their
support, hard work and dedication, especially during these challenging times.”
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Understanding Symptoms One Could
Expect With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Editor’s note: This article is provided by the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical
Department. The September edition of the LOG
(PDF available at seafarerslog.org) includes a
piece about type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes (adult onset) is the most
common form of diabetes. It means that your
body does not use insulin correctly. There is an
impairment in the way the body regulates and
uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. There are long
term (chronic) conditions that can result if too
much sugar continues to circulate in the bloodstream for a prolonged period. High blood glucose will do damage to the circulatory, nervous,
and immune systems.
In type 2 diabetes, there are two problems at
work. Your pancreas may not produce enough
insulin (a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cell); and the body’s
cells respond poorly to the insulin and take in
less sugar (a metabolic issue). Some people are
able to control their blood sugar levels by taking
6 Seafarers LOG
their prescribed medications, eating healthy and
exercising regularly.
An important part of managing type 2 diabetes is to maintain a well-balanced diet. This
includes eating nutritious, healthful foods.
Fitness is another key to managing type 2.
Just get moving. Find an activity that you like.
Take a partner with you on your daily exercise
routine.
Remember the symptoms for type 2 diabetes are: increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unintended weight loss, feeling
very tired, blurred vision, frequent infections
that may not heal, and numbness or tingling of
the hands or feet.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing
weight, eating well, and exercising can help to
manage the disease. There are many different
types of medications on the market that will
also help to keep blood glucose down.
Keep your doctor’s appointments and check
your blood glucose levels as instructed to live a
long and healthier life.
Healthy Recipe
Roasted Chili Rubbed Chicken Legs
Servings: 25
Ingredients
12 pounds chickenleg
Rub Recipe
1/2 cup chili powder
3 1/4 tablespoons paprika
3/4 tablespoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
312 Calories; 20g Fat (58.1% calories from
fat); 29g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g
Dietary Fiber; 132mg Cholesterol; 602mg
Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4
Lean Meat; 11/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.
(Provided by Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)
Preparation
Mix all of the rub ingredients together. Season the chicken legs with the rub all over.
Place the seasoned chicken on sheet pans.
Roast the chicken in a 325’f oven for
25-30 minutes until an internal temperature
of 165’f is reached. Garnish the cooked
chicken with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items):
November 2021
�Six Bosuns Reach Highest Level of Deck Department
After completing an intensive and allencompassing curriculum, six bosuns are the
latest to complete recertification. Seafarers
Joseph Gierbolini, Richard Grubbs, Brian
Guiry, Tavell Love, Samuel Porchea and
Lionel Rivas graduated from the course Oct.
4, when they were introduced at the membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland.
Their two-week curriculum, offered at
the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education (PHC),
concluded as they were presented with their
respective certificates of completion. During their training, the members received
hands-on instruction and high-level refresher
courses, as well as attending face-to-face
meetings with union and plans officials along
with various representatives from different
departments within the SIU and the school.
In keeping with tradition, each bosun gave
a brief graduation speech to the assembled
union officials, fellow mariners, trainees
and guests in attendance at the membership
meeting. They expressed gratitude for the
opportunities provided by the union, and specifically thanked their instructors, port agents
and other officials.
Profiles of the bosuns and excerpts from
their speeches follow.
Joseph Gierbolini
Gierbolini sails out of Jacksonville,
Florida, but he joined the union in Puerto
Rico in 1999. He opened his remarks with
a quote from author Patrick O’Brian: “Injustice is a rule of the service, as you know
very well; and since you have to have a good
deal of undeserved abuse, you might just as
well have it from your friends.” He then followed up by saying, “This is not an easy life
that we choose. But it builds a brotherhood,
a friendship that very few people will ever
understand who do not serve in it.
“It has been a long stretch of ocean, but I
am proud to call myself a sailor, and proud to
call myself a bosun,” he added.
Gierbolini described his time in Piney
Point as “excellent. I have been waiting a
long time for the opportunity to get into this
class,” he said.
He also thanked those who helped him
join the union in the first place: “I would
not have been able to do any of this without
(former SIU Port Agent and current Recertified Bosun) Victor Nunez, who first got me
into the union. I would also like to thank my
uncle Tony, and my mentor Mike Burns.
Together, I owe my position and my career
to you.”
He concluded by addressing his fellow
bosuns, saying, “You are all my friends. We
have made this journey together. Master or
bosun, mate or ordinary seamen, we have
made this trek together. We are brothers, we
are friends, we are seamen.”
Recertified Bosun Richard Grubbs
Recertified Bosun Samuel Porchea
Recertified Bosun Joseph Gierbolini
Everything that I have – my home, my family – I have gotten that through the union.”
A frequent upgrader, he remarked on the
improvements to the facilities at Piney Point:
“I have been very impressed with the upgrades to the school. I believe it will put the
SIU ahead of the other training facilities.”
He then thanked the instructors and staff
of the school for their hard work, and complimented the quality of the recertified bosun
course.
Grubbs said he particularly benefited
from the leadership training, which he is confident will bolster his performance when he
returns to sea.
Addressing the apprentices, he stated, “I
call upon you to look beyond the SIU as a
job, and look at the union as a brotherhood
and as a way of life…. We have a strong
union that has allowed me to reach my goals
in life, and for that I especially want to thank
[SIU President] Mike Sacco. This union will
allow you to get to the goals you set.”
strongest framework I could ever imagine
to continue to build from.”
Reflecting on his time as a patrolman,
Guiry recalled, “Being a part of the network
of support that the union offers deepened
my pride and appreciation for what we as
the rank and file have in this organization.
I learned the real importance of programs
like SPAD. I saw firsthand how hard our officials and staff work to maintain our union.
I am forever grateful for the experience, and
I carry it with me every day aboard the ship
when I am out there. I cannot thank you all
enough for what you have done for myself,
and for the rest of the membership.”
He concluded, “I extend a very special
thank you to my wife, Ashley, my rock. I
could not do what I do at sea without her
support. To my parents, who gave me the
most valuable gift in life – a strong work
ethic. To (SIU Gulf Coast Vice President)
Dean Corgey, for giving me the opportunity
to work in Jacksonville, alongside the man
who became my mentor, (retired Assistant
Vice President) Archie Ware, and my partner
at the counter, Port Agent Ashley Nelson.
And to the current crew at the Jacksonville
hall, (Patrolman) Adam Bucalo, (Patrolman)
Eddie Pittman and (Safety Director) Joseph
Koncul, who I am proud to call my union
brothers.”
actually got me my first job as a bosun.” He
then thanked the officials in Jacksonville
before also expressing gratitude for his wife
and kids.
“This experience has taught me a lot, as far
as what goes on behind the scenes and all the
hard work the executive board does to ensure
the stability of not only the SIU, but the industry as a whole,” he concluded. “I now see why
it’s so important to donate to SPAD. It gives
our small population (as mariners) a chance
to step in the door and be heard by lawmakers. To the trainees, just remember to be smart
with your money, and take advantage of the
[pension] plans. Enjoy life!”
Richard Grubbs
After his Navy career, Grubbs joined the
union in San Francisco in 1996. He opened
by crediting the union for his success, saying,
“I speak to you today as a member of the
SIU. As a member, I have reached my goals.
Brian Guiry
Guiry took an unusual path to becoming a recertified bosun, taking a detour and
becoming an SIU patrolman in Jacksonville from 2009 until 2014. He joined the
union in 1999 in Jacksonville, and graduated from the school in PHC Apprentice
Class 593.
“My first ship in phase two sailed
around the world,” he said. “In that one
trip, I learned that life didn’t always require a clear direction. It requires a framework to build off of. The SIU has given
my life that framework.”
Eyeing the future, Guiry stated, “I
recently completed the PHC AB to Mate
program. From the education I received
here at the Paul Hall Center, I passed the
test and got the third mate’s license. It
wasn’t easy, but thanks to the SIU, it was
achievable. With the license, and now as
a recertified bosun, I have so many more
opportunities open to me. Once again, I
don’t have a clear direction. But I have the
Recertified Bosun Tavell Love
Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas
November 2021
Tavell Love
Love, who joined the union in Jacksonville in 2003, first related to the trainees in attendance by saying, “I’ve sat in these chairs,
too, in Class 632. I joined the union not even
knowing what a merchant seaman was.”
He continued, “I came to enjoy the job
and the lifestyle that comes with it. Where
else can you go to school and get free training, travel the world and get paid for it, and
work when you want to work?”
Love credited those who have helped him
in his career: “I want to thank the instructors
for helping me and for giving me the tools
and knowledge I needed to succeed in the
industry. My classmate, Brian Guiry, who
Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry
Samuel Porchea
Porchea got the audience’s attention
when he pointed out he has sailed for 49
years as of Oct. 3. That tenure includes
sailing as a bosun since 1976, and joining
the SIU in 1997 (he sails from the port of
Jacksonville).
He continued, “The union has been
important in my life, as I have been able to
provide a high quality of life for my family. I
would like to thank the union leadership, as
well as the staff of the school for providing
us with the proper training and skills here
at Piney Point. To my instructors, all that I
can say is, ‘job well done.’ I have learned
so much from each of you, and I surely will
pass this knowledge along to the younger
seamen.”
Porchea then said to the apprentices,
“Please don’t forget our meeting (the bosuns
met with them during class). The SIU is there
for you, as it has been there for me. Without
them, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do
today.”
He then thanked the union officials in
Jacksonville and Houston.
Lionel Rivas
Rivas opened by proclaiming, “This is the
greatest day of my life!”
He joined the SIU in 2001, and now sails
out of the port of Houston.
He remarked on the uniqueness of his
job, saying, “After 60 days on the job, you
get a vacation check. How much more
could we want? Work when you want to,
take off when you want to, and when you
come back, you still have your job! How
great is that?”
Regarding the recertification course
and the school, he stated, “These past two
weeks have been some of the most interesting weeks of training in my career. I have
learned a lot more than I thought I would,
and I will share all I have learned with my
shipmates. I’ll also be able to better answer
any questions they might have.”
He concluded, “I think the school is the
best training facility in the U.S. I will always
come back to the school to upgrade, because
this is my home. Everything has been great:
the instructors, the staff, and last but not least
my bosun brothers. I know us deck people
are a little crazy, but without us, the job
doesn’t get done.”
Seafarers LOG 7
�Lucinda Lessley
Acting Maritime Administrator
Mark Buzby
Former Maritime Administrator
Kevin Tokarski
MARAD Associate Administrator
For Strategic Sealift
Chris Edyvean
Past AMMV President
(And former SIU member)
Convention Salutes Service of WWII Mariners,
Emphasizes Ongoing Need for Strong Fleet
The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) conducted a rousing, in-person
convention Sept. 22-23 in Linthicum Heights,
Maryland.
The event featured remarks from several
dignitaries, video plaudits from members of
Congress, a stirring tribute to the late Capt.
Hugh Mulzac, and a private unveiling of the
design of the Congressional Gold Medal honoring U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II.
(The design will be publicly released later this
year or early next year.)
Guest speakers at the convention included
Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN) (Ret.); Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley;
MARAD Associate Administrator for Strategic
Sealift Kevin Tokarski; author William Geroux;
Dr. Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian and industry advocate; past AMMV President (and
former SIU member) Chris Edyvean; World
War II mariner Dave Yoho; television news anchor and author Rita Cosby; and members of
Mulzac’s family. (Mulzac was America’s first
Black merchant ship captain.)
Video messages were submitted by
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker
Nancy Pelosi (D-California); U.S. Sen. Lisa
Murkowski (R-Alaska); U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California); U.S. Rep. Jamie
Raskin (D-Maryland); and U.S. Rep. Al
Green (D-Texas).
Whether in-person or recorded, the messages uniformly honored the critical service
of war-era mariners, and several speakers also
underscored the ongoing need for a strong U.S.
Merchant Marine.
Meanwhile, add the gold-medal design process to the seemingly unending list of projects
that were delayed due to the pandemic. President Trump on March 13, 2020 signed into law
the Merchant Mariners Congressional Gold
Medal Act – right around when much of the
United States was going into a partial shutdown
because of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the design
ultimately was set.
The law provides for the award of a Congressional gold medal collectively, to the United
States Merchant Mariners of World War II, in
recognition of their dedicated and vital service.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest
honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress.
The medal will be displayed in the American
Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy in New York. Duplicates then
will be struck and made available to the public.
The SIU and the Transportation Institute,
alongside a number of other backers, took lead
roles in obtaining co-sponsors for both the
House and Senate bills. More than 1,200 SIU
members lost their lives in wartime service during World War II.
“Throughout the Second World War, our
armed forces relied on the U.S. Merchant
Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel
into both theaters of operation, and they paid
a heavy price in service to their country,” said
Garamendi. “The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered the highest per-capita casualty rate in
the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.
An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives,
and another 12,000 were wounded, to make
sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives
on the line were not even given veteran status
until 1988.”
There are approximately 4,000 World War II
U.S. Merchant Mariners alive today, according
to Murkowski’s office.
Convention attendee Ken Delancey sailed
with the NMU (mostly as an AB, also as a
bosun) from the late 1960s until he retired
in 1998.
Delegates and guests gather for the main event Sept. 23 in Maryland.
A Visitor for Christmas Dinner 1945
Editor’s note: This article was written by Mark S. Gleeson, a World War II mariner and longtime vice chairman
of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, part of the
American Merchant Marine Veterans. The committee helped
spearhead a successful effort to extend the cutoff date for
recognizing World War II merchant mariners as veterans so it
matched the date used by the armed services.
When veterans get together, there is always a point when
someone asks if he had experienced anything different. I had
such a story but have never had the opportunity to tell it.
I was a member of the crew of the SS William Dean
Howells, just another lumbering Liberty ship. We left Boston
on September 13, 1945, bound for New Orleans where we
loaded three holds with rice, put 90,000 cases of Carlings
8 Seafarers LOG
Red Cap Ale in another, loaded a hold full of PX supplies,
and filled the decks with six-by-six Army trucks all bound for
Manilla.
We left New Orleans on October 17, 1945, went through
the Canal on October 19 and 30 days later arrived in Manilla.
Manilla is an enormous harbor and was full of all types of
ships. We were finally given dock space to unload, only one
shift a day as our engineers operated the booms. Then down
to Batangas for no apparent reason, and we came back to Manilla empty. We then received orders to proceed to the island
of Morotai in the Dutch East Indies to bring back surplus material left over from the invasion.
Morotai is a lovely island in a group of islands and
was important during the war as an air base. It played an
important role as an air support base in the invasion of the
Philippines. The Morotai invasion began on September 15,
1944, and the Allies expected a strong defense, but there
were only about 500 Japanese on the island. Regardless,
the island was not finally secured until September 7, 1945,
although the air strips were used immediately. Morotai is
about 1,600 miles south of Manilla, sitting near the equator.
We arrived the first week of December 1945, and had to
dock the ship ourselves, as there were no tugs or support vessels. We were the only ship at the docking area, which consisted of large log pilings and a wood plank dock. Despite the
skill of the crew, we hit the pilings a little too hard and almost
ruined the dock. This caused many angry words thrown at us
from the men waiting for us as we crushed the dock.
We did nothing for a few days as Army engineers repaired the dock area. There was a large outdoor hospital
Continued on next page
November 2021
�Seafarers Engage in Philanthropic Outreach
Oakland-Area Mariners Help Local Covenant House California Facility
SIU members took pandemic-related safeguards while enthusiastically engaging in a
months-long community outreach effort in
Oakland, California.
Seafarers pitched in to help a local Covenant House California (CHC) facility. They
donated various items for the non-profit youth
homeless shelter and delivered them once per
month, from June through August. The union
also made a monetary contribution.
CHC Bay Area Development Officer Vera
SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left)
presents a check from the union to local
Covenant House representative Vera Hannush.
Hannush said the SIU’s support made a difference.
“The youth loved seeing them come
through,” she stated. “We’re just starting to
open back up to in-person volunteering, and it
was clear that the SIU is a team and a band of
brothers doing it all together.”
The timing was important, Hannush said,
because the pandemic has led to increased
homelessness.
“We’re serving more and more people, and
we’re the only shelter system for Alameda
County,” she said. “The donations from the
SIU were phenomenal. They brought water,
non-perishable foods, hygiene items and more.
We’re so deeply appreciative.”
Seafarers said they were happy to pitch in.
Chief Cook Keith Hall noted, “It went
very well. The people at the shelter were very
grateful to receive the donations we provided
through the SIU. My involvement was basically
helping distribute and also generating donations.”
Hall added, “This is our community, and
anyone can fall on hard times, especially with
the pandemic. It can be difficult to provide for
your family. We’re more fortunate, and sometimes it’s best to give back. I think it’s reciprocated in the long run.”
GUDE Emmanuel Nuez said that when he
learned of the opportunity to volunteer, “I said
yeah, no problem, I’m more than happy to help
out. It went well. The people were very friendly
and very thankful.”
Recertified Bosun Artis Williams said that
in addition to finding the experience worthwhile, it also proved an eye-opener.
“I was surprised because I’m from this area,
A-Books in Wilmington
The Covenant House facility in Oakland, California, is located a little more than a mile
from the hiring hall.
and I didn’t even know Covenant House existed,” he stated. “To see us involved and helping others in our own community is a big deal.
It means a lot to me – what we do as people
and as a union. I was very, very happy to be
involved with it.”
Hannush also was struck by the proximity of
the Oakland hiring hall and the CHC building.
“I walk by the hall all the time,” she said.
“We have more than 30 sites nationally and internationally, but Seafarers are our neighbors.”
CHC is self-described as “a non-profit youth
Decades Old Christmas Dinner
Rekindles Memories For Mariner
Continued from Page 8
Congrats to ABM Arsenio
Malunes and to Chief
Cook Keyon Gregory for
recently receiving their
respective A-books at the
hall in Wilmington, California. (Arsenio also brought
lunch for the hall.) Malunes
is at right in photo at immediate right, with SIU Safety
Director Gordon Godel.
Gregory is at right in the
photo above, with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr.
Log-A-Rhythm
El Faro (Never Forgotten)
It’s kind of hard to believe it’s been six years
Since our brothers and sisters just disappeared
All seafaring souls can recall
Being far out to sea with no land at all
November 2021
homeless shelter that provides sanctuary and
support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages
18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person
in California deserves shelter, food, clothing,
education … and most importantly, to be loved.
Now serving over 4,700 youth a year, CHC
provides a full continuum of services to meet
the physical, emotional, educational, vocational,
and spiritual well-being of young people, in
order to provide them with the best chance for
success in independence.”
unit on the island, and I was sent there to
have them look at a rash I had developed on
my left ankle. With no air conditioning and
all the heat and humidity, it seemed everyone
had some type of heat rash. I was given an
ointment that helped. Several of the crew
were with me to have their aches and pains
cared for.
After our hospital visit, we toured the
local runway that was littered with every
type of plane, even old fabric-covered
planes. It was paradise for a plane lover.
Our mission was to bring thousands of
cases of fruit juices and other canned food
items back to Manilla for their military
forces and civilian use. I never saw any other
juices than pineapple and grapefruit. Lots
of vitamin C. The manpower to load all this
material turned out to be Japanese prisoners
guarded by Australian soldiers. Our crew
operated the booms, but all the hard work
loading and in the holds was done by the
prisoners. It was not the neatest job in the
world, it was terribly hot, but we filled up
two holds with food products and then #1
hold with aviation fuel in drums.
The crew socialized with the local Australian troops at an outdoor movie theatre at night
and we all enjoyed the wonderful Australian
beer, available in quart bottles. Their beer was
twice as strong as what our troops were served
and there were giant piles of empty bottles as
they saved them for some reason.
We departed Morotai December 24, 1945,
with Christmas planned at sea. The official
ship’s log shows that at 1630 ship’s time,
December 24, a dismasted outrigger canoe
was sighted off the starboard quarter. In the
canoe was Naftali Katoehoe of the Netherlands East Indies waving frantically for help
(Ship’s Log Lat. 02.57 N Long. 127.34 E).
The motor lifeboat was lowered, and the
fisherman was pulled in, his outrigger canoe
in tow. The rescued man and his canoe were
quickly brought on board. The fisherman
was not in bad condition, just very dehydrated, hungry, and extremely grateful. Fortunately, he could speak a little English. We
did not know how long he was adrift.
The captain did not want to divert from
our planned course to Manilla and the closest land was more than 50 miles away. A
decision was made to continue on course
and turn the man over to Dutch authorities
once we reached Manilla. We never were
told how he got so far away from land. Since
there was only one Armed Guard on board
to maintain the two guns, there was room for
our new passenger.
We arrived back in Manilla on December
31, 1945, and again anchored out in the big
harbor. At midnight I witnessed the most
beautiful display of fireworks and flares as
we welcomed the new year. Probably every
merchant ship at anchor was firing parachute
red signal lifeboat flares. The harbor was
full of ships loading troops for home. Several aircraft carriers were in the harbor as
they could carry more troops.
Our guest fisherman was turned over to
the Counsel General of the Netherlands in
Manilla on January 2, 1946. We junked the
canoe.
If someone asked me what I did for
Christmas 1945, I would tell him that I was
part of an effort that saved a simple fisherman from the perils of the sea, had him stay
for Christmas dinner, and planned to get him
home. There is something biblical in what
we did, sharing our Christmas dinner with
a stranger we saved, and seeing him on his
way.
The wind screaming, the bow diving
Each wave larger than the last
Watching the horizon, fighting back tears
Stuck in our eyes
The whole crew praying not to hear
The ship’s abandon whistle blast
The secrets of the sea can never be told
Until we answer the final bell’s toll
Every wave she hits, you can feel her roll
We all are praying the man on the wheel
Can keep her under control
Some stories we will tell
Sometimes just silence with no reply
James R. Blitch
B-2121
Recertified Bosun
Written Oct. 1, 2020
Seafarers LOG 9
�TOTE Shipping President Jeff Dixon (center) and VP Eduardo Pagan (left) visit in late August. SIU Asst. VP
Amancio Crespo is at right. (All photos on this page were submitted by SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.)
SA Gustavo Romero (right) returns from his first SIU job, aboard
the Overseas Los Angeles. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at left.
Snapshots from San Juan
Bosun John Telles and Admin. Asst. Maria Gomez break out the office Christmas tree – in mid-September. No one can say the holiday spirit didn’t arrive
early at the hall.
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and pensioners Carlos Marcial Jr. and Carlos Marcial
10 Seafarers LOG
Pensioner Luis Bonafont, who
sailed with the union for nearly
30 years, still keeps his book
handy.
Pensioner Julio Mattos
Chief Steward Juan Guanil (right) receives his A-seniority book from
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.
Pensioner Miguel Robles (left) and his son, Seafarer Miguel Robels
Oiler Pedro Rivera stops by
to register after completing a
four-month tour aboard the
tanker Oregon.
November 2021
�Investigations Start, Officers Suspended
In Cadet Alleged Sexual Assault Case
In late September 2021, an anonymous
member of the class of 2022 at the U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
at King’s Point, New York, submitted an
account detailing her alleged sexual assault during her Sea Year. According to her
writing, she was raped by the first engineer
aboard her vessel (who was her supervisor
as a member of the engine department).
The anonymous victim’s report is
posted online on the website of the organization Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy.
She describes sexual harassment as a common occurrence among the female students
at King’s Point.
In a joint letter addressed to the “Kings
Point Community” and dated Oct. 2, U.S.
Department of Transportation Deputy
Secretary Polly Trottenberg and Acting
U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda
Lessley said, “We write today to express
our unwavering support for the individual
who has shared her story of a sexual assault
that took place during Sea Year. Providing
resources for students after these events
happen is not enough. We must prevent
them from occurring in the first place. We
have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault and sexual harassment at USMMA
and in the maritime industry. As we determine the appropriate steps required to
increase and ensure the safety of our midshipmen, we pledge to listen to and work
closely with the entire Kings Point community.”
AP Moller-Maersk (APMM) is investigating the case, which was alleged to have
occurred aboard a vessel operated by its
U.S.-flag subsidiary, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). The company has launched a
comprehensive inquiry, and suspended five
officers in relation to the case pending the
outcome of their investigation.
“There are enough details for us to be
able to identify which ship and which employees are involved. That is why we have
something that forms the basis for initiating an investigation, and that is why we
have suspended the five involved officers
who [were] on the ship,” APMM Techni-
cal Manager Palle Laursen stated. “We are
deeply shaken by this. The way in which
the incident is described is not only contrary to ordinary decency, but also in particular to our values and what we stand for
in Maersk.”
MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour
said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened about what we have read. We take
this situation seriously and are disturbed
by the allegations made in this anonymous
posting, which has only recently been
brought to our attention. We do everything
we can to ensure that all of our workplace
environments, including vessels, are a safe
and welcoming workplace, and we’ve
launched a top to bottom investigation.”
The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) released an anti-harassment statement, which reads in part:
“Sexual harassment and assault have no
place in our Union or on our vessels. The
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
is committed to providing workplaces that
are free of sexual harassment, assault, or
other unwanted behavior. Simply put,
M.E.B.A. will not tolerate sexual harassment or assault by any of its members or
applicants.” The statement, which is available on their website, also provided contact
methods for reporting any sexual harassment or sexual assault on board a vessel.
The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, also weighed
in, noting that the union and school take
these types of allegations very seriously
and believe that no one should be harassed
or assaulted on the job (or anywhere else).
That is why preventive lessons regarding
sexual assault/sexual harassment regularly
are taught at the school.
Meanwhile, this is not the first instance
of alleged sexual harassment and sexual
assault issues stemming from the USMMA
and Sea Year. After a series of reports in
2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation temporarily halted USMMA’s Sea
Year program for a review of its sexual
assault/sexual harassment prevention protocols.
Progress Made with
CHS Clinic Services
Tugboats and ferries (photo at left) take part in the boatlift ceremony to commemorate the 9/11 responders. (Photo
courtesy of AMP) In photo at right, SIU Capt. Rick Thornton (center) is presented with a ceremonial key to the township of Morris Plains by Mayor Jason Karr (right). Thornton is joined by his wife, Grace (left).
Boat Procession Commemorates
Anniversary of September 11, 2001
Seafarers took part in commemorations of the twentieth anniversary of
Sept. 11, 2001 – events that honored the
victims while also saluting an immediate response that constituted the largest
water evacuation in history.
Some of the boats that mobilized
after the terrorist attacks in New York
20 years ago were part of a large, waterborne procession in New York Harbor on Sept. 10, 2021. They included
SIU-crewed NY Waterway passenger
ferries.
Attending a directly related ceremony on the waterfront were U.S. Sen.
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) and
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard,
Adm. Karl L. Schultz, among others.
The event was hosted by the American
Maritime Partnership (AMP), New York
Council of the Navy League, Transportation Institute, Towboat and Harbor
Carriers Association, Passenger Vessel Association, Port Authority of New
York/New Jersey, Sandy Hook Pilots,
and Seamen’s Church Institute.
According to AMP, to which the SIU
is affiliated, “A shining light on an otherwise dark and tragic day 20 years ago
… was the heroic response by American maritime operators in New York
Harbor who answered the call of the
United States Coast Guard to spontaneously organize the evacuation of more
November 2021
than 500,000 Americans at the southern
tip of Manhattan – an effort that took
only nine hours and became the largest
water evacuation in U.S. history. Within
minutes of the call for help, American
maritime vessels of all shapes and sizes
responded selflessly and ensured that the
events on that fateful day were not even
worse. The American Maritime Partnership remembers and mourns all Americans lost that day, and expresses its
deepest gratitude to the men and women
of American Maritime for their selfless
response and service.”
As part of the ceremony, approximately 100 vessels took part in a procession.
In a separate event also on Sept. 10,
Capt. Rick Thornton – who has sailed
aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway
tugboats for 31 years – was awarded a
ceremonial key to the township of Morris Plains, New Jersey. Thornton served
as the keynote speaker at the gathering,
attended by Morris Plains Mayor Jason
Karr, first responders and an audience
that included schoolchildren.
“Morris Plains was really affected by
9/11,” Thornton said. “They had a lot of
commuters who were in Manhattan that
day, and the community lost some lives
in the towers. I had no idea what they
were planning, and it was a total shock
and honor when they gave me the key
to the city.”
Thornton has been part of many
rescues during his career, including
the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the Miracle on the Hudson in
2009, but nothing compares in scale to
the evacuation of Manhattan after the
9/11 attacks.
“With any large harbor, you have to
share the waterfront with the private and
recreational boaters,” he said. “On 9/11,
you saw everyone working together in
the best way possible. You couldn’t have
gotten an ambulance down in Manhattan, so we had to do a lot of triage and
medical transport, in addition to evacuating civilians.”
He continued, “After the boatlift and
the debriefing, they have a much better
plan in place today in Manhattan, should
we be called to action like that again.
The ferries are definitely a big part of
the evacuation plan now, should any sort
of emergency hit Manhattan – whether
it’s a blackout, or a dirty bomb, or even
a hostage situation on a ferry – we’re all
very prepared to handle it today.”
He concluded, “On 9/11, we saw the
worst in humanity, but we also saw the
best in humanity. And it’s important to
focus on the good things we saw that
day. It’s what keeps me on the same
routes – sometimes on the same boat –
to this day.”
During the Oct. 4 membership meeting in Piney
Point, Maryland, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP) Administrator Maggie Bowen reported significant progress with efforts to facilitate the physicalexam steps used by SIU members.
“During the
past few months,
I’m sure that more
than a few of
you have experienced problems
with CHS and
the medical exam
process,” Bowen
said.
“ We ’ v e
taken steps to rectify the difficulties
and are making
progress.”
She continued,
“Since April 2021,
we have received
weekly reports
of changes in the
backlog with the
review process.
At that time, there
were 581 exams
waiting for review
by the doctor. As
of Sept. 14, that
number is 114
exams, which is a
decline of approx- SHBP Administrator Maggie Bowen
imately 80%. This
decline is a direct
result of our demand that more resources were required
to fulfill our agreement with CHS, including adding
additional doctors.”
Bowen added that efforts are ongoing to continue
reducing, if not ultimately eliminating, any backlogs.
“We’re monitoring the process every day, and problems are brought to the attention of management as
soon as they are noted,” she explained. “You can help
us in this area by completing any surveys that CHS
sends to you. Being honest about the service you receive at the clinics or with CHS directly will go a long
way to helping us hold them accountable for providing the service you deserve. I would add that although
venting on social media may make you feel better, it
does not resolve the problem. If you need assistance
with this process, please contact the SHBP Medical
department at shbpmedical@seafarers.org.”
Seafarers LOG 11
�ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Thanks to vessel master Capt. T. Pham for these
photos from the Maersk Line, Limited vessel at Yeosu Ocean Shipyard in Korea. Pictured
in the group photo at right are Chief Cook Xavier Burgos, Chief Steward Gerard Cox, AB
Carlos Zapata, AB Tomas Calderon Robinson, AB D. Garcia, AB Peter Stoker, Recertified Bosun Gregoria Cudal and GVA Gene Ajost. The Michigan is second from right in
the overhead photo above.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD ARC ENDURANCE – The crew of the TOTE
vessel had a BBQ, games and a cake for Bosun Kyle
STUDENTS VISIT – The Tacoma hall on Aug. 2 welcomed local high school students (and faculty) who were participating Silva’s birthday on Sept. 19 while en route to Darwin,
in a two-week program centered on maritime career opportunities. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at far right. Directly in front Australia. That’s Silva at left. Capt. Morgan Dailey is at
of him is OMU Erl Jan Encina, who volunteered to help answer any questions.
right.
READY FOR WORK – The newest UA to ASD graduates are pictured in Piney Point, Maryland,
holding their respective probationary B-books. SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey is behind the lens.
He reportedly induced all of those smiles by urging the students to yell, “It’s time to go back out
to work!”
12 Seafarers LOG
WITH GLOBAL SENTINEL CREW – Hats off to SIU-contracted SubCom for a
donation of survival suits to the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Recertified
Bosun Lee Hardman submitted this photo of crew members who helped gather
and transport the suits in Charleston, South Carolina.
November 2021
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
WITH RESOLVE CREW – Pictured next to the TOTE vessel in Houston are SIU reps
and SIU crew members. From left: Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Kelly Krick,
Bosun Vasily Semes, AB Luis Mena and Patrolman J.B. Niday IV.
ABOARD CAPE INTREPID – Crew members from the Ocean Duchess vessel extend best
wishes to vessel master Capt. Gary Vargas, an SIU hawsepiper who completed the apprentice program in 1989. Vargas sailed with the SIU for eight years before becoming an
officer. He’s holding the life ring
in both photos. Pictured from
left in the group photo above
are GUDE Israel Serrano, Third
Mate Benjamin Rush, Electrician
Phillip Greenwell, Recertified
Bosun LBJ Tanoa, Vargas, Third
Engineer Logan Becker, and Relief Chief Engineer Chris Davis
(also an SIU hawsepiper and
trainee grad). The photo at right
includes (from left) Recertified
Steward Joia De Leon, Greenwell, Vargas and Davis.
ABOARD CAPE VINCENT – MSC and MARAD representatives commended the work
of the SIU steward department aboard the Patriot ship during a recent turbo activation.
Additionally, fellow mariners said they appreciated the imaginative menus and quality
meals throughout the activation. Pictured from left aboard the vessel are Chief Steward
Sam Sinclair, SA Adriana Chavero, SA Fredy Bernardez and Chief Cook Cole Briggs.
ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – Chief Steward Donna Hickman (left) and
Electrician Sammy Montana are pictured somewhere in the Mediterranean.
A-BOOK IN HOUSTON – Congratulations to AB Andrew Bennet (right) on receiving his A-seniority
book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.
ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – SIU and AMO members teamed up aboard the
U.S. Marine Management vessel to assist in this year’s Pacer Goose operation (the Air Force’s annual resupply mission to Thule Air Base, Greenland).
Pictured in the engine room are (photo at left, bottom left) Third Assistant
Engineer Trevor
Richards, (top
left) Chief Engineer Garrett Long,
First A.E. Paul
Styx, Pumpman
Rickey Yancey,
QMED Rene Hallasgo, Second A.E.
Bryan Soucey and
Wiper Alex RuizFernandez. The
ship photo at right
shows the vessel
departing Thule.
Thanks to retired
AMO Capt. Rob
Lee for the photos.
November 2021
Seafarers LOG 13
�Car Rental Discounts
for Union Families
Savings from loyalty programs
With Union Plus car rental discounts,
your next trip just got a lot cheaper.
Union members can save up to 25% with
exclusive deals at six nationwide car
rental companies.
Learn more at unionplus.org/carrental
11/21
SIU-CR-6-2-21
14 Seafarers LOG
November 2021
�REC NY Reopens
In New Location
Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime
Center (NMC) issued the following notice on Sept. 21. It’s
available on the SIU website in addition to the NMC site.
Regional Exam Center (REC) New York has reopened for
examination services in the Federal Building at 201 Varick
Street in Lower Manhattan. Specific information regarding
the REC’s physical address, hours of operation, and entry
requirements can be found on the REC New York webpage
(https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/new-york/).
The new mailing address for REC New York is 201 Varick
St., 9th Floor, Suite 904, New York, NY 10014, and mariner
applications may still be e-mailed to RECNY@uscg.mil.
Mariner examination services will continue to be provided
by appointment only. No walk-in appointments are available. Examination appointment request may be e-mailed to
RECNY@uscg.mil and should include the applicant’s name,
mariner reference number, requested testing date(s), phone
number, and a copy of their Approved to Test letter(s).
The NMC Customer Service Center remains open from
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Mariners
may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and
IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
Note to Our Readers
Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing
onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and
verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason,
not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only
long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the
importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and
the protection of those around you.
November & December
Membership Meetings
Piney Point......................Monday: November 8, December 6
Algonac..........................Friday: November 12, December 10
Baltimore......*Friday: November 12, Thursday: December 9
Guam...........*Friday: November 26, Thursday: December 23
Honolulu.........................Friday: November 19, December 17
Houston..........................Monday:November 15, December 13
Jacksonville....*Friday: November 12, Thursday: December 9
Joliet............................Thursday: November18, December 16
Mobile......................Wednesday: November 17, December 15
New Orleans.................Tuesday: November 16, December 14
Jersey City.......................Tuesday: November 9, December 7
Norfolk...........................Friday: November 12, December 10
Oakland......................Thursday: November 18, December 16
Philadelphia..............Wednesday: November 10, December 8
Port Everglades..........Thursday: November 18, December 16
San Juan........*Friday: November 12, Thursday: December 9
St. Louis.........................Friday: November 19, December 17
Tacoma..........Friday: November 26, *Monday: December 27
Wilmington.....................Monday: November 22, December 20
* Baltimore, Jacksonville and San Juan changes in November due to Veterans Day observance.
* Guam change in November due to Thanksgiving Day observance
* Tacoma change in December due to Christmas 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.
November 2021
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Sept. 13 - Oct. 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Oct.14.
Port
Total Registered
A
Total Shipped
All Groups
B
C
A
All Groups
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
2
6
1
1
1
3
0
1
0
2
0
0
1
22
3
1
4
11
0
4
0
22
14
7
2
3
12
4
1
0
3
4
0
10
105
Registered on Beach
All Groups
B
C
22
4
2
42
8
17
12
66
57
49
5
17
35
22
5
2
7
38
2
44
456
10
3
5
15
1
8
7
36
45
16
5
5
21
6
1
6
7
13
2
16
228
3
1
0
10
0
2
0
13
11
8
4
4
6
0
1
0
1
4
0
5
73
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
11
1
2
20
5
10
4
51
35
25
6
9
20
13
4
1
2
22
0
18
259
6
3
4
7
2
7
4
21
32
12
2
4
18
5
0
3
3
10
0
4
147
1
1
1
5
0
2
0
6
6
7
2
2
4
0
1
0
2
0
0
4
44
Deck Department
7
5
1
3
4
3
10
7
0
0
8
3
2
1
30
14
22
13
21
2
1
1
9
2
17
12
8
4
1
2
0
1
6
2
16
2
1
0
17
4
181
81
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
2
6
1
1
7
8
10
10
2
3
7
9
4
0
6
15
0
6
100
1
2
2
6
0
0
4
12
22
7
1
1
13
4
0
2
5
0
0
5
87
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
3
2
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
4
0
2
20
Engine Department
2
1
0
1
3
1
5
2
0
0
0
0
2
1
15
3
11
7
6
3
0
0
1
2
5
7
2
1
2
0
1
0
2
3
7
4
1
1
9
8
74
45
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
2
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
2
0
2
15
2
1
1
4
0
0
1
2
6
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
3
1
0
7
31
5
0
2
12
1
3
11
18
23
20
3
4
16
13
3
0
9
22
1
23
189
0
1
2
13
0
1
6
17
26
7
1
6
21
8
2
3
7
9
1
15
146
1
0
0
1
0
0
3
2
1
3
0
1
8
1
1
0
0
4
0
3
29
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
0
1
6
2
4
2
13
23
11
1
5
15
14
1
1
1
3
1
21
129
1
1
0
5
0
0
2
4
13
3
0
5
17
7
0
3
3
2
0
10
76
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
3
1
0
1
1
3
0
0
1
1
2
0
0
16
Steward Department
1
0
0
1
2
1
8
6
2
1
3
0
6
2
8
4
14
12
4
2
0
0
1
0
8
11
11
3
1
0
3
1
1
2
6
2
1
0
14
5
94
53
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
1
0
1
4
0
1
6
4
4
3
0
0
3
4
0
0
1
1
0
11
44
7
0
1
13
1
7
5
24
30
17
1
5
24
22
1
3
2
14
3
33
213
2
1
0
7
2
0
1
11
18
3
0
11
14
13
0
4
8
3
0
21
119
0
0
1
3
0
1
0
3
2
0
0
1
4
0
0
1
1
3
0
1
21
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
6
0
2
14
10
0
1
3
2
2
1
16
20
16
0
0
22
13
0
1
0
8
1
15
131
9
2
2
1
1
1
3
10
52
5
2
0
19
4
2
14
4
8
0
7
146
Entry Department
0
4
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
4
7
0
11
0
6
0
1
0
0
0
12
1
5
0
0
0
2
0
0
3
7
0
0
1
10
9
69
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
7
21
2
0
2
12
2
1
9
1
6
0
1
69
2
0
0
1
0
0
1
2
2
0
0
0
3
0
0
2
0
2
0
3
18
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
5
4
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
10
0
5
31
19
1
1
7
2
3
2
20
36
25
1
0
24
23
0
1
0
18
1
30
214
13
4
1
4
2
0
7
17
91
13
2
2
29
9
1
10
6
13
0
9
233
GRAND TOTAL:
502
441
226
112
198
889
707
356
358
248
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was asked of apprentices and students enrolled in the chief cook assessment program
at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: Why did you choose to join the Seafarers?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
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
Hamzah Qatabi
Apprentice
There’s a lot of opportunities
as a Seafarer, and there’s always a
way to move up and improve your
skills. I know a few people who
have sailed, but I learned all about
this lifestyle and made the decision
on my own.
Christopher Smith
Apprentice
I grew up in Ketchikan, Alaska, and
pretty much half the economy there
comes from the maritime industry. My
brother and I used the William Lund
Scholarship to come to the school and
learn to become mariners. Shoutout to
(SeaLink CEO) Ralph Mirsky!
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
Anthony Hunter
Apprentice
My sister, QMED Deidra
Hunter, is already in the union,
and she has told me all about her
career. When I got out of the Marine Corps, I signed up right away.
Tyus White
Apprentice
I was in the Navy, and while I was
in, I talked to guys working on the
MSC side. They told me all about what
it was like as a Seafarer. My dad was
also an AB, and so he also told me stories about sailing as a merchant mariner. I finally decided to give it a try
after the Navy.
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
Laura Katschman
Apprentice
I found out about the maritime
industry through a program in Hawaii called Maritime Career Exploration. I figured it would be a
good opportunity for me to learn a
new trade, and see the world while
making good money.
Krystal Mosley
Chief Cook
I thought it was an excellent opportunity to travel the world and meet
new people. I came from an architecture background, and now I’m learning
a new trade and making good money
doing it.
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’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
Jeremy Hebda
Chief Cook
I had been working on cruise
ships for the past 10 years, and I
wanted to upgrade my life with
better pay and benefits. The fact
that the CCAP program even exists is an amazing opportunity for
people like me to get into a new
career easily and quickly.
Kanieyziah Conway
Chief Cook
It gives me a chance to enhance
my culinary skills while travelling the
world. I came straight from a technical trade school, and now I’m starting
my career as a Seafarer.
Pic From The Past
SIU tugboat Capt. Norman Pokrywka
stands aboard Curtis Bay Towing’s newest
addition, the Cape Romain, in Baltimore
in October 1979. According to coverage
from the LOG, “The 105-foot-long tug is
powered by two 12-cylinder General Motors engines capable of putting out 1650
horsepower each. The pilot house boasts
a large array of modern electronic gear
including radar, gyro compass, auto pilot,
fathometer, two VHP radios and a single
side band radio for long distance communication.” Pokrywka sailed with the SIU
from 1957-87, when he went on pension.
He passed away in 2012 at age 82.
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
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
November 2021
�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
ALFRED ACHEAMPONG
Brother Alfred Acheampong, 72,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1992,
initially sailing
aboard the Sealift
Mediterranean.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Acheampong’s final vessel was the American Pride. He is a
Houston resident.
JOE ALGIERE
Brother Joe Algiere, 69, began
sailing with the
SIU in 1991. An
engine department member, he
first sailed aboard
the Richard G.
Matthiesen.
Brother Algiere
last sailed on
the Horizon Reliance and lives in
Houston.
MICHAEL BROWN
Brother Michael Brown, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1980, first sailing aboard the
OMI Willamette.
He shipped in
both the steward and deck
departments and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Brown most recently sailed
on the Liberty Island and resides in
Norfolk, Virginia.
JOHN DEAN
Brother John Dean, 66, became a
member of the Seafarers International Union in
1993. He worked
in the deck department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Dean’s first and
last vessel (with
21 years in between) was the
Endurance. He resides in Henderson, Nevada.
STEVEN DIEKEN
Brother Steven Dieken, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1997,
initially sailing
on the USNS
Altair. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Dieken
last shipped on the USNS Soderman and makes his home in Las
Vegas.
November 2021
JOSEPH DISARNO
Brother Joseph Disarno, 65, signed
on with the union in 1975. He
first sailed aboard the Achilles and
worked in the engine department.
Brother Disarno upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the
Overseas Juneau and is a resident of
Clarkston, Washington.
JOEL FAHSELT
Brother Joel Fahselt, 61, joined the
SIU in 1980 when
he sailed on the
Thomas Nelson.
He was a deck
department member and upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Fahselt
most recently
shipped on the Integrity and makes his home in East
Tawas, Michigan.
JOSE GARCIA
Brother Jose Garcia, 65, signed on
with the union
in 1993, initially
shipping on the
Independence. He
sailed in the steward department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Garcia last shipped
aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh. He
lives in The Bronx, New York.
PEDRO GARCIA-SANTOS
Brother Pedro Garcia-Santos, 68,
donned the SIU colors in 2005. He
first sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha
and worked in
both the deck and
engine departments. Brother
Garcia-Santos
upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on multiple occasions. He most
recently sailed on
the Perla Del Caribe and is a resident of Puerto Rico.
DONALD HAMRICK
Brother Donald Hamrick, 66, started
sailing with the union in 1988, initially
shipping on the
USNS Indomitable.
A deck department
member, Brother
Hamrick upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2001.
He concluded his
career aboard the
Charleston Express
and calls Kensett,
Arkansas, home.
JACK HART
Brother Jack Hart,
59, joined the
union in 1981 and
first sailed aboard
the Producer. He
was a member
of the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Brother Hart last shipped on
the Overseas Chinook. He lives in
Jacksonville, Florida.
WELDON HEBLICH
Brother Weldon Heblich, 70, began
his career with the SIU in 2001.
A deck department member,
he initially sailed
aboard the Denali.
Brother Heblich
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He most
recently shipped
aboard the SBX
and resides in Wellton, Arizona.
Constellation. He makes his home in
Philadelphia.
MICHAEL MURDOCK
Brother Michael Murdock, 65, signed
on with the union
in 1977. He initially sailed aboard
the Overseas Ohio
and worked in the
deck department.
Brother Murdock
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
last shipped on
the Newark Bay and is a resident of
Middletown, New York.
JOSE PEREA
MICHAEL HOOPER
Brother Michael Hooper, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1989 when
he sailed with
G&H Towing.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Hooper
concluded his
career on the Reliance and settled in
Franklin, Texas.
DOUGLAS HUNDSHAMER
Brother Douglas Hundshamer, 61,
became a member of the Seafarers International
Union in 1989,
initially sailing aboard the
Independence.
He worked in
the steward department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother Hundshamer’s final
vessel was the Gulf Express. He
resides in Parish, New York.
DONNELL LEWIS
Brother Donnell Lewis, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 2001. He initially
shipped aboard
the Overseas
Chicago and was
a steward department member.
Brother Lewis
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He most
recently sailed on
the President Cleveland and resides
in Highland, California.
MICHAEL MCKNIGHT
Brother Michael McKnight, 65,
started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 and first sailed aboard
a Cove Shipping vessel. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
McKnight’s final
vessel was the
Brother Jose Perea, 65, joined the
SIU in 2001 and first sailed on the
Maersk Maryland. He upgraded at
the Piney Point school within his first
year of membership and shipped in
both the deck and engine departments.
Brother Perea most recently sailed on
the Maersk Columbus and makes his
home in Brooklyn, New York.
ers in 1979. He
initially sailed
on the American
Mariner and was
a deck department
member. Brother
Bochek upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions. He
last shipped aboard the Sam Laud
and resides in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
THEOPHIL IGIELSKI
Brother Theophil Igielski, 69,
joined the union in 2005 when he
sailed on the Paul
H. Townsend.
He worked in
the steward
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother
Igielski was last
employed by Crowley Towing and
Transportation. He settled in Alpena, Michigan.
NATHANIEL RANA
Brother Nathaniel Rana, 65, signed
on with the Seafarers International
Union in 2005. He
first shipped on
the Pride of America and sailed in
all three departments. Brother
Rana upgraded on
multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. He concluded his career
aboard the Ocean Glory and calls
East Elmhurst, New York, home.
RIGOBERTO RUIZ
Brother Rigoberto Ruiz, 53, joined
the SIU in 2000, initially sailing
aboard the Independence. He
upgraded at the
Piney Point school
on several occasions and shipped
in the deck department. Brother
Ruiz most recently
sailed aboard the
Maersk Atlanta.
He resides in The Bronx, New York.
PERFECTO SAMBULA
Brother Perfecto Sambula, 65, began
sailing with the
SIU in 2003. A
deck department
member, he first
shipped on the
Keystone Texas.
Brother Sambula
upgraded his skills
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple
occasions. He last
sailed on the USNS Stockham and
lives in Vancouver, Washington.
GREAT LAKES
RONALD BOCHEK
Brother Ronald Bochek, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafar-
INLAND
JOSEPH BUCHANAN
Brother Joseph Buchanan, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1977.
A deck department member, he
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
within his first year of membership.
Brother Buchanan was employed by
Crowley Towing and Transportation
for the duration of his career. He is a
resident of Tampa, Florida.
RONALD JOHNSON
Brother Ronald Johnson, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1987 when he
worked for G&H
Towing. He was
a member of the
engine department
and continued
to work for the
same company for
his entire career.
Brother Johnson
makes his home in Kerrville, Texas.
GENE RICKS
Brother Gene Ricks, 65, joined the
union in 2003 when he sailed with
Moran Towing of Texas. He was
a member of the deck department
and remained with the same company for the duration of his career.
Brother Ricks lives in Orange,
Texas.
PAUL RUSSELL
Brother Paul Russell, 66, started
sailing with the
Seafarers in 1977.
An engine department member, he
upgraded on several occasions at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother Russell last shipped
aboard the Sugar
Island and resides
in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
JOSE BAGAT
Pensioner Jose Bagat, 85, died August 27. He became a member of
the SIU in 1970,
initially sailing
aboard the Steel
Rover. Brother
Bagat was an engine department
member. He last
shipped on the
Challenger before
retiring in 2000.
Brother Bagat
made his home in the Philippines.
PATRICIO CAPITO
He became a pensioner in 2001 and
made his home in Pembroke Pines,
Florida.
TERRY MOUTON
Pensioner Terry Mouton, 77, passed
away September 15. He joined the
union in 1969 and
worked in the engine department.
Brother Mouton’s
first vessel was
the Columbia
Trader. He last
shipped aboard
the Cyprine before going on
pension in 2010.
Brother Mouton was a resident of
Houston.
Pensioner Patricio Capito, 91,
passed away September 23. He
began sailing
with the Seafarers International
Union in 1974
when he worked
with Interocean
American Shipping. Brother
Capito sailed in
both the deck and
engine departments and concluded his career
aboard the Defender. He went on
pension in 1995 and resided in
Lathrop, California.
Pensioner Aisea Mua, 78, died
August 2. He
donned the SIU
colors in 2002,
initially sailing
aboard the Cape
Borda. Brother
Mua shipped in
all three departments, most
recently on the
Keystone State.
He retired in 2014 and lived in Santa
Cruz, California.
PAUL CHARLY
ALI MUTANIA
Pensioner Paul
Charly, 81, died
August 18. He
joined the union
in 1966 and first
shipped on the
Del Mar. Brother
Charly sailed in
all three departments and concluded his career
aboard the John
Paul Bobo. He became a pensioner
in 2007 and settled in Mobile, Alabama.
Pensioner Ali Mutania, 79, passed
away May 28. He began his career
with the SIU in
1979 when he
sailed aboard
the Westward
Venture. Brother
Mutania sailed in
all three departments and last
shipped aboard
the Midnight
Sun. He became
a pensioner in 2007 and resided in
Chicago Ridge, Illinois.
GARY EARL SCOTT
CURTIS NICHOLSON
Pensioner Gary
Earl Scott, 85,
passed away
August 30. He
signed on with the
Seafarers in 1989.
Brother Scott, a
deck department
member, first
sailed aboard the
USNS Invincible.
His last ship was the USNS Bold,
and he went on pension in 2001.
Brother Scott lived in Dickinson,
Texas.
Pensioner Curtis Nicholson, 69, died
August 21. He
started shipping
with the SIU in
1994 and first
sailed aboard the
USNS Altair. A
deck department
member, Brother
Nicholson concluded his career
aboard the USNS
Watson. He retired in 2017 and lived
in Chesapeake, Virginia.
AISEA MUA
SANT PERSAUD
JOSE LOPEZ
Pensioner Jose
Lopez, 76, died
September 27. He
embarked on his
career with the
SIU in 1970 when
he worked for
Intercontinental
Bulk Corporation.
Brother Lopez
was a deck department member
and also worked on shore gangs.
18 Seafarers LOG
Pensioner Sant Persaud, 92, passed
away September 22. He signed on
with the union
in 1991, initially
shipping on the
Cape Charles. A
member of the
deck department,
Brother Persaud
last shipped on
the Commitment.
He started collecting his pension in
2005 and resided in Canada.
RAMEND PRASAD
Pensioner Ramend Prasad, 73, died
August 25. He
joined the Seafarers in 1990 and
first shipped on
the Independence.
Brother Prasad
sailed in all three
departments
before concluding his career on
the Patriot. He
went on pension
in 2019 and resided in Ewa Beach,
Hawaii.
JIMMIE REDDICK
Pensioner Jimmie Reddick, 69,
passed away September 10. He
began shipping
with the union
in 1992, initially
sailing aboard the
USNS Capella. A
steward department member,
Brother Reddick
concluded his
career on the Observation Island.
He retired in 2017 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida.
MANUEL SANCHEZ
Pensioner Manuel Sanchez, 98,
died August 31. He joined the SIU
in 1942 and was a deck department
member. Brother Sanchez first
sailed aboard the Steel Apprentice.
He last shipped on the Borinquen
and went on pension in 1984.
Brother Sanchez lived in Puerto
Rico.
THOMAS STINNETTE
Pensioner Thomas Stinnette, 92,
passed away August 25. He joined
the union in 1948
and sailed in the
engine department. Brother
Stinnette’s first
vessel was the
Steel Architect;
his last, the Hydro
Atlantic. He
began collecting
his pension in 1992 and resided in
Red Lion, Pennsylvania.
EDGARDO VAZQUEZ
Pensioner Edgardo Vazquez, 91,
died September 22. He embarked
on his career with the Seafarers
International Union in 1963 when
he worked with Waterman Steamship. A steward department member,
Brother Vazquez also worked on
shore gangs. He became a pensioner
in 2002 and made his home in
Brooklyn, New York.
DWIGHT WUERTH
Pensioner Dwight
Wuerth, 69,
passed away
September 14. A
steward department member, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1978.
Brother Wuerth’s
first vessel was
the Santa Mercedes. He last sailed
aboard the Overseas New Orleans
and retired in 2006. Brother Wuerth
was a resident of Port Charlotte,
Florida.
GREAT LAKES
ANTHONY WILLOUGHBY
Pensioner Anthony Willoughby,
75, passed away September 5.
He signed on with the union in
1968 when he shipped with Zenith
Dredge Company. Brother Willoughby was a deck department
member and was last employed by
Great Lakes Towing. He went on
pension in 2008 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin.
INLAND
JOHN ASHLEY
Pensioner John Ashley, 67, died
September 1. He donned the SIU
colors in 2003,
initially sailing
aboard the Green
Mountain State.
Brother Ashley
was a member of
the engine department and concluded his career
aboard the Vision.
He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Adna,
Washington.
DANNIE CARD
Pensioner Dannie Card, 75, passed
away August 13.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1972
and first worked
for Interstate Oil.
A deck department member,
Brother Card was
last employed by
Moran Towing of
Philadelphia. He
retired in 2010 and resided in Millsboro, Delaware.
DANIEL EUBANKS
Pensioner Daniel Eubanks, 77, died
August 24. He joined the union in
1973 when he was employed by
Dravo Basic Materials. Brother
Eubanks was a deck department
member and continued working for
the same company throughout his
entire career. He went on pension in
2006 and called Lucedale, Mississippi, home.
THOMAS MACEY
Pensioner Thomas Macey, 74,
passed away July 28. He began his
career with the
union in 1973,
and first sailed on
the Santa Magdelena. Brother
Macey was a
member of the
deck department
and last worked
for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He retired in 2009 and lived
in Cypress, California.
JESSE MOORE
Pensioner Jesse Moore, 96, died
July 29. He joined the union in
1963 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Moore worked for
Hvide Marine for his entire career.
He became a pensioner in 1987 and
settled in Kirbyville, Texas.
JEROLD REGISTER
Brother Jerold Register, 60, passed
away August 13. He signed on with
the SIU in 2003
when he shipped
with Express
Marine. Brother
Register was a
deck department
member and
continued his employment with the
same company
throughout his
career. He was a resident of Interlachen, Florida.
PACIFIC MARINE
CHARLES GARDENHIRE
Pensioner Charles Gardenhire, 87,
passed away July 26. Born in Topeka, Kansas, he became an SIU
member in 1976.
Brother Gardenhire was a member of the steward
department and
first sailed aboard
the Delta Peru.
He last shipped
on the President
Truman before
becoming a pensioner in 1996.
Brother Gardenhire made his home
in Renton, Washington.
NMU
GEORGIANA YOUNG
VINCENT LORMAND
Pensioner Vincent Lormand, 64,
died August 21.
He signed on with
the SIU in 2004.
An engine department member,
Lormand worked
for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the
duration of his
career. He became
a pensioner in 2020 and lived in Cecilia, Louisiana.
Pensioner Georgiana Young, 76,
died August 18. She joined the
union during the
2001 NMU/SIU
merger. Sister
Young first sailed
aboard the Chilbar and worked
in the steward department. She last
shipped on the
Westward Venture
before retiring
in 2007. Sister
Young lived in Mobile, Alabama,
her birthplace.
November 2021
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MOHAWK (Pacific Gulf Marine), May 17 – Chairman
Kerry Castillo, Secretary
Allan Bartley, Educational Director Andres Nunez-Rochez,
Deck Delegate Ibrahim Fisek.
Chairman went over ship’s
upcoming schedule. Secretary
thanked crew for helping keep
the mess hall clean and apologized for item shortages that
were outside of his control.
Educational director told everyone to check their documents
for renewal and to renew them
early. He reminded members to
upgrade at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
went over current communications as well as items relating
to COVID-19 pandemic. Members asked for clarification of
AB working duties while on
anchor watch and asked for better flight options when joining
ship. Steward department expressed frustration with taking
care of Officer rooms. Officer
rooms have never been assigned in the past according to
Chief Steward. Chairman spoke
with Captain regarding room
inspections. Inspections will be
performed for departing crew.
Members requested new mattresses and more item availability in the slop chest. Crew was
reminded of no smoking policy
for rooms. If caught smoking in
rooms, a member can be terminated. Crew asked for company
to provide coveralls. Wi-Fi is
being worked on. Next Port:
Bremerton, Washington.
MAERSK MONTANA
(Maersk Line, Limited), June
15 – Chairman George Phil-
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.
lips, Secretary Christina
Mateer. Crew was thanked for
helping to keep the ship clean
and their assistance with all
the trash. Educational director encouraged members to
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. As of May 31, 2021,
Maersk is no longer providing pay for ship restriction.
For all vessels still overseas,
MOU will stay in effect until
they return to their first U.S.
port. Chairman advised crew
to visit the SIU website. Members asked for a new medical
provider after citing ongoing
issues and delays with current provider. Crew requested
increases to pension and
vacation benefits as well as
increases to medical coverage.
Chairman discussed missingman wages and left the floor
open for any additional issues
that need to be addressed.
AMERICAN PHOENIX
(Phoenix Crew Management),
June 30 – Chairman Charles
Hill, Secretary Nathaniel Simmons, Educational Director
Robert Noble, Deck Delegate
Luis Garcia. Ship restrictions
lifted for members that have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
If not vaccinated, members are
to remain on ship. Educational
director advised crew to upgrade as often as possible. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested twenty vacation days for 30 days of employment. Crew hasn’t received
8 hours in lieu of day off.
COLORADO EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning),
July 25 – Chairman Jonathan
Cooper, Secretary Ronaldo
Tarantino. Members discussed
frustrations during transition
from Charleston Express to
Colorado Express. Allowances
and payoffs were troublesome. Bosun handled beefs at
Charleston payoff. Company
payroll funds were not sent
to banks in a timely fashion.
Not enough garbage containers aboard ship. Educational
director reminded crew to
check all documents and to stay
ahead of expiration dates. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crewing up the ship was done
successfully, despite disorganization and little to no company
guidance. Members requested
refrigerators, TVs, and DVD
players for every room. Crew
asked for increases to vacation
and pension benefits. Members
need company payroll department to send funds on time.
Next Port: Charleston, South
Carolina.
SEABULK CHALLENGE
(Seabulk Tanker), August 8 –
Chairman Gregory Jenkins,
Secretary Jermaine Robinson,
Educational Director Randolph
Scott, Deck Delegate Petronio
Paragas, Engine Delegate Roberto Sabio, Steward Delegate
Lea Ramos. Chairman reiterated the importance of getting
the COVID-19 vaccine in order
to fill jobs. Everything going
great aboard ship as reported
by secretary. Educational director urged members to upgrade
at the Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested higher
wages for Seabulk carriers
since they carry dangerous
cargo. Vote of thanks given to
crew for a job well done and
special thanks to steward department for outstanding meals.
Next Port: Houston.
LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty
Maritime), August 15 – Chairman German Nunez. Chairman expressed gratitude for
members working safely and
looking after one another.
Secretary gave thanks to unlicensed crew. Galley was
pleased to serve such an outstanding group of sailors. Educational director encouraged
members to take advantage of
the free upgrading opportunities afforded to them at the
Paul Hall Center. Members requested new mattresses, refrigerators and fans for each room.
Crew asked for clarification on
Wi-Fi prices and SA job duties. Members discussed consequences for departing ship
without proper relief. Crew
went over concerns with the
prices and availability of personal female hygiene products,
particularly in the event of low
supply during ship restriction.
CAPE DECISIVE (Subcom),
August 29– Chairman Victor
Nunez, Secretary Gregory
Johnson, Deck Delegate Santos Contreras, Engine Delegate Xyla Jillain, Steward
Delegate Walter Schoppe.
Members went over eligibility
requirements for all benefit
plans as well as requirements
for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Crew gave suggestions for
new contract negotiations
and addressed the passing of
AFL-CIO president Richard
Trumka. Additional topics
were discussed including SAB
actions for extended tours
and 401k contributions. Secretary encouraged members
to continue maintaining all
unlicensed areas. Educational
director urged crew to keep
upgrading at the Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported.
MOHAWK (Pacific Gulf Marine), August 27 – Chairman
Frank Hedge, Secretary Alan
Bartley, Educational Director
Andres Nunez-Rochez, Deck
Delegate Douglas Simonson,
Steward Delegate Sheryl
Johnson. New mattresses arrived on ship. Wi-Fi still not
available beyond the computer
room. Contractually, steward
department is not required to
clean or service officer rooms.
Chairman thanked crew for
a safe and productive voyage. He reminded members to
leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Chairman advised
members to keep documents
up to date and to take advantage of what the union has to
offer. Secretary thanked crew
for helping to keep the mess
hall clean and apologized for
any shortage of items throughout the voyage. Educational
director reminded members
to renew documents early. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members motioned to increase
monthly retirement payout by
50%. Permanent crew was directed to find a new ship since
current vessel was sold and
being turned over. Next Port:
Sunny Point.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
November 2021
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 Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Ship Clip
October 18
October 29
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
November 15
Lifeboat/Water Survival
November 22
December 3
December 3
RFPNW November 15 December 3
Celestial Navigation
November 15
December 10
Leadership and Management Skills
December 13
December 17
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
FOWT October 25 November 19
Welding October 25 November 12
Engineroom Resource Management
December 6
December 10
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
December 6
January 7
Advanced Galley Operations
November 15
December 10
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training Revalidation
November 15
November 15
December 3 December 3
December 10 December 10
Government Vessels November 15 November 19
November 29 December 3
December 13 December 17
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
December 13
December 17
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Students who have registered for classes at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later
discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform
the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to
have other students take their places.
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
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.
11/21
November 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class # 873 – Graduated Sept. 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Bjorn Anthony, Destini Dunlap, Xander Farris, Randy Madrid, Justin McClellan, Daniel
Moran, Travis Morris and Daniel Sutter.
Medical Care Provider – Graduated Sept. 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Austin
Anderson, Michael Banks, Theodore Gonzales, Stephen Jenkins, Melody Mitchell
and Isaac Stoutamire.
Junior Engineer (Plant Management) – Graduated Oct. 1 (above, in alphabetical order):
Marco Antonio Baez Millan, Micah Champion, Robert Clark, Christopher Corpuz, Gregory
Crowder, Elhassene Elkori, Samuel Fanjoy, Keilah Freeman, Hussain Mohamed Hafid, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana and Jessica Valentin.
RFPNW (Phase 3) –
Graduated Sept. 10
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Ramona Cabrera Appleby,
Paul Calcaterra, Dylan
Green, Martin Roi Briones Morales, Munassar Fadel Nagi Saleh,
Ethan Stacy and Anoalo
Tuimanua Stanley. Upon
the completion of their
training, each plans to
work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted
vessels.
November 2021
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPEW (Phase 3) – Graduated Sept. 17:
Christopher Emanuel (above, left) and Daniel
Vanegas. They plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the
completion of their training.
Government Vessels – Graduated Sept. 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Eugene Josafat Ajoste, Kenneth Bogner, Leone Buggage, Kevin Campbell, Kanieyziah Conway, Reno Ibanez Duque, Jean Favreaux, Ali Boobaker M. Ghalib, James Gregory, Jeremy
Hebda, Ethan Mims, Krystal Mosley, Hassan-Saleem Rashad, Emanuel Lorenzo Spain, Benjamin Verrett and Mackenzie Wincelowicz.
MSC Storekeeper Basic – Graduated Oct. 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Kevin Brown, Stclair
Browne Jr., Randy Corey, Daniel Fields, Peggy Gregory and Timothy Jones.
RFPNW (Upgraders) – Graduated
Sept. 10: Jameeka Booker (above,
left) and John Joseph Caraan
Alcos.
RFPEW (Upgraders) – Graduated Sept.
17: Emmanuel Nuez (above, left) and
Jason Bullen.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated Sept.
24 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Kendrick
Adams II, Glenn Valera Agustin, Jason Bullen, Antonio Agapito De Luna, Theodore Gonzales, Vernon Van Humbles, James Jones, Andrew Manning,
Nestor Milagrosa, Arron Millar, Kenneth Townsend
Jr., and Andrew Van Bourg.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated Oct. 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohamed Alghazali, Jermia Anderson, Robert Bell Jr., Jason Bullen, Julius Jumangit Dagoldol,
Reno Ibanez Duque, Daniel Flanagan, Theodore Gonzales, Ashley Hudson, Vernon Van Humbles, Anton Ivanov Marchev, Nestor Milagrosa, Derick Yanier Morales-Berly, Gamal
Kassem Muflahi and Kenneth Townsend Jr.
22 Seafarers LOG
November 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Magnetic & Gyro Compasses
– Graduated Sept. 10 (photo at
left, in alphabetical order): Yahya
Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin
Alrayyashi, Jose Argueta, Carlton
Banks, Travis Golightly, Byron
Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough
and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus.
Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated Sept. 17 (above, in alphabetical
order): Kanieyziah Conway, Jeremy Aden Hebda, Krystal Mosley and Benjamin Verrett.
Chief Steward – Graduated Sept. 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Rocel Caballero Alvarez, Joseph Benitez Arigo, Marlin Carey Jr., Jasmine Garrett and Phuoc Chau-Hue Nguyen.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated Sept. 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Carlos Arjune, Sarah Hesham Awad, D’angelo Dickson, Maurice Henry Jr., Adrian Joseph,
Patrick Cruz Lara, Jamal Matthews, McKinley Thorne, Juan Andres Vallejo and Ludi Zamudio,
Important Notice
To All Students
November 2021
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later
discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately
so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.
Seafarers LOG 23
�NOVEMBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 11
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Chief Mate Gary Bigham (left) and Recertified
Bosun Victor Nunez
CS Decisive Crew Participates
In JUPITER Cable System Project
Crewmembers aboard the CS Decisive (photo above) prepare
to bury cable using a device called a Plough. In addition to burying the cable two meters under the ocean floor, the mechanism
also lays the cable. In the photo at immediate right, a vessel
hauls shore end cable to the beach where ultimately it will be
connected to a shore side station. Thanks to Recertified Bosun
Victor Nunez for providing these photos.
GVA Eric Mose
The crew aboard the SIU-contracted and SubCom-operated CS
Decisive in early September took part
in the construction of the JUPITER
Cable System off the coast of Oregon.
A new transpacific submarine cable
route, the system is approximately
14,600 km in length and consists of 5
fiber pairs with a design capacity of
more than 60 terabytes per second. It
connects Maruyama, Japan; Shima,
Japan; Los Angeles, California; and
Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines.
The Decisive crew successfully burried some seven kilometers of cable
over a two week period.
AB Arsenio Brecio (left)
and GVA Ron Burris
As a new transpacific submarine
cable route, the cable system will
provide greater diversity of connections and enhanced reliability for
customers, as well as optimal connectivity to data centers on the West
Coast of the United States. Companies included in the JUPITER Cable
Consortium include Amazon, Facebook, NTT, PCCW Global, PLDT
and SoftBank.
Crew members aboard the Decisive during the construction project
were: Bosuns Victor Nunez; Boatswain’s Mate Santos Contreras;
ABBs Jay Aki, Tyler Brenton and
Chief Electrician
Casey Frederick
Ist Asst. Engineer
Greg Thomas
Harge Semilla; ABG Paul Nelson;
ABs Arsenio Brecio and Emilio
Abreu; MDR Michael Fregolle;
Chief Electrician Casey Frederick;
OMUs Kasim Ahmed and Henry
Crespo and GVAs Khaleel Boatner,
Ronald Burris, Calvin Johnson,
Kassem Saleh, Albino Lotukoi,
Cody Carroll, Dalerick Durden and
Eric Mose. Remaining crew members
were: Chief Steward Gregory Johnson; Chief Cook Walter Schoppe; 3rd
Cook Virgilio Brosoto; SAs Virgilio
Brosoto and Paul Erickson; and
UAs Alexander Boothby and Joseph
Bates.
UA Alexander Boothsby
OMU Kasim Ahmed
GVA Dalerick Durden
AB/Third Mate Tyler Brenton (left), AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio
(center) and AB Paul Nelson apply floats to the umbilical
cord of the Plough prior to launching it to begin the cable
burial.
GVA Cody Carroll
UA Joseph Bates (left) and 3rd Cook Virgilio Brosoto
�
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SIU GAINS JOBS AS TANKER REFLAGS
MESSAGE FROM MARITIME LABOR
UNION WELCOMES NEW SHIPBOARD JOBS
MEMBERS RATIFY PACTS AT CROWLEY, G&H
NEW ORLEANS-AREA SEAFARERS PERSERVERE THROUGH HURRICANE, MAINTAIN PROFESSIONALISM ON THE JOB
SIU'S HEINDEL AMONG 2021 AOTOS HONOREES
BIDEN: UNIONS ARE 'AMERICA'S HEART AND SOUL'
SEAFARERS UNANIMOUSLY RATIFY NCL CONTRACT
SIX BOSUNS REACH HIGHEST LEVEL OF DECK DEPARTMENT
CONVENTION SALUTES SERVICE OF WWII MARINERS, EMPHASIZES ONGOING NEED FOR STRONG FLEET
A VISITOR FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER 1945
SEAFARERS ENGAGE IN PHILANTHROPIC OUTREACH
INVESTIGATIONS START, OFFICERS SUSPENDED IN CADET ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
PROGRESS MADE WITH CHS CLINIC SERVICES
BOAT PROCESSION COMMEMORATES ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
CS DECISIVE CREW PARTICIPATES IN JUPITER CABLE SYSTEM PROJECT
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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11/01/2021
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Newsprint
Type
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VOL. 83, NO. 11
2021
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/975937ebb45314c65b94e392c5c46de2.pdf
4edbc5ccb8f3fdc0d8d47764cbd9cb31
PDF Text
Text
OCTOBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 10
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Golden State Rescues 2 Boaters
SIU members and AMO officers aboard the tanker Golden State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) executed a timely rescue of
two boaters who had drifted for days and were almost out of food and water – with a tropical storm imminent. The mid-August operation happened off the Florida coast. The two rescued men are in the middle row of the photo below, far left and second from left, with
Golden State mariners. In photo at right, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel picks them up later that night. Page 4.
MTD Turns 75
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, hit a major milestone last
month, as reflected by this anniversary logo. Pages 10-11.
Newly elected AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
Shuler Takes Helm at AFL-CIO
With SIU President Michael Sacco chairing the proceedings, the AFL-CIO Executive Council on Aug. 20
elected Liz Shuler (above) as president of the federation. She succeeds the late Richard Trumka, who unexpectedly passed away Aug. 5. The council also elected Fred Redmond as secretary-treasurer. Page 5
SIU Steps Up for Activations
Page 2
Pandemic Updates
Page 3
�esy
President’s Report
Confidence in President Shuler
In late August, I had the bittersweet duty of presiding over the
elections of Liz Shuler as the new president of the AFL-CIO, and
Fred Redmond as the new secretary-treasurer. As you undoubtedly
know, the proceedings were necessary because of the unexpected
passing of my longtime friend AFL-CIO
President Richard Trumka earlier that
month.
If you missed the last issue of the LOG,
I encourage you to pick it up or view it
online. Our tributes to Rich are worth your
time. He was a true friend of our union, a
dedicated leader, and someone I’m grateful
to have known.
Liz has giant shoes to fill but is up to the
task. She’s a lifelong trade unionist and a
longtime labor leader, and while her style is
Michael Sacco
different than Rich’s, she is no less effective
and every bit as committed. The SIU has
worked with her for many years; I couldn’t
be more confident in her.
Likewise, while I haven’t worked as closely with Fred, everything I know about him is positive and encouraging. His acceptance
speech in particular was powerfully inspirational, and clearly reflects his passion for the job.
Both Liz and Fred have hit the ground running, in particular with
their efforts to promote the PRO Act (which Congress may rename
in Rich Trumka’s memory) and separate legislation aimed at protecting voting rights. They have the SIU’s full support, and I look
forward to continuing our work together.
Vaccine Mandates
As of this writing around Labor Day, more and more businesses
– along with the Defense Department – are requiring COVID-19
vaccines for their employees. I think this was inevitable, and it
bodes well for our country.
Our deep-sea mariners are required to be vaccinated as of October 1, and we have implemented the same rules for the employees at
the hiring halls, at union headquarters and at our affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. It’s time.
Many of the discussions between people who favor vaccines and
those who oppose them can be frustrating. For the most part, that’s
because those same individuals aren’t getting their news from the
same sources.
To those who remain hesitant, I understand concerns about longer-term side effects and whether or not the vaccines were “rushed.”
But it’s important to remember that scientists have worked on
coronavirus vaccines for decades. Think of it this way: If a brandnew make and model of automobile rolled off the line in 2022, no
mechanic ever would have previously worked on that specific make
and model. But mechanics have worked on cars for a century.
Remember also that millions of people have received COVID-19
vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected (the vaccine trials started more than a year ago). No “non-live” vaccine has
ever been shown to cause side effects years later. The COVID-19
vaccine is non-live.
The mandates signify another big step toward finally putting this
pandemic behind us. If you’re not precluded from taking the shot
for medical or religious reasons, please get it done. Your families
and your shipmates will appreciate it, and it’ll give you peace of
mind along with tangible, proven protection from COVID-19.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 83 Number 10
October 2021
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; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 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 Jobs Secure as SEACOR
Acquires U.S. Shipping Corp.
All SIU jobs and the union contract remain in place
following the recent acquisition of Jones Act carrier
U.S. Shipping Corp. (USSC) by SEACOR Holdings.
SEACOR announced the transaction’s completion
Aug. 13.
“Nothing changes as far as we’re concerned,” said
SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s
business as usual, with all SIU jobs maintained and
our collective bargaining agreement intact.”
The acquisition includes the SIU-crewed tankers
Chemical Pioneer and Houston, and the SIU-crewed
articulated tug-barge units Corpus Christi/Petrochem
Supplier, Brownsville/Petrochem Trader, Freeport/
Chemical Transporter, and Galveston/Petrochem
Producer.
“We welcome the USSC team into the growing
SEACOR family and look forward to their continued
success,” said Eric Fabrikant, chief executive officer
of SEACOR.
“Combining these two fleets and operating teams
will provide our respective customers with enhanced
flexibility, best-in-class equipment, and excellent service well into the future,” said Dan Thorogood, chief
executive officer of SIU-contracted Seabulk, which is
a SEACOR subsidiary.
Albert Bergeron, former chief executive officer of
USSC, stated, “We believe that this transaction will
provide our existing customers, in particular those
moving chemical parcels, with access to an expanded,
modern, and highly capable fleet of vessels and an operations team with a proven dedication to safety and
customer service.”
Seafarers Answer Call for Activations
Once again, Seafarers have met the sudden demands of the United States Transportation Command,
in conjunction with the Military Sealift Command
(MSC) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD),
by successfully completing Turbo Activation 21-1.
The recent exercise involved crewing 18 vessels: 17 MARAD Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships
and one MSC roll-on/roll-off carrier. SIU members
stepped up and filled those 225 jobs within the prescribed time constraint.
“Thanks to our personnel in the hiring halls and our
members, we were able to crew all 18 ships,” said SIU
Manpower Director Mark von Siegel. “Despite the
challenges presented by Hurricane Ida, everybody really stepped up and made sure we met the challenge.”
The 18 vessels included the MSC RO/RO USNS
Gordon (operated by Ocean Shipholdings), the Fast
Sealift Ships Antares (TOTE), SS Bellatrix (TOTE), SS
Capella (Ocean Duchess), SS Pollux (TOTE) and SS
Regulus (TOTE), the crane ship SS Cornhusker State
(Pacific Gulf Marine), and 11 RRF RO/ROs: GTS Adm
Wm M Callaghan (Patriot), SS Cape Island (Ocean
Duchess), MV Cape Douglas (Keystone), Cape Domingo (Keystone), Cape Kennedy (Keystone), Cape
Race (Keystone), Cape Rise (Keystone), Cape Taylor
(Patriot), Cape Trinity (Patriot), Cape Vincent (Patriot)
and Cape Washington (Crowley).
Acting Executive Director of MARAD Kevin Tokarski praised the efforts of the Seafarers in a letter,
saying in part, “On behalf of the Acting Maritime
Administrator, Lucinda Lessley, I would like to express our Agency’s thanks for the successful wrap-up
of the recent Ready Reserve Force Turbo Activation
21-1. The success of this is due to the contribution of
our Ship Managers and all of the mariners needed to
make activating these ‘old workhorses’ even possible.
MARAD is now in the 75th year of maintaining the
Nation’s reserve of sealift ships and the median age
of these vessels is 46-years old. Indeed, the age of the
vessels today is older than when the Ready Reserve
Pictured aboard the Cape Rise (Keystone) in
Norfolk, Virginia, during the activation are (front,
from left) Second Mate Alyssa Billi, SA Marie Anthony, Engine Cadet Charlotte Brockman, (back
row) SA Quinsha Davis, Third Assistant Engineer
Angie Strandfeldt and Chief Cook Michele Woodley.
Force fleet was developed in 1976 with the first ships
from WWII. The challenges of activating and operating these vessels is more difficult each year and we do
not take for granted the significant efforts your personnel muster to get this done.”
News Bulletins
This edition of the LOG went to press earlier than
usual. Following are two news items that were developing on deadline. Please visit the SIU website for updates; we’ll also have additional coverage in the next
issue.
Member Perishes from COVID
OMU Davon McMillan passed away Sept. 5 in
an overseas hospital after contracting COVID-19. He
was 65 and reportedly was not vaccinated against the
coronavirus.
McMillan joined the union in 1978. He most recently sailed aboard
the Resolve (TOTE)
before being taken
off the vessel and
transported to Brazil after he became
ill.
Another mariner
from that same vessel also reportedly
caught COVID-19
and was flown by
helicopter to a hospital in San Antonio.
SIU New Orleans
OMU Davon McMillan
Port Agent Chris Westbrook knew McMillan well.
“This is really a loss. He was a stand-up union
member, that’s for sure,” Westbrook said. “Any time
you called on him – and I don’t care what it was about
– if you needed him, he stepped up to the plate every
single time. He was one of those old-school guys who
made the union what it is today.”
Westbrook added, “I’ve heard people ask whether
others actually know anyone who’d died from COVID.
Davon is somebody I’ve known for 25 years. He suffered in a hospital for weeks and died from COVID.
So, there’s your answer.”
In a separate incident, a COVID-19 outbreak led
to the cancellation of an activation (USNS Bellatrix).
New Orleans Hall Reopens
The hiring hall in the New Orleans suburb of
Harvey closed for about a week after Hurricane Ida
devastated parts of the Gulf and East coasts. The hall
only sustained minor damage but was without power
VERIFY AND ADD DETAILS HERE INCLUDING DATE OF REOPENING
Westbrook said numerous Seafarers who live in
the area suffered massive damage to their respective
homes. With power outages lingering and mandatory
evacuation orders only recently lifted, the coordination of relief efforts may take some time.
October 2021
�Deep-Sea Vaccine Mandate Effective Oct. 1
DOD, State Gov’ts, Many Businesses Require Vaccination
As of Labor Day weekend, it appeared
the oft-discussed “new normal” in the
United States includes COVID-19 vaccine
mandates in many components of federal
and state governments as well as private
business.
Though far from universal, the requirements became more prevalent after the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on
Aug. 23 approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. FDA approval of the Moderna and
Johnson & Johnson vaccines, respectively,
is expected in the very near future.
Two days after the Pfizer approval, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued
a memorandum for “Mandatory Coronavirus
Disease 2019 Vaccination of Department of
Defense Service Members.” The memo directs the secretaries of the military departments to immediately begin full vaccination
of all members of the armed forces under
DOD authority on active duty or in the reserve, including the National Guard, who are
not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Many high-profile businesses also are
requiring vaccines, as are some sports and
concert venues.
As previously reported, the SIU and
the American Maritime Association, in accordance with a recently announced arbitration decision, signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) for implementing a
COVID-19 vaccine mandate, effective Oct.
1, 2021. Based on the arbitration results, the
union subsequently agreed to the same requirements with its non-AMA companies in
the deep-sea sector.
The MOU spells out the following for
vessels covered under the SIU standard
freightship and tanker agreements. (Again,
the same rules apply to mariners sailing on
other deep-sea vessels as well.)
All crew joining a vessel, regardless
of job status, (permanent, trip tour, rotary, or
trip relief), on and after Oct. 1, 2021 must
provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The following vaccines are acceptable: Pfizer - both shots - second shot prior
to joining; Moderna - both shots - second
shot prior to joining; Johnson & Johnson 1 shot - 2 weeks prior to joining.
Non-vaccinated crew on vessels, as of
Oct. 1, 2021, will be allowed to finish their
current tours. However, should the Company
make arrangements for them to be vaccinated
in a U.S. port after Oct. 1, 2021 and they refuse, the Company will call for their relief and
when their replacement reports aboard, their
employment will end.
In the event of an emergency situation the Company and Union may agree to
allow unvaccinated mariners to join a vessel,
however all reasonable efforts will then be
made to secure a vaccine for such mariners
as soon as possible. Any such mariners will
need to observe all of the COVID-19 safety
protocols that have been in place during
this pandemic, to include but not be limited
to, testing, social distancing, restriction of
movement on the vessel, restriction to ship
in port without payment of penalties, etc.
Union representatives will try to assist
crew members in locating vaccine sites and
scheduling appointments if requested.
The requirements set forth above for
new crew joining a vessel on or after Oct.
1, 2021 apply as well to permanent crew re-
turning to vessels.
Medical Exemptions: The Medical Director of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
will work with the parties to develop medical
exemption protocols.
Religious Exemptions: Religious exemption requests will be determined on a
case-by-case basis. Factors to be considered
include prior religious objection to receiving
other required vaccines.
If any individual Association Company
bargains with any other shipboard union and
should agree to less stringent protocols and/or
requirements or the payment of any compensation or bonus for agreeing to and subjecting
oneself to a COVID-19 vaccine, the same shall
be offered to crewmembers represented by the
SIU on its ships. Any such agreement shall not
be applicable to other Association companies
To assist in the implementation of these
conditions, fully vaccinated Union representatives will be allowed to board vessels to
have discussions with the vessels’ crews. Any
such Union representatives will abide by all
COVID-19 protocols.
All Association Companies will make
reasonable efforts to try to have any vendors
or other individuals who board any covered
vessel fully vaccinated before boarding any
such vessel. Both parties acknowledge that
the Association’s companies do not control
vendors or their employees.
Also as of Oct. 1, anyone entering a Seafarers hiring hall must provide either proof
of being fully vaccinated against COVID19; or a completed, signed exemption form
along with a negative test result from within
the last 48 hours. This policy was adopted
by the trustees of the Seafarers Joint Employment Fund (hiring halls).
Seafarers are encouraged to bring their
respective vaccination cards to the halls as
soon as possible so those documents may
be scanned into the SMIS database.
Other safety precautions remain in place
at all of the halls, including requirements
to wear masks and socially distance. Proper
sanitation is always encouraged.
Similar vaccine mandates take effect at
the headquarters building and at the Paul
Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, beginning Oct. 1. (Members are encouraged
to contact their respective port agents with
any questions.)
According to the FDA, the Pfizer vaccine
now will be marketed as Comirnaty (koemir’-na-tee), and it is approved “for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals
16 years of age and older. The vaccine also
continues to be available under emergency
use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for
the administration of a third dose in certain
immunocompromised individuals.
Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., stated, “The FDA’s approval of
this vaccine is a milestone as we continue
to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While
this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s
rigorous, scientific standards for emergency
use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can
be very confident that this vaccine meets
the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA
requires of an approved product. While
millions of people have already safely re-
Recent Trustee Action Means
Some Pensioners Are Now
Eligible to Resume Sailing
A letter sent to some SIU pensioners in
August spells out opportunities to temporarily resume sailing.
The communication notes that Seafarers Pension Plan Trustees, in an effort to
recruit qualified mariners, “decided to
allow pensioners who have retired within
the last five years to return to work with
an SIU-contracted employer without hav-
October 2021
ing their pension benefits suspended. To
be able to return to work, you would need
to have valid merchant mariner credentials, be able to work in an unlicensed
position above entry level and be able to
pass the required physical examination.
All contractual shipping rules apply to
all covered jobs; however, the SAB will
make a temporary rule change which will
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III briefs media members at the Pentagon in
early September. (DoD photo by Brittany A. Chase)
ceived COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize
that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence
to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us
one step closer to altering the course of this
pandemic in the U.S.”
Since Dec. 11, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been available under EUA in individuals 16 years of
age and older, and the authorization was
expanded to include those 12 through 15
years of age on May 10, 2021. EUAs can
be used by the FDA during public health
emergencies to provide access to medical products that may be effective in preventing, diagnosing, or treating a disease,
provided that the FDA determines that the
known and potential benefits of a product,
when used to prevent, diagnose, or treat the
disease, outweigh the known and potential
risks of the product.
FDA-approved vaccines undergo the
agency’s standard process for reviewing the
quality, safety and effectiveness of medical
products. For all vaccines, the FDA evaluates data and information included in the
manufacturer’s submission of a biologics license application (BLA). A BLA is a
comprehensive document that is submitted
to the agency providing very specific requirements. For Comirnaty, the BLA builds
on the extensive data and information previously submitted that supported the EUA,
such as preclinical and clinical data and
information, as well as details of the manufacturing process, vaccine testing results to
ensure vaccine quality, and inspections of
the sites where the vaccine is made. The
agency conducts its own analyses of the
information in the BLA to make sure the
vaccine is safe and effective and meets the
FDA’s standards for approval.
Comirnaty contains messenger RNA
(mRNA), a kind of genetic material. The
mRNA is used by the body to make a mimic
of one of the proteins in the virus that causes
COVID-19. The result of a person receiv-
allow pensioners to maintain the seniority level they enjoyed at the time of their
retirement.”
The letter further states, “This trustee
action allows eligible pensioners to continue collecting their full monthly pension
benefits, earn the wage rates specified in
the applicable collective bargaining agreement and, if you are receiving a wage related pension benefit, you could also earn
additional $15 increments for every 120
days of covered employment for which
you work. In addition, if you resume employment and work for 90 days, you will
become eligible for active seafarer benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefit
Plan and your claims would be processed
in accordance with those rules.”
These provisions will remain in effect
ing this vaccine is that their immune system will ultimately react defensively to the
virus that causes COVID-19. The mRNA in
Comirnaty is only present in the body for a
short time and is not incorporated into – nor
does it alter – an individual’s genetic material. Comirnaty has the same formulation as
the EUA vaccine and is administered as a
series of two doses, three weeks apart.
“Our scientific and medical experts conducted an incredibly thorough and thoughtful evaluation of this vaccine. We evaluated
scientific data and information included in
hundreds of thousands of pages, conducted
our own analyses of Comirnaty’s safety and
effectiveness, and performed a detailed assessment of the manufacturing processes,
including inspections of the manufacturing
facilities,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D.,
director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics
Evaluation and Research. “We have not lost
sight that the COVID-19 public health crisis continues in the U.S. and that the public
is counting on safe and effective vaccines.
The public and medical community can be
confident that although we approved this
vaccine expeditiously, it was fully in keeping with our existing high standards for
vaccines in the U.S.”
Austin wrote in his memo, “To defend
this Nation, we need a healthy and ready
force. After careful consultation with medical experts and military leadership, and
with the support of the President, I have
determined that mandatory vaccination
against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is necessary to protect the Force and
defend the American people. Mandatory
vaccinations are familiar to all of our Service members, and mission-critical inoculation is almost as old as the U.S. military
itself. Our administration of safe, effective
COVID-19 vaccines has produced admirable results to date, and I know the Department of Defense will come together to
finish the job, with urgency, professionalism, and compassion.”
until the end of 2021. The trustees then
will review manning requirements and decide if they’ll be extended. (If a pensioner
returns to work in the interim and happens to still be on a vessel beyond Dec.
31, 2021, he or she will continue receiving their pension benefits and wages until
their respective articles are completed or
they’re replaced by a relief.)
Due to industry needs, inland pensioners will also be allowed to return to work
in the inland sector and keep receiving
their pensions; however, they will only be
allowed to do so for up to 90 days in a
calendar year.
Interested pensioners are asked to contact their local port agent for more information.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Golden State Crew Rescues Two Mariners
Mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Golden
State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) recently saved two individuals who’d been adrift
for four days with limited food and water – and
with a tropical storm approaching.
The rescue took place Aug. 14, approximately 145 nautical miles west of Key West,
Florida.
“The AMO and SIU men and women crew
members aboard the Golden State did a remarkable job in finding and rescuing these two mariners,” said vessel master Capt. Ervin L. Curtis.
SIU members aboard the Golden State during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Timothy Jackson, ABs Kervin Guevara, Javier
Valencia, Maria Carranza, Shantaz Harper
and Christopher Green, QEP Michael Durago, QE4 Noah Hughes, Steward/Baker Antajuan Beasley, Chief Cook Marco Guevara,
GVA Dennis Lucas and SA Antwon Norris.
Bosun Jackson, a Seafarer since 1990, said
the rescue proved challenging, starting with difficulty spotting the distressed boaters.
“We couldn’t see them for a while but we
kept them on the radio,” Jackson stated. “The
chief mate finally spotted them.”
He continued, “The captain had to get the
ship slowed and we had to gradually come up
on them. We rigged pilot ladders and got a heaving line. We tossed it and they finally got close
enough to us. They were strong enough to climb
the ladder and oh, they were glad to be rescued!
The Coast Guard picked them up that night, and
it’s a good thing we got them when we did. The
seas had picked up quite a bit.”
Jackson concluded, “Everybody did a good
job. We got them back to safety, and that was a
good thing.”
Capt. Curtis provided the following summary (along with photos):
At approximately 0652 on 14 August, 2021
the Golden State was transiting the Gulf of
Mexico bound for Cape Henlopen, DE with a
full load of crude oil. The Mate on watch Jessica Faltings received a MAYDAY call in Spanish on CH 16 from a small craft called the Three
Musketeers. The Mate on watch responded to
the call on CH 16 and two Spanish-speaking
ABs, Javier Valencia and Kervin Guevara,
were able to gather information on the small
craft.
It was determined that the small craft was
adrift, though the position could not be determined as all navigational equipment aboard
the small craft had failed. The Mate on watch
called the Captain who immediately came to the
bridge. The Captain instructed the 2nd Mate to
hail USCG Key West via Satellite phone. The
vessel was placed into hand steering and slowed
to maneuvering speed.
The 2nd Mate Kenneth Estes attempted to
contact the Coast Guard via Satellite phone on
the emergency line for Sector Key West. All
Hands were called to look for the stricken vessel
and at 0716 the small craft was sighted in posi-
Seas were worsening (photo above) when the SIU-crewed Golden State saved two stranded boaters. One of the boaters (photo below)
climbs aboard the Golden State.
tion Lat: 24-33.177N Long: 084-20.808W. At
0740 USCG Sector Key West was reached via
SAT phone and the information gathered by the
crew was relayed. The Master maneuvered the
Golden State alongside the 26-foot sport fisherman; the sport fisherman did have slight reversing propulsion which aided in getting it near
enough for the Chief Mate, deck and engine
crews in getting heaving lines to the stricken
vessel.
A port lee was made by the Master to calm
the seas, estimated at about 12 to 14 feet. At
0818 the ship’s engine was stopped, and the
small craft was secured alongside to the Golden
State at 0831. The small craft was in position
Lat: 24-38.107N Long: 084-24.078W approximately 85 miles west of Dry Tortugas and 145
nautical miles west of Key West Florida. A line
was then lowered to the small craft with life
jackets attached. The CM Scott Anderson verbally confirmed with the two people aboard that
they were well enough to climb the pilot ladder.
At 0832 both people boarded the Golden State.
0832 the Small craft Three Musketeers released
(cut loose) in position Lat: 24-38.169N Long:
084-24.082W. At 0835 the Golden State resumed her voyage for Cape Henlopen, DE, with
final destination of Marcus Hook, PA. 0900 the
engine load program up was set to NAV Full
Ahead. 0912 Crowley Operations Port Captain
Callahan in Jacksonville, Florida, was notified
of the situation.
Weather conditions were rough, and the
sport fisherman was difficult to locate. With the
approaching tropical storm, the survivors were
very lucky to have been spotted and picked up
by the Golden State’s crew. The two male survivors were extremely thankful to the Golden
State’s crew for rescuing them in rough seas.
The survivors reported that they had been
White House Issues
Labor Day Proclamation
The following statement by President Joe Biden is posted
on the White House website (and on the SIU website):
My father taught me from a young age that a job is about
much more than a paycheck. It is about dignity, respect, and
your place in the community. It is about being able to look
your children in the eye and assure them that things are going
to be okay. When Americans go to work each day, they are
not just making a living – they are pursuing a life with hope
for the future. In doing so, they build, drive, care for, and
grow our Nation.
Hard-working Americans are the backbone of our country.
As I have often said, the middle class built America — and
unions built the middle class. Everything that supports a sustainable middle-class life was made possible by unions, and
on Labor Day we honor all those workers – and their enduring movement – that keep our economy moving and make
our Nation strong.
I believe that every worker deserves not only a fair wage
and benefits – but freedom from discrimination, a safe and
healthy workplace, and the respect that comes with a secure
retirement as well. That is why my Administration always
stands proudly with workers. It is why, in the American Rescue Plan, we gave working people a break – helping workers
weather the pandemic, giving middle-class families raising
children a historic tax cut, and upholding the promise of a
dignified retirement by protecting the hard-earned pensions
of millions of American workers and retirees. It is also why
I am committed to ensuring that all workers have a free and
4 Seafarers LOG
adrift four days with food and water running
very low. They reported some ships had passed
them by without stopping (understandable, as
the Golden State’s crew didn’t see them until
they were about a mile away in the rough seas).
Another ship had made contact with the small
craft but told them it was too rough to pick them
up. That ship proceeded on her voyage, and
there is no confirmation that the small craft’s
position was reported to authorities.
With tropical storm Fred expected to pass by
the small craft’s position in less than 24 hours,
it is likely the situation could have been a much
worse outcome for these mariners. They were
given medical attention, hot food, spare crew
cabins to rest, and a chance to clean up after
their four days adrift.
After discussions with USCG Sector Key
West, a plan was developed to make a rendezvous with a USCG Key West boat at the Key
West sea buoy to transfer these mariners safely
ashore. At 20:42 in darkness, the mariners were
transferred to the USCG. Weather conditions
included strong winds and rain with seas 8 to 9
feet at Key West. The USCG Sector Key West
boat crew’s performance was excellent, under
less than favorable sea conditions. Very good
planning and teamwork between the Golden
State and USCG Key West. Very professional
and a super job by the USCG.
The AMO and SIU men and women crew
members aboard the Golden State did a remarkable job in finding and rescuing these two
mariners. As Captain it was my call to start the
search and rescue, but there is no doubt I could
not have done it without help from these professional mariners.
Sincerely,
Captain Ervin L. Curtis
M/T Golden State
fair opportunity to organize a union and bargain collectively
with their employers. This has been a guiding principle of
our Nation since union organizing was explicitly encouraged
by the National Labor Relations Act in 1935. But for far too
long, that principle has been attacked and neglected.
American workers should make their own decisions – free
from coercion and intimidation – about organizing with their
co-workers to have a stronger voice in their workplaces, their
communities, and their government. That is why I strongly
support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. It is also why I created
the Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, and
asked Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Labor
Martin Walsh to serve as its chair and vice chair.
After more than a year in which essential workers made
extraordinary sacrifices and carried our Nation on their backs,
this Labor Day we see more clearly than ever that we must
build an economy that responds to the needs and aspirations
of working people – an economy that deals everyone in and
brings everyone along. The pandemic has also exacerbated
and revealed for all to see the places where our Nation has
fallen short of its promise to deliver equal opportunity to
workers of color and their communities. To help address that
long-standing challenge, my Administration is pursuing a
comprehensive approach to advancing equity, as illustrated
in the Executive Order I signed on my first day in office entitled Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved
Communities.
Despite the tremendous progress we have made to advance labor protections and strengthen the voice of workers
in the workplace, there is still much more we need to do. As in
every generation since Labor Day was first celebrated in the
late 19th century, there are still those who resist Americans’
efforts to build and sustain worker power – the engine of our
economic growth, the key to our long-term success, and the
best defense against corporate abuses of power in workplaces,
our economy, and our democracy. Over the years, the Labor
Movement has won many battles: establishing the 40-hour
work week, integrating workplaces, eliminating child labor,
securing health and safety protections for workers, and countless other victories. Workers and their unions prevailed time
and time again – but the work continues. We are going to keep
fighting to restore power to working families and protect the
rights of hard-working Americans and unions. That includes
seizing the golden opportunity ahead of us to make the largest investment in nearly a century in American infrastructure,
American workers, and good union jobs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
On this Labor Day, we honor the pioneers who stood
up for the dignity of working people – leaders like César
Chávez, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., A. Phillip
Randolph, John L. Lewis, Samuel Gompers, Frances Perkins,
and many more. Let us also remember the tireless voices for
working families that we have recently lost, including my
friend Richard Trumka. We must recommit ourselves to advancing the historic progress these trailblazers made as we
work to deliver a decent life with security, respect, and dignity for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2021, as
Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the
United States to observe this day with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities that honor the energy and innovation of working Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this third day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
October 2021
�AFL-CIO Elects Liz Shuler President
Federation Taps Redmond as Secretary-Treasurer, Forms Historic Leadership Team
With SIU President Michael Sacco chairing the proceedings, the AFL-CIO Executive
Council on Aug. 20 elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist,
to serve as president of the federation of 56
unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is
the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation.
The executive council also elected United
Steelworkers (USW) International Vice
President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler
as secretary-treasurer. Redmond is the first
African American to hold the number two
office.
Tefere Gebre will continue as executive
vice president, rounding out the most diverse
team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.
Sacco is the longest-serving member of
the council.
The election of Shuler and Redmond
comes after the unexpected and untimely
passing of Richard Trumka, who served
as AFL-CIO president from 2009 until his
death on Aug. 5, capping a more than 50year career of dedication to America’s unions
and working people.
“I am humbled, honored and ready to
guide this federation forward,” Shuler said
after her election. “I believe in my bones the
labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment
for us to lead societal transformations – to leverage our power to bring women and people
of color from the margins to the center – at
work, in our unions and in our economy, and
to be the center of gravity for incubating new
ideas that will unleash unprecedented union
growth.”
“I could not be more excited to get to
work with President Shuler so we can build
on the labor movement’s legacy of change,
writing a new chapter that brings the promise
of union membership to workers across this
country,” Redmond said. “This is the right
team at the right time to help bring about the
economic and social justice America is hungry for.”
“Our country is at a crossroads. Now
more than ever, the labor movement is the
best vehicle to fight inequality, systemic
racism, and attacks on our basic rights and
freedoms,” said Gebre. “I am honored to
work with our historic team led by President
Shuler and look forward to fighting every
day for working families.”
Shuler grew up in a union household.
Her father, Lance, was a power lineman
and longtime member of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 125 at Portland General
Electric, and her late mother, Joyce, worked
as an estimator in the company’s service and
design department.
In 1993, Shuler was hired as an organizer at Local 125. When energy giant Enron
Corp. tried to muscle electricity deregulation through the Oregon Legislature, Shuler
worked with a broad-based coalition of
labor, community and environmental activists to challenge and ultimately overcome
Enron’s powerhouse lobbying campaign, a
SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at left) and then-AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
Liz Shuler are pictured at the SIUNA convention in 2017. President Sacco (right in other
photo) congratulates newly elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond at the
federation’s headquarters.
victory that sparked her passion for mobilizing workers to make change even when
faced with overwhelming odds.
In 1998, Ed Hill, then-secretary-treasurer
of the IBEW, assigned Shuler to California
where she mobilized IBEW members to
help defeat Prop. 226, the so-called paycheck protection initiative that threatened to
silence union members in the political process. That victory prompted John J. Barry,
president of the IBEW at that time, to hire
her as an international representative in the
union’s political/legislative affairs department in Washington, D.C. In that role, Shuler
Shuler: This Could Be the Most
Unifying Moment in Labor History
Editor’s note: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered the following remarks after her election:
I recognize both the honor and the responsibility I
now have as president. We never thought we’d be here,
through a pandemic, so many tragedies and the sudden
loss of Rich.
We didn’t want this milestone to happen this way. But
through your resilience and dedication to our movement,
you’ve just elected the most diverse leadership team in our
history.
Key word: team. Fred (Redmond), Tefere (Gebre),
me – and all of you. This is just the very beginning of a
longer, ongoing discussion about change and the future.
We’re going to build a modern labor movement to
meet this extraordinary moment. People are hurting and
scared. There aren’t enough good, sustainable jobs. The
middle class has been hollowed out. COVID-19 has
amplified longstanding structural inequity. Our systems
are broken; the climate crisis is accelerating; technology
is changing how work is done. But we want working
people to know they can find hope with us.
I believe in my bones that the labor movement is the
single most powerful force for progress and that this is
a moment for us to lead societal transformations; to leverage our power to bring women and people of color
from the margins to the center at work, in our unions
and in our economy; and to be the center of gravity for
incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented
union growth.
We have everything lined up, with a pro-worker administration and Congress. The public is on our side, and
workers all across the country are standing up and taking
risks. This is our chance. We will meet this moment as
one united federation.
In the coming months, we will hone our strategy,
sharpen our focus and deepen our capacity.
One thing I’d like to make crystal clear: Affiliate
engagement will guide my presidency. It isn’t an afterthought. I will seek your guidance and input from the
beginning and at every step in decision making, building
strategy and how we execute.
We have a lot of opportunities, but we don’t want to
be too diffuse. That dilutes our effectiveness. Instead, we
need to unite around a set of priorities, go after them and
be disciplined in our approach. Let’s identify and scale
what works. And let’s be honest about what doesn’t. I’m
excited to have those conversations with you.
Because we are at an inflection point, we’re building a bridge between our incredible history, our timehonored traditions and a bold, cutting-edge future.
I want every working person in every kind of job
October 2021
to see they can have a place in our movement. We’re
not a bunch of smoke-filled back rooms. We’re open.
We’re transparent. We welcome Gen Z and millennials
in the streets and in the halls of power – organizing at
the grassroots and working to advance policy in D.C and
state houses across the country.
It’s not an either-or scenario. We can and will walk and
chew gum at the same time.
I’ve been proud to stand with you as we’ve won national elections and made progress on our Workers First
Agenda. Pension relief. Health care. And we will keep
pushing for infrastructure, voting rights and labor law
reform.
Everything we do will be in service to organizing
and union growth. And on that front, you’ve heard me
talk about Action Builder, a digital organizing tool, built
in-house from the ground up. We didn’t just buy it off
a shelf and say, ‘Here, use this.’ We built it with affiliate unions. And it’s democratizing organizing, making
it more accessible for people historically left out on the
sidelines.
My point is this: Affiliate priorities are federation
priorities. And together we are going to be that center of
gravity for incubating new ideas.
I’d like this council to think of itself as an Innovation Committee, and I ask you to bring your experience,
diverse perspectives and ideas to this table, to try new
things to catalyze breakthrough union growth – and not
be worried about whether we fail. It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes mean we’re getting out there and doing
something different.
Because labor can bring America together, our movement is where so many walks of life and issues converge.
There’s no doubt about our direction. We’re moving forward, to a future defined by and for working
people. The path we’re paving is wide and accessible
– everyone included, no one left behind. Our power to
get there depends on moving as one, on our unity. And
this could be the most unifying moment in labor history. That’s up to every person here around our table.
And I am so thrilled, Fred (Redmond), to have you
on this team. You’ve earned the respect of this entire
movement, taking on tough challenges, from racial
justice to organizing, building consensus every step
of the way. Thank you for taking on this new role;
you will be a great secretary-treasurer and a tremendous partner for Tefere (Gebre) and me as we lead the
AFL-CIO forward.
Thank you again to this executive council for the
honor of serving as your sixth president. I stand on the
shoulders of those who came before me, and look forward to building the future together. Let’s get to work!
ran grassroots political mobilization efforts
and lobbied Congress on a range of issues
important to working families. In 2004, she
was promoted to assistant to the international president, where she served Hill, who
had succeeded to that position, in driving
the agenda of the nearly 1-million-member
union.
In 2009, she joined forces with Trumka,
becoming the first woman elected to the position of secretary-treasurer at an AFL-CIO
convention and the youngest woman ever
Continued on next page
Redmond: I Want to Give
Back to Every Worker
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
Fred Redmond delivered the following remarks after his election:
Thank you, Liz (Shuler). Thank
you, Tefere (Gebre). Thank you all.
President (Lee) Saunders, I am
humbled by your words. I am grateful for your friendship. I am committed to your cause.
President (Tom) Conway....
Brother Tom, thank you for everything. I will always be a proud
Steelworker.
Some of you know me well.
Some of you know me through this
executive council. And some of you
don’t know me yet. I look forward
to meeting with all of you. I look
forward to working with all of you.
And I could not be more proud
to serve with the first woman president in the history of the AFL-CIO.
I am the son of Curtis and
Odessa Redmond. They were the
children of sharecroppers.
They were born in the Mississippi Delta and made the great
migration up to Chicago in 1958.
They came with very little belongings but a very strong desire to
build a better life.
My three brothers and I grew up
poor. We lived on food stamps. We
shopped at Goodwill.
But what we lacked in money
my parents gave us in love. In
hope. In faith. In an unbreakable
work ethic.
My father took every kind of job
he could find. He pumped gas, was
a janitor, and stocked shelves at the
supermarket. My mother was a domestic worker. She woke up every
day at the crack of dawn and took
three buses to the far suburbs of
Chicago to clean folks’ houses and
cook their food. Every night she
would sit at the foot of her bed and
soak her feet and read her Bible.
No complaints. No excuses.
I am standing on their shoulders
today.
When my dad got a union job at
an aluminum mill outside of Chi-
cago called Reynolds, it changed
everything. We had more security,
opportunity, prosperity. We stopped
going to the free clinic. We got off
of food stamps. And my mother no
longer bought our school clothes
from the Goodwill. This is personal
to me.
I want every worker to have that
chance. I want every family to feel
that joy. That’s my goal as your
secretary-treasurer.
And I promise you: No one will
work harder. Work ethic is in my
DNA. It’s how I honor my parents
and this labor movement and every
union member.
We have a huge opportunity in
front of us. And we’re going to take
it. I promise you that.
Liz (Shuler) and I are not the
perfect officers. But together with
Tefere (Gebre), we can form the
perfect team for this moment. To
organize. To mobilize. To win racial justice, secure voting rights and
pass the PRO Act.
To do that, we need to spend our
resources wisely. Be strategic. Get
return on our investment. And take
smart risks.
I am committed to continuing
Liz’s financial transparency and accountability as secretary-treasurer. I
know she will help guide me as I
take on this new challenge.
Brothers and sisters, the labor
movement is my life. It’s my love.
It’s who I am. You won’t find a
degree on my wall. I followed my
father into the factory. And it’s the
best decision I’ve ever made.
The fruits of my labor are bountiful. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. And I want to give back to
every worker, to every family, to
every community.
The author Isabel Wilkerson
writes that the price of privilege is
the moral duty to act when one sees
another person treated unfairly. So,
in this House of Labor on this historic day, let’s act. For each other.
For our movement. For our nation.
Thank you.
Seafarers LOG 5
�SIU Crews Team Up for Multiple UNREPS
The SIU-crewed tanker Empire State, operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning for
the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), is
no stranger to connected at-sea refueling operations (CONSOL). The Empire State’s mariners
handled a new challenge from July 11-14, by
conducting five CONSOL events within that
timeframe.
Such operations also are known as underway replenishments, or UNREPS.
While off the coast of Southern California,
the Empire State refueled three MSC Combat
Logistics Fleet (CLF) ships, all of whose crews
include members of the SIU Government Services Division. Those vessels are the dry cargo
ammunition ships USNS Matthew Perry and
USNS Washington Chambers and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser. During five separate events, the crew of the Empire
State delivered nearly 4 million gallons of diesel ship fuel.
Bosun Ahmed Ghaleb credited his fellow
Seafarers for doing “a really good job. The operation went nice and smooth and safe. That’s
the key,” he said.
An SIU member since 2004, Ghaleb said
that while UNREPS aren’t commonplace,
the crew handled the recent assignments with
aplomb.
“We connect the hoses, and everybody has a
station,” he said. “We go around and check the
pipelines, check the cargo pump, and stand by
until we finish.”
As Capt. Andrew Miller, the Empire State’s
civilian master, explained, transferring fuel at
The SIU-crewed Empire State (right) refuels an MSC ship. (U.S. Navy photo)
sea has a different set of challenges than taking fuel from a commercial pier or from a
fuel buoy. At sea, the maneuvering and ship
handling fall to the ships’ personnel. As the
“on-station” ship, the Empire State provided
coordinates for the CLF ships, ensuring everyone was at the rendezvous point on time.
“The biggest challenge we face when doing
a CONSOL at-sea is good communication,”
said Miller. “MSC always does a great job of
working with us. The team at MSCPAC (Military Sealift Command Pacific) and the CLF
crews are professional operators, so there is always a lot of good communications across the
team. It really makes a difference when we are
doing an operation like these.”
He added, “We have a lot more experience
since the first time we did a CONSOL with a
CLF ship. The crew is so much more proficient
now, so things went a lot smoother. I attribute
a lot of that to good communication with my
crew, but also between us and the other ships.”
Taking fuel from a tanker like Empire State
allows MSC ships to remain at sea to refuel.
Originally, the concept was developed to keep
United States ships out of foreign ports during
times of conflict, but during the COVID-19
pandemic lockdowns, the technology provided
a way for American ships to stay underway for
extended periods, which helped protect crews.
Liz Shuler Takes Helm at AFL-CIO
Continued from Page 5
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
on the federation’s executive council. As
secretary-treasurer, she also served as the
chief financial officer, turning deficits into
surpluses and steering the federation through
multiple fiscal crises, including the COVID19 pandemic.
In addition to her stewardship of the federation’s finances, Shuler led the AFL-CIO’s
initiatives on the future of work, retirement
security, the clean energy economy, public
safety reform, workforce development, and
empowering women and young workers. She
is committed to busting myths about labor,
leveraging the labor movement’s diversity
for innovative approaches to social justice
and making the benefits of a union voice on
the job available to working people everywhere.
Redmond has been a USW member since
1973, when he went to work at Reynolds
Metals Co. in Chicago. He became active in
his local union almost immediately, serving
as shop steward and eventually vice presi-
dent. He served three terms as local president.
For decades, Redmond served the USW
in various staff and leadership roles, assisting local unions, developing and conducting training programs, and bargaining
contracts.
As international vice president for human
affairs, Redmond oversaw the civil and
human rights department, as well as the
union’s shipbuilding, health care and public
sector bargaining, and worked with USW
allies across the country in responding to
attacks on voting rights and in combating
economic inequality. Redmond has a long
history of leadership on various boards, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. In
2021, Redmond was elected president of the
Trade Union Confederation of the Americas,
a prestigious international post.
The terms of the three executive officers
run through June 2022, when delegates to the
AFL-CIO Convention in Philadelphia will
elect leaders for new four-year terms.
SIU CIVMARS Aboard USNS
Patuxent Handle Two Rescues
Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the USNS
Patuxent helped perform two rescues just
nine days apart earlier this year.
The Patuxent, a fleet replenishment oiler,
learned of a vessel in distress in the Gulf of
Aden on June 7. The runway-flag commercial vessel Falcon Line had experienced
engine failure and was taking on water, according to reports from the U.S. Navy.
After proceeding to the rescue scene at
maximum speed, the Patuxent protected the
Falcon Line’s crew from heavy winds and
high seas while those mariners boarded life
rafts. All 15 crew members from the distressed ship were brought aboard the Patuxent before their vessel sank. The Patuxent
provided the rescued mariners with food,
water and medical screenings.
The Patuxent, whose crew includes SIU
CIVMARS, is part of the U.S. 5th Fleet.
According to the Navy, “The U.S. 5th Fleet
regularly works with coalition forces, re-
6 Seafarers LOG
gional partners and the shipping industry to
maintain the regional awareness necessary
to facilitate aid like this to mariners in distress.”
“As professional mariners, our forces
have a duty to help those in need at sea,”
said Navy Capt. Michael O’Driscoll, commander of Task Force 53. “The Sailors and
civilian mariners aboard ships like Patuxent
have answered this call before, and they will
continue to do so whenever possible.”
His comment proved prescient. On June
16, the Patuxent rendered aid to another vessel that had been drifting for 12 days, also
in the Gulf of Aden. The small fishing boat
was taking on water; the Patuxent rescued
the four crew members and gave them food,
water and medical treatment.
SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona stated, “I couldn’t be
prouder of our members for their efforts in
these rescues. Their dedication and professionalism shined through.”
One of four individuals rescued from a stranded fishing boat climbs down a ladder from the CIVMAR-crewed USNS Patuxent to a U.S. Navy patrol boat based
at Camp Lemonnier. The mid-June rescue was one of two performed by Patuxent
crew members that month. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist
1st Class Jacob Sippel)
October 2021
�Fire School Instructors Save Upgrader’s Life
Instructors at the Joseph Sacco Fire
Fighting and Safety School unexpectedly
put their skills to the test when an upgrader
recently suffered a medical emergency.
AB Steven Hicks was in the process of
returning his fire fighting gear to the bunkhouse on Aug. 6 when he began experiencing shortness of breath.
Fire school instructor John Thomas
said, “We had just finished with the first
morning of Basic Training Revalidation,
which consisted of students extinguishing a bunkhouse fire, and then proceeding to perform a search and rescue.
Everyone had just passed their practicals
(tests), and Mr. Hicks came into the back
and turned in his equipment. And then it
looked like he was putting on his shoes,
but we quickly noticed he wasn’t looking
right, and then he started clutching his
chest. He then passed out, and I began to
apply chest compressions. I told the other
instructors to go get an AED, while I continued attempting to revive him. I stopped
doing chest compressions long enough to
apply an AED shock, and after that I attempted to install an airway adjunct. A
second AED shock was administered,
after which we were able to get a pulse.
Mr. Hicks then suffered a minor seizure,
during which we protected his head and
kept his airway open until the ambulance
arrived.”
Once on the scene, the paramedics determined that Hicks should be flown via
helicopter to an appropriate facility that
could treat an ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, the most severe type of
heart attack.
Thomas concluded, “All the instructors that helped out during the save, we
all worked together as a team. It was a big
team effort, and Mr. Hicks would not have
had as positive an outcome without their
assistance. He was in the best place possible to have that kind of medical emergency,
surrounded by well-trained individuals.”
Hicks stated, “I finished up with the fire
fighting part of the test, and I was turning in
my boots. I was having a hard time catching my breath, felt a little dizzy, and the next
thing I knew I was in the ambulance. I didn’t
know if I was going to make it or not.”
He continued, “I had a blockage, but
the rest of my heart is good. It just wasn’t
my time to go…. My heart specialist said
the only place better to have a heart attack
would have been in the hospital itself. If
it wasn’t for the staff at the fire school,
I wouldn’t be here today. Grateful to be
here, to see my grandkids grow up.”
At the September membership meeting
Staff from the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are recognized for their
life-saving efforts. Pictured from left are Gary Joy, Kevin Molitor, Matt Rogers, Robbie
Springer, John Tennyson and John Thomas. Also recognized but not pictured: Brian Ticson and Kyle Adams.
at Piney Point, the staff at the fire school
were presented with certificates of appreciation for their efforts. The following staff
members were honored: John Thomas,
Matt Rogers, Robbie Springer, John Tennyson, Gary Joy, Kevin Molitor, Kyle
Adams and Brian Ticson.
A true mariner, Hicks has a clear goal
during his recovery: “I’m going through
the paces now with the cardiac rehabilitation, and the rest of my heart is clean. One
blockage, 99.9% blocked. But once I get
cleared, I’m back out to sea and back to
work.”
With Seafarers Aboard Cape Intrepid
Many thanks to Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa for these snapshots from the Cape Intrepid (Ocean Duchess). They were
taken during a stretch from late July to early August, as the vessel sailed from Portland, Oregon, to Tacoma, Washington.
Immediately after a union meeting on July 31, (photo at left, above) AB Daniel Mensah takes one for the team and grabs
a floor seat to help everyone fit into the photo. The others, left
to right starting in the foreground: Oiler Kianta Lee, AB Lloyd La
Beach, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, AB Giancarlo Arturo Thomae,
OS Jameeka Booker, GUDE Alfredo Nieto, Chief Steward Michael
Sapien, Oiler Trevor Johnson, GVA Kassem Saleh and AB Israel
Serrano. In the photo at right, above, SIU hawsepipers Chief Engineer Joseph Scuteri (left) and 3rd Engineer Robert Layko (on
his last voyage), are pictured with Chief Cook Keesha Holloway.
Pictured below during a safety drill (from left) are GUDE Michael
James Adeva, AB Daniel Mensah, AB Giancarlo Arturo Thomae,
OS Jameeka Booker, Chief Mate Michael F., AB Anthony Antonio,
GUDE Alfredo Nieto, GVA Kassem Saleh. In photo at immediate left, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa and 3rd Engineer Robert
Layko, a hawsepiper who sailed with the SIU for 17 years, pose
with retirement cake baked by Chief Steward Michael Sapien.
October 2021
Seafarers LOG 7
�Alaskan Restaurateur Starts New Career as Steward
Chief Cook Norasith Noy Phetphommasouk (who goes by Noy) has taken a
unique path to become a mariner, a journey he never intended to make.
He’s grateful for how it’s working out,
though.
“I had no connection with the maritime
industry before I joined the SIU,” Noy
said. “None of my family was involved
with shipping in any way.”
Before he became a mariner, he owned
Pho Vatsana, a restaurant in Wasilla,
Alaska, where he still lives. He opened
the restaurant in 2013, but issues arising
from the COVID-19 pandemic forced
Noy to close his business. Looking for a
way to use his restaurant experience in a
new career, Noy was referred to the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education by the Alaska
Department of Labor, which also helped
pay for his travel, documentation and required medical tests. He passed the Chief
Cook Advanced Training and Assessment
Program, and has since shipped out on a
TOTE-operated car carrier.
According to Rich Berkowitz, the
Transportation Institute’s vice president
of Pacific Coast Operations, “Given the
COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on his
business, Noy was designated as a displaced worker. He is a Laotian refugee,
and was looking forward to working on
a military support vessel operated by one
of our commercial partner companies. He
told me he wants to do so to give back
to a country that has offered him and his
family so many opportunities.”
Noy described his first voyage as very
positive. “My experience as a first-time
sailor on board a ship is really amazing,”
he said. “Nice, clean, personal living
quarters, which I was surprised to find
is really quite comfortable. The ship is
very large, so you can’t really feel that it’s
moving, aside from the very low vibra-
tion from the engine. Personally, I like it
a lot. Using the Internet is the only means
of personal communication, which can be
understandably slow at times, but with a
little patience it all works out.”
“The training at the Paul Hall Center
was a good experience,” he added. “The
facility is very attractive, clean and well
designed. All the food, the living quarters
and all the accommodations were very
good. The instructors are all very knowledgeable and very professional. I would
like to thank everyone on the ‘A-Team’
who gave me this opportunity: Ralph
Mirsky (from the Ketchikan-based nonprofit SeaLink), Richard Berkowitz, and
Barbara Brown with the State of Alaska
DOL, for being such wonderful mentors.”
As for his future as a mariner, Noy is
looking forward to a long career at sea:
“I will continue to sail as long as I can.
Even though I am new to this industry, I
know there’s so much to learn, and I look
forward to a time when I have enough
experience to be able to help guide other
mariners. I would like to be able to help
the next generation join this industry,
and hope to share my experiences with
others. I highly recommend this career
path to those who would like to join the
industry and become a mariner. This is a
perfect way to start.”
Coast Guard Posts Updates,
New Info on Applications
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime
Center posted the following information on
Aug. 23.
Merchant Mariner Credential Application Processing Time Update and Important
Additional Information
The National Maritime Center (NMC) continues to experience increased Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and medical certificate
application processing times. Every effort is
being made to reduce these times and return
credential delivery to within our stated performance goals.
Below are important things YOU can do to
streamline application processing:
Apply 90 days in advance: Consider applying early and submitting your MMC and/or
medical certificate application at least 90 days
in advance of when you would anticipate needing a credential.
Ensure your application package is complete: Fifty percent of all application submissions result in needing additional information.
Take the time and ensure yours is complete before sending it to the Coast Guard. Verify the
file you send to us electronically is also complete, paying particular attention to any doublesided documents in your package. Did you scan
both sides? Checklist guides are available on
the NMC website to assist you.
PDF only: Submit your MMC and/or medical certificate applications electronically in PDF
format only. DO NOT submit pictures of your
documentation taken with a smart phone or in
other digital formats (jpeg, .png, etc.). These will
not be accepted. NOTE: The new size limit for
electronic application submissions is 35 MB, so it
is no longer necessary to submit multiple smaller
files. Also, you will not receive an auto-generated
response acknowledging receipt of your application. The NMC is currently unable to provide this
service. Duplicate submissions of your application
package are not necessary.
Include your height, weight, and gender:
When applying for an MMC only (no medical certificate application/physical included),
please be sure to include your height, weight,
and gender in your application submission.
These data points are needed to produce your
MMC and are currently not requested on the
CG-719B application form. A future revision to
this form will include these data fields.
Applications are typically processed on
a ‘first in, first out’ basis. After review of the
initial submission date, the NMC will consider
expediting cases when it is critical to vessel
operations or an applicant’s employment. To
request expedited service, contact the customer
service center at IASKMMC@uscg.mil.
Expiration Date Reminder
Under 46 USC Section 7507, MMCs may
only be extended for up to one year from their
date of expiration. MMCs with national endorsements only, which expired between March
1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, are extended until
the EARLIER of:
October 31, 2021, OR
One year after the initial expiration date
of the credential (i.e., one year after the expiration date printed on the credential).
Don’t wait until the last minute! Despite
the extensions provided via Marine Safety
Information Bulletin 08-20, you should submit your application once you have met the
requirements. Remember, an MMC can be
renewed at any time and may be post-dated up
to eight months.
The NMC Customer Service Center is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday
through Friday for your questions. Mariners
may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC
(427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
Log-A-Rhythm
The Cursed Mason’s Odyssey
By Kevin McCagh, Retired SIU Electrician
I was a cursed mason, struck down from a tower
Reduced to a refugee as my words lost all power
All I could utter was a meaningless babble
So, I ran and I ran, hiding and living amongst the rabble
No human could fathom what I was trying to say
I couldn’t find even one, though I searched night and day
First, I bewildered; then I was frightening,
running everyone off like children from lightning
I was many years a drifter, but then I got the notion
to try to find a life as a Seaman on the ocean
The road was rocky and storms tossed the sea
Rocks fell from above and rogue waves broke upon me
I felt terribly cursed for a long time to be
8 Seafarers LOG
Chief Cook Noy is pictured during his initial training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland.
Updated Passport Notice
Editor’s note: The U.S. State Department
issued the following communication in late August.
Effective August 25, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper Passport Services. To better serve mariners
during this time we are updating our temporary
provisions. These provisions are subject to
change once operations are on a more normal
footing.
Instructions for Urgent Assistance with Applying for a Passport
Qualifications
Be a credentialed merchant mariner;
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
Have a current passport that is expired or
expiring in 7 months or less.
Application and Mailing Instructions
1. Applicants must submit the following:
DS-82 application completed, signed,
and dated;
Passport photograph taken within the
past six months;
Current passport;
Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential
(MCC), front and back.
A check or money order in the amount
of $187.56 made payable to U.S. Department
of State. This amount includes the passport fee,
expedite fee, and 1-2-day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit
travel.state.gov).
Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union.
Continued on next page
until those mountain-size waves made a Seaman of me
Somewhere between Bangkok, Calcutta, and The Zuiderzee
my sadness, madness, and worries ceased to worry me
If they didn’t fall overboard and drown in the sea
I bequeath them all to my erstwhile friends and family
It’s helped me to see that my life’s been well spent
My current affliction is a fluency of tongues
And just as before, no one knows even one
No one will ever understand what I say,
because thousands of voices scare them away
The years, not the miles, severed our ties
That and the worst – a trusted friend’s lies
Affections dried up like a Dead Sea drought
Whenever I called, friends and family were out
I was blessed at birth under a wandering star
Only Seamen and Explorers get to roam so far
Prouder of my ancient seagoing career, I couldn’t possibly be
I’m a proud and grateful family member of the Brotherhood
of the Sea
It “shivers their timbers,” the man that I am
Well, like Popeye said, “I yam what I yam.”
And that’s the way things are likely to stay
Though I can’t say I’m sad that they’ve all gone away
I can easily say I prefer things this way
I never met a man or a woman like me
I’m different from 99% of the people I see
My Father once wrote that to me in a letter
I kind of knew it, but he knew it better
I’ll go down with the ship if a storm gets too bad
but not without that letter from my dad
He gave me “a pass,” a pass to be different
I wish I could thank countless souls I met along the way
Their kindness and their influence are with me still today
I am a conglomerate of all of the people I’ve met and all of
the places I’ve seen
That may not impress others, but I think it’s keen
My long journey has ended and I’ve won my prize!
Though few will see that through “normal” eyes
The happiness I found doesn’t rest on winning or losing
I’ve learned that it rests in the perspective of my choosing
My curse was not a curse at all
God was smiling on me when he caused me to fall
October 2021
�State Dept. Issues Passport Notice
Continued from Page 8
2. The supervisor letter
should include the following
details:
Applicant’s full name;
Printed name and title of
applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative;
Supervisor’s or union
representative’s signature; and
Date the letter was issued.
3. Applications must be sent
by traceable overnight delivery
service to: El Paso Passport
Agency, 303 N. Oregon St.,
Suite 700, El Paso, TX 79901,
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 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.
Below 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:
A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated;
• 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
• Include payment for both
applications in a single check
totaling $375.12. ($187.56 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:
Completed (not signed)
DS-11 application;
Passport photograph;
Photocopy of their 10year passport data page;
Signed statement of need
for a second passport as outlined
on our website;
Payment of $187.56 to
the U.S. Department of State,
which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional
$17.56 for 1-2-day return delivery; and
A d d i t i o n a l p a y m e n t
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.
We thank you for your
continued understanding and
patience during these unprecedented times.
October & November
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................ Monday: October 4, November 8
Algonac...................................Friday: October 8, November 12
Baltimore..............Thursday: October 7, *Friday: November 12
Guam......................Thursday: October 21, *Friday: November 26
Honolulu...............................Friday: October 15, November 19
Houston..................*Tuesday: October 12, Monday: November 15
Jacksonville...............Thursday: October 7, *Friday: November12
Joliet....................................Thursday: October 14, November18
Mobile...............................Wednesday: October 13, November 17
New Orleans.....................Tuesday: October 12, November 16
Jersey City........................Tuesday: October 5, November 9
Norfolk...................................Friday: October 8, November 12
Oakland..........................Thursday: October 14, November 18
Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: October 6, November 10
Port Everglades......................Thursday: October 14, November 18
San Juan......................Thursday: October 7, *Friday: November 12
St. Louis...............................Friday: October 15, November 19
Tacoma.............................Friday: October 22, November 26
Wilmington...............................Monday: October 18, November 22
* Houston change due to Columbus Day observance
* Baltimore, Jacksonville and San Juan changes due to Veterans Day observance.
* Guam change due to Thanksgiving Day observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
October 2021
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Aug. 7 - Sept. 7. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Sept. 7.
Total Registered
Port
All Groups
A
B
Total Shipped
Registered on Beach
C
All Groups
A
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
1
0
1
2
0
0
0
4
6
6
0
1
5
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
27
6
0
2
7
0
1
6
21
14
13
2
0
13
2
1
1
1
12
0
9
111
All Groups
B
C
27
5
3
34
5
15
10
61
52
54
1
13
37
23
2
1
14
41
6
55
459
14
4
4
18
0
5
3
35
33
12
4
5
18
10
3
2
8
10
3
16
207
4
1
0
9
0
1
0
7
12
3
3
2
10
1
0
0
2
5
1
6
67
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
15
3
2
28
1
7
6
26
28
27
2
10
23
18
2
1
8
27
0
27
261
7
1
5
11
0
4
1
21
22
7
4
1
11
3
3
3
5
3
3
7
122
1
0
1
6
0
0
0
8
8
3
1
2
6
0
0
0
1
2
0
2
41
Deck Department
10
3
0
0
3
3
21
7
2
0
10
2
8
3
34
10
24
20
27
4
2
0
9
2
20
9
9
1
3
2
0
2
5
1
21
2
1
1
24
7
233
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
TOTALS
2
0
1
12
1
1
3
13
15
9
1
3
9
0
2
1
6
9
4
16
108
1
0
0
5
0
1
2
10
5
5
1
4
14
3
3
2
4
9
1
8
78
0
0
2
4
0
0
1
3
1
1
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
19
Engine Department
5
1
2
0
3
0
5
5
1
0
0
5
2
0
5
10
11
7
4
2
1
0
2
2
8
8
2
0
5
1
1
1
5
2
11
8
3
1
4
10
80
63
0
0
1
4
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
3
1
1
18
2
0
2
2
0
0
1
4
4
0
0
0
5
1
0
0
1
7
2
1
32
5
0
4
11
0
6
6
28
31
19
4
3
23
11
1
1
9
16
2
28
208
0
0
1
13
0
1
6
15
11
5
0
4
22
5
2
4
6
11
3
13
122
0
0
2
3
0
0
3
1
1
2
0
1
6
2
2
0
1
2
0
7
33
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
8
0
4
6
15
16
8
0
2
13
10
0
1
2
8
0
13
110
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
6
18
2
0
3
12
8
0
4
5
2
0
8
72
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
5
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
9
Steward Department
2
3
1
1
0
0
5
1
0
1
4
0
4
2
9
5
10
13
5
2
0
1
3
2
13
9
8
2
1
0
1
1
1
1
5
2
2
0
6
7
80
53
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
2
0
1
1
3
8
2
0
1
10
5
0
0
0
1
0
6
40
8
0
2
18
2
6
12
24
32
15
0
1
23
18
1
3
3
16
3
38
225
2
0
0
12
3
3
2
13
20
3
0
7
19
13
0
3
9
5
0
17
131
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
5
1
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
15
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
0
0
1
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
1
17
11
0
0
2
0
2
2
14
15
4
2
0
14
7
0
4
0
7
0
17
101
12
1
1
3
0
0
7
13
50
9
0
2
23
2
0
12
4
7
0
4
150
Entry Department
0
4
1
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
2
1
1
1
13
1
12
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
0
2
9
0
0
0
13
7
77
4
0
0
3
0
1
3
12
33
7
0
1
14
1
0
12
1
3
0
1
96
4
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
7
1
0
0
2
1
0
4
0
2
0
2
28
2
0
0
1
0
2
0
5
2
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
9
0
7
31
17
3
0
5
2
3
4
10
32
15
2
0
24
22
0
0
2
23
0
25
189
14
4
1
6
0
0
5
10
80
13
0
4
31
7
1
9
6
8
1
8
208
GRAND TOTAL:
496
373
219
144
211
923
649
323
400
272
Seafarers LOG 9
�Seafarers International Union of North America founder
Harry Lundeberg served as MTD president from 1955 until
his death in 1957.
MTD/SIU President Paul Hall led the department from
1957 to 1980.
MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco revitalized the department
during a politically tumultuous stretch.
Takin
Sacc
Maritime Trades Department
Editor’s note: The Maritime Trades Department is a constitutionally mandated component of the AFL-CIO. SIU President
Michael Sacco also serves as MTD president. The department’s
quadrennial convention, originally scheduled for this year, has
been bumped back to June 2022 due to the pandemic. This article
originally ran as a three-part series on the MTD website (maritimetrades.org) in August.
A
ugust 19, 1946 – the birthday of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
On that date, in the city of Chicago, American Federation of Labor (AFL) President William Green and SecretaryTreasurer George Meany, along with the 13 AFL vice presidents,
affixed their signatures to the charter creating the MTD.
Receiving the document were Joseph P. Ryan of the Longshoremen (ILA); Harry Lundeberg of the Seafarers (SIU); W.L.
Allen of the Commercial Telegraphers Union (now part of the
Communications Workers of America); Charles F. Mays of the
Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); and Joseph P. Clark of the
Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers (now part of the Service Employees International Union).
But the story starts five years earlier, at the 1941 AFL Con-
vention in Seattle.
During that gathering, a delegate from the San Francisco
Labor Council offered a resolution “that the American Federation of Labor, in convention assembled, go on record in favor of
establishing a maritime council within the American Federation
of Labor similar to the units now functioning for the metal trades,
building trades and railroad departments.” The resolution was
sent to the AFL Committee on Organization for consideration and
review. However, the United States entered World War II a few
months later and no action was taken.
Following the war, representatives from various maritime-related unions met in New York City in May 1946. They requested
the AFL reconsider the 1941 resolution. Attending that meeting
were officials from the SIU, ILA, MM&P, Sailors’ Union of the
Pacific, Radio Officers, Teamsters and American Merchant Marine Staff Officers.
The first national Maritime Trades Council of the American
Federation of Labor met in Chicago days before the charter was
issued. With officials from the SIU, ILA, MM&P, Commercial
Telegraphers and Firemen and Oilers – as well as the Teamsters –
attending, the council unanimously called for the creation of the
Maritime Trades Department.
Pictured at a 1987 MTD event are (from left) MTD/SIU President Frank Drozak, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden and MTD Executive
Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ingrao
10 Seafarers LOG
At the MTD’s first convention in October 1946, John Owens
of the ILA served as executive secretary. The preamble adopted
by the body read: “We, as workers in the transportation industry,
realizing the necessity of strong, unified action in our endeavor t
raise our social and economic standards to coordinate our efforts
in our struggle for our rights, and in order to protect our Unions
from raids by dual Unions and hostile organizations such as the
CIO and the Communist Party, and for the purpose of organizing all unorganized workers in the industry into the structure of
the American Federation of Labor to the end that all workers in
the Maritime Transportation Industry – in the ships, the docks
and shoreside workers – will be organized under the American
Federation of Labor, hereby dedicate ourselves to mutual aid, sup
port and to direct our action through the medium of the Maritime
Trades Department of the AFL.”
The year 1946 also brought a major blow to the U.S.-flag
merchant fleet with passage of the Ship Sales Act. This legislatio
allowed many of the American cargo ships built to win World W
II to be sold for pennies on the dollar to replenish foreign-flag op
erators, instigating the flag-of-convenience system that continues
to plague maritime to this day.
In addition, the MTD began its never-ending campaign of
support for the Jones Act (the nation’s freight cabotage law) and
for cargo preference measures to make sure American goods are
carried aboard U.S.-flag ships, crewed by American mariners and
built in domestic yards.
In 1947, the department adopted a policy of chartering Port
Maritime Councils (PMC), which over time became the grassroo
backbone of the MTD. The first councils were established in Mil
waukee; Cleveland; New Orleans; Duluth, Minnesota; Ashland,
Wisconsin; and Washington State (Columbia River). By 1948,
new PMCs had started in New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Puert
Rico and Savannah, Georgia.
The MTD reported to the 1948 AFL convention “its affiliated
unions have given magnificent service to many other unions whe
other unions needed help. These men have been fighting on the
picket line with and for many other unions in the general fight to
keep our labor movement free and strong.”
By 1952, the AFL and the MTD realized that the department
needed officers and a constitution. Meeting in Chicago in March
representatives from the SIU, ILA, MM&P, Commercial Telegraphers and Operating Engineers (IUOE) worked with Harry
O’Reilly of the AFL to craft a constitution. After its approval, the
MTD elected Ryan as its first president, Lloyd Gardner of the SI
as secretary-treasurer, and May as vice president to serve until th
MTD met in convention in September. Those delegates reelected
Ryan and Gardner to their posts while Jack McDonald of the
IUOE became vice president.
In 1955, Harry Lundeberg of the SIU was elected MTD presi
dent after the ILA had been expelled from the AFL. That same
year, talks between the AFL and CIO led to the merger of the two
labor organizations, creating the AFL-CIO. Lundeberg served
until his passing in 1957, when Paul Hall took the helm of both
the MTD and the SIU.
Hall Takes Charge
The Paul Hall era for the MTD ran from 1957 until 1980.
In truth, he was involved before he became the MTD president, as he oversaw the New York Port Maritime Council (PMC)
With sound trucks, coffee wagons and plenty of manpower, Hall
made sure the PMC was a presence in the greater New York region – from waterfront beefs to the 1948 Wall Street strike by ad
ministrative workers. What he started in the Big Apple, he applie
to the MTD across the country and in Canada.
During Hall’s 23 years guiding the department, the MTD increased its number of affiliates, swelled its series of Port Counci
September 2021
�r respective oaths of office at the 2017 MTD convention are (starting second from left) MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, MTD VP Jerry Abell and MTD President Michael
ef Counsel Leslie Tarantola is at left.
Celebrates 75th Anniversary
nd expanded its influence.
Harry O’Reilly left the AFL staff in 1956 to become the MTD
xecutive secretary-treasurer. Under Hall and O’Reilly, the deartment staff grew to tackle more of the challenges facing the
aritime industry. Peter McGavin took over for O’Reilly in 1960
nd was instrumental in the creation of legislative and research
visions within the department.
The department launched a monthly magazine that dealt with
aritime and labor issues. Topics included the Jones Act, cargo
reference, domestic shipbuilding, fisheries, minimum wage,
orker safety and much, much more.
The MTD initiated a series of maritime seminars and lectures
Washington, D.C. Speakers included legislators, administration
fficials and shipping executives. The programs proved so inforative that MTD Port Councils hosted similar events around the
ountry.
However, the primary concern for the MTD, its PMCs and
s affiliates was calling attention to the plight of the U.S.-flag
erchant fleet. Since World War II, despite verbal support from
residents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson, the U.S. commeral fleet was shrinking. When the Vietnam War broke out, World
War II-vintage cargo ships and tankers made up a substantial part
f the fleet.
Efforts began that were aimed at passing federal legislation to
ssist maritime. The last major bill to sail through Congress had
ome during the Franklin Roosevelt administration in 1936 as
merica prepared for the possibility of war in Europe and Asia.
Writing in the MTD’s official publication Maritime in Novemer 1967, McGavin stated, “And in the same manner we seek to
romote the union label and seek an improved minimum wage,
e also seek a strong, modern merchant marine.”
America’s leaders were debating not just the need for refurshing the commercial fleet, but also whether to have new builds
onstructed overseas rather than in domestic shipyards. The MTD
nd its affiliates fought to protect American workers and jobs.
Richard Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign included a plank
revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. In February 1969, MTD Adminisator O. William Moody declared, “It will continue to be one of
e prime goals of the Maritime Trades Department to bring to the
tention of the public the facts about our merchant marine, so that
e public can join its voice to ours.”
As debate began on Capitol Hill for maritime legislation,
ixon told a Seattle audience in 1969, “The time has come for
ew departures, new solutions and new vitality for American ships
nd American crews on the high seas of the world.” In addition,
e MTD, through its Port Councils, launched its “Ship American”
ampaign.
The House of Representatives passed the bill in early 1970,
ut the Senate continued to debate the measure. It called for the
onstruction of 300 new vessels over a 10-year period, construcon and operating subsidies, cargo preference protections and asstance for the Great Lakes and fishing industries.
Hall specified in the August 1970 Maritime, “The need is for
first-class U.S.-flag fleet. Fast, efficient new ships must replace
ow, tired rustbuckets.” Within two months, the Senate passed
nd Nixon signed the Merchant Marine Act of 1970.
The maritime industry had high hopes this would be the start
f a new boom for the U.S.-flag. But, it was not to be as America
gain looked away from its merchant fleet with the end of Amerians fighting in Vietnam in 1973. Three years later, President Ford
etoed petroleum cargo preference legislation pushed by the MTD
nd the industry.
Meanwhile, following the merger of the AFL and CIO, new
filiates signed on with the MTD, increasing its total to 43 affilies, representing more than 10 million union members. A total of
9 Port Maritime Councils could be found from the Atlantic to the
October 2021
Pacific, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and points in
between – including as many as five in Canada.
The MTD report to the 1967 AFL-CIO Convention saluted the
PMCs: “In many respects, the structure of the Maritime Trades
Department could be likened to an iceberg. Our national headquarters is one-eighth of the iceberg that can be seen above the
surface; the Port Council network is the remaining seven-eighths
– it is hidden beneath the surface, but it is the main part of our effort.”
McGavin died in 1975, with Moody remaining as administrator until Jean Ingrao became the executive secretary-treasurer in
1979.
When Hall passed away in 1980, the national political consensus was more conservative. Frank Drozak took over the MTD
presidency just as Ronald Reagan came to the White House. The
MTD and its Port Councils fought hard, but could not save major
parts of the 1970 legislation. Looking to save money, defense “experts” said the nation could use American-owned, foreign-crewed,
foreign-flag vessels to move its needed cargo.
Drozak died in 1988, bringing Michael Sacco to the bridge
of the MTD as the United States was about to rediscover how
valuable American mariners and ships were to the nation’s armed
forces and the economy.
Sacco Revitalizes Department
When Sacco became president of the MTD in June 1988, he
already was very well acquainted with the department’s work in
the nation’s capital and at the grassroots level.
Under the direction of Hall in the 1960s in New York, Sacco
walked picket lines and passed out so many cups of coffee from
that Port Council’s van that he lost count. When the Seafarers
assigned him to Maryland in the 1970s, Sacco participated in
the department’s luncheons and seminars for congressional, administration and government officials in the shadow of the White
House. Working in St. Louis during the 1980s, he was one of four
area labor officials instrumental in revitalizing that city’s Port
Maritime Council.
Sacco is the longest serving president in the department’s history. Because of his background, grassroots activism has remained
a major focus for the MTD.
From walking with striking Eastern Air Lines Machinists and
flight crews at airports around the country in 1989-90 to operating
drive-through food banks for laid-off union members during the
2020-21 COVID crisis, Port Councils continue to answer the bell.
Many of the formal PMC dinners of the late 20th century have
given way to outdoor activities (including golf and sport shooting)
to raise funds for charities and scholarships. Following the hurricanes and earthquakes that devastated Puerto Rico last decade,
Port Councils worked with affiliates and their communities to
gather and rush vital goods to the island.
The value of the PMCs’ community efforts comes alive when
the U.S.-flag maritime industry is under attack. The network
springs into action by writing, calling and visiting their local
elected officials to remind them maritime is not just a federal
issue. It affects the local daily economy. Such has been the effect
of Port Council activities within their jurisdictions that legislation proposed to attack the Jones Act or cargo preference has been
thwarted before even being introduced.
Sacco and the department have made sure maritime and its
issues remain at the forefront. Shortly after he took over, U.S. military activity in the Middle East reminded Americans how important U.S.-flag shipping is to the national defense and the economy.
As American forces were sent to free Kuwait from Saddam
Hussain’s Iraq in 1991, military planners thought they could
rely on vessels owned by Americans but registered overseas and
crewed by foreign mariners. The nation soon discovered the dif-
ference between those ships and the ones sailing under Old Glory
crewed by American-civilian mariners. As the head of the U.S.
Transportation Command, Air Force General Hansford Johnson,
told the MTD Executive Board in February 1991, “We literally
had a steel bridge across the ocean. I cannot find a more patriotic
group in America than the men and women you represent.” Meanwhile, reports began surfacing about the foreign crews on several
foreign-flag vessels refusing to deliver goods needed by the fighting forces.
This was the opening salvo in the effort to revitalize the U.S.flag fleet.
“An active fleet contributes to the economy,” stated Sacco. “It
creates jobs and raises revenue through corporate and personal income taxes. It doesn’t drain the Treasury into a sinkhole.”
In 1992, the George H.W. Bush administration offered legislation to address the needs of the U.S.-flag fleet. For the next
five years, operating with two different White Houses and three
different Congresses, the MTD and its affiliates worked with
Democrats and Republicans to pass the Maritime Security Act of
1996. Though reluctant to take public credit, Sacco was widely
recognized behind the scenes as an especially forceful, effective
proponent of the measure.
The MTD launched a nationwide grassroots campaign in 1993
to “Keep America’s Flag Flying” to bring attention to the industry.
During the 1993 MTD Convention, Sacco declared, “The futures
of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and domestic shipbuilding are at
stake.”
That same year, longtime MTD Secretary-Treasurer Jean
Ingrao retired. Prior to her leaving, the department reached its
all-time high of 44 affiliates before mergers among the unions
Continued on Page 19
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was answered by steward-department upgraders in Piney Point, Maryland. They were
completing the chief cook class.
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: What are some things you like about your job?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
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
Jasmine Mable
SA
Travelling, money. Meeting
new people. That’s a highlight,
because I like people. That’s about
it.
Chad Sikorski
ACU
I love to travel, and staying busy,
seeing the world. I enjoy cooking for
the guys on the ship. Try to get their
bellies full and keep them happy.
Nala Johnson
ACU
I love cooking. I love meeting
new people. I love to travel.
Ricky Sencida
ACU
So far, it’s good. Most of the stewards I’ve worked with are helpful.
During winter, the steward department
isn’t cold; during the summer, it’s not
too hot.
Daniel Cage
SA
Travel, definitely. And with
this job, I get paid to do it. Also,
cooking is fun. I love to eat, so
cooking comes naturally. One
kind of helps the other.
Jurally Aseberos
SA
The challenge of making the crew
happy through my cooking. I give my
best for them. The salary I get to support my family and my future plans.
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
Pic From
The Past
SIU wheelmen Stan
Waslowski (left) and
Joe Wilkes help outfit the Adam E. during
Great Lakes fit-out in
1981.
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
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
October 2021
�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
GERALD ARCHIE
Brother Gerald Archie, 70, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1990, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions and
shipped in the
steward department. Brother Archie’s final vessel
was the Cape Henry. He is a resident
of Alameda, California.
ELWOOD AUSTIN
Brother Elwood Austin, 65, began
sailing with the SIU in 1977. A
deck department
member, he was
first employed
by the Association of Maryland
Pilots. Brother
Austin upgraded
his skills at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last
sailed on the USNS Pathfinder
and lives in Frisco, North Carolina.
DAVID CENTOFANTI
Brother David Centofanti, 65,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1977,
initially sailing on
the Point Julie.
He was a deck department member
and upgraded at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school in 1979.
Brother Centofanti last shipped
aboard the Gemini and resides in
West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
MARCO FIGUEROA
Brother Marco Figueroa, 69, signed
on with the SIU in 2002, initially
shipping aboard
the USNS Mary
Sears. He was a
deck department
member and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother
Figueroa most
recently sailed on
the Ocean Trader and resides in Fort
Pierce, Florida.
MITCHELL FRENCH
Brother Mitchell French, 65, started
his career with the
Seafarers in 1990
and first shipped
aboard the Sealift Arctic. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
French’s final vessel was the Horizon Kodiak. He lives in Bellingham,
Washington.
October 2021
MARIANO GUTIERREZ-GARCIA
Brother Mariano Gutierrez-Garcia,
69, signed on with the union in
2001. He initially
sailed aboard
the Lurline and
worked in all
three departments.
Brother GutierrezGarcia upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions.
He most recently
shipped on the Horizon Pacific and
is a resident of Los Angeles.
VICKI HAGGERTY
Sister Vicki Haggerty, 65, joined the
SIU in 1989 when she sailed on the
Independence.
She was a steward
department member and upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Sister Haggerty
last shipped on
the Tacoma and
makes her home
in Mossyrock, Washington.
ANGEL HERNANDEZ
Brother Angel Hernandez, 67,
signed on with
the union in 1971,
initially shipping
on the Charleston.
He sailed in the
engine department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Hernandez last shipped
aboard the Maersk Ohio. He lives in
Orlando, Florida.
JOHN KANE
Brother John Kane, 66, donned the
SIU colors in 1974. He first sailed
aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel
and primarily worked in the deck
department. Brother Kane’s last ship
was the Bay Ridge. He is a resident
of San Pablo, California.
ROBERT MASCHMEIER
Brother Robert Maschmeier, 65,
started sailing with the union in
1982, initially
shipping on the
Leo. A steward
department member, he upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Maschmeier concluded his career
aboard the Maersk
Misaki and calls Louisiana, Missouri, home.
RONNIE MICKLOS
Brother Ronnie Micklos, 65,
joined the union
in 1991 and first
sailed aboard the
USNS Wyman.
He was a member of the engine
department and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Micklos last shipped on the Cape
Jacob. He lives in Beverly Hills,
Florida.
HUGH MORRISON
Brother Hugh Morrison, 72, began
his career with
the SIU in 2004
when he sailed
aboard the Seabulk Trader. An
engine department member,
he most recently
shipped aboard
the Bernard F.
Fisher. Brother
Morrison resides in Nampa,
Idaho.
JAMES MULDOWNEY
Brother James Muldowney, 65,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 2002. He
first sailed on the
Bernard F. Fisher
and shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Muldowney upgraded
at the Piney Point
school in 2010.
He concluded
his career on the
Maersk Missouri and lives in Austin,
Texas.
EDWARD NELSON
Brother Edward Nelson, 66, became
a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the
American Falcon.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Nelson’s
final vessel
was the Liberty
Grace. He resides in Dixon, Missouri.
MICHAEL PRESSER
Brother Michael Presser, 60, joined
the union in 1981
when he sailed on
the Independence.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Presser
last sailed aboard
the Maersk Sentosa, and settled in Conowingo,
Maryland.
AUGUSTO RODIL
Brother Augusto Rodil, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 1991, initially
shipping aboard the Del Valle. He
was an engine department member
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Rodil
most recently
sailed on the
American Phoenix and resides in
Sugarland, Texas.
STIG SASSE
Brother Stig Sasse, 63, started his
career with the Seafarers in 2001
and first shipped
aboard the Cape
John. He sailed
in the deck department and
upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Sasse’s final vessel was the Alliance St. Louis. He makes his home
in Houston.
SIU colors in 1991. A deck department member, he was employed by
Higman Barge Lines for the duration
of his career. Brother Crain is a resident of Evadale, Texas.
ROBERT GLASS
Brother Robert Glass, 73, embarked
on his career with the SIU in 1970
when he worked for Michigan Tankers. He was a member of the deck
department and was last employed by
G&H Towing. Brother Glass makes
his home in Montgomery, Texas.
CLAUDETTE PHILLIPS
JAMES VARELA
Brother James Varela, 65, signed
on with the union in 1979. He initially sailed aboard the Gemini and
worked in the engine department.
Brother Varela upgraded often at the
Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on
the Baldomero Lopez and is a resident of Pompano Beach, Florida.
Sister Claudette Phillips, 62,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1999 when she sailed
with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. She was a member of the
steward department and concluded
her career aboard the Mississippi
Queen. Sister Phillips lives in
Tampa, Florida.
GARRY WALKER
MICHAEL RABINOVITZ
Brother Garry Walker, 66, joined
the SIU in 1975 when he sailed on
an Ocean Clipper Inc. vessel.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several occasions.
Brother Walker
most recently
sailed on the Horizon Kodiak and makes his home in
Ashford, Washington.
Brother Michael Rabinovitz, 62,
started sailing with the Seafarers in
1991. He first
shipped on the
Padre Island and
worked in the
deck department.
Brother Rabinovitz upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on several
occasions. He last
worked for Penn
Maritime and resides in Tyler, Texas.
DENNIS RIDLEY
PERRY WEBSTER
Brother Perry Webster, 65, signed
on with the
Seafarers International Union
in 1988 and first
shipped on the
USNS Persistent.
A deck department member,
Brother Webster
concluded his
career aboard the
Presque Isle. He
calls Lynchburg, Tennessee, home.
GREAT LAKES
DARRELL BAYS
Brother Darrell Bays, 68, joined
the Seafarers in
1996. He initially
shipped on the
H. Lee White
and sailed in the
steward department. Brother
Bays upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2003.
He last shipped on
the Paul H. Townsend and resides in
West Seneca, New York.
INLAND
DARRELL CRAIN
Brother Darrell Crain, 64, donned the
Brother Dennis Ridley, 62,
signed on with the
union in 1992. He
sailed in the deck
department and
worked for Higman Barge Lines
for his entire
career. Brother
Ridley makes his
home in San Augustine, Texas.
DENNIS WHEAT
Brother Dennis Wheat, 64, joined
the SIU in 1979. He was first employed by Crowley Towing and
Transportation and was a member of
the deck department. Brother Wheat
upgraded at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working for Southbay Barge and resides
in Long Beach, California.
NMU
STUART DONOVAN
Brother Stuart Donovan, 72, joined
the Seafarers during the 2001 SIU/
NMU Merger. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first year
and was an engine
department member. Brother Donovan’s first vessel
was the Chilbar;
his last, the Delaware Trader. He
calls Jonesport, Maine, home.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
SUSANNE CAKE
Pensioner Susanne Cake, 64, died
August 9. She became a member
of the SIU in
1982, initially
sailing aboard
the Consumer.
Sister Cake was
a steward department member.
She last shipped
on the Courage
before retiring in
2014. Sister Cake
made her home in Brandywine,
Maryland.
JOHN CYPRIAN
Pensioner John Cyprian, 75,
passed away
April 1. He
joined the union
in 2001 and
first shipped on
the Prince William Sound. An
engine department member,
Brother Cyprian
last sailed aboard
the Arctic. He retired in 2010 and
settled in Seattle.
MARION DALE
Pensioner Marion Dale, 78, died
July 22. He
signed on with
the Seafarers in
1965. Brother
Dale, a steward
department member, first sailed
aboard the Del
Sol. His last ship
was the Patriot,
and he went on
pension in 2000. Brother Dale lived
in Montrose, Alabama.
DOMINGO DIAZ
Pensioner Domingo Diaz, 98,
passed away July 30. He joined
the union in 1943 and worked in
the deck department. Brother Diaz
was first employed by Crowley
Puerto Rico Services. He last
shipped aboard the Panama before
going on pension in 1988. Brother
Diaz was a resident of Puerto
Rico.
CHRISTOPHER DOWE
Pensioner Christopher Dowe, 66,
died March 29.
He donned the
SIU colors in
1974, initially
sailing aboard
the Bienville.
Brother Dowe
shipped in the
engine department and also
worked on shore
gangs. He went on pension in
2019 and lived in Virginia Beach,
Virginia.
NAJI HASSAN
Pensioner Naji Hassan, 92, passed
away April 12. He began his career with the SIU in 1963 when he
sailed aboard the Taddei Victory.
14 Seafarers LOG
Brother Hassan
sailed in the engine department
and last shipped
on the Guayama.
He became a
pensioner in
1998 and resided
in Jacksonville,
North Carolina.
DOUGLAS HESTER
Pensioner Douglas Hester, 75,
died August 10. He started shipping with the SIU in 1966 and first
sailed aboard the Adventurer. A
deck department member, Brother
Hester concluded his career aboard
the Santa Mercedes. He retired in
2012 and lived in Vallejo, California.
JOHN JONES
Brother John Jones, 70, passed away
July 2. Born in
Cameron, Texas,
he joined the
Seafarers in 1990.
Brother Jones was
a deck department
member and first
shipped on the
Indian Ocean.
He most recently
sailed aboard the
Maersk Yorktown and resided in
Houston.
RANDY LOUQUE
Pensioner Randy
Louque, 67, died
August 20. He
began shipping
with the union
in 1996, initially
sailing aboard the
Cape Flattery.
An engine department member,
Brother Louque
concluded his
career on the Atlantic Forest. He
retired in 2019 and lived in New
Zealand.
DAVID MILLIGAN
Pensioner David Milligan, 74,
died July 25. He
joined the SIU
in 1975 when he
sailed aboard the
Transcolorado.
Brother Milligan
sailed in the deck
department. He
last shipped on
the Horizon Pacific and retired
in 2007. Brother Milligan lived in
Marshallberg, North Carolina.
HANS SCHMUCK
Brother Hans
Schmuck, 60,
passed away
July 26. Born in
Chestnut, Pennsylvania, he embarked on his SIU
career in 1983.
Brother Schmuck
was a steward department member
and first sailed aboard the Rose City.
He most recently shipped aboard the
Maunawili and resided in Bedminster, Pennsylvania.
WOODROW SMITH
Pensioner Woodrow Smith, 67, died
August 5. An
engine department member, he
donned the SIU
colors in 1970.
Brother Smith was
first employed by
Vivian Tankships.
He last sailed
aboard the Atlantic Forest and
became a pensioner in 2019. Brother
Smith was a New Orleans resident.
STANLEY VANE
Pensioner Stanley Vane, 63, passed
away August 2. He signed on with
the Seafarers in 1978, initially
sailing aboard
the Monticello.
Brother Vane was
an engine department member and
also worked on
shore gangs. He
was last employed
by Cargotec
Services before
going on pension
in 2007. Brother Vane made his
home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
GREAT LAKES
DANIEL BREYER
Pensioner Daniel Breyer, 65, has
passed away. He signed on with the
union in 2001
and sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Breyer’s
first vessel was
the Gemini. He
last sailed aboard
the St. Clair and
went on pension
in 2020. Brother
Breyer was a resident of Gilbert, Arizona.
EDWARD FABIAN
Pensioner Edward Fabian, 91, died
July 3. An engine department member, he joined
the SIU in 1960.
Brother Fabian
first sailed with
American Steamship. He last
shipped aboard
the Buffalo before
retiring in 1988.
Brother Fabian
resided in Royal
Oak, Michigan.
TIMOTHY ORBAN
Pensioner Timothy Orban, 65,
passed away July 25. He embarked
on his career with
the Seafarers in
1974 when he
shipped aboard
the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother
Orban sailed in
both the steward
and engine departments. He last
shipped on the Sam Laud before retiring in 2014. Brother Orban lived
in Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
MANUEL ALVAREZ
Pensioner Manuel Alvarez, 87, died
August 8. He donned the SIU colors
in 1962, initially sailing with McAllister Towing of
Baltimore. Brother
Alvarez was a
member of the
engine department
and concluded his
career aboard the
Ranger in 1988.
He went on pension the following
year and settled in
Linthicum, Maryland.
DONALD BRANDS
Pensioner Donald Brands, 70, has
passed away. He
signed on with
the SIU in 1978,
working for IBC
Company. A
deck department
member, Brother
Brands was last
employed by
Harley Marine.
He retired in 2016
and resided in
Bayport, New York.
PRESTON BRYANT
Pensioner Preston Bryant, 94, died July
28. He joined the union in 1957 and
was first employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother Bryant last
sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland
before retiring in 1986. He called Bamberg, South Carolina, home.
RANDAL CUDWORTH
Pensioner Randal Cudworth, 68,
died August 11. He signed on with
the SIU in 1970
when he worked
for Moran Towing of Virginia. A
deck department
member, Brother
Cudworth last
sailed with Atlantic Towing. He became a pensioner
in 2015 and lived
in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
WILLIAM GOSSETT
Pensioner William Gossett, 80,
passed away July 19. He began his
career with the union in 1980, initially sailing with
Admiral Towing and Barge.
Brother Gossett
was a member
of the deck department and
last worked for
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He went on
pension in 2003 and lived in Aiken,
South Carolina.
12. He joined the union in 1961 and
first sailed with McAllister Towing
of Virginia. Brother Gray worked in
the deck department and concluded
his career with Mariner Towing. He
retired in 1992 and settled in Hertford, North Carolina.
JAMIE HALL
Pensioner Jamie Hall, 71, passed
away August 4.
He signed on
with the SIU in
1989 when he
shipped on the
USNS Regulus.
Brother Hall was
a deck department
member. He last
shipped aboard
the Stephen W.
Pless and went on
pension in 2015. Brother Hall was a
resident of Milton, Florida.
JOSEPH NELSON
Pensioner Joseph Nelson, 78, passed
away August 3. He embarked on
his career with the Seafarers in
1978 when he shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother
Nelson sailed in engine department
and continued to work for the same
company for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2005
and lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
CARLTON SHANNON
Pensioner Carlton Shannon, 88,
died July 3. He
joined the Seafarers in 1975,
initially working
for Steuart Transportation. Brother
Shannon last
sailed with Piney
Point Transportation before
retiring in 1995.
He called Manteo, North Carolina,
home.
JAMES WALLER
Pensioner James Waller, 64, died
July 17. Signing on with the Seafarers in 1972, he
was first employed by Interstate Oil. Brother
Waller was a
member of the
deck department
and concluded his
career with OSG
Ship Management. He went on
pension in 2018 and called Princess
Anne, Maryland, home.
NMU
ROBERT MARTIN
Pensioner Robert Martin, 67, passed
away July 22. He sailed with the
NMU prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU
merger. Brother Martin was born in
Brooklyn, New York. He retired in
2018 and was a resident of St. Gabriel, Louisiana.
WILLIE GRAY
Pensioner Willie Gray, 90, died July
October 2021
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
USNS POLLUX (TOTE Services), July 1 – Chairman Chris
Nagle, Secretary Robinson
Eromosele, Educational Director
Lawrence Croft, Steward Delegate Ernesto Martinez. Crew
reviewed old business including
requests to increase eyeglass
prescription coverage and for
maternity leave benefits for both
spouses. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew discussed issues
with providing proof of insurance
to receive medical care and the
inability to get in touch with the
insurance company. They talked
about hiring-hall schedules.
MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), July 11 – Chairman William Barrett, Secretary
John Greubel, Educational
Director Charles Packer, Deck
Delegate John Walsh, Steward
Delegate Mohammad Abou
Abdou. Educational director
encouraged members to check
documents and to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Carpet cleaner arrived. Members requested full
dental coverage and a raise in
retirement pay. Crew asked that
vacation accrual be 30 for 30 and
insisted that the ship should pay
for all safety equipment.
SLNC YORK (Argent Marine
Operations), July 11 – Chairman
Dominic Marco, Secretary Tamara Houston, Deck Delegate
Clifford Carroll, Engine Delegate Roy Villanueva, Steward
Delegate Brian Peralta. Chairman reminded crew to continue
following safety protocols for
COVID-19. Members discussed
vaccine requirements and asked
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.
how they relate to classes at the
Paul Hall Center. Educational director urged crew to upgrade. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
New hardware for fridge is pending. Steward department thanked
for a job well done.
BAY STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July 25
– Chairman Brian Gauntt, Deck
Delegate Demond Lindsey, Engine Delegate Lebindra Maharaj, Steward Delegate Alfrancis
Bauzon. Chairman advised crew
to get the COVID-19 vaccine
and to keep up with documents.
Educational director recommended members to upgrade at
the Piney Point school. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members requested internet and Wi-Fi
availability and an increase in
reimbursement for eyeglasses.
Crew asked for better food quality when ship gets stores. Next
port: Port Everglades, Florida.
EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July
15 – Chairman Ahmed Mohammed Ghaleb, Secretary Troy
Smith, Educational Director
Dhahabi Quraish, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Wi-Fi
now available for crew. Chairman advised members to read
the President’s Report in Seafarers LOG. Everything going
great aboard ship. Educational
director urged crew to upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members discussed current relief
procedure and requested that 90day relief be optional. Crew was
encouraged to donate to SPAD
(Seafarers Political Activity Do-
nation). Currently, 85% of ship
crew vaccinated.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk
Line, Limited), July 17 – Chairman Cleofe Bernardez Castro,
Secretary Stephan Osovitz,
Educational Director William
Ness, Engine Delegate Matthew
Yowell. Payoff scheduled for
July 20 in Newark, New Jersey.
Secretary urged members to
be cautious when going ashore
in New Jersey due to rising
COVID-19 cases. Educational
director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested new TVs,
refrigerators in rooms, and better
Wi-Fi service aboard ship. Steward department was commended
for making wonderful food.
Crew requested increase in vacation time to 16 for 30 days.
PACIFIC TRACKER (TOTE
Services), July 25 – Chairman
Kevin Kellum, Secretary Julito
Crodua, Educational Director
Donald Wellentin, Deck Delegate Leroy Reed, Steward Delegate Michael Gramer. Chairman
read the contract and discussed
ship restrictions. Members that
need to renew their MMC documents can receive a letter of drug
test exemption from the captain.
Educational director reminded
members to upgrade at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew went over various ship positions and talked about how to
make them all the same pay rate.
Members discussed compensation for ship restriction. Crew
requested one day off for every
30 days, better Wi-Fi connection
Shipboard Mask Update
The Coast Guard in early September updated one of its marine
safety information bulletins (MSIB) as follows: “Non-passengercarrying commercial vessels operated by a team of mariners who
all live on the vessel are exempt from wearing a mask. A mask
will still be required when the vessel receives persons who are
not a part of the team of mariners that live on the vessel.”
The entire MSIB is posted on the SIU website.
and clarification on expiration of
current contract. New TV in crew
mess. Vote of thanks given to the
steward department. Next port:
Honolulu.
MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 1 – Chairman Magdy Balat, Secretary
Lamont Faulks, Deck Delegate
Muafa Musad, Engine Delegate
Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate
Sandra Vann. All is good aboard
ship. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members asked for
more vacation days, better-paying
contracts and for vacation pay to
be at the same rate as base wages.
They discussed reimbursement
for those who live in New York
and New Jersey when joining and
relieved in Newark.
TAINO (Crowley), August
1 – Chairman Rafael Franco,
Secretary Carlos Colon De
Jesus, Educational Director
Jesus Martinez, Deck Delegate
Arthur Patterson. Members
discussed COVID-19 pandemic
and the importance of getting
vaccinated. Secretary thanked
crew for helping in the galley.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in order to
move up in the industry. He also
reminded crew to keep track of
documents. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew went over
the importance of the Jones Act,
America’s freight cabotage law.
Members from the San Juan hall
raised questions relating to job
calls and shipping rules. Members expressed concern over
possibly missing job calls. Next
port: Jacksonville, Florida.
OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley),
August 2 – Chairman Jovan
Williams, Secretary Velicia
Williams, Educational Director
Daryl Hicks, Deck Delegate
Leonard Gregg, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman, Steward
Delegate John Smith. Chairman reminded crew to wear
masks and urged them to get
vaccinated. Educational director
recommended members upgrade
at the Piney Point school and to
make sure their documents are
up to date. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members requested
TVs and Wi-Fi. Crew requested
vacation be increased to 25 for
30. Next port: Corpus Christi,
Texas.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
October 2021
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Government Vessels
November 1
November 15
November 29
December 13
November 5
November 19
December 3
December 17
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
October 18
October 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
December 13
December 17
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Ship Clip
October 18
October 29
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
November 15
December 3
Lifeboat/Water Survival
October 25
November 22
November 5
December 3
RFPNW
November 15
December 3
Celestial Navigation
November 15
December 10
Leadership and Management Skills
December 13
December 17
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
FOWT
October 25
November 19
Welding
October 25
November 12
Engineroom Resource Management
December 6
December 10
RFPEW
October 25
November 19
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
November 1
December 3
Advanced Galley Operations
November 15
December 10
Chief Steward
October 18
November 12
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training
November 8
November 12
Basic Training Revalidation
October 22
November 15
December 3
December 10
October 22
November 15
December 3
December 10
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25
October 29
Government Vessels
October 29
October 25
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St.
George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
10/21
October 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #872 – Graduated Aug. 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Bonita Barrs, Patrick Enteria Estavillo, Jonah Makanaakua Ganzagan, Anthony Hunter,
Clarence Hutchens III, Bryce Kennebeck, Hamzah Sadeg Qatabi, Christopher Smith, Kyle Smith, Stuart Waite and Tyus White.
UA to FOWT – Graduated Aug. 20
(photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Ja’shon Adams, Nicholas Banks,
Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Jalen Denson, Charles Fischer Jr., Christopher
Fisher, Nathan Johnson Jr., Frankinns
Joseph, Christian Efrain Lalin, Gregory Nash, Julianne Perez Borroto
Sanchez, Ghadir A. Sarkis, Anthony
Timmson-Brown, Jorge Gerardo Valencia Bon, Ronald Von Kaenel and
Joel Williams.
UA to Able Seaman (Deck) – Graduated Aug. 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Lexter A. Alfaro-Rivera, Jacob Booth, Zaid Cooper, Jessina Fernandez, Peter Festa III, Joel Frederick,
Joseph Horton, Kalae-Mitchal K. Huihui, Stephen Jarrell, Oscar Krowicki, Joseph Murphy III, John Sadia, Marcell Gabriel Santos-Pascual, Raul Soto, Blake Stollenwerck, Desmond
Unutoa and Luis Ricardo Venegas Nolasco.
October 2021
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated Sept. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Lebrone Allen, Alphonzo Berry, Kevin Bozis, Tom Dary, Alexander Marcelino Dominguez,
Robert Foster, Sarah Gross, Norman Hook, Steven Johnson, Rashaad Mangram, Juan Narvaez, Tierria Noble, Michael Antonio Ribeiro, Rhett Smith, Elpidio Avergonzado Toyco and
Sean Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated Sept. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Christian Branch, Elijah Ha-Saun Crawford, Kain Ikeda Hingle, Kyle Pettis and Kaleb Politte.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated Aug. 27 (above, in alphabetical order):
Saleh Abdo Alsinai, Henry Molina Cacal, Thyron Simbajon Dy, Jack Gourgue and Edsel
Auguis Renegado.
Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated Aug. 20 (above, in alphabetical order):
James Blackburn III, Andrew Carey, Dennison Roncales Dizon, Rudy Lopez, Tharwat
Hussein Saleh, Andrea Sharpe, Souleymane Tamla and Cody Younghans. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated July 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel
Angel Abad, Michael James Pompa Adeva, Adewale Isaac Adiat, Glenn Valera Agustin,
Nahun Moises Bernardez, Jose Luis Borrero Rodriguez, Rudy Villacarlos Cesar, Andrew
Gronotte, Julio Cesar Ibanez Kunz, Loretta James, George Marcelo Mardones, Zeke Alec
Pasquarelli and Shatina Wright. Class instructor Mark Buyes is at the far left. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
Electronic Navigation – Graduated
Sept. 3 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed,
Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Jose
David Argueta, Carlton Banks, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael
Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus
18 Seafarers LOG
October 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Training (Upgraders Basic Firefighting) – Graduated Aug. 13
(above, in alphabetical order): Ernest Cantrell, Robert Foster, Ryan Heimberger, Toni Johnson and Rhett Smith.
Basic Training (Upgraders Basic Firefighting) – Graduated Sept. 3 (above, in alphabetical order):
Kanieyziah Conway, Jeremy Aden Hebda, Sinclair Oubre, Jawaid Butt Pardesi and Benjamin Verrett.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated Aug. 20 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Nassr Hassan Ahmed, Jurally Jamila Aseberos, Daniel Cage, Nala Johnson,
Jasmine Mable, Anthony Parks,
Ammar Saleh Sailan, Ricky Enriquez Sencida and Chad Sikorski. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated Aug. 27
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Kevin Bozis,
Robert Foster, Sarah Gross, Steven Johnson
and Rhett Smith.
Importance Notice
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.
MTD Observes 75th Anniversary
Continued from Page 11
reduced the number. MTD Administrator
Frank Pecquex moved up and continued the
Washington lobbying effort for mariners and
the industry. Pecquex had served as a lobbyist for the Seafarers before coming to the
MTD in 1991.
Strong bipartisan support carried the legislation across the finish line. In signing the
measure, President Bill Clinton said, “It will
ensure that the United States will continue
to have American-flag ships crewed by loyal
American citizen merchant mariners to meet
our nation’s economic and sealift defense
requirements.”
The Maritime Security Act of 1996 established the Maritime Security Program
(MSP) to allow the Defense Department
access to militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels as well as their infrastructure support system in times of conflict or
national emergency. Since its passage, the
MSP proved its value during the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan following the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001. Its original
10-year calendar has been extended into the
October 2021
2030s and it has been expanded to include
more U.S.-flag ships.
Sacco told the MTD Executive Board
during its 1997 meeting, “Last year, despite
terrible odds, we won a Maritime Security
Program to take us into the 21st century.… Our
grassroots lobbying efforts turned the tide. And
just as we mobilized for the Maritime Security
Act, we will be there for the Jones Act.”
As throughout the MTD’s 75 years, pressure continues to amend or do away with
the nation’s freight cabotage law. Passed as
part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920,
the Jones Act simply states that cargo carried from one domestic port to another
domestic port must be aboard a U.S.-owned,
U.S.-built, U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessel.
Cabotage has been part of the nation’s heritage since its founding. At the 2018 MTD
Executive Board meeting, the London-based
International Transport Workers’ Federation
released a study showing that more than 90
countries have some sort of cabotage laws
to protect their workers and support their
economies.
Yet, there remain those who believe
foreign-flag vessels should be used because
they would save money. During 1995, the
MTD joined a national coalition of unions,
shipowners, suppliers and shipbuilders to
create the Maritime Cabotage Task Force.
With more than 400 members, this group
still keeps its focus on any and all attempts
to attack the law, including amendments
buried within international trade agreements.
This fight is not limited to the United
States. Canadian affiliates and Port Councils
created the Canadian Maritime and Supply
Chain Coalition in 2014 to preserve that
nation’s cabotage laws. MTD ExecutiveSecretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (who
succeeded Pecquex in 2011) joined brothers
and sisters outside the Parliament building
in Ottawa in a march of support.
In January 2021, the MTD witnessed
how its years of grassroots support for
elected officials who back the Jones Act
came to fruition. In his first week in office,
President Joe Biden issued his “Buy American” executive order, which included language that he “will continue to be a strong
advocate for the Jones Act and its mandate
that only U.S.-flag vessels carry cargo between U.S. ports, which supports American
production and America’s workers.” As
a U.S. Senator and Vice President, Biden
(who spoke at the 1987 MTD Executive
Board meeting) maintained solid support for
American mariners.
Following Pecquex’s retirement as executive secretary-treasurer in 2011, Sacco
picked Duncan because of his grassroots
labor experience in Florida and Virginia. On
his first day in the position, Duncan marched
in southwestern Pennsylvania through rain,
sleet and snow with MTD-affiliated Mine
Workers and Steelworkers fighting for
worker safety and pension reform.
Following the example set during the
fight for the Maritime Security Program in
the 1990s, Sacco and the MTD last year won
Congressional approval for a similar U.S.flag Tanker Security Program. This would
provide the Defense Department access to
petroleum-hauling vessels that it has publicly declared are needed to maintain forces
around the world. Additional provisions
within the measure called for new builds and
repairs to be done in domestic shipyards.
As the slogan for the department’s 75th
anniversary proclaims – “Anchored in the
past, full ahead toward the future!” – the
MTD, its affiliates and its Port Maritime
Councils continue the work of promoting
the U.S.-flag and Canadian-flag merchant
marine, their workers, their families and the
whole maritime industry. The names may
change, the issues may vary, but the cause
endures and the values remain.
Seafarers LOG 19
�OCTOBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 10
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
CONGRESSMAN VISITS RECRUITING TABLE – U.S. Rep.
Donald Payne Jr. (D-New Jersey) (center) stops by the SIU
table at a recent job fair for veterans. SIU Port Agent Ray
Henderson is at left, while SIU Patrolman James Bast is at
right. The event took place in Newark, New Jersey.
REMINISCING IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime Seafarer
Kerry Wright (center) recently stopped by the hall and unexpectedly saw a familiar face: that of SIU VP Government
Services Nick Celona, whom Wright remembered from the
official’s days as a New Orleans patrolman. SIU Safety Director James Brown is at left. As reported last month, Celona
is transitioning from the union’s hall in Oakland, California,
back to New Orleans.
WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Two
members recently wrapped up lengthy careers with
the SIU (they’re both pictured at the hall, with SIU
Port Agent Ashely Nelson). In photo above, Recertified Steward Jack Hart receives his first pension check
after 40 years of membership. OMU Ralph Thomas is
at left in the photo below, also picking up his first retirement check following 40-plus years with the union.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
GOOD CONTRACT SECURED IN CALIFORNIA –
With the easing of some pandemic-related restrictions, SIU officials recently recognized members in
person at Starlight Marine in Oakland (photo at immediate right) and Wilmington (photo above) for their
efforts in helping secure and ratify a new contract
earlier this year. Pictured from left in the Oakland
photo are SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II, Engineer
Gabriel Torres, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone,
Engineer Florian Schreier, Engineer Yoali Salcedo,
Starlight Marine Services General Manager Benjamin Ostroff, Chief Engineer Jack Matievich, Mate
Maxwell Fleischfresser and SIU Patrolman Adrian
Fraccarolli. In the second photo: Engineer Chad Millikan, Engineer Brian Imsland, Engineer Aaron Ellis,
Engineer Timothy Alexander, Mate Brian Edmiston,
Engineer Jonathan Willingham and Chief Engineer
David Scott. Not pictured, but still playing a major
role in securing the agreement were the SIU members unable to attend due to vessel operations, as
well as SIU Patrolman Gerret Jarman.
MILESTONE IN SAN
JUAN – Proudly displaying his first steward
relief shipping card (and
also supporting the Maritime Defense League) is
Seafarer Jose Outeiral
(right), pictured with SIU
Asst. VP Amancio Crespo at the hall.
WELCOME ASHORE
IN TACOMA – Recertified Bosun Garry Walker
(left), pictured at the Tacoma, Washington, hall
with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, picks up his first
pension check.
�
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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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October 2021
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GOLDEN STATE RESCUES TWO BOATERS
MTD TURNS 75
SHULER TAKES HELM AT AFL-CIO
SIU JOBS SECURE AS SEACOR ACQUIRES U.S. SHIPPING CORP.
SEAFARERS ANSWER CALL FOR ACTIVATIONS
DEEP-SEA VACCINE MANDATE EFFECTIVE OCT. 1
RECENT TRUSTEE ACTION MEANS SOME PENSIONERS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO RESUME SAILING
GOLDEN STATE CREW RESCUES TWO MARINERS
WHITE HOUSE ISSUES LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION
AFL-CIO ELECTS LIZ SHULER PRESIDENT
SHULER: THIS COULD BE THE MOST UNIFYING MOMENT IN LABOR HISTORY
REDMOND: I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO EVERY WORKER
SIU CREWS TEAM UP FOR MULTIPLE UNREPS
LIZ SHULER TAKES HELM AT AFL-CIO
SIU CIVMARS ABOARD USNS PATUXENT HANDLE TWO RESCUES
FIRE SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS SAVE UPGRADER'S LIFE
ALASKAN RESTAURATEUR STARTS NEW CAREER AS STEWARD
COAST GUARD POSTS UPDATES, NEW INFO ON APPLICATIONS
UPDATED PASSPORT NOTICE
MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Creator
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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10/01/2021
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Newsprint
Type
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VOL. 83, NO. 10
2021
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8cd73562b191698a13046b3ec8d6640f.pdf
6f5238ed4c025228d7d2f71087fbccf7
PDF Text
Text
SEPTEMBER 2021
VOLUME 83, 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
Labor Movement Loses a Giant
Richard L. Trumka
1949-2021
The SIU is mourning the loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who unexpectedly passed away
Aug. 5. Trumka, 72, led the federation as its top official since 2009. He’s pictured at left and in the foreground of the photo above, right, with President Barack Obama at the 2009 AFL-CIO convention. Page 5.
Vaccination Requirements
Ramp Up Across Country
As the U.S. grapples with COVID-19 variants, many private-sector
employers have mandated vaccinations for their respective workers.
Numerous unions, including the SIU, support vaccinations themselves
but believe they should be a point of negotiation. Pictured below, QE3
Reynaldo Lacayo gets vaccinated in Piney Point, Maryland. Page 3.
AB Continues Family Tradition
Second-generation Seafarer AB Richard Palacios (right) receives his full book at the hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His dad, AB Fabian Palacios, is at left, while SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins is in the middle.
USNS John Lewis Christened
Page 2
SIU Exec. Board News
Pages 4, 6
�President’s Report
Remembering Rich Trumka
Whether you’re reading this column online or in print, you know
that the entire labor movement is mourning the unexpected passing
of our friend and leader, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
As someone who
worked with and knew
Rich since the 1970s, I
want each of you to know
that all of the tributes
written and spoken about
him are accurate and wellearned. He was one-in-amillion, and I’m blessed
to have been not only his
colleague, but his friend.
If you met Rich even
once, you know that
when it came to personal
energy, he was an 11 on
a scale of 1-to-10. For
that reason, I hesitate to
describe him as rejuvenated following last year’s
presidential election,
The SIU is mourning the loss of AFLbut there’s no doubt he
CIO President Richard Trumka (right)
had taken his work and
who unexpectedly passed away Aug.
his leadership to another
5. Trumka, 72, led the federation as
level. He was exceptionits top official since 2009. He was a
longtime friend of SIU President Mially fired up about the
very real opportunities we chael Sacco (left); the two are pictured
above in 2017, during the AFL-CIO
have before us for laborconvention in St. Louis.
law reform and for growing our movement.
There’s a decent
chance you saw him on television in recent months, promoting
workers’ rights and trade unionism. Be 100 percent certain that
those appearances were exclusively about the work at hand, rather
than having anything to do with personal publicity. Rich was all
about workers and their families.
In practical terms, you cannot say that someone is one-in-amillion and then expect our movement to not miss a beat. That’s
just not realistic. Throughout the AFL-CIO – from headquarters to
the affiliate unions like the SIU, to the state labor federations and
central labor councils to individual locals – we all have to step up
to help fill that void. It’s a tall order.
Nevertheless, I am completely confident in new AFL-CIO
President Liz Shuler, who, like Rich, came up through the ranks
and earned everything she got. Liz is the one who reminded us that
we’re allowed and expected to mourn, but we’re not permitted to
slack off. As she said, Rich wouldn’t allow it.
Please take the time to read our coverage of Rich, and also
know that he absolutely had a special affection for the SIU. Whenever we asked for help or invited him anywhere, he made it happen. I’ve got a framed photo of him in my office with a bunch of
our officials playfully grabbing him during the 1999 AFL-CIO
convention. Rich signed it, “8 Seafarers against 1 Mine Worker.
Seems about right!”
Even when he was kidding, his fighting spirit came through.
And those odds wouldn’t have been fair, anyway – to us. Rich
could overcome any challenge.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You are missed.
The official party pose for a photograph at the commissioning ceremony in San Diego for the USNS John
Lewis on July 17. (U.S. Navy Photo)
Newest Replenishment Oiler Christened
The newest ship to enter the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet was christened at General Dynamics
NASSCO – a union shipyard – on July 17.
The fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis,
which will carry CIVMARS from the SIU Government
Services Division as part of its crew, was celebrated in a
ceremony attended by family of the ship’s namesake, the
late U.S. Rep. John Lewis. The event marked the first anniversary of Lewis’ death from pancreatic cancer.
The christening also saw a bipartisan congressional
delegation made up of 30 members including House
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Rep Maxine Waters (D-California), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York),
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Rep. Jackie Speier
(D-California), and Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Georgia),
Lewis’ successor.
Other dignitaries included former Secretary of the
Navy Ray Mabus; Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander,
Fleet Cyber Command and commander, Tenth Fleet; Vice
Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Forces;
MSC commanding officer Adm. Michael Wettlaufer; and
actress and social activist Alfre Woodard Spencer, the
ship’s sponsor.
Lewis served 17 terms as a congressman and was
known as the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation. A civil rights activist, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his long service in government
by then-President Barack Obama in 2011.
“How perfect the motto of this ship: unbreakable perseverance,” said Pelosi in her keynote address. “Everyone
who sees this ship will be reminded of John’s perseverance…. God truly blessed America with the dedication
and leadership of John Lewis.”
The 746-foot Lewis is the first of the new John Lewisclass previously known as the TAO(X). This class of oilers 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 strengthened cargo and ballast tanks, and will be
equipped with basic self-defense capabilities. The Lewisclass of oilers will replace the current Kaiser class fleet
replenishment oilers as they age out of the MSC fleet.
“As the global maritime environment is increasingly
crowded and contested, the John Lewis will continue to
support our national security strategy in building partner-
Ship’s sponsor Alfre Woodard Spencer christens the
USNS John Lewis in San Diego. (U.S. Navy Photo)
ships with our friends and allies, and enable Naval forces
to rapidly respond to crises, deter adversaries, and maintain forward presence to protect the homeland,” said Wettlaufer. “USNS John Lewis, with current and future ships
that make up our combat logistics force, are absolutely
fundamental to that mission as they provide fuel, parts,
provisions, and mail for Naval forces around the globe.”
Six more Lewis-class oilers are on order for the Navy.
In July 2016, US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that
he would name the Lewis-class oilers after prominent
civil rights activists and leaders including Harvey Milk,
Earl Warren, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone and Robert F.
Kennedy.
“We miss John on this platform, but we will never
be without him,” said Woodard Spencer. “May this ship
inspire and free the spirit of those who serve on her and
those of us on land!”
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 83 Number 9
September 2021
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;
Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
SIU Vessel Hosts Sec. Buttigieg
DOT Secretary Pete
Buttigieg (right) tours
the SIU-crewed Cape
Washington July 30
in Baltimore, with SIU
Exec. VP Augie Tellez
(left). Acting Maritime
Administrator Lucinda
Lessley is directly behind them. SIU Baltimore Port Agent John
Hoskins also was on
the scene.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
September 2021
�Arbitrator’s Ruling Mandates Vaccinations
Other Businesses, DOD Also Begin Requiring Preventive Shots
An arbitrator on July 30 ruled in favor
of the American Maritime Association’s
(AMA) insistence that they can require all
mariners sailing aboard the companies’ respective vessels be fully vaccinated against
COVID-19.
The SIU challenged the AMA’s mandate
by demanding expedited arbitration, primarily because they unilaterally imposed it rather
than bargain over its effects with the union.
AMA companies are signatory to the
union’s standard freightship and tanker agreements. Those contracts specify that with these
kinds of grievances, “the matter shall be referred to an impartial arbitrator whose decision shall be final and binding,” which means
the union cannot appeal the decision.
In an Aug. 2 web post, the union said,
“While we are disappointed in the arbitrator’s ruling, we aren’t necessarily surprised.
Earlier in the week, the U.S. Department of
Justice released an ‘opinion letter’ saying
there’s nothing in federal law that prevents
private-sector employers from requiring
vaccines. That is consistent with other court
decisions and developments across the country, both in the public and private sectors.”
At press time, details about how the
AMA vaccine mandate will be implemented were still being worked out. Members are asked to keep an eye on the SIU
website.
Among other points, the arbitrator said
he based his decision on the unique nature
of the maritime industry, including the fact
that crews live together on the vessels. He
cited the danger of the Delta variant, plus
other recent legal rulings and opinions that
support vaccination mandates. He emphasized that his decision aims to maximize
safety, and also noted the complications
and costs of having vessels quarantine
when positive cases occur aboard ship. He
acknowledged the sacrifices of mariners
and their important roles as part of the essential workforce.
Many other companies – plus the U.S.
Defense Department – also have either
started enforcing vaccine mandates or informed employees that the requirements
are imminent. Among others, the following businesses were requiring vaccines
as of early August: Anthem (health insurance), Cisco Systems (tech company),
DoorDash (corporate employees), Equinox
(gym brand), Facebook, Frontier Airlines,
Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, the
New York Times, Tyson Foods, Uber (corporate), United Airlines, Walgreens (corporate), Walt Disney, Walmart, and the
Washington Post.
On Aug. 9, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Lloyd Austin III issued a “memorandum
for all Department of Defense employees.” In part, the memo read, “As many
of you know, President Biden asked me
to consider how and when we might add
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
vaccines to the list of those required for all
Service members. So, over the last week, I
have consulted closely with the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries
of the Military Departments, the Service
Chiefs, and medical professionals. I appreciate greatly the advice and counsel they
provided.
“Based on these consultations and on
additional discussions with leaders of the
White House COVID Task Force, I want
you to know that I will seek the President’s
approval to make the vaccines mandatory
no later than mid-September, or immediately upon the U.S. Food and Drug Agency
(FDA) licensure, whichever comes first,”
he continued. “By way of expectation, public reporting suggests the Pfizer-BioNTech
FOWT Frankinns Joseph displays his vaccination document after receiving an injection
at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, administered by a local
health care professional.
Labor Board Hearing Officer: Amazon’s
Law-Breaking Should Lead to Vote Rerun
Amazon’s labor law-breaking during
the widely watched unionization vote at its
giant Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse earlier this year should lead to a rerun of the
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store
Union’s (RWDSU) election try there, a
National Labor Relations Board hearing
officer ruled.
According to a report by the Press Associates union news service, details of the
Aug. 3 decision were not released, but
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum announced its bottom line. Amazon promptly
said it would appeal the ruling to the
board’s regional director in Atlanta. That
office covers Bessemer and the Birmingham area.
“Throughout the NLRB hearing, we
heard compelling evidence how Amazon
tried to illegally interfere with and intimidate workers as they sought to exercise
their right to form a union,” Appelbaum
said. “We support the hearing officer’s
recommendation the NLRB set aside the
election results and direct a new election.
As President Biden reminded us earlier this
year, the question of whether or not to have
September 2021
a union is supposed to be the workers’ decision and not the employer’s. Amazon’s
behavior throughout the election process
was despicable. Amazon cheated, they got
caught, and they are being held accountable.”
Press Associates further reported that
the RWDSU’s complaint to the NLRB, and
evidence at a hearing in May, showed 23
company violations of labor law, including
illegal threats to lay off 75% of the 5,600
workers, cut health benefits, and even
close the warehouse. The firm, owned by
Jeff Bezos, one of the three richest people
in the U.S., spent millions of dollars a day
on union-busting after the RWDSU’s drive
began.
The RWDSU also cited Amazon’s successful pressure on outside agencies for
aid against the union. In one case, Amazon
got Bessemer authorities to shorten traffic
light timing at the parking lot exit outside
the warehouse so union advocates had less
time to approach workers sitting in their
cars waiting for the light to change.
Additionally, Amazon convinced the
Postal Service to put a mail ballot drop
vaccine could achieve full FDA licensure
early next month.”
The secretary added, “To defend this
Nation, we need a healthy and ready force.
I strongly encourage all DoD military and
civilian personnel – as well as contractor
personnel – to get vaccinated now and for
military Service members to not wait for
the mandate. All FDA-authorized COVID19 vaccines are safe and highly effective.
They will protect you and your family.
They will protect your unit, your ship, and
your co-workers. And they will ensure we
remain the most lethal and ready force in
the world.”
During the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU President Michael Sacco continued encouraging
Seafarers to get vaccinated. It’s a position
he has stood by since the vaccines received
emergency-use authorization.
“It’s the safe way – the only way – to
be in this industry,” Sacco stated. “I won’t
steer you wrong.”
As of Aug. 9, nearly 36 million cases
of COVID-19 had been reported in the
United States since February 2020. Almost
617,000 Americans had died from the coronavirus during that same period.
SIU President Michael Sacco, speaking at
the August membership meeting in Piney
Point, Maryland, encourages Seafarers to
get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vaccine mandates are on the way for military personnel, but many from the armed
forces already have taken the shots. Here, Spc. Tyler Boyer administers the COVID-19
vaccine at Fort Carson, Colorado, in early August. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew
Greenwood)
box under a tent, emblazoned with the
company logo and erected in the parking
lot. That prompted one tweeter replying to
the RWDSU’s announcement to wonder
how Amazon achieved that feat after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy had yanked
thousands of blue mailboxes from mostly
Democratic central cities nationwide the
year before, especially from majorityminority neighborhoods. The Bessemer
workforce is majority Black.
Regardless of the ultimate outcome at
Bessemer, where the multimillion-dollar
company campaign beat the RWDSU, the
drive there has set off interest in unionizing
among other Amazon workers.
Leading the charge: Workers at Ama-
zon’s warehouse on Staten Island, New
York, where the firm fired worker Christian Smalls, who led a brief lunch-hour
walkout last year over company failure
to protect workers from the coronavirus.
New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish”
James is probing whether Amazon broke
state labor law by firing Smalls.
Amazon also fired fellow Staten Island
worker Christian Bryson after he got into a
dispute with a non-walkout worker. In December, an NLRB administrative law judge
ruled that firing was illegal.
The national publicity also prompted
the Teamsters, to announce a multi-year
plan to unionize the giant warehouse, product distributor and retailer.
Seafarers LOG 3
�SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (right) is pictured at an industry event in New York in 2019, with his predecessor: the recently retired SIU VP Kate Hunt.
SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (third from right) already has met with numerous CIVMARS, including
aboard the USNS Miguel Keith on the West Coast. Among those also pictured are SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right)
and SIU Government Services Representative Jesse Ruth (second from left).
Celona Appointed as SIU VP Gov’t Services
Former Port Agent Crespo is Union’s Newest Assistant VP
The union’s executive board has announced the appointments of two longtime officials to new positions following
the recent retirement of SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt (see
story, page 6).
Nicholas Celona succeeds Hunt as vice
president, while Amancio Crespo fills
Celona’s former spot as an assistant vice
president.
Both Celona and Crespo are well acquainted with the union. Celona is a 1977
graduate of Paul Hall Center Trainee
Class 229. Crespo graduated from the
trainee program in 1990. Both sailed for
several years before coming ashore to
work for the union.
“My goals are to promote, protect and
defend the U.S. Merchant Marine and
the SIU Government Services Division,
which in turn will help ensure our national security,” Celona said. “We have to
make sure that supplies get through to our
troops.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New
York, Celona graduated from Lafayette
High School in 1976 and soon thereafter
found a home with the SIU. After completing the trainee program, he sailed in
the engine department until 1982, upgrading several times along the way (most
recently to chief electrician). He sailed on
vessels operated by Sea-Land, Maritime
Overseas, Delta Line, American Hawaii
Cruises, Bay Tankers and others.
“The sense of adventure from shipping
out was life-changing as a young man,”
he recalled. “I fell in love with it right
away. When I was called ashore to work
as an official, I did everything possible
to help the membership and our union to
grow.”
Celona worked as a patrolman in New
Orleans from 1983-88 and was involved
in multiple inland beefs. He spent 1989
serving as the port agent in Piney Point
before what turned out to be a long-term
move to the West Coast. Celona was the
union’s San Francisco port agent from
1990-94; he became an assistant vice
president in 1994.
Among other activities, he served as a
Newly appointed SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo
4 Seafarers LOG
delegate on the San Francisco-Alameda
Labor Council, secretary-treasurer of the
local port council, and a governor-appointed member of the board of directors
of the Cow Palace (a popular, multi-purpose arena in Daly City, California).
Always politically active, Celona organized the union’s annual Thanksgiving
gatherings in San Francisco and Oakland,
which ran for 29 straight years before
temporarily being derailed due to the pandemic. Those feasts evolved into a Who’s
Who of politics, with regular appearances
from Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, John
Garamendi, Eric Swalwell, Jackie Spier
and many others.
Based on his extensive work with the
military, Celona in 2002 was sworn in as
an honorary U.S. Marine, a rarity.
He will be based in New Orleans.
Crespo sailed for six years, both in the
deck and steward departments, and also
worked on a shore gang before serving as
a patrolman beginning in 1997. A Brooklyn native (he is good-natured about not
having the accent), he became the union’s
port agent in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in
2005 and has held that post ever since.
Crespo played a major role in helping
open the new hiring hall in Puerto Rico
in 2018, and he also has stepped up on
numerous occasions to spearhead local
relief efforts following storms that have
battered the island territory, including in
the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. He plays a leading role in
the union’s participation in “BookWaves,”
a joint effort between the SIU, American
Federation of Teachers and Asociación de
Maestros de Puerto Rico, among others,
to provide free educational reading material to school-age children.
He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal
justice from Caribbean University and is
a U.S. Army veteran who never misses a
chance to promote the union and the maritime industry.
“I’m looking forward to continuing
to work on behalf of our union members
and the industry,” Crespo stated. “It’s all
about family – every time I can do something for our members, it’s worthwhile.”
SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (kneeling, center) has led the union’s participation in a philanthropic outreach benefiting schoolchildren in Puerto Rico and elsewhere. He’s pictured
with Seafarers who also volunteer in the effort.
September 2021
�Trumka (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco in 2008
Pictured at a 2012 Maritime Trades Department meeting (from left) are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and SIU VP Contracts
George Tricker.
SIU Mourns Loss of Richard Trumka
AFL-CIO President Had ‘Soft Spot for Seafarers’
Somehow, AFL-CIO President Richard
Trumka managed to be simultaneously largerthan-life and eminently approachable.
Likely due to the former quality, the initial
reaction among SIU officials and staff to unofficial news of Trumka’s death on Aug. 5 primarily
consisted of disbelief. Trumka’s high-energy personality and regular appearances on television
(promoting workers’ right) as recently as that
same week seemingly precluded his departure,
and there had been no hints of health problems.
Unfortunately, confirmation soon followed:
Trumka, 72, succumbed to a heart attack while
on a camping trip with family.
Outpourings of sympathy began the same
day, including comments from President Biden,
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer
(D-New York), and fellow labor leaders from
throughout the movement.
SIU President Michael Sacco enjoyed a
genuine friendship with Trumka.
“Rich and I worked together for decades,
going back to the 1970s, when we were involved
in labor disputes in Missouri, Kentucky and
Illinois,” Sacco stated. “Throughout his entire
career, no one worked harder for America’s
working families.
“Rich was fearless and down-to-earth, and
even though he had plenty of formal education,
at his core he remained a working-class union
guy and a family man,” Sacco continued. “He
never forgot his roots with the Mine Workers.
Those of you who were lucky enough to hear
Rich give a speech in person know that he commanded a room like few others. His passion and
intelligence and foresight always came through
loud and clear.”
He concluded, “The labor movement that
Rich led and loved will move forward with
heavy hearts – but we will move forward….
That’s how we honor his legacy.”
SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
said, “If you ever heard Rich address a crowd,
you immediately knew what this man was about.
His passion, fervor and compassion for the
working men and women of this country was
the hallmark of his being. Little doubt was left
as he bared his soul in the struggle for equality
both economically and socially. He was truly an
American hero. He had a soft spot for the Seafarers going back to his Mine Worker days in the
70s, and many of us got to know him personally.
The world has a lost a good man, but there is no
doubt at all that his legacy will be carried on by
millions.”
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel
stated, “With heavy hearts, we learned of the
passing of Brother Trumka. Rich was a true
leader and inspiration to many. Our heart goes
out to Rich’s family as well as the 12 million
brothers and sisters in his extended family of the
Federation. He will be missed.”
President Biden described Trumka as “a dear
friend, a great American, and a good man. I will
miss him as will the countless workers whose
lives he made better, and the labor movement
he led with daring vision. As I told his family
after we heard the news, Jill and I send our love
–today and always.”
On the Senate floor the morning of Aug. 5,
Schumer said, “The working people of America
have lost a fierce warrior, at a time when we
needed him most. Just yesterday, Rich was
lending his support to the striking miners in
Alabama. Following in his father’s footsteps,
he worked in the mines. He went to Penn State,
earned his law degree – but he didn’t practice,
didn’t go to some fancy place, he went right to
work for the United Mine Workers, which he led
for so many years.
“He had in his veins, in every atom of his
body, the heart, the thoughts, the needs of the
working people of America,” Schumer continued. “He was them. Rich Trumka was the working people of America. He never had any airs,
he never put it on, and he cared about his fellow
workers so. He was a great leader, and he knew
that the labor movement and working people had
Longtime friends SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and AFL-CIO President Richard
Trumka share a laugh in 2015 before the start of an MTD meeting.
September 2021
This photo was taken in 1991 at the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council
dinner. Trumka (right) was president of the Mine Workers at that time. He’s with U.S. Air
Force Gen. Hansford T. Johnson, one of the other honorees.
to expand and be diverse. One of his passions as
a leader was immigration reform, which I talked
to him about repeatedly, because they were
working people, too. No matter where they came
from, or what they look like…. We have just lost
a giant, and we need him so. We will remember
him forever, and his memory will, I know, importune all of us to do even more for the working
people of America who Rich Trumka so dearly
and deeply loved.”
Trumka served as president of the federation since 2009. In 1982, at age 33, he ran on a
reform ticket and was elected the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America
(UMWA).
There, he led one of the most successful
strikes in recent American history against the
Pittston Coal Company, which tried to avoid
paying into an industry-wide health and pension
fund.
Trumka was elected AFL-CIO secretarytreasurer in 1995, and held that post until 2009,
when he was elected president.
His commitment to improving life for working people began early. He grew up in the small
coal-mining town of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania.
Nearly all the men in his family, including his father and grandfather, were coal miners. Trumka
followed them into the mines, working there as
he attended Penn State and Villanova University
Law School.
Acting AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said,
“Rich was a legend, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America
to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of
America’s labor movement. Rich loved workers.
And he knew there was nothing more powerful
than workers standing together for a better life.
“If you ever watched Rich at a rally or on a
picket line, his face would light up with excitement and hope,” she continued. “He never forgot
who he was working for. He never forgot who
he was fighting for. America’s working people
were his guiding light for more than 50 years….
We are not done yet. Rich would never allow
it. Now more than ever, we must come together,
as one federation, to carry out the mission Rich
devoted his life to.”
UMWA President Cecil Roberts said Trumka
“was more than the leader of the American labor
movement, he was an unequaled voice for the
workers around the world…. Richard and I were
partners in leadership at the UMWA for many
years, but we were more than that. He was my
brother, he was my friend, he was my confidant.”
American Federation of Teachers President
Randi Weingarten stated, “Rich Trumka was our
brother in the truest sense of the word. His sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the entire
labor movement, and for working families across
the country. From his first mining job in the late
1960s, to joining the staff of the United Mine
Workers of America and eventually becoming
president, to his fierce and courageous leadership of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade,
Rich fought his entire life for dignity and respect
for American workers. He practiced what he
preached, and he brought the voices of working
people to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness with deep humility and an abiding belief in
the power of collective action. President Trumka
was a beloved colleague and friend, and his
legacy will endure for generations.”
Seafarers LOG 5
�‘We are Losing Our Tiger Mother’
Groundbreaking SIU VP Hunt Retires, Caps Dedicated Career
The maritime industry proved a natural fit for Kathleen “Kate” Hunt, but that doesn’t mean her career was
easy.
She played pioneering roles along the way, including service as the first female patrolman for the National
Maritime Union (NMU) and the first female member of
the SIU executive board. She weathered a rocky stretch
(not of her doing) at the NMU and later handled major
responsibilities for two SIU-affiliated unions.
Hunt happily declared herself “finished with engines,
my friend” when describing her decision to retire as vice
president of the SIU Government Services Division, effective Aug. 1. She had been a vice president since 2018.
“I’ve worked since I was 14 years old,” Hunt said.
“I’ve never not worked. But initially, I will be sitting on
a beach in Rhode Island, just looking out on the horizon.
After that, I’m looking forward to a lot of family time.
We’ve got lots of toddlers and babies in my family; I’d
like to help my nieces and nephews, and just hang out with
them. I’d also like to travel a little when the time is right.”
Hunt comes from a maritime family (her father was an
NMU port agent, and many other relatives sailed), so it
wasn’t shocking that she landed a job with a steamship authority in the 1970s. But her next move – sailing in the deck
department of ferries in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, beginning in 1976 – was very uncommon for women in that era.
She came ashore as a patrolman four years later and
continued serving as an NMU official until that union
merged into the SIU in 2001, at which time she wasn’t
sure about her future.
“God bless (SIU President) Mike Sacco. He let me
keep working,” Hunt recalled. “He just wants people that
like to work and do their jobs, so I did.”
After the merger, Hunt was assigned as a representative for the SIU’s Government Services Division, working with the SIU crews aboard Military Sealift Command
vessels, NOAA research vessels and other governmentowned ships. She’d done similar work for the NMU.
Hunt also worked as a representative of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU),
serving members employed in the Northeast while being
based at the SIU’s New York-area office.
In August 2016, Hunt was appointed by the SIU’s
Executive Board to serve as the national director of the
United Industrial Workers (UIW). In this capacity, Hunt
oversaw dozens of UIW shops in the continental United
States and Alaska and in the United States Virgin Islands.
She held that post until her appointment (and subsequent
reelection in 2020) as a vice president.
“Kate is one of the hardest-working officials we’ve
ever had,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “She’s
been a tremendous asset to the members, and she did a
great job representing them aboard the ships.”
“Kate is a complete professional,” said SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. “Whatever task she took on
was handled thoroughly and with the membership’s inter-
est in mind. She fought with vigor and usually came out
with a win. Fitting into a male-dominated industry never
distracted her. If anything, it played to her advantage. I
would like to wish her a well-earned retirement and best
wishes in her next phase of life. I’m betting she will be
following Bruce Springsteen around the country while
he’s on tour.”
Nicholas Celona, Hunt’s successor as vice president,
said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to have known Kate
and to have been a colleague. I hope she enjoys her next
chapter of life, with fair winds and following seas.”
SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services
Division Joe Vincenzo stated, “Well done and a welldeserved retirement, Kate. It was a pleasure and privilege
working with you over the years on UIW and Government Services contracts, issues and membership services.
Enjoy that margarita on the beach!”
Capt. Andrew M. Lindey, vessel master aboard the
USNS Comfort, included this succinct message when
forwarding Hunt’s farewell email to the crew: “We are
losing our Tiger Mother.”
Capt. Keith A. Walzak of the USNS Grumman described Hunt as “always on our side and at our call.”
In a written communication to Hunt, Chief Steward
Valerie McCaskill said, “I just wanted to take a moment
to thank you for being such an inspiration to the industry
and myself. In the short time I was able to spend with
you at the NOAA union contract negotiations, I learned
so much from you. But the thing that truly captivated me
was how you walked in the room with such authority,
humility, and grace that commanded presidential respect
and admiration from all. I was blown away. I had never
seen that before and yet I loved every minute. From that
day forward you have changed my perspective on how to
represent women in the industry. Own who you are, command respect with humility, and never settle for their best
offer but demand they give you what you deserve! Thank
you for being such a phenomenally fierce powerhouse!”
Looking ahead, Hunt said she has “full faith and confidence that Nick and the team that’s already in place will
be member-service oriented and do great things.”
She cited the successful resolution of the “gangways
up” beef as one of her biggest accomplishments (it involved prolonged restriction to ship during the pandemic),
and also commended the work of former SIU Assistant
Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler and
counsel Deborah Kleinberg (both are retired) for helping
improve shipboard habitability standards.
“I think we led the way on that front,” Hunt said. “We
were and still are the lead on making sure that the standards aboard the ships are fair and equitable and decent,
and that’s also true of the hotels (where CIVMARS stay).
You can’t negotiate wages in the federal sector, so it’s
working conditions that we always focused on.”
She added that while there are some differences in the
federal maritime sector as compared to the private sec-
In this file photo from 2019, Hunt (center) stands with SIU Government Services Division members aboard the Joshua Humphreys
in Norfolk, Virginia.
6 Seafarers LOG
Hunt addresses Seafarers at the July membership meeting
in Piney Point, Maryland.
tor, “Seamen are seamen. And it always makes me happy
when I go aboard a ship and you see someone you helped.
I’d see guys years later who had redeemed themselves and
had a decent career. I was always really proud we helped
guys hold onto their jobs and maintain their careers.”
Asked what advice she’d give to people entering the
industry, Hunt provided a twofold answer. First, she said,
“Join the union!” Second, “Just do your job.”
Hunt said she will miss her colleagues, including fellow officials, members, and personnel from the government and the military.
“I really have been very blessed,” she said. “All I ever
wanted to do was be a good shipmate, and I think I’ve
been that. I’m really at peace with my decision to retire.
My only regret is that it’s been a year since I’ve been on
a ship.”
Hunt in 2018 became SIU VP Government Services Division. Prior to that, she served as National Director of of
one of the SIU’s affiliated organizations, the United Industrial Workers. In photo above, Hunt (left) is pictured with
SIU/UIW President Michael Sacco (center) and her UIW National Director successor Karen Horton-Gennette.
September 2021
�Crowley Wins Vessel Acquisition Management Pact
A recent contract award should mean
ongoing job security for SIU members.
In late July, SIU-contracted Crowley
Maritime announced that it had received a
“multi-year, $638 million contract for vessel acquisition management by the U.S.
Maritime Administration (MARAD).”
The company will assist the agency “in
the enhancement of the Ready Reserve
Force (RRF), helping reduce the overall
age of the fleet and increase ship reliability,” Crowley reported. That means acquiring newer ships – and, after those vessels
enter the fleet, Crowley will maintain and
operate them for MARAD.
“To carry out the contract, Crowley
will use a new, proprietary information
technology system to assess, research and
make purchasing recommendations,” the
company noted. “Once the vessels are acquired, Crowley will oversee any required
re-flagging, re-classification, modification
and maintenance to ensure they are fit for
service in compliance with U.S. Coast
Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and
Defense Department requirements.”
“A successful vessel acquisition management program is important to the U.S.
as a maritime nation, the maritime industry and Crowley as we mutually invest
in the strength of our nation,” said Mike
Golonka, vice president, government ship
management in Crowley Solutions. “We
want to share our innovative, successful
approach to vessel ownership and lifecycle
engineering with the U.S. government.”
MARAD describes the RRF as “a subset of vessels” within the agency’s National
Defense Reserve Fleet “ready to support
the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S.
The SIU-crewed Cape Wrath (left) and Cape Washington, both operated by Crowley, are pictured in Baltimore. The vessels are part of
the Ready Reserve Force.
military forces. As a key element of Department of Defense strategic sealift, the
RRF primarily supports transport of Army
and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat
support equipment, and initial resupply
during critical surge periods – the period
of time before commercial ships can be
secured for similar support. The RRF provides nearly 50% of government-owned
surge sealift capability and has rightfully
been called ‘America’s Sea Power Reliant
Partner.’”
The program began with a half-dozen
vessels in 1977 and now consists of more
than 40, most of them roll-on/roll-off ships.
RRF ships “are expected to be fully
operational within their assigned fiveand 10-day readiness status and then sail
to designated loading berths,” according
to MARAD. “Prior to being activated,
commercial U.S. ship managers provide
systems maintenance, equipment repairs,
logistics support, activation, manning, and
operations management by contract. The
RRF is periodically tested by DOD-driven
activations of ships for military cargo operations and exercises.”
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Updated News about Type 1 Diabetes
Editor’s note: This article is provided by
the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease
in which immune cells attack and destroy
the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) of the
pancreas. The loss of insulin leads to the inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Patients
are usually treated by insulin-replacement
therapy.
Type 1 diabetes may occur at any age and
in people of every race, shape, and size.
In Type 1, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates
you eat into blood glucose that will be used
for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body
needs in order to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body.
There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes. There
is strong evidence that Type 1 happens when
an individual with a certain combination of
genes comes into contact with a particular
environmental influence. Scientist are still
working on this theory.
September 2021
Remember that in Type 1 diabetes, the immune system is unable to tell the difference
between harmful germs and the body’s cells,
so the immune system attacks the body’s own
insulin-producing beta cells. Studies are underway to identify methods for persuading an
improperly functioning immune system to accept the beta cells as part of the body, rather
than attacking them.
When the pancreatic beta cells (the cells
that make insulin) have been destroyed,
one solution may be to replace the beta
cells with new ones. There are potential
obstacles to this approach, though. For
example, a patient would require that islets be received from more than one donor.
Patients also would have to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of
their lives. Related financial costs can be
substantial.
Meanwhile, insulin can be delivered by
daily multiple injections, insulin pens, and
by portable insulin delivery devices called
pumps.
According to the National Institutes of
Health, more than 30 million people in the
U.S. have some form of diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes, according to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may include frequent urination,
thirst, weight loss, numbness or tingling in
the hands or feet, fatigue, dry skin, blurry
vision, increased infections, and sores that
heal slowly. People who have Type 1 diabetes may also experience nausea, vomiting, or
stomach pains. Type 1 diabetes symptoms
can develop in just a few weeks or months
and can be severe. Type 1 diabetes usually
starts in childhood or teenage years, but can
happen at any age.
Seafarers are encouraged to see their respective health care providers for appointments, prescriptions, newest treatments and
testing products to help make life easier with
diabetes.
Healthy Recipe
Grilled Grouper with Pesto Drizzle
Servings: 25
Ingredients
10 pounds grouper fillet
4 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1/4 cup smart balance, melted
Pesto Recipe:
1 1/2 ounces Toasted pine nuts, or almonds
3 each garlic cloves, minced
1/2 ounce salt
10 1/2 fluid ounces olive oil
3 ounces basil leaves, washed and
dried well
2 ounces parsley
2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
To Make Pesto:
Place nuts, garlic, half of the salt,
and half of the olive oil into a blender
or food processor fitted with the blade
attachment. Blend to a paste, about 1
minute.
Begin adding basil leaves and parsley gradually and blend on and off to incorporate the greens into the emulsion.
Add the additional oil gradually until the
paste is thoroughly combined.
Adjust the seasoning with salt as
needed. Add the parmesan cheese and
blend just before serving. Pesto should
be stored under refrigeration with a
layer of oil across the surface.
To cook the Fish:
Cut the fish into 5 6-oz. filets, season
the fish on both sides with the Mrs. Dash
and granulated garlic.
Grill the fish 1-2 min. on each side
on a well-oiled med-high temped grill
or in a sautee pan; place in 2-inch hotel
pans, drizzle with olive oil and put 1/4
cup water in each pan.
Cook in a 325° F oven for 10 min. or
until flaky and an internal temp of 145°
F is reached.Drizzle the prepared pesto
over top of the cooked fish. Serve.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown
items): 288 Calories; 15g Fat (46.7%
calories from fat); 37g Protein; 1g
Carbohydrate. Trace Dietary Fiber:
69mg Cholesterol; 360mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat;
0 Vegetable; 2 1/2 Fat.
(Provided by Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)
Seafarers LOG 7
�Mississippi Legislature Backs Jones Act
Mississippi’s State House and State
Senate recently adopted pro-Jones Act
resolutions.
The statements are basically identical
and read as follows:
WHEREAS, Mississippi’s access to
over 1,000 miles of the Mississippi River,
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway makes it a
critical hub in the nation’s transportation
system; and
WHEREAS, the current global pandemic has demonstrated the critical
importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of
Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine
Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and
codified in Title 46 of the United States
Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo
between locations in the United States be
owned by American companies, crewed
by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and
WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations
domestically, depends on the civilian fleet
of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and
WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones
Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes and ears
monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of
shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable
inland waterways; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi is home to
13,460 maritime jobs supported by the
Jones Act, the sixth-highest per capita
among all states, that generate $728.8
million in labor income; and
WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs
create ladders of opportunity through
high-paying, family-wage careers that
offer significant career advancement
without generally necessitating advanced
formal education and extensive student
loans; and
WHEREAS, the more than 40,000 vessel-strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly
650,000 family-wage jobs and over $154
billion in economic output nationally and
$3.05 billion to the Mississippi economy:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MISSISSIPPI, That the House of Representatives affirms its resolute support
for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of its passage which
has fostered a strong domestic maritime
industry that is critical to Mississippi’s
and the nation’s economic prosperity and
national security.
(Editor’s note: The next paragraphs
are from the Senate’s version.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE-
The Mississippi State Capitol is located in Jackson.
SOLVED, That the Senate of the State of
Mississippi affirms its resolute support
for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of its passage which
has fostered a strong domestic maritime
industry that is critical to Mississippi’s
Defense Expert Cites Urgent Need
To Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding
The situation isn’t hopeless, but the United
States had better get moving if it wants to reclaim its status as a leading shipbuilder.
That’s the conclusion reached by Loren
Thompson, a highly regarded national defense expert who runs the non-profit Lexington Institute. Thompson’s commentary
appeared on the Forbes website in late July.
He began with a quick recap of America’s
maritime history, then said that modern-day
“U.S. shipbuilding and maritime trades …
have virtually collapsed over the last generation. A nation that led the world in commercial shipbuilding at key junctures in its
history today builds less than 10 vessels
for oceangoing commerce in a typical year.
China builds over a thousand such ships each
year.”
Those weren’t the only sobering statistics
offered by Thompson, who holds doctoral
and master’s degrees in government from
Georgetown University and who has taught
at Harvard.
“The entire U.S.-registered fleet of oceangoing commercial ships numbers fewer than
200 vessels, out of a global total of 44,000,”
he wrote. “And despite trade flows to and
from America exceeding a trillion dollars
annually – the vast preponderance of which
travel by sea – U.S.-registered ships carry
barely 1% of that traffic. That is quite a decline from the year I was born, 1951, when
the U.S. Merchant Marine transported a third
of all global trade.”
The writer then pointed out that China
possesses the world’s largest fleet of warships (around 350), while the U.S. Navy is
“struggling to get above 300…. The Navy’s
request for ship construction funds next year
envisions building only four combat vessels
(out of eight total), a level of effort that if
sustained would guarantee Chinese maritime
dominance by 2030.”
Ironically, he added, the largest exporter
of containerized cargo to the U.S. “is a shipping company owned outright by the Chinese
government.”
Thompson also touched on the shipboard
manpower crisis in the U.S. Merchant Marine
before returning to the subject of China.
“We know that Beijing’s long-term goal
8 Seafarers LOG
is to dominate global supply chains for vital
industrial goods, so the fact China is outproducing America in large commercial vessels
100-to-1, that it increasingly dominates traffic, and that it is securing control of ports
along key trade routes, should have elicited a
policy response from Washington,” he wrote.
“So far, it has not. Meanwhile, Beijing’s ability to dominate the future naval balance in
its own region – the industrial heartland of
the new global economy – is increasingly
evident.”
Thompson identified the decline of domestic shipbuilding as “just one facet of America’s broader deindustrialization, a process
that has seen the land of Edison and Westinghouse gradually abandon the production of
every industrial product from smartphones to
aluminum since the Cold War ended.”
For example, he said, the nation has only a
single manufacturer of large aircraft.
He also criticized former President Ronald
Reagan’s decision to eliminate shipbuilding
subsidies “without seeking reciprocal action
from other nations. That move was never
revisited, even though the shipbuilding industry lost 40,000 workers during the Reagan years. Time will tell whether the Biden
administration has the sense to revise naval
shipbuilding plans, which at the moment
could spell doom for some of the surviving
U.S. shipyards.”
Moreover, Thompson said the Trump administration’s last industrial-base report to
Congress correctly stated that the largest
contributing factor of declining U.S. competitiveness in global shipbuilding has been
state intervention from competitor countries.
“In other words,” Thompson wrote, “China
and other shipbuilding nations subsidize their
industries, at the expense of America’s shipbuilders. So, what is Washington going to do
about it?”
He concluded by identifying three options: “institute expanded cargo preferences
for U.S.-built and -manned vessels, directly
subsidize U.S. shipbuilders, or persist in our
current dream-like state until the destruction
of U.S. maritime supremacy is complete. I’m
not holding my breath waiting for an effective policy response from Washington.”
and the nation’s economic prosperity and
national security; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That
copies of this resolution be furnished to
each member of the Mississippi congressional delegation.
USA Maritime Coalition Letter
To Congress: Reverse ‘Disastrous
Reductions in Cargo Preference’
A major American maritime coalition has urged Congress to
shore up support for vital cargo preference laws.
USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, sent a letter
to U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) in late July. DeFazio
chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The coalition, which also includes vessel operators, other
unions, and related associations, asked DeFazio to push for inclusion of cargo preference requirements “in any future infrastructure programs enacted into law. For example, the Biden
Administration’s American Jobs Plan represents a significant
investment in infrastructure across the United States. By adding U.S. flag cargo preference shipping requirements, Congress
will ensure that cargoes shipped for the infrastructure programs
authorized and funded through the American Jobs Plan will be
carried by American ships with American crews. As such, the
program would not only rebuild America’s critical infrastructure, but it would also ensure that American taxpayer dollars
benefit working families and their communities by providing
cargo to U.S.-flag vessels and jobs to U.S. citizen mariners.”
Next, USA Maritime asked Congress to consider “reversing
the disastrous reductions in cargo preference that were enacted
during the 112th Congress. Those reductions had a catastrophic
impact on the U.S.-flag internationally sailing fleet. In the years
following the enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in
the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the U.S.-flag international fleet
saw a reduction in size of over 25%. The commensurate loss
of jobs was significant, and the impact on American national
security and readiness has been serious.”
That law also reversed time-tested agreement among various
stakeholders that facilitated reimbursement to the U.S. Maritime Administration for certain costs related to cargo preference. The agreement helped ensure “that the increased U.S.-flag
cargo preference shipping requirements will enhance commercial sealift readiness without negative consequences to international aid programs,” the coalition pointed out.
“By repealing the changes made by MAP- 21, and potentially increasing cargo preference requirements to 100%, Congress can undo the damage caused by MAP-21 while working
to strengthen and expand the U.S.-flag international fleet,” the
letter concluded.
According to the Maritime Administration, “Just as many
other seafaring nations have learned, history has taught us that
cargo preference, the reservation of certain cargoes to U.S.-flag
ships, is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of
domestic and foreign commerce.”
There are multiple cargo preference laws and regulations.
Collectively, they require that all U.S. military cargo and all
cargo generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank is carried
aboard American-flag ships, while at least half of governmentimpelled agricultural cargo and civilian-agencies cargo is transported on those vessels.
September 2021
�NMC Releases Notices
Covering Email Renewal
Exams, REC Appointments
Editor’s note: The National Maritime Center posted both of
the following notices in July. Seafarers are reminded that they
may renew their respective merchant mariner credentials without
any loss of valid time on the current documents (meaning the new
credential becomes valid upon the original expiration date of the
old one). Also, the links mentioned in these notices are available
both on the SIU website and on the NMC site.
Email Renewal Exam Update
The National Maritime Center (NMC) launched a centralized
electronic delivery process (via e-mail) for renewal examinations
in May 2020. Over 1,200 mariners have completed more than
3,000 examination modules using this process, and the feedback
regarding the improved communications and significant reduction in processing time is overwhelmingly positive. The process
allows mariners to request, complete, and submit renewal examinations for grading by e-mail. The NMC discourages requests to
mail hardcopy examinations. These requests introduce significant delays in processing that are beyond our control.
Approval to test (ATT) letters for renewal examinations issued on or after May 1, 2020, include directions on how to obtain
an electronic examination, which are also found on the NMC
Examinations Page website.
E-mail process for renewal examinations:
After receiving an ATT letter, mariner requests their examination by e-mail to NMCRenewalExams@uscg.mil or by contacting the NMC Customer Contact Center. If the examination fee
was not previously paid, mariner must provide a Pay.Gov payment receipt withthe request.
NMC e-mails the mariner an Adobe PDF copy of the examination module(s), a fillable answer sheet for each module, and
directions for completing the process.
Mariner completes the answer sheet for each module and returns via e-mail in accordance with thedirections.
NMC receives the answer sheets, scores them, and notifies
the mariner by e-mail of the results, including required retests or
re-examinations, routinely within 2 business days.
Mariners may be approved for both original and renewal
examinations on one ATT letter. They may only use the e-mail
process for the renewal examination and must schedule original
examinations at a Regional Examination Center (REC). See the
REC webpage for instructions on scheduling original examinations.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding
this process, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC
(427-5662).
Continued on Page 19
September & October
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............ *Tuesday: September 7, Monday: October 4
Algonac...................................Friday: September 10, October 8
Baltimore............................Thursday: September 9, October 7
Guam................................Thursday: September 23, October 21
Honolulu...............................Friday: September 17, October 15
Houston..................Monday: September 13, *Tuesday: October 12
Jacksonville.........................Thursday: September 9, October 7
Joliet....................................Thursday: September 16, October 14
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from July 8 - Aug. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Aug. 9.
Total Registered
Port
All Groups
A
B
Total Shipped
C
C
Trip
Reliefs
1
0
2
2
0
2
0
6
6
1
3
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
28
4
0
1
12
0
7
2
17
27
8
1
2
5
4
1
1
1
6
0
2
101
Jersey City..............................Tuesday: September 7, October 5
Norfolk...................................Friday: September 10, October 8
Oakland..........................Thursday: September 16, October 14
Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: September 8, October 6
Port Everglades......................Thursday: September 16, October 14
San Juan................................Thursday: September 9, October 7
St. Louis...............................Friday: September 17, October 15
Tacoma.............................Friday: September 24, October 22
Wilmington...............................Monday: September 20, October 18
* 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
September 2021
All Groups
B
C
35
2
6
37
8
24
11
67
69
57
2
16
39
25
6
1
14
36
8
57
520
14
5
1
16
0
5
4
35
34
9
0
5
18
9
4
1
6
16
1
18
201
4
1
0
6
0
1
0
9
11
8
0
1
10
4
0
0
1
6
1
5
68
A
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
20
1
4
16
5
14
3
42
43
24
0
10
24
12
3
1
7
15
3
24
271
7
2
1
7
0
2
4
26
17
3
0
4
20
3
1
1
3
4
1
10
116
3
0
2
5
0
1
0
6
10
5
1
1
3
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
41
Deck Department
12
1
0
0
1
0
18
8
2
0
9
3
6
3
31
13
30
19
16
4
0
0
5
2
17
13
9
0
3
0
1
0
5
1
15
6
1
1
11
4
192
78
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
8
1
5
4
0
2
4
10
21
11
2
1
17
8
3
1
1
6
1
10
116
1
0
7
11
0
4
2
11
10
5
1
2
11
5
1
3
1
7
2
7
91
1
0
1
3
0
1
1
1
1
2
0
1
8
2
1
0
0
5
1
4
33
Engine Department
4
1
1
0
2
6
8
6
0
1
4
1
4
1
10
8
16
7
5
3
1
1
0
2
9
10
2
4
1
0
3
2
3
0
5
0
2
0
6
4
86
57
1
0
0
2
0
2
1
2
0
1
1
0
5
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
19
4
1
3
7
0
1
3
6
8
1
2
0
11
2
0
0
0
4
0
6
59
7
2
6
8
1
6
6
28
30
16
6
4
20
14
3
1
6
22
2
21
209
1
1
1
13
0
5
4
20
15
3
0
2
19
8
2
3
4
12
5
16
134
1
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
4
3
0
2
6
2
1
0
1
4
1
3
32
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
5
0
3
9
0
5
7
9
14
8
1
1
13
15
2
3
2
14
4
24
139
4
1
1
7
1
2
3
11
14
3
1
8
11
8
0
2
6
3
0
15
101
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
8
Steward Department
0
2
0
0
2
0
4
3
0
1
2
0
2
1
10
5
12
11
5
1
2
0
1
2
8
6
15
2
0
0
3
2
3
1
7
1
0
0
13
5
89
43
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
2
0
1
2
0
2
0
6
14
3
0
1
4
10
0
2
1
1
0
12
61
10
1
1
17
3
8
12
25
35
16
1
4
33
17
2
4
2
19
6
34
250
5
1
1
12
2
3
3
13
16
3
1
7
19
10
0
1
5
7
0
19
128
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
12
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
0
2
15
8
4
0
3
1
2
3
10
25
13
1
0
16
13
0
2
2
13
0
18
134
6
1
1
4
0
0
3
14
55
9
3
2
24
4
0
11
3
8
0
1
149
Entry Department
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
4
1
7
1
13
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
4
0
0
2
7
10
70
1
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
33
6
1
0
11
3
0
16
0
4
0
3
86
3
0
0
1
0
1
1
4
14
3
0
0
4
4
0
4
1
7
0
1
48
2
1
0
0
0
2
0
4
4
4
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
7
0
4
30
15
5
0
6
3
5
5
15
39
20
1
0
25
26
0
2
3
26
0
31
227
14
3
2
5
0
2
3
16
85
11
0
2
29
10
3
13
3
11
1
8
221
GRAND TOTAL:
541
442
231
137
269
1,009
690
333
Mobile...............................Wednesday: September 15, October 13
New Orleans.....................Tuesday: September 14, October 12
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
377
248
Seafarers LOG 9
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
SIU VP MEETS WITH PANAMA’S PRESIDENT – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) is pictured in
mid-July with Laurentino Cortizo, the president of Panama. Corgey is a longtime member of the Port
of Houston Authority; in that capacity, he and other port commissioners met with Cortizo to discuss
general shipping issues, Panama Canal-area crew changes, and vaccinations.
TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) at a political
gathering July 13 in New Orleans. Carter has been a champion for working
families and has committed to working with the maritime industry to maintain
and strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine.
NEW CONTRACT SECURED – As reported in last month’s
edition, Seafarers have ratified a new three-year contract
with Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning covering more
than 250 members. The pact includes wage increases
and other gains, and also maintains benefits. Seafarers covered by the contract include (large group photo,
aboard the ATB Commitment on the West Coast) Capt.
George Fleischfresser, CM Michael Walker, 2M Raymond
Oglesby, 3M Eugene Narubin, AB Angelo Golden, AB Kyle
Baker, Chief Cook David Norris, CE Piotr Kwiatkowski and
DDE Charles Regan. (SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is
third from right.) Also covered by the contract is 2M Mark
Gaskill, left in photo below, with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala in Baytown, Texas.
HOLIDAY FEAST ABOARD CALIFORNIA – The Fourth of July menu aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning tanker truly appears mouthwatering. Pictured from
left in the group photo above are Chief Cook Keith Hall, SA Edwin Balcruz and Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi.
10 Seafarers LOG
September 2021
�ABOARD USNS FISHER – The U.S. Marine Management vessel has activated in support of a military
exercise. Here are a few snapshots, courtesy of Capt. Jennifer L. Senner (an SIU hawsepiper). The Galley gang (photo at left) includes Chief Steward Kevin Hubble Jr., Chief Cook Randy Sudario, ACU William
Flores-Gueits, SA Kierra Bradley and SA Florentino Espiritu. OS Ibrahim Ghalib (center photo) is pictured
in a rigid-hull inflatable boat while AB Jeremy Cooke and Bosun Algernon Reed (photo at right) take a
break from their duties to pose for a photo on deck.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
FULL BOOK IN JAX – AB Anthony Brown (left) is sworn in as a full book
member (B seniority) during the July membership meeting in Jacksonville,
Florida. SIU Port Agent Ashely Nelson is standing at right.
DROPPING IN AT THE HALL – Recertified Steward
Clifton Medley (right) and his family stop by the hiring
hall in Oakland, California, in late July.
READ ALL ABOUT IT – AB Luis Ramos stops
by the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to grab
copies of the Seafarers LOG for fellow mariners aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE).
WITH SEAFARERS IN THE
GULF – SIU Port
Agent Joe Zavala
(left) and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday
(second from right)
meet with crews
from the USNS
Pollux and USNS
Regulus aboard
the Pollux in Vidor,
Texas. Both ships
are operated by
TOTE Services.
FULL BOOKS IN OAKLAND – SAs (from left) Mohsin Saeed and Munasser
Sallan receive their full union books. They’re pictured at the hiring hall; SIU
Port Agent Nick Marrone II is at right.
FULL
BOOK
IN HOUSTON
– Chief Cook
Neyda OviedoBermudez (left
in photo at left)
receives her full
B-book at the
hiring hall. She’s
pictured with SIU
Patrolman Kelly
Krick.
WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Bosun Michael Carvalho (left) recently
called it a career after more than two decades with the SIU. He’s pictured at
the hall with SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. Carvalho spent most of his career
aboard the Grand Canyon State, though he also briefly sailed in the inland
division after signing up with the SIU in 2000.
September 2021
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent class of recertified stewards to graduate
from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland..
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
Mario Firme Jr.
Recertified Steward
My two brothers are SIU
members. I joined after high
school, in Hawaii. My life is
here; I raised my family because of this job. I’m happy to
be an SIU member and I enjoy
travelling all over the world.
Albert Sison
Recertified Steward
I came to the SIU through the
merger with the SIU and NMU.
I remained in the organization
because of the opportunities they
offer. I have been blessed ever
since I’ve been given the opportunity.
Dante Cruz
Recertified Steward
Before I became an SIU
member, I was sailing foreign
flag. There is no comparison.
The SIU changed my way of
life and gave me a better life,
financially and physically. I’ve
been a member of the SIU for
almost 30 years and I’m still
going strong.
Edwin Bonefont
Recertified Steward
I joined the SIU because it is a
family tradition, and I remained
with the union because it has done
a lot for me and my family during
all these years.
Kenneth Greenidge
Recertified Steward
My father was NMU. He
died when I was 12 or 13, but
I saw his success and was intrigued. Joining the SIU was a
blessing. It saved my life, and
I’m so grateful. I’ve been able
to help other people get in, too.
Marlon Battad
Recertified Steward
I joined the SIU because I
wanted a job that can provide me
and my family with the finances
we need to support us. After a few
years in the industry, I realized it
wasn’t just providing financially
but also offering a career that I
want to do for the rest of my life.
Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera
Recertified Steward
I joined the SIU because I
needed change in my life for
the better. I remain in the union
because I see many benefits,
including education, a pension,
vacation checks and, most important, jobs. I feel so proud to
be part of this union.
Francisco Madsen
Recertified Steward
When I started, I said to myself,
I can do this job for maybe one
or two years. Well, here I am, all
these years later. The SIU changed
my life. It has been a blessing for
me and my family, and it has allowed me to see the world.
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
Pic From
The Past
The SIU-crewed Cities Service Norfolk
docks in Linden,
New Jersey, in the
summer of 1973.
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
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
September 2021
�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
CYNTHIA ADAMSON
Sister Cynthia Adamson, 67, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1993, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
She upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and shipped in
the steward department. Sister
Adamson’s final
vessel was the Coast Range. She is a
resident of Warrenton, Oregon.
JOHN AGUGLIARO
Brother John Agugliaro, 62, began
sailing with the SIU in 1979. A steward department
member, he first
shipped on the
Seattle. Brother
Agugliaro upgraded his skills
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions. He
last sailed on the
Courier and lives
in Melbourne, Florida.
MICHAEL ALATAN
Brother Michael
Alatan, 71, embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 1989,
initially sailing on
the Independence.
He was a steward department
member and last
shipped aboard
the SBX in 2015.
Brother Alatan resides in Honolulu.
shipping aboard
the USNS H.H.
Hess. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Brother
Davis last sailed
on the Maersk
Iowa and resides in Chesapeake,
Virginia.
CHRISTOPHER D’ANDREA
Brother Christopher D’Andrea, 72,
started his career with the Seafarers in 2003 and
first shipped
aboard the
Grand Canyon
State. He sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
D’Andrea’s final vessel was the
Maersk Kentucky. He lives in New
Smyrna Beach, Florida.
WAYNE GREEN
Brother Wayne Green, 65, signed
on with the SIU
in 1990. He
initially sailed
aboard the Sealift
Antarctic and was
a deck department member.
Brother Green
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions. He most recently
shipped on the Pacific Collector
and is a resident of Rosburg, Washington.
MOHAMED JEBOKJI
EDYSON CHANIAGO
Brother Edyson Chaniago, 65,
embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1991,
initially sailing on
the Independence.
He was a member
of the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Chaniago
last shipped on the Palmetto State
and makes his home in Houston.
ANGEL CORCHADO
Brother Angel Corchado, 63, joined
the union in 1991 when he sailed
on the USNS
Kane. He sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Corchado most
recently shipped
aboard the Maersk
Chicago, and settled in Puerto Rico.
JONATHAN DAVIS
Brother Jonathan Davis, 69, signed
on with the SIU in 1990, initially
September 2021
Brother Mohamed Jebokji,
65, joined the
SIU in 2003
when he sailed on
the Cleveland. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hal Center
on multiple occasions. Brother Jebokji last shipped on the Overseas
New York and makes his home in
Groves, Texas.
DOUGLAS MCLAUGHLIN
Brother Douglas
McLaughlin,
70, signed on
with the union
in 2009, initially
shipping on the
John Boland. He
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother McLaughlin
last shipped aboard the Cape Mohican. He lives in South Lake Tahoe,
California.
she upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Sister McCluskey’s first vessel
was the Maunawili; her last,
the Navigator.
She is a resident
of Honolulu.
CHARLENE MEDEIROS
Sister Charlene Medeiros, 71, joined
the Seafarers International Union in
1995. She was a
steward department member and
first shipped on
the Independence.
Sister Medeiros
continued to sail
on the same vessel for the duration of her career.
She calls Hemet,
California, home.
ROMEL REYES
Brother Romel Reyes, 65, joined the
union in 1999 and first sailed aboard
the McDonnell.
He was a member of the engine
department and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Reyes last
shipped on the
American Phoenix. He lives in Palm
Beach, Florida.
BENJAMIN SANDOVAL
Brother Benjamin Sandoval, 68,
began his career
with the SIU in
1990 when he
sailed aboard the
Independence.
A deck department member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple
occasions. Brother
Sandoval most recently shipped aboard the Overseas
Boston. He resides in Schertz, Texas.
CASSIE TOURERE
Sister Cassie Tourere, 70, embarked
on her career with
the SIU in 1989.
She first sailed on
the USNS Lynch
and shipped in
the steward department. Sister
Tourere upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1991.
She concluded
her career on the
Paul Buck and lives in Port Allen,
Louisiana.
GREAT LAKES
LYNN MCCLUSKEY
GARY JOHNSTON
Sister Lynn McCluskey, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1980. A member of the steward department,
Brother Gary Johnston, 65, joined
the Seafarers in 1977. He initially
shipped on the A Guthrie and sailed
in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Johnston upgraded
on numerous occasions at the Piney
Point school. He last shipped on the
John Boland and resides in Duluth,
Minnesota.
KELLY NEUROHR
Brother Kelly Neurohr, 62, signed
on with the union in 1995 when
he sailed with
Upper Lakes
Barge Lines. He
shipped in both
the deck and engine departments.
Brother Neurohr
was most recently
employed by
Vanenkevort Tug
and Barge. He
calls Cornell, Michigan, home.
ALBERT RATLIFF
Brother Albert Ratliff, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1977. He primarily
sailed in the engine department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
1981. Brother Ratliff’s first vessel
was the Columbia; his last, the Sam
Laud. He lives in Taylor, Michigan.
INLAND
MIRCEA JIGAROV
Brother Mircea Jigarov, 63, joined
the Seafarers in 1990. He was first
employed by
McAllister Towing of Philadelphia and worked
in the deck department. Brother
Jigarov upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions. He
last worked for
Moran Towing of
Philadelphia and resides in Dover,
Delaware.
HAYWARD LOWERY
Brother Hayward Lowery, 69,
signed on with the union in 1975.
He sailed in the deck department and
worked for Dravo Basic Materials
for his entire career. Brother Lowery
makes his home in Honoraville,
Alabama.
JAMES NIGRO
Brother James Nigro, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976. He
was employed by G&H Towing for
the duration of his career and was a
member of the engine department.
Brother Nigro resides in Friendswood, Texas.
RANDALL BRINZA
HERBERT O’NEAL
Brother Randall Brinza, 64, began
sailing with the union in 1998
when he shipped
with OSG Ship
Management. He
worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school.
Brother Brinza’s
final vessel was
the Courage. He is a resident of
Pensacola, Florida.
Brother Herbert O’Neal, 67, began
sailing with the
union in 2007.
A deck department member, he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
in 2014. Brother
O’Neal was employed by Express
Marine for the
duration of his
career. He calls
Bayboro, North Carolina, home.
MICHAEL GETCHELL
STEVEN SEARS
Brother Michael Getchell, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in
1978. A deck department member,
he was employed
by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of
his career. Brother
Getchell upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1998.
He makes his
home in Jacksonville, Florida.
Brother Steven Sears, 62, joined the
SIU in 1979, initially working for
Dixie Carriers.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions and
was a member of
the deck department. Brother
Sears most recently sailed with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He settled in
Seabrook, New Hampshire.
HECTOR GUZMAN
JOSEPH WALKER
Brother Hector Guzman, 55, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1993 when he
sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico
Services. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Guzman
was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in
Puerto Rico.
Brother Joseph Walker, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 2002, initially sailing aboard the
Coastal Reliance.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Walker’s
last vessel was the
Pride. He makes
his home in Old Orchard Beach,
Maine.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
RICKIE BURGESS
Pensioner Rickie Burgess, 67,
passed away June
16. He began sailing with the union
in 1970 when
he worked for
Michigan Tankers. A deck department member,
Brother Burgess
last sailed aboard
the Cape Island in
2009. He retired later that year and
settled in Tacoma, Washington.
ELIZABETH COSS
Pensioner Elizabeth Coss, 90, died
June 4. She became a member of
the SIU in 1996,
initially sailing
aboard the McDonnell. Sister
Coss was a steward department
member. She last
shipped on the
USNS Bowditch
before retiring in
2002. Sister Coss
made her home in New Lenox, Illinois.
JAMES DAVID
Pensioner James David, 82, died
March 8. He signed on with the
union in 1963
and primarily
sailed in the
deck department.
Brother David
first shipped on
the La Salle. He
concluded his career on the Long
Island and went
on pension in
2006. Brother David was a resident
of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
RAFAEL DURAN
Pensioner Rafael Duran, 90, passed
away July 10. He began his career
with the SIU in 1960. Brother Duran’s first vessel was the Seatrain
Savanna. He sailed in the engine
department and last shipped on the
Courier. Brother Duran became a
pensioner in 2013 and resided in
Kenner, Louisiana.
OLIFIDIO ESQUIVEL
Pensioner Olifidio Esquivel, 93,
died July 9. He
started shipping
with the SIU in
1948 and first
sailed on the Steel
Fabricator. A
steward department member,
Brother Esquivel
concluded his
career working
with OMI. He retired in 1989 and lived in Wharton,
Texas.
CARROL HEICK
Pensioner Carrol Heick, 70, passed
away June 18. He joined the Seafarers in 1969 and sailed in the deck
14 Seafarers LOG
department.
Brother Heick’s
first vessel was
the Western Clipper; his last, the
Explorer. He became a pensioner
in 2015 and called
San Pedro, California, home.
THOMAS HERBERT
Pensioner Thomas Herbert, 69, died
July 7. He joined
the SIU in 1973
when he sailed
aboard the Van
Defender. Brother
Herbert sailed
in the engine
department. He
last shipped on
the Quality and
retired in 2017.
Brother Herbert lived in Melbourne,
Florida.
SHAWN IVERSEN
Sister Shawn Iversen, 62, passed
away July 21. She
signed on with
the Seafarers in
2010, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Loyal.
Sister Iversen was
a deck department member.
She most recently
shipped on the
Magnolia State in
2018 and made her home in Clinton,
New York.
HENRY OCULAM
Brother Henry Oculam, 60, died
May 25. Born in the Philippines,
he began his career with the SIU in
2008. Sailing in the deck department, he first shipped on the Presque Isle. Brother Oculam’s final
vessel was the Overseas Texas City.
He resided in Pearland, Texas.
SIMA PADILLA
Pensioner Sima Padilla, 93, passed
away July 1. He donned the SIU
colors in 1967 when he sailed on the
Sacramento. Brother Padilla worked
in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Shining
Star. He retired in 1994 and lived in
Puerto Rico.
TED THOMPSON
Brother Ted Thompson, 50, died
May 10. He started his career with
the SIU in 2018 when he sailed
aboard the National Glory. Brother
Thompson worked in both the deck
and steward departments. He last
shipped with Crowley Towing and
Transportation and resided in Lake
Charles, Louisiana.
WILLIE TOOMER
Pensioner Willie Toomer, 83, passed
away May 26.
He joined the
union in 1995
and first sailed on
the Cape Breton.
Brother Toomer
was a steward department member
and last worked
aboard the Lightning in 2008. He
went on pension the following year
and resided in Sun City, California.
RAFAEL TORO
Pensioner Rafael Toro, 79, has
passed away. He
began shipping
with the SIU in
1962 when he
sailed aboard the
Anton Brunn.
Brother Toro was
a steward department member. He
retired in 1992
after concluding his career on the Long Lines.
Brother Toro was a Miami resident.
ANTONINO UDAN
Pensioner Antonino Udan, 79, died
May 8. He donned the SIU colors in
1983 and initially
sailed aboard
the Constitution.
Brother Udan
sailed in the deck
department and
concluded his
career aboard the
Pacific. He went
on pension in
2006 and was a
resident of Waipahu, Hawaii.
STEPHEN VALENCIA
Pensioner Santos Pastoriza, 78, died
November 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1964, initially shipping on
the Commander. Brother Pastoriza
sailed in the engine department and
last shipped on the Santa Clara. He
became a pensioner in 2008 and
settled in Staten Island, New York.
Brother Stephen
Valencia, 67, has
passed away. A
steward department member, he
joined the SIU
in 1978 when he
sailed aboard the
Santa Magdelena.
Brother Valencia’s last ship was
the Lurline. He made his home in
Honolulu.
ROBERT PIMENTEL
RICHARD WILLIAMS
SANTOS PASTORIZA
Pensioner Robert Pimentel, 73,
passed away May 31. After signing on with the union in 1966, he
first sailed on the Jefferson City.
Brother Pimentel was a steward department member and last worked
aboard the Manulani. He went on
pension in 2012 and resided in San
Francisco.
Pensioner Richard Williams,
95, died July 9.
He embarked on
his career with
the Seafarers in
1951 when he
shipped with SC
Loveland. Brother
Williams was a
member of the steward department.
He last shipped on the President
Polk before retiring in 1990. Brother
Williams lived in Saint Albans, New
York.
GREAT LAKES
JAMES REILLY
Pensioner James Reilly, 73, passed
away July 12. He signed on with
the union in
1970 and sailed
in the engine
department.
Brother Reilly
first shipped
with Inland
Lakes Management. He last
sailed aboard the
American Mariner and went on pension in 2006.
Brother Reilly was a resident of
Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
JOEL ANSOTIGUE
Pensioner Joel
Ansotigue, 78,
died June 29. He
signed on with
the SIU in 1978.
A deck department member, he
was employed by
Mariner Towing
for his entire career. Brother Ansotigue retired in 2009 and resided
in Tampa, Florida.
BURTON BAXTER
Pensioner Burton Baxter, 82, passed
away June 30.
He joined the
Seafarers in
1965 when he
worked for Higman Barge Lines.
Brother Baxter
sailed in the deck
department and
remained with the
same company
for the majority of his career. He
retired in 2002 and called Kountze,
Texas, home.
CHARLES DOUGHERTY
Pensioner
Charles Dougherty 95, died
June 11. He
signed on with
the SIU in 1956.
A deck department member,
Brother Dougherty worked for
McAllister Towing of Baltimore
for most of his career. He became a
pensioner in 1984 and lived in Glen
Burnie, Maryland.
ment member,
Brother Medina
last worked for
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He went on
pension in 2017
and lived in Ruston, Louisiana.
RICHARD ROSSER
Pensioner Richard Rosser, 67,
died June 13. He joined the union
in 1974 when
he sailed with
Crescent Towing and Salvage.
Brother Rosser
was a member of
the deck department and worked
for the same
company for the
majority of his
career. He retired in 2007 and settled
in Belle Chase, Louisiana.
FRANK SMITHWICK
Pensioner Frank Smithwick, 89,
passed away July
6. He signed on
with the SIU in
1975. Brother
Smithwick sailed
in the deck department and
was employed by
Interstate Oil for
the duration of his
career. He became
a pensioner in 2003 and was a resident of Floral City, Florida.
NMU
BASIL WALDRON
Pensioner Basil Waldron, 86, passed
away June 16. He
sailed with the
NMU prior to the
2001 NMU/SIU
merger. Brother
Waldron sailed in
the steward department. He last
shipped aboard
the Maersk Kentucky and retired
in 2010. Brother Waldron was a
resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
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
Rahman, Sadick
Shavers, Willie
Spates, Paul
Verdejo, Carmelo
100
93
85
99
DOD
06/30/2021
06/22/2021
06/25/2021
06/06/2021
STEVEN MEDINA
Pensioner Steven Medina 64,
passed away May 17. He began
his career with the union in 1991,
initially sailing aboard the USNS
Adventurous. A deck depart-
September 2021
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
HOUSTON (USS Transport),
March 28 – Chairman Carlos
Arauz, Secretary Alexander
Cordero, Educational Director
Jorge Lawrence, Deck Delegate
Eugene Edwards, Engine Delegate Olympia Harley, Steward
Delegate Vidal Vallesteros.
Chairman reminded crew to
stay on top of documents and
to keep house clean. Secretary
and educational director encouraged members to upgrade at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew reviewed contract
and gave thanks to the steward
department for a job well done.
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.
deck and steward departments
for a job well done. Ship sailing smoothly as reported by
secretary. Fresh food provisions
will be delivered upon arrival or
shortly after. Educational director advised members to upgrade
at the Piney Point school and
to keep documents current. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested an increase in
vacation days. Members asked
for company’s response for
restrictions to ship and mobile
COVID-19 vaccinations.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), April 19 – Chairman
Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary
Emie Aguinaldo, Educational
Director Angel Hernandez,
Engine Delegate Marquez
Fields. Issue with Wi-Fi still
ongoing. Educational director
urged members to attend upgrading courses at the Paul Hall
Center and to donate to Seafarers Political Activities Donation
(SPAD), the union’s voluntary
political action fund. Engine
delegate reiterated the importance of drinking lots of water
for proper hydration. No beefs
or disputed OT reported.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), May 27 – Chairman
James Joyce, Secretary Emie
Aguinaldo, Educational Director Joel Bell, Engine Delegate
Christopher Sykes, Steward
Delegate Michele Woodley.
Chairman thanked crew for
a safe voyage. Educational
director recommended members upgrade at the Paull Hall
Center for Maritime Training
and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
requested a big-screen TV and
DVD player for crew lounge
and asked for new refrigerators.
Crew mentioned the difficulty
of receiving packages during
ship restrictions.
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), April 25
– Chairman Raymond Nowak,
Secretary Johnnie McGill, Educational Director Timothy Hetz,
Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Brandon
Hickman, Steward Delegate
Luis Mejia. Oven installed but
still lacking a commercial heavyduty griddle. Chairman thanked
AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), May
30 – Chairman Charles Hill,
Secretary Johnnie McGill,
Educational Director Kenneth Cabrera, Deck Delegate
Edward Gavagan, Engine
Delegate Brandon Hickman.
Chairman reminded members
that all beefs should be handled
within the union and stressed
the importance of membership
meeting attendance. Smoothsailing ship per secretary. Crew
change scheduled for June 10.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at the Piney
Point school and discussed SIU/
Seabulk contract. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Overtime
not currently paid to steward
department for handling of food
waste. Food waste garbage is
traditionally designated for deck
department overtime. Crew requested increases in pay and vacation time. Members asked for
overtime for laundry and union
meetings. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida.
Secretary Alba Ayala, Educational Director Guiomar
Rancel. New fans distributed
throughout staterooms. Chairman thanked crew for working
safely. He praised the steward
department for good service,
despite a low budget. Chairman
commended members for keeping the ship in great shape. Educational director reminded crew
of the long-term benefits that
come with upgrading at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members requested
better Wi-Fi coverage, an increase in vacation benefits, an
increase in health benefits, and a
cost-of-living pay increase.
MAERSK MICHIGAN (Maersk
Line, Limited), June 5 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto, Secretary
Gerard Cox, Educational Director Walden Galacgac, Deck
Delegate Fernando Haber, Engine Delegate Fontanos Ellison,
Steward Delegate Hyeyoung
Forrer. Chairman thanked all
members aboard ship. He discussed document renewals and
encouraged everyone to upgrade
as soon as possible. Secretary
praised GVA for doing an outstanding job. Educational director advised members to check
online for upgrading courses at
the Paul Hall Center. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed room inspections and
requested new linen, new vacuums and raises in pay. Members
asked that Wi-Fi be accessible
for longer than four hours per
day per person.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning),
June 20 – Chairman Felsher
Beasley, Secretary Detrell Lambey, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Steward Delegate
Ramon Sarmiento. Chairman
discussed new jobs and urged
crew to stay hydrated while
working in warm weather. Educational director recommended
members upgrade at the Piney
Point school and keep up with
documents. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested
same internet access that is currently offered to officers. Next
port: Port Arthur, Texas.
MAERSK COLUMBUS
(Maersk Line, Limited), June
13 – Chairman Basil D’Souza,
JEAN ANNE (PASHA), June
20 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair.
Educational director reminded
crew to upgrade their skills at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located
in Piney Point, Maryland. Members requested pension increases,
emergency access to Seafarers
Money Purchase Pension Plan,
fewer physicals and a decrease
of sea time required for retirement. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for all the
great meals.
GLOBAL SENTINEL (Subcom,
LLC), June 27 – Chairman Lee
Hardman, Secretary Joshua
Hinton, Educational Director
Nicolae Marinescu, Deck Delegate Sanyboy Whiting, Engine
Delegate Christopher Brown,
Steward Delegate Albert Hermoso. Members who were
restricted to ships last summer
were reminded to keep up with
redlined overtime sheets and
turn them into the hall. Chairman stressed the importance for
each sailor to maintain their ship
restriction documentation as
the appeal process with MSC is
ongoing. Crew was urged to stay
on top of their documents and
to never join a vessel without
shipping documents in hand. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Chairman encouraged everyone
to read the Seafarers LOG in
order to be familiar with pertinent SIU information. Members
requested new books for library.
Next port: Honolulu.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), July 5 – Chairman
Kenneth Greenidge. Chairman
thanked crew for a good trip.
Educational director advised
members to attend upgrading
courses at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
requested new shower curtains,
new mattresses and linen, a
smoker and a bigger food budget.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
September 2021
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
September 13
October 1
MSC Supply Configuration Management
October 4
October 15
MSC Ship Clip
October 18
October 29
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
September 27
November 15
October 15
December 3
Lifeboat/Water Survival
September 27
October 25
November 22
October 8
November 5
December 3
RFPNW
November 15
December 3
Celestial Navigation
November 15
December 10
Leadership and Management Skills
December 13
December 17
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Basic Training Revalidation
October 22
November 15
December 3
December 10
October 22
November 15
December 3
December 10
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25
October 29
Government Vessels
September 20
October 4
October 25
November 1
November 15
December 13
September 24
October 8
October 29
November 5
November 19
December 17
Tank Ship DL
September 20
September 24
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
October 18
October 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
September 27
December 13
October 1
December 17
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
FOWT
September 20
October 25
October 15
November 19
Welding
October 25
November 12
Engineroom Resource Management
December 6
December 10
RFPEW
November 15
December 10
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
September 27
November 1
October 29
December 3
Advanced Galley Operations
September 27
November 15
October 22
December 10
Chief Steward
October 18
November 12
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Medical Care Provider
September 13
September 17
Basic Training Revalidation
October 1
October 1
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes
No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
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.
9/21
September 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #871 – Graduated July 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Elijah Ha-Saun Crawford, Kain Hingle, Seth James, Kyle Pettis, Dochua Jomar PolancoNieves, Kaleb Politte, Jesse Schecher and Alec Stensaa.
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated July 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik Arnold, Charles Broadnax
II, Richard Diaz Jr., Joseph Golden II, Neil Johnston, Peter Pataki, Charles Patchin, Tyler Vitulli and Sarah Wilson. Upon
the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck department of SIU crewed vessels. Class instructor Tom
Truitt is at the far left.
Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated July 23
(above, from left): Quinn Jon Duarte and Carlos Ruben
Gomez Hernandez.
Medical Care Provider – Graduated July 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Mark Canada, Derek Chestnut, Randall Craig, Scott Fuller, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham,
Michael Hodges, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus, Dmitri Petchenyov and Kevin Tyson.
September 2021
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
GMDSS – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa and Joseph Nathanael
Nicodemus. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger, is at the far right.
Government Vessels – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Harlan
Alonzo, Lonnell Bell, Jacob Breschi, Luke Branko Coffelt, Richard Cole, Christopher Hunnings,
Shabrielle Knight, Betty Myers, Jayne Peterson, Hayden Sattler, Jeremy Smoot, Caroline Thomas
and George Ekow Turkson.
Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order):
Cale Irons, Trevor Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Michael Lane, Mark Nover Miranda Lata,
Mackenzie Latta, Tommy McGahe, Juan Narvaez, Marcelino Jose Santos Bermeo and
Brandon Tanton. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left.
FOWT – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Nicholas Banks,
Thomas Batemen, Darnel Edly Bruno, D’mitri Hill and Tyler Maddox. John Wiegmann III, their instructor, is at the far left.
Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated July 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Rudy Villacarlos Cesar, Sterling Cox, Hector Jose Ginel, Andrew Gronotte,
Jing Hui Huang, Jean Paul Merino Lozada, Nicholas Panagakos, Carlos Alberto Parrilla,
Rodney Passapera-Barbosa, Marvin Sacaza and Kareem Walters. Instructors Mike Fay
and Christopher Morgan are pictured fourth from the left and at the far right, respectively.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting)
– Graduated July 11 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Upgraders Bradley
Albert, Arlando Espin, Steven Hoskins,
Andrea President, Joel Williams and Josephus Willis.
18 Seafarers LOG
September 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated June 11
(above, in alphabetical order): Roy Graham, James Sieger and David Watkins.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated July 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Adams, Anthony Diamond II, Andrea
Sharpe, Jeremy Smoot, Souleymane Tamla and Michael Wittenberg.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Salahi Saleh Abdullah Al Salahi, Shamir Jameil Ford, Alexus Guillory, Ashley Hudson, Yohanes Grant
Pribadi, Abdul Ali Qwfan, Tyson Mariano Ramirez, Yacoub Lamar Shack, Stevon Anthony Taylor and Derek Wilson.
National Maritime Center
Posts Notices Addressing
Exams, Appointments
Continued from Page 9
Restoration of REC Counter Service Appointments
The National Maritime Center (NMC) will resume
counter service appointments for the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) listed below, beginning Monday,
July 19, 2021. Limited examination services will continue. Mariners seeking to schedule counter service or
examination appointments may do so by contacting the
appropriate e-mail address or phone number below:
REC Anchorage – recanc@uscg.mil
REC Baltimore – recbaltimore@uscg.mil
REC Boston – recboston@uscg.mil
REC Charleston – reccha@uscg.mil
REC Honolulu – rechonolulu@uscg.mil
REC Houston – rechouston@uscg.mil
REC Juneau – recjun@uscg.mil
REC Long Beach – reclb@uscg.mil
REC Memphis – recmemphis@uscg.mil
September 2021
REC Miami – recmia@uscg.mil or (305) 536-4331
REC New Orleans – recnola@uscg.mil
REC Oakland – recoakland@uscg.mil
REC Portland – recportland@uscg.mil
REC Seattle – recseattle@uscg.mil
REC St. Louis – recstl@uscg.mil
REC Toledo – rectol@uscg.mil
MU Ketchikan – (907) 225-4496 (extension #3)
MU San Juan – (787) 729-2368
*REC New York – has been temporarily closed and all
service suspended while the REC is relocated to a new location.
Counter and exam services will be by appointment
only. No walk-in appointments are available. Late arrivals
for appointments will not be permitted, and will require
rescheduling to another appointment date.
Only the mariner conducting business may enter the
REC. Additional members in your party must remain outside the REC during the appointment.
Mariners will be subject to COVID-19 screening questions and temperature checks.
Mariners experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
(fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches,
headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat,
congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea), will not be permitted to enter the REC/MU
and will need to reschedule their appointment.
Mariners are required to wear a face covering at all
times. Those who refuse to wear a face covering, or who
remove face coverings during exams or counter appointments, will be dismissed and could be subject to examination module failure. Persons with documented health
issues that prevent them from wearing face coverings
must notify the REC/MU when scheduling an appointment.
All fees must be satisfied prior to arriving at the REC
for your counter service or examination appointment.
gov is the preferred method of payment. A receipt or
other proof of payment will be required in order to take
an examination and should be e-mailed to the REC prior
to your arrival.
For an examination appointment, mariners should bring
a Pay.gov receipt, their own #2 pencils, photo ID, a nonprogrammable calculator, and plotting equipment. No other
personal belongings are allowed in the facility.
Please review the REC FAQs, located on the REC page
of the NMC website, for additional information regarding available services and entry requirements during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Should you have any questions or concerns, contact the
NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@
uscg.mil, by using the NMC online chat system, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Seafarers LOG 19
�SEPTEMBER 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 9
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
QE3 Raibonne Charles was a standout defensive lineman during his college days at the
University of Maine (photo at far left). He parlayed those skills into a three-year Arena Football League career with the Richmond (Virginia) Raiders where he starred as a linebacker
and defensive lineman (photo at center). He is pictured above with his wife, their six-monthold son and two-year-old daughter.
Former Gridiron Standout Grateful
For Opportunities Found with SIU
P
aying attention to detail and following directions to the
letter more often than not proves to be a winning formula.
Perhaps no one knows this better than QE3 Raibonne
Charles, who some five and one-half years ago was provided a
set of instructions which, if followed, could change his life while
cementing his future with a rewarding career.
Charles in January 2016 was a member of Paul Hall Center
(PHC) Apprentice Class 809, when then Director of Manpower
and current PHC Asst. Vice President Bart Rogers uttered several phrases that would profoundly impact him and his classmates. Rogers during an orientation briefing advised Charles
and his classmates “to use the school’s unlicensed apprentice
program to its fullest potential; to upgrade often, and to leave the
maritime industry as a chief/captain, or at the very least in a better place than it was when they walked through the door.”
Charles not only took Rogers’ words seriously, he put them
into action. Shortly after completing his requirements for graduation from the apprentice program in late 2016 and going on his
first voyage as a credentialed mariner, he returned to the PHC
to begin upgrading his skills. This would become a recurring
action on his part as he returned to the school time and again as
often as he could to continue the enhancement of his abilities.
After completing literally every course available to him in
his specialty at the PHC, Charles in 2019 applied for and was
selected to receive a scholarship for active Seafarers through
the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). According to
his scholarship package, he planned to use the grant to pursue
courses which would help pave his way toward obtaining his
third assistant engineer’s license. He applied for admission to
the Maritime Professional Training school in Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida and the Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy in Norfolk,
Virginia.
A 2007 graduate of Windham High School in Windham,
Maine, Charles was a well-rounded student who served as president of his class and held membership on Windham’s student
council. In the athletic arena, he demonstrated versatility by participating in football, basketball and track and field. Charles was
a church youth leader and volunteered numerous hours working
in an area soup kitchen. He also assisted residents of a Maine
veterans’ home where he was involved in impact mentoring.
Following high school, Charles accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Maine. He earned his degree in forestry
while again making his mark on the gridiron as a standout defensive lineman. His accomplishments on the field did not go unnoticed, and not long after graduation, he was offered a contract
to play professional football in the Arena Football League. He
played three seasons as a linebacker with the Richmond (Virginia) Raiders.
“In April 2015, I walked away from the game of football
forever,” he said in his SHBP scholarship application package.
“I knew I needed a career that provided stability and would give
me the ability to provide.”
At that juncture, Charles began revisiting interests from
childhood. “As a young boy, the maritime industry was my first
interest,” he said. “I have many fond memories of sitting on my
veranda in Grenada and standing in the Portland harbor watching ships come in and out. Often, I was left wondering where did
these ships come from and where will they go….”
Charles said his interest in shipping probably was the result
of his childhood environment. “Both of my childhood homes
were heavily reliant on the maritime industry,” he shared in his
application package. “The most influential person in my life was
a seafarer…. The first seafarer I knew was my father.”
It should be no surprise then, that Charles chose maritime
as his career going forward following his days in the Arena
Football League. “After really thinking about it and putting everything into perspective, I realized that this (maritime industry)
is what I wanted to do,” he said. “So initially I talked to some
people, did some research and tried to figure out what I needed
QE3 Raibonne Charles (photo at lower left)) takes a break
from his normal duties in the engine room of the American
Liberty to grab some fresh air on the vessel’s deck. In the
photo, Charles is busy fabricating a tool rack aboard the
Pennsylvania. Both vessels are operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning.
to do to get the proper documentation to become a seaman. Once
I figured that out, I did what most people do when they are looking for a job: fill out resumes and send out applications.
“I sent resumes and applications out to any and every shipping company in the world that I could find an application to,”
he said. “What ended up happening was that a crewing coordinator from TOTE Maritime called and said she had received my
resume several times since her company recruited mariners from
other shipping companies. She explained to me what the SIU
was, told me about the unlicensed apprentice program, explained
what it was all about and recommended that I apply for it. I did,
got accepted and in January of 2016 boarded a plane to Baltimore (en route to Piney Point) and my life has never been the
same since,” he said.
This past February, Charles passed the examination which
landed him credentials as a 3rd Assistant and Designated Duty
Engineer. Justifiably proud of his achievement, he reached out
to many of those who had figured prominently in his success to
date. Among them was Rogers, whom he contacted via email in
May to offer his thanks.
In part, that correspondence read: “I came through the program in class 809. From the day I joined the program my life
has moved in a positive direction, and I am very grateful…. The
opportunity that was provided to me by the SIU has transformed
my family’s and my life. Thank you and everyone on the admissions/manpower team that helped make this possible.”
�
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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
Document
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Title
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September 2021
Description
An account of the resource
LABOR MOVEMENT LOSES A GIANT
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS RAMP UP ACROSS COUNTRY
NEWEST REPLENISMENT OILER CHRISTENED
SIU VESSEL HOSTS SEC. BUTTIGIEG
ARBITRATOR'S RULING MANDATES VACCINATIONS
LABOR BOARD HEARING OFFICER: AMAZON'S LAW-BREAKING SHOULD LEAD TO VOTE RERUN
CELONA APPOINTED AS SIU VP GOV'T SERVICES
SIU MOURNS LOSS OF RICHARD TRUMKA
GROUNDBREAKING SIU VP HUNT RETIRES
CROWLEY WINS VESSEL ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT PACT
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE BACKS JONES ACT
DEFENSE EXPERT CITES URGENT NEED TO REVITALIZE U.S. SHIPPING
USA MARITIME COALITION LETTER TO CONGRESS: REVERSE 'DISASTROUS REDUCTIONS IN CARGO PREFERENCE'
NMC RELEASES NOTICES COVERING EMAIL RENEWAL EXAMS, REC APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER POSTS NOTICES ADDRESSING EXAMS, APPOINTMENTS
FORMER GRIDIRON STANDOUT GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOUND WITH SIU
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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09/01/2021
Format
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Newsprint
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
VOL. 83, NO. 9
2021
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8a9e1dfb4896ef6c30808aa43336dd8b.pdf
c3b118c8ce2aebf3ca29a39b0cc7f6fb
PDF Text
Text
MAY 2021
VOLUME 83, 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
Suez Snafu Shines Spotlight
On Vital, Unheralded Industry
The maritime industry rarely makes headlines unless there’s a crisis, and that proved true in late March when the
flag-of-convenience ship Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal. For several days afterward, news outlets around
the world took note of the industry’s critical contribution to everyday life. Several SIU-crewed ships were caught in
the backup, including the Maersk Denver; Recertified Bosun James Walker is pictured (inset photo at left) aboard
that ship, while the dominant image is a panoramic shot of the backup as seen from the Maersk Ohio (Bosun Nathaniel Sherrill took the photo). Page 3.
Progress Made with Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccine availability in the U.S. continued ramping up last month, and many Seafarers took advantage of the
opportunity to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their shipmates. The SIU also continued pushing for governments to prioritize mariners for the vaccines. That work particularly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers
completed their respective vaccinations in April. That group included AB Jorge Nunez (photo at top left), SIU Port Agent
Amancio Crespo (bottom left), and (group photo above) AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon, ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun
Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz, Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun
Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis Ramos Rosa and others. Page 7.
Clarifications on Mask Mandates
Page 4
Rescue at Sea
Page 6
�President’s Report
Rolling Up Our Sleeves
At long last, I’m happy to report that I have completed my
COVID-19 vaccinations. There’s no shortage of “getting back to normal” things I’m looking forward to as the year progresses, but visiting
with all of my family tops the list.
Vaccines are an everyday topic around the
world. Personally, I’ve learned a lot about vaccines in general and COVID-19 vaccines in particular by reading material from the CDC, FDA
and other sources I trust, from watching the news,
and from listening to people discuss their experiences.
Through the process of getting that education,
I of course am aware that many people still have
concerns and hesitations about getting vaccinated.
Everyone will have to decide for themselves, but
if you have any doubts at all, I strongly encourMichael Sacco
age you to prioritize getting the facts. The CDC
website is a great resource. Every major news
organization covers the situation. We have also reported about vaccination safety on our website and in the LOG, in an attempt to take a
sometimes-overwhelming topic and boil it down to essentials.
To me, while there are questions about how long the vaccines will
remain effective, I do not doubt their safety at all. I understand people
may be wary because the vaccines were developed relatively quickly,
but in doing my own research, I was reassured by several key points.
First, we basically had scientists all over the world working on it
around the clock, with no shortage of resources. Second, even though
the COVID-19 pandemic itself is unprecedented in modern times,
those scientists were not starting from scratch. Because of other, older
variations of coronavirus, they had been working on a blueprint for
such a vaccine for many years. In fact, they already developed a successful vaccine for an earlier coronavirus that surfaced in 2012, for
example.
As of this writing in mid-April, more than 170 million doses of
COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S. This has
happened under what the CDC describes as “the most intense safety
monitoring in U.S. history.”
The agency further recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine
as soon as you are eligible, and the SIU wholeheartedly backs that
advice. I’m encouraged by how many of our members already have
either gotten vaccinated or have registered for the vaccine, and I look
forward to those numbers steadily growing.
Another concern I’ve read is that the vaccines have only been
given the green light for “emergency use authorization” by the FDA.
That’s because of basic protocols; vaccines can’t be fully, formally approved until longer-term clinical trials are completed.
The standards for emergency use authorization are anything but
lax. They’re vigorous, in fact, when it comes to safety, effectiveness
and manufacturing quality. The vaccines were evaluated in tens of
thousands of participants in trials, and they’re working as intended.
No matter how much I read or watch, I’ll only have a layman’s
understanding of these vaccines. In no way am I pretending to be an
expert. But you don’t have to be an expert to logically conclude that
the vaccines are safe and effective. They most likely will prevent an
individual from getting COVID-19, and if they don’t, the vaccines at
least will almost certainly prevent severe cases.
We’ll be having this discussion for a while. It’s still relatively new,
not just for our union or our industry, but for our country and indeed
our world. But I’m already firmly convinced that the vaccines are the
way to go. I urge you to get the facts, roll up your sleeves and get the
vaccine, for your safety and for the safety of your families and shipmates.
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 83 Number 5
May 2021
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The 2021 Salute to Congress event took place online (screen grab above and at bottom of page) and
counted the SIU among its sponsors
‘Salute to Congress’ Event
Recognizes DeFazio, Buzby
Honorees Enthusiastically Praise U.S. Merchant Marine
The global COVID-19 pandemic continues
affecting most if not all parts of life, and it
prominently figured in the respective remarks
of this year’s Salute to Congress honorees.
The annual event, sponsored by the Propeller Club of the United States, is considered
one of the maritime industry’s most prestigious gatherings. This year ’s honorees are
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) and Rear
Adm. (ret) Mark Buzby, who recently retired
as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration. They were recognized in a well-attended
Zoom meeting April 1.
Answering a question from the Seafarers
LOG, DeFazio said the pandemic has underscored the importance of the U.S. maritime
industry.
“People are waking up after this COVID
crisis and saying, ‘Wait a minute, we don’t
have N-95 masks? We don’t have gowns?
Why?’ Because it’s all been offshored,” DeFazio said. “Then they realize we’re having
trouble moving the goods because we’re depending on foreign carriers. We need to be
much more self-sufficient, including having a
very robust maritime industry, and not just a
one-way maritime industry (that only imports
goods).”
DeFazio said that maintaining a strong
U.S.-flag fleet with American crews “is about
really good jobs, it’s about national security,
and it’s absolutely critical to the nation. In
a time of crisis, are we going to call on the
Chinese to transport our troops?”
He expressed great confidence in the new
administration and stated that, after successfully fending off attacks on the Jones Act in
recent years, “now we’re going to build on it.”
The congressman also said America must
immediately move forward with rebuilding its
infrastructure.
“The world is leaving us behind in the dust
or the concrete and the leaking water mains,
or the obsolete ports that can’t handle [newer
ships],” he said. “There are ways to fund
this…. We’ve got to get this done.”
Buzby, speaking with a World War II U.S.
Merchant Marine poster directly behind him,
said that when the pandemic began more than
a year ago, “I don’t think one of us knew what
direction it would take…. The rapidity …
was eye-watering for us all. But a great team
backed me up at MARAD. We came together
early in all of this and [identified] agency’s
role. Sitting back was not an option.”
He applauded all segments of the industry
for quickly getting together (usually via phone
or video conference) “to share what we knew
and what we could do. What evolved was a
tremendous forum that allowed information to
be shared in real time. We shared resources in
a way that I think really cut through red tape
to an extent I have not seen before.”
Buzby repeatedly credited maritime unions
for their efforts, and said the overall response
to the pandemic-related challenges “shined a
good light on how strong and close our industry is and how well we work tother. This was
a level of cooperation I’ve never seen before.”
Both he and DeFazio pointed out that the
maritime industry didn’t get any financial relief from the various packages enacted by the
previous or current congresses.
“Yet we were able to keep the goods flowing and never stopped, when other industries
were brought to their knees,” Buzby said.
“That was happening on the backs of people
working on the piers and working on ships.
They have the same steely determination
on their faces today” as the one seen on the
World War II poster.
Buzby also credited former Secretary of
Transportation Elaine L. Chao for being “a
stalwart” in defending and promoting the
U.S.-flag maritime industry while he served
at MARAD.
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;
Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
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2 Seafarers LOG
May 2021
�Suez Incident Causes Shipping Backlog
SIU Ships Affected; ITF Weighs in on High-Profile Mishap
Worldwide attention focused on the maritime industry in late March, as the runawayflag vessel Ever Given became wedged tight
inside the Suez Canal, one of the world’s
most important shipping waterways.
On March 23, the Ever Given was transiting the Suez Canal when it was caught
in a sandstorm. The vessel lost control and
ran aground, forcing the ships behind it to
quickly stop to avoid a collision. Mariners
aboard the vessel directly behind the Ever
Given, the SIU-crewed Maersk Denver, reacted quickly to the situation.
“The Denver crew really came through,”
said Recertified Bosun James Walker. “The
Denver was right behind the Ever Given. The
captain and crew were able to get the ship
stopped and tied to the side of the canal.”
But there was almost a second collision
on March 23, as Walker explained: “Our
biggest threat wasn’t running into the Ever
Given, it was being hit from behind by the
Asia Ruby III. The ship came within 10 feet
of our stern.” The Asia Ruby III, a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, reportedly suffered a loss of electrical power and nearly
collided with the Maersk Denver.
The Maersk Denver, along with the rest
of the vessels in the canal at the time, was
towed astern out of the canal, back to anchor
and awaited the reopening of the canal. The
crew was told that their vessel would be the
first one into the canal upon reopening, and
the Denver was the first U.S.-flag vessel to
enter the canal northbound.
For the other vessels waiting to pass
through the canal – including the SIUcrewed Maersk Seletar, Maersk Ohio and
Sagamore – the incident was a story of patience. The crews of those ships could do
nothing but wait, hoping that the Ever Given
would be freed soon, as the shipping companies weighed their options. Some vessels
were ordered to redirect, and sail around the
southern tip of Africa to avoid waiting for
passage through the canal, but most simply
waited for good news.
When the Ever Given was freed from
the canal on March 29, more than 360 vessels were at anchorage on either side of the
waterway, an unprecedented backlog with
an economic impact on trade estimated at
greater than $9.5 billion. The backlog of
waiting vessels was finally cleared on April
3, and investigations into the incident are
still ongoing as of press time.
The Ever Given flies the flag of Panama
and employs a crew from India. The ship is
owned by a Japanese company and managed
by one based in Singapore.
The view from the Maersk Denver, as the foreign-flagged Asia Ruby III narrowly avoids
a collision due to its own reported mechanical failure
When the canal was cleared, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
General Secretary Stephen Cotton stated,
“We welcome news that the Ever Given has
been freed. That’s fantastic for the sake of
all the seafarers on this ship and others who
have been waiting to transit the Suez Canal.”
The ITF’s union affiliates, including the
SIU, represent more than a million seafarers
and tugboat workers worldwide.
“We want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the workers aboard the tug boat and
towage vessels, and those performing the
critical groundworks essential to resolving
this situation,” said Cotton. “This operation has shown us how important tugboats
are. There will be dozens of ships across
the world that are right now beached, stuck
or floating without engine power that are
being assisted by tugboat and towage workers working around the clock. They should
take pride in how their profession has helped
resolve this situation in the world’s busiest
waterway. I hope these workers get the recognition they deserve.”
He added, “We express our solidarity
with the seafarers, both on the Ever Given,
and on the cargo ships who have been
queued on either side of it. Seafarers have
been expected to keep the world moving
during this pandemic by getting all of us the
supplies, food, and medicines we need, and
then they have had this major blockage to
add to their worries.”
Cotton said that if ships were required
to round the Cape of Good Hope, circumnavigating the African continent, the route
would have added at least 26 days on to the
typical cargo vessel’s journey, and more than
$800,000 in fuel costs.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel,
chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, said a
full investigation was needed to examine if
crew fatigue or other issues had been a factor in the events surrounding the vessel’s
stranding, as it had been in other maritime
accidents.
“Let’s not rush to judgement until all the
facts are laid bare,” he said. “An open and
transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this event should be
conducted, drawing on necessary input and
expertise from the crew and their unions.
Of course, the industry needs to learn any
lessons that emerge from this incident. Too
White House Identifies Key
Offshore Wind Project Goals
The Biden White House in late March
released its plans for kickstarting offshore domestic wind farm projects that
would “create thousands of jobs across
the country with the choice to join a
union.”
Meeting with state officials, industry
executives and labor leaders on March
29 were Transportation Secretary Pete
Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina
Raimondo, Energy Secretary Jennifer
Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Climate Advisor Gina
McCarthy.
The cabinet officials outlined a program to move the nation toward greater
availability of offshore domestic wind
farms to meet the country’s energy
needs.
In its related statement, the White
House noted, “Federal leadership, in
close coordination with states and in
partnership with the private sector,
unions and other key stakeholders, is
needed to catalyze the deployment of
offshore wind at scale.”
It laid out three objectives for the program: advance ambitious wind energy
projects to create good-paying union
jobs; investing in American infrastruc-
May 2021
ture to strengthen the domestic supply
chain and deploy offshore wind energy;
and supporting critical research and development and data-sharing.
Under its “advance ambitious wind energy projects to create good-paying union
jobs” section, the Biden administration
has “a target of employing tens of thousands of workers to deploy 30 gigawatts
of offshore wind by 2030. Meeting this
target will trigger more than $12 billion
per year in capital investment in projects
on both U.S. coasts, create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs, with
more than 44,000 workers employed in
offshore wind by 2030 and nearly 33,000
additional jobs in communities supported
by offshore wind activities.”
Included in its call for a massive supply chain for such an operation are “new
port upgrade investments totaling more
than $500 million; one-to-two new U.S.
factories for each major wind farm component including wind turbine nacelles,
blades, towers, foundations, and subsea
cables; additional cumulative demand of
more than seven million tons of steel –
equivalent to four years of output for a
typical U.S. steel mill, and the construction of four-to-six specialized turbine
installation vessels in U.S. shipyards,
each representing an investment between
$250 and $500 million.”
After the plan’s release, Buttigieg
said, “Tackling the climate crisis is vital
to our nation’s future. The Biden-Harris
administration is taking actions that
show how creating jobs and addressing
climate change can and must go handin-hand. Today’s announcement makes a
critical investment in our nation’s ports,
which in turn builds up the resilience and
sustainability of America’s economy.”
During the 2009 Maritime Trades
Department (MTD) convention, the organization passed a resolution calling
on Congress to “ensure that the development and operation of offshore renewable energy will benefit American
workers and American companies constructing and servicing such facilities.”
It also called upon MTD affiliates and
Port Maritime Councils to “do everything within their power to ensure that
the cabotage and other federal laws are
applied to the development of offshore
renewable energy in all respects.” (The
SIU is an MTD affiliate, and SIU President Michael Sacco also is president of
the MTD.)
Bosun Cleofe Castro is pictured aboard the
Maersk Seletar as he and fellow crew members await the clearing of the Suez Canal.
often, seafarers are unfairly blamed for incidents at sea. When proper investigations
are conducted, we are able to stand back and
see the systematic factors which drive bad
outcomes.”
Heindel said the federation’s initial belief
was that the ship ran aground due to high
winds, but there has also been speculation
that there may have been an engine failure.
Such reports remained unconfirmed.
“My hope is that this highly publicized
event at the world’s busiest waterway can
give everyone an opportunity to see what
tremendous sacrifice seafarers make on a
daily basis. The crew change crisis is still
happening,” he concluded.
New Contract
With ASC Includes
Noteworthy Gains
After many arduous sessions of
hard bargaining between the union and
company over a nine-month period,
the SIU on March 9 reached a tentative
agreement with American Steamship
Company (ASC) on a new four-year
contract (2021-2025), which was subsequently ratified by the SIU membership
employed by ASC.
The union successfully fought off repeated attempts by the company to enact
major, unprecedented concessions.
The new agreement provides a modified manning nomenclature and wagescale model, with significant increases
to all wage rates varying by position
(averaging 14%), effective immediately,
and annual increases to all wage rates in
each subsequent year of the contract
term. The pact maintains the current
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and
Seafarers Pension Plan benefits at the
top level (Core Plus), and the current
level of the Seafarers Money Purchase
Pension Plan benefit. The agreement
also provides for increased room and
board allowance, shipwreck compensation, and other enhancements.
The SIU bargaining committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan
Powell, Associate General Counsel Stan
Dubin, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Port
Agent Chad Partridge, Safety Director
Gerret Jarman, Patrolman Tyson Little,
Recertified Bosuns Paul Gohs, Foaad
Saleh and Salah Ahmed, and QMED
Ricardo Frederick.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Update to Marine Safety Information Bulletin
Clarifies Mask Mandates for Maritime Industry
The U.S. Coast Guard on March 22 issued
a change to its previously released Marine
Safety Information Bulletin (MISB) 02-21,
which outlined the requirement for people
to wear masks while aboard vessels and at
transportation hubs. The change reflects the
inclusion of mask requirements at seaports
and provides additional information on the applicability for mask wear throughout the maritime transportation system.
Under its original guidance (released Feb.
1), which implemented a previously issued
federal order from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vessel
and transportation hub operators were directed
to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID19 by ensuring that everyone on a vessel wear
a mask when boarding and/or disembarking
for the duration of the travel. The original
order caused confusion in some segments of
the maritime industry, partly because it appeared inconsistent with the executive order
upon which it was based. Nevertheless, depending on the circumstances, according to the
CDC order and updated MSIB, best practices
should include:
n
Boarding only those persons who wear
masks;
n
Instructing persons that Federal law requires wearing a mask on the conveyance and
failure to comply constitutes a violation of federal law;
n Monitoring persons on board the conveyance for anyone who is not wearing a mask and
seeking compliance from such person;
n At the earliest opportunity, disembarking
any person who refuses to comply; and
n Providing persons with prominent and adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of this order to wear
a mask. Digital platforms, such as on apps,
websites, or email; posted signage in multiple
languages with illustrations; printing the requirement on transit tickets; or other methods
were suggested as possible avenues through
which adequate notice could be given.
Under the new guidance, operators of sea
ports (maritime transportation hubs) now must
also use best practices to ensure that any person
entering or conducting business on the premises
of the port wear masks. Depending on the circumstances, best practices for enforcing the latest mandate include, in essence, the same steps
listed above.
The CDC Mask Order exempts the following categories of persons:
n A child under the age of 2 years;
n A person with a disability who cannot wear
Assistant Cook Alan Birnbaum (photo at right), a member of the SIU
Government Services Division, wears a mask aboard the USNS
Amelia Earhart. (U.S. Navy photo) The pandemic has resulted in
masks being created with emblems for many organizations and professions, including the U.S. Merchant Marine (photo above).
a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because
of the disability as defined by the Americans
with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et
seq.);
n A person for whom wearing a mask would
create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job
duty as determined by the relevant workplace
safety guidelines or federal regulations.
The latest CDC update stipulates that vessel or facility operators, owners, or companies
should provide clear guidance as to when wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace,
health, safety or job duty for crew members
and facility personnel. The company guidance
should address specific tasks that cannot be
accomplished safely while wearing a mask. A
blanket policy cannot be issued to exempt all
persons from wearing a mask at all times. Crew
members and facility personnel may be exempt
from wearing a mask only when actively performing the task and should immediately wear a
mask when the task is complete. Since passengers should refrain from instances where wearing a mask may present a risk, this exemption
does not extend to passengers.
Despite the foregoing mandates, the requirement to wear a mask shall not apply under the
following circumstances:
n While eating, drinking, or taking medication, for brief periods;
n While communicating with a person who
is hearing impaired when the ability to see the
mouth is essential for communication;
n If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or
CDC, U.S. Coast Guard Provide Q&As
Addressing Mask Wear on Vessels
Editor’s note: The following list of questions and answers on the mask order are
provided to afford clarity to mariners
with specific concerns. They were provided by the CDC and U.S. Coast Guard.
Q: Does the mask order apply to all
commercial maritime conveyance activity in the United States?
A: Yes, the mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime
conveyances into, within, or out of the
United States and to all persons at U.S.
seaports. The term commercial maritime
conveyance means all forms of commercial maritime vessels, including but not
limited to cargo ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, self-propelled barges, and
all forms of passenger carrying vessels
including ferries, river cruise ships, and
those chartered for fishing trips, unless
otherwise exempted.
Q: Which maritime vessels are exempted from CDC’s mask order?
A: Only the following maritime conveyances are exempted:
n Private maritime conveyances operated solely for personal, non-commercial
use (e.g., personal watercraft),
n When the operator is the sole occupant on board the maritime conveyance,
Mobile offshore drilling units and plat-
4 Seafarers LOG
forms, to include floating and fixed Outer
Continental Shelf facilities as defined in
33 CFR 140.10, and
n
Certain maritime conveyances excluded from the definition of vessels
under 42 CFR 70.1:
n Fishing boats including those used
for shell-fishing (Fishing vessels, fish
processing vessels, and fish tender vessels as defined under 46 U.S.C § 2101
do not fall under this exemption including shell-fishing vessels. A “fishing boat”
is an auxiliary craft as defined under 46
U.S.C § 4502(k) carried on board a fishing vessel.;
n Tugs which operate only locally in
specific harbors and adjacent waters
(Tugs which operate only locally in specific harbors and adjacent waters means
tug vessels operating exclusively within
a worksite and that have been issued a
worksite exemption by the U.S. Coast
Guard);
n
Barges without means of self-propulsion;
n
Construction-equipment boats and
dredges; and
n Sand and gravel dredging and handling boats.
Operators of the former maritime conveyances and other persons on board must observe CDC’s mask order while awaiting,
boarding, or disembarking at the seaport.
Q: How is CDC defining the term seaport in the mask order?
otherwise unable to remove the mask without
assistance, experiencing difficulty breathing or
shortness of breath or feeling winded, the mask
may be removed temporarily until able to resume normal breathing with the mask. Vomiting
or other illness may also require removal of the
mask, according to the agencies. Other medical
conditions and equipment may interfere with
the ability to wear a mask;
n When necessary to temporarily remove the
mask to verify one’s identity such as during
Transportation Security Administration screening or when asked to do so by a ticket or gate
agent or any law enforcement official
Moreover, people on board the following
categories of vessels and vehicles are also exempt from the requirement to wear a mask:
n Private vessels operated only for personal,
non-commercial use;
n Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the
driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck,
or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team
who all live in the same household and are the
only persons in the vehicle;
People on board the following categories of
conveyances are exempt from the requirement
to wear a mask:
n Private conveyances operated only for personal, non-commercial use;
n Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the
driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck,
or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team
who all live in the same household and are the
only persons in the vehicle;
n Vessels operated or chartered by the U.S.
A: The term seaport means any port of
entry or any other place where persons
await, board, or disembark all forms of
maritime commercial conveyances (e.g.,
a marina or dock).
Q: Are mariners on non-passenger
commercial maritime conveyances exempt from wearing a mask under the
exemption for “a person for whom
wearing a mask would create a risk to
workplace health, safety, or job duty as
determined by the relevant workplace
safety guidelines or federal regulations”?
A: No, this exemption does not exempt
mariners from the mask order simply by
virtue of working on a non-passenger related commercial maritime conveyance.
To be exempt, the mariner would need
to be performing a duty that would, if a
mask were worn, create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety
guidelines or federal regulations. The
exemption only applies while performing
that duty.
Q: Mariners on many non-passengerrelated commercial maritime conveyances (e.g., cargo and towing ships) live
on board for weeks with little contact
outside the crew. How should the mask
order be applied onboard these conveyances during a voyage?
A: Mariners on non-passenger commercial ships should be guided by CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing
Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Coro-
Department of Defense (DOD) as long as the
operator of the conveyance follows all DOD
requirements to prevent spread of COVID19 that are equivalent to the requirements in
CDC’s Order.
Under Title 42 of the United States Code
section 268, the Coast Guard is charged with
assisting in enforcement of CDC quarantine orders. Operators of vessels and sea ports that fail
to implement appropriate public health measures, including the mask-wearing order above,
may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.
Furthermore, based on the scientific determination of the CDC, the Coast Guard announced
that it “finds that failure to implement appropriate health measures creates an undue safety
risk by increasing the risk of transmission of
COVID-19 between passengers, the crew of the
vessel, and port workers.”
The union and its contracted companies
fought against the essentially full-time shipboard mandate, because the SIU believes it isn’t
always necessary for the crews while at sea.
The union also questions whether it is being
consistently enforced when non-crew members
are on the vessels in port.
The SIU (and others) pointed out to the
Coast Guard and the U.S. Transportation
Command that most members in the deep-sea
sector already quarantine prior to boarding a
vessel, and also normally must show proof
of a negative COVID-19 test before climbing the gangway. This system has helped
minimize the number of positive cases aboard
ship.
navirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in
following the requirements of the mask
order. Per the Interim Guidance, crew
should wear masks when outside of their
single occupancy cabin unless work duties prevent their safe use or necessitate
personal protective equipment due to
worksite hazards. Mariners would not be
expected to wear a mask while they are
alone and are eating, sleeping, or resting.
Additionally, mariners must wear masks
when other persons (e.g., visitors, pilots,
inspectors) join the ship for any period
of time and when mariners disembark
the ship. During these activities, masks
should be worn in addition to maintaining a distance of six feet between individuals.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask in my
stateroom?
A: CDC guidance states that a mask
should be worn when outside of individual cabins. The Coast Guard interprets
this as a mask is not required within a private cabin.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask while on
watch?
A: The CDC has noted that transportation hub employees do not need to wear
a mask if they are the only person in the
work area. The Coast Guard interprets
this to mean that a mask is not required
when one person is not in the same space
as another person. As such, if a mariner
is alone at their watch station, with no
other person in the room with them, then
a mask is not required
May 2021
�AFL-CIO Leads National Day of Action for PRO Act
Editor’s note: The following article
was written by Mark Gruenberg, head of
the Washington, D.C., bureau of People’s
World and editor of Press Associates Inc.,
a union news service in Washington, D.C.
It has been edited to conform to local style
and sensitivities.
The AFL-CIO on April 8 spearheaded
a “National Day of Action” to organize
workers to lobby senators to pass the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
The mobilization was backed by dozens of AFL-CIO member unions, as well
as Pride at Work, Unemployed Workers
United, the Asian Pacific American Labor
Alliance, the Working Families Party, the
Alliance for Retired Americans, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Coalition
of Black Trade Unionists, Social Security
Works, and many more organizations. To
accomplish its objective, federation officials set up an automated system on its
website to make it easy for participants to
call senators and join in the lobbying action regardless of their locations.
If four Democratic holdouts and one
Independent can be turned around, the act
will become law.
The holdouts include Sens. Mark Kelly
and Kyrsten Sinema, both from Arizona,
Mark Warner from Virginia, Joe Manchin from West Virginia, and Independent
Angus King from Maine, who caucuses
with the Democrats.
“All of us deserve to enjoy America’s
promise in full – and our nation’s leaders
have a responsibility to deliver it,” said
President Joe Biden in a March 9 statement before the start of floor debate in the
House on the measure. “That starts with
rebuilding unions.
“Unions give workers a stronger voice
to increase wages, improve the quality
of jobs and protect job security, protect
against racial and all other forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and
protect workers’ health, safety, and benefits in the workplace,” he said. “Unions
lift up workers, both union and non-union.
They are critical to strengthening our economic competitiveness. But too many employers and states prevent them from doing
so through anti-union attacks. They know
that without unions, they can run the table
on workers–union and non-union alike. We
should all remember the National Labor
Relations Act didn’t just say we shouldn’t
hamstring unions or merely tolerate them.
It said we should encourage unions. The
PRO Act would take critical steps to help
restore this intent.”
The measure would make organizing
unions easier, ban such common corporate tactics as mandatory anti-union meetings, and make union recognition elections
faster.
It also would force the sunlight of disclosure on so-called “persuaders,” a.k.a.
union-busters, increase fines for corporate
labor law-breaking, make it easier to get
court orders against such tactics, and order
arbitration if, after the union wins and is
recognized, the two sides can’t reach a first
contract in a reasonable time.
Winning passage in the Senate is proving difficult, and unless Democrats in that
chamber do away with or evade the filibuster, the minority Republicans may be able
to kill it.
“We’re not going to let a minority in
Pandemic Forces AFL-CIO
To Alter Annual Observance
Of Workers Memorial Day
The labor movement once again
was slated to observe Workers Memorial Day on April 28 (after press
time), the latest chapter of an annual
grassroots mobilization designed to
remember workers killed or injured
on the job and to continue the fight for
strong safety and health protections.
While the global pandemic presented logistical challenges for this
year’s commemorations (there are
usually various in-person events
across the country), the key messages
of Workers Memorial Day were expected to be amplified online, in print
and (safely) also during some gatherings. Additionally, the AFL-CIO’s
annual “Death on the Job” report
was due for publication by the end of
April.
Prior to April 28 (the anniversary
of the establishment of the Occupational Health and Safety Organization, in 1971), AFL-CIO President
Richard Trumka sent a letter to federation affiliates (including the SIU)
that explained the background – and
ongoing importance – of Workers
Memorial Day.
“Fifty years ago, the Occupational
Safety and Health Act went into effect
after the tireless efforts of the labor
movement, who drew major attention
to work-related deaths and injuries,
organized for safer working conditions and demanded action from their
government,” Trumka noted. “The
OSH Act and Mine Safety and Health
Act promised workers the right to a
safe job. Unions and our allies have
fought hard to make that promise a reality – winning protections that have
made jobs safer and saved lives. After
years of struggle, we won new rules
to protect workers from deadly silica
dust and beryllium, a stronger coal
dust standard for miners, and stronger
anti-retaliation protections for workers who report job injuries and defended them from corporate attacks.
But there is much to be done before
the promise to keep all workers safe
on the job can be fulfilled.”
Trumka, a longtime ally of the
SIU, then pointed out that “decades
of evidence shows that unionized
workplaces are safer workplaces. This
year, America’s labor movement and
our allies are launching a full-scale
national campaign to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act,
which would give the tens of millions
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (left) recently weighed in on the importance of workplace safety. He’s pictured with SIU President Michael
Sacco at a 2017 meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
May 2021
of workers who want to form a union
a fair path to do so. The popularity of
unions is at 65% -- one of the highest
marks since the OSH Act was implemented in 1971 – and 60 million nonunion workers say they would vote
for a voice on the job today if given
the chance.”
The federation president said that
the COVID-19 pandemic showed
both the power of collective bargaining and the work that remains. He
said workers and their unions won
significant job-safety protections,
“but the pandemic also exposed the
weaknesses in the safety agencies’
abilities to ensure workers are protected on the job and the structural
failures that have prevented workers
from organizing in their workplaces
to demand safer working conditions.
We must continue to fight and push
forward to ensure safe jobs for all
workers through strong unions and
strong laws.”
He concluded, “Each year, thousands of workers are killed and
millions more suffer injury or illness because of our jobs. Far too
many workers die from preventable hazards and many more workers get sick from exposure to toxic
chemicals. Many employers and
workers never see OSHA in their
workplace. Penalties are still too
low to be a deterrent. Workplace
safety agencies have been decimated by a reduction in staff and
a stagnant budget. Workers are not
adequately protected without retaliation to speak out against unsafe
working conditions and to freely
join a union. In the fiftieth year of
OSHA this April 28, we focus on
the need to renew the promise of
safe jobs for all of America’s workers. The labor movement will renew
our commitment to safe jobs for all
and mobilize to pass the PRO Act,
so that workers have a right to form
a union and have a safety voice on
the job…. The labor movement also
will work to strengthen OSHA and
MSHA, increase their budgets, enforcement and other resources, and
call for them to renew their commitment to protecting workers for the
next 50 years.”
the Senate stop” the PRO Act, AFL-CIO
President Richard Trumka vowed at a press
conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human
Rights during House debate on the measure.
Trumka implied the PRO Act’s political foes would face trouble at the polls.
“If people (lawmakers) know corporations
are too strong and workers are not strong
enough, and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act,
“they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned.
“And in an era of extreme polarization,
nearly two-thirds of Americans -- 65%
-- approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they
were given the chance. That’s 60 million
people knocking on our doors. The PRO
Act would let them in.”
The federation says the PRO Act would
“empower workers to organize and bargain, hold corporations accountable for
union-busting, and repeal ‘right to work’
laws, which were created during the Jim
Crow era to keep white and Black workers
from unionizing together.”
Buttigieg: ‘I Strongly
Support the Jones Act’
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphatically
voiced his backing of America’s freight cabotage law – and U.S.
mariners – during a recent hearing on Capitol Hill.
Buttigieg spoke March
25 as the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee conducted a
hearing titled, “The Administration’s Priorities
for Transportation Infrastructure.”
Rep. Kai Kahele (DHawaii) said to the secretary, “President Biden
has expressed his strong
support for the Jones Act,
and as Chinese companies
with state support become
increasingly dominant in
the shipping, shipbuilding,
industry and maritime supply chain … will you continue to support the Jones
Act and support a major
investment in the U.S.
shipbuilding industry, to
Pete Buttigieg
support good-paying union
U.S. Transportation Secretary
jobs, ensure the national security of the nation, and protect the stability of the U.S. shipbuilding industry?”
Buttigieg responded, “I strongly support the Jones Act. As you
mentioned, that’s the President’s view as well because it makes
sure that cargoes moved between U.S. ports travel on vessels that
are built, owned, and crewed by Americans. The Jones Act also
ensures that we don’t lose our domestic shipbuilding capability
so that we’re not in the situation, as you pointed out, where Chinese-flagged vessels could wind up being the only place we could
turn to carry our domestic commerce on the Mississippi River
or between Florida and New York. That, obviously, would have
national security implications, that are not acceptable.”
Buttigieg added, “If we lose our national maritime industry, it
might not return, and the consequences would be devastating. So,
I’m going to continue to ensure that the U.S. Maritime Administration and DOT are doing our part, recognizing that there are
many U.S. agencies that are involved in the Jones Act. And we’ll
be doing everything we can to support that industry, as well as our
Merchant Marine.”
The Jones Act enjoys bipartisan support, and is widely recognized as vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security.
Since its inception, the Jones Act time and again has proven its
value as an indispensable law that benefits American workers and
the American economy.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, in its 2019 study for the Transportation Institute titled “Contributions of the Jones Act Shipping Industry to the U.S. Economy,” found that the law helps maintain
around 650,000 American jobs while contributing billions of dollars each year to the U.S. economy. Another benefit is that the
Jones Act helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail on American-flag military
support ships during times of crisis.
Nearly 100 countries around the world also maintain cabotage
laws.
Seafarers LOG 5
�Pictured aboard the CS Dependable with Andrew Baillie (fourth from left) following his rescue in the Pacific are AB Evgueni
Baechko, Second Mate Harry Klausner, Chief Mate Terry Simmons, Captain Yann Durieux, UA/GVA Sarah Wilson, Bosun
Ronnie Rodriguez, Bosun Mate Steven Whiting and MDR Luke Mueller.
The abandoned boat
CS Dependable Crew Rescues Boater in Pacific
How’s this for a sign of the times: Mariners
from the SIU-crewed cable ship Dependable
on March 21 rescued a boater in the middle of
the Pacific Ocean – and the individual quickly
reassured his liberators that he’d recently
tested negative for COVID-19.
While the pandemic added a new wrinkle
to the rescue, the rest of the operation, though
challenging, seemed relatively routine, according to Bosun Ronnie Rodriguez.
The bosun teamed up with Bosun Mate
Steven Whiting to hoist boater Andrew Baillie, 71, to safety aboard the SubCom-operated
ship. With an assist from Paul Hall Center
Apprentice Sarah Wilson, they also managed
to salvage some of Baillie’s belongings before
he left his sailboat Catamaran 2, which had
become unseaworthy.
“He made it safe and sound,” said Rodriguez, who joined the SIU in 2007. “At first
it was hard to get to him, but it was a smooth
rescue overall.”
The Dependable is crewed by members of
the SIU and the Seafarers-affiliated American
Maritime Officers (AMO), respectively.
Vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux reported
that the ship received a distress call from the
boat shortly before 2 a.m., while the Dependable was headed to Hawaii. They reached the
disabled craft approximately 40 minutes later.
“It took a bit of time to approach, as the
sailor needed to keep making way until the
last minute,” Durieux wrote. “He feared the
boat would break apart if not heading into the
waves. We recovered (some of) his gear and
the sole individual on board. Great team effort.”
The captain said notifications were sent
“for the navigational safety of others” regarding the abandoned, damaged boat, which had
been en route to Ecuador from San Pedro,
California.
Rodriguez was in his room when he was
notified of the distress call. He summoned additional crew members “and went to the port
gangway,” he recalled. “We saw what looked
like a sailboat. The captain got close to it and
we put the gangway down partially, in semirough seas. When we got close, I threw a line
to tie his luggage, but it was too rough. He had
two bags he put into a garbage bag, and threw
it to us on the gangway. The ship kept bouncing around, but we finally got him off the
sailboat. I held the bosun mate and he grabbed
the man. It was a struggle to pull him onto the
gangway but easy after that.”
Baillie, an Argentinian who is a U.S. citizen, was predictably thankful, and he spent the
next week or so aboard the Dependable while
it finished the voyage to Hawaii.
“I felt bad for him because that was a nice
sailboat,” Rodriguez recalled, “but those are
just material things that can be replaced.”
This was the second rescue Rodriguez experienced. The first, in 2016, also involved the
Dependable, which saved 14 Indian fishermen
whose vessel sank near Mumbai.
In both cases, he said, the training he and
many of his shipmates received at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point,
Maryland, truly made a difference.
“It definitely helped,” said Rodriguez, a
graduate of PHC Apprentice Class 701. “I tell
all these guys when they come aboard, it starts
at the school. All the drills, all the studies –
it’ll haunt you if you don’t complete it. You
never know; we may have to abandon ship,
for example. You’d better know what you’re
doing. Definitely, for sure, the school has a lot
to do with how we’re succeeding.”
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Heartburn: Tough to Avoid,
But It’s Usually Manageable
Editor’s note: This article was
provided by the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan Medical Department.
Heartburn is a burning pain in
your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain occurs when the
stomach acid backs up into the tube
that carries food from your mouth to
your stomach (esophagus).
Normally when you swallow, a
band of muscle around the bottom
of the esophagus relaxes to allow
food to flow down into your stomach. Then, the muscle will tighten
up again. If the lower esophageal
sphincter relaxes due to weakness,
then the stomach acid will flow back
up (acid reflux) and cause heartburn.
Heartburn is a common problem
with most people and no cause for
alarm, usually. People can manage it
with a change in their diet, lifestyle
modifications, more daily exercise,
use of certain medications, and limiting alcohol and not smoking.
Symptoms can occur as: a burning pain in the chest that usually
happens after eating and mostly
at night, pain that worsens when
you lie down, and a bitter or acidic
6 Seafarers LOG
taste in your mouth.
Make an appointment with your
doctor if you find these symptoms
persist or get worse. For instance, if
you experience heartburn more than
twice a week, or have any difficulty
swallowing, any nausea or vomiting,
or weight loss because of a poor appetite, an appointment is in order.
Certain foods and drinks may
cause heartburn, including spicy
meals or snacks, onions, citrus products, tomatoes, fatty or fried foods,
peppermint, chocolate, alcohol,
sodas, coffee, and high-fat meals.
Being overweight or pregnant
can also increase your risk of having
heartburn.
Reflux is potentially serious in
the long run. If the condition is prolonged, it causes irritation to the lining of the esophagus. Again in this
case, an appointment with a doctor
is a must. He or she may prescribe
medications to decrease the acid.
Special diets also can promote healing of the esophagus.
Be alert to any problems with
heartburn and act on them quickly
in order to decrease the likelihood of
future difficulties.
Healthful Recipe
Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish
Servings: 24
Ingredients
24 whole salmon fillet, 6oz each
1/4 cup smart balance
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
Relish
5 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh basil leaf, chopped
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
Salmon Recipe
Brush fillets with melted butter; sprinkle
with granulated garlic salt and pepper. Heat
a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add
fillets, skin side up, in batches if necessary;
cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish just
begins to flake easily with a fork.
Place the seared salmon into 2” hotel pans,
bake in a 350F oven for 5-7min.; until the fish
is cooked and at the proper internal temp.
Relish Recipe
In a bowl, toss strawberries with basil,
honey salt, and pepper. Top the cooked salmon
with the relish.
Per serving (excluding unknown items):
218 calories; 6g fat (25.5% calories from fat):
34g protein; 5g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber;
88mg cholesterol; 428mg sodium. Exchanges:
0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 fruit; 0 fat; 0
other carbohydrates.
(Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)
May 2021
�COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in Full Swing
Consistent with the goals laid out
by the Biden Administration, the
SIU has been leading the charge for
mariners to get vaccinated against
the COVID-19 pandemic. That aim
became easier last month, as Biden
announced that every adult in the
U.S. became eligible to register for
a vaccine.
While the statistics change daily,
as of April 8, an estimated 64.4 million people in the U.S. had been
fully vaccinated; overall, 171 million doses had been administered.
As of that same date, more than
558,000 Americans had died from
COVID-19 since the pandemic’s
onset last year.
The SIU has worked with government officials at every level, and
with international organizations,
to try and get mariners placed in a
higher priority group than they already were, and found success in
places such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii
and Norfolk. In particular, the SIU
and other labor groups in Puerto
Rico were highly successful in requisitioning and distributing vaccine
doses to mariners and other union
employees who work and/or live in
the island territory. Nearly 100 percent of the mariners who wanted a
vaccine in Puerto Rico have been
fully vaccinated, as reported by SIU
Port Agent Amancio Crespo, who
coordinated much of the effort personally.
In March, the Biden Administration instructed local governments to
ensure that all Americans were eligible to receive a vaccine by May 1,
though many state and local governments were already ahead of schedule.
At press time, there are three different vaccines approved by the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
A description of the two main types of COVID-19 vaccines and the differences
between them, courtesy ITF.
vention (CDC) to protect against the
virus. For mariners, both the SIU and
the CDC advise requesting the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine, as
it is a single-dose vaccine that does
not require a second dose after three
weeks. While the long-term efficacy
of the vaccines is unknown, what
is certain is that all of the vaccines
have been thoroughly researched
and approved by the CDC as safe
and effective.
Side effects of the COVID-19
vaccines are reported to be relatively
mild and short-lived, lasting up to 48
hours, and can occur after the first
or second dose. Once vaccinated, it
can take up to 12 days for protection
to be in full effect; however, at this
time, vaccinated persons must still
wear face masks and follow all state
and local health and safety guidelines. Physical distancing, washing
hands with soap and water or the use
of hand sanitizer, good respiratory
hygiene, and use of a mask remain
the main methods to prevent spread
of COVID-19.
Abundant information about the
vaccines is available on the CDC
website: https://www.cdc.gov/
Additionally, the International
Chamber of Shipping, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Intertanko and the
International Maritime Health Association have teamed up to publish
“Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping
Companies: A Practical Guide.” The
document – available in PDF form
on the SIU website – is a quick read
containing lots of potentially useful
and interesting information for the
maritime community. It is linked in
the COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATES
section of the SIU website.
AB Ricky Martinez (above) and Recertified Bosun
Noel Otero (photo at immediate right) happily review
their respective vaccination records aboard TOTE’s
Perla Del Caribe.
What to Do with Your
Vaccination Record Card
Once mariners receive their COVID-19 vaccination, they will also be given a paper vaccination record
card. The card primarily serves as a reminder of when
to schedule your second dose if you receive the Pfizer
or Moderna vaccine, but also potentially may be used as
proof of your vaccination date.
While the debate continues on the possibility of a
U.S. government-backed vaccine passport, it would be
May 2021
SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and Recertified Bosun
Rafael Franco converge in San Juan for their second vaccinations.
QMED Jep Sumpter gets vaccinated in San Juan.
prudent to make a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card
and keep it in a safe place. Experts recommend taking a
photo of your vaccine card with your cell phone, or otherwise scanning a digital copy into a personal computer.
After that, if you want to laminate your card, or otherwise protect it from damage, there are many affordable
options available.
The CDC is also encouraging everyone who receives
their vaccine to sign up for v-safe, a smartphone-based
monitoring program used by the CDC to collect data on
users’ post-vaccination symptoms and remind recipients
of a two-dose vaccine when to schedule their second appointment. However, it may also serve as proof of vac-
cination in the future.
In addition, the SIU would suggest that you add a copy
of your vaccine record to your existing medical records
with the SHBP Medical Department. Feel free to bring
your vaccine record to a hiring hall to have a copy made
for your records. And, in case you’ve already damaged or
lost yours, don’t worry: contact your vaccine provider, or
your state health department, to get a new card.
While it is currently unknown if you will need to add
a periodic COVID-19 vaccine to your list of reoccurring
vaccinations, what is certain is that you should hold on
to your paper vaccination record card like you would for
any other important medical document.
Seafarers LOG 7
�Maritime Mourns Passing Of AMO Exec. VP Finnigan
Former SIU Deep Sea Mariner Dies at Age 57
SIU members and officials were
saddened to learn of the unexpected
passing of American Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice President
Mike Finnigan, who succumbed to a
brain hemorrhage March 19 at his
home in Palm Coast, Florida. He was
57.
Well-known and highly regarded
throughout the maritime industry,
Finnigan took office in January 2019
after most recently sailing as a deepsea captain. He was an SIU member
for several years beginning in the late
1980s, and sailed with the union as a
bosun and AB before joining the AMO
in 1994.
SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez said he enjoyed working with
Finnigan.
“I worked with him as soon as he
took office, and he definitely was willing to listen and learn,” Tellez stated.
“He had a very noticeable enthusiasm
for our industry and in particular for the
men and women of the U.S. Merchant
Marine. Mike was a straight shooter
and he absolutely will be missed.”
“Mike was by far the best I had seen
in this job in my 48 years of administrative service to AMO,” said AMO
National President Paul Doell. “Mike
was a brilliant colleague with great instinct, a big heart and a wide-open office door. He was an immediate friend
to everyone his job here introduced
him to, and we will miss him greatly.”
Finnigan, the son of a tugboat cap-
tain, grew up in his native Essex, Connecticut. Survivors include his wife
of 15 years, Susan Ziegler Finnigan,
along with is mother, brothers and
sisters and many nieces and nephews.
Capt. William C. Barrere will complete Finnigan’s term. Barrere has
been a member of the SIUNA-affiliated AMO since 1985, and had been
working as the union’s West Coast
representative since September 2016.
“Mike Finnigan would be pleased
with this appointment of his friend
Willie Barrere as his relief,” Doell
said. “Willie is thoughtful, thorough
and transparent in his conversations
with AMO members aboard ship
and ashore – values Willie and Mike
shared.”
Mike Finnigan, AMO Exec. VP
World Govts Need to Step Up, Confront Issues
IMO Warns Crew-Change Crisis Far from Finished
Kitack Lim
IMO Secretary-General
The crew change crisis caused by
COVID-19 restrictions continues to cause
challenges, despite some improvement in
the numbers, the top official of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
has warned.
In a recent statement, Secretary-General Kitack Lim said that based on industry analysis, the numbers of mariners
requiring repatriation after finishing their
contracts had declined – from a high of
around 400,000 in September 2020 – to
around 200,000 as of March 2021, with a
similar number waiting to join ships. He
cautioned that the crisis is far from over,
and added that “issues around vaccination
need to be resolved.”
Mariners worldwide should be designated as key workers “to ensure priority
vaccination and access to safe transit and
travel,” Lim said.
He credited various components of the
maritime industry for “collaboration and
cooperation” that has mitigated some of
the challenges caused by the pandemic,
Powell Retains Position
As Port Authority Official
SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan
Powell recently was re-appointed to his
position on the board of directors of the
Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.
The Wayne County (Michigan) Commission unanimously approved the four-year
appointment (2021-2025) on March 18.
Powell has served on the board since
early 2017, and in the capacity of vice
chairman since March 13, 2020.
The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is self-described as “a
government agency advancing southeast
Michigan’s maritime and related industries with the purpose of delivering
prosperity and economic benefit to citizens and businesses. For more than 35
years, the DWCPA has worked to bolster
the community by being the connection
between the maritime industry and the
Great Lakes region, raising awareness of
the importance of the Port of Detroit and
how the cargo and vessel activity generates economic impact for the State of
Michigan.”
Port Authority Board Members serve
four-year terms, without compensation.
Powell launched his career with the
SIU at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center, attending the apprenticeship pro-
8 Seafarers LOG
gram in 1993. He then came ashore in
1999 to work as a union official. He is
active with the Detroit Metro AFL-CIO
and Michigan State AFL-CIO, as well as
the Michigan Building and Construction
Trades Council, AFL-CIO.
and applauded crews for getting the job
done despite unprecedented circumstances.
“The maritime sector has continued
to deliver the vital supplies that people need,” Lim stated. “Seafarers have
worked tirelessly, at the heart of this
trade, to keep goods flowing. Despite difficulties with port access, repatriation,
crew changes and more, there can be no
denying that seafarers have gone beyond
the call of duty.”
He added that despite whatever progress has been made, “we cannot be complacent. Fewer than 60 countries so far
have heeded our call for seafarers to be
designated as key workers. More countries
need to do so if we are to resolve this crisis
and ensure seafarers are treated fairly and
so that their travel to and from their place
of work is properly facilitated. There is still
a long way to go before we are back to a
normal crew change regime.”
Lim said that as vaccine availability increases in many countries, he urges governments to prioritize mariners.
“Governments should also identify and
prepare for the challenges of the vaccination of seafarers who spend long periods of
time away from their home countries,” he
continued. “We need to continue to work
together to develop relevant protocols and
guidance around vaccine certification. This
is particularly important as any barriers to
travel created by national vaccine protocols may further complicate an already
difficult crew-change situation.”
Lim concluded, “On our voyage
through this pandemic, which has been
challenging for the whole world, I recognize that many seafarers have endured
intense hardship as they have worked
to keep trade flowing. I wholeheartedly
thank seafarers for this. We will continue
to work with our sister United Nations
agencies, with industry bodies and with
governments to address the ongoing needs
of seafarers. We will also be looking towards taking the lessons learned going
forward, so we can be better prepared in
the future.”
Congratulations on Safety Award
Congrats are in order for SIU members on the deck crew aboard the Ocean
Shipholdings, Inc.-operated USNS Pathfinder who won the company’s monthly
safety award. Among those designated for recognition were Chief Mate David
Johansen, Bosun
Kelly Doyle, AB
Antonio GonzalesEsteves,
S TO S
Mohtasim Muthala
and STOS Macrino
Campomanes. Pictured in these photos
are some of those
individuals. Shown
in the photo at top
left (from left) are
Doyle and AB Brandon Kernodle Balboa
Panama. Pictured in
the other photo (from
left) are AB Rodante
Niebres, OS Armando Pillagara, AB
Mark Bolitho, OS Macarino Campomanes
and Bosun Doyle.
Bryan Powell
SIU Asst. VP
May 2021
�Paul Hall Center Modifies Some
Requirements for Galley Training
In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also
helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its
requirements for steward-department coursework.
Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the
Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at
least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation
(one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and
graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course.
Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in
Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program.
For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The
letter is linked in a March 18 post.
Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at
(301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org.
Survey Aims to Assist Mariners
Seafarers are asked to consider participating in an anonymous
online survey (“Mariner Mental Health Needs during COVID-19”)
conducted by the University of Washington. As noted on the landing
page: “Results from this survey will be used by federal agencies, vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime training institutions,
seafarer welfare organizations and MTS stakeholders to develop effective solutions that benefit our mariners’ mental health.”
The landing page further points out, “This survey is supported by
Centers for Disease Prevention & Control (CDC) and the COVID-19
Working Group (C-19 WG) of the federal interagency U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS). The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP), whose members include vessel
owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime academies, maritime
training institutions, classification societies, other maritime industry
stakeholders and government agencies, is actively supporting this
project.”
To access the survey – which closes on May 30, 2021 – visit the
SIU website and type “survey” into the search feature, or look for a
March 30 post in the News section.
Note to Our Readers
Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying
health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone
you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many
cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to
snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of
those around you.
Correction
The April 2021 edition of the LOG incorrectly reported that the
yearly finance committee would be elected at the April membership
meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. The committee in fact will be
elected at the May 3 meeting there, which was the schedule all along.
April & May
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................................Monday: May 3, June 7
Algonac................................................Friday: May 7, June 11
Baltimore........................................Thursday: May 6 , June 10
Guam..............................................Thursday: May 20, June 24
Honolulu.............................................Friday: May 14, June 18
Houston.............................................Monday: May 10, June 14
Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: May 6, June 10
Joliet...................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17
Mobile........................................Wednesday: May 12, June 16
New Orleans.............................................Tuesday: May 11, June 15
Jersey City...................................................Tuesday: May 4, June 8
Norfolk.......................................................Friday: May 7, June 11
Oakland................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17
Philadelphia.........................................Wednesday: May 5, June 9
Port Everglades..................................Thursday: May 13, June 17
San Juan...................................................Thursday: May 6, June 10
St. Louis.....................................................Friday: May 14, June 18
Tacoma....................................................Friday: May 21, June 25
Wilmington..................................................Monday: May 17, June 21
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
May 2021
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 12 - April 12. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 12.
Total Registered
Total Shipped
Port
All Groups
A
B
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
3
1
19
4
10
13
44
30
32
3
5
28
10
4
2
5
31
1
22
284
11
2
3
10
0
4
0
19
25
11
5
1
4
3
1
4
3
2
4
8
120
2
2
1
4
1
2
1
7
8
7
2
2
3
1
1
0
0
4
0
2
50
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
0
0
1
8
1
1
4
10
21
7
2
0
11
6
3
1
5
10
1
11
103
0
0
1
5
2
2
3
10
15
3
0
3
10
5
1
2
2
7
3
4
78
3
0
0
2
1
0
0
2
2
3
0
0
3
2
0
1
0
4
0
0
23
Engine Department
4
1
0
0
1
1
5
4
0
0
1
1
5
0
6
3
18
10
7
2
1
1
2
3
11
2
4
2
0
1
1
2
0
2
2
5
0
0
10
2
78
42
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
2
6
1
4
6
15
11
11
1
3
16
12
2
2
4
8
1
18
125
2
0
1
7
0
0
4
8
14
0
1
3
7
4
0
2
2
1
0
10
66
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
3
2
1
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
12
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
0
0
1
0
1
0
4
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
6
0
1
19
12
3
0
4
1
1
3
10
24
9
1
0
16
6
1
1
0
11
0
6
109
16
3
3
4
1
2
8
7
56
15
0
1
23
5
2
11
2
8
1
7
175
GRAND TOTAL:
531
373
260
Registered on Beach
A
All Groups
B
C
6
2
3
8
3
5
1
12
24
19
0
4
9
5
2
1
3
10
1
9
127
51
6
3
31
4
16
16
84
63
49
1
6
41
17
6
2
10
52
4
42
504
13
4
3
20
0
5
4
30
46
14
6
3
17
4
3
5
3
10
5
15
210
3
2
0
7
1
4
2
10
13
9
0
6
10
1
3
1
1
7
0
6
86
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
4
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
13
2
0
0
3
0
1
0
6
11
4
0
0
5
4
0
2
3
2
0
6
49
8
0
2
11
2
4
9
26
29
18
2
3
16
9
5
2
8
17
1
22
194
1
1
1
15
2
3
6
15
30
6
1
7
21
5
1
2
5
7
3
11
143
3
0
0
3
1
0
1
2
5
3
0
0
6
2
0
1
0
4
1
0
32
Steward Department
4
3
0
0
1
1
4
6
1
1
3
0
2
0
9
5
9
9
8
0
1
0
3
0
5
6
10
5
0
0
2
1
1
2
10
3
1
0
10
2
81
47
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
1
1
0
1
0
3
3
3
0
1
6
6
0
2
2
2
0
4
37
11
0
0
13
0
8
10
28
20
19
1
4
23
25
4
5
6
14
3
35
229
4
2
0
7
1
2
6
10
22
3
1
6
19
6
0
3
5
1
0
14
112
0
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
5
2
1
0
3
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
18
Entry Department
1
8
0
2
0
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
4
1
12
1
5
0
0
1
0
0
9
1
2
0
0
0
3
0
0
2
4
0
0
1
9
11
62
2
0
3
3
1
0
2
6
20
6
0
0
17
2
0
7
0
9
0
6
84
4
2
1
1
0
0
0
3
11
2
0
0
9
0
0
2
0
3
0
1
39
3
0
0
0
0
1
2
7
3
1
0
0
2
1
0
0
1
11
0
4
36
21
2
1
6
1
2
4
16
39
21
3
1
22
14
2
1
3
17
0
18
194
26
5
1
4
2
1
9
20
103
18
2
3
36
11
4
9
5
15
1
15
290
127
252
963
659
426
C
Deck Department
9
12
2
1
1
0
1
3
1
13
3
2
3
0
0
9
4
1
4
1
0
20
16
1
15
17
9
29
7
1
4
3
1
8
3
2
20
6
2
8
2
0
1
0
1
2
3
0
4
4
0
11
6
2
0
3
1
18
7
2
180
101
28
350
252
Trip
Reliefs
Seafarers LOG 9
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Vessel master Capt. Christopher Kavanagh (SIU hawsepiper) applauded his crew for their work during a recent shipyard period in Bahrain. “They did a
commendable job,” he said. “I don’t think I could have handpicked a better crew. We had a little celebration to acknowledge a safe, successful yard period.” Pictured from left in the
group photo are Cadet Liam Cashmore, 3/M Sam Osgood, C/M Jen Phurchpean, AB Cheryl Lee, AB Aaron Shorter, AB Kevin Salter, AB Andre Irby, AB Jakeem Simmons and Bosun
Nathaniel Sherrill.
ABOARD WILLIAM BUTTON
– Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos of
Seafarers aboard the Crowley
vessel. Jackson in particular
commended the deck department for going “above and beyond” while the vessel spent time
in two different shipyards. He’s
in the center of the group photo
above with fellow deck gang
members including AB Harry
Phillip, AB Noel Gemo, AB Robert Taylor, AB Octavio Henriques,
AB Seamus Woods, OS Blake
Stollenwerck, OS Peter Festa
and OS Frank Muna. Chief Cook
James Martin and Chief Steward Ed Bonefont are pictured in
photo at right while the photo at
left includes QMED Deralle Watson, Storekeeper Jason Devine,
Electrician Braden Horne, GUDE
David Argo, Pumpman Orlando
Pajarillo and QMED Isaiah
Thomas.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
JACKSONVILLE MEETING – These photos were taken during the March membership meeting. In photo at right, STOS Gladys
Williams (left) receives her full book. Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. Chief Cook Gregory Brown is at left in photo below,
receiving his A-book as Nelson gives the oath. The photo above shows a strong turnout.
UPGRADING AT THE POINT – Chief Cook Pauline Crespo submitted these photos while attending class at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. In photo at left, Crespo (right) is pictured
with Pastry Chef/Instructor Hillary Dyson at the end of the class. Chief Cook Arjay Hermoso (left in center photo) and Chief Cook
Anthony Jackson present their sweet and sour pork creations before serving it for lunch. The snapshot at right features Paul Hall
Center Apprentices Laura Katschman, Isis Vasquez-Soto and Sira-Claire Hauanio.
ALGONAC MEETING – Seafarers safely gather for the March membership meeting in Michigan. Pictured from left in
photo at left are UIW VP Monte Burgett, SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell and SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak.
10 Seafarers LOG
May 2021
FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – Oiler Samuel Ayers
(left) receives his full B-book last month at the membership meeting. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent
Nick Marrone II.
May 2021
WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Mott Arnold (left in photo above, left) and OMU Omer Sharif (left in other photo) pick
up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right in both photos.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Inquiring Seafarer
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was answered by upgraders who are attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: How did you decide to pursue a career in maritime?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 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
Thomas Koncul
GUDE
I’m following in the footsteps
of my brother (SIU Jacksonville
Safety Director Joseph Koncul).
I’ve heard lots of stories from my
brother, and I hope to provide a
stable income for myself with this
career.
Joesef Shaibi
GUDE
My dad sailed with the SIU for
over 30 years. I was inspired by
his sea stories, so I decided to sail
and see the world for myself. I
was also really drawn to the work
schedule, being home a lot while
you make good money.
Liam Flanagan
GUDE
I saw the opportunity to make
a career doing something not a lot
of people get to do. My uncle is
an engineer with the AMO, and
he suggested I look into starting
my career with the SIU.
Randy Slue
GUDE
I found out about the SIU through
my dad. He told me about the travel
opportunities a career in the SIU provides, not to mention the pay. I’ve already been all over Europe during my
career, and I’m just getting started.
Blake Washington
GUDE
A friend of mine introduced me to
his uncle, who told me all about the
union. I’ve got a daughter, and I want
to provide a good life for her. I didn’t
want to work two jobs anymore, either.
Calvetta Taylor
GUDE
I heard about the SIU from family
friends. I wanted to be an inspiration
to my brothers and sisters, and travel
the world while making a good living for myself. I’ve been all over the
world already while sailing with the
union.
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD
20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
The late NMU Bosun John Ivo Valjalo is pictured in 1962 aboard the SS American Clipper as the ship arrives in Boston from
Liverpool. According to caption information on the back of the Kodachrome print, the temperature was 22 below zero.
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 2021
�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
ALI ALHADDAD
Brother Ali Alhaddad, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1999 and first
sailed aboard the Independence.
He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney
Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Alhaddad last
shipped aboard the President Kennedy. He makes his home in Hamtramck, Michigan.
on the Maersk Ohio and resides in
Bellaire, Texas.
LARRY JOLLA
Brother Larry Jolla, 66, signed on
with the union in 1995 when he
worked on the Eugene A. Obregon.
A steward department member, he
upgraded often at union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Brother Jolla
concluded his career aboard the
Washington Express. He lives in
Mableton, Georgia.
ABDULRAHMEN AL-OKAISH
CLARENCE LANGFORD
Brother Abdulrahmen Al-Okaish,
67, joined the Seafarers in 1991,
initially sailing on the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions
and primarily sailed in the deck
department. Brother Al-Okaish
last shipped on the North Star. He
resides in Dearborn, Michigan.
Brother Clarence Langford, 67,
joined the Seafarers in 1975. He
was an engine
department
member and
upgraded his
skills at the Paul
Hall Center on
numerous occasions. Brother
Langford’s first
vessel was the
Cove Navigator; his last, the Inspiration. He
makes his home in St. Augustine,
Florida.
GLORIA BAKER
Sister Gloria Baker, 65, began sailing with the union in 2001 when
she shipped aboard the Maersk
Arizona. She was a member of the
steward department and upgraded
often at the Piney Point school.
Sister Baker’s final vessel was the
Overseas New York. She makes
her home in Jacksonville, Florida.
JOHN FITZGERALD
Brother John Fitzgerald, 62,
signed on with the SIU in 1979
when he sailed
on the Point
Margo. He was
a member of
the steward
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Fitzgerald
most recently
shipped aboard the Seabulk
Arctic. He lives in Jacksonville,
Florida.
JOHN LEAHEY
Brother John Leahey, 65, began
his career with the SIU in 1994
when he sailed aboard the Independence. He sailed in both the
steward and engine departments
and upgraded often at the Piney
Point school. Brother Leahey last
shipped on the Overseas Tampa.
He lives in Houston.
KENNETH LEWIN
Brother Kenneth Lewin, 65,
signed on with the Seafarers in
2001. He was a deck department
member and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Lewin’s first vessel was
the USNS Bowditch; his last, the
Gem State. He is a resident of
Tahoma, California.
HAMDI HUSSEIN
RODOLFO LUDOVICE
Brother Hamdi Hussein, 68, became a member of the Seafarers
International Union in 1992 when
he shipped on the Global Sentinel.
He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on
multiple occasions. Brother Hussein’s final vessel was the Magothy. He settled in Philadelphia.
Brother Rodolfo Ludovice, 72,
started shipping with the SIU in
2007, first sailing aboard the Pride
of America. He sailed in both the
deck and engine departments and
most recently sailed on the Gem
State. Brother Ludovice resides in
San Francisco.
RODRIGO JIMENEZ
Brother Jose MacAdaan, 65,
joined the union in 2001 and first
sailed on the
Cape Horn. He
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school within
his first year of
membership and
shipped in both
the deck and
engine departments. Brother MacAdaan’s final
vessel was the Horizon Reliance.
He is a resident of Long Beach,
California.
Brother Rodrigo Jimenez, 66,
donned the SIU colors in 1993,
initially sailing aboard the
Independence.
He worked in
both the deck
and steward
departments and
also worked on
shore gangs.
Brother Jimenez
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped
May 2021
JOSE MACADAAN
JOSEPH MCGEE
Brother Joseph McGee, 67,
donned the SIU colors in 1979
when he shipped
aboard the
Capricorn. He
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center and
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments. Brother
McGee last
shipped on the Anders Maersk in
1988. He calls Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, home.
RUDOLPH MILLER
Brother Rudolph Miller, 69,
signed on with the union in 2000,
initially sailing
on the Global
Mariner. An
engine department member,
he upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Miller
most recently
shipped on the West Virginia. He
lives in Hollywood, Florida.
ABDULHAMID MUSAED
Brother Abdulhamid Musaed,
66, joined the SIU in 1979.
He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center in 2001. Brother
Musaed’s first vessel was the
Westward Venture; his last, the
Ocean Freedom. He resides in
Birmingham, Alabama.
LAMAR PARKER
Brother Lamar Parker, 62, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1989 when he was employed by
Delta Queen Steamboat Company.
He sailed in the engine department
and upgraded often at the Piney
Point school. Brother Parker last
shipped on the Cape Kennedy and
makes his home in Jackson, Louisiana.
JEFFRY STUART
Brother Jeffry Stuart, 67, became
a member of the
SIU in 1991. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions and was
an engine department member.
Brother Stuart’s
first vessel was
the Cape May;
his last, the Gopher State. He lives
in Key Largo, Florida.
NATHANIEL TURMAN
Brother Nathaniel Turman, 69,
started sailing
with the union
in 2004 when
he worked on
the Green Lake.
An engine department member,
he upgraded at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Turman’s final vessel was
the Maersk Atlanta. He resides in
Spring Valley, California.
FRANK VOGLER
Brother Frank Vogler, 62, donned
the SIU colors
in 1982. He
primarily sailed
in the deck department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions.
Brother Vogler’s
first vessel was
the Gemini; his last, the Maersk
Columbus. He is a resident of
Brooklyn, New York.
WAYNE WILSON
Brother Wayne Wilson, 71, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1993, initially sailing on the
American Merlin. He shipped in
the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Wilson last shipped on the
Maersk Durban. He is a resident
of Jacksonville, Florida.
EUSEBIO ZAPATA
Brother Eusebio Zapata, 61,
signed on with
the union in 1988
when he shipped
on the Economy.
He sailed in both
the deck and engine departments
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Zapata’s last vessel was
the Cape Kennedy. He is a Houston resident.
GREAT LAKES
NASSER ALJALHAM
Brother Nasser Aljalham, 65,
began sailing with the SIU in
2000. He was a steward department member and initially
sailed aboard the John Boland.
Brother Aljalham’s final vessel
was the American Republic. He
makes his home in Dearborn,
Michigan.
INLAND
ERIC CORGEY
Brother Eric Corgey, 62, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1979. A deck
department member, he upgraded
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother Corgey worked for G&H
Towing for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Poolville,
Texas.
MONTE CROSS
Brother Monte Cross, 65, joined
the SIU in 1975.
He sailed in the
deck department
and first shipped
with Moran Towing of Texas.
Brother Cross
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. He last
worked for G&H
Towing and resides in Woodlyn,
Pennsylvania.
RICHARD FINLEY
Brother Richard Finley, 65, began
his career with the union in 1975,
first working for Steuart Transportation. He sailed in the deck
department and upgraded at the
Piney Point school on numerous
occasions. Brother Finley was last
employed by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Dushore, Pennsylvania.
MATTHEW FURMAN
Brother Matthew Furman, 62,
joined the SIU in 1978 when he
worked with Interstate Oil. He was
a deck department member and
concluded his career with OSG
Ship Management. Brother Furman
resides in Cape Coral, Florida.
ALAN WATTS
Brother Alan Watts, 66, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers
in 1977. He sailed in the deck
department and
was initially employed by Steuart
Transportation.
Brother Watts
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. He
last worked for
Moran Towing
of Maryland and lives in Joppa,
Maryland.
PATRICK WILLIAMS
Brother Patrick Williams, 63,
donned the SIU colors in 1975,
initially working with Interstate
Oil. A deck department member, he
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on numerous occasions. Brother
Williams concluded his career with
OSG Ship Management. He calls
Glen Burnie, Maryland, home.
GREGG WOLFFIS
Brother Gregg Wolffis, 68, began
his career with the Seafarers in
2014. He sailed in the deck department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Wolffis was
employed with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation for his entire
career. He resides in Bell, Florida.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
EMILIO ABABA
Pensioner Emilio Ababa, 70, died
March 20. He
embarked on his
career with the
SIU in 1996 when
he sailed on the
Independence.
Brother Ababa
worked in all
three departments
and last shipped
on the Horizon
Enterprise. He
retired in 2015 and lived in Ewa
Beach, Hawaii.
LAWRENCE CRAIG
Pensioner Lawrence Craig, 91,
passed away February 23. He joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1952, initially
sailing aboard the
Mobilian. Brother
Craig was a member of the engine
department and
last shipped on
the Robert E.
Lee. He became
a pensioner in 1999 and settled in
Brooksville, Florida.
RAUL GUERRA
Pensioner Raul Guerra, 67, died
February 6. He signed on with the
union in 1973 and
was a deck department member.
Brother Guerra
first shipped with
G&H Towing.
He last sailed
on the Overseas
Harriette before
going on pension
in 2007. Brother
Guerra resided in Texas City, Texas.
WALTER HARRIS
Pensioner Walter Harris, 80, passed
away March 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1978 when he
shipped aboard the Bradford Island.
Brother Harris worked in the deck
department and last sailed on the
Decisive. He became a pensioner in
2006 and was a Baltimore resident.
MARCOS HILL
Pensioner Marcos Hill, 73, died
March 17. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968,
initially sailing with Penn Tanker.
Brother Hill was an engine department member and last shipped on
the Horizon Falcon. He went on
pension in 2011 and made his home
in New Orleans.
THOMAS JOHNSON
Pensioner Thomas Johnson, 87,
passed away February 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1956 when he shipped on
the Steel Design. Brother Johnson
primarily sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Quality before retiring in 1995. Brother
Johnson lived in Elizabeth City,
North Carolina.
14 Seafarers LOG
LLOYD LAWRENCE
Pensioner Lloyd Lawrence, 73,
died March 14. He donned the SIU
colors in 1972,
first working
for Inland Tugs.
Brother Lawrence
sailed in both the
deck and steward
departments. His
final vessel was
the Green Cove
and he became
a pensioner in
2012. Brother Lawrence resided in
Dade City, Florida.
FRANCES MAIELLOWADSWORTH
Pensioner Frances Maiello-Wadsworth, 78, passed away February
23. She signed on
with the union in
1991 and sailed
in both the steward and engine
departments.
Sister MaielloWadsworth’s first
vessel was the
Abby G. She last
shipped aboard
the William Baugh and retired in
2007. Sister Maiello-Wadsworth
made her home in Wilmington,
North Carolina.
HENRY MANNING
Pensioner Henry Manning, 73, died
March 4. Signing on with the union
in 1967, he first sailed on the Ocean
Pioneer. Brother Manning was a
steward department member and last
worked aboard the Charleston Express. He went on pension in 2012
and was a Houston resident.
ABDUL MUFLIHI
Pensioner Abdul Muflihi, 72, passed
away January 25. He became an
SIU member in 1981, initially shipping on the Massachusetts. Brother
Muflihi sailed in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Evergreen State and went on pension
in 2014. Brother Muflihi lived in
Coldwater, Michigan.
NASSER MUZAYYAD
Pensioner Nasser Muzayyad, 66,
died December 28. He joined the
SIU in 1980 and first sailed aboard
the Overseas Juneau. Brother Muzayyad sailed in both the steward and
engine departments. He last sailed
aboard the Performance and retired
in 2020. Brother Muzayyad lived in
Melvindale, Michigan.
MICHAEL NASH
Pensioner Michael Nash, 92, passed
away February 14. He donned the
SIU colors in 1951, initially sailing
with Colonial Steamship Company.
Brother Nash sailed in the deck department and concluded his career
working on a shore gang. He went
on pension in 1986 and was a resident of Maitland, Florida.
NORMAN OBEHI
Pensioner Norman Obehi, 75, died
March 23. He signed on with the
Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped
on the Liberator. Brother Obehi
worked in both the deck and engine
departments. He last sailed on the
Maersk Alabama before retiring in
2013. Brother Obehi lived Ridgewood, New York.
CHARLES O’BRIEN
Pensioner Charles O’Brien, 85, passed
away February 15. He began his
career with the SIU in 1958 when he
sailed with Boston Towing Boat Company. Brother O’Brien worked in both
the deck and engine departments and
also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 1991 and resided
in Staten Island, New York.
CLARENCE PRYOR
Pensioner Clarence Pryor, 85, died
April 1. He started shipping with
the SIU in 1954,
originally working for Waterman Steamship
Corporation. A
deck department
member, Brother
Pryor concluded
his career on the
Humacao. He retired in 1997 and
settled in Citronelle, Alabama.
RODNEY ROBERSON
Pensioner Rodney Roberson, 60,
passed away
February 15. He
signed on with
the union in 1989,
initially sailing
aboard the USNS
Assurance. A
deck department
member, Brother
Roberson last
worked for Watco.
He became a pensioner in 2019 and
resided in Claymont, Delaware.
TOM SAENZ
Pensioner Tom Saenz, 83, died
March 10. He
joined the Seafarers in 1963 and
was an engine department member.
Brother Saenz’s
first vessel was
the Jefferson
City; his last, the
Overseas Vivian.
He retired in 1995
and made his home in Houston.
KAREL SUMILAT
Pensioner Karel Sumilat, 74, passed
away March 9. Signing on with the
union in 1990, he first shipped aboard
the Independence. Brother Sumilat
was a member of the deck department
and last sailed on the Commitment. He
went on pension in 2008 and called
Elmhurst, New York, home.
HAROLD WARD
Pensioner Harold
Ward, 72, died
February 20. He
began his career
with the SIU in
1970, first sailing
aboard the Steel
Voyager. Brother
Ward was a steward department
member and last shipped with USS
Transport. He became a pensioner
in 2014 and resided in Mobile, Alabama.
GORDON WHEELER
Pensioner Gordon Wheeler, 90,
passed away
February 26. He
joined the union
in 1951, initially
sailing aboard the
Alcoa Puritan.
Brother Wheeler
was a member of
the steward department and last
shipped on the
Atlantic. He retired in 1994 and was
a Houston resident.
JOHN ZIMMERMAN
Pensioner John Zimmerman, 73,
died November
19. He signed on
with the union
in 1978 and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Zimmerman’s first
vessel was the
Mohawk; his last,
the Trader. He
went on pension
in 2012 and lived in Ewa Beach,
Hawaii.
GREAT LAKES
CORLISS MACRURY
Pensioner Corliss MacRury, 94,
passed away March 1. She joined
the SIU in 1980 when she worked
for H&M Lake Transport. A steward
department member, Sister MacRury concluded her career aboard
the Charles E. Wilson. She retired
in 1995 and made her home in Fort
Gratiot, Michigan.
LEONARD VALENTINE
Pensioner Leonard Valentine, 82,
died March 28. He embarked on his
career with the Seafarers in 1972.
Brother Valentine was a member of
the deck department and was employed by Luedtke Engineering for
the duration of his career. He went
on pension in 2000 and lived in
Saint Ignace, Michigan.
INLAND
JAMES ANDERSON
Pensioner James Anderson, 67,
passed away February 27. A deck
department member, he signed
on with the SIU in 1993 when he
worked for Riverbus Inc. Brother
Anderson’s final vessel was the
Riverlink and he retired in 2015. He
was a resident of Egg Harbor City,
New Jersey.
KENNETH BRADY
Brother Kenneth Brady, 63, died
January 11. He signed on with the
SIU in 1981. A deck department
member, Brother Brady’s first ship
was the Gulf Merchant. He last
worked for OSG Ship Management
and resided in Portsmouth, Virginia.
JAMES FERGUSON
Pensioner James Ferguson, 75, passed
away October 8. A deck department
member, he began sailing with the
union in 1988. Brother Ferguson was
employed by Crowley Towing and
Transportation for the duration of his
career. He went on pension in 2012
and lived in Highlands, Texas.
GERALD MILLER
Pensioner Gerald Miller, 77, died
March 22. He signed on with the
SIU in 1967 and was first employed
by Whiteman Towing. Brother
Miller shipped in the engine department. He last worked for Crescent
Towing and Salvage, and retired in
2004. Brother Miller was a resident
of McIntosh, Alabama.
MARVIN NETZEL
Pensioner Marvin Netzel, 86, passed
away February 10. He joined the
union in 1968 and sailed in the deck
department. Brother Netzel worked
with Dixie Carriers for his entire career. He retired in 1996 and settled
in Iowa Park, Texas.
NMU
ANGEL CRUZ
Pensioner Angel Cruz, 74, died
March 5. He joined the union during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001.
Brother Cruz sailed in both the deck
and engine departments. He last
sailed on the Delaware Bay before
going on pension in 2004. Brother
Cruz was a New York resident.
RAUL FLORES
Pensioner Raul Flores, 71, passed away
March 5. He was an NMU member
before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger and
sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Flores’s final vessel
was the Maersk Vermont. He became a
pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of
Elizabeth, New Jersey.
ION ION
Pensioner Ion Ion, 83, died February
7. He joined the union during the
SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother
Ion sailed in the deck department. He
last sailed on the Innovator before
going on pension in 2002. Brother
Ion lived in Signal Hill, California.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have
also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers.
NAME
Alexander, Warren
Brown, Lee
Cairns, Andrew
Connolly, Norman
Cotton, Clarence
De Grace, Marciano
De Luise, Gennaro
Edwards, James
Ford, Anthony
Giller, Norman
Johnson, James
Rickl, Louis
Saralegui, Carlos
Smith, Stanley
Trejos, Carlos
AGE
83
90
89
94
79
82
90
78
82
96
80
88
91
94
90
DOD
03/07/2021
03/09/2021
02/13/2021
01/18/2021
01/11/2021
03/08/2021
03/14/2021
01/25/2021
12/12/2020
03/25/2021
03/01/2021
02/20/2021
12/12/2020
03/23/2021
02/22/2021
May 2021
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management),
February 14 – Chairman Romualdo Medina, Secretary
Derrick Moore, Educational
Director Tsawang Gyurme,
Deck Delegate Lawrence
Hernandez, Engine Delegate Ghadir Sarkis. New
mattresses and WiFi needed
aboard ship. Crew requested
regular servicing from port
agent or patrolman. Educational director encouraged
members to attend safety
training courses at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Maryland. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested increase
in allowance for safety shoes.
Crew thanked steward department for a job well done.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR
(Alaska Tanker Company),
February 21 – Chairman
Gregory Hamilton, Secretary
Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck
Delegate Donny Castillo,
Engine Delegate Anne Scott,
Steward Delegate Dindo Reforsado. Pay vouchers are not
accurately printing tax deductions due to a computer glitch.
Crew requested clarification
on compensation procedures
for missing-man wages. Deck
and engine departments were
thanked for their efforts.
Educational director urged
members to check for class
availability at the Piney Point
school. Courses are printed in
the LOG and are posted on the
SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Company
covers travel expenses from
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.
hiring hall to ship location but
are exclusively using major
international airports. Traveling to major airports can be
both timely and expensive for
members. Drinking fountain in
crew mess and toilet in crew
room are both in need of repair. Bosun plans to call and
request a patrolman to visit
ship in Washington. Next port:
Valdez, Alaska.
MATSON TACOMA (Horizon
Lines), February 27 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary
Lovie Perez, Educational
Director Dylan Sapp, Engine
Delegate David Smart. Members were instructed to secure
everything in preparation for
bad weather. Company is still
restricting crew to ship. Members were directed to record
restriction time and submit it
with the overtime time sheet.
Chairman reminded crew to
wear masks aboard ship and
when going ashore. Members
were encouraged to donate to
SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s
voluntary political action
fund, and to sign up for SIU
text alerts. Secretary recommended visiting the SIU online
portal for current updates on
documents such as medical,
direct deposit, vacation pay,
etc. Educational director urged
crew to enroll at Piney Point
for LNG certificate as new
LNG ships are figuratively on
the horizon. Members were
reminded to bring back all
dishes from rooms. Crew requested improved WiFi aboard
ship. Members reviewed vacation check procedures and
suggested reducing the 60-day
requirement to 30 to 45 days.
USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean
Shipholdings Inc), February
28 – Chairman Kelly Doyle,
Secretary Loretta Stewart,
Deck Delegate Mark Bolitho,
Engine Delegate Ronald
Sease. Chairman informed
crew there would be no port
access in Norfolk, Virginia, at
least through March 2. All departments received top scores
from Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) survey. Secretary
reiterated importance of dues
payments. Educational director
encouraged crew to upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members discussed COVID-19
vaccines and asked for clarification on extra pay for gangway up. Next port: Norfolk,
Virginia.
USNS POLLUX (TOTE),
March 1 – Chairman Chris
Nagle, Secretary Robinson
Eromosele, Educational Director Marcelo Solano. Crew
emphasized importance of
good pension and requested an
increase to current prescription
glasses allowance. Chairman
discussed vacation rollover at
the end of the contract year.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed
views pertaining to maternity
leave and feel that spouses
should qualify for time off.
MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE),
March 7 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary
Dennis Skretta, Educational
Director Michael McGlone,
Deck Delegate Bakr Elbana,
Steward Delegate Robert
Haggerty. Ice machine in
crew mess has been replaced.
Payoff at sea scheduled for
March 11. Chairman reminded
members to use the proper
chain of command if problems
occur and to be sure documents are up to date. He recommended turning papers in
early to avoid potential delays
caused by the pandemic. Educational director encouraged
members to read the Seafarers
LOG and to check SIU website
for classes being offered at
the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education,
located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members discussed
pension-related issues. Next
port: Anchorage, Alaska.
OVERSEAS CASCADE
(Overseas Ship Management),
March 11 – Chairman Orvin
Mejia, Secretary Anthony
Jacobson, Educational Director Mario Standberry, Deck
Delegate Ricardo Guevara,
Engine Delegate Daryl Spicer,
Steward Delegate Larry
Bachelor. Bosun thanked galley gang. Secretary discussed
procedures for medical benefit
claims and reminded members to leave clean rooms for
oncoming crew. Educational
director urged members to
upgrade at the SIU-affiliated
Piney Point school. Members
were reminded to stay on top
of documents. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew
asked for more involvement
with contract negotiations, a
lower age requirement for pen-
sion and for WiFi to be added
to ship. Next port: Mobile,
Alabama.
GREEN LAKE (Central Gulf
Lines), March 20 – Chairman
Anthony Newbill, Secretary
Reshawn Solomon, Deck
Delegate Dean Diaz, Engine
Delegate Antonio De Luna,
Steward Delegate Jasmin
Franklin. Chairman congratulated all departments for a
job well done and reminded
members to keep documents
up to date. He also discussed
facts pertaining to COVID-19
vaccination shots. Members
were encouraged to upgrade
at Piney Point and to check
portal and Seafarers LOG
for updated information.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested
TV in rooms, DVD players, a
deep fryer and bottled water.
Crew needs latex gloves and
other company-supplied PPE.
Dishwasher in need of repair.
Members asked for a reduction to retirement qualification
days and 30 for 30 vacation
days. Next port: Port Hueneme, California.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be
elected during the May 3 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2020 records.
Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and
May 2021
the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions
under which an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members should know
their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any
article serving the political purposes of any
individual in the union, officer or member.
It also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has
been reaffirmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all constitutional
ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG
policy is vested in an editorial board which
consists of the executive board of the union.
The executive board may delegate, from
among its ranks, one individual to carry out
this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In the
event anyone attempts to require any such
payment be made without supplying a receipt,
or if a member is required to make a payment
and is given an official receipt, but feels that
he or she should not have been required to
make such payment, this should immediately
be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with
its contents. Any time a member feels any
other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or
obligation by any methods, such as dealing
with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other
details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President Michael Sacco at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Supply Configuration Management
October 4
October 15
MSC Ship Clip
October 18
October 29
Title of
Course
Pumpman
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
May 24
November 8
May 28
November 12
Welding
May 24
June 28
August 30
June 11
Juy 16
September 17
Engineroom Resource Management
December 6
December 10
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
May 10
June 14
July 19
June 11
July 16
August 20
Advanced Galley Operations
May 31
July 26
September 27
June 25
August 20
October 22
Chief Steward
June 28
August 23
October 18
July 23
September 17
November 12
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck
July 26
September 27
August 13
October 15
Lifeboat/Water Survival
September 27
October 25
November 22
October 8
November 5
December 3
RFPNW
August 23
November 15
September 10
December 3
Radar/ARPA
July 26
August 6
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
Fast Rescue Boat
June 21
August 9
June 25
August 13
June 28
September 6
July 2
September 10
Medical Care Provider
GMDSS
July 12
July 23
July 5
September 13
July 9
September 17
Celestial Navigation
November 15
December 10
Basic Training
Advanced Shiphandling
June 21
July 2
May 24
June 7
July 26
May 28
June 11
July 30
Advanced Meteorology
July 12
July 16
Basic Training Revalidation
Advanced Stability
July 5
July 9
June 4
June 25
August 30
June 4
June 25
August 30
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7
October 25
June 11
October 29
Government Vessels
May 10
May 24
June 7
June 14
June 28
July 19
May 14
May 28
June 11
June 18
July 2
July 23
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
May 10
July 5
October 18
May 14
July 9
October 22
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
June 28
August 23
September 27
December 13
July 2
August 27
October 1
December 17
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Reefer Containers
July 12
July 23
FOWT
May 31
July 26
June 25
August 20
Junior Engineer
May 31
September 6
July 23
October 29
Marine Electrician
September 6
October 8
Marine Reefer Tech
July 26
September 3
Advanced Reefer Containers
July 12
July 23
Machinist
October 18
November 5
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 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.
5/21
May 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #867 – Graduated March 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Casas, Jeyke Franciz Chiovarou, Matthew De Maria, Richard Dolan, Ashley
Graham, Nathaniel Howard, Cristian L. Irizarry Aviles, Nicholas King and Michael Reardon.
BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Cristian Curet-Lara, Dennison Neil Forsman, Michael Jamal Garcia, Gabriel Kalima, Aaron Juan Moore Jr.,
Jose Pena, Makanaonalani Sing, Michael Taylor, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Jeffery Wixted. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the engine departments of
SIU-contracted vessels.
Important Notice
To All Students
May 2021
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions
department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated Feb. 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Hoisington, Roger Mathews, Tanner Page, Luke Isamu John Satsuma and Johnny Young. Each
plans to work in the deck department of union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training.
Pumpman – Graduated March 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcus Brown, Kirk Chambers, Olivier Luc Especa, Patrick Montgomery and Dhahabi Abdulla Quraish. Instructor
William Dodd is at the far left.
Government Vessels – Graduated March 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Byrd, Daniel Flanagan, Jequinn Greenman, Crystal Higgs, Hubert Lawrence, Isaac Nugen and
Liam Richey.
18 Seafarers LOG
May 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Marine Refrigeration – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Bell Jr., Joel Boyd, Terren Fields, Nicolae Marinescu, Kyle Miller, Robert Neff, Charlie Wescott III, Kyle
Williamson and Kevin Willis. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left.
Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamal Campbell, Jonah Chambly Ryan Hatch, Kevin Hubble, Alexander Kostik, Bryce Ness
and Timothy Scott. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Galley Operations – Graduated March 3 – (above, in alphabetical order): Leo De Los Reyes Bierneza, Kaberlyn Daniel, Anthony Parks, Wilma
Smith, Nikia Stripling and Johathan Yates.
May 2021
Galley Ops (Phase III) - Apprentice
Devin Brashear, above, graduated
from this course March 5. Once he
completes his training, he plans to
work in the steward departments of
SIU-contracted vessels.
Seafarers LOG 19
�MAY 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 5
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
‘Be Ready for Life-Changing Adventure’
Alaska Resident Wins Crowley Safety Champion Award
The latest recipient of a prestigious annual safety honor clearly has found a home
in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
AB Austin Duckworth recently earned
the Crowley Petroleum Services Safety
Champion award – the highest individual
accolade available in the company’s safety
recognition program.
Crowley Vice President Boren Chambers
said Duckworth is “a good shipmate that
looks out for his fellow crew.”
Duckworth, who often sails on the ATB
Gulf Reliance/650-2, stated, “I feel good
about receiving the award from Crowley because I know how they really try and uphold
their safety standards. So many people have
helped me, taught me and showed me how
things should be done. I would say they are
the real reason I won. In this environment,
we all know not to be scared to say something if there’s anything that seems unsafe.”
The award is a milestone for someone
who grew up fishing and working on the
water in Ketchikan, Alaska, but didn’t immediately pursue his dream of entering the
U.S. Merchant Marine. Duckworth, 28,
had successfully completed a deckhand
certification program offered by his high
school, but after graduation, he worked at
a local fishing lodge for a few years. The
supportive owners inspired him to continue
his education – and Duckworth did so at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in
Piney Point, Maryland.
Duckworth readily credits the Lund
Maritime Scholarship program for facilitating his training in Piney Point.
Coordinated by SEA Link, Inc., which is
based in Alaska, the program is open to
local high school and GED graduates.
Thinking back to the days before he
first shipped out as an OS aboard the USNS
Effective in 2016, Duckworth recalled, “I
didn’t really know what to truly expect
before entering this industry besides being
gone for longer periods of time and making good money while traveling the world.
But today, if someone wanted to enter this
industry, I would say be ready for lifechanging adventure. You do have to prepare
to be gone for long stretches, and also have
an understanding that there are more opportunities out there if you’re willing to work
for them.”
Similarly, when recalling his extensive
training at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg
School in 2015 and 2016, he recommends
taking courses there – and being ready to
fully apply oneself.
“Piney Point’s expectations were to follow directions, understand the fundamentals
of shipping and working in this industry
and be able to overcome any discrepancies among one another to work together
as a team,” Duckworth said. “If you have
the time and your schedule permits it, you
should take advantage of the free classes
and housing (for eligible members) that
Piney Point offers.”
As for shipboard work, it also agrees
with Duckworth, who spent his first few
years with the SIU sailing aboard militarysupport ships and tankers. He eventually
chose to work closer to home, and found
employment on Crowley ATBs in the Pacific Northwest.
“I love the fact that I am able to pump
the barge with one other person and we can
move millions of gallons from one place to
another in just a matter of days, sometimes
even hours,” he said.
Seafarer Austin Duckworth (both photos above) is pictured on the job in Alaska. (Photos
courtesy Crowley)
“My most memorable voyage would
be our trips out to Dutch Harbor (Alaska),
taking the inside passageways to keep clear
from storms and being able to see all the
wildlife, and rocks protruding from the
mountain formations going directly into the
ocean.”
He added that he has found SIU representatives helpful, and he’s had only positive experiences with the union.
As for the award, the company reported
that Duckworth “was chosen for his outstanding performance throughout the year,”
which included earning a monthly safety
honor. As part of this recognition, Duckworth was presented with a challenge coin,
and received a video call from shoreside
management personnel.
For Duckworth, it’s an accolade that may
not be his last. He plans to remain in the
industry and eventually sail as a deep-sea
captain.
“I love being able to see the world
and what beauties are on every continent
and being paid while doing it,” he
concluded.
West Virginia Legislators Issue
Resolution Backing Jones Act
The West Virginia State Capitol is located in Charleston.
A new, bipartisan resolution in the West Virginia government strongly supports the nation’s freight cabotage
law.
The concurrent resolution backing the Jones Act
was adopted by the state senate March 19, and then was
passed by the House on March 31. Its primary sponsor is
State Senator Eric Nelson (R).
Text of the senate document follows. The house version is virtually identical.
Expressing support for the Jones Act and celebrating
the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act.
Whereas, West Virginia is committed to creating and
maintaining a safe, effective, and efficient transportation system that enhances opportunity for the people and
communities of West Virginia and the United States; and
Whereas, The current pandemic has demonstrated
the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic
industries and transportation services to the citizens and
workforce of West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known
as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United
States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between
locations in the United States be owned by American
companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in
American shipyards; and
Whereas, America’s ability to project and deploy
forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically, depends on the civilian fleet of
Jones Act vessels and mariners; and
Whereas, Mariners aboard Jones Act vessels
strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes
and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways;
and
Whereas, West Virginia is home to over 3,300 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, which generates
$171.7 million in labor income; and
Whereas, Maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family wage careers that
offer significant career advancement without generally
necessitating advanced formal education and extensive
student loans; and
Whereas, The more than 40,000-vessel strong Jones
Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family wage jobs and
over $154 billion in economic output nationally, and
$800 million to the West Virginia economy; therefore,
be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Senate expresses its support for the Jones
Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the
Jones Act; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and in fostering a strong
domestic maritime industry that is critical to West Virginia’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national
security; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is
hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to
each member of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation.
�
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Headlines:
'SALUTE TO CONGRESS' EVENT RECOGNIZES DEFAZIO, BUZBY
SUEZ INCIDENT CAUSES SHIPPING BACKLOG
WHITE HOUSE IDENTIFIES KEY OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT GOALS
UPDATE TO MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN CLARIFIES MASK MANDATES FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY
AFL-CIO LEADS NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR PRO ACT
PANDEMIC FORCES AFL-CIO TO ALTER ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
BUTTIGIEG: 'I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE JONES ACT'
HEARTBURN: TOUGH TO AVOID, BUT IT'S USUALLY MANAGEABLE
COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS IN FULL SWING
MARITIME MOURNS PASSING OF AMO EXEC. VP FINNIGAN
IMO WARNS CREW-CHANGE CRISIS FAR FROM FINISHED
POWELL RETAINS POSITION AS PORT AUTHORITY OFFICIAL
CONGRATULATIONS ON SAFETY AWARD
PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENS FOR GALLEY TRAINING
SURVEY AIMS TO ASSIST MARINERS
'BE READY FOR LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURE'
WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATORS ISSUE RESOLUTION BACKING JONES ACT
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05/01/2021
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Vol. 83, No. 5
2021
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/90c252aa404d1798734d893dc595c3bf.pdf
21c4b4b1fc4289b782a2d050ec58c0bc
PDF Text
Text
APRIL 2021
VOLUME 83, 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
SIU Excels During Tanker Exercise
Operation Underscores Reliability of U.S. Crews & Ships
Two Seafarers-crewed vessels – the Maersk Peary
and the USNS Laramie – recently conducted an
underway replenishment exercise near Crete. The
mission’s success highlighted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s dependability. Crew members on the Maersk
Peary are pictured immediately below, while the
photo at right shows both ships (Peary at left, Laramie at right). Page 20.
Crew Assists in Rescue
The SIU-crewed Padre Island (Great Lakes Dredge and Dock) recently
helped save a family of six whose boat was sinking off the Florida coast.
In the photo below, one of the family members transfers from the Coast
Guard cutter Sea Dragon to a sheriff’s office vessel, prior to heading back
ashore. (Photo courtesy of Nassau County Sheriff’s Office) Page 4.
Seafarers Support Community
SIU members and officials recently assisted with widespread community outreach in Houston following a devastating winter storm. In photo above, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (at podium) praises
the volunteer efforts of local area unions. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey is fourth from
left. Page 4.
WWII Mariner Recalls
SS Henry Bacon Saga
Former Seafarer Dick Burbine, 95, is the last living
survivor of the SS Henry Bacon’s final crew. He still
celebrates being rescued from the 1945 sinking on
the Murmansk Run. Pages 10-11.
Unions Back Relief Bill
Page 3
PRO Act Passes House
Page 5
�President’s Report
Time for Growth
Earlier this year, the SIU teamed up with several other maritime
unions to share our blueprint for American maritime growth with the new
administration.
In modern times, there have been long stretches where it felt as if the
best-case scenario for our industry was simply hanging on. That is absolutely not the case today, and we’ve got to capitalize
on this very real opportunity to boost our manpower
pool, build new ships, and grow our fleet.
Many of you know that President Biden and
Vice President Harris are longtime backers of the
U.S. Merchant Marine. This was evident during last
year’s campaign and again when the administration issued its Buy American executive order in late
January. That document specifically stated strong
support for the Jones Act, a critical maritime law that
helps maintain hundreds of thousands of American
jobs.
Michael Sacco
That’s not the only good news we’ve reported in
recent months. The establishment of a Tanker Security Fleet bodes well for not just our industry but
our country, as does the application of the Jones Act to offshore domestic
wind farms. Pro-maritime, bipartisan legislation recently was reintroduced in both chambers of Congress that would lead to more domestic
shipbuilding and increased exports moving on U.S.-flag ships.
But our industry cannot afford to collectively exhale. We’ve got to
navigate forward and seize these opportunities while they exist.
That is why the SIU and other shipboard unions wrote to President
Biden, “We believe that with your leadership and support, and with the
support of Members of Congress, we now have the opportunity to develop
an effective national maritime policy that increases the number of vessels
operating under the U.S.-flag, the amount of cargo carried aboard U.S.flag ships, and the number of jobs for American merchant mariners.”
A potentially key step toward helping ensure that American ships have
enough cargo is sensibly modifying our country’s cargo preference laws.
That is why we’re pushing for a percentage increase for non-Defense,
government-generated cargoes reserved for American-flag ships from the
current 50 percent to 100 percent. This is consistent with the intent of the
executive order and there is no doubt it would help solidify the U.S.-flag
fleet.
Other important steps that would help include establishing tax incentives for transporting cargoes on U.S.-flag ships, negotiating cargo-sharing agreements with our country’s trading partners, and fully funding both
the new tanker program and the longstanding Maritime Security Program
(on which it was patterned).
I’m excited about the prospects that lie ahead for the U.S. Merchant
Marine, and I look forward to continuing our work in Washington and
elsewhere to boost our industry.
More on Vaccines
It took a lot longer than I wanted, but I’m finally scheduled for my
COVID-19 vaccines this month. Availability has been the biggest challenge with the vaccines all across the country, but it looks like ample
supply is just around the corner. As the president noted, the month of May
appears to be the turning point, and by Independence Day we may finally
be back to (mostly) normal.
The other big challenge with the vaccine rollout has been educating
the public. On that note, I strongly encourage every Seafarer to get the
facts, as always. Read our coverage in the LOG and on our website, visit
the CDC website, and stay on top of the latest developments. And note
that the SIU continues pushing for mariners to be prioritized for vaccine
access.
Personally, I am completely comfortable taking the vaccine because I
believe they’re safe and effective. But I understand that many people are
hesitant, and those feelings themselves aren’t subject to debate. Again,
though, I urge you to gather as much information, from as many reliable
sources, as is reasonably possible. I’m confident that the more you learn
about the vaccines, the more you’ll share my belief that they’re not only
safe, but also essential for protecting you, your families and your shipmates.
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 83 Number 4
April 2021
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;
Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
(D-California)
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker
(R-Mississippi)
U.S. Sen. Robert Casey
(D-Pennsylvania)
Pro-Maritime Bill Back
Pro-maritime legislation strongly
backed by the SIU has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate.
On March 11, U.S. Rep. John
Garamendi (D-California) and U.S.
Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi)
and Robert Casey (D-Pennsylvania)
reintroduced the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would
recapitalize America’s strategic domestic shipbuilding and maritime
industries by requiring that increasing percentages of liquefied natural
gas (LNG) and crude oil exports be
transported on American-built vessels with U.S. crews sailing under
the American flag.
According to Garamendi’s office,
without passage of this bill “all U.S.
exports of LNG and crude oil will
continue to be on foreign vessels.”
House original cosponsors
include Reps. Rob Wittman (RVirginia), Julia Brownley (DCalifornia), Brian Fitzpatrick
(R-Pennsylvania), Alan Lowenthal
(D-California), Chris Pappas (DNew Hampshire) and Elaine Luria
(D-Virginia).
The Energizing American Shipbuilding Act would require that
15 percent of total seaborne LNG
exports by 2043 and 10 percent of
total seaborne crude oil exports by
2035 be transported exclusively on
vessels built in the United States.
If enacted, the bill will support Garamendi’s “Make it in America”
agenda and spur the construction of
dozens of ships, support thousands of
new, good-paying jobs in American
shipyards, and provide a boost to the
domestic vessel component manufacturing and maritime industries,
the congressman stated. According
to an estimate from the Shipbuilders
Council of America, the Garamendi
bill would result in the construction
of more than 40 ships: approximately
28 LNG carriers by 2043 and 12 oil
tankers by 2035.
“U.S. exports of America’s LNG
and crude oil resources present a
unique opportunity to create new
middle-class jobs by strengthening
our nation’s crucial domestic shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing,
and maritime industries – which
are key to national security and our
ability to project American military
power abroad,” said Garamendi.
“American shipyards and mariners
are ready for the job, and our bill
ensures American workers are no
longer expected to compete against
heavily subsidized foreign shipyards
in Korea, China, and elsewhere. Our
domestic maritime industry is critically important to the U.S. economy
and our national security, and I will
work tirelessly until this bill becomes law.”
“Strengthening our domestic
maritime industry is essential to
our national defense,” said Wicker.
“Ensuring the U.S. can move our
growing energy exports on American-flagged, American-crewed vessels protects the critical role these
vessels play in our national defense
and bolsters hundreds of thousands
of American shipbuilding and maritime jobs. As foreign nations continue to invest heavily in their own
shipbuilding capacity, the United
States cannot allow our own capabilities to dwindle.”
“America’s merchant fleet has
dwindled 60 percent since 1991,”
Casey stated. “Requiring LNG and
oil to be exported on U.S.-built and
crewed vessels will help strengthen
our nation’s shipyards and maritime
industry and keep America competitive in international markets. The
bipartisan Energizing American
Shipbuilding Act would also create good-paying jobs for our ports
in Pennsylvania, and throughout
the country, while increasing ship
manufacturing to ensure that we can
provide sealift capacity for our military.”
Garamendi served as the top
Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation from 2013 to 2018,
and has sponsored this legislation
since 2016 as part of his Make it in
America agenda.
So-Called ‘Right to Work’ Law
Soundly Rejected in Montana
The continuing drive by antiunion, anti-worker legislators and
businesses to impose so-called
“right to work” (for less) laws
around the United States took hits
in Montana and West Virginia on
consecutive days in early March.
The arguably bigger triumph
for workers and their allies came in
Montana. For its 50,000-member
labor movement, battling “right to
work” (RTW) was a fight for economic life, according to state labor
officials. In the Montana House,
where Republicans hold a 67-33
majority, union foes wanted to pass
a RTW bill, banning any requirement that workers pay dues to the
unions that represent them.
Twenty-seven states, mostly in
the south and mid-west, have such
laws, intended to weaken unions by
starving them of resources. West
Virginia, also GOP-dominated, is
one of the 27. The laws let workers
protected by union contracts and
union services get away without
paying for them. And, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) admitted
RTW hasn’t succeeded there in delivering what its corporate backers
predicted: jobs and new people.
“So-called ‘right-to-work’ is
wrong for Montana and will lead
to lower wages, weaker local
economies and dangerous working
conditions,” Montana AFL-CIO
President Al Ekblad tweeted the
day before the vote.
As the vote neared, hundreds
of union members packed the state
capitol’s hallways in Helena for
two days straight, and filled the
gallery when the vote was scheduled. On March 2, the bill, HB251,
by first-year Rep. Caleb Hinkle (RBelgrade), went down by a vote of
38-62, with 29 Republicans joining
all 33 Democrats in voting “no.”
“If you argue against the political speech of union workers on
HB251 it is a safe assumption you
are arguing for the special-interest
PACs from out of state promoting union-busting work on behalf
of monied interests,” Rep. Jessica Karjala (D-Billings) told colleagues.
“Politics is like football in that
it’s a contact activity. Hard work
and SOLIDARITY paid off. Congratulations to the everyday wage
earners of Montana,” union supporter John Kretzschmar tweeted.
In its mines and mills, Montana
has a storied union past. Today,
12% of Montana workers are
union-represented, more than the
national average. Montana supporters of RTW say they plan to bring
it up again in the 2023 legislative
session.
Meanwhile, in the Mountaineer State, Justice, a billionaire
who is West Virginia’s wealthiest
person, didn’t call for repealing
RTW. But in a zoomed town hall
on March 3, he “ate crow” about
it – and the rest of the corporate
agenda he and the GOP legislative
majority pushed through starting
in 2010.
The video, posted on YouTube,
shows a chagrined Justice, in coat
and tie, seated at his desk in front
of the state and national flags, enumerating the various policies, and
saying they didn’t work.
“Really and truly, let’s just
be brutally honest,” he said. “We
passed the right-to-work law in
West Virginia. And we ran to the
windows looking to see all the people that were going to come – and
they didn’t come. We got rid of prevailing wage. We changed our corporate taxes and we’ve done a lot
of different things. And we’ve run
to the windows and they haven’t
come.”
One thing Justice didn’t say:
West Virginia lost residents since
2010. It will likely lose one of its
three U.S. House seats after census
figures come out.
West Virginia is 10.7% unionized, equal to the national union
share.
April 2021
�AFL-CIO Applauds American Rescue Plan
Relief Package Includes Many Labor-Backed Components
The AFL-CIO and its affiliates (including the SIU) are pointing out the many facets of the American Rescue Plan, signed
March 11 by President Biden on his fiftieth day in office, that will benefit union
members, their families and their communities.
The $1.9 trillion federal legislation
is designed to help the nation recover
by providing financial relief in various
forms due to the year-long coronavirus
pandemic.
“For months, we have demanded that our
federal government provide a road map out
of the pandemic and the economic crisis,”
stated AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
“The American Rescue Plan is that road
map.
“It expands health care for unemployed
workers, provides meaningful investment
in frontline public services, ensures pension
relief for millions of retirees, and it funds the
vaccine so that we can end the pandemic.
The bill will rescue our economy,” Trumka
added.
“This measure will allow millions of
Americans to breathe a little easier,” SIU
President Michael Sacco said. “These have
been very tough times. But this bill will help
so many people who might have been wondering if they could keep their job, provide
shelter and food for their family, or retire in
dignity.”
“This nation has suffered too much for
much too long,” noted President Biden.
“And everything in this package is designed
to relieve the suffering and to meet the most
urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a
better position to prevail.”
The most recognized item in the plan
is the immediate $1,400 stimulus check
for people who earned less than $75,000
or for married couples who made less than
President Biden addresses the nation as he prepares to sign the latest relief package.
$150,000 combined last year. It extends
pandemic-related unemployment assistance
through September 6. But the American
Rescue Plan contains so much more to help
workers and their families, according to the
AFL-CIO.
It provides money for the production
of vaccines, medical supplies and personal
protective equipment. It allows dollars for
COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, vaccine distribution, and acquisition of vaccines
and supplies.
It funds workplace safety through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
for meat processors, health care facilities and
correctional institutions.
It offers funding for state, county, local
and tribal governments to continue needed
operations such as police, fire and rescue
services among others. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees declared, “These funds will keep
public employees on the front lines, providing services needed to crush the virus and
rebuild our economy.”
The plan included provisions from the
SIU-backed Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act to support struggling
multiemployer pension programs through
2051 with no cuts to accrued benefits.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Lonnie Stephenson
pointed out, “Including the Butch Lewis Act
language will change lives. I am proud that
President Biden made this one of his first
priorities.”
Dollars will be available to reopen public
schools and provide materials needed to do
so safely. American Federation of Teachers
President Randi Weingarten said, “This plan
is quite literally a lifeline for the economy
that desperately needs one. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have lost more
than a half a million jobs in public education
and more than 100,000 jobs in health care.
This is what government looks like when it
takes swift action to care for all of us.”
The measure offers 100 percent COBRA
subsidies for up to six months for health care
premiums to those who have lost their jobs
or had their hours reduced.
It provides relief for the airline industries
and manufacturers to help with payroll and
benefits. Local transportation agencies, as
well as Amtrak, will get aid for operating
expenses.
Additionally, it creates an emergency
federal employee leave fund to allow civilian employees and postal workers up to 15
weeks of emergency paid leave while caring for someone with COVID-19 or watching over children during virtual classes.
This also includes workers at the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The plan extends the Payroll Protection
Program to help businesses keep workers
employed and adds a new program aimed
at restaurants. It funds a rapid retraining
program for military veterans who lost their
jobs because of the pandemic, and provides
assistance for housing to prevent evictions
and foreclosures.
Gen. Van Ovost Nominated to Lead TRANSCOM
Lt. Gen. Richardson Designated for Southern Command
During a White House ceremony coinciding with International Women’s Day on
March 8, President Biden announced two
key nominations: Air Force Gen. Jacqueline
Van Ovost as commanding officer of the
U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), and Army Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson to lead the Southern Command.
TRANSCOM oversees the U.S. Military
Sealift Command, among other subordinate
commands.
Van Ovost, the nation’s only female
four-star general, has been in charge of the
Air Mobility Command since August 2020.
Richardson would receive her fourth star
upon confirmation by the Senate.
Biden described the nominees as “two
outstanding and eminently qualified warriors and patriots…. When confirmed, they
will become the second and third women
in the history of the United States Armed
Forces to lead combatant commands. Each
of these women have led careers demonstrating incomparable skill, integrity, and
duty to country. And at every step, they’ve
also helped push open the doors of opportunity to women in our military – blazing
the trail a little wider, a little brighter for all
the proud women following in their path and
looking to their example.”
Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “Gen.
Van Ovost and Lt. General Richardson have
been tested under the most difficult circumstances, and they are proven leaders. The
president and I have full confidence in them
to address the complex threats we face, to help
lead our troops, and to keep our nation safe.”
The U.S. military has 11 commands, all
led by four-star generals.
Van Ovost has commanded an air refueling squadron, flying training wing and the
Presidential Airlift Wing. She also served as
Pictured at the White House as part of the nomination ceremony are (from left) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, President Joe Biden,
Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson and Vice President Kamala Harris. (White House photo)
April 2021
the Director of Staff for Headquarters Air
Force, Vice Director of the Joint Staff, the
Director of Mobility Forces for U.S. Central Command and as the Vice Commander
of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force
Academy in 1988. She is a graduate of the
U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and a command pilot with more than 4,200 hours in
more than 30 aircraft.
Richardson’s background includes commanding the 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation
Regiment and deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following
battalion command, she was assigned to the
Army G-3/5/7 in the Pentagon, where she
served as Deputy Director, then Director, for
the Army’s Transformation Office. After her
Pentagon tour, she attended the Industrial
College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and then served
as the 100th Garrison Commander of Fort
Myer and Fort McNair, and first Joint Base
Commander of Myer-Henderson Hall. She
later served as the Army’s Liaison Officer
to the United States Senate.
Multiple news outlets reported that both
nominations had been agreed upon within
the Pentagon in 2020, but they were intentionally delayed because of concerns that
the Trump administration wouldn’t approve
due to gender.
“They were chosen because they were
the best officers for the jobs, and I didn’t
want their promotions derailed because
someone in the Trump White House saw
that I recommended them or thought DOD
was playing politics,” then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the New York Times.
“This was not the case. They were the bestqualified. We were doing the right thing.”
Seafarers LOG 3
�SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left), Houston Mayor
Sylvester Turner (center) and Harris County (Precinct 2) Commissioner Rodney Ellis serve up meals during the event.
Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Raymond Nowak, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SIU Vice President Gulf
Coast Dean Corgey, Houston Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver, Chief Cook Craig Sorrell, SIU
Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB Eleuterio Lino (and his son behind him), and GUDE Wuelner Arzu.
Houston-Area Seafarers, Other
Labor Volunteers Serve Community
SIU members in the Houston area recently pitched in and, along with fellow
union members and community organizations, helped distribute relief aid to 3,000
local families in need.
In response to the severe winter storms
that devastated the Houston area, the volunteer effort provided food, water, meal
kits, pillows and cups through a drivethru distribution that took place on February 28. The entire event was organized
in under 24 hours.
SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey led a group of SIU volunteers
that included Port Agent Joe Zavala,
Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Recertified
Bosun Raymond Nowak, MDR Ernest
Latimore, Chief Cook Craig Sorrell, AB
Eleuterio Lino (and his son), and GUDE
Wuelner Arzu.
Corgey, who is also one of the Port
Commissioners for the Port of Houston,
said, “As most of us know, the City of
Houston was founded on maritime commerce, and that continues to this day.
And maritime commerce is what gets us
out of all these pandemics and natural
disasters. And I can tell you, the first
link in the supply chain is the port....
We have kept that supply chain moving; in fact, we’ve ramped it up. We’re
moving more cargo down there than we
ever have, and we’re going to continue
to do that. Everybody working together
to help out is truly an inspiration to me,
and I’m so excited by what I’m seeing today: faith, labor and government
working together.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
thanked the various labor organizations
as well as the National Association of
Christian Churches (NACC) for their efforts and the volunteer manpower of their
members.
“We are still dealing with people’s
lives being significantly disrupted because of the winter storm,” Turner said.
“So even though the power is on, the
water pressure has normalized, the reality is that there are thousands of homes
including apartments that have been affected because of busted pipes, and they
still do not have water.
“How we respond says a lot about our
city, and we are responding in a very positive way because we’re coming together
as a group,” said Turner.
Two days prior, SIU officials in Houston were involved in another volunteer effort, delivering water to local residents in
need. SIU Assistant Vice President Mike
Russo joined Sykes and Zavala in making
SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes help deliver bottled
water to Houston residents.
those deliveries, which were organized by
the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation.
Zavala said, “This is just a small ex-
ample of what the labor movement can
do when we come together and perform
works of compassion for our communities”
Dredge Crew Helps Rescue Family of 6
A Coast Guard rescue boat pulls next to the mostly submerged vessel. Local fishermen are in the background.
4 Seafarers LOG
During a recent crew change in King’s Bay off
the Florida coast, eagle-eyed mariners spotted a
distressed family of boaters and sprang into action.
The survey vessel Wolf River, returning from a
crew change on the Great Lakes Dredge and Dockoperated Padre Island, diverted course when the
crew saw a group of people whose vessel was taking on water in the bay. Immediately, all hands
– including SIU Chief Engineer Oscar Palacios
– worked to rescue the family of six (two adults
and four children).
Using two life rings and a rescue net, the mariners brought everyone on board the survey boat
safely. Thankfully, the children were all wearing
their personal flotation devices properly, aiding in
their rescue.
Palacios said, “We knew what to do. We knew
what steps to take. The kids were screaming for
help, so even more training came into play by telling them to calm down: ‘We got you. You’ll be
safe’.”
According to Palacios, the mother was completely exhausted, and ready to give up once the
children were on board. The crew encouraged her
to keep trying, and successfully got her on deck.
“We saved six lives, and we owe it to training,”
he said.
The Coast Guard cutter Sea Dragon – which had
been contacted by the Padre Island – arrived a few
minutes later, and the family was transferred from
the Wolf River to the Coast Guard vessel, which
transported them to Nassau County personnel.
“In the Florida/Southeast Georgia area, we remind boaters that during this time of year, the possibility of hypothermia still exists,” said Kristian
Sova, Coast Guard Cutter Sea Dragon commanding officer. “If you can, remain with your boat and
try to remain together as a group. This greatly increases the likelihood of first responders finding
you if you’re ever in the need of assistance; this
was a very fortunate outcome, special thanks to
those involved in this rescue.”
April 2021
�House Passes H.R. 2474 - The PRO Act
After years of impediments for unions,
legislation that would reform labor laws
and provide workers with more power to
organize is making headway in Congress.
The U.S. House of Representatives on
March 9 passed H.R.2474 - Protecting the
Right to Organize Act of 2019.
Also known as the PRO Act, the legislation is considered by many to be the
most wide-ranging, pro-worker rewrite of
labor law since the original National Labor
Relations Act of 1935. It previously was
approved by the House in 2020, but the
then Republican-controlled Senate failed
to take it up. The House passed it again
early last month with a vote of 225-206,
largely along party lines. Five Republicans
voted for the bill, while one Democrat opposed it.
The PRO Act includes a slew of provisions that proponents say will make it
easier for workers to form unions, conduct
strikes as a last resort, and bargain for better wages and working conditions. Should
it eventually become law, the PRO Act
would:
n Expand various labor protections related to employees’ rights to organize and
collectively bargain in the workplace.
n Address the procedures for union representation elections.
n Modify the protections against unfair
labor practices that result in serious economic harm such as the discharge of an
employee.
n Further prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against an employee,
including employees with management
responsibilities, in response to that employee participating in protected activities
related to the enforcement of the prohibitions against unfair labor practices (i.e.,
whistleblower protections).
In addition to the foregoing, the bill
specifies procedures for adjudicating
complaints, including filing requirements,
criteria for making determinations of violations, types of available relief, evidentiary guidelines, and judicial review of
NLRB determinations. The measure generally establishes penalties and permits
injunctive relief against entities that fail
to comply with NLRB orders and creates
a private right of action for employees to
bring claims against employers interfering
with employees’ rights to organize or join
a labor organization.
Additionally, the bill modifies the reporting requirements for employers engaged in arrangements with third parties
to persuade employees not to organize.
Specifically, the bill narrows the scope of
the exemption for arrangements that are
considered legal advice or representation.
President Joe Biden, a close ally of
labor, prior to the start of PRO Act debate on the House Floor, issued a March 9
statement that encouraged passage of the
legislation, which in his view would dramatically enhance the power of workers to
organize and collectively bargain for better
wages, benefits and working conditions.
The president’s statement, in part, read as
follows:
“As America works to recover from
the devastating challenges of deadly pandemic, an economic crisis, and reckoning
on race that reveals deep disparities, we
need to summon a new wave of worker
power to create an economy that works for
everyone. We owe it not only to those who
have put in a lifetime of work, but to the
next generation of workers who have only
known an America of rising inequality and
shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve to
enjoy America’s promise in full — and
our nation’s leaders have a responsibility
to deliver it.
“That starts with rebuilding unions. The
middle class built this country, and unions
built the middle class. Unions give workers a stronger voice to increase wages, improve the quality of jobs and protect job
security, protect against racial and all other
forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and protect workers’ health, safety,
and benefits in the workplace. Unions lift
up workers, both union and non-union.
They are critical to strengthening our economic competitiveness.
“But, after generations of sweat and
sacrifice, fighting hard to earn the wages
and benefits that built and sustained the
American middle class, unions are under
siege. Nearly 60 million Americans would
join a union if they get a chance, but too
many employers and states prevent them
from doing so through anti-union attacks.
They know that without unions, they can
run the table on workers – union and nonunion alike.
“We should all remember that the National Labor Relations Act didn’t just
say that we shouldn’t hamstring unions
or merely tolerate them. It said that we
should encourage unions. The PRO Act
would take critical steps to help restore
this intent.
“I urge Congress to send the PRO Act
to my desk so we can seize the opportunity
to build a future that reflects working people’s courage and ambition, and offers not
only good jobs with a real choice to join
a union — but the dignity, equity, shared
prosperity and common purpose the hardworking people who built this country and
make it run deserve.”
The March 9 statement was the president’s second such strong pro-union declaration in as many weeks. The first was a
testimonial that said a union victory in the
recognition vote at the 5,805-worker Am-
azon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama,
would be vital not just to the workers but
to the country.
“We need to summon a new wave of
worker power to create an economy that
works for everyone,” President Biden
said. “We owe it not only to those who
have put in a lifetime of work, but to the
next generation of workers who have only
known an America of rising inequality and
shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve
to enjoy America’s promise in full—and
our nation’s leaders have a responsibility
to deliver it. That starts with rebuilding
unions…. Unions lift up workers, both
union and non-union. They are critical,”
the president concluded.
The PRO Act now heads to the U.S.
Senate, where winning approval arguably
will be impossible, unless Democrats in
that chamber do away with or evade the
filibuster, which would allow a minority
of senators to hamstring it by requiring 60
votes for passage.
“We’re not going to let a minority in
the Senate stop the PRO Act”, AFL-CIO
President Richard Trumka vowed in a
video press conference with lawmakers
and the Leadership Conference on Civil
and Human Rights just before House debate on the PRO Act began.
“If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not
strong enough” economically, “and they
make corporations stronger” anyway, by
defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their
peril,” Trumka warned.
“And in an era of extreme polarization,
nearly two-thirds of Americans—65%—
approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they
were given the chance. That’s 60 million
people knocking on our doors. The PRO
Act would let them in.”
Biden Administration Rescinds
Anti-Worker Executive Orders
America’s working families are off to a
promising start during the first few months
of the new administration.
On Jan. 22, President Joe Biden revoked some of the previous administration’s anti-labor executive orders, thereby
helping to restore some of the collective
bargaining power and worker protections
that had been stripped from federal employees.
Biden’s executive order included revoking the Schedule F employment category, restoring collective bargaining power
for federal employees, and pushing for a
minimum wage of $15 an hour for federal
workers. All of the revoked executive orders were the subject of several lawsuits
and labor practice challenges.
As stated by the SIU-affiliated National
Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE):
“The Biden executive order goes further
to direct agencies to bargain over permissible, non-mandatory subjects of bargaining when contracts are up for negotiation
so that workers have a greater voice in
their working conditions. President Biden
also revoked a hiring and employment
authority known as Schedule F, a Trump
administration creation to allow political
appointees to burrow into career government jobs and coerce or fire career federal
employees for political or other unethical
reasons.”
“Thank you, President Biden, for signing these executive orders today that will
protect and empower federal workers,”
stated NFFE National President Randy
Erwin. “This is one of the most meaningful
actions in the history of the federal workforce. President Trump tried his best to
turn the federal government into a patronage system. He wanted the government ac-
April 2021
countable to him alone at the expense of
being accountable to the American people.
We were on a dangerous path, but now we
are on the right one with President Biden’s
actions today.”
On Feb. 17, Biden also revoked Executive Order 13801, further emphasizing the
White House’s commitment to protecting
workers’ rights. The apprenticeship program created by that executive order, the
White House stated, has “fewer quality
standards” than registered apprenticeship
programs that are overseen by the Labor
Department. (The apprentice program at
the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education is registered with the Labor Department.) Biden’s
new executive action will direct the agency
to issue a rulemaking to dismantle the previous program and reinstate a National
Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships
to provide guidance.
Biden has also introduced executive
orders to strengthen federal protections
for gender and racial equity. In addition,
he directed the government to take steps
to protect worker health and safety during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
As stated in the text of Executive
Order 13999, “The Federal Government
must take swift action to reduce the risk
that workers may contract COVID-19
in the workplace. That will require issuing science-based guidance to help keep
workers safe from COVID-19 exposure,
including with respect to mask-wearing;
partnering with State and local governments to better protect public employees; enforcing worker health and safety
requirements; and pushing for additional
resources to help employers protect employees.”
Coast Guard Commandant Credits Mariners
During his annual “State of the Coast Guard” address on March 11, the agency’s
commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz (pictured during the speech in San Diego), praised
the U.S. Merchant Marine. “I have to give a shout-out to our credentialed U.S.
Merchant Mariners who form the backbone of the Marine Transportation System,”
he said. “Last year, the Coast Guard made sure these marine operators were categorized as essential workers. Annually, they are responsible for $5.4 Trillion dollars
of economic activity that Americans depend on. Throughout this global pandemic,
these professionals kept products moving to ensure stores were stocked with medicine and critical supplies.” (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class
Travis Magee)
Seafarers LOG 5
�CDC Posts Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) on March 8 issued
its first public health guidance targeted
at resuming normal activities for people
who have been fully vaccinated with
COVID-19 vaccines.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last
required dose of vaccine (both doses of
the Pfizer or Moderna shots or one shot
of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson
vaccine). Based on the latest science, the
new guidance includes recommendations
for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who
are fully vaccinated and with others who
are not inoculated.
This guidance represents a first step
toward communities returning to normal
everyday activities. When more people
are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the
community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available, the
CDC will update these recommendations.
Although vaccinations are accelerating,
the CDC estimates that just 9.2% of the
U.S. population has been fully vaccinated.
“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the
things they enjoy with the people they
love,” said CDC Director Rochelle P.
Walensky, MD, MPH. “There are some
activities that fully vaccinated people can
begin to resume now in their own homes.
Everyone – even those who are vaccinated – should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings. As
the science evolves and more people get
vaccinated, we will continue to provide
more guidance to help fully vaccinated
people safely resume more activities.”
What Has Changed
Under the recommendations, fully vaccinated individuals:
n May gather indoors with other fully
vaccinated people without wearing a
mask.
n May gather indoors with unvaccinated
people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live
together) without masks, unless any of
those people or anyone they live with has
an increased risk for severe illness from
COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated people who have
been around someone who has COVID19 do not need to stay away from others
or get tested unless they have symptoms.
However, those who live in a group setting (such as a correctional or detention
facility or group home) and are around
someone who has COVID-19, should
still stay away from others for 14 days
and get tested, even if they don’t have
symptoms.
While the new guidance is a positive
step, the CDC says the vast majority of
people need to be fully vaccinated before COVID-19 precautions can be lifted
broadly. Until then, it is important that
everyone continues to adhere to public
Seafarers Could Be Reclassified for COVID-19 Inoculations
Committee on Maritime Transportation
System: Prioritize Mariners for Vaccines
The United States Committee on the
Marine Transportation System (CMTS)
is calling for U.S. mariners to be reclassified to Phase 1(b) when it comes to prioritizing them for COVID-19 vaccination.
The committee is a federal interagency
coordinating group chaired by the U.S.
Secretary of Transportation. In early
March, they published a “white paper”
advocating for mariners.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention has recommended that
transportation workers be included in
Phase 1(c) of the vaccine rollout. However, the CMTS concluded, “Due to the
constant risk of exposure and transmittal
of COVID-19, U.S. merchant mariners
should be considered for transfer from
Phase 1(c) - Other Essential Workers to
Phase 1(b) - Frontline Essential workers.”
The paper noted, “U.S. merchant mariners play a critical role in our Nation’s
international and domestic supply chain
to support the distribution of vitally im-
portant personal protective equipment,
ventilators, and other urgent medical supplies, as well as maintaining U.S. national
security sealift requirements. The nature
of their work makes them extremely vulnerable for COVID-19 infection due to
living and operating in close quarters, far
from medical services, and within constantly changing geographic locations.
They transport commerce along our
coastlines, Great Lakes, inland waters
and internationally, and interact with a
myriad of port workers and government
inspectors. Vaccinating merchant mariners needs due consideration to transfer their vaccination classification from
Phase 1(c) - other essential workers to
Phase 1(b) - frontline essential workers.
“Mariners work on board vessels 24/7
without knowing the full magnitude of
the risk to which they are being exposed,”
the committee continued. “Their confined place of work is also their residence
where they interact with others, whether
at sea or ashore. There are no testing options for COVID-19 on board, and one infected crew member may easily infect the
rest, especially due to the prevalence of
asymptomatic spread. For mariners on international waters, there are no treatment
options on board other than telemedicine,
leaving the infected mariners without
professional care for days or even weeks
at a stretch. Upon making the next port,
many mariners have been denied debarkation or medical assistance because of
concerns for virus infection. Additionally,
U.S. mariners embark or disembark from
vessels anywhere in the world, requiring
travel to and from their homes, exposing
them and others further.
“All frontline critical infrastructure
essential workers are important. Due to
their constant risk of exposure and transmittal of COVID-19, U.S. merchant mariners should also be considered for the
Phase 1(b) - frontline essential workers
status.”
health mitigation measures to protect the
large number of people who remain unvaccinated.
What Has Not Changed
CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to take the following COVID-19 precautions when in
public, when visiting with unvaccinated
people from multiple other households,
and when around unvaccinated people
who are at high risk of getting severely
ill from COVID-19:
n Wear a well-fitted mask.
n Stay at least 6 feet from people you do
not live with.
n Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person
gatherings.
n Get tested if experiencing COVID-19
symptoms.
n Follow guidance issued by individual employers.
n Follow CDC and health department travel
requirements and recommendations.
Notice to Seafarers
Concerning Timing
Of Vaccines, TB Tests
The CDC recently issued guidance
indicating that COVID-19 vaccines
should not be delayed because of testing for TB infection. Testing for TB
infection can be done before or at the
same time as the COVID-19 vaccination. If it is not done at the same time,
the TB test should be delayed for at
least four weeks.
If you are scheduling your annual
exam, CHS will ask if you have had the
COVID-19 vaccination. If you’ve had
the vaccination, they will not schedule
the TB test until the four-week timeframe has passed. The lack of this test
will not affect the medical determination for your annual exam. You may
need to subsequently take the TB test
when you schedule your Interval exam.
If you have received the COVID
vaccine, please email a copy of your
shot record to the medical department
at shbpmedical@seafarers.org to be
kept with your other shot information
in your medical record.
CMTS Voices Support of Vaccine Safety, Importance for Mariners
The U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS)
COVID-19 Working Group recently
hosted a webinar, during which committee members reinforced the point
that mariners are essential workers and
the belief that they should receive a
COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
The webinar, open to members of
the maritime community, focused on
One of the slides shown during the webinar
6 Seafarers LOG
the safety and efficacy of the available
vaccine variants. While the committee members advised that the singledose vaccines, made by Johnson and
Johnson, would be a better fit for the
mariner lifestyle, they also reiterated
that mariners should attempt to receive
any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine
available in their area.
In addition to the importance of get-
ting a vaccine, the committee members
encouraged everyone to participate in
v-safe, a new CDC smartphone-based
monitoring program for COVID-19
vaccine safety. The app is used by the
CDC to, among other information, collect data on users’ post-vaccination
symptoms and remind recipients of a
two-dose vaccine when to schedule
their second appointment.
At the conclusion of the webinar,
committee members encouraged all
mariners to anonymously complete the
“Mariner Mental Health Needs During
COVID-19” online survey, which can be
found at: https://redcap.link/mariners.
The survey takes an estimated 10 minutes to complete, and the information
gathered will help the CMTS better serve
mariners during this public health crisis.
According to the committee’s website: “The CMTS serves as a Federal
interagency coordinating committee for
the purpose of assessing the adequacy
of the marine transportation system,
promoting the integration of the marine
transportation system with other modes
of transportation and other uses of the
marine environment, and coordinating, improving the coordination of, and
making recommendations with regard
to Federal policies that impact the marine transportation system.”
The CMTS was chartered in 2005,
and is led by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The CMTS COVID19 Working Group is led by officials
from the Maritime Administration and
the U.S. Coast Guard. Participating
agencies include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cybersecurity &
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),
Federal Maritime Commission, Maritime Administration, Military Sealift
Command (MSC), National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA), National
Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard
(USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of State
(DOS), U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary (OST), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
U.S. Navy, Office of Naval Intelligence
(ONI) and U.S. Transportation Command (USTC).
April 2021
�ABOARD SLNC SEVERN – Many thanks to Bosun Mario Loria for these photos of a friendly
cornhole tournament aboard the Argent Marine vessel, featuring SIU and AMO members.
Among the Seafarers pictured are the bosun, plus AB Benjamin Carroll, GVA Johanns Rivera-Rivera and AB Richard Palacios.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
LEGACIES (AND BOOKS) IN PUERTO RICO – Both AB Victor Manuel Rios (left in photo at left)
and OMU Jose Borrero (right in other photo) are second-generation SIU members who recently
received their respective full B-books. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at
the hiring hall in San Juan.
FULL BOOK IN HAWAII – AB
Carey Floyd displays his newly
acquired full B-book at the hall in
Honolulu.
ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan has nothing but
good things to say about the galley gang
aboard the Matson ship, describing it as “the
best” and “a real feeder.” Pictured from left
aboard the vessel are Recertified Steward
Ben Opaon and Chief Cook Mario Firme.
A-BOOK IN JERSEY –
STOS John Davis (right
in photo at left) receives
his A-seniority book at
the hall in Jersey City,
New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent
Ray Henderson.
WORTH EVERY CALORIE – 2nd Cook/Baker
Ramon Hilerio (photo at
right) shows off his pizzabaking prowess aboard
the Howard Lorenzen
(Crowley) in Japan.
FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – Inland Seafarer
Steve Mathis (center in photo at left) receives his
full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with (from
left) SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman
J.B. Niday, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent
Joe Zavala.
April 2021
Seafarers LOG 7
�Money Management
for SIU Families
Financial benefits
Manage your f inances with Union Plus
Whether you’re applying for a loan, looking
for a lawyer to help with estate planning or
just want to simplify things with a debit card,
we’re here for you and your plan to have a
bright financial future.
4/21
Learn more at: unionplus.org/money
SIU-MM-3-16-2021
8 Seafarers LOG
April 2021
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Chief Cook Earns GED
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 15 - March. 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15.
Total Registered
Chief Cook Tristan Kenneth Cordero (third from left)
recently earned his General Education Diploma at the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. The Ormond,
Florida native received his diploma during the January
membership meeting at the PHC. Presenting Cordero
with his diploma is Acting PHC Vice President Tom
Orzechowski (right). Also on hand to congratulate Cordero on his achievement were SIU Executive VP Augie
Tellez (left) and Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey
(second from left).
April & May
Membership Meetings
Piney Point............................................Monday: April 5, May 3
Algonac................................................Friday: April 9, May 7
Baltimore........................................Thursday: April 8, May 6
Guam............................................Thursday: April 22, May 20
Honolulu.....................................Friday: April 16, May 14
Houston........................................Monday: April 12, May 10
Jacksonville......................................Thursday: April 8, May 6
Joliet................................................Thursday: April 15, May 13
Mobile.....................................Wednesday: April 14, May 12
New Orleans..........................................Tuesday: April 13, May 11
Jersey City................................................Tuesday: April 6, May 4
Norfolk....................................................Friday: April 9, May 7
Oakland...............................................Thursday: April 15, May 13
Philadelphia........................................Wednesday: April 7, May 5
Port Everglades................................Thursday: April 15, May 13
San Juan..................................................Thursday: April 8, May 6
St. Louis....................................................Friday: April 16, May 14
Tacoma...................................................Friday: April 23, May 21
Wilmington.................................................Monday: April 19, May 17
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship
SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
April 2021
Total Shipped
Port
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
8
3
4
11
7
12
4
33
33
29
3
6
15
9
6
2
6
17
2
20
230
6
2
1
13
0
7
1
25
26
12
3
3
16
2
1
3
0
8
1
12
142
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
0
2
6
2
3
6
11
18
8
2
3
10
5
3
1
4
8
1
9
106
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
All Groups
A
B
Registered on Beach
C
Trip
Reliefs
A
All Groups
B
C
2
0
0
6
0
5
1
6
9
4
0
6
4
0
1
1
2
3
0
4
54
Deck Department
16
5
0
2
4
2
11
7
0
0
8
5
6
1
21
13
12
16
16
11
3
2
8
7
13
12
9
1
2
2
0
3
6
1
16
7
1
1
14
13
166
111
2
1
0
2
0
1
0
4
3
2
1
2
3
1
1
0
2
0
1
3
29
1
0
3
4
0
6
3
16
10
14
0
3
8
2
2
1
4
11
0
7
95
55
4
4
32
6
16
11
73
58
51
1
10
36
18
6
2
10
43
5
40
481
16
4
1
16
0
5
4
33
42
11
6
3
21
8
2
4
4
13
3
12
208
4
0
0
5
0
3
1
5
17
4
1
8
11
0
1
1
1
8
1
5
76
2
0
2
5
2
2
4
8
14
4
0
3
13
4
1
4
3
4
0
8
83
1
0
0
1
1
2
1
3
8
2
0
0
4
2
0
0
0
1
1
1
28
Engine Department
4
1
2
0
0
4
6
3
0
0
4
2
4
3
10
7
14
6
9
5
3
0
4
0
12
12
3
1
1
1
1
3
2
2
10
4
1
0
12
6
102
60
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
2
4
0
1
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
15
0
0
3
0
0
5
0
6
2
6
0
1
8
1
1
1
2
2
1
4
43
11
0
2
11
2
4
16
22
27
13
1
6
25
11
3
2
4
16
1
22
199
3
1
1
14
2
2
6
9
24
7
3
7
19
6
0
4
5
9
1
10
133
2
0
0
2
1
0
1
2
7
3
1
0
4
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
26
3
0
1
5
0
3
3
14
11
8
1
1
10
14
1
2
2
8
3
19
109
2
1
0
4
3
1
1
5
11
2
0
8
6
5
0
7
2
4
0
6
68
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
8
Steward Department
5
1
0
0
1
0
7
3
1
1
2
0
1
0
9
3
11
5
4
3
2
0
0
3
14
6
9
2
2
0
2
3
4
2
4
1
1
0
14
4
93
37
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
4
1
0
0
2
3
2
0
0
5
5
0
0
2
2
0
2
28
13
0
0
13
0
10
9
29
20
21
2
3
19
22
2
4
4
18
3
35
227
2
2
0
9
2
3
5
5
21
3
0
10
18
13
0
6
6
4
1
12
122
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
2
4
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
3
18
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
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
3
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
8
0
3
22
9
3
0
3
0
1
2
12
17
9
3
0
9
9
1
4
0
7
0
9
98
7
0
1
1
3
0
3
12
46
5
1
1
16
8
2
6
4
11
0
11
138
Entry Department
1
4
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
3
1
8
0
7
2
4
0
1
1
0
0
7
1
4
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
9
0
0
1
9
10
64
1
0
0
2
0
1
1
4
22
1
0
0
8
2
0
8
2
2
0
3
57
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
1
3
0
3
19
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
6
6
1
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
10
0
6
38
28
3
1
7
0
1
5
14
36
24
2
1
25
13
1
4
3
16
0
27
211
20
4
1
5
3
0
4
23
91
14
2
3
48
9
2
6
3
18
1
16
273
GRAND TOTAL:
467
391
228
105
185
945
674
393
371
272
Seafarers LOG 9
�The British destroyer Zambesi rescued Burbine and other survivors.
SIU-crewed Henry Bacon
‘I’m Not Going to Give Up’
SS Henry Bacon Survivor: Mariners Deserve Accolades
A
side from the obviously not-so-small detail
about his miraculous survival for two-plus
hours in freezing ocean water, the story of
former Seafarer Dick Burbine, 95, isn’t radically
different from those of his fellow World War II
merchant mariners.
At age 16, eager to help with the war effort, he
walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office in
Boston in 1942 and tried to enlist, despite the concerned objections expressed by his mother.
Burbine commemorates the rescue each year, most recently in February 2021, when this photo
was taken.
10 Seafarers LOG
But colorblindness prevented Burbine from
joining the armed forces.
“They told me to go across the street to the
U.S. Maritime Commission,” he recently recalled.
“That’s how it came about.”
Other mariners from that era have half-jokingly
said the standard for entry into the U.S. Merchant
Marine during the war consisted of the ability to
fog a mirror. While it may not have been quite that
lax, history has borne out that innumerable mariners followed a course similar to Burbine’s. They
tried to sign up for military service but were rejected for medical reasons. They could have stayed
home. They didn’t.
Burbine, the last surviving member of the illfated, SIU-crewed Henry Bacon, shares another
trait with World War II mariners in that he knows
they didn’t get the credit they deserved for decades following the battle. And, like his seafaring
brethren, he still finds it bothersome – not because
any of them craved attention, but because of basic
fairness.
“I’m insignificant,” said Burbine, who lives in
California, near the Nevada border, and still leads
an active life. “My objective with this story is, the
merchant marine has never been given the recognition that they should have. They were the best.
They all went back on their own. They believed in
the cause, and to me, that is the finest thing in the
world a person can do.”
Many returned to sea after surviving a sinking.
Burbine is one of them.
Dangerous Waters
The hardiness of the U.S. Merchant Marine of
World War II simply isn’t debatable. Depending on
who does the math, they suffered a casualty rate
that either exceeded any of the armed forces or
was second to that of the Marine Corps. They often
sailed with minimal protection, if any. They indeed
were an all-volunteer service. More than 8,000 of
them died at sea; another 11,000 were wounded.
But the surest way to make one of the surviving
mariners cringe is to say the words, “Murmansk
Run.”
Infamous for its foreboding conditions, the
Murmansk Run partly consisted of a dangerous
Arctic Ocean passage from Iceland or Scotland
to northern Russia. U.S. vessels joined those
convoys beginning in 1942, sending a total of approximately 350 ships during a three-year stretch.
Nearly 100 of those vessels were sunk by Germans,
and thousands of Americans aboard them lost their
lives.
The Liberty Ship Henry Bacon, operated by
South Atlantic Steamship Company, safely arrived
in Murmansk in February 1945, delivering war
materials and other supplies. Wiper Dick Burbine,
having just turned 18, was one of 40 crew members. The ship also carried 26 members of the Navy
Armed Guard.
The Bacon took on more personnel in Murmansk. The British Navy had rescued more than
500 Norwegian civilians from occupied Norway
and moved them to Russia. Nineteen of the refugees, most of them women and children, were
assigned to the SIU-crewed ship, for transport to
England.
They’d make regrettable history, as the Bacon
became the last Allied vessel sunk by German aircraft.
Upon leaving Murmansk on Feb. 17, the Bacon
was part of a convoy that included 35 ships and
naval escorts. But a combination of severe weather
and mechanical problems caused the Bacon to
stray, and because of radio-silence protocols, they
couldn’t alert the other vessels.
On Feb. 23, more than a dozen German aircraft
(torpedo bombers) found the Bacon some 60 miles
from the convoy, mainly because of damage to
the steering engine. Gunners aboard the merchant
vessel shot down at least five of the airplanes and
damaged four others, but eventually the Bacon succumbed to a torpedo striking the #5 Hold.
Following orders, Burbine was readying what
apparently was the ship’s only viable lifeboat when
a second torpedo hit.
“The other davits were frozen solid,” he recalled. “The lashing lines were frozen. The chief
engineer told me to get in and cut the lashings.
When we got hit, the lifeboat went over the side
with me in it. When I came to, I was under it, in
the water. That’s the one we eventually used for the
Norwegians. I was the first one in the water and the
last one to be picked up.”
Survivors
In 2021, Burbine’s rugged appearance, sharp
memory and volunteer work in forestry (often
including use of gas-powered chainsaws) undoubtedly seem improbable for someone his age.
Then again, perhaps longevity was a given after
what he and some of his shipmates somehow survived as the Bacon went under.
The temperature was around 40 below zero,
with high winds. Shortly after the Bacon sank, Burbine rounded up two other mariners and an armed
guard member and assisted them with life rings.
They never left the water until a couple of hours
later, when three British destroyers arrived just
before nightfall.
Although many of those who made it off of the
ship died in the water from hypothermia, Burbine
and his immediate comrades pulled through, as did
all 19 refugees and others who boarded a second
lifeboat. The attack claimed the lives of 16 mariners and 12 armed-guard personnel.
“The only thing I said was, I’m not going to
give up,” he said. “God helped me and that was it.
My whole intention was I’m not going to give up.”
Burbine remembers “people hollering, looking
for help. I remember swimming in a life ring. The
winds were blowing, and we were down low in the
water. At one point an ice cone blew over us, and
I’m certain that helped.”
Eventually, he and many others were pulled to
the deck of the British Zambesi, then taken to the
crew mess to thaw. What followed, despite the dire
circumstances, might qualify for a comedic movie
scene, or at least a quirky one.
“They had no medication,” Burbine stated. “The
ship’s doctor said, ‘I don’t have any medicine, but
I’ve got all the rum you can consume.’ It worked. I
never lost any extremities or anything, and to this
day, I still drink rum once a week or so.”
Another twist awaited, though. Some of the
April 2021
survivors were taken to a castle in Northern Ireland
and were “interviewed by every service they had,”
Burbine said. “They thought we were German
plants, because no one had previously survived that
long in those waters. They interviewed us for eight
hours.”
Once cleared, they were transferred to Glasgow,
Scotland, for two weeks, then were sent back to the
United States aboard the USS Wakefield.
“We returned to Norfolk (Virginia) and were
told we were free to go,” Burbine said. “That was
it. No ‘thank you,’ no nothing.”
He continued recuperating for a couple of
weeks, then shipped out again, aboard an Ore
Steamship vessel.
More Adventures
Burbine’s maritime career began with a voyage aboard the National Maritime Union ship Sea
Marlin, which sailed to numerous Pacific islands.
Upon returning to the U.S., though, he joined the
SIU in Norfolk.
“The SIU was the best union I ever belonged
to,” he said. “I have nothing but good feelings and
thoughts for them. They were good people and they
treated you fair and square.”
He thought highly enough of the SIU that he rejoined it after finally being accepted in the Marine
Corps in 1950. He served three tours in Korea during the war, mostly as part of VMO-6, a helicopter
observation and rescue squadron.
“That was 32 months of solid combat,” Burbine
remembered. “We did over 7,000 Class ‘A’ evacuations.”
But after nine years in the military, he returned
to the SIU and resumed sailing until 1965 (always
as part of the engine department). He eventually
transitioned to a career in law enforcement, then,
after retiring, began volunteering with a forest service in 1988.
Regarding his maritime experience, Burbine
said, “I still feel I’d do it all over again. I’ve been
all over the world, and I was fortunate because I
enjoyed what I was doing. I would even do the
Murmansk Run again, under the same conditions.”
He said he considers his entire career a highlight, but mentioned a chance meeting with thenSIU President Paul Hall in New York as a moment
that stands out. “It wasn’t exactly like royalty, but
he was an executive-type individual,” Burbine said.
“But he was also down to earth. He was a seaman
at heart.”
‘Nothing But Pride’
Burbine always commemorates the anniversary
of the Henry Bacon rescue. For decades, he kept in
touch with other survivors. The last of them passed
away in 2020.
Burbine endures, as does his frustration that history sometimes overlooked the wartime service of
civilian mariners.
When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed
the GI Bill in 1944, he said, “I trust Congress will
soon provide similar opportunities to members of
the merchant marine who have risked their lives
time and time again during war for the welfare of
their country.”
No such action took place. World War II mari-
April 2021
ners eventually received veterans’ status in 1988
(it took another 10 years before the cutoff date for
such recognition was extended to match the one
used for the armed services). By then, however, the
distinction proved more ceremonial than practical.
Other wins have been secured, though. The U.S.
Merchant Marine is included in the World War
II Memorial in the nation’s capital. Last year, the
president signed the Merchant Mariners of World
War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Physical
memorials exist across the country. Books have
been published that focus on their contributions.
High-ranking military and government officials in
recent years have made extra efforts around National Maritime Day (May 22) to salute the service
of mariners from that era.
For his part, Burbine simply wants the public to
know the truth about him and his shipmates.
“There was not one merchant mariner in the
whole system that didn’t volunteer for it,” he
stated. “General (Dwight) Eisenhower said, ‘When
final victory is ours, there is no organization that
will share its credit more deservedly than the U.S.
Merchant Marine.’ I firmly agree with him. The
U.S. Merchant Marine is still one of the finest organizations that served our country during the war.
They were outstanding people for the simple reason that they wanted to be there. I always admired
that about each and every one of them, and I have
nothing but pride for the U.S. Merchant Marine.”
SIU member Dick Burbine is pictured in 1945.
German aircraft warm up in Norway in 1945. These types of planes attacked the SS Henry Bacon.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Inquiring Seafarer
Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education.
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it?
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Nate Simmons
Chief Cook
I got into it because of my family – a lot of them sail. This is a
good opportunity to provide for
my family. I also like travelling the
world, and the pay.
Armon Bailey
Chief Cook
I got into it because the change of
environment helped me become a better me. It put me on the right path, and
that’s why I stayed with it. I joined in
early 2016 and it changed my life.
Noah Schluder
Steward/Cook
I got in through the GAP program. I was working in restaurants,
but that was a dead end – no money
or benefits. I’ve stuck with it because I like it. There’s good money
through the union, and I work one
month on and one month off on a
dredge.
Agnes Gamboa
Chief Cook
This is one of the best good-paying
jobs out there. I joined in 2012 and I’m
still here; I can’t complain. I can support my family and I’m so blessed to
have this job.
Adam Bechtold
Chief Cook
There are so many reasons. I
love cooking, and this seemed like
a really cool way to integrate that
into a profession. I grew up on the
Chesapeake Bay and love being on
the water. The money is also nice.
Esmeralda Cueto
Chief Cook
A lot of my family members are
seamen, including my husband and
my brother. They’re both SIU members. It’s a good job. You get to travel
for free, and the pay is good. I love this
job and I love to cook.
Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
Lordiem Garcia
Second Cook
This industry gave me the opportunity to put my daughters
through college. I also enjoy the
travel, getting to see other countries and learning their cultures.
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George’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
Pic
From
The Past
Seafaring often runs in
families, and that was
the case for the late
Louis Gracia Sr. (left)
and his son Louis Gracia
Jr. (right). They’re pictured in 1981 at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland (with the
training vessel Zimmerman in the background).
Louis Sr., a steward department member, sailed
with the union from 1953
until his passing in 1990.
Louis Jr. primarily sailed
in the engine department, most recently in
2016.
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 2021
�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
MOTT ARNOLD
Brother Mott Arnold, 69, donned
the SIU colors in 1970 and first
sailed aboard the Columbia
Eagle. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at
the Piney Point school. Brother
Arnold last shipped aboard the
Horizon Kodiak. He makes his
home in Tacoma, Washington.
DANILO FLORENDO
Brother Danilo Florendo, 67,
joined the SIU in 2000, initially
sailing on the Overseas Washington. A steward department
member, he upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Florendo last shipped on the
Maersk Seletar. He resides in
Eatonville, Washington.
JAMES KUCK
Brother James Kuck, 64, signed
on with the Seafarers in 2011
when he sailed on the USNS
Henson. He was a member of the
deck department and upgraded
often at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Brother
Kuck most recently shipped
aboard the Pride of America. He
lives in Surprise, Arizona.
SANTIAGO LUDAN
Brother Santiago Ludan, 65,
became a member of the SIU in
1990 when he shipped on the
Independence. He sailed in the
deck department and upgraded at
the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ludan’s
final vessel was the Green Cove.
He settled in New Castle, Washington.
KAID MOHAMED
Brother Kaid Mohamed, 65,
began his career with the SIU in
1989 when he sailed aboard the
Anders. A steward department
member, he last shipped on the
Keystone in 2002. Brother Mohamed lives in Oakland.
FILIBERTO MOREIRA
Brother Filiberto Moreira, 70,
started shipping with the Seafarers International Union
in 1993, first
sailing aboard
the Independence. He
sailed in the
engine department and upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Moreira’s final
vessel was the Maersk Kensington. He resides in the Bronx,
New York.
RERE PAITI
Sister Rere Paiti, 68, joined the
April 2021
union in 2002 and first sailed on
the Grand Canyon State. She
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school on multiple occasions
and was a steward department
member. Sister
Paiti’s final
vessel was the
Sunshine State. She is a resident
of Henderson, Nevada.
MACK REVIS
Brother Mack Revis, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978 when
he shipped
aboard the Delta
Panama. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on numerous
occasions and
was a member
of the engine
department.
Brother Revis last shipped on the
Liberty Eagle. He calls Beaumont, Texas, home.
OMER SHARIF
Brother Omer Sharif, 67, signed
on with the
union in 1975,
initially sailing on the Mt
Vernon. He
sailed in the
engine department and most
recently aboard
the North Star.
Brother Sharif lives in University Place, Washington.
WILLIAM THOMAS
Brother William Thomas, 66,
began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he sailed
on the Panama. He sailed in
the engine department and also
worked on shore gangs. Brother
Thomas upgraded his skills at
the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last shipped
on the USNS John U.D. Page
and makes his home in Exmore,
Virginia.
JERRY VAN ETTEN
when he worked
on the Overseas
Ulla. A deck department member, he upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occasions. Brother
Victor’s final
vessel was the Dodge Island. He
resides in Ellsworth, Maine.
PHILIP WILSON
Brother Philip Wilson, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1990, initially sailing on the
Cape Catoche.
He shipped in
the deck department and upgraded his skills
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1993.
Brother Wilson
last shipped on
the Global Link.
He is a resident of The Villages,
Florida.
GREAT LAKES
ROBERT MASON
Brother Robert Mason, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 2000.
He was a deck
department
member and upgraded his skills
at the Paul Hall
Center in 2006.
Brother Mason’s
first and last
vessel was the
John Boland.
He makes his home in Onaway,
Michigan.
INLAND
WILLIE ALLEN
Brother Willie Allen, 63, began
sailing with the SIU in 1990, initially working with Delta Queen
Steamboat. He was a deck department member and upgraded
often at the Piney Point school.
Brother Allen’s final vessel was
the Achievement. He makes his
home in Tylertown, Mississippi.
SCOTT GROSJEAN
Brother Scott Grosjean, 64,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1977. He was
first employed
with Quality
Quarries and
worked in both
the deck and
engine departments. Brother
Grosjean upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. He last worked for
Steuart Transportation and lives
in Ashland, Wisconsin.
FREDDY HAMILTON
Brother Freddy Hamilton, 57,
started shipping with the union
in 1991. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on
several occasions and was
a deck department member.
Brother Hamilton first sailed
aboard the USNS Regulus. He
most recently shipped on the
Pacific Reliance and makes his
home in Tampa, Florida.
JEFFREY KING
Brother Jeffrey King, 62,
began sailing with the SIU in
1981 when he
shipped on the
Pisces. He primarily sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center shortly
after joining the union. Brother
King was last employed by OSG
Ship Management. He lives in
Odessa, Florida.
STANLEY KNOPP
Brother Stanley Knopp, 69,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1973. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments and first shipped on the
Transeastern. Brother Knopp
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. He last
worked for Moran Towing and
resides in Baltimore.
FRANK MCCLEESE
Brother Frank McCleese, 61,
embarked on his
career with the
SIU in 1987. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments. Brother
McCleese
worked for
G&H Towing
for his entire career. He lives in Ingleside, Texas.
PAUL MCCREADY
Brother Paul McCready, 59,
donned the SIU colors in 1996,
initially working with Gulf Marine. A deck department member,
he upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother McCready concluded his
career with Penn Maritime. He
calls Tangier, Virginia, home.
NELSON MORGAN
Brother Nelson Morgan, 64,
began his career with the Seafarers in 2002. He sailed in the deck
department and was employed
with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career.
Brother Morgan resides in Ona,
Florida.
Taking the Oath in New Orleans
Brother Jerry Van Etten, 65,
became a member of the SIU
in 1974. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions and was
a deck department member.
Brother Van
Etten’s first vessel was the Chas
C West; his last, the Developer.
He lives in Maricopa, Arizona.
PETER VICTOR
Brother Peter Victor, 65, started
sailing with the union in 1979
Several Seafarers received their respective full books during the March membership meeting in New
Orleans. SIU Safety Director James Brown (left) administers the union oath to (from left, standing and
facing camera) AB Norman Comeaux, AB Jehan Daza, Capt. Billy Barletto and Capt. Mike Nance.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
ALI ALI
Pensioner Ali Ali, 90, died December 3. He signed
on with the union
in 1970 and was
a steward department member.
Brother Ali first
shipped on the
Fair Isle. He last
sailed on the Patriot before going
on pension in
1995. Brother Ali
was a resident of San Francisco.
ALFONSO BOMBITA
Pensioner Alfonso Bombita, 71,
passed away January 21. He began
his career with
the SIU in 1983.
Brother Bombita’s first vessel
was the Santa
Maria. He sailed
in the engine
department and
last shipped on
the Gem State.
Brother Bombita
became a pensioner in 2019 and
resided in American Canyon, California.
DION CHEESEBOROUGH
Brother Dion Cheeseborough, 26,
died December
31. He started
shipping with
the SIU in 2017
when he sailed
on the Walter J.
McCarthy. An engine department
member, Brother
Cheeseborough
most recently
shipped on the Integrity. He lived in
Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace.
LARRY DOCKWILLER
Pensioner Larry Dockwiller, 65,
died December
12. Signing on
with the union
in 1977, he first
sailed on the
Aquarius. Brother
Dockwiller was
a steward department member
and last worked
aboard the ITB
Mobile. He went on pension in
2020 and resided in Ruidoso, New
Mexico.
WILLIS EVERITT
Brother Willis Everitt, 94, passed
away November 5. He joined the
SIU in 1953 and first sailed aboard
the President Harrison. Brother
Everitt was a steward department
member and also worked on shore
gangs. He primarily was employed
by American Ship Management, and
lived in Los Angeles.
WALTER FITZGERALD
Pensioner Walter Fitzgerald, 78,
died February 7. He donned the SIU
colors in 1966, and his first ships
14 Seafarers LOG
included ones operated by Hudson
Waterways and Sea-Land, respectively. Brother Fitzgerald sailed in
all three departments and concluded
his career aboard the Carolina. He
went on pension in 2007 and was a
resident of Richland, Georgia.
SPERO MOCHE
Pensioner Spero Moche, 74, died
December 4. He
began his career
with the SIU in
1970 and initially
sailed on the De
Soto. Brother
Moche primarily
sailed in the engine department
and concluded
his career on the
Inspiration. He
became a pensioner in 2005 and resided in Floyd, Virginia.
KASSEM SALEH
Pensioner Kassem Saleh, 77, died
November 24.
He started sailing with the SIU
in 1967 when he
shipped on the
Reiss Brothers.
Brother Saleh
worked in all
three departments. He last
sailed on the
President Polk and retired in 2005.
Brother Saleh called Dearborn,
Michigan, home.
PHARON SIMMONS
Brother Pharon Simmons, 35, died
December 9. He signed on with
the union in 2013 and was a deck
department member. Brother Simmons first shipped on the USNS
Watkins and most recently sailed
aboard the Ocean Globe. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida, his
birthplace.
ALBERT WAMBACH
Pensioner Albert Wambach, 72,
passed away January 12. He began
his career with the SIU in 1971,
first sailing aboard the Overseas
Valdez. Brother Wambach sailed
in the deck department and last
shipped on the USNS Watson. He
became a pensioner in 2013 and
resided in Valatie, New York.
IRA WHITE
Pensioner Ira White, 81, died December 27. Signing on with the
union in 1965,
he first sailed on
the Manhattan.
Brother White
was an engine department member
and last worked
for Michigan
Tankers. He went
on pension in
2004 and settled in Panama City,
Florida.
SHAWN WILLIAMS
Pensioner Shawn Williams, 53,
passed away February 12. He
began shipping
with the SIU
in 1992 when
he sailed on
the Producer.
Brother Williams was a
deck department member.
His final vessel
was the Liberty
Passion and he retired in 2020.
Brother Williams lived in Lake
City, South Carolina.
THOMAS WOERNER
Brother Thomas Woerner, 66, died
February 8. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1973,
initially sailing
aboard the Los
Angeles. Brother
Woerner sailed in
the engine department and concluded his career
aboard the Overseas Martinez. He was a resident of
Fredericksburg, Virginia.
DEAN YANNUZZI
Pensioner Dean Yannuzzi, 71,
passed away
February 18. He
embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 1969,
initially shipping
on the Transerie.
A deck department member,
Brother Yannuzzi
last sailed aboard
the Resolve. He began collecting his
pension in 2008 and settled in San
Antonio, Texas.
NIKOLAOS ZERVOS
Pensioner Nikolaos Zervos, 91,
died January 21. He began his
career with the
SIU in 1967
and initially
sailed aboard
the Saphire Etta.
Brother Zervos
was a member of
the deck department and concluded his career
on the Galveston Bay. He became a pensioner
in 1994 and resided in Athens,
Greece.
GREAT LAKES
JACK BENNETT
Pensioner Jack Bennett, 88, died
January 30. A
deck department member, he
signed on with
the SIU in 1960.
Brother Bennett
was employed
by American
Steamship for
the duration of
his career. He
last shipped on the Buffalo and
retired in 1994. Brother Bennett
was a resident of Gainesville,
Georgia.
RAY BLAHNIK
RUSSELL WILSON
Pensioner Ray Blahnik, 80,
passed away February 10. He
joined the Seafarers in 1962
and worked in
both the deck
and engine
departments.
Brother Blahnik
first worked for
Michigan Interstate Railway.
He last sailed on
the Adam E. Cornelius and retired
in 2005. He called Benzonia,
Michigan, home.
Pensioner Russell Wilson, 91, died
January 31. A deck department
member, he signed on with the SIU
in 1962. Brother Wilson was first
employed by Moran Towing of Virginia. He last worked for Atlantic
Towing and became a pensioner
in 1989. Brother Wilson made his
home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
ROSS WAISANEN
Pensioner Ross Waisanen, 66, died
January 6. He began his career with
the SIU in 1996
and initially
sailed aboard the
Steel T. Crapo.
Brother Waisanen
was a member of
the deck department and concluded his career
on the John Boland. He became
a pensioner in 2019 and resided in
Minneapolis.
INLAND
LEW LAHAYE
Pensioner Lew Lahaye, 79, died
February 6. Signing on with the
SIU in 1963, he
was first employed by Hvide
Marine. Brother
Lahaye was an
engine department member and
last worked for
Seabulk Tankers.
He retired in 2005
and resided in Nederland, Texas.
LUMAN MOODY
Pensioner Luman Moody, 79, passed
away February
5. A deck department member, he
began sailing with
the union in 1994.
Brother Moody
was employed by
American Marine
Corporation for
the duration of his
career. He went
on pension in 2007 and lived in
Green Cove Springs, Florida.
NMU
ISMAEL AYALA
Pensioner Ismael Ayala, 81, passed
away February 11. He was an NMU
member before the 2001 NMU/SIU
merger and sailed in both the deck
and engine departments. Brother
Ayala’s final vessel was the St Louis
Express. He became a pensioner in
2006 and was a resident of Miami
Gardens, Florida.
JAMES GARRITY
Pensioner James Garrity, 85, died
February 1. He
joined the union
during the SIU/
NMU merger in
2001. Brother
Garrity sailed in
the deck department. He last
sailed on the
Liberator before
going on pension
in 2003. Brother Garrity lived in
Charleston, South Carolina.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
NAME
AGE
Al-Jalham, Mohamed 87
Bergwerk, Israel
94
Bodden, Roy
89
Brown, Lawrence
98
Brownlee, Roosevelt 93
Christian, Alvey
97
Clark, William
78
Davis, Seymour
93
Gaskin, Bruce
94
Haylock, Casper
95
Hills, James
81
Jones, Nathaniel
72
Karavolos, Michael 90
Kust, Terry
77
Ludeke, Charles
85
Mack, Gilbert
99
Mladenoff, Carlos
84
Ortiz, Cruz
86
Rivera, Ernesto
87
Roman, Efrain
90
Sheffield, Early
94
DOD
10/02/2020
01/28/2021
01/27/2021
01/21/2021
01/30/2021
02/05/2021
01/26/2021
02/03/2021
01/22/2021
12/22/2020
01/15/2021
02/07/2021
08/30/2020
01/09/2021
12/24/2020
03/23/2020
11/24/2020
02/03/2021
12/29/2020
01/05/2021
01/24/2021
BRUCE MURPHY
Pensioner Bruce Murphy, 73, passed
away February
5. He joined
the Seafarers
in 2001 when
he worked for
Penn Maritime.
A member of the
deck department,
Brother Murphy
last sailed on the
Vision. He retired
in 2016 and lived in Port Charlotte,
Florida.
April 2021
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning),
November 12 – Chairman Tony
Beasley, Secretary Richard
Jones, Educational Director
Charlie Wescott, Deck Delegate
Aresha Rivers, Steward Delegate
Christopher Green. Chairman
discussed clarification on back pay
for restriction to ship. Educational
director discussed opportunities
for upgrading and reminded everyone to keep documents current.
Crew discussed Jones Act centennial. They waiting for an update on
status of Wi-Fi connection.
GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning),
December 8 – Chairman Philip
McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello. Chairman reported
smooth trip with good food.
Secretary discussed upgrading opportunities at SIU-affiliated school
in Maryland and also reminded
everyone to remain aware of document status. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew discussed
vacation and optical benefits. Still
waiting for Wi-Fi and new TV in
crew lounge. They talked about
importance of following protocols
for shipping out.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), December 14 – Chairman Slavi Zahariev, Secretary
Dominique McLean, Engine
Delegate Christian Cruz. Chairman reminded crew about various
rules and shipboard courtesies.
Secretary asked that fellow crew
members return all galley supplies.
Educational director discussed
various extensions for documents
and certificates. Deck and engine
delegates reported concerns about
conduct of particular shipmate.
Crew wants mariners to be prioritized for vaccinations.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning), De-
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.
Kudos from Shipping Executive
Hapag-Lloyd AG
CEO Rolf Habben
Jansen (right) visits mariners on the
SIU-crewed Philadelphia Express
(Marine Personnel
and Provisioning)
in the Port of Hamburg on Feb. 21,
2021. He thanked
them for their hard
work, especially
during the pandemic.
cember 27 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones,
Educational Director Charlie
Wescott, Steward Delegate
Christopher Green. Chairman
thanked crew for great attitude
during recent trip to Brazil. Also
thanked entire steward department for job well done, especially
in light of pandemic. Secretary
reminded everyone to leave state
rooms clean ahead of large crew
change. Educational director
talked about keeping documents
current. Deck delegate reported
disputed OT. No other beefs or
disputed OT reported. Installation
of new water dispenser scheduled
for next port.
MARJORIE C (Pasha), January
29 – Chairman Dan Davenport,
Secretary Jatniel Aguilera, Educational Director Jared Cabasug,
Deck Delegate Billy Cooley,
Engine Delegate Oscar Cesena.
Chairman reminded everyone of
importance of pandemic-related
safety protocols and also encouraged fellow mariners to get vaccinated. Secretary reminded crew
to use sanitation dispensers before
entering mess hall and lounges.
Educational director noted Piney
Point slowly reopening for
classes. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Wi-Fi installation slated
for later this year. Crew was reminded to submit DVD movie
requests to captain. Next port:
San Diego.
USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean
Shipholdings), January 31 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary
Loretta Stewart, Educational
Director Gary Williams, Deck
Delegate Mark Bolitho, Engine
Delegate Ron Sease, Steward Delegate Jevon Lowery. Chairman
discussed upcoming port arrival
and restrictions to vessel. Educational director noted Piney Point
school reopening for upgrading
classes. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew discussed safety
precautions that are in place at
Paul Hall Center. New clothes
dryer will be installed at next port.
They discussed COVID-19 vaccines and compensation for restriction to ship.
OCEAN GRAND (Crowley),
February 7 – Chairman Lech
Jankowski, Secretary Insook
Smith, Educational Director
Jacob Laroche. Chairman discussed document extensions.
Secretary reminded everyone
to continue practicing proper
sanitation. Educational director
encouraged fellow mariners to
upgrade at SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported
smooth sailing.
NORTH STAR (TOTE), February
16 – Chairman Mark Billiot, Educational Director Ahmed Sharif,
Steward Delegate Sal Ahmed.
Chairman discussed vessel restriction. He advised Seafarers to
utilize the online member portal.
Educational director discussed
need to keep documents current
while also being aware of various
extensions announced by the Coast
Guard. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew read latest communication from Tacoma hall regarding restriction to ship in Canadian
shipyard. Still waiting for new ice
machine for crew mess. Crew suggested changing requirements for
filing for vacation check, and also
discussed policies for reliefs.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will
be elected during the April 5 headquarters
membership meeting to review the 2020 records. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures
and disbursements of trust funds are made
only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust
funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to know their
shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are
posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations
of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and
April 2021
the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper address for this
is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and conditions
under which an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members should know
their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any
article serving the political purposes of any
individual in the union, officer or member.
It also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has
been reaffirmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all constitutional
ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG
policy is vested in an editorial board which
consists of the executive board of the union.
The executive board may delegate, from
among its ranks, one individual to carry out
this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt
is given for same. Under no circumstances
should any member pay any money for any
reason unless he is given such receipt. In the
event anyone attempts to require any such
payment be made without supplying a receipt,
or if a member is required to make a payment
and is given an official receipt, but feels that
he or she should not have been required to
make such payment, this should immediately
be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with
its contents. Any time a member feels any
other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or
obligation by any methods, such as dealing
with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other
details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President Michael Sacco at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Seafarers LOG 15
�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
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Government Vessels
May 24
June 7
June 14
May 28
June 11
June 18
Tank Ship Familiarization DL
May 10
July 5
May 14
July 9
Tank Ship Familiarization LG
April 12
June 28
April 16
July 2
Gap Closing Courses
MSC Supply Configuration Management
April 12
May 7
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture)
April 5
April 16
Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point)
April 19
April 23
Able Seafarer-Deck
July 26
August 13
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Reefer Containers
July 12
July 23
FOWT
May 31
June 25
Junior Engineer
May 31
July 23
Machinist
May 3
May 21
Pumpman
May 24
May 28
Welding
April 19
May 7
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Certified Chief Cook
May 10
June 14
June 11
July 16
Advanced Galley Operations
May 31
June 25
Chief Steward
May 3
May 28
Safety/Open Upgrading Courses
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
June 28
July 2
Medical Care Provider
July 5
July 9
Basic Training
April 5
May 24
April 9
May 28
June 4
June 25
Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7
June 4
June 25
June 11
Government Vessels
April 30
May 14
Basic Training Revalidation
April 26
May 10
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
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.
4/21
April 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Water Survival Class #866 – Graduated February 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Alan Butkow, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera, Alexander Jackson, John Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie
Yusalina Merced Jr., Pura Veronica Moreno Soriano, Chukwuka H. Nkwor, Noah Pittman, Felix Antonio Roman, Gustavo J. Romero Estrella, Douglas Hiram Soto Ocasio, Juan Luis
Tapia Pimentel and Garrett Williams.
Government Vessels – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Taha Qasem Abobakr Al Amri, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Tiburcio Valeriano Garcia, Jose Antonio Gonzalez
Del Valle, Patrick Cruz Lara, Walter Lent, Michael Alex Papaioannou, Husam Ali Mohamed Yahya and Benneth Lorenz Collado Yap.
Important Notice
To All Students
April 2021
Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions
department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Welding – Graduated
February 12 (photo at
right, in alphabetical
order): Christian Cruz,
Olivier Luc Especa, Arvin
Tarroza Heras, Tyrone
Leonard and Marcelino
Jose Santos Bermeo.
Class instructor Chris
Raley is at the far right.
UA to AS (Deck) – Graduated February 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Daniel Bost, Campbell Busbey, Solomon Foster Jr., Lucas Hayes, Abraham Quiner, Lydia Robinson, Patrick
Wheat and James Zaro. Class Instructor Tom Truitt is at the far right.
Tankship Familiarization – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Christopher Francis Altieri, Michael Geronimo Bautista, Todd Gallagher, Kenneth Greenidge,
Richard Grubbs, Cresente Razo Gumanas, Marissa Gatbunton Lopez, Dylan Sapp, Michael John Estavillo Valdez and Artis Williams.
18 Seafarers LOG
April 2021
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Khaleel Saeed Saleh Heidra, William Johnson, Pavel Kremen, Steven Laubach and
Carl Royster.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated February 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Tristan Cordero, Apalogie Cruz-Labrador, Jack Gourgue, Destany Howard, Preeyapha
Kaisaard, Hussain Ali Nagi Ali, Marcelino Pabito, Algernon Joaquim Ramseur, Noah Susumu Santiago-Stephens, Charles Sassone and J’corei Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
April 2021
Seafarers LOG 19
�APRIL 2021
VOLUME 83, NO. 4
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for
SIU Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU-Crewed Tanker Excels
During UNREP Exercise
Two Seafarers-crewed ships – the Maersk Peary on the left, and the USNS Laramie at right – participate in the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Thomas Epps)
T
he reliability of U.S.-flag tankers and
American mariners was on display earlier this year as the SIU-crewed Maersk
Peary successfully performed an underway replenishment (UNREP) exercise with the USNS
Laramie off the east coast of Crete.
The Laramie’s crew includes members of the
SIU Government Services Division.
Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. C. Fox
said the Feb. 23 mission “went well and all
parties did a good job. The crew of the Maersk
Peary had trained the prior few days and were
up to the task. The USNS Laramie was also
ready and they did a good job and were very
good to work with.”
Underway replenishment is a key component
of U.S. sealift and defense capabilities. Such
operations save American-flag vessels time by
not having to enter ports and refuel.
The recent exercise underscored the unique
capabilities of the U.S.-flag fleet, along with
the cadre of civilian mariners who have
tanker-specific training. As one observer put
it, “The exercise reflects that our military has
guaranteed access to the vessels and, more
importantly, to the mariners who have never
failed to answer the call and sail into harm’s
way, wherever and whenever needed.”
SIU members aboard the Peary during the
exercise included Bosun Ron Paradise, ABs
Ben Wilson, Marvin Williams, Adam Laliberte, Lloyd La Beach and Marie Acosta,
Pumpman Kenneth Cabrera, QE4 Rene Hallasgo, Wiper Charles Fischer, Steward/Baker
Juan Vallejo, Chief Cook Osmar Ramos and
GSTU Hussein Quraish.
The Laramie’s fueling
station (photo at immediate left) is prepped
for operations. In photo
at immediate right,
crew members on the
Maersk Peary work
on a tag line and pelican hook. CIVMARS
(photo below) aboard
the USNS Laramie observe part of the mission. (CIVMAR photo
by Thomas Epps)
Equipment is transferred between the vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Thomas
Epps)
�
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April 2021
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Headlines:
PRO-MARITIME BILL BACK
SO-CALLED 'RIGHT TO WORK' LAW SOUNDLY REJECTED IN MONTANA
AFL-CIO APPLAUDS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
GEN. VAN OVOST NOMINATED TO LEAD TRANSCOM
HOUSTON-AREA SEAFARERS, OTHER LABOR VOLUNTEERS SERVE COMMUNITY
DREDGE CREW HELPS RESCUE FAMILY OF 6
HOUSE PASSES H.R. 2474 - THE PRO ACT
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION RESCINDS ANTI-WORKER EXECUTIVE ORDERS
CDC POSTS GUIDANCE FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS
COMMITTEE ON MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: PRIORITIZE MARINERS FOR VACCINES
'I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE UP'
SIU-CREWED TANKER EXCELS DURING UNREP EXERCISE
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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04/01/2021
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Newsprint
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Vol. 83, No. 4
2021
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ea94c5e7f4d7456e177d842a55161571.pdf
6d68f458828b26d09886f2944b84b070
PDF Text
Text
OCTOBER 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 10
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
New RO/ROs Set to Join MSP Fleet
At press time, SIU-contracted American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (ARC) was slated to formally welcome
three new vessels into its fleet: the ARC Integrity, ARC Independence, and ARC Resolve. All three will be
enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and will be managed by TOTE Services. ARC will
continue to operate two of the vessels being replaced in the MSP fleet in U.S.-flag service, so it’s a net gain
of two ships. Another SIU-crewed ARC ship – the M/V Patriot which is a sister ship of the ARC Resolve – is
pictured above and at left, loading a mix of helicopters, vehicles, containers and support equipment for the
Army’s 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. Visit the SIU website and our social media pages for coverage of the
flag-ins, which also will be featured in the next LOG.
Latest Upgrades at Piney
Point Receive Approval
From Students, Staff Alike
As reported in last month’s LOG, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently completed substantial upgrades to its
engineering shop. Students are reacting very favorably to the improvements;
upgraders are pictured at immediate left and directly below. Page 6.
MTD Welcomes Newest Affiliate
Page 2
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 1
Express Marine Pact Approved
Page 3
9/19/2019 3:03:41 PM
�President’s Report
Labor Day
Media coverage of this year’s Labor Day often included what I consider a
crucial fact. Namely, the general public has a favorable view of organized labor –
but people who want to join unions often fight an unfairly uphill battle.
AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, who’s been a friend for many years,
did a great job throughout a series of interviews explaining why our country
is long overdue for extensive labor-law reform. The deck is severely stacked
against workers in most traditional organizing campaigns. We’ve gotten to
this point through decades of attacks on unions. Those
attacks – sometimes sneaky, sometimes brazen – have
taken a toll and have eroded too many protections.
And that’s basically why the movement’s numbers
are where they are. It’s a flat-out falsehood that unions
aren’t needed anymore, or that people aren’t interested
in joining. Nonpartisan polling shows that people do
indeed value what collective bargaining and union representation have to offer. They understand that union
representation is the only effective way to have a voice
in the workplace. They’d welcome the chance to sign
up, and they know that union members consistently earn
Michael Sacco
more money and have better benefits than unrepresented
workers. But, too often, employers have all the power
during an organizing campaign, and they face few if any
penalties for breaking the law.
It’s no secret that when unions are strong, the middle class is strong. And
America’s businesses and workers, from the 1930s to the 1970s, grew together.
But since then, companies have gotten more prosperous while workers’ pay
largely has stayed the same.
We have an opportunity to turn this ship around, and as always, it starts at
the ballot box. The 2020 elections, incredibly, are only a year away. There are
also elections before the end of this year. Stay informed about the issues and
candidates, and support candidates at every level of government who’ll support America’s working families and the maritime industry. The SIU has never
cared about political party and that’ll be the case again next year. We’ll back
those who back us, period.
Grassroots and Civility
Speaking of politics, I enjoyed recent remarks from the union’s legislative
director, Brian Schoeneman. Addressing one of our affiliated unions, he declared that the most important thing union members can do to protect your job
and help advance the labor movement in the political arena is to vote.
“There is no more powerful four-letter word in the union vocabulary, even
when politicians give us reasons to use a lot of other four-letter words,” he
said, and I agree.
Motivating others to vote is also important, and it’s something we can all
do. Talk with your co-workers and neighbors about the issues and candidates
that matter to you. Encourage them to vote, and if they’re not registered, point
them in the right direction.
Brian also underscored the vital significance of political action funds,
which for the SIU means SPAD. Those funds are a form of insurance and a
virtual prerequisite to have a seat at the table and have our voices heard. Our
political donations help to get good candidates elected to office and keep good
elected officials in office. Any help you can give is critical.
On a personal note, I encourage all Seafarers to keep it civil when discussing politics, no matter who you’re talking with. It’s often a touchy subject, but
our country needs to re-learn the art of civil discourse and focusing on issues
rather than personalities.
AFT Becomes MTD’s Newest Affiliate
Organization Boasts Membership of 1.7 Million Strong
The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) recently welcomed its newest affiliate: the
American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
“We are very proud and honored that the AFT has joined
the ranks of the MTD,” declared MTD President Michael
Sacco, who also is president of
the SIU. “We have had a very
good working relationship with
the AFT and its members from
the local level up throughout
the years.
“People may wonder why the
Teachers would join,” he continued. “Well, without teachers,
none of us would have a chance
to learn critical new ideas, to
fight for our members and to
succeed in life.”
The MTD is a constitutional
department of the AFL-CIO. It
has 22 affiliates with a collective membership of approximately six million.
“The AFT is proud to join
the Maritime Trades Department,” said AFT President
Randi Weingarten. “Together,
we can fight for what all Americans want – a better life and a
better future for our families –
through good jobs; high-quality, affordable health care; a
secure retirement; great public
schools; affordable college; and
a healthy democracy.”
The AFT represents 1.7 million teachers, paraprofessionals
and school staff, higher education faculty and staff, nurses,
other health care professionals,
and public employees.
MTD President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes AFT President Randi
Weingarten to the 2018 MTD meeting.
AFT members work as instructors and staff at a variety
of public maritime schools, colleges and programs across the
United States. The union also
represents workers at the Guam
Port Authority.
During the last two years,
MTD affiliates – prominently
including the SIU – and the
AFT have worked together to
help Puerto Rico recover from
the devastating hurricanes of
2017, including the delivery
and dispersal of 100,000 water
filters. Weingarten spoke directly about that labor solidarity
when she addressed the 2018
MTD executive board meeting
in Orlando, Florida.
At the start of this year,
members of the Port Maritime
Council of Southern California immediately adopted a
local school when the United
Teachers of Los Angeles went
on strike on Jan. 10. They
walked picket lines and provided supplies (including food
and drinks) during the six-day
struggle.
In 2018, the Maritime Port
Council of Greater New York/
New Jersey and Vicinity recognized Weingarten with its Paul
Hall Award of Merit. In receiving the recognition, Weingarten
told the audience how MTD affiliates helped her local, New
York City’s United Federation
of Teachers, gain recognition in
the early 1970s.
Antares Drydocks in Philly
New Tonnage
Last but definitely not least, we are gearing up for a big ceremony in Baltimore that’ll welcome three RO/ROs into the SIU-crewed fleet, just after press
time. Whenever we can add new or newer tonnage, it bodes well for our future.
Some of you have heard me say this before, but when we crew up new
vessels, it’s a credit to every rank-and-file Seafarer. Our companies wouldn’t
build or flag-in new ships and tugs and passenger ferries if they didn’t have
confidence in you.
Keep up the great work.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 81 Number 10
October 2019
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
2 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 2
The SIU-crewed Antares (above) in early August started a routine drydock period for repairs and
maintenance at Philly Shipyard. Operated by TOTE Services for the U.S. Maritime Administration, the
Antares is part of the Ready Reserve Force. The shipyard period was expected to last approximately
two months. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard)
October 2019
9/19/2019 3:03:43 PM
�Express Marine Crews
Approve New Contract
SIU mariners working aboard Express Marine
vessels recently ratified a new, three-year contract
with wage increases each year, among other improvements.
Negotiating for the SIU were Captain Riley
Johnson, Mate Jeff Fackett and AB Scottie Duncan, alongside Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice.
The contract includes improved vacation benefits, a boost to the Seafarers Money Purchase
Pension Plan, and larger pension contributions.
Members also maintain their medical coverage at
the Core Plus level, the highest available under the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.
Fackett said, “It was an awesome process. Joe
did a great job, and everyone seems to think it’s a
great contract. Given the current conditions of the
industry, I think we did a good job.”
Duncan, who had served on a previous negotiating committee, said, “I think the new contract is
going to be good for everyone. I believe it’s going to
help our retirement benefits, as well as our weekly
paychecks. Joe Baselice helped us pull some things
together at the last minute, and was a real help during the whole process.”
The new contract covers approximately 25
members.
“Everything went well,” said Baselice. “We
were able to address everything that the members
had asked for, and it all came together in a nice
package that the membership overwhelmingly approved. It’s a good contract with a good company.”
Express Marine, Inc. has provided safe, reliable
tug and barge transportation for dry bulk and liquid
cargos along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Caribbean and associated bays, harbors and rivers for
more than 100 years. SIU members sail aboard the
company’s fleet of tugs and barges, which range
from smaller inland units to larger offshore ones.
Adm. Paul F. Zukunft (Ret)
Former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
Adm. Zukunft Named Next
American Maritime Hero
From left, Mate Jeff Fackett, Capt. Michael Daniels and Mate Greg Allman signal their approval of the new
contract.
USNS Puerto Rico Undergoes
Successful Integrated Sea Trials
A civilian-crewed U.S. military support ship recently took a big step towards
delivery.
The USNS Puerto Rico – which will
be crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU
Government Services Division – successfully completed the first integrated sea
trials for an expeditionary fast transport
(EPF) ship Aug. 22. The vessel returned
to the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile,
Alabama, following two days underway
in the Gulf of Mexico.
Integrated trials combine builder’s and
acceptance trials, allowing for the shipyard to demonstrate to the Navy’s Board
of Inspection and Survey the operational
capability and mission readiness of all
the ship’s systems during a single underway period. During trials, the shipbuilder
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 3
conducted comprehensive tests to demonstrate the performance of the Puerto
Rico’s major systems.
“The EPF program continues to be an
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is
affiliated, has announced the latest addition to its American Maritime Heroes campaign: former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
Adm. Paul F. Zukunft (Ret).
According to AMP, “An American Maritime Hero is recognized
for his or her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities that have added to the rich history of America as a maritime
nation.”
The coalition said Zukunft has demonstrated strong support for
the Jones Act and the greater American maritime industry – understanding its vital importance in strengthening our national security.
Zukunft, who retired in 2018, has previously stated: “[Without
the Jones Act,] all of our coastwise trade will probably be done
by a third nation, namely China, [and] not just coastwise trade,
but plying our inland river systems as well.… The next thing that
goes away is the [U.S. and state] maritime academies. You don’t
need them because we have foreign mariners. We don’t know who
they are, but they are foreign mariners plying our waters and our
internal waters as well to conduct maritime commerce. Then the
next thing that goes is our shipyards and the technology that goes
with the shipyards.”
Zukunft joins a group of recognized American Maritime Heroes
including the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, Shipbuilder
Andrew Higgins, the late U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minnesota),
the World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners and U.S. Transportation
Secretary Elaine Chao.
For more information on the campaign, which will culminate on
the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act becoming law, visit https://
americanmaritimeheroes.com/
example of stable and successful serial
ship production,” said Capt. Scot Searles,
Navy Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office
Ships. “I look forward to seeing EPF 11
deliver in the fall and expand the operational flexibility available to our combatant commanders.”
SIU CIVMARS already sail aboard
the previously launched EPFs. The Navy
The USNS Puerto Rico wraps up sea trials. (Photo by Austal USA)
describes the ships as “non-combatant
vessels designed to operate in shallowdraft ports and waterways, increasing
operational flexibility for a wide range
of activities including maneuver and
sustainment, relief operations in small or
damaged ports, flexible logistics support,
or as the key enabler for rapid transport.
The ships are capable of interfacing with
roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, as
well as on/off-loading vehicles such as a
fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle
Tank.”
EPFs support a variety of missions
including overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief, supporting special operations forces, and supporting emerging
joint sea-basing concepts.
In addition to the Puerto Rico, Austal
USA is also currently in production on
the future USNS Newport, and is under
contract to build the future USNS Apalachicola and an additional sister ship that
hasn’t been named.
Seafarers LOG 3
9/19/2019 3:03:45 PM
�Richard Trumka: Workers ‘Not Interested in a Sliver
Of Change,’ Demand Economy That Works For Them
Workers are “not interested in a sliver of
change or gestures” from politicians, but demand massive shifts to an economy that works
for them rather than heavily benefiting the extremely wealthy, AFL-CIO President Richard
Trumka recently stated. And, primed by their
unions, they’re already demanding and getting
that commitment from presidential candidates
on the campaign trail, he added.
Trumka, a longtime friend of the SIU, made
those remarks and many others Aug. 29 during an annual pre-Labor Day press breakfast
hosted by The Christian Science Monitor. He
cited several important steps that would help
ensure an economy that works for all, including passage of the Protect the Right to Organize (Pro) Act, strong worker safeguards in the
U.S., and massive changes in labor laws (and
enforcement) in Mexico before any ratification
of an updated NAFTA. (The Pro Act, designed
to strengthen U.S. labor law, now has more than
200 U.S. House co-sponsors and 41 Senate cosponsors.)
Additionally, Trumka noted that unions’
popularity, at least as measured by an annual
Gallup Poll, recently reached a record 64% approval. But that hasn’t translated, yet, into increasing union numbers, due to the loopholes
and flaws of U.S. labor law.
He sees change coming, though, citing new
state-level legislation that will open the way
to organizing significant numbers of workers.
Trumka also expressed optimism stemming
from public-sector union membership gains
that happened after last year’s Supreme Court
Janus decision, which some had viewed as
a potentially devastating blow to organized
labor.
However, the federation president noted,
the disconnect between union popularity and
results has led the AFL-CIO, in its preparations
for the 2020 presidential campaign, to undertake a massive education effort among its affiliates’ members, prepping them on questions
for the contenders. The quizzes are a prelude
to what Trumka predicts will be a record labor
political effort next year.
Those questions involve kitchen-table issues, such as years of stagnant wages, pensions
which crashed in the Great Recession, increased
corporate shifting of health care spending from
firms to workers, and the right to organize free
of corporate interference and repression. The
kitchen-table questions also include so-called
“free trade” pacts and business’s corresponding
massive export of U.S. jobs to Mexico.
Those issues and others have come up on the
campaign trail as unionists have quizzed some
of the hopefuls. The results, Trumka said, have
been gratifying.
“We’re excited that all the candidates are
talking about workers’ rights and unions, and
that’s a big plus,” Trumka said when asked to
rank five top contenders: former Vice President
Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders (Ind-Vermont),
Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), and Kamala Harris (D-California), and South Bend,
Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.
Trumka declined to rank them. “Any (AFLCIO) endorsement will come from the bottom
up – from our members through our executive
council,” he replied. “And it’ll take 70% of the
vote there.”
“They’re asking candidates about their position on different issues that are important to
them, and forcing the candidates to think about
it,” Trumka said of union members. “And if
they have a position, it’s stated. If they don’t,
they think it through and get a position. That’s
where we’ve been largely successful and we
will do that again.”
And in that respect, all the current hopefuls
differ from 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary
Clinton, whom most unions supported early
in her contest with Sanders. She put kitchentable issues second, behind criticizing Donald
Trump, said Trumka.
He added that the possibility of winning
workers’ votes will increase if candidates spend
more time talking about “changing the rules –
and it’s not just trade, it’s tax laws, it’s regulations, it’s health and safety, it’s education, it’s
health care, it’s pensions…. It’s bankruptcy
laws that have stripped workers of their pensions over the years.”
On other issues, Trumka reiterated labor’s
opposition to the nomination of Eugene Scalia, a pro-management attorney, to be the new
Labor Secretary. Trump formally sent Scalia’s
name to the Senate on August 26. No hearings
have been scheduled yet on the nod.
“We actively opposed him in 2002, because
his record was so bad,” Trumka stated. “It’s
only gotten worse. His views are dangerously
outside the mainstream.”
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Illinois Rep. Introduces Pro-Maritime Resolution
Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman
The Illinois General Assembly will have a
chance to show its support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, following the recent introduction
of a pro-maritime statement by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D).
Hoffman, the assistant majority leader, represents the state’s 113th District. His statement
is a well-informed description of why the nation
is best-served by maintaining a strong maritime
industry, including American crews.
In part, the statement reads: “The members of the Illinois House of Representatives
are supportive of federal statutes that ensure
that vessels engaged in the coastwise and inland trades are built and crewed by American
workers; the Jones Act, the Maritime Security
Program, the Passenger Vessel Services Act,
and U.S. cargo preference laws are critical in
maintaining a viable American Merchant Marine…. Without the Jones Act, the American
Merchant Marine and its well-paying jobs
would be destroyed, and the domestic water-
borne commerce of the U.S. would be controlled by foreign interests.”
The statement also credits the U.S. Maritime Security Program for its affordability and
military usefulness. “The program requires that
the vessels, crews, and participating companies’
intermodal assets are immediately available to
the Department of Defense in times of crisis;
military experts have said it would literally
cost tens of billions of dollars to replicate the
program’s assets, which currently are delivered
for a few hundred million dollars per year,” the
resolution points out.
Later, the statement backs cargo preference
laws, including the Food for Peace program,
“whose purpose is to promote the food security of developing countries. Food aid is grown
by American farmers, processed by American
workers, and transported on board U.S. vessels
to countries in need. Since the program’s inception in 1954, more than three billion people in
150 countries have benefited directly from U.S.
food aid that was delivered by the U.S. Merchant Marine.”
Moreover, the statement also supports development and expansion of America’s marine
highway system, and takes to task the so-called
flag-of-convenience setup, “in which avaricious
shipowners around the world register their vessels in phony flag states to evade labor, safety,
environmental, and tax laws.” The system “deserves condemnation [and] has resulted in the
global exploitation of seagoing maritime labor
and the reduction of international commercial
cargo carried by U.S. vessels….”
The statement concludes that the House
backs “the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s
fourth arm of defense and recognizes that the
American maritime industry is critical for U.S.
national, economic, and homeland security and
that our mariners and our maritime industry deserve our full support.”
The Illinois General Assembly reconvenes
in late October or November.
Seafarers March in Labor Day Parade
Seafarers were out in force for the 40th Labor Day parade in Wilmington, California. Pictured at the hall before joining the festivities are (from left) Port Agent Jeff Turkus, DEU
John Raquipiso, AB Edward Alfonso, AB Paul Elderts, Chief Cook Todd Curry, ACU David Simon, Bosun Ruben Saturday, AB Julius Dagoldol, ACU Ricky Sencida, SA Sheryl
Johnson, SA Ed Lopez, SA Gedrick Reyes, AB Leonard Ajoste and Chief Cook Richard Walker. “There was a great turnout this year overall,” noted Turkus. “There were about
5,000 union members and their families and supporters.”
4 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 4
October 2019
9/19/2019 3:03:46 PM
�EPI Asks (and Answers): How is Economy
Working for America’s Working Families?
A new report from the Economic Policy
Institute (EPI) thoroughly examines the
economic plight of American workers.
“This report makes clear that despite
an unemployment rate below 4%, wage
growth continues to elude the vast majority of working families,” noted EPI Vice
President John Schmitt. “This is a result
of a decades-long attack on labor unions,
and trickledown policies that put corporate
profits and CEO pay ahead of the rights
and wages of working people.”
A headline on one of the essays contained in the overall report stated, “Working people have been thwarted in their
efforts to bargain for better wages by attacks on unions.”
The report, available online at epi.org,
was launched just before Labor Day. The
research therein is consistent with the
nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank’s selfdescribed mission of “including the needs
of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions…. EPI conducts
research and analysis on the economic
status of working America. EPI proposes
public policies that protect and improve the
economic conditions of low- and middleincome workers and assesses policies with
respect to how they affect those workers.”
One of the report components, by Heidi
Shierholz, points out that the “share of
workers represented by unions has dropped
by more than half since 1979 – from 27.0%
to 11.7% in 2018. Not coincidentally, the
share of income going to the top 10% has
escalated in this period – these high earners
now capture nearly half of all income. The
decline of unions is not because people
don’t want to be in unions. They do: The
share of people who either have union coverage or report they want it is 60% – the
same as it was 40 years ago. But employers’ aggressive efforts to dismantle unions
and impede organizing efforts have robbed
workers of this opportunity. We need fundamental reform of labor law to restore and
protect workers’ rights to come together
and have a voice in their workplace.”
Her conclusion about the need for labor
law reform is shared by the AFL-CIO, to
which the SIU is affiliated. Such reform
is one of the federation’s top priorities,
though it’s also an enormous challenge.
“Impeding union representation has
been a primary goal of corporate interests in recent decades, and these interests
have convinced conservative policymakers to attack collective bargaining through
legislation, executive rulemaking, and the
courts,” Shierholz added. “Meanwhile,
policymakers claiming to care about the
economic struggles of typical Americans
have too often turned a blind eye to these
“This report makes clear that despite an unemployment
rate below 4%, wage growth continues to elude the vast majority of working families. This is a result of a decades-long
attack on labor unions, and trickledown policies that put
corporate profits and CEO pay ahead of the rights and wages
of working people.” - - - EPI Vice President John Schmitt
attacks. But if workers are not able to effectively organize into unions, broadly
shared prosperity that extends to most
working people has virtually no chance.”
Her part of the report states it is “no surprise that workers want unions.” The EPI,
using government data, found that on average, a worker covered by a union contract
earns 13.2% more than a peer with similar
education, occupation, and experience in a
nonunionized workplace in the same sector.
Union workers also are more likely to
have employer-sponsored health insurance, and their employers tend to contribute more toward those plans. They are also
more likely to have paid vacation and sick
Maritime Administrator
Pledges Jones Act Support
Outlines Efforts to Recapitalize RRF, Boost Manpower
The head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently reiterated that the agency is constantly
pushing to revitalize the U.S. Merchant
Marine.
At a recent Navy League breakfast,
Maritime Administrator RAdm. Mark
Buzby (USN, Ret) spoke of the importance of the American maritime industry, in relation to both domestic security
and the nation’s economy. He also identified MARAD’s top priorities.
Buzby said, “We are addressing the
Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and ensuring that it is prepared to answer the call.
That has been a struggle, with readiness
of the 44-year-old fleet a day-to-day
challenge given our budgetary constraints. I’m pleased that Congress has
increasingly gotten it on their scope,
and having TRANSCOM Commander
General Steve Lyons testify that RRF
recap is his number one priority is a
huge deal. Long-term, we believe the
Navy’s surge sealift recapitalization
strategy, which includes a combination of targeted service life extensions,
acquiring and converting used vessels,
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 5
leave, more input into the number of hours
they work, and more predictable schedules.
Union employers are more likely to offer
retirement plans and to contribute more
toward those plans than comparable nonunion employers, the EPI found.
Other benefits of union representation,
according to the report, include providing
workers due-process protections; creating
safer workplaces (“because union workers
are protected by their unions from repercussions for reporting safety issues, they
are more likely to report safety concerns”);
and shrinking the racial wage gap.
“Furthermore, the benefits of collective bargaining extend beyond those em-
and building new sealift vessels in U.S.
shipyards, will get us where we need
to be.”
He continued, “I pledged myself to
a vigorous defense of the Jones Act.
There has been a lot of discussion
about the Jones Act of late, much of it
misinformed and some of it purposely
misleading. We’ve turned back several
serious challenges to this indispensable
policy, but only a vigilant watch will
protect this linchpin of American maritime policy from attack.”
A lifelong advocate of American
mariners and a former commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Buzby said MARAD is working
“across the board, from growing the
U.S.-flag fleet and strengthening our
ports to improving and modernizing
maritime education and addressing
the mariner shortage, to help ensure
that America’s maritime community is
ready to meet all challenges in an increasingly contentious and competitive
world. That means not only addressing
the needs for the RRF, but also supporting U.S.-flag commercial carriers
ployees who are represented by a union,”
Shierholz wrote. “Where unions are strong,
they effectively set broader standards that
nonunion employers must meet in order to
attract and retain the workers they need and
to avoid facing an organizing drive. The
combination of the direct effect of unions
on union members and this ‘spillover’ effect to nonunion workers means unions are
crucial in fostering a vibrant middle class
and reducing income inequality.”
Shierholz also debunks a view held
by some outside the labor movement that
the decline in collective bargaining has
occurred naturally. “Quite the contrary,”
she wrote. “Fierce corporate opposition
has suppressed workers’ freedom to form
so U.S.-flag ships are there for us to
provide sustained sealift.”
He added, “The MSP (Maritime Security Program) stipend is a lifeline for
those carriers who struggle to compete
against foreign competitors who benefit
from government subsidies and preferential tax policies.”
He then addressed the manpower
shortage, saying, “Right now, we remain about 1,800 mariners short of
what we need to crew government and
commercial sealift ships to meet national security needs. Closing that gap
demands that we grow the U.S.-flag
fleet to ensure that qualified American
mariners have places to ply their trade.
“We also recently announced nine
new marine highway projects that will
join previously designated projects in
being eligible to apply for $7 million
of marine highway grants this year,”
he concluded. “Short sea shipping is an
additional way that we can boost Jones
Act shipping and support mariner jobs.
There are some really innovative ideas
emerging in the marine highways sector.”
The Navy League of the United
States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt,
is a nonprofit civilian, educational and
advocacy organization that supports
America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag
Merchant Marine. As part of its mission focus, the Navy League of the
United States, according to its website,
unions and bargain collectively. Intense
and aggressive anti-union campaigns
– once confined to the most anti-union
employers – have become widespread; it
is now typical, when workers seek to organize, for their employers to hire union
avoidance consultants to orchestrate fierce
anti-union campaigns.
“And though the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) makes it illegal for
employers to intimidate, coerce, or fire
workers in retaliation for participating in
union-organizing campaigns, the penalties are insufficient to provide a serious
economic disincentive for such behavior
(there are no punitive damages or criminal
charges under the NLRA; penalties may
consist of being required to post a notice
or reinstate illegally fired workers),” she
continued. “This means that many illegal
tactics can be actively pursued; for example, employers often threaten to close the
worksite, cut union activists’ hours or pay,
or report workers to immigration enforcement authorities if employees unionize.
More than one in seven union organizers
and activists are illegally fired while trying
to organize unions at their place of work.”
Yet, despite such conduct, policymakers
“have egregiously failed to update labor
laws to rebalance the system,” she said.
“In fact, in many cases policy is moving
backward; 27 states have passed so-called
right-to-work laws, which are intended to
undermine union finances by making it illegal for unions to require nonunion members of a collective bargaining unit (who
don’t pay union dues) to pay ‘fair share
fees’ – fees that cover only the basic costs
of representing employees in the workplace. And the Supreme Court decision in
Janus v. AFSCME – a case financed by a
small group of foundations with ties to the
largest and most powerful corporate lobbies – made ‘right-to-work’ the law of the
land for all public-sector unions. Conclusion: We need to protect workers’ rights to
organize and bargain collectively.”
Mark Buzby
Maritime Administrator
“Enhances the morale of sea service
personnel and their families through
national and council level programs,
provides a powerful voice to educate
the public and Congress on the importance of our sea services to our nation’s
defense, well-being and economic
prosperity and supports youth through
programs, such as the U.S. Naval Sea
Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC and Young
Marines, that expose young people to
the values of our sea services.”
Seafarers LOG 5
9/19/2019 3:03:47 PM
�Mariners work on various electrical projects in the new electronics lab.
Upgraders work inside the new machine shop.
Students, Instructors Praise PHC Machine Shop Upgrades
As detailed in last month’s issue of the
LOG, the machine shop at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education has recently undergone a complete
overhaul, with new equipment, classrooms
and specially designed trainers.
PHC Acting Vice President Tom
Orzechowski noted, “The shop is completely
retooled and set for the next level of training.
The building itself went through a complete
renovation, and we added new classroom
space adjacent to the new Electricians’ Lab.
New trainers encompassing every aspect
needed for upgrading and basic training are
now available and at the ready. This brings
our vocational shop up to date and prepares us
for the future.”
“This is a plus right here,” said QMED
Lamont Robinson of the new Electrical
Training Lab. “We had something like
2019 SEATU Convention
Builds Towards Future
Convention themes aren’t always so literal, but at the 2019 Seafarers Entertainment
and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) Triennial
Convention, “Building for the Future” was a
slogan that delivered.
The convention took place September 1011, at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in
Piney Point, Maryland, and brought with it
news of solid membership growth, new contracts and multiple new constructions, the latter of which potentially will provide jobs for
hundreds and hundreds of SEATU members
before the next convention.
SEATU is an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America.
In addition to reports from each SEATU
representative and a dozen resolutions, attendees were treated to presentations from:
Cornel Martin, President and CEO of the
Delta Queen Steamboat Company; Howard
Weinstein, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at The Cordish Companies;
Nelson Hill, Vice President of United Food
and Commercial Workers International
Union (UFCW) Local 27; Daniel Duncan,
Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; Valerie
Cole, SEATU’s Union Plus Representative;
and Brian Schoeneman, SEATU’s Legislative
Director.
Representing the SIU at the convention
were SIU (and SEATU) President Michael
Sacco, Executive Vice-President Augie Tellez,
Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice
President of Contracts George Tricker, Gen-
eral Counsel Leslie Tarantola, Vice President
Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi,
Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice
President West Coast Nick Marrone, Assistant
Vice Presidents Bryan Powell, Pat Vandegrift
and Mike Russo, Port Agent Mark von Siegel, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Port Agent Victor
Nunez, and Safety Directors Amber Akana,
James Brown and William Tyson Little.
The SEATU Representatives in attendance
were Akana, Monte Burgett, Brdak, Brown,
Patti Christian, Gerard Dhooge, Amber Gibson, Ashley Smith, Shane Sterry, and Little.
Each brought delegates from their respective
worksites to the convention.
Martin presented information on the long
history of the Delta Queen, a celebrated river
steamboat which operated from 1927 until
2008 as an overnight passenger vessel, often
carrying SIU crews. The vessel was granted
a Congressional Exemption on December
4, 2018, which will allow the Delta Queen
Steamboat Company to fully restore the boat
and return it to overnight river cruise service.
He explained that in 2007, the owners
of the boat at that time began to crew the
vessel with non-union, improperly trained
employees. Shortly thereafter, also in 2007,
the vessel’s exemption expired, as Congress
no longer felt the vessel was being operated
safely by qualified mariners. By October
2008, the vessel was retired from sailing the
waterways, and was operated as a floating
hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until 2014.
SEATU representatives, delegates and guests look on during the convention session.
6 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 6
this, but it was very basic. Everything is
right here now, and organized much better.” Robinson also praised the other new
trainers, as well as the overall redesign of
the space.
QMED Reginald Hunter also credited
the new Electrical Training Lab, saying, “You
could wire whatever you want, it’s all right in
front of you. Much better than what we used
to have.”
Martin then spoke on how he became
involved with the Delta Queen: “The hotel
eventually came under the operation of
Randy and Leah Ann Ingram, longtime supporters of the Delta Queen, in 2010.... In
2012, they contacted me and said, ‘We’d like
to see the Delta Queen cruise again on the
river, and we’d like you to come on board
and help us.’ And I said, there’s only one way
I’ll do it, and that’s if you agree to [get input
from maritime labor].”
After a detailed report of the work it will
take to restore and modernize the vessel to
meet current safety requirements, Martin
stated that the boat will sail the inland rivers
again as soon as the restoration is complete.
Weinstein’s presentation also carried with
it the reveal of potential new jobs on the
horizon. After a look back at the history of
the working relationship between Maryland
LIVE! Casino and the union, he focused on
the future expansion of that property, as well
as new facilities.
“We are in the process of building two
new casinos,” he said. “The first is in Pittsburgh, which is due to open in August of next
year. And the second one is another casino, in
Philadelphia, which is also due to open next
year.” He further clarified that the Philadelphia property is both a hotel and casino, and
will employ hundreds of people in both facilities when it opens in December 2020.
He then mentioned that the partnership
with SEATU isn’t always perfect, and that
there have been plenty of disagreements and
grievances over the years. “I share that with
you because we have good, healthy disagreements, and the relationship stays intact. We’re
both committed to the long term here, and it
has worked very, very well,” he concluded.
Duncan explained the importance of
grassroots and community activities, and how
QMED Christian O’Brien agreed, adding,
“It’s awesome! Seems a lot more professional,
and definitely more organized. It makes me
feel a lot more confident now.”
PHC Instructor Chris Morgan also spoke
on the new upgrades, saying, “I think we’ve
seen a dramatic improvement with the recent
changes. With these technical advances, we
can teach a lot more in our classes. All welcome improvements.”
SEATU executives and representatives have
stepped up to do their part. For example, he
noted the union’s successful efforts to defeat
so-called right-to-work statutes in Missouri;
and SEATU’s volunteerism in assisting Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore.
Schoeneman offered a fact-based picture
of the current political landscape, saying, “Let
me put things into perspective. This Congress is on pace to being the most do-nothing
Congress in the history of the Union. Since
January when they came into office, they’ve
created and enacted 56 laws. 56. Of those
56, 26 were things like post office namings,
short-term extensions of programs and technical corrections bills.... That gets us to about
150 bills by the end of this Congress. When
President Truman ran in 1948 against the first
do-nothing Congress that he christened, that
Congress passed 906 laws.
“That being said, the 2020 election cycle
is probably going to be one of the most contentious in history,” he continued. “The 2016
election saw the largest number of Americans
in history voting, despite the turnout hovering
around 60 percent. Last year’s mid-term elections saw turnout of almost 50 percent, which
was the highest since 1966 and way up from
2014, when 37 percent of eligible voters cast
a ballot – the lowest in 72 years.” He then
urged everyone in attendance to get out to
the polls and vote, reminding them that every
vote counts.
Outside of the meeting hours, SEATU
representatives and delegates attended discussions and seminars, before being treated to a
crab feast as well as campus tours for those
so inclined.
Delegates unanimously re-elected Sacco
as president, Heindel as secretary-treasurer
and Tellez and Orzechowski as vice presidents.
From left, General Counsel Leslie Tarantola swears in the newly elected SEATU Executive Board: President Michael Sacco, Vice Presidents Tom Orzechowski and Augustin
Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.
October 2019
9/19/2019 3:03:50 PM
�‘Fuji’ Finds a Home for Lighthouse Collection
When longtime Seafarer Shawn “Fuji” Fujiwara realized he had to downsize from his residence, he wanted
to find a suitable home for some of his prized lighthouse
model collection.
It didn’t take long for him to identify his preferred destinations: SIU headquarters, and the union-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland.
“Now, people can enjoy them. That was a big thing,”
said Fujiwara, a recertified steward who is retiring due
to medical issues stemming from a major auto accident.
“Lighthouses are part of our industry, and our headquarters
is a beacon. The models are going to a good home.”
Fujiwara, 55, started sailing with the SIU in May 1988,
aboard the cruise ship Independence.
“I was kind of struggling before I joined the union,” he
recalled. “I went to the union hall (in Honolulu), got signed
up, did the physical. The port agent looked at me and said,
‘Hey you, you want a job? Ninety-day rotary.’ I didn’t know
what 90-day rotary meant. My mom was excited because
I was going to work on a cruise ship. I didn’t know what I
was getting into.”
It wound up being an excellent fit. Fujiwara pursued his
sailing career with constant enthusiasm – and with appreciation.
“I always had a good job and I always had something to
look forward to,” he noted. “As a steward, I always believed
Though he didn’t plan to retire this soon, Seafarer Shawn
Fujiwara (center) maintains a positive outlook about his career as well as his health. He’s pictured at the Tacoma hiring hall, receiving his first pension check. SIU Asst. VP Joe
Vincenzo is at right, while Port Agent Warren Asp is at left.
it was up to me to make a difference. You are the heartbeat
of the ship. Plus, I don’t care if you own the restaurant,
you’re not going to make the money you make on a ship.”
Fujiwara maintained similar passion for his lighthouse
models. A shipmate gave him a couple miniature lighthouses 30 years ago, and his interest quickly blossomed. He
collected approximately 110 of them (most were created by
artist Bob Younger, whom Fujiwara met). Purchases were
made both online and in person, at collector events and
stores.
“I went crazy with it,” he said with a laugh, adding that
the average cost was around $100 per item. “I had a cabinet
custom-built so I could see them from the side. Later, I built
a custom bookcase for some other ones.
“But I like it because when a sailor saw a lighthouse,
they knew safety was close,” he continued. “To me, the galley was a beacon of hope for the crew. Everything can be
going to hell on deck and in the engine room, but if the galley area was good, that was a safety zone for everyone.”
He donated nearly half of the lighthouses to the union
and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A few were designated for specific individuals (including SIU President Michael Sacco), but most are displayed
in offices and common areas throughout the respective locations.
“Shawn’s generosity has given a big boost to our member lounge in particular,” said Chuck Corbin, building
manager for the SIU headquarters facility in Camp Springs,
Maryland. “The lighthouse models are really well-made and
captivating.”
Fujiwara also made other donations and kept 15 for himself. But parting with the items didn’t leave him bittersweet.
He said he’s simply grateful to have survived the accident
and to have found a new home while collecting his SIU pension and other retiree income.
He also said he plans to remain involved with the
union, particularly through the hiring hall in Tacoma,
Washington.
“The union has been a big part of my life for 30 years,” he
The two photos above show some of the 110 lighthouse
models collected by Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara.
said. “That won’t change just because I can no longer sail.”
Asked what advice he’d give to people who are entering
the industry, he replied, “Keep your nose clean, believe in
yourself – and you have to care. The day you stop caring,
you need to get out. That’s true with any job. That’s what
kept me going. From day one, I cared.
“Also remember that you when you sign on board, you
have watch – whether you’re relief, rotary or permanent,”
he concluded. “You have the watch, so don’t put the blame
on the person you relieved. Be you, make it right, and leave
it better than the last person. With sadness, I have been relieved of watch and I have to come ashore.”
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Identify Cause of Dizziness
Editor’s note: The following article
was provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
Dizziness is a term used to describe a
range of sensations, such as feeling faint,
woozy, weak or unsteady on your feet. It
is one of the most common reasons that
adults will visit their doctor.
Dizziness that makes people feel
as though they are spinning or moving
when they actually are not is called vertigo. Frequent or constant vertigo will
interfere with individuals’ daily routines
and should be evaluated by a physician
as soon as possible.
There are a variety of possible culprits
when it comes to the causes of dizziness.
Included are: low blood sugar, dehydration, hyperventilating and migraine
headaches. Other causes are alcohol consumption, prescription medications, low
blood pressure, and/or very high blood
pressure that could also cause a stroke.
Inner ear infections, Meniere’s disease,
or problems with circulation and blood
flow (such as anemia) can also cause dizziness and even vertigo.
Treatments for dizziness need not be
complicated and often involve commonsense measures, including:
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 7
n Moving slowly – Do not just jump
up from a seated position. Instead, move
at a normal pace. It’s important to establish a good blood flow from the extremities back up to the heart/lungs and brain.
n Exercise daily – Do this to establish a routine for your body. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids.
n Take medications as instructed –
Do not miss doses or take more than prescribed.
n Know your diet – Avoid consuming foods that could possibly cause allergies.
n Treat inner ear infections with medications prescribed by your doctor.
n Check your blood pressure regularly – Use home blood pressure machines
to stay on top of readings. Immediately report any significant changes (too high, or
too low) to your doctor.
n Use a walking aid – If dizziness
persists, use a cane or walker. This will
provide needed stability.
n Limit the use of caffeine, alcohol
and tobacco.
Most cases of dizziness will clear
up on their own once the underlying
cause has been identified. If not, see
your doctor for testing.
Healthy Recipe
Cajun Chicken
Servings: 25
Ingredients
10 pounds chicken breast without skin,
trimmed of fat
Seasoning:
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed fine
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
1 ½ tablespoons Spanish paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons oregano, dry crushed fine
1 teaspoon white pepper, ground
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground
Garnish:
2 tablespoons parsley, fresh chopped
¼ cup red bell pepper, roasted and diced
Preparation
Place the chicken in a large container with
plenty of room. Pour the olive oil all over the
chicken.
Mix all the remaining dry ingredients together.
Mix the dry seasoning into the chicken. Marinate over night.
Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high
heat on a well-oiled grill. Cook for about 1-2
minutes on each side; cook half way through.
Place the seared chicken in 2” hotel pans. Bake
the chicken in a 350 degree F oven uncovered
for about 15-20 minutes until internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Garnish pans with chopped parsley and roasted
peppers.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 205
calories; 6g fat (28.6% calories from fat); 34g
protein; 1g carbohydrate; trace dietary fiber;
84mg cholesterol; 202md sodium. Exchanges;
0 grain (starch); 4 ½ lean meat; 0 vegetable;
1 fat.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship.
Seafarers LOG 7
9/19/2019 3:03:53 PM
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
GATHERING IN PHILLY – SIU officials in August attended the Labor Council for
Latin American Advancement convention in Philadelphia. Pictured from left are SIU
VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, LCLAA National President Yanira Merino, AFLCIO President Richard Trumka and SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo.
SIU HONORED – Philadelphia City Councilman Alan Taubenberger on Aug. 21 presented a
proclamation to the union, thanking the SIU for its help and support in the community. Pictured
at the hiring hall are (from left) SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray, Taubenberger and SIU Port
Agent Joe Baselice.
BOATMEN BACK SPAD – Two Seafarers employed by G&H Towing recently signed up for
SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. They joined two fellow crew members who
already were donating. Pictured from left are Mate Francois Conde-Jahn, Deckhand Mauro
Gutierrez, Chief Engineer Christopher Wooten, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala and Capt. Jean
Sean Irish. Conde-Jahn and Gutierrez are the newly signed-up members.
B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – QEE Orlin
Thomas (left) is sworn
in for his B-book at
the hiring hall. SIU VP
Gulf Coast Dean Corgey is at right.
SPREADING THE WORD – Patrolman Ray Henderson sets up at a career fair at Port
Richmond High School in Staten Island, New York, in early August.
ABOARD USNS PETERSBURG – Pictured from left
aboard the TOTE Services vessel in San Francisco are GUDE
Julian Lacuesta, Bosun Roberto
Flauta, AB Elorde Ramos, AB
Leodiane Torrenueva, Chief
Steward Jurally Aseberos and
QEP Mohamed Sheriff.
8 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 8
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�ABOARD AMERICAN SPIRIT – Pictured in the photo directly above are Bosun Jabr Ali,
AB/Wheelsman Jamal Sailan and Gateman Ali Yahya. The photo at left includes Chief
Cook Mohamed Algalham and ACU Aldrin Saez. The American Steamship Co. vessel was
docked in Indiana Harbor, Indiana, in late July when the photos were taken.
ABOARD EL COQUI – This steward-department selfie aboard the Crowley vessel
features (from left) Recertified Steward
Juan Vallejo, SA La’Sonia Randolph and
Chief Cook Bryan Alvarez.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Pictured from left to right aboard the Transoceanic cable ship in Baltimore (above, left) are Chief Steward Brian Bautista, SIU Piney Point Port Agent
Victor Nunez, 3rd Cook Albert Hermoso and Chief Cook Casey Pearson. Nunez and AB Antonio Arizala are pictured in the center photo, while AB Alex Reyes, Nunez and Recertified
Bosun Sanyboy Whiting are shown in the photo at right.
MANY BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Several Seafarers received union
books at the August membership meeting. Picking up their respective A-books in photo above were Ali Ghaleb (left) and Jose Balerite
(right). They’re pictured with Port Agent Nick Marrone II. The photo
at the immediate right shows members who got their B-books (from
left): Jose Medina, Abdulrhman Omar and Jerwin Francisco.
SEAFARING SELFIE – Chief Cook Anthony Harrell (right) and SIU Port Agent
Amancio Crespo are pictured aboard
Crowley’s National Glory in Puerto Rico.
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 9
WELCOME TO CROWLEY VP – SIU Port Agent Amancio
Crespo (right) and Chief Cook Luis Perez (center) recently
conferred with Crowley Maritime VP of Labor Relations Ira
Douglas (left) at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Perez most recently sailed on Crowley’s Taino.
WELCOME ASHORE – Recertified Steward Randy
Stephens (left) picks up his first pension check at the
Houston hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman J.B. Niday.
PASSING DURING THE DAY – Two SIU-crewed tankers are pictured this
summer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That’s the West Virginia at left and the
Lone Star State at right. Both ships are operated by Intrepid Personnel and
Provisioning.
Seafarers LOG 9
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Remembering the SIU-Crewed SS Henry Bacon
Editor’s note: This article originally
appeared in a booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Written by the late
SIU historian John Bunker, the 44-page
digest recapped the often-heroic work
of Seafarers during the war. (More than
1,200 SIU members lost their lives during World War II.) The tale of the SS
Henry Bacon is the tome’s final entry. It
is presented here as both a respectful nod
to the union’s history – and a descriptive
reminder of why the U.S. Merchant Marine is known as America’s fourth arm of
defense.
Twenty-seven people, most of them
SIU members, perished as the Bacon was
attacked and then sank. The vessel was
the last Allied ship sunk by German aircraft during the war.
No better finale to the story of SIU
ships in World War II could be written
than the epic account of the SS Henry
Bacon, an SIU-manned Liberty operated
by the South Atlantic Steamship Company.
Cold were the Artic waters and forbidding was the sky when the Henry Bacon
added its name to the list of valiant fighting freighters.
Besides her crew, the Henry Bacon
carried 19 Norwegian refugees as passengers, when she headed back toward Scotland after a voyage to Murmansk, North
Russia, in the early winter of 1945.
After leaving the White Sea, the
Bacon had been in convoy, only to lose
contact with it on the 19th of February
because of heavy weather. She rejoined
it on the 20th, then dropped out again
two days later when trouble developed
with the steering gear. A heavy gale
was blowing, and Captain Alfred Carini
radioed his plight to the convoy while
the black gang worked on the steering
mechanism.
Contact Lost
With this finally fixed, the Bacon proceeded, meeting up with more moderate
seas, but seeing no sign of her companions which, Captain Carini then decided,
they must have passed during the night
as they hurried to rejoin the fleet. Having lost radio contact, and there being no
response to his messages, he decided to
turn back over his course for just one hour
in the hope of picking up their companion
ships.
It was while doubling back on her
wake that the Henry Bacon was suddenly
attacked by a huge flight of 23 torpedo
planes that pounced upon the lone Liberty
almost as soon as the thundering roar
of their engines was heard through the
leaden sky, sending the crew running to
battle stations.
Twenty-three planes against one
merchant ship! It was odds enough for a
battleship or a cruiser. Many a big aircraft
carrier that thought itself hard pressed
in the Pacific thundered back at half as
much opposition with a hundred times the
firepower that this unattended freighter
The SIU-crewed SS Henry Bacon
could muster for its defense there amid
the bleak, rolling waters. There was not
another ship around upon which to call
for help.
The bombers were Junkers 88s, coming in off the starboard bow in an extended, wing-to-wing formation no more
than 30 feet above the jumbled wave
tops.
All Guns Working
Every gun on the Bacon went into action as soon as the canvas covers could be
pulled off the barrels, and the magazines
clamped onto the breech of the 20-millimeters. The sky around the ship was
pocked with shell bursts as the fighting
merchantmen and the vessel’s armed
guard drove off sally after sally by those
audacious bombers that attacked simultaneously, one to a side, darting away
through a hail of 20-millimeter shells.
The gun on the bow boomed out at
point blank range, blowing one bomber to
pieces as it banked and exposed its belly
to the Bacon’s forward gun. Another Nazi
nosed into a wall of 20-millimeter fire
and dived into the sea in flames. A third
wobbled aimlessly over the waves with
smoke pouring from his engine. He probably crashed into the steep, green seas
soon after, but the crew had no time to
worry about verifying their hits.
When the Germans swooped down
on the unaccompanied Bacon they probably were expecting an easy time of it.
Three or four torpedoes and the laboring
Liberty would sink beneath the waves,
they no doubt thought. If they expected
any resistance at all, they were certainly
unprepared for the flame and fire of battle
with which the men of the Bacon met this
overpowering assault.
More Ammunition
The 20-millimeters stopped firing long
enough only to load more ammunition,
to change overheated barrels. A bomber
which tried to get in at the ship from
dead ahead ran into a storm of this small
shellfire and disintegrated into a thousand
pieces, as tracers found the torpedo slung
SIU Scholarship Helped
Member’s Son Launch Long,
Successful Legal Career
Editor’s note: This article was
written and submitted by Lynn
Thompson, a retired reporter in Seattle. She recently wrote a longer feature about civil rights attorney Lem
Howell for the legal community.
Seattle attorney Lembhard “Lem”
Howell spent a 50-year career cham-
10 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 10
pioning civil rights. He’s received
numerous awards for his legal advocacy, landmark lawsuits to expand
employment opportunities for African
Americans and for his work to reform
the criminal justice system in Washington state.
But Howell, now 83, has never forgotten that the Seafarers International
beneath the fuselage and blew up plane
and occupants in a terrible explosion of
steel and flaming debris.
Torpedo after torpedo missed the ship
when the pilots faltered in their aim in
the face of such concentrated fire from
this fighting Liberty. For twenty minutes
the gunners of the Henry Bacon, standing
side by side with the men of the merchant
crew, held off this armada of Junkers
bombers that had by now become so
madly exasperated by the heroic defense
of the ship that, once their torpedoes were
wasted, they flew at her with machine
guns blazing.
But such a fleet of planes had only
to persist, if nothing else, to be successful against one unescorted ship, and a
torpedo finally hit the Henry Bacon on
the starboard side in number-three hold,
forward. When another tin fish found its
mark soon after, Captain Carini ordered
the ship to be abandoned.
Not All Leave
The fateful signal to “leave her”’ was
sounded in long, solemn blasts from the
whistle while the Junkers – about eight or
nine fewer than when they had begun the
fight – roared away from the scene toward
the coast of Norway 200 miles to the east.
The doughty Bacon had kept them in action longer than they wanted.
With their gas getting low, they could
find no satisfaction in winging around as
this “bulldog” settled beneath the waves.
The order from the Skipper was “passengers first” and, though two of the lifeboats had been smashed in high seas, the
Norwegian refugees – man, women and
children – were put safely over the side
into the first boat launched, along with
some of the merchant crew and Navy
gunners.
Into the second lifeboat went as many
more as could be accommodated. It could
not possibly hold them all, but still there
was no rush for seats of safety. These
SIU crewmen and their Navy comrades
waited quietly as Third Mate Joseph Scott
counted the regular crew assigned to the
boat, and then called to the deck above
for half a dozen more to climb down over
the scramble nets and take their places between the thwarts. During this time Bosun
Holcomb Lemmon was making what the
survivors later described as “heroic efforts” to help his shipmates over the side
into lifeboats and onto several life rafts
which had been launched into the chilling waters. This done, he hurried about
the sinking ship gathering boards to lash
together as emergency rafts.
The Henry Bacon was slowly sinking. Water was pouring into her holds.
The black gang had left the engine room
and all was deserted down below. Bit by
bit the cold water rose higher around her
rust-streaked side plates.
One of the men assigned to a place in
the Third Mate’s boat was Chief Engineer
Donald Haviland, who climbed over the
side into the bobbing craft only to decline
his chance for rescue in favor of a young
crewman. The Chief had already taken
a seat in the boat when, looking up at
the men still left on the Bacon’s deck, he
saw among the forlorn group a youthful
crewman staring down at those who were
about to push away from the settling hulk.
Deserting his own place in the boat,
Mr. Haviland yelled to the lad to hurry
down the net and take his chance for
safety.
So Long, Brothers
“Hey, you,” he called. “You’re a young
fellow. It won’t matter so much if I don’t
get back.”
As the Henry Bacon went down, the
survivors in the lifeboats saw Chief Engineer Haviland leaning against the bulwarks with Bosun Holcomb Lemmon, as
casually as though the ship was leaving
the dock for another routine voyage. Captain Carini waved to them from the bridge
and, as he did so, the Henry Bacon slid
swiftly and quietly under the sea.
A big wave rolled over the spot and
soon only some floating boards and
crates marked where this gallant fighting freighter of the SIU had written such
a glorious chapter into the annals of the
American merchant service.
Union awarded him a scholarship
in 1955 that allowed him to lay the
educational foundation for his future
success.
Howell’s father, Seafarer Cleveland Howell, a Jamaican immigrant
and union activist who worked to
integrate SIU, encouraged his son’s
academic achievement from an early
age. Howell recalls his father pointing to his head and saying, “What
you have up here, they can’t take
away from you.”
Howell received a four-year,
$6,000 union scholarship – about
$57,000 in today’s dollars. Howell
Continued on Page 13
Lem Howell
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
ANTHONY ADA
Brother Anthony Ada, 66, began
sailing with the SIU in 2005 when
he shipped on the Green Lake. He
was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed on
the Overseas Key West. Brother
Ada makes his home in Hacienda
Heights, California.
ALFONSO BOMBITA
Brother Alfonso Bombita, 69,
started sailing with the SIU in 1983,
initially shipping aboard the Santa
Maria. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney
Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Bombita last sailed
aboard the Gem State. He resides in
American Canyon, California.
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Brother Robinson Crusoe, 60,
signed on with the
SIU in 1998 when
he shipped on the
Keystone State.
The deck department member’s
final vessel was
the Green Bay.
Brother Crusoe
makes his home in New Orleans.
WILLIAM DOBBINS
Brother William Dobbins, 62, embarked on his career with the union
in 1978, first shipping aboard the
J.A. Kling. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on multiple occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Dobbins
concluded his career on the Olive
L. Moore. He calls Willoughby,
Ohio, home.
STEVEN DUDLEY
Brother Steven Dudley, 71, started
his career with the SIU in 2001
when he sailed on the John Paul
Bobo. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Dudley concluded his
career on the North Star. He resides
in Gig Harbor, Washington.
SHAWN FUJIWARA
Brother Shawn Fujiwara, 55, began
his career with the SIU in 1989
when he sailed on
the Independence.
A steward department member,
he upgraded
his skills at the
union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Fujiwara most
recently sailed on the California and
settled in Tacoma, Washington.
EDDIE HALL
Brother Eddie Hall, 63, joined the
SIU in 1979, initially sailing on
the Jefferson Davis. He primarily
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 11
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Hall last sailed
on the Ocean
Jazz and makes
his home in
Houston.
HERBERT HYDE
Brother Herbert Hyde, 71, signed
on with the SIU
in 2003 when
he sailed on the
Delaware Bay.
An engine department member, he upgraded
on several occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Hyde last sailed on the Alliance St Louis. He lives in Tampa,
Florida.
ROBERT LANGDON
Brother Robert
Langdon, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 1998,
initially sailing aboard the
USNS Stalwart.
A member of the
steward department, he upgraded
at the Piney Point
school in 2001. Brother Langdon
last sailed on the Green Point. He
calls Pembine, Wisconsin, home.
LIONEL LEE
Brother Lionel Lee, 72, started sailing with the SIU
in 1987 when
he shipped out
aboard the USNS
Harkness. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Lee’s last vessel
was the Liberty. He resides in Oakland, California.
ALI MUTHER
Brother Ali Muther, 46, joined
the SIU in 1993, initially sailing
on the Independence. He
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school in 2009
and shipped
in the steward
department.
Brother Muther
last sailed on the Horizon Anchorage and resides in Tacoma, Washington.
EDWIN ORTEGA
Brother Edwin Ortega, 59, signed
on with the SIU in 1979, first
sailing on the Pisces. He sailed in
the deck department and upgraded
often at the maritime training
center located in Piney Point,
Maryland. Brother Ortega most
recently shipped on the Maersk
Seletar. He lives in Rockaway
Beach, New York.
KENNETH POWELL
Brother Kenneth Powell, 66, began
sailing with the union in 2003,
initially shipping
aboard the Lykes
Explorer. An engine department
member, he upgraded on multiple
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Powell
last worked on the
Golden State before settling in Warsaw, Missouri.
Gladstone, Michigan, home.
WILLIAM MULCAHY
Brother William Mulcahy, 59,
began sailing with the SIU in
1977, first shipping out aboard the
Adam E. Cornelius. A deck department member, he upgraded often
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. Brother Mulcahy most
recently shipped on the Walter
J. McCarthy. He lives in Orange
Park, Florida.
LOUIS ULESKI
JAMES RUSH
Brother James Rush, 64, joined the
SIU in 1980. The deck department
member’s first vessel was the Santa
Mariana. Brother Rush upgraded at
the Piney Point school on numerous
occasions. He most recently shipped
on the Alliance St. Louis and calls
Jacksonville, Florida, home.
IRINA SHUBOV
Sister Irina Shubov, 73, embarked
on her career with the SIU in 2005
when she sailed
on the Liberty.
She was a steward department
member and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Sister
Shubov last
shipped on the
Courage in 2013. She makes her
home in Brockton, Massachusetts.
Brother Louis Uleski, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1978, initially
sailing on the Aries. Sailing in the
deck department,
he upgraded on
multiple occasions
at the Piney Point
school. Brother
Uleski concluded
his career on the
Detroit Princess.
He makes his
home in Chesterfield, Michigan.
INLAND
RAY BROWN
Brother Ray Brown, 71, began his
career with the SIU in 2005 when
he worked for G&H Towing. A
deck department member, he remained with the same company
for the duration of his career.
Brother Brown resides in Rockport, Texas.
EDWARD SOSA
CRISPIN CARINO
Brother Edward Sosa, 71, signed on
with the Seafarers in 1999, initially
shipping on the
Express. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded on
multiple occasions
at the Piney Point
school. Brother
Sosa concluded
his career on the
Green Cove. He lives in Sunrise,
Florida.
Brother Crispin Carino, 62, joined
the union in 2002, first shipping
on the R.J. Pfeiffer. He upgraded
on numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and sailed in both the
steward and deck departments. After
spending most of his career in the
inland division, Brother Carino last
sailed on the USNS Loyal. He resides in the Philippines.
RANDY STEPHENS
Brother Randy Stephens, 64, joined
the union in 1987 when he sailed
on the USNS Bartlett. He sailed in
the steward department and in 2000
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother Stephens most recently
shipped aboard the Palmetto State.
He resides in Houston.
GREAT LAKES
DAVID DEMENTER
Brother David Dementer, 62, became an SIU
member in 1977
when he worked
for Quality Quarries. He upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1995
and worked in
both the deck and
steward departments. Brother
Dementer’s final vessel was the
Joyce L. VanEnkevort. He calls
JAMES CRISHER
Brother James Crisher, 65, embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 2005
when he shipped
with the Association of Maryland
Pilots. He continued to work
for the same
company for the
remainder of his
career. Brother Crisher calls Virginia
Beach, Virginia, home.
ROBERTO DIAZ CANDELARIO
Brother Roberto Diaz Candelario,
66, joined the SIU in 1976 when he
worked for Crowley Puerto Rico
Services. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Piney Point school.
Brother Diaz Candelario last sailed
on the Producer. He resides in Orlando, Florida.
GARY GILLISPIE
Brother Gary Gillispie, 62, started
sailing with the SIU in 1988. A
deck department member,
he worked for
Orgulf Transport
for the duration
of his career.
Brother Gillispie
makes his home
in Columbia,
Kentucky.
GLENN HUGHES
Brother Glenn Hughes, 63, signed
on with the union in 1974. A deck
department member, he worked for
Crescent Towing and Salvage for his
entire career. Brother Hughes calls
Gretna, Louisiana, home.
ROBERT MULHOLLAND
Brother Robert Mulholland, 55, embarked on his career with the SIU in
1996 when he worked for Crowley.
He was employed by the same company for the duration of his career.
Brother Mulholland calls Sewell,
New Jersey, home.
RAYMOND SAMARIA
Brother Raymond Samaria, 60,
joined the SIU
in 2001. A deck
department
member, his
first vessel was
the Columbia
Bay. Brother
Samaria trained
at the SIUaffiliated Paul
Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education
around the same time he signed on
with the Seafarers. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management
and makes his home in Miami.
WILLIAM SMITH
Brother William Smith, 66, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in 1988, initially sailing
with Steuart
Transportation.
He upgraded on
several occasions
at the Piney Point
school and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Smith
most recently
worked for Penn Maritime and is a
resident of Middleburg, Florida.
HEWSON WILLIAMS
Brother Hewson Williams, 69,
signed on with the SIU in 1992
when he worked for Higman
Barge Lines. Sailing in the deck
department, he remained with
same company for his entire career. Brother Williams resides in
Groves, Texas.
MARK WILLIAMSON
Brother Mark Williamson, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1978. He
sailed in both the deck and engine
departments and was employed by
Hvide Marine. Brother Williamson
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in
1985 and continued sailing with the
same company for the duration of his
career. He lives in Livingston, Texas.
Seafarers LOG 11
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Renovations take place (photo at right) on the building in 1953. The updated facility is pictured in photo at left.
Farewell to a Waystation
Editor’s note: This article was written by Rafael Alvarez,
who spent 20 years as a city desk reporter for the Baltimore
Sun. The son of a longtime member of the SIU’s inland division
(pensioner Manuel Alvarez, 85), he has published numerous
books in addition to briefly sailing with the union. This piece
first appeared in Chesapeake Bay Magazine, in late June; it
is reprinted with the author’s permission, under its original
headline. The subject is one of the SIU’s old hiring halls in
Baltimore.
for having been taken by the
Khmer Rouge the year before
in the last official battle of the
Vietnam War.
I sailed on the Mayaguez
for two consecutive summers;
first in the deck department
and in ’77, as a wiper down
below. Soon after getting my
discharge papers that second
As the Tall Ships sailed into the Port of Baltimore over
year, I landed a job dispatchthe Bicentennial Summer of 1976, I waited to ship out of
ing trucks in the circulation
Crabtown at the Seafarers International Union hall just east of
department of the Baltimore
downtown.
Sun.
I had graduated high school just a few weeks before; 18,
In June of 1978, the Seaeager to take a bite out of the world and completely unprefarers made the hall available
pared for the work soon be expected of me in the deck deto their union brethren in
partment. The only knot I’d mastered was the one I used to tie
the Baltimore-Washington
my shoes.
Newspaper Guild. There, in
But however ignorant of actual seafaring, I was long fathe same room where the port
miliar with the large building where I waited for a job on a
agent had called my name for Members and officials meet in the hall in early 1955.
ship – 1216 East Baltimore Street, just off the corner of Central work just a year before – I
Avenue and a block away from the Lloyd Street synagogue and and my fellow newspaper
to the Jewish Education Alliance and demolished to make way
Attman’s Delicatessen in Baltimore’s original Jewish neighcolleagues voted to strike the
for the Michael S. Levy Memorial building, a wonder of recborhood.
Sunpapers, a disruption that lasted three days.
reation and edification with a rooftop playground, not unlike
My father, a retired chief engineer now receiving a generThat was more than 40 years ago. Until the other day, I had
the one that once graced the roof of the City Recreation Pier on
ous and well-earned pension, is a lifetime member of the SIU.
not been back inside. The only thing recognizable to me from
Thames Street.
As a boy in 1966, my family attended a large Christmas party
the past were brushed aluminum handrails and what was left
Local architect Joseph Evans Sperry, perhaps best known
at the hall during a protracted tugboat strike against the Bakerof the star-and-diamond shaped terrazzo tiles. There were discs
for the Bromo Seltzer tower downtown – inspired in part by
Whiteley and Curtis Bay towing companies. My brother and
cut out of wooden passageway doors, but the portholes which
the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence – was commissioned by the
I were given G.I. Joes. In grade school, I was treated there by
once filled them had been yanked out, most likely in some laJEA to design the Levy building, which was dedicated in 1913.
union physicians, one of whom diagnosed me with allergies. It
borer’s basement or garage.
Had the building remained as Sperry envisioned it – brick
was as close to a functioning American socialism as ever exThe first building developed on the footprint known as
with arched windows in an overall “Colonial Revival” spirit
isted and the men were proud of it.
1216 East Baltimore Street – now part of the Jonestown
– it likely would have been protected by historic status and
Later, on the notion that to be a writer you needed advenHistoric District, the earliest settlement of note in colonial
spared the wrecking ball that awaits it.
ture, I sat in the large open hall reading Tolstoy (which I didn’t
Baltimore along with Fells Point – was the Second Unitarian
But after the Jewish community sold the building to the
understand any more than I knew what it meant to “go aloft”)
Church, cornerstone 1860.
SIU in 1952, Sperry’s conception was radically altered by a
while waiting for an entry-level job to be posted on a large
A quarter-century later, the Redemptorists religious order
massive – and much celebrated – makeover, according to a
board that resembled a movie marquee. My chances were best
acquired the property for the city’s first incarnation of St.
report by Baltimore City’s Commission for Historical and Aron a vessel that more senior men – meaning everybody else –
Wenceslaus Bohemian Catholic Church, which opened in
chitectural Preservation.
had no interest in.
1886.
The Seafarers opened the hall to its members on NovemThe ship was the S.S. Mayaguez, built in Wilmington,
Next to occupy the building were two theater operators
ber 10, 1954, a much-ballyhooed event that garnered TV
North Carolina, for the federal maritime commission and
offering live entertainment – including Yiddish drama, vaudecoverage.
launched as the S.S. White Falcon in 1944 less than two weeks
ville and boxing matches – for a predominantly Jewish audiIn addition to squaring off the arched windows with stainbefore D-Day. By the time I trudged up the gangway (a satchel
ence, first known as Baltimore Theater and better known as the
less steel, the building’s brick skin was covered by white
of notebooks and pencils and cassette tapes in my seabag), the
Princess Theater.
stucco to mimic the SIU hall in New York; a “bump-back”
freighter had been converted into a container ship, infamous
The big change came in 1912 when the building was sold
addition was added on the east side, and, overall, said Walter
W. Gallas, a city preservation planner, the post-war seafaring
“showplace” fell victim to “an unsuccessful effort at modernist
design.”
Oh, but what a prosperous, Eisenhower-era palace it was
to sailors shipping out of the Chesapeake Bay compared to the
small union hall it replaced on above the Lorraine Tavern on
Gay Street.
In 2000, claiming that the area had become too rough even
for salty dogs, the SIU sold the building to the mdlogix healthcare and information technology firm. A number of tenants
followed – including a Christian school, which left a New Testament passage from Hebrews in red paint on a wall. In 2016
the building was bought by the non-profit Helping Up Mission,
which is headquartered across the street.
“We’re putting up a 150,000 square feet building to house
210 adult women and their children,” said Robert K. Gehman,
chief executive officer of the Mission. “We weren’t buying the
building; we were buying the future.”
The future is set to open in September of 2021. And by the
time you read this, the past will be dust.
These undated file photos from the Baltimore hall are believed to be from the mid to late 1950s.
12 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 12
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�SIU Issues Notice About Text Message Alerts
The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the
SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots
campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins.
The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phoneservice plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe
from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to
97779.
To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such
text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have
with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and
your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that
Continued from Page 10
your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without
your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used
for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections
for union office.
Scholarship
The Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more
WIRELESS
DISCOUNTS
CREDIT
CARDS
than $4.5 million to students from working families who
want to begin or continue their post-secondary education.
Find out more about this and other great Union Plus
FREE
COLLEGE
programs by visiting unionplus.org.
CAR
RENTALS
10/19
For more information:
unionplus.org/scholarship
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 13
Union Grant
Paves Highway
To Greatness
said the generous award allowed
him to attend the private Lafayette
College in Pennsylvania, where
Howell graduated in 1958 with honors in history.
“Daddy was so proud,” Howell
recalls.
So was the union. The Seafarers LOG wrote an article about him
when he received the scholarship
and again when he was the first in
his family to graduate from college.
The newspaper even sent a photographer to Easton to document the
event.
Howell served four years in the
Navy, but his father was impatient.
He wanted his son to go to law
school. Howell graduated from New
York University Law School in 1964
and headed west on a Ford Foundation Fellowship. He interned in
the Washington governor’s office,
clerked for the state supreme court
and served as an assistant attorney
general before moving to Seattle to
start a private law practice.
As a young Seattle attorney,
Howell quickly established a reputation as an advocate for equal opportunity in employment. His lawsuits
on behalf of black construction
workers opened the state’s trade
unions to minority applicants. He
also defended the city’s affirmative
action program which ensured the
promotion of qualified black union
firefighters.
Howell’s advocacy on behalf
of African American construction
workers led to a successful career as
a personal injury attorney representing workers killed or injured on the
job.
But it was his work challenging
police killings of African American
men, beginning in 1971 and continuing over the next several decades,
often without pay, that made Howell
a hero among community members
and within the legal field. In an era
before cell phone videos and police
dash cams, Howell repeatedly challenged the official police versions
of fatal shootings and questioned
whether the use of force was justified. He advocated for more police
accountability and for a greater emphasis on de-escalation techniques
rather than the immediate use of
deadly force when apprehending
criminal suspects.
In 2016, at age 80, Howell received the Outstanding Attorney
Award from the King County Bar
Association, which cited his “courage and relentless pursuit of justice
on behalf of the marginalized and
underrepresented.”
Ron Ward, former Washington
State Bar president, said Howell’s
work led to significant changes to
police policies and practices that
in turn “improved basic civil rights
protections for Washington citizens.”
Cleveland Howell died in 1974,
long enough to share in some of
his son’s early successes and to
have his faith in his potential confirmed. After his death, Howell
found in his father’s wallet two
folded copies of the article from
the Seafarers LOG.
Seafarers LOG 13
9/19/2019 3:03:55 PM
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education.
Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union?
Raymond Johnson
Recertified Bosun
I joined to see the world and because of
the excellent wages and excellent benefits.
I have stayed because it’s now in my blood.
Shawn Strand
Recertified Bosun
I joined because I wanted to travel, see
the world and make money. I remain with
the union because the SIU gave me the opportunity to have a career, grow, and support
my family..
Ronald Webb
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU because I always had
daydreamed about traveling the world. The
chance came and I jumped on it. What keeps
me going is the travelling, seeing different
places.
Christopher Rosado
Recertified Bosun
Because of the opportunities for career
advancement. You can go as high up as you
want in this career, and the SIU gives you
the tools to do it. I’ve remained because with
the SIU, I have job security and I belong to
something big. The opportunity to get a job
at any of our 20 halls is amazing.
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
John O’Shaughnessy
Recertified Bosun
I was offered the chance to join when my
life was in a period of uncertainty. A chance
to see the world and get paid sounded good.
I stayed because of the money, of course,
but also the time off and adventure.
Donley Johnson
Recertified Bosun
I joined the SIU to travel and see the
world. I have remained in the union because it’s a good career. I am able to support my family and live a very comfortable
lifestyle.
William Lima
Recertified Bosun
My dad and uncle were merchant seamen. I started off in the NMU. In 1987, I
was on board the USNS Neosho, where I met
(current SIU VP) Kate Hunt. I listened to her
remarks about the union and that’s when I
joined. Now, we became the SIU and it has
been great. (The unions merged in 2001.)
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-400
Foaad Saleh
Recertified Bosun
I joined because my father was a sailor
and he got me into it. I remained because
the SIU changed my life. I get time off for
vacation. I have better and more benefits
than I had before. This was my dream and it
became true. When I was younger, I worked
in many industries, but I’ve never found one
better than this career.
Lovell Smith
Recertified Bosun
A friend of my father came home from
work with an application (for the trainee
program) and told me to make a copy so I
can get my life together. This was back in
1990. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but from the moment I walked into
the school, I knew that I wanted to be part of
the SIU. The SIU saved my life in all areas.
Antjuan Webb
Recertified Bosun
I became a merchant seaman because my
uncle David Dove went through the program
and my mother saw a great opportunity for me
to travel around the world and be financially
stable. I’ve been sailing 30 years. I encourage
my fellow seamen to take advantage of the opportunities available for upgrading. This field
allows us to have a very comfortable lifestyle.
Pic From The Past
After the Bloomfield Steamship vessel
Anne Butler ran aground in 1953 and
ended up drydocked in a Japanese shipyard, crew members passed some time
on the softball field. The U.S. squad won
two of three games against a team of
shipyard workers. They opened with a
16-7 victory, dropped the second game
by a score of 18-10, and then “came
through in the rubber in good old SIU
style, 19-9,” according to information submitted with this photo. The original image
is noteworthy for a few reasons. The footwear on the mariners in front appears to
have been drawn, and the 1953 version
of white-out was added in the lower part
of the frame before publication. Also, the
original submission included nicknames
(“Tiny” and “Big Nose”) that didn’t make
it to print.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
14 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 14
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�PHC Offers Culinary 2.0
As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help
students boost their skills while
complying with a new rule that
takes effect next year. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping
opportunities.
Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which
will go into effect January 1, 2020,
states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department,
priority shall be given to those
seamen who possess an advanced
Culinary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
of Seamanship, in the event such
program is being offered and that
the seaman is registered in Group
I, Steward Department.”
While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship at
the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg
School of Seamanship will have
successfully passed Culinary
2.0, it’s important to remem-
ber that those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards
must also take the coursework in
order to exercise preference and
priority beginning next year (unless they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the Piney
Point, Maryland-based campus).
For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stewards
aboard commercial vessels, they
must attend Culinary 2.0 in order
to maintain their current employment status.
For those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards,
there are two new revalidation
courses that have been designed
to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward
2.0 and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are
being offered regularly, but spaces
are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll
as soon as possible.
For more information, contact your port agent and/or the
school’s admissions office.
NMC Issues Final Update
On FY2019 Shutdown
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC)
on Aug. 26 issued the following
notice, which is available both
on the SIU website (in the News
section) and on the agency’s site.
Merchant mariner credentials
(MMC) and medical certificates
(national endorsements only)
that expired in December 2018,
January 2019, February 2019,
March 2019, April 2019, May
2019, June 2019, or July 2019
will remain valid only until
August 31, 2019. No further
credential extensions are authorized.
The backlog of credential
applications and increased net
processing time caused by the
lapse in appropriations and partial government shutdown has
improved. Within the next 2
weeks, the National Maritime
Center (NMC) will resume processing all MMC applications
within the stated goal of 30 net
days. Applications for medical
certificates are currently processed well under the stated goal
of 20 net days.
The NMC recommends mariners submit their application
packages at least 2 months prior
to the expiration date of their
current credentials.
If you need immediate assistance or require expedited processing, contact our Customer
Service Center via the NMC
online chat system, by e-mailing
IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by
calling 1-888-IASKNMC (4275662).
For general information, visit
the NMC website at http://www.
uscg.mil/nmc.
October & November 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point................................ Monday: October 7, November 4
Algonac.......................................Friday: October 11, November 8
Baltimore................................Thursday: October 10, November 7
Guam...................................Thursday: October 24, November 21
Honolulu..................................Friday: October 18, November 21
Houston...............*Tuesday: October 15, **Tuesday:November 12
Jacksonville..........................Thursday: October 10, November 7
Joliet.................................Thursday: October 17, November 14
Mobile.........................Wednesday: October 16, November 13
New Orleans........................Tuesday: October 15, November 12
Jersey City..........................Tuesday: October 8 , November 5
Norfolk................................Thursday: October 10, November 7
Oakland...........................Thursday: October 17, November 14
Philadelphia........................Wednesday: October 9 , November 6
Port Everglades......................Thursday: October 17, November 14
San Juan................................Thursday: October 10, November 7
St. Louis..................................Friday: October 18, November 15
Tacoma..................................Friday: October 25, November 22
Wilmington..............................Monday: October 21, November 18
*Houston change due to Columbus Day Holiday
**Houston change due to Veterans Day Holiday
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
October 2019
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 15
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” Data is cumulative from Aug. 16-Sept.15. “Registered on the Beach” Data is as of Sept. 16.
Total Registered
All Groups
B
Total Shipped
C
A
All Groups
B
Port
A
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
20
3
7
20
1
4
7
27
25
27
2
7
23
13
5
1
4
39
2
29
266
7
3
4
9
1
4
3
21
16
9
2
3
15
7
0
1
3
6
0
11
125
4
3
1
5
0
3
0
9
6
4
1
2
8
1
0
5
0
6
0
5
63
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
3
1
1
11
0
1
9
6
20
15
0
2
16
8
1
1
7
10
1
12
125
1
0
3
4
0
2
5
11
11
16
1
2
10
5
0
3
1
7
3
15
100
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
6
1
0
0
0
1
0
3
22
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
3
0
0
8
0
5
7
19
24
9
0
3
10
14
3
4
3
16
2
14
144
3
0
4
5
0
1
3
7
6
0
0
1
5
4
0
4
6
1
0
8
58
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
0
1
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
Steward Department
4
2
0
0
1
3
10
2
0
1
0
0
8
2
17
1
15
3
4
3
0
1
2
0
10
4
12
2
3
0
2
2
5
1
8
0
1
0
8
8
110
35
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
3
0
0
0
1
3
0
2
0
5
1
1
22
4
1
0
1
0
2
2
11
16
15
1
0
7
13
1
1
0
9
1
18
103
7
1
2
5
0
3
2
9
15
4
2
0
28
4
0
7
0
8
0
8
105
Entry Department
1
1
0
1
0
2
0
3
0
1
1
2
1
0
3
11
1
19
0
4
0
0
0
1
1
13
1
9
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
4
0
0
1
11
11
83
GRAND TOTAL:
557
386
203
Deck Department
20
6
2
0
4
1
14
12
1
0
6
1
7
3
38
14
11
14
29
5
1
2
4
5
22
12
6
3
3
0
4
2
5
3
23
6
3
0
17
5
220
94
Registered on Beach
C
Trip
Reliefs
A
All Groups
B
C
3
0
1
3
0
0
0
7
3
1
0
3
2
2
1
1
1
0
1
1
30
7
0
2
9
0
1
0
17
12
11
0
4
12
2
2
0
4
6
1
12
102
27
4
6
28
3
11
17
71
68
63
4
15
39
29
4
0
7
63
6
57
522
16
6
4
9
1
7
4
32
39
22
5
6
22
10
0
3
9
13
0
26
234
3
3
0
8
0
6
0
5
11
6
2
4
10
2
0
4
1
11
2
10
88
1
0
0
4
1
1
0
11
8
5
0
0
8
0
0
0
3
6
0
7
55
6
2
3
17
1
5
12
23
33
21
1
4
25
14
2
1
6
22
3
25
226
2
0
3
11
0
3
4
21
30
19
2
5
17
6
0
7
5
11
2
22
170
2
1
0
1
0
2
1
6
3
3
3
1
12
2
0
0
1
4
2
9
53
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
2
10
0
0
2
4
0
0
1
9
5
4
0
0
6
4
0
1
2
3
0
8
49
4
0
1
16
1
10
17
29
34
18
0
5
22
27
3
5
1
24
2
29
248
3
1
3
8
2
2
5
8
17
4
0
4
13
10
0
3
11
5
1
13
113
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
4
1
0
0
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
16
4
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
10
2
0
0
14
5
0
8
1
3
0
2
52
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
3
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
15
2
0
0
0
0
0
5
10
4
4
0
1
0
3
0
1
0
10
0
4
44
16
2
1
7
0
1
9
18
31
27
3
0
22
23
3
1
1
21
1
36
223
17
1
3
5
0
3
6
13
68
9
4
0
44
11
1
1
0
14
1
25
226
102
221
1,040
740
383
Engine Department
3
1
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
5
2
1
1
1
0
1
2
0
6
2
0
11
13
0
11
3
0
10
6
2
2
0
0
1
1
0
16
13
1
5
4
1
3
1
0
1
0
0
7
5
0
13
2
1
1
1
0
7
10
3
105
70
10
446
282
Seafarers LOG 15
9/19/2019 3:03:55 PM
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
LUCIANO ALFEO
Pensioner Luciano Alfeo, 90, has
passed away. He joined the SIU in
1970, sailing first on the Manhattan. An engine department member,
Brother Alfeo last sailed aboard
the Falcon Champion. He retired
in 1993 and lived in Yonkers, New
York.
FIDEL BROAS
Pensioner Fidel Broas, 82, died July
20. He signed on
with the Seafarers in 1979 when
he sailed on the
Del Sol. Brother
Broas sailed in all
three departments
and concluded his
career on the Liberator in 2001. He
went on pension the following year
and made his home in the Philippines.
CARLOS CACHO
Brother Carlos Cacho, 49, passed
away July 17. Born in Honduras,
he became an SIU member in 1994
when he sailed on the Independence.
Brother Cacho primarily sailed in
the deck department. He was most
recently employed by American
Service Technology, working on
shore gangs. Brother Cacho resided
in Houston.
JOHN CARMELLO
Pensioner John Carmello, 89, died
August 24. He joined the union in
1966 and first sailed on the Beaugard. Brother Carmello shipped
in the engine department and also
worked on shore gangs. He became
a pensioner in 1994 and was a resident of Venice, Florida.
RODNEY CLARK
Pensioner Rodney Clark, 66, passed
away July 27. He embarked on his
SIU career in 1975, initially sailing
on the Sea-Land Market. Brother
Clark sailed in the deck department,
most recently aboard the Horizon
Spirit. He became a pensioner in
2014 and settled in Surprise, Arizona.
2006. Brother Erdt resided in Kenmore, New York.
ERNEST GIBSON
Pensioner Ernest Gibson, 78, died
August 25. He
began his career
with the SIU in
1964 when he
sailed on the Trans
Orleans. An engine
department member, Brother Gibson
last shipped on the
Pride. He went on
pension in 2008 and lived in Moscow, Texas.
HERBERT HOLLINGS
Pensioner Herbert Hollings, 85,
passed away September 2. He embarked on his SIU
career in 1951,
first working with
Waterman Steamship Corporation.
Brother Hollings
sailed in the steward department,
most recently
aboard the William R. Button. He became a pensioner in 1999 and made
his home in Mobile, Alabama.
Pensioner Gregory Johnson, 61,
died August 14. He joined the union
in 1980, initially sailing aboard
the Point Susan. Brother Johnson
worked in the steward department
and concluded his career on the
Benavidez. He retired in 2016 and
settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
PHILLIP NILES
Pensioner Phillip Niles, 74, passed
away August 19. He signed on with
the SIU in 2001
during the NMU/
SIU merger. An
engine department
member, he first
shipped on the
Lykes Explorer.
Brother Niles’ final
vessel was the Philadelphia Express.
He went on pension in 2016 and
made his home in Houston.
JOHN RYAN
Pensioner Alvin Dyer, 92, died September 8. He became a member of
the SIU in 1945 and
sailed in the deck
department. Brother
Dyer’s first vessel
was the Del Comp;
his last, the Long
Island. He retired
in 1992 and lived in
Gouldsboro, Maine.
EDMUND ERDT
EDWARD SINGLETON
Pensioner Edmund Erdt, 81, passed
away July 19. He signed on with the
Seafarers during the 2001 NMU/SIU
Merger. Brother Erdt was an engine
department member whose first SIU
vessel was the Seabulk Trader. He
last sailed on the Seabulk Mariner
before becoming a pensioner in
16 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 16
NORMAN TAYLOR
Pensioner Norman Taylor, 64, died
July 31. He embarked on his career with the SIU
in 1981 and first
sailed on the USNS
Contender. Brother
Taylor was a member of the deck department and most
recently shipped on
the Maersk Utah.
He went on pension in 2017 and
made his home in Iron Mountain,
Michigan.
GREAT LAKES
JAMES KUCHNICKI
Pensioner James Kuchnicki, 82,
passed away August 3. He became
a member of the SIU in 1987 when
he shipped on the Steel T. Crapo. A
deck department member, Brother
Kuchnicki concluded his career on
the Paul H. Townsend. He became
a pensioner in 2002 and resided in
Alpena, Michigan.
GREGORY JOHNSON
Pensioner John Ryan, 77, died
September 7. He donned the SIU
colors in 1967,
initially shipping
on the Seatrain
New York. Brother
Ryan worked in the
engine department.
He last sailed on
the San Juan, and
became a pensioner
in 2007. Brother
Ryan was a resident of Toms River,
New Jersey.
ALVIN DYER
sailed in the steward department and
last shipped on the Gulf Merchant.
He retired in 1991 and settled in
Mobile, Alabama.
Pensioner Edward
Singleton, 90,
passed away August 1. He joined
the union in 1951,
and his first vessel
was the Lafayette.
Brother Singleton
INLAND
COLIN CHALMERS
Pensioner Colin Chalmers, 83, died
August 29. He signed on with the
Seafarers in 1980,
initially working
for Dixie Carriers.
Brother Chalmers
sailed in the steward department and
was last employed
with OSG Ship
Management. He
retired in 2003 and
lived in Plant City, Florida.
OMAR COLLINS
Pensioner Omar Collins, 90, passed
away August 26. He became a
member of the SIU in 1957, first
working for Taylor Marine Towing. A deck department member,
Brother Collins concluded his career sailing with the same company
and retired in 1987. He was a Philadelphia resident.
was a deck department member and
continued to ship with the same
company for his entire career. He
began collecting his pension in 1996
and called Alliance, North Carolina,
home.
BILLY PADGETT
Pensioner Billy Padgett, 88, died
August 10. He signed on with the
Seafarers in 1980,
initially sailing
on the Manhattan
Island. A deck department member,
Brother Padgett
last worked on the
Dodge Island. He
became a pensioner
in 1996 and resided in Lake Park,
Georgia.
ROGER RAINEY
Brother Roger Rainey, 64, passed
away August 22. He joined the SIU
in 2000 and first
worked for Allied
Transportation. The
engine department
member’s final vessel was the Legacy.
He called Gulf
Breeze, Florida,
home.
GEORGE STEWART
Pensioner George Stewart, 82, died
September 5. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1981 when
he shipped on the
Manhattan Island.
Brother Stewart was
a member of the
engine department.
He last sailed on the
Dodge Island and
went on pension in 2000. Brother
Stewart lived in Seffner, Florida.
NMU
JULIAN GARCIA
away August 7. He was an NMU
member before the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Garcia began collecting his pension in 1974 and was
a Miami resident.
BERNARDO MARIANI
Pensioner Bernardo Mariani, 106,
died August 6. He sailed with the
NMU prior to the 2001 merger
with Seafarers International Union.
Brother Mariani retired in 1980 and
lived in Puerto Rico, his birthplace.
THOMAS O’DONNELL
Pensioner Thomas O’Donnell, 79,
passed away April
23. Born in Portland, Maine, he
was a member of
the NMU before
the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
O’Donnell became
a pensioner in 2010
and continued to
live in his hometown.
ALBERT RHEINER
Pensioner Albert Rheiner, 93, died
August 18. Brother Rheiner went on
pension in 1981 and made his home
in Tuckerton, New Jersey.
In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to develop summaries of their respective
careers.
Name
Cerna, Marcial
Dawson, Thomas
Ebanks, Hoyt
Flores, Frank
Gibson, Mervain
Knight, Wilford
Phillips, John
Pritchett, Wade
Rodgers, James
Traywick, Joe
Age
94
91
76
94
92
90
91
88
93
82
DOD
08/18/2019
06/10/2019
07/18/2019
08/19/2019
08/11/2019
06/25/2019
09/09/2019
07/23/2019
09/01/2019
09/04/2019
Pensioner Julian Garcia, 91, passed
Talking Maritime with Congresswoman
GEORGE ESPONGE
Pensioner George Esponge, 83, died
August 14. Upon joining the SIU in
1984, he initially
sailed with Crowley
Towing and Transportation. Brother
Esponge was a
member of the deck
department and was
employed with the
same company for
most of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2004 and resided
in Galveston, Texas.
JAMES MAYO
Pensioner James Mayo, 85, passed
away August 2. He embarked on his
SIU career in 1974, working for Allied Transportation. Brother Mayo
SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny (left) and SIU Government Services
Division Representative Sam Spain (right) welcome U.S. Rep.
Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) to a Hampton Roads Port Council meeting earlier this year in Norfolk, Virginia. They and other meeting
attendees discussed various maritime issues. Rep. Luria reiterated her strong backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The
minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
HORIZON PACIFIC (PASHA),
June 2 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Jessie Turner, Deck
Delegate Antjuan Webb, Engine
Delegate Muthana Koraish, Steward Delegate Mercurion Abuan.
Chairman gave reports to union
regarding TV and WiFi issues on
ship. He noted next year’s upcoming election and urged members
to contribute to SPAD. Secretary
reported a job well done by crew.
Members quickly turned the ship
over after the drydock to pass the
COI inspections with flying colors.
Educational director reminded crew
about upgrading opportunities available at union-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Satellite dish
needs fixed for cable and WiFi functionality, at least while at port. Next
Port: Oakland, California.
upgrade often. No beefs or disputed
OT reported in deck or steward
departments. Members discussed
recent surprise sanitary inspection
by captain. Crew unsure if advanced
notice of inspection is contractually
required.
EVERGREEN STATE (Crowley), June 9 – Chairman Reginald
Watkins, Secretary Jorcell Davis,
Educational Director Michael Robinson, Steward Delegate Andres
Brown. Educational director went
over upgrading procedures. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
discussed the LOG and were urged
to be active in the union. Crew requests physical requirements return
to one per year. Members were
encouraged to do their best while
working safely.
ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines),
June 23 – Chairman Daniel Seagle,
Secretary Justo Reyes, Educational
Director Michael Kelly, Deck Delegate Terrence Carmody, Engine
Delegate William Mogg, Steward
Delegate Douglas Neubauer. New
TV will be purchased. Educational
director reminded members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education, located in Piney Point,
Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members requested dayfor-day vacation time.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning), June
12 – Chairman Felsher Beasley,
Secretary Cynora Hunter, Educational Director Rodriques Carson,
Deck Delegate Shaib Juma, Engine
Delegate Wordell Prescott, Steward
Delegate Adolfo Bermudez. Chairman reminded crew to stay hydrated
and to cool down often when working in the heat.
Also discussed retroactive OT for
engine department members. Educational director advised crew to
LOUISIANA (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), June 13 – Chairman
Gregory Jenkins, Secretary Timothy Dowd, Educational Director
Kevin Hall, Deck Delegate Damon
Johnson, Steward Delegate Carlos
Suazo. Crew waiting for info on
new mattresses. Educational director
encouraged members to renew documents early. Ongoing dispute for
penalty pay due to oilers for burning
garbage. Crew asked for clarification on day’s pay in lieu of day off.
Members requested new toaster.
Crew discussed concerns about galley inventory and portions.
OCEAN GLORY (Crowley), June
23 – Chairman Jerrold Foke, Secretary Johnny Palencia, Educational
Director Sixin Ling, Deck Delegate
Abdulsalam Issa, Engine Delegate
Edward Galbis. Galley appliances
working well. Chairman reminded
members to go to Piney Point and
upgrade. Crew was paid for dangerous cargo pickup. Secretary reported
low supply of everyday items including honey, cookies, ice cream,
butter, etc. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew continues having
issues with late direct deposits. No
TV in rooms and members not being
paid for travel transportation. Microwave, rice cooker and additional
dishes needed in galley. Members
read letter from Vice President
Contracts George Tricker. Captain
ensured travel pay for members that
joined overseas. Satellite fixed and
phone and internet working. Members requested better overseas transportation. Next Port: Quebec.
On the Job in San Francisco
HORIZON RELIANCE (PASHA),
June 30– Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Mark Cabasag, Educational Director James Donohue,
Deck Delegate Jesse Sunga, Steward Delegate Teresito Reyes. Chairman went over contract. Secretary
advised crew to check documents
six months ahead. He reminded
members to leave clean linen and
empty trash when finishing rotation.
Educational director encouraged
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center and to donate to SPAD, the
union’s voluntary political action
fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), July 7 – Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary Johnson Ashun, Educational Director
Kassim Mohamed, Engine Delegate Corey Hann. Request made
concerning crew-lounge computer.
Phone booster on B-deck. Ship sailing smoothly. New classes posted in
crew mess via portal. Educational
director reiterated importance of
staying up to date on documents. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Busy
port stay in Port Angeles, Washington. Next Port: Valdez, Alaska.
GREAT REPUBLIC (Key Lakes),
July 7 – Chairman Amin Quraish,
Secretary Rolando Batiz.
Crew discussed basic information
about merchant mariner credentials and the Jones Act. Chairman
Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman performs preventive maintenance for radar foundation aboard the USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in San Francisco.
discussed safe working practices.
Forms in the rec room for crew signing off. Members discussed port
agent’s report. Educational director
reminded crew of culinary 2.0 requirements for chief cooks in 2020.
Deck delegate encouraged members
to register within 12 hours and to
support union by paying dues. Crew
went over president’s report from
Seafarers LOG, the SIU’s official
publication.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime), July 28 – Chairman James
Blitch, Educational Director Leon-
ard Ajoste, Deck Delegate Shawn
Williams. No union meeting on last
trip. Patrolman was asked to settle
rates on garbage pay. Store seems to
be in short supply. Steward department needs latex gloves. Educational
director reminded members to
upgrade at Piney Point and to keep
papers in order. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Chairman urged crew
to read current LOG and to stay
informed of union affairs. Members
discussed contract and made request
concerning vacation benefits. Crew
unable to get new movies. Next Port:
Freeport, Texas.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 17
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution
are available in all union halls. All members
should obtain copies of this constitution so
as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other member or
officer is attempting to deprive him or her of
any constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the member
so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct, the
member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within
30 days of the contribution for investigation
and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political
and social interests, and American trade union
concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 17
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Steward Department Courses
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
Date of
Completion
October 26
November 16
November 30
November 1
November 22
December 6
Safety Upgrading Courses
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
October 12
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Basic Training/Basic FF
October 19
November 2
November 16
December 7
October 25
November 8
November 22
December 13
Basic Training Revalidation
October 18
October 25
November 15
December 6
October 18
October 25
November 15
December 6
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
September 14
September 20
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
September 21
September 27
Government Vessels
October 12
October 26
November 16
December 7
October 18
November 1
November 22
December 13
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
October 19
October 25
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
November 9
December 7
November 15
December 13
November 8
Crane Familiarization
October 5
October 11
ECDIS
November 16
November 22
Lifeboat
October 19
November 16
December 14
November 1
November 29
December 27
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW
November 9
December 6
100 Ton Master
October 19
November 8
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
BAPO
November 9
December 6
FOWT
October 12
November 8
Machinist
October 19
November 8
Marine Electrician
October 12
November 15
Pumpman
November 9
November 15
Welding
October 19
November 8
Steward Department Courses
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start October 14.
Chief Steward
October 19
December 6
Galley Operations
November 9
December 6
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
October 19
November 2
December 7
October 25
November 8
December 13
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
18 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 18
SHBP Trustees Approve Modification of Rules
Regarding Eligibility for Upgrading Programs
Due to recent feedback from the
membership, the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan (SHBP) Trustees approved a modification to the rules regarding eligibility requirements for
scheduling and attending classes at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education. The new rule allows
mariners to apply as long as they have
a valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate that covers the duration of the
class, and removes the requirement for
a valid SHBP Fitness Certification form
(sometimes referred to as a clinic card).
Since the Coast Guard Medical Certificate is valid for a two-year period,
this should allow for mariners to apply
and attend classes while they are in the
process of updating their medical exams
that are required for shipping.
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or
fax to (301) 994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
10/19
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class
#851 – Graduated June 14 (photo
at right, in alphabetical order):
Andre Barbary Jr., Keshyra Brinkley, Rhiannon Buttrum, Denny
Hale, Romello Johnson, Gregory
Nash, Travis Nesar, Sharde Ross,
Nikia Stripling and Luis Ricardo
Venegas Nolasco.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have
registered for classes
at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training
and Education, but later
discover - for whatever
reason - that they can’t
attend, should inform the
admissions department
immediately so arrangements can be made to
have other students take
their places.
Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated May 17
(above, from left) Maurice Woodhouse Jr. and Osborn Miranda. Also graduating, but not pictured, was
Billy Sawyer III.
MSC Supply Configuration Management – Graduated May 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Bernard Baker, Barry Bettis, Ana
Marie Chona Razon Calma, VanNessa Curd, Christopher Flood, Eric Hondel, Eric Johnson, Porcia Johnson and Christopher
Waters. Class instructor Matthew Rogers is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated May 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeffrey Amestoy, Rodelo Blanco Ayaton, Roche Aurea Bonita, Hector Ismael Caballero, Nelxon Colon Diego,
Faustino Tmodrang Cosby, Mario Humberto Cruz Levy, A’trenique Tramani Deamus, Smyrno Desir, Dexter Douglas Jr., Carlicia Jones, Gizelle Jones, Kyle Knickerbocker, Vincent
Knight, Deshante Luchien, Deven McCoy, Mohamed Abdullah Ali Mohamed, Patricia Ricks, Terry Santure and Curtis Spencer. Their instructor Keith Adamson, is at the far left. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 19
Seafarers LOG 19
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Digna Castillo,
Jawonn Nicholson, Glenn Snow, Jamika Thomas, Sutthipong Ticer and Nicole Walton.
ECDIS – Graduated April 19 (above, from left): John Schmanski and Jason
Boyer. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at right.
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Ali Ahmed, Evan Bradley, Ferdinand Malicay Cabanlit, Gary Davis Jr., Ashley Fabor, Harold Gerber II, Hussein Kareem Howe, Nat Lamb, Thomas MacGregor, Jesus Manuel Pacheco, Kyle Parson, Efren Asdrubal Ramos-Sosa, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez,
Ovidio Joana Santos, Terry Santure, Charles Williams and Matthew Wright.
Junior Engineer – Graduated May 10 (above, in alphabetical order): John Abernathy, Ryan Cameron, Oliver Luc Especa, Marquez Fields, Viliamu Milikini, Bryan Moreira, James
Parker, Robert Pendarvis, Michael Smith, Boleslaw Tomasz Szatkowski and Keshawn Webster.
20 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 20
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
UA to FOWT – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Keondre Bell, Justin Bodnar, Kevin Campfield Jr., Elyser Valdez Carpio, Samuel Fanjoy, Vincent Hall, Joshua Irvine,
Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Kevin Lueddeke, Ryan Kaleolani Manlapit, Robert Murphy, Srawut Petchsaitip, Tresten Porter, Gabriel Santa Ramos and Nicholas Simoneaux. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)
Medical Care Provider – Graduated April 26
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Hussein Mohsin Alrayyashi,
William Born, Corey Covington, Charles
Drumm, Michael Iverson and Andrzej Tlalka.
John Thomas, their instructor, is at the far right.
ARPA – Graduated May 31
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed,
Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi,
Smyrno Desir, Christopher
Hickey, Martin McDonald, Ian
McDonough, Michael Norman,
James Norsworthy and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Instructor Brian
Moore is at the far left.
UA to Able Seaman (Deck) – Graduated May 24 (photo at left,, in alphabetical
order): Tommy Benton, Devin Hoerr, Rahsean Lillard and Brian Wendler. Welton
Grooms, their instructor, is at the far right.
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 21
Seafarers LOG 21
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
GMDSS – Graduated May 10
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz
Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Christopher Hickey,
Brennon Hough, James
Pierce and John Reyes. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger
is at the far right.
Radar Observer – Graduated May 24
(photo at left, in alphabetical order):
Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Hussein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Smyrno Desir, Christopher
Hickey, Martin McDonald, Ian McDonough
and Mackenzie Wincelowicz. Brian Moore,
their instructor, is at the far left.
Small Arms – Graduated
May 24 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Justice
Agha-Kuofie, Johnnatan Escobar, Amos London, Loreto
Antonio Orosco and Timothy Valentine Sr. Instructors
John Thomas and Matthew
Rogers are at the far left and
far right, respectively.
Advanced Refer Container
Maintenance – Graduated
May 31 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Carlos Eduardo Amaya Avila, Ricardo
Bonuel Ducay, John Groom,
Vernon Humbles, Lon Tige
Maduro, Carl Montoya, Michael Murphy, Tijani Rashid
and Brian Wilder. Instructors
William Dodd and Mike Fay
are first and second from the
left, respectively, while Instructor Christopher Morgan
is at the far right.
22 Seafarers LOG
54930_Seafarers.indd 22
October 2019
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Bridge Management (Delta Mariner)
– Graduated April 5 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Scott Accardi, John
Bilich Sr., Antonio Manuel Carreiro Jr.,
Lee Hendrix, Hussein Marumbo Hussein,
Thor Pearson, Van Powell, Carson Shallenberger, Johnny Skipper and Thomas
Sullivan.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated May 31 (photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Jonamie Antonio Encarnacion, Angelo Hernando
Golden, Gladys Grant, Michael Matthews, Frederick Neese, Kwame Owusu, Carlos Ovidio Palacious-Nunez, William Jose Sanchez and Marshall
Turner Jr.
MSC Ship Reaction Force – Graduated May 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Justice
Agha-Kuofie, Johnnatan Escobar, Amos London, Loreto Antonio Orosco and Timothy
Valentine Sr. Instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far
right, respectively.
Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated May 24 (above, from left): William Jose Sanchez, Demarius Jones and John Chaney.
October 2019
54930_Seafarers.indd 23
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated May 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Thalis Ealy, Gerald
Kirtsey, Just B Self and Samuel Sinclair.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated May 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Nasr Ahmed Ali
Almusab, James Cherico, Gerard Cox, Reynard Gibbs and Andrew Miller.
Seafarers LOG 23
9/18/19 12:39 PM
�VOLUME 81, NO. 10
OCTOBER 2019
Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for SIU
Text Alerts
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Hands-on Training Highlights PHC Curriculum
A
state-of-the-art vocational school in southern Maryland acts as a gateway to rewarding careers for experienced mariners and entry-level students as well.
The Piney Point, Maryland-based SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education opened its doors
in 1967. Since that time, it has enjoyed more than a half-century of steady growth and has developed into a cutting-edge
school with wide-ranging curriculums.
A characteristic that hasn’t changed from the facility’s
outset, however, is its continuing emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is featured in virtually every one
of the school’s 81 U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Many
classes are department-specific (deck, engine, or steward),
while numerous others provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew. Similarly, the Paul Hall Center offers
entry-level instruction for those just embarking on their
respective maritime careers, plus upgrading coursework for
54930_Seafarers_X.indd 24
experienced Seafarers.
Some hands-on segments take place aboard the Freedom
Star, a modern training vessel which also is one of the most
visible parts of the campus’ waterfront. Proactive training
also takes place at the nearby Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and
Safety School, located on a satellite campus just a few miles
from the main base.
While the Paul Hall Center mainly is known for vocational training – including its highly regarded apprentice
program, which is registered with the U.S. Department of
Labor – it also offers academic support along with separate
programs for earning a high school degree and a two-year
college degree.
The photos on this page show a small sample of practical
coursework in Piney Point. Additional information about the
school is available in the Training and Careers section of the
SIU website: www.seafarers.org
9/19/2019 3:03:57 PM
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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2010-2019
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October 2019
Description
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Headlines:
AFT BECOMES MTD'S NEWEST AFFILIATE
EXPRESS MARINE CREWS APPROVE NEW CONTRACT
ADM. ZUKUNFT NAMED NEX AMERICAN MARITIME HERO
USNS PUERTO RICO UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATED SEA TRIALS
RICHARD TRUMKA: WORKERS 'NOT INTERESTED IN A SLIVER OF CHANGE,' DEMAND ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR THEM
ILLINOIS REP. INTRODUCES PRO-MARITIME RESOLUTION
EPI ASKS (AND ANSWERS): HOW IS ECONOMY WORKING FOR AMERICA'S WORKING FAMILIES?
MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR PLEDGES JONES ACT SUPPORT
STUDENTS, INSTRUCTORS PRAISE PHC MACHINE SHOP UPGRADES
2019 SEATU CONVENTION BUILDS TOWARDS FUTURE
'FUJI' FINDS A HOME FOR LIGHTHOUSE COLLECTION
IDENTIFY CAUSE OF DIZZINESS
REMEMBERING THE SIU-CREWED SS HENRY BACON
FAREWELL TO A WAYSTATION
SIU ISSUES NOTICE ABOUT TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS
PHC OFFERS CULINARY 2.0
NMC ISSUES FINAL UPDATE ON FY2019 SHUTDOWN
HANDS-ON TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS PHC CURRICULUM
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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10/1/2019
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Newsprint
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Vol. 81, No. 10
2019
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a3b3abb5a6393326236a6807a037d602.pdf
8e2b1fe42e799d36e9b67f4c30c04b27
PDF Text
Text
JULY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 7
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
National Maritime Day
Salutes Past, Present
And Future U.S. Mariners
Maintaining a long tradition, the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education turned out in force for this year’s National Maritime Day observance at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. Taken immediately after the ceremony
on May 22, the large group photo below includes World War II mariners, Paul Hall Center apprentices, featured speakers, SIU officials and others. Among those pictured are (back row, from left)
SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Port Agent Victor Nunez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel,
President Michael Sacco, Gen. Stephen Lyons (USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Exec.
VP Augie Tellez. In the photo at right, Apprentice Shannon Gail Peterson is flanked by Gen. Lyons
and Administrator Buzby as they display a life ring that was used during the ceremony. Pages 12-14.
Matson Christens ConRo Lurline
The SIU recently helped welcome the new Matson vessel Lurline, built by union
members at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The Jones
Act ship is an 870-foot-long, 3,500 TEU, 44,200 deadweight metric ton, combination container ship/roll-on, roll-off (ConRo) vessel featuring LNG-capable engines.
Christened and launched at the yard June 15, the Lurline is the lead ship of a twovessel contract.
At right, the
ship’s final grand
block is eased
into position in
early February.
The photo at left,
taken by drone
in May, shows
the nearly completed ship. Visit
the SIU website
for additional information about
the vessel and
the ceremony.
(Photos courtesy
Matson)
Jones Act News
Pages 2, 4
‘Maritime Heroes’
Page 3
USNS Gianella Feature
Page 24
�President’s Report
Fourth Arm of Defense Ready
Global tensions were on the rise last month in the aftermath of attacks
on two foreign-flag tankers in the Gulf of Oman. While I’m thankful the
mid-June incidents, which happened in international waters, did not result
in any serious injuries to the crew members, they definitely underscored
the ongoing need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.
If that sounds like an overstatement, here’s what the U.S. Central Command stated in response to the attacks: “The U.S. and our partners in the
region will take all necessary measures to defend
ourselves and our interests. Today’s attacks are a clear
threat to international freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce.”
History has taught us that it’s not a question of
“if” the next conflict will occur, but when and where.
That’s just reality. And that’s a big reason why our
nation absolutely must be able to carry the fight and
deliver the goods for our men and women in uniform.
It’s usually a surprise to people who aren’t familiar
with our industry when they learn that the U.S. MerMichael Sacco
chant Marine delivered more than 90 percent of the
materiel needed by our troops in Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. But, as Seafarers know, American citizen mariners have answered the call dating back
to the very earliest days of our country.
The Central Command added, “The United States has no interest in engaging in a new conflict in the Middle East. However, we will defend our
interests.”
It goes without saying that my sincere hope is that these two attacks
were isolated mistakes that won’t be repeated.
And it also goes without saying that if the balloon goes up, the SIU will
answer the call. We are proud to serve as America’s fourth arm of defense.
That’s a role we’ve upheld – without exception – every time we’ve been
needed since our founding in 1938.
New Tonnage
Not all of the recent news was stressful. A few days after the aforementioned incidents, the SIU helped welcome a new Matson ship in San Diego
that’ll sail in the Jones Act trade. This union-built beauty, the Lurline,
means ongoing job security for SIU members. Like other Jones Act ships,
it boosts America’s national, economic and homeland security. Like many
other new U.S.-built vessels, it has LNG-capable engines.
Congratulations to Matson and to the union workers and executives at
General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego on the christening and launch.
It’s a great milestone and a tribute to our industry’s shared commitment to
produce state-of-the-art vessels that carry the world’s best-trained crews.
Well-Earned Honors
Be sure to check out our coverage of the new “American Maritime Heroes” campaign that recently was launched by the major coalition American Maritime Partnership (AMP). The first two honorees – U.S. Secretary
of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and, collectively, the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – are nothing short of fantastic, in my estimation.
Secretary Chao is on a short list of greatest advocates our industry has
ever known. That’s why I was incredulous when she recently came under
attack by some in the press for having the audacity to be part of a politically active family. My bottom line is that Secretary Chao’s pro-maritime
record speaks for itself, and that’s including crucial behind-the-scenes work
for which she won’t take credit.
As for our mariners from The Greatest Generation, their service and
sacrifice remain unsurpassed in our industry. One of our late pensioners who
sailed during the war managed to put a humorous spin on it. He’d often say,
“Just remember, if it weren’t for us, we’d all be speaking German.”
That always cracked me up but the truth in it is noteworthy.
A hearty tip of the SIU white cap to Secretary Chao and to the U.S.
Merchant Marine of World War II!
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 81 Number 7
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) recently highlighted the positive effects of the Jones
Act on the Pacific Northwest.
The SIU is affiliated with AMP, the primary
coalition representing all components of the domestic maritime industry.
Citing a new study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation Institute, AMP’s first announcement focused on the
state of Washington. The domestic maritime industry in Washington ranks sixth among all American
states for jobs and labor income relating to the
Jones Act, according to the study, and employs
more than 22,500 individuals. The industry also
produces $6.12 billion for the local economy, and
generates more than $1.5 billion in worker income.
“The Jones Act is a juggernaut when it comes
to helping us, and we are not talking about a relic,
but a key tool in growing our economy for the
future,” said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) while speaking at Seattle maritime event.
“As shown in this report, the Jones Act has created
22,000 jobs here in Washington State, a 34 percent
increase since the last report in 2014.”
The second study focused on the state of
Alaska, where the domestic maritime industry employs more than 6,500 individuals, produces $1.98
billion for the local economy, and generates $469
million in worker income.
“In my state, a strong domestic maritime industry is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said U.S. Sen.
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “The welfare of our
people and our economy is dependent on the U.S.
maritime industry, providing over 6,000 Americans with maritime jobs that significantly contribute to the economies of Alaska and our nation. I
proudly support the work of the Alaska and American Maritime Partnerships, and am pleased by the
growth of maritime industry jobs in Alaska.”
“The Jones Act is vital to maintaining a strong
and stable domestic maritime industry that transports goods to Alaska and, as this study indicates, helps strengthen our economy by providing
good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan
(R-Alaska). “Further, the Jones Act protects our
homeland, ensuring that in times of dispute,
Alaska and other states across our country will
not be caught in the crossfire and held hostage by
foreign-flagged vessels.”
TOTE’s SIU-crewed North Star is one of many
Jones Act vessels delivering economic benefits to
the Pacific Northwest.
July 2019
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
AMP Underscores Maritime’s Positive
Impacts on Alaska, Washington State
“The Jones Act is vital for protecting the U.S.
maritime industry and promoting a very important
sector of Alaska’s economy,” said U.S. Rep. Don
Young (R-Alaska). “Simply put, the Jones Act is
critical to maintaining a strong maritime workforce and ensuring the U.S. has shipbuilding capabilities that can keep pace with our competitors.
This study is further proof of its immense success
and the importance of protecting the Jones Act.
For the sake of our maritime industry, our jobs,
and national security, we must continue to support
the Jones Act for years to come.”
Some of the largest domestic shipping leaders
also spoke on the importance of the maritime industry to Washington and Alaska.
“The new economic data is proof positive that
U.S.-built vessels crewed by American mariners
provide our communities and our country substantial benefits from jobs and investments,” said
Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Seafarerscontracted Crowley Maritime Corporation. “This
study shows the domestic maritime industry is
integral to the economic success of Alaska, the
Pacific Northwest and the entire nation. The men
and women in the maritime industry also provide
irreplaceable support to our military’s readiness
and homeland security. These benefits demonstrate why experts and elected officials readily
support the U.S. maritime industry and the legal
framework protecting it.”
TOTE Maritime Alaska President Grace
Greene stated, “TOTE is honored to call Washington home and we are proud of the many contributions that our employees, vendors, contractors,
partners and peers have made over the last 40
years to help drive one of the most significant
economic engines in the Pacific Northwest, the
domestic maritime industry. TOTE’s success, and
that of our industry, is rooted in our commitment
to safety, innovation and focused investments that
create a significantly positive impact for those we
serve and the areas in which we operate.”
“The Pacific Northwest is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, supporting nearly
22,500 family-wage jobs and contributing over
$6.12 billion to the local economy,” said James
L. Henry, chairman and president of Transportation Institute. “The findings in our most recent
study demonstrate the strength and necessity of
the Jones Act, which serves as the backbone of
the American maritime industry, the U.S. industrial base, and job creation for the hardworking
men and women that crew the vessels delivering
both in times of war and peace.”
“Quite simply, the Jones Act is American security,” said Matt Woodruff, president of the
American Maritime Partnership. “In addition to
the job creation benefits detailed in this study,
our American mariners are relied on by defense
leaders to project American force overseas in a
national emergency. Alongside our waterfront
workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland
security on our nation’s coasts and waterways.
Our American-controlled fleet provides economic
security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight
transportation system is not subject to foreign interference. American maritime jobs always have
and will continue to be vital in the never-ending
task of keeping America safe, strong and prosperous for generations to come.”
SIU Members Ratify Penn Maritime Pact
Union Crews Approve New Three-Year Agreement
SIU members working for Penn Maritime recently ratified a new three-year contract featuring
annual wage increases while maintaining benefits.
The agreement, approved by an overwhelming majority, took effect May 1 and lasts through April
2022.
In addition to boosting wages, the contract maintains health benefits at the top level available to SIU
members (Core-Plus); maintains Seafarers Pension
Plan benefits; and increases company contributions
to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It
covers approximately 200 Seafarers.
The SIU bargaining team consisted of Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President
Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President
Michael Russo, Engineer Jeff Rydza, Mate John
Harvard and ABT Mike Lyons.
Soresi said, “The negotiations went well and we
ended up with a good contract. I think the majority
of the members are pleased with the outcome.”
“I think it went really well,” said Lyons. “I’m
very excited for the new contract, and very happy
with it. There were some things that we didn’t get,
but overall, I think the majority of the membership
is pretty happy with the results.”
Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and
barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving asphalt along inland and coastal waterways. The
company was acquired by Kirby Corporation in
2012.
July 2019
�SIU Applauds Launch of ‘Maritime Heroes’
When the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) in early June announced the
kickoff of its year-long celebration titled
“American Maritime Heroes,” the SIU
enthusiastically backed the first two honorees: U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Elaine L. Chao, and the U.S. Merchant
Marine of World War II.
In an online post applauding the selections, the union noted, “Secretary Chao is a
tireless, unwavering advocate of the American maritime industry. Her effectiveness
and commitment to our industry are unsurpassed. The SIU is proud and humbled to
respectfully count her as a friend.”
SIU President Michael Sacco described Chao as “someone who not only
understands our industry, but also truly
cares about the American worker. She is
a tremendous leader and is universally respected, admired and trusted throughout
our industry.”
Chao’s support for American-flag shipping and U.S. mariners is nothing new.
Beginning in 1986, when she became
Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, she has consistently
advanced programs that boost the industry. This also held true during her service
as Chairwoman of the Federal Maritime
Commission (1988-89), as Deputy Secretary of Transportation beginning in 1989,
and as Secretary of Labor from 2001-2009.
The SIU further stated, “We are honored
to have hosted Secretary Chao at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in
2002, 2005 and 2017. We deeply appreciated her keynote remarks in October 2003
when the late SIU President Paul Hall was
inducted to the DOL Hall of Fame. And we
enjoyed celebrating together in June 2005
when she christened the Pride of America
in New York City. More recently, we were
heartened when one of her first official acts
as Transportation Secretary was delivering
DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao speaks at the 2017 SIUNA convention in Piney Point,
Maryland.
keynote remarks in Beaumont, Texas, as
the car carrier Liberty Passion formally
reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in
March 2017. Later that same month, SIU
President Sacco was a featured speaker at a
gathering in the nation’s capital that served
as both a formal welcoming of Secretary
Chao and an observance of the department’s 50th anniversary.”
Sacco added, “There is nobody better
qualified to be Secretary of Transportation
than Elaine Chao, as she has demonstrated
since day one. Throughout her time in government, she has been a steadfast friend to
the SIU and to maritime labor. She has
stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference
and the other key programs that keep our
industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s work-
ing families, and she has seen firsthand the
value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity.”
AMP’s other selection – the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – hits home
with the union. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service;
their names are individually memorialized
on a large plaque at the union’s affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Overall, the U.S. Merchant Marine
of World War II proved nothing short of
indispensable for the Allies. As noted by
AMP in its kickoff of the American Maritime Heroes campaign, “Almost 250,000
merchant mariners transported tens of
millions of tons of war supplies and more
than seven million servicemen under the
most challenging circumstances imaginable. As a result, they suffered the highest
casualty rate of any service during World
War II, with one mariner out of every 26
lost. Often defenseless against enemy vessels, these merchant mariners continued to
sustain the war effort. A total of 8,241 merchant mariners died in World War II, and
many others were captured and became
prisoners of war. Today only about 2,000
remain.”
The late SIU historian John Bunker
wrote in 1951, “Before any of the nation’s
armed services were ready for all-out duty
in World War II, the merchant marine and
the men who manned it were on the front
lines of global action. No executive manifestos; no formal enlistment, no testings
of loyalty or pledges of devotion to their
country’s service were required to put SIU
crews into action or prove their willingness
to face danger – and death.”
For more information on the campaign,
which will culminate on the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act becoming law, visit
https://americanmaritimeheroes.com/
Building Named in Honor
Of Late SIU VP John Fay
New residential facilities in the
U.K. memorialize one of the SIU’s
most steadfast officials.
The union Nautilus International on
May 29 dedicated the John Fay House
at Mariners Park in Wallasey, England.
Built with financial support from Nautilus and the International Transport
Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’
Trust, the apartments are named after
the late SIU Executive Vice President
John Fay, who died in 2005 at age 73.
In addition to his half-century of service with the SIU, Fay also was the first
American ever to serve as chairman of
the ITF Seafarers’ Section, a position
he held from 1995-2002.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer and Chairman of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust David
Heindel – Fay’s SIU successor and
close colleague, and currently also
chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section
– was a featured speaker at the ceremonial opening. Several of Fay’s
family members attended, including
his brother, Frank; his son John Jr.;
daughter-in-law Christina Fay; daughter Kelly Fay; sister, Cathy Tompkins;
and granddaughter, Shaina Fay.
Nautilus (which represents members in the U.K., the Netherlands and
Switzerland) described the dozen
dwellings as “state-of-the-art independent apartments for retired seafarers and their dependents.” They were
constructed as part of an ongoing
program “to upgrade and expand”
services for retired mariners and their
families. (Two of the apartments in the
July 2019
new block were built with a donation
from the Aged Veterans Fund and are
reserved for merchant seafarers who
served alongside the armed forces at
times of conflict or during national
emergencies.)
During the dedication, Heindel
noted that he worked with John Fay for
many years. “He became my mentor
and someone I admired,” he recalled.
“John was a true friend and one of those
rare individuals who brought calm to
any heated discussion. Whether it was
contentious labor negotiations or dealing with political leaders, he had a way The expanded facility features 12 new state-of-the-art dwellings.
of making people feel comfortable.
And if needed, he had a way of intimidating his counterpart without raising
his voice.”
Heindel continued, “On a personal
note, John loved his family. He was
very proud of his children and the path
they chose in life…. This building is a
testament to John’s professional life.
I hope his spirit brings the peace and
calm that made him the man that I
came to know.”
Nautilus International General
Secretary Mark Dickinson said he
was pleased to see the latest development in the 162-year history of the
union’s welfare work. “We are rightly
proud of our past, but we have never
sat back and rested on our laurels,”
he said. “Mariners Park bears witness to the process of constant change
and reassessment to ensure that we Pictured at the dedication are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, John Fay Jr.,
(Continued on next page)
ITF Seafarers’ Trust Head Katie Higginbottom and Nautilus International General Secretary
Mark Dickinson.
Seafarers LOG 3
�NY Waterway Crew Rescues Helicopter Pilot
Heroic Extraction Takes Place on Hudson River
A NY Waterway ferry crew aboard
the Gov. Thomas Kean on May 15 rescued the pilot after a helicopter crashed
in the Hudson River.
SIU member Capt. Adam Sciaino
was carrying passengers between West
39th Street in Manhattan and 14th Street
in Hoboken when he saw the helicopter
go down at about 2:20 p.m. This is Sciaino’s second rescue in 10 years with
the company.
SIU member Deckhand Edwin
Montoya deployed the Jason’s cradle
rescue device off the bow of the ferry
and pulled the uninjured pilot (Eric Morales) aboard. There was no one else on
the helicopter.
“It was just instinct – just another
day for NY Waterway rescues,” Sciaino
said. “We’re right here. Edwin Montoya
is an outstanding deckhand. He moved
instantly to the rescue.”
Both Seafarers have completed safety
training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center in Piney Point, Maryland.
According to preliminary report
from the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB), Morales had just refueled the helicopter and was trying to
maneuver it to the pad where he picks
up passengers when he felt “the loss
of the effectiveness of the tail rotor.”
Shortly thereafter, the aircraft started an
uncontrollable spin, at which time the
pilot deployed floats for a water landing.
News reports quoted Morales as saying
the helicopter functioned normally earlier
that day, including a pair of landings.
Montoya recalled, “We were just
leaving the Jersey side and saw the helicopter spinning, and then it went down
in the water. The pilot was hanging outside of it, standing on it.”
The ferry was “very close” to the
helicopter, and Montoya said they “approached very slowly and carefully. The
whole thing only took three minutes. I
asked him (the pilot) a couple of times
if anyone else was on board and if he
was hurt. He said he was okay and there
was no one else. He was a little nervous
but had good overall awareness.”
Montoya also said that the Gov.
Thomas Kean had passengers on board
during the rescue “so we kept people
inside the boat. We did the rescue and
then dropped off the passengers in New
York and continued our service.”
In 32 years, NY Waterway crews
Congressman Babin Backs Jones Act
A United States congressman from
Texas recently used a hypothetical
image to drive home a very real point.
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas)
on May 16 spoke on the House floor
to commend President Trump for not
waiving the Jones Act and to express
support for the nation’s freight cabotage
law. The congressman’s office created
a fictional image of a Chinese-flagged
freighter navigating the Mississippi
River under the St. Louis Gateway Arch
to demonstrate what would happen if
the Jones Act were waived or eliminated.
“For the past 100 years, the Jones
Act has brought strength and certainty to
maritime commerce here in the United
States,” said Babin. “It has protected the
rights of American sailors, created and
maintained American jobs, and has been
one of the single largest factors in facilitating the strong American economy that
we are enjoying. The Jones Act states
that goods shipped between U.S. ports
are to be built, owned, and operated by
the citizens of the United States.”
He continued, “Can you imagine a
Chinese-built vessel, flying the Chinese
national flag, and operated by Chinese
citizens traveling through the American
heartland to deliver goods to our ports?
Although this is a hypothetical situation, it could easily become a reality if
the Jones Act is waived. Our national
security, economic growth, and our
ability to provide American jobs would
be in jeopardy. Worst of all, waiving the
Jones Act would allow these foreignoperated ships into our waterways and
could be opening the door to espionage.
“We need the Jones Act, and I encourage those who want to repeal it to
watch my speech and explain why the
image that you see in the video would
make for a better and stronger America,” he concluded.
As reported in last month’s LOG,
multiple news outlets had indicated the
president was pondering an extended
Jones Act waiver for moving American
LNG to domestic ports. However, U.S.
Senators Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi),
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Cassidy
(R-Louisiana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska),
John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) and Cindy
Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) as well as
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (RLouisiana) met with the president May 1
and came away assured that he will fully
stand behind the maritime law.
A new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the nation’s freight
cabotage law helps sustain nearly
650,000 American jobs while contributing $154 billion to the nation’s economic growth annually.
Moreover, 91 countries across the
globe maintain some form of cabotage
law.
Capt. Adam Sciaino (left) and Deckhand Edwin Montoya
have rescued almost 300 people from
the waters of New York Harbor, including 143 people rescued from U.S. Air-
ways Flight 1549 in “The Miracle on
the Hudson,” the most successful marine rescue in aviation history.
Facility Pays Tribute to Late SIU Official
(Continued from Page 3)
deliver not just quality services, but services
that meet the real, changing and increasingly
complex needs of our retired members and
their partners.”
Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said the charity was delighted to
support the new development. “My mission
in the Trust is to learn from great examples
such as this, and to do more work with unions
to improve seafarers’ welfare around the
world,” she said.
John Fay Jr. stated, “I can’t begin to put
into words the thanks and gratitude of the family. This really is a great honor for my dad.”
John Fay joined the SIU as a teenager in
1949 and sailed in both the deep sea and in-
land divisions. He came ashore in the mid1950s and continued working for the SIU
for the next 49 years. He served as executive
vice president from 1997-2005 after working
as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1990.
Previously, the Boston native held various
port-level positions in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn and elsewhere.
While his contributions to the union’s advancement in the United States were substantial, he also played a pioneering role in fully
involving not just the SIU but all of American maritime labor in international efforts
to promote and protect mariners’ wellbeing.
Beginning in 1975, he participated in forums
and other activities involving the ITF; the
International Maritime Organization; and the
International Labor Organization.
This plaque is displayed in the new building
Coast Guard Issues New Radar Observer Rule
Congressman Babin speaks on the House floor and uses an illustration to warn of
the dangers of waiving the Jones Act.
4 Seafarers LOG
The U.S. Coast Guard has published a
final rule, titled: “Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training
Regulations.” The rule amends the requirements for renewal of a Radar Observer Endorsement, eliminating the stipulation that
a mariner actively using their MMC complete an approved or accepted refresher or
recertification course to maintain a Radar
Observer Endorsement.
When the new rule enters into effect
on July 22, 2019, any mariner who serves
in a “relevant position” aboard a radarequipped vessel for one year in the previous five years will no longer be required to
complete a radar refresher or recertification
course to renew the endorsement.
The official announcement and related
links are posted on the SIU website – look
under News, then Latest Posts. The article
is dated June 11. The respective links go to
the policy letter and the rule itself.
July 2019
�SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships
Eight individuals – three active
Seafarers and five dependents – are
one step closer to realizing their
educational aspirations thanks to the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
(SHBP). The SHBP’s 2019 Scholarship Committee on May 17 bestowed
scholarships totaling $132,000 on the
former group.
Convening at the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point,
Maryland, the committee selected
OMU Terrell Cuffee and Mate Troy
Janelle as recipients of a pair of twoyear scholarships worth $6,000 each.
Junior Engineer Thomas Swayne was
chosen to receive a four-year award
worth $20,000. Dependents picked
for four-year, $20,000 grants were:
Muhab Abdelwahab, Emily May,
Bjorn Soriano, Katherine Scott and
Alana Thomas.
OMU Terrell Cuffee
Deep Sea OMU Terrell Cuffee
hails from Chesapeake, Virginia. He
signed on with the union in 2014 and
was a member of Paul Hall Center
Class 778.
After completing his apprentice
training, his
initial voyage
was aboard the
Sealift, Inc.operated Advantage where
he sailed in the
engine department. When he
applied for the
2019 SHBP Scholarship Program, he
was a crew member aboard the LTC
John U.D. Page, another Sealift, Inc.
vessel.
Cuffee is 2009 graduate of Chesapeake’s Oscar Smith High School. He
was active in his community, dedicating numerous hours making positive
contributions to neighborhood youths.
Cuffee served as a youth leader, mentor and basketball coach. He also
volunteered his time assisting in community center events.
In his SHBP application package,
Cuffee recalled that during his apprentice graduation ceremony, he made a
promise to himself (and to the union)
that one day he’d be sailing as a mate
or an engineer.
“Well, it’s now time for me to
begin the process of fulfilling that
promise,” he said.
“I have been sailing for six years,
and during that time, I have come to
be knowledgeable enough to have the
confidence to [say] that I will not only
become an engineer, but a successful
one.”
Cuffee has applied for admission
to Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy,
where he hopes to major in engineering.
Mate Troy Janelle
Inland Mate Troy Janelle (wife,
Rebecca) was born in Portland, Maine,
and currently makes his home in Dickinson, Texas. A 2005 graduate of Oak
Hill High School in Wales, Maine, he
posted an overall 3.502 grade point
average (GPA) and ranked ninth in his
class of 112 students.
Janelle holds a bachelor’s degree
in Community Recreation & Sports
Management, having graduated from
the University of Utah in 2010. Not
long thereafter he
landed what he
thought was his
dream job as a
program coordinator at a Salt Lake
City recreation
center.
As much as he
loved his job, he
quickly realized that he had amassed
far too much student loan debt to prosper and enjoy life on his recreation
center salary. At that point he began
looking to the maritime industry as a
solution. Janelle was accepted for admission at the Maine Maritime Acad-
July 2019
emy (MMA) in 2012 and enrolled in
the school’s Small Vessels Operations
Program. Two years later, he earned an
associate’s degree and his next move
was to start sailing under the SIU banner. His current duties involve ship
assist and escort services for the Texas
Ports of Houston, Galveston and Corpus Christi.
“I used my degree and licenses at
MMA to get hired at G&H Towing
Company as a mate where I have been
employed for the past five years,” he
said. “Changing professions turned out
to be one of the best decisions I ever
made.”
Since joining the maritime industry, Janelle said he has come to realize
that “…the educational backgrounds
of ashore office employees tend to be
drastically different from the vessel
personnel that they are overseeing.
Often this results in hiring people with
the educational background to qualify
them for a position but they have no
idea how the industry of ships systems
actually works.”
Janelle sees this situation as a divide that potentially could negatively
impact a company’s productivity.
“This disconnect between the company and its workforce is why I want
to get my master’s degree,” he said.
“I believe that getting more people to
go from the ship to the office can only
provide greater communication and
cohesion between the different divisions of companies in our industry.”
His goal is be accepted to the
MMA’s master’s program in international logistics management. “[This]
would allow me to use that degree and
my work experience in the maritime
industry to advance my career from
the vessel to the office where I know
that both … would be an asset to any
organization.”
In addition to MMA, Chanelle has
applied for admission to Texas A&M
Galveston, Grand Canyon University
and Sam Houston State University.
JE Thomas Swayne
Deep Sea Junior Engineer Thomas
Swayne (wife, Zakiah) is a native of
San Leandro, California and a 1999
graduate of Oakland, California’s Skyline Senior High School. An avid athlete, he participated in football, track
and field, and wrestling. As a community activist, Swayne contributed
countless volunteer hours serving as
an assistant in a senior citizen facility.
Swayne joined the SIU in 2001
and successfully navigated the Paul
Hall Center’s apprentice program.
Since then, he
has returned to
the Piney Point,
Maryland-based
campus no fewer
than six occasions
to enhance his
skills. Swayne
earned his junior
engineer rating in 2006 and currently
sails aboard the Sunrise Operations
LLC (Pasha) operated Horizon Enterprise. His first vessel was the Red
River Carriers operated Black Eagle.
“It’s been 20 years since I gradu-
ated from high school and I always
considered myself an overachiever,”
Swayne shared in his scholarship
application package. “I attended a
community college hoping to succeed
from the bottom up but quickly had to
drop out to find employment to support my grandparents and their needs.
“Soon after, I became a merchant
marine, lived life, traveled around
the world and started a family,” he
continued. “In today’s society, it can
be challenging to raise and teach two
children, and there is a part of me
that’s missing. For the last year I have
been motivated to go back to school
and fulfill a promise I made to myself
and grandmother.”
During his educational pursuits,
Swayne said he hopes not only to
obtain an associate’s degree but also a
bachelor’s as well as master’s degree
and “apply them all in the corporate
world of my trade that I’ve been in for
the past 18 years.” Ultimately his goal
is to secure his engineering license
and “be a better asset to any company
in my field and influential to the next
generation and my peers.”
Swayne has applied for admission
to the College of Southern Maryland,
Cal Maritime and Cal State East Bay.
His focus will be on engineering and
business administration.
Muhab Abdelwahab
Muhab Abdelwahab is the son of
Deep Sea Able Seaman Mohamed
Abdelwahab (mother, Ehram) who
sails aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He
has three siblings who are ages 20, 25
and 28.
Muhab is a 2019 graduate of
Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he posted an
overall 3.92 GPA.
He participated
in tennis, cross
country, soccer
and ping pong
and held membership in a myriad
of non-athletic
student organizations. Included
were: National Honor Society, Muslim
Youth of North America, Muslim
Student Alliance, Biology Club, Math
Team and Choir.
He spent numerous hours volunteering at a wide variety of Minnesotabased bodies such as Minneapolis
Community Education, Habitat for
Humanity and Hennepin Healthcare
just to name a few.
“Growing up as a first-generation
American, I recognize the expansive
opportunities that come with receiving a degree,” he said in his SHBP
application package. “My father was
the sole breadwinner for my family
of six, and my sisters and I became
profoundly aware of the obstacles that
many immigrant families face. This
early realization has motivated me to
strive for academic success, taking the
most challenging courses offered and
involving myself with extracurriculars
in high school with the eventual goal
of attending college.”
Muhab said that as a high school
senior, his aspirations became broader:
Members of the 2019 Calendar Year SHBP Scholarship Committee (above,
from left) were Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr.
Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Hank Toutain,
dean of students, Kenyon College (retired); Dr. Marla Kohlman, professor,
Department of Sociology, Kenyon College; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s
College (retired); and Dr. Keith Schlender, dean emeritus, college of graduate studies, University of Toledo College of Medicine.
“I hope to establish programming, specifically targeted at elementary-aged
students in underserved communities,
to help promote excellence in academia and the professional workforce.
I personally have experienced the
disparity in our educational system,
through the limited access I had to
academic-based extracurriculars, and I
believe that this type of programming
would help elevate many underprivileged communities.”
He has applied for admission to
the University of Minnesota, Harvard
College and Yale University. If accepted, “I will pursue a biological
sciences major. These classes will give
me hands-on opportunities to learn.”
After college, Muhab hopes to attend medical school.
Emily May
Emily May is 2019 graduate of
Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas. She ranked first in her class
of 365 peers and posted a 105.94 GPA.
The daughter of Inland Master
Phillip May
(mother, Nancy,
a dietician) who
works for G&H
Towing, Emily
was extremely
active in extracurricular activities
at her school.
As a baton
twirler she regularly entertained audiences during band performances at
parades, football games and pep rallies. Emily earned superior ratings and
top accolades in her craft during local,
regional, state and national competitions. Included were a host of first
place awards during American Twirling Federation and National Baton
Twirling Association outings.
She also is an accomplished musician (saxophone), having participated
in her school’s varsity marching band,
wind ensemble, jazz band and pep
band. Emily was section leader during
her junior and senior years and was
an active member in a host of school
clubs and organizations. Included
were the science Olympiad, mayor’s
fitness council, environmental club,
and National Spanish Honor Society.
In the community service arena,
Emily spent countless hours enhancing the lives of San Antonio citizens.
Among the organizations that benefitted from her service were: Animal
Defense League of San Antonio,
environmental club and Lake Canyon
Sailing Club. She also reached out to
fellow students, providing tutoring to
freshmen and other students requiring
help in geometry and preparation for
standardized testing.
“I plan to use my skills to study
biochemistry for undergraduate and
advanced degrees,” she said in her
application package. “I am passionate about science and research. I see
a direct path of influential discovery
through cellular communications and
am excited for my growth in the field
through college and beyond. “
Emily has applied for admission to
the University of Texas at Austin, Rice
University and Baylor University. She
plans to major in biochemistry/molecular biology.
Bjorn Soriano
Bjorn Soriano hails from Olympia,
Washington, and is the son of Deep Sea
ABG Leonard Soriano (mother, Eleanor, a certified nursing assistant) who
sails aboard the Alaskan Navigator.
A 2019 graduate of Timberline
High School, Bjorn has one sibling. He
accumulated a 3.92 GPA at Timberline
and participated in both the tennis
and swimming
teams. Bjorn held
membership in the
National Honor
Society, Key Club
and Honor Guard.
As a community activist,
he donated time
at a neighborhood middle school and
served as a reader to elementary school
children. During the holidays, he collected donations for the Salvation Army
while serving as a bell ringer.
“As a child of Filipino parents, I
understood at an early age the value of
education,” Bjorn said in his application package. “Realizing the sacrifice
my parents made by leaving their
homeland in hopes for a better life for
their children, I made a commitment
to myself that I would capitalize on the
opportunities provided to me.”
Bjorn plans to earn a degree in engineering. He has applied for admission
at the University of Washington, Seattle
University and Gonzaga University.
Katherine Scott
Katherine Scott was born in
Galveston, Texas. She is a 2018 graduate of Ball High School and currently
is attending Galveston College. She
is the daughter of Inland Pilot Martin Scott (mother, Anne) who works
aboard G&H Towing’s David B. She
has one sibling.
Katherine amassed an overall 3.72
GPA in high school and ranked 44 in
her class, which
numbered 460
graduates. She
participated in
golf and was a
member of the
National Honor
Society, the student council and
Key Club.
As a volunteer, she donated many hours providing assistance to the Galveston Island
Humane Society. Katherine also
participated in a community endeavor
dubbed the Big Event Beach Cleanup.
On the collegiate level, Katherine
has already completed five semesters of
work and earned 28 credits at Galveston College. She has posted a 3.12 GPA
and is majoring in kinesiology.
Her ultimate goal to become a
physical therapist. [After obtaining my
degree in kinesiology] “I plan to continue on into physical therapy at the
University of Texas Medical Branch
and eventually become a physical
therapist that specializes in pediatric
therapy, in order to help children that
need it for their everyday lives,” she
said in her scholarship application
package.
Alana Thomas
Alana Thomas is the daughter of
Deep Sea GUDE Aaron Thomas
(mother, Erinn, a process improvement analyst) who sails aboard
Keystone Shipping Service’s Cape
Domingo. She has three siblings.
Alana hails from Jacksonville,
Florida, and is a 2019 graduate of Atlantic Coast High School. At Atlantic,
she amassed an overall 3.57 GPA and
ranked 135 in her class, which numbered 562 graduates.
Alana held membership in and
was elected to office in both the
National Honor Society and Spanish
National Honor
Society. As a volunteer, she logged
more than 100
hours of service
at the UF Florida
Health Jacksonville Hospital.
“I specifically
want to become
a nurse practitioner because it will
allow me to expand the leadership
qualities I already have and to become a better, more calm problem
evaluator and solver,” she said in
her SHBP scholarship application
package. “These are skills I will
need once I decide to open my own
practice.”
Alana has applied for admission to Florida State University, the
University of Central Florida and
the University of North Florida. She
plans to major in nursing and minor
in business.
Seafarers LOG 5
�SIU Asst. VP Chester ‘Chet’ Wheeler Retires
Spent 32 Years Sailing,
23 as Union Official
Anyone familiar with longtime SIU Government Services Division Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet”
Wheeler won’t be surprised by the fact he’s staying quite
active in retirement.
A tireless worker throughout his decades as a mariner
and an official, Wheeler, 74, officially called it a career
earlier this year. He’s enjoying the new lifestyle, but if
the particulars of a given day have changed, the pace
isn’t much different.
“It’s fine and I’m busy,” said Wheeler, who lives with
his wife, Becky, in Cobb, California. “I realize now all
the things my wife did without me, and now those are
my jobs. I’ve remodeled a house and was already helping out at a senior center, which I’m continuing. I’m
service-oriented anyway, but it’s nice to be able to give
back. There are some real characters there.”
Wheeler also plans to accommodate his wife’s request
for European travel – admittedly not a huge concession
from someone who said travel was the highlight of his
32 years as a mariner.
He cited “family considerations” as the driving force
behind his retirement, which officially commenced
March 28. Wheeler also said he thoroughly enjoyed both
his time at sea and the years spent working as an official.
SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone stated,
“Chet had a very steady attitude towards his fairness and
diligence in representing his mariners. He definitely was
dedicated. He grew up in that fleet and was involved as
a delegate under Buck Mercer (the late vice president of
the union’s Government Services Division). Chet understood the complexities of the Military Sealift Command
(MSC) and was able to navigate effectively through the
various processes.”
SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt
said, “Chet and I worked well together over the years. I
always respected him as a union representative who really had the best interests of the mariners at heart.”
Wheeler came ashore to work for the union in 1997,
first as a representative and soon thereafter as an assistant vice president. Prior to the SIU’s merger with the
National Maritime Union in 2001, he handled all West
Coast representational efforts for MSC and the Suisun
Bay reserve fleet. In fact, since 1997, Wheeler was involved in every MSC and Suisun Bay contract negotiation and “instruction and policy” negotiation.
Colleagues described him as instrumental in ensuring
the safety and health of mariners by negotiating afloat
and ashore habitability agreements, watch hours, standards for shipboard water potability and air quality, and
shipyard working conditions. He was a guiding force in
the three-year negotiation of Civilian Mariner Personnel
Instruction (CMPI) 610, a key document covering hours
of work and overtime pay. Wheeler also played leading
roles in representing mariners aboard joint high-speed
vessels, and in securing significant compensatory time
for travel for many CIVMARS.
“Most importantly,” said retired SIU Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, who worked very closely with Wheeler,
“Chet guided thousands of CIVMARS, wage mariners
and Suisun Bay boat handlers, representing employees
in grievances and disciplinary actions, and assisting
employees who were injured or ill. He helped mariners
leave their vessel assignments to attend to ill family
members. He assisted many employees with the medical
exam process, retirement counseling, workers’ compensation advocacy and making sure mariners could return
home from afar when sick or injured.”
Never one to worry about popularity, Wheeler definitely earned respect and appreciation both from fellow
officials and from rank-and-file members. This was reflected by his having not one but two retirement parties
– the first at the Oakland, California, SIU hiring hall in
February, the second closer to his home in northern California in late April.
At those gatherings, Wheeler received large binders
packed with appreciative messages from people he represented and worked with through the years. Here’s a small
sampling of those sentiments:
“Thanks for all the advice, support, wisdom and guidance you so gracefully gave to all the mariners. You will
be sorely missed.” – Bill Machie, Second Asst. Engineer
“Thank you for looking out for us, your brother
CIVMARS, all these years. You always commanded attention with your booming voice and no-nonsense talks
about our rights. Many mariners benefited from your
advice.” – Rob Cruz
“I have known you for close to 20 years and have
admired your work and indefatigable efforts to make the
working conditions, quarters and lives of CIVMARS
better. I have seen firsthand how CIVMARS and agency
folks alike respected, liked and in some cases, loved
you.” – Joe Vincenzo, SIU Asst. VP
“It has been an honor to have worked with you. I have
learned so much from you and am grateful for all of your
efforts. Your dedication to the Seafarers is unmatched.” –
John Madden, SIU Associate Counsel
When presenting the albums, Kleinberg said, “If a
person’s career is measured by how many people he has
supported and helped during their life’s work, then your
career is truly without measure. You were instrumental
in helping me and all you have come in contact with,
obtain a better understanding and appreciation of the
unique working environment of federal mariners. Your
extraordinary passion, hard work, persistence and exceptional dedication to seagoing workers and their families
inspired me each day to live up to your example. I know
for certain that your advocacy and unwavering efforts
will never be duplicated.”
Reflecting primarily on his time as an official,
Wheeler said, “I’m proud of the representation we gave
them. It was a 24/7 job and it’s a complicated unit. Also,
issues affecting government services can also affect the
Wheeler (left) is pictured with SIU President Michael
Sacco in 2008.
private sector.”
Wheeler said Kleinberg was “the best support I could
have,” and expressed solid confidence in Vincenzo as his
successor.
Moreover, Wheeler said that while he never was pressured to enter the maritime industry, it came naturally.
“My great grandfather was an indentured servant in the
Swedish merchant marine beginning when he was 10
years old,” he noted. “My uncles all went to sea and I
grew up around water on the coast. I was surrounded by
seamen. But I didn’t have to go to sea; I like it.”
He said his fondest memory of shipboard life is “I got
to travel a lot of places. In the old days, when I sailed, it
took maybe a week or two weeks to unload. There were
lots of adventures.”
His advice for those entering the industry? “Get as
much out of it as you can,” Wheeler replied. “It’s an
adventure. Make this your adventure. The other thing is,
learn everything you can. We have a great school (the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education). Keep going back and keep learning. It’s
a wonderful occupation and I’m really glad I did it.”
Retiring SIU Asst. VP Chet Wheeler (second from left in photo directly above) always felt most at home with fellow
CIVMARS. He’s pictured at a 2016 MTD event in San Diego with members of the SIU Government Services Division
and with other officials. The photo at right is a cover page in one of the two keepsake albums Wheeler received at a
retirement gathering.
6 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�SALUTING WWII MARINERS, AUTHOR – SIU Executive VP
Augie Tellez (right) surprises author William Geroux with a framed,
declassified listing of the U.S. Merchant Marine convoys bringing
supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II via the Arctic
convoys to Murmansk and Archangel. Geroux recently published
a book on the subject: “The Ghost Ships of Archangel – The Arctic
Voyage That Defied the Nazis.” The event was hosted on Capitol
Hill by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and U.S. Rep.
Don Young (R-Alaska), both longtime backers of the maritime industry.
WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST – The SIU contingent at the yearly tribute in San Pedro, California,
included Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus (fourth from right) and (among others) GUDE George Galanas, GVA
Kris Bechtel, Bosun Rick Barnhart, GUDE Hamza Jinah and Bosun Rudy Nuno.
National Maritime Day Celebrated Coast to Coast
The annual National Maritime Day ceremony hosted by
the U.S. Department of Transportation always proves noteworthy, but it’s definitely not the only such observance. The
SIU once again in 2019 also turned out for ceremonies in
Texas, Virginia and California; some Seafarers also marked
the occasion aboard ship. Additionally, a high-ranking SIU
official made a surprise presentation at a pro-maritime gettogether in Congress.
The photos on this page were taken at those respective
gatherings.
ABOARD HONOR – Vessel Master Capt. Shawn Hagerty reports: “On May 22nd at 1230 hours local, while at sea from
Charleston to Bremerhaven, the M/V HONOR held an onboard National Maritime Day ceremony. The all-hands event
included learning about the history of National Maritime Day from our Third Officer and hearing this year’s Presidential
Proclamation read by both Kings Point and Maine Maritime Academy cadets. We ended with eight bells struck on the ship
bell followed by a moment of silence.” Thanks to Capt. Hagerty for the photo, which features the whole crew of the TOTE
Services-operated vessel.
NORFOLK CEREMONY – Chief Cook Michele
Woodley (left) and SIU Safety Director Anthony
Houston (right) helped represent the union at the
city’s Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center.
GALVESTON GATHERING – Pier 21 was the site of the tenth
annual National Maritime Day ceremony in Galveston, Texas.
The group photo at right includes SIU Safety Director Kevin
Sykes (third from left) with U.S. Coast Guard personnel. In
the photo above, longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre addresses attendees before the tossing of a memorial wreath.
July 2019
Seafarers LOG 7
�USNS Maury Completes Whirlwind Voyage via Panama Canal
RN/MSO Brandon Maeda, medical department representative aboard the USNS Maury provided the photos
appearing on these two pages.
The photos were taken during what Maeda described
as the completion of roughly an 11,500 nautical mile voyage which had the Maury sailing from Florida to Hawaii
via the Panama Canal. The return trip took the vessel and
crew from Hawaii to California; once again through the
Panama Canal and back to the East Coast.
In his correspondence to the LOG, Maeda portrayed
the Maury’s SIU crew as an interesting blend of mariners,
a real microcosm of the United States. “We have seamen
who are originally from America, Asia, [the] Caribbean,
Africa, Arabia and the Pacific Islands,” he said. Included
are “both men and women, young and old, from the east,
west and gulf coasts with a sprinkling of military veterans.”
The vessel is operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.
Bosun Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi
AB Demilton Wheat
ABG Eugene Evans
ABG George Fababier
In the photos below, the USNS Maury approaches, enters and exits the locks at the Panama Canal.
8 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�STOS Christian Mercado Nunez
STOS Terrance Paige
Oiler Zachary Cartwright
Oiler Michael Ribeiro
GVA Mason Abdulfattah Kamhed
CC Brandon Hamilton
July 2019
QE4 Daniel Resultan
SKS Michael Dupee
GVA Camilo Villafania
Oiler Derrick Walker
GVA Isaka Koanda
SA Crystal Cobbs
MDR Brandon Maeda
Seafarers LOG 9
�CIVMAR MEETING – Members of the SIU Government Services Division met in mid-May in Norfolk, Virginia, with
SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt (standing fourth from left) and SIU Government Services Representative
Sam Spain (standing far left).
A-BOOK IN PINEY – Chief Cook Rachel Janssen (left) received
her A-book June 5 from SIU President Michael Sacco (right) in
Piney Point, Maryland. Janssen most recently sailed aboard the
Horizon Spirit before heading to the Paul Hall Center.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD CROWLEY TANKER CALIFORNIA – These photos were taken in mid-April in Martinez, California. Pictured at the gangway (above, left) is AB Raymond Contreras. Chief
Cook Najeeb Ginah (above, center) is shown in the galley, while the remaining photo includes (from left) Bosun Ruben Datu, Port Agent Nick Marrone II and QMED/Pumpman Joshua
Zelinsky.
BOOKS GALORE IN HONOLULU – Three members
recently received their respective full B-books at the hall
in Hawaii. AB Rolan Aguilar is at right in photo at left,
with Shureen Yatchmenoff, administrative assistant. Assistant Storekeeper Tanya Awong stands at left in photo
above, with Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. The photo at
the immediate right includes Wiper Chanel Peters and
Yatchmenoff.
10 Seafarers LOG
A-BOOK IN JAX – QMED Samir
Tarsha (left) gets his A-book from
Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the
hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, on
May 9. The two were classmates in
Piney Point (No. 736) and have been
close friends ever since.
July 2019
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
MILESTONES IN SAN JUAN – Steward
department Seafarer Bernice Reyes (left) is
pictured at the new hiring hall, proudly displaying her first vacation check and her first
Maritime Defense League receipt after completing her initial voyage. Her next planned
stop was the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center
in Piney Point, Maryland, for upgrading training. Pictured at right is Port Agent Amancio
Crespo.
FULL BOOK IN PINEY – Chief Cook Luis Perez
Acosta (left) receives his full membership book
from Port Agent Victor Nunez in early May. The
Seafarer was enrolled in the certified chief steward course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center.
NEW CONTRACT APPROVED – Seafarers at the Association of Maryland Pilots have unanimously approved a
new five-year contract featuring wage increases, seniority bonuses and per-diem gains. Pictured recently at the
Solomons Island station are (from left) members Adam
Xenides and Kevin Kuhne, and Port Agent Victor Nunez.
Xenides is the shop delegate.
ABOARD WEST VIRGINIA – Pictured recently on
the Crowley tanker in Houston are (from left) Patrolman Kelly Krick and Recertified Bosun John Cedeno.
July 2019
ABOARD SAFMARINE NGAMI – Pictured from left are AB Saidu Sesay, AB Orlando Da Cruz, Bosun Leroy Sierra, AB Roberto Flores and AB Ron Ramos. Their
chief mate submitted the photo in early June and noted, “I’ve been sailing master
and mate for almost 20 years. This is one of the most productive teams I’ve encountered.” The vessel is operated by Maersk Line, Limited.
DELIVERING FOOD AID – Bosun Jerrold Foke submitted these photos of fellow Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated
Ocean Glory. The snapshots were taken in April while the heavy lift ship was in Djibouti, delivering U.S. food aid (wheat
grain) ultimately bound for Yemen. Pictured at the gangway (above, left) is AB Daniel Mensah. AB Lomarro West is shown
in the photo at center, while the photo at right features Chief Steward Johnny Palencia.
TAKING THE OATH IN HOUSTON – AB Nexlon Colon Diego (right) is sworn in for his full B-book by Patrolman J.B. Niday at
the hiring hall in late May.
Seafarers LOG 11
�Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben (USN, Ret.)
Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.)
Maritime Administrator
Gen. Stephen Lyons, USA
Commander, USTRANSCOM
Jennifer Boykin, President
Newport News Shipbuilding
Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D. (USN, Ret.)
Deputy NOAA Administrator
SIU Celebrates National Maritime Day in Nation’s Capital
T
he SIU made a typically strong showing for this year’s National Maritime Day observance in the nation’s capital. Union officials and an enthusiastic group of apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – two of whom played key roles in the ceremony –
were on hand at Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters for the annual gathering May 22.
The SIU contingent included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Great Lakes Tom
Orzechowski and Port Agent Victor Nunez. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Shannon Gail Peterson served
as the official wreath-tender while fellow Apprentice Charles Patchin sounded eight bells, consistent with
tradition.
Hosted by the DOT’s Maritime Administration, the ceremony drew hundreds of people from all segments
of the industry. This year’s theme was “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.”
Speakers were (in order) Deputy Maritime Administrator Richard Balzano (master of ceremonies); Rear
Adm. Margaret Kibben, USN (Ret), who also gave the invocation; Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Mark
Buzby, USN (Ret); Gen. Stephen Lyons, USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command; Rear Adm.
Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D., USN (Ret), assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and deputy NOAA administrator; Jennifer Boykin (keynote), president, Newport News Shipbuilding; and The Hon.
Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, commissioner, Puerto Rico.
Awards were presented to: Capt. Arthur R. Murray Jr. for his service as a merchant mariner during World
War II; Andrew Bouchot of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, who saved the life of a stowaway while
training at sea; and Catherine Morrison, a real-life “Rosie the Riveter” who worked as a welder during World
War II. The administration also showed a video highlighting the historic role women have played in various
components of the American maritime industry.
The speakers covered an array of maritime topics. In addition to remarks consistent with this year’s
theme, many also reinforced the ongoing, indispensable role of the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s
fourth arm of defense. Several recognized the Paul Hall Center apprentices and thanked them for attending.
Buzby during his remarks relayed greetings from Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, a maritime
stalwart who was in Germany that day.
He continued, “As we celebrate our industry today, I salute all the women from the maritime industry,
afloat and ashore, who continue to make a difference…. Maritime Day celebrates our indispensable industry
and commemorates a historic yet largely forgotten technological achievement: the first trans-Atlantic crossing of a ship under steam power, the SS Savannah. Its voyage from Savannah, Georgia, to Liverpool, England, that took place began on May 22, 1819, and marked the passing of the era of sail power and the coming
of the first industrial age, which would transform the speed of commerce and the entire nature of naval
warfare. That’s part of why Maritime Day is so important. It’s a time to honor those who served, too many of
whom gave their lives as patriotic merchant mariners.”
He said the day offers a chance “to pause to remind ourselves of just how critical maritime issues are to
the security and prosperity of this island nation of ours – something that’s generally out of the public’s focus.
It’s also up to us to ensure that there is always a new generation of American mariners prepared to relieve the
watch.
Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon
Commissioner, Puerto Rico
“Two centuries on from the historic cruise of the Savannah, America’s strength still rises and falls with
the health of the maritime community,” Buzby concluded. “We will need it to meet the challenges ahead, and
I have great confidence in the future because of the people here today.”
Lyons opened his speech by “recognizing the hard-working men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and the maritime industry that have made and continue to make significant economic and national security contributions to the United States of America in peace time and war.”
He recalled the crucial service of World War II mariners specifically and the U.S. Merchant Marine in
general through the centuries, which he said “has made significant contributions to our nation’s survival.”
Lyons noted that upwards of 9,000 civilian U.S. seamen died in World War II (including more than 1,200
SIU members), either during the formal hostilities or afterward as a result of injuries sustained.
Continued on next page
Paul Hall Center Apprentice Shannon Peterson carries a life ring, used
this year in lieu of a wreath. SIU President Michael Sacco is at the right.
From left: SIU President Michael Sacco, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski
and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
12 Seafarers LOG
The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard arrives.
The U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard posts the Colors.
July 2019
July 2019
Paul Hall Center Apprentice Charles Patchin prepares to ring “eight
bells.”
Seafarers LOG 13
�President Trump Issues Proclamation for National Maritime Day 2019
On National Maritime Day, we honor the men and
women who, throughout our history, have served
with professionalism, dedication, and patriotism in
the United States Merchant Marine. We recognize
these seafaring merchant mariners for helping to
fuel our economy, maintain our sea power, and
support our national security.
Merchant mariners extend goodwill into all parts
of the world, serving as a peaceful United States
presence on international waterways. Today,
American mariners facilitate the import and export of billions of dollars of goods, including fuel,
agricultural products, and raw materials through
the Marine Transportation System. They are also
among the first to respond to help their fellow citizens in the wake of national disasters.
During times of war, merchant mariners courageously sail into combat zones to provide sealift for
the Department of Defense, carrying weapons and
supplies to America’s fighting forces. In every con-
Event Theme Recognizes
Importance of Empowering
Women in Maritime Industry
Continued from Page 13
“Fast forward to today,” he stated. “The DOD and TRANSCOM continue to depend on U.S.-flag merchant ships, their
incredible trade networks, and our incredible mariners – exceptional mariners who sail. These ships that carry important exports in peace time rapidly transition to a Navy auxiliary in war
time, delivering the vast majority of supplies and equipment to
protect and sustain our military forces globally.”
He described the merchant marine as “an essential part of
our DOD war plan. This is why I remain a strong advocate of
Administrator Buzby and MARAD’s selfless work to preserve
emergency preparedness programs like VISA, and incentive
programs like the Maritime Security Program. It’s vitally important to the United States of America to retain the viability
of a fleet of ships that sail underneath the U.S. flag. This fleet
provides assured access to the United States Transportation
Command and the Department of Defense, and these programs
and the work that MARAD does are critical to our national
security.”
He concluded, “To all the merchant mariners around the
globe, thank you for your patriotism, for your support, and
your unwavering commitment to defend our great nation. Together, we deliver.”
Boykin, who overseas a union shipyard with 24,000 employees, discussed changing times in the maritime industry and
how she recognizes the significance of having become the first
woman president of Newport News Shipbuilding.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to be a shipbuilder,” she said. “For the first time in over a decade, all
of our available drydocks are full…. We have more work
under contract than we’ve had in two decades.” (For ex-
flict, United States citizen mariners have answered
the call to duty and risked their lives. Some have
sadly made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Because the United States Merchant Marine
plays a central role in bringing American goods
to market and in bolstering our military readiness
abroad, we must encourage more people to pursue career opportunities on America’s waterways
and the oceans of the world. For this reason, I
recently signed an Executive Order to help veterans of the Armed Forces transition seamlessly
into civilian careers in the United States Merchant
Marine by allowing them to apply relevant military
training and experience toward becoming credentialed merchant mariners. This will help support
a robust, well-equipped, and safe merchant fleet
crewed by well-trained mariners.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May
20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as
“National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first
ample, the yard recently signed a contract to build two
aircraft carriers. That means 14 years’ worth of work, she
explained.)
Gonzalez-Colon saluted America’s rich maritime history
and emphasized the reliable service provided by Jones Act
ships to Puerto Rico. She recalled Hurricane Maria and credited the domestic maritime industry for timely delivery of all
the supplies needed to survive and rebuild. She said it was a
transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by
the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President
to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim May 22, 2019, as National Maritime
Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
mark this observance and to display the flag of the
United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the
American flag dress ship on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of
our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP
“lifeline” and that the “American shipping industry” made recovery possible.
Domestic maritime is “a loyal, dependable partner” with the
territory, she stated.
Gallaudet, a Navy veteran, recalled serving on an aircraft
carrier during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “We could have done none of that without the sealift and
supplies from our merchant marine,” he said.
Catherine Morrison (second from right), age 95, worked as a welder during World War II to support the war effort. She’s
pictured with (from left) Gen. Lyons, Jennifer Boykin and Maritime Administrator Buzby.
SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (standing, center) and SIU Piney Point Port Agent Victor Nunez (standing, left) chat with Paul Hall Center apprentices before the ceremony.
14 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�Urgent Notice/Reminder
Culinary 2.0 Training
Available at Paul Hall Center
As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to
help students boost their skills
while complying with a new
rule that takes effect next year.
Completing the coursework
also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities.
Shipping Rule 5.A.(6),
which will go into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within
each class of seniority in the
Steward Department, priority
shall be given to those seamen
who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship, in the
event such program is being
offered and that the seaman is
registered in Group I, Steward
Department.”
While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship
at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
will have successfully passed
Culinary 2.0, it’s important to
remember that those already
sailing as chief cooks and
chief stewards must also take
the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority
beginning next year (unless
they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the
Piney Point, Maryland-based
campus).
For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary
2.0 in order to maintain their
current employment status.
For those already sailing
as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been
designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training
and efficiency: Orientation/
Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses
are being offered regularly, but
spaces are limited, so members
are encouraged to plan ahead
and enroll as soon as possible.
For more information,
contact your port agent and/
or the school’s admissions
office.
Correction
An article in the June LOG misidentified the union affiliation of Christopher Kalinowski. He’s a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P).
July & August 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point........................................Monday: July 8, August 5
Algonac.............................................Friday: July 12, August 9
Baltimore.......................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Guam............................................Thursday: July 25, August 22
Honolulu...........................................Friday: July 19, August 16
Houston............................................Monday: July 15, August 12
Jacksonville....................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Joliet.............................................Thursday: July 18, August 15
Mobile......................................Wednesday: July 17, August 14
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: July 16, August 13
Jersey City........................................Tuesday: July 9 , August 6
Norfolk...........................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
Oakland........................................Thursday: July18, August 15
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
May 16, 2019 - June 15, 2019
San Juan..........................................Thursday: July 11, August 8
St. Louis............................................Friday: July 19, August 16
Tacoma.............................................Friday: July 26, August 23
Wilmington........................................Monday: July 22, August 19
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD Works For You.
July 2019
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
Port
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Deck Department
18
6 1 11 6 0 5 29
12
2
4 1 1 1 0 1 2 5 2 2
7 4 1 1 3 0 1 8 4 2
27 15 3 18 10 1 10 35 20 6
1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0
13
3 2 4 5 1 3 22
4 3
6 7 1 3 5 0 2 15
6 1
46 20 13 42 24 6 29 93 35 17
33 19 6 23 19 1 20 54 28 10
39 10 4 25 11 3 13 61 14 8
3 3 0 2 3 1 0 4 4 1
11 10
2 7 5 1 6 17
9 4
25 10 5 15 9 6 13 43 18 19
15
3 4 7 5 1 7 18
4 5
1 4 0 1 4 0 2 4 2 1
4 6 1 4 3 0 4 4 7 1
8 2 1 4 0 0 3 16
8 2
20 11 5 20 12 2 18 55 14 5
2 0 2 2 0 2 2 3 2 2
30 10 6 17 8 1 13 53 21 11
313 144 58 208 132 27 153 543 214 102
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Engine Department
2 0 4 0 0 2 0 5 0 2
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
2 2 1 5 3 0 2 4 3 1
9 11 1 6 9 0 7 15
12
1
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0
1 5 0 4 1 0 3 4 5 0
5 6 1 8 2 1 1 15
7 2
20
9 4 11 6 2 9 34
13
5
22 14 2 10 7 1 10 31 26 3
12
6 2 8 7 0 7 20
8 2
2 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 1 3
4 4 1 3 8 0 1 5 3 3
15 13 9 16 13 4 11 21 14 9
4 6 1 6 0 0 3 10
7 3
3 2 1 1 3 0 1 2 2 1
4 3 0 2 2 0 1 2 3 0
3 5 0 4 1 0 2 9 8 0
11 7 2 9 4 0 3 28
8 2
3 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 3 0
10
10
2 7 7 2 7 21
15
4
133 105 32 102 75 13 70 235 141 41
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Steward Department
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
7 2 0 7 1 0 7 16
5 1
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
5 2 2 3 1 1 2 8 1 1
9 1 1 4 0 0 2 22
0 1
20
4 1 18
5 1 9 38
4 2
22
9 0 17
7 0 9 32
18
1
7 1 1 10
0 2 2 16
4 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2 2 0 3 0 0 2 7 5 0
10
6 3 11 8 1 5 22
9 5
15
5 1 11 3 1 5 34
4 0
3 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0
2 3 3 0 1 3 2 3 4 0
2 1 0 0 3 0 2 7 5 0
11 0 2 7 2 1 5 16
8 3
2 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1
11 7 1 10
3 0 7 35
25
2
133
46 16 104
34 10 60 276
98 20
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Entry Department
2 6 16
1 3 9 1 4 10
13
1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1
0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 2
0 3 2 0 3 2 2 0 6 2
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
1 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 5 4
0 6 2 1 3 2 1 0 9 2
2 14
11 1 6 4 4 5 26
15
1 24 25 1 21 14 6 2 40 43
0 19
8 2 10
6 2 0 27
11
0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1
1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 15 25 0 11 27 4 0 26 35
1 12
10
2 4 5 7 4 24
12
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0
0 3 0 0 2 2 3 0 1 0
1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0
2 10
10
4 6 0 2 7 17
19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
1 16
11 4 12
4 5 3 40
24
13 136
128
17 83 81 40 31 243
187
GRAND TOTAL:
592 431 234 431 324 131 323 1,085
696 350
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
Philadelphia................................Wednesday: July 10, August 7
Port Everglades.............................Thursday: July 18, August 15
Total Registered
A
All Groups
B
C
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent class of recertified stewards.
Question: Why did you join the SIU, and why have you remained with the union?
Frank Ramones
Recertified Steward
I joined the SIU because of the opportunities that I got. I was able to
send my daughter to graduate school,
thanks to the economic stability afforded by the union. Plus, I travel the
world for free! I enjoy everything
this organization has done for me.
Robert Owens
Recertified Steward
After a 10-year stint in the Navy, I
wanted more adventure. I’ve traveled
to all parts of the world thanks to the
SIU. The union has provided me and
my family a most beautiful life, and
joining has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Rocky Dupraw
Recertified Steward
My parents decided to send my
younger brother to Piney Point, and
asked if I wanted to go. It was the
best decision I’ve ever made. The
SIU has provided my family and me
with a better quality of life.
Angela Robertson
Recertified Steward
I decided to join the union to
travel, and meet people from different parts of the world. Continuing to
travel and meet new people keeps me
sailing SIU.
Fakhruddin Malahi
Recertified Steward
I joined the union in 1998 in San
Francisco, and joined the steward department. I started from the bottom,
and built my way up to recertified
steward. The SIU is a great union,
and works with the best maritime
school in the U.S.
Ali Munsar
Recertified Steward
I joined the union because my dad
was in the union, and he told me how
nice it was to go to sea, and that was
the truth. I love it, and I am going to
get my kids to join the union. I want
to thank everyone in the union for everything you’ve done for me.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
Pics From The Past
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-400
These 1984 photos were taken during and after the SS Inger paid off in New Jersey. The inset features then-SIU Representative
Kermett Mangram (now a retired VP). The larger image shows Bosun Stanley Jandora and his wife “happily reunited,” according
to the original caption.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
16 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
AUBREY BENJAMIN
Brother Aubrey Benjamin, 65,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1997, initially
sailing with
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. A member
of the deck
department, he
last worked with
Maersk Line,
Limited when
he sailed on the Constellation.
Brother Benjamin makes his home
in San Diego.
MICHAEL BREWLEY
Brother Michael Brewley, 71,
became a member of the union
in 1974 when he shipped on the
Arizpa. He primarily sailed in the
deck department and upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Brewley
most recently sailed on the Maersk
Memphis. He resides in Bayonne,
New Jersey.
LAWRENCE CLINE
Brother Lawrence Cline, 65,
joined the SIU
in 1975, first
sailing on the
Arecibo. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Cline last shipped on the Voyager
and lives in Ashford, Washington.
JOAQUIM FIGUEIREDO
Brother Joaquim Figueiredo, 68,
began sailing with the union in
2003, first shipping on the
Maersk Maine.
In 2010, he enhanced his skills
by upgrading at
the Piney Point
school. A member
of the engine department, Brother
Figueiredo most recently sailed
aboard the Maersk Columbus. He
calls Palm Coast, Florida, home.
KEVIN GIBBONS
Brother Kevin Gibbons, 65, embarked on his
SIU career in
1978. His first
ship was the
Santa Maria
and he sailed in
both the deck
and steward
departments.
Brother Gibbons
concluded his career sailing on
the Reliance. He resides in San
Francisco.
DANIEL HAEGELE
Brother Daniel Haegele, 66, joined
July 2019
the union in 1991 when he sailed
on the USNS Tenacious. He was
a deck department member and
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Piney Point school. Brother
Haegele’s last vessel was the
Balboa. He calls Woodbury, Minnesota, home.
RICHARD HICKS
Brother Richard Hicks, 63, donned
the SIU colors in 1976, initially
sailing aboard the Sealand Resource. A steward department
member, he
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the maritime
training center
located in Piney
Point, Maryland.
Brother Hicks
most recently sailed on the Maersk
Columbus. He resides in West
Palm Beach, Florida.
DONALD HUFFMAN
Brother Donald Huffman, 65,
became an SIU member in 1978
when he shipped
on the Pisces. He
was a member of
the steward department and upgraded on several
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Huffman
last shipped on
the Green Lake. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
LEROY JENKINS
Brother Leroy Jenkins, 71, signed
on with the SIU in 1968 and
first sailed on the La Salle. He
upgraded often at the Paul Hall
Center and sailed in all three departments. Brother Jenkins most
recently sailed aboard the Cape
Island. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington.
JOHN MCMURTRAY
Brother John McMurtray, 65,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1979 when he sailed on
the Arecibo. A deck department
member, he upgraded on multiple
occasions at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school. Brother McMurtray last sailed aboard the
Beaver State. He resides in St.
Helens, Oregon.
FRANCISCO RAMILO
Brother Francisco Ramilo, 69,
became a member of the union
in 2003, initially
sailing aboard
the Cape Horn.
An engine department member, he upgraded
his skills on several occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Ramilo most recently sailed on
the Pennsylvania. He makes his
home in College Station, Texas.
DEREK ROSS
Brother Derek Ross, 65 joined
the Seafarers in 1992. His first
vessel was the
USNS Denebola
and he primarily sailed in the
deck department.
Brother Ross enhanced his skills
in 1999 when he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center.
He last shipped on the Maersk
Denver before settling in Brooklyn, New York.
AHMED SHARIF
Brother Ahmed Sharif, 67, signed
on with the SIU in 1982, initially
sailing aboard the Maunalei. He
was a steward department member
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on numerous occasions.
Brother Sharif most recently sailed
aboard the John Boland before settling in Dearborn, Michigan.
ROBERT TANAKA
Brother Robert Tanaka, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1980, first sailing on the Oceanic
Independence. He shipped as a
steward department member and
last sailed on the Independence
in 1992. Brother Tanaka is a Las
Vegas resident.
EMMANUEL WABE
Brother Emmanuel Wabe, 67,
donned the SIU colors in 1993
when he sailed on the Global
Mariner. A member of the deck department, he upgraded often at the
Piney Point school. Brother Wabe
most recently sailed on the Corsica.
He makes his home in Baltimore.
GREAT LAKES
ROSS WAISANEN
Brother Ross Waisanen, 65, started
shipping with the union in 1996,
initially sailing on the Steel
T. Crapo. The
deck department
member enhanced his skills
in 2005 when he
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center.
He last shipped
on the John Boland and resides in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
INLAND
STEPHEN HATHORN
Brother Stephen Hathorn, 62,
began sailing with the SIU in
1976 when he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage. A deck
department member, he remained
with the same company for the
duration of his career. Brother Hathorn makes his home in Kenner,
Louisiana.
PETER MADDEN
the SIU colors
in 1978 when he
sailed with Hvide
Marine. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Madden most recently shipped
aboard the Liberty and resides in
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
ROBERT MCDERMOTT
Brother Robert McDermott, 65,
signed on with the union in 1979,
initially working for G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple
occasions at the Paul Hall Center.
Brother McDermott concluded
his career with Moran Towing of
Texas in 1992 and lives in Anahuac, Texas.
JAMES NEWCOMB
Brother James Newcomb, 65,
joined the SIU in 1971, sailing
first on the Wacosta. He sailed in
both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney
Point school in 1978. Brother
Newcomb was last employed with
Atlantic Towing. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
MANUEL PIMENTEL
Brother Manuel Pimentel, 62,
became a member of the SIU in
1977 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico
Services. He was
a member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1979.
Brother Pimentel
worked for the
same company
for the duration of his career. He
lives in Tampa, Florida.
ANTHONY PRIMEAUX
Brother Anthony Primeaux, 62,
donned the SIU colors in 1975,
first shipping with Higman Barge
Lines. A deck department member,
he continued his employment with
the same company for his entire
career. Brother Primeaux calls
Lufkin, Texas, home.
RAYMOND RICHARDSON
Brother Raymond Richardson,
59, started sailing with the SIU in
1981, initially working for Red
Circle Transport.
He upgraded
at the unionaffiliated Piney
Point school on
multiple occasions and was a
member of the
deck department. Brother
Richardson most recently shipped
with Crowley Towing and Transportation before settling in White
Springs, Florida.
GEORGE ULLYOT
Brother George Ullyot, 66, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1973, sailing first
with McAllister
Towing of Philadelphia. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Ullyot was last employed
by Mariner Towing. He resides in
Waterford, New Jersey.
STEVEN WOODS
Brother Steven Woods, 61, began
shipping with the SIU in 1996, initially working for
Crescent Towing
and Salvage. He
sailed in both
the engine and
deck departments
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Woods
continued to work for the same
company throughout his career. He
lives in Foley, Alabama.
JOHN ZENTS
Brother John Zents, 64, joined
the SIU in 1974 when he worked
for Moran Towing of Maryland.
He sailed in the engine department and remained with the same
company for his entire career.
Brother Zents makes his home in
Baltimore.
NMU
RODOLFO AGUSTIN
Brother Rodolfo Agustin, 65,
signed on with the union in 2001.
He sailed with
the NMU prior
to the SIU/NMU
merger. Brother
Agustin sailed
in the engine department. He is a
resident of Chula
Vista, California.
JOEL EDWARDS
Brother Joel Edwards, 66, became
a member of the SIU in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. He was
an engine department member and
first sailed aboard the Cape Horn.
Brother Edwards’ last vessel was
the Maersk Nebraska. He is a resident of Brooklyn, New York.
PILAR HERNANDEZ
Brother Pilar Hernandez, 79,
joined the SIU in 2001 during the
SIU/NMU merger. He was a deck
department member and last sailed
aboard the Argonaut. Brother
Hernandez lives in Catano, Puerto
Rico.
Brother Peter Madden, 62, donned
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
PATRICK CARROLL
Brother Patrick Carroll, 51,
died May 5. He joined the SIU
in 1991, sailing first on the Gus
W. Darnell. An engine department member, Brother Carroll
last sailed aboard the Mykonos.
He made his home in Cypress,
Texas.
ELEX CARY
Pensioner Elex Cary, 85,
passed away May 31. He became an SIU
member in 1966
when he sailed
aboard the Mt.
Vernon Victory.
A deck department member,
Brother Cary last
sailed on the Enterprise. He
went on pension in 1998 and
lived in Milpitas, California.
RICKEY CAVENDER
Pensioner Rickey Cavender,
62, died May 15. Signing on
with the Seafarers in 1970,
Brother Cavender first shipped
with Michigan
Tankers. He was
a member of the
engine department and last
sailed aboard the
Thompson Pass.
Brother Cavender started collecting his pension in 2007 and
called San Pedro, California,
home.
EUGENE CIPULLO
Pensioner Eugene Cipullo,
89, passed away April 8. He
started sailing
with the SIU in
1969 when he
shipped on the
Red Arrow. An
engine department member,
Brother Cipullo
last sailed aboard
the John Paul Bobo. He retired
in 1994 and settled in Largo,
Florida.
ROY CONN
Pensioner Roy Conn, 80, died
April 27. He began his career
with the SIU in
1992, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Assertive. Brother
Conn shipped in
the deck department and last
sailed on the Jack Lummus. He
became a pensioner in 2006
and resided in Fort Worth,
Texas.
18 Seafarers LOG
GARY DOYEN
Pensioner Gary Doyen, 76,
passed away May 18. He signed
on with the Seafarers in 1967,
initially sailing on the Commander. An engine department
member, Brother Doyen last
sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. He began collecting his
pension in 2007 and made his
home in Downey, California.
SAMUEL ESHUN
Brother Samuel Eshun, 69,
died May 6. Born in Ghana,
he became an SIU member in
2004. Brother Eshun’s first vessel was the Cape Diamond. He
shipped in all three departments
and most recently sailed on the
Maersk Sentosa. He called East
Orange, New Jersey, home.
ALFONSO GARCIA
Pensioner Alfonso Garcia, 74,
passed away May 9. He joined
the union in
1985 when he
sailed aboard the
Constitution. A
deck department
member, Brother
Garcia last sailed
on the Endurance. He became
a pensioner in 2010 and lived in
Pico Rivera, California.
JOHN HOPKINS
Brother John Hopkins, 92, died
March 27. Born in Oklahoma, he
donned the SIU colors in 1979
when he shipped on the President Adams. Brother Hopkins
worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the
Rover in 1999. He lived in Portland, Oregon.
RAYMOND JONES
Pensioner Raymond Jones, 71,
passed away May 17. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1969, initially
sailing on the
Hattiesburg Victory. Brother
Jones was a steward department
member and concluded his career on the Richard
G. Matthiesen. He retired in
2008 and settled in Haines City,
Florida.
CLIFTON MAINERS
Pensioner Clifton Mainers, 96,
died May 22. He joined the
union in 1955
when he worked
for Z Maritime
Operations. An
engine department
member, Brother
Mainers last
sailed aboard the
Puerto Rico. He retired in 1982
and lived in Pinson, Tennessee.
JOAQUIN PASSAPERA
Pensioner Joaquin Passapera, 78,
passed away June 5. He began
his career with
the SIU in 1962,
initially working
with Waterman
Steamship Corporation. Brother
Passapera sailed
in the deck department. He last
shipped on the Perseverance
before retiring in 1999. Brother
Passapera was a resident of Humacao, Puerto Rico.
LAWRENCE ROSE
Pensioner Lawrence Rose, 84,
died March 29. Initially sailing
on the Cape Horn, he joined the
SIU in 1990. Brother Rose was
an engine department member
and last sailed on the Harry
Martin. He went on pension in
2005 and made his home in Melbourne, Florida.
KYLE SCHULTZ
Pensioner Kyle Schultz, 59, passed
away June 8. He donned the SIU
colors in 1978, first sailing on the
Great Land. Brother Schultz was a
deck department member. He last
shipped on the Ocean Crescent
and became a pensioner in 2016.
Brother Schultz resided in Livingston, Texas.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS
Pensioner William Williams, 77,
died June 3. He joined the union
in 1964, initially sailing with
McAllister Towing of Virginia.
Brother Williams primarily
sailed in the engine department
and concluded his career on the
Stonewall Jackson. He went on
pension in 2006 and settled in
Dupont, Louisiana.
HOWARD YAEKEL
Pensioner Howard Yaekel, 78,
died May 15. Born in Brooklyn,
New York, he
became an SIU
member in 1961.
Brother Yaekel
was a deck department member and
first shipped on
the Steel Artisan.
He retired in 2001
after sailing on his final vessel,
the Quality. Brother Yaekel lived
in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
GREAT LAKES
DONALD GIMPEL
Pensioner Donald Gimpel,
84, passed away April 13. He
embarked on his SIU career in
1967, when he worked for Price
Brothers. Brother
Gimpel was last
employed with
Great Lakes Towing before his retirement in 2001.
He resided in Duluth, Minnesota.
MERTON LYONS
Pensioner Merton Lyons, 92,
died June 7. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 and first sailed
with Inland Lakes Management.
Brother Lyons was a deck department member. He concluded
his career on the Steel T. Crapo
and became a pensioner in 1992.
Brother Lyons made his home in
Alpena, Michigan.
INLAND
JOHN DANIELS
Pensioner John Daniels, 76,
passed away
April 24. He
joined the SIU
in 1961 when
he shipped with
Interstate Oil.
Brother Daniels
last worked for
IBC Company before going
on pension in 2005. He was a
resident of Belhaven, North
Carolina.
WILLIAM MEYER
Pensioner William Meyer, 70,
died May 16. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1985
when he worked for Sheridan
Transportation. Brother Meyer
sailed in the deck department
and remained with the same
company for the duration of his
career. He became a pensioner
in 2011 and resided in Dania
Beach, Florida.
TED MILLIGAN
Pensioner Ted Milligan, 86,
died April 13.
He signed on
with the union
in 1961, initially
sailing with
Bethlehem Steel.
Brother Milligan
last sailed aboard
the Lemmerhirt.
He became a pensioner in 1995
and lived in Brimley, Michigan.
ANTHONY NOCELLA
Pensioner Anthony Nocella, 91,
passed away May 18. He began
sailing with the SIU in 1961
when he worked for P.F. Martin.
Brother Nocella last shipped
with McAllister Towing of
Philadelphia. He retired in 1989
and settled in Haddonfield, New
Jersey.
WILLIAM SHUBERT
Pensioner William Shubert, 87,
died May 19. He embarked on
SIU career in 1973 when he
worked for National Marine
Service. Brother Shubert was a
deck department member. He
continued to work for the same
company until he became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Shubert
lived in Bessemer City, North
Carolina.
JAMES WOODS
Pensioner James Woods, 65,
passed away May 19. He joined
the union in 1994,
first working
for Piney Point
Transportation.
Brother Woods
worked in the engine department
and last sailed
with Allied Transportation. He went on pension
in 2012 and made his home in
Charlotte County, Virginia.
NMU
GEORGE MORAN
Pensioner George Moran, 84,
died May 2. Born in Baltimore,
he was an NMU member before
the 2001 SIU/NMU merger.
Brother Moran began collecting
his pension in 1990 and was a
resident of Jacksonville, Florida.
EDWARD QUIGLEY
Pensioner Edward Quigley, 76,
passed away May 16. He sailed
with the NMU prior to the 2001
merger with Seafarers International
Union. He retired in 1999 and lived
in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
FRANCIS WOJCIK
Pensioner Francis Wojcik, 86,
died May 19. Born in Maryland,
he shipped as a member of the
NMU before the SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Wojcik became
a pensioner in 1993 and resided
in Bel Air, Maryland.
In addition to the foregoing
individuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.
Name
Age
Aguilar, Donald
82
Alonzo, Julio
98
Burton, Earl
91
Chisholm, Davis
77
Cross, Alvin
79
Cruz, Jaime
99
Gaines, Paul
90
Garcia, Francisco
96
Gibbs, Arthur
90
Goodo, Henry
85
Konieczny, Peter
92
Ladd, Leon
86
Thompson, Roland 78
DOD
06/07/2019
06/24/2018
05/18/2019
07/18/2018
05/24/2019
05/27/2019
05/16/2019
05/06/2019
06/01/2019
06/05/2019
05/17/2019
04/12/2019
05/26/2019
July 2019
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
ENDURANCE (TOTE), March
14 – Chairman Dominic Marco,
Secretary Robert Davis, Deck
Delegate Richard Grubbs, Engine
Delegate Benjamin Stanley, Steward Delegate Sandra Vann. Crew
discussed old business including
December visit from SIU representative during vessel’s last arrival in
Jacksonville, Florida. Union representative found no issues. Chairman went over new working rules
regarding duties assigned while
on watch. Duties will be assigned
as master deems necessary and
during regular shift, not overtime.
Secretary advised members to use
ship computer to get on SIU website to find new postings regarding
jobs, medical requirements, or
documentation. He reminded crew
to replace linen when leaving the
vessel. Educational director urged
members to check expiration dates
of documents and to upgrade often
at Piney Point. Crew brainstormed
ways to spend ship’s fund and
mentioned purchasing two bicycles
and tire repair kits. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members ask
for company provided work gear
or reimbursement for work gear.
Crew noted lack of Wi-Fi availability. Members requested upgrades
to computers and entertainment
system. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done. Members expressed gratitude to counter
staff at hiring halls. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas.
USNS STOCKHAM (Crowley),
March 16 – Chairman Munassar Ahmed, Secretary Shanita
Flachbart, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate
Ethan Mims. Chairman advised
crew to have all current documents
and shipping cards upon arrival
to vessel. Secretary reminded
members to wipe their feet when
entering the house. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew discussed travel reimbursements,
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The
minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
ventilation repairs and costs of
transporting baggage to vessel.
They requested new contents for
vending machine as well as a new
coffee maker. Crew requested new
washing machine, microwaveable
covers for plates, and bikes to ride
to and from gate. Members would
like fewer days to be required in
order to qualify for pension. Next
port: South Korea.
Celebrating New Tonnage
HORIZON RELIANCE (Pasha),
April 6 – Chairman Kissinfor
Taylor, Secretary Mark Cabasag,
Educational Director Jason Powell.
Chairman discussed new policy
regarding random drug testing. Secretary suggested crew renew their
documents six months ahead of
expiration. He reminded everyone to
keep rooms clean for oncoming crew.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Piney Point.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
HORIZON PACIFIC (Pasha),
April 9 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Donald Irvine, Educational Director Thomas Flynn,
Deck Delegate Antjuan Webb,
Steward Delegate Mercurion
Abuan. Chairman commended
crew for a job well done bringing
the ship out of the yard. Educational director reminded members
of necessary LNG course for new
generation ships and encouraged
them to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requests availability of satellite and Wi-Fi aboard
ship. Members were thanked for
cleaning up the ship safely. Next
Port: Oakland, California.
LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty
Maritime), April 21 – Chairman
David Campbell, Secretary Abraham Mills, Steward Delegate
Nilsa Manaiza. Crew was thanked
for a safe voyage. Ship payoff will
be at next port. Steward department was thanked for keeping the
The SIU helped welcome Matson’s new containership Kaimana Hila on May 3 during a reception in
Seattle. Pictured from left are ACU Saleh Sewileh, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Matson CEO
Matt Cox, Shoregang Bosun Steve Ackley, Chief Cook Alberto Insong and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.
ship clean and for their cooperation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged crew
to go to SIU meetings for updated
information. Members expressed
gratitude to SIU President Mike
Sacco for a great job leading the
way to excellent contract. Crew
requested pensioners be given a
cost of living increase every two
years. They would like an increase
in vacation pay and vacation days.
Members request availability of
Wi-Fi and satellite phone on ship.
Replacement DVD player needed
for crew. Vote of thanks given to
steward department for good food.
Next Port: Freeport, Texas.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
July 2019
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution
are available in all union halls. All members
should obtain copies of this constitution so
as to familiarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other member or
officer is attempting to deprive him or her of
any constitutional right or obligation by any
methods, such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the member
so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct, the
member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within
30 days of the contribution for investigation
and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political
and social interests, and American trade union
concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date
Completion
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
Junior Engineer September 28 November 22
Machinist October 19 November 8
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
FOWT August 17 September 13
October 12 November 8
Marine Electrician August 10 October 4
Able Seafarer Deck
August 17
September 13
Marine Refer Tech July 13 August 23
October 12 November 8
Pumpman July 20 July 26
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who November 9 November 15
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Welding July 20 August 9
Office for further details.
August 17 September 6
ARPA September 28 October 4
Bosun Recertification July 20 August 5
Crane Familiarization
October 5
October 11
ECDIS September 21 September 27
November 16 November 22
Fast Rescue Boat July 20 July 26
August 17 August 23
September 14 October 4
October 19 November 8
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Galley Operations
September 21
October 18
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start July 15.
Chief Steward July 27 September 13
October 19 December 6
Galley Operations July 20 August 16
GMDSS July 20 August 2 September 14 October 11
August 31 September 13
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
July 20
July 26
Lifeboat July 27 August 9
August 3 August 9
August 24 September 6
September 21 October 4
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 July 13
July 19
October 19 November 1
July 27 August 2
November 16 November 29
December 14 December 27
Safety Upgrading Courses
Radar Observer September 14 September 27
Basic Training/Basic FF July 13 July 19
July 27 August 2
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11
November 9 December 6
100 Ton Master September 7 September 27
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
July 13
July 26
BAPO July 20 August 16
September 14 October 11
November 9 December 6
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
Basic Training Revalidation
July 26
July 26
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
September 14
September 20
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
August 17
August 23
Government Vessels July 27 August 2
August 17 August 23
Medical Care Provider
August 24
August 30
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
July 27
August 2
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
July 20
July 26
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax
to (301) 994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
7/19
July 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #848
– Graduated March 22 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Thomas Bateman,
Roche Aurea Bonita, A’trenique Tramani
Deamus, Jalen Jaquan Denson, Susha
Dore, Jason Hill, Christian Kalinowski,
Chauncey Kukahiko, Deshante Luchien,
Tyler Maddox, Shawn McDowell, Corey
Reseburg, Lydia Robinson, Randy Slue,
Calvettta Taylor, Anthony Timmson-Brown
and Joel Williams.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered
for classes at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places.
Junior Engineer (Basic Refrigeration) – Graduated February 22 (above, in alphabetical order):
Patrick Dean, Vincent Freeman, Deondre Gardner, Arvin Tarroza Heras and Yves Mbuiti Nsuami.
Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right.
RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven
Ellis Jr., Joshua Gail, Jamel Smith and Lucas Tiderman. Upon the completion of
their training, each plans to work in the deck department of SIU-contracted vessels.
BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): William Alston III, Toren Bolden, Joshua Nino Bonita, Daveyon Burton, Micah Champion, Keilah Freeman,
Marcel Gordon, Darius Jackson-Jordon, Dequan Joe, Brady Martin, Ivan Meza, Orion Milazzo, Kirk Puchert, Quinton Sashington, Betram Solomon Jr., Anias Stanford and Demario
Walter. Each plans to work in the engine department aboard union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training.
July 2019
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Government Vessels –
Graduated February 15
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): James Abilad,
Barry Bettis, Roni Anival
Castillo, Juan Amilcar
Colon, Deirick Coltrane II,
Daniel Davenport, Dominic
Gilmartin, Eric Jackson,
Mahare Kidane, Stephen
Martin, Jeffrey Nicholson,
Guiomar Rancel, Jameel
Robinson, Ben Skuban
and Eric Williams. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)
MSC Storekeeper – Graduated February 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jason Bentz,
Carlos Enrique Gibbons, Enchantress Charmaine Johnson, Paul Klear, Demarkus Antoine McNabb, Robert Resurreccion, Douglas Vaughn and Beverly Williams. Instructor
Matthew Rogers is at the far left.
Small Arms – Graduated February 15 (above, starting second from left): Brett Van Pelt,
Abraham Dionela Tunguia and Will Jordan. Instructors John Thomas and Leonard Wayne
Johnson Jr. are at the far left and far right, respectively.
Tankship Familiarization
DL – Graduated February 22
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Barry Bettis, Joel
Boyd, Roni Anival Castillo,
Dominic Gilmartin, Maurice Henry Jr., Hussein Kareem Howe, Niven Hurlston,
Eric Jackson, Christopher
McAfee, Thomas McClure
Jr., Jason Newsham, Jeffrey
Nicholson, Atm Zahid Reza,
Lamont Robinson, Darryl Roundtree, Wilson Ruiz,
Tyler Unkle, Oscar Vencer,
Travis Williams Sr., and Eric
Williams. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Francisco Mecator Amada, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Jarrett Andrews Jr., Sandra Baker, Nahun Moises
Bernardez Bernard, Albert Chandradat Bharrat, Jack Boscia, Charles Villamia Catunao, Richard Dogcio Digman, Danilo Cabrera Fullante, Tyrone Hernandez, Nadzeya Mikhailovna
Kuptsova, Ruthellen McDonough, Jessie Azurin Parente, Kyle Parson, Rolly Aguilar Pascua, Casey Pearson, Antonio Rico Bragado, Wilson Ruiz, Jakeem Montreal-Rashad Simmons
and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo.
22 Seafarers LOG
July 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Operations) – Graduated October 5 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Alexandra Erickson, Paisami Gay, Daniel Howard, Lamarai Jones, Shadonna
Jones, EsStonia Moore, Eugenia
Porter,
Noah Susumu SantiagoBasic Self-Unloading – Graduated
February Lareesa
8 (photo at left,
in alphabetical
Stephens,
Warren,
Jessica
order): Desmon Graham, Maeen Abdulla
Williams,
Kendra
and
Jinah, Allen
Ludlow,Williams
Amer Mousa,
Mo-Jarid
hamed Omer, Tyrone Wilson and Husam
Wilson.
Ali Mohamed Yahya. Instructor Don Jaegle
is at the far left.
Advanced Self-Unloading – Graduated February 15 (above, in alphabetical order):
Douglas Bellmore, Justin Bellmore, Allen Ludlow and Tyrone Simmons. Class instructor
Don Jaegle is at the far right.
BAPO – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Rodney Holmes, Joshua
Kraynak, Lawrence Mills Jr., Tracy Mitchell Jr., Chanel Peters, Marcelino Jose Santos
Bermeo and Jessica Valentin. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Christopher King, Antonio Mendez Cruz, Carlos Hugo
Sanchez and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated February 22
(above, from left): John Kenneth De Borja Panuelos, Aaron Helton-Cox and Curtis Snow.
July 2019
alphabetical order): Tommy BelWilliams.
Galley Ops – Phase III Apprentice Myles Otis
(above) graduated from this course March 1. Upon
the completion of his training, he plans to work in the
steward department of SIU-contracted vessels.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated February 8 (above, in alphabetical order): James Abilad, Sergio Nunez Castellanos, Oscar Anibal Gomez, Derrick Moore, Donald Spangler and Edward Echague Villanda.
Seafarers LOG 23
Galley Operations – Graduated October 5 (above, from left): Stevon Taylor, Porcia Johnson and Tuliga Fuega.
�VOLUME 81, NO. 7
JULY 2019
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
The Gianella (left in photo at left) performs an historic underway replenishment in 1992 with the aircraft
carrier USS Independence. In the photo above, the Gianella (right) assists the USCGC Polar Sea (left)
on a supply mission to Antarctica in 2002.
USNS Lawrence Gianella Completes Final Voyage
The last of the T-5 petroleum tankers, the
U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC)-owned,
Ocean Ships-operated USNS Lawrence H.
Gianella has completed its final mission for the
U.S. Navy. The SIU-crewed vessel sailed to
Norfolk, Virginia, as part of National Maritime
Day, bringing the tanker’s storied history to a
close. The vessel was crewed by SIU members
in all three departments.
The final crew of the USNS Gianella included Captain Robert J. Mills III, Chief Mate
Robert Grove, 2nd Mate Tian Chi, 3rd Mate
Dillon Davidson, 3rd Mate Jeffrey Harcq,
Bosun Nicholas Hoffman, ABG Owen Hammond, ABG Lionel Hall, ABG Lloyd La
Beach, ABG Matthew Furlong, ABG Adam
Ropp, Chief Eng. Daniel Lee, 1st Asst. Engineer Jonathan Miller, 2nd Asst. Eng. Charlie
Umali, Pumpman Richard Lawson, QMED
Bernard Smalls, QMED Samuel Sanders
Jr., DEU Eric Jackson, DEU Shawn Smith,
Chief Steward Michael Sanders Jr., Chief
Cook Linda McPhetridge, GSU Rhonda
Williams and GSU Brandon E. Bob.
ABG Hall remarked, “She was a great ship,
and we’re sad to see her go. It’s weird being
on a ship that’s about to get mothballed, sort of
like putting a great old car out to pasture. We
all figure with a spit shine and a fresh coat of
paint, she’d be sailing another 40 years.”
Chief Steward Sanders Jr. said that although
the vessel’s service life is ending, “The galley
was still nice. The galley and the mess halls
were in great shape, not at all out of date.”
Sanders added, “We were able to attend
the Maritime Day event in Norfolk, Virginia,
thanks to the company (Ocean Ships). That
was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to be there
with the ship serving as the background, and
see the vessel off.”
Christened in 1986, the USNS Gianella’s
primary role has been to perform point-to-point
delivery of petroleum products to Department
of Defense storage and distribution facilities
worldwide. A 615-foot tanker, the Gianella had
a capacity of 237,766 barrels and a top speed
of 16 knots.
“USNS Lawrence H. Gianella is the last
and longest-serving U.S. government-owned
champion class T-5 tanker,” said Matthew
Sweeney, MSC tanker project officer. “As the
longest-serving T-5 Tanker she moved more
petroleum for the U.S. military than any other
vessel in U.S. military history.”
“USNS Lawrence H. Gianella was the last
of five T-5 tankers built,” said Capt. Mills III,
USNS Lawrence H. Gianella’s ship master
since 1998. “The Gianella is a liaison between
commercial petroleum terminals and Department of Defense fuel facilities around the
world.”
The other T-5 tankers in the U.S. Navy’s
inventory were the SIU-crewed MV Gus. W.
Darnell, USNS Paul Buck, USNS Richard G.
Matthiesen and USNS Samuel L. Cobb.
The vessel has a long and interesting history, all involving SIU crews since the ship
was christened. The Gianella has provided
direct support to U.S. troops in multiple wars,
performed notable rescues at sea, and took part
in almost countless military exercises.
Additionally, “USNS Lawrence H. Gianella
is fitted with reinforced framing on the hull
which allowed us to sail through icy waters to
support the annual resupply missions Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica and Operation
Pacer Goose at Thule Air Base, Greenland, in
the Arctic,” said Mills. “We have supported a
total of 11 of these missions.”
The ship earned a passage in the U.S.
military’s book of “first times” when a successful underway replenishment operation
was completed with the aircraft carrier USS
Independence in the Persian Gulf in 1992. The
port-side-to-starboard-side fuel transfers while
underway, which took place in late July, is
believed to be the first time a civilian-operated
tanker replenished a combatant ship of this
class under operational conditions, according
to a statement issued by the U.S. Navy’s chief
of information.
The Gianella was involved in a rescue in
2007, saving the lives of 13 Cuban refugees
whose boat had suffered engine failure in the
Gulf of Mexico. The rescued men and women
were given medical attention, and fed and
housed by the crew of the Gianella until they
were transferred over to a Coast Guard boat.
However, the vessel has primarily served in
military operations throughout its history. It is
capable of providing underway replenishmentat-sea services with combatants using the
modular fuel distribution system (MFDS), according to Sweeney.
“During the Iran-Iraq War in 1988, USNS
Lawrence H. Gianella supported U.S. fleet and
convoy operations in the Gulf of Oman and
Persian Gulf by providing fuel consolidation
CONSOL) support to MSC fleet oilers,” Sweeney said. “The ship also provided CONSOL
and petroleum logistics support for Operation
Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
Freedom.”
“While in the MSC inventory, USNS Lawrence H. Gianella has incurred minimal down
time and its length of time in service is a testament to how well this ship was built,” said
Mills. “We have typically been crewed by 23
civilian mariners and occasionally travel with
two maritime academy cadets.
“We, the crew of USNS Lawrence H.
Gianella, feel very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to serve aboard this ship,” Mills
concluded. “Serving aboard this ship has been
very much like serving with family.”
Upon deactivation, the USNS Lawrence
H. Gianella will be placed in layup in coastal
Texas.
The final crew of the USNS Lawrence H. Gianella
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
Source
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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2010-2019
Dublin Core
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Title
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July 2019
Description
An account of the resource
Headlines:
AMP UNDERSCORES MARITIME'S POSITIVE IMPACTS ON ALASKA, WASHINGTON STATE
SIU MEMBERS RATIFY PENN MARITIME PACT
SIU APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF 'MARITIME HEROES'
BUILDING NAMED IN HONOR OF LATE SIU VP JOHN FAY
NY WATERWAY CREW RESCUES HELICOPTER PILOT
CONGRESSMAN BABIN BACKS JONES ACT
COAST GUARD ISSUES NEW RADAR OBSERVER RULE
SHBP AWARDS $132,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
SIU ASST. VP CHESTER 'CHET' WHEELER RETIRES
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY CELEBRATED COAST TO COAST
USNS MAURY COMPLETES WHIRLWIND VOYAGE VIA PANAMA CANAL
SIU CELEBRATES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY IN NATION'S CAPITAL
CULINARY 2.0 AVAILABLE AT PAUL HALL CENTER
USNS LAWRENCE GIANELLA COMPLETES FINAL VOYAGE
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Seafarers Log
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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7/1/2019
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Text
Identifier
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Vol. 81, No. 7
2019
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
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MARCH 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 3
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU Jobs Secure Aboard
USNS Montford Point,
USNS John Glenn
Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. recently was awarded an operating contract for
the U.S. military support ships USNS Montford Point (above) and USNS
John Glenn. If all options are exercised, the agreement will last until November 2024. The SIU-contracted company already operates both vessels
for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Page 3. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Burghart)
SIU President Addresses AMO Board
SIU President Michael Sacco
last month spoke to the executive board of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers
(AMO) in Dania Beach, Florida.
He is at center in photo at the immediate right, with AMO National
President Paul Doell (left) and
Second Assistant Engineer Gregory Shepard, an SIU hawsepiper.
The photo below includes Sacco
(front row, second from right), SIU
Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (back row,
second from right) and former SIU
members who are current AMO members or officials (from left) AMO East
Coast Representative Todd Christensen; AMO National Vice President,
Deep Sea, Joe Gremelsbacker; AMO National Executive Vice President
Mike Finnigan; Chief Mate Jennifer Senner; AMO National Vice President,
Inland Waters, Danny Robichaux; and Captain Timothy English.
Labor Mobilizes to Support Gov’t Workers
The SIU and the Maritime Trades
Department, AFL-CIO, joined with
many other labor organizations to
assist workers during the recent
government shutdown that ended
in late January. In photo above,
Seafarers in Oakland, California,
gather food donations for U.S.
Coast Guard personnel. The other
photo shows SIU members in Honolulu, Hawaii, demonstrating in
support of workers who went without pay for weeks. Coverage starts
on Page 2.
Piney Point Update
Page 5
Great Lakes Towing
Page 8
Members React to New San Juan Hall
Page 12
�President’s Report
Power of Solidarity
Both during the recent government shutdown and throughout the
teachers’ strike in Los Angeles, union members showed the enduring
power of collective action and solidarity. Grassroots mobilization,
standing up for the truth, and having each other’s backs led to positive
outcomes in both cases.
Community outreach across the country also proved very uplifting, and unions were very involved in those efforts as well. Specifically concerning the shutdown, I’m proud of SIU
members and our union collectively for making
donations, rallying, and simply offering encouraging words along the way. In some cases, we were
reaching out to our own: NOAA crews who are
part of the SIU Government Services Division.
Both the successful strike and the rank-andfile pressure that led to ending the shutdown
underscored that when we stick together, we win
together, as AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka
often puts it. That’s a good lesson to remember
Michael Sacco
as we move forward in protecting workers’ rights
and reminding folks about the power of collective
action.
America Needs the Jones Act
Since the founding of our country, America’s Merchant Mariners
have answered the nation’s call – no matter how big the task, no matter when. These men and women, including our own Seafarers, are
America’s fourth arm of defense.
On the books for nearly a century, the Jones Act helps ensure that
the United States will have world-class American mariners ready and
available at a moment’s notice to crew U.S.-flag ships around the
world. We saw that in Puerto Rico when Jones Act vessels arrived
within hours of the Port of San Juan reopening after Hurricane Maria.
We saw that when U.S.-flagged vessels with American crews who had
sailed aboard Jones Act ships along the coasts and on the Great Lakes
formed a steel bridge of supplies to U.S. armed forces during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. We saw that in 2009 when
Jones Act crews immediately rescued passengers and crew after a US
Airways jet had an emergency landing in the Hudson River.
The Jones Act serves and protects our country. Anyone who says
otherwise either doesn’t know the facts or has an agenda that’s contrary to the best interests of the United States of America.
Keep that in mind as the misguided attacks against our nation’s
freight cabotage law continue.
Maritime Trades Department
As of this writing, the Maritime Trades Department is preparing for
the winter meeting of its executive board. We’ll have full coverage in
next month’s LOG.
If you’re new to the SIU or otherwise not completely familiar
with the MTD, it’s a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO – and
it’s one of our most important affiliations. The MTD, of which I also
serve as president, has 23 affiliated unions with a combined membership of around 5 million. The MTD also has a network of 21 port
maritime councils that function a lot like central labor councils or area
labor federations. The port councils (who were among the organizations stepping up to support furloughed workers) help provide American and Canadian maritime workers with a strong grassroots presence
in port and coastal cities and towns across both nations.
Like our association with the AFL-CIO, the SIU’s affiliation with
the MTD is a vital tool for amplifying our voice when we’re standing
up for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, workers’ rights and more. It gives us a greater chance of success
for revitalizing and maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, and
that’s why we proudly align with this indispensable department.
Members of Congress meet with workers at the SIU hall in Honolulu. Standing in back, starting fourth from
right, are Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Ed Case.
SIU, MTD Support Furloughed Workers
Organizations Donate, Demonstrate During Historic Shutdown
Unions were undeterred during a 35-day federal
government shutdown that ended in late January.
During that unprecedented closure, SIU members
and officials as well as representatives from several
port councils affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, energetically supported many
of the 800,000 employees who were either temporarily out of work or were told to work even though their
paychecks weren’t forthcoming. The SIU and MTD
teamed up with donations to fellow union members,
Coast Guard personnel and other government workers. They also participated in demonstrations in the
nation’s capital; in Honolulu, Hawaii; and elsewhere.
The SIU utilized its Disaster Aid Fund to assist
members of the union’s Government Services Division who sail with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Many members
relayed their thanks via emails to SIU Government
Services Division Vice President Kate Hunt.
One member wrote, “Thank you! Can’t tell you
how much this helps. It also helps remind folks that
the rougher things are, the more they need the union.”
Another NOAA mariner said, “Thank you for
supporting the members in this time of need!”
Honolulu was an especially active area for the
SIU during the shutdown. The SIU hosted multiple
food drives in addition to welcoming members of
Congress for informal discussions. Those members
included U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D), U.S. Sen.
Brian Schatz (D), U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D) and U.S.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D), who were on hand at the
hiring hall Jan. 18 to listen to workers and discuss
their concerns.
Many other labor organizations were involved in
the effort in Hawaii, including the State AFL-CIO,
AFGE, Teamsters Local 996, IBEW 1260, HGEA,
MM&P, MEBA, MFOW, and the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council.
Seafarers in Oakland, California, put together
a food drive for Coast Guard personnel, while the
Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council,
SIU, Port Everglades Association and Port Everglades Pilots donated gift cards and other items to
Coast Guard members in that area.
Although the threat of another shutdown in midFebruary loomed as of press time, the AFL-CIO and
many pundits credited rank-and-file workers and
their unions for ending the longest federal stoppage
Continued on Page 4
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 81 Number 3
March 2019
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Piney Point Photographer, Harry
Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content
Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Seafarers and other volunteers at the hiring hall in Honolulu, Hawaii, prepare food for delivery to furloughed
workers.
2 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
�A U.S. Marine Corps truck drives off a ramp during exercise Pacific Horizon 2017 aboard the
SIU-crewed USNS John Glenn. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roxanna Gonzalez)
A military vehicle with a trailer (toward center of photo) drives up a ramp from one SIUcrewed ship (the USNS John Glenn, right) to another (USNS Dahl) during an exercise
in the Pacific in 2017. (U.S. Marnie Corps photo by Sgt. Rodion Zabolotniy)
Ocean Ships Inc. Awarded ESD Contract
Union Jobs Secure Aboard USNS Montford Point, USNS John Glenn
Seafarers will continue sailing aboard
two expeditionary transfer dock (ESD)
vessels, following a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD).
The DOD on Jan. 25 reported that
SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.
has been selected to continue operating
the USNS Montford Point and the USNS
John Glenn for up to five-and-a-half
years. Ocean Shipholdings already operates both of those ships for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The newly
awarded contract features a base period
of one year, four 12-month option periods and a six-month option. If all options
are exercised, the agreement will last until
November 2024.
“This announcement is a credit to SIU
crews and to Ocean Shipholdings,” stated
SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker.
“The ships themselves as well as the mariners who crew them are vital to America’s
sealift capabilities. With this agreement, our
members can look forward to solid opportu-
nities for ongoing job security.”
The ESD ships (built by union shipyard workers) originally were called mobile landing platforms. According to the
Navy, an ESD “is a highly flexible ship
that provides logistics movement from
sea to shore supporting a broad range of
military operations. ESD-class ships leverage an existing commercial design of
the Alaska-class crude oil carrier built
by General Dynamics National Steel and
Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), to
ensure design stability and low developmental costs. These ships operate within
Maritime Prepositioning Ship squadrons
as mobile sea bases or as the component
commander requires providing the U.S.
Navy fleet with a critical access infrastructure that supports the flexible deployment of forces and supplies.”
The vessels are 785 feet long and have
164-foot beams. They can sail at 15 knots
and feature “commercial diesel electric
propulsion,” according to MSC. The
agency also notes that both ships “utilize
float-on/float-off technology and a reconfigurable mission deck to maximize
capability. Additionally, the ships’ size al-
The USNS Montford Point (front) performs a skin-to-skin maneuver with another SIUcrewed ship, the USNS Fred W. Stockham, in 2016 near South Korea. (U.S. Navy photo
by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madailein Abbott)
Port Council Planning in Puerto Rico
Union representatives gather at the new SIU hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 22 to continue launch plans for
the new Maritime Trades Department Port Council for the territory. Attendees included Puerto Rico AFL-CIO President
Jose Rodriguez-Baez of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Capt. Eduardo Iglesias of the
Masters, Mates and Pilots; Andres Lloret, president, UFCW Local 481; Carlos Marrero, president, Local 901 Teamsters of
Puerto Rico; Carlos Sanchez, president, Local 1740 Longshoreman; and SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (far left). Many
topics were covered, including the ongoing need to promote facts about the direct, positive impact of the Jones Act on
Puerto Rico. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for late February.
March 2019
lows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and
equipment stowage space and 380,000
gallons of JP-5 fuel storage.”
U.S.-Flag Great
Lakes Fleet Finishes
2018 on Strong Note
U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters, many of
them featuring SIU crews, carried 8.5 million tons of cargo in December, an increase
of 17.5 percent compared to a year ago, the
Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) reported.
Driving the surge was a 16-percent increase
in iron ore cargos. Limestone and coal cargos
also registered increases, 31 and 19.5 percent,
respectively.
For the year, U.S.-flag lakers carried 83.7
million tons of cargo, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared to 2017, according to the LCA.
Iron ore cargos totaled 45.8 million tons, a decrease of 0.4 percent.
“That the iron ore total essentially pulled
even with 2017 is noteworthy; the delays that
resulted from heavy ice in March and April
had the trade 16 percent off 2017’s pace at
the end of April,” the association noted in late
January. “In fact, the U.S. and Canadian Coast
Guards continued to break ice in Whitefish
Bay at the eastern end of Lake Superior and
the St. Mary’s River that connects Lake Superior to the lower four Great Lakes into May.”
Coal cargos totaled 11.8 million tons, a decrease of 11.4 percent. Limestone loadings approached 22 million tons, an increase of 1.9
percent.
Seafarers LOG 3
�SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) helps present donations to Coast Guard personnel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Maritime Community, Allies Rally to Aid
Of Workers Hit by Government Closure
Continued from Page 2
in U.S. history. They cited major demonstrations across the country along with working
people regularly contacting their elected representatives.
The federation noted, “After holding federal workers’ paychecks hostage for 35 days,
President Donald Trump finally gave in to
immense nationwide pressure and signed
legislation to reopen the government on
[Jan. 25]. As AFL-CIO President Richard
Trumka (UMWA) said, ‘President Trump
didn’t want to end this shutdown – the collective action of working people demanded
it.’
The federation statement continued,
“From the beginning of this manufactured
crisis, working people throughout the labor
movement and across the country have
fought alongside our 1 million-plus brothers
and sisters going without pay. From a massive rally and march in front of the AFLCIO’s headquarters to actions across the
country, working people took to the streets
to show our solidarity.
“We flooded the halls and lit up the
phones of Congress, to make our voices
heard by those responsible for this debacle,” the AFL-CIO pointed out. “We lifted
up the stories of struggling workers and demanded that politicians do their jobs so we
could do ours. As this shutdown dragged
on – and as workers still wait for back pay
– we stepped up to care for each other in a
time of forced hardship.”
The AFL-CIO communication concluded, “By standing together, working
people got each other through this shutdown. We mobilized, organized and proved
the indispensable value of our labor to
those who have tried to ignore us. Now we
will fight for a long-term government funding bill and legislation to guarantee that all
Seafarers prepare supportive signs at the Honolulu hall.
workers are made whole.”
Union members demonstrate at Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Union Membership Remains
Fairly Steady During 2018
BLS Report Again Shows Union Members Get Better Pay
The yearly report on union membership
from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) showed very little change in 2018.
According to the agency’s report, issued
Jan. 18, membership declined slightly from
2017 to 2018, to a total number of 14.744
million. That’s a decrease of 73,000; union
density in 2018 was 10.5 percent.
The report again reinforced that union
members usually earn more money than their
unrepresented counterparts. Data from the
BLS report shows that in 2018, the median
union worker earned $1,051 per week, compared to $860 for the median non-unionist.
(The median is the point where half of workers are above and half below.)
Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO issued a press
statement in advance of the report that read in
part: “Here’s what the numbers alone won’t
tell you: 2018 was one of the most substantial years for collective action in American
history. The following are some significant
4 Seafarers LOG
ways workers are standing together to improve our workplaces and communities, not
included in today’s report:
Tens of thousands of teachers going on
strike for better pay and stronger schools
in red and blue states, including more than
30,000 currently striking in Los Angeles (the
teachers subsequently won numerous gains
and voted to return to work).
Google workers worldwide walking out
for an end to workplace sexual harassment
and a voice on the job.
UNITE HERE hotel workers taking on
Marriott, the most profitable hotel chain in
the world, and winning higher wages, a safe
work environment and a say on how technology is deployed.
And, working people electing pro-worker
candidates from coast to coast, including
more than 950 union members.
Private-sector union membership is up,
despite the fact that Taft-Hartley, a labor law
rigged to embolden anti-worker employers,
has been on the books for more than 70 years.
Workers from Boeing to JetBlue to Harvard
University won union recognition in 2018.
And 60 million workers – the population of
New York and California combined – would
vote to join a union today if given the chance.
Public sector union membership essentially held steady, despite the Supreme
Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, the case
pundits predicted would be the labor movement’s death knell. In fact, some public sector unions saw membership growth in 2018.
Shortly after Janus was decided, the people
of Missouri overturned “right to work” by
2-1, the first-ever state to repeal this antiworker law by popular vote.
In the face of unprecedented attacks, the
labor movement continues to show tremendous resilience. Public approval of unions is
soaring. And new organizing campaigns in
non-union workplaces are gaining steam.
Give working people a level playing field to
join and form unions and there will be a dramatic spike in membership by the time the
2019 BLS numbers are released.”
Additionally, Mark Gruenberg of Press
Associates pointed out, “The agency reported that a slight majority of union members were in the private sector, 7.577 million,
compared to 7.167 million in the public
sector. The public sector was more heavily
unionized, with one of every three workers – state and local government workers,
teachers, fire fighters, and federal workers –
unionized, compared to one of every 16 (6.4
percent) in the private sector. Teachers and
protective services, each with even higher
percentages, led the way.”
As usual, union members were concentrated in the Northeast, the Great Lakes and
the Pacific Coast states. The most uniondense states last year were Hawaii (23.1 percent), New York (22.3 percent), Washington
(19.8 percent), Alaska (18.5 percent) and
Rhode Island (17.5 percent).
The biggest union numbers BLS calculated were in California (2.405 million, down
87,000 and with 14.7 percent density), New
York (1.872 million, down 145,000, 22.3
percent), Illinois (786,000, down 86,000,
13.8 percent), Pennsylvania (701,000, up
36,000, 12.6 percent), Michigan (625,000,
down 33,000, 14.5 percent), Ohio (639,000,
up 4,000, 12.6 percent) and Washington
(649,000, up 61,000, 19.8 percent).
According to Gruenberg, “Washington
was the biggest numerical gainer, but BLS
calculated many of the other gains were in
the least-unionized area, the South. Florida
(plus 38,000), Georgia and Alabama (plus
28,000 each), Louisiana (plus 11,000) and
South Carolina (plus 3,000) all added union
members.”
March 2019
�QMED Ann Mensch handles some equipment.
QMED Guiomar Rancel inspects a panel. QE4 Michael
Gray is behind him.
QMED Guiomar Rancel works on a refrigerated unit.
PHC Unveils Cutting-Edge Reefer Course
The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education (PHC) is offering a new course in
Advanced Reefer Container Maintenance (ARCM), which replaces the previous course.
Mike Fay, a longtime mariner and electrician, was instrumental in the development of the new course and curriculum.
He’s worked in the industry for over 40 years, much of that
time spent with the Crowley shore gang in the Port of Philadelphia, where he worked with reefer units on a daily basis.
Following last year’s PHC Advisory Board meetings, and
responding to concerns of the industry, the school tapped into
Fay’s knowledge and expertise in this field and asked him to
evaluate and provide input on the ARCM course.
“The new ARCM course is modeled after our training program in use by the Crowley shore gang in the Port of Philadelphia,” he stated. “This is a condensed course, focusing on
unit operating systems and troubleshooting. The old course
has been discarded and completely replaced with training that
is directly in alignment with the job requirements on board
the vessel.”
Fay then addressed some of the specific additions made
to the new course: “We added two more up-to-date reefer
units, which were donated by SIU-contracted ship operators.
In addition, there are now several benchtop microprocessors
and keypads that allow the students to program controllers,
update software and navigate the menu functions.”
PHC Director of Vocational Training and Education
Priscilla Labanowski compared the new course to the previous class, saying, “The course was written with more
hands-on training. We have added additional reefer containers donated from shipping companies to allow for actual
equipment from the ships to be used in our machine shop as
learning tools. This will allow for a better-trained mariner
being able to work under guidance of an instructor here at
the school prior to performing the work required of them
NMC Notices Concerning
Documents, Shutdown
Editor’s note: Following are the most recent communications from the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center
related to the government shutdown. These notices were issued
the night of Jan. 25, after an agreement was reached to reopen
the government. Any additional updates from the NMC will be
shared on the SIU website. Also, the “attached letter” mentioned below is linked on the SIU and NMC sites.
STCW Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown
Due to circumstance of exceptional necessity, the United
States is currently not able to process Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) or related endorsements issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
Pursuant to STCW Article VIII, dispensations may be
granted for continued service for mariners operating on endorsements that expired on or after December 1, 2018, providing a renewal application was submitted to the National
Maritime Center (NMC) and the company applied to the Coast
Guard for dispensation. Requests should be submitted via email to STCWDispensations@uscg.mil and should include
the ship name, IMO number, mariner name, mariner reference
number, capacity per STCW regulations, company name,
company point of contact, and valid mariner e-mail. The Coast
Guard will consider dispensation requests in accordance with
the provisions of STCW Article VIII. If approved, dispensa-
March 2019
on one of our contracted ships.”
“I have shipped for years as an electrician, and found the
following very helpful,” remarked one student who completed
the course, before listing various elements of the curriculum
that they found particularly useful. “Thorough description of
capacity control and economizer operation, a detailed walkthrough of programming and configuration of a controller,
detailed instruction of emergency bypassing of each unit, instruction for manual use and testing of the solenoid values,
and the freeze/chill thresholds and operations.”
PHC Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski stated, “The
school remains committed to improving all of our curriculum,
in order to stay current with industry needs. Consistent with
the physical improvements and additions made to the school,
the Paul Hall Center will continue to provide first-class training at a first-class facility.”
The next course is scheduled to start May 18. Students
must have previously completed the Marine Electrician and
Marine Reefer Tech courses in order to take Advanced Reefer
Container Maintenance.
Electrician Mike Fay (third from right) modifies refrigerated units at the Philly Shipyard.
tions will expire May 31, 2019. Once the STCW dispensation
letter is issued, mariners shall carry the letter and a copy of this
bulletin with the MMC.
Mariners who submitted applications for STCW endorsements prior to December 1, 2018, and are actively working or
seeking employment may contact the NMC.
Medical Certificates are only valid for 3 months from the
expiration date in accordance with STCW Regulation I/9 and
applications are being processed upon receipt.
If you have questions, visit the NMC website, or contact
the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online
chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling
1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Update 3 – Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in Fiscal Year 2019
Appropriations and Partial Government Shutdown
To mitigate the impact caused by the lapse in appropriations and shutdown of National Maritime Center (NMC) operations, the following updated actions are being taken:
Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) and Medical
Certifications (National Endorsements only) that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended as
valid until May 31, 2019. Mariners who are actively working
on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must
carry the expired credential with a copy of the attached letter.
The following items that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended to April 30, 2019:
Additional Information (AI) letters, Qualified Assessor (QA)
letters, Designated Examiner (DE) letters, Proctor approval
letters, Approval to Test (ATT) letters, and mariner training
course certificates.
� For mariners whose 90-day testing cycles were inter-
rupted by Regional Exam Center (REC) closures (starting on
December 26, 2018), the days the RECs were closed will not
count against the 90-day period. REC appointment calendars
will be re-opened once appropriations are restored and RECs
are fully operational.
The NMC understands the partial shutdown may affect our
industry customers and stakeholders and we apologize for any
potential inconvenience.
Dear U.S. Mariner,
Due to the federal government’s partial lapse in appropriations for fiscal year 2019, the Coast Guard is unable to process
mariner credentials in a timely manner. To provide relief to
impacted mariners and under the authority of 46 United States
Code § 7507 and § 7508, the Coast Guard is granting extensions effective immediately to National Endorsements and
Medical Certificates until May 31, 2019, for mariners whose
credentials expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019.
All mariners sailing under the authority of their National
Endorsement(s) should print and retain a copy of this letter
with their Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Medical
Certificate to produce it upon request by the U.S. Coast Guard,
other agencies or officials. The National Maritime Center
(NMC) does not intend to issue any separate or new MMCs to
correspond to this extension for mariners sailing domestically.
This extension does not apply to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) endorsements.
Applications submitted before or during the partial government shutdown will be processed as soon as possible once
the NMC is reopened and is legally authorized to begin operations.
Seafarers LOG 5
�Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts
The union occasionally sends text messages to
Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such
alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to
members’ careers, including important news about
the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry
as a whole. The messages may include alerts about
open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns,
and other time-sensitive bulletins.
The SIU does not charge for this service,
but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s
phone-service plan that they have with their
provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU
text alerts at any time, simply by texting the
word STOP to 97779. To sign up for the alerts,
text the word JOIN to 97779.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs
associated with the receipt by you of such text
messages depending on the cell phone service
plan that you have with your provider. You are
providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be
distributed to anyone else without your express
consent and that this service will not at any time
be used for the purpose of distributing campaign
materials for official elections for union office.
EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE
THROUGH THE HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL!
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship (SHLSS) has partnered with the
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) to offer
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an Associate of Applied Science degree in
Maritime Operations Technology with a
x Associate of Applied Science Degree
concentration in either
x
Nautical Science (Deck department)
x UA courses apply toward the degree
-orx
Marine Engineering (Engine dept.)
x Fully accredited
Students must complete a combination of
academic general education courses and
technical education courses in order to earn
x Some courses held at SHLSS
the degree.
Courses completed during the Unlicensed
Apprentice program apply toward the
x Online classes
degree.
Students can complete English, Math and
x Scholarships available
Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining
general education courses can be completed
online.
The following classes will convene at
SHLSS:
June 3 – June 21, 2019
English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric
Math 1011 – Math for Technologies
Enrollment Information
7 Credit Hours
Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch
(301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -ordrausch@seafarers.org
Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and
board plus one hour of tutoring following
each daily class session
Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under
The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act
The Labor-Management Reporting and
Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain
rights to union members and imposes certain
responsibilities on union officers. The Office
of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other
provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only
be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court.
Union Member Rights
Bill of Rights - Union Members Have:
■ Equal rights to participate in union activities.
■ Freedom of speech and assembly.
■ Voice in setting rates of dues, fees and
assessments.
■ Protection of the right to sue.
■ Safeguards against improper discipline.
Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect
copies of collective bargaining agreements.
Reports: Unions are required to file an
initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with
OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The
reports are public information and copies are
available from OLMS.
Officer Elections: Union Members Have
The Right To:
■ Nominate candidates for office
■ Run for office.
■ Cast a secret ballot.
■ Protest the conduct of an election.
Officer Removal: Local union members
have the right to an adequate procedure for the
removal of an elected officer guilty of serious
misconduct.
Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed
in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons
specified in the LMRDA.
Prohibition Against Certain Discipline:
A union or any of its officials may not fine,
expel or otherwise discipline a member for
exercising any LMRDA right.
Prohibition Against Violence: No one
may use or threaten to use force or violence to
interfere with a union member in the exercise
of LMRDA rights.
Union Officer Responsibilities
Financial Safeguards: Union officers
have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the
union and its members in accordance with
the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union
officers or employees who embezzle or steal
union funds or other assets commit a Federal
crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.
Bonding: Union officers or employees
who handle union funds or property must be
bonded to provide protection against losses if
their union has property and annual financial
receipts which exceed $5,000.
Labor Organization Reports: Union Officers Must:
■ File an initial information report (Form
LM- 1) and annual financial reports (Forms
LM-2/3/4) with OLMS.
■ Retain the records necessary to verify
the reports for at least five years.
Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans
and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees
their unions represent and businesses that deal
with their unions.
Officer Elections: Unions Must:
■ Hold elections of officers of local unions
by secret ballot at least every three years.
■ Conduct regular elections in accordance
with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year.
■ Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election.
■ Comply with a candidate’s request to
distribute campaign material.
■ Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds
or resources be used).
■ Permit candidates to have election observers.
■ Allow candidates to inspect the union’s
membership list once within 30 days prior to
the election.
Restrictions on Holding Office: A person
convicted of certain crimes may not serve as
a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years.
Loans: A union may not have outstanding
loans to any one officer or employee that in
total exceed $2,000 at any time.
Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any
officer or employee convicted of any willful
violation of the LMRDA.
Note: The above is only a summary of the
LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises
Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United
States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management
Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room
N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Avoid Frostbite: Keep Moving, Dress in Layers
With the winter months upon
us and cold temperatures commonplace, people should be on
guard for frostbite.
Frostbite is an injury caused
by the freezing of the skin and
underlying tissues. It occurs
mostly in the fingers, toes, nose,
ears, cheeks and the chin. In
short, frostbite occurs in skin
that is exposed to cold, windy
weather; and it could happen
even when the skin is covered
with gloves or other articles of
clothing.
For those who get frostbite,
the skin will feel very cold and a
pricking feeling will ensue. This
usually is followed by numbness
and changing tones in the skin
ranging in color from red, white,
bluish-white, yellow, to gray.
Some may also experience
clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness, intense shivering,
slurred speech and drowsiness
as a result of frostbite. In severe
cases, blistering is possible after
6 Seafarers LOG
rewarming affected areas.
Those who get frostbite
should seek medical attention
right away, as the condition
can damage skin tissue, muscles and bones. Complications
from the condition include
infection, nerve damage and
possibly amputation of the affected area.
Frostbite prevention is all
about protecting the skin. People
should limit their time outdoors
during periods of cold, wet and
windy weather. It’s also important to dress in several layers of
clothing. Air trapped between
the layers acts as an insulator
against the cold.
It is also recommended to
wear: a hat that fully cover the
ears; gloves to protect the fingers; socks that fit well; and
boots that do not leak. Doing
“keep moving” exercises is also
a good practice as it will keep the
blood flowing and help keep you
warm.
Healthful Recipe
Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry
Servings: 25
Ingredients
5 pounds shrimp, medium sized (21-25 count)
6 cloves garlic, minced fine
¾ cup olive oil
2 quarts celery, diagonally sliced
1-quart onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated
*1/4 teaspoon ground ginger may be substituted and added
with soy sauce.
2 quarts snow peas, cleaned
**One package (10 ounce) frozen peas or 1-1/2 cups fresh,
shelled peas may be substituted.
2 quarts mushrooms, sliced
2 cups water
¾ cup soy sauce
1 cup white wine
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup cornstarch
Preparation
Sauté the shrimp over med-high heat in batches. Set aside for
later step.
In a large skillet cook the garlic in the olive oil for about 1
minute then remove the garlic. Add celery, onion and ginger;
cook for about 2 minutes. Add the snow peas and mushrooms; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add in the cooked shrimp.
Combine water, soy sauce, wine, lemon juice and cornstarch; add to shrimp and vegetable mixture. Cook and
stir until sauce boils and thickens. Salt to taste. Serve
over hot rice.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 201 calories; 8g fat
(38.3% calories from fat): 20g protein; 9g carbohydrate; 2g
dietary fiber; 138mg cholesterol; 665 sodium. Exchanges:
0 grain (starch); 20 ½ lean meat; 1 ½ vegetable; 0 fruit; 1
½ fat.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School
of Seamanship
March 2019
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
HONORING DR. KING – Houston-area Seafarers on Jan. 21 participated in an annual parade honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Some of the SIU attendees are pictured in the photos at right. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is third from left in
photo at the immediate right. The photo above features members
of city council and other dignitaries, including SIU VP Dean Corgey
(second from right on the float), who is a member of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.
WITH BOATMEN IN THE GULF – Pictured in Houston aboard the G&H
Towing tugboat The Deacon are (from left) Capt. Doug Scott, Mate Jake
Fuller, Deckhand Madeline Thibeault, Patrolman Kelly Krick and DDE Pete
Ntaamah.
KUDOS TO APPRENTICE – Steward/Baker Donna
Hickman submitted this photo of Apprentice Joshua
Baily Glancy aboard the SNLC Goodwill (Chesapeake Crewing). Hickman said the Phase 2 student
from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center “was a pleasure to work with and a great help in the galley. He
was passionate about the work and has the skills to
be an excellent addition to any SIU galley.” Glancy
made pizza twice while on board, and also got excellent reviews for his Thai beef curry and orange
chicken.
AT THE NORFOLK HALL – Receiving their respective membership books from Port
Agent Georg Kenny (left in both photos) are SA Delphine Simmons (photo at left) and
GUDE Antonio Hamilton.
March 2019
A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QMED Aleksander
Djatschenko (left) picks up his A-seniority book at
the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with Port Agent Mark von Siegel.
ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – Pictured aboard the new Matson vessel on the West
Coast are (from left) SA Domiciano Nonato, ACU Abdul Munasar and Chief Cook Khalid
Mohamed.
Seafarers LOG 7
�With Great Lakes Towing Crews
The photos on this page were taken during servicing visits by SIU AlgonacPort Agent Todd Brdak. The Wyoming, the Cleveland and the Missouri are all tugboats operated by
Great Lakes Towing.
Cleveland
AB Russ Lempke tosses a mooring line.
AB and SIU Delegate Tim McKenna
helps moor the Cleveland.
The Cleveland’s new pilothouse
Wyoming
AB and SIU Delegate Tim McKenna
checks the engine levels.
Missouri
ABs Eric Johnson (left) and Adil Hussein aboard the Wyoming
The crew of the Missouri receives some engine
room training.
From left to right: Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB Cary Gimpel, AB
Dave Willoughby and SIU Assistant VP Bryan Powell
The tug Wyoming docks in Detroit.
From left to right: AB Scott Rosseel, AB Jeff Davis and Port
Agent Todd Brdak
8 Seafarers LOG
The tug Missouri docks in Duluth, Minnesota.
March 2019
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
ESMEIL ABORADY
Brother Esmeil Aborady, 72, became a member of the union in
1991 when he
shipped on the
Cape Canaveral. He was an
engine department member
and upgraded
on several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Aborady most recently
sailed on the USNS Stockham. He
resides in Mobile, Alabama.
shipped on the
Independence.
The deck department member
upgraded his
skills at the
Piney Point
school in 2012.
Brother Dwyer’s
last vessel was
the Horizon Pacific. He lives in
Honolulu.
DOUGLAS GANTENBEIN
Brother Abdulla Alwaseem, 65,
joined the SIU in 1979, first sailing on the Overseas Natalie.
He primarily sailed in the deck
department and upgraded often
at the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Alwaseem last shipped on the
Maersk Kensington and lives in
Wilmington, California.
CLIFTON AYARS
ANTHONY HEINOLDT
Brother Clifton Ayars, 66, embarked on his SIU career in 2001.
He first sailed
aboard the Cape
Victory and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Ayars
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school in 2001.
He most recently
shipped on the Alaskan Explorer
and resides in Nine Mile Falls,
Washington.
Brother Anthony Heinoldt, 65,
signed on with the SIU in 1979.
He primarily sailed in the deck
department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point
school. Brother Heinoldt’s first
vessel was the Guyama; his last,
the Alliance St. Louis. He calls
Palm Coast, Florida, home.
ANDREW BELL
Brother Andrew Bell, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 2001 and initially worked on the Cape Farewell. He upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions and
sailed in all three departments.
Brother Bell concluded his career
aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He
makes his home in Federal Way,
Washington.
HOWARD BLANKS
Brother Howard Blanks, 65, began
his career with the Seafarers in
1990, first
sailing on the
Sealift Atlantic.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1998
and shipped as
a deck department member.
Brother Blanks
most recently
sailed on Maersk Sentosa. He is a
New York City resident.
WILLIAM DWYER
Brother William Dwyer, 67,
joined the union in 1989, when he
March 2019
Brother Thomas Murphy, 65,
joined the Seafarers in 1979. He
was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the
Piney Point school. Brother Murphy’s first vessel was the Jefferson Davis; his last, the Freedom.
He makes his home in Bonifay,
Florida.
RUBEN ONG
Brother Douglas Gantenbein, 66,
joined the SIU in 2001 during
the merger with
the NMU. A
deck department
member, his first
SIU vessel was
the Overseas
Washington.
Brother Gantenbein upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on numerous occasions. He last sailed
on the Alaskan Legend and resides
in Fallbrook, California.
ABDULLA ALWASEEM
THOMAS MURPHY
KATHLEEN LANAHAN
Sister Kathleen Lanahan, 65,
became a member of the SIU in
1989 when she sailed on the Independence. She shipped in the
steward department and upgraded
often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Lanahan concluded her career
aboard the Overseas Nikiski. She
is a resident of Northport, Washington.
ANTONIO LIBO-ON
Brother Antonio Libo-On, 66,
joined the union in 1999, first sailing aboard the Independence. He
worked in the engine department
and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school.
Brother Libo-On last sailed on the
USNS Bowditch. He lives in San
Diego.
CALVIN MILES
Brother Calvin Miles, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1974
when he sailed
on the Pecos.
He primarily
sailed in the
deck department. Brother
Miles upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Overseas Martinez and is a resident
of Mobile, Alabama.
Brother Ruben Ong, 66, signed on
with the union in 2002. He first
worked on the
Moku Pahu and
was a member
of the steward
department. In
2004, Brother
Ong upgraded
his skills at
the Paul Hall
Center. He last
sailed on the USNS Petersburg
before settling in Stockton, California.
DIMITRIOS PAPANDREOU
Brother Dimitrios Papandreou, 71,
joined the union in 1990. His first
vessel was the
Meteor. Brother
Papandreou
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point
school. He concluded his career
on the Yorktown Express and resides in Houston.
ROBERT RAGER
Brother Robert Rager, 65, joined
the SIU in 1987 when he sailed
on the USNS
Harkness. A
deck department member,
he upgraded his
skills in 2001
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Rager most recently sailed on
the SeaLand Pride. He makes his
home in Marianna, Florida.
STEVEN ROLLINS
Brother Steven Rollins, 64, began
his SIU career in 1981, first sailing on the Massachusetts. He
worked in both the engine and
deck departments. Brother Rollins
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. He most recently shipped
on the Marjorie C and resides in
Bellflower, California.
NAPOLEON SAN MARTIN
Brother Napoleon San Martin, 63, donned
the SIU colors
in 1989 when
he worked
with Crowley
Towing and
Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and
upgraded on numerous occasions
at the Paul Hall Center. Brother
San Martin’s last vessel was the
Mykonos. He makes his home in
Houston.
GERARDO VEGA
Brother Gerardo Vega, 72, became an SIU member in 1970,
first working for Michigan Tankers. He sailed in both the deck
and engine departments and
upgraded on several occasions at
the Piney Point school. Brother
Vega concluded his career aboard
the Ohio and settled in Clewiston,
Florida.
JUSTIN WHITE
Brother Justin White, 75, signed
on with the
union in 2005,
initially sailing
on the USNS
Bob Hope. He
shipped as a
deck department
member. Brother
White most
recently sailed
aboard the USNS Altair. He resides in Marrero, Louisiana.
GREAT LAKES
PETER BURNS
Brother Peter Burns, 63, began his
career with the Seafarers in 1977,
first shipping
with National
Marine Service.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school within
his first year,
and shipped as a
deck department
member. Brother
Burns last worked for Crescent
Towing and Salvage and makes
his home in Daphne, Alabama.
NORMAN DAUPHIN
Brother Norman Dauphin, 68,
signed on with the Seafarers in
2002 and first
sailed aboard
the Sumner. An
engine department member,
Brother Dauphin
upgraded on
several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He
concluded his career working for
Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Middletown,
Connecticut.
ROGER MILLS
Brother David Knuth, 65, started
shipping with the Seafarers in
1973. The deck department member sailed in both the deep sea and
Great Lakes divisions, initially
with Hudson Waterways. Brother
Knuth upgraded often at the maritime training facility located in
Piney Point, Maryland. He concluded his career on the Walter J.
McCarthy and lives in Oscoda,
Michigan.
Brother Roger Mills, 60, donned
the SIU colors in 1993, initially
working with
Piney Point
Transportation. He sailed
in the deck
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Mills was most
recently employed by Penn
Maritime. He resides in Belleview,
Florida.
CHARLES RICHARDSON
ROBERT SOLENSKI
Brother Charles Richardson, 64,
signed on with the SIU in 1974.
His first vessel
was the Adam
E. Cornelius.
He was a deck
department
member and upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Richardson’s
last vessel was the American
Spirit. He calls Naples, Florida,
home.
Brother Robert Solenski, 63,
signed on with the SIU in 1996
when he worked for Crowley. He
remained with the same company
for his entire career. Brother
Solenski is a resident of Philadelphia.
DAVID KNUTH
INLAND
STEVEN BRANNAN
Brother Steven Brannan, 65,
joined the SIU in 1979. He
worked as a deck department
member and was employed with
McAllister Towing of Virginia for
the duration of his career. In 2002,
Brother Brannan upgraded his
skills at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center. He calls Tyner, North
Carolina, home.
ROBERT TAYLOR
Brother Robert Taylor, 63, began
his career with the Seafarers in
2010. He started in the deep sea
division; one of his first vessels
was the Advantage. Brother Taylor
was a deck department member
and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school.
He most recently shipped aboard
the Resolve and lives in Aberdeen,
Washington.
Seafarers LOG 9
�Hands-on Training Remains Piney Point Staple
Union-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Emphasizes Practical Coursework
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) for Maritime
Training and Education serves as a gateway to rewarding careers for experienced mariners and entry-level students alike.
A state-of-the-art vocational school located in Piney Point,
Maryland, the PHC opened as a bare-bones facility in 1967.
Since that time, the maritime training and education hub has
enjoyed more than a half-century of steady growth and has
developed into a cutting-edge school with wide-ranging curriculums.
One thing that hasn’t changed from the start is the center’s emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is
featured in virtually every one of the school’s 70-plus U.S.
Coast Guard-approved courses. Many classes are departmentspecific (deck, engine, or steward), while numerous others
provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew.
Similarly, the PHC offers entry-level instruction for those just
embarking on their respective maritime careers, plus upgrading coursework for experienced Seafarers.
Some hands-on segments take place aboard the modern
training vessel Freedom Star, one of the most visible parts
of the campus’ waterfront. Many also happen at the nearby
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a
satellite campus just a few miles from the main base.
While the PHC mainly is known for vocational training –
including its highly regarded apprentice program, which is
registered with the U.S. Department of Labor – it also offers
academic support along with separate programs for earning a
high school diploma and a two-year college degree.
The photos on these two pages show a small sample of
practical coursework in Piney Point. Complete information
about the school is available in the Paul Hall Center section
of the recently improved SIU website. To access it, go to
www.seafarers.org click on the Training and Careers tab, then
navigate to Paul Hall Center.
10 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
March 2019
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers at the new hiring in hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Question: What do you think of the new hall?
Fernando Marques
Chief Cook
The new hall is great. We were
waiting for this for a long time, and
it was definitely worth the wait.
This is a great thing for me and it’s
a great thing for my family, too. We
are blessed.
Antonio Mendez
Recertified Steward
The union is showing the commitment they have to us with this
new hall. I’m glad we have it. It’s
showing the SIU is dedicated to
Puerto Rico and to the Jones Act,
too. Along with the new ships, this
shows that our union and the Jones
Act are strong.
Noel Otero
Recertified Bosun
It’s beautiful – a nice place that
was needed for a long time. Everyone feels comfortable and happy
here. It’s a great place for every
member and much better than the
old hall.
Marcos Rivera
Bosun
The new hall is in a good location that’s free of crime. Everything
is new, including the technology.
The parking lot is good, and so is
the first level, where everybody can
meet to find their jobs. I’d suggest
this hall for any member to come
and enjoy.
Abel Vazquez
Recertified Bosun
The new hall is a new beginning
for the SIU in Puerto Rico. It’s our
new home, plus there are four new
ships (sailing between the territory
and Florida). The hall has boosted
morale for all the guys. It’s the beginning of great things and solid for
the industry, too. It’s just spectacular!
Michael Cruz
QMED
It’s great! It makes me proud.
You can come here with your family
and when you see that building, you
think, “That’s my building. That’s
our building.” The location is great.
It gives me more hope, along with
the new ships coming out. I already
brought my family here.
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
Pic From
The Past
Donn Pearce, the author of
“Cool Hand Luke,” was an
SIU member. He’s pictured
at left in 1965 with the late
LOG Editor in Chief Herb
Brand. Pearce sailed with
the SIU in the late 1940s
before turning to a life of
crime. His experiences in jail
led him to write the novel,
and he was later hired to
write the screenplay for the
iconic Paul Newman film
adaptation. Pearce went on
to a successful career as a
novelist and journalist, and
he’s still writing at age 90.
(Editor’s note: Be sure to
check out the SIU Facebook
page every Friday morning
for vintage photos. While we
usually don’t repeat content
between the printed LOG
and the social media account, the background associated with the photo at
right warrants an exception.)
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
12 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
�IMB Issues Annual
Piracy Report, Uptick
In Incidents Noted
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
January 1, 2019 - January 30, 2019
Total Registered
Port
The International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has released their annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report,
in which the bureau notes that 2018 saw an uptick in
incidents from previous years. In a departure from the
recent trend, the center of the increased pirate activity was African nations, not South East Asian waters.
The regions with the largest increases in acts of
piracy were Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and The
Congo. In total, 201 incidents were reported in 2018,
compared to 180 in 2017, and those reported off the
coast of African countries accounted for 87 separate
incidents.
As stated by the IMB, “The Gulf of Guinea remains
increasingly dangerous for seafarers. Reports of attacks in waters between the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo more than doubled in 2018,
accounting for all six hijackings worldwide, 13 of the
18 ships fired upon, 130 of the 141 hostages taken
globally, and 78 of 83 seafarers kidnapped for ransom.”
The report shows that in the last three months of
2018, 41 kidnappings occurred in waters off Nigeria
alone. In contrast, no ships were hijacked off the Somali coast, although two were fired upon by pirates.
This shift in violence also comes with a different
set of targets. According to the report, “Armed criminals are reaching further out to sea and targeting a
wider variety of ships: bulk carriers, container vessels
and general cargo vessels in addition to local attacks
on tankers, oil industry support vessels and fishing
vessels.”
“There is an urgent need for increased cooperation and sharing of intelligence between the Gulf of
Guinea’s littoral states so that effective action can be
taken against pirates, both at sea and on-shore where
their operations originate and end,” an IMB spokesman said. “There has been some improvement in the
estimated number of unreported attacks in 2018, but
at around 48 percent there is still a long way to go.”
The report did contain relatively good news. While
there were 241 reported instances of violence towards
crews, no sailors were killed in the attacks. Additionally, attacks off the coast of Indonesia have dropped
off significantly, and of those that did occur, the vast
majority were low-level opportunistic thefts.
No U.S.-flagged vessels were attacked in 2018, according to the report.
March & April
Membership Meetings
Piney Point.........................................Monday: March 4, April 8
Algonac...............................................Friday: March 8, April 12
Baltimore........................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
Guam...........................................Thursday: March 21, April 25
Honolulu..........................................Friday: March 15, April 19
Houston............................................Monday: March 11, April 15
A
All Groups
B
Total Shipped
C
A
Registered on Beach
All Groups
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
A
All Groups
B
C
0
0
1
2
0
2
0
5
4
2
0
2
2
0
0
1
1
2
1
4
29
2
2
2
9
0
2
3
25
14
11
0
2
11
3
6
1
2
10
0
11
116
60
4
11
30
6
15
10
93
63
74
6
16
29
20
9
5
10
48
5
51
565
22
3
2
15
5
10
8
28
29
15
5
6
18
10
4
1
12
21
1
17
232
1
3
0
8
1
5
1
14
15
9
0
5
15
3
0
2
0
12
0
9
103
0
0
1
1
0
0
4
2
2
1
1
0
4
1
0
0
0
2
0
3
22
0
0
0
4
0
1
2
4
10
7
1
0
6
2
0
1
1
5
1
3
48
12
0
3
15
2
6
25
24
21
24
4
7
21
8
5
2
8
16
3
27
233
3
1
3
12
2
7
4
13
21
7
1
7
20
11
3
3
0
12
2
17
149
3
0
1
4
0
0
1
4
1
4
0
1
8
3
0
0
4
4
1
2
41
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
43
2
12
23
3
11
4
47
42
44
6
11
25
15
6
6
7
34
3
24
368
21
3
2
8
2
6
5
11
19
10
3
4
13
6
2
0
6
11
1
9
142
1
1
1
7
1
2
2
12
11
3
0
3
7
1
0
2
1
4
0
6
65
Deck Department
7
5
0
2
6
2
22
9
1
0
9
2
6
2
43
13
27
10
25
5
1
1
5
2
23
14
8
4
6
2
1
1
12
2
24
4
0
0
27
7
253
87
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
6
0
2
13
0
3
12
13
16
12
3
5
13
10
4
2
2
12
3
12
143
3
0
6
8
1
2
3
6
19
4
1
5
12
5
2
1
1
8
1
13
101
2
0
1
2
0
0
2
3
2
3
0
0
8
0
0
0
1
1
1
2
28
Engine Department
0
0
3
0
1
3
14
2
0
0
1
1
3
3
13
3
23
13
13
2
3
1
2
2
9
13
5
2
1
3
1
1
3
2
10
5
2
0
4
4
111
60
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
9
0
2
12
0
9
10
18
17
10
2
3
18
17
3
5
2
16
2
22
177
3
0
0
5
1
0
1
2
9
2
1
4
5
3
0
1
2
3
0
7
49
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
1
2
1
0
1
0
2
1
0
12
Steward Department
1
0
0
0
1
0
13
2
2
1
7
0
10
0
14
3
20
5
2
2
0
0
3
5
9
4
9
4
2
0
1
1
2
4
8
2
2
0
18
5
124
38
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
1
0
1
2
0
2
5
3
6
1
0
4
5
6
1
1
2
6
0
10
56
13
0
2
14
0
8
16
28
33
21
2
3
30
32
4
6
5
25
1
30
273
4
1
1
7
1
2
1
6
12
5
3
5
13
4
0
3
6
5
0
15
94
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
4
4
0
0
0
2
3
0
1
0
3
1
0
21
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
2
1
1
1
0
1
1
8
3
3
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
5
0
0
28
18
4
1
2
1
4
6
15
23
16
0
0
18
9
1
1
0
8
1
16
144
15
0
1
8
0
3
5
5
26
8
0
1
23
8
1
1
1
8
2
12
128
Entry Department
0
0
0
3
0
1
0
4
0
1
1
1
0
3
5
8
0
14
1
7
0
0
0
0
0
14
1
5
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
9
1
0
0
13
12
83
0
1
0
3
0
0
3
5
12
3
0
0
10
2
1
0
0
4
0
8
52
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
2
3
2
0
0
6
2
0
0
0
3
0
2
23
3
1
0
1
0
1
4
6
6
5
0
0
1
3
0
0
1
8
0
5
45
20
3
0
8
2
4
9
26
39
30
2
1
29
14
2
2
0
13
2
39
245
20
1
3
12
2
3
6
28
65
18
1
2
40
26
1
1
2
11
0
13
255
GRAND TOTAL:
716
436
233
107
243
1,116
720
420
Jacksonville...................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
Joliet............................................Thursday: March 14, April 18
Mobile......................................Wednesday: March 13, April 17
New Orleans....................................Tuesday: March 12, April 16
Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: March 5, April 9
Norfolk...........................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
Oakland........................................Thursday: March 14, April 18
Philadelphia................................Wednesday: March 6, April 10
Port Everglades............................Thursday: March 14, April 18
San Juan........................................Thursday: March 7, April 11
St. Louis...........................................Friday: March 15, April 19
Tacoma............................................Friday: March 22, April 26
Wilmington.........................................Monday: March 18, April 22
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
March 2019
500
268
Seafarers LOG 13
�The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The
minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAERSK HARTFORD
(Maersk Line, Limited), November 10 – Chairman Anecito
Limboy, Secretary Johnnie
McGill, Educational Director
Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Gremar Rio, Engine Delegate Gregorio Blanco, Steward
Delegate Jose Burgos. Chairman
reminded crew to maintain their
rooms. He announced upcoming
plans for pilot pickup and encouraged members to contribute
to SPAD. Payoff scheduled for
next day. Secretary reported a
smooth-sailing ship. Educational
director advised crew to attend
upgrading courses at Piney Point
and to keep documents up to
date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members raised questions regarding pay procedures
in lieu of time off. Computer and
new washing machine needed for
crew. Members thanked steward
department for a job well done.
Next port: Charleston, South
Carolina.
OVERSEAS ANACORTES
(Overseas Ship Management),
November 11 – Chairman James
Walker, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director Cary
Pratts, Deck Delegate Arthur
Quinney, Engine Delegate Jr.
Lee Eludo, Steward Delegate
Jorcell Davis. Chairman thanked
crew for their cooperation. Educational director reminded members to keep track of documents
and upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Patrolman recently on
board and discussed union news.
New charter to start this month.
Company offered to fly members
out of preferred airport. Crew
prefers flights back to airport
of choice rather than port of engagement. Bosun thanked steward department for keeping ship
clean and providing good food.
Members requested ship to supply fresh stores every two weeks.
Next port: Nederland, Texas.
MAERSK COLUMBUS
(Maersk Line, Limited), November 18 – Chairman Ion Irimia,
Secretary Jerome Jordan,
Educational Director Joaquim
Figueiredo, Deck Delegate
Michael Ratigan, Engine Delegate Keith Carswell. Chairman thanked crew for a safe
voyage. Members gave vote
of thanks to deck department.
Payoff to take place in Newark,
New Jersey. Secretary thanked
all departments for their hard
work and reminded them to
leave clean rooms for oncoming
crew. Educational director suggested upgrading the Piney Point
school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew waiting for
date of Wi-Fi installation and
requested new dryer and bigger
ice machine. Members discussed
bringing back standby job for all
vessels and asked for one day off
per 30 days on.
NORFOLK (Argent Marine),
November 25 – Chairman Martin Baker, Secretary Jermell
Hicks, Educational Director
Dwight Hunt. QMED pay rate
discussed, as was memorandum
of understanding concerning standard freight agreement. Chairman
seeking retroactive pay to resolve
issue for members. Educational
director encouraged crew to
update as soon as possible. He
reminded members of waiver for
medical benefits while attending
courses at Piney Point.
HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), November
26 – Chairman Daniel Ticer,
Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Jason Powell,
Deck Delegate Norberto Castillo, Engine Delegate Rommel
Crespo, Steward Delegate Rudy
Oliva. Chairman provided information for upcoming dry dock
and announced a one-month layup near the end of January. He
announced payoff date and advised members to contact captain
if visas are needed for China.
Educational director reminded
members to keep documents
current and to take advantage of
upgrading opportunities at Piney
Point. Schedule can be found
in the LOG as well as online on
the union’s website. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew gave
a vote of thanks to SIU president and SIU staff for a job well
done. Members were reminded
to take LNG course in order to
claim jobs on new Pasha ship as
well as other LNG-fueled ships.
Bosun thanked crew for their
cooperation and consideration
of others while keeping the ship
safe. Next Port: Honolulu.
PACIFIC COLLECTOR (Tote
Services), November 26 – Chairman Richard Barnes, Secretary
Rang Nguyen, Educational Director Rodrigo Castillo. Chairman thanked crew for doing a
good job while working safely.
Secretary reminded members
to check Z cards and STWC for
expiration dates. USCG medical
certificate should also be current. Renew as soon as possible
to avoid trouble for future ship-
ping. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at Piney
Point. Course dates can be found
in LOG and on the SIU website.
Crew discussed overtime requirements and clarifications for
time-off procedures. Members
requested new pillows and mattresses. Crew expressed interest
to raise pension benefits. Vote
of thanks given to steward department for keeping ship clean
and preparing excellent food for
crew. Next Port: Honolulu.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 2 – Chairman Arsenio Omabao, Secretary
Christina Mateer, Educational
Director Steven Miller, Deck
Delegate Cheryl Lee, Engine
Delegate Christopher Sykes,
Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman thanked crew for
a great trip and reminded them
to work safely. Secretary asked
members to leave clean rooms for
oncoming crew and encouraged
everyone to invest in Seafarers
401k retirement plan. Educational
director urged members to upgrade
at Piney Point. He stressed importance of keeping documents up
to date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew voiced concern regarding current relief requirements
for entry-level positions. Members
requested increase in pension,
increase in vacation, Wi-Fi access
on all decks and updated computers. Ship in need of new vacuum,
carpet cleaning machine, and
two new microwaves. Steward
department was thanked for great
Thanksgiving meals. Next Port:
Norfolk, Virginia.
MAERSK KENSINGTON
(Maersk Line, Limited),
December 9 – Chairman Wilfred Maurice, Secretary Philip
Paquette, Engine Delegate
Reinaldo Roman. Chairman
reported a safe trip. Secretary
reminded members to check
documents when registering
and to keep documents up to
date. Deck gang would like
personal protective equipment
(PPE) issued when signing on.
Crew experiencing difficulty
receiving proper PPE during
trip. Members praised galley
gang for good food, especially
barbecue and smoked meats.
MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk
Line, Limited), December 19
– Chairman Cleofe Bernardez Castro, Secretary Steven
Dickson, Educational Director Robert Stafford, Deck
Delegate Reynaldo Nugui,
Engine Delegate Albert Riollano, Steward Delegate John
Nunez. Hard drive for movies
available in lounge. Chairman
announced payoff in Newark,
New Jersey. Secretary stressed
importance of keeping documents current and allowing
ample time to renew. Educational director noted pertinent
information on union website.
No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed
Election Day results. New
refrigerator in crew mess.
Requests for SAT phone and
Wi-Fi in progress. New deck
material for both walk-ins to
come at next port. Crew requests more transportation to
and from ship. Members seek
changes in pension benefits
and qualification requirements.
Galley gang thanked for a job
well done. Next Port: Newark.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution
of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union
finances. The constitution requires a detailed
audit by certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the membership by
the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the
membership, each year examines the finances of
the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee
will be elected during the April 8 headquarters
membership meeting to review the 2018 records.
Members of this committee may make dissenting
reports, specific recommendations and separate
findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District
are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these
agreements specify that the trustees in charge of
these funds shall equally consist of union and
management representatives and their alternates.
All expenditures and disbursements of trust
funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records
are available at the headquarters of the various
trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping
rights and seniority are protected exclusively by
contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping
rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and
available in all union halls. If members believe
there have been violations of their shipping or
seniority rights as contained in the contracts be-
14 Seafarers LOG
tween the union and the employers, they should
notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified
mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing
for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the
proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes
that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails
to protect their contractual rights properly, he or
she should contact the nearest SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has
refrained from publishing any article serving the
political purposes of any individual in the union,
officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its
collective membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all constitutional
ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists
of the executive board of the union. The execu-
tive board may delegate, from among its ranks,
one individual to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to
be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the
SIU unless an official union receipt is given for
same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is
given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts
to require any such payment be made without
supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to
make a payment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution
are available in all union halls. All members
should obtain copies of this constitution so as
to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any
time a member feels any other member or officer
is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such
as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all
other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members
of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in
the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which
the union has negotiated with the employers.
Consequently, no member may be discriminated
against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the
member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its
objects and purposes including, but not limited
to, furthering the political, social and economic
interests of maritime workers, the preservation
and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities
for seamen and boatmen and the advancement
of trade union concepts. In connection with
such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to
political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be
solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such
conduct, or as a condition of membership in the
union or of employment. If a contribution is
made by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within
30 days of the contribution for investigation and
appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A
member should support SPAD to protect and
further his or her economic, political and social
interests, and American trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above rights
have been violated, or that he or she has been
denied the constitutional right of access to union
records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco
at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt
requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
March 2019
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
ALI ABDULLA
Pensioner Ali Abdulla, 80, died
December 8. He signed on with the
union in 1991 when he sailed on
the William Baugh. Brother Abdulla
was a steward department member
and concluded his career aboard the
Integrity. He became a pensioner
in 2004 and settled in Melvindale,
Michigan.
RUSSELL BARRACK
Pensioner Russell Barrack, 62,
passed away January 18. He embarked on his SIU
career in 1975
and shipped in the
deck department.
Brother Barrack
first sailed with
Hudson Waterways. His last
vessel was the
ITB Philadelphia.
Brother Barrack retired in 2002 and
lived in Edenton, North Carolina.
MANUEL BASAS
Pensioner Manuel Basas, 70, died
July 15. Born in the Philippines,
he joined the SIU
in 1981. Brother
Basas initially
sailed on the
Santa Maria and
primarily worked
in the steward department. He last
shipped aboard the
Cape Intrepid and made his home
in Federal Way, Washington.
KEVIN BERTEL
Pensioner Kevin Bertel, 66, passed
away January 14. He joined the
union in 1973 when
he shipped on the
Bethex. Brother
Bertel sailed in
both the steward
and engine departments and also
worked on shore
gangs. His last ship
was the Tacoma. Brother Bertel
retired in 2008 and resided in Tacoma, Washington.
DAVID BLAND
Brother David Bland, 63, died August 12. He started shipping with
the SIU in 1978 when he sailed
on the El Paso Southern. Brother
Bland worked in both the deck and
engine departments. He last shipped
on the Pacific and lived in Richmond, California.
GABRIEL BONEFONT
Pensioner Gabriel Bonefont, 73,
passed away January 6. He became
an SIU member
in 1964 and first
sailed on a Rye
Marine ship.
Brother Bonefont
was a deck department member and
last sailed on the ITB Mobile. He
became a pensioner in 2007 and
resided in Houston.
March 2019
ISAIAH GRAY
Pensioner Isaiah Gray, 92, died
January 4. Born
in Plaquemine,
Louisiana, he
joined the SIU
in 1961 and first
sailed aboard
the Del Compo.
Brother Gray was
a steward department member. He
last shipped on the Arabian Sea and
resided in Gretna, Louisiana.
MOHAMAD JARADIE
Pensioner Mohamad Jaradie, 93,
passed away January 4. He began
shipping with the Seafarers in 1966
and initially sailed on the Ocean
Wave. Brother Jaradie was a steward
department member and last sailed
aboard the Integrity. He began collecting his pension in 1994 and
settled in Topeka, Indiana.
shipped on the Hennepin. Brother
Maynard was a steward department
member. He concluded his career
aboard the St. Clair and became a
pensioner in 2001. Brother Maynard
called Tawas City, Michigan, home.
the union in 1960
and first sailed
aboard the Lasalle. Brother
Wilson was a
deck department
member. His final
ship was the Consumer. Brother
Wilson retired in 1988 and lived in
Saraland, Alabama.
INLAND
DEAN WOOSTER
Pensioner Dean Wooster, 80, died
January 16. He donned the SIU colors in 1960, initially sailing on the
Oremar. Brother Wooster shipped
in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Golden
Monarch and went on pension in
2003. Brother Wooster resided in
Interlachen, Florida.
NMU
UNIS MALAHI
Pensioner Daniel Payne, 71,
passed away December 16. Born
in Morenci, Arizona, he embarked
on his SIU career in 1990. Brother
Payne first shipped on the USNS
Hess and sailed in the steward department. He concluded his career
aboard the Liberty Promise and lived
in Richmond, Texas.
Brother Unis Malahi, 26, died November 28. He started his SIU career
in 2013, initially shipping aboard the
St. Mary’s Challenger. An engine
department member, Brother Malahi
most recently sailed aboard the Terrapin Island. He resided in Dearborn, Michigan.
Pensioner Elias Ruiz, 75, died January 17. He signed on with the SIU
in 1978, initially
sailing aboard the
Mount Explorer.
Brother Ruiz primarily sailed in the
engine department
and concluded his
career aboard the
El Faro. He began
collecting his pension in 2008 and
made his home in Houston.
JOSEPH VALDES
Pensioner Joseph Valdes, 95, passed
away January 8. He began his career
with the SIU in
1951, first working for Terminal
Steamship Company. An engine
department member, Brother Valdes
last shipped on
the Santa Maria.
He started collecting his pension in
1984 and resided in Las Vegas.
Pensioner Willie Istre, 85, died January 18. He became an SIU member
in 1993 when he
was employed with
Higman Barge
Lines. A deck
department member, Brother Istre
remained with the
same company for
the duration of his
career. He retired in 2002 and settled
in Morse, Louisiana.
GREAT LAKES
RAYMOND MAYNARD
Pensioner Raymond Maynard, 75,
passed away January 28. He signed
on with the union in 1972 when he
Pensioner Johnny McKee, 79, died
December 20. He sailed with the
NMU prior to the 2001 merger with
Seafarers International Union. A
deck department member, Brother
McKee last sailed on the Cape Knox.
He retired in 2008 and called Harvey, Louisiana, home.
WILLIE ISTRE
DANIEL PAYNE
ELIAS RUIZ
JOHNNY MCKEE
FLORENTIN JOHNSON
Pensioner Florentin Johnson, 80,
passed away January
20, 2017. He was an
NMU member before
the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department and
last shipped aboard
the USNS Henson. He
began collecting his pension in 2007
and was a Houston resident.
Editor’s note: In addition to the
foregoing individuals, the following
union members have also passed
away. Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries of
their respective careers.
Name
Age
Alejandro, Marcos
91
Arzu, Rufino
97
Browne, Pilar
101
Castillo, Pedro
88
Lima, Jorge
88
Mason, Anthony
93
Montoya, Jose
89
Palmer, Alfredo
81
Patton, Jessie
88
Rieger, Elisabeth
93
Roberts, Raye
88
Romero, Jose
80
Rosario, Herminio
82
Velez, Jorge
94
DOD
01/07/2019
08/19/2018
12/18/2018
12/15/2018
01/10/2019
12/21/2018
01/12/2019
12/15/2018
01/13/2019
01/17/2019
01/10/2019
11/22/2018
01/02/2019
12/11/2018
Wilmington-Area
Seafarers Converge
In Piney Point
When SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel participated in informational meetings late last year at
the union-affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland, he noticed a large
contingent of upgraders from his
home port of Wilmington, California.
Many of them are pictured here.
Chief Cook Todd Curry, AB Eduardo Jorge
RICHARD WARDLAW
Pensioner Richard Wardlaw, 87,
died January 11. He joined the union
in 1951 and first
shipped aboard the
Joseph Priestley.
Brother Wardlaw
sailed in the deck
department and
last shipped on the
Atlantic. He retired
in 1993 and called
Cleveland, Texas, home.
AUBREY WILSON
Pensioner Aubrey Wilson, 74,
passed away January 7. He joined
OS Bernardo Perez
From left: Chief Cook Ian Schluder, SA Michael Poblete, SA Ty Lewis,
Chief Cook Dindo Reforsado, Chief Cook Reno Duque, ACU Amado
Angeles, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Safety Director Gordon Godel,
AB Jesse Sunga.
Seafarers LOG 15
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Gap Closing Courses
Leadership & Managerial Skills
June 29
July 5
Storekeeper Courses
Title of
Course
Start
Date
Date of
Completion
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
May 18
May 31
BAPO
March 30
May 25
April 26
June 21
Engineroom Resource Management
June 22
June 28
FOWT
April 27
May 24
Junior Engineer
March 16
June 22
May 10
August 16
MSC Storekeeper Basic
April 13
May 3
Marine Electrician
May 18
July 12
MSC Supply Configuration Management
May 4
May 31
Marine Refer Tech
July 13
August 23
MEECE
June 1
June 14
Welding
May 18
June 8
June 7
June 28
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
April 27
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Advanced Galley Ops
March 30
Advanced Meteorology
May 4
May 10
Certified Chief Cook
Advanced Shiphandling
May 11
May 24
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start March 18.
Advanced Stability
April 27
May 3
Chief Steward
April 27
June 14
ARPA
April 27
May 25
May 3
May 31
Galley Operations
March 30
April 26
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
March 23
March 29
Crane Familiarization
April 6
April 12
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
March 16
March 22
ECDIS
April 13
April 19
Fast Rescue Boat
June 1
June 7
Basic Training/Basic FF
April 6
April 12
GMDSS
July 20
August 2
Basic Training Revalidation
March 15
March 15
Lifeboat
April 6
May 4
June 1
June 29
July 27
August 24
September 21
October 19
April 19
May 17
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 6
October 4
November 1
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
March 30
April 5
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
April 13
June 8
April 19
June 14
Government Vessels
March 23
March 29
Medical Care Provider
April 13
May 11
April 26
May 24
April 20
June 1
April 26
June 7
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
March 23
June 8
March 29
June 14
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
March 30
April 20
April 5
April 26
Radar Observer
May 24
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW
March 30
May 25
April 26
June 21
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes �No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes �No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
16 Seafarers LOG
Steward Department Courses
April 26
Safety Upgrading Courses
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674; or
fax to (301) 994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
3/19
March 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class
#844 – Graduated November 30 (photo
at left, in alphabetical order): Caleb Andresen, Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Jaleel
Brown, Ayen Negre Cabasag, Jacob
Couvillon, Victor Duplesis, Taurean
Harold, James Kooistra, Teva Kurth,
Deshante Luchien, David May, Steven McKelvey, David Palumbo, Ghadir Sarkis, Benjamin Scott, Frederick
Shows, Anthony Timmson-Brown,
Blake Washington, Patrick Wheat and
Trevion Williams.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered
for classes at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places.
Water Survival Upgraders – Graduated November 30: Oscar Jan
Vencer (left) and Bernardo Perez.
Welding – Graduated November 12 (above, in alphabetical order): George Beaufils, Robert Bryson III, Earl
Carlos Dimmick, Samuel Fagerness, Ethan Love, Isaiah Thomas and Stephen Venditti. Class instructor Chris
Raley is at the far left.
BAPO – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Christian Canci, Sean Yutaka
Carter, Christopher Hinton, Eddie O’Bannon III, Fradarius Smith, Travis Sumpter and Jose Jess Jalog Yanez. John Wiegman III, their instructor, is at the far right.
Radar Observer – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Chantell
Dawson, Travis Golightly, Kevin Hanmont, Sterling McCosh, Yuriy Prytchak and John
Reyes. Class instructor Brian Moore is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
March 2019
GMDSS – Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical
order): Carlton Banks, Chantell Dawson, Todd Kasler
and Sterling McCosh.
Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical order):
Oscar Cesena, Justin D’Angelo, Terren Fields, Kalil Hughes, Tarrell Jones, Melchor Lagria Lapac
Jr., Domenick Longmire, Samuel Sanders Jr., David Smart and Alvin Surrency. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
RFPNW – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Timothy
Behnke, Tommy Benton, Joseph Crane, Carlos Omar Diaz-Torres, Luis Felipe Flores-Ramos,
Rannie Fore II, Rahsean Lillard, Gus Papas, Andrew Porpora, Taylor Vertrees, John Wattam and
Omaree Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck department of union-contracted vessels.
ECDIS – Graduated October 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Glenn Valera
Agustin, Robert Bryson III, Johnathon Gager, Shoal Nervo, Harry Schrefer
III and Gavin Scott.
Marine Engineer – Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Tousif
Ahmed, Abdulaziz Mohamed Nagi Alsinai, Vernon Van Humbles, Carlos Mohler
Vega, Jaquel Nesmith, Justin Nicholson, Michael Souza, Jeffrey Thrash, Kareem
Walters and Edward Williams.
BAPO – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Jamal Akia Anders, Lavontat Anderson, Kevin Brown, Vincent Hall, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Robert Murphy, Pedro
Antonio Rivera-Hernandez and Nicholas Simoneaux. Each plans to work in the engine department of
SIU-contracted vessels when their training is complete. Instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right.
Government Vessels - Graduated October 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Nabil Saleh Ahmed, Lindsey Austin, Joseph Bowen, Marsheta Brooks, Christian Bryant, Corey Covington, Lamont Faulks, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Joseph Garnett, Travis Golightly, Alfred Hogan Jr., Russell Horton, Vincent Ippolito Jr., Sheena Jumamil, Eileen Mendiola, David Amer
Mohamed, Ryan Palmer, Philip Sharp, Mary Slade and Lawrence Todd Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Government Vessels –
Graduated November 2
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Amado
Paulito Estimada Angeles, Matthew Day, Bobby
Dunn Jr., Phillip Harmon, Cameron Keating,
Christian Oding, Jesus
Geovannie Ortiz-Rivera,
Neiman Pettis, Jorge Luis
Roman Feliciano, David
Smart, Leanne Smith,
Simone Smith, Samuel
Thatcher, Tyree Watkins
Jr., Teena Werner, Rickey
Yancey and Mary Young.
Instructor Tom Truitt is at
the far right. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
18 Seafarers LOG
March 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization
LG – Graduated October 26
(photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Angel Manuel Berrios
Jr., Carlos Jose Castillo, Jogene Reyes Cerezo, Glenard
Chaney Jr., Travis Golightly,
Antonio Hamilton, Phillip Harmon, Chris Linsley, Domenick
Longmire, Josean Martinez
Serrano, Yuri Adrian Oliveros, Neiman Pettis, Jorge Luis
Roman Feliciano, Teon Shelton, David Smart, Leanne
Smith, Simone Smith, Travis
Sumpter and Steven Supplee.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
Tankship Familiarization
DL – Graduated October 10
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Angel Manuel Berrios
Jr., Latiffe Brooks, Carlos Jose
Castillo, Jogene Reyes Cerezo, Glenard Chaney Jr., Antonio Hamilton, Phillip Harmon,
Brennon Hough, Kenneth
Johnson, Reynaldo Bermudez
Lacayo, Domenick Longmire,
Josean Martinez Serrano, Karl
Mayhew III, Neiman Pettis,
Jorge Luis Roman Feliciano,
Teon Shelton, David Smart,
Leanne Smith and De’vine
Washington. (Note: Not all are
pictured.)
Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated November 2: St.
Clair Brown Jr. (left) and Devin Bivins.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated October 26: Delbra
Singleton-Leslie (left) and Donna Hickman.
March 2019
Galley Ops – Graduated November 2:
Phase III Apprentice Lebrena Simmons.
Upon the completion of her training,
Simmons plans to work in the steward
department of union-contracted vessels.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 6) – Graduated October 10: Shawn Cox
(left) and Delmis David.
Chief Cook 2.0. – Graduated October 5: Diani Rosana Melendez
Castillo (left), Carlos Edgardo Suazo (center) and Wardell Paze.
Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated November 2: John Ward
(left) and Jason Beckford.
Seafarers LOG 19
�MARCH 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 3
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 17-19
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Snapshots from the West Coast
Aboard Overseas Long Beach
Chief Cook Latosha Love (left in photo at left) and Chief Steward Ernest Dumont prepare lunch. The OSG
vessel (photo above) arrives in Richmond, California.
Aboard Sagamore
USMC Birthday Planning
The Sealift, Inc.operated vessel
(photo at right)
docks in Concord,
California,
for
cargo operations.
Pictured following
a union meeting
(photo below) are
Bosun Albert Williams, Chief Cook
Rhonda Williams,
Chief Steward Mohamed Nour, OMU
Randall Craig, AB
Mark Manalansan,
AB Fayez Mohamed, AB Charles Turner, Oakland Port Agent Nick Marrone II, AB Pedro Ambe,
SA Eugenia Porter and AB Robert Harlow.
From left, SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, San Francisco Giants Exec. VP Mario Alioto and First
Sgt. Allen Lotanero, USMC, help plan for a Marine Corps birthday event this November that’s
scheduled to take place at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
At the Oakland Hall
Recertified Steward Gerald Figg (photo at left) recently called it a career
and picked up his first pension check. He began sailing with the SIU in 1979,
aboard Delta Lines vessels. QMED Russell Bravo
(left in photo at immediate
right) displays his newly
acquired A-seniority book
while being congratulated
by Port Agent Nick Marrone II. In the photo at the
far right, ACU Ali Obad
(left) receives his A-seniority book from Port Agent
Nick Marrone II.
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
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2010-2019
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March 2019
Description
An account of the resource
Headlines:
SIU, MTD SUPPORT FURLOUGHED WORKERS
OCEAN SHIPS INC. AWARDED ESD CONTRACT
U.S.-FLAG GREAT LAKES FLEET FINISHES 2018 ON STRONG NOTE
UNION MEMBERSHIP REMAINS FAIRLY STEADY DURING 2018
PHC UNVEILS CUTTING-EDGE REEFER COURSE
NMC NOTICES CONCERNING DOCUMENTS, SHUTDOWN
WITH GREAT LAKES TOWING CREWS
HANDS-ON TRAINING REMAINS PINEY POINT STAPLE
IMB ISSUES ANNUAL PIRACY REPORT, UPTICK IN INCIDENTS NOTED
SNAPSHOTS FROM THE WEST COAST
Creator
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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3/1/2019
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Newsprint
Type
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Text
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Vol. 81, No. 3
2019
Periodicals
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6e73299b9570f3c8d0a283055c14a88f.pdf
46dc47a861e66ce953f8fe27a9bcda81
PDF Text
Text
FEBRUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 2
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU Welcomes New Jobs Aboard Taíno
LNG-Powered ConRo Sailing in Jones Act Trade
Seafarers in late 2018 crewed up
the new Crowley Maritime vessel
MV Taíno (top right). The combination container/roll-on roll-off
(ConRo) ship completed its maiden
voyage to Puerto Rico on Jan. 11.
SIU mariners and AMO officers are
pictured on deck (immediate right).
Recertified Bosun Wilfredo Velez
(top left) loads stores, while Electrician Carlos Parrilla (top center)
works on an AC unit. Page 3. (Ship
photo courtesy Crowley Maritime.
Additional photos available on the
SIU Facebook page, @SeafarersInternational)
Tacoma Seafarers
Answer Call Again
The spirit of giving remains alive and well in Tacoma,
Washington, where SIU members donate each year to a
philanthropic project named Santa’s Castle. The outreach
provides gifts for families of U.S. military personnel. The
union also hosts a related luncheon at the hiring hall; pictured at the 2018 gathering are Seafarers, military guests
and volunteers from Santa’s Castle. Page 24.
Updated Website, Portal Launched
Page 2
Rescue at Sea
Page 4
Tax Tips for Mariners
Pages 12-14
�President’s Report
Green Lake to the Rescue
There is no greater example of our union’s motto, Brotherhood of the Sea,
than the outstanding rescue efforts that were made by Seafarers aboard the
Green Lake on New Year’s Eve. Our members were first on the scene of a tragic
fire aboard a Panamanian-flagged vessel that caused its crew to abandon ship.
As others joined in the rescue, union members from the SIU-crewed ship pulled
seven mariners to safety. There were nine other survivors, while five individuals
from the disabled ship didn’t make it.
It’s a tragedy that could have been worse if not for the work of the SIU,
MM&P and MEBA members from the Central Gulf
Lines-operated Green Lake. Worth noting: All of the
SIU members aboard that ship have trained at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. And
the bosun said the training definitely made a difference.
Check out our coverage elsewhere in this edition, and
in the meantime, I extend heartfelt kudos to the Green Lake
crew along with condolences to the victims and their families.
This particular rescue made international headlines,
but for the SIU, it was just the latest of many. Our members normally assist in several rescues per year, and while
not every incident receives prominent coverage, each
Michael Sacco
operation reinforces why I believe SIU members are the
world’s best-trained mariners.
Jones Act Fight Continues
There should be a statute of limitations on ridiculous attacks against America’s freight cabotage law, but last month saw another round of falsehoods – specifically about the Jones Act’s effect on Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
If you’re new to the industry or otherwise weren’t keeping up with this saga
for the last year-plus, the short – and fully accurate – version is that Jones Act
ships were first on the scene in the territory once the ports reopened. Because
of the devastated inland infrastructure, relief supplies stacked up at the ports.
The Jones Act not only didn’t delay or prevent any aid, it actually helped ensure
timely deliveries.
The Jones Act doesn’t prevent foreign-flag vessels from calling on Puerto
Rico, which in fact normally receives about two-thirds of its cargoes from foreign bottoms. Also often lost in the bizarre retellings of Jones Act-related Maria
stories is that a temporary waiver was granted. It didn’t make any difference
because it wasn’t needed in the first place.
As mentioned recently, we’re in the midst of what promises to be a long and
tough fight. Jones Act opponents are throwing tons of money, other resources,
and something I can’t mention in a family newspaper in a targeted attempt to
sink this crucial law. But the facts are on our side, and we’ll keep swinging until
we’ve won.
Productive Dialogue
One of our union’s most important affiliations is with the AFL-CIO, where
I am the longest-serving member of the executive council, other than federation
President Richard Trumka.
Late last year, the council adopted a statement titled, “Solidarity Pledge
for America.” The resolution reads in part, “Political extremism has become
the norm in America. Constant conflict is cheered and polarizing ideas are
reinforced, while conscience-driven compromise is dismissed as weakness.
Defamatory mistruths and repugnant rhetoric are hurled from every direction
and echoed across social media. We simply don’t listen to each other…. This
complete and utter breakdown of civil discourse in America is a threat to our
very democracy, and it must stop.”
While that’s an unpleasant paragraph, it reflects the disturbing reality of our
times. But as we in the executive council went on to say, the labor movement
has a special responsibility to challenge and reject the current state of affairs.
Our movement was created more than 130 years ago by a small group of workers looking to create change at work and more broadly in society. Throughout
our long history, we’ve used our position as America’s diverse coalition of
working families to beat back attempts to divide and destroy us. Unions are like
crews on a ship. We come from different backgrounds but we work together to
accomplish the goal.
Our statement was about more than just being polite even when we disagree,
but that’s not a bad place to start, whether you’re on a ship or at the hall or, yes,
on social media. Take a deep breath, stick to facts, and stand up for what you
believe in.
Let’s keep working together to promote our industry, defend workers’ rights,
and uphold the reputation of the Brotherhood of the Sea.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 81 Number 2
Some of the sub-menus are visible in this screen shot of the new website.
SIU Launches New Website, LOG Database
Mobile-Friendly Member Portal a Highlight of Revamp
The SIU late last year
launched a new version of its
website, www.seafarers.org,
that’s easier to navigate from
any device.
As part of the project and like
the main site itself, the member
portal has been redesigned so
it’s “fully responsive,” a tech industry term that basically means
a site will look good and offer
solid functionality whether the
user is on a desktop, mobile device, tablet or laptop.
Alongside the website, the
SIU has rolled out another new
online resource: the Seafarers
LOG Digital Archives database.
The database, seafarerslog.org,
hosts every copy of the Seafarers LOG from the first issue in
1939 to the present day. Members, researchers, and the general public are free to view
nearly 1,500 digitized issues
on the browser of their choice,
or they may download the PDF
files to their electronic devices.
Launched just before last
Christmas, the Seafarers LOG
Digital Archives was no small
undertaking. LOG Content Curator Mark Clements has spent
the past five years assembling,
digitizing, uploading and describing the contents of each
issue. With many of the older
printed issues brittle from age,
Clements had to turn to the Paul
Hall Maritime Library’s collection of microfilm to safely create digital copies.
“While the microfilm had its
own limitations, I didn’t have
to worry about the issues turning to dust in the scanner bed,”
Clements said. Microfilm copies of the Seafarers LOG were
only made up until 1994, and
the roll of film covering 1984 to
1988 was either never made or
has since gone missing. To fill
in the gaps, Clements manually
scanned LOG issues at his desk.
Starting with 2002, the remaining issues in the database were
the original born-digital PDF
files the LOG staff sends to the
publisher every month.
Once the digital copies were
made, Clements and Log Administrative Assistant Jenny
Stokes (along with summer
interns) read each issue from
cover to cover to make note of
any quality concerns. While the
text of the issues is fully searchable, both the quality of the microfilm and the column layouts
of the older LOG issues created
problems with search accuracy.
In light of this difficulty, Clements and Stokes generated a
list of headlines for each issue
for easy browsing.
The database is powered
by Omeka, a popular archival platform used not only by
universities and museums but
also organizations such as the
Seamen’s Church Institute.
Although Omeka itself is not
optimized for mobile use, the
LOG staff knows how important
mobile access is to the membership. Bearing this in mind, the
PDF files were compressed to
file sizes that would be gentle
on data plans – although access
to the high-quality master files
is available upon request.
Now that the full run of Seafarers LOGS is online, the next
step for the Digital Archives is
uploading the LOG’S exhaustive collection of photographs,
particularly those from early
days of the SIU. Many of these
images remain in good condition, despite changing physical locations several times and
even surviving a fire. “Whether
we’re talking about the Isthmian
organizing drive or the General
Maritime Strike in 1946, we
can’t fully appreciate the SIU
of today without its history seeing the light of day,” Clements
added.
The first installments of
the photographic collections will be made available
throughout the year, and
those interested should check
the SIU’s social media pages
Continued on Page 5
Crew of Crowley-Operated Wright Honored
SIU crew members sailing
aboard the S.S. Wright, a Crowleyoperated, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Ready Reserve
Force (RRF) ship, were recently
honored with Merchant Marine
Medals for Outstanding Achievement for their actions in the wake
of Hurricane Maria.
The medals were presented by
Jeff McMahon, MARAD ship operations and maintenance officer
(SOMO) for Atlantic Operations,
while the vessel, an aviation logistics
support container ship, was in port in
Morehead City, North Carolina.
Along with the Maritime Administrator’s Professional Ship
Award, these accolades recognize
the crew’s participation in humanitarian operations in the U.S. Virgin
Islands (USVI), where the mariners
provided onboard lodging for nearly
4,000 different emergency responders and almost 10,000 meals.
In addition to offering berthing
assets, the Wright carried an FAA
mobile air traffic control tower,
which was critical to enabling air
transportation to and from the is-
lands, as well as meals ready to eat
(MREs), bottled water and tactical/
response vehicles.
“The rapid activation and deployment of the S.S. Wright to St.
Thomas and success of the mission
was unprecedented, thanks to the
cooperation and joint effort of afloat
and shore-side personnel,” said Mike
Golonka, Crowley vice president,
Government Ship Management.
“The entire effort was a true testament of how Crowley – and the maritime industry as a whole – can offer
relief during times of great need.”
February 2019
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Piney Point Photographer, Harry
Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content
Curator, Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
Reversed to White
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
Crew members and guests aboard the Wright, including SIU members, pose for a photo.
February 2019
�Crowley ConRo Taíno Joins SIU Fleet
SIU members are sailing aboard the new
Crowley Maritime vessel MV Taíno following
the Jones Act ship’s delivery late last year.
The second of the company’s new combination container/roll-on roll-off (ConRo)
ships, the Taíno completed its maiden voyage to Puerto Rico on Jan. 11.
“Things are going well,” said Recertified
Bosun Wilfredo Velez the day the liquified
natural gas-powered vessel arrived in the
commonwealth. “We have a good crew, and
it’s smooth sailing so far. I like the run and
the ship. Life is good, man!”
Crowley hailed the maiden voyage as
putting “a historic capstone on the company’s Commitment Class modernization
project and begin[ing] a new era of worldclass supply chain services between the island commonwealth, U.S. mainland and the
Caribbean Basin.”
Like its sister ship, the MV El Coquí
(which entered service in July 2018), the
Taíno utilizes Jacksonville, Florida, as
its mainland home port. Each ship is 720
feet long, 26,500 deadweight tons (DWT),
and can transport up to 2,400 twenty-footequivalent container units (TEUs) at a cruising speed of more than 22 knots. The ships
carry a wide range of cargo types and sizes,
including: 53-foot by 102-inch-wide, highcapacity containers; up to 300 refrigerated
containers; and 400 cars and larger vehicles
in the enclosed and ventilated vehicle garages that are unique to the trade.
The Taíno is named for the native Puerto
Ricans who lived off the land with great appreciation and respect for their environment,
and the El Coquí is named for the popular
indigenous frog on the island. The vessels
were constructed by VT Halter Marine at its
Pascagoula, Mississippi, shipyard.
When the Taíno was delivered, Crowley
Maritime Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley
stated, “I want to congratulate and thank all
the men and women at Crowley and VT Halter
Marine who helped to bring these marvelous
new ships to life. They are shining examples
of maritime innovation and craftsmanship
available right here in the United States
thanks to the Jones Act. From a business
standpoint, Taíno and El Coquí are key components of our integrated logistics offerings
that are bringing speed to market and creating
a competitive advantage for our customers in
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. With our own
vessels and proprietary transportation and
distribution network, we’re reducing friction
and complexity while increasing the velocity
of customers’ goods moving to market and
reducing their landed costs.”
Modernizations by Crowley include the
Commitment class vessels along with investments at Crowley’s Isla Grande Terminal in
San Juan, including three new shore gantry
cranes, the first to be delivered in Puerto
Rico in 50 years; a new 900-foot pier; container handling equipment; and efficiency
improvements. Additionally, a proprietary
feeder service has been launched to seamlessly link Puerto Rico to the Dominican
Republic and other islands of the Caribbean
Basin.
The first SIU crew aboard the Taíno included Velez, ABs Dominique Johnson,
Emil Norales, Arthur Patterson, Julio
Perez and Sonny Perez, QMEDs Sherrod
Frazier and Victor Rios Lopez, QEE Carlos Parilla, Oiler Angel Cintron, Recertified Steward Kim Strate, Chief Cook Luis
Perez Acosta and SA Steven Lopez Ferrer.
The new SIU-crewed ship (photo above) arrives in Puerto Rico on Jan. 11. (Photo courtesy
Crowley Maritime) In photo below, Seafarers gather with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White
(fourth from right) aboard the Taíno on New Year’s Eve in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
New Jobs Aboard Matson’s Kamokuiki
Late last year, Seafarers-contracted Matson launched a new direct U.S.-flag service between Honolulu and
the Marshall Islands. The company purchased a 700-TEU containership for the route: the Kamokuiki (pictured at the immediate left), which is equipped with two 45-ton cranes, hydraulic folding hatch covers and
high maneuverability. Pictured aboard the 411-foot vessel are (center photo, from left) SIU Port Agent Hazel
Galbiso, Steward/Baker Tim Laird and Recertified Steward Ruti Demont. The other group photo includes
(from left) Demont, Capt. Roland Hobson, Galbiso and the captain’s wife, Kelly.
OSG Announces 10-Year
Charter of Jones Act Tanker
New jobs for SIU members are on the way
following a Jan. 3 announcement by Seafarerscontracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG).
The company reported that it has entered
into a 10-year bareboat charter agreement for
the Oregon Voyager, a tanker that was built in
1999 at Newport News (Virginia) Shipbuilding. OSG plans to utilize the 620-foot vessel
in the Jones Act trade, beginning in the second
quarter of 2019.
“This is a welcome addition to the SIU
fleet, and a clear vote of confidence in the professionalism of SIU crews,” stated SIU Vice
President Contracts George Tricker. “It also
strengthens the Jones Act fleet overall, which
benefits U.S. national, economic and homeland security.”
OSG plans to rename the ship as the Overseas
Key West. Previous names included HMI Ambrose Channel, Bristol Bay, and Seabulk Energy.
OSG President and CEO Sam Norton
February 2019
stated, “Following closely on our decision to
extend all of the leases for our American Shipping Company (AMSC)-owned tankers, the
addition of the Overseas Key West to our fleet
of Jones Act tank vessels is an important and
visible signal of OSG’s continuing commitment to sustaining our leading position in the
markets which we serve. The extended duration of this new lease agreement is both an affirmation of our positive outlook for the future
as well as a validation of OSG’s reputation as
a preferred counterparty in operating Jones Act
tank vessels to the high standards demanded
by its customers.”
OSG also operates the following SIUcrewed vessels for AMSC: Overseas Houston,
Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Ange-
les, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City,
Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski, Overseas
Martinez, Overseas Anacortes and Overseas
Tampa.
The Jones Act requires that cargo travelling
between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned
American. On the books since 1920, the law
helps maintain nearly 500,000 U.S. jobs.
Last year, a new study was released by Seafarers’ Rights International revealing that 91
nations maintain some form of cabotage law.
The Oregon Voyager is pictured near Port Everglades, Florida, in December 2017. (Photo by Vladimir Knyaz)
Seafarers LOG 3
�Pictured aboard the Green Lake in the Pacific Northwest (photo above, from left) are Safety Director Ben Anderson, SA Jolanta Goch, AB John Rawlings, AB Bernardo Bartolome, AB Robert Calvo, Bosun Isaac Amissah, AB Paul Gottschling, AB
Ted Thompson, OMU Mario Santos, SB Peter Schuetz and CC Jose Clotter. The two photos at right show the Sincerity Ace
during the shipboard fire.
MV Green Lake Rescues 7 in Deadly Car Carrier Fire
The crew of the MV Green Lake, including SIU members sailing aboard the Central
Gulf Lines-operated vessel, sprang into action on New Year’s Eve, using their rescue
training to save lives in the Pacific Ocean.
The Green Lake was the first vessel to
respond to a Coast Guard alert from the
Panamanian-flagged Sincerity Ace, a 2009built car carrier sailing from Yokohama to
Hawaii. The master had reported a serious
vessel fire, ongoing firefighting efforts and
the intent to abandon ship approximately
1,800 nautical miles northwest of Oahu.
The crew and officers of the Green
Lake spent the next 18 hours battling poor
weather conditions as they rescued seven
mariners and searched for the missing.
They were joined in the search efforts by
three other merchant ships, as well as a U.S.
Coast Guard Hercules HC-130 aircraft and
a Navy 7th Fleet P-8 Poseidon.
In total, the crews of the merchant vessels that responded to the disaster rescued
16 members of the Sincerity Ace’s crew.
Five were not recovered, after a total of
13 searches covering 5,544 nautical square
miles were conducted over a span of three
days.
The SIU crew of the MV Green Lake
included Bosun Isaac Amissah, ABs Nicolas Bernardo Bartolome, Robert Calvo,
Paul Gottschling, John Rawlings and Ted
Thompson, OMUs Godofredo Manding
Banatao and Mario Santos, Steward/Baker
Peter Schuetz, Chief Cook Jose Felipe, and
SA Jolanta Goch. All of them have com-
pleted training at the SIU-affiliated Paul
Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
The deck officers aboard the Green Lake
are members of the MM&P, and the engineers are represented by the MEBA.
Bosun Amissah retold the event, saying,
“We had left Yokohama maybe three days
before, when we got the alert that a ship
was on fire. When we got to the scene, the
crew were spread out over the water, in life
jackets.”
He explained that the Green Lake retrieved seven men from the ocean, bringing
them into warm areas on the ship to rest and
recover: “By the time we pulled them out of
the water, they were so tired. They’d been
in the water for maybe eight hours by that
point, so they needed to rest and warm up.”
“Our training helped a lot,” he concluded, “especially the man-overboard
drills. We’d be picking up one guy out of
the water here, then the next guy would be
three miles away, they were so spread out.
Our training was really important in saving
those seven lives.”
“The entire crew did a truly incredible
job under extreme conditions,” said Capt.
William Boyce. “Winds were blowing a
steady 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots, with
a heavy 20-25-foot north-westerly swell.
Due to the sea state and our high freeboard,
it was very difficult to maneuver, bring the
ship alongside each survivor, and get them
on board with limited retrieval resources.”
Boyce continued, praising the work of
School Welcomes U.S. Senator
The burning vessel is visible in this photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard.
his crew: “MEBA Chief Engineer Joseph
Tierney, First Engineer Shauna Glasser,
Second Engineer Zac Pollock and Third Engineer Maria Asuncion assisted in retrieval
and constant maneuvering for 18 straight
hours. The entire SIU deck crew and bosun
worked tirelessly from 0200 to 2000 to get
the exhausted survivors on board.
“The crew showed incredible perseverance, teamwork and determination,” he concluded, “constantly improvising with each
survivor’s recovery in very difficult and
dangerous conditions. I am proud of each
and every one of this crew for saving seven
souls that had experienced horrific condi-
tions and were exhausted.”
“We are very grateful for the assistance
the crews of these vessels have given during the search and rescue efforts,” said a
spokesperson for the Coast Guard. “These
crew members went out of their way to aid
their fellow mariners, and because of the
remoteness of the incident, the outcome
may have been very different had they not
responded.”
The Green Lake diverted to Honolulu to
disembark the survivors once the search for
additional survivors was called off. At last
report, the Sincerity Ace was being towed
to Japan.
NY Waterway Crew Helps Save a Life
The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC)
hosted U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) for a tour on Jan. 4. Pictured at the
school in Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left) SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Acting PHC VP
Tom Orzechowski, Van Hollen, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and PHC ManagerConference and Lodging Howard Thompson.
4 Seafarers LOG
On Dec. 19, Seafarers sailing on a NY
Waterway ferry went above and beyond to
prevent an attempted suicide by drowning.
SIU members Capt. Ken Recine and
Deckhands Travis Brumfield and Roberto
Valdez Garcia put years of awareness training to use when, at around 9:30 p.m., Brumfield spotted a woman acting strangely as
they prepared to dock at the Battery Park City
ferry terminal.
“I saw a lady who was sitting and looked
kind of dispirited,” said Brumfield. “As Waterway employees, we are trained in security
awareness. I decided to take precautions, so I
asked her, did she want to board, and she said
no, she’s alright.”
When the ferry returned to the terminal,
he realized they needed to act: “As we approached Brookfield again, she was approaching the wall next to the terminal, and
these are the words that came out of her
mouth, ‘I feel betrayed. I don’t want to live
any more. There’s nothing for me.’”
Brumfield and Garcia alerted the captain,
who called the New York Police Department’s harbor patrol.
“We were already headed into Slip 4,
where we were supposed to dock, and I
backed out and positioned the vessel over
by where she was on the wall,” said Recine.
“We were full of passengers at the time, but
I didn’t even consider the schedule at that
point. Someone’s life was in danger.”
As the deckhands donned life vests and
made ready the vessel’s hook and ladder lifesaving equipment, an off-duty ticketing agent
ran up to the woman and began to talk her
down.
Recine said, “We returned to Jersey City
to drop people off and by the time we turned
around, there were police boats here, a helicopter in the sky, the fire department was
at the wall. It took all of five minutes. They
were quick.”
The captain credited the awareness of
his deckhands with spotting the distressed
woman, and stated, “The only thing that prepared me for something like this was a lifetime in the boating industry, and being a team
player. I’d encourage all mariners to be aware
of your surroundings at all times, and look
out for one another.”
February 2019
�House Bill Aims to Honor WWII Mariners
A bill saluting the service of World War
II U.S. Merchant Mariners is under consideration in the new U.S. Congress.
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) on Jan. 15 introduced H.R. 550,
the Merchant Mariners of World War II
Congressional Gold Medal Act, with U.S.
Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Susan
Brooks (R-Indiana) joining as original
cosponsors. This legislation would award
a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the
highest honors in the United States, to
mariners who sustained our armed forces
during World War II.
“Throughout the Second World War,
our armed forces relied on the merchant
marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and
they paid a heavy price in service to their
country,” said Garamendi. “The merchant
marine suffered the highest per capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during
World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners
lost their lives, and another 12,000 were
wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives on the line were
not even given veteran status until 1988.”
(More than 1,200 SIU members gave their
lives during the war.)
“Last year, I got the chance to meet with
three World War II Merchant Mariners:
Charles Mills of Texas, age 97; Eugene
Barner from Kansas, age 92; and Robert Weagant from Illinois, age 92. These
mariners put their lives on the line for this
country, braving German and Japanese
submarines in their Liberty ships as they
delivered critical supplies to our service
members in the European and Pacific theaters,” Garamendi added. “Unfortunately,
their sacrifice is commonly overlooked.
A Congressional Gold Medal would give
them the recognition they deserve, and
that’s why I’ve introduced this bill: to give
these veterans and their families the honor
and respect they are owed.”
Christian Yuhas, vice president of the
American Merchant Marine Veterans
Rep. Garamendi (third from left) meets with WWII Merchant Marine Veterans and family members of deceased veterans in Washington, D.C.
(AMMV) and a chief engineer, stated,
“The time has come for our nation to provide a well-deserved thank you and honor
the remaining Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII with a Congressional Gold
Medal. This group of unsung heroes nobly
served our country by operating the ships
that transported critical supplies to front
lines of the war, and in doing so suffered a
casualty rate higher than any other branch
of the military. In fact, one out of every 26
casualties during World War II was a volunteer merchant mariner. America would
not be the great nation it is today without
their valiant service of yesterday. I urge
Congress to support this important bill and
recognize this dwindling group of Merchant Marine Veterans that have served our
NMC Issues Mitigation Update
On Government Shutdown
Aboard Empire State
When this photo was taken in late December, crew members on the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning
vessel were celebrating Christmas as well as 3,000 lost-time-incident-free days, reports vessel master
Capt. Kevin W. Griffith, who submitted the snapshot on behalf of Chief Steward Wilfredo Espinosa. Well
done to the SIU crew and AMO officers.
New Website Boasts Improved Features
Continued from Page 2
or seafarerslog.org for updates.
Meanwhile, the main SIU site has been reorganized and streamlined. There’s a site map
linked at the bottom of every page, and the
union’s social media accounts also are prominently linked at the top of every page. They include a relatively new Flickr site that hosts all
available lifeboat class photos from the union’s
February 2019
nation so admirably.”
The Merchant Mariners of World
War II Congressional Gold Medal Act
was introduced in the Senate simultaneously by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski
(R-Alaska).
The bill is currently awaiting action by
the House Financial Services Committee,
Garamendi’s office reported.
affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.
Additionally, many of the PDF forms on the site
have been modified so visitors can complete them
online. (The fillable forms still have to be printed
and sent to the intended recipients.)
The SIU first launched a website in 1997, and
started a mobile site in 2013. While cutting-edge at
launch and for a while thereafter, the mobile site
had some limitations that don’t exist with the new
version.
Editor’s note: The following news release (which ran
under the headline: “Mitigation Efforts Due to Lapse in
Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations and Partial Government
Shutdown”) was issued by the
National Maritime Center on
Jan. 8. At press time, it was
the most recent communication from the agency concerning the partial shutdown.
Check the SIU website for
updates. The “attached letter” mentioned in the article
is linked in the news section
of the SIU site in addition to
being available on the NMC
website.
To mitigate the impact
caused by the partial lapse
in appropriations and shutdown of National Maritime
Center (NMC) operations, the
following actions are being
taken:
Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National
Endorsements only) and
Medical Certificates that expired in December 2018 or
expire in January 2019 are
extended as valid until March
31, 2019. Print the attached
letter and carry it with your
credential.
Additional Information
(AI) letters, sent to mariners
that expired in December
2018 or expire in January
2019 are extended to March
31, 2019.
Approval to Test (ATT)
letters and mariner training
course certificates that expired in December 2018 or
expire in January 2019 are extended until March 31, 2019.
For mariners whose 90day testing cycles were interrupted by Regional Exam
Center (REC) closures (starting on December 26, 2018),
the days the RECs were
closed will not count against
the 90-day period. REC appointment calendars will be
re-opened immediately once
appropriations are restored.
E-mail any course approval
extension requests to NMCCourses@uscg.mil.
The NMC understands the
partial shutdown may affect
our industry customers and
stakeholders and we apologize for any potential inconvenience.
If you have questions, visit
the NMC website, or contact
the NMC Customer Service
Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or
by calling 1-888-IASKNMC
(427-5662).
Seafarers LOG 5
�Seafarers Celebrate Holidays at Halls
For the SIU, holiday get-togethers at the
hiring halls are a time-honored tradition nearly
as venerable as the union itself. As noted in last
month’s LOG, some of the oldest photos in the
union’s archives show Seafarers celebrating
winter holidays at various halls.
The most recent holiday season saw SIU
gatherings across the country, both ashore and
aboard numerous vessels around the world.
Many of them have been featured in past issues
and on the SIU’s social media pages.
The photos on this page were taken at the
halls in Jersey City, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; and New Orleans.
Philanthropy is also a longstanding SIU
tradition. In that spirit, the SIU in Jersey City
conducted a volunteer toy drive benefiting local
children who are less fortunate. Those gifts
were delivered Dec. 20 (three days after the
Christmas party, the cutoff for donations) to a
century-old organization named Women Rising.
In Norfolk, the annual Christmas party
doubled as a fond farewell to Kermett Mangram, who’d recently retired from his post as
vice president of the SIU Government Services
Division. Mangram spent more than 40 years
with the union.
The other parties were traditional but no less
enthusiastic.
Editor’s note: See pages 8, 10, 11 and 24 for
related photos and coverage.
Norfolk
Approximately 100 members, retirees and guests attended the
16th annual celebration in Norfolk, Virginia.
Port Agent Georg Kenny, QEE Kevin Quinlan, Retiree Stanley “Butch” Vane, Recertified Bosun Robert
Blackie Fraser Linsday Jr.
Newly retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram (center) is pictured with family members, officials and staff.
Jersey City
New Orleans
Port Agent Chris Westbrook (standing fifth from left) reports that seafood gumbo was among the
menu items enjoyed by guests in New Orleans
Jacksonville
Chief Steward Jermaine Robinson baked
this cake for the event in New Orleans.
6 Seafarers LOG
AB Vicente Mansilungan went all-out with his dish for
the potluck holiday lunch.
Members and guests in the Jersey City hiring hall wave to the camera while
waiting for the start of their Christmas Party. In photo below, Port Agent Mark
von Siegel (left) delivers donations
to Latoya Smith of Women Rising. Seafarer Ariel Lopez Albino
helped with the delivery. According to the organization’s website,
“For over 110 years, Women Rising has been helping women and
their families. Our clients are in
need – in need of jobs, safety from
domestic violence, freedom from
substance abuse, safe homes for
children. Women Rising meets
these needs by providing supportive counseling, crisis intervention, workforce development and
job placement, shelter for victims
of domestic violence, outreach,
advocacy, and referrals. Women
Rising is the foremost communitybased organization for women in
Hudson County. Women Rising
assists women and their families
to achieve self-sufficiency and live
safe, productive and fulfilling lives,
through social services, economic
development, and advocacy services.”
February 2019
�Mariners and their guests gather near the Crowley-operated vessel.
Children and their counselors are pictured with personnel from the ship.
USNS Victorious Mariners Help Orphans in Philippines
Editor’s note: The following article was submitted by
Captain Jon Skoglund (a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers), serving aboard the
Crowley-operated USNS Victorious. The vessel is crewed
by SIU members and AMO officers.
While the Victorious was in Subic Bay, Philippines,
during December 2018, mariners decided that we would
look into how we might be able to help out a local orphanage. Chief Mate Robert Swinburne identified an
orphanage for sexually assaulted girls in Olongapo. After
touring the facility, it became evident these girls needed
our help. Although the city of Olongapo had workers
there installing new showers and a septic system, they
lacked basic necessities, such as enough beds, fans for
ventilation (there was no A/C in any part of the building), a washer for clothes, storage for their clothes, bedding and towels…. The list goes on.
The chief mate did some research and found that four
beds and a washer would cost $679. The good people
aboard the Victorious raised $1,400 in just two days. In
addition, the Crowley Business Unit donated $679 to
cover the initial expenses, and the fantastic folks that are
a part of the Crowley Jacksonville Team donated another
$445 to the cause.
With this extreme generosity and the hard work of
Chief Mate Swinburne, 1AE Nick Swanson, 2AE Jenna
Palaschak and QMED Deven McCoy, we were able to
make the girls’ home a safer and more pleasant place,
while providing them with the basics that most of us take
for granted: five bunk beds, a new washing machine, a
freezer (full of food), six fans, sheets, towels, blankets,
plates, cups, silverware, cleaning supplies, personal
hygiene products and lastly, we had enough money left
over to fill the cupboards with dry goods.
We were also lucky enough to host the girls and their
counselors aboard the Victorious for a tour and a pizza
night. You could tell by the smiles that both the girls and
the crew enjoyed our time together. As it turns out, no
matter where you are in the world, pizza and ice cream
are popular with a crowd!
Thank you all for your help! A heartfelt Happy Holidays from the crew of the Victorious.
The tour is a hit with these visitors.
QMED Deven McCoy (left) and 1st Engineer Nick Swanson volunteer at the orphanage.
Some of the donated items are delivered to the orphanage.
Camera shyness isn’t a problem on deck.
February 2019
Residents and employees enjoy their gifts.
Seafarers LOG 7
�Members roll bicycles onto the truck.
Seafarers team up and transport toys from the hall to a truck.
AB Obaid Ali
Union Stages Another Successful Santa’s Castle Outreach
Continued from Page 24
deserve help when they need it. It was nice to
meet some of the people from our installation
at JBLM, and I’m really proud of our union and
glad I had the chance to join.”
AB Michael Bell stated, “I think it went
great. When you walk in there and see all those
toys, it really brings a good feeling, knowing
the members are doing something for somebody else. I really enjoy doing it. We didn’t
have a lot when I was growing up; myself, and
I know, a lot of the other guys like to make sure
kids have a good Christmas – have at least one
thing under the tree.”
Bell added compliments to Vincenzo, Safety
Director Ben Anderson, Patrolmen Warren Asp
and George Owen and Administrative Assistant
Brenda Flesner for their work on the project.
“I take my hat off to them,” Bell said. “They
all do a great job getting this thing going and
keeping it going. They deserve an ‘attaboy’
because they’re the driving force behind it. It’s
one of the highlights of the entire year, and I
think a lot of people look forward to it every
year. You see a lot of smiles.”
Addressing Seafarers and Army personnel,
Vincenzo recalled a moment from decades earlier.
“I remember as a young PFC at Fort Riley,
Kansas, home of the Big Red One (1st Infantry
Division), an older gentleman toured the motor
pool where I was working on an M577 (an
armored vehicle). It was routine maintenance.
The man thanked me for my service, but I did
not feel that I had earned his thanks. Today
so many years later, I still don’t – but today I
understand his need to express his thanks and
the genuine gratitude that he must have felt that
day. And quite frankly, all these years later it
is clear that his thanks were not necessarily or
only about me but something much bigger and
what I stood for, and still stand for today. It is
an honor to be trusted with the capacity as your
port agent to organize and advocate for this toy
drive with the help of so many. You are the ones
who even make this possible, and your generos-
ity speaks for itself year after year.”
Shelly Hinzman, president of Santa’s Castle,
said, “Our season went great. I don’t have
final numbers, but we did 850 to 900 families.
Seafarers were a big part of that, because the
donations that we receive from them – really,
they’re awesome donations. We put them to
good use. We always love going to the Seafarers luncheon, too; it’s a highlight of our season.
They’ve always been great supporters and
we’ve always felt very welcome every time we
go. I’m not exaggerating – we just love them.”
JBLM is located approximately nine miles
southwest of Tacoma.
Santa’s Castle is a private 501(c)(3) organization. According to their website, participating
service members are identified “by their chain
of command – commander, chaplain, 1SG and
above – and referred to the program. Once accepted, the service member is scheduled for
a shopping appointment where they come to
Santa’s Castle to select gifts for their child or
children.”
Enjoying the gathering are SIU members (from left) Joey Lata, Saleh Ahmed,
Carlos Noriega, Eric Hondel and Erwin
Renon.
Guests enjoy the luncheon at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Combating the Common Cold
Editor’s note: The following article
is provided by the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
If you have a severe cough, a sore
throat and your nose is stuffy, you
may have a cold. It could, however, be
something else.
Regardless of what your condition
could be, it’s a good idea to get a head
start on the healing process. Getting
rest, drinking lots of water and eating smaller but more frequent meals
are all actions that should make you
feel better. Taking Tylenol or anti-inflammatory medications will also help
improve how you feel, provided you
haven’t been told previously by your
physician not to do so.
If it is just a cold, your symptoms
generally last for a period of three
to 10 days. If your symptoms fail to
subside during this time, and you also
develop a running nose, watery eyes,
constant sneezing and coughing that
gets worse, it’s probably time to con-
8 Seafarers LOG
sider calling a doctor.
Such a call should be mandatory
for someone who, in addition to having the forgoing symptoms, develops
trouble breathing, fevers and body
aches, severe vomiting, sinus pain,
swollen glands, chest pains or pressure
and feelings of faintness.
Everyone should be aware that
colds can cause swelling in the nose
and lungs, which in turn can lead
to sinus infections or exacerbate
asthma and other lung problems.
Colds can also weaken immune systems, thereby opening the door to
other infections.
There are a number of preventive
actions individuals can take to improve
the state of their overall health while
also guarding against developing any
of the foregoing conditions. Included
are: getting proper rest, drinking lots
of fluids, limiting alcohol intake, stopping smoking, exercising as often as
possible, taking vitamins and required
inoculations and eating a heart-healthy
diet..
Healthful Recipe
Grilled Chicken Santa Fe
Servings: 25
Ingredients
10 pounds chicken breast without skin
2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
Corn salsa:
2 cups frozen corn kernels, defrosted
2/3 cup red and green bell peppers, diced small
½ cup red onion, diced small
2 2/3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
Grill the chicken on a medium-high heat grill or
lightly oiled griddle. Cook the chicken halfway
done.
Place the chicken into 2-inch hotel pans evenly.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Mix all the salsa ingredients together in a large
container.
Bake the chicken in a 350-degree oven for about
15-20 minutes until internal temperature of 165
F is reached.
Top the cooked chicken with the corn salsa.
Cover and serve.
Nutrition information: Per Serving (excluding
unknown items): 191 calories; 3g fat (16% calories from fat); 34g protein; 5g carbohydrates; 1g
dietary fiber; 84mg cholesterol; 99mg sodium.
Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 4 ½ lean meat; 0
vegetable; ½ fat; 0 other carbohydrates.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
February 2019
�With Seafarers on the Great Lakes
The photos on this page were taken by SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak while servicing
members aboard the American Steamship Company-operated John J. Boland and Indiana
Harbor last year. The Boland was in Toledo, Ohio, while the Indiana Harbor was in St.
Clair, Michigan.
John J. Boland
The John J. Boland lowers a boarding ladder.
Bosun Saleh Mohamed Ahmed and AB Abdulaziz Faisal Zain
Port Agent Todd Brdak and Chief Cook Bernard Lawes
The John J. Boland loads cargo onto the ship.
Indiana Harbor
Chief Cook John Chaney
AB Wheelsman Mohamed Mosed and Gateman Thomas McClure
QMED Ameen Abdo Yahya and Port Agent Todd
Brdak
February 2019
ACU Dave Warner
The Indiana Harbor docked in St. Clair, Michigan
Safe operations are a source of pride aboard the
Indiana Harbor.
Seafarers LOG 9
�PROMOTING MARITIME TO CONGRESSMEN – Shortly before Election Day 2018, SIU Port Agent Mark von Siegel and Patrolman Ray Henderson helped reinforce support for the
U.S. Merchant Marine in Congress. Pictured from left in photo at right are von Siegel, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-New Jersey) and Henderson. Henderson is shown with U.S. Rep. Bill
Pascrell (D-New Jersey) in the photo at left.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ON SEABULK ARCTIC – Pictured from left in photo above are AB Blake Braye, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, Houston
Patrolman Kelly Krick, AB Christopher Sanchez, Pumpman Brian Jackson, AB Marcos Rivera, Chief Steward Rafael Cardenas and Houston Patrolman J.D. Niday. The photo at right features AB Richard Benoit aboard the Seabulk Tankers vessel.
AT SAN JUAN HALL – QMED Angel Cintron (left)
made a bit of history last December when he became
the first Seafarer to pick up a vacation check at the new
hall in Puerto Rico. He was also the first A-seniority
book member serviced at the hall, according to Port
Agent Amancio Crespo (right).
AT HOUSTON HALL – In photo above, inland Capt. Jamie Norsworthy (right) takes the union oath and receives his full book.
The photo at right features members of the Chacon family – pensioner Jose (center) flanked by his wife, Ramona (left) and their
daughter, Dr. Osana Chacon. Jose stopped by to pick up a pension verification letter; all three family members spoke favorably
of the new hiring hall.
ABOARD PELICAN STATE – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning ship in
Martinez, California, are Recertified
Steward Gregory Lynch, GVA Abdulfata Shammam, SA Kassem Salem,
QMED/Pumpman Alex Canada,
QMED Derrick Clark, Oakland Port
Agent Nick Marrone II, AB Nasser
Kassim and Bosun Derik Rye.
10 Seafarers LOG
February 2019
�At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
TALKING MERCHANT MARINE WITH CONGRESSMAN – U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DCalifornia) (center) conducted a community event Dec. 16 in Dublin, California, and SIU
representatives were on hand to discuss the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime
Security Program and more. Pictured with the congressman are Port Agent Nick Marrone
II (right) and Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli.
ABOARD PRESIDENT CLEVELAND – Pictured aboard the APL vessel in Oakland,
California, are (from left) ACU Jessie Espiritu, Recertified Steward Joseph Welle and
Chief Cook David Rodak.
UNPLANNED REUNION – Four friends who are recertified stewards (from left: Ed Viana,
Juan Vallejo, Michael Carello and Alex Banky) took this photo outside the Paul Hall
Center’s Mooney Pub to celebrate a rare reunion over the holiday. Vallejo said he submitted the photo to the LOG “so that the new generations understand the importance of
our school that, in addition to educating us, finds us again.” He and Viana were in the
same recertification class (in 2012). Banky completed the program in 2002, while Carello
graduated in 2008.
ALHOA FROM PINEY POINT – Six new recruits from the Marimed Foundation’s program
for native Hawaiians are among those pictured, while recently enrolled in the apprentice
program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Standing (from left)
are SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Apprentices Kalanihooulumoku Holt and Delson Smith, Marimed Program Coordinator Melissa Hebert, Apprentice Alika Kukahiko and
Marimed President/CEO Matt Claybaugh. In front are (from left) Apprentices Kalae Huihui,
Billie Kawelo and Noah Santiago.
AT JACKSONVILLE HALL – In photo at left, Pumpman Steven Supplee (right) receives his Abook from Safety Director Joseph Koncul. AB Joseph Wattam is at right in photo at right, also with
Koncul, receiving his full B-book. The below photo shows OS Jamila King in front of the podium,
taking the oath and receiving her full B-book from Patrolman Adam Bucalo.
ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Christmas spirit and excellent food are evident
aboard the TOTE vessel. Pictured from left are SA Brandon Harvell, Chief Cook
Jacob Parrilla and Steward/Baker Ingrid Ortiz.
February 2019
Seafarers LOG 11
�What’s New for the
2019 Tax Filing Season
Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2018 and 2019, along
with provisions that remain in effect from 2017. Please check www.irs.gov
before filing your return.
Due date of return - File Form 1040 by April 15, 2019.
Exemptions - For tax year 2018, the deduction for the personal exemption
is reduced to zero.
Standard Deductions – The standard deduction for married couples filing
a joint return has increased to $24,000 for 2018. The standard deduction for
single individuals and married couples filing separate returns has increased to
$12,000 for 2018. The standard deduction for heads of household increased
to $18,000 for 2018. The additional standard deduction for people who have
reached age 65 (or who are blind) is $1,300 for married taxpayers or $1,600
for unmarried taxpayers.
Itemized Deductions – Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions
were reduced by 3% of the amount adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions was eliminated
by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), and therefore does not apply to 2018.
State Itemized Deductions - The TCJA modified or eliminated several
popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal
deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the
state level.
Medical Care Itemized Deduction Threshold - For tax year 2018, for
all taxpayers, unreimbursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized
deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income.
Earned Income Credit (EIC) - The EIC is a credit for certain people who
work. The credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. The
maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for
2018:
n Credit of $6,341 if you have three or more qualifying children and you
earn less than $49,194 ($54,884 if married filing jointly)
n Credit of $5,716 if you have two qualifying children and you earn less
than $45,802 ($51,492 if married filing jointly)
n Credit of $3,461 if you have one qualifying child and you earn less than
$40,320 ($46,010 if married filing jointly), or
n Credit of $519 if you do not have a qualifying child and you earn less
than $15,270 ($20,950 if married filing jointly)
For tax years beginning after 2015 – a TIN is not valid for EIC purposes
unless it was used on or before the due date of the return. For Tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for
taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC
who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer.
Social Security and Medicare Taxes - The maximum amount of wages
subject to the Social Security tax for 2018 is $128,400.
There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax.
In 2018, hospital insurance tax in addition to the Medicare tax will be an
additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts:
$250,000 for married filing jointly, $125,000 for married filing separately,
and $200,000 for all others. This additional assessment also applies to selfemployed workers. For 2019, the maximum amount of wages subject to Social Security tax is $132,900.
Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction – The FICA portion of the
self-employment tax is 12.4% in 2018. The Medicare portion of the SE tax
is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable thresholds as noted above. The SE tax rate for 2018 is 15.3%, and the
deduction is equal to one-half of self-employment tax.
Capital Gains and Losses - Continuing from 2012 you must report your
capital gains and losses on Form 8949 and report the totals on Schedule D.
If you sold a covered security in 2018, your broker will report the cost basis
on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for
additional information and other new developments affecting this form and
Schedule D.
New for 2018: For years 2018-2025, the personal casualty and theft loss
deduction is eliminated, except for personal casualty losses incurred in a federally declared disaster.
Qualified Dividend and Capital Gains Tax Rate – In 2018, the tax rate
on long-term gains and qualified dividends is 20% for income that exceeds the
37% tax bracket threshold amount of:
n $600,000 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses
n $500,000 for head of household
n $300,000 for married filing separately
n $500,000 for single
The rate goes down to 15% for lower tax brackets and then 0% for the
10%-15% tax brackets. In 2018, capital gain income will be subject to an
additional 3.8% Medicare tax for income that exceeds the threshold amounts
listed above.
Medicare Tax on Investment Income – In 2018, a tax equal to 3.8% of
the lesser of the individual’s net investment income for the year or the amount
the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds the threshold
amount. The threshold amounts for the additional Medicare tax are as follows:
n $250,000 for married filing jointly and surviving spouses
n $125,000 for married filing separately
n $200,000 for all others
Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to that income is net investment income. Investment income includes income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents and net gain from disposition of
property, other than such income derived in the ordinary course of a trade or
business. However, income from a trade or business that is a passive activity
and from a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities
is included in investment income.
Modified adjusted gross income for the purpose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned
income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in.
Adoption credit - The maximum adoption credit has increased to $13,810
per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $207,140. The credit
is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In
general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses
related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees
and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to
filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must
include with their 2018 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents.
Child Tax Credit - The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extends
the enhanced child tax credit of $2,000 maximum credit per child through the
end of 2018.
For 2018 tax year, the child tax credit starts to be reduced when income
reaches the following levels:
12 Seafarers LOG
n $200,000 for married couples filing separately
n $200,000 for single, head of household, and qualifying widow(er) filers, and
n $400,000 for married couples filing jointly
The TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for years 20182025. Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent
does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction; however, it does make the
noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child.
In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each
$1,000 of income above these threshold amounts.
The child tax credit is generally nonrefundable credit that is limited to
regular tax liability plus alternative minimum tax liability. However, a portion
of the credit is refundable for certain taxpayers (see Form 8812 and IRS Pub.
972). Effective from 2016: Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for
any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual
TIN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year: For tax
years beginning after 2015 – the Child Tax Credit is not allowed for (1) two
tax years after a final determination or reckless or intentional disregard of rules
and regulations or (2) 10 tax years after a final determination of fraud. If the
Child Tax Credit is denied due to failure to supply required information to the
IRS, no Child Tax Credit is allowed for any later tax year unless the taxpayer
supplies the needed information.
Child and Dependent Care Credit - For 2018, there is a credit equal to the
amount of qualified expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined
by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $3,000 for cost to care for one child
under the age of 13 or up to $6,000 for two or more children, so that the parents
can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. There must be
earned income in order to take the credit (the credit amount has not changed).
The American Opportunity Tax Credit - For tax year 2018, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount
may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years of post-secondary
education in a degree or certificate program. The credit is calculated by taking
100% of the first $2,000 of qualified tuition and related educational expenses
and 25% of the next $2,000 of such expenses. The credit is gradually reduced
if your Modified AGI is:
n $90,000 for Single, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er)
n $180,000 for Married Filing Jointly
Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year
if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number
(TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. For Tax
years beginning after 2015, the American Opportunity Credit is not allowed
for (1) two tax years after a final determination or reckless or intentional disregard of rules and regulations or (2) 10 tax years after a final determination
of fraud. If the American Opportunity Credit is denied due to failure to supply
required information to the IRS, no American Opportunity Credit is allowed
for any later tax year unless the taxpayer supplies the needed information.
Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made.
Lifetime Learning Credit - For tax year 2018, the maximum credit
amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds
$57,000 ($114,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated
if your Modified AGI exceeds $67,000 ($134,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be
claimed for each student.
Tuition and Fees Deductions – The tuition and fees deduction expired at
the end of 2017. However, this discussion is retained in the event the deduction
is extended, as it has been many times. The deduction is not allowed for Married Filing Separately filers or for any taxpayer who qualifies as a dependent
(whether or not claimed) on another taxpayer’s tax return. For 2018, the tuition
and fees deduction may not be claimed if an education credit is claimed for the
same student in the same year [IRC Sec. 222 (c)(2)(A)].
Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs - Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees,
and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the
student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges,
universities, and certain vocational schools.
New for 2018: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education
expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary
or secondary public, private or religious school [IRC Secs. 529(c)(7) and
530(b)(3)(B)]. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000
for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per-student. [IRC
Sec.529(e)(3)(A)].
Educator Expenses – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of
2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible elementary and secondary school teachers of up to $250 per year ($500 if you and your spouse
were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain
supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used
in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also
include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/she teaches.
State & Local Sales and Use Tax Deduction – For 2018, the itemized
deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of
the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes and (2) state and local income, war profits and excess profits taxes (or sales taxes in lieu of income, etc.
taxes) paid or accrued in the tax year. Caution: The provision also includes a
rule stating that an individual may not claim an itemized deduction in 2017 on
a pre-payment of income tax for a future tax year in order to avoid the dollar
limitation applicable for the tax years beginning after 2017.
Individual Retirement Accounts:
Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account) - Taxpayers can
contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person
under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly
with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The contribution is not deductible.
Traditional IRAs - For 2018, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is
the lesser of $5,500 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50 or older as of
year-end, an additional catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 is allowed. Thus,
the 2018 contribution limit for these taxpayers is the lesser of $6,500 or your
compensation. For the deduction, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
phase-out range in 2018 is $63,000-$73,000 for single and head of household,
$101,000-$121,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er),
and less than $10,000 for married individuals filing separate returns when a
taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year.
Continued on Page 14
Tax Tips for Members
How to Prepare
A Tax Return
Step 1. Get all records together.
n Income Records. These include
any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099
n Itemized deductions and tax credits
n Medical and dental payment records
n Charitable contributions
n Real estate and personal property
tax receipts
n Interest payment records for items
such as a home mortgage or
n Home equity loan
n Records of payments for child
care so an individual could work
Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or
publications necessary to assist in filing
the return. Most IRS offices and many
local banks, post offices and libraries
have publications designed to provide
individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may
access the IRS website at www.irs.gov
for forms, instructions and publications.
Step 3. Fill in the return.
Step 4. Check the return to make sure
it is correct.
Step 5. Sign and date the return.
Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also
sign if it is a joint return.
Step 6. Attach all required forms and
schedules. Attach Copy B of Forms W-2,
W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the
Form 1040. Attach all other schedules
and forms behind Form 1040 in order of
the attachment sequence number. If tax
is owed, attach the payment to the front
of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V
(original only). Write name, address,
phone number, Social Security number and form number on your check or
money order. Payment also can be made
by credit card. You may use American
Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards.
To pay by credit card, call the toll-free
number 1-888-872-9829 or 1-888-7291040 or visit websites www.officialpayments.com/fed or www.pay1040.com.
There is a fee charged based on the
amount you are paying.
Rounding Off to Whole Dollars:
Cents may be rounded off to the nearest
whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to
99 cents to the next dollar. For example,
$1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes
$2.
Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to
request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 20b, 20c and
20d on their Form 1040. Line 20b is
for the bank’s routing number. Line 20c
indicates the type of account, and line
20d is the taxpayer’s account number
at the bank. When tax returns are filed
electronically, a refund will be received
in about 3 weeks or in 2 weeks if it
is deposited directly into a savings or
checking account. For a charge, many
professional tax return preparers offer
electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. Beginning in
2009, an individual that prepares his or
her own return can access most commonly used Federal tax forms from the
IRS website and website at: www.irs.
gov.
What Are Considered
Deductions and Credits
Personal Exemption Amount: The
TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for years 2018-2025.
Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does
not entitle that parent to an exemption
deduction; however, it does make the
noncustodial parent eligible for the child
tax credit with respect to the child.
Standard Deduction: The standard
deduction, or dollar amount that reduces
the amount that is taxed, which increased
for married couples filing jointly in 2018
at $24,000. The standard deduction for
single individuals and married couples
filing separate returns also increased in
2018 at $12,000. The standard deduction for heads of household increased to
$18,000 for 2018.
Personal Interest Deductions: For
2018, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest
on car loans, credit cards, personal loans
and tax deficiencies.
Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Deduct all your home mortgage
interest depending on the date of your
mortgage, the amount of the mortgage
and how the proceeds were used. Interest
paid on investments is also 100 percent
deductible but limited to the amount of
investment income earned each year. Any
excess can be carried forward to the next
year.
Union Dues Deduction: Union dues,
including working dues, are no longer deductible for 2018-2025.
Club Dues Deduction: No deduction
is permitted for club dues; however, dues
paid to professional or public service
organizations are deductible for business
reasons.
Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross Income: The TCJA suspended the deduction for miscellaneous
itemized deductions subject to the 2%-ofAGI limit for 2018-2025 [IRC Sec.
67(g)]. Therefore, these expenses are not
deductible in 2018. Miscellaneous itemized deductions not subject to the 2%-ofAGI limit remain deductible on Schedule
A.
Dependent’s Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a Social
Security number (SSN). Individuals may
get a SSN for their dependent by filing
Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the
Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It
usually takes about two weeks to receive
a SSN.
Additional (Refundable) Child Tax
Credit – This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of
the child tax credit. The additional child
tax credit may give you a refund even if
you do not owe any tax.
Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers
may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of
interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents.
The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income.
Other Tax Information
Private Delivery Services: Tax
returns and extensions can be mailed
through private delivery services such as
DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Ex-
Standard Deduction
This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older
or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,300 for a married person or
“spouse” or $1,600 for an unmarried person).
Filing Status Standard Deduction
Single and Married filing separate ................................................................$ 12,000
Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent chidren........$24,000
Head of household...........................................................................................$ 18,000
February 2019
February 2019
press and United Parcel Service.
Forms of Payments: One can pay the
Internal Revenue Service through credit
cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank
check or money order. If you file your
return electronically you may be able to
make your payment electronically.
Which Records To Keep
Keep records of income (such as
receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the
tax return, as well as any worksheets used
to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3
years from the date the return was due
or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax
was paid, whichever is later. However, it
is recommended that all records be kept
for about 6 years. Some records should
be kept even longer. For example, keep
property records (your home, stocks) as
long as they are needed to figure the basis
of property.
Change of Address: If an individual
has changed his or her address from the
one listed on that person’s last tax return,
IRS Form 8822 should be filled out and
filed with the agency.
Death of a Taxpayer: If a taxpayer
died before filing a required return for
2018, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that
person. A personal representative can be
an executor, administrator or anyone who
is in charge of the taxpayer’s property.
Which Income To Report
In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains,
dividend payments and other income
listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported:
n Jones Act settlements for lost
wages
n Amounts received in place of
wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions)
if employer paid for the policy
n Life insurance proceeds from a
policy cashed in if the proceeds are more
than the premium paid
n Canceled debts
n State income tax refunds
n Rents
n Repayments
n Royalties
n Unemployment benefits
n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts
n Endowments
n Original Issue Discount
n Distributions from self-employed
plans
n Bartering income (fair-market
value of goods or services received in return for services)
n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities
under the Railroad Retirement Act
n Lump-sum distributions
n Gains from the sale or exchange
(including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other
property (capital gains)
n Accumulation distributions from
trusts
n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings)
n Earned income from sources outside the United States
n Director’s fees
n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate
n Embezzled or other illegal income
n Social Security benefits
Which Income Need Not Be Reported
The following kinds of income do not
need to be reported on the federal tax
return:
n Benefits from government welfare
programs
n Jones Act settlements for injuries,
pain, suffering, and medical costs
n Maintenance and Cure
n Workers’ compensation benefits,
insurance, damages, etc. for injury or
sickness
n Disability retirement payments
(and other benefits) paid by the Veterans
Administration
n Child support
n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed
n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance
n Life insurance proceeds received
because of a person’s death
n Amounts received from insurance
because of loss of the use of a home due
to fire or other casualty to the extent the
amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home
n Certain amounts received as a
scholarship
Filing an Extension
Taxpayers can get an automatic
6-month extension if, no later than April
15, 2019, Form 4868 will be filed with
the IRS. It is important to remember
that a 6-month extension to file does not
extend the time to pay the taxes. Form
4868, when sent in, must be accompanied
by all tax monies due to the U.S. government.
Where is My Refund
If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can
be accessed through the website at www.
irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should
know your Social Security Number (or
IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing
Separate Return, Head of Household, or
Qualifying Widow(er)) and the refund
amount. It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on
your return.
Why Seafarers Must Pay State Income Tax
Federal law prohibits employers from
withholding state and local taxes from the
wages of mariners working aboard U.S.flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA
11108(11)] provides that “no part of the
wages due or accruing to a master, officer
or any other seaman who is a member of
Away At Tax Time
Should Seafarers find themselves
overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates
are equipped to provide some taxpayerrelated services. At a minimum, IRS
forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin,
Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London,
England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris,
France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome,
Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan.
the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercostal, interstate or
non-contiguous trade shall be withheld
pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws
of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of
them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages
of any seaman who is employed in the
coastwise trade between ports in the same
state if such withholding is pursuant to a
voluntary agreement between such seaman
and his employer.”
The law, however, does not exempt
seamen from paying state and local taxes.
Mariners, just like any other citizens of
any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in
which they live. Each state has a set of
criteria to determine whether an individual
is a resident of that state. A seaman should
check with a state tax office if he or she is
unsure about residency status.
For example, in California during the
early 1970s, a case before the California
State Board of Equalization stated that a
merchant seaman—despite the fact that he
was on a ship for 210 days of the year—
was a resident of the state for tax purposes.
The board took into consideration the
fact that the seaman owned a home in
California and maintained a bank account
in a California-based bank. Additionally,
each state has established conditions under
which non-residents of that state must pay
a portion of state tax if such an individual
earned income from a source based in that
state. Many states allow a credit in the
amount an individual must pay the state
if that person has already paid taxes in
another state. In 2000, President Clinton
signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure
aimed at providing “equitable treatment
with respect to state and local income
taxes for certain individuals who perform
duties on vessels.”
The law, which took effect Nov. 9,
2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned
duties while engaged as a master, officer
or crewman on a vessel operating on the
navigable waters of more than one State”
shall be subject to state income tax only
in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state
tax issues, mariners should telephone the
taxpayer assistance office in the state in
which they reside.
Where To Get Information
General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for
general information between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. your local time.
Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and
prior year forms, instructions and publications.
Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many
IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that
cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location
of an IRS office, look in the phone book under “United States
Government, Internal Revenue Service.”
Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions
by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service,
publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered.
The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated
Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the
number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will
cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the
status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet website at
www.irs.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search
publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status
of your refund; send the IRS comments or requests for help via
email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by
email.
Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding
the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director
(listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with
the letter.
Seafarers LOG 13
�Tax Filers Face Assorted Changes During 2019 Season
Continued from Page 12
Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly
contribution that can be made by an individual
to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $5,500 (increased
to $6,500 for taxpayers age 50 or older at year
end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are
subject to income limits. The maximum yearly
contribution is phased out for single and head
of household taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross
Income (AGI) between $120,000 and $135,000,
for joint filers and qualifying widow(er) with an
AGI between $189,000 and $199,000, and married filing separate filers with an AGI between
$0 an $10,000. Although the contributions are
not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free
depending on when and why they are made.
Special Charitable Contributions for
Certain IRA Owners - The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 permanently extends the Qualified Charitable
Distributions. It offers older owners of IRAs a
different way to give to charity. An IRA owner
age 70 and one-half or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible
charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for
distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether
the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement
plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified
employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible
to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed
directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and
no deduction is available for the transfer. Not
all charities are eligible. For example, donoradvised funds and supporting organizations are
not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD.
All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are
counted in determining whether the owner has
met the IRA’s required minimum distribution.
Where individuals have made nondeductible
contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special
rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from
taxable funds, instead of proportionately from
taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the
case with regular distributions.
Foreign Financial Assets - If you had foreign financial assets in 2018, you may have to
file Form 8938 with your return. In addition,
a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by
April 15, 2019 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year.
Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer
Credit - The first-time homebuyer credit is not
available for homes purchased in 2018. However, taxpayers who claimed the credit, which
was available for homes purchased during 20082011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums – The
deduction for mortgage insurance premiums
expired December 31, 2017. Unless congress
extends this provision, it will not be available for
mortgage insurance premiums paid after 2017.
Residential Energy Efficient Property
Credit – For property placed in service after
December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2022,
the credit is available only for eligible solar
electric property and solar water heating property. The credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost
of eligible property placed in service in 2018
or 2019; 26 percent of the cost of the property
placed in 2020; and 22 percent of the cost of
property placed in service in 2021.
Standard mileage rates - The standard
mileage rate for 2018 is 54.5 cents per mile for
business miles driven and was increased to 18
cents per mile for medical or moving expenses.
The rate for providing services for a charity is
set by statute and equals 14 cents per mile.
Personal Casualty & Theft Loss – For
2018- 2025, personal casualty losses are deductible only if attributable to a federally declared disaster. The loss is reported on Form
4684 (Casualty and Theft Losses), Part A. A
casualty loss equals the lesser of the adjusted
basis in the property before the casualty, or the
decrease in fair market value of the property as
a result of the casualty.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – For
tax year 2018, the maximum foreign earned
income exclusion amount is $103,900. This
amount is up $1,800 from tax year 2017.
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
Exemption – New for 2018: The TCJA increased the AMT exemption amounts and significantly increased the income at which the
exemption begins to phase out ($1,000,000 for
married filing jointly and $500,000 for other filers). Therefore, it’s likely fewer individuals will
be subject to AMT beginning in 2018.
Health Care Coverage – In 2018, individuals must have health care coverage, to qualify for
a health care coverage exemption or make shared
responsibility payment with their tax return.
Coverage Exemptions: An individual may
be exempt from the requirement to maintain
14 Seafarers LOG
minimum essential coverage and thus will not
have to make a shared responsibility payment
if, for 2018, they:
n
Had no affordable coverage options
because the minimum amount he must pay for
the annual premiums is more than 8.05% of his
household income;
n Had a gap in coverage for less than three
consecutive months or
n Qualified for an exemption for one of
several other reasons, including having a hardship that prevents him from obtaining coverage,
or belonging to a group explicitly exempt from
the requirement.
If the taxpayer, spouse or any of the dependents did not have minimum essential coverage
and didn’t have a coverage exemption for any
month in 2018, an individual shared responsibility payment must be computed and reported
on line 61 of Form 1040, Schedule 4.
New for 2018: The TCJA reduced the individual shared responsibility payment amount to
zero beginning in 2019. However, the penalty
remains in effect for each month of 2018.
For 2018, the annual payment amount is the
greater of:
n 2.5% percent of the household income
that is above the tax return filing threshold for
taxpayer’s filing status, or
n The family’s flat dollar amount, which
is $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, limited
to a family maximum of $2,085.
Premium Tax Credit – Individuals with
low to moderate income who get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace
may be eligible for this refundable credit.
Individuals who are eligible for PTC need to
meet the following requirements:
n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace
for someone in their tax family (taxpayer,
spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents
for which a personal exemption is claimed) for
a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in
the individual market).
n Have household income at least 100%,
but no more than 400% of the federal poverty
line for taxpayer’s family size. Exception: In
some cases, taxpayers with household income
less than 100% of the federal poverty line can
take the credit.
n If married, individuals must file a joint
return. Note: Exceptions apply to victims of
domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to
individuals who are considered unmarried.
n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by
another person.
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) –
The Health care tax credit is a tax credit that
pays a percentage of health insurance premiums
for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The Health Coverage Tax
credit is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the premium tax credit.
Affordable Care Act – Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) that affect individuals and businesses
first became effective in 2015. The Employer
Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or
more full-time equivalent employees to either
offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value”
to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared
responsibility payment to the IRS.
Transit Benefits – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include van pool benefits,
transit passes and qualified parking. Beginning
in 2018, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $260.
Earned Income Credit and Additional
Child Tax Credit – IRS Refund Claim – The
IRS has additional time to review refund claims
based on the Earned Income Credit or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax
Credit in order to reduce fraud and improper
payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year, if the
taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or
additional Child Tax Credit.
Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain
Education Incentives – Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from
educational institutions to claim the American
opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax
credit or the above the line deduction for qualified tuition and fees.
Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs – For rollover
contributions made after December 18, 2015,
distributions from employer sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs may be rolled
over into a SIMPLE IRA, as long as the SIMPLE IRA has been open for at least two years.
Tax Rates for 2018 – For 2018, there
is a 37% bracket (for single individuals at
$500,001, head of household at $500,001 married filing jointly at $600,001 and married filing separately at $300,001). Trusts and estates
will hit the 37% bracket at $12,500. The rate for
capital gains and qualified dividends is 20% if
the income is in excess of the threshold amount:
n $500,000 for single individuals
n $500,000 for heads of household
n $600,000 for married filing joint
n $300,000 for married filing separately
Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence – Cancellation of
indebtedness income is generally includible in
income. However, income from cancellation of
debt on a qualified principal residence, of up to
$2 million, may be excludable.
Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child
-To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person
must meet four criteria:
n Relationship - the person must be your
child, step child, adopted child, foster child,
brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these
(for example, a grandchild or nephew).
n Residence - for more than half the year, the
person must have the same residence as you do.
n Age - the person must be under age 19
at the end of the year, or under age 24 and be a
full-time student for at least five months out of
the year, or any age and totally and permanently
disabled.
n Support - the person did not provide more
than half of his or her own support during the year.
Hurricane Relief - Congress is currently
considering legislation that would provide additional tax relief for those affected by Hurricane
Harvey, Irma, or Maria, and tax relief for those
affected by other disasters, such as the California wildfires.
California Wildfire Victims - The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 generally provides
the same tax relief to victims of the California
wildfire that hurricane victims received under
the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2017. This includes the following:
n Special tax rules for qualified wildfire
distributions from retirement plans. A qualified
wildfire distribution is a distribution from most
types of tax-favored retirement plans, including
IRAs, made on or after October 8, 2017 and
before January 1, 2019 to an individual whose
principal place of residence during any portion
of the period from October 8, 2017 to December 31, 2017 is located in the California wildfire
disaster area and who has sustained an economic loss by reason of the wildfires to which
the declaration of such areas relates.
n Temporary suspension of limitations on
charitable contributions made during the period
beginning October 8, 2017 and ending on December 31, 2018 for relief efforts in the California wildfire disaster area.
n Special rules for computing qualified
disaster-related personal casualty losses, which
are casualty losses which arise in the California wildfire disaster area on or after October 8,
2017 and which are attributable to the wildfires
to which the declaration of such area relates.
See Pub. 976 for more information.
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 - The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was enacted on
February 9, 2018. The law’s primary purpose
was related to spending and the budget of the
U.S. government.
Possible Legislation - Congress is currently
considering legislation that would extend certain tax benefits that expired at the end of 2016
and that currently can’t be claimed on your
2018 tax return, such as:
n Cancellation of Debt (COD)-Mortgage
Debt
n Mortgage Insurance Premiums Deduction
n Tuition and Fees Deduction
n The credit for alternative fuel vehicle
refueling property
n Energy Credit
n New Energy Efficient Homes Credit
n Personal Energy Property Credit
n Residential Energy Efficient Property
n Two-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicles
Credit
To learn whether this legislation was enacted
resulting in changes that affect your 2018 tax
return, go to Recent Developments at IRS.gov.
What’s New for 2018 - The Tax Cuts and
Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22,
2017. Described as the largest major tax reform
in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host
of tax provisions that impact individuals and
businesses. See some additional changes in the
tax provisions below:
n Miscellaneous Deductions - Job-related
expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to
the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no
longer deductible in 2018. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation,
union dues, and investment fees.
n Kiddie Tax - The taxable income of a
child attributable to earned income is taxed
under the rates for single individuals, and
taxable income of a child attributable to net
unearned income is taxed according to the
brackets applicable to trusts and estates. The
rule applies to the child’s ordinary income and
his income taxed at preferential rates.
n
Mortgage Interest Deduction - The
deduction for mortgage interest is limited to
underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000
($375,000 for MFS). The deduction for interest
on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The
new lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017.
n Charitable Contribution Deduction The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash
contributions to public charities and certain
private foundations is 60%. Contributions exceeding the limitation are generally allowed to
be carried forward and deducted for up to five
years, subject to the later year’s ceiling.
n Gambling Losses - All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible
only to the extent of gambling winnings.
n Deduction for Qualified Business Income - An individual generally may deduct
20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as
well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly-traded partnership
income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in
computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. A limitation
based on W-2 wages paid or capital investment
is phased in for MFJ taxpayers with taxable income of $315,000 or more ($157,500 for other
individuals). A disallowance of the deduction
with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold
amounts of taxable income.
n Moving Expenses – Moving expenses
are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the armed forces on active duty (And
their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station.
Your Online Account – In order for you to
access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS.gov/Account. View
the amount you owe, review 18 months of payment history, access online payment options, and
create or modify an online payment agreement.
You can also access your tax records online.
Consumer Alert - The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls
they may receive which claim to come from the
IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund.
These are almost certainly a scam whose
purpose is to obtain personal and financial
information — such as name, Social Security
number, bank account and credit card or even
PIN numbers — from taxpayers which can be
used by the scammers to commit identity theft.
The emails and calls usually state that the IRS
needs the information to process a refund or
deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account.
The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website
or an IRS “refund application form.” However
genuine in appearance, these phonies are designed to elicit the information the scammers
are looking for.
The IRS does not send taxpayers emails
about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does
not request detailed personal information
through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN
numbers, passwords, or similar secret access
information for their credit card, bank, or other
financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to: phishing@irs.gov. You
may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo,
forms or other IRS property to the Treasury
Inspector General for Tax Administration tollfree at 1-800-366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800877-8339. You can forward suspicious emails
to the Federal Trade Commission at: spam@
uce.gov or contact them at www.ftc.gov/
idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the
search box to learn more about identity theft
and how to reduce your risk.
If your tax records are affected by identity
theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your
tax records are not currently affected by identity
theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or
stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card
activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS
Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft
Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of
identity theft who are experiencing economic
harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help
in resolving tax problems that have not been
resolved through normal channels, may be
eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the
National Taxpayer Advocate helpline toll free
case intake line at 1-877-777-4778.
February 2019
�Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Aboard USNS Maury
December 15, 2018 - January 15, 2019
Aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel, steward
department Seafarers wish all of their SIU brothers and
sisters the best in the new year. Pictured from left are
GVAs Camilo Villafania, Walter Wise and Rey Ramos, SA
Crystal Cobbs, Chief Cook Brandon Hamilton and Steward/Baker Joseph Hernandez. Thanks to MDR Brandon
Maeda for the pic.
Personal
Craig Vann would like to hear from anyone who sailed with his late
grandfather, Willie P. Smith, a Navy veteran and mariner. Smith had
family in the Philippines and for a time resided in New York. Vann can
be reached at Davis-craig1971@gmail.com, (928) 202-0436.
February & March
Membership Meetings
Piney Point..................................Monday: February 4, March 4
Algonac..........................................Friday: February 8, March 8
Baltimore...................................Thursday: February 7, March 7
Guam......................................Thursday: February 21, March 21
Honolulu....................................Friday: February 15, March 15
Houston......................................Monday: February 11, March 11
Jacksonville...............................Thursday: February 7, March 7
Joliet......................................Thursday: February 14, March 14
Mobile................................Wednesday: February 13, March 13
New Orleans..............................Tuesday: February 12, March 12
Jersey City...................................Tuesday: February 5, March 5
Norfolk.......................................Thursday: February 7, March 7
Oakland..................................Thursday: February 14, March 14
Philadelphia............................Wednesday: February 6, March 6
Port Everglades......................Thursday: February 14, March 14
San Juan...................................Thursday: February 7, March 7
St. Louis.....................................Friday: February 15, March 15
Tacoma.......................................Friday: February 22, March 22
Wilmington................*Tuesday: February 19, Monday: March 18
* Wilmington change due to Presidents Day observance.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship
SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
February 2019
Total Registered
Total Shipped
All Groups
A
B
Port
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Deck Department
33
17
0 7 4 0 3 47
16
0
3 2 1 2 3 0 4 3 2 2
8 2 1 4 2 0 1 8 2 1
20 6 8 17 11 7 10 34 13 6
4 3 0 2 0 0 0 6 5 0
13
1 2 12
3 3 7 16
5 6
6 3 1 4 2 1 2 11 8 2
46 10 13 33 13 14 29 99 28 16
37 19 8 24 17 3 13 63 23 15
44 7 7 27 7 1 17 65 14 10
4 2 0 1 2 0 0 3 5 0
12
4 4 7 2 1 2 17
6 5
26 16 7 24 12 3 10 30 21 13
11 3 3 5 1 1 3 21
7 5
6 2 0 6 2 0 7 10
2 1
3 1 2 0 3 1 1 5 1 2
9 5 1 5 2 0 1 16
10
2
28
8 1 22
3 5 8 51
19
8
2 0 2 0 0 2 1 3 1 1
26 6 5 21 7 4 11 52 13 10
341 117 66 223 96 46 130 560 201 105
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Engine Department
4 3 3 2 0 0 1 9 4 4
1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0
2 6 0 0 3 1 1 5 3 0
11 4 0 12
4 1 6 15
7 2
0 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 0
3 2 0 1 0 0 1 5 8 0
7 2 2 3 3 2 2 19
3 4
11 6 2 12
4 2 6 25
15
3
21 18 2 18 8 1 8 33 25 3
12
2 3 12
0 0 4 25
5 4
2 1 1 1 1 0 1 4 1 1
1 3 0 3 2 0 0 3 5 1
14 13 11 10 15 6 9 18 20 13
7 5 1 6 3 2 1 10
9 2
3 1 0 1 4 0 0 5 4 0
0 4 0 1 3 0 1 1 3 0
3 2 2 4 1 0 1 11 3 4
11 6 3 8 0 2 2 20
13
6
3 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 0
10
8 1 14
9 2 8 15
12
3
126
89 31 111 61 20 53 230
144
50
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Steward Department
3 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 3 0
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0
10
2 1 8 4 0 3 15
4 2
1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
5 0 0 3 0 0 1 8 2 1
7 1 0 4 1 0 2 14
1 0
15
3 1 9 2 0 3 30
6 3
19
5 3 19
5 0 6 32
11 4
6 3 0 1 3 0 0 18
4 0
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
1 5 1 5 3 1 3 4 6 0
17 6 2 12 7 3 12 29 11 2
20
6 0 8 4 1 4 30
6 1
6 0 0 4 0 0 2 4 0 0
4 1 2 3 2 1 2 3 2 2
3 1 0 2 3 0 1 5 5 0
15
4 0 6 0 0 1 24
7 1
2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0
18 11 0 11 10 0 14 37 14 0
154
51 10 103
46 6 54 263
87 16
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
Entry Department
0 12
10
1 2 0 0 1 8 13
1 2 1 0 3 2 0 1 2 2
1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
0 3 7 0 5 0 2 1 8 14
0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2
1 2 3 1 0 1 1 1 3 4
1 3 5 1 5 3 1 2 8 8
4 19
11 4 6 7 2 4 21
23
3 32
24
1 11 11 2 6 38
73
0 12
12
0 7 5 4 5 24
19
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
0 17 22 0 11 10 7 0 26 41
0 5 10
0 7 9 2 4 9 25
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
5 9 7 1 8 5 2 7 14
9
1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 1
0 21
14
0 11 6 1 5 49
19
19 140
132
9 78 59 24 40 221
261
GRAND TOTAL:
640 397 239 446 281 131 261 1,093
653 432
C
Trip
Reliefs
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
C
A
All Groups
B
C
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland.
Question: What are your plans for the New Year?
Casey Pearson
Chief Cook
My goal for this year is to get
my A-book, then apply for colleges.
I’ll also be applying for the (SHBP)
scholarship, which will help me pay
for whatever college I enroll at. I’m
also planning on moving this year,
and on top of all that, I’m getting
married!
Devon Pullins
OS
My plan is to sail as much as I
can, so I can save up to start my own
business. This job is really secure,
and I love what I do, but I’m trying
to be my own boss as soon as I can..
Jack Boscia
Chief Cook
Get my schooling done, then get
back to work on board a ship. Later
in the year, I’m coming back to Piney
Point to upgrade my skills and become a chief steward.
Nathaniel Hunter
GUDE
I’m going to keep on upgrading by
taking classes here at the Paul Hall
Center. My goal is to become an AB
next, then continue on up as far as I
can go. I’m SIU for the long haul.
Eddie Solichin
Junior Engineer
Finish my studies, and then switch
over to working on tankers. I’ve
never sailed on one before, and I’m
excited to take on the new challenges
that type of ship brings.
Brittany Steward
Chief Cook
Education-wise, I’m going to keep
coming back to Piney Point and keep
upgrading my skills. Being around
the trainees is very inspirational, and
brings back memories – Class 826!
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
Pics From The Past
For the second month in a row, retired Bosun
John Gallagher is sharing photos from the
1940s. Pictured at anchor in the Persian Gulf
is the T2 tanker SS Stony Creek. The bosun
is standing at far left in the inset, with SIU
shipmates. The vessel was one of approximately 500 such tankers built for the U.S.
during World War II.
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(787) 721-4033
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
16 Seafarers LOG
February 2019
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
AHMED AHMED
Brother Ahmed Ahmed, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1981, initially
working aboard
the Connecticut.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1997
and sailed in all
three departments. Brother
Ahmed concluded his career aboard the Overseas Houston.
He makes his home in Dearborn,
Michigan.
TRACY AUSTIN
Brother Tracy Austin, 69, began
his career with the Seafarers in
2002, first sailing on the John
U.D. Page. He
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school the same
year, and shipped
as a deck department member.
Brother Austin
most recently sailed on USNS
Bowditch. He calls Hatteras, North
Carolina, home.
LOUIS BROOMFIELD
Brother Louis Broomfield, 65,
joined the SIU in 1969, initially
sailing on the
Columbia Owl.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center within
his first year
and shipped in
all three departments. Brother
Broomfield last
sailed aboard the Ogden Traveler
and resides in New Orleans.
DAVID CASTRO
Brother David Castro, 67, embarked on his career with the
Seafarers in
1989, first sailing aboard the
USNS Algol. He
worked in the engine department
and upgraded
on multiple occasions at the
Piney Point
school. Brother Castro last sailed
on the USNS Fisher. He settled in
Borrego Springs, California.
ROGER CLEGG
Brother Roger Clegg, 68, joined
the SIU in 2005 when he sailed on
the Pride of Aloha. An engine department member, he upgraded his
skills in 2017
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Clegg most
recently sailed
on the Pride of
America. He
makes his home
in Honolulu.
February 2019
KEVIN COOPER
Brother Kevin Cooper, 66, joined
the union in 1971. His first vessel
was the Bienville. Brother Cooper
sailed in the engine department
and upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center. He last sailed on the
Safmarine Nimba and resides in
Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania.
with Crowley Puerto Rico. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center in 2001 and concluded
his career working on the Endurance. Brother Mottley is a resident
of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
VLADIMIR NITRIANSKY
Brother Michael Earhart, 65,
began his SIU career in 1990. He
initially sailed on the Independence and worked in the deck
department. Brother Earhart upgraded on multiple occasions at
the union-affiliated Piney Point
school. He most recently shipped
on the Pacific Collector and resides in Merlin, Oregon.
Brother Vladimir Nitriansky, 73,
signed on with the Seafarers in
2000 when he
shipped aboard
the American
Merlin. Brother
Nitriansky was
a deck department member
and last sailed
on the Patriot.
He calls Theodore, Alabama, home.
DESTA GEBRAI
BENNY OROSCO
MICHAEL EARHART
Brother Desta Gebrai, 66, donned
the SIU colors in 1993 when he
sailed aboard the
Independence.
He worked in
both the deck
and steward
departments and
last sailed on
the Yorktown
Express. Brother
Gebrai makes his
home in Tacoma, Washington.
TIMOTHY GIRARD
Brother Timothy Girard, 65,
signed on with the union in 1991,
initially sailing
on the Constellation. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Girard
most recently
sailed aboard the Maersk Idaho.
He resides in Point Pleasant, New
Jersey.
SYED MEHDI
Brother Syed Mehdi, 65, joined
the SIU in 1996 and initially sailed
on the American
Cormorant. A
deck department
member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Mehdi last
shipped aboard
the Maersk Montana. He makes
his home in Brooklyn, New York.
KENNETH MOTTLEY
Brother Kenneth Mottley, 80,
became an SIU in 1994. A deck
department
member, he
sailed in both
the inland and
deep-sea divisions. Brother
Mottley was
first employed
Brother Benny Orosco, 62, joined
the SIU in 1989. His first vessel
was the Independence. Brother
Orosco worked in both the steward and engine departments. He
upgraded on multiple occasions
at the maritime training center
located in Piney Point, Maryland.
Brother Orosco most recently
sailed on the Horizon Enterprise.
He makes his home in Honolulu.
JAMES ROBAK
Brother James Robak, 67, started
shipping with the Seafarers in
1970. A deck
department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Fort Hoskins.
Brother Robak’s
last vessel was
the Transcolorado. He lives in
Margate, Florida.
JANUSZ SMOLIK
Brother Janusz Smolik, 65, joined
the union in 1992, first sailing
aboard the Independence. He
sailed in all three
departments and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Smolik most recently sailed on
the Maersk Iowa.
He resides in Poland.
MAHMOOD TAHIR
Brother Mahmood Tahir, 66,
signed on with the SIU in 1991.
A member of
the deck department, he
initially sailed
aboard the
USNS Vindicator. Brother
Tahir shipped in
both the inland
and deep-sea
divisions. He upgraded in 1992
at the Paul Hall Center and concluded his career aboard the Tyco
Decisive. Brother Tahir is a resident of Stamford, Connecticut.
INLAND
ROBERT CARROLL
Brother Robert Carroll, 62, became
a union member in 1995. He first
shipped with
Penn Maritime
and worked in
both the deck
and engine
departments.
Brother Carroll
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. He last sailed
aboard the Pacific Reliance and
makes his home in St. Augustine,
Florida.
ROBERT EASTWOOD
Brother Robert Eastwood, 58,
donned the SIU
colors in 1989,
initially working with Steuart
Transportation.
He sailed in the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Eastwood was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides
in Palatka, Florida.
EMMANUEL ELIADIS
Brother Emmanuel Eliadis, 65,
started shipping with the SIU in
1978 when he
worked for G&H
Towing. A deck
department member, he upgraded
on numerous
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Eliadias
last worked for
Interstate Oil. He is a resident of
Essex, Maryland.
JOHN GATES
Brother John Gates, 57, began his
career with the Seafarers in 1991.
Initially sailing
in the deep-sea
division, his first
vessel was the
Cape Charles.
Brother Gates
was a deck department member and upgraded
on multiple
occasions at
the Piney Point school. He was
primarily employed with Crowley
Towing and Transportation and
lives in League City, Texas.
ALFREDO GONZALEZ
Brother Alfredo Gonzalez, 62,
joined the union
in 1981 when
he shipped with
Crowley Puerto
Rico. He sailed
in both the engine and deck
departments.
Brother Gon-
zalez upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center and remained with the
same company for the duration of
his career. He makes his home in
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
PAUL HART
Brother Paul Hart, 60, signed
on with the SIU in 1996, after
he worked as a member of the
Seafarers-affiliated United Industrial Workers. He was employed
by Crowley for the duration of his
SIU career. Brother Hart Resides
in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.
JEFFERY JOHNS
Brother Jeffery Johns, 59, donned
the SIU colors in 1992. He was
first employed
with Penn Maritime and sailed in
the deck department. Brother
Johns upgraded
on multiple occasions at the Piney
Point school. He
remained with the
same company for his entire career and resides in Cortland, Ohio.
STEVE PALMER
Brother Steve Palmer, 65, began
his SIU career in 1977, initially
sailing in the deep-sea division.
He was originally employed with
Mt Vernon Tankers and worked in
both the deck and engine departments. Brother Palmer upgraded
often at the Paul Hall Center. He
concluded his career working with
Mariner Towing and settled in
Keystone Heights, Florida.
NED TELLER
Brother Ned Teller, 63, joined
the Seafarers in 1974 when he
worked for
G&H Towing.
A deck department member,
he upgraded in
1980 at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Teller
last worked for
Crowley Towing
and Transportation. He calls Port
Aransas, Texas, home.
JOHN WILLETTE
Brother John Willette, 68, started
shipping with the SIU in 1994. He
first sailed on Port
Imperial Ferry’s
George Washington. Brother
Willette was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. He
was employed with the same company for his entire career and lives
in the Philippines.
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
VELONDER ALFORD
Chicago Trader and retired in 1994.
He resided in Rochester, Minnesota.
Pensioner Velonder Alford, 76, died
November 6. Born in Ardmore,
Oklahoma, she
embarked on her
SIU career in 2001
and initially sailed
on the Kauai. A
steward department
member, Sister
Alford last sailed
aboard the John
Paul Bobo. She went on pension in
2008 and was a resident of Spanaway, Washington.
VINCENT FLORES
WILFREDO ANGALA
ROMALIES JONES
Brother Wilfredo Angala, 54, passed
away September 23. He became an
SIU member in 2006 and first sailed
on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Angala was a deck department member
and most recently sailed on the
Green Cove. He resided in Salinas,
California.
Pensioner Romalies Jones, 63, died
December 25. He joined the union
in 1986 and first
sailed aboard the
USNS Regulus.
Brother Jones was a
steward department
member and most
recently shipped
aboard the National
Glory. He began
collecting his pension in 2017 and
made his home in Avondale, Louisiana.
ANDREW AUSTIN
Brother Andrew Austin, 62, died
March 20. He joined the union in
1979 when he shipped on the Cove
Trader. Brother Austin was a member of the steward department. His
last ship was the USNS Regulus, and
he lived in Philadelphia.
ARNALDO AVILA
Brother Arnaldo Avila, 66, passed
away October 6. He began shipping with the Seafarers in 1993 and
initially sailed aboard the Robert E.
Lee. Brother Avila was a deck department member and last shipped
aboard the Liberty Glory. He lived
in his hometown of New Orleans.
CLIFTON BLAKE
Pensioner Clifton Blake, 91, died
November 16. He started his SIU
career in 1966, initially shipping
aboard the Van Venture. A deck
department member, Brother Blake
last sailed on the Santa Elena. He
began collecting his pension in 1985
and settled in Baltimore.
ABAD CALERO
Pensioner Abad Calero, 78, passed
away November 20.
He joined the union
in 1972 and first
worked for Delta
Lines. Brother
Calero sailed in all
three departments
and last shipped on
the Crusader. He
retired in 2002 and
called Isabela, Puerto Rico, home.
ARTHUR DEPUY
Pensioner Arthur
Depuy, 89, died
November 21. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1967,
initially sailing
aboard the Penmar.
Brother Depuy
briefly sailed in the
inland division. The engine department member last shipped on the
18 Seafarers LOG
Pensioner Vincent Flores, 67, passed
away December 17. He embarked
on his SIU career in
1982 and initially
shipped on the
Lurline. Brother
Flores sailed in all
three departments
and also worked on
shore gangs. He became a pensioner in
2003. Brother Flores was a resident
of Oakley, California.
MELVIN KERNS
Pensioner Melvin Kerns, 70, passed
away December 10. He donned the
SIU colors in 1993
and first sailed
aboard the USNS
Regulus. A member
of the engine department, Brother
Kerns last worked
on the Maersk Tennessee. He retired
in 2010 and resided in Bogalusa,
Louisiana.
DONALD MELONSON
Pensioner Donald Melonson, 72,
died December 21. He became an
SIU member in 2001 and first sailed
on the Chemical Pioneer. A member
of the deck department, Brother
Melonson also concluded his sailing career aboard the same ship. He
retired in 2013 and made his home
in Houston.
member of the SIU in 1951. Brother
Mullis was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard
the Ambassador. He went on pension in 1993 and resided in Mobile,
Alabama.
BOBBY SPENCER
Pensioner Bobby Spencer, 81,
passed away November 27. He
began sailing with the SIU in 1961.
Brother Spencer’s first vessel was
the Madaket; his last, the Independence. The engine department
member retired in 1998. He called
Westminster, South Carolina, home.
ALFRED TAMPOL
Pensioner Alfred Tampol, 90, died
November 22. He joined the union
in 1945 and first sailed aboard the
Steel Director. Brother Tampol was
an engine department member and
also worked on shore gangs, most
recently in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
He retired in 1994 and lived in New
Milford, New Jersey.
EDWARD TOMAS
Pensioner Edward Tomas, 93,
passed away November 14. He
signed on with the
SIU in 1991 when
he shipped on the
Independence.
Brother Tomas
worked in both the
deck and steward
departments, sailing
last on the Horizon
Enterprise. He
began collecting his pension in 1999
and settled in Waipahu, Hawaii.
DANNIE TRUSS
Pensioner Dannie Truss, 68, died
November 24. He embarked on his
SIU career in 1978
when he shipped
on the Economy.
A deck department
member, Brother
Truss’s final vessel
was the William R.
Button. He became
a pensioner in 2018 and lived in
Thailand.
W. Darnell. Brother Smith retired
in 2015 and called Plymouth, North
Carolina, home.
RONALD WILLIAMS
Pensioner Ronald Williams, 60,
passed away November 19. He became an SIU member in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Allegiance.
Brother Williams sailed in the
engine department, most recently
on the El Yunque. He retired in 2014
and called Jacksonville, Florida,
home.
GREAT LAKES
GREGORY VLIEK
Pensioner Gregory Vliek, 68, died
November 29. He started his career with the SIU in 1970 when he
shipped on the G. Steinbrenner.
Brother Vliek also sailed in the
deep-sea division and worked in
both the deck and engine departments. His final vessel was the
Detroit Princess before retiring in
2015. Brother Vliek made his home
in Ashtabula, Ohio.
INLAND
WILLIAM RICHARDSON
Brother William Richardson, 49,
passed away December 5. Born in
Pittsburgh, he signed on with the
SIU in 2007, working for Harley
Marine New York. Brother Richardson worked in both the deck
and engine departments and was
employed with the same company
for the duration of his career. He
was a resident of Centerville, Pennsylvania.
MELBOURNE SMITH
Pensioner Melbourne Smith, 67,
died November 23. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1989
when he worked for Express Marine. Brother Smith sailed in both
the steward and deck departments.
He last worked in the deep-sea division, sailing briefly aboard the Gus
NMU
PAUL BORG
Pensioner Paul Borg, 78, passed
away November
14. He was an
NMU member
before the 2001
SIU/NMU merger.
Brother Borg was
a deck department
member and last
sailed aboard the
Admiral William Callaghan. He
began collecting his pension in
2006 and was a resident of Bend,
Oregon.
JOSEPH GALLANT
Pensioner Joseph Gallant, 87, died
November 24. Brother Gallant was
born in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts,
and became a pensioner in 1972. He
continued to reside in his home state
in the city of New Bedford.
FRANCISCO ROSALES
Pensioner Francisco Rosales, 80,
passed away December 1. He was
born in Texas and began collecting
his pension in 1998. Brother Rosales
resided in Goleta, California.
In addition to the foregoing
individuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their
respective careers.
Name
Bonilla, Luis
Furman, Jannet
Graham, Eddie
Harrison, Clyde
Holmes, L
Johnson, Alonzo
Mercado, E
Moore, Francis
Ramirez, Roberto
Rivers, Hafford
Schwold, Elmer
Age
DOD
94
75
85
90
94
91
94
97
82
77
89
11/27/2018
12/08/2018
11/17/2018
12/03/2018
12/15/2018
11/25/2018
12/23/2018
11/30/2018
11/25/2018
10/01/2018
12/04/2018
Aboard Jean Anne
HAROLD MONPLAISIR
Pensioner Harold Monplaisir, 95,
passed away November 14. He
signed on with the
union in 1959 and
first sailed on the
Santa Mariana.
Brother Monplaisir
was a steward department member
and last sailed
aboard the Adventurer in 1985.
He retired the following year and
settled in Katy, Texas.
JOHN MULLIS
Pensioner John
Mullis, 88, died
December 14.
Initially working for Waterman
Steamship Corporation, he became a
Steward department members aboard the Pasha ship went all out for the Christmas and New Year’s
meals. Be sure to visit the SIU Facebook page for additional photos and menu details. Meanwhile,
thanks to Chief Cook Sheilla Punzalan for the photos – and for the record, that’s sparkling apple cider
in the bottles in this New Year’s photo.
February 2019
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
MAGNOLIA STATE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning),
October 12 – Chairman Adel
Ahmed, Secretary Maili Wang,
Educational Director Eddie
Pittman, Deck Delegate Ryan
Boltz, Steward Delegate Tracey
Newsome. Chairman discussed
upcoming federal elections and
reminded crew to be sure documents are up to date. Members
requested fresh produce be supplied bi-weekly. Crew waiting
on Wi-Fi connection for computer in crew lounge and DVR
availability in all staterooms.
Members requested change
in vacation benefits and relief
schedules. Crew would like more
visits from union representative.
ENDURANCE (TOTE), October
14 – Chairman Yamira Colon,
Secretary Robert Davis, Deck
Delegate Derek Melvin, Engine
Delegate Robert Thomas, Steward Delegate Sheilla Punzalan.
Beefs reported for unpaid compensation for trash handling and
unpaid OT for washing linen.
Chairman asked for suggestions
regarding use of ship fund. He
reminded crew to properly measure soap for washer and to clean
up spills immediately. Members
were informed of possible delays
for relief. Cleanest room recognition won by Derek Melvin.
Crew read three incident reports.
New material posted in crew
lounge. Educational director
recommended members upgrade
at Paul Hall Center as soon as
possible. He reminded everyone
to check dates on all documents.
Crew went over latest issue of
the LOG and read itinerary for
the next trip. Use of ear plugs
and other hearing protection
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The
minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
advised for loud work environment. Members were encouraged
to donate to SPAD. Steward and
deck departments were commended for good work.
LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty
Maritime), October 15 – Chairman Stig Sasse, Secretary Lissette Ramirez, Deck Delegate
Lloyd La Beach, Engine Delegate Brandon Webb, Steward
Delegate John Noel. Secretary
encouraged members to upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center and
keep documents current. Crew
requested two-course meals be
served. Steward department presented members with company
menu and went over food portioning.
HORIZON RELIANCE (Sunrise Operations), October 20
– Chairman Kissinfor Taylor,
Secretary Mark Cabasag,
Educational Director Mark
Campbell, Deck Delegate
Jesse Sunga, Engine Delegate
Cameron Newberry, Steward
Delegate Teresito Reyes. Chairman discussed length of trip and
right to sail. Secretary directed
members to change linen every
Wednesday. He advised crew to
be mindful of document expiration dates, pay dues on time and
contribute to SPAD. Educational
director reminded crew to upgrade at Piney Point. Members
requested Wi-Fi.
NORTH STAR (TOTE), October 21 – Chairman Tar Ahmed,
Secretary Mohamed Shibly.
Chairman read president’s report
from LOG. He reminded crew to
be safe and stay warm in Alaska.
Steward department asked mem-
bers to use rugs to wipe their feet
and clean up spills to prevent
accidents. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade
often at Piney Point. He advised
everyone to keep paperwork up
to date and directed members to
the SIU portal to keep track of
paperwork expiration dates. Educational director reminded crew
to empty pockets before washing
clothing. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for good food.
NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley),
October 28 – Chairman Joseph
White, Educational Director Oswald Bermeo, Steward Delegate
Jesus Pacheco. Microwave still
needed in crew lounge. Chairman thanked crew for keeping
common areas clean and being
quiet while other members sleep.
He went over his discussion
with port engineer regarding
inadequate a/c and drain clog
issues in galley. Vote of thanks
for the steward department for a
job well done. Chairman advised
members to add up OT hours
before payoff. Members were
asked to refrain from deleting
movies on computer hard drive.
Educational director recommended members upgrade their
skills at Piney Point. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Next Port:
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
OVERSEAS LONG BEACH
(Overseas Ship Management),
October 28 – Chairman David
Martinez, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck
Delegate Basil McMillan, Engine Delegate Stanley Bailey,
Steward Delegate Latosha Love.
Chairman sent request to captain
for Wi-Fi booster. Members went
over president’s report from
October LOG. Chairman urged
crew to vote for candidates that
support the Jones Act. Members were encouraged to donate
to SPAD and to join Seafarers
401k program. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked
steward department to serve all
members the same as officers. As
of November 9, their request was
addressed and resolved.
GREEN COVE (Central Gulf
Lines), October 28 – Chairman
Peter Hokenson, Secretary Robert Bostick. New linen, blankets
and pillows on ship. Chairman
emphasized importance of safety.
Crew was reminded to keep
drapes closed and to place garbage in dumpsters. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Members
discussed importance of the
Jones Act. They requested new
pay raises and one-hour sanitation pay for rooms. Crew praised
the steward department for a job
well done.
SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk
Tankers), October 28 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary
Rafael Cardenas, Educational
Director Brian Jackson, Deck
Delegate Cristopher Sanchez, Engine Delegate Greg
Alvarez, Steward Delegate
Ma Marilynda Nance. New
Wi-Fi router and board games
available on ship. Chairman
reminded everyone to be considerate of sleeping members
and to stay hydrated. He encouraged crew to vote and to
participate in the 401k program
as well as donate to SPAD. He
also discussed new design of
TWIC cards. Secretary reiterated importance of cleaning
lint trap in dryers. He asked
members to keep hands off
bulkheads in ladder wall to
avoid greasy smudges. Crew
went over reimbursement procedures. Bridge watch responsible to ensure sanitary duties
occur daily. No beefs or dispute
OT reported. Members were instructed to use additional bags
for cardboard trash in garbage
room. Crew was advised to
return tools to original location
upon each use. New mattresses
needed on ship. Members
would like the following to
be implemented: missing man
wages, trash handling wages,
weekly room sanitary wages to
replace day off wages and an
increase in monthly vacation
days. Crew enjoyed pizza and
wings on behalf of company
representative, allowing steward department an evening off.
Next Port: Lake Charles, Louisiana.
AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning), November 6 – Chairman
Felsher Beasley, Secretary
Danny Brown, Educational
Director Nicholas Panagakos,
Deck Delegate Selcuk Ozdencanli, Engine Delegate Marcus Brown, Steward Delegate
George Burgos. Everything
going well on ship. Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Piney
Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman mentioned
increase in new jobs due to
newly built ships. Safe transit
to gate in Tampa. Next Port:
Beaumont, Texas.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
February 2019
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion
June 29
July 5
Storekeeper Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
April 13
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
RFPNW March 30 April 26
May 25 June 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
Gap Closing Courses
Leadership & Managerial Skills
Title of Start Date of
Course Date
Completion
MSC Supply Configuration Management
February 23
March 22
May 4 May 31
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
March 2
March 29
April 27 May 24
AB to Mate Modules
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
May 31
BAPO March 30 April 26
May 25 June 21
Engineroom Resource Management
May 3
May 18
June 22
June 28
FOWT March 2 March 29
Junior Engineer March 16 May 10
Marine Electrician May 18 July 12
Marine Refer Tech March 9 April 19
MEECE June 1 June 14
Welding February 16 March 8
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Shiphandling May 11 May 24
Advanced Galley Ops
March 30
April 26
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start February 18.
Advanced Stability April 27 May 3
Chief Steward April 27 June 14
ARPA March 9 March 15
April 27 May 3
Galley Operations March 30 April 26
Advanced Meteorology May 4 May 10
Crane Familiarization April 6 April 12
ECDIS April 13 April 19
Fast Rescue Boat June 1 June 7
GMDSS July 20 August 2
Lifeboat March 9 March 22
April 6 April 19
May 4 May 17
June 1 June 14
June 29 July 12
July 27 August 9
Radar Observer February 23 March 8
April 13 April 26
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW March 30 April 26
May 25 June 21
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o
Inland Waters Member o
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
March 9
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 February 23
Safety Upgrading Courses
March 15
March 8
Basic Training/Basic FF
February 23
March 1
April 6 April 12
Basic Training Revalidation
February 22
February 22
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
March 30
April 5
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting
March 2
March 8
April 13 April 19
Government Vessels February 16 February 22
Medical Care Provider
February 23
March 1
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
February 16
February 22
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
March 30
April 5
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674; or
fax to (301) 994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
2/19
February 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #843 –
Graduated November 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Freeman Adamson, Brianna
Ashley, Jacob Booth, Taylor Hall, Yu-Jin Arthur
Hendricks-Matsuda, Kalae-Mitchal K. Huihui, Benita Arta Margaronis, Robert Mason III,
Johnny Matthews III, Michael Pena, Cyrus Silen,
Christopher Solomon, Daryl Thomas Jr., Jonathan Torres, Paul Valiente, Marcelo Corbillon Villareal, Kamaul Wells and J’corei Williams.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered for
classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later
discover - for whatever reason - that
they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places.
Water Survival Upgraders – Graduated
November 20 (above, from left): Christopher
Perry and Zoe Felton.
Welding – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical
order): Christian Bryant, Darrin Cobb, Ricardo Fuentes, Martin
McDonald and Kyle Williamson. Their instructor, Chris Raley,
is at the far right.
Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated September 14: Joseph Mesyna
(above, center) and Paul Andrea (right). Thomas Truitt, their instructor, is at the far left.
Pumpman – Graduated September 28
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Latiffe Brooks, Jonathan Collier, David Garrett, Antonio Griffin, Timothy Hetz, Ronilo
Rublica Monares and Gajatri Normatova.
Class instructor Keith Adamsom is at the
far right.
UA to FOWT – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Maurice Backey, George Beaufils, Shawn James Diaz Benosa, Adam Brundage, Ashley Burke, Julian Mariano
Drago, Samuel Fagerness, Tony Hamaguchi, Jeffrey Hamer, Christopher Hinton, Paul Hudgins, Jared Johnson, James London, Ethan Love, Tyriq Mills, Dave Paler, Dontrell Riddick,
DeRoyce Roquemore, Lorenza Session, Isaiah Thomas, Stephen Venditti, Derrick Walker II and Renita Walker. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right.
February 2019
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Baldwin, Chantell Dawson, Earl Dimmick, Roy Cuenza Enriquez, Marc
Goodman, Chris Linsley, David Miller, Peter Morrison Jr., Earl Stickell II and Eddie Thomas Sr. John Thomas, their instructor, is at the far right.
Medical Care Provider – Graduated September 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeremy Boyd, Chantell Dawson, Earl Dimmick, Roy Cuenza Enriquez and David Miller. John
Thomas, the class instructor, is at the far left.
MSC Supply Configuration Management – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Beasley, Phillip Best, Rocky Dupraw, Joseph Hernandez, Christina
Price and Shaun Wood. Instructors Zak Schaver and Matthew Rogers are at the far left
and far right, respectively.
Small Arms – Graduated September 28
(photo at left, in alphabetical order): Lindsey Austin, Joseph Bowen and Russell
Horton. Instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far right,
respectively.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgraders) – Graduated September 28
(photo at right, in alphabetical order): Chris
Ceyzyk, Justin Chaney, Robert Cunningham, Ronaldo Adriano Fermin, James
Kelly Jr., Susana McIntosh, Karl Meyer,
Christopher Poff, Fitzgeraldo Casayurab,
Ma Corazon Bolalin Rebancos, Dustin
Schaaf and Carlos Edgardo Suazo. Joseph
Zienda, their instructor, is at the far right.
22 Seafarers LOG
February 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Ops) – Graduated September 7 (photo at left, in alphabetical order):
Carlos Arjune, Adam Bechtold, Billy Burgos-Burgos, Esperanza Crespo-Guillen,
Caprice Howard, Derick Yanier MoralesBerly, Kenisha Neal, Nathalie Reyes-Ortiz, Derrick Turner, Carlton Williams and
Unique M’stati Wood.
Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Jasmine Garrett,
Mary Maddox, Tania Ramirez-Diego, Derrick Williams and Craig Wooten.
Galley Ops – Graduated September 7 (above, from left): Angel Manuel Berrios
Jr. and Kevin Collins. Also graduating, but not pictured, was James Kingsley.
Certified Chief Cook – Graduated September 7 (above, from left): Johathan Perez Borroto Sanchez and Bob Tuilaepa.
Galley Ops – Graduated September 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Gabriel BernardezMartinez, Carlos Colon De Jesus, Alexander Emrick and Travis Rogers.
Chief Steward – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Kelly Jr., Richard Paulson, Edward Porter, Exxl Ronquillo and Rose Ward.
February 2019
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated September 28 (above, from left): Lamont
Faulks, Eileen Mendiola and Gregory Keene.
Seafarers LOG 23
�FEBRUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 2
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
SIU members generously donated to the annual toy drive.
‘People Look Forward to it Every Year’
SIU Enthusiastically Backs Military Families;
Annual Santa’s Castle Project Successful Again
Holiday traditions may vary from home to home, but for 12
straight years, Seafarers in the Pacific Northwest have shared an
especially meaningful one.
Specifically, the SIU has participated in Santa’s Castle, a holiday toy drive benefiting U.S. military families (mostly E-4 and
below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington,
as well as other bases. The union also hosts a related luncheon at
the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, featuring guests from the
Army and from the organization that runs Santa’s Castle.
During the recent winter holiday season, SIU members –
joined by generous executives from Seafarers-contracted companies – donated approximately $10,000 worth of gifts. The
goodies included bicycles, smart watches, gaming headsets,
sporting goods, American Girl dolls and much more. Teaming
up with the members and making their own respective donations were Lee Egland of Crowley, Melissa Serridge on behalf of
TOTE, and Dan Morrison of Harley Marine.
SIU Port Agent Joe Vincenzo has led the union’s work with
Santa’s Castle, which is the name of both the operation and the
non-profit organization. An all-volunteer program founded in
1994, Santa’s Castle benefits the children of Army, Air Force,
Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve
families (normally lower enlisted pay grades).
During remarks at the luncheon on Dec. 13, Vincenzo – an
Army veteran – emphasized the important, respectful connections between the U.S. Merchant Marine and the armed forces.
“A lot of our work is on military support ships, and many SIU
members are veterans, so we welcome this yearly chance to give
back to our war fighters, peace keepers and our partners with
respect to national, economic and homeland security,” Vincenzo
said. “The relationship between the U.S. Military and the U.S.
Merchant Marine dates back to the founding days of our country,
and it’s a longstanding tradition of which we can all be proud.”
Heartfelt comments from SIU members who donated to the
2018 toy drive left no doubt about their genuine enthusiasm for
the yearly endeavor.
“I think it’s really great,” said Recertified Steward Dennis
Skretta, a Navy veteran who helped serve food at the luncheon
and who has donated to the program every year. “It’s a very good
thing and everybody seems to appreciate it. Seeing the military
Among those pictured are Seafarers Richard Goings, Michael Bell, Obaid Ali, William Cassel, William Britton, Dahiya
Mahmoud, Basheer Ghazali, Mohamed Alghazali, Sanjay Gupta, Wilma Joy Smith and Efren Isberto.
personnel at the Christmas party is always something to look forward to, and the donations are going to kids that need them.”
Chief Cook Ingra Maddox said the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach “went well. Our family is military and I thought it
would be something nice to do, kind of say thanks. Our soldiers
Continued on Page 8
Seafarers have donated to Santa’s Castle for 12 straight
years. Pictured above are some of the gifts that were given
in 2018.
�
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Title
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the 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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2010-2019
Document
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Dublin Core
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Title
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February 2019
Description
An account of the resource
Headlines:
SIU WELCOMES NEW JOBS ABOARD TAINO
TACOMA SEAFARERS ANSWER CALL AGAIN
SIU LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, LOG DATABASE
CREW OF CROWLEY-OPERATED WRIGHT HONORED
OSG ANNOUNCES 10-YEAR CHARTER OF JONES ACT TANKER
MV GREEN LAKE RESCUES 7 IN DEADLY CAR CARRIER FIRE
NY WATERWAY CREW HELPS SAVE A LIFE
HOUSE BILL AIMS TO HONOR WWII MARINERS
NMC ISSUES MITIGATION UPDATE ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
SEAFARERS CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AT HALLS
USNS VICTORIOUS MARINERS HELP ORPHANS IN PHILIPPINES
COMBATING THE COMMON COLD
WITH SEAFARERS ON THE GREAT LAKES
TAX TIPS FOR MEMBERS
SIU ENTHUSIASTICALLY BACKS MILITARY FAMILIES; ANNUAL SANTA'S CASTLE PROJECT SUCCESSFUL AGAIN
Creator
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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2/1/2019
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Text
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Vol. 81, No. 2
2019
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2c68519c294cf8121ba9eaf5773cf550.pdf
b1e9b4d67de1bd6bb7c039d0ce758ac0
PDF Text
Text
JANUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 1
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Matson’s Inouye Enters Service
SIU members are sailing aboard the new Matson containership Daniel K. Inouye, pictured at left and immediately below
Nov. 28 on its maiden voyage to Honolulu. The 850-foot-long vessel, built by union workers at Philly Shipyard, is named
in memory of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a lifelong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine (and honorary SIU book
holder). The Inouye, which has a top speed greater than 23 knots, is the first of four new ships being constructed for
Matson that will be introduced during the next two years. Photos by Tim Rue for Matson.
Thanksgiving
Tradition
Thriving
The SIU in late November conducted its traditional Thanksgiving luncheon in Oakland,
California, and the 28th annual
event proved typically successful.
Pictured at right are Seafarers
and members of the 4th Marine
Division, 23rd Regiment Color
Guard. Pictured below (from left)
are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
and SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona.
Other guests included additional
U.S. Congressional representatives, SIU pensioners and their
families, members and officials
from other unions, shipping company executives and more. Page
7.
MSC Praises Mariners
Page 2
USNS Puerto Rico Christened
Page 4
Scholarship Info
Page 10
�President’s Report
Many Accomplishments in 2018
In taking one last look back at 2018 before we dive into the New
Year, our union has much to be proud of. We welcomed new ships
into the SIU-contracted fleet. We secured new and improved benefits,
along with industry-leading contracts. We opened a new hiring hall in
Puerto Rico, and we also helped our affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland, remain on the cutting edge of maritime training.
We also did our part in the constant battle to maintain the laws and
programs that keep the U.S. Merchant Marine
afloat. These of course include the U.S. Maritime
Security program, cargo preference laws, and
the Jones Act. In 2018, I probably devoted more
space to the Jones Act in my monthly LOG columns than any other topic, and that may be the
case again this year as we continue standing up
for an indispensable law.
Last year included a noteworthy political win
in Missouri, where rank-and-file Seafarers helped
Michael Sacco
defeat a so-called “right to work” provision that
harmed working families. And of course, on Election Day, the SIU backed a large number of winning candidates at every level of government – as always, from both
political parties – who will support our industry and our issues.
I prefer to spend time planning ahead for a bright future rather
than reflecting on the past, but I also think it’s important not to take
our success for granted. Year after year, we’re able to report on new
jobs, good contracts, and an affiliated school that’s second to none.
We’ve regularly upgraded the hiring halls, too. None of it happens
by accident. Everyone shares in the credit: rank-and-file members,
union and school staff, and members of my administration. We may
not go undefeated, but we’ve got each other’s backs and we’re a
winning team.
As we start a new calendar, I thank the membership for your support, and I guarantee you we won’t take any shortcuts in 2019 when it
comes to protecting your jobs (or any shortcuts at all, period). That’s
at the heart of everything we do as an organization. And it just so happens that SIU jobs support U.S. national, economic and homeland
security. If we needed any more motivation to go to bat every day for
the U.S. Merchant Marine, there it is.
Looking Ahead
For the labor movement, last year’s Supreme Court ruling in the
Janus case can be crippling if we let it, but the early responses from
union reps and members alike are encouraging. If you never read
about the case in detail, the short version is that public-sector employees in departments that already enjoy union representation must now
opt into the bargaining unit, rather than opt out.
But this is an opportunity for labor to return to our roots, to re-educate members and non-members alike about why unions are so vital,
and about why everyone comes out ahead when workers truly have a
voice. This will involve lots of work moving forward, but I know the
movement is up to the task.
Last but not least – yes, I’m going to mention the Jones Act again.
We’re up against a long-term, well-financed campaign that’s just the
latest attack on domestic shipping and U.S. mariners. We’ll ask for
your help in contacting your senators and representatives from time to
time, and we’ll never make those requests lightly.
Where maritime labor has the advantage in this struggle is through
grassroots efforts and our ability to put boots on the ground, so to
speak. We’re going to be working with the port councils of the Maritime Trades Department on this front, too, and I’m confident about the
results.
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Volume 81 Number 1
January 2019
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
MSC Commander: ‘Mariners Will Be There!’
Admiral Mewbourne Praises U.S. Merchant Marine’s Reliability, Bravery
The commanding officer of
the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently voiced a
strong vote of confidence in the
dependability of U.S. Merchant
Mariners.
Rear Adm. Dew Mewbourne,
posting Nov. 1 on his “Commander’s Blog,” said, “In some
war planning room right now,
there is a potential adversary
weighing their odds of victory in
a fight against the United States.
The one factor they will grossly
underestimate is the courage of
the U.S. Mariner.”
The entire post follows and is
reprinted with permission:
“As dawn broke over Machias Bay, Maine, on June 12,
1775, 32 men, armed with guns,
swords, axes and pitchforks
and led by a revolutionary firebrand named Jeremiah O’Brien,
brought their commandeered
sloop, Unity, quietly around the
lee side of Round Island.
“Their target, the British
armed schooner Margaretta, immediately attempted to fire on
the unarmed Unity, but Unity was
too close. O’Brien commanded
his crew to ram the British ship,
boarding and engaging in handto-hand combat. By the end of
an hour, the British captain was
mortally wounded, and the British ship had surrendered.
“O’Brien and the Unity crew
claimed four six-pound guns, 20
swivel guns, muskets, pistols,
and hand-grenades. Unity had
become a warship for the soonto-be proclaimed United States
of America in this, considered to
be the first, sea engagement of
the Revolutionary War.
“It was the beginning of
American Merchant Mariner’s
service to our nation, but not the
last time they would go in harm’s
way for the ideals of freedom and
democracy.
“It’s been the same ever since,
from the Battle of the Atlantic in
WWII, to the war in Korea where
our Mariners moved the 24th Infantry Division from garrison
duty in Japan to Pusan, Korea
only 11 days after the invasion
of the 38th parallel, to Vietnam
where the Mariners of Military Sea Transportation Service
moved supplies to Vietnamese
ports and on the river to Saigon.
“From Desert Storm to Bosnia, from Afghanistan to Operation Iraqi Freedom, America’s
Merchant Mariners continue to
serve on the leading edge of our
defense transportation system,
carrying the combat equipment
and supplies needed by our joint
warfighters.
“To carry that logistics power
to the fight, we have always relied on our Merchant Marine.
And they have always answered
the call. Despite the dangers and
long separations from home, our
Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne
Commander, MSC
U.S. Merchant Marine has sailed
in harm’s way time and time
again to make sure that American warfighters and our allies
have had the supplies they need
to overwhelm our adversaries.
“In some war planning room
right now, there is a potential
adversary weighing their odds
of victory in a fight against the
United States. The one factor
they will grossly underestimate
is the courage of the U.S. Mariner.
“I can assure you that U.S.
Mariners will be there, reliably
and bravely manning our ships -even if the seas become a battlefield.”
CSA Honors SIU-Contracted Companies
A number of Seafarerscontracted companies earned
accolades at a recent Chamber
of Shipping of America (CSA)
event.
The CSA on Nov. 7 hosted its
annual environmental achievement awards dinner in Washington, D.C. Among the vessel
and tug operators recognized
were SIU-contracted Alaska
Tanker Company, Crescent
Towing, Crowley Maritime and
several of its subsidiaries, E.N.
Bisso & Son, Keystone Shipping, Matson Navigation, OSG
Ship Management, Patriot Contract Services, American Ship
Management, Seabulk Tankers,
Seabulk Towing, TOTE, and
USS Vessel Management.
U.S. Coast Guard Rear
Adm. John Nadeau, assistant
commandant for prevention
policy, participated in the
ceremony and congratulated
the award recipients and the
industry as a whole for their
extraordinary performance. D.
Lee Forsgren, deputy assistant
administrator, Office of Water,
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, also addressed the attendees and expressed his congratulations to the participants
on their exceptional environmental efforts.
Kathy J. Metcalf, president
of CSA said, “These awards
celebrate the dedication to environmental excellence of our
seafarers and the company personnel shore-side who operate our vessels to the highest
standards. In today’s world, it
seems our industry only gets
front-page news when spills or
other environmental problems
occur. It is encouraging to see
how many vessels go for years
achieving environmental excellence. It should be clear to
the American public that we in
the maritime industry take our
stewardship of the marine environment very seriously. Safe
and environmentally responsible operations is a culture
fully embraced by the maritime
industry as a whole and as evi-
denced by the performances of
the award recipients recognized
tonight.”
According to the host organization, 1,730 ships and boats
owned by 109 companies with
a total of 15,205 years of environmental excellence were recognized. The average number
of years operating without incident for ships and vessels that
received awards is 8.1 years.
Some 267 of the vessels have
logged 16 or more years of environmental excellence.
The awards are open to all
owners and operators of vessels
that operate on oceans or inland
waterways.
“The CSA Board encourages
all operators and owners to take
advantage of this opportunity to
recognize their crew and shoreside operating personnel and
encourages all operators and
owners to consider participating in next year’s program,” the
organization noted. “Participation guidance is found on CSA’s
website www.knowships.org.”
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
(All photos by Barry Champagne)
CSA President Kathy J. Metcalf
2 Seafarers LOG
Rear Adm. John Nadeau
U.S. Coast Guard
D. Lee Forsgren,
Deputy Asst. Administrator,
Office of Water, EPA
January 2019
�House Hearing Underscores Vital Need
To Maintain Strong Merchant Marine
Testimony Cites Indispensable Role in National Defense
Recent comments from expert witnesses and congressmen alike left no doubt
that America is a maritime nation – one
best-served by maintaining a robust U.S.
Merchant Marine, along with shipbuilding
capability.
The remarks were made Nov. 29 during
a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation (part of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee).
Titled “Review of Recent GAO Reports on
Icebreaker Acquisition and the Need for a
National Maritime Strategy,” the hearing
mostly focused on the former issue but also
devoted significant time to mariners and
the laws that help keep the industry afloat.
Testifying at the hearing were Rear
Adm. Michael J. Haycock, assistant commandant for Acquisition & Chief Acquisition Officer, United States Coast Guard;
Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, USN, Ret., administrator, Maritime Administration
(MARAD); Marie A. Mak, director of
Acquisition and Sourcing Management,
Government Accountability Office (GAO);
Andrew Von Ah, director of Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and Ronald
O’Rourke, specialist in Naval Affairs, Congressional Research Service.
Subcommittee Chairman U.S. Rep.
Brian Mast (R-Florida) noted that legislation has extended the deadline for submitting the national maritime strategy to
February 2020. “This strategy is critical to
addressing the challenges facing the U.S.
flag fleet, including a potential shortage
U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, pictured at the SIUNA convention in 2017, testified Nov. 29 at a House hearing.
of U.S. mariners and the decreasing number of U.S. flag vessels,” Mast said. “As
a maritime nation, the U.S. needs to address these challenges now. I can assure
you I understand firsthand the importance
of having sufficient maritime assets to get
U.S. forces and their supplies where they
need to be.”
Buzby, who formerly served as commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift
Command, spoke with his usual candor and
insight. He pointed out the GAO in August
2018 completed a report on maritime security, which examined the role U.S.-flag
commercial vessels play in supporting Department of Defense (DOD) sealift needs.
SHBP Trustees Approve New Benefits
$360, leaving him a balance of $40, assuming his deductible has been satisfied.
Seafarers, Dependents, Pensioners Should Realize Savings
Physical Therapy and Other Rehabilitative Therapies
At the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels, dependents are now eligible for
benefits for physical therapy and other
rehabilitative therapies. The Plan will
now also cover cognitive, speech, pulmonary or occupational therapy for
Seafarers, even when they do not suffer
from a catastrophic illness or injury. The
Plan will cover up to 20 visits per year
for any combination of physical therapy,
cognitive, speech, pulmonary, or occupational therapy for Seafarers and their
dependents. (The Plan also covers up to
40 visits per person per year following a
catastrophic illness or injury.)
The Trustees of the Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan (SHBP) recently approved a number of benefit improvements, which take effect Jan. 1, 2019.
The following is a summary of these
new benefits:
Out-of-Pocket Maximum Added
Core-Plus employees, non-Medicare
pensioners and their dependents: $2,700
for a single person, $5,500 for a family
of two or more.
Core employees and their dependents:
$3,000 for a single person, $6,000 for a
family of two or more.
At the Core-Plus level, once a single
person pays $2,700, or a family pays
$5,500 for deductibles, co-payments,
and co-insurance in a calendar year, the
Plan will pay 100 percent of remaining
network-allowed charges for that year.
At the Core level, once a single person pays $3,000, or a family pays $6,000
for deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance in a calendar year, the Plan will
pay 100 percent of remaining networkallowed charges for that year.
Previously, there was no out-ofpocket maximum.
The out-of-pocket maximum applies to in-network treatment only.
Prescription costs, dental care, vision
benefits, and services not covered by the
Plan do not count towards this out-ofpocket maximum.
For example: Sam is a Seafarer who
is married and has three children. He
is eligible for Core-Plus benefits. In
March, his wife, Maria, is hospitalized
for a serious illness, and they pay $5,000
January 2019
out-of-pocket for the deductible, coinsurance, and co-payments for her care
from in-network providers. The next
month, one of their children breaks her
arm, and the family pays $500 for the
child’s co-insurance for her in-network
treatment. The Plan will now pay 100
percent of the network-allowed amounts
for all members of the family for the rest
of the calendar year, as they have met the
$5,500 out-of-pocket maximum.
Another example: Manuel is a nonMedicare pensioner, and is eligible for
health benefits. He is not married. In
February, he is hospitalized at an in-network hospital for a heart condition, and
pays a total of $2,700 for his deductible,
co-payments, and coinsurance. The
Plan will now pay 100 percent of the
network-allowed amount for Manuel’s
medical bills for in-network treatment
for the rest of the year, as he has met the
$2,700 out-of-pocket maximum.
Increase in Payment Percentage for InNetwork Treatment
The Plan will pay 90 percent of the
network-allowed charge for treatment
by an in-network provider, or at an innetwork facility. This applies to Seafarers
and their dependents at the Core-Plus and
Core benefits levels, and-Non-Medicare
pensioners and their dependents. This is
an increase from the current 80 percent.
For example: George goes to a doctor
who is in-network. The billed amount is
$500. As this service was provided by an
in-network provider, the bill will be reduced by $100, leaving the network-allowed amount of $400. The Plan will pay
Durable Medical Equipment for Dependents
At the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels, the Plan will now pay for durable medical equipment for dependents,
even when they are not suffering from
a catastrophic illness or injury. Durable
medical equipment (DME) includes
items such as wheelchairs, CPAP machines, prostheses, nebulizers, and
wearable cardio defibrillators. The Plan
will pay 90 percent of the network-allowed charge to rent or buy DME from
an in-network provider, or 65 percent
of the reasonable and customary charge
if the item is obtained from an out-ofnetwork provider.
Payment for Treatment of Illness or Injury if Participant Suf fers from Substance Abuse
In the past, the Plan did not cover
the cost of treatment for an illness if it
resulted from alcohol or drug use (such
The GAO also urged formalization of a
national maritime strategy.
“MARAD is conscious of the time it has
taken to develop the strategy since Congress directed that it be done in 2014,” he
said. “In this time, MARAD has conducted
extensive engagement with public and
private stakeholders representing the full
spectrum of maritime industry professions,
sectors, and regions. As the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System
notes, there are 18 federal agencies and
numerous public stakeholders with a role
in maritime transportation issues. Each of
these agencies is an important stakeholder
and their input is critical to address both
the challenge involved in developing a
strategy for the U.S. Merchant Marine that
can garner widespread support and the importance of developing a long-term strategy to address future needs. As you may
be aware, the draft strategy was placed into
review under the prior administration. It
was subsequently withdrawn by the current
administration so that they could have an
opportunity to review, revise, and align the
strategy accordingly. We appreciate that
Congress provided an extension on this
requirement to allow us to best align this
strategy with the administration’s national
security strategy and national defense strategy. MARAD has not stood idle during this
interim period. We are using the extension
afforded by Congress as an opportunity to
further collaborate with stakeholders to reContinued on Page 5
as cirrhosis of the liver). The Plan will
now cover the cost of treatment of these
conditions if the medical condition is
the result of a substance abuse problem.
The Plan still will not pay for treatment
of illnesses or injuries that result from a
person’s reckless disregard to their own
health and safety (such as an injury that
results from drunk driving).
Outpatient Drug/Alcohol Treatment for
Seafarers
The Plan covers inpatient detoxification treatment and covers the entire cost
of inpatient treatment at the Seafarers
Addictions Rehabilitation Center (ARC)
in Piney Point, Maryland, for eligible
Seafarers. The Plan will now also pay for
prescriptions to treat substance abuse.
The ARC offers the best treatment
option for Seafarers with substance
abuse issues, as the staff is familiar with
the unique problems that mariners may
face, and are extremely knowledgeable
about the Coast Guard regulations and
procedures that apply when a Seafarer
fails a drug or alcohol test. There is no
other facility available that is able to
provide these services.
At the Core-Plus and Core benefit
levels, the Plan will now pay for outpatient substance abuse treatment for
Seafarers; however, this benefit will be
subject to an individual’s deductible and
co-payment. Be aware that the Seafarers ARC is recognized by the U.S. Coast
Guard as the gold standard for substance
abuse treatment and has a high success
rate for returning mariners to work. Substance abuse programs outside of the
Seafarers ARC may not be familiar with
Coast Guard requirements, which could
result in the mariner paying additional
fees and having to take additional steps
before returning to work.
Seafarers LOG 3
�Navy Christens USNS Puerto Rico in Alabama
On Nov. 10, the Navy christened
the newest expeditionary fast transport
(EPF), USNS Puerto Rico, at a ceremony
at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile,
Alabama. The Military Sealift Command
(MSC) vessel will be crewed by SIU CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division.
The principal speaker at the ceremony
was Congresswoman Jenniffer GonzálezColón, resident commissioner of Puerto
Rico. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, associate
justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States, served as the ship’s sponsor and
broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne
across the bow.
“This ship honors the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico and the contributions
Puerto Ricans have made to our nation
and Navy and Marine Corps team,” said
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer.
“USNS Puerto Rico will provide our commanders high-speed sealift mobility and
agility and I am thankful for this ship, her
crew, and our industrial force teammates
whose service makes this great ship possible.”
EPF-class ships are designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200
nautical miles at an average speed of 35
knots, according to the Navy. The ship
is capable of operating in shallow-draft
ports and waterways, interfacing with
roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and
on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams
main battle tank (M1A2).
The vessel also includes a flight deck
suitable for helicopter operations, which,
combined with the EPF’s shallow draft,
makes the it “an extremely flexible asset
for support of a wide range of operations,” the Navy reported.
Three of the Puerto Rico’s sister ships,
the USNS Trenton, USNS Yuma, and USNS
Carson City are operating in the Mediterranean Sea and off the coast of Africa; three
more, the USNS Brunswick, USNS Millinocket, and USNS Fall River are working
in the Pacific, while the USNS Choctaw
County is operating in the Arabian Gulf.
The USNS Burlington was delivered to
the Navy five days after the christening of
the Puerto Rico, and is also currently deployed. All of those vessels are crewed by
SIU Government Services mariners.
MSC Commander Rear Adm. Dee
Mewbourne remarked on the importance
SIU-Contracted NYNJR Expands Infrastructure
Seafarers-contracted New York New Jersey
Rail (NYNJR) is a sea-going railroad which
uses rail barges, known as car floats, to transport thousands of rail cars across New York
Harbor from Jersey City, New Jersey, at a location called Greenville Yard to the 65th Street
Rail Yard in Brooklyn, New York.
“Out of the 500-plus railroads in the United
States, only a small percentage float rail cars
across bodies of water,” said SIU Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, who services NYNJR.
“And to my knowledge, only one railroad uses
the Seafarers International Union for its labor
force.”
Ramos explained that the SIU members
employed at NYNYR have titles including
trainman, conductor, and locomotive engineer.
Members sort and load rail cars onto the car
floats in all tides and all weather conditions,
year-round.
“NYNJR moves a diverse amount of commodities including beer products, scrap steel,
recycled glass, plastics, rice, vegetable oil,
flour, clay, rail and ties, and special oversized
loads that can’t fit on bridges or tunnels in the
metro New York City region,” Ramos added.
The trademarked New York New Jersey
Rail logo features an anchor crossed with a rail
track, and is displayed on their company flag
at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney
Point, Maryland.
NYNJR Director Donald B. Hutton noted,
“I view the relationship with the SIU more of
a solid partnership. The SIU has been a strong
supporter of the future course and direction of
NYNJR and has been on the same journey as
a partner.”
The members’ and company’s futures look
bright due to several factors including growing demand for rail service in the Greater
New York Metro Area, which Ramos said “is
less than two percent served and many would
argue is underserved compared to the rest of
With New York City in the background, a new state-of-the-art rail marine loading bridge is
being completed at Greenville Yard in Jersey City, New Jersey. A new car float in visible
in the distance, moored to new mooring cells. (Drone photo courtesy Donald B. Hutton)
the nation. The limited amount of service has
resulted in an overreliance on trucks, tunnels
and bridges. Ships, tugs and barges of course
are a key to relieving that related congestion,
but so is rail.”
A noteworthy project is currently underway
to increase NYNJR’s operational capacity. The
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is
spearheading the Greenville Redevelopment
Project, which (among other accomplishments)
will rebuild and enhance NYNJR. These improvements will include a new rail yard design,
three new low-emission locomotives, and two
new car floats that can carry 18 rail cars each,
Ramos reported.
Also important to NYNRJ’s future is the
key support of pro-maritime U.S. Rep. Jerrold
Nadler (D-New York). Nadler is a leader in nu-
merous maritime and rail job-saving initiatives
and a supporter of “FREIGHTNYC,” a $100
million plan to modernize New York’s freight
distribution system. FREIGHTNYC includes
strategic investments to modernize maritime
and rail assets, create new distribution facilities, as well as a roadmap to add nearly 5,000
good-paying jobs.
Nadler recently said, “The New York region
needs a better way to move goods, plain and
simple. On this, there is overwhelming consensus. We must end our over-reliance on trucks
that clog and destroy our roads….”
Ramos concluded, “The floating railroad
known as New York New Jersey Rail, LLC,
along with its SIU members – moving rail cars,
making up lines, loading car floats – are sailing
toward fair winds and following seas.”
of these vessels, saying, “The work these
ships and their crews are doing around the
world demonstrate the essential characteristics of the expeditionary fast transport
class: speed, capacity, adaptability, and
resiliency.... It is important to remember that this ship will be crewed by U.S.
Mariners. As this ship will likely sail in
harm’s way, our Mariners will be there,
reliably and bravely manning this ship,
even if the seas become a battlefield.”
Mewbourne concluded, “I want to recognize and thank all those in industry, at
MSC, and other Navy commands, who
played a role in bringing this ship to life.
We eagerly await the arrival of this ship
to our fleet where our Mariners will give
her life and sail her into the challenges
ahead.”
NY Waterway Crews
Assist Commuters
During Snowstorm
SIU-contracted NY Waterway rose to
the occasion on Nov. 15, as New York and
New Jersey’s roadways were crippled by
a sudden snow. The company never hesitated to offer up its ferry services to assist
the thousands of commuters stranded in
Manhattan on their way to their homes in
New Jersey.
According to NY Waterway, “Ferries
were operating past midnight Thursday,
taking commuters from Manhattan’s West
39th Street Ferry Terminal to the Port
Imperial Ferry Terminal in Weehawken,
where passengers could continue their
trip on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail or
by bus or private car or cab.”
While road conditions delayed some
of NY Waterway’s free buses, all ferries
ran more or less on schedule, with additional ferry trips added to the ledger to
ensure passengers arrived at their destinations.
“Our dedicated ferry crews, bus drivers and terminal staff worked late into
the night to help others, a core belief and
practice of our company for 32 years,”
said NY Waterway President and Founder
Arthur E. Imperatore. “We were there
at 9/11 and other emergencies. We were
there for the Miracle on the Hudson and
we will always be there when needed.”
NY Waterway operates the largest privately owned commuter ferry service in
the U.S., handling more than 32,000 passenger trips per weekday – 10 million trips
per year – on 34 boats serving 23 routes
between New Jersey and Manhattan; between Rockland and Westchester counties; and between Orange and Dutchess
counties. NY Waterway’s de facto motto
is, “We will always get you home.”
Snow covers a railing as a New York
Waterway ferry pushes off the Newport dock. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
SIU and company personnel are pictured in front of new locomotives.
4 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�Coalition Highlights New Shipbuilding as Critical
To Continued Strong U.S. National, Economic Security
Lessons of Pearl Harbor Still Reinforce Need for Maritime Capabilities
The American maritime industry commemorated the 77th anniversary of the Japanese air
raid on the United States Naval Base at Pearl
Harbor by honoring those who lost their lives
on that fateful day, and highlighting the critical
need for a robust American shipbuilding capacity to ensure for the preparedness of the nation.
“We honor the fallen at Pearl Harbor, and
the other sailors and mariners of the greatest
generation who protected our great nation in
some of its darkest hours. We are reminded of
their service and sacrifice, and their memory
lives on in the lifeblood of the American maritime community,” said Matt Woodruff, chairman of the American Maritime Partnership,
to which the SIU is affiliated. “The United
States is, and always has been, a maritime nation. The lessons from Pearl Harbor remind us
in the maritime community that the men and
women of the industry play an essential role
in helping bolster our nation’s security so we
are never forced to rely on foreign countries
to build and man the vessels that support our
military. Without a robust shipbuilding capacity and merchant marine, America would cede
her defense capacity to other nations, and, with
it, the sovereignty of the nation.”
To demonstrate the growing strength of U.S.
shipbuilding capacity, AMP released new commercial shipbuilding and maritime data, which
reveals a vigorous industry that is thriving under
a durable economy, signaling strength for our
national and homeland preparedness.
The U.S. domestic fleet ended 2018 with
a surge in ship construction, including a renaissance in new Jones Act containerships. A
sampling of this trend is as follows (a list of
vessels built, and currently under construction
can be accessed on the AMP website); all vessels are crewed and proudly built by the men
and women of American maritime:
�Three new Jones Act containerships were delivered in the last quarter of 2018 alone – that is
seven new containerships in the last four years
compared to zero between 2005-2015.
�Four new environmentally friendly LNG-powered containerships have been delivered in the past
three years to service Puerto Rico. This trade lane
from the continental United States to Puerto Rico
boasts one of the youngest fleets in the world, increasing the speed of goods and efficiency delivered
to and from the island.
�Six new containerships have either just begun
service or are expected in the next several years
to service the Hawaii trade lane – all LNG-power
capable.
�An estimated 125 new inland tank barges will
be built in 2019.
�An estimated $1.5 billion will be invested
by the American dredging industry in a fleet
expansion.
“These vessels are being custom built to
meet the needs of the domestic marketplace,
and to ensure a shipbuilding capacity that will
serve all Americans in our national security
preparedness,” said Matt Paxton, president of
the Shipbuilders’ Council of America. “When
we abandon our commercial shipyards, we
abandon our ability to be prepared to defend
the nation. We remain committed to constructing the most advanced vessels in the world to
protect the brave men and women who risk
their lives to protect our borders.”
This commercial shipbuilding surge comes
at the same time when the next generation of
Navy and Coast Guard fleets are actively being
constructed in shipyards along the Gulf Coast
and in Norfolk, Virginia.; Portland, Maine; San
Diego; and Groton, Connecticut, among other
locations.
USNS Comfort Supports
Operation Enduring Promise
On Dec. 7, senior leadership and personnel embarked aboard the SIU CIVMAR-crewed Military Sealift Command
hospital ship USNS Comfort attended an
opening ceremony for the final mission
stop of 2018’s Operation Enduring Promise.
The ceremony took place at a landbased medical site in Trujillo, Honduras,
and the guest list included Carlos Ramon
Aguilar, the governor of Colón, Honduras.
“The presence of the ship in the Port of
Trujillo represents the continued support
of the American armed forces and their
solidarity with Honduras,” said Aguilar,
translated from Spanish. “We want to express our appreciation from the Honduran government as well as the Honduran
people.”
According to the U.S. Navy, “The
Comfort is on an 11-week medical support mission to Central and South America as part of U.S. Southern Command’s
Enduring Promise initiative. Working
with health and government partners in
Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras,
the embarked medical team will provide
care on board and at land-based medical
sites, helping to relieve pressure on national medical systems caused partly by
an increase in cross-border migrants. The
deployment reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership
and solidarity with the Americas.”
“The medical team aboard the USNS
Comfort will work alongside the government of Honduras to provide top-quality
medical care to people in need,” said U.S.
Navy Capt. William Shafley, commander,
Task Force 49. “This is Comfort’s second
visit to Honduras and her sixth mission to
South and Central America.”
On this final mission stop, more than
900 medical personnel, including military, non-governmental organization
volunteers and members from partner nations, began screening surgical patients
the day before the opening ceremony. The
medical site then treated patients for the
next 5 days, concluding on December 12.
“The foundation of every long-term,
successful cooperation is trust and shared
values,” said Shafley. “We build trust as
we work with one another to provide care
to those in need. We are successful when
we are working together.”
The Comfort’s past missions, in North
America, Central America, South America and the Middle East, have provided
medical treatment to more than 390,000
patients, including 6,000 surgeries. This
year alone, the Comfort has treated more
than 20,000 patients, and performed more
than 600 surgeries.
Army Col. Rob Manning, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, recently talked
about the Comfort’s mission, saying,
“This is medical aid that civilians would
not otherwise have access to. Their presence speaks to how we see being a neighbor in the Western Hemisphere and how
we see the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to those that otherwise would not have it.... The Venezuelan
health care system has all but collapsed
and can’t provide aid to its citizens. We
stand with the Venezuelan citizens during
their time of need. That’s what the symbol of the Comfort means.”
Expert Witnesses
Cite Vital Need
For Strong USMM
Continued from Page 3
fine goals of the strategy and produce an
effective national maritime strategy.”
Buzby continued, “Developing a national maritime strategy will help the
Maritime Administration accomplish its
mission to foster, promote, and develop
the U.S. maritime industry to meet the
nation’s economic and security needs….
A critical part of this mission is ensuring
the availability of U.S. ships, and qualified merchant mariners to crew those
ships, to meet DOD sealift requirements.
DOD relies on these strategic sealift ca-
January 2019
President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras (right in photo above) takes a picture as
he is transported to the hospital ship USNS Comfort for a tour and luncheon. The president
and first lady visited the Comfort during the ship’s five days of providing medical treatment in
Honduras. In photo below, sailors aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort fuel a UH-60 Black
Hawk in between transporting patients from land to the vessel. (U.S. Army photos by Spc.
Joseph DeLuco)
pabilities to efficiently and effectively
deploy military forces around the world.
When the United States goes to war,
DOD’s U.S. Transportation Command
moves 90 percent of its cargo requirements with the strategic sealift fleet,
which consists of government-owned
ships augmented by the commercial
U.S.-flagged fleet.”
He then further referenced the GAO
report, which identified challenges and
possible remedies for sustaining the U.S.flag fleet and mariner pool for defense
needs.
Similarly, Von Ah mentioned a DOT
working group that formed to address
findings both in the GAO report and
other maritime studies. The working
group “identified two actions that could
help increase the number of U.S.-citizen
mariners – one focused specifically on
mariners and the other focused more
broadly on the merchant marine, which
encompasses U.S.-flag vessels and U.S.citizen mariners,” Von Ah said.
The first of those possible actions
would be development by MARAD of a
“broad-based reserve program that would
identify and support qualified mariners
willing to sail in commercial and government-owned vessels during an emergency. MARAD would provide limited
financial assistance in training mariners
and maintaining credentials, in turn for
which mariners who participate would be
obligated to sail in the event of a defense
need.”
The working group’s second potential recommendation: “The government
should fully support programs including MSP, requiring the government to
ship certain cargo on U.S-flag vessels,
the Jones Act, and government chartering of privately owned vessels. If DOD
determines that national needs require
more mariners and vessels than can be
provided through current programs, those
programs should be expanded to meet
such needs.”
O’Rourke said that while the “challenge of finding adequate numbers of
appropriately trained mariners to crew
DOD sealift ships in time of crisis or
conflict is a longstanding issue, dating
back at least to 1990,” current circumstances “may now be affected by a new
factor that relates to the defense of DOD
sealift ships in wartime. From 1990 until
recently (i.e., during the post-Cold War
era), the defense of DOD sealift ships
was not a pressing concern. In the new
era of renewed major power competition, it has become a concern, given
current and potential future Chinese
and Russian capabilities for interdicting
ships.”
Seafarers LOG 5
�The Wheeler fills a potable water tank for distribution across Saipan.
The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler sits pier-side in Saipan.
SIU Mariners Lend a Hand in Typhoon Recovery
SIU mariners sailing aboard Military
Sealift Command (MSC) vessels assigned
to Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three (MPSRON 3) have been working to support the recovery efforts of the
Saipan and Tinian islands in the aftermath
of Super Typhoon Yutu. The islands are
part of the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory.
“My squadron and I are honored to
contribute to Joint Task Force-West,” said
U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Lindfors, commodore, MPSRON 3 and Task Force-West
(TF-W) Forward deputy commander. “The
level of devastation from Super Typhoon
Yutu is hard to describe, even when you
are here on the ground looking at it. The
challenges we face logistically being located remotely in the Pacific further complicates the recovery effort.”
The typhoon made landfall on Oct. 24,
and according to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, Yutu was the
second-strongest system to hit U.S. soil in
recorded history. Hundreds of homes were
severely damaged, and many residents
were left without shelter, food or access to
clean water.
On Oct. 25, TF-W was stood up to help
with the recovery efforts, and ships from
MPSRON 3 have been providing support since Oct. 29. The SIU-crewed USNS
VADM K.R. Wheeler was the first ship to
arrive, and spearheaded the pier-side op-
erations. Along with fast transport ship
USNS Fast Tempo, the crew was able to
transport vital supplies and personnel from
Guam and from other ships at sea to shore.
Together, the crews of the Wheeler,
USNS John Glenn, USNS Soderman,
USNS Dahl, USNS Pililaau and MV Captain David I. Lyon moved 222,826 gallons
of water and 86,160 pounds of ice. All of
those vessels are crewed by SIU mariners.
The Wheeler (and Fast Tempo) are operated by TOTE Services; the John Glenn
by Ocean Shipholdings; the Soderman and
Dahl by Patriot; the Pililaau by U.S. Marine Management; and the Lyon by Sealift.
Tents, tarps, bottled water and camp
stoves were made readily available to
families in need. Beyond supplies and logistics, mariners also went ashore to assist
with debris cleanup, as well as washed 110
loads of laundry for emergency and medical service personnel.
“The resiliency of the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands people
amazes me every day,” said Lindfors. “As
they confront the challenges of rebuilding,
the squadron and I look forward to continuing our relations and keeping strong
ties with the people of Saipan and Tinian.”
Editor ’s note: Thanks to Wheeler
vessel master Capt. Glenn Macario
for the photos and background information.
Safety Directors Hone Skills at Paul Hall Center
SIU safety directors from across the
country recently converged in Piney Point,
Maryland, to brush up on the latest industry trends.
Meeting at the union-affiliated Paul
Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education (PHC) the last week of No-
vember were James Brown (from the
Port of New Orleans), Kathy Chester
(Oakland), Gordon Godel (Wilmington,
California), DeCarlo Harris (Baltimore),
Anthony Houston (Norfolk, Virginia),
Joseph Koncul (Jacksonville, Florida),
Andre MacCray (Philadelphia), Kevin
Recertified Steward, Chief Cook
Praise Work Ethic of ‘Young SA’
Recertified Steward Brian Burchette
recently highlighted the actions of a steward assistant who went above and beyond to
lighten the load on the galley crew.
“We were fortunate on board the Midnight Sun (operated by TOTE Maritime) to
have an additional SA added to the crew, due
to the fact we were feeding 40 extra mouths
in addition to the ship’s compliment,” said
Burchette. “This young man (SA) Gervacio
Simon proved to be an exceptional asset,
willing and able to do any task asked and always wanting to learn more about the steward department.”
Burchette commended Simon’s work
ethic and aptitude for the job, and described
the SA’s enthusiasm for continuing his career and working his way up the ladder. He
also said that Simon is looking forward to
attending the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (located in Piney Point, Maryland) to upgrade
and further his skills.
As a token of their appreciation, Chief
Cook Matt Gallagher and Burchette presented Simon with some tools of the trade: a
chef’s knife, peeler, meat thermometer and
carrying case.
The steward also offered some words of
wisdom to his fellow mariners: “Every time
you come aboard a ship, whether it be for
four months or five days, you have an op-
6 Seafarers LOG
Marchand (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
and Osvaldo Ramos (Jersey City, New
Jersey).
They tackled a full agenda that included
meetings with SIU President Michael
Sacco and other union officials, school
personnel, and representatives from the
Seafarers Plans and medical department.
They also met with individuals from the
legal office, and others.
“It was definitely worthwhile,” stated
Koncul. “We of course primarily focused
on safety, but we also discussed strategies
for staying ahead of the industry’s needs
and protecting members’ jobs as times
change.”
Godel said, “There’s tons to learn, and
I pick up something every time at these
meetings. I enjoy them; they’re very informative.”
portunity to not only present yourself and
represent the SIU, but to take pride in each
opportunity that the union affords you. People do care and people do notice.”
SIU President Michael Sacco (right), PHC Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (center) and SIU
VP Contracts George Tricker address the safety directors.
SA Gervacio Simon (left) receives a
chef’s knife, peeler, meat thermometer
and carrying case from Chief Cook Matt
Gallagher.
Some of the safety directors (thus titled unless otherwise identified) are pictured with other
officials at the school. Seated from left are Andre MacCray, Paul Hall Center Acting VP
Tom Orzechowski, Kevin Marchand, PHC Instructor Wayne Johnson Jr. and SIU Asst. VP
Pat Vandegrift. Standing from left are Anthony Houston, Osvaldo Ramos, Joseph Koncul,
Kathy Chester, DeCarlo Harris, James Brown and Gordon Godel.
January 2019
�SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, SIU Asst. VP Nick
Celona
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, SIU Asst. VP
Nick Celona
Oakland Thanksgiving Gathering a Hit
If the SIU’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon in Oakland, California, were a sports franchise, it would be
best described as dynastic.
Hosted at the hiring hall on the Tuesday before
the holiday, the yearly gathering is still going strong
after 28 years – most recently on Nov. 20. The 2018
iteration featured the usual assortment of great food,
fellowship, and guests including politicians; Marine
Corps and Coast Guard personnel; Seafarers, pensioners, and their families; officials and members from
other unions; shipping company executives and staff;
members of the police and fire fighting communities;
and others.
“We had a packed house and everything went
very well,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Nick
Celona, who worked closely with the committee that
organized the event. “The amount of positive feedback the SIU receives for this celebration is really
heartwarming and humbling, and I’m just grateful
it’s something that can be done every year. People re-
Bosun Michael Carvalho (right) joins members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard.
January 2019
Editor’s note: The photos on this page were provided by Charles Farruggia.
Jennifer Celona, Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, Nick Celona, Denise Celona,
Nick Marrone II, San Francisco Police Capt. Joseph McFadden
Capt. Jack Sullivan of Matson, Port Agent Nick Marrone II, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, SIU
Asst. VP Nick Celona, SIU VP Nick Marrone, USCG Rear Adm. Peter Gautier
SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) is pictured with members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard.
ally look forward to it.”
While the luncheon atmosphere was lighthearted,
guest speakers – including several members of Congress – mentioned that the U.S. Merchant Marine
helps protect America’s national, economic and homeland security. Similarly, they stressed the importance
of the Jones Act, a pillar of American-flag shipping.
Guests (photo above) pack the hall in Oakland, California.
In photo at top right, Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer, California Labor Federation, speaks to those present.
San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White (photo at
immediate right), who is retiring, commends the SIU for its
annual luncheon and notes she attends each year.
U.S. Marines surprise SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) with a glass-encased sword. Pictured
from left are Sgt. B. Kin, Maj. Michael Baker, Celona, Port Agent Nick Marrone II and 1st Sgt.
Allen Latanero.
Seafarers LOG 7
�AT THE HALL IN LAUDERDALE – Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right in both photos) presents a full book to
Wilson Montero (above, left) and a first pension check to Bruce Davidson (above, right), who started sailing
with the SIU in 1975.
ABOARD MAERSK IDAHO – Pictured aboard the Maersk Line, Limited
ship are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Anthony Brown, SIU Port
Agent Georg Kenny and Apprentice Cale Irons. Our extremely reliable
source (that’d be Georg) reports that the apprentices are “loving the life.”
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD OCEAN SUN – This snapshot was taken in Lake Charles, Louisiana, aboard Crowley’s Ocean-Class tug. Pictured from left are Patrolman Kelly Krick, AB Carey Brown, AB/Cook Angel Gonzalez, 2nd Mate Nate Leachman, Patrolman
J.B. Niday, AB Joel Lalin, Asst. Engineer John Guity, AB Boby Morales and Chief Engineer Robert Gretter.
FULL BOOK IN NEW YORK – Seafarer Felipe Gonzalez (right), a mate with Harley Marine NY, receives his full
book from Patrolman Ray Henderson. They’re pictured
aboard the Liberty in Brooklyn.
ABOARD MV WASHINGTON – Recertified Steward Michael Ingram submitted these photos from the Crowley
tanker. Individuals in all photos are
identified from left to right. In photo
below at left are ABs Michael Covington and Paul Clow. Shown in photo
below at right are ABs William Mathis
and Edward Wright. Pictured in the
crew mess (photo at immediate right)
are QMED Philip Francia, Bosun
Mondesto Rabena, Oiler Charles Carroll, SA Nasser Alarqban, AB Wright
and Pumpman Diole Bonifacio. The remaining photo (below, center) includes
Crowley VP Tucker Gilliam, Chief Cook
Gary Loftin, SA Alarqban, Recertified
Steward Ingram and Crowley VP/GM
Robert Grune.
8 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�ABOARD HORIZON ENTERPRISE – Recertified Bosun George Khan (photo above, far left) emailed these photos late last year from the Sunrise Operations vessel. Pictured from
left in photo second from left are ABs Bobby Belches and Victor Frazier. EU Albert Dulig is shown in photo third from left, while AB Gary Cardillo is pictured in photo second from right.
The remaining image at the far right features AB Fadhl Said.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ON THE WATER IN MARYLAND – After a recent stop in Baltimore, the SIU-crewed SLNC York (Annapolis-based Chesapeake Crewing) sails past the Bay Bridge in Annapolis, Maryland.
ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – Recertified Steward Tony
Spain (left) congratulates GSTU Deirick Coltrane for winning Maersk Line, Limited’s monthly safety award aboard
the Peary.
ABOARD TYCO DECISIVE – Chief Mate Timothy McDonald reports that a retirement party for AB Mahmood Tahir took place aboard the cable ship Oct. 28, a few days out from San
Diego. Tahir first sailed with the SIU in 1991, aboard the USNS Vindicator. He’s pictured at left in photo above at right, with Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez, who is presenting ship
souvenirs. The group photo includes (kneeling) AB/Splicer-Joiner Joel Saul and (from left) Chief Cook Walter Schoppe, Apprentice Jack Lanier, Recertified Bosun Nunez, GVA Shayla
Stafford, AB/Splicer-Joiner Santos Contreras, AB Tahir, SA Jony Morales Martinez, OMU Jarrett Ford, Bosun’s Mate Emilio Abreu, AB Thomas Flores Garcia and OMU Mohamad
Kammoun. Thanks to the chief mate for the photos.
ABOARD USNS MAURY
– Pictured aboard the
Ocean Shipholdingsoperated vessel in photo
at immediate right are
Chief Cook Alvin Watson
(left) and Steward/Baker
Joseph Hernandez. MDR
Brandon Maeda supplied
the photo and noted his
fellow Seafarers were
“working the hot grill this
afternoon so that we
could have something
special for dinner tonight.
Great menus, great food
and great service, what
more can you ask?!”
January 2019
ABOARD USNS ALGOL
– Seafarers gather for a
photo aboard the RRF
vessel in San Francisco following a servicing. Mariners from the
Algol and USNS Capella (both operated by
Ocean Duchess) are
included. From left in
photo at left are GUDE
Edsel Felipe, Recertified Steward McKinley
Jones, Port Agent Nick
Marrone II, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, Bosun
Charles Frisella, GUDE
Emmanuel Bayani, QEE
Salah Saleh and Bosun
Gill Sickles.
Seafarers LOG 9
�SHBP Offers Scholarship Funds
Each year, the Seafarers Health and
Benefits Plan (SHBP) makes scholarships
available to qualified individuals who are
looking to further their education.
The 2019 program will offer eight
awards totaling $132,000. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while
five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for
Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to
help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of
study. The remaining two are in the amount
of $6,000 each and are designed as twoyear awards for study at a postsecondary
vocational school or community college.
Each of the five scholarships for spouses
and dependents is for $20,000.
Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain
a scholarship program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and
an application form. Union members and
their dependents now have three avenues
through which they may obtain this booklet.
First, as has been the case in the past,
prospective applicants may request these
booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided below. Secondly,
they may obtain the booklets by visiting
any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.
seafarers.org, going to the About tab, navigating to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and selecting Scholarship
Application (PDF).
Once the scholarship booklet has been
received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin
collecting and assembling the remainder
of the paperwork needed to submit with
the full application, which must be received by April 15, 2019.
Items that need to be incorporated in
the final application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since
some institutions respond slowly in handling transcript needs, requests should be
made as early as possible.
Letters of recommendation – solicited
from individuals who know the applicant’s
character, personality and career goals –
should be included as part of the application package. A high-quality photograph
and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth
certificate are also required and should accompany the package.
A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators,
will examine the high school grades of all
applicants as well as evaluate scores from
their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and
American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these
tests no later than February 2019. Doing so
will virtually assure that the results reach
the evaluation committee in time for review.
Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program
and were not selected are encouraged to
apply again this year, provided they still
meet the eligibility requirements.
EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE
THROUGH THE PAUL HALL CENTER !
The Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS)
5HVLGHQW�FRXUVHV�DW�3LQH\�3RLQW�EHJLQ�
has partnered with the College of Southern
�-DQXDU\����������
Maryland (CSM) to offer an Associate of
Applied Science degree in Maritime
x Associate of Applied Science Degree
Operations Technology with a concentration
in either
x
Nautical Science (Deck department)
x UA courses apply toward the degree
-orx
Marine Engineering (Engine dept.)
x Fully accredited
Students must complete a combination of
academic general education courses and
x Some courses held at SHLSS
technical education courses in order to earn
the degree.
Courses completed during the Unlicensed
x Online classes
Apprentice program apply toward the
degree.
x Scholarships available
Students can complete English, Math and
Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining
general education courses can be completed
online.
The following classes will convene at
SHLSS:
January 14, 2019 through February 1, 2019
English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric
Math 1011 – Math for Technologies
Please send me the 2019 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form.
Name ................................................................................................................................
Street Address ..................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code.........................................................................................................
Telephone Number (
) ................................................................................................
This application is for:
R�Self
R�Dependent
Mail this completed form to:
Enrollment Information
7 Credit Hours
Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch
Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and
board plus one hour of tutoring following
(301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -or-
each daily class session
drausch@seafarers.org
Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
1/19
Spotlight on Mariner Health
Preventing, Treating Blood Clots
Editor’s note: This article is provided by
the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department.
A blood clot is a clump of blood that has
changed from a liquid to a gel-like substance
that’s in semisolid state.
Your body has a clotting process that is
inherent in order for a person not to lose too
much blood in certain circumstances, such as
when you are cut or injured.
When a clot forms inside one of your
veins, it may not always dissolve on its own.
This can be quite dangerous and sometimes
life-threatening.
When a blood clot is immobile it will generally not harm you. However, if that blood
clot dislodges and starts to travel it can be
very dangerous, depending on the area of the
body it may move to. If the clot travels to the
heart or lungs, it can get stuck and prevent
blood flow. This is a medical emergency.
A doctor should be called immediately if
you think you may have this type of situation.
A doctor can look at lab work, your symptoms, and scans to see if this has occurred.
The health care professional will take your
health history and ask many questions to help
make a determination.
Your circulatory system is made up of
blood vessels called veins and arteries. They
transport blood throughout your body.
When a blood clot occurs in an artery, it
is called an arterial clot. This clot will cause
symptoms immediately; emergency treatment is necessary to save a person’s life.
Symptoms of an arterial clot are severe pain,
or paralysis of a part of the body. The blood
clot can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
A clot that happens in a vein is called a ve-
10 Seafarers LOG
nous clot. This type of clot usually builds up
slowly, but they are still life-threatening. The
most serious is called a deep vein thrombosis.
This most commonly occurs in the legs, but
can also happen in the arms, pelvis, lungs, or
even in the brain.
When a blood clot is suspected, the person may have swelling in the affected area,
pain, shortness of breath, tenderness to the
area, a warm sensation or a discoloration of
the affected part – usually a red color.
The symptoms depend on the size of the
clot. This is why some people may not have
symptoms until the clot progresses in size.
The risk factors for a person developing a
blood clot are age, especially if you are over
65 years old, lengthy travel where you are sitting for a prolonged period, or bedrest and
being sedentary for a long time. Other risk
factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking,
cancer, certain types of birth control pills, or
a family history of blood clots.
Call or visit a doctor if you develop sudden shortness of breath, persistent coughing,
chest pressure, and difficulty seeing or speaking.
Treatment depends on the area of the clot
and the severity. After diagnosis, lab testing
and scans, the doctor may start the patient
on blood thinners (anticoagulants), rest and
immobilization of the affected part, pressure
stockings, or maybe even surgery.
Recovery may take some time. The medication used to ensure that the blood clot dissolves and does not return can be costly and
require frequent blood testing.
Doing what the doctor advises and changing some lifestyle choices can be beneficial
to the health, wellbeing, and longevity of the
individual’s life.
Healthful Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf
Servings: 25
Ingredients
7 1/2 pounds ground turkey
5/8 pound celery, diced fine
1 5/8 pounds onions, diced fine
10 cloves garlic, minced fine
1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
3/8 cup olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed
1 tablespoon sage, dry crushed
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
7 ounces wheat bran
3/4 cup ketchup
3 1/3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 cups Italian parsley, chopped
3/4 cup egg white
1/2 cup ketchup, to top the loaves
Preparation
�Sauté the onions and celery in the olive
oil until translucent but not browned. Add the
minced garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and seasonings; sauté for about 2 minutes. Remove from
the pan and cool. Set aside for later use.
�Place the ground turkey in a large mixing
bowl. Add the bran, 3/4 cup ketchup, worcestershire sauce, parsley, and egg whites and mix
well. Stir in the sauté cooled vegetables.
�Place the turkey mixture into roasting pans.
Once in the pans make two loafs in each pan.
Top each loaf with about 4 tablespoons of
ketchup on each loaf and make smooth. Cover
each pan with plastic wrap and foil.
�Bake the meatloaf in a 350-degree F oven
for about 1 hour and 20 minutes until internal
temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Let the
cooked loaf rest on the counter for at least 15
minutes before slicing.
�Cut the loaves into 4 oz portions and place
into 2” hotel pans. Serve above 135 degrees F.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 283
Calories; 15g fat (46.2 percent calories from
fat) 27g protein; 13g carbohydrate; 5g dietary
fiber; 108mg cholesterol; 570 mg sodium.
Exchanges: 1/2 grain (starch); 3 1/2 lean meat;
1/2 vegetable; 1 fat; 0 other carbohydrates.
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
January 2019
�EPI’s ‘Policy Roadmap’ Would Boost Workers
Think-Tank Details Path to Deliver Economic Opportunity, Security
In a comprehensive new policy agenda,
the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) details solutions to address rising inequality and ensure that everybody in America
gets a fair cut of the benefits of economic
growth they help create. The growing pay
disparity has been the result of intentional
policy decisions made on behalf of the
rich and corporate interests, and only a
complete reorientation of these policy
levers can reverse this, the EPI stated in
early December.
“As Congress prepares to start its 116th
session, EPI’s Policy Agenda plots a deliberate and expansive set of policies Congress could enact to rebalance power back
to the broad majority,” the organization
said in a news release.
Specifically addressing its proposed
agenda, the EPA said that its plans provide “a diagnosis of the problem and a
recommendation for reform across a range
of economic policy issues, recommending changes in labor, tax, budget, trade,
macroeconomic, regulatory, and climate
policies. The disparate impact of policy
changes across racial and gender lines
is highlighted throughout, and race- and
gender-targeted policies are also examined in a stand-alone section.”
“For most of the last four decades,
income inequality has exploded, income
growth for the vast majority has slowed
to a crawl, and progress in closing gender
and racial income gaps has been either too
slow or nonexistent,” said EPI Director of
Policy Heidi Shierholz. “Policymakers
must take bold steps to unrig the economy’s rules, paying particular attention to
policies that tilt bargaining power back
toward low- and middle-wage workers.”
The organizing principle behind the
agenda is that economic outcomes overwhelmingly reflect intentional policy
decisions – and if these outcomes were
created by policies, they can be changed
by different policies. A key example of
this approach can be seen in the EPI’s rec-
ommendations surrounding labor markets.
A growing body of research has shown
that leverage and bargaining power are
key determinants of workers’ wages, and
wage growth for most workers has suffered in recent decades precisely because
their leverage and bargaining power have
been intentionally weakened by policy
choices.
The EPI’s Policy Agenda recommends
boosting this leverage with a range of specific policies, including labor law reform
to allow workers to effectively bargain
collectively, higher minimum wages, updated overtime standards, banning forced
class and collective action waivers as a
condition of employment, and more-robust enforcement of anti-discrimination
laws.
“Inequality didn’t explode because of
any one legislative bill or policy change.
Instead, it happened because lobbyists
and advocates for the rich and corporations worked every single day for decades
to find policy levers that could be pulled
to send every last penny to their clients,”
said EPI Research Director Josh Bivens.
“Reversing this inequality will require
an approach every bit as consistent and
dogged and far-reaching. This roadmap is
a good place to start.”
The complete document is posted on
the EPI website, epi.org.
The EPI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
think tank created in 1986 to include the
needs of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions. On its
website, the EPI states that it “believes
every working person deserves a good job
with fair pay, affordable health care, and
retirement security. To achieve this goal,
EPI conducts research and analysis on the
economic status of working America. EPI
proposes public policies that protect and
improve the economic conditions of lowand middle-income workers and assesses
policies with respect to how they affect
those workers.”
USNS Williams Galley Gang Caps Multinational
Military Exercise With Scrumptious Cookout
The following photos were submitted by
Bosun Godofredo Milabo from aboard the
USNS Dewayne T. Williams. The crew of the
Williams – which is operated by Crowley – had
just completed their participation in the annual
Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
(CARAT) exercise, which ran from June 14 to
Nov. 30.
According to the U.S. Navy, “CARAT is an
annual, nine-country bilateral naval exercise
series between the United States and Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor
Leste and is designed to enhance maritime security skills and operational cohesiveness among
participating forces.”
To celebrate another successful exercise, the
steward department members aboard the Williams organized a cookout for both U.S. and
Bangladesh Navy members on the stern of the
vessel. The results of that cookout are depicted
here.
Chief Steward Elizabeth Ibanez makes sure the food has been prepared correctly.
Personnel from both navies line up for food and camaraderie.
Both the crew of the Williams and their guests from the Bangladesh Navy and U.S.
Navy enjoy some BBQ on the stern.
January 2019
Pictured from left to right are Chief Cook
Kenyetta Isom, Chief Steward Elizabeth
Ibanez, OS Michelle Conage and Bosun
Godofredo Milabo.
Pictured from left are OS Christopher Gomillion, OS Rashad Madison and OS Michelle
Conage. The bosun notes that all three OSs
sail from the port of Jacksonville, Florida, and
worked hard in preparation for the exercise to
help make sure the vessel was in tip-top shape.
Seafarers LOG 11
�American Mariner
With Seafarers
On the Great Lakes
The photos on this page were submitted by Port
Agent Todd Brdak, and were taken while servicing
the SIU crews of the American Steamship Company-operated American Mariner and the Armstrong
Steamship Company-operated Walter J. McCarthy.
The Mariner was docked in Toledo, Ohio, and the
McCarthy was docked in Superior, Wisconsin.
ABWH Dennis Fitzpatrick
Chief Cook Mohamed Noman
The American Mariner docked in Toledo, Ohio
From left: Bosun Mohamed Mohsin, QMED Preston Eiland and
Port Agent Todd Brdak
From left: Conveyorman Zaid Mesleh, Port Agent Todd Brdak
and ABWH Nassor James
From left: Gateman Wisam Mesleh, ACU Amin Saleh and
Conveyorman Zaid Mesleh
Walter J. McCarthy
Gateman Taha Al Amri tying up the Walter J. McCarthy
GUDE Daryl Hicks tying up the Walter J. McCarthy
12 Seafarers LOG
The Walter J. McCarthy unloading its boom
The Walter J. McCarthy docking in Superior, Wisconsin
January 2019
�El Coqui
AB Maintenance Jose Canales, AB Maintenance Xavier Alfaro, AB Manuel Rodríguez, Recertified
Bosun Wilfredo Velez, AB Jonathan Rivera
SIU Tradition: Seafarers
Brighten Thanksgiving
Aboard Vessels, at Halls
One of the SIU’s longstanding traditions is celebrating the winter holidays together, both at
sea and at the hiring halls. Some of the oldest photos on file in the LOG office show Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings at various halls. More recently, Seafarers have generously
shared their respective shipboard holiday snapshots with the union’s official publication.
In that spirit, this page features a sampling of Thanksgiving photos from the El Coqui
(operated by Crowley), the Indiana Harbor (American Steamship), and the Honolulu hall.
Visit the SIU Facebook page (@SeafarersInternational) for additional snapshots, both
from the aforementioned locations and from our historic files.
Chief Cook Kevin Valentin, Chief Steward Juan Guanill, SA La’sonia Randolph
Honolulu Hall
Indiana Harbor
Chief Cook Saleh Saleh
January 2019
Seafarers LOG 13
�FREE
COLLEGE
Everyday Savings
Save every day with union member-only discounts
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1/19
14 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�NMC Notice on TWIC Enrollment
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued
the following notice on Nov. 13. It’s posted in the News section of the SIU website, www.seafarers.org
Important Information
On TWIC Enrollment
Mariners applying for a Merchant Mariner Credential
(MMC) must list their occupation as Merchant Mariner on
their Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
applications. The United States Coast Guard relies on data
provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
when evaluating MMC applications.
Personal data supplied to TSA must match what is provided
to the Coast Guard on the MMC application. If a TWIC applicant does not list his or her occupation as Merchant Mariner,
the Coast Guard cannot reconcile the data provided by the
TSA. In such cases, mariners may be asked to work with TSA
to update information, which could result in MMC application
issuance delays.
To begin the application process for a TWIC, visit the TSA
TWIC enrollment website (https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/
programs/twic).
January & February 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point................................Monday: January 7, February 4
Algonac......................................Friday: January 11, February 8
Baltimore...............................Thursday: January 10, February 7
Guam....................................Thursday: January 24, February 21
Honolulu...................................Friday: January 18, February 15
Houston....................................Monday: January 14, February 11
Jacksonville...........................Thursday: January 10, February 7
Joliet....................................Thursday: January 17, February 14
Mobile..............................Wednesday: January 16, February 13
New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 15, February 12
Jersey City................................Tuesday: January 8, February 5
Norfolk..................................Thursday: January 10, February 7
November 15, 2018 - December 14, 2018
Total Registered
Port
All Groups
A
B
Total Shipped
C
C
Trip
Reliefs
Port Everglades...................Thursday: January 17, February 14
San Juan...............................Thursday: January 10, February 7
St. Louis...................................Friday: January 18, February 15
Tacoma.....................................Friday: January 25, February 22
Wilmington...........................*Tuesday: January 22, *February 19
* Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Jr.’s and
Presidents Day observances.
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship
SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
January 2019
A
All Groups
B
C
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
12
5
1
1
4
9
5
1
0
0
7
2
3
55
3
1
0
13
0
3
1
15
15
17
0
6
15
10
2
1
6
24
1
11
144
33
2
5
36
4
16
14
97
68
58
1
15
38
19
5
3
13
63
2
56
548
8
5
4
22
2
6
8
34
30
18
6
7
27
5
3
4
10
19
1
19
238
0
1
0
7
1
11
1
20
14
8
0
5
17
5
1
1
1
12
1
15
121
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
2
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
14
0
0
1
6
0
0
0
14
8
7
0
1
8
2
2
3
2
12
2
9
77
7
2
4
16
3
3
14
28
39
23
3
5
19
13
4
1
12
21
3
29
249
2
1
3
9
0
6
5
15
25
7
1
4
24
9
5
6
2
12
2
16
154
1
0
2
3
1
0
2
6
3
1
1
1
12
3
0
0
1
7
1
8
53
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
22
2
5
19
5
10
7
46
37
38
4
9
21
14
5
1
8
32
2
35
322
8
2
3
11
1
4
3
25
17
12
3
3
16
5
2
5
5
13
0
6
144
0
1
0
2
0
1
1
10
7
2
1
5
9
3
0
1
1
6
2
9
61
Deck Department
11
7
2
1
1
2
11
11
2
2
3
1
2
3
34
11
25
14
30
9
4
2
4
5
20
13
8
4
3
2
0
2
6
4
29
7
1
0
19
4
215
104
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
5
1
3
9
2
2
4
18
18
12
3
5
9
7
4
3
5
12
2
13
137
1
1
1
7
0
4
0
10
17
6
2
5
15
7
5
2
2
2
1
12
100
1
0
1
0
1
0
3
3
2
1
0
3
7
3
0
0
0
3
0
6
34
Engine Department
0
0
0
0
2
1
6
4
0
1
1
1
1
0
9
5
13
11
12
7
3
1
2
3
6
13
8
4
2
4
2
3
3
4
12
5
2
1
6
12
90
80
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Seattle
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
4
1
2
9
2
3
6
12
16
16
0
5
15
13
2
4
3
10
0
26
149
2
1
1
6
1
2
0
6
10
2
1
3
7
0
0
2
10
2
0
12
68
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
2
0
1
1
0
0
1
12
Steward Department
2
1
1
0
0
1
5
4
2
0
2
0
3
0
15
4
11
12
12
0
0
0
1
2
8
5
6
1
1
0
2
2
3
4
8
2
0
0
12
9
94
47
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
6
0
1
2
5
0
1
1
7
7
5
0
2
5
6
1
2
4
5
0
15
69
7
0
4
14
3
8
15
28
33
17
0
9
29
29
2
2
6
17
1
43
267
4
1
1
6
1
2
2
6
15
4
1
6
14
6
0
4
8
3
0
12
96
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
2
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
12
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
3
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
3
0
3
19
7
1
1
10
1
3
4
8
15
13
0
2
19
12
1
1
0
8
1
16
123
7
2
0
6
1
5
3
16
27
6
0
1
17
18
3
1
1
6
0
10
130
Entry Department
0
5
0
0
0
1
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
1
5
13
1
18
0
9
0
0
0
0
1
9
1
4
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
3
0
0
3
17
13
87
4
1
0
4
0
1
2
8
20
4
1
0
22
5
2
0
0
8
1
7
90
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
5
3
4
0
0
3
1
0
2
0
1
0
4
27
1
0
0
3
0
2
1
6
6
6
0
0
1
6
0
0
3
6
0
2
43
9
3
0
10
3
2
8
20
23
23
4
2
34
22
2
1
1
18
1
46
232
13
3
4
8
1
4
12
32
65
13
1
1
47
31
0
1
1
16
0
28
281
GRAND TOTAL:
627
435
237
165
317
1,107
720
467
Oakland...............................Thursday: January 17, February 14
Philadelphia.........................Wednesday: January 9, February 6
Registered on Beach
All Groups
A
B
412
318
Seafarers LOG 15
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by members at the hall in Wilmington, California.
Question: What are some of the things you like about your career?
Joseph George Welle III
Recertified Steward
There are a lot of things I like.
My career is pretty exciting. Besides
seeing all the different parts of the
world, the most exciting part is providing for my family. For me, that’s
the most important thing, because not
all people can provide. It’s also doing
things you love the most, like cooking and travelling. It’s exciting.
Dan Coffey
Pumpman
I enjoyed it since I first got into it. I
enjoy the camaraderie on the ship, and
I really enjoy my time off. I only ship
about 140 days a year, but I do like the
family environment at the union halls.
It’s always nice to sail with people
you met at the hall. On my time off, I
enjoy restoring boats, I’m an avid skateboarder and snowboarder, and I like to
be out enjoying life and enjoying time
off. This job gives you that opportunity.
Ruben Siclot
ACU
I like my job. I’ve been an ACU
for a long time, and I just love my
job and supporting my family. I make
good money. I’ve been in this line of
work since I was 18. I enjoy being on
the ship, traveling a lot.
Hassan M. Mohamed
GUDE
This job is wonderful. I’ve been
with the SIU almost 26 years, and
I’ve been happy. This is my union –
I have to provide for my union and
they have to provide for me, too. It’s
a good union and I get good jobs that
mean I can support my family. It’s
great; I don’t have any problems and
I respect the officials.
Daniel Bermudez
SA
I love the kitchen, so that’s a plus.
I’ve been cooking for a long time. I
get to do what I love. Most important is just being able to provide for
my family, and travelling. Going
to Sudan was interesting – culture
shock. I’ll remember that experience
for a long time.
Ramon Guimba
AB
The first things I like are going to
different places, making good money
and eating good food. Everything is
taken care of and we always emphasize safety. I started in 1993 and am
very happy with the union. The SIU
is always good to my family, always
supportive. I’m going to stick with it.
ANCHORAGE
721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 561-4988
BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 327-4900
GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B
422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910
(671) 477-1350
HONOLULU
606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-5222
HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003
(713) 659-5152
JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 281-2622
JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 434-6000
JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-8002
MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605
(251) 478-0916
Pic From The Past
NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 328-7545
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(939) 204-0337
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000
Retired Bosun John Gallagher submitted this gem from 1946, taken at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Havana, Cuba. These are SIU shipmates from the U.S. Army Transport Peter Desmet (sometimes listed as De Smet). Pictured from left are an unknown Seafarer,
Chief Steward Bob, Tim from the engine department, AB Frank Wherrity and Bosun Gallagher.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
16 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�Welcome Ashore
Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted
their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members
who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those
members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days
ahead.
DEEP SEA
KENNETH GARNER
Brother Kenneth Garner, 62,
became a member of the union
in 1995. Initially sailing in the
inland division, he first worked
for Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
Brother Garner sailed in both
the deck and engine departments, and upgraded on several
occasions at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. He last
sailed on the Atlantic Forest,
and settled in New Orleans.
BERT GILLIS
Brother Bert Gillis, 65, started
his SIU career
in 1978 when
he shipped on
the Aquarius.
He was a deck
department
member upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Gillis most recently shipped
aboard the Taurus. He lives in
Mobile, Alabama.
PAULETTE HILLIARD
Sister Paulette Hilliard, 65,
embarked on her SIU career in
1997, first sailing aboard the
USNS Regulus.
She worked
as a member
of the steward
department and
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the
Piney Point school. Sister Hilliard most recently sailed on the
USNS Yano. She calls Harvey,
Louisiana, home.
DENNIS HUNT
Brother Dennis Hunt, 65,
signed on with the SIU in
1991, initially
sailing on the
USNS Relentless. He was
a steward
department
member and
upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center in
2002. Brother Hunt most recently sailed aboard the USNS
Bruce Heezen. He resides in
Pensacola, Florida.
JOSEPH LAGUANA
Brother Joseph Laguana, 70,
began his career with the Seafarers in 1990,
first sailing
on the USNS
Altair. The
engine department member
upgraded his
skills on mul-
January 2019
tiple occasions at the maritime
training facility located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Brother
Laguana most recently sailed
aboard the Midnight Sun. He
calls Bremerton, Washington,
home.
LEO LARSEN
Brother Leo Larsen, 65, joined
the SIU in 1975 and initially
sailed on the
Pacer. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and last sailed
aboard the
Innovator.
Brother Larsen
resides in Foster City, California.
Sanchez Rivera’s first vessel
was the Saturn; his last, the
Maersk Idaho. He makes his
home in Brooklyn, New York.
TIMOTHY CLASEMAN
MARTIN TINKER
Brother Martin Tinker, 72,
became an SIU member in
1991. His first vessel was the
Lake, and he sailed in all three
departments. Brother Tinker
last sailed aboard the William Baugh. He calls Yellow
Springs, Ohio, home.
GREAT LAKES
GERALD BEAUBIEN
Brother Angel Perez, 67,
signed on with the SIU in
1988, first sailing aboard the
Challenger. A deck department
member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney
Point school. Brother Perez’s
final ship was the William
R. Button. He calls Luquillo,
Puerto Rico, home.
Brother Gerald Beaubien, 59,
signed on with the union in
1978, initially working on the
Exchange.
He shipped in
the deck department and
upgraded on
several occasions at the
Piney Point
school. Brother
Beaubien most
recently sailed on the American
Mariner. He resides in Alpena,
Michigan.
EDWARD RYNBERG
JEFFERY ECKHART
Brother Edward Rynberg, 71,
joined the SIU in 1990. He first
shipped on the USNS Wilkes
and upgraded often at the maritime training facility located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Brother
Rynberg was an engine department member and also worked
on shore gangs. He last sailed
aboard the Sealand Trader, and
resides in Alameda, California.
Brother Jeffery Eckhart, 61,
began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he sailed
on the Sam Laud. He upgraded
on several occasions at the Paul
Hall Center and was a member of the deck department.
Brother Eckhart most recently
sailed on the Great Republic.
He resides in Ossineke, Michigan.
ANGEL PEREZ
JUAN SANCHEZ CABRERA
LARRY MIDDLETON
Brother Juan Sanchez Cabrera,
65, joined the union in 2000,
first sailing
aboard the
USNS Bob
Hope. He
worked in the
engine department and upgraded at the
Piney Point
school in 2003.
Brother Sanchez Cabrera last
sailed on the Sumner; he lives
in Naranjito, Puerto Rico.
Brother Larry Middleton, 65,
became a union member in
2007, initially
working on the
Pride of Hawaii. A member of the deck
department,
he upgraded
on several
occasions at
the Paul Hall Center. Brother
Middleton most recently sailed
on the Walter J. McCarthy. He
makes his home in Mayville,
Michigan.
OSVALDO SANCHEZ RIVERA
INLAND
Brother Osvaldo Sanchez Rivera, 65, joined the Seafarers
in 2001, initially sailing in the
Great Lakes division. He upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center the year he
signed on and
worked in both
the engine and
steward departments. Brother
company for the duration of his
career. Brother Bannister lives
in Uriah, Alabama.
JIMMY BANNISTER
Brother Jimmy Bannister, 62,
joined the SIU in 1977 when
he worked with
Dravo Basic
Materials. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and remained
with the same
Brother Timothy Claseman,
65, started his SIU career in
1997, first working for Penn
Maritime. He was a deck department member and spent the
remainder of his career working for G&H Towing. Brother
Claseman makes his home in
Corpus Christi, Texas.
ROBERT GREGGS
Brother Robert Greggs, 62,
signed on with the Seafarers in
1975, initially
sailing aboard
the Ponce in
the deep sea
division. He
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center and was
a deck department member.
Brother Greggs last sailed with
OSG Ship Management before settling in Moyock, North
Carolina.
GEORGE ELMER
Brother George Elmer, 65,
joined the union in 1980 when
he worked
with Sealand
Manpower
in Houston.
He worked
on the same
shore gang for
the duration
of his career,
and makes his
home in Montgomery, Texas.
VIVION MCRAE
Brother Vivion McRae, 67,
became a member of the SIU
in 1976 when he worked for
Dravo Basic Materials. A deck
department member, he sailed
with the same company for his
entire career. Brother McRae
lives in Wilmer, Alabama.
JAMES MULHOLLAND
Brother James Mulholland, 56,
joined the union in 1996 when
he worked for
Crowley. He
spent his entire
career with the
same company,
most recently
at Penn Terminal. Brother
Mulholland
resides in Turnersville, New Jersey.
ANTHONY MYKLICH
school on numerous occasions and was a
member of the
deck department. Brother
Myklich sailed
with the same
company for his
entire career. He calls Glassboro, New Jersey, home.
EDUARDO OLAES
Brother Eduardo Olaes, 68,
signed on with the union in
2003, working for Allied
Transportation. A steward department member, he upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center within
his first year with the SIU.
Brother Olaes remained with
the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
JOHN SHEPHERD
Brother John Shepherd, 62,
became a Seafarer in 1978,
initially sailing in the deep sea
division. He
was a deck department member and first
sailed on the
Point Susan.
Brother Shepherd upgraded
on multiple
occasions at
the maritime training center in
Piney Point, Maryland. He last
sailed aboard the Liberty Island
and lives in Royal, Arkansas.
ROBERT STONE
Brother Robert Stone, 62,
joined the SIU in 1978, when
he shipped on the Portland. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine departments and upgraded often at
the union-affiliated Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Stone concluded
his career working for Crowley
Towing and Transportation. He
settled in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
NMU
ROBERT HART
Brother Robert
Hart, 65, became
a member of
the SIU in 2001
during the SIU/
NMU merger.
He resides in
Sherman, Connecticut.
Brother Anthony Myklich,
62, began his SIU career in
1989 when he worked with
OSG Ship Management. He
upgraded at the Piney Point
Seafarers LOG 17
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
URSEL BARBER
Pensioner Ursel Barber, 67, passed
away November 2. He donned
the SIU colors in
1968, first sailing
on the R Semmes.
Brother Barber
sailed in the engine department.
The Texas native
also worked on
shore gangs, most
recently in Houston. He retired in
2013 and lived in Midway, Texas.
ZAINE BASIR
Pensioner Zaine Basir, 82, died
August 21. Born in Malaysia, he
signed on with the SIU in 1966
when he sailed aboard the Steel
Scientist. Brother Basir was a deck
department member and most
recently shipped on the Maersk
Virginia. He became a pensioner in
2007 and settled in New York.
DONNIE COLLINS
VAN JOYNER
Pensioner Donnie Collins, 93, died
November 5. He joined the SIU
in 1948 and first
sailed on the Del
Mundo. Brother
Collins was a
steward department
member and last
sailed on the OMI
Dynachem. He
went on pension in
1990 and made his
home in Kenner, Louisiana.
Pensioner Van Joyner, 72, passed
away October 18. He began his career with the SIU in
1973, first sailing
aboard an Anchorage Tankship vessel. Brother Joyner
worked in all three
departments and
concluded his
career aboard the
Overseas Vivian.
He became a pensioner in 2015 and
was a Houston resident.
MARCUS DENNIS
Pensioner Marcus Dennis, 93,
passed away October 17. He joined
the union in 1967 when he sailed
with Isthmian Lines. An engine
department member, he last sailed
aboard the USNS Capella. Brother
Dennis retired in 1990 and settled
in Jacksonville, Florida.
RAUL GIRON
Pensioner George Bradley, 67,
died August 19. He joined the SIU
in 1968, first sailing on the Seatrain New Jersey. Brother Bradley
was a member of the deck department. After sailing aboard his final
vessel, the Enterprise, he went
retired in 2016. He lived in San
Francisco.
Pensioner Raul Giron, 95, passed
away November 24.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1970,
first sailing on the
Keva Ideal. Brother
Giron worked in all
three departments
and last sailed on
the Overseas Arctic. He became a pensioner in 1988
and lived in Del Rio, Texas.
MATTHEW CARROLL
ROSS HARDY
Pensioner Matthew Carroll, 74,
passed away November 8. He
became an SIU
member in 1965
and first sailed
on the Producer.
Brother Carroll
was a member of
the deck department and last
shipped aboard the
Defender. He retired in 2009 and
settled in El Paso, Texas.
Pensioner Ross
Hardy, 79, died
November 7. He
joined the union
in 1965 and first
sailed on the Del
Valle. Brother
Hardy was a member of the engine
department. His
last vessel was the Cape Texas. He
began collecting his pension in 2001
and called La Marque, Texas, home.
WALTER CHANCEY
LOUIS HACHEY
Pensioner Walter Chancey, 77,
died October 16.
He joined the SIU
in 1958, first sailing on the Alcoa
Partner. An engine department
member, brother
Chancey most
recently sailed on
the Express. He
became a pensioner in 1999 and
resided in Troy, Alabama.
Pensioner Louis Hachey, 75, passed
away October 27.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1964,
initially sailing
on the Del Sud. A
deck department
member, Brother
Hachey last sailed
aboard the Overseas Valdez. He
retired in 1996 and settled in Manchester, Michigan.
FRANCISCO CHARNECO
MAURICE HETRICK
Pensioner Francisco Charneco,
89, passed away
October 14. He
joined the union
in 1955 and first
sailed aboard the
Cubore. A deck
department member, Brother Charneco last sailed
aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. He retired in 1978 and was
a resident of Bayamon, Puerto
Rico.
Pensioner Maurice Hetrick, 69,
died November 11.
He became an SIU
member in 1991
when he sailed on
the Sealift Arctic.
Brother Hetrick
was a deck department member, and
last sailed aboard
the Ocean Atlas.
He began collecting his pension
in 2014 and lived in Veedersburg,
Indiana.
GEORGE BRADLEY
18 Seafarers LOG
ALEX RESENDEZ
Pensioner Alex Resendez, 71,
passed away August 31. He embarked on his SIU career in 1972,
first working for G&H Towing.
Brother Resendez was an engine department member and sailed in both
the inland and deep sea divisions.
He most recently sailed on the Baldomero Lopez, and resided in San
Antonio, Texas.
ROBERT SCOTTI
Pensioner Robert Scotti, 86, died
November 14. He
joined the union in
1953 and initially
sailed aboard the
Chiwawa. Brother
Scotti worked in
both the deck and
engine departments,
last sailing aboard
the Integrity. He
became a pensioner in 1989 and
lived in Lachine, Quebec.
OLIE WEBBER
Pensioner Olie Webber, 73, passed
away November 2. Born in Boston,
he joined the SIU
in 1969. One of
the engine department member’s
first vessels was the
OMI Willamette.
Brother Webber
last shipped on the
Horizon Enterprise.
He went on pension
in 2017 and made his home in Pahrump, Nevada.
GREAT LAKES
DAVID AKERSTROM
Pensioner David Akerstrom, 72,
passed away November 1. He
signed on with
the union in 1967
when he worked
with Great Lakes
Associates. Brother
Akerstrom worked
in the deck department and last
sailed aboard the
St. Clair. He began
collecting his pension in 2001 and
lived in Duluth, Minnesota.
INLAND
AUGUSTUS BLAKE
Pensioner Augustus Blake, 87, died
November 7. He began his career
with the Seafarers in 1960 and
initially worked
for Gulf Atlantic
Transport. Brother
Blake was a deck
department member
and retired in 1995
after sailing with
Allied Transportation. He resided in
Belhaven, North Carolina.
ALFRED DOHERTY
Pensioner Alfred Doherty, 90,
passed away November 17. He
signed on with the SIU in 1957,
working for J.I. Hass. A deck department member, he retired in 1991
after sailing with Crowley Towing
and Transportation. Brother Doherty
lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
ALFRED McCULLEN
Pensioner Alfred McCullen, 84,
died October 29.
He joined the
union in 1967 and
first worked for
Michigan Tankers.
A deck department
member, Brother
McCullen sailed
with Taylor Marine
Towing. He began
collecting his pension in 1996 and
made his home in West Deptford,
New Jersey.
WILLIAM MORRIS
Pensioner William Morris, 74,
passed away November 11. He
became an SIU
member in 1960,
initially sailing
aboard the Sampan
Knot. Brother Morris sailed in both
the deep sea and
inland divisions and
was a deck department member. He
last worked for Crowley Towing and
Transportation before his retirement
in 2008. Brother Morris settled in
Galveston, Texas.
MICHAEL PRIVETTE
Pensioner Michael Privette, 64,
died November 5.
He signed on with
the union in 1975,
first sailing aboard
the Yukon in the
deep sea division.
Brother Privette
worked in both the
deck and engine
departments. After
concluding his career with Crowley
Towing and Transportation, he retired in 2009. He called Lancaster,
California, home.
STEVEN SORENSON
Brother Steven Sorenson, 65, passed
away September 26. He began his
career with the Seafarers in 1993
when he worked for American Marine. Brother Sorenson sailed in the
deck department and remained with
the same company for the duration
of his career. He became a pensioner
in 2018 and resided in Westminster,
California.
NMU
ANDRES ANDUJAR
Pensioner Andres Andujar, 86, died
October 20. Brother Andujar was
native to Puerto Rico and became
a pensioner in 1997. He lived in
Midlothian, Virginia.
NORMAN BUSH
Pensioner Norman Bush, 83, passed
away November 22. He was born
in Honduras and
became a member
of the SIU in 2001
during the SIU/
NMU merger. A
member of the
steward department, Brother
Bush’s first SIU
vessel was the
Ocean Atlas. He most recently
sailed aboard the Yorktown Express
before settling in Tampa, Florida.
FRANK MCDOWELL
Pensioner Frank McDowell, 91,
died November 10. He was an NMU
member before the 2001 SIU/NMU
merger. Brother McDowell was an
engine department member and last
sailed aboard the Global Mariner.
He was a resident of Baltimore.
ELVIS MCLURE
Pensioner Elvis
McLure, 74, passed
away October 15.
He joined the SIU
in 2001 during the
SIU/NMU merger.
Brother McLure’s
first SIU vessel was
the Perseverance;
his last, the Comet. The deck department member became a pensioner
in 2009 and resided in Wilmington,
California.
JOHN PENA
Pensioner John Pena, 84, died October 3. He sailed with the NMU
prior to the 2001 merger with Seafarers International Union. A deck
department member, Brother Pena
last sailed on the Delaware Trader.
He retired in 2002 and called Lakewood, California, home.
In addition to the foregoing
individuals, the following union
members have also passed away.
Insufficient information was
available to develop summaries
of their respective careers.
Name
Age
Callender, Reuben
83
Castagna, Oscar
85
Cenac, Walton
99
Coleman, Robert
92
Freedman, Alvin
92
McCoy, Ephrim
85
Pimentel, Luis
91
Rodriguez, Charles 95
Schreib, Emil
84
Vieira, Eduardo
81
DOD
11/03/2018
11/05/2018
10/27/2018
11/07/2018
09/30/2018
10/24/2018
11/18/2018
09/19/2018
01/11/2016
10/19/2018
January 2019
�The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.
Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.
Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 9 –
Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary
John Huyett, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate
Francisco Hernandez Davila, Engine Delegate Kevin Kelly, Steward
Delegate Roberto Martinez. Crew
still waiting for recliner repair or
replacement. Chairman reviewed
importance of shipboard meetings.
Sister ship Alaskan Frontier was laid
up. Funds will be distributed to three
other vessels. Secretary went over
free college and Union Plus program.
Bosun mentioned availability of new
training at Piney Point for various
shipboard positions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested
radio. Members hope to receive YETI
cups, printed with SIU logo. Steward
department was thanked for good
food and service. Next Port: Valdez,
Alaska
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 9
– Chairman Gregory Hamilton,
Secretary Cayetano Toledo, Educational Director Leland Peterson,
Deck Delegate Manuel Enrico, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward
Delegate Wilson Peniston. Recliner
and heat lamp in need of repair. Store
intake planned at Port Angeles. Ship
schedule includes anchoring at Long
Beach. Chairman reminded members
to stay current on dues. Secretary announced provisions at Port Angeles.
Crew was encouraged to contribute to
SPAD. Educational director advised
members to be sure documents are up
to date. He encouraged everyone to
upgrade at the Piney Point school. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job
well done and crew commended for
keeping house clean. Next Port: Long
Beach, California.
SANTORINI (Overseas Ship Management), September 23 – Secretary
Isaac Newsome, Steward Delegate
Noel Segovia. Crew reviewed health
and benefits plan improvements. Educational director urged members to
upgrade their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Members were
encouraged to go on SIU website.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members pleased with right-to-work
(for less) victory in Missouri. Crew
requested changes to pension compensation formula.
ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 30 –
Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary
John Huyett, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate
Charles Ford, Engine Delegate
Kevin Kelly, Steward Delegate
Yolanda Martinez. Broken-chair
issue to be clarified with captain.
Chairman reminded members to go
through proper chain of command
to resolve problems and encouraged everyone to start within SIU.
Educational director urged crew to
keep documents current and to attend
courses at Piney Point. Help with
applications available for members.
Crew discussed Union Plus benefits
and installation of DirectTV system.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested increase to vacation days and were reminded to keep
mess hall clean after hours. Next
Port: Valdez, Alaska.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), September 30
– Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary Just Self, Educational Director
Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Woodrow Brown, Engine Delegate Eric
Garcia, Steward Delegate Roberto
Coronado. Crew still waiting for
update on cell phone boosters. Pinup
board for union minutes installed.
Water leaks reported on both scullery sinks. Steamtable insert in need
of replacement. Educational director
announced ATC conference at Piney
Point set for Spring 2019. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
requested new recliners and increase
of vacation days. Steward department
doing a great job. Next Port: Long
Beach, California.
NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley),
September 30 – Chairman Joseph
White, Secretary Lionel Packnett,
Educational Director Oswald Bermeo, Deck Delegate John Schmanski, Engine Delegate Jose Urra,
Steward Delegate Jesus Pacheco.
Chairman thanked crew for their hard
work when preparing for ABS inspection. He reminded everyone to keep
common areas clean and to be considerate while shipmates sleep. New
remotes purchased for Blu-ray player
and new remote ordered for sound
bar. Chairman reminded members to
take care of equipment. Educational
director advised crew to upgrade at
Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members discussed importance of cargo preference and Jones
Act. Next Port: Puerto Rico.
HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Sunrise
Operations), October 1 – Chairman
George Khan, Secretary Raymond
Garcia, Educational Director Trent
Sterling, Deck Delegate Gary Cardillo, Engine Delegate Albert Dulig,
Steward Delegate Bernie Igot. Chairman reminded members that company gives allowance for safety shoes
only. He commended deck gang for
great job preparing for ABS inspection. Educational director encouraged members keep all documents
up to date. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew read and discussed
Seafarers LOG. Members requested
cost of living increases to occur every
two years for pensioners. Crew would
like to increase vacation pay. Steward
to order new sheets, pillows and bedspreads.
OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), October 6
– Chairman David Martinez, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios,
Deck Delegate Basil McMillan,
Steward Delegate Lissette Ramirez.
Members received communication
from union concerning Wi-Fi. All
departments practicing work safety.
Crew was encouraged to join Seafarers 401K and donate to SPAD. Educational director advised members
to attend upgrading courses at Paul
Hall Center. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Captain announced
plans to contact company for internet booster.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), October 7 –
Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary
Just Self, Educational Director
Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Tawnia Stucker, Engine Delegate Eric
Garcia, Steward Delegate Joshua
Bingham. Educational Director
plans to check with chief engineer
for cell phone boosters. Crew still
needs a microwave oven plate.
Lockers now available in changeout room for steward department.
Galley sinks, garbage disposal and
steamtable insert are now in working
order. Chief engineer will order parts
needed for oven door repair. Ship
is going through maintenance for
next two-and-a-half months and will
be carrying four extra riders. ATC
conference dates have been posted.
Deck delegate urged members to
check overtime sheets. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew still
waiting for response about recliners
and vacation day increase requests.
Members asked for detailed information regarding P310 form, and were
reminded to secure two other forms.
Next Port: Cherry Point, Washington.
LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), October 7 – Chairman Robert
Hoppenworth, Secretary George
Quinn, Educational Director Shawn
Yancey, Deck Delegate Brian
Jackson, Steward Delegate Sherre
Wilson. Restricted to ship in Singapore. Chairman discussed expiration
dates on credentials. Educational
director reminded members to attend
upgrading courses at Piney Point. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed mattress replacement and
Wi-Fi. Steward department thanked
for excellent food. Next Port: Orange,
Texas.
MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk
Line, Limited), October 7 – Chairman Sunnil Motley, Secretary
Johnny Sawyer, Educational
Director Monroe Monseur, Deck
Delegate George Phillips, Engine
Delegate Antonio McAdams, Steward Delegate Malcolm Holmes.
Chairman reiterated importance of
learning computer skills. He advised
crew to be sure documents are up
to date when applying for a job.
Secretary thanked crew for pulling
together and working safely. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade and to take Maersk
safety training at Piney Point. Crew
requests Wi-Fi access and transportation to stores from port. Deck
delegate commended members’ hard
work, making the ship look sharp
and staying safe. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Copies of new
contract needed on ship. Members
requested more linen and suggested
change to vacation benefits. Crew
discussed interest in reducing time
required for retirement. Next Port:
Charleston, South Carolina.
MAGNOLIA STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), October 12
– Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary
Maili Wang, Educational Director
Eddie Pittman, Deck Delegate Ryan
Boltz, Steward Delegate Tracey
Newsome. Chairman discussed
upcoming federal elections and reminded crew to be sure documents
are up to date. Members requested
fresh produce to be supplied biweekly. Crew waiting on Wi-Fi connection for computer in crew lounge
and DVR availability in all staterooms. Members requested change in
vacation benefits and relief schedules.
Crew would like more visits from
union representative.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
January 2019
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are
to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.
EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. Consequently, no member may be
discriminated against because of race, creed,
color, sex, national or geographic origin.
If any member feels that he or she is denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.
SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Seafarers LOG 19
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
June 29
MSC Supply Configuration Management
February 2
April 13
February 22
May 3
February 23
May 4
March 22
May 31
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
AB to Mate Modules
March 2
April 27
RFPNW
March 29
May 24
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Date of
Completion
March 30
May 25
April 26
June 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Refer Containers
May 18
May 31
BAPO
February 2
March 30
March 1
April 26
Engineroom Resource Management
June 22
June 28
FOWT
March 2
March 29
Junior Engineer
March 16
May 10
Marine Electrician
May 18
July 12
Marine Refer Tech
March 9
April 19
MEECE
June 1
June 14
Pumpman
January 26
February 1
Welding
February 16
March 8
July 5
Storekeeper Courses
MSC Storekeeper Basic
Start
Date
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Date of
Completion
Gap Closing Courses
Leadership & Managerial Skills
Title of
Course
Steward Department Courses
Advanced Galley Ops
March 30
Certified Chief Cook
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start January 7.
May 3
Chief Steward
February 2
March 22
March 9
April 27
March 15
May 3
Galley Operations
February 2
March 1
Bosun Recertification
July 20
August 5
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
January 26
February 1
Crane Familiarization
April 6
April 12
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
February 2
February 8
ECDIS
April 13
April 19
Steward Recertification
April 13
May 6
Fast Rescue Boat
June 1
June 7
GMDSS
July 20
August 2
Lifeboat
February 9
March 9
February 22
March 22
Radar Observer
February 23
April 13
March 8
April 26
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
RFPNW
February 2
March 30
Advanced Meteorology
May 4
May 10
Advanced Shiphandling
May 11
May 24
Advanced Stability
April 27
ARPA
March 1
April 26
UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member Lakes Member
Inland Waters Member
If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed.
Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes �No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes �No
_____________________________________________________________________________
With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.
20 Seafarers LOG
April 26
Safety Upgrading Courses
Basic Training/Basic FF
February 2
February 8
Basic Training Revalidation
January 25
January 25
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
March 30
April 5
Government Vessels
February 9
February 15
Medical Care Provider
January 26
February 1
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
February 16
February 22
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
February 9
February 15
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax
to (301) 994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
1/19
January 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #842 –
Graduated Oct. 10 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Zachary Anderson, Sharde
Baker, Jason Bottari, Kyree Carter, Christopher Eke, Joshua Glancy, Travon Gordon, Ernest Grant Jr., David Hain-Mendez,
Kenneth Kauffman, Manuel Gerard Manzur
Rosado, Christopher Nicolosi, Keauni Natele Pullett, Abraham Quiner, Neil Laconsay Tupas, Oliver Vickers, Dax Walton and
Danielle Woodward.
Important Notice
To All Students
Students who have registered
for classes at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend,
should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other
students take their places.
Machinist – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Latiffe Brooks, Jonathan
Collier, David Garrett, Antonio Griffin, Timothy Hetz, Ronilo Rublica Monares and Gajatri Normatova. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left.
RFPNW – Graduated August 24: Sosiua Faasavaliga Peau (center) and Patricia
Placek (right). Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at the left.
Government Vessels – Graduated
September 14 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Julian Beasley, Robert
Bryson III, Joseph Hernandez, Jamison McIntyre, Mason Con Melland,
Lawrence Mills Jr., Christina Price,
Annie Scriven, David Wakeman,
Brian Wiley, Andre Winningham and
Shaun Wood.
UA to AS-Deck – Graduated September 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Rizaldy Ano Jr., Arnold Dimaandal Baluyot, Phillip Borders, Hector Ulises Garibaldi, Macey Horne, Jared
Nichols, Patricia Placek, Levon Prophet, Tiyhana Shonye Roddy, James Russell, Charles Turner Jr., and Jerald Welcome.
January 2019
Seafarers LOG 21
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tankship Familiarization
LG – Graduated August 24
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Joshua Barber, Allan
Bombita, Ana Marie Chona
Razon Calma, Antony Chapman, Donell Criswell, Sherron
Davita DeCoteau, Artemio Galabo Galaura, Jasmine Garrett, Timothy Hetz, Bud Sok
Khuth, Nadzeya Mikhailovna
Kuptsova, Steven Ariel Lopez
Ferrer, Mark Mahoney, Sonny
Perez, Atm Zahid Reza, Paul
Riley Jr., Adam Riley, Leroy
Andres Ramos Sierra, Leonard Elad Soriano, Jason Stahl,
Iker Emanuel Urruchi Lugo and
Reginald Yeager. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)
Government Vessels – Graduated August 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Allan Bombita,
Prentice Baptista Conley, Kelly Doyle, Artemio Galabo Galaura, Martin Garcia, Bud Sok Khuth,
Michael Maldonado, Sterling McCosh, Scott Opsahl, William Rackley, Marlon Suazo Fernandez and Reginald Yeager. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
MSC Storekeeper – Graduated August 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Beasley, Phillip Best, Rocky Dupraw, Joseph Hernandez, Christina Price and Shaun Wood.
Instructors Zak Schaver and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far right, respectively.
BAPO – Graduated August 24
(photo at right, in alphabetical
order): Adam Brundage, Elyser Valdez Carpio, Dion Cheeseborough
and Carlos Manuel Noriega. John
Wiegman III, their instructor, is at
the far left.
Tank Barge DL – Graduated August 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Raibonne Charles, Scott Forrer, Luke Yves Fouilloux, Matthew Hargrove, Gilbert Johnson, John
Kehoe, Mark Mahoney, William Mercer, Adam Riley, Michael Riley, Glen Williams and Damon Zschoche.
22 Seafarers LOG
January 2019
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) –
Graduated August 24 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Jamel Akia Anders,
Keithan Bland, Kirk Chambers, Alexandra Erickson, Paisami Gay, Jurgen Gottschlich, Charles Kamaualii Hanohano III,
Daniel Howard, L.G. Johnson, Lamarai
Jones, Shadonna Jones, EsStonia Moore,
Eugenia Porter, Noah Susumu SantiagoStephens, Ben Skuban, Lareesa Warren,
Jessica Williams, Kendra Williams and
Jarid Wilson.
WATCO – Graduated August 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Ibrahim Awadalla Abdelkarim, Nabeel
Ahmed Alawi, Nicholas Mora, Joseph Negron, Kyle Pillsworth, Timothy Pillsworth, Orlando Reveron,
Michael Sedita and Richard Serrano. William Dodd, their instructor, is at the far right.
Small Arms – Graduated August 10 (above, from left): Rick James, Eric
Van Mose and Joshua Rawls. Class instructor John Thomas is at the far
right.
Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical
order): Michael Maldonado, Andre Skevnick, Jared Smith and Dean Lopaka Waiwaiole.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated August 31 (above, from left):
Meili Wang Seegers, Alan Hollinger and Elizabeth Remotigue
Ibanez
January 2019
Chief Steward – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical order):
Bernard Butts, Roberto Odchimar Coronado Jr., Susan Emmons, Ingrid
Soveira Ortiz-Rosario and Rommel Reston. (Note: Not all are pictured.)
Galley Ops – Graduated August 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Tayseer Alshaibi, Esmaralda Salazar Cueto,
Jolanta Czeslawa Goch, Brandy Griffin, Nadzeya Mikhailovna Kuptsova, Liliana Oliveros, Sonia Pabon Barreto,
Chad Sikorski and Dominique Wesley.
Seafarers LOG 23
�JANUARY 2019
VOLUME 81, NO. 1
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 21-23
O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O
Cabotage Studies, New Tonnage Highlight 2018
Under the leadership of President Michael Sacco, the SIU
steadily moved forward in 2018, with a list of accomplishments that included adding new jobs, ratifying solid contracts,
improving its affiliated school in southern Maryland, opening
a new hiring hall in Puerto Rico and helping lead the fight to
defend cabotage laws.
The latter issue produced some of last year’s biggest headlines, and involved (among other efforts) one study concerning
the Jones Act’s effect on Puerto Rico, and a separate, longerterm examination of cabotage laws around the world.
Economists from Boston-based Reeve & Associates and
San Juan-based Estudios Técnicos, Inc. on July 18 released a
joint report, “The Impact of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico,” that
concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either retail prices or
the cost of living in Puerto Rico. In addition, the report found
that the state-of-the-art maritime technology, Puerto-Rico focused investments, and dedicated closed-loop service offered
by Jones Act carriers provide a significant positive economic
impact to the island, at freight rates lower or comparable to
similar services to other Caribbean Islands.
These findings factually shot down claims to the contrary
from Jones Act opponents, who seemingly blame the timetested law for every problem under the sun and whose main
strategy apparently is to repeat lies loudly and often.
Later in the year, Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI), an
independent center for mariner advocacy and research, released
its full report – “Cabotage Laws of the World” – on the findings of their global cabotage study. The study, commissioned
by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), provides the first independent analysis of maritime cabotage laws
since the early 1990s.
Based on extensive research involving 140 countries, the
SRI report revealed that 91 countries representing 80 percent of
the world’s coastal United Nations Maritime States have cabotage laws restricting foreign maritime activity in their domestic
coastal trades.
Merriam-Webster defines cabotage as “trade or transport
in coastal waters or airspace or between two points within a
country.”
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel, who also
serves as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer, said, “The lack of accurate facts on cabotage laws around the world has been an impediment for policymakers considering implementing cabotage
laws. This report represents a circuit breaker, providing policymakers with the relevant facts for proper decision-making.
The SRI report debunks the myth that cabotage is an exception,
not the rule. Laws governing maritime activity are widespread,
currently existing in 91 countries covering 80 percent of the
world’s coastlines of U.N. maritime states. We know there are a
number of countries considering introducing, strengthening or
diminishing cabotage regulation. This report will assure those
governments that it makes sense to enforce national cabotage
laws.”
Additionally, the SIU testified or otherwise supported several U.S. congressional hearings covering the Jones Act, cargo
preference, and other laws and programs that are vital to the
U.S. Merchant Marine.
The union threw its full support behind a new bill, the
Energizing American Shipbuilding Act, which would boost
shipboard jobs as well. Championed by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), the bill has strong bipartisan support and
legitimate prospects for approval in the new year.
Not all of the news from the nation’s capital was positive
for maritime or the labor movement. The Supreme Court ruled
against working families with its long-awaited decision in the
Janus case. However, unions have responded by significantly
ramping up efforts to remind workers of the ongoing extreme
The SIU gained jobs when the Oregon and two other tankers were acquired by Crowley.
relevance of unions.
There were victories, too, both in the U.S. and in Canada.
Missouri citizens soundly rejected a statewide, so-called “right
to work” law. Meanwhile, the SIU of Canada led the way in
winning major cabotage rights for that nation’s mariners.
Also, the annual report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that union membership grew by 262,000 in 2017
(the most recent year for which data was available).
New Ships
Seafarers and SIU CIVMARS welcomed many new vessels
throughout the year, plus the start of construction on several
ships.
Crowley acquired three tankers (Oregon, Washington,
California) from SeaRiver mid-year, and later christened the
ConRo El Coqui.
Matson launched the Daniel K. Inouye, the largest containership built in the U.S. (850 feet). Construction also started on
the Matsonia, a ConRo.
The general cargo ship SLNC York (Argent Marine) reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, while the first steel plates
were cut for the Pasha Hawaii Jones Act containership George
III.
SIU Government Services Division members had much to
applaud, including the christenings of the expeditionary fast
transports USNS Burlington and USNS Puerto Rico, and the
start of construction on the fleet replenishment oiler USNS
John Lewis and the expeditionary sea base USNS Miguel Keith.
New Contracts and Benefits
It was a banner year for the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan (SHBP), which bookended 2018 by announcing assorted
new benefits for Seafarers and their dependents. The SHBP
also awarded nine scholarships worth a combined $132,000.
Four of the grants went to Seafarers, while the other five were
claimed by SIU family members.
SIU negotiating teams continued to defy nationwide trends
by securing agreements that feature regular wage increases
while maintaining or increasing benefits. Such was the case
both at Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, where members ratified
a five-year contract; and at G&H Towing, where SIU boatmen
approved a three-year pact.
Piney Point
The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center and its Seafarers
Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship continued pressing
ahead to set the standard for maritime training. Located in
Piney Point, Maryland, the school introduced a new class for
storekeepers and launched a totally revamped steward department curriculum – collectively dubbed Culinary 2.0 – that was
a hit with the first students.
In the fall, the Paul Hall Center also hosted a packed meeting of the U.S. Transportation Command’s executive working
group on the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement. The
group includes SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez.
In May, the school’s advisory board examined current and
future training needs, and discussed various upgrades being
made to both the campus itself and the classes. The board includes representatives from the union, school, ship-operating
companies and government agencies.
That same month, Piney Point was the site for the sixth
annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic. The event benefits the
American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS), previously called the Wounded Warriors Anglers of America.
New Hall and More
On Nov. 8, the SIU officially opened the new hiring hall in
SIU President Michael Sacco opens the winter meeting of
the Maritime Trades Department executive board.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, with an event that included food, drinks
and a live band.
“Welcome to your brand-new SIU union hall,” SIU Port
Agent Amancio Crespo began, before being interrupted by
cheers and applause from the more than 150 members, elected
officials, company executives and guests gathered outside the
building for the ceremony.
The new facility, located at 659 Hillside Street in the Summit Hills neighborhood of San Juan, is immaculate, with
all-new furniture in multiple member lounge areas, wheelchairaccessible restrooms, a modern galley and mess area, WiFi
access and a second-floor conference room. Most importantly,
it’s in a safe and secure neighborhood – a huge improvement
from the previous hall.
In other news, the SIU remained very active with the ITF,
and Heindel was re-elected as chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section at its congress in Singapore.
Several SIU crews upheld the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea by executing rescues, including Seafarers
from the USNS Trenton, USNS Wally Schirra and multiple NY
Waterway ferries.
The National Transportation Safety Board published a summary of its investigation of the El Faro tragedy. Two books
(by private authors) were published about the October 2015
sinking. Later in the year, the SIU conducted and participated
in memorial services at sea and ashore for the 33 individuals
(including 17 Seafarers) who lost their lives in the sinking.
Two longtime Seafarers called it quits: SIU Vice President
Government Services Kermett Mangram retired after 40 years
with the union, and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts
Archie Ware did the same, also capping a 40-year career. Former UIW National Director Kate Hunt made history when she
succeeded Mangram, becoming the union’s first female vice
president.
Seafarers continued their philanthropy across the globe,
including annual efforts in Tacoma, Washington, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Maritime Trades Department conducted a Jones Actthemed winter meeting, helping set the record straight on a law
that is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security.
Finally, the union bid a solemn farewell to Charlie Stewart,
retired vice president and former NMU official, who passed
away at age 84.
The new hall in Puerto Rico is a hit with members, their families and other guests. Among those pictured at the ceremonial opening are (starting third from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, former Puerto
Rico Gov. Carlos Romero Barcelo, Port Agent Amancio Crespo and (third from right) Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2010-2019
Document
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January 2019
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Headlines:
MATSON'S INOUYE ENTERS SERVICE
THANKSGIVING TRADITION THRIVING
MSC COMMANDER: 'MARINERS WILL BE THERE!'
CSA HONORS SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES
HOUSE HEARING UNDERSCORES VITAL NEED TO MAINTAIN STRONG MERCHANT MARINE
NAVY CHRISTENS USNS PUERTO RICO IN ALABAMA
SIU-CONTRACTED NYNJR EXPANDS INFRASTRUCTURE
NY WATERWAY CREWS ASSIST COMMUTERS DURING SNOWSTORM
COALITION HIGHLIGHTS NEW SHIPBUILDING AS CRITICAL TO CONTINUED STRONG U.S. NATIONAL, ECONOMIC SECURITY
USNS COMFORT SUPPORTS OPERATION ENDURING PROMISE
SIU MARINERS LEND A HAND IN TYPHOON RECOVERY
SAFETY DIRECTORS HONE SKILLS AT PAUL HALL CENTER
RECERTIFIED STEWARD, CHIEF COOK PRAISE WORK ETHIC OF 'YOUNG SA'
OAKLAND THANKSGIVING GATHERING A HIT
AT SEA AND ASHORE WITH THE SIU
SHBP OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
PREVENTING, TREATING BLOOD CLOTS
EPI'S 'POLICY ROADMAP' WOULD BOOST WORKERS
USNS WILLIAMS GALLEY GANG CAPS MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE WITH SCRUMPTIOUS COOKOUT
SIU TRADITION: SEAFARERS BRIGHTEN THANKSGIVING ABOARD VESSELS, AT HALLS
CABOTAGE STUDIES, NEW TONNAGE HIGHLIGHT 2018
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Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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1/1/2019
Format
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Newsprint
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Vol. 81, No. 1
2019
Seafarers Log
-
http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ce8d10078b2ca3a0e42acc8a85512069.pdf
904913218e0a2365e8bde4de3d9c3424
PDF Text
Text
DECEMBER 2018
VOLUME 80, NO. 12
Season’s Greetings
Beck Notice
Page 6
New Hall Opens in Puerto Rico
Pages 10-11
�President’s Report
Excellent Election Results
As we close out another successful year for our union, I extend my
sincere thanks to all Seafarers who stepped up to the plate and participated
in grassroots political activities in 2018. It cannot be said too many times:
Our industry’s survival depends on constant political involvement.
On that note, as of this writing shortly after Election Day, I’m pleased
to report that our union’s voluntary political action fund (SPAD) enjoyed
a winning percentage above 92 percent this year in the United States
House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Without throwing too many statistics at you, SIU-backed
candidates won 16 of 20 Senate races, and 133 of
141 in the House. SPAD, as always, contributed to
pro-maritime candidates from both parties.
SPAD remains vital in helping us get our foot
in the door to promote the U.S. Merchant Marine,
but it’s not our only tool. I know from talking with
members and our regional officials that Seafarers
really went all-out this year in precinct walks, phonebanking, sign-waving and other grassroots activities.
Again, your efforts don’t go unnoticed, and your
Michael Sacco
volunteerism is second to none.
Be assured that by the time you read this article,
we’ll already have a solid game plan in place to
reinforce congressional support for maritime and to help educate newly
elected representatives about our industry. Our outreach also goes well beyond the federal level – we’re active in state and local politics, too.
Finally, don’t forget to introduce yourselves to your local elected officials. Visit their offices, sign up for their email alerts, and let them know
you’re a registered voter in their jurisdiction whose job depends on American-flag shipping. If there’s one thing I can tell you about politicians, it’s
that they listen to constituents.
Big Fight Ahead
A massively funded anti-Jones Act campaign is getting started again,
and it’ll have our attention for quite a long time. This won’t be an easy
fight, and from time to time, your union will call on you for specific outreach to the administration and your previously mentioned senators and
congressional reps.
The bottom line on our opposition is that they’re greedy. That’s why
they want to get rid of a law that has protected U.S. national, economic
and homeland security for nearly a century. That’s why they want to kill
the nearly 500,000 American jobs that are tied to the Jones Act. Greed.
They want cheap foreign labor to take over our coasts, Lakes and waterways, and they don’t give a damn about maintaining America’s seafaring
and shipbuilding capacity, because that’s not how they make money.
I’m under no illusions about the magnitude of this battle, but we’re up to
the task. Keep an eye on our usual channels for updates – our website, our
social media pages, the LOG, and probably an occasional text message.
Piney Point
When you read about all of the new vessels being produced by domestic yards like union facilities NASSCO and Philly Shipyard (among others), you undoubtedly notice the changing technology featured on all of
them, whether they’re tankers, ConRos or containerships. One point that
shouldn’t be lost on us is that new technology means mariner training is
more important than ever.
That’s where our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, comes in.
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is one of the
greatest assets available to Seafarers. It’ll help you keep up with the times,
earn new ratings and make more money. But you’ve got to take advantage
of it. When you’re eligible, upgrade. It’ll be worth it.
ITF Congress 2018 Focuses on Future
Heindel Re-Elected as Chair of Federation’s Seafarers’ Section
The 44th International Transport
Workers’ Federation (ITF) Congress, which took place in Singapore
from Oct. 14-20, marked the first
time the event has ever been held in
Southeast Asia. The ITF Congress
included participants from 140 countries, representing over 600 transport
unions, including the SIU.
According to the ITF, “Congress
is the ITF’s core decision-making
event. Every four years, we invite
our affiliates to join us and stand
together in one place to collectively
contribute to shaping the future of
transport workers. On behalf of the
19.7 million transport workers in the
ITF family, affiliate representatives
have the opportunity to exercise their
democratic right to elect leaders,
bring forward motions, and update
our constitution to reflect the changing world we live and work in.”
ITF General Secretary Stephen
Cotton said before the event, “This
Congress is all about transport
workers building power through innovative campaigns, growing membership and influencing policy. By
uniting our efforts, we can ensure
that the future of work provides good
opportunities for all transport workers.” Cotton was re-elected during
the event by the delegates to serve
another five-year term.
“We fight for peace, freedom
and the rights of all workers. These
are the values of the ITF,” said reelected ITF President Paddy Crumlin. Crumlin opened the convention
by announcing this was the largest
yet, with the most delegates from the
most unions and nations in the 122year history of the organization.
SIU Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel, who serves as the chairman
of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, spoke
about the success of this year’s gathering, saying, “This congress was the
largest and most productive congress
I have attended for the ITF. The Seafarers’ Section’s plans and priorities
for the next five years will include
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton (left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel pose for a photo during the ITF Congress.
promoting and enforcing cabotage
laws and regulations, promoting the
retention of women and young seafarers, investing in maritime skills
and seafarer career paths, seafarers’
mental health, effective implementation of on-board seafarers’ safety
committees, influencing the impact
of technological change through
strong guidelines, and advancing
working and safety standards at the
ILO and IMO. Additionally, the Seafarers’ Section will work to raise the
health and wellbeing profile for seafarers by ensuring its inclusion into
maritime academies’ curriculum and
through negotiations with employers.”
Heindel was re-elected chair of
the Seafarers’ Section. His term will
be for five years as the delegates approved a constitutional change to
hold conventions every five years,
starting with this period.
Issues addressed at the Congress
included the election of the ITF’s
officials, motions and amendments
to the ITF’s Constitution, and re-
ports on activities, financial statements and auditors’ reports since
2014. At an extracurricular event
held after one of the daily ITF
Congressional sessions, delegates
watched a short documentary on the
dangers being experienced by those
who make their living by fishing the
world’s oceans. In addition, they received a book (“Dreaming
“Dreaming of a Better Life: Humans as Commodities”
by Stefan F. Lindberg and Lennart
Johnsson) from the ITF Seafarers
Trust, which provided graphic photos and details of what these workers and their families endure on the
job and at home.
The guest of honor for this year’s
opening ceremony was the Secretary-General of the National Trades
Union Congress, Singapore, and
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ng Chee Meng.
Crumlin closed the 44th Congress by saying, “Congress has finished; now the hard work begins on
the long road to justice, peace and
freedom.”
Holiday Wishes
However you observe the winter holidays, I wish you a safe, happy
and healthy season. Whether you’re at sea or ashore, I hope you’ll find
some time to relax, count your blessings and then gear up for the New
Year.
See you in 2019, brothers and sisters.
An SIU banner (photo at left) is displayed at the ITF gathering in Singapore. Pictured from left to right (photo above) are Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, SIU ITF Inspectors
Barbara Shipley, Shwe Aung and Ricky Esopa, SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel and ITF President Paddy Crumlin.
Volume 80 Number 12
December 2018
The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant
Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske;
Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator,
Mark Clements.
Copyright © 2018 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.
The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.
The ITF delegates from the United States and Canada gather for a photo onstage. SIU of Canada President
Jim Given (sixth from right) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) are among those pictured.
Reversed to White
2 Seafarers LOG
December 2018
�Vessel sponsor Christine Crowley does the honors at the
christening. (Photo courtesy Crowley Maritime) Pictured
from left near the vessel (center photo) are SIU VP Gulf
Coast Dean Corgey, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner
Jenniffer González-Colón, and SIU Exec. VP Augie
Tellez. During the ceremony (photo at far right), SIU
Exec. VP Augie Tellez emphasizes the vital role played
by the U.S. Merchant Marine in national, economic and
homeland security.
Crowley Christens Jones Act Vessel El Coqui
SIU-Crewed ConRo Powered by Liquefied Natural Gas
Crowley Maritime’s newest SIU-crewed
Jones Act vessel officially has been welcomed into the fleet.
Seafarers and SIU officials took part in
the El Coqui’s christening Oct. 20 in Jacksonville, Florida. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez was a featured speaker;
SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Assistant Vice President Archie Ware were among the other attendees.
A combination containership and rollon/roll-off vessel (ConRo), the El Coqui
completed its maiden voyage to Puerto
Rico in late July. (The vessel originally was
slated for christening in August, but severe
weather caused the ceremony’s postponement.) The Jones Act ship is among the first
of its kind to be fueled by liquefied natural
gas (LNG).
In addition to Tellez, the christening
included remarks from Crowley Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley; Alexander
B. Gray, Special Assistant to the President
for the Defense Industrial Base; Resident
Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón of
Puerto Rico; and U.S. Reps. John Rutherford (R) and Ted Yoho (R), both of Florida.
More than 350 people were in attendance
as Crowley Board of Directors Member
Christine Crowley, spouse of Tom Crowley,
served as sponsor. She performed a time-
Crowley Maritime.
“It represents, first and foremost, Tom
Crowley’s commitment to the people of
Puerto Rico,” Tellez stated. “It shows he’ll
help provide a safe, clean, efficient and
guaranteed pipeline to the mainland in the
“Many people talk about amending the Jones Act or taking it away,
but they’re not living on the island. They don’t need that supply on a
daily basis, on a weekly basis, and have it reliable like we receive it
today – and that’s the reason I support the Jones Act.” – Puerto Rico
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón
honored tradition of breaking a champagne
bottle over the hull of the 720-foot vessel at
the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.
Tellez said that while the El Coqui is
named for a popular species of frog that’s
indigenous to Puerto Rico, the ship symbolizes many important commitments by
best of times and in the worst of times.
“In the best of times,” he continued, “it’s
a way to get products to market to sustain
the Puerto Rico economy. In the worst, it’s
a guaranteed delivery of supplies needed to
recover from any devastation or disaster.”
The ship also reflects Tom Crowley’s
commitment to the Jones Act “not just in
words but with tremendous capital investment in the ships and in the infrastructure
both here (Jacksonville) and on the island,”
Tellez pointed out. “That commitment to
the Jones Act is, by extension, a commitment to the national and economic security
of our country.”
The SIU official noted that the Jones
Act helps ensure the availability of assets
and manpower to meet U.S. sealift requirements while “fueling an economic engine
unrivaled anywhere in the world.”
Last but not least, Tellez said the company’s dedication to American-flag shipping and U.S. crews “provides a doorway
that leads to a host of opportunities allowing
these mariners to earn their fair share of the
American Dream. It affords them the same
opportunity that everyone sitting here has
enjoyed: to reap the rewards of your labor,
grab onto the next rung of that ladder and
pull yourself and your loved ones to a better
Continued on Page 4
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Crowley (near center) pose with the SIU crew of the El Coqui.
December 2018
Seafarers LOG 3
�Asst. VP Ware Retires after 40-Year Career
Archie Ware’s first connection with the
SIU shows that good things may indeed
result from initially undesirable circumstances.
Ware in late October retired from the
union after 40 years of service, most recently as an assistant vice president based
in Jacksonville, Florida. Had he not been
laid off while working for New York City
in 1978, though, he may never have landed
with the Seafarers.
“I had been making great money,” Ware
recalled. “A guy named Earl Butcher (who
worked for the union) asked if I wanted
to go to sea, and I said no, thank you. But
money got tighter and I asked if the offer
still stood. He drove to me headquarters in
Brooklyn and that was it. I came on board
right then and there.”
One could safely say it worked out.
Ware, 62, said he enjoyed every part of his
This 2011 snapshot was taken at the hiring
hall in Jacksonville, Florida. SIU Asst. VP
Archie Ware (left) is shown with Port Agent
Georg Kenny, who’s based in Norfolk, Virginia.
New Crowley
Vessel Joins
SIU-Crewed Fleet
Continued from Page 3
station in life.”
Tom Crowley said the christening was
“a culmination of many, many years of
hard work (and) many, many years of transition for this company. It’s remarkable to
see the transition. Whether it’s going from
SIU career, which included sailing in the
deck department (he became a recertified
bosun in 1994), working on shore gangs in
New York and New Jersey for more than a
dozen years, and then serving as an official
since 2001.
“I loved it all,” Ware stated. “I loved
training, I loved teaching, going to the ships
and tugs. I also liked taking photos and
sending them to the LOG. The only thing
I didn’t like is people complaining about
nothing.”
SIU Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez said he worked with Ware for decades. “Archie is a true-blue guy – hard
working and never shied away from an assignment. He could always be counted on,”
Tellez stated.
Recently retired SIU Vice President
Government Services Kermett Mangram
described Ware as “a workaholic. We’ve
been friends a long time; we met at Piney
Point, and I (later) recommended that he
become a representative, because I thought
he’d be good. Bubba – that’s what I call
him – is a good dude, and the membership
is going to miss him. I wish him well on his
retirement. Now, his watch is over.”
SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey noted, “When he came ashore, he
trained in Houston and we became very
close. He’s a super guy to work with and
he became like family. Archie is loyal,
dedicated and has an excellent work ethic.
He’s meticulous – one of these guys who’s
the first to show up in the morning and the
last to leave in the evening. Above all, he
serviced the members in Jacksonville and
really left the port in excellent shape. I wish
him the best.”
Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins
worked with Ware for 30 years. “I’ve
always had a lot of respect for him,” Hopkins said. “I appreciate his work ethic and
we’ve had a great working relationship
between Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale
(where Hopkins is based). He’ll certainly be
missed.”
SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley
Nelson said, “I had the pleasure of meeting
Archie back in 2001 while he was teaching
union education during my time as an apprentice. Fast forward a few years, and who
would have believed he would become my
teacher again, but in a different capacity.
He’s taught me the ins and outs of being
Ro/Ro to Lo/Lo, the LNG fuel, putting a
car house on the back of a container ship,
you name it, you go through the transition
of what we did to build a ship and create a
supply chain that nobody else can match.
And it’s here today.”
Gray lauded the commitment by the
company and U.S. maritime industry to
lead an innovative new era of maritime
and supply chain services that support
economic and national security.
“El Coqui represents not just the $3
billion investment that Crowley has made
in this industry in recent years, it really is
the future of the maritime industry itself,”
Gray said. “The vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas … it’s the cleanest fos-
The Jones Act vessel is shown during its maiden voyage to Puerto Rico in late July.
(Photo courtesy Crowley)
4 Seafarers LOG
SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) presents Asst. VP Archie Ware with a commemorative ship’s wheel in recognition of Ware’s retirement. The presentation took place on Oct.
11 at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida.
an effective official while I was under his
direct supervision here in the Port of Jacksonville. It’s been an honor and pleasure
to have him as my mentor and I think I
speak for many when I say he’ll be greatly
missed.”
Ware said he came shore “because I
wanted to help the members. I wanted to see
what I could do behind the counter.”
With a chuckle, Ware recalled that the
most challenging part of his four decades
with the union happened fairly early.
“When I got my first bosun job at age 25,
I looked like a whippersnapper, so I when
I went aboard the ship (the Bonny), people
thought I was a wiper or an OS at first. But
after that, it was all downhill,” he said.
Now, Ware wants to spend more time
with his family. “That’s the only reason
I’m retiring,” he said. He plans to remain
sil fuel available. It will serve as a shining
example of the technological innovation
that’s going to allow this industry to remain a global leader for decades to come.”
“Many people may talk about amending the Jones Act or taking it away, but
they’re not living on the island,” said Rep.
González-Colón. “And they don’t need
that supply on a daily basis, on a weekly
basis, and have it reliable like we receive
it today – and that’s the reason I support
the Jones Act.”
The El Coqui can transport up to 2,400
twenty-foot-equivalent container units
(TEUs) at a cruising speed of 22 knots.
The ship can accommodate containers in a
wide range of sizes and types – including
in Jacksonville but also do some traveling,
along with “a lot of fishing and a lot of
honey-do.”
Reflecting on his career, Ware noted,
“I definitely want to acknowledge Augie
Tellez. We met back in the 1980s in Brooklyn, and he’s been supportive the whole
time I’ve been with the organization.”
Asked what advice he’d give to current
members, Ware replied, “Aboard the vessels, be professional and represent the union
in a positive way. By doing that, trust me,
the company recognizes it. I’d also tell them
to get into the Seafarers 401k. It’ll pay off
in the long run.”
He added, “And I would tell our union
reps, treat people the way you want to be
treated. That’s the best way to sum it up.
To members and reps alike, I’d say be a
problem-solver.”
53-foot by 102-inch-wide, high-capacity
containers and refrigerated containers.
Within the ship is an enclosed, ventilated
and weather-tight Ro/Ro deck that can
protectively carry cars and larger vehicles.
According to the company, “This type of
shipboard garage is offered exclusively by
Crowley in the trade, enhancing supply
chain solutions for customers.”
The ship is the first of two vessels
being built as part of Crowley’s Commitment Class project. Sister ship Taíno is in
the final phases of construction and testing
at VT Halter Marine’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. That vessel is expected
to be delivered later this year. It also will
carry an SIU crew.
SIU members aboard the new ConRo welcome SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (fifth from
right) and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (fourth from left).
December 2018
�Op-Eds Voice more Jones Act Support
Democratic Congressman, Conservative Think-Tank President
Cite Numerous Benefits of America’s Freight Cabotage Law
Two recent guest editorials published by The Hill highlighted the importance of the Jones Act – from two different
perspectives.
The first, written by U.S. Rep. Garamendi (D-California),
began with a historical frame of reference: “In 1791, our
nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, founded the Revenue Cutter Service. This entity, which
would later become today’s United States Coast Guard, ensured that proper import duties were paid on goods arriving
to the United States by sea – a key source of financial support for our fledgling nation. But Hamilton wasn’t just concerned with international trade; he also understood the value
of American shipbuilding, and he required that the cutters be
built from American-made materials. Why? To strengthen
America’s shipbuilding and domestic manufacturing sectors,
which were crucial to our country’s national security and
economic development.”
Garamendi, who serves as the Ranking Member of the
House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, continued, “Twohundred twenty-seven years later, they still are – and that is
why our nation needs the Jones Act now more than ever. The
Jones Act is a simple law: It requires that shipping between
two U.S. ports occur on ships that are built in the United
States, fly the U.S. flag, and are operated by crews consisting
of at least 75 percent American citizens. This requirement
buttresses a domestic maritime trade that supports nearly half
a million jobs and almost $100 billion in annual economic
impact.
“If the Jones Act did not exist, this industry would be
sharply undercut by foreign shippers with lower labor protec-
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, 2017 to
December 31, 2017. 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 $153,601,785 as of December 31, 2017 compared to
$129,861,244 as of January 1, 2017. During the plan year the
plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $23,740,541.
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 $100,677,924. This income included employer contributions
of $92,840,008, employee contributions of $521,925, realized
gains of $600,415 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $6,138,719 and other income of $576,857. Plan expenses were $76,937,383. These expenses included $12,863,263
in administrative expenses and $64,074,120 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:
n An accountant’s report;
n Financial information and information on payments to
service providers;
n Assets held for investment; and
n 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 Bowen, 5201 Auth
Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge
to cover copying costs will be $7.75 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 Auth
Way, 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.
December 2018
tions, environmental requirements, and safety standards,” the
Congressman wrote. “Not only would we outsource marine
transportation along our coasts and inland waterways to the
cheapest foreign bidder, we also would hollow out a key component of American industrial might.”
He also noted the importance of America’s freight cabotage law as it pertains to the national defense. The Jones Act
“remains essential for our national security and our war fighting capacity,” Garamendi pointed out. “Our military relies
on privately owned sealift capacity and highly trained and
credentialed merchant mariners to transport and sustain our
armed forces when deployed overseas during times of conflict. But the number of ocean-going U.S.-flag vessels has
dropped from 249 in the 1980s, to 106 in 2012, to at most
81 today.”
The congressman then offered an example of the dangers
of a dwindling U.S.-flag fleet. “The consequences of this
steep decline are not just theoretical,” he said. “Our military
has had to turn to foreign-flagged vessels for sustainment in
times of war, and experience shows that can have dangerous
consequences. In the 1991 Gulf War, our armed forces relied
on 192 foreign-flagged ships to carry cargo to the war zone.
The foreign crews on thirteen vessels mutinied, forcing those
ships to abandon their military mission. Would foreign-flag
carriers be any more reliable today, especially for a long-term
deployment into active war zones?”
The loss of tonnage in the fleet has other, less obvious consequences. He wrote, “The U.S. Transportation Command and
Federal Maritime Administration estimate that our country is
now at least 1,800 mariners short of the minimum required
for adequate military sealift, even with the Jones Act firmly in
place. Without the Jones Act, our nation would be wholly unprepared to meet the labor demands of rapid, large-scale force
projection for national security.”
The second op-ed was written by George Landrith,
president of public policy think tank Frontiers of Freedom.
Landrith focused on a recent example of the Jones Act com-
ing under fire by opponents of the law: “Virtually every
argument against the Jones Act is falsely premised on the
notion that it increases consumer prices and that it impeded
emergency supplies from getting to Puerto Rico after last
year’s hurricanes. Some have even argued that Puerto Rico’s decade-long recession is the fault of the Jones Act –
despite the fact that it was enacted almost 100 years ago.
Simply stated, there is no factual evidence to support these
claims.”
He continued, “Claims that Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery was impeded by the Jones Act are silly. Within hours
after the hurricane and once the port had reopened, Jones
Act vessels were unloading vital cargoes – including food,
water, medicine, fuel, and other relief cargo. In fact, so much
relief was delivered that the port lacked space to store it all.
The biggest challenge was distributing the relief goods from
the port throughout the island because of damaged roadways,
electrical and communication outages, and trucker shortages.
But that cannot be blamed on the Jones Act.”
Landrith’s organization studied the impacts of U.S.-flag
shipping to Puerto Rico, as he explained: “Frontiers of Freedom conducted its own study on consumer prices. We priced
a ‘basket of consumer goods’ (food items, toiletries, cleaning
products, etc.) in Miami, Florida, and Houston, Texas and
compared them to the prices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The
cost in Puerto Rico was not higher. In fact, some items were
cheaper in Puerto Rico despite being shipped from the U.S.
Mainland.”
He concluded, “Sadly, we will continue to hear the uninformed and misinformed, as well as those with a political ax
to grind, make false arguments maligning the Jones Act. But
what you will not hear from them are real facts, real studies,
real data or even a serious discussion of the numerous benefits of the Jones Act.... The Jones Act works for America. It
keeps the homeland safe, ensures that we have a shipbuilding
industry to support our military, and supports good-paying
jobs for Americans.”
Seafarers Honored at AOTOS Event
Several SIU- and CIVMAR-crewed
ships as well as an individual Seafarer
were recognized at this year’s Admiral
of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards dinner.
Hosted by the United Seamen’s Service, the event took place Nov. 2 in New
York City.
The top awards went to Paul Doell,
national president of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers;
Salvador Bruno, president and chief
executive officer of Hapag-Lloyd USA;
and Raymond F. Fitzgerald, chairman
of the ARC Group.
The SIU-crewed MV Norfolk (operated by Argent Marine) and tractor tug
Michelle Sloan (Harley Marine Services)
each received AOTOS Mariners Plaques
for rescues, as did the CIVMAR-crewed
Military Sealift Command ships USNS
Yuma and USNS Trenton. Additionally,
AB Leo Onofrio earned an AOTOS
Mariners Rosette for extinguishing a fire
aboard the MV Patriot.
The SIU was out in force for the
gathering. Attendees included President
Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer
Top honorees (from left) Salvador Bruno, Paul Doell and Raymond F. Fitzgerald display their respective awards.
David Heindel, Vice President Contracts
George Tricker, Vice President Atlantic
Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President
Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President
Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom
Orzechowski, Political and Legislative
SIU member AB Leo Onofrio (center) is recognized for quickly extinguishing a shipboard fire. He’s pictured with MSC Commander
Dee Mewbourne (left) and Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby.
Director Brian Schoeneman, Port Agent
Mark von Siegel, Port Agent Joe Baselice, Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos and
Chief Counsel Leslie Tarantola. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen
also attended.
SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Exec. VP
Augie Tellez (right) chat with U.S. Army Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commanding officer, U.S. Transportation Command.
Seafarers LOG 5
�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, 2017 to December 31, 2017.
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 $8,989,993.
These expenses included $1,112,863 in administrative expenses and
$7,867,130 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total
of 15,300 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 $128,471,916 as of December 31, 2017 compared to
$117,210,800 as of January 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan
experienced an increase in its net assets of $11,261,116. This increase
includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan
assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets
at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning
of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan
had total income of $20,251,109, including employer contributions
of $9,168,735, employee contributions of $209,634, gain of $248,652
from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $10,620,428 and
other income of $3,660.
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:
n An accountant’s report;
n Financial information and information on payments to service
providers;
n Assets held for investment;
n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets;
n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by
insurance carriers; and
n 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
Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675.
The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.50 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 Auth Way,
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.
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, 2017 to December 31, 2017. 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 $24,346,823 as of December 31, 2017 compared to $22,072,212
as of January 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an
increase in its net assets of $2,274,611. 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 $69,598,680. This income included employer
contributions of $67,787,560, realized gains of $328,440 from the
sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,350,896 and other income of $131,784. Plan expenses were $67,324,069. These expenses
included $6,306,398 in administrative expenses and $61,017,671 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:
n An accountant’s report;
n Financial information and information on payments to service
providers;
n Assets held for investment; and
n 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
Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675.
The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.75 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 Auth Way,
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.
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 nonmembers 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
6 Seafarers LOG
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, 2017 to
December 31, 2017. 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 $2,229,086.
These expenses included $63,721 in administrative expenses,
$2,109,945 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and
$55,420 in other expenses. A total of 11,396 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 $36,621,936 as of December 31, 2017 compared to
$28,777,633 as of January 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan
experienced an increase in its net assets of $7,844,303. This increase
includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan
assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets
at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning
of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan
had total income of $10,073,389, including employee contributions
of $4,812,100, others contributions of $186,149 and earnings from
investments of $5,075,140.
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:
An accountant’s report;
Financial Information and information on payments to service
providers;
Assets held for investment;
Schedule of delinquent participant contributions;
Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof,
write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675.
The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.75 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 Auth Way,
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.
Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements
Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act
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 arrangements, 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 2017 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this rep-
resentation amounts to 80.32 percent of the dues
amount. This means that the agency fee based
upon the dues would be $401.60 (four hundred
one dollars sixty cents) for the applicable year.
An appropriate reduction also will be calculated
for working dues.
This amount applies to the 2019 calendar year.
This means that any individual who wishes to elect
to pay agency fees and submits a letter between
December 1, 2018 and November 30, 2019 will
have this calculation applied to their 2018 dues
payments which may still be owed to the union. As
noted below, however, to continue to receive the
agency fee reduction effective January 2020, your
objection must be received by December 1, 2019.
A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable 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 Auth Way, Camp
Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an
audited financial report of the union’s expenses
during 2017.
Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable 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 Auth Way, 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,
David Heindel
Secretary-Treasurer
December 2018
�ABOARD MAHIMAHI – Pictured on the Matson vessel in Oakland, California, are (from left)
SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, Recertified Steward
Richard Paulson, ACU John Canson and Chief
Cook Andy Campollo.
ABOARD ISLA BELLA – Mariners on the TOTE ship display a cake that was baked
in honor of the vessel’s third anniversary. The Isla Bella is the world’s first LNGpowered containership. Thanks to vessel master Capt. Raymond T. Thompson III
for the photo.
At Sea and Ashore with the SIU
ABOARD PRESIDENT EISENHOWER – The
union serviced the President Eisenhower, one
of APL’s newly reflagged vessels, during the
night of Sept. 11 on the West Coast. Pictured
from left to right aboard the ship are ACU
Romeo Molina, Port Agent Nick Marrone II,
Chief Cook Reynaldo Ricarte and Chief Steward Clifton Medley III.
AT NORFOLK HALL – The group photo above was taken during the October membership meeting, while the snapshot at
left features (from left) Patrolman Mario Torrey administering the membership oath to full-book Seafarers Kevin Campbell
and Melvin Hunter.
ABOARD CALIFORNIA – Pictured from left aboard the Crowley tanker in
Richmond, California, are GVA Jeff Ham, Chief Cook Katherine Anderson,
Recertified Steward Mark Scardino, AB Kyle Silva, SA Juan Oliva, Oiler
Tuan Tran and Recertified Bosun Kenneth Abrahamson.
ABOARD KAUAI – These photos were taken aboard the Matson ship during a West Coast servicing.
Chief Cook Alberto Insong (photo at right) is pictured in the galley, while the photo at left includes (from
left) Chief Steward Frank Ramones and ACU Ziyad Omar.
AT HONOLULU HALL – Three Seafarers take the ServSafe test while fellow member – Recertified Steward George
Monseur, a registered proctor – oversees the proceedings. Pictured from left are Recertified Steward Cesar Dela Cruz,
Monseur, Chief Cook Freddie Castro and Chief Cook Jaime Austria.
December 2018
AT SAN JUAN HALL – AB Jonathan Rivera (left) and AB
Joseph Dupre assemble shelves for the new hiring hall in
Puerto Rico. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Wilfredo Velez
for the photo.
Seafarers LOG 7
�With Seafarers on the Great Lakes
These snapshots of the SIU-crewed ATB
Presque Isle (operated by Key Lakes) were
taken in early September in Two Harbors,
Minnesota. Thanks to SIU Port Agent Todd
Brdak for the photos.
Bosun Bryan Benak (left) and Port Agent Todd Brdak
review paperwork.
SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell boards the vessel.
Port Agent Todd Brdak, Asst. VP Bryan
Powell, AB Fayez Mussa
AB Fayez Mussa, Port Agent Todd Brdak
The vessel loads taconite pellets.
Spotlight on Mariner Health
The Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disease
Editor’s note: This article is provided
by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac
located under your liver area. The gallbladder’s
function is to store bile that is produced by the
liver and pass it along through a biliary duct
that empties into the small intestine.
Inflammation of this area causes the majority of gallbladder diseases due to irritation
of the gallbladder walls, which is known as
cholecystitis. This type of inflammation is
mostly due to gallstones blocking the ducts
leading to the small intestine and causing
bile to build up.
Gallstones develop when there are chemicals in the bile or when the blood forms hard
particles that obstruct the passageways to the
gallbladder and bile ducts.
Gallstones are extremely common and
many people do not even know they have
them. Gallstones are primarily made up of
cholesterol with small amounts of mucus,
calcium, and protein.
There are many factors that contribute
to the risk of forming gallstones, including
being overweight or obese, having diabetes,
being age 60 or older, taking medications
that contain estrogen, being female, having
Crohn’s disease or other conditions that af
affect how nutrients are absorbed, and having
cirrhosis or other liver problems.
Cholecystitis is the most common type of
gallbladder disease. It can be either acute in
onset or chronic, such as a constant inflammation of the gallbladder.
Acute cholecystitis is generally caused
by gallstones. It can also be the result of a
tumor or other illnesses. It may present with
pain in the upper right side of the upper ab-
8 Seafarers LOG
domen. The pain tends to flare up right after
a meal. The pain can be very sharp in nature
or a dull type of ache. This can radiate to
the right shoulder at times. You may have
a fever, nausea and vomiting, and some yellowing of the skin called jaundice.
Chronic cholecystitis is when a gallstone is possibly lodged in the neck of the
gallbladder or in the bile duct. When there
is an obstruction in the area, no bile can pass
through. This will lead to inflammation and
distention.
A plugged bile duct will cause extreme
pain in the middle of your upper abdomen,
fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, yellowing
of the skin and pale-colored stools.
There are many other diseases of the biliary system that include Biliary Dyskinesia,
Sclerosing Cholangitis, Gallbladder polyps,
abscesses of the gallbladder, and gallbladder
cancer. Diagnosis is done through a detailed
history, physical exams, lab work, X-rays,
and ultrasounds. HIDA scans look directly
at the duct system within the gallbladder and
liver. They’re often used when a person has
symptoms but the ultrasound did not show
any stones.
Other testing may include CT scans,
MRIs, biopsies and an endoscopy or ERCP
where a tube is passed through the mouth
and into the bile ducts themselves.
Treatment is done with lifestyle modifications such as increasing your physical
activity, dietary changes and weight loss,
medications, and finally surgical interventions.
The incidence of gallstones being formed
can be decreased by following a diet high in
fiber, eating healthy fats that come from fish
and olive oil, and eating whole grains like
brown rice and whole wheat breads.
Healthful Recipe
Grilled Sesame Chicken Breast
Servings: 25
Ingredients
10 pounds chicken breast halves without skin
6 tablespoons Mrs Dash seasoning
Sauce recipe:
1 ½ cups hoisin sauce
½ cup sesame oil
¾ cup rice wine vinegar
¼ cup light soy sauce
3 cups apple juice
¼ cup fresh ginger, grated
1 ½ tablespoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced fine
½ teaspoon clove, ground
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
1 cup green onion, chopped
Preparation
Pre-heat grill to medium to high heat.
Season the chicken with the Mrs Dash seasoning evenly.
n In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, sesame
oil, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, hot sauce, garlic
and cloves. Whisk to combine, take out 1/3 and
set aside for later use. Pour the remaining sauce
over the chicken and toss to coat.
n Grill the chicken 2-3 minutes on each side
on a well-oiled grill, place in 2” hotel pan
shingled.
n Bake in a 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes
uncovered, until internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.
n Glaze the cooked chicken with the reserved
sauce from step #3.
n
n
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and
chopped green onion.
n
Nutrition Information
Per serving (excluding unknown items): 259
calories; 7g fat (26.3% calories from fat); 35g
protein; 12g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 85mg
cholesterol; 464 mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain
(starch); 4 ½ lean meat; 0 vegetable; 0 fruit; 1 fat;
½ other carbohydrates
Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship
December 2018
�Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2019
Port
Traditional Date
January February March
Piney Point
Monday after first Sunday
7
4
4
Jersey City
Tuesday after first Sunday
8
5
Philadelphia
Wednesday after first Sunday
9
Baltimore
Thursday after first Sunday
Norfolk
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
8
6
3
8
5
3
7
4
2
5
9
7
4
9
6
3
8
5
3
6
6
10
8
5
10
7
4
9
6
4
10
7
7
11
9
6
11
8
5
10
7
5
Thursday after first Sunday
10
7
7
11
9
6
11
8
5
10
7
5
Jacksonville
Thursday after first Sunday
10
7
7
11
9
6
11
8
5
10
7
5
San Juan
Thursday after first Sunday
10
7
7
11
9
6
11
8
5
10
7
5
Algonac
Friday after first Sunday
11
8
8
12
10
7
12
9
6
11
8
6
Houston
Monday after second Sunday
14
11
11
15
13
10
15
12
9
15
12
9
New Orleans
Tuesday after second Sunday
15
12
12
16
14
11
16
13
10
15
12
10
Mobile
Wednesday after second Sunday 16
13
13
17
15
12
17
14
11
16
13
11
Oakland
Thursday after second Sunday
17
14
14
18
16
13
18
15
12
17
14
12
Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday
17
14
14
18
16
13
18
15
12
17
14
12
Joliet
Thursday after second Sunday
17
14
14
18
16
13
18
15
12
17
14
12
St. Louis
Friday after second Sunday
18
15
15
19
17
14
19
16
13
18
15
13
Honolulu
Friday after second Sunday
18
15
15
19
17
14
19
16
13
18
15
13
Wilmington
Monday after third Sunday
22
19
18
22
20
17
22
19
16
21
18
16
Guam
Thursday after third Sunday
24
21
21
25
23
20
25
22
19
24
21
19
Tacoma
Friday after third Sunday
25
22
22
26
24
21
26
23
20
25
22
20
Dates appearing in bold type indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional meeting dates. The reasons for the changes at affected ports, respectively, are as follows:
n Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King Day
and Presidents’ Day Observances
n
Piney Point change created by Labor Day Observance
n Houston changes created by Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day
Observances
Meetings at each port start at 10:30 a.m.
2019 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program
Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be
as follows:
Seafarers Scholarships
Dependents Scholarships
Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:
Five scholarships designated for dependents:
■ One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or university
■ Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing twoyear courses of study at a community college or vocational school
■ A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited
colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired
Seafarers may apply.
To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the Member Benefits tab,
navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF).
Although the booklet says 2016, all information is still current for the 2019 SHBP Scholarships.
Please send me the 2019 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a
copy of the application form.
Name...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Street Address....................................................................................................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code.........................................................................................................................................................................................
Telephone Number (
) .................................................................................................................................................................................
This application is for:
❏ Self
❏ Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
December 2018
12/18
Seafarers LOG 9
�David Heindel
SIU Secretary-Treasurer
Dean Corgey
SIU VP Gulf Coast
Tony Naccarato
Seafarers Trustee
Augie Tellez
SIU Executive VP
The new building is shown at upper left, prior to the ceremony, while
the photo at immediate left features some of the attendees. Approximately 150 people participated in the gathering.
SIU Opens New Puerto Rico Hall in Style
Facility Hailed as Big Upgrade for Seafarers and Their Families
A
fter many years of stalled attempts, the SIU was more than happy
to officially open the new hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on
Nov. 8 with an event that included food, drinks and a live band.
“Welcome to your brand-new SIU union hall,” SIU Port Agent Amancio
Crespo began, before being interrupted by cheers and applause from the
more than 150 members, elected officials, company executives and guests
gathered outside the building for the ceremony.
The new facility, located at 659 Hillside Street in the Summit Hills
neighborhood of San Juan, is immaculate, with all-new furniture in multiple member lounge areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, a modern galley and mess area, WiFi access and a second-floor conference room. Most
importantly, it’s in a safe and secure neighborhood – a huge improvement
from the previous hall.
The SIU was represented at the event by Executive Vice President
Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts
George Tricker, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Port Agents
Pat Vandegrift and Crespo. Also in attendance were Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen and SIU Chief Counsel Leslie Tarantola.
After an invocation by San Juan resident AB John Telles, Crespo’s
daughter Amanda led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Carlos Romero Barceló, lifelong politician and friend of the SIU, was
the next to speak. Barceló reflected on his long history of supporting
unions, before talking about the current state of maritime for Puerto Rico:
“There is so much misinformation spread about the Jones Act, and it’s
spread by leaders in the House and Senate. They say, ‘We cannot compete
with shipping in other parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America
because we have to ship on American ships.’ But wait a minute. Walk
down to the docks, and see where the Japanese cars come in. Do they have
a Japanese flag on their mast or not? Of course they have a Japanese flag
on them, they come from Japan! There’s no limitation whatsoever on shipping from a U.S. port to a non-U.S. port, they can be any flagged vessel.
“But the shipping rule, as so many other countries have, is that if you
go from one port in a country to another port in the same country, you need
to be flagged in that country and not a foreign vessel,” Barceló continued.
“For political reasons, they keep attacking the shipping lines and saying
lies about the shipping lines, so we have to tell the truth to the people.”
Next to speak was Hector Figueroa, Chief of Staff for the Office of Héctor Ferrer, Chair of the Puerto Rico Popular Democratic Party. Ferrer, who
was a strong supporter of the maritime industry in Puerto Rico, unexpectedly passed away on Nov. 5. Figueroa’s speech was followed by a moment
of silence in honor of Ferrer.
Corgey took the podium next, saying, “My hometown is Houston,
Texas, and we got hit hard in 2017 by Hurricane Harvey. Right after that,
you got hit hard down here [by Hurricane Maria]. And I’m pleased to
report to you today, Houston is back, and let me tell you what I see here
today – Puerto Rico is back.”
Corgey continued, “Leading the charge of that recovery is the maritime
industry, there’s no question about it. And as far as who from the SIU
10 Seafarers LOG
is leading that charge, it is my good friend Amancio Crespo. I can’t say
enough about Amancio. He was there 24 hours a day on the docks getting
relief supplies in. Every member, every Puerto Rican resident that needed
assistance, he was there. He worked himself to a ragged bone, he did everything he could – and in his spare time, he put this building together.”
He then introduced Tellez, who was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Tellez
gave a rousing speech in Spanish, which he translated for the Seafarers
LOG:
“Good morning and welcome to the christening of this beautiful new
building. I bring you greetings and salutations from President Mike Sacco,
who unfortunately could not be with us here today. It is a grand day for a
grand building that’s new, clean, well-appointed and – most of all – safe for
our entire SIU family and friends. This building exists in great part due to
the hard work by Amancio Crespo. More importantly, he was at the same
time committed to the tremendous effort of delivering water, food, supplies
and hope to all those suffering the devastation of Hurricane Maria. So, to
Amancio, his wife Maria, the companies and to all the members who joined
in the relief effort, we give our thanks, our respect and a great round of applause.”
Heindel then spoke about the long road to the grand opening, saying,
“We put up our old building for sale over 20 years ago. We started looking
for a new facility, we found a few nice spots.... Finally, we found this little
spot here. We said, ‘This has got a lot of possibilities.’ And as you’ll see,
it’s a fantastic building, and it’ll be here for the next 30 years, I’m sure. It’s
taken us a long time to get to this point, but thank God we are here today.”
Heindel continued, “This is an example of our commitment, not just to
our membership here in Puerto Rico to provide a very safe and clean facility for them to conduct business in, but it’s also a commitment that the SIU
has made to the Jones Act here in Puerto Rico.”
Seafarers Trustee Anthony Naccarato, who also spoke in Spanish,
echoed many of the sentiments of the previous speakers, before Crespo’s
wife Maria Gomez christened the new hall with a ceremonial champagne
bottle break.
Recently retired Recertified Bosun Angel Perez, who attended the ceremony, praised the new facility, saying, “This is a blessing. The place is
beautiful, clean, and the new Seafarers are going to love this place.”
Perez also noted how how the new hall – even under construction – was
a safe haven during Hurricane Maria.
Corgey concluded by revealing the future of the old hiring hall building, saying, “We had some folks step up from Mobile, Alabama, who run
a maritime ministry. They do a great job ministering to seafarers in trouble
and need, and we gave them that old building. They are going to open a
seafarers’ mission in the old building, and they’re going to go down there
and do the Lord’s work in that neighborhood, get that neighborhood revitalized and back on its feet.”
Editor’s note: For additional photos from the grand opening, visit the
Seafarers LOG Facebook page: @siulog
Pictured from left to right are TOTE VP Eduardo Pagan, a guest, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, politician Carlos Romero Barceló, SIU
Port Agent Amancio Crespo, retired Recertified Bosun Angel Perez, TOTE Chief Financial Officer Michael Noone, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, former TOTE
President Anthony Chiarello and Crowley VP Jose “Pache” Ayala.
Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and his wife, Maria, celebrate
the grand opening.
December 2018
SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (center) chats with some of the caterers and Seafarers.
December 2018
SIU Port Agent Pat Vandegrift, retired Recertified Bosun Angel Perez
Seafarers LOG 11
�Seafarers International
Union Directory
Michael Sacco, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President
David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Tom Orzechowski,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast
Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast
Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services
HEADQUARTERS
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675
ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4988
Inquiring Seafarer
This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education.
Question: Why did you decide to join the SIU?
Rannie Fore
Phase 3
I joined the SIU for the better career opportunities. I have a
cousin, Brandon Fore, who sails as
a QMED. He was joining the union
as I was starting college, so once I
graduated, I knew I could become a
mariner. I think I’ll end up trying for
my mate’s license eventually.
Daryl Thomas
Phase 1
My father came through the Paul
Hall Center, and he’s a licensed of
officer now, but I have a ton of family
and friends in the SIU. This was the
union I was the most familiar with,
and I wanted to get a taste of the
maritime industry, so I figured, why
not join the SIU?
Robert Murphy
Phase 3
I joined the union to be able to
take care of my son. I had considered joining the military, but decided
that the SIU would be a better fit for
me. I have a lot of family members
in the SIU, so it was an easy choice.
Billie Kawelo
SUA
I come from four generations of
fishermen, so I love the sea. I have a
big family, so when we get together,
we eat – and we eat fish. Becoming
a steward seemed like a great way to
enjoy my passions for cooking and
the sea at the same time.
Benita Margaronis
Phase 1
I’ve always been involved in the
world of maritime, thanks to my
dad. I was stuck in a bit of a rut, and
decided it was time to get my life
started. (West Coast Vice President)
Nick Marrone talked to me about
joining the union, and I’m glad I did.
Gerardo Melano
SUA
I decided to join the SIU to pursue the culinary half of my career in
hospitality. I sailed on cruise ships
previously, but I was stuck on the
housekeeping side of hospitality.
The union is giving me the chance to
express the culinary side of myself,
as well as providing job security and
a better life.
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
Pic From The Past
NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 622-1892
OAKLAND
1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2360
PHILADELPHIA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674
(301) 994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 522-7984
SAN JUAN
659 Hillside St., Summit Hills
San Juan, PR 00920
(939) 204-0337
ST. LOUIS/ALTON
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 752-6500
TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 272-7774
WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-4000
Seafarers and guests enjoy the Seven Seas Room in 1952. The nightclub was located at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. As
noted in the October 17, 1952 edition of the Seafarers LOG, “Although the Port O’ Call’s Seven Seas Room opened with a flourish before an audience that include many dignitaries the nightclub has now settled down to the job of supplying entertainment,
dancing, food and drink to Seafarers the way they want it. While the public has been welcome from the start, the Seven Seas
Room was designed to come as close to the seamen’s ideal as possible. Consequently, it combines glitter, comfort and quality
with an air of easy informality, at moderate prices.” Comedian Henny Youngman performed there the same year.
If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org
12 Seafarers LOG
December 2018
�Hiring Halls Closed on Saturdays
Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea
Change took Effect September 1, 2018
As previously reported in multiple editions of the Seafarers
LOG and during monthly membership meetings, the union announced that – effective September 1, 2018 – the hiring halls
no longer are open on Saturdays.
The corresponding Seafarers Appeals Board action is
printed below. The only amendment is the removal of a sentence indicating Saturday hours for the halls.
However, please note that in accordance with the union’s
constitution, the halls will be open on Saturdays for individual
ballot pickup during the next SIU election period, which is
scheduled for the final two months of the year 2020. (Ballots
also may be obtained at the halls Monday through Friday, or
by mail, during the election period.)
Seafarers Appeals Board Action 478
Effective: September 1, 2018
The Board has been provided information by the Union
supporting the need to adjust prescribed business hours for
hiring halls via closure on Saturdays. The Board in its determination to make such amendment considered: a majority of contracted employers are closed on Saturdays, non-peak member
utilization of the hiring hall and the continued ability to have
on-call persons available to assist in pier-head jump situations.
With the aforementioned in mind the Seafarers Appeals
Board takes the following action to close union hiring halls
for business on Saturdays.
AMEND Shipping Rule 4. Business Hours and Job Calls,
Paragraphs A. & B. as follows.
“A. Except as otherwise provided herein, all Union hiring
halls shall be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. The hiring halls shall be closed on July 4, Christmas Day,
New Year’s Day, Labor Day, and such other holidays as are
determined by the port agents. Notice of such additional closings shall be posted on the hiring halls’ bulletin boards on the
day preceding the Holiday.”
December & January 2019
Membership Meetings
Piney Point.............................Monday: December 3, January 7
Algonac...................................Friday: December 7, January 11
Baltimore............................Thursday: December 6, January 10
Guam................................Thursday: December 20, January 24
Honolulu...............................Friday: December 14, January 18
Houston...............................Monday: December 10, January 14
Jacksonville........................Thursday: December 6, January 10
Joliet.................................Thursday: December 13, January 17
Mobile..........................Wednesday: December 12, January 16
New Orleans........................Tuesday: December 11, January 15
Jersey City.............................Tuesday: December 4, January 8
Norfolk...............................Thursday: December 6, January 10
Oakland............................Thursday: December 13, January 17
Philadelphia......................Wednesday: December 5, January 9
Port Everglades................Thursday: December 13, January 17
San Juan............................Thursday: December 6, January 10
St. Louis...............................Friday: December 14, January 18
Tacoma.................................Friday: December 21, January 25
Wilmington......Monday: December 17; *Tuesday: January 22
* Wilmington change due to Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Day observance
Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m
SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities Donation
SPAD
December 2018
October 13, 2018 - November 14, 2018
Total Registered
All Groups
B
Total Shipped
Registered on Beach
All Groups
B
C
Trip
Reliefs
1
0
2
6
0
9
1
13
10
5
2
7
8
4
1
0
2
8
0
5
84
Deck Department
8
4
0
3
0
2
12
5
1
0
10
3
5
2
37
11
25
13
29
11
1
1
9
2
21
9
15
6
0
3
2
2
5
3
17
9
3
1
14
12
214
102
0
0
2
2
0
1
1
9
4
1
2
1
4
0
1
0
1
1
0
6
36
3
0
2
7
1
4
4
12
13
9
1
2
14
4
2
5
4
9
2
14
112
2
0
1
2
0
0
0
5
1
0
0
0
7
2
0
0
1
3
0
3
27
Engine Department
0
2
0
0
2
1
5
6
0
0
1
1
5
3
12
8
14
10
13
7
2
2
2
4
9
9
5
2
0
2
1
4
2
2
15
6
2
0
9
8
99
77
4
0
0
8
2
5
12
19
18
10
0
3
16
19
1
1
4
11
4
14
151
2
0
1
5
0
0
1
3
12
4
1
3
11
7
0
4
0
3
0
8
65
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
1
1
0
2
0
0
4
0
1
0
0
13
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
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
4
5
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
16
5
2
0
5
1
0
5
9
20
12
2
1
13
9
0
0
0
9
0
22
115
6
0
2
6
0
1
8
8
32
11
1
0
34
14
2
0
0
7
0
11
143
GRAND TOTAL:
629
443
267
Port
A
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
17
1
0
24
2
8
4
46
41
41
0
7
25
19
2
7
11
33
1
26
315
5
5
3
15
2
5
6
15
14
16
5
5
16
6
5
3
3
7
1
14
151
Algonac
Anchorage
Baltimore
Fort Lauderdale
Guam
Harvey
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Jersey City
Joliet
Mobile
Norfolk
Oakland
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
Tacoma
St. Louis
Wilmington
TOTALS
1
1
3
10
1
2
10
18
24
18
3
3
7
9
3
0
7
15
1
11
147
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
C
A
All Groups
B
C
0
1
0
8
0
4
3
22
14
21
0
2
10
3
1
0
7
9
1
9
115
24
2
2
27
2
11
11
96
60
62
2
15
34
23
4
4
11
61
2
54
507
11
4
3
21
2
4
9
25
34
18
7
8
30
5
2
3
12
14
2
23
237
1
1
0
11
1
13
2
24
17
12
1
7
15
9
2
0
1
16
2
13
148
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
10
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
13
12
6
0
3
6
1
1
0
3
6
0
3
60
3
1
6
15
1
3
11
24
32
23
3
2
21
12
4
0
11
23
4
20
219
2
0
5
9
1
3
7
11
23
10
0
4
17
6
4
8
3
14
4
23
154
2
0
1
2
0
1
1
8
2
0
1
1
11
3
0
0
1
7
2
6
49
Steward Department
3
1
0
0
0
1
11
2
0
0
4
1
13
2
14
1
11
6
6
5
0
1
2
0
6
10
15
2
1
0
3
1
2
1
8
4
3
0
17
4
123
38
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
2
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
9
1
0
0
6
0
0
3
7
14
6
0
1
9
6
0
1
3
8
0
6
71
4
0
2
13
4
10
14
30
31
17
0
7
26
24
2
3
6
18
1
33
245
3
1
0
7
0
0
3
7
22
6
0
5
13
7
0
5
8
2
1
14
104
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
5
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
12
Entry Department
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
4
5
10
1
8
0
10
0
1
0
1
1
16
0
7
1
1
0
0
0
0
5
7
0
0
2
12
17
81
5
1
0
2
0
0
4
2
11
1
1
0
8
4
0
0
0
5
0
7
51
1
0
0
3
0
0
1
4
3
0
1
0
7
3
0
0
0
3
0
8
34
0
0
0
3
0
2
1
7
9
4
0
1
5
3
0
0
2
7
0
3
47
9
3
1
10
3
2
6
20
35
21
3
0
31
18
1
1
1
16
0
51
232
15
0
4
8
1
5
12
36
60
16
2
0
61
31
1
1
0
23
1
30
307
106
280
1,018
727
516
A
453
298
Seafarers LOG 13
�Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings
SLNC YORK (Argent Marine), August 4 – Chairman Basil D’Souza,
Secretary Victor Jimenez, Deck Delegate Clifford Carroll, Steward Delegate Rosalie Long. Still awaiting
response concerning AC problem.
Crew suggested increasing pension
benefit while decreasing sea time
for retirement. Educational director
urged members to upgrade and to
always check paperwork. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Crew requests
table in thaw box area. Apprentices
switching departments.
INDIANA HARBOR (American
Steamship), August 5 – Chairman
Jeremy Shenett, Secretary John
Chaney, Educational Director Daniel Lind, Engine Delegate Thomas
McClure, Steward Delegate David
Warner. Chairman asked members
to leave clean rooms for oncoming
crew and to help newcomers. He
reminded members to stay hydrated
on hot days. Secretary advised crew
to be sure credentials were up to date.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at the school
when possible. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Engine delegate requested new radios for tunnel crew.
Members discussed new insurance
policies for Great Lakes division.
Headquarters will be sending out information. Next Port: Gary, Indiana.
ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaskan
Tanker Company), August 6 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary
Cayetano Toledo, Educational
Director Leland Peterson. Replacement for broken recliner needed. Ship
fully crewed and sailing smoothly.
Chairman encouraged members to
donate to SPAD. Secretary reminded
crew to leave fresh linens for oncoming members. Educational director
recommended upgrading at Piney
Point. Members discussed vacation
policy and desire to boost pension.
Crew was directed to communicate
with personnel at ATC. Steward department was thanked for a job well
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.
done. Deck department commended
for keeping house clean. Next Port:
Cherry Point, Washington.
OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), August 10
– Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary
Marcelo Param, Educational Director Rodriques Carson, Deck Delegate Michael Ross, Engine Delegate
Mohsen Shayef
Shayef, Steward Delegate
Charles Atkins. New rugs and new
fans to arrive. Chairman reminded
crew to clean rooms before getting
off and encouraged everyone to work
in unity. He advised members to be
sure documents are kept up to date
and to donate to SPAD. Secretary
reminded crew to return cups and
mentioned painting deck in dry store
room. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members discussed
health plans and requested better dental coverage and increase in eyeglass
allowance. Next Port: Garyville,
Louisiana.
MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line,
Limited), August 17 – Chairman
James Joyce, Secretary Emanuel
Spain,, Educational Director Antoine
Rainey. Repair to handrails will
continue. Chairman reported a safe
voyage and no loss of time or man
hours. Educational director reminded
members to check documents and
to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck
crew requested small welding pumps
for cargo holds. Members asked for
extra vacuums on each deck and new
bath towels.
MOHAWK (JM Ship LLC), August
20 – Chairman Paul Sharo, Secretary Alan Bartley, Educational
Director Kevin Chenault, Deck
delegate Corey Thomas, Engine
Delegate Beato Diaz, Steward Delegate Kimberly Dawson. Chairman
announced payoff and discharge
schedule. Crew discussed upcoming
voyages to El Salvador, Puerto Rico
and Jacksonville. Secretary thanked
everyone for keeping mess hall clean.
Educational director advised members to check on document renewal
as early as possible. He reminded
crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Next Port: Concord, California.
reminded crew to check the Seafarers LOG for upgrading courses at
Piney Point. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members plan to check
contract for information about replacing items in soda machine. Port agent
to follow up regarding penalty rate
inquiry. Members requested new recliners. Satellite to be installed. Next
Port: Long Beach, California.
SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk Tankers Inc.), August 26 – Chairman
John Cedeno, Secretary Gordon
Major, Educational Director James
Rodweller. Chairman presented new
contractual wages. He encouraged
members to recruit for apprentice
program and explained importance
of donating to SPAD. Chairman
urged crew to stay hydrated and take
10-minute breaks from the sun every
hour/as needed. Secretary advised
crew to be sure credentials are current and compliant. Educational
director encouraged members to upgrade at the maritime training facility
in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Crew was
reminded to gently close watertight
doors while off watch is sleeping.
Members were instructed to use plastic garbage bags for all trash placed
in trash room. Crew was directed to
be attentive when washing clothes,
being sure to not leave laundry overnight. New pillows and mattresses
needed on board. Members sought
clarification regarding pay for trash
handling, weekly room sanitary in
lieu of day off and vacation requirements. Crew inquired about weekend
OT rates. Captain purchased pizza for
crew. Members enjoyed participating
in 401k portfolio exercise.
TYCO DECISIVE (Tyco), August
30 – Chairman Victor Nunez,
Deck Delegate Richard MolinaBlackman, Engine Delegate Danilo
Achacoso, Steward Delegate Walter
Schoppe. Chairman announced port
closures on Saturdays. He went over
the importance of the Jones Act and
SPAD donations. Chairman encouraged members to enroll in 401k and
reminded them to renew member
portal passwords. No beefs or disputed OT to report. Crew discussed
labor movement’s current fight
against so-called “right-to-work”
states. Membership healthy, morale
very high, with both the SIU and
aboard ship.
ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska
Tanker Company), August 26 –
Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary
Just Self
Self, Deck Delegate Woodrow
Brown, Engine Delegate Corey
Hann, Steward Delegate Johnson Ashun. Members went over
last meeting. Educational director
TEXAS (Intrepid Personnel &
Provisioning), August 30 – Chairman Burkley Cooper, Secretary
Josue Iglesia, Educational Director
Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate
Austin Anderson, Steward Delegate Jermain Robinson. Chairman
reminded members to confirm contractual pay scales before boarding
ship. He thanked steward department for job well done. Secretary
advised members to keep documents updated and be sure to allow
enough time to renew. Educational
director recommended crew upgrade at the Paul Hall Center.
Members were encouraged to approach captain if anything is needed
for ship. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew would like allowance for eyeglasses to be increased.
They requested new coveralls with
better variety of sizes. Next Port:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
BURNS HARBOR (American
Steamship Company), August 31
– Chairman Abdullah Algalham,
Secretary Mohamed Algalham,
Educational Director Mohamed
Ahmed, Deck Delegate Larry
Skowronek. Crew revisited old
business. Chairman reminded
crew to work together and announced overtime on deck. Hiring
halls now closed on Saturdays.
Members were encouraged to vote
in upcoming election. Educational
director urged crew to upgrade at
Paul Hall Center. Crew requested
new linens and additional DEU
aboard ship.
WASHINGTON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 1
– Chairman Modesto Rabena, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational
Director Diole Bonifacio, Deck
Delegate Joseph Nicodemus, Engine
Delegate Salvador Baclayon, Steward Delegate Ian Schluder. Chairman thanked steward department for
good food (excellent quality and variety of menus). No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Deck department members continue waiting for answers
regarding past-due penalty pay. Crew
voiced interest in obtaining companyprovided email and satellite phone
service. Members expressed concern
with vacation plan name. Members
caught 87-pound halibut at anchor in
Valdez, Alaska.
SAM LAUD (American Steamship
Company), September 9 – Chairman Amin Quaraish, Educational
Director Mathew McClintock. Crew
made note of Saturday closure at
halls. Members talked about importance of supporting candidates that
support the Jones Act during this
election year. Crew reviewed pension
plan. Educational director reminded
members to go to the SIU website to
find helpful information. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
reiterated importance of donating to
SPAD.
Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and InIn
land Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.
TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and
disbursements of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the trustees.
All trust fund financial records are available
at the headquarters of the various trust funds.
SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and
the employers. Members should get to know
their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts
are posted and available in all union halls. If
members believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt
14 Seafarers LOG
requested. The proper address for this is:
Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Full copies of contracts as referred to are
available to members at all times, either by
writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board.
CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.
EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an
editorial board which consists of the executive
board of the union. The executive board may
delegate, from among its ranks, one individual
to carry out this responsibility.
PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies
are to be paid to anyone in any official capaccapac
ity 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 furfur
ther its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.
NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she has
been denied the constitutional right of access
to union records or information, the member
should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail,
return receipt requested. The address is:
Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.
December 2018
�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 water
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
ALI ABDULGANI
Brother Ali Abdulgani, 65,
signed on with the SIU in
1990, initially working on
the Cape Carthage. A deck
department member, he most
recently sailed on the Maersk
Denver. Brother Abdulgani resides in Brooklyn, New York.
FIDEL BLANCO
Brother Fidel Blanco, 66,
began his career with the Seafarers in 2001, first sailing
on the Yorktown. The engine
department member upgraded
his skills that same year at
the maritime training facility
located in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Blanco most recently worked on the Overseas
New York. He calls Humble,
Texas, home.
THOMAS BRAY
Brother Thomas Bray, 66,
joined the SIU in 1990 and
initially sailed on the USNS
Regulus. He upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center in 2014 and
was a member of the deck
department. Brother Bray last
sailed aboard the Cape May
and resides in Chesapeake
Virginia.
BRUCE DAVIDSON
Brother Bruce Davidson, 65,
embarked on his career with
the Seafarers in 1975, first
sailing aboard
the George
Goble. He
worked in the
steward department and
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the Piney Point
school. Brother Davidson last
sailed on the Maersk Columbus before settling in Naples,
Florida.
DANIEL GIFFORD
Brother Daniel Gifford, 65,
joined the SIU in 1970 and
first shipped
aboard the
Hastings. An
engine department member,
he upgraded on
numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Gifford most recently
sailed on the Matej Kocak and
makes his home in New Orleans.
JAN HAIDIR
Brother Jan Haidir, 67, joined
the union in 1980. His first
vessel was the Santa Magdelena. The engine depart-
December 2018
ment member upgraded often
at the Paul Hall Center before
sailing on his final ship, the
Pride of America. He resides
in Seattle.
ROBERT JONES
Brother Robert Jones, 65,
started his SIU
career in 1975,
initially sailing
on the USNS
Potomac. He
sailed in the
engine department, most
recently aboard
the Endurance. Brother Jones
resides in Reno, Nevada.
OSWALDO LOPEZ
Brother Oswaldo Lopez, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1999
when he sailed aboard the
USNS Pathfinder. He was
a member of
the engine department and
upgraded on
multiple occasions at the
Piney Point
school. Brother Lopez last
sailed on the Horizon Pacific.
He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington.
CLARENCE MACK
Brother Clarence Mack, 54,
signed on with the union in
1986, initially working aboard
the USNS H.H. Hess. He was
a steward department member
and upgraded on numerous
occasions at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother Mack most recently sailed aboard the Delta
Mariner. He resides in Mobile, Alabama.
MUNASSAR MOHAMED
Brother Munassar Mohamed,
65, began his career with the
union in 1979 when he sailed
on the McLean. A steward
department member, he upgraded in 1989 at the Paul
Hall Center. Brother Mohamed last worked aboard the
Denali. He makes his home in
Detroit.
JOHN MOSSBARGER
Brother John Mossbarger,
70, signed on with the SIU in
1991 when he
sailed on the
Sealift Indian
Ocean. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded
his skills at the
Piney Point
school on many occasions.
Brother Mossbarger last sailed
on the Pacific Tracker and
lives in Newport, Oregon.
ARMANDO OLDE
Brother Armando Olde, 67,
joined the union in 2000 and
first sailed aboard the Kenai.
He was a deck department
member and upgraded often
at the Piney Point school.
Brother Olde most recently
sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in
Anchorage, Alaska.
FAYE PRICE
Sister Faye Price, 65, joined
the SIU in 1989. She was a
member of the steward department and first
sailed aboard
the USNS Vindicator. Sister
Price upgraded
her skills at the
union-affiliated
Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She
last sailed on the USNS Watkins before settling in Norfolk,
Virginia.
ROBERT RESTER
Brother Robert Rester, 65,
began his career with the Seafarers in 1972, first sailing with
Inland Tugs
before moving
to the deep-sea
division. He
was an engine
department
member and upgraded often at
the Piney Point school. Brother
Rester concluded his career
aboard the LNG Gemini. He
calls Sevierville, Tennessee,
home.
CEASAR SMITH
Brother Ceasar Smith, 53,
joined the SIU in 1993 and
first sailed
aboard the
American Cormorant. He was
a deck department member
and upgraded
on several occasions at the
Paul Hall Center. Brother
Smith’s last vessel was the
Brownsville. He resides in
Mobile, Alabama.
WARREN WRIGHT
Brother Warren Wright, 65,
embarked on his SIU career
in 1978 when he sailed on the
Mohawk. An engine department member, he enhanced his
skills on numerous occasions
at the Piney Point school.
Brother Wright
most recently
sailed aboard
the Oakland
before settling
in Wilmington,
Delaware.
GREATLAKES
JOHN BEAUSHAW
Brother John Beaushaw, 65,
signed on with the union in
1973 when he
worked on the
Ben Calvin. He
was a steward
department
member and upgraded in 1988
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Beaushaw’s last vessel was
the Southdown Challenger.
He makes his home in Alpena,
Michigan.
RONALD BUJNOVSKY
Brother Ronald Bujnovsky,
60, signed on with the union
in 1977. He first sailed aboard
the Harry Allen. Brother
Bujnovsky was an engine
department member and upgraded on multiple occasions
at the Piney Point school. He
most recently sailed aboard
the Sam Laud and resides in
Cleveland.
STEVEN SAMPLE
Brother Steven Sample,
65, began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1971 when he
worked on the
H.N. Snyder.
He was a member of the deck
department and last worked
for Upper Lakes Barge Lines.
He calls Alpena, Michigan,
home.
INLAND
SAMUEL BIRTH
Brother Samuel
Birth, 62,
joined the SIU
in 2006, first
working with
Crowley. He remained with the
same company
for the duration of his career.
Brother Birth lives in Philadelphia.
JAMES GARNETT
Brother James Garnett, 62,
signed on with
the Seafarers
in 1978 when
he worked for
OSG Ship Management. He
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
within his first
year, and was a deck department member. Brother Garnett
last worked for Interstate Oil
before settling in Staten Island, New York.
FRANK JEWELL
Brother Frank Jewell, 62,
began his seafaring career in
1975 when he sailed on the
Transpanama. He upgraded
his skills on several occasions
at the Piney Point school and
worked in the deck department. Brother Jewell last
sailed with Hvide Marine. He
lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
MICHAEL LANDIS
Brother Michael Landis, 65,
joined the SIU in 1991, working for OLS Transport. He was
a member of the deck department and remained with the
same company for the duration
of his career. Brother Landis
calls Creal Springs, Illinois,
home.
EDWARD O’CONNELL
Brother Edward O’Connell,
73, joined the SIU in 1991. He
first worked on the USNS Relentless and was a member of
the deck department. Brother
O’Connell upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Center. He last
sailed on the Integrity and
makes his home in Beaufort,
South Carolina.
SMU
CARL NEAL
Brother Carl
Neal, 75,
donned the
union colors
in 1990, first
sailing on the
American Kestrel. He was an
engine department member
and most recently shipped on
the Belofin Kestrel. He calls
Buffalo, Texas, home.
NMU
PAUL BARBAUR
Brother Paul
Barbaur, 66,
signed on with
the union in
1987, initially
sailing on the
Overseas Juneau. A deck
department member, he last
sailed on the Discovery.
Brother Barbaur resides in
Honolulu.
Seafarers LOG 15
�Final
Departures
DEEP SEA
FRANK BERMUDEZ
Pensioner Frank Bermudez, 70,
passed away October 17. Born in
Mexico, he embarked on his SIU
career in 1972.
He first worked
for Steuart Transportation and was
a member of the
deck department.
Brother Bermudez last sailed
aboard the Horizon Anchorage
before going on pension in 2010.
He was a resident of Federal
Way, Washington.
WAYNE KINSEY
Brother Wayne Kinsey, 57, died
August 8. He joined the SIU in
1980, first sailing on the Venture. Brother Kinsey was a deck
department member. He sailed in
both the inland and deep-sea divisions; his final vessel was the
Padre Island
Island. He lived in Summerdale, Alabama.
KONSTANTINOS KOUTOURAS
Pensioner Konstantinos Koutouras, 79, passed away October
20. He became
a member of the
SIU in 1967 and
first sailed on the
Bowling Green.
Brother Koutouras
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment and last shipped aboard the
Motivator. He retired in 2001 and
settled in Oceanside, New York.
AMY RIPPEL
Sister Amy Rippel, 56, died July
18. She joined the SIU in 1989,
first sailing on the
Independence. A
steward department member,
Sister Rippel
most recently
sailed on the
Philippines. She
resided in Laguna Niguel, California.
GREAT LAKES
EUGENE HAYES
Pensioner Eugene Hayes, 78,
passed away October 8. He
signed on with
the union in 1963
when he worked
with Inland Lakes
Management.
Brother Hayes
worked in the engine department
and last sailed
aboard the JAW Iglehart. He
began collecting his pension in
2005 and lived in his hometown
of Alpena, Michigan.
PAUL KIEFER
Pensioner Paul Kiefer, 69, died
October 11. He signed on with
the SIU in 2006
when he sailed
aboard the Walter
J. McCarthy. A
deck department
member, Brother
Kiefer most recently shipped
on the Sam Laud
Laud. He became a
pensioner in 2014 before settling
in Landrum, South Carolina.
JAMES WOODROW
Pensioner James Woodrow,
88, passed away October 5. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1963
when he worked
for Wyandotte
Transportation.
Brother Woodrow
sailed in the engine department
and concluded
his career aboard the Sam Laud
Laud.
He began collecting his pension
in 1995 and settled in Hillman,
Michigan.
INLAND
GILBERT JENKINS
Pensioner Gilbert Jenkins, 88,
died September 29. He began
his career with the Seafarers
in 1962, initially working for
Whiteman Towing. An engine
department member, Brother
Jenkins remained with the
same company until his retire-
sailed on the Liberator, and resided in Canton, Mississippi.
ment in 1992. He resided in
Shreveport, Louisiana.
NORMAN MAJETTE
Pensioner Norman Majette, 83,
passed away October 30. He
started his SIU
career in 1962
when he worked
for Chesapeake
& Ohio Railway.
Brother Majette
remained with the
same company
until he became a
pensioner in 1997. He made his
home in Foster, Virginia.
NMU
NICOLA GIAMMARINO
Pensioner Nicola Giammarino,
93, passed away July 27. Brother
Giammarino was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He retired
in 1967 and continued to reside
in his hometown.
DANNY MIXON
Pensioner Danny Mixon, 64,
died October
21. He became
a member of the
SIU in 1989,
initially sailing
on the USNS
Antares. Brother
Mixon was a deck
department member and last worked for G&H
Towing. He retired in 2016 and
settled in Cushing, Texas.
TONEY SMITH
Brother Toney Smith, 56, passed
away September 18. He began
his career with the Seafarers in
1980, first sailing on the BrookBrook
lyn. Brother Smith sailed in
all three departments and also
worked on shore gangs. He last
CALVIN JOHNSON
Pensioner Calvin Johnson, 93,
died October 23. Born in Boston, Brother Johnson became a
pensioner in 1987. He made his
home in Philadelphia.
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.
Anderson, Simon
Castillo, Alfred
Correa, Luis
Fonseca, Antonio
Forde, William
Gonzales, Henry
Laux, Arthur
Suazo, Gumercindo
88
84
95
81
95
78
91
78
10/02/2018
10/20/2018
10/13/2018
10/24/2018
03/17/2018
10/06/2018
10/25/2018
09/15/2018
EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE
SIU CIVMARS Support Our Troops
THROUGH THE PAUL HALL CENTER !
The Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS)
has partnered with the College of Southern
Resident courses at Piney Point begin
January 14, 2019
Maryland (CSM) to offer an Associate of
Applied Science degree in Maritime
Operations Technology with a concentration
in either
•
Nautical Science (Deck department)
-or-
•
Marine Engineering (Engine dept.)
Students must complete a combination of
academic general education courses and
technical education courses in order to earn
• Associate of Applied Science Degree
• UA courses apply toward the degree
• Fully accredited
• Some courses held at SHLSS
the degree.
Courses completed during the Unlicensed
Apprentice program apply toward the
• Online classes
degree.
• Scholarships available
Students can complete English, Math and
Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining
general education courses can be completed
online.
The following classes will convene at
SHLSS:
January 14, 2019 through February 1, 2019
English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric
Math 1011 – Math for Technologies
The USNS Big Horn (right), crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, prepares
to transfer cargo to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. The underway replenishment took place Oct. 30 in the Norwegian Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph A.D. Phillips)
16 Seafarers LOG
Enrollment Information
Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch
Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and
board plus one hour of tutoring following
(301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -ordrausch@seafarers.org
7 Credit Hours
12/18
each daily class session
December 2018
�Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months.
All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry.
Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.
Title of
Course
Start
Date
RFPNW
March 30
May 25
Title of
Course
Advanced Refer Containers
May 18
May 31
BAPO
February 2
March 1
Engineroom Resource Management
June 22
June 28
FOWT
February 22
May 3
January 5
March 2
February 1
March 29
Junior Engineer
March 22
May 31
January 12
March 16
March 8
May 10
Machinist
January 5
January 25
Marine Electrician
January 12
May 18
March 8
July 12
Marine Refer Tech
March 9
April 19
MEECE
June 1
June 14
Pumpman
January 26
February 1
Welding
February 16
March 8
Start
Date
Leadership & Managerial Skills
MSC Storekeeper Basic
Gap Closing Courses
June 29
Storekeeper Courses
February 2
April 13
MSC Supply Configuration Management
February 23
May 4
Date of
Completion
July 5
Deck Department Upgrading Courses
Able Seafarer Deck
AB to Mate Modules
January 5
March 2
April 27
February 1
March 29
May 24
Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.
Date of
Completion
April 26
June 21
Engine Department Upgrading Courses
Advanced Meteorology
May 4
May 10
Advanced Shiphandling
May 11
May 24
Advanced Galley Ops
January 5
Advanced Stability
April 27
May 3
Certified Chief Cook
ARPA
March 9
April 27
May 25
March 15
May 3
May 31
Modules run every other week. The next
class will start December 10.
Chief Steward
February 2
March 22
Crane Familiarization
April 6
April 12
Galley Operations
February 2
March 1
ECDIS
April 13
April 19
Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0
January 12
January 18
Fast Rescue Boat
June 1
June 7
Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0
January 5
January 11
GMDSS
July 20
August 2
Lifeboat
December 15
January 12
February 9
March 9
December 28
January 25
February 22
March 22
February 23
April 13
May 11
March 8
April 26
May 24
Radar Observer
Steward Department Courses
February 1
Safety Upgrading Courses
Basic Training/Basic FF
February 2
February 8
Basic Training Revalidation
December 14
December 14
Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation
January 12
January 18
Government Vessels
January 5
January 11
Medical Care Provider
January 26
February 1
Radar Renewal (one day)
Contact the PHC Admissions Office
Tank Ship Familiarization - DL
February 16
February 22
RFPNW
February 2
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG
February 9
February 15
March 1
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.
December 2018
COURSE
____________________________
____________________________
START
DATE
_______________
_______________
DATE OF
COMPLETION
________________________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
____________________________
_______________
________________________
LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________
Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training
and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax
to (301) 994-2189.
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with
applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or
activities.
12/18
Seafarers LOG 17
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class #841 – Graduated September 7 (photo at
right, in alphabetical order):
Marco Antonio Baez Millan,
Darnel Bruno, Mark Charles,
Michael Curtin, Joshua
Cutchin, Albert Granville III,
Am’Quez Hagans, D’Mitri
Hill, Kalanihooulumoko Holt,
Kevin Kelly Jr., Alika Matthew Kawika Kukahiko, Vincent Mauro, Ettiene Mena,
Brian Murphy, Velislav Nikolov, Lane Plummer, Delson
Smith, Joseph Stiklickas,
Christopher Taylor, Tyler
Thompson and Ryan Wilson.
Fast Rescue Boat – Graduated August 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Kevin Hale, Jonas
Libang, Michael O’Connell, Susan Riedlinger, Ben Skuban, Andrei Tretyak and Patrick Wells.
RFPNW (Phase 3) – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Austen
Amoroso, Kaden Hardt, Devin Hoerr, Somitya Rana and Brian Wendler. Upon the
completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIUcontracted vessels. Class instructor Bernabe Pelingon is at the far right.
BAPO (Phase 3) – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Jose Luis Borrero Rodriguez, Kevin Campfield Jr., Robert Clark, Royce Cummings, Elhassene Elkori, Samuel Fanjoy, Casey Frederick,
Trevor Johnson, Ryan Manlapit, Christopher Redding, Andy Salado and Gabriel Santa-Ramos. Each plans to
work in the engine department of SIU-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training. Instructor John
Wiegman III is at the far right.
Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated August 31 (photo
above): Annie Scriven (center) and Brian Wendler. Instructor Joseph Zienda is at left.
WATCO Electrician– Graduated August
24 (photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Paul Adams, Kevin Gatling, Corey Hornig,
Khaled Ahmed Mohamed Hussein, Sherwin Jones, Patrick Meagher, Kamal Kamel
Meawad, Kareem Meawad, Andres Rivera
Jr., Rodney Roberson Sr., Joel Santana,
Scott Smith, Scott Allen Smith, David Vega
and Sean Wanamaker. Class instructor
William Dodd is seated at the far left.
18 Seafarers LOG
December 2018
�Paul Hall Center Classes
Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated
August 10 (photo at right, in alphabetical order):
Hernando Guzman Basilan, Carleous Brown
Jr., Abasiama Bassey Essien-Ete, Marcus Foster, Eric Hondel, William Jackson, Jose Carlos
Loureiro, Michael Maldonado, Sterling McCosh,
George Bernasco Pobee, William Pollard, Andrei
Tretyak, Maili Wang and De’vine Washington.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)
Important Notice
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.
Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated August 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Barber, Keithan Bland, Carleous Brown Jr., Ana Marie Chona Razon Calma, Jovita
Guadalupe Carino, Antony Chapman, Allan Bolo Coloyan, Donell Criswell, Sherron Davita DeCoteau, Artemio Galabo Galaura, Antonio Griffin, Timothy Hetz, Bud Sok Khuth, Nathaniel
Leary, Jonas Libang, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Philip Perry, Atm Zahid Reza, Paul Riley Jr., Leroy Andres Ramos Sierra, Ben Skuban and Reginald Yeager.
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated August 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Norman Jackson,
Lori Mansuy, Rang Van Nguyen, Edgardo Herrera Ong and Scott Opsahl.
Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) –
Graduated August 24: Torrika Devine
December 2018
Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated July 13 (above, from left): Edna Torres, Charlfred Mynardo Autrey and David Ramon Wakeman.
SUA (Galley Ops) – Graduated July 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Darrisha Bryant, Robert Hunter, Shabrielle Knight, Diane MacDonald,
Abel Rios Jr., Latrel Ross and Cory Wilson.
Seafarers LOG 19
�DECEMBER 2018
VOLUME 80, NO. 12
Paul Hall Center
Class Photos
Pages 18-19
A Cobra attack helicopter (above) settles onto the deck of SIU-crewed USNS
Seay. Bosun Robert Hayes is in the foreground. In the photo at right, the Seay’s
flight deck crew stands by in a protected location as a V-22 is directed off the
ship.
Seafarers Skillfully Handle
Helo-Ops Testing on Seay
Editor’s note: Thanks to Bosun Robert
Hayes for this article that he wrote, and for
submitting the accompanying photos. These
snapshots and additional ones from the testing
are available on the SIU Facebook page (@
SeafarersInternational). The Seay is operated
by U.S. Marine Management.
On Oct. 1, the USNS Seay set sail from the port
of Baltimore to embark on unique mission. The
Seay was going to do dynamic interface testing off
the coast of Maryland to see if it was possible to
land a V-22 Osprey on its flight deck.
The Seay is the first LMSR of the Bob
Hope-class ships to attempt this. A team of
about two dozen civilians from various government and private agencies was on board for
the testing. They brought with them thousands
of pounds of gear, mostly instrumentation to
test wind levels, pressure, light levels, and
temperature.
The test included hours of flight quarters
each day to do “touch and goes” where the
V-22 would land, immediately take off, and
According to the Military Sealift Command, the
successful testing allows both the Seay (above)
and sister ship USNS Pililaau to receive the same
upgrade to their respective Naval Air Systems
Command certification. SIU members (photo at
right) head towards the V-22 so they can secure
it.
then fly around the ship as we made minor
course adjustments and then land again. This
testing provided the military with the critical information it needs to develop safe wind
envelopes to fly in and try to land on this specific class of ship.
The unlicensed crew members aboard, all
of whom are SIU members, were directly involved in flight quarters. From fire teams to
hospital team members, and even the guys
who put on the chocks and chains, at every
level and in every department, the SIU members involved did an outstanding job. The
highest praises were given not only from the
testing team aboard the Seay, but from all the
pilots of the V-22 and Cobra helicopters. One
said, “Bosun, you and your crew here put Big
Navy to shame. You guys did awesome. Bestlooking civilian flight deck crew we’ve ever
seen.”
Personally, I’ve done some cool things and
been to some cool places in my career, but this
takes the cake. Standing on the flight deck and
bringing in a V-22 was an awesome experience that few will ever get to enjoy. There are
days I truly love my job as bosun.
Pictured from bottom to top are Bosun Rob Hayes, OS Luis Sanchez,
3rd Mate Kent Lansden, AB Bryan McAllister and AB Jonathan Bennett.
�
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Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019
Description
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Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log
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Seafarers Log Digital Copies
Publisher
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Seafarers International Union of North America
Date
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2010-2019
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Dublin Core
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Title
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December 2018
Description
An account of the resource
HEADLINES
ITF CONGRESS 2018 FOCUSES ON FUTURE
HEINDEL RE-ELECTED CHAIR OF FEDERATION’S SEAFARERS’ SECTION
CROWLEY CHRISTENS JONES ACT VESSEL EL COQUI
SIU-CREWED CONRO POWERED BY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
ASST. VP WARE RETIRES AFTER 40-YEAR CAREER
OP-EDS VOICE MORE JONES ACT SUPPORT
DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN, CONSERVATIVE THINK-TANK PRESIDENT CITE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF AMERICA’S FREIGHT CABOTAGE LAW
SEAFARERS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT
UNION MEMBERSHIP MEETING DATES
SIU OPENS NEW PUERTO RICO HALL IN STYLE
FACILITY HAILED AS BIG UPGRADE FOR SEAFARERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
SEAFARERS SKILLFULLY HANDLE HELO-OPS TESTING ON SEAY
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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12/01/2018
Format
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Newsprint
Type
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Text
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Vol. 80, No. 12
Periodicals
Seafarers Log