Seafarers Log: Vol. 55 No. 10 (1993-10-01)

••• ••5^' '

v;#:--•• •• ;^f •

OFFKIAl ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INnRNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC GULF, UKiS AND INLAND WATERS DISTRia •AFt-CIO

Lindsey Williams,
Sill Pioneer, Dies at 79

Lindsey Williams ,
Page 7

/ •-'• / ./ ' '/ • '>V>'



2 SEM=MERSUm OCWBER1993

Michael Sacco

President's Report
Health Care Reform—
Off to a Good Start

Insofar as America is concerned, health care looms large as a na­
tional crisis. Last month, President Clinton, who pledged to address

the problem during his campaign, announced to
Congress the broad principles of his
administration's proposed national health care
system. While more details of the Clinton plan
can be found elsewhere in this edition of the
Seafarers LOG, it should be noted that it is a pro­
gram designed to counter the rampant and ravag­
ing problems in medical care today—including
lack of coverage for 37 million Ainericans and
costs that keep mounting.

Fortunately, we in the Seafarers are among
those in the United States who have health in­
surance. And while the last two decades have

been economically difficult ones for our industry, the Seafarers medi­
cal plan has remained financially sound through prudent and wise
management. This has allowed ^he Seafarers Welfare Plan to maintain
comprehensive coverage for its participants.

Thus for Seafarers the health care crisis may not seem so immedi­
ate. The same can be said for the millions of union members who also
have good health care benefits through their collective bargaining
agreements with their employers. But the truth is all workers who
enjoy medical care coverage have a deep stake in the Current debate.

For one thing, the cost of providing health care to the uninsured
has been put on the backs of the people who have coverage. It is the
insured who end up paying higher costs as hospitals, doctors and for-
profit insurance companies pass on the tab for t^ng care of
Americans with little or no health insurance coverage.

Another effect of skyrocketing medical care costs is to put in
danger the benefits of those who have health insurance. As costs esca­
late, health plans must look for ways to meet the bills. The result to
the insured person is decreased coverage, increasing deductibles, co-
pay systems, limited selection for seiVice providers and other restric­
tions instituted for cost-control. Basically, out-of-control health care
costs have provoked medical plans to look for ways to make cuts just
in order to meet rising expenses.

Certainly unions are familiar with the squeeze on existing benefits.
In recent years, 75 percent of all disputes arising in union contract
talks came from health care-related issues. These days a strike is most
likely to involve a difference over health care. j

The SIU and all of American labor will be very carefully keeping
track of the Clinton health care proposal as it moves through Congress
as well as other legislative initiatives on the subject. The SIU, along
with the AFL-CIO, will be generally working to ensure that any com­
prehensive health care system enacted into law is fair to all
Americans, provides coverage to every American, spreads the ex­
pense of medical services evenly and equitably and contains costs. In
particular, the trade union movement also will be working closely
with the administration and members of Congress to make sure the
high level of health care benefits and coverage which union members
have won at the bargaining table is not reduced or subjected to a tax.
American labor intends to push vigorously for swift action on this
issue as the more time that goes by without a national health care sys­
tem in place, the more existing benefits are jeopardized and the more
people find themselves without adequate coverage.

As it stands now, the Clinton health care approach allows non­
profit, multi-employer health insurance programs—such as the
Seafarers Welfare Plan—the ability to continue to offer to their par­
ticipants the full scope of comprehensive services in place under their
plans. The Clinton administration proposal says these kind of plans
can continue to give more in the way of benefits than what would be
mandated by law. Additionally, spokesmen for the president have indi­
cated that under the Clinton plan the benefits that go beyond the stand­
ard benefit package prescribed by the government will not result in
adverse tax consequences to the participants of these plans or to com­
panies which pay into multi-employer plans.

At first blush, there is much in the Clinton health care system plan
the American labor movement can support. In the upcoming months,
as Congress begins its full examination of the Clinton proposal, the
SIU and all U.S. unions will be deeply involved in the debate. The
SIU's goal, as always, will be first and foremost to see that the needs
and interests of Seafarers and their families are met in any national
health care plan that ultimately becomes the law of the land.

Volume 55. Number 10 October 1993

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 0160-2047) is published
monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201
Auth Way; Camp Springs, Md. 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Second-class postage paid at MSC Prince
Georges, Md. 20790-9998 and at additional mailing
offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md.
20746.
Communications Department Director and Editor, Jes­
sica Smith; Managing Editor, Daniel Duncan; Associate
Editors, Jordan Biscardo and Corrina Christensen; As­
sociate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill
Brower.

Maritime Stuiiy Commission Backod
By Congnssionai SubcommBioo

Two separate efforts to create
panels to study the role of the
U.S.-flag merchant marine with
regard to national security and the
economy are underway in
Washington.

House members already have
begun debate a bill that would
form a committee to analyze the
need of the U.S.-flag maritime in­
dustry. Meanwhile, the National
Performance Review (NPR)
report overseen by Vice President
A1 Gore recommended last month
that a different commission be set
up also to investigate the mer­
chant fleet. It appears probable
that in the near ^ture both com­
mittees could be functioning.

On September 22, the House
Merchant Marine Subcommittee
marked up for the full Merchant
Marine and Fisheries
Committee's consideration legis­
lation calling for a commission to
study the U.S.-flag merchant fleet
and its role with national security.

Subcommittee Chairman Wil­
liam Lipinski (D-Ill.) introduced
the bill (H.R. 3103) a day before
the subcommittee reported it
favorably to its parent committee.
The legislation is similar to a bill
offered by Senate Commerce
Committee Chairman Ernest
Hollings (D-S.C.) in August.

It c^s for a commission com­
posed of members from maritime
labor, shipbuilding, international
commerce and other related fields
appointed by the president, the
Speaker of the House, the Senate

majority leader and the House and
Senate minority leaders. Once
created, the commission would
have 60 days to submit its report.

Limits Participation
The Hollings-Lipinski com­

mission differs from the one
proposed by Gore's NPR. Mem­
bers of the Gore commission
would be selected solely by the
president.

While the size of the Gore
commission has not been deter­
mined, no more than three mem­
bers could be from the seafaring
labor, subsidized carriers.
Department of Transportation
and the Federal Maritime Com­
mission.

The Gore panel would be
chaired by a representative fi-om
the National Economic Council
or Defense Department. It would
be required to submit its report
within 90 days of its creation.

Other Bills Moving
While the effort to create com-
ttees is taking place, two pieces

of legislation associated with
maritime revitalization are await­
ing action by the full House of
Representatives.

As the Seafarers LOG was
going to press, the House was
debating the Fiscal Year 1994
defense funding bill which incor­
porated the National Shipbuild­
ing and Conversion Act.
Originally offered as a separate
bill, the legislation (H.R. 2547)
was amended into the funding

measure by House Armed Ser­
vices Committee Chairman Ron
Dellums (D-Calif.).

The Dellums amendment
would initiate a technology
development program to provide
abase for advanced shipbuilding,
create a market for U.S.-built
double-hull tankers and expand
federal loan guarantees for U.S.
shipyards. As a separate bill, the
shipbuilding legislation had
passed the Merchant Marine and
Fisheries Committee.

Senate Bill Differs
While the House is still con­

sidering the defense funding bill,
the Senate already has approved
its version of the measure. The
upper chamber did not include
any aspects of the shipbuilding
legislation in its version. Should
the bill passed by the House differ
from the Senate version, mem­
bers from both branches of Con­
gress would meet to iron out the
differences.

The other maritime revitaliza­
tion bill before the House is the
Maritime Security and Competi­
tiveness Act of 1993 (H.R. 2151).
It was recommended to the full
body just before the August
recess began.

The measure is designed to
amend the 1936 Merchant Marine
Act by creating a Maritime
Security Fleet Program which
would make eligible up to 90
U.S.-flag vessels operating in in­
ternational commerce to receive a
subsidy for 10 years.

Gore Report Calls for Marine Review
Several maritime related is­

sues were included in a 168-page
report on "reinventing govern­
ment" released by President Bill
Clinton and Vice President A1
Gore on September 7.

The document was prepared
by career civil servants whose
charge from the vice president
was to look for ways to streamline
the federal government in order to
make it more responsive to the
people. The National Performance
Review (NPR), as it is known, took
six months to complete.

The review dealt with all
aspects of the federal govern­
ment. The Clinton administration
estimated $108 billion would be
saved and more than 250,000jobs
would be eliminated over a five-
year period if all of the proposals
made in the report were imple­
mented.

Within the outline was a one-
sentence call for the establishment
of an indq)endent commission to
conduct a detailed investigatioii
into the U.S.-flag merchant marine
industry and the benefits the
country derives from it. The state­
ment did not spell out who would
serve on the committee, how long
they would serve or what specifi­
cally the panel would examine.

As reported last month in the
Seafarers LOG, a leaked draft
about maritime for the NPR was
to call for the total deregulation of
the maritime industry, including
the elimination of the 1920 Jones
Act which stipulates that only
U.S.-built, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-
flagged vessels transport cargo
between two domestic ports.
However, there was no such lan­
guage in the document when it
was unveiled.

While the draft was not in­
cluded in the September 7 release.

the document continues to be
cited by foreign-flag interests
who are out to scuttle the U.S.-
flag merchant fleet.

Noting the efforts made by
foreign-flag allies to influence the
NPR report, Herbert Brand,
chairman of the board of the
Transportation Institute, in­
formed Gore in a letter, "As one
who has been involved in the
maritime industry for well over
45 years and has borne witness to
all manner of attacks on it by,
those who would benefit from its
demise, never before have I seen
their efforts underwritten by the
government.

"This, indeed, is a sad com-
mentaiy and one that bodes ill for
the well-being of this nation,"
added Brand. (The Transporta­
tion Institute is a trade association
representing U.S.-flag vessel
operators engaged in domestic
and intemationd business.)

Also concerning maritime, the
review called for establishing re­
employment rights for merchant
mariners who leave private sector
jobs to serve aboard vessels
during times of war or national
emergency and for cutting in half
the funding provided by the
federal government for the U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy.

SIU Rallies In Support of Mineworkers

Seafarers participated in a rally with members of several other
AFL-CIO unions in sweltering temperatures on September 3 to
show their support for merhbers of the United Mine Workers of
America (UMWA) in their ongoing strike against Bituminous Coal
Operators' Association (BCOA). The union now has 17,500
mirwrs on strike in seven states in Appalachia and the Midwest
Voicing their enthusiasm in front of UMWA headquarters in
Washington are (left to right) SIU members Leo Ryrin, Alex Lottig,
Roliert Clemons. James Crisler, Anthony Luzopone, Luis Escobar,
Richard Taylor and Kenneth Creque.

• I



•
"®:^ .v.

OCTOBER 1993 SEAFARERS LOG 3

OH Spin Ship Crews
Vote for Seafarers

Wearing union colors, Lone Sfar ffesponder crewmembers (left to
rigtit) Mate John Lambermont, Oiler William "Buzz" Canslerand Cook
Ray Salas show their approval.

Crewmembers working
aboard 16 oil spill response ships
voted last month to join the ranks
oftheSIU.

By a count of 47-43 with one
challenged ballot, the mariners
working for Dyn Marine Services
aboard Marine Spill Response
Corporation (MSRC) ships
around the country voted to be
represented by the Seafarers.

Representatives from the
union and the company are
scheduled to meet this month to
begin negotiations on a contract.

The vote was conducted by the
National Labor Relations Board
(NLRB) after the union filed
pledge cards in August requesting
an election. Voting took place on
all 16 vessels located along the
U.S. coastline as well as in
Hawaii and the Virgin Islands on
September 2. The ballots were
taken to NLRB headquarters in
Washington and counted on Sep­
tember 9. A total of 111 crew-
members were eligible to vote.

The union for purposes of wage,
hour and working conditions will
represent all crewmembers on the
vessels with the exception of the
captain and chief engineer.

During organizing meetings
with SIU representatives prior to
the vote, crewmembers stated
their reasons for going union.

"Being affiliated with the
Seafarers will give us greater job
security," noted OS Stephen
Brown, who works aboard the
Georgia Responder.

"We want to make sure we
have good medical and pension
benefits," added Mate John
Fitzsinunons of the Florida
Responder. "A union like the SIU
will do that for all the crewmem­
bers."

Outgrowth of CPA '90
Dyn Marine, a subsidiary of

DynCorp, operates the oil spill
response ships in behalf of the
MSRC, a not-for-profit corpora­
tion created by major oil com­
panies following the passage of
the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(CPA '90).

The law was Congress'
response to the Exxon Valdez dis­
aster in Prince William Sound,
Alaska in 1989. When the tanker
ran aground, it created the worst
oil spill in U.S. history as more
than 10 million gallons of crude

escaped. There was no pre­
planned effort available to con­
tain the oil before it washed
ashore.

OP A '90 changed the way
tankers sailed into U.S. territorial
waters. Among the new regula­
tions was one calling on vessels
to have a response plan and
capability in place in the event of
an oil spill.

In August 1990, major oil
companies organized and funded
MSRC in order to comply with
the new law. MSRC established a
series of response sites with ships,
trained personnel and oil spill
containment equipment to handle
any disasters created by tankers
whose owners contribute to the
new corporation. The goal was to
have the response program opera­
tional before the August 1993
deadline set by OPA '90.

The ships designed by MSRC
are 208 feet long and have a nine-
person operating crew. In the
event of a oil spill, the vessels
have quarters for up to 38 people.

Each ship is equipped with
two deck cranes, two stern-

Continued on page 8

Foreign Shipping interests Unmasked
International Plot Seen to Invade U.S. Waters

As the LOG went to press, it learned
that a substantial part of the attack on the
U.S. merchant marine and the govern­
ment programs which serve as its under­
pinning are emanating from an interna­
tional group of lawyers, accountants and
trade consultants who have ties to
foreign shipping companies.

Much of the thinking of the foreign
groups spearheading the attack on U.S.
shipping is revealed in a September 20,
1993 article in the South China Morning
Post.

The news story makes clear a primary
source of the recent spate of assaults on
the U.S. merchant marine and American
maritime policy. Up to now, the
knowledge of the institgators has been
fuzzy with much of the work seeming to
originate with a tiny group of free­
traders. This article makes it evident that
the recent vehement onslaught on
American shipping is rooted in a well-

financed and well-coordinated group of
lobbyists for foreign shipping interests.

Named in the article as the firms be­
hind the effort to deep-six U.S. maritime
laws and diminish the role of American-
flag shipping in order to replace it with
foreign vessels are three firms; Sheldon
& Mak, Moore Stephens and
Manchester Trade. Quick research into
a series of news articles printed in publi­
cations around the world indicates that
each of these groups has deep ties to
foreign interests which stand to profit
substantially if American shipping is
wiped out. Initial research reveals:

• Sheldon & Mak is a law firm
based in Southern California which has a
reciprocal affiliation with China's
largest legal entity, the Shanghai Finan­
cial Law Firm. The Shanghai lawyers'
group has among its rolls 40 firm attor­
neys who also hold positions in the

Chinese government.
• Moore Stephens is the 17th

largest public accounting firm in the
world and one of the biggest in the ship­
ping world. Based in London, it numbers
among its clients Greek and Polish ship­
ping interests, including the Polish
Steamship Agency.

Tjie accounting firm advises and
works with Sovcomflot, the giant ship­
ping entity controlled by seven private
transportation companies and the Rus­
sian government.

Moore Stephens not only serves the
international shipping sector as the
world's largest accountant for shipping
interests, it also offers consulting ser­
vices in related areas such as ship
finance.

As a result of a recent merger, Moore
Stephens is the accounting firm of most
of die protection and indemnity (P«&1)
clubs which insure the marine indust^.
Most P&l clubs are based in places like

Continued on pc^e //

Pre U.S.-Flag Greup
To HgM Attacks
On American Ship ITades

Concerned with the health of the
American merchant marine, forces repre­
senting a wide range of interests including
patriotic groups; citizens' organizations;
shipping companies active in ocean-going.
Great Lakes and domestic commerce;
maritime unions representing seamen and
boatmen; and shipyards have banded
together to counter efforts to downsize the
U.S.-flag fleet.

The group, which named itself the
United States Maritime Coalition, was
formed at a meeting called by SIU President
Michael Sacco in Washington, D.C. on Sep­
tember 23. Attended by 135 people from
a broad spectrum of organizations, the
group pledged to seek a U.S. maritime
policy consistent with the interests of the

nation.
In opening the session, Sacco said it

was time to combine the strength of all the
groups that believe the United States must
have a vital shipping capability. "The full
implication of an America without U.S.-
flag ships has not been realized in the
administration, among certain policy­
makers and in the press," Sacco said.

"It is up to us to tell the complete story...
and that is: America can only be an
economic and defense superpower if the
nation has sufficient shipping power under
the U.S.-flag, available in times of conflict
and stabilizing trade in times of peace," the
SIU officer said.

Continuedon page II

A GROUP of professionals
spearheading an initia­
tive to encourage the
Clinton administration to
deregulate the United
States shipping market is
seeking support from
Hong Kong shipping in­
terests.
The ^oup comprises in­

ternational trade lawyers
Sheldon and Mak, Lon­
don-based accountancy
iRrm Moore Stephens, and
Manchester Trade, an in­
ternational trade consult-

The deregulation move
is seen as a radical policy
shift as it will open US-
flag trade to foreign-built
and repaired carrier
lines, foreign investors
and foreign crews.

"If these recommenda­
tions come to pass, the
world shipping industry
stands to gain significant
opportunities to expand
their businesses,"the
group said in a statement

The goals of an Intematlonal group of lawyers, accountants and trade consultants with
ties to foreign shipping are exposed in a recent article in the Freight and Shipping Post
section of the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper.

a

:A. ••

W

-V - ' . •

mrcv-r. •

gawic--:. -1



4 SEAFARERSLOG OCTORER1993

sill Calls on Congress to Close Inland Safety Loophole
The SIU is urging Congress to

pass legislation designed to close
a loophole in the nation
maritime standards which is en­
dangering the safety of the men
and women who sail on the
nation's rivers and lakes.

As the law currently stands,
the loophole exempts the vast

majority of individuals working and women sailing aboard inlanc
on inland water vessels from vessels of more than five gross
holdingCoastGuard-issuedmer- tons. Similar legislation passec
chant mariner documents (also the House last year, but Congress
known as z-cards)—no matter adjourned before the Senate
Wliht the tonnage of the boat. could complete action on the

Presently, individuals serving measure,
on inland towing and harbor In its testimony of September
towing vessels as well as ocean
and harbor tugs of less than 100
gross tons are not required to hold
z-cards. On navigable rivers and |
lakes, except the Great Lakes, the
majority of individuals" working j
aboard a tug or towboat are not
required to hold merchant
mariner documents. The Coast

8 to the Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Navigation hearing on
the legislation, the SIU em­
phasized that the safety of crew
members on thousands of tugs
and towboats is at stake.

"The SIU strongly backs this
measure because it has been anc
will continue to be a strong advo

Guard, however, does require that cate for safety, the safety of its
on all river and lakes towing ves- members, the safety of vessels on
sels of 26 feet in length (regard- which its members earn their
less of tonnage), the operator of livelihood, the safety of the en
the boat must hold a document vironment, and the safety of the
issued by the agency. communities along the rivers

TheCoastGuardalsorequires banks," SIU Executive Vice
that tankermen working aboard | President Joseph Sacco pointec
tugs and toWs hold a document |
with the appropriate endorse­
ments. All other hands abpardl
vessels on the nation's navigable

out.
Need For Safe Waterways
Tugs and barges are respon

sible for a multitude of cargoes

Executive Vice President Joseph
Sacco stresses the importance of
safety standards on the nation's
navigable rivers and lakes in his
testimony on Capitol Hill.

rivers and lakes, except fte Great
Lakes,carrynomerchantmanner|f,„„ Among the
document, other endorsements or
licenses.

The inland documentation bill
(H.R. 1915), would require
mariner documents for all men

HerbersfBt Sworn In
As Maritime Head

Vice Admiral Albert Her-
berger (Ret.) was sworn in as the
head of the U.S. Maritime Ad­
ministration (MarAd) after the
Senate unanimously approved
his nomination shortly after
returning to Capitol Hill follow­
ing its August recess.

His nomination had been
held up for several months by
three farm-state senators who
opposed Herberger's stance in
favor of cargo preference.

President Clinton announced
the retired Naval officer as his
choice to head the Department
of Transportation agency in
April. After being approved for
the post of Maritime Ad­
ministrator by the Senate Com­
merce, Science and
Transportation Committee in
June, Herberger saw his
nomination put on hold by
Senators Conrad Burns (R-
Mont.), Hank Brown (R-Colo.)
and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).
The senators stated they dis­
agreed with Herberger's views on
cargo preference and claimed
they wanted more time to study
his nomination.

Under Senate rules, a single
senator may delay indefinitely
the final approval by the whole
chamber of a presidential ap­
pointee. In this case. Burns,
Brown and Grassley, all ardent
opponents of cargo preference
legislation, withheld
Herberger's name from con­
sideration until they had a
chance to talk with the admiral
about his position. Grassley,
who consistently has attacked
the U.S.-flag merchant fleet,
was the last to drop his hold,
thus allowing the Senate vote to
take place.

(U.S. cargo preference laws
mandate that a certain percent­
age of government-impelled
cargo be carried aboard
American-flag vessels.)

Albert Herberger

Herberger began his life at
sea as a merchant mariner. He is
a graduate of the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy in Kings
Point, N.Y. and sailed aboard
merchant vessels until he joined
the Navy in 1958.

While serving in the military,
Herberger accumulated more
than 17 years of executive ex­
perience involving all aspects of
managing manpower resources
including recruiting, training,
education, distribution and
logistics. Prior to his retirement
from active duty in April 1990,
the Albany, N.Y. native served
as deputy commander-in-chief
of the U.S. Transportation Com­
mand where he was responsible
for developing and implement-
ing a strategy to promote
government and civil sector
support for improvements in all
modes of national transporta­
tion.

In August 1990, Herberger
was named vice president for
maritime affairs at the Interna­
tional Planning and Analysis
Center in Arlington, Va. He be­
came a consultant for MarAd
after his nomination was an­
nounced.

material transported on the
nation's rivers and lakes are
petroleum products, forest anc
farm products, coal, metallic ores
radiation materials and chemi
cals—including benzene^ am­
monia, sulfuric acid and fertilizer
In many cases the cargo is hazard
ous or combustible or both, Sacco
noted.

"Given the nature of the
product carried, the large popula­
tion centers on the rivers' paths
and the unpredictability of the
rivers themselves, it is ludicrous
that within this large segment o
waterbome transportation, there
are personnel in the industry who
are not required by law to meet
minimal criteria similar to that re­
quired of deep sea personnel," the
SIU official stated.

Company Supports Plan
Maritrans GP Inc., the largest

independent maritime transporter
of petroleum products in the U.S.
coastwise trades, is among the
growing number of maritime
companies to have thrown their
strong support behind the legisla­
tion.

Tt must be remembered that,
even if not carrying hazardous
substances, these vessels, if
operated imprudently, threaten
the safety of other vessels operat­
ing on the waterway; it makes
little difference that all the crew-
members of a tanker are screened
when the other vessel makes a
wrong turn and causes a collision.
We see H.R. 1915 as significantly

Coast Guard Requirements
for Merchant Mariner

Document
• Evidence of drug-free

urinalysis.
• Oath to adhere to all ap­

plicable federal laws.
• Check of National Driver

Register for drunk-driving or
controlled substance violations.

• Criminal record check
with the FBI.

• Verification of U.S.
citizenship or evidence from
INS of lawful entry and per­
manent residence in country.

• Proof of employment in
the industry or evidence of
military service.

• Renewal every five years.
• Completion of 60-90 days

ofseatime.
• To obtain an advanced

rating, passage of Coast Guard
examination indicating proficien­
cy and knowledge.

contributing to the safety of
maritime commerce," stated Ar­
thur Volkle, associate general
counsel for Maritrans.

Sacco said that the number of
towboat casualties have been sig­
nificant during the period from
1981 through 1990. According to
the Coast Guard's data base,
casualties involving towboats
under 300 gross tons numbered
8,242, of which 5,047 or 62 per­
cent were attributed to personnel
causes.

As defined by the agency, per­
sonnel causes include such fac­
tors as inattention to duty,
intoxication, error in judgment,
lack of knowledge, lack of train­
ing, lack of experience, operator
error, fatigue, stress, improper
safety precautions, failure to
comply with rules, regulations
and procedures, improper load­
ing, cargo stowage, securing,
mooring and towing. Further, of
the accidents attributed to person­
nel causes, 82 percent resulted in
groundings and collisions.

The SIU believes that these
casualties are indicative of the
need to assure all users of the
inland waterways and the com
munities along the rivers that the
mariners who man the commer­
cial craft which share these water­
ways are uniformly examined by
the Coast Guard for the positions
they hold. In the deep sea sector
where all members of the crew
are either licensed or docu­
mented, the accident rate due to
the human factor is significantly
ess," the SIU official said.

Documentation Process
To obtain a merchant mariner

document, which is a form o
identification issued by the agen­
cy, the applicant is subject to a
'ederal Bureau of Investigation
FBI) check and review of

criminal records and, as a result
of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990,
must make available any infor­
mation contained in the National
Drivers Register related to any
driving offense pertaining to al­
cohol. Merchant mariner docu­
ments are denied by the Coast
Guard if within 10 years prior to
he date of the filing, the applicant
las been convicted in court of a
narcotics violation, unless the in­
dividual has submitted evidence
to the agency to reasonably war­
rant the conclusion that he is no
onger involved with or as­

sociated with narcotics and is
suitable for employment.

There are more than 5,000 tugs
and towboats in the U.S.-flag
fleet and close to 3,300 of those
operate on the nation's rivers and
akes, which make up 25,777

miles of navigable waterways.
Gathering Support

Bipartisan support for H.R.
915 was displayed during the

hearing. In a statement to the sub­
committee, Representative Jack

ields (R-Texas), ranking
minority member of the Merchant
Marine and Fisheries Committee,

said, "The requirement to obtain
merchant mariner document al-

ows the Coast Guard to deter­
mine which individuals may pose
risks to vessel safety. The Coast
Guard exercises continuing over­
sight over seamen required to
maintain documents as a condi­
tion of employment, and may
suspend or revoke a document for
cause. Without a documentation
requirement, the Coast Guard is
jowerless to act against a seaman

who may commit a serious error
or offense."

Required to Hoid Merchant
Mariner Document or Licenw

• All deep sea and Great
Lakes mariners working
aboard U.S. merchant vessels
of atleast 100 gross tons.

• The operators of towing
vessels 26 feet in length or
greater regardless of tonnage
navigating on rivers and lakes,

• All tankermen with ap­
propriate endorsements.

Exempted from Hoiding
Merchant Mariner Document

or License
• Individuals serving

aboard inland towing vessels
of less than 100 tons.

• Individuals serving
aboard harbor towing vessels
of less than 100 tons.

• Individuals serving
aboard ocean tugs of less than
100 tons.

• Individuals serving
aboard harbor tugs of less than
100 tons.

tied up. In an emergency situa­
tion, the deckhand on watch is
under the direction of the captain.
There are times when he will be
called up to the bridge by the cap­
tain or even when the cook could
be called on in certain situations."

The vessels exempted from
the Coast Guard merchant
mariner document requirement
include marine equipment of sub­
stantial proportions. Many of the
boats in question are driven by
engines with horsepower in the
tens of thousands. There are some
towboats that push more than 50
barges at a time, making the over­
all tonnage of the combined
marine equipment unit close to
hat of an ocean-going vessel,

said the SIU official.

to
H.R. 1915 has been presented
the House Subcommittee on

Zloast Guard and Navigation and
is awaiting further action.

Representative Bart Stupak (D-
Mich.) speaks In favor of Inland
documentation legislation.

Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) also
voiced support for the legislation,
stating, "In this growing industry,
I thir^ that the requirements of
this act are a minimd intrusion on
people to provide safety
throughout our country for ship-^
ping on our inland waterways."

Sacco stated that although the
boat operators and tankermen
hold a docunieixt with the ap­
propriate endorsements, current
law needs to expand to include all
other hands aboard the vessels.

"The captain of the vessel is
responsible for the safety of his
crew and his vessel; however,
there are times that a deckhand
may be involved in certain
aspects other than his usual duties
while the vessel is underway or

- . •' I



tf-':

'" •'/

V>:-'-Z p:rm
'••Pm;

OCTOBER 1993 SEAEARERSLOG 5

Seafarers Ratify New Three-Year Contract far LNG Vess^s

Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco reviews changes in the new
ETC agreement with Seafarers aboard the LNG Leo before voting.

Seafarers working aboard
Energy Transportation Company
(ETC) vessels ratified a new
three-year contract with the com­
pany last month following a
series of shipboard votes.

The pact, retroactive to June
16, increases wages and benefits,
while making changes in the
working conditions aboard the
eight liquified natural gas (LNG)
vessels that sail between In­
donesia and Japan.

SIU Executive Vice President
Joseph Sacco held meetings with
Seafarers aboard several LNG
vessels to discuss the changes and
answer questions concerning the
new contract, which in many

Orgulf Boatmen Endorse Pact
For Work Aleng Mississippi River

Seafarers sailing aboard Or­
gulf Transportation tugboats
along the Mississippi River and
its tributaries have overwhelm­
ingly ratified a new four-year
contract with the company.

The new pact incliides a wage
increase and expanded medical
benefits coverage which took ef­
fect September 15. It also coit
tained changes in the work rules
aboard the boats.

These changes, which were
made with an eye toward Orgulf
fleet expansion, brought about a
mutual agreement between the
company and the union to reopen
the contract prior to its December
31 deadline. The new pact will
run until the end of 1997.

Crewmembers provided sug­
gestions and ideas for the new
agreement when SIU officials
serviced their vessels as well as
through correspondence with the
union.

Representatives for the SIU
and the Cincinnati-based com­
pany held six negotiating sessions
beginning in the spring.
Delegates to the talks included
Deckhand Greg Camel, Lead
Deckhand Gary Gillespie and
Cook Nigel Godden.

Voting by SIU members
aboard the tugboats was inter­
rupted by flooding this summer
along the Mississippi River. Most
of the Orgulf fleet of 21 boats was

Representing the Seafarers in talks with Orgulf Transportation are (left
to right) Deckhand Greg Camel, St. Louis Port Agent Joe Sigler, Cook
Nigel Godden and Lead Deckhand Gary Gillespie.

*

regards parallels the union's
standard agreement.

Seafarers working aboard
ETC vessels will receive a
cumulative increase in base
wages of 11 percent over the

See page 13 for photos of
crewmembers ratifying the

contract aboard LNG vessels.

three-year life of the contract. The
pact includes outpatient medical
care for spouses and dependents
of SIU members. It also allows
the board of trustees of the
Seafarers Pension Plan to lift the
$1,000 monthly cap, which will
permit qualified members to
retire and get higher pensions.

The contract calls for changes
in the crew compliment aboard
the LNG vessels. Sacco told
crewmembers this measure was
tied to efforts by the union to ob­
tain future LNG contracts, thus
creating more jobs.

"I talked with the crews about
the important changes taking
place in the maritime industry and,
in particular, within the LNG
market," Sacco recalled. "There is
a tremendous potential for growth
with LNG transportation and we

are looking to be part of it."
"This new contract will allow

ETC to compete around the
globe," noted Steward/Baker
Henry Jones Jr., who sails
aboard the LNG Leo. "It's a good
contract because it provides
greater job security and oppor­
tunities for the membership and
our families."

Negotiations for the new pact
began in the spring. Although the
previous contract expired June
15, the union and ETC agreed to
an extension under which the
members continued working.

While aboard the vessels,
Sacco also discussed the training
and upgrading opportunities
available at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Educa­
tion in Piney Point, Md. He ad­
vised the crewmembers how
courses at the school are constant­
ly updated to provide Seafarers
with the latest information that
will help .them with their jobs
aboard LNG vessels.

"All of the ships I was aboard
were in excellent condition,"
Sacco said. "They were clean and
looked great. It was a pleasure to
visit the LNG vessels and talk
with the crews."

Great Lalces Memlfers
Approve New Agreement

An Orgulf tugboat sails up the MIsslssipi River past Alton, III.

layed up until the river and its
tributaries b^gan receding in
August.

Orgulf tugs push barges

loaded with coal, grain, steel
pipes and other items along the
Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri
rivers.

Trade Gouncil Continues Efforts
To Organize Avondaio Shipyard

The New Orleans Metal
Trades Council is continuing its
efforts to begin the collective bar­
gaining process for workers at the
Avondale Shipyard in New Or­
leans.

In July, Avondale workers
voted to go union by a margin of
1,804 to 1,263 at the traditionally
non-union site. A coalition of
trade unions from the New Or­
leans area, including the
Seafarers, worked together
during a four-month organizing
campaign prior to the vote.

The effort to organize the yard,
the largest private employer in
New Orleans and one of the
nation's leading shipyards, was
initiated by shipyard worker Dick
Creed. Over a two-year period
with his wife. Creed informed his
fellow workers through flyers
about the activities of the com­
pany thaf were not in the
employees' interest.

Among the issues of interest to
Avondale workers were a see­
sawing wage scale, nepotism and
favorism in hiring and promotion
practices by managers, unsafe
working conditions, workers'
paying a very high contribution
rate for medical care compared to
the company contribution and a
so-called employee stock owner­
ship plan with little employee
participation.

In Ae balloting conducted by
the National Labor Relations
Board, 650 ballots were chal­
lenged. A majority of these votes
were withheld by the NLRB be­
cause the names of the people cast­
ing ballots did not appear on voting
eligibility lists. A hearing on the
matter was set for late September.

Union representatives meet
with Avondale workers regularly.
"We are letting the employees
know that this is a full time opera­
tion and that the fight goes on,"

said SIU Representative Bobby
Milan of New Orleans, who has
assisted the Metal Trades Council
during the drive.

"lliis is why we are out in the
yard handing out pamphlets and
talking with them. We do not
want them to think that we've for­
gotten them after the vote."

Milan noted the company has
been contesting the election since
it was held and the results an­
nounced. He said the trade unions
involved "are going to be there
fighting for the employees every
step of the way."

Besides the SIU, other unions
working with the New Orleans
Metal Trades Council in the or­
ganizing effort are the Boiler­
makers, Carpenters, Electricians
(IBEW), Insultors, Iron Workers,
Laborers, Machinists, Operating
Engineers, Painters, Plumbers
and Pipefitters and Sheetmetal
Workers.

Seafarers aboard American Steamship Co. vessels like the American
Republic are covered under the new Great Lakes contract.

Great Lakes Seafarers have
approved a new contract that will
cover their wages, benefits and
working conditions into 1997.

The new four-year agreement
with the Great Lakes Association
of Marine Contractors
(GLAMO), a management group
of Great Lakes operators, in­
cludes wage and health benefit
increases as well as changes in the
work rules.

SIU members ratified the new
agreement, which is retroactive to
August 1, by casting votes on
their vessels throughout the Great
Lakes region.

For the first time, outpatient
medical care is available for the
spouses and dependents of Great
Lakes members. In meetings, cor­
respondence and ship's minutes,
members had expressed their
concern that this be included
when the new pact was
negotiated.

Representatives for the
Seafarers and the companies held
six negotiating sessions begin­

ning late June in Cleveland.
When negotiations continued

past the July 31 deadline for the
previous contract, the union and
GLAMO mutually agreed to ex­
tend the pact until an agreement
was reached.

The contract calls for yearly
pay increases throughout the life
of- the agreement and maintains
all earlier benefits.

"This is a good contract with a
lot of improvements that will help
us. The outpatient medical Care
for dependents is great. We really
needed this," said ABAVatchman
John Spezia, who sails aboard
ASC vessels.

The companies which incor­
porate GLAMO include
American Steamship Company
(ASC) based out of Buffalo,
N.Y., Cement Transit Company
of Cleveland and Litton Great
Lakes and Erie Sand Steam­
ship Company of Erie, Pa. The
fleet transports iron ore, stone,
coal and salt along the Great
Lakes.

Also covered under the four-year agreement are crewmembers work-
ng aboard the Richard Reiss, an Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessel.

• ..'•'"•ki: • • '•

•'..VillV., • ,



6 XAFARBISLOa ocnmai993

I
:<v., '

J,?;:-

.. .'A'.:'

AFL-CIO httensifSes BaWe to Mix Tirade Deal
Warning that the proposed

North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) woulc
spell disaster for miillions of U.S
workers and for the nation's
economy, trade unionists
throughout the country recently
began stepping up efforts to con­
vince Congress to reject the trade
deal which originally was
negotiated by the Bush ad­
ministration.

A number of "No NAFTA
events took place across the
countty on Labor Day, including
parades in Cleveland and Cincin­
nati and rallies in North Dakota
and Minnesota. Additionally, the
APT.-CIO has collected hundreds
of thousands of signatures on
anti-NAFTA petitions, and or­
ganized labor's legislative com­
mittees in key congressional
districts met with members of the
House and Senate during the
August recess to reiterate the
dangers of NAFTA.

Seafarers who have not al­
ready done so are urged to contact
their senators and congressmen
and ask them to reject NAFTA, a
deal which AFL-CIO President
Lane Kirkland recently described
as "a poison pill left OVCT from the
last administration."

NAFTA: A Sell-Out
NAFTA is scheduled to go

before the House late this month
or in early November. While the
trade deal apparently has little
backing in the House, it has far
greater support in the Senate.

Speaking at a Labor Day

breakfast in New York, Kirkland
summed up organized labor's
views on NAFTA w'^en he said,
"We shall demor t ate that we
are indeed a free and independent
labor movement, in no one's
pocket but our members, when it
comes to the so-called Free Trade
Agreement with Mexico.

"We believe NAFTA is a sell­
out of working Americans. It
would be deeply damaging to the
country and to the communities
that make up America. And the
labor movement is going to fight
it with everything we've got."

President Clinton last month
officially kicked off his campaign
to enact NAFTA, during a White
House ceremony when—sur­
rounded by former presidents
Bush, Carter and Ford—he
signed side agreements
negotiated by his administration
concerning labor and environ­
mental protection.

Clinton during his campaign
last year promised not to support
NAFTA until it included such
side deals. But the AFL-CIO,
along with key elected officials
on Capitol Hill, and farmer and
environmental groups, immedi­
ately denounced the side accords
as failures, cementing their op­
position to NAFTA.

(Throughout the debates about
NAFTA, Ae AFL-CIO has main­
tained its position in favor of truly
'air trade deals which benefit all
nations involved. However, the
federation of trade unions insists
that NAFTA is not a "fair trade"
agreement, largely due td the

shortcomings of the side deals.)

Heading South of the Border
Under NAFTA, tariffs anc

other trade regulations among the
United States, Mexico and
Canada would be removed during
the next 10 years, thereby en­
couraging U.S. businesses to
move south of the border to take
advantage of cheap labor and in­
adequate environmental stand­
ards.

The AFL-CIO estimates that
enactment of NAFTA woulc
result in half a million U.S.
citizens losing their jobs. It also
would lead to a general decline in
wages for those who still have
jobs, according to studies by the
Economic Policy Institute (EPI).
The EPI estimates that NAFTA
quickly would reduce the wages of
70 percent of U.S. workers who are
not in high-skill, high-technology
jobs by at least $1,000 per year.

Opponents of NAfTA have
presented finely detailed argu­
ments against the deal. House
Majority Whip David E. Bonior
(D-Mich.) and House Majority
Leader Richard Gephardt (D-
Mo.) are among those who have
described NAFTA as a high-risk
experiment in which countries at
far different stages of economic
development and democratic
rights attempt to merge their
economies. (Mexico's poverty
rate is 40 percent, while its gross
domestic piroduct is one-twen­
tieth of that of the United States.)

"All the fanfare about the
completion of side agreements

Seafarers from the port of Honolulu (pictured above) recently took part
in a "No NAFTA" demonstration in Hawaii. The event was one
example of the AFL-CIO's campaign to prevent the so-called free
trade agreement with Mexico and Canada from being enacted.

catil't hide this simple fact:
NAFTA still threatens to make
American jobs our Number 1 ex­
port," said Bonior, the third rank­
ing Democrat in the House.

Gephardt pointed out, "Under
NAFTA, the Mexican govern­
ment refused to allow industrial
relations—the right to strike, the
right to bargain collectively and
right to freely associate—to be
covered under the dispute resolu­
tion procedures of the agreement.
This is a glaring and critical omis­
sion, equivalent to an environ­

mental agreement that excludes
air and water.

"Under this agreement, we
will not be doing the best for our
people," he added. "Drawn down
by the lower wages in Mexico,
our standard of living will con­
tinue to stagnate or decline."

NAFTA proponents, includ­
ing Senate Minority Leader Bob
Dole (R-Kan.) and Senator John
C. Danforth (R-Mo.), argue that
the trade deal would open the

Continued on page 20

Clinton introduces National Heaith Care Reform Plan
Congress to Take Up Plan; Organized Labor Offers Its Backing

Organized labor supports
President Clinton's health care
reform plan, and will "conduct a
major campaign for its enactment
by the Congress," said AFL-CIO
President Lane Kirkland. "This
plan will accomplish a goal that
the labor movement has sought
for the better part of this century:
health care for every American."

Clinton unveiled the plan in a
nationally televised address on
September 22, although many of
the details had been made public
roughly a week earlier.

But final action on health care
is a long way off. Clinton's
speech merely marked the official
kickoff of an intense national
debate that will last for many
months. Later this month, the
president will send his proposal to
Congress for debate. Meanwhile,
a number of competing plans also
are being offered by both

Democrats and Republicans.
Some of the key points of

President Clinton's program in­
clude:

• Requiring all employers to
provide health insurance to their
employees.

• Establishing and enforcing,
through federal or state govern­
ment, cost limits on private sector
health insurance premiums, as
well as limits on doctor and hospi­
tal fees.

• Prohibiting health insurance
firms from refusing to insure an
applicant, or charge excessively
high premiums, due to an
individual's health condition.

• Providing coverage for every
U.S. citizen, regardless of their
health or employment status. (Al­
most 40 million Americans cur­
rently have no coverage. Many
others are underinsured.)

• Greatly simplifying paper-

How Clinton Heaith Plan
Would Be Financed

($ Billion, 1994-2000)

.

Sources of Funds:
Medicare Savings ($124)
Sin Taxes ($105)
Medicaid Savings ($114)

Savings to Other Federal
Programs ($47)
Revenue Gains ($51)
Former Medicare and Medicaid
Recipients Now Covered by
Alliance Plans ($259)
'Includes self-employed tax deduction

Estimates are preliminary and do not incorporate interactive effects.

Uses of Funds:
Long-Term Care ($80)
Medicare Drug Benefit ($72)
Public Health/
Administration ($29)
Subsidies for Low-Income
Firms and Workers* ($169)
Deficit Reduction ($91)
Alliance Coverage ($259)

work and eliminating waste and
medical fraud, leading to substan­
tial savings.

The president also said the
only new taxes under his plan
would be on tobacco products,
plus a surcharge of 1 percent im­
posed on large corporations that
decide not to join health alliances.

Joining trade unionists in sup­
port of the basics of the plan are
large corporations including
Chrysler Corp., Xerox and Beth­
lehem Steel; senior citizens
groups; many health insurers; and
medical providers such as the
American Academy of Family
Physicians. (The AFL-CIO is part
of the Health Care Reform
Project, a diverse, non-partisan
coalition that collectively repre­
sents 50 million Americans who
support the plan.)

Thus far, the nation's big
health insurance companies and
the National Federation of Inde­
pendent Business have been the
most vocal opponents to the
president's plan. The business
group represents many com­
panies that do not provide their
workers with health care
coverage.

Clinton's proposal calls for
employers to pay for at least 80
percent of their employees'
premiums. Employers still would
be able to pay more than 80 per­
cent, however.

Provision Protects Seafarers
The president's plan allows

multi-employer, non-profit plans
like the Seafarers Welfare Plan
and others associated with unions
to continue to serve their mem­
bers and provide high-quality

AB Photo by Greg Gibson
A joint sesion of Congress gathers to hear President Clinton outline
his plan for health care reform.

care. Multi-employer plans,
under the Clinton proposal, may
continue to offer more benefits
than the core benefits package
which the president's plan would
mandate.

Spokesmen for the president
have indicated that under the
Clinton plan, the benefits that go
beyond ^e standard benefit pack­
age prescribed by the government
will not result in adverse tax conse­
quences to the participants of these
plans or to companies which pay
into multi-employer plans.

However, there are others in
government who have suggested
taxing benefits if they exceed the

government's standard package.
The AFL-CIO and the SIU

will work vigorously to oppose
any suggestion or placement of
such taxes.

In addition, a provision in the
SIU's new three-year standard
contract states that in the event of
a national health care system
being enacted by Congress and
signed into law by the president,
the union and its contracted
operators will, work to ensure that
Seafarers and their families con­
tinue to receive the high level of
benefits they currently enjoy.

Continued on page 20



. .. ':'M'i.V'

OCTOBER 1993

Former VP Llndsey Williams
Dies of Heart Disease at 79

Lindsey Williams, a longtime
SIU official who pioneered the or­
ganizing of inland boatmen and
deep sea merchant mariners for the
union, passed away September 12
at Elmwood Medical Center in
Louisiana due to heart disease. He
was 79.

Brother Williams served the
Seafarers in many capacities from
the time he joined the SIU in 1942
until he retired in the spring of
1979. Always politically active, he
was vice president of the union's
Gulf Coast District from 1965 to
'79. He also worked informally
with the union even before he
signed on as a rank-and-file mem­
ber, as well as after he retired.

In 1988 the SIU honored Wil­
liams by naming the shiphandling
simulator building at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education after him.

"We remember Lindsey Wil­
liams as a fierce fighter for seamen
and boatmen," said SIU President
Michael Sacco at Brother Williams'
funeral mass in New Orleans. "We
remember him as a keen strategist
and superb union organizer

"Although Lindsey technically
retired from the SIU in 1979, he
never really retired from the
seamen's movement," Sacco con­
tinued. "He never retired from the
trade union movement, and he cer­
tainly never retired from politics.

Herb Brand, chairman of the
board of directors of the Transpor­
tation Institute and a longtime as­
sociate of the SIU, said Williams
"was instrumental, he played a
leadership role in every major ef­
fort in which the union was in­
volved. He was one of (late SIU
President) Paul Hall's most highly
regarded and respected associates.
Above all, he was a very direct and
forthright person for which he was
respected everywhere."

Brother Williams, the son of a
union printer, was bom in Poplar-
ville. Miss, but spent most of his life
in New Orleans. He began his
maritime career in 1935, working
aboard towboats on the Mississippi
River, and within a short time he
began organizing river tug and tow-
boat crewmembers.

When the United States entered
World War II, Williams joined the
Seafarers and subsequently sailed
in almost every combat zone where

the American merchant marine
delivered military supplies. During
the invasion of Okinawa, his vessel
was torpedoed and sunk.

After the war. Brother Williams
was assigned as an organizer in the
Gulf area. He was involved in the
drive to organize the Isthmian Line,
and later was appointed as the
SIU's director of organizing.

Red Campbell, retired SIU vice
president-contracts, worked with
Williams during several organizing
campaigns, on cruise-ship con­
tracts and on other projects.
"Lindsey was a dedicated official
who always was available to pro­
vide sound advice and leadership,"
Campbell said. "He was well or­
ganized and a decent guy to work
for and with. He had a classy
relationship with the members."

Other Activities
Though renowned for his work

as an organizer. Brother Williams
assumed many other respon­
sibilities during his career with the
SIU. He was the Gulf Coast area
director of the Inland Boatmen's
Union from 1961 until 1976, when
the IBU merged with the SIU's
A&G District. He was the New Or­
leans port agent from 1950 to 1960
(having succeeded the late Earl
Bull" Shepard) and in 1968 he be­

came a trustee of the Seafarers Pen­
sion Plan.

Additionally, he served during
the 1970s as president of both the
Greater New Orleai^s AFL-CIO
and the New Orleans AFL-CIO
Maritime Trades Council. In the
former capacity, he worked as chair­
man of the federation's Committee
on Political Education, which recom­
mended to union leaders which can­
didates the AFL-QO should endorse
in local elections.

Retired SIU official Buck
Stephens, who worked with Wil­
liams for 30 years, described him as
"a good leader, the type who
wouldn't ask anyone to do some­
thing he wouldn't do. He was al­
ways receptive to suggestions and
new ideas."

Brother Williams remained ac­
tive even after he retired from the
SIU. In '79 he was appointed clerk
of New Orleans Municipal Court, a
position which he filled for about 10
years. He also was a member of the
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad
Commission and of the state Athletic
Commission, which regulates
boxing.

Brother Williams lived in
Metairie, La. for the last four years.
He is survived by his wife, Cor­
delia; a son, P. Lindsey Williams; a
daughter, Estelle Williams Hub-
bell; a sister, four stepchildren and
two grandchildren.

In 1988, Lindsey Williams was honored for his many years of service
to the union when the shiphandling simulator building was named for
him. He is joined by his wife, Cordelia, and SIU President Michael
Sacco as he cuts the ribbon.

Lindsey Williams (left) worked closely with SIU members and pen­
sioners. He is pictured above counseling Pensioner Arthur A. Smith
on his retirement benefits.

Ken Conklin Retires
Tom Fay Heads School

Tom Fay has been named vice
sident of the Seafarers Harry

Jndsey Williams played an active role in virtually every beef in SIU
listory. Here he hits the bricks with then-SIU President Paul Hall and
allow Seafarers during the Robin Line beef of the early 1960s.

pre
Lundeberg School of Seamanship
in Piney Point, Md. The 35-yeiar
SIU member becomes the fifth per­
son to head the joint union and con­
tracted-company training facility,
replacing Ken Conklin, who retire
earlier this year.

Fay brings to the job the ex-
lerience of years at sea on board
merchant ships, as well as the
variety of duties he has held ashore
or the union. Prior to accepting the

assignment, he was serving as port
agent in Honolulu.

Fay joined the Seafarers in Bos­
ton in 1958. "I was following my
brother, John (the present SIU
secretary-treasurer), to sea," he
recalled of his start in the union.
"He already was sailing and I liked
what he told me about it.

The Boston native sailed in the
engine department and worked his
way up the ladder to an electrician's
rating. Fay worked briefly at SIU
headquarters in the early 1960s
before returning to sea. He came
ashore again in 1980 as a head­
quarters representative.

In 1987, Fay became the port
agent in Honolulu. While there, he
served as a vice president of the
Hawaii AFL-CIO and secretary-
treasurer of the Honolulu Port
Maritime Council. He was involved

Williams was an advocate of effective and ongoing grassroots political action. He worked with many
elected officials in the Gulf states in behalf of U.S.-flag shipping. He is pictured above at the May 1963
SlUNA convention, flanked by then-President Paul Hall and Senator Russell Long. ,

Tom Fay holds a meeting with
Lundeberg School staff.

Ken Conklin announces his retire­
ment as Lundeberg School VP.

in various political and trade union
activities.

Fay and his wife, Doris, have
three daughters: Robin Fay, Anne
Marie Boidi and Donna Lindsey, a
Lundeberg School graduate who
sails as chief steward.

Conklin came to the Lundeberg
School in 1967 following a 23-year
career in the U.S. Marine Corps
where he rose from the rank of
private to major.

The Clifton, N.J. native heard
from a fellow Marine that the
school was looking to create a train­
ing program for young people inter­
ested in beginning a career as
seamen on U.S.-flag ships. Con­
klin, who had served as a boot camp
drill instructor in the service for
more than three years, interviewed
and was hired for the position.

Having been with the facility
since its inception, he held a variety
of positions at the school. He became
Lundeberg School vice president in
1985, serving as the facility's chief
officer.

Conklin noted one of the most
satisfying experiences he had in his
27 years at Piney Point was working
with the trainees. "This was a very
gratifying job when you are able to
use your skills and knowledge to
lelp young people become trained
and useful members of our society,"
le said upon retiring.

it' .-.m-

SBVARBISUK 7

' -.r.

i-;'

.sp
-•te'"

• w:

)• - .r



8 SEAFARERS LOG ^ :}•••• • .
OCTOBER 1993

mgi'/

A Message to SlU Members
From the Seafarers' Plans

(Editor's Note: The following information is
provided to Seafarers by the Seafarers Welfare
Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Vaca
tion Plan, Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension
Plan, and Marine Ccoks and Stewards Sup
plementary Plan. It is reproduced here in its
entirety.)

Tlje Seafarers Welfare, Pension and Vacation
Plans are in the process of revising the summary
plan description booklets which describe your
benefits. However, until these booklets will be
available, the Trustees would like to notify you o:
several recent changes that have been made to
these Plans. This article contains important infor
mation about the benefits you may be entitled to
receive from these Plans. We suggest that you
keep this article until you receive the revisec
booklets. In addition, the Trustees of the Great
Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan and the
Marine Cooks & Stewards Supplementary Plan
would like to notify participants in these Plans o;
some recent changes.

SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN
Outpatient Benefits for Dependents

The Trustees are pleased to announce an addi
tion to the benefits that are provided by the
Seafarers Welfare Plan. As a result of many
requests from participants, the Union negotiatec
increased contributions to enable the Plan to pay
for outpatient care for the dependents o
employees whose employers are paying the ap­
propriate rate. If you are a deep sea employee and
your employer is signatoty to the July 1993 con­
tract with American Maritime Association com­
panies, you are eligible for this benefit. Other
deep sea employees and inland employees are
eligible if the employer is paying the required
rate. The Plan will pay 80% of the reasonable and
customary charge for diagnostic treatments, visits
to the doctor's office, and certain home health
care and hospice care. This new benefit is subject
to an annual deductible amount of $50 per de­
pendent.

Eligibility for Maternity Benefits
The Plan has liberalized the eligibility require­

ments for maternity benefits, so that it is now
easier to qualify for this benefit. Under the old
rule, an employee had to meet the Plan's
eligibility r^uirements at the time of conception
and at the time of delivery. Under the new rule,
the employee only has to meet the Plan's
eligibility requirements at the time of deliveiy.
Limitations on Benefits

As a result of the rising cost of health care, the
Trustees have placed the following restrictions on
the benefits provided by the Welfare Plan:

Visits to a Podiatrist - The Plan has limited
payment for visits to a podiatrist to 20 visits per
year. The Plan will pay a maximum of $40 for
each podiatrist visit, and no more than $1,000 for
surgery or related services rendered by a
podiatrist.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy and
rehabilitation therapy - The Plan has clarified
that it does not cover occupational therapy or
rehabilitation therapy. The Plan will pay for up to
twenty physical therapy visits within a year from
the time treatment begins.

SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN

Cap on Pension Benefits removed
Previously, the maximum monthly pension

benefit that a pensioner could receive was $1,000.
The Trustees have removed this cap under the
following conditions:

Deep Sea - Based upon the contribution rate
of all deep sea employers, all deep sea employees
may qualify for the increased benefit. To qualify,
a deep sea employee must accrue 125 days of
covered employment after June 16, 1993.

Inland - Inland employees of companies that
are contributing at least $6.60 per day to the
Seafarers Pension Plan may be eligible for the
increased benefit. To qualify, an inland employee
must accrue at least 125 days of covered service
after the date their employer began contributing
$6.60 per day to the Pension Plan.

Pre-retirement Joint and Survivor Annuity
The pre-retirement Joint and Survivor Annuity

is the benefit that is available to your spouse if
you are vested in the Seafarers Pension Plan, but
die before you reach retirement age. The Plan
now gives your surviving spouse a choice of how
they wish this benefit to be paid to them. Pre­
viously, your spouse could not receive this benefit
until the date when you would have reached
retirement age. Under the new rule, if the total
amount of this benefit at your death is less than
$3,500, your surviving spouse will receive the
entire amount in a lump sum at the time of your
death. If the value of this benefit is between
$3,500 and $25,000, your surviving spouse may
choose to receive the entire amount in a lump sum
at the time of your death, or receive it in monthly
payments at the time when you would have
reached retirement age. Your spouse must make
this choice in writing. If the value of the pre­
retirement annuity is greater than $25,000, your
spouse must wait until the time you would have
reached retirement age, and will then receive the
survivor's benefit in monthly payments.

SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN

There has been one minor change in this Plan,
required by a change in the law. In accordance
with the law, the Vacation Plan now honors all
lawful levies that are served upon the Plan. The
Plan will notify you immediate y if a levy against
you is received In the event that the Plan should
receive i levy for state taxes owed, unpaid
alimony or child support, or other lawful debt
owed by you, it will be held for a period of 15
months. If you apply for vacation benefits during
this period, the Plan will deduct the amount re­
quired by the levy from your vacation check. As
required by law, levies received from the Internal
Revenue Service for federal income tax owed are
permanently kept on file by the Vacation Plan,
and will be honored at such time as you apply for
vacation benefits.

GREAT UKES TUG
AND DREDGE PENSION PLAN

The Trustees are pleased to inform you of the
bllowing recent Plan improvements:
tension Increase

Pension benefits available from this Plan have
been increased approximately twenty percent
20%). The benefits of existing pensioners has

been increased by this amount, retroactive to Oc-
ober 1, 1992. All employees who retired on or

after October 1,1992 will receive the new benefit
evels.

Withdrawal Benefit
The Trustees have reduced the waiting period

;o apply for this benefit to one year from the time
an employee leaves covered employment. Pre­
viously, an employee had to wait two years to
apply for this benefit.

Reimbursement for Type 1 Statement of
fcamings

The Plan will now reimburse a pension ap-
>licant for the costs associated with obtaining a

~'ype 1 Statement of Earnings from the Social
Security Administration, when the Type 1 State­
ment is required as part of the pension application.
' 'he Plan will only reimburse an employee once
or these costs.

MARINE COOKS AND STEWARDS
SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN

The Trustees of this Plan are pleased to an­
nounce a six percent (6%) increase in benefit
evels. This increase was retroactive to January 1,
991 for existing pensioners. For all applicants

who retire on or after January 1,1991, the month-
benefits are calculated based upon the in­

creased rates.
If you have any questions about any of the

changes described above, you may contact the
administrative offices of the Plans by writing to:

Plan Administrator
5201 Auth Way

Camp Springs, MD 20746

Coast Guard Issues
New Drug Test Rules

New rules implemented by the
Coast Guard mean Seafarers will
not be subjected to as many drug
tests as in the past.

The new regulations, an­
nounced in the May 28 edition of
the Federal Register and effec­
tive as of June 28, permit mer­
chant mariners to be exempt from
pre-employment or periodic tests
if they have passed a Coast
Guard-required analysis within
the previous six months. The rule
also exempts mariners from a pre-
employment or periodic test if
they were subject within the pre­
vious six months to a Coast Guard
random testing program for at
least 60 days.

Under the Department of
Transportation's regulatory
regime for drug testing of ship­
board workers, any Se^arer who
is sailing in a job deemed to be
safety sensitive is subject to ran­
dom testing. The new exemption
applies whether or not the mem­
ber actually was tested while
working on board a ship. Thus, if
a member has worked at least 60
days within the previous 185 days
and did not refuse to take a ran­
dom test, he or she does not have
to take a pre-employment or peri­
odic analysis.

The Coast Guard authorized
the change in the drug testing
regulations to keep mariners from
talung any unnecessary or repeti­
tive tests required under the

original rules. The extra testing
often occurred when mariners
changed jobs or renewed licen­
ses.

When the federal agency im­
plemented its drug testing pro­
gram in December 1989, it set up
five versions of analysis: pre^
employment, periodic, post-acci­
dent, probable cause and random.
All but random began as
scheduled. A lawsuit filed by the.
SlU and the Transportation In­
stitute, an association of U.S.-flag
shipping companies, caused the
agency to re-write the regulation
dealing with random testing so
that it would apply to mariners in
shipboard work deemed to be
safety sensitive and delay its start
for almost two years.

Pre-employment testing is
conducted when a mariner is
seeking to go to sea. A periodic
test is performed when a mariner
renews or upgrades a document or
license. Post-accident testing takes
place, as the name implies, ^ter an
accident occurs on a vessel.

A probable cause test is given
when a crewmember is suspected
as being under the influence
while on board a ship. Random
testing is done by Coast Guard-
approved technicians who board
vessels and test crewmembers
whose jobs are safety sensitive.

All the tests are done by
urinalysis. Clearance for all tests
is good for six months.

Oil Spill Crews
Vote Seafarers
Continued from page 3

launched 32-foot support boats,
one 18-foot search-and-rescue
boat, a helicopter landing pad and
a stem-mpunted skimmer. Each
vessel also contains booms, skim­
mers, transfer pumps, power
packs, storage bladders, disper-
sants and protective clothing.
Each can hold 4,000 barrels of
recovered oil.

Located Around Nation
Vessels located along the At­

lantic coast include the Maine
Responder at Portland, Maine;
New Jersey Responder, Perth
Amboy, N.J.; Delaware
Responder, Philadelphia, Pa.;

Virginia Responder, Virginia
Beach, Va.; Georgia Responder,
Savannah, Ga. and Florich
Responder, Miami, Fla.

Assigned to the Gulf coast are
the Louisiana Responder in
Venice, La.; Gulf Responder,
Lake Charles, La.; Texas
Responder, Galveston, Texas and
Lone Star Responder, Corpus
Christi, Texas.

Serving the Pacific coast are
the Washington Responder,
Everett, Wash.; Oregon
Responder, Astoria, Ore.; Pacific
Responder, Richmond, Calif, and
California Responder, Port
Hueneme, Calif.

The Caribbean Responder
based in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands and the Hawaii
Responder located in Honolulu
serve the region for which they
are named.

Mate Matt FrankowskI checks fuel on a rescue boat aboard the
Delaware Responder.

Ready to report for duty on the Delaware Responder are Oiler Jessica
Slate (left), AS Randy Attaway (center) and Asst. Eng. David Hall.



OCTOBER 1993 UAFAKIKUIG

Challenger
Crewmemhers
On Call
During
Port Call

r.V,'" ,

wmiO'iKtfn

•WM
'^•v.. j.' -

t: •
'-"4' •

U:4;S<' 4^-'4''-:

>..' '•''-J}-^•'

1. ' V • ;"' ,r '2i' i '

->,>V. .J -- '•

Bosun J. Rodriguez keeps watch on
deck activities during offloading.

Arrival at the Sea-Land terminal in Port Elizabeth, N.J.
means a variety of things to crewmemhers aboard the Sea-
Land Challenger.

When the container ship docks after its 28 day voyage to
Jacksonville, Fla. and the Caribbean, some engine depart­
ment members begin the process of preparing refrigerated
boxes for offloading. Chief Electrician Curtis Smith and
Engine Utility Abby Aragones work the vessel to make sure
the right electrical cords are unplugged or remain in service.
Others, like OMUs Rafael Quinonez and Rafael Duran,
maintain a watch in the engineroom to assist wherever they
are needed.

In the galley. Chief Steward Herbert Scypes and Chief
Cook George Salazar have the freezer and refrigerator
ready for the new stores that will come aboard.

Bosun J. Rodriguez keeps an eye on the gangway watch
as well as offloading and loading operations on deck.

Bosun Rodriguez noted to a visiting Seafarers LOG
reporter that the teamwork among the crew is great: "Like
other SIU ships I've sailed on, this is a great crew who knows
its job and how to get it done right."

- ~ •
r ^

4

Chief Steward Herbert Scypes (right) and SIU Assistant Vice President
Kermett Mangram go over the procedure for filing medical care claims
with the Seafarers Welfare Plan.

Ready to take advantage of some Maintaining gangway watch is AB Chief Electrician Curtis Smith (right) reviews the list of Chief Cook George Salazar reads
shore time is OMU Jesus Vazquez. Robert Bakerman. reefers to be disconnected with Third Mate Kris Katandy. LOGwithAB Juan Ayala in background.

qwanninn a storv about a recent voyage with New York AB Raul Rivera walks into the gal- Heading for town are AB Abad Calero OMU Rafael Quinonez climbs
owapping u auwui « ̂ ley for lunch. floftl and SA Anancio Cresoo. down into the enoineroom.
Patrolman Jack Sheehan (left) is OMU Rafael Duran (left) and SA Anancio Crespo. down into the engineroom.

I' '•

'4

• •• 'v)'---

' '' s

• / 'S./

•• •: ' ^ a.

a. - : '-10

//

t;'
y..•' -aaLia-' ^ .• ^yyyy

• -
. . •/ -

mS'-':-/ • J '•••.'^yyy^yyyfyyyy'i-^-'-y



10 SEAFARERS LOG OarORER 1993

«

few •

-•• •'
Still Needs
Seafarers' Skills
On Sam Laud

'• '7: •

M^y<:rV

^ / /

To ensure fast offloading of cargo along the many
ports on the Great Lakes, vessels such as the SlU-crewed
Sam Laud are designed to handle the procedure quickly
and efficiently through self-unloading equipment.

The American Steamship Company vessel was
built with a conveyor boom system that allows iron ore,
coal, stone and most any other cargo earned during the
sailing season to be taken directly from the ship to
shoreside storage. •, n

Once docked, the conveyor boom is released from
its secured position on the deck above the hatch covers
and swung over the site where the cargo is to be
deposited. A conveyor belt which runs the length of the
ship under the cargo hatches is started. Gatemen and
conveyormen watch the offloading and release cargo
from designated holds until the job is completed. Then
the vessel is secured agaiii and sails to its next port to
either offload or take on more cargo.

Making sure the Sam Laud is ready for action each
day are Conveyorman John Frankovich and Gateman
Randy Frank. The pair maintains the watch on the
vessel's offloading system.

"Half of the rollers have to be changed every year,"
Frank told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. He ex­
plained the rollers, which guide the conveyor belt, are
made of teflon and get "chewed up" with constant use.

Lcond cook Roy calodeii and Porter Rob"^eS^ lookout for anything that could hamper conveyor
operations on the vessel. are prepared for a brief afternoon visit to town.

Making sure an oil drum is transferred safely from one deck of the ship to another is Wiper John Olsen.

Shifting the hatch cover lift on the deck of the Sam Laud is
AB/Watchman Mike Bensman.

Deckhand Al Damar reports for duty aboard the Looking forward to some time off the Sam Laud is
American Steamship Company vessel. QMED Gary Fuller.

Conveyor belt roller replacement requires working in tight spaces Keeping an eye on the loading operations at the Lorain, Gateman Randv Frank maintainc: an annine-
as Conveyorman John Frankovich knows well. Ohio dock is AB/Watchman Tim Bell. room w^h ̂ we isloadSSlip



r

ocmERim
m

:,V.

SEAFAKffS LOG 11

Bunker Work Picks Up for Crowley Seafarers
Seafarers who work stVtnarA Tmmtni i o ne . . ^ Seafarers who work aboard

Crowley tugs and barges in the
Lbs Angeles and Long Beach,
Calif, areas have noticed an in­
crease in the volume of bunker
fuel being trafficked in and out of

West Coast ports, SIU Patrolman
Rob Scrivens recently told the
Seafarers LOG.

Since late last year, when a
state tax on bunker fuel was
repealed, sales have increased
gradually to approximately 1.8
million to 2.5 million barrels per
month in Los Angeles/Long
Beach, according to reports in the

Journal of Commerce.
This increase in business fol­

lows two inauspicious years, and
it is not the only good news for
marine fuel suppliers in the area.
Recently, marine fuel was ex­
empted from the 4.3 cents-per-
gallon fuel tax called for in
President Clinton's deHcit reduc­
tion plan, thereby saving the com­
petitive West Coast market.

Because of low trading mar­
gins, taxes on marine fuel can
have massive impact on the in­
dustry. For example, two years
ago the California Legislature ap-

On the flying bridge of the Crowley tug Saturn, AS Mike Prevette talks
with the captain by walkie-talkie.

proved an 8.25 percent tax on
bunker fuel. Sales in Los An­
geles/Long Beach quickly and
dramatically dropped, and it
hardly seems coincidental that
those fortunes began to reverse as
soon as the tax was repealed.

For SIU members who sail
from the port of Wilmington,
Calif, aboard Crowley vessels,
the tax relief translates into a busy
schedule transporting fuel barges
and loading tankers in nearby
Long Beach and Los Angeles.
"We really shot ourselves in the
foot with that tax," said tugboat
Captain Scott Linsley.
'Everyone is glad it's gone."

Tankerman Mickey Main,
who- graduated from the Lun-
deberg School in 1977, said that
business slowly is coming back,
but is nowhere near its pre-bunker
tax level. "We've been doing a lot
of dock-to-dock work, moves in
the harbor," said Main. "We've
also done quite a bit of450 Series
barges, moving oil from San
Francisco to here. Compared to a

Cook/Utility William Rose (right) welcomes Patrolman Robert
Scrivens aboard the Crowley tug Saturn.

year ago at this time, work has
picked up."

"We have some of the guys
back on schedule. It really helped

having that tax removed,"
noted Scrivens, who provided
the photos accompanying this
story.

Exposal Foreign Shipping interests Unmasked
International Plot Seen to Invade U.S. Waters < 'v' .

Continued from page 3

Bermuda, the U.K., Luxembourg and
Norway among others.

• Manchester Trade is an interna­
tional trade consulting organization. It is
the creature of Stephen L. Lande, a
former trade official for the U.S. govern­
ment. Lande parlayed his experience
into a lengthy list of foreign clients.

Among Lande's foreign clients are
the Korean Foreign Trade Association
(South Korea), Fidermex International
(Mexico), Hylsa (Mekico), Tubos de
Acero de Mexico, Association of Export
and Import (Costa Rica), Wiresteel
Mexico) and Mexinox SA de CV
Mexico).

Manchester Trade also is one of the
Irms the government of Mexico has
registered as an agent that is working in
Mexico's behalf for enactment of the

North American Free Trade Agreement
NAFTA), now before the U.S. Con­

gress.
Lande also has been associated in

)ress reports with Manchester As­
sociates, a lobby firm headed by William

iberle, another former U.S. government

trade official, who serves as an agent for
many foreign interests.

Manchester Associates has worked as a
consultant and lobbyist for the J^anese
company Nissan and represents or has rep­
resented other Japanese interests as well as
groups from Korea, Canada, Chile and
Mexico, among others.

At one time, Roderick Hills also had
an interest in Manchester Trades. Hills,
who since 1989 has headed Manchester
Group Ltd., is an attorney whose name
has often been linked with assisting
foreign groups. In 1987, for example, he
worked to kill a congressional bill contain­
ing punitive measures toward C. Itoh, a
giant Japanese trading house. The intent of
the bill was to punish the foreign firm for
its role in the illegal shipping of Toshiba
Corp.-produced military machinery.
(Paranthetically, C. Itoh is one of the
players of the North American Export
Grain Association, a group of giant agricul­
tural commodity dealers—^many of them
foreign-owned—working to scuttle U.S.
cargo preference laws.)

All the evidence indicates that Presi­
dent Clinton and his officials are com­
pletely unaware of the spurring role of

foreign interests in the current assault on
U.S. shipping. Nevertheless, much of the
thinking of these foreign interests seems
to have made its way into the first draft
of Vice President Gore's National Perfor­
mance Review maritime document
which called for an elimination of the
Jones. Act, repeal of cargo preference
statutes, abolishment of the Shipping
Act of 1984 and a cessation of any form
of subsidy to the maritime sector.

The foreign interests appear to be set
on a massive mobilization against the U.S.
merchant marine. It can be deduced that
foreign interests have pledged a great deal
of financial resources to the fight. Interna­
tional attorneys, accountants and foreign
agents calling themselves trade consultants
do not work for pennies.

America's Needs Unconsidered
It is estimated that very substantial

sums of money are being expended to
carry out a plan to lobby for a downsize
ing of the American merchant marine on
the grounds that all the perpetrators
would be amply rewarded if the inland
and international U.S.-flag fleet is
replaced by foreign shipping.

As reported in the South China Morn­
ing Post article, there is no mention in
the foreign group's statement of the value
of a U.S.-flag shipping capability to
America's defense and security interests or
to the role the U.S. merchant marine has
played in times of war and conflict

The group seems bent on going
beyond dismantling America's interna­
tional shipping programs; it appears to
be gunning directly for the Jones Act,
the U.S. cabotage laws which allocate
marine transport in American coastal and
inland waters to American-built American-
operated and U.S.-crewed vessels.

The moves of the well-heeled foreign
interests threaten every coastal com­
munity, large or small, along America's
25,777 miles of coast and inland water­
ways. The elimination of the Jones Act
would deprive these communities of an
employment source, revenue from taxes
and bring down environmental and
safety standards. ^

The results of further investigations
by the Seafarers LOG on the work of
foreign interests to disband American
shipping will appear in upcoming issues
of die publication.

Pro U.S. Flag Group to Fight Attacks on American Ship Trades
Continued from page 3

w
In a roll-up-the-sleeves-and-get-to-

..'ork approach, the coalition's participants
established a steering committee as well as
working groups to tackle legislative
strategies, public affairs and grassroots
obbying. James Henry, the president of

the Transportation Institute, a trade as­
sociation representing U.S.-flag vessel
operators in domestic and international
commerce, was appointed to chair the new
coalition.

The umbrella group pledged to cwr-
dinate activity in all parts of the United
States, in every state and congressional
district.

The group determined it is vitally im­
portant to form a pro U.S. merchant marine
education group particularly in light of an
intense lobbying effort by foreign shipping
interests which has been made known
through an article in a Hong Kong
newspaper. The article, entitled "Lobby
Group Seeks Backing for U.S. Plans" (by

Wong Joon San, South China Morning
Post, September 20,1993, page 1), points
to an aggressive and well-coordinated at­
tack on both the U.S.-flag domestic and
international fleet on the part of a group of
international accountants, lawyers and
trade consultants (see article on page 3).

Foreign Groups Pressing

These foreign lobbyists, euphemistical­
ly identified in the article as a "group of
professionals," hope to see the dismantling
of the programs tifiat provide the founda­
tion of U.S. maritime policy. Such an un­
raveling of American maritime laws and
regulations would "open U.S.-flag trade to
foreign-built and repaired carrier lines,
foreign investors and foreign crews,"
reports the article.

The foreign lobbyists, says the article,
back a draft proposal of Vice President A1
Gore's National Performance Review
(NPR) which calls for a complete elimina­
tion of U.S. government laws and regula­
tions that bolster a U.S.-flag fleet such as

the Jones Act, cargo preference and
operating and construction subsidies.

the U.S. market would effectively be
opened up to foreign operators for the first

Such an unraveling of American maritime
laws and regulations would "open U.S.-flag
trade to foreign-built and repaired carrier
lineSy foreign investors and foreign crews. »>

South China Morning Post, page 1
September 20,1993, Hong Kong

The article reports that a statement by
these foreign lobbyists says if the recom­
mendations of the Gore group "come to
pass, the world shipping industry stands to
gain significant opportunities to expand
dieir business."

The article reveals that the foreign in­
terests believe they can achieve their goal
by exerting influence through lobbying.
TTie statement of the so-called internation­
al group cited in the article says: "Indeed

time, provided a concerted lobbying coali­
tion is forged."

Immediate Action
After a discussion on the article, the

September 23 meeting participants desig­
nated "United States Maritime Coalition"
as the name of the new organization and
outlined a program of action.

Upcoming issues of the LOG
will report on the coalition's activities.

- ';h

m

If

•%
.4

w
•si:

'•h-&:•



• ; >•

12 SEAFARERS LOG OCWRER1993

Seafarers Begin Operations
On Twin-Hulled Survey

The first Seafarers ever aboard
the USNS Victorious, a new Small
Waterplane Area Twin Hull
(SWATH) design T-AGOS ves­
sel, sailed out of the port of
Honolulu on August 19.

The Victorious, owned by the
Military Sealift Command
(MSG) and operated by U.S.
Marine Management, is used for
Ocean surveillance purposes. The
SWATH ship's home port is
Honolulu. It is designated to per­
form highly classified missions
for the U.S. Navy.

The unique vessel is 234 feet

long, 93 feet wide, has a 24-foot
draft and a top speed of 9.5 knots.
It is designed to comfortably sus­
tain rough seas so that the tech­
nicians aboard can safely carry
out the current assignment.

The Victorious is one of four
'T-AGOS 19" SWATH vessels.
These are the newest class of T-
AGOS vessels. The remaining
three—the Able, Effective and
Loyal—have not begun sailing
Operations.

"She has nice quarters and
living conditions for everyone
aboard," Captain Carl Orderich,

Pacific operations manager for
U.S. Marine Management, told z
reporter from the Seafarers LOG
"Each room will have a video
player and television. There is
also an exercise room, ship's
store, a self-service laundry and a
medical treatment facility. The
Victorious has almost everything
a person needs while at sea for a
period of time and the SWATH
design makes her a ve^ comfort­
able vessel to sail on."

Honolulu Port Agent J.J. Ar­
nold, who provided the LOG with
the photographs accompanying

The unique SWATH hull of the USNS Victorious was designed to sustain rough conditions at sea.

this article, reported the crew was
excited to sail aboard the new
vessel.

"It's unlike anything I've ever
seen for the type of ship it is,"
Arnold noted. "The crew couldn't
wait to get it out to sea."

This is the first time aboard a
SWATH vessel for these two
PIney Point graduates—OSs Joe
Meehan (left) and Fred Fein.

SlU crewmembers gather for a group photo before setting sal! on their
first military mission aboard the USNS Victorious. They are (from left)
AB Jocko Morris, Bosun Samuel Wooten, MDR Jerry Huffman and
OSs Fred Fein and Joe Meehan.

.ooking fonvard to the new adventure are (from left) Steward/Baker
Susan Sanderson, AB William Brode and Oiler Tina Smith.

USNS Bartlett Turned Over to Moroccan Navy
Seafarers aboard the USNS

Bartlett bid farewell to their ves­
sel on July 26 in a special
ceremony as the U.S. flag was
lowered and the Moroccan flag
raised. This symbolic gesture
marked the official turnover of
the Bay Ship Management vessel
to the Royal Moroccan Navy at
Little Creek Amphibious Base in
Virginia Beach, Va.

Bosun Thomias Gagnon, who
served several tours aboard the
Bartlett, told a repOTter fiom the
SecfarersLOG, "I really enjoyed the
ship and I hated to see her go."

• I- ^ ,1^ "Everyone hates to lose a good

fastfrlends Is QMED Alan Ard (left). always brought me back to
ibc Bartlett—the people," recalled

SlU and Moroccan Navy crewmembers lower the American flag on
board the USNS Bartlett and prepare to raise the Moroccan ensign.

AB Michael Williams, who also
served several tours aboard the ves­
sel.

On July 12, all operations
aboard the Bartlett were tumed
over to the Moroccan NaVy. The
vessel is an oceanographic T-
AGOS ship which sailed the Gulf
of Mexico area with a team of
Navy scientists, performing high­
ly classified missions.

"We had both crews aboard

AB Richard HIgglns (left) and Chief
Cook Jeanette Ball pose with a
member of the Moroccan Navy
during training aboard the Bartlett.

the vessel for about two weeks.
The SIU crew trained the Moroc­
cans in many different areas to
prepare them for when they sailed
the vessel back to Morocco. They
even prepared their native food
using the American stores,"
recalled Captain Sam Meyer.

According to a spokesperson
for Bay Ship Management, the
Bartlett was offered to the Royal
Moroccan Navy to pursue their

own active oceanographic inter­
ests. The vessel was in excess of
the U.S. Navy's needs and was
sold to Morocco, a U.S. ally.

On July 18, the vessel left port
for Morocco. QMED Alan Ard,

sailed with the Bartlett to assist
the new crew with operations.

Anne Novotny, a Bay Ship
Management representative,
provided the photos accompany­
ing this article.

Woman of the Year

At a recent banquet In Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary Georghlou was named
Woman of the Year by the Daughters of Penelope, the women's
auxiliary of the Order of AHEPA (the American Hellenic Educational
Progressive Association), the largest Greek heritage organization In
^e world and a major community service organization In North
America. In photo atiove, Georghlou, who has worked at the SIU
since 1981, previously as comptrollerforthe Seafarers Vacation Plan
^d presently as director of process and development, poses with
Sen. Paul Sartjanes (D-Md.), who also was presented an award at
the AHEPA convention.

/.
• 3'..' . •



I! •/'¥

OCTOBER 1993 SEAFARERS LOG 13

' •^-^^i<5?'Pia5i7:rer ••;•••'

v.: V-• • •'' ' •

t04&^W
:•'.: v'.-V ••:.

Executive VP Joseph Sacco explains provisions of the new
ETC contract to crewmembers aboard the LNG Leo.

Thorough discussions and question-and-
answer sessions preceded ratification votes
by Seafarers aboard the eight liquified natural
gas (LNG) vessels for a new three-year agree­
ment with Energy Transportation Corpora­
tion.

SIU Executive Vice President Joseph
Sacco boarded several of the LNG vessels
when they docked in Japan to talk with crew-
members about the questions they had about
the pact, which included a cumulative 11
percent base pay raise over three years, out­
patient medical care for the members'
spouses and dependents, a lifting of the
$1,000 monthly pension cap for qualified
Seafarers and more.

SIU Representative Sal Aquia, who accom­
panied Sacco to Japan, provided the Seafarers
LOG with photographs of the ratification meet­
ings on seven of the LNG ships.

Asking a question of Executive VP Joseph Sacco (right)
aboard the LNG Taurus is Steward/Baker Francis Ostendorf.

On the LNG Leo, Executive VP Joseph Sacco (left) em­
phasizes a point with QMED irmo Solomon.

Reviewing an aspect of the new ETC pact are (left to right) Capricorn Steward/Baker NOrman Duhe (left) and
OS Robert Sway, AB William Boyd, SA Ronnie Fore and Bosun Charles Kahl (right) catch upon union news
Executive VP Joseph Sacco on the LA/G Capr/com. with Executive VP Joseph Sacco.

Ready to take part in the ratification meeting on the
LNG Virgo are (left to right) AB H.J. Thompson, Chief
Cook Henry Daniels, SA William Smailey and AB
Harry Massa.

LNG Aries crewmembers study the new agreement before voting.

AB Donnie Collins from the LNG Gemini
looks over the new contract

Showing approval for the contract are AB Osmond Raji
(left) and OS Kenneth Boone aboard the Aquarius.

Listening to the discussion of about the pact are r
Seafarers aboard the LNG Gemini. -

Bosun Jack Rhodes (left) of the Wrgo and AB After the vote, Anes crewmembers (left to right) OS
Prior to the contract meeting, LNG Taurus OSs Bobby Branham of the Aquarius examine the Ken Mills, Bosun Billie Dartey and AB Peter Funk are
Mark Johnson catch up on news from the union in the Seafarers LOG. all smiles.

'V.V-- ' •

W



. ^.1-: ... ... <• . .

itsm---
i-;.-:rjs«

''t'M
-'-s.r-.v. ••: .•. SEAFARERS LOG OCTORER1993 0CT03ER1993

"•.': ^''
SEAFARERS LOG 15

sign In at the
tured from left to right (back row only) are Port Agent
Anthony McQuay, OMU Paul Pagano, QMED John

In Philadelphia, Bosun Roland Williams (left) and Bennifield, QMED John Penrose, DEL) Donald
OS Billy Holmes like what they hear about the Davis, AB Matt Hamison, Steward/Baker Leonard
agreement. s Murray and AB Thomas Gruber.

Recert. Steward Ekow Electrician Gregory
Doffoh in Philadelphia Shepard in Piney Point

QMED R.J. Zajac
in Philadelphia

Bosun Oscar Wiley Chief Steward Dave
in Piney Point Merrifield in Piney Point

AB Joe Caruso Cook/Baker Richard AB Darryl Peterson"
in New York Aversa in Piney Point in Piney Point

Seafarers across the country hit the deck to discuss the new agreement during ratification meetings.

lp:.y

Reviewing details of the contract in the September issue of the Seafarers LOG
is QMED Thomas Martinez at the SID hall in Philadelphia.

; r—-^-"eiiuuis Bosun Robert Gorbea hit the services to, Seafarers' dependents
the United States and in Puerto! . deck during the meeting in New. will be paid by the plan subject to a
Rico and aboard ships docked"'

lU members at ports throuehouii
At T r •. 1 ®

rtoi
in I — York and said, "We ought to be $50 per year deductible for each de-

the U.S. last month overwhelmingly i proud of what our union has done for pendent,
approved a new three-year standard: us. What was negotiated for our pen- Among the outpatient services
freightship and tanker contract) sions is good, and our new dependent now covered by the Seafarers Wel-

fW.. c.>„f T_. care also is good." fare Plan for dependents are doctors'
Fellow Bosun Earl (Sonny) office visits, diagnostic tests, prena-

^ Pinkbam added to Gorbea's senti- tal care and follow-up care, pediatric
sea operators in the management ; ments, saying after the meeting: "It care and routine checkups for babies,
group known as the American i was a good job negotiating, especially physicals and vaccinations. (The

with the economic times the way they new outpatient benefit plan does not

lall in Jacksonville for the special voting Signing in at 1
meeting September 7. Cook Robert Allen.

r •'••"AvwA wv/iiiiauu

negotiated by the Seafarers Interna­
tional Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters District with deep

Maritime Association.
The agreement, covering the time i are.'

from June 16, 1993 until June 15, i
extend to prescription drugs.)

QMED Mike Kirby
votes in Philadelphia

Membership Ratifies
Standard Agreement

.-'K-

— , In Philadelphia, Recertified Members expressed satisfaction
1996, calls for a 3-4-4 percent wage j Steward Andrew Austin said, "The with the health care gains made in the
increase (totalling 11 percent) over! SIU really came through for us. This new agreement. "Dependent care is
..t- X.I J . is a great new contract." what a lot of people need for their

Medical Coverage Extended families. This helps a lot," said Chief
i ffV, ^rnnn — 1 Other members commented on Charlie DiCanio after the

allowsforremovaloftheSLOOOper. the parts of the contract that mean the ^ „
month limit on pensions, and con-^ most to them QMED Mike McNally, in

...... PhilaMphia.desci:itedtheimprov^

dependent iovJrage," said AB "1^''"..^"=5'® ̂ T'*???
Patrick Joseph Lavin, who was "''ded. It will make a big difference

Upgraders at Piney Point approve the new contract.

the next three years and extends out­
patient medical benefits to depend­
ents of Seafarers. The contract also

tains certain work rule changes. In
addition, the manning levels current­
ly in place ares retained.

Theratificationvotetookplaceati foUow- for Seafeers like myself who have a
c ing the meeting in New York. family.

In Norfolk, QMED Mike Novak Pension Changes Praised
added, "I think the contract is great. Chief Cook Bert Winfield, who
but particularly the medical attended the meeting in Norfolk, said

mefits." the improved medical benefits are
The agreement calls for an in- one of the highlights of the new con-

Among the comments on the j creased contribution on the part of tract, along with the removal of the
overall accord were those stated by \ contracted companies which are cap from the pension plan. "The new
AB Curtis Williams following the signatory to the pact and to the arrangement on the pension plan is
unanimous vote at the Norfolk, Va.; Seafarer plans. As a result of these great. Tome, that's probably the best
hall. "I feel really good about the additional monies, the board of trus- part." Winfield said,
contract. We got better benefits and tees of the Seafarers medical plan, Steward/BakerLorenzoSykesof
a pay increase. I m definitely Vnou/n as thf». .^eafarpirs Welfare Norfolk summed un his View of the

special meetings in every SIU hall on
September 7. SIU representatives
also conducted meetings and voting
aboard Seafarers-contracted ships

' ' U U L l/d.

that came to port beginning Septem-1 benefits
ber 7.

It Is a unanimous vote of approval In Philadelphia.

At the Philadelphia hall (left) and the Norfolk hall, members show their support for the new pact.

pay
happy," he said.

; "V;-: V:.'

definitely known as the Seafarers Welfare Norfolk summed up his view of the
Plan, voted to put in place a series of contract when he said, "We gained a
outpatient benefits for dependents of lot and I think it's fantastic, '^e
Seafarers, subject to all the rules and chance to eam more for your pension
regulations which govern the pro- is outstanding."
gram. (Complete details of the contract

Under terms of the plan, 80 per- appear in last month's issue of the
cent of the reasonable and customary Seafarers LOG and also are available
charges for outpatient health care from all SIU port agents.)

In New York, Chief Steward Alvin Standing In unanimous support of the pact are Seafarers at the hall
Robinson Is satisfied with the vote. In Mobile, Ala.

QMED Monte Pryor. reviews new con- Bosun/AB Jose Caballero chats with his
tract in Seattle. son, Urie, at the New York meeting

•' j:

Aboard the Sea-Land Challenger, AB
Juan Ayala (left) makes a point while AB
Raul Rivera listens.

In San Juan, members listen to details of the three-year pact.

Discussing terms of the new
agreement In the Seattle hall

— are (from left) AB Victor Peters
AB Patrick Joseph LavIn Sr (left, with son Patrick Jr.) and Bosun Archie Ware listen and Recertified Bosuns Bob
to the debate at the New York meeting. Stuverud and Bob Woods.

Seafarers aboard the MV Senator vote on the contract on September 17. Attending the special meeting In San Francisco, Seafarers prepare to vote on the new standard contract, which Includes wage gains and Improved benefits.

From left. Bosun Archie Ware, Electrician Richard Almojera and
Chief Steward Cyril Spence check out the contract In New York.

; VV;i

A:-.f-. • , .. • •• .
. ' A'.'v' '

IV

' 'C '

'• -.1-

' . :.v

li^ I Li'i I i I,',m' 'MM I I' «• j; « I i 'i?.. • ..i .i ' .I.'T'.IJI I , 1,1 !•••• .^1 I IMII mil -.J. I , X ' : ' I . • II " • Iiiri 11 . V • ~ • • . „ ' L I ' X ' ' ' ' J. '



16 SEAFARERS LOG 0Cn0ER1993

Steel Ships and Iron Men: Part V BY SINCLAIR OUBRE
Father Sinclair

Oubre is Port
Chaplain in Beau­
mont, Texas and
an SlU member.
He sails during
time off from his
duties as a parish
priest and port
chaplain.

Father Oubre
has kept a journal during his seafaring
voyages. In the August edition of the
Seafarers LOG several excerpts from
his diary v^erepublished. What follows
are some additional glimpses into
Father Oubre's life aboard ship.

Sinclair Oubre

Cleaning the Tanks
Supper tonight was relaxed and

jovial. My fellow crewmates talked
and laughed more than usual. We are
sitting at anchor Just outside Galveston
Bay. Tomorrow we will be heading
back into Hess Refinery in Galena
Park. After working hard all week,
today has been easy and laid back.
Only one fellow turned to for overtime
this morning; it was only he and I who
worked overtime this afternoon. The
other ABs and OSs who were off
watch chose to sleep in or take care of
some much neglected housekeeping
duties in their staterooms.

For the last three-and-a-half days,
we have really been humping it. We
are taking on a different product at
Hess this next trip. Shortly after we left
Beaufort, the deck crew began drag­
ging out the lines and hoses that would
be needed for the blowers and the but-
terworth machines. Beginning the next
morning, we carried the four machines
to each of the 18 tanks that would take
on cargo. There was a method to the
process that was truly understood only
by the bosun and the chief mate.

The process would go something
like this. We would drop the 20-pound
butterworth machine attached to a spe­
cial water hose through a deck plate
into the tank. Fifteen feet of hose
would be lowered in and secured on
top by a special saddle. The water
would be turned on and we would
hunker down on our backsides for ex­
actly 20 minutes. By that time, the
machine had sprayed sea water
throughout the tank, washing down all
the spaces at that level. We would then
loosen the saddle and drop the butter-
worth machine down another 15 feet
and hunker down again.

It was at about this point that I was
beginning to think that this was the
easiest $8.82 that I had ever made, but
then things began to pick up speed.
Instead of having to wet nurse one
machine, it became four. Once the
tanks had been washed and the butter-
worth machine pulled from the tank, a
water driven blower was inserted into
the deck opening to force out the fumes
and begin to dry the tank.

By early afternoon, hunkering
down was only a sweaty memory. It
was pull up one machine, disconnect
the hose, reconnect the hose, drop the
machine down the first 15 feet and turn
on the water. We would clamber
across the pipes and repeat the process
for the two machines on the starboard
side. No time to sit, move the blowers
into place and start them going. Six­
teen minutes now have pass^. We
have four minutes to wait before it's
time to drop another 15 feet down. One
can't really sit down or take off one's
gloves widi only four minutes. So we
shuffle about until the bosun gives the
word, and the cycle continues again.

All day we worked. At 1930 hours
the bosun sent the quartermaster and

me to get cleaned up for our watch.
From the bridge, the last hoses came
out of the tanks at 2030 and the tank
cleaning was done for the day.

The next day the fun really began.
Into the tanks we went with our mops
and brooms, sponges and pails. We
looked like a bedraggled maid service.
Carefully we descended the 50 feet or
so to the bottom of the tank. One of the
men had his cigarettes in his shirt
pocket. The bosun thought this was not
a good idea. Maybe in the midst of
work, he would declare a cigarette
break and light one up. Theologically,
this may have brought the kingdom of
God sooner than any of us wanted or
were ready for. The cigarettes stayed
topside.

Once we made it to the bottom, the
adventure had only just begin. The bot­
tom of each tank is divided into sec­
tions by structural ribs and bulkheads.
Each rib rose four to five feet from the
bottom of the tank. At each rib, over
went the mops and brooms, pails,
sponges and then ourselves. Six times
this ritual was repeated until we were
at the forward bulkhead. Then it was
sweep and mop, brush up rust, climb
over to the next section and sweep and
mop, and brush up rust. This was
repeated over and oyer until we were
back to the ladder.

The chief mate checked each tank
to make sure that they were gas free.
This is a little bit of a misnomer. Ac­
tually, they were "pass-out" free. A
seaman could enter the tank and at
least for the first 30 minutes not pass
out because of the fumes. They
definitely were not "gas free." The mo­
ment we entered a tank, we clearly
sensed that petroleum products had
been here before us. For myself, my
eyes burned, nose ran and the
strangest, single, unidentifiable bar of
music kept playing in my ears. It was
like something from an old "Doors"
record. It kept playing and playing and
playing. In one tank it got so loud that
it became a warning. Then it stopped,
but for a moment all other sounds also
stopped. I guess it was time to get out
of Aere for a bit of fresh air, and up we
went. .

After I reflected on the event for a
moment, trying to purge the fiimes
from the bottom of my lungs, two
thoughts came to mind. The first was
a question. If I went to the mess room
right now and lit up a cigar, would my
lungs explode? My second thought
was; Now isn't this wonderful. I've got
my own gas detector in my head. If the
tune doesn't drive me crazy in the
meantime, when it stops I'd better be
ready to get out. If I don't, the crew is
going to have fun pulling my 200-
pound body out of the tank on Ae end
of a hose. I'm afraid that if they are
faced with that much work, they may
pronounce me lost overboard and
wash me into the slop tank.

It took us two whole days of sweep­
ing, mopping and sponging out the rust
and water from the t^s. When we
were finished, the chief mate and the
bosun were pleased with the quality of
our efforts. We knew ourselves that the
job was hard, hot and difficult, but we
had done well. That night, instead of
the usual somber silence that is present
among most of the men in the mess,
there was lighthearted talk and sea
stories that usually revolved around
some cultural faux pas dn the part of
the storyteller. Ted, one of our ABs,
began the evening's sea tales with a
dramatic telling of his Filipino shower.

Having worked hard all day, he
returned to the home of his Filipino
friends. He inquired if it would be OK

for him to shower. They kindly obliged
and pointed him in the direction of the
shower. When he arrived in the room,
he could not find anything that ap­
peared to be a convention^ shower.
No plumbing, no faucets and no
shower heads were in sight. The only
thing that appeared useful for washing
was a 55-gdlon drum and a large ladle.
As Ted explained it, he figured that one
used the barrel as a bath tub and in he
went.

Standing and animating the story
now, he told us that washing the upper
body was easy. It was more difficult to
get to the feet, but through contortions
and effort, he was able to pull each one
waist high and so do some good scrub­
bing.

When all was said and done, he
returned back to his friends' company.
They were nonplussed as he thanked
them for their landness and their help
in dealing with his western hygienic
needs. In true Asian form, they with­
held their rage and panic at what they
heard. Ted, you see, had just cleaned
himself in the fresh water that the fami­
ly had for the whole month. It was for
washing, drinking and cooking. Ted
had just soaked himself in it.

Some of the other stories that were
told were funnier but not exactly fit for
a family publication. Let it be said that
once the many difficult days of clean­
ing tanks were completed, the whole
psychology of the crew changed from
somber silence to jovial joy.

the radio. Only on one occasion did I
find out how it ended. Now questions
arise in my mind. Was the Haitian
vessel found? Was she lost with the
hopes and dreams of those 10 people
going down with her? Or was one spate
of bad luck only followed by another
and another? Did the rescue by Ae
Coast Guard only lead to their being
placed in a refugee camp and shipped
back to Haiti the next week?

A seaman hears these events un­
folding over the airwaves, but seldom
does he see them or does he get in­
volved. He carries around the begin­
nings of these stories, but there is no
way to find the ending.

By morning we were in the Atlantic
with cargo bound for Jacksonville.

You Never Hear How the Story Ends
Standing at the helm, the radio set

at channel 16,1 listen to the occasional
traffic that floats by. One vessel is call­
ing for another and asking to go to
channel whatever, or the marine
operator breaks in and calls for some
unseen vessel because she has traffic.
Most of the time, though, the radio sits
silently in the comer.

The other night, the silence was
broken by the message, "Security,
Security, this is the Coast Guard Sta­
tion Key West, Florida. Please go to
channel 22 alpha for a mariner's ad­
visory." The third mate shifts the radio
over and the Coast Guard repeats their
call sign and then says, "Be advised
that a small vessel with 10 Haitian
refugees is reported disabled and adrift
at coordinates such and such. Be dn the
lookout for the vessel and render aid or
contact Coast Guard Station Key
West." So ended the message.

The mate had already noted the
coordinates and began plotting them
on the chart. He raised his head and
said, "That's right off our port beam."

ITie night was pleasant and the seas
were calm, but there were thunderstorm
clouds all around. We had noticed on the
radar a vessel off our port First she
sailed west, then southwest and then
east. We figured that she must have been
the Coast Guard.

We sailed on eastward keeping a
sharp lookout but seeing nothing.

Today, the radio told another story.
A pleasure boat was calling out for
help. "On fire," he told the Coast
Guard. He gave his coordinates and
they assured him that a rescue vessel
was on the way. The Coast Guard of­
ficer advised the captain of the vessel
to have all passengers don life jackets.
The boat's captain replied that pas­
sengers were already in the water with
their personal flotation devices, and he
was fighting the fire with an extin­
guisher but that it was mnning low.

At this point I was relieved from the
helm and returned to the deck to con­
tinue the butterworthing process.

I have heard other such events over

Farewell
After 26 days, I signed off the

Sealift Pacific. It was time to get back
to the parish and get to work. The chief
mate and bosun wished me well and
told me that they enjoyed sailing with
me. If I were to have the chance to join
the Pacific again, they would be happy
to have me. This meant a lot to me.

I was departing from Corpus Chris-
ti. We had gotten stuck hanging out on
anchor when another ship took our slip
at Coastal Refinery. When we were
finally cleared to start in, I was off
watch and joined another Port Arthur
seaman who was on bow watch. It is
always beautiful up there.

Soon the tugs came alongside and it
was time for all hands to be called. I
went aft to get my gloves and assisted
the bosun preparing the gangway for
arrival.

When we arrived at the dock, the
tugs turned us so that we docked on the
starboard side. Eve^thing was going
well on the stem until the clowns in the
line boat insisted on taking the spring
and breast lines at once. By the time
they got to the dolphins, they had
managed to get all three twisted over
each other. Y^Hien we began to heave
on them, they bound up at the chock.
It was a tough situation for the third
mate. He looked as though he was not
in control of the situation, but what was
out of control were the yahoo's in the
line boat. We eventually got things
somewhat sorted out and then tum^
our attention to the stem lines.

We had to put so much line out to
reach the dolphin that our winches
could not effectively pull up the slack.
We tried on three occasions to lift the
lines out of the water, but each time we
put on the stoppers and turned the lines
over the bitts, they dropped back into
the water. It did not look good, but we
eventually gave in and squared every­
thing away.

As a final ceremony for my depar­
ture, I returned to the sea my hat and
the gloves that kept the callouses and
blisters from covering my hands.

I went to the captain's office to be
paid off. When everything was
squared away, I took my things to the
main deck and began to carry them
down the gangway to the van of the
ship's agent. The second mate was on
deck with all hands getting the hoses
from shore aboard. They were busy
preparing to start taking on the next
cargo of diesel. They had no time to
chat or really say goodbye. There was
not much more time ^an to shake
hands with each of my friends. We
both hoped that this symbol could ex­
press all the feelings that we held for
each other. As I drove away,
everyone's attention was back on the
hoses. There was no time for long
waves from the pier; the ship requii^
all their attention.

Li
•/



OCTOBER 1993 SEAFARERSlOG 17

Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea
AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15,1993

•TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

OassA Class B Class C

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups

Class A Class B OassC
Trip

Reliefs

••REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Clara A Clara B Clara C

New York 29 37 9 22 26 2
Philadelphia 3 4 2 '."•..•'P'-' 2 8 1
Baltimore 8 15 0 • 4 12 ... 0 :
Norfolk 8 16 2 12 10 4
Mobile 15 15 3 10 10 1
New Orleans 29 • 28 5 22 16 2
Jacksonville 22 P'pm 2 npm 13 ,• 2 -
San Francisco 25 36 4 17 18 2
Wilmington 19 23 •••A-- 17 8 1
Seattle 24 16 0 25 12 0
Puerto Rico 9 5 3 8 1 0
Honolulu 6 18 13 3 14 11
Houston 32 33 10 24 28 5
St. Louis 0 5 1 0 1 0
Piney Point 1 • 0 PPPPPP'O. 4 O-'P'-PP'
Algonac 1 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 231 294 59 179 175 31
Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT
New York 22 20 1 7 11 . 1
Philadelphia 4 4 .V-:- 2 '%'i'ipP-l. 2 0
Baltimore 6 14 PJP.' 3 5 2
Norfolk 8 6 7 1 9 4
Mobile 10 8 1 6 5 0
New Orleans 17 16 3 • 9 . 7 2
Jacksonville 16 19 '•P'P^P. 1 -x 8 2
San Francisco 12 12 p'IP 8 6 0 •
Wilmington 10 11 P'P'-SP. 10 6 -.-3:'. ::,;p
Seattle 10 15 1 9 10 1
Puerto Rico 2 2 0 • • ••. 3 0 0
Honolulu 4 18 11 4 12 9
Houston 16 23 PP..P'''IP 13 17 0

St. Louis 2 0 0 'XPP: 0 0
Piney Point 1 4 0 2 1 0
Algonac 0 3 0 0 1 0
Totals 140 175 37 96 100 24
Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT
New York 18 0 11 , 6 •0..
Philadelphia 3 'PPP:^" 3 , 2:. 2 0
Baltimore 2:PP. - 0 PPP2. 0

Norfolk 5 10 1 6 2 1

Mobile 7 9 5 6 5 1
New Orleans 12 6 1 4 6 0

Jacksonville 9 0 ^ 10^1 1 ' o-^.a»
San Francisco 35 14 0 21'i'"S

'15 '
7 0

Wilmington 12 3 •i

21'i'"S
'15 ' •••• 2 0

Seattle 23 6 0 19 4 0

Puerto Rico 3 0 0 5 0 0

Honolulu 11 24 19 11 19 11

Houston 12 PPp'9''', 0 11 P:P-2 .

St. Louis 0 0 1 0

Piney Point ypi mPit' 1 1 - 3 :
0

0

Algonac 0 0 0 0
- 3 :

0 0

Totals 155 115 31 125 61 13

Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT

New York 12 46 7 6 18 0

Philadelphia 0 1 5 0 0
8

• 3
1 Baltimore 1 4 1 0

0
8

• 3
1

Norfolk 3 14 8 4 15 3

Mobile 4 22 0 0 4 0

New Orleans 8 26 14 5 10 3 ;

Jacksonville 1 17 4 • 2 4 . - 2 P'-

San Francisco 12 20 10 4 8 • 1

Wilmington 5 14 3 4 6 2
2 Seattle 8 24 4 6 12
2
2

Puerto Rico 5 10 8 0 6 0

Honolulu 5 62 108 3 42 73

Houston 2 19 3 0 21 3

St. Louis 0 1 0 0 1 0

Piney Point 0 35 1 0 •
0

34

19 0
0

93
Algonac
Totals

0
66

2
317

0
176

0 •
0

34
4

178

0
0

93

Totals All
514 161 Departments 592 901 303 434 514 161

14
2
2
2
1
7

|;5.
PS.
Pj'
13
0
2
7
0
0
0
63

v-1;'
0
2
1
1

":3.
0
4
4
1
5
6
0
0
0
35

•PS
1
0
1
2
2

"::D
14
2
7
2
27
1
d
0
0
64

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

59 53 15
2 8 7

. 8 16 . . ........ 2
27 38 5
22 34 5
48 41 14

a::;52..:>.:: 45 7
52 aac54. 10

a.'..^79a^a 39 12
42 39 5
15 8 6
10 22 19

• 42PPi. 44 14
: 1 4 1

1 14 0
1 0 0

411 459 122

48 39 3
6 11 4

11 19 0
13 19 7
19 21 ..•'• 1
29 31 8
28:aa^ 41 6
29 38 5
14 23 7
25 20 2
7 3 0
6 22 10

23 34 3
1 0 •• 13 3

1 4 0
264 339 59

28 26 0
^aa- 4 •• 3 ••••5

3 0
13 14 ' ' • 1
13 12 4
21 12 3

15 1
72 •a-a22:t 1
23 6 2
35 12 '"3
3 1 2

17 37 24
20 0
0 P - 2 0

miPMP:': ••••,...151 1
0 0 0

274 189 45

22 87 34
PP^PP . 4 7

l-P 8 0
8 37 14
4 37 0

15 42 22
3 33 11

31 41 28
13 33 8
14 31 8
10 15 14

9 79 158
3 15 5
0 1 0
0 33 2
0 2 0

135 498 311

im 1.084 1.485 537

* 'Total Registered means me nuiiiuci inc.. v»..w —rr -c - ^ . .
** "Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month.
A total of 1,271 jobs were shipped on SlU-eontracted deep sea vessels. Of the 1,271 Jobs shipM. ••M jobs
or about 34 percent were taken by "A" seniority members. The rest were filled byapd C ^nionty
n^.,pi. From Augustlb to September 15,1993, a total of 162 trip relief Jobs were shipped. Since the tnp
reliefprogramheganonAprill,1982,atotalofl9,494Johshavebeenshipped.

November & December 1993
Mmnb&ship fittings

Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters
Piney Point

Monday: November 8, December 6
New York

TbeSday: November 9, December 7
Philadelphia

Wednesday: November 10, December 8
Baltimore

Friday: November 12*; Thursday, December 9
* changed by Veterans Day holiday

Norfdlk
Friday: November 12*; Thursday, December 9

* changed by Veterans Day holiday

Jacksonville
Friday: November 12*; Thursday, December 9

* (dumged by Veterans Day holiday

Algonac
Friday: November 12, December 10

Houston
Monday: November 15, December 13

New Orleans
Tuesday: November 16, December 14

Mobile
V Wednesday: November 17, December 15

San Francisco
Thursday: November 18, December 16

Wilmington
Monday: November 22, December 20

Seattle
Friday: November 26, December 24

San Juan
Friday: November 12*; Thursday, December 9

* changed by Veterans Day holiday

St. Louis
Friday: November 19, December 17

Honolulu
Friday: November 19, December 17

Duluth
Wednesday: November 17, December 15

Jersey City
Wednesday: November 24, December 22

New Bedford
Tuesday: November 23, December 21

port's nw^kigstutg a lOiXlajn.

Notices
SCHOLAR WANTS TO HEAR

FROM WWn MARINERS
Kenneth E. Bailey, Ph.D., is interested in contact­

ing anyone who served aboard one or more of the
following ships during WWII: SS John Gorrie, SS
John Bascotn, SS John L. Motley, SS John Harvey,
SS Joseph Wheeler, SS Samuel J. Tilden, SS John M.
Schofield, SS Grace Abbot or SS Lyman Abbot. He
also would like to contact anyone who remembers
Army 2nd Lt. Kenneth C. Bailey, who was killed in
action aboard the John L. Motley, December2,1943,
at Ban, Italy. He was serving as a cargo security
officer and made two trips across the Atlantic from
New York to Liverpool in 1943. Anyone able to
provide information should get in touch with Dr.
Bailey at 6116 Rickeihill Lane, Austin, TX 78739.

BRITISH FILM COMPANY SEEKS
INFO FROM WWII MERCHANT

SEAMEN
October Films is making a documentary for the

BBC in London about the experiences of American
and British merchant seamen during the Second
World War. Entitled Forgotten Heroes, the program
will tell the story of the men without whom Ae allies
could not have won the war.

The producers would like to hear from merchant
marine veterans who served on the Atlantic convoys,
the runs to Murmansk, the Pacific, and so on. In
addition, they're particularly interested in hearing
from veterans of the Booker T. Washington.

Any Seafarer who would like to contact October
Films may write to them at 63-64 Camden Lock
Place, Chalk Farm Road, London NWl 8AF,
England, or telephone Oil 44719167198 (FAXOll
44 71 916 7201).

- .

• '''if.:.

•p^p-pppp
-i- t . I

''3'. •

'-'-.'"'''I-,-- ;•
• r "'K.-

•'• 'MP

.. . %
-f

• Sf.

P-f
'•:'i •

'' Pf.



T. - ,• i. rr'-;/',, ./.v V'

18 SEAFARERS LOG 0CT0RER1993

• f

Seafarers International
Union Directory

i BifichadSacoo
President
JdmFay

Secretaiy-Treasurer
Joseph Sacco

Executive Vice President
Augustin Tellez

•Vice President Collective Bargaining
George McCartnejr

Vice President West Coast
Roy A. '*80011:" Mercer

Vice ftesident Government Services
Jack Caffey

Vice President Atlantic Coast
Byron Kelley

Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters
Dean Coreey

Vice President Gulf Coast

HEADQUARTERS
5201AuthWay

Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675

ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr.

Algonac, MI 48001
(313) 794-4988
BALTIMORE

1216 E. Baltimore SL
Baltimore, MD 21202

(410) 327-4900
DULUTH

705 Medical Arts Building
Duluth,MN 55802

(218)722-4110
HONOLULU
606KalihiSt

Honolulu, HI 96819
(808)845-5222

HOUSTON
1221 Pierce St.

Houston, TX 77002
(713)659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
3315 Liberty St.

lacksonviUe, FL 32206
(904) 353-0987
JERSEY CITY

99 Montgomery St.
Jersey City. NJ 07302

(201)435-9424
MOBILE

1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy.
Mobile, AL 36605

(205)478-0916
NEW BEDFORD

48 Union St.
New Bedford, MA 02740

(508)997-5404
NEW ORLEANS
630 Jackson Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70130
(504)529-7546
NEWYORK

675 Fourth Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11232

(718)499-6600
NORFOLK
115 Third St.

Norfolk, VA 23510
(804)622-1892

PHILADELPHIA
OfiCtd S 4 St

Philadelphia,'PA 19148
(215) 336-3818
PINEY POINT

P.O. Box 75
Piney Point, MD 20674

(301)994-0010
PORT EVERGLADES
2 West Dixie Hi^way

Dania,FL 33004
(305)921-5661.

SAN FRANCISCO
350 Fremont SL

San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)543-5855

Govanmait Services Division
(415) 861-3400
SANTURCE

1057 Fonandez Juncos Ave.
Stop 16Vi

Santurce, PR 00907
(809)721-4033

SEATTLE
2505 First Ave.

Seattle, WA 98121
(206)441-1960

ST. LOUIS
4581 Gravois Ave.

St Louis, MO 63116
(314)752-6500

WILMINGTON
510 N. Broad Ave.

Wilmington, CA 90744
(310)549-4000

Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes
AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15,1993

CL—Company/Lakes L—Lakes
•TOTAL REGISTERED TOTALSHIPPED

All Groups Ail Groups
aassCL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP

NP—Non Priority
••REGISTERED ON BEACH

All Groups
Oass CL Class L Class NP

DECK DEPARTMENT

Totals All Departments 0

28 3 0 30 11 0
ENGINE DEPARTMENT

4 0 14 6 0
STEWARD DEPARTMENT

Mm Ml 0 8 2 0
ENTRY DEPARTMENT

I'M: 0 0 0 0

79 19 0 52 19 0

15 2

.19 14

62 22
* 'Total Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month.

Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters
AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15,1993

Region
Atlantic Coast'
Gulf Coast

Lakes & Inland Waters ..j
West Coast
Totals
Region
Atlantic Coast

•TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

••REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

TOTALSHIPPED
All Groups

Class A CliEiss B Oass C
DECK DEPARTlVffiNT

7 1 12 0 0 4
. Q ^ . 0 11 9 0

0 0 21 61 1 32
1 33 74 1 36

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0 6 1 0 0 , 3 1

35

10 1 31

1 69
7 100

Gulf Coast 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 . 2 5
Lakes & Inland Waters 15 0 0 4 0 n . 28 0

_ ^
- 0

West Coast 0 p 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 18 0 1 6 0 0 32 3 5
Region
Atlantie Coast
Gulf Coast
Lakes & Inland Waters
West Coast
Totals

Totals All Departments

1 0
1 0 7

" : 0
0 1 2
5 1 9

58 2 43

STEWARD DEPARTMENT
.1 0 0 .

1 0 1
7 0 n Z V V

3 1 1
7 1 2

87 38

1 1 9
8 0 0
1 2 6

13 3 15

138 13 120
* "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.

^Ilii-lsoyK

The Seafarers LOG would like to hear from you. If
you have written any stories or poems or kept a

diary of your life at sea that you think other
Seafarers would be interested in reading, send them
along. Photographs of shipboard life (identified on

the back) also would be welcomed.
Send your items to:

Seafarers LOG
5201 Auth Way •

Camp Springs, MD 20746

f. • • • t'' • , •' ' ' \ • I

• • i

• •- -•••y

?

-•H's

'^ms»



OCTOBER 1993 SEJU'MERSLOG 19

To Our New Pensioners
... Thanks for a Job Well Done

Each month in the Seafarers LOG, the names of SIU mem­
bers who recently have become pensioners appear with a

brief biographical y ketch. These men and women have
served the maritime industry well, and the SIU and all their

union brothers and sisters wish them happiness and
health in the days ahead.

The Seafarers Pension Plan
this month announces the

retirements of eight members.
Seven of those signing off
sailed in the deep sea division,
while one sailed in the inland
division. Three of the new pen­
sioners upgraded their skills at
the Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship in Piney Point,
Md. Louis Babin Jr. had been
an active Seafarer longer than
any of the other members sign­
ing off this month. He joined
the union in 1952 in the port of
New York.

Brief biographical sketches
of Babin and the other new pen­
sioners follow.

DEEP SEA
LOUIS
BABIN JR.,
62, joined
the
Seafarers in
1952 in the
port of New
York. Bom
in Pla-

quemine. La., he sailed in the
steward department. Brother
Babin retired to Metairie, La.

DANIEL BALERIO, 65,
joined the SIU in 1962 in the
port of Houston. A native of
Wharton, Texas, he sailed in
the engine department. Brother
Balerio upgraded at the Lun­
deberg School in 1969. He
served in the U.S. Army from
1949 to 1958. Brother Balerio
resides in Wharton, Texas.

VICENTE
ORTIZ, 66,
joined the
union in
1958 in the
port of
Portland,
Ore. A Puer­
to Rico na­
tive, he sailed in the steward
department. Brother Ortiz calls
San Francisco home.

ROBERT
ROWE, 57,
joined the
Seafarers in
1962 in his
native Nor­
folk, Va.
Brother
Rowe sailed

in the steward department. He
still calls Norfolk home.

JOHN
SCHAEFER
SR., 65,
joined the
SIU in 1966
in the port
of New
York. Bom
in Detroit,
he upgraded to QMED at Piney
Point in 1975. Brother Schaefer
retired to Mio, Mich.

WILHELM SCHROEDER,
55, joined the Seafarers in 1965
in the port of Wilmington,
Calif. Bom in Oldendorf, Ger­
many, he sailed as a QMED.
Brother Schroeder upgraded at
the Lundeberg School in 1981.
He retired to Honigflehtiz, Ger­
many.

VINCENT TARALLO, 69,
joined the union in 1958 in the
port of San Francisco. A Brook­
lyn, N.Y. native, he sailed in
the engine department. Brother
Tarallo resides in San Bmno,
Calif.

INLAND

JAMES
STEPHENS,
66, joined
the SIU in
1967 in the
port of Hous­
ton. Bom in
Huntsville,
Texas, he

sailed as a captain. Boatman
Stephens calls Houston home.

Life of a Pensioner

Biggest trouble I have in adjusting to retirement
is learning to keep my grievances to myself.

'Seafarers Always Stand Up For What They Believe In'

Retired Member Salvo Remains Active
One might call him Mc-

Keesport, Pa.'s king of cor­
respondence.

Never the shy type, SIU pen­
sioner Pete Salvo keeps postal
workers busy with his steady
stream of letters, which cover a
broad range of topics and are
sent to an equally diverse group
of organizations, publications,
politicians and other in­
dividuals.

Brother Salvo, 72, sees his
letter-writing as an effective
means of voicing beliefs, in­
forming others and sometimes
spurring political action. Pub­
lished regularly on the op-ed
pages of several westem Penn­
sylvania newspapers, as well as
in the Seafarers LOG, Salvo has
corresponded with such notable
figures as President Clinton and
General Colin Powell.

Nicknamed the "Street Cap­
tain" by one of his neighbors
because of his take-charge at­
titude, Salvo never has been
passive about issues which af­
fect or interest him.

"I guess you could call me an
activist. I've been a law-abidihg
citizen for 72 years, but I'm
politically active," says the
World War II veteran who
sailed in the engine department
and resides near Pittsburgh.
"The SIU definitely had a lot to
do with helping me get
motivated. Seafarers always
have been people who stand up
for what they believe in."

Always Active
Brother Salvo joined the SIU

in 1943 in the port of New York
and promptly sailed on a num­
ber of dangerous voyages
during the war. For his service,
he has been decorated nine
times—most recently in
December 1992 when he
received a medal for taking part
in the treacherous Murmansk
supply mns to the former Soviet
Union.

After the war. Salvo
remained an active member of
the Seafarers. Before a back in­
jury in 1955 forced him to end
his maritime career. Salvo was
elected as a ship's delegate on
eight different vessels because
of the way he stdpd up for his
fellow crewmembers. He was a
picket captain during the
Isthmian strike in 1947 and
played an active part in many
other beefs. He also volunteered
along with other Seafarers for a
government-run medical ex­
periment in 1950.

After retiring from the sea.
Salvo went into the appliance
repair business. He worked in
that field for more than 30 years
but never forgot his ties to the
union and the U.S.-flag mer­
chant marine.

In fact, the role and plight of
the American merchant marine
during World War II remains a
favorite topic of Salvo's. In
recent years, he has written to
United States presidents, con­
gressional representatives, state
officials, publications and

others in an effort to secure
recognition for World War 11
merchant mariners. Whether
the issue is granting veterans
status, offering some recogni­
tion on Veterans Day and
Memorial Day, or simply set­
ting the record straight. Salvo's
typewriter stays warm as he
conveys his views.

Earlier this year, for ex­
ample, he took umbrage with a
letter that appeared in a
magazine published by the
American Legion. The letter
charged that, contrary to an ar­
ticle entitled "Merchant
Marine: The Heroic Fourth Arm
of Defense," Nazi U-boats
never machine-gunned any
mariners who survived their
vessel being sunk.

Salvo and dozens of others
immediately responded in writ­
ing and corrected the other let­
ter-writer. Salvo had first-hand
knowledge of such travesties,
having helped rescue survivors
of just such a machine-gun at­
tack during the war.

"There have been so many
lies told over the years about the
merchant marine," Salvo says
with a mixture of resignation
and disbelief. "Our government
didn't reveal until five years ago
that we lost over700 (merchant)
ships during the war. We were
the only all-volunteer service,
we had the second-highest
casualty rate during the war, be­
hind only the Marines, and yet
for all those years we were
denied veterans status. That just
wasn't right."

Thanks Maritime
Supporters

A member of numerous or­
ganizations, including Project
Liberty Ship, the Pennsylvania
Humane Society, the Merchant
Marine Veterans and Amnesty
International, Brother Salvo
does not limit his writings to
corrections or calls to action. He
makes a point of thanking
those who support both the

Pete Salvo

retired and active U.S. merchant
mariners.

For example, in 1989 he sent
a letter commending Rep.
Helen Delich Bentley (R-Md.)
to the Irwin (Pa.) Standard Ob­
server. The letter notes
Bentley's efforts to make sure
all U.S.-flag vessels (in this
case, Kuwaiti tankers in the Per­
sian Gulf which were re-flagged
to fly the Stars and Stripes but
carry only an American captain
and chief engineer) are manned
entirely by U.S. citizens.

Salvo forwarded a copy of
the letter to the representative,
who in turn sent him a thank-
you letter.

Additionally, Salvo's inter­
ests stem beyond maritime. He
is active in local politics and
also has written about every­
thing from the Iran-Contra af­
fair to Ralph Nader's activities.

Still, the Seafarers and the
maritime industry have a spe­
cial place in Salvo's heart—-and
in his order of business. "Any
more, to accomplish anything
you have to make a lot of noise.
That's the way I was brought up
in the SIU, and that's what it's
going to take to save this in­
dustry," Salvo emphatically
states. "The Seafarers taught me
to fight for what I believe in. If
you ever attended a meeting
with (late SIU President) Paul
Hall in New York... well, those
are times I'll never forget!"

Shown above are some of the many responses Salvo has received, along
with two of his published letters and a brief newspaper report about Salvo.

' u -T-

'i • S'

rf .'f-

• • ' ••. "'«f -
" •

V,. •^1..

'X-' •' " '• •.
-W:.

• :S ,

J:'.' "

""" .. :

I

i:

': I ' i

.vV

j-.'



: -X'

a5lia|g|5fev
.•••••. ••

^'v-::;; ••••
:^i'. ^•»?.v..' '•• .-. • V- "-• >S • "•••••:-• '•:

;f' •"' -"• . -•'•• •

20 SEAFMERSLOG OCTOBER 1003

HAFTA's Dai^eis
Raised by UnUms
Continued from page 6

door for Mexico to import more
U.S. products. But despite a
multi-million dollar pro-NAFTA
public relations campaign waged
by the Mexican government and
some U.S. business interests, no
one apparently has been able to
explain how Mexican workers,
many of whom earn as little as $4
a day, will be able to afford to buy
American goods.

Despite contentions to the
contrary, NAFTA threatens not
only low-skilled U.S. jobs, but
also high-tech, high-wage jobs
Professor Harley Shaiken of the
University of California recently
told a House employment sub­
committee.

Shaiken, a respected authority
on trade law, noted that the high­
tech industries (such as auto
production and consumer
electronics) that have located in
Mexico have attained produc­
tivity and quality levels com­
parable to those in the U.S.
However, Mexico's wages
remain at Third World rates.

The professor said NAFTA
will not improve Mexican
workers' conditions, but may
seriously harm American
workers as the two countries'
economies integrate.

"At issue is not economic in­
tegration with Mexico—that al­
ready exists and will continue to
expand—but the basis on which
an accelerated integration should
take place," he added.

Mexico's minimuih wage is
about $4 a day, ̂ d some citizens
there earn even l^s. Yet while the
U.S. has lost nearly a million

manufacturing jobs since the
early 1980s, the work force inside
Mexican maquiladora plants has
increased from 120,000 workers
in 1980 to more than half a mi
lion today. Some of those
workers earn as little as 50 cen
an hour.

Severe job losses in the U.S
resulting from NAFTA are back
ed up by these experiences with
the maquiladoras. For more than
a decade, U.S. companies have
been encouraged through govern
ment policy to establish manufac
turing factories in Mexico, alon
the American border. The
products from these plants are ex
ported into the U.S. market at
reduced tariffs.

The explosion of manufactur­
ing plants along Mexico's border
has caused hundreds of boom
towns and squatter communities
filled with cardboard shanties anc
housing made from scrap wooc
for the thousands of workers who
are employed at the many U.S.
companies, where they build cars,
make furniture, assemble
electronics components and
more. The living conditions in
these areas are characterized by
insufficient and inadequate hous­
ing, lack of running water or
sewage facilities and little or no
electripty.

Enactment oif NAFTA only
would increase such scenes, say
opponents of the agreement.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
Thomas Donahue reaffirmed
labor's vehement opposition to
NAFTA when he stated, "For the
rest of this congressional session,
the No. 1 priority of the American
trade union movement is defeat­
ing NAFTA."

Setting the Record Straight:
5 Facts About NAFTA

1. U.S. Will Lose High-Skill, High-Wage Jobs
In a growing number of industries, labor productivity in Mexico is even

higher than in comparable U.S. factories because Mexican plants are
newer and workers often receive more training. Where labor is cheap to
hire, it i§ cheap to train, regardless of the type of work.

If NAFTA is enacted, the U.S. will lose not only a bevy of comparably
low-skill, low-wage jobs but also a substantial number of high-skill, high-
wage positions.

2. Current Trade Surplus Is Misleading
NAFTA's supporters claim that America's two-year-old trade surplus

with Mexico proves the trade deal will create jobs. Yet even pro-NAFTA
economists admit the surplus reflects an overvalued peso which is likely
to fall by as much as 20 percent next year. That fall will more than wipe
out all advantage to the U.S. of eliminating Mexican tariffs.

Additionally, the surplus is in capital goods, not consumer goods. In
other words, the U.S. is shipping machinery south to expand the capacity
of Mexico's low-wage factories to produce consumer goods for sale back
in the U.S.

3. Side Deals Fall Short
NAFTA's recently announced side agreements do nothing to address

the question of suppressed wages in Mexico. They contain no labor
standards, and also are silent on questions of air pollution and wildlife
protection.

The side deals also would set up a bureaucratic maze that would make
it virtually impossible to enforce the few topics they cover.

4. Mexican Drivers Are Exempt
During the Bush administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation

(anticipating NAFTA) ordered all state governments to exempt anyone with
a driver's license issued in Mexico from the licensing requirements that
American truckers must meet. With 85 percent of all commerce between
the U.S. and Mexico carried by truck, the implications are distressing.

For example, Mexican drivers will tie exempted from California's
special certification requirements for truckers who haul double-trailers and
hazardous waste. Also, the question of insurance liability is left un­
answered. What will accidents involving uninsured Mexican drivers do to
overall insurance rates in the U.S.?

Finally, U.S. truck drivers will be forced to compete with Mexican
workers who make as little as $7 a day.

5. Other Countries Will Use Export Platform
NAFTA surely will divert Asian and European investment to Mexico that

othenvise might come into the U.S. Additionally, other nations will use
Mexico as an export platform into the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz,
and luxury cars
major textile and apparel center in Mexico to produce products to export
to the U.S.

I uuilic; iiiiu lilt? u.o. Muuiiiuiioiiiy, uiiitsi iiaiiuiia win uov
Kport platform into the U.S.
enz, for example, is setting up facilities to produce buses
; in Mexico in anticipation of NAFTA. China is building a

ClinliHi Offm Plan to Congress;
AFL-CIO Backs Basics of Proposal
Continued from page 6

The so-called "employer man
date" is one of the main points o
contention in Clinton's plan
Many businesses welcome it, lar­
gely because they already cover
at least 80 percent of their
employees' health care costs anc
also indirectly pay for non-
covered employees at other com-
panies. For example, when
someone without medica
coverage is treated at an emergen­
cy room, the cost is passed on to
those who have insurance, in the
forms of higher premiums, higher
deductibles, etc. (reflecting
higher hospital billing to compen­
sate for the cost of indigent care).

The AFL-CIO long has main­
tained that citizens who have in­
surance inevitably bear the
inancial burden of the uninsured.

That situation must be changed so
that everyone pays their fair share,
the federation has emphasized.

Others claim the cost of man­
datory coverage would severely
larm small businesses and some
other companies. However, the
jresident's plan apparently

would limit large companies'
jayments to about 7 percent of
jayroll, with smaller businesses
laving a 4 percent limit. Sub­

sidies would cover the difference
in both cases.

But for the largest companies
jrobably those with at least
,000 workers), this cap only

would apply if they join regiond
lealth insurance purchasing
jools or "health alliances" to be

created by the Clinton plan.
Health alliances would offer a

variety of comprehensive plans,
including health maintenance or­
ganization (HMO) plans, tradi­
tional fee-for-service plans and
irobably some combinations of
)oth. The health alliances would
buy services from HMOs and
other companies which in tum
contract with doctors and other
health care providers. Individual
employees then would have a
hoice among the plans offered
jy their alliance. (They would not

be required to join an HMO.)

HEAITH CAR
REFORM PROJEC

AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland outlines labor's plans to mobilize
"or health care reform.

The SIU favorably notes that
multi-employer plans, such as the
Seafarers Welfare Plan, would be
considered its own health alliance
)ut would have the option of join­
ing Others.

Opponents of the Clinton plan
caution that these alliances will
restrict citizens' ability to choose
their health care providers, be­
cause they would be limited to the
)lans to which their employers
subscribe. Proponents of the
iresident's plan counter by
saying that all existing choices
plus some new ones will be avail­
able in the health alliances. Addi-
ionally, Clinton's plan would

ensure that quality care is avail­
able, in part by providing pre­
viously unavailable information
about the provider to the patient.

The main sources of funds for
the plan from 1994 to 2000 are
cuts in Medicare and Medicaid
spending, eliminating "red tape,"
JIUS "sin" taxes and other
)rojected savings (see chart),
'resident Clinton would use the

Medicare and Medicaid savings
to help Bnance coverage for the
uninsured and also to expand
coverage for the elderly.

Here again, some have raised
concerns about whether the
financing plan will work. Much
depends on the government's
ability to limit premiums, which
in turn, theoretically at least,
would limit payment to health
care providers.

Some health insurance
providers balk at such limits,
claiming they will adversely ef­
fect the quality of care. Others
insist that networks of doctors,
hospitals and insurance com­
panies will control costs themsel­
ves in order to gain business.

While the debate over
Clinton's plan and others con­
tinues, there is bipartisan agree­
ment that the current U.S. system
is far too costly. The nation's
health care spending, which has
increased by about 11 percent in
each of the last five years, is
projected at $900 billion for 1993.

Comparing Five Nations' Health Care Spending

20%

15%

•s

i
I

10%

S ''v ''s ''v ''N ^ . ''v ''-V ^ ^ >. X X X X X •

5%

0%
1980 iot

Sourc*: OECD, Whits Houss

1990

Note: Graphic shows what five nations spent on health care from 1980 to 1990, plus U S proiected
spending with and without enactment of President Clinton's health care reform plan." " ^ '

Japan
Unltsd Kingdom

'•P



0CWBBI1993 SEAFARBIS UK 21

N-jp-I r,;, - ;•••

Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union ship-
board minutes as possible. On occasion, b^use 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 minuted are then for­

warded to the Seafarers LOG.

1STLT. JACK LUMMUS
(Amsea), April 4—Chairman K.
Johnson, Secretary L. Oram, Educa­
tional Director P. Kwasi^uk,
Steward Delegate E. Loret. Chair­
man reported message received from
headquarters concerning hazardous
duty pay. Treasurer reported $242.58
in ship's fund. Deck delegate
reported beef. No beefs or disputed
OT reported by engine or steward
delegates. Crewmembers asked con­
tracts department to clarify sanitation
duties. Crewmembers donated money
toward AB James McCarthy's trip
home due to death in family. Next
port: Somalia.

GUS DARNELL (Ocean Shiphold-
ing), June 6—Chairman John Wolff,
Secretary David Smith, Educational
Director Raymond Frail, Deck
Delegate Tan Ah Joon, Engine
Delegate AH Alfaqih, Steward
Delegate Timothy Dowd. Chairman
discussed 45-day voyage around
South America and reminded crew­
members to conserve water, put plas­
tic in proper place and not to slam
doors. He announced the addition of
TV to crew lounge and reported ex­
cellent group of ABs aboard.
Secretary reported good steward
department on duty for voyage.
Educational director urged crewmem­
bers to use small cycle on washing
machine when doing laundry. He en­
couraged members to upgrade skills
at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew asked contracts
department to look into improved
dental coverage. Crew gave vote of
thanks to steward department for job
well done. Captain announced ship
will he furrugated while in shipya^
in July.

LNG AQUARIUS (ETC), June 26—
Chairman Carlos Pineda, Secretary
F. Robertson, Educational Director
W. Fay. Chairman announced con­
tract extension. Educational director
reminded members to upgrade at Lun-
deberg School. Treasurer reported
$500 in movie fund and $39 in ship's
fiind. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman reminded crew­
members to return to Iship at least one
hour before sailing time. He also
reminded crew to keep noise down
when docking and undocking late at
night

LNG ARIES (ETC), June 27—Chair­
man BlUie Darley, Secretary R.
Brown, Educational Director D.
Panko, Deck Delegate P. Funk, En­
gine Delegate Richard Robertson,
Steward Delegate Udjang Nurdjaqa.
Chairman reported captain is happy
with how crew has performed duties.
Secretary reminded crew of impor­
tance of acting properly while ashore.
Treasurer reported $447 in ship's
fund. Chairman reported telex
received from company announcing
contract extension through August
16. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew gave vote of thanks to
steward department for excellent
food and service. Chairman reminded
members to secure weight room after
use to avoid problems in rough seas.
Next port: Himeji, Japan.

PAUL Bl/C/C(Ocean Shipholding),
June 27—Chairman D. Ellette,
Secretary M. Brinn, Educational
Director James Robbins, Deck
Delegate Jack Cockron, Engine
Delegate Karl Friebel, Steward
Delegate Adolphis Young. Chairman
announced new washer and mattres­
ses came aboard in Norfolk, Va. He
discussed payoff and orders to load in
Yanbu, Saudi Arabia and discharge
in Sasebo, Japan. Crewmembers ad­
vised to purchase personal items at

next port. Educational director urged
members to upgrade at Paul Hall Cen­
ter and donate to SPAD. Treasurer
reported $4(X) in ship's fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Chair­
man read telex concerning contract
extension. Captain, who reported
aboard in Norfolk, gave each depart­
ment vote of thanks for clean ship
after cottung out of shipyard. Next
port: Thule, Greenland.

SEA-LAND EXPEDITION {Sea-
Land Service), June 27—Chairman
Paulino Flores, Secretary E. Vaz­
quez, Educational Director Dan
Beeman. Chairman reported smooth
trip without problems. Secretary
asked contracts department to advise
members of contract results. No beefs
or disputed OT reported.

SEA-LAND EXPRESS (Sea-Land
Service), June 3—Chairman Ray
Ramirez, Secretary G. Bryant,
Educational Director L. Cowan,
Deck Delegate Larry Long, Engine
Delegate Bryan Honeycutt, Steward
Delegate Fadel Abdulla. Chairman
discussed possibility of ship payoff
immediately upon arrival in port. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
discussed rotating duties for cleaning
of recreation area and daily sanitary.
Crew also discussed smoking policy
in mess room and gave vote of thanks
to galley gang for good food.

SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE
(Sea-Land Service), June 6—Chair­
man E. Bronstein, Secretary R.G.
Griswold, Educational Director D.
Johnson, Steward Delegate James
Oreilly. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew asked contracts
department to look into amending
shipping rules with regard to federal
family leave law and improve pen­
sion benefits. Next port: Charleston,
S.C.

SEA-LAND PRODUCER (Sea-
Land Service), June 13—Chairman
Jack Edward, Secretary Jennifer
Jim, Educational Director Jim Smit-
ko. Chairman discussed end of shut­
tle services for Sea-Land vessels in
all ports as announced on May 13.
Chairman announced ship's arrival in
Oakland, Calif, and estimated time of
departure. Educational director noted
new courses at Piney Point and en­
couraged members to upgrade skills.
Treasurer reported $55 in crew's
fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested treasurer
post list of movies bought with fund
including updates on remaitung
fimds. Crew gave vote of thanks and
appreciation to steward department
for job well done.

SEA-LAND SPIRIT {Sea-Land Ser­
vice), June 6—Chairman R. Cle-
mente. Secret^ S. Apodaca,
Educational Director C. Henley,
Deck Delegate T. Doi, Engine
Delegate C. Mendeiros, Steward
Delegate F. Maliga. Crew gave vote
of thanks to galley gang for job well
done. Next port: Honolulu.

SEA-LAND VALUE {Sea-Land Ser­
vice), June 3—Chairman George
Wilson, Secretary A. Hassan, Educa­
tional Director R. Kitlas. Chairman
reported good crew and officers
aboard with fine job performed by
steward department. Crew report^
lounge needs two new chairs and
also requested new pillows and
linens. Crew gave vote of thanks to
steward department. Next port:
Elizabeth, N.J.

SEALIFT ANTARCTIC (IMC),
June 6—Chairman Steve Handsford,
Secretary James Swart, Educational
Director Jim Fox, Engine Delegate

Martin Reedy, Steward (Delegate
Mohsin Abdulla. Chairman ex­
tended welcome to new Seafarers and
announced additional crewmembers
boarding in San Diego. Educational
director urged members to upgrade
skills at Lundeberg School. No beefs
or disputed OT reported.

SEALIFTINDIAN OCEAN {UAC).
June 1—Chairman Bob Pagan,
Secretary Roy Royals, E>eck
Delegate Jim World, Engine
Delegate Mike Ricci, Steward
Delegate Ray Rodriguez. Chairman
reported TV and VCR need repair.
Crew requested chairs for mess hall
and lounge area be repaired or
replaced. Treasurer reported $196 in
ship's fund. Crew requested
respirators and masks for those mem­
bers who clean tanks. Secretary
reported limited stores and an­
nounced company's budget for
stores, cleaning supplies, plates and
forks not adequate. He reported
menus very limited. Educational
director encouraged members to
upgrade at Paul Hall Center and
reminded them of program available
to anyone with drug or alcohol
problems. He also led a discussion on
AIDS and what can be done to
prevent acquiring the disease. Beefs
and disputed OT reported by deck
delegate. No beefs or disputed OT
reported by engine or steward
delegates. Crew reported no rotation
of movies. Crew asked contracts
department to send information
regarding clothing allowance for tank
cleaning. Steward department
reported microwave needs repair or
replacement due to hole in door.
Crew reported slop chest needs to he
stocked with more than cigiuettes,
especially toiletries such as tooth­
paste. Crew re^rted company needs
to buy light bulbs. Next port: Gaeta,
Italy.

(/S/VS r£/«4C/0t/S(USMMD,
June 3—Chairman Roy Conn,
Secretary John Reid, Vocational
Delegate Danny AUeman, Deck
Delegate Ron Mercer, Engine
Delegate Howard Hendra, Steward
Delegate Eddie Pippins. Crew
elected new chairman and delegates
and discussed information regarding
upgrading at Piney Point.

CAPE HENRY {lOM), My 11—
Chairman T.S. Votsis, Secretary B.
Fletcher, Educational Director I.
Rousseau, Deck Delegate Victor
Tamulis, Vgine Delegate Kevin
Hall, Steward Delegate Gordon
Wheeler. Educational director urged
members to upgrade skills at Lun­
deberg School. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew requested more in­
formation concerning union affairs
and Seafarers LOGs be sent to ship.
Chairman atmounced vessel will be
laid up after seven months of duty.
Crew asked contracts department to
look into pension increases. Crew
thanked galley gang for very good
job. Deck department commended by
MSC and MarAd for efforts in keep­
ing vessel in excellent condition.
Crew reported waiting for results of
contract negotiations. Next port Nor­
folk, Va.

CHARLES L. BROWN (Jran-
soceanic Cable), July 10—Chairman
J. Harrington, Secretary B.
Kamiya, Educational Director Wil­
liam Carroll. Chairman reported
first aid kits for steward and engine
departments ordered. He announced
union holiday on August 20 honoring
the late SlU President Paul Hall.
Treastuer reported $5(X) in ship's
fund. Deck delegate retrunded deck
department members to use caution
with new table saw. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Chairman an­
nounced letter from company
regarding contract extension. Crew
reported engine department replaced
pipe on deck.

CHARLESTON {Apex Marine),
July 18—Chairman A. Maben,
Secretary B. Daniels, Educational
Director Tony Mohammed, Deck
Delegate G, Ortiz, Engine Delegate
Joseph Saxon, Steward Delegate
Angel Correa. Chairman discussed
foreign-flag threat by Sea-Land and .
acquisition of 68 Ready Reserve

Force ships. Secretary informed crew
of vacation, medical and change of
address forms in crew lounge. Educa­
tional director stressed importance of
utilizing Piney Point facility for
upgrading job skills as well as GED
and college courses. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Chairman dis­
tributed union pamphlets and
literature to crewmembers. Chairman
conunencled GSU Silverio Arana for
doing good job in keeping mess room
clean and urged crew to keep eating
areas tidy. Chairman reportV clothes
iron for crew ordered, and crew gave
special thanks to steward department.
Next port: Groton, Conn.

INGER{Seaim Bulkers), July 25—
Chairman Theodore Bush, Secretary
Vincent Sanchez Jr,, Deck Delegate
Bernard Wilson, Engine Delegate
Robert Caldwell, Steward Delegate
Rehuel Ascano. Chairman reported
payoff in Galveston, Texas and an­
nounced repair list will be submitted
to captain and patrolman. He

department for clarification.
Secretary reported smooth sailing
with great group of union brothers.
He thanked crewmembers for keep­
ing mess hall and ship house clean.
Educational director urged members
to keep attending Paul Hall Center to
upgrade. No beefs reported. Chair­
man reported food prices keep going
up but not company food budget.
Crew asked contracts department for
clarification on transportation pay.
Crew gave vote of thanks to gdley
gang for making do with low stores.
Next port: Stapleton, N.Y.

rrS NEW YORK{SheTidan
Transportation), July 31—Chairman
J. Harris, Secretary G. Schwartz,
Educational Director Michael Vacca,
Deck Delegate D. Tuten, Engine
Delegate P. Ramos, Steward
Delegate Mat Scott. Chairman
reported ship in good shape. Educa­
tional director discussed benefits of
upgrading skills at Piney Point. No
bwfs or disputed OT reported. Crew

Nearly Two Centuries of Experience

The 8-12 watch aboard the PFC Eugene A. Obregon brings a com­
bined total of 194>ears to the job. From left are AB Robert Lambert,
63; Third Mate Edwin Rutter, 65; and AB Reeves Hornby, 66. All three
have sailed for many years on all types of ships. The above photo was
taken during a recent underway replenishment exercise with the US.
Navy tanker Joshua Humphreys. 100 miles southeast of Bermuda.

reminded crewmembers signing off
to leavcL^m neat and clean for next
person. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Engine delegate reported
di^ in engine department shower
needs to be unclogged. Crew gave
vote of thanks to galley gang for job
well done.

ITS BALTIMORE {Sheridan
Transportation), July 4—Chairman
Jimmy Rogers, Secretary Andrew
Hagan, Educational Director Paul
Honeycutt, Deck Delegate Anthony
Heinoldt, Steward Delegate John
Padilla Crew asked contracts depart­
ment for information concerning
status of new contract Bosun con­
gratulated Recertified Steward
Andrew Hagan for being awarded
four-year SIU scholarship and wished
him luck in future studies. Crew gave
thanks to Steward department and
John Padilla who is signing off for
vacation. Next port: Charleston, S.C.

ITB JACKSONVILLE{Sheridm
Transportation), July 1—Chairman
Luke Wells, Secret^ Richard
Worobey, Education^ Director
Spiros Perdikis, Steward Delegate S.
Suraredja Chairman reported crew
TV needs repair and armounced deck
department needs summer work cloth­
ing provided by company. He an­
nounced payoff and stated vessel
heading to St. Croix, V.I. Chairman
also encouraged crewmembers to
upgrade at Lundeberg School. No
bwfs or disputed OT reported. Crew
asked contracts department to look
into increasing m^cal benefits for
dependents. Chairman reminded crew
no smoking in crew mess during
meal hours.

ITB MOBILE (Sheridan Transporta­
tion), July 26—Chairman Fred Jen­
sen, Secretary Pedro Sellan,
Educational Director C. Rodriguez,
Deck Delegate J. McCormick, En­
gine Delegate A. Salim, Steward
Delegate T. Quammie. Chairman an­
nounced contract negotiations ex­
tended for 60 days. He reported
disputed OT in all departments due to
sailing time and asked contracts

reported deck, engine and steward
departments have worked as family
and everyone is happy. Crew gave
special thanks to galley gang for 4th
of July feast. Next port St Croix, V.I.

LIBERTY BELLE (Liberty
Maritime), July 18—Chairman
Benedict Bom, Deck Delegate
Eddie Hall, Engine Delegate T.
Ripoli, Steward Delegate John
Foster. Chairman reported company
will purchase iron and new furniture
for day room and crew mess. Discus­
sion was held on finding way to
secure lounge and mess while in
port

UBERTYWAVEOAherty
Maritime), July 23--Chairman Jorge
Osorio, Secretary E. H^ger, Educa­
tional Director Fred Tiemey. Chair­
man reported good trip with crew and
announced payoff. Educational direc­
tor urged members to upgrade at Lun-
deberg School. No beefs OT disputed
OT reported. Crew discussed vacation
pay arid gave vote of thanks to steward
department for job well done.

L/VG CAPI7/CO/?/V(ETQ, July
25—Chairman Charles Kahl,
Secretary Norman Duhe, Educatioii-
al Director P. Wolf, Deck Delegate
Thomas Harding, Engine Delegate
Robert Rice, Steward Delegate
Perry McCalL Chairman asked all
departments to work together to make
life easier for all and create safe and
happy ship. He also urged members
to support SPAD. Educational direc­
tor reminded members to take ad­
vantage of Paul Hall Center. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Chairman
read telex on contract extension.
Crew thanked galley gang for job
well done. Next port: Arun, Indonesia.

LNG LEO (ETC), July 25—Chair­
man Robert Schwarz, Secretary
Henry Jones Jr., Deck Delegate G.
Kehiis, Steward Delegate 1.
Solomons. Chairman announced he
jirst came aboard and looks forward
to working with crew. He reported he
had not received an update concem-

CoiUinued on page 22

''-'i, .
• v. :

••rt

'r

1 ^ J "1' I ^ ^ ' -i fv-' V



-:"v;

rfe:. :••• •

•y. .

I "

.i[c.:"\ '

; '<; , ,

r rff'v"?''" •

%

22 SEAFARERS LOC

Ships Digest

Continued from page 21

ing contract. He encouraged mem­
bers to support American-flag ship­
ping and donate to SPAD.
Educational director urged crew to
take advantage of upgrading classes
at Piney Point, He also reminded
members to donate to SPAD. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Chair­
man reported crewmembers doing
good job keeping recreation room
and mess hall clean. He reminded
everyone not to yell in passageways
and to respect shipmates. Crew gave
vote of thanks to steward department
for excellent meals. Next port: ArurJ,
Indonesia.

1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS
(Amsea), July 4—Chairman Kelly
Devine, Secretary Anthony Curran,
Deck Delegate Ddn Denorio,
Steward Delegate Debora Grendahl.
Educational director urged members
to take advantage of Lundeberg
School facilities to upgrade skills.
Treasurer reported $344vin ship's
fund and reported some Jioney will
be used toward purchase of new
movies. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew discussed benzene
testing requirements to receive ship­
ping card. Crew discussed movies to
add to library. Next port: Newport
News, Va.

MAJOR STEPHEN W. PLESS
(Waterman Steamship), July 25-
Chairman Bernard Hutcherson,
Secretary Tony Piazza, Educational
Director G. Wallis, Deck Delegate
Fred Hunter, Engine Delegate Felix
Miralda. Disputed OT arid beefs
reported by deck and steward
delegates. Crew discussed what
would happen if water was con­
taminated and if bottled water for
drinking and cooking was used. Crew
agreed to hold union meetings more
often to minimize problems. Chair­
man read exerpts from union con­
tract.

MAYAGUEZ(Puerto Rico Marine),
July 4—Chairman Albert Caulder,
Secretary L. Ewing, Educational
Director E. Richman. Chairman an­
nounced payoff in Norfolk, Va.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Paul Hall Cen­
ter. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crewmembers discussed 30-
day emergency leave plan for mem­
bers. Crew gave vote of thanks to
galley gang and requested new TV
and toaster.

NORTHERN LIGHTS (lOM), July
25—Chairman Ray Waiters,
Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educa­
tional Director K. Jordan, Deck
Delegate T. Jackson, Engine
Delegate Charles Kennedy, Steward
Delegate Christopher Green. Chair­
man reported new items on order.
Secret^ said captain praised
crewmembers' work and reported
payoff will be at sea. Educational
director urged members to upgrade
skills at Lundeberg School. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Next port:

Tacoma, Wash.

OM//.E4DEA? (OMI), July 25—
Chairman Patrick Rankin, Secretary
Michael Davalie, Educational Direc­
tor Alvin Markowitz, Deck Delegate
Tommie Vines Sr., Engine Delegate
Bruce Korte, Steward Delegate
Stanley Krysyosiak. Chairman
reported new dryer in crew laundry
needed. He also gave special thanks
to entire crew for fine job. Education­
al director encouraged members to
upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Beef
reported by deck delegate. No beefs
or disputed OT reported by engine or
steward delegates. Crew requested
new furniture in crew lounge.

OOCL INNOVA RON (Sea-Land
Service), July 11—Chairman John
Bertolino, Secretary Edward Col­
lins, Educational Director Harry
Messick, Deck Delegate Douglas
Hodges, Engine Delegate Peter
Hausmann, Steward Delegate Rad-
mes Cosme. Chairman announced ar­
rival in Charleston, S.C. with payoff
that morning. He reminded crew pur­
pose of SPAD and urged donations.
Secretary thanked crew for keeping
pantry clean and advised memlwrs to
attend Piney Point and upgrade skills
as soon as possible. Treasurer
reported $70 in ship's fiind. Disputed
OT reported by deck delegate. No
beefs or disputed OT reported by en­
gine or steward delegates. Crew
thanked chief steward, chief cook and
GSU Jose Bermudez for jobs well
done.

OVERSEAS ALASKA (Maritime
Overseas), July 18—Chairman A. J.
Eckert, Secretary J. Weedi Educa­
tional Director T. Kreutzer, Deck
Delegate G.R. Christianson, Engine
Delegate J. Brown, Steward
Delegate J. Garton. Chairman
reported captain will have payoff as
soon as money arrives. Educational
director reminded members to
upgrade at Lundeberg School. Deck
delegate reported disputed OT. No
beefs or disputed OT reported by en­
gine or steward delegates. Crew gave
vote of thanks to SIU President
Michael Sacco for the work he's
done for membership. Crew reported
new pillows and mattresses needed.
Next port: Anacortes, Wash.

OVERSEAS HARRIETTE
(Maritime Overseas), July 25—Chair­
man P. Victor, Secretary Howard
Williams, Deck Delegate P. Baker,
Engine Delegate W. Bloodworth,
Steward Delegate Heath Bryan.
Secretary announced this is second
trip to Klaipeda, Lithuania with load
of com. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew noted Seafarers
LOGs and ship's mail received in
English Channel and new washing
machine for crew arrived. They
reported pleasant voyage where
everyone respects each other and
gave special thanks to gourmet chefs
Howard Williams and Heath Bryan
for excellent food. Crew reported
crew mess overhead needs repair.

OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS
(Maritime Overseas), July 18—Chair­
man Sonny Pinkham, Secretary D.
Brown, Educational Director Gerald

The Perfect Splice

Deck department members aboard the USNS Wilkes splice a large
eye in one of the ship's mooring lines. Instructing in proper splicing
procedures aboard the oceanographic survey ship is Bosun "Skip
Yager (right). Chief Mate Fred Smallwood observes while AB Jake
Jacobs and OSs John Kaack and Matt Sandy work on the splice.

in

Daley, Deck Delegate Emanuel Gaz-
zier. Engine Delegate James Skub-
na. Steward Delegate Edward
Winne. Chairman reported Patrol­
man Mike Calhoun serviced vessel
Houston. Educational director
reminded members to upgrade skills
at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew reported
July Seafarers LOGs received. Crew
members gave vote of confidence to
contracts depaftment in negotiating to
"keep meat on our tables." Crew
reported air conditioning running
warm. Chairman thanked all depart­
ments for jobs well done. Crewmem^
bers observed moment of silence for
departed brothers and sisters. Next
port: Stapleton, N.Y.

PFC JAMES ANDERSON
(Maersk Lines), July 11—Chairman
T. Anderson, Secret^ H. Wilder-
muth. Educational Director L.
Cochbran, Deck Delegate James
Hailstone, Steward Delegate Earl
Castain. Educational director urged
members to take advantage of upgrad­
ing program at Piney Point. Treasurer
reported $200 in ship's fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck
and engine delegate gave special
recognition to galley gang for excel­
lent job. Chairman reminded mem­
bers to keep dues paid up in full.
Next port: Diego Garcia.

SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steam­
ship), July 2-7-Chairman Bobby Rld-
dick. Secretary C. Rooks,
Educational Director E. Neatbery,
Deck Delegate James Walker,
Steward Delegate Ronnie Moore.
Chairman asked contracts department
to send all correspondence directly to
bosun and not to officers. Crew
reported mail not being received once
on ship. Chairman reminded crew­
members to keep noise down.

SEA-LAND ACHIEVER (Sea-Land
Service), July 25—Chairman James
Davis, Secretary Felipe Orlanda,
Educational Director A. Quinn, En­
gine Delegate Sheldon Greenberg,
Steward Delegate Jose Santos. Chair­
man reported radio officer announced
telegram received from SIU head­
quarters regarding Sea-Land efforts
to go foreign-flag but chairman had
not received copy.

SEA-LAND ATLANTIC (Sea-Land
Service), July 25—Chairman Calvin
James, Secretary F. Costango,
Educational Director Kevin DeSue,
Deck Delegate James Rush, Steward
Delegate Donald Williams. Chair­
man discussed cleaning of crew
lounge and asked members not to
leave dirty dishes in lounge over­
night. Chairman reminded crew to
check heat and air conditioning vents
and asked members keep mess room
furniture in good condition. Secretary
announced all cargo will be dis­
charged between New York and Bos­
ton and ship will go into shipyard in
Norfolk, Va for 7-8 days. He an­
nounced no layoffs. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew reported
Seafarers LOGs received and dis­
tributed to all departments. Crew ap­
proved motion that air cooling and
heating units and bulkheads be
cleaned once a month and painted
each year. Next port: Boston.

SEA-LAND DEFENDER (Sea-
Land Service), July 9—Chairman
G.M. Westphal, Secretary John
Alamar, Educational Director Joe
Barry. Chairman reported receiving
second-hand information regarding
Sea-Land ships going foreign-flag
but telegram from SIU headquarters
had not yet arrived. Educational direc­
tor urged members to upgrade skills
at Lundeberg School and reminded
them all information available aboard
ship. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Next port: Oakland, Calif.

SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (Sea-
Land Service), July 17—Chairman
A. Trikoglou, Secretary J. Colls,
Educational Director J. Shuler, Deck
Delegate E. Ortega, Engine Delegate
J. Guaris, Steward Delegate A.
Colon. Chairman reported everything
running smoothly with ship out of
shipyard. Secretary gave vote of
thanks to deck department for good
paint job in passageways. He
reported new water cooler needed in

SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (Sea-
Land Service), July 11—Chairman
Elex Cary Jr., Secretary E.M.
Douroudous, Educational Director
R. Chapman. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew reported every­
thing running smoothly.

SEA-LAND EXPRESS (Sea-Land
Service), July 11—Chairman Ray
Ramirez, Secretary G. Bryant Jr.,
Educational Director A. Bell, Deck
Delegate Timothy Smith, Engine
Delegate Gebar Oghe, Steward
Delegate Fadel Abdulla. Disputed
OT reported by steward delegate. No
beefs or disputed OT reported by
deck or engine delegates. Chairman
reminded crewmembers no smoking
in mess room during meals. Next
port: Tacoma, Wash.

SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (Sea-
Land Service), July 11—Chairman
Claude Dockrey, Secretary Jose
Bayani, Educational Director War­
ren Wright, Deck Delegate Charles
Howell, Engine Delegate Frank Al-
shaif. Steward Delegate Rafaelita
Griego. Secretary gave vote of
thanks to deck and engine depart­
ments for clean ship inside and out.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew discussed Sea-Land an­
nouncement to re-flag. Chairman
reminded crewmembers to clean
cabin before signing off. Next port:
Long Beach, Calif.

SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (Sea-
Land Service), July 25—Chairman
Werner Becher, Secretary Ceasar
Blanco, Educational Director Walter
Stevens, Deck Delegate K. Hagar^
Steward Delegate Vir^lio Hof­
fmann. Chairman reminded crew­
members to keep rooms locked while
in port because ship's VCR was
stolen in Oakland, Calif. Secretary an­
nounced intention of keeping in
touch with chairman concerning daily
events. Educational director reported
crew well informed. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew discussed
negotiation extension.

SEA-LAND PACER (Sea-Land Ser­
vice), July 18—Chairman Lance
Zollner, Secretary W. Wroten,
Educational Director S. Acosta,
Deck Delegate Rudy Asopardo, En-

!;ine Delegate Sotmy Acosta,
Steward Delegate Jim Ahellano.
Chairman reported he called con­
tracts department for information on
Sea-Land's efforts to go foreign-flag.
He reported Vice President Contracts
Augie Tellez stated union is working
through Congress and other avenues
to prevent this from occurring. Chair­
man discussed Department of
Defense policy of allocating monies
to vessels with military capabilities.
Educational director urged members
to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No
reefs or disputed OT reported. Mem-

1 rers requested information concern­
ing negotiations and foreign-flag
transfers. Next port: Yokohama,
Japan.

SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE
(Sea-Land Service), July 11—Chair­
man R. Moss, Secretary Gary Gris-
wold. Educational Director Arthur
Rhymes. Chairman announced
notice from headquarters regarding
60-day extension on contract. Chair­
man discussed retirement benefits
and seatime with crewmembers. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Chair­
man discussed letter from head­
quarters concerning Sea-Lands's
petition to Mar Ad to re-flag 13 ships.
Crewmembers asked contracts
departiAent to look into union com­
plying with new federal law allow­
ing up to 12 weeks personal leave
without loss of job. Crew also asked
contracts department to look into
amending shipping rules regarding
length of time per voyage. Next
port: Boston.

SEA-LAND PRODUCER (Sea- '
Land Service), July 16—Chairman
. ack Edward, Secretary Jennifer
. lim. Educational Director Jim Smit-
to. Chairman reported arrival in Oak-
and, Calif, on Tuesday July 13 at

OCnBER 1993

mess room. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew gave vote of thanks to
galley gang for job well done. Next
port: Elizabeth, N.J.

2400. He informed crew information
from SIU headquarters has not been
sent to ship concerning Sea-Land's
recent statement to re-flag 13 ships.
He reminded crewmembers signing
off to clean rooms and refurbish with

Ambassadorial BBQ

Chief Cook Floyd Bishop does
some grilling on the deck of the
Crowley Ambassador.

clean linens for new persons coming
aboard. Treasurer reported $55 in
ship's fund. Beef and disputed OT
reported by steward delegate. No
beefs or disputed OT reported by
deck or engine delegate.

SEA-LAND SPIRIT(Sea-Land Ser­
vice), July 4-^—Chairman R. Cle-
mente. Secretary S. Apodaca,
Educational Director C. Henley,
Deck Delegate T. Doi, Engine
Delegate C. Medeiros, Steward
Delegate G. Lee. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew reported
couch and chair in crew recreation
room need to be reupholstered. Crew
gave vote of thanks to steward depart­
ment for job well done. Next port:
Honolulu.

SEA-LAND SHINING STAR (Sea-
Land Service), July 6—Chairman
Joseph Colangelo, Secretary Miguel
Pahon, Educational Director
Thomas Priscu, Deck Delegate Her­
nando Bansuelo, Engine Delegate
Gary Mitchell, Steward Delegate
Allan Sim. Educational director
urged members to upgrade at Piney
Point. Deck delegate reported dis­
puted OT. No beefs or disputed OT
by engine or steward delegates. Chair­
man praised members upgrading at
Limdeberg School and stressed im­
portance of advancing oneself
through education.

SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land
Service), July 8—Chairman Robert
Stuverud, Educational Director C.
Piper. Treasurer reported $715 in
ship's fund. Chairman noted two-
month extension on contract and Sea-
Land's announcement to transfer 13
ships to foreip-flag. Crewmembers
discussed retirement benefits and
thanked steward department for job
well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash.

SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land
Service), July 4—Chairman L.E.
Watson, Secretary J. Johnson,
Educational Director R. Risbeck,
Deck Delegate George Vukmir, En­
gine Delegate Ronald Swanson,
Steward Delegate Mohamed Shibly.
Chairman handed out sample letter to
union members to send to U.S. repre­
sentatives and senators in support of
legislation for revitalization of U.S.
merchant marine. No beefs or disputed
QT reported. Crew gave vote of thanks
to galley gang for great food and salad
bar.

SEA-LAND VALUE (Sea-Land Ser­
vice), July 9—Chairman Grarge Wil­
son, Secretary A. Hassan, Educational
Director Steve Miller. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crewmembers
discussed Sea-Land's announcement
to re-flag vessels and reported feel­
ings of sadness and anger. Secretary
said new towels received and gave
vote of thanks to steward depart-

Continued on page 24

. .r'- •/;y - v /"'/:-

. L:



0CR»fff f 993 saawiiiisLoe 23

Know Your Rights
FINANCIAL REPORTS. The

constitution of the SIU Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis­
trict makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership's
money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailec
audit by certified public account­
ants every year, which is to be sub­
mitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance
committee of rank-and-file mem­
bers, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of
the union and reports fully their find­
ings and recommendations. Mem­
bers of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recom­
mendations and separate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trus
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 agree­
ments specify that the trustees in
charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management
representatives and their alternates.
All expenditures and disburse­
ments of trust funds are made only
upon approval by a majority of the
trustees. All trust fund financial
records' are available at the head­
quarters 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 cer­
tified 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 over­
time (OT) on the proper sheets and in
the proper manner. If, at any time, a
member believes that an SIU patrol­
man 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 ar­
ticle serving the political purposes
of any individual in the union, of­
ficer or member. It also has
refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its
collective membership. This estab­
lished policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the Sep­
tember 1960 meetings in all con­
stitutional ports. The
responsibility for Seafarers LOG
policy is vested in an editorial
board which consfists of the ex­
ecutive board of the union. The
executive board may delegate,
from among its ranks, one in­
dividual to carry out this respon­
sibility.

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 pay­
ment and is given an official receipt,
but feels that he or she should not
have been required to make such pay­
ment, this should immediately be
reported to union headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
Copies of the SIU constitution are
available in all union halls. All mem­
bers should obtain copies of this con-
stitution so as to familiarize
themselves with its contents. Any
time a member feels any other mem­
ber 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 mem­
bers are guaranteed equal rights in
employment and as rhembers 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 pur­
poses including, but not limited to,
furthering the political, social and
economic interests of maritime
workers, the preservation and fur­
thering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment
opportunities for seamen and boat­
men and the advancement of trade
union concepts. In connection with
such objects, SPAD supports and
contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contribu­
tions are voluntary. Ncyxontribu-
tion may be solicited ar^eceived
because of force, job di^rimina-
tion, 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 im­
proper 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 in­
terests, and American trade union
concepts.

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 infor­
mation, the member should imme­
diately notify SIU President
Michael Sacco at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt re­
quested. The address is:

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746.

7 i J.:: h-1 !

Opportunities '7-- •.

The cost of a college education continues to
rise each yean But for Seafarers and their

dependents, help In realizing their educational
goals Is available in the for/n of $15,000and $6,000

awards from the Seafarers Scholarship Program.

ELIGIBILITY In 1994, the union will offer
seven scholarships. Four are set aside for the
children and spouses of Seafarers. Each of these
four sfcholarships is for $15,000 to be used at a
four-year college or university. The other three
are for Seafarers themselves. One of the awards
is for $15,000 for use at a four-year institution
of higher learning. The remaining two scholar­
ships amount to $6,000 each and may be used
for study at a community college or vocational
school.

Plan of their admission by AUGUST 1, 1994.
Winners of the $15,000 award must complete
the program within six years. Seafarers who
receive the $6,000 award must complete their
programs in four years.

' ' . .i'' •

Eligibility requirements for Seafarers and their
spouses and unmarried dependent children are
spelled out in a booklet which contains an ap­
plication form. It is available by filling out and
returning the coupon below to the Seafarers
Welfare Plan.

CHECKLIST The deadline for applying is
April 15, 1994. Completing the application
form, itself, is not very difficult. What will take
more time, however, is gathering all the other
necessary paperwork. Items that will need to be
postmarked by that date for review by the
Scholarship Committee include:

DEADLINES Completed applications with all
hececessary information included MUST be
mailed and postmarked ON or BEFORE
APRIL 15,1994.
The SAT and ACT exams are given ap­
proximately six times a year on .specified dates.
Applicants should be sure to take whichever
exam is required by the college or trade school
they plan to attend. (Tests must be taken by
FEBRUARY 1994 to ensure the results will be
available for inclusion in the scholarship ap­
plication package.)
Scholarship recipients must enroll in a college
or trade school and notify the Seafarers Welfare

• Scholarship application
• Autobiographical statement

• Photograph
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• High school transcript and certification of
graduation or official copy of high st:Hool
equivalency scores.
• College transcript

• Letters of reference
SAT or ACT test results.

Remember, it will take time to gather all this
information. Plan ahead to make sure every­
thing will be collected in time. Some schools
can be slow in handling transcript requests, so
applicants should ask for them as soon as pos­
sible. Also, now is a good time for the applicant
to start thinking about who should be asked to
write letters of recommendation.

Mall In this coupon for more application details:

Please send me the 1994 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which
contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and the

I application form.

Name i -

Book Number

Address

City, State, Zip Code _ _ _

Telephone Nurnber _ _ ̂

This application is for:

• Self • ' • •••7.":^'.^-, •

O Dependent

I

Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan,
5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs. MD 20746.

10/93

"' '• ••-V



'•'i-r -;: v

t- .-

!. CjA.c' •» '

• -i

' r

24 SEAFARERS LOG OCTORER1993

Ships Digest

Continued fivm page 22

ment for job well done. Next port:
Elizabeth, N J.

SEALin-ARABIAN SEA (IMC),
July 20—Chairman J.T. Prather,
Secretary Fred Clark, Deck
Delegate Kimberly Clark, Engine
Delegate Charles Mispagei, Steward
Delegate A. Avila. Crew gave vote of
thanks to galley gang for great food
and good service. Next port: Mar­
tinez, Calif.

SEAUFT INDIAN OCEAN (TMC),
July 2^1—Chairman Mike Moore, En
gine E)elegate Victor Mondecl,
Steward Delegate E. Rodriguez.
Chairman read president's report
from July Seafarers LOG. Treasurer
reported $200 in ship's fiind for VCR
and new tapes. Bosun requested
union patrolman visit vessel as soon
as possible. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Steward delegate reported
trouble acquiring stores. Crew
reported need for new dryer and
refrigerator.

STONEWELL JACKSON (Watei-
man Steamship), July 11—Chairrrian
Carl Lineberry, Secretary Victor
Acevedo, Educational Director L.V.
Hargesheimer, Engine Delegate M.
Hill. Educational director encouraged
members to attend Paul Hall Center.
Treasurer reported $675 in movie
fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested new mat­
tress for each bunk. Next port: New­
port News, Va.

SUGAR ISLANDER (Pacific Gulf
Marine), July 2—Chairman Michael
Thornton, Deck Delegate Charles
McPherson, Engine Delegate Her-
mus Patrick, Steward Delegate
Roberto Escobar. Chairman
reported carpets replaced and tiles in­
stalled in engine department, and
shampoo and vacuum cleaner needed.
He also reported smooth sailing and
reminded members to utilize Piney
Point facilities for upgrading.
Secretary reported smooth cruise
with good crew. He thanked crew-
members for keeping ship tidy.
Educational director reminded mem­
bers upgrading is key to future. He
also reminded crewmembers to turn
in all movies before arriving in port.
Treasurer reported $400 in ship's
fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman gave vote of
thanks to ABs and entire crew for as­
sembling and delivering clothes, toys,
medicine, food and candy to children
in orphanages in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Crew reported looking forward to
doing same next trip. Crew gave vote
of thanks to steward department.
Next port: New Orleans.

DSNS KANE (Bay Ship Manage­
ment), July 11—Chairman Joe
Jenkins, Secretary Jeff Smith,
Steward Delegate Maircelino An-
dino. Chairman announced recreation
fund will be used for purchase of
videotapes and refreshments for dock-
side crew party in Naples, Italy.
Educational director discussed impor­
tance of upgrading at Lundeberg
School. Chief Steward Smith an­
nounced he had just returned from
baking course there and praised
quality of instruction and facilities.
Treasurer reported $595.60 in ship's
fund. Disputed OT reported by
steward delegate. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported by deck or engine
delegate. D^k delegate noted con­
cern by deck department members
regarding explosives in cargo aboard
ship and asked contracts department
for detailed information concerning
explosives. Chairman announced ship
selected to host annual "Project
Marco Polo" conducted by U.S. Navy
Oceanographic Office in coordination
with National Geographic Society.
He reported project designed to foster
interest in oceanography and ocean
sciences. The best and brightest high
school science students and teachers
are selected to participate in short
cruises to give them hands-on ex­
perience in physical oceanography.

DSNS WILKES (Bay Ship Manage­
ment), July 26—Chairman Skip
Yager, Secretary K. Dougherty,
Educational Director C J. Brown,
Deck Delegate Tom Skuhina, En­
gine Delegate Mike Renter, Steward
Delegate Don Mann. Chairman
praised crew on appearance of vessel
and thanked everyone for working
extra hard preparing for quality
evaluation inspection. He also
thanked steward department for great
chow. Treasurer reported $313 in
ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reposed. Crew asked contracts
department to look into length of stay
aboard vessel for crewmembers and
back safety bonuses not received.
Crew reported soda machine not full.
Crew gave special thanks to Adeile
George for her tour of cheerful and
good service as crew mess person.
Crew reported Seafarers LOGs not
being received in timely manner.
Next port: Sasebo, Japan.

AMERICAN KESTREL (Osprey
Shipping), August 12—Chairman
John Higdon, Secretary X. Aquino,
Educational Director Joe Overstreet,
Deck Delegate Jerry Smith, Steward
Delegate Brenda Cheatham. Chair­
man asked contracts department to
provide ship with detailed informa­
tion regarding contract negotiations.
Educational director encouraged
members to upgrade at Lundeberg
School. Deck delegate asked con­
tracts department for clear descrip­
tion of watch procedures and
payment of overtime. Engine
delegate reported disputed OT.
Steward delegate reported beef. Crew
reported excellent communication on
ship. Crew requested patrolman next
port. Steward delegate noted outdated
stores coming aboard ship.

ITS PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan
Transportation), August 1^—Chair­
man V.T. Nielsen, Secretary F. Di-
Carlo, Educational Director M.
Rullan, Deck Delegate C. Brown,
hgine Delegate Carlos Bonefont,

Steward Delegate Jack Hart.
Steward delegate gave vote of thanks
to crew for keeping ship clean. Crew
requested new TV. Next port: New
York.

LNG AQUARIUS (ETC), August
5—Chairman Carlos Pineda,

Secretary F. Robertson, Educational
Director W. Fay, Deck Delegate
lobby Branham, Engine Delegate

Wesley Wise. Chairman reported
smooth sailing and commented on im-
iroved food since Chief Steward
Robertson and Cook M. Buck signed
on. Chairman announced Executive
Vice President Joe Sacco and SlU
Representative Sal Aquia in Japan;

crew will have chance to discuss con­
tract with them while in port. Educa­
tional director urged members to
upgrade at Paul Hall Center.

'reasurer reported $100 in ship's
fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman discussed safety
and stressed all crewmembers should
be careful on deck when chipping is
leing done and grease is present. He
also reminded crew to keep noise
down and be careful in weight room.
Next port: Himeji, Japan.

OMI SACRAMENTO (Ogden
Marine), August 8—Chairman Ray
Gorju, Secretary T. Davalie, Educa­
tional Director Alton Hickman.
Chairman advised crewmembers con­
tract issues being worked out by
union and companies and reminded
them current contract still valid.
Secretary thanked crew for being
cooperative with galley gang and
commented on wonderful crew
aboard ship. Educational director
thanked crewmembers for job well
done and encouraged them to
upgrade at Lundeberg School. He
also discussed importance of upgrad­
ing. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman reported telex
rom headquarters regarding exten­

sion of contract post^. Educational
director discuss^ importance of con­
tacting congressmen concerning Sea-
.^nd's announcement to re-flag.

Crew thanked steward department for
job well done. Crew reported slow .
mail service and Seafarers LOGs not
lieing received. Next port: Baltimore.

OVERSEAS NEW YORK
(Maritime Overseas), August 1—
Chairman Sal Lagare, Secretary
Tohe Dansley Jr., Educational Direc­
tor C. Boudreaxux, Deck E)elegate
W. Sellers, Steward Delegate C.
Gooch. Chairman announced con­
tract negotiations continue and new
agreement should be reached in next
60 days. Secretary urged members
who have never upgraded to visit
Piney Point and upgrade for higher
ratings and enjoy school's beautiful
surroundings. Educational director
reminded members upgrading means
more pork chops on table and en­
couraged all eligible crewmembers to
upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew reported washing
machine and dryer need repairs.
Crew thanked galley gang for good
food. Crew requested new microwave
and suggested professional fumiga­
tion once every 30 days. Crew
reported all members happy and re­
quested new linens aboard vessel.
Next port: Honolulu.

PFC JAMES ANDERSON
(Maersk Lines), August 7—Chair­
man T. Anderson, Secretary Hugh
Wildermuth, Educational Director
L. Cockrane, Deck Delegate J.
Hailstone, Steward Delegate E. Cas-
tain. Chairman reported outstanding
SIU crew aboard vessel with all
lands working together for better
ship. He also reported ship has best
galley gang in Diego Garcia with deli­
cious food. He complimented deck
department on hard work getting
vessel back in shape after Somalia.
Educational director urged members
to upgrade at Paul Hall Center.
Treasurer reported $300 in ship's
"und. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Next port: Diego Garcia.

SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (Sea-
Land Service), August 4—Chairqian
Garry Walker, Secretary Scott Op-
sahl, Educational Director Marvin
Wells, Deck Delegate Jusuf Djuned,
Engine Delegate Al Hansen, Steward
Delegate Frank Martin. Chairman
announced payoff and contract exten­

sion. Secretary thanked crew for keep­
ing mess hall and pantry clean.
Educational director stressed impor­
tance of upgrading at Piney Point and
reported hazardous materials training
will be mandatory. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Crew gave spe­
cial thanks to Bosun Walker's wife,
Letty Jo, for homemade cookies and
jams. Chairman reminded crewmem­
bers to use only enough soap for
washing clothes—otherwise it backs
up in one of ship's showers. He
reminded crew to keep volume down
on new speaker system in lounge.
Crew gave vote of thanks to galley
gang. Next port: Tacoma, Wash.

SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land
Service), Auguist 2—Chairman
Hayden GifTord, Secretary G. Bron-
son. Educational Director Steve
Blgelow, Deck Delegate Tillman
Churchman, Engine £)elegate Gor­
don Hilthruner, Steward Delegate
Donald Spangler. Chairman
reported 60-day contract extension
and urged members to donate to
SPAD and upgrade at Piney Point.
Educational director reminded crew­
members not to throw plastic over
side or in port. Treasurer reported
$185 in ship's fund and $85 in movie
fund. No bwfs or disputed OT
reported. Crew reported Seafarers
LOGs received. Crew requested new
cabinet for movies in crew lounge.
Crew gave vote of thanks to galley
gang. Steward delegate reminded
members to pick up ice that drops on
floor from ice machine. Next port:
Tacoma, Wash.

SEA-LAND PRODUCER (Sea-
Land Service), August 8—Chairman
Jack Edwards, Secretary Donna
Clemens, Educational Director Her­
man Manzer, Deck Delegate
Raymond Vicari, Engine Delegate
Leonard Vlles, Steward Delegate N.
Ball. Chairman reported shortage of
Seafarers LOGs for crewmembers.
Crew gave vote of thanks to Captain
Cocozza and Chief Engineer Robin­
son and his department for great pig
roast. Crew reported Amold the pig

very tasty. Crew also thanked
steward department for their part in
making it an unforgettable barbecue
Treasurer reported $55 in ship's emer
gency fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman reminded mem­
bers to check bulletin board for latest
news concerning re-flagging issue
with Sea-Land. Next port: Long
Beach, Calif.

SEA-LAND SHINING STAR (Sea-
Land Service), August 3—Chairman
Joseph Colangelo, Secretary Miguel
Pahon, Educational Director
Thomas Friscu, Engine Delegate
Gary Mitchell, Steward Delegate
Allan Sim. Chairman reported con­
tract extension. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew gave special
thanks to galley gang for doing excel­
lent job.

SEA-LAND SPIRIT(Sea -Land Ser­
vice), August 1—Chairman Howard
Glhbs, Secretary S. Apodaca, Educa­
tional Director C. Henley, Deck
Delegate Romeo Lugtu, Engine
Delegate Charles Medeiros, Steward
Delegate Joe Tucker. Chairman an­
nounced ship's arrival in Oakland
and Long Beach, Calif. Secretary
urged members to upgrade skills at
Lundeberg School. Educational direc­
tor stressed importance of SPAD
donations. Treasurer reported $436 in
ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Chairman posted two letters
from headquarters. Crew gave vote of
thanks to steward department for job
well done. Next port: Honolulu.

SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land
Service), August 1—Chairman
David Zurek, Secretary Stephen
Bird, Educational Director Jason Et-
noyer. Educational director reported
upgrading forms for Lundeberg
School are available. Treasurer
reported $231 in ship's fund. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew
reported new mattresses and pillows
needed. Crewmembers observed mo­
ment of silence in memory of
departed brothers and sisters.

The Seafarers LOG is interested in publishing a greater number of photos of SIU
members' families at home or on vacation.

Color as well as black-and-white photographs are acceptable. When sending
photos to the LOG, be sure to identify the individuals from left to right. Also, indicate
if the photo should be returned. Send photos and identifications to Seafarers LOG,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

•V':

it-."



OCTOBER 1993 SEAFARBHSLOG 25

DEEP SEA
WILLIAM ALLEN
Pensioner WHilliam Allen, 84, passed
away February 16. He joined the
Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1949
in his native Seattle, before that
union merged, vndi the Atlantic,
Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Di^
trict (AGUWD) of the SIU. He
sailed as a chief steward. Brother
Allen retired in Sqrtember 1976.

GEORGE ALTSCHAFFL
Pensioner
George
Altschaffl, 66,
died August
26. Bom in
Plats-
mouth, Neb.,
he joined the
uriion in 1959
in the port of

New York. Brother Altschaffl
s^led in the steward departmerit.
He upgraded at the Lundeberg
School in 1978. He served in the
U.S. Marine Corps from 1945 to
1946. Brother Altschaffl began
receiving his pension in September
1992.

STEPHEN ARALES
Pensioner
Stephen
Arales,90,
passed away
August 4. A
native of the
Philippines,
he joined the
Seafarers in
1949 in the

port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Arales
sailed in the steward department.
He served in the U.S. Navy from
1921 to 1947. Brother Arales
retired in November 1971.

EDWARD BROOKS JR.
Pensioner Ed­
ward Brooks
Jr., 77, died
Au^st 30.
He joined the
SIU in 1973
in his native
New Orleans.
Brother
Brooks sailed

in both the steward and engine
departmeiits. He served in the U.S.
Army from 1952 to 1956. Brother
Brooks began receiving his pen­
sion in March 1991.

EDWARD BURKE JR.
Edward
Burke Jr., 32,
died August
11. Bora in
Boston, he
graduated
from the Lun­
deberg
School in
1978. Brother

Burice sailed in the deck depart­
ment. He upgraded at Piney Point
in 1980.

FRANK CHA VERS
Pensioner
Frank
Chavers, 68,
passed away
Aupst 20. A
native of
Mobile, Ala.,
he joined the
Seafarers in
1947 in the

port of Galveston, Texas. Brother
Chavers sailed in the engine depart­
ment. He served in the U.S. Navy
from 1942 to 1946. Brother
Chavers retired in June 1983.

FRANK HALL
Frank Hall, 65, passed away July
30. A Pennsylvania native, he

joined the union in 1987 in the port
of San Francisco. Brother Hall
sailed as a QMED.

WOODROW CUNNINGHAM
Pensioner
Woodrow
Cunningham,
68, died
August 23.
Bora in
Rome, Ga.,
he joined the
SIU in 1965
in the port of

Tampa, Fla. Brother Cunningham
sailed in the deck department. He
served in the U.S. Army from 1943
tb 1950. Brother Cunningham
shipped from Jacksonville, Fla.
prior to retiring.

JUSTING MOLINA
Pensioner Jus-
tino Molina,
73, died
August 18.
Bora in Puer­
to Rico, he
joined the
Seafarers in
the Philip­
pines in 1944.

Brother Molina sailed in the
steward department. He began
receiving his pension in June 1979.

MANUEL NOBLE
Pensioner
Manuel
Noble, 84,
passed away
July 24. Bora
in ̂ e Philip­
pines, he
joined the
SIU in 1947
in the port of

Mew York. He sailed in the
steward department. Brother Noble
retired in June 1976.

DERRICK NORBERT
Derrick Nor-
bert,23,
passed away
August 3. A
Louisiana na­
tive, he
graduated
from the Paul
Hall Center in
1992. Brother

Norbert sailed in the engine depart­
ment.

n
NASON
NUNN
Pensioner
Nason Nunn,
74, died June
26. Bora in
Michigan, he
joined the
SIU in 1947
in the port of

New York. Brother Nunn sailed in
the engine department. He began
receiving his pension in January
1981.

ESPERPERDI
Pensioner
Esper Perdi,
69, passed
away August
21. A native
of Estonia, he
joined the
Seafarers in
1966 in the
port of New

Orleans. Brother Perdi began
receiving his pension in May 1988.

ISIDORO SALVADOR
Pensioner Isidoro Salvador, 84,
passed away August 4. A native of
the Philippines, he joined the union
in 1962 in the port of Seattle.
Brother Salvador sailed in the
steward department. He began

receiving his pension in January
1984.

WALLACE PERRY
Pensioner
WaUace
Perry, 60,
died July 29.
Bora in
Washington,
D.C., he
joined the
SIU in 1951
in the port of

Philadelphia. Brother Perry com­
pleted the bosun recertification
course at the Lundeberg School
in 1974. He retired in February
1990.

PAUL TURNER
Pensioner
Paul Turner,
66, died
August 17.
Bora in Ten­
nessee, he
joined the
Seafarers in
1947 in the
port of

Mobile, Ala. Brother Turner com- .
pleted the bosun recertiilcation course
at Piney Point in 1974. He served in
the U.S. Navy fixrm 1944 to 1946.
Late in his seafaring careo-. Brother
Tumo- sailed primarily aboard
Crowley RO/RO vessels. Following
his retirement in January 1992, he
volunteered time to assist at the
counter in the Jacksonville, Fla hall.

ELBERT WILSON
Pensioner El­
bert Wilson,
67, passed
away August
12. A native
of Wallace,
Ala. he joined
the SIU in
1947 in the
port of

Mobile, Ala. Brother Wilson sailed
in the steward department. He
served in the U.S. Navy from 1943

to 1945. Brother Wilson began
receiving his pension in May 1991.

INLAND
LOUIS BROUSSARD
Pensioner Louis Broussard, 86,
died August 16. Bora in Louisiana,
he joined the union in 1963 in the
port of Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman
Broussard sailed as an oiler. He
retired in April 1975.

EDWARD COVACEVICH
Pensioner Edward Covacevich, 66,
passed away August 16. He joined
the SIU in 1957 in his native Bal­
timore. Boatman Covacevich
sailed as a captain. He began
receiving his pension in January
1988.

JAMES HASSELL
Pensioner James Hassell, 80, died
August 28. A Columbia, N.C. na­
tive, he joined the Seafarers in
1961 in the port of Philadelphia.
Boatman Hassel sailed in the deck
department. He retired in Novem­
ber 1975.

JOHNNY JEFFCOAT
Johtmy Jeffcoat, 35, passed away
July 30. A native of Red Level,
Ala., he joined the union in 1988 in
the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatmari
Jeffcoat sailed in both the deck and
oigine departments. He served in the
U.S. Army from 1977 to 1979.

LELAND LARRIMORE
Pensioner Leland Larrimore, 71,
died August 9. Bora in Tilgham Is­
land, Md., he joined the SIU in
1966 in Baltimore. Boatman Lar­
rimore sailed in the deck depart­
ment, most recently as a captain.
He served in the U.S. Navy from
1942 to 1945. Boatman Larrimore
retired in December 1985.

THEOSOILEAU
Theo Soileau, 69, passed away
August 13. A Louisiana native, he
joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the
port of Port Arthur, Texas. Boat­
man Soileau sailed as a tankerman.

JAMES WALLACE
Pensioner
James Wal­
lace, 75, died
August 1. He
joined the
SIU in 1968
in his native
Baltimore.
He upgraded
frequently at

the Lundeberg School. His last ves­
sel before retiring in April 1983
was the Papa Guy, on which he
sailed as a captain.

GREAT LAKES

DONALD HORN
Donald Horn,
46, passed
away Novem­
ber 11, 1992.
Bora in
Michigan, he
joined the
union in 1970
in the port of
Detroit.

Brother Horn sailed in the steward
department.

ATLANTIC
FISHERMEN

MICHAEL MILITELLO
Pensioner Michael Militello, 79,
died August 22. He joined the
Seafarers in 1941 in his native
Gloucester, Mass. Brother Militello
sailed in the deck department. He
retired in April 1978.

SAMUEL SCOLA
Pensioner Samuel Scola, 65,
passed away June 5. He joined the
SIU in 1966 in his native Boston.
Brother Scola sailed in the deck
department. He served in the U.S.
Army from 1946 to 1948. He
began receiving his pension in
November 1974.

Good Eatin' Any Time, Any Place

Members of the steward department aboard the Sea-Land Chief Cook Audrey Brown ^ets the grill
Value prepare another fine meal. They are Chief Steward going aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak for a
Abdul Hassan (left) and Chief Cook Francisco Tirado. Labor Day bartrecue.

A holiday meal marks the
special day for C.S. Global
Link crewmembers who
otherwise are engaged in
the daily duties of operatinc r operating
the vessel. The holiday ef­
fort is put forward by
steward department mem­
bers (back row, from left)
Steward Assistant William
Brown, Chief Cook Cheryl
Neff, Steward Assistant Eric
Jeffers, Chief Steward
Ronald Malozi, (front row)
Cook/Baker George Sasaki
and BR Ben Mathews.

Jji

• jv". 3' : v'

,. ^ ' k-

•

I'- •• : •• h' •. • 'y
fc-;,

•f •

y.

: 1-

/ '.-,1

' • .-v' ••• i



....;
• ^jnKi I'•

J-»'l.*'*-r>n.'Vi^ •

SEAFMERSLOG OCTOBER 1993

a'- ^••, ••••••

\ '.V y''\-^pyM/'

Lundeberg School Graduating Classes

Celestial Navigation—Upgrading SlU members completing ^vig, . _ _ ,
Trainee Lifeboat Class 514—Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 514 are (from left, kneeling) the celestial navigation course are (from left) Jake KaraczynskI (In-
Kenneth Creque Jr., Edward Grey, Julio Buchanan, James Crisler, James Tran, Leo Flynn, Selley structor), Edward Dwyer, Tom Culpepper, Jeffrey Sousa, Drexel
Washington, Fhab Ghelth, (second row) Richard Taylor, Aaron Braaten, Lorenzo Sereno, Robert Hanna and Reglna Ewlng.
Clemens, Nawa Williams, Samuel Ramos Jr., Anthony Lozopone, Jim Brown (Instructor), William Todd
Stringer, Sean Jones, Alex Lottig, Anestacio Sereno Jn and Kurt Bruer. - i •

v;;: • •

Able Bodied Seaman—Certificates of completion were received by the August 24 class of f i «row..=.teo^ «f fho I..K. OO
upgraders. They are (from left, kneeling) Tom Gllllard (Instructor), Kenneth Geter, Michael Flores, Angel pL^fl,.f r^oS
Reyes, Anthony Zellars, Agulllo Llorente, (second row) Henry Jones, Santiago Cadiz, Tyrone Garcia, vnnnn ni^* ^'^®"®"^' ®'®"®
Dale KIrsch Jr., George Dariey, Kevin Young, (third row) Jack Green, Michael Hill, Basslrou NIang, John Gotlschlich, Jeffrey Willis and Beckett Young III.
Barnard III, Michael Struve and James Duffy.

Oil Spill—Completing the oil spill emergency contal^ent and cleanup course on August 5 are (from
left, sealed) Beckett Young III Charlotte Wlnstead, Pfm^^ing. Dor^y Ca^^^^ F^k Sealift—Graduating from the July 30 seallft class are (from left)
Messick, Jeffrey Willis, (serond row) Gre^ry Melyjn, WalteVr^lman, WHie Marsh, ""^hanl ̂ ^James Heiiewege (Instructor), Glenn Baker Jr., Shannon Teem, Char-
Brown, Michael Marlykan, Glenn Baker Jr., Dan Van Sciver, (third row) Ben Pierciey, David Bowles, Rick winstead, Walter Taulman and Allen Shaw.
Bowman, Isalac Watts, Walter Seals, Shannon Teem and Casey Taylor (instmctor)

Manne Electrical Maintenance— The August 10 graduates of the marine
Third Mate—^Working their way up the deck department ratings are (from left, first electrical maintenance course are (from left, standing) Miguel Rivera, Robert Kerbo, Jorge
row) John Gilliam, David Clements, John Brown, Ron Raykowski (Instructor), (second Bonelil, John Brooks, (seated) Duane Toistensen, (second row) Brian Sengelaub, Green
row) Nii«)laus Itey^l, Charles SpradNn, Cecil Winstead, Stejshen Barry and Peter Dudley. Hoskins and Eric Malzkuhn (Instructor). : •/



•, . •• .• .

OCWBER1993
SBmUXKLOG Z7

LUHDEBERG SCHOOL
1993 UP6RADIHG COURSE SCHBHILE

^ is the current course schedule for classes beginning between
S^hiber and the end of the year at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of
SAanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve job skills of Seafarers md
to promote the American maritime industry. ,

The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the memberaUpi fhe
maritime industry and—in tinaes of confUct—the nation's security.

WSmiM-:
StMunf DMnHi&V CBHRM

Coiirse

Check-In
Date

CompletiQn
Dale

Assistant Cook, Cook an^flpl^
office for starting dates)

6-
*

Cdiffli!
Check-In
Date

Comjj^eli^
Date

December 17 Able Seaman Novembers

Att students must take the Oil SpiU Prevention and Containment class.

Novembers November 19 SblpbandUng

Radar Observer - Unlimited

Celestial Navigbtbtii

Novinnberi^^^^^

November 22 December 17

Chief Chief Ste^^ AUoi
office for startbig dato) •' •

. I

*s'' ^ ... . - •
Course ' —,

Clujckrlii
Date

Conqmbin
Date

'• 'A''
Oil Spill Preventioii and November 8

HCcntaibiDa^

Lifeboatman October 11
' , November S •

> Decembers

October 22
November 19
December 17

Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting November 2

Sealift Operations & Mwnlenance October 25

Novcmberl2

November 19

Course

Cbeck-In
Date

Completion
Date______

!^un Recertifieation October 4 November S

UP&tADIHO APPLHMTION

Name.

Ad(bess
(Ust) (Firat) (Middle)

.Date of Birth
Mooth/Dey/Year

(Street)
_ Telephone _L

Deep Sea M^mberP LakeaMemberP Inland Wa«.s Member P PamfioU

,f,HefoUo.in, infomoHcn is no. filled on, con.p,e,e,y, your appUcadon rriU no,

, Book#,
jSocial Secunty #

Seniority
U.S. Citizen: DVes • No Home Port.

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held —

Department

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program?

If yes, which program: from

• Yes ClNo

to.
U. jrv#a9 1 cr

Last grade of school completed
a , J CUT QQ I

Lritsi giaut wa a

Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses.

If yes, course(s) taken

• Ves DNO

If yes, course(s) taken — r-i QNO
Have you taken any SHLSS Sealift Operations courses.

If yes, how many weeks have you completed?^ If yes, how many yecKs nave jrkaa. —
Doyouhold.heU.S.CoastGuardUfeboa^anEndor»™n^^^

• Ves DNO Firefighting; • Yes GNO

Date available for training

Primary language spoken

•" • -Si • .SfSXS. SV -f"

cmtrs»
CbwitJiil
Date

Con^pletion
Date

Alt sMienanmstukelheOa SpiU Prevenlion and Qmminnient class. • .
pnmpinom Maint & Operations

Marine Electronics Techiddhm II

Hydraulics

Diesd Enghie Tecbnplpgy

l^oy^iiberS December 17

December IT

5qpteiid>erl3 Octobers

Welding

November 22 Decaidierl7

October 25 November 19 |

. _ r.X i

1992'
The fbllbwing courses are available through the Sea^ Har^Xundeberg

sgchool. Please contact the admissions office for enrq^paent mfMiha^ ••• •
Course

Cbeck-In
Date

Completion
Date

School Equivalency (GED) All open-e^rf , «i„rrtno
Adult Education (ABE) (contact admissions office for startmg

Ei^sbasaSecondLangm^e(ESL) dates)

As soon as the 1994 schedule of courses for the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of S^anslu^s
finalized, it will be published m the Seafarers L^.
Until that time, members may contact the adnussions
office at the school at (301) 994-001() concemmg My
questions or concerns they may have regardmg
upgrading classes during the coming year.

time to
e^h^Mng'Jhefirs,^^^^
and seniority, your clinic card and die firm, and sLn^in.,,
ZJm^^^^'^sly^haceu^andconi^e,^ TheAdnnsrions
OfficemU.NOTschedaley^aUofd,e^^eare,eceni

IIELD SHIPPED VESSEL
DISCHARGE

I am interested in the foUowi^ •
coiinie(s)checkedbeloworindicated Mamtenance
here if not listed

DECK
• AB/Sealift
• 1st Class Pilot
D Third Mate
• Radar Observer Unlimited
• Master Inspected Towing

Vessel
• Towboat Operator Inland
• Celestial Navigation
• SimulatorCourse

• Pumproom Maintenance &
Operation

• Refrigeration Systems
Maintenance & Operation

• Diesel Engine Technology
• Assistant Engineer/Chief

Engineer Motor Vessel
• Original 3id Engineer Steam

or Motor
• Re&igeratedContainers

Advanced Maintenance
• Electro-Hydraulic Systems
D Automation
D Hydraulics
• Marine Electronics

Technician

ALL DEPARTMENTS
• Weldinc
• lifeboatman (must be taken

with another course)
• Oil Si^ Prevention &

Containment
• Basic/Advanced
• Fire Fighting
• Sealift

ENGINE
• FOWT
• QMED—Any Rating
• Variable Speed DC Drive

Systems (Marine Electronics)

STEWARD
D Assistant Cook Utility
• CotdcandBaker
• <3iiefCook
• Chief Steward
Q Towboat Inland Cook

ADULT EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT

• Adult Basic Education (ABE)
• High School Equivalency

Program (GED)
• Developmental Studies (DVS)
• English as a Second

Language (ESL)
• ABE/ESL Lifeboat

Preparation

(XttUECT PROGRAM
• Associate in Arts Degree

Tri
•I otlgiBal receipts I

t.ti«.winirep--ta.ca;^wlth^^^J^^

ippXPX-^'X;'; 'X^' , • • • • . -v :
' •.•i. 'I

' ' '•'"f

. • > • - ---r 1

X"?'
I U-y-r-'-.-'A

•, v.1.' ,• , . .if.

• I

i, !-/ui-ri p: .7



f < SKAFAKKKX

Volume 55, Number 10 October 1993

Seafarers ratify standard
agreement and vote to accept

new contracts witfi ETC,
Great Lakes and Orgulf.

For additional information,
seepages 5,13,14and 15.

Umdeberg SiHiotri IkHMiaes to nabi Seafaras
In Hazardous Material OpwaOuK and Mamflfira

The Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education
continues to upgrade its hazarct-
ous materials (hazmat) program
to meet and exceed new require­
ments recently set forth by the
Department of Transportation
(DOT).

The new DOT rule, which ap­
pears in docket HM-126F of the
Code of Federal Regulations Title
49, Part 172, Subpart H, amends
existing hazmat requirements and
is intended to promote more
thorough training of individuals
involved in transporting hazard­
ous materials. HM 126-F gives
individual companies the right to
certify training, although such
training must comply with the
rule, which says: "Hazmat
employers must provide training
to ensure each hazmat employee
... is able to recognize and iden­
tify hazardous materials . . . and
has knowledge of emergency
response information, self-
protection measures and accident
prevention methods and proce­
dures."

In essence, the rule requires

both basic and job-specific train­
ing for every hazmat employee
Therefore, instructors at the Pau
Hall Center work with SlU-con-
tracted companies to meet their
specific training needs. For ex­
ample, someone who operates a
forklift used to transport hazmai
will need different job-specific
training than one who only loads
and unloads hazmat. However,
the basic training for both
workers would be the same.

Initial training, which lasts
eight or 16 hours depending the
specific job of the employee,
must be completed by October 1
for anyone employed on or before
July 2, 1993. If employed after
that date, training must be com­
pleted within 90 days of first date
of employment.

Seafarers who have taken a
hazmat course at the Paul Hall
Center already are considered
certified for the basic training
portion of the new rule. This is
another example of how the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg
School of Seamanship at the Paul
^all Center continues to meet the

The SlU offers a number of hazmat courses at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education. Pictured here are students taking
the oil spill and containment course.

Help Locate This Missing Child
The National Center for

Missing and Exploited
Children has asked the
Seafarers International Union
to assist them in locating
Christina Michelle Suttle.

Christina Michelie Suttle

Missing since February 28,
1993, the 15-year-old ran away
from home in Batavia, Ohio.
She may be in the company of
her boyfriend and is con­
sidered an endangered
runaway.

The brown-haired, blue-
eyed girl is 5 feet 6 inches tall
and weighs 120 pounds. She
has a pockmark on her right
cheek.

Anyone having information
on the whereabouts of Chris­
tina Michelle Suttle should
contact the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children
at (800) 843-5678 or the Miss­
ing Persons Unit of the Cler­
mont (Ohio) County SherifFs
Office at (513) 732-2231.

industiy's needs and stay ahead o
new requirements even before they
are announced. The school began
offering hazmat training in 1989,
shortly after the Exxon Valdez spil
but before the government requirec
such training through the Oil Pollu­
tion Act of 1990.

Individual companies may or
may not require (and provide)
new job-specific training for
members who already have com­
pleted hazmat courses. Seafarers
should be aware that any such
information will come via the
companies since, according the
DOT, they must determine their
training needs and trainers
qualifications.

According to the DOT,
Relevant training received from

previous employer or source
maybe used to satisfy the require­
ments, provided a current record
of training is obtained from a haz-
mat employee's previous
employer."

Additionally, employees must
recertify at least once every two
years. The training records must
contain the employee's name,
completion date of most recent
training, course materials (copy,
description or location), name and
address of the hazmat trainer, and
certification that the employee has
been trained and tested.

The regulation applies to each
domestic and foreign vessel when
carrying hazmat in a U.S. port or
in navigable waters of the United
States.

Thorough Training
The Lundeberg School al­

ready has a comprehensive haz­
mat curriculum, with courses
ranging from an 8-hour Health
and Safety/"First Responder" to
the 48-hour "Incident Com­
mander."

The 8-hour course primarily
covers identification of hazard­
ous materials, use of protective
gear and procedures for contacting
emergency response personnel.

Seafarer demonstrates proper use of breathing gear during hazmat
raining at the Lundeberg School.

The longer course instructs
students on how to coordinate and
run a hazmat containment and
cleanup.

Among the other available
courses is the 40-hour Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergen­
cy Response (Hazwoper), which
eatures intensive hands-on train­
ing as well as written exams.
Topics include legal overviews of
Dccupational Health and Safety
Administration standards and
Coast Guard regulations; basic
chemistry of hazardous materials;
use and care of different safety
and breathing equipment; emer­
gency first aid; sampling techni­
ques; emergency response plans;
decontamination; and many other
subjects.

During the last several years,
instructors such as Jim Shaffer
and Casey Taylor have conducted

a number of specialized hazmat
courses for SlU-contracted com­
panies. The courses meet all legal
requirements and also are
designed with special considera­
tion for the unique settings and
circumstances of each company's
employees.

An example of a specially
designed course is the recent 8-
hour introductory class which
was provided for Express Marine
employees.

Other hazmat courses taught at
the school—all of which meet or
exceed Coast Guard and Occupa­
tional Safety and Health Ad­
ministration Standards—include
40-hour Oil Spill Emergency
Containment and Cleanup; 24-
hour Health and Safety for Haz­
ardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response; and 16-
hour Benzene Safety.

Lundeberg School instructor Casey Taylor conducts a specialized hazmat course recently for employees
of Express Marine.

I J f J.:/-/' •// / ••• /.