http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3fc7108c058904e91d1da1ca0bc324b3.PDF 1e7e1df5fc259b9a21c10d40508b8f14 PDF Text Text Clinton Commits to U.S. Ship Program In '95 Pages OFFtClAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATiONAL UNIOK • ATUNTIC GULF, iAKES AND INUND WATERS DiSTRia • AFKIO Volume 56, Number 11 November 1994 3 oat/j^-r* OOT>0.0 I-I HC3 c/) oi,-.r— a-< 2:.Tii/)>-<?o -lOCJ C/1C32</) ui -H;30 t/> '* >>J monis: om>'0 - 'k k. • • ii'•:. L.ik't^.. 1. t.,j Once again, U.S.-flag privately owned vessels responded to the nation's call to move military equipment and supplies to key trouble spots—Haiti and Kuwait, Here, trucks are rolled onto one of the many ships Involved. Pages 3,8. . •••••-'•-.•.-•-.ir �2 NOlfEMRER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG President's Report JUtA ami Keystone Si^ Pact In Strike Preceding Deal, SIU Aided Picketing Missed by a Hair; It's Not Over Yet Last month the Senate ended its session without passing the maritime bill the House had enacted back in August. The bill, which would have earmarked $1 billion for 56 ships over 10 years, got caught in the line of fire as senators maneuvered for positions they thought would appeal to voters. In this process, certain Republicans tried to prevent any bill that would have been a credit to the White House from passing. They used tac­ tics that ate up the clock, keeping several bills, including the legislation on a new maritime program, from being submitted to a full Senate debate and vote. Michael Sacco The irony of the situation is that the maritime bill enjoyed wide support among both Democratic and Republican senators. It had enough support to become law—in Congress and ultimately with President Clinton's sig­ nature. But the senators who were trying to move the bill ran out of time, and just by a hair, the legislation missed becoming the law of the land. That is why we have every reason to go forward. There is great support from members of Congress. The president has committed his administration to the goal of passing a program to revitalize U.S. shipping. And the iiidustry is battle-seasoned. We know the extent to which U.S.-flag shipping's enemies will go. (Remember that in late September, some farm-state senators relied on a rarely-used rule to block a committee from acting on the maritime bill.) Most importantly. Seafarers, their families, retired SIU mem­ bers and friends of the industry everywhere proved that U.S. shipping is an industry that concerns American voters. The thousands of communications to senators from these in­ dividuals drove home the point that Americans want a strong U.S.-flag shipping capability in times of war and national emer­ gency, as well as a fleet capable of ensuring a U.S. presence in the carriage of American imports and exports. The letters and phone calls that were received by senators indicated that a strong maritime industry provides employment and economic security to hundreds of thousands of Americans. The letter writing and phone calling of Seafarers and other Americans who support a U.S.-flag fleet was a wonderful exer­ cise in smart trade unionism. It demonstrated that SIU members and retirees understand the relationship between politics and the health of our industry. I am proud that so many of you took the time to be involved in the process. You proved ready for the task of urging support for the American merchant marine in 1994, and I know the union can count on you to continue to deliver the message to your elected officials in 1995. Volume 56. Number 11 November 1994 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 0160-2047) is published monthly by the Seafarers Intemational 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 MSG Prince Geor­ ges, MD 20790-9998 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Managing Editor, Daniel Duncan; Associate Editors, Jor­ dan Biscardo and Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; As­ sociate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Gloucester Honors WWII Seamen The city of Gloucester, Mass. recently dedicated a memorial to local merchant mariners who sailed during World War II. The memorial (pictured above) consists of a marble marker in front of an anchor from an unknown WWII merchant ship with the inscrip­ tion: "With thanks from the people of Gloucester to our sons who served as merchant mariners, 1941-1945." i'S.'iaWJsiTR arras The pact between the ARA and Keystone en­ After a six-week strike, the American Radio Association (ARA) announced on October 31 that sures a wage increase, guaranteed overtime and job a settlement had been reached with Keystone Ship­ security. ping Co. of Philadelphia. Leading up to the signing of the 6-year collective bargaining agreement between the ARA and Keys­ tone was a series of job actions by the radio operators. The ARA members were often joined by other maritime trade unionists in these events in a show of waterfront solidarity. SIU members in the Seattle area helped ARA members walk picket lines, and another Seafarer used his privately owned recreational craft as a picket boat at a grain dock in Tacoma, Wash. Ad­ ditionally, SlU-crewed tugs in Wilmington, Calif, refused to move a Keystone ship. In Tacoma, Seafarer Jim Fox, an AB, joined others manning picket boats which established positions between the Keystone-operated Chestnut Hill and the pier. "I was,more than happy to volun­ teer my boat," said Fox, 29. "Like the saying goes: 'An injury to one is an injury to all.' "Police and fire boats showed up and threatened to tow our boats. We had a lot of picketers on the beach, too, and I think we got our point across." "The SIU and many other maritime unions have been very supportive and we sincerely thank them," said ARA Secretary-Treasurer Bemie Stoller. QMED Chris Snow (center) and Chief Steward Knowing we have so much backing from the labor Manny Basas (right) join ARA member Rick Levancommunity helped us continue this fight for good- dowski in a picket against Keystone Shipping in Seattle. faith negotiations and a fair contract." Seafarers Back Israeli Brothers Members of the Seafarers In­ below inflation^ a ploy aimed at temational Union set up an infor­ forcing officers to quit, thereby mational picket line at die dock in opening the doors to the recruit­ Baltimore last month in support ment of cheaper, foreign labor. Zim Israel Navigation Co. is of the Israeli Sea Officers Union ISOU), which held a 12-hour one of the largest shipping com­ work action on the Zim-Miami to panies in the world, with the Is­ make the company aware of the raeli govenment and Israel ISOU's struggle to keep Israeli Corporation (owned by a multi­ seamen on Zim ships and to millionaire) as its major secure a fair contract. Some of shareholders. Zim's financial the ISOU members have been report shows a large profit from working without a contract for last year and the Israeli govern­ wo years—since December ment is planning to sell some of 1992—and believe the company its holdings in die company, in­ wants to eliminate the union al- dicating that Zini shares may well ogether. wind up on the New York Stock All officers on board the con- Exchange. ainer ship, owned by Zim Israel The ISOU seamen have Navigation Co., refrained from pledged to continue their fight for assisting in loading or unloading a fair contract. The Israeli ship he vessel from noon to midnight, officers also are working to keep including working the hatches Israeli seamen and the Israeli flag and other equipment necessary on Zim's fleet of ships. br cargo operations. "We have told our officers not ;o do anything that has to do with cargo work," said Capt. Efraim Marcovitz, who represents masters and chief engineers in the sraeli Sea Officers Union, in a statement to the press during the ob action. While conducting the infor­ mational picket at the entrance to he terminal where the ZintMlami was docked. Seafarers AB Sean Flaherty, who formerly passed out leaflets explaining The chalk-written note on the Zlm- sailed with the SIU of Canada some of the problems the officers Mlaml's sailing board says It all— before joining the SIU to sail deep sea, lends his support to the picket. are experiencing. "We can under­ V/L ON STRIKE. stand their cause for concern," said Bill Scott, a 25-year-old Sltf member who first shipped out on an SIU vessel during the Persian Crulf War. "They don't want their ships to go foreign flag, and we are here to support them in their ight for fairness." QMED Frank Coburn, an SIU member since 1986, said Solidarity, unity, that's what this is all about." 'Zim Lines is completely neglecting their duty to come to terms with us," said Capt. Mar­ covitz. "We see ourselves in a itter dispute that gets deeper and deeper by the day." Marcovitz lYalklng an informational picket line in support of the Israeli Sea claims the company has offered Officers Union are (from left) AB Ralph Broadway, SIU official Sal the officers pay increases far Aqula, AB Paul LaTorre and AB Gregory Peters. t : & �M0yEMBER1994 SEAFARERS LOG 3 Maritime Bill Stymied in Senate Clinton to Back U.S. Ship Biii in '95 After the Senate failed to act on a lO-year, $1 biljion dollar shipping bill last month before Congress adjourned, President Bill Clinton announced that the administration would work to ensure passage of maritime legislation in the upcoming year. Congress "must act to ensure that a fleet of U.S.-flag merchant ships, crewed by skilled American seafarers, stands ready to serve our country's economic and military sealift needs," the president said in a statement released October 19. "The ad­ ministration looks forward to working with the next Congress to enact legislation that achieves these important goals," con­ cluded the statement. It appears the maritime pro­ gram bill was a victim of stalling tactics by Republican senators A ft^r f-VlA CiSrkOl-A r^^t- ...U^ A1 1 _ _a 1 /» .« who in the last weeks of the ses­ move.) sion of the 103rd Congress sought The Republicans also worked to prevent the president from to prevent votes on bills backed achi V i.ig any kind of legislative by the administration that would victoiy. have reformed the way toxic waste dumps are cleaned and esCaught in the Crossfire tablished new mechanisms for From the outset. Republicans administering public lands in the began a campaign to obstruct West. legislation from being passed. With the Senate embroiled in One tactic, the filibuster, was non-productive fights over these often used by the Republicans. In matters and with many senators the last three weeks of the Senate anxious to return home to begin session. Senator Charles E. campaigning in earnest for the Grassley (R-Iowa) filibustered a November 8 elections, the Senate bill designed to reform the way in adjourned on October 8. which elections for public federal The House had adjourned the office are financed, a program day before and thus the 103rd that had been part of Clinton's Congress was effectively out of reform agenda. (A filibuster business. The new Congress, the prevents a bill from being con­ 104th, will take office in January. sidered by allowing senators to Facing that group of legislators make long speeches on any sub­ will be a re-introduced maritime ject. To break a filibuster, 60 program bill. senators must vote in favor of the (There will be a brief session Seafarers Hailed for Haiti Role Seamen Report Smooth Operations, Close Cooperation with U.S. Military SIU members last month were praised by the Maritime Ad­ ministration (MarAd) and by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their roles in delivering Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ves­ sels ahead of schedule during the September break-out of the ships to support United States military operations in Haiti. Seafarers crewed eight of the 14 RRF ships which were ac­ tivated, and all were delivered ahead of their prescribed activa­ tion times. i . Seafarers also played a role in recent operations in the Persian Gulf See page 8. At press time, 11 of the vessels had returned from Haiti to the U.S. and had gone back to reduced operating status. Three others, including the Seafarerscrewed auxiliary crane ship Comhusker State, remained ac­ tive in the impoverished island nation, where thousands of U.S. troops still are stationed. 'Outstanding Performance' In a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, Maritime Ad­ ministrator Albert J. Herberger commended Seafarers for their "extraordinary and dedicated effort in crewing the RRF ships that were activated for Operations Maintain Democracy/Uphold Democracy in Haiti. . . . These ships could not have achieved this outstanding level of performance without the expeditious and professional response that came from our volun­ teer U.S. civilian mariners." Herberger also noted that all of the ships were made fully opera­ tional far ahead of schedule. Besides the Comhusker State, SIU members also crewed the barge carrier Cape Mohican and the roll-on/roll-off ships Cape Lobos, Cape Taylor, Cape Texas, Cape Island, Cape Intrepid and Cape Inscription after the Depart­ ment of Defense activated them. The RRF is a fleet of ap­ proximately 1(X) tankers, dry cargo Statement by President Clinton •vi' The American maritime industry plays an important role in our nation's economy and security. Under Secretary Pena's leadership, we have made significant progress implementing a program that enhances the competitiveness of Ainerican shipyards in the international commercial market. But our work is not comp ete. Congress still must act to ensure a maritime presence in the United States' vast intemational trade. It must act to ensure that a fleet of U.S.-flag merchant ships, crewed by skilled American seafarers stands ready to serve our country's economic and military sealift needs. The administration looks forward to working with the next Congress to enact legislation that achieves these important goals, October 19,1994 The White House for the 103rd Congress after elec­ tion day, but it will be limited to a vote on the trade treaty known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or GATT.) Rule Ruse Added to Delay The maritime bill which was left unattended to by the Senate called for a $1 billion maritime program that would provide sup­ port for a U.S.-flag liner fleet and aid American shipyards over a ten year period. Funding for the pro­ gram would have been raised through the imposition of a ton­ nage duty levied on all vessels calling on U.S. ports. In the closing days of the Senate, momentum was increas­ ing to pass the maritime bill, which had been enacted by the House on August 2 by a vote of 294 to 122. In an effort to prevent the Senate from debating or voting on the legislation, three farm state senators used a par­ liamentary giimnick to delay the bill's progress. The technicality invoked by Senators Larry Pressler (R-S.D.), Grassley and Hank Brown (RColo.) prevented the bill from being reported out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, when that panel met on Septem­ ber 23. The rarely used Senate Rule 26 raised by Pressler, Grassley and Brown states that committee meetings can only be held within a specific number of hours after the legislative body has been in recess unless all the senators on a committee agree that the panel can meet. Since the Senate was still in session on the day the com­ mittee was meeting, due to the filibuster by Grassley on cam­ paign financing, Pressler insisted Continued on page 6 Pro-Maritime Caniiiiiates Assisted by SiU Members Seafarers are walking precincts, posting signs, handing out leaflets and manning phone banks for candidates who support a strong U.S. shipping capability in anticipation of the November 8 The SlU-crewed Cape Intrepid leaves Beaumont, Texas for Haiti, general election. pushed by a Seafarer-crewed tugboat operated by Sabine Towing. Up for election are all 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate positions and a slew of state and local offices. Congressmen and senators who have worked hard for pas­ sage of a maritime program are up for re-election. Also, a number of candidates are seeking office for the first time who have pledged to back U.S. shipping. Seafarers have been cam­ paigning actively for these cham­ pions of both the U.S. merchant marine and the workers who earn Posting a sign outside the New their livelihoods on U.S. ships. Bedford, Mass. union hall is SIU Patrolman Eugenic de Sousa. . Volunteer Activity Deck department crewmembers aboard the Cape Texas in Mobile get that roll-on/roll-off vessel ready to sail to Haiti. They are, from left, ABs James Hardy, Howard Blanks and Jose Maisonet. ships and specialty vessels kept in layup by MarAd and operated by U.S.-flag shipping companies. The RRF activation began on September 8, as the U.S. prepared to launch an invasion against the Haitian military forces which in .t • .• 1991 violently overthrew democratically elected president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. But after some eleventh-hour negotiating between Haitian Continued on page 8 In addition to volunteering for various campaign tasks. Seafarers and their families are making plans to vote. Those who will be aboard ship on election day have made arrangements to vote by absentee ballot. Seafarers also have been voluntarily contributing to the Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD) fund. SPAD funds are presented by the Seafarers to candidates who favor programs to ensure a vigorous U.S.-flag fleet of ocean-going. Great L^es and domestic water­ way vessels. Among the efforts of Seafarers are rallies for pro-maritime can­ didates. The SIU and the Michigan Maritime Trades Port ; • A' Council held a campaign rally at the Algonac union hall in which over200 pledged their support for gubernatorial candidate Howard Wolpe. Also, in Norfolk, Va. Seafarers showed support by handing out leaflets for Senate candidate Chuck Robb in front of the Berkley Avenue entrance to Norshipco shipyard. Seafarers together with the Maritime Port Council of South Florida rallied in support of Hugh Rodham, Democratic candidate for U.S. senator and brother of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clin­ ton. In New Bedford, Mass., union Continued on page 6 ' -1: �4 ' • • '»• .' •'. SEAFARERS LOG Senate Fails to Vetie On inland Safety Bill MOVEMRER1994 NMU, SIU Presidents Receive AOTOS Awards Host of Maritime Measures Left Unpassed; Issues Will Be Raised in Next Congress The Senate failed to act on comprehensive piece of maritime legislation which included steps to increase safety in the inland shipping sector. Enacted by the House of Rep resentatives, the bill also ap proved a budget for the U.S Coast Guard, streamlined Coast Guard regulations affecting U.S. flag shipping operations, created incentives for an American-flag cruise ship fleet and extender veterans benefits to World War I seamen who had previously been ruled ineligible, among other items. To Be Re-Introduced In reality, to obtain a Coast Guard-issued merchant mariner document, an individual must prove that they are drug-free and either a citizen or a foreigner who has lawful residence in the United States. The individual also must undergo a criminal record check with the FBI and a check of the National Driver Register for relevant information on alcohol abuse. Should a seaman be found to be a danger to himself or his shipmates or a threat to safe navigation, the Coast Guard can revoke the document. Threat of Senate Inaction to the Senate the evening of the 7th. On the Senate side, the bill was never considered. In the final hours of the Senate session, the only legislation being consideret were bills that could be brought to the floor without an objection by any senator. Last Minute Hold Louis Parlse (left), president of District 4-NMU/MEBA, and SIU president Michael Sacco were jointly honored by the United Seamen's Service at the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award ceremony last month. After accepting the award presented by Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley (R-Md.), Parise noted that the two unions enjoy "open lines of communication" that has benefitted members of both organizations. Sacco called on all maritime unionists to work for passage of a U.S. shipping promo­ tional bill in the next session of Congress. Sources on Capitol Hill indi­ cate that a senator hostile to American shipping objected to the comprehensive maritime bill being considered on the Senate floor. Such an action would have held up the bill and prevented it from being debated and voted on by the full Senate. Additionally, many bills that if passed would have been a credit The General Accounting Of­ to the Clinton administration fice issued a report last month to were being held up by Republican the chairman of the Senate Sub­ senators. This too may have con­ committee on Oversight of tributed to the lack of action by Government Management charg­ the Senate on the package of ing that lax administration by the maritime measures. Military Sealift Command (MSG) After it was apparent that the of its operating contract for nine Senate would not take up the bill, sealift tankers resulted in poorly SIU Executive Vice President maintained and unsafe ships. After receiving the GAO Joseph Sacco stated that inland safety and other promotional report. Senator Carl Levin (Dprograms for the American-flag Mich.), chairman of that subcom­ fleet would be high on the union's mittee, held an October 12 legislative agenda for the upcom­ hearing on the agency's findings. The sealift tankers have been ing year. "We intend to work operated by International Marine closely with all pro-maritime, (IMC) since May 1990 Carriers pro-safety elected officials to see under a five-year MSG contract. that an inland safety bill is Preliminary examination of passed." Rep. Tauzin argued that issu­ As a result of the bill not being ing documents to inland boatmen passed by the Senate, all elements would lead to increased "paper­ of the package of shipping-re­ work and bureaucracy" being im­ lated measures will have to be posed on the industry. He said at re-introduced in the next session least five senators opposed the of Congress, the 104th, which provision and thus if the House will begin in late January 1995. passed the bill with the document In the last days before the requirement, it would not be House adjourned on October 7 raised in the Senate. and the Senate adjourned on Oc­ In order for the legislative tober 8, the House attempted to package to achieve the unani­ spur the Senate into action on the mous support of the House, Conmaritime measures by passing a gressmaii Gerry E. Studds bill similar to the first com­ (D-Mass.), chairman of the Mer­ prehensive maritime package it chant Marine and Fisheries Com­ had enacted on September 22 in mittee, reluctantly agreed to the form of the Coast Guard having the mariner documenta­ Authorization Act of 1994 (H.R. tion provision removed from the 4422). That bill had languished in bill. The other issue concerning the Senate. offshore supply vessels also was dropped. Documents Not Included The bill then passed the House The new last-minute bill of the unanimously and was forwarded House, entitled Oceans Act of 1994 (H.R. 4852), was brought by the House Committee on Mer­ chant Marine and Fisheries to the floor of the House on the last day of its session, October 7. Beginning December 6, the reduce the number of RRF ships It was presented under a pro­ cedure which allows for a pack­ J.S. Maritime Administration available within five days of a age of legislation to receive [MarAd) will eliminate 16 ves­ mobilization notice to 32 from the unanimous consent in the House sels from the Ready Reserve current 57—calling into question and then be forwarded to the brce (RRF) and reduce 29 others America's papacity to quickly respond to a crisis. Overall, the Senate where it could be taken up to 30-day readiness status. The changes were announced RI^ will shrink from 105 ships to by the full Senate without first being submitted to lengthy com­ after the Senate Commerce Com­ 89. Additionally, none of the 32 mittee hearings and other proce­ mittee approved only $150 milion of a $250 million budget vessels to be maintained at maxi­ dures. Before this legislation was request from the administration mum readiness is a breakbulk adopted by unanimous consent by For maintaining the RRF. MarAd ship. the House, objections were raised ast year received $298 million Added to NDRF by two congressmen concerning or the reserve fleet. RRF vessels are used in times Ten breakbulk vessels and six two specific provisions. Con­ gressman W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (D- of surge shipping, such as the Per- tankers will be placed in the Na­ La.) opposed the requirement Aat sian Gulf War or the recent tional Defense Reserve Fleet inland boatmen hold merchant developments in Haiti. The ships (NDRF), an unmaintained, inac­ mariner documents, and another in the reserve fleet are owned by tive fleet whose 300-plus vessels member of the House questioned the government and operated by are anchored at ports in Texas, Virginia and on the West Coast. the definition of offshore supply jrivate shipping companies. Of the 29 ships being reduced For several reasons, the reor­ vessels in part of the bill. ganization is expected to have a to 30-day readiness, 27 are breakAdvances Safety minimal effect on the number of bulk vessels. Moreover, 12 vessels will be The requirement that inland shipboard jobs held by U.S. mer­ boatmen hold Coast Guard-is­ chant mariners. The 29 ships that kept at 10-day readiness and 16 sued documents, a measure will lose their maintenance con­ will be maintained at 20-day strongly backed by the SIU which tracts and shift to 30-day readi­ status. The budget shortfall leaves believes that such a provision en­ ness status had been maintained hances the safety of dl crewmem- ay reduced operating status unmet the recommendations of a bers as well as promoting safe ROS) crews. Additionally, under Department of Defense study on navigation, was opposed by an le RRF restructuring, 30 roll- U.S. sealift capability—called for association representing certain on/roll-off vessels (each with a by Congress in 1991—which tugboat companies. The crew of at least 10) will be main­ concluded that the RRF should be American Waterways Curators tained in the highest state of expanded. That study was or­ dered after most of the RRF ships had opposed the requirement, readiness. However, the cuts reportedly did not meet their activation claiming it was a clandestine ef­ fort to increase union member­ will eliminate hundreds of deadlines during the Persian Gulf shipyard jobs, and they also will War. ship among boatmen. RRF Drops to 89 Ships Impact on Shipboard Jobs Is Minimal I • • GAO Raports on Sealitt Tankers; Ikiion isPr^ikigA Response the report issued by the GAO, an investigative adjunct of the U.S. Congress, indicates a number of unsubstantiated statements con­ cerning crewmembers on the sealift tankers. The SIU is in the process of interviewing Seafarers who cur­ rently sail or have sailed on sealift tankers in preparation of a state­ ment refuting the GAO's allega­ tions about the seamen who work aboard these ships. The SIU's report will be sub­ mitted to the Government Over­ sight Subcommittee. Full details on the SIU's response to the GAO report will be forthcoming in the December issue of the Seafarers LOG. SiU-Crewed RRF Ships Vessel AMERICAN OSPREY CAPE WASHINGTON CAPE WRATH GOPHER STATE POTOMAC DIAMOND STATE CAPE INSCRIPTION CAPE INTREPID CAPE ISABEL CAPE ISLAND CAPE LAMBERT CAPELOBOS CAPE RACE CAPE RAY CAPE RISE CAPE TAYLOR CAPE TRINITY CAPE TEXAS COMET METEOR CAPE FAREWELL CAPE FLATTERY CAPE JACOB CAPEJOHNSON CAPE MAY CAPE MOHICAN CORNHUSKER STATE FUCKERTAIL STATE GEM STATE GRAND CANYON STATE CAPEBOVER CAPE BRETON CAPE FEAR CAPE FLORIDA CAPE GIBSON CAPE GIRARDEAU CAPEJOHN CAPEJUBY CAPE MENDOCINO CHESAPEAKE DIAMOND STATE EQUALITY STATE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE KEYSTONESTATE MT. WASHINGTON PETERSBURG Type Tanker/OPDS RO/RO RO/RO T-ACS Tanker/OPDS RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO RO/RO LASH LASH Breakbulk Breakbulk Seabee Seabee T-ACS T-ACS T-ACS T-ACS Breakbulk Breakbulk LASH LASH Breakbulk Breakbulk Breakbulk Breakbulk Seabee Tanker/OPDS T-ACS T-ACS T-ACS T-ACS Tanker/OPDS Tanker/OPDS Readiness Prepo Prepo Prepo Prepo Prepo ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 ROS-4 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 10-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day 20-day Operator Bay Ship AMSEA AMSEA lOM Bay Ship lOM APL APL APL APL AMSEA AMSEA' IMC IMC IMC Apex Apex Apex APL APL IMC IMC AMSEA AMSEA OMI OMI lOM lOM lOM IMC APL APL IMC IMC APL APL AMSEA AMSEA OMI Bay Ship lOM lOM IMC IMC Bay Ship Bay Ship RO/RO = Roll-on/Roll-off ship T-ACS = Auxiliary crane ship LASH = Barge-carrying ship Seabee = Barge-carrying ship Prepo = Prepositionea under military control ROS-4 = Reduced Operating Status with a four-day activation schedule. �HOymBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG 5 Houston Flood Hits Seafarers • :• • W -r • • AP Photo by Pat Sullivan The effectiveness of oil booms is evident in this photo, taken in the San Jacinto River, upstream from the Houston Ship Channel in Houston. SlU-crewed oil response vessels and scores of other boats worked to keep the oil slick, which was broken by rushing floodwaters, from reaching Galveston Bay. if Electrician Jimmy Rogers has experienced four floods in five years, but this one was the worst, he said The photo above shows the water level almost reaching the apartment he set up above his garage (foreground) and the top of the main house off to the right. The flooding and pipeline ex­ tional Guard personnel also were of 1989, '90 and '92. "This one plosions which hammered areas called in to deliver clean water came up real fast and went down around Houston last month in­ and to prevent looting of real fast, but it was the worst" sait volved SIU members on several evacuated homes and stores. Rogers, a 36-year SIU member fronts: AP Photo by DavidJ. Phillip In all, the flooding causec who lives near Cold Spring • The homes of at least a dozen damage in 48 counties covering Texas, approximately 75 miles The oil spills on the river were due to at least five pipelines that ruptured. The pipelines were churned up by raging flood waters, then Seafarers sustained varying more than 250miles. from Houston. struck by debris. degrees of damage from the "I had 6 feet, 8 inches of water Rogers' Fourth Flood flooding. in my house This is the fourth • Seafarers aboard the oil-spill At press time, Houston Port time in five years, and a lot of cleanup vessels Texas Responder Agent Jim McGee and SIU Rep­ people aren't coming back. and Gulf Coast Responder spent resentative Don Anderson They're fed up." three days assisting in the spill reported that they still were in the Rogers had signed off a Searecovery efforts following major process of contacting active and Land ship in the port of Long pipeline ruptures on the San retired members in the area, in Beach, Cdif. and had driven most Towering flames rose above The flood waters in southeast Jacinto River (see separate story order to surmise whose residen­ of the way home when he saw Texas finally had begun receding the river, and in some places the ces are damaged and if anyone roads being closed. "I stopped at last month when another disaster fire burned for four days. on this page). • Although SlU-contracted needs assistance. "We checked a motel and watched TV and real­ struck the area. The pipelines, which ranged in towing companies reported no in­ on the pensioners first," said ized there was no way for me to On October 20, an estimated diameter from 36 to 40 inches, juries or vessel damage, publish­ Anderson. "Some of them live in get home. I finally went about 200 200,000 gallons of gasoline, apparently were excavated by ed reports estimate that the elevated areas that weren't miles out of my way, but even­ diesel fuel and crude oil were racing flood waters, then were closure of the Houston Ship damaged by the flood, but they tually I got home. I couldn't go spilled into the San Jacinto River, punctured when those waters Channel cost vessel owners mil­ were basically stuck there. I took inside the house for a few days, 17 miles east of downtown Hous­ slammed debris into them. lions of dollars. SlU-contracted a bass boat around and checked but I had set up an apartment ton, when three pipelines rup­ Swift Cleanup Higman Towing lost nearly on about 15 people. But it's an above my garage, and I just stay tured in a fiery explosion. ongoing process." (The SIU hall $1W,(X)0 while the channel was Both SlU-crewed responder The SlU-crewed Texas there when it flooids." closed, a company spokesman said. in Houston was not damaged.) Responder and Gulf Coast vessels assisted with cleanup ef­ He said that the respective Heavy rains began in Responder, vessels specifically forts in a closed section of the Costly Delay homes of QMED Floyd Acord southeast Texas on October 14 Between the flooding and the designed and equipped to react to Houston Ship Channel, where and lasted for four days. Accord­ and Recertified Steward Royce pipeline explosion, the 50-mile hazardous materids spills, were they worked in tandem. More than 1,000 people were ing to newspaper reports, at least Bozeman sustained major Houston Ship Channel—one of part of a virtual flotilla of cleanup 19 people, including a two- damage. The first floor of Cook the world's busiest waterways craft which quickly contained involved in the overall cleanup. "The beach cleanup is still month-old baby, died in flood-re­ Pat Caldwell's house was was closed for six days. Twenty- much of the spillage after it had flooded, and Caldwell also lost a going on and will be for a while, created a 20-mile slick. lated incidents. one ships were stuck in the port of Roughly 80,000 gallons were but Ae major parts on the water More than 12,000 people were car and a truck to the surging Houston; many more were out­ recovered, while an even greater were done witWn the first couple driven from their homes in an ap- waters. OMU Greg Brandani's side the channel, waiting to get in. amount burned itself off the water of days," said Conway. "There proximately 50-mile radius "We had several units nearby or evaporated. townhouse sustained some firstwere so many (cleanup) entities around Houston. Dozens of Red when the [explosion] happened: floor damage, as did the home of More than 100 people suffered out there at once, altogether we Cross shelters were opened in the Bosun Richard six barges and three boats," said minor injuries in the blast, but deployed over 30,000 feet of region, and five Federal Emer­ retired Mark Flynn of the operations there were no reported deaths. booms." Wardlaw. gency Management Agency department of Higman Towing. Several waterfront homes were For Electrician Jimmy The Texas Responder and the (FEMA) disaster assistance We had four days that those tows engulfed by fire, but all of the Gulf Coast Responder (which is Rogers, this flood was nothing centers were opened to handle claims from flood victims. Na­ new—^but it was worse than those were unable to do anything, at a residents already had left due to based in Lake Charles, La.) each cost of roughly $90,000. But the flooding. is equipped two deck cranes, two there was no personal injury or Seafarer Mike Conway, the stem-launched, 32-foot support vessel damage." mate aboard the Texas boats (which were used to help A spokesman for G&H Responder, which is based in tow booms during last month's Towing of Galveston said none of nearby Galveston, Texas, said cleanup), a stem-mounted skim­ the company's 28 tugs were that the reaction to the spill and mer and other gear including operating in the Houston area ire was both fast and efficient. booms, transfer pumps and protec­ during the rains or when the ex­ 'From the minute this thing tive clothing. Each can hold 4,000 plosion took place, "but we were [jroke, equipment and people ap­ barrels of recovered oil. "We worked (cleanup) for more affected by the flooding peared from every direction," he basically three days," added Con­ when the channel reopened. We said. "A lot of what we tried to way. "Now we just have to clean )ick up was burned gasoline or were real busy then." the hulls and the skimmer equip­ Other modes of travel also )umed oil, and that's not easy. ment." were affected by the flooding. An Some of it was mixed with grass, The Texas Responder and Gulf estimated 76 roads in 26 counties tires, trees, pieces of houses .... Coast Responder are part of a 16iVhen you get that junk hitting were closed, and a railroad bridge ship fleet operated by Dyn your booms, it's quite interesting. normally used by Amtrak's Sun­ Marine in behalf of the Marine "But with our boat crews, set Limited was knocked out by a Spill Response Corporation, a everything went smooth and all drifting houseboat. not-for-profit group created by the equipment worked fine." By early November, the flood According to newspaper major oil companies following waters were gone from the vast reports, fire officials described the passage of the Oil Pollution majority of the affected areas. the blaze as a flash fire—a quick- Act of 1990 (CPA '90). But it's going to be a while striking and extremely hot fire Crewmembers working jefore things get back to normal enerated by the large volume of aboard the vessels voted in Sep­ Standing In the entrance of his Houston home, Jimmy Rogers, with tember 1993 to join the SIU. his camera pointed across the hall, finds himself in waist-deep water. | in this area," concluded Rogers. gasoline floating on the water. Responder Boats Assist in San Jacinto Oii Spiii •• •/rry- " * �6 NOVEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers AM M Races of Pro-MariOme Candidates Continued from page 3 officials have distributed and posted signs throughout the city for Senator Edward Kennedy (D) who is up for re-election. In the port of Mobile, Ala., Seafarers recently participated in a phone bank which involved calling the homes of union mem­ bers residing in Southwest Alabama, asking them to support a number of candidates for local and state offices. The SIU's legislative depart­ ment tracks the voting records of elected officials on matters of special interest to Seafarers and the shipping industry. The union's support of candidates is based on their commitment to promoting cargo for U.S.-flag vessels and developing an American-flag revitalization pro­ gram. Showing support for pro-maritime Virginia candidates are (from ieft) AB Dan Hughes, QMED Robert Katterheindrich, AB Kenny Smith, QMED Kevin Quinlan and retired Recertified Bosun Bill Dawson. UNION SUPPOBtS -yr- r\ij jj. n Campaigning for Democratic candidate Hugh Rodham for U.S. senator in South Florida are, from left, AB Regina Ewing, AMO member Keith Craig and AB Douglas Heller. After a get-out-the-vote rally at the SlU Algonac hall, attended by more than 200 union memt>ers, VP Great Lakes Byron Kelley (left) takes a photo with Margaret Watson, mayor of River Rouge, Mich, (center) and Howard Wolpe, Democratic candidate for govemor. Maritime Briefs President Signs New Law On Stowaway Controversy In behalf of Senator Edward Ken­ nedy of Massachusetts, who faces a tough re-election. Seafarers from the New Bedford SlU hall are placing signs in their yards and public sites around the area. Above, SlU Port Agent SA Corinthius Thomas calls prospective voters from a Mobile, Ala. Henri Francois displays one of the campaign signs. campaign office in behalf of local and state candidates. Clinton to Support '95 Ship Bill Continued from page 3 the committee could not meet. When the bill could not be reported out of committee as a result of the farm-state senators' ploy, that left pro-maritime senators looking for other ways in which to bring the legislation to the floor. But with only two weeks in the session left and with the Senate bogged down by the Republicans' efi^orts to block all legislation of interest to the presi­ dent, backers of the maritime bill were unable to get the bill to the floor of the Senate. Planning for 1995 Immediately after Congress adjourned, backers of a strong U.S. shipping capability vowed to press for enactment of legisla­ tion in the early days of the next congressional session. fii a letter to President Clinton sent in mid-October, SlU Presi­ dent Michael Sacco and the heads of the other unions with sea­ going members, said, "We are to­ tally committed to the enactment of maritime revitalization legisla­ tion early in the 104th Congress." "We cannot and must not allow those who oppose American shipping to succeed in their goal to eliminate the United States flag from the high seas. If the U.S.-flag fleet is eliminated, the carriage of America's foreign trade will be placed totally at the mercy of foreign shipping inter­ ests—often linked directly to foreign companies that compete head-to-head-with our own ex­ ports—and thousands of highly- skilled American maritime jobs will be sent overseas as well," the union presidents noted. Signed by District No. 1Marine Engineers Beneficial As­ sociation President Joel Bem, International Organization of Masters Mates & Pilots President Timothy A. Brown, American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay, District No. 4NMU/MEBA President Louis Parise and Sacco, the letter thanked the president for his past support of U.S. shipping and noted the "tireless efforts of Transportation secretary Federico Pena, Maritime Ad­ ministrator Admiral A. Herberger and their staffs" that hel^ make significant progress in developing a new national maritime program. Former Head of Moran Towing Dies at 69 Thomas Moran, former president, chief executive of­ ficer and chairman of Moran Towing Corp., died in his sleep at his home in Darien, Conn, on September 26. He was 69. The fourth family member to head the company, Moran's Thomas Moran 32-year reign transformed the once small harbor towing and vessel docking busi­ ness, founded by his grandfather in 1860, into a diversified marine transportation company. Bom in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1925, Moran sailed as a merchant mariner from 1943 to 1945. After signing off his last ship, Moran began working with Marine Transport Lines in New York, where he eventually became vice president of operations. Moran began his career with Moran Towing in 1962. The company has a fleet of 53 tugboats and 12 barges which operate in Philadelphia; Hampton Roads, Va.; Jacksonville and Miami, Fla.; Port Arthur, Texas; and Portsmouth, N.H. A new immigration law that relieves carriers of the responsibility of detaining stowaways was signed by President Clinton last month. The new Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) law frees carriers of the responsibility of detaining stowaways for long periods while their asylum cases are decided. According to The Journal of Commerce, the INS has taken cus­ tody of all asylum-seeking stowaways since August 1 as a result of a ruling on the issue by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The old INS policy required carriers to provide detention for stowaways and fined them for any escapes that occurred. J, Investigators Reveal Faulty Door in Ferry Sinking Investigation into the sinking of the ferry Estonia on September 28 has revealed that the locks on the huge front cargo door failed during a violent storm, letting in a flood of water from the Baltic Sea. It was this rush of water into the vehicle deck that apparently led to the capsizing and sinking of the ferry off the coast of Finland, resulting in the deaths of 900 persons. This conclusion was reached by a team of investigators, based on more than 15 hours of videotape taken underwater of the wrecked vessel by remote controlled cameras. According to an article in The Washington Post, investigators • issued a statement revealing the videotape showed the huge hinged door used for loading vehicles onto the ferry "fully separated Irom the rest of the vessel." The videotape helped confirm reports that the door had leaked or broken off the ship. The door, which operated in much the same way as a garage door, was detached from the ferry when the locks failed. The bow door is supposed to be watertight, but investigators revealed it had been partly dislodged, leaving a gap of about three feet along the top edge that allowed water to rush into the car deck. The Washington Post quoted one investigator as stating that the evidence "points to the fact that there was something wrong with the doors before the ship left harbor." Great Lakes Seafarers Overcome Icy Delay According to the Great Lakes Carrier Association, an organization which monitors the action of U.S.-flag shipping on the Great Lakes, a record-breaking August and a large increase in September loadings have enabled Great Lakes vessels to finally offset the significant ice delays encountered in March and April and pull ahead of last year's cargo carriage pace. As of September 30, shipments of various dry and liquid bulk cargoes aboard U.S.-flag bottoms totaled 74.8 million tons, an increase of roughly 1(W,000 tons compared to the same time last year. The association notes that while the increase may seem small, at the end of April, U.S.-flag carriage was more than 2.5 million tons behind schedule. The heavy ice formations that covered the Lakes in March and well into April cost U.S.-flag ships the equivalent of 133 steaming days. To offset the lost sailing days, U.S.-flag carriers have utilized virtually every serviceable ship on the Lakes this season. �I myEHBBR 1994 V* ^ , ' » '• '•«-«' •>*<•- SEAFAREBS lOG ' • I 7 Paul Hall Center Introduces Tanker Safety Glass The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month conducted an exten­ sively detailed, hands-on Tanker Operation/Safety pilot course which soon will become a regular part of the Lundeberg School's curriculum. Six Seafarers and four mem­ bers of the American Maritime Officers (AMD) early this month completed the two-week pilot course, which included plenty of feedback, suggestions and a writ­ ten critique from the students. Their input will be used to help refine and possibly expand the course before it is added to the regular upgrading schedule. The SIU developed the course in response to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90). That legislation is intended to keep the nation's waters free of marine oil spills. In its commitment to comply with all U.S. Coast Guard proce­ dures and practices, the SIU responded to the OPA mandate by including the issue of training in its three-year standard freightship and tanker contract (covering the period of June 16, 1993 to June 15, 1996) and by establishing the Tanker Opera­ tion/Safety course. 'Essential Course' "This is an important course, an essential course, and I'll be sure to pass the information I've learned on to my fellow menibers aboard ship," said Bosun Milton Caballero, 36, one of six SIU members who took the pilot class along with four members of the American Maritime Officers (AMD). "The course really helped me," stated Bosun Hugo Dermody, 45. "I learned a lot about safety inside tanks, what chemi­ cals to be cautious of, and how and why they are hazardous." Added Pumpman Tom Koubek, an 18-year SIU mem­ ber: "I've learned a lot of new things about handling certain hazardous cargoes, how to use respirators and other emergency equipment. These are all very im­ portant." Koubek and his classmates agreed that a large volume of material was covered by instruc­ tors Byran Cummings and Jake Karaczynski. Students were introduced to the chemical and physical proper­ ties of petroleum products, flammability characteristics, toxicity/asphyxiation charac­ teristics and health hazards as­ sociated with exposure to petroleum products. They reviewed how to correct­ ly monitor tanks for oxygen deficiency and take other meter readings with atmospheric monitoring equipment. Other topics and exercises in­ cluded: • Creating site-specific ship­ board safety plans. • Reviewing final rules on ben­ zene products. • Troubleshooting and basic maintenance of monitoring gear. • Extensive confined-space safety training and rescue opera­ tions aboard the Empress II, the Lundeberg School's modern training barge. • Fit-tests using respirators and other breathing apparatus and emergency equipment. • An introduction to fire chemistry and other aspects of firefighting, including fire hazard awareness and identification; fire prevention via vapor control; fire prevention via ignition source control; fire extinguishing equip­ ment; fire fighting techniques and fire/emergency duties. • Tanker construction and safety Other areas of study included different types of oils, medical surveillance, vessel oil pollution prevention, national pollution contingency plans, water pollu­ tion, water program requirements and removal of oil and other haz­ ardous substances. Students also covered regional oil removal contingency plans; rules for protecting the marine en­ vironment; vessel pollution prevention equipment design and approval requirements; site safety, organization and coor­ dination and more. Seafarers who completed the course were Koubek, Dermody, Instructor Byran Cummings Caballero, Ferdinand Gongora, answers a student's question and Marian Kabat. James Ellis about a protective mask. Sahi's Scrumptious Feast Completing the pilot course for Tanker Operation/Safety are (from left, kneeling) AMO mernbers Luis Charlin and Casey Boga and Seafarers Hugo Dormody and Milton Caballero, (back row) SIU members James Ellis and Marian Kabat, AMO member Ernie Richardson, Seafarers Ferdinand Gpngora and Tom Koubek, AMO member Ray Dwyer and instructor Byran Cummings. As part of the hands-on Tanker Operation/Safety course. Instructor Byran Cummings (right) reviews some of the health hazards associated with petroleum products. Seafarers and AMO members review the proper fit and functions of breathing apparatus Thi«e Courses That Lead To a USCG Radar Endorsement Available to Houston Area Seafarers A four-hour radar course, sponsored by the Lun­ deberg School in Piney Point, Md., will be held for all Seafarers who do not currently have their radar endor­ sement. Three dates have been scheduled so far. The first class will be held Tuesday, November 29 at the SIU hall in Houston. It will last from 8 a.m. until ion. noon. The second will take place on Wednesday, November 30 at the Ramada Inn in Port Arthur. Class hours are the same—^from 8 a.m. until noon. Additionally, on Thursday, December 1, the thM radar mini-course will be held, also at the SIU hall in Houston, and also from 8 a.m. until noon. For additional information, contact the Houston hail ^(713)659-5152. •arf.-. ; - y •' �8 ROVEMBER1994 SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers Aid Gulf Buildup Iraqi Troops Back Off as U.S. Reenters Gulf life Hurley added that the entire Seafarers transported U.S. evoked memories of Operations military personnel and materiel Desert Shield/Desert Storm, crew "did a really good job. All of to the Persian Gulf last month as which began in late 1990 anc the ABs were terrific, and the America responded to a buildup ended in early '91 as the U.S. steward and engine departments We had to put of elite Iraqi troops near Kuwait. armed forces liberated Kuwait also were great The U.S. Military Sealift from Iraqi President Saddam in a lot of extra hours loading Command (MSG) in early Oc­ Hussein's invasive military for­ stores, carrying them and things like that. We also topped off our tober directed 19 Afloat ces. But they added that last fuel.... I have six men in the deck Prepositioning Force ships, includ­ ing eight from the Ready Reserve month's operations were com­ department, and they haven't Force (RRF)^ to sail in support of paratively safer and on a much missed an hourof [work] since we Operation Southern Watch. SIU smaller scale than the Persian were called." Ghief Mate John Denton, an members crewed 11 of those ves­ Gulf War, during which more sels, some of which off-loaded in than 200 U.S.-flag ships directed SIU hawsepiper, offered similar A1 Jabal, Saudi Arabia. by MSG carried 15 million tons of praise for the crew and noted the But the threat of a confronta­ cargo and fuel to and from the cooperative nature of both the civilian crew and the military pas­ tion with Iraq quickly receded, Middle East. sengers. "It was a big effort to do and by mid-October the U.S. had Prepare for the Worst the job, but we got it done—any­ capped its military buildup in the "Back in '91, no one knew thing that the Marines needed," region and canceled plans for fur­ ther mobilizations as the Iraqi where we were going or how far," he said. "The deck gang is well tenance," he added. "My impres­ troops withdrew from the border. Bosun Michael Hurley said from above average, and with 75 extra sion is that everyone performed Approximately 13,000 U.S. the bridge of the PVT Franklin J. people on board, the steward with character." ground troops and 2,000 Marines Phillips. "This time, we weren't department was tasked pretty SlU-crewed ships which were on board a group of Navy ships will too concerned about getting hit. hard." involved in Operation Southern "But we reviewed how to use remain in the Gulf for several more Watch included the roll-on/rollHigh Morale weeks, during which time they will all the protective clothing and gas off vessels Cape Washington, Aboard the PFCJames Ander­ American Kestrel, JEB Stuart and conduct military exercises. At masks and everything, just in press time, the Seafarers-crewed case. We were prepared for any­ son, Bosun James Keith Jr. said Cape Wrath-, the crane ship that "morale was high" during Gopher State-, the Maritime prepositioning ship Cpl. Louis J. thing." Like many of the other last month's operations. "We Prepositioning Squadron vessels Hauge Jr. also was involved in drills in the Gulf. The other prepositioning ships, which were on full alert, and at first we Anderson, Phillips, Hauge, 1st LT prepositioning vessels had dis­ remain fully operational and thought the situation might turn AlexBonnyman and PFC William pell to Diego Garcia and near loaded with cargo throughout the into another Desert Storm," he Baughr, and the heavy lift/sub­ year, the Phillips did not off-load said. "But we were ready — mersible Amencon Cormorant. Saipan in the Western Pacific. everyone stuck together and did a More than 150,000 U.S. its equipment. "We were prepared for a major goodjob. ground troops had been on alert, Action Backfires "We got the cargo holds ready but the alert was canceled on Oc­ download, but when we got to the Some news analysts in the Persian Gulf,the threat had become for download and also got the U.S. have suggested that Hussein tober 20. SIU members said that Opera­ minimal," noted Mike Michaelson, deck gear ready. We greased the ordered his troops to move cranes and did all-around main­ toward Kuwait's northern border tion Southern Watch naturally captain of the Phillips. in the hope that the United Na­ tions would lift trade sanctions currently enforced against Iraq, including one that prevents ex­ porting of Iraqi oil. Officikls in Baghdad may have believed that the troop movements would draw attention to the country's economic hardships. They also may have schemed to withdraw the troops and then formally recognize Kuwait's integrity and borders, again hoping that the U.N. in turn would lift or ease the sanc­ tions. Instead the move backfired, as the international community con­ demned Iraq's actions and sup­ ported the American mihtaiy's response. SIU Crews 8 ilfff Sft/jis BoumI Ibr HalU fljparathms Continued from page 3 military rulers and a group of American diplomats, the invasion was changed to a peacekeeping mission as the military officials agreed to reinstate Aristide. That transfer of power took place last month. The RRF ships still carried the same cargo as was planned for the invasion, however, including trucks, ammunition, medical equipment, communications gear, barges, portable pier sys­ tems and more. They also transported military personnel. Seafarers who took part in Operations Restore/Maintain Democracy reported smooth operations and excellent coopera­ tion between the civilian crews and the military. SIU members also expressed strong support for America's mission in Haiti. Aboard the Cape Mohican, which sailed from Norfolk, Va., Seafarers in the steward depart­ ment prepared more than 4,000 extra meals for members of the Army and Navy. "We carried an emergency portable pier system, and we had about 200 milit^ personnel on board," said Ghief Steward Bud Marchman. "I was informed that the mihtary was going to use their MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), but the captain and all of us felt very bad about that. MREs will sustain life, but they get old very quickly! "With the captain's permis­ sion, Ghief Gook IVforjorie Mack and I prepared extra food at each meal for the military, who provided mess cooks. They were overwhelmed with the kindness and really enjoyed the food. We felt good about it, too, because these are our troops. \^en you get a chance to do something for your country, you do it." Andrew Mack, the bosun aboard the Mohican, compli­ mented the galley gang for a "fan­ tastic job" and stated the entire The CapeIsland was one of eight RRF ships crewed by Seafarers to support military operations in Haiti. crew performed in a thoroughly efficient and professional man­ ner. "It was a successful trip, and anything we could do for our military, we were glad to do." AB Howard Blanks sailed aboard the Cape Texas, which crewed up in Mobile, Ala. and then loaded cargo in Norfolk and in Wilmington, N.G. before making the four-day voyage to Haiti. He said that off-loading in Port-au-Prince took slightly less than two days. "Everything went well and everyone on this ship did their job," stated Blanks. "Nobody was worried, and we discussed the U.S. presence in Haiti and agreed that it was definitely the right thing to do." Blanks added that during his brief time ashore, "The Haitian people were happy to s6e us and they treated us with a lot of respect. I was cautious, but they were glad we were over there." AB Charles Simmons used an 80-ton elevator aboard the Ready to do their part in the break-out of ships bound for Haiti are Cape Taylor to move cargo from OMU Van Cowart (left) and DEU Carl Turner on board the Cape Texas deck to deck, and he declared that the upgrading courses he has as it crewed up in Mobile. taken at the Paul Hall Center proved particularly useful during these operations. "We went to Bayoime, N.J., for cargo and the loading took 24 hours," he recalled. "Once we got to Haiti, we unloaded in 17 hours, and we headed back to Mobile immedi­ ately after the discharge." Simmons said the Taylor's crew saw thousands of Haitians lining the shores. "Those people are hungry and they had no form of government. They need our help badly, and I think the United States (military) certainly should be there. "I'm jt^t sorry it was such a short cruise—18 days, start to finish—^because we want to help." Haiti on September 19. Thousands more troops followed as the U.S. facilitated Haiti's return to democratic rule. 'Sterling Support' General John Shalikashvili, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the U.S. mer­ chant marine's role in Haiti as "sterling support to our great na­ tion" and noted the "flawless, timely response" of everyone in­ volved in the RRF activation. More than 2,000 U.S. troops landed without resistance on AB Kennard Campbell (left) and Bosun Millard Napier took part in Operations Restore/Maintain Democracy as crewmembers aboard the Cape Texas. �• '• ' -• -'•* •' / • ../;fe'- '• ". '-'p. " NOIfEMBER 1994 SEAFMERSLOG ^ KaK Cento-Adds Haw Vessel To Seheel's Hands-^m TTaHi^ Fleet The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently added a second 80-foot former U.S. Navy boat to its fleei of training vessels at Piney Point, Md. The vessel will provide upgraders with an expanded op­ portunity for hands-on training in radar, navigation and shiphandling, as well as other seamanship skills. "Since she was operational channel surveys and mine detec­ until just a few weeks ago, it will tion duties. be easy to convert her for our The Lundeberg School pre­ training needs," noted instructor viously acquired a similar boat in Bill Hellwege, who was joined by the spring of 1992 from the Naval fellow instructors Jim Brown and Air Warfare Center in Patuxent Tommy Swann and Lundeberg River, Md. After its arrival at School Waterways Advisor Bill Piney Point, Lundeberg School The yet-to-be-named wooden vessel will provide upgraders with an Saul in transporting the boat from personnel removed all the excess expanded opportunity for hands-on training. the U.S. Coast Guard training base and obsolete Navy gear, worked in Cape May, NJ. to Piney Point. on the engines and updated the The yet-to-be-named craft is navigation equipment. The craft of wooden construction with an also was painted white (over her aluminum deck house and has a original gray) and named displacement of 70 tons. The Securer. main engines are two twin-pack In addition to its regular func­ GM 671 diesels with twin shafts tions as a training boat, the producing 660 hp, for a top speed 5ea/arer assisted, earlier this of 13.5 knots. year, in the towing of another Among the boat's equipment piece of marine equipment to be is radar, a fathometer, gyro com­ used for training, the Empress II, pass, UHF and VHP radio and a state-of-the-art barge formerly more. used by the U.S. government for This class of vessel formerly electromagnetic testing. was used for instruction in The Seafarer, the Empress II seamanship, navigation and en­ and the newer boat were acquired gineering at the U.S. Naval via the U.S. Defense Regional Academy in Annapolis, Md. and Material Office based in Virginia, at the Naval Officer Candidate under terms of the Merchant School in Newport, R.I. The ves­ Marine Act of 1936, as amended Because the craft was being operated almost until the Lundeberg sels also were assigned as harbor in 1980. That law reads in part School acquired it, instructor Bill Hellwege believes it will not take too defense craft, and would have that "excess or surplus vessels, much effort to convert her for the school's training needs. provided, in time of war, a mine shipboard equipment and other countermeasure force in and marine equipment, owned by the charter to the Federal and state which has been jointly approved The new training boat is equipped around U.S. harbors. Additional­ United States, may be made avail­ maritime academies and to any by the (Maritime) Administration with radar that will be utilized by upgaders at the Paul Hall Center. ly, they were used for shipping able by gift, loan, sale, lease or nonprofit training institution and the U.S. Coast Guard...." Two Additional Sill Hails to Host Refrigeration Classes November 14 Is Deadline for Obtaining EPA Certification The refrigeration technician which mandates it. That regula­ Anyone may take the exam an card (which has no expiration) for all QMED, electrician, certification course conducted by tion stems from the Clean Air Act unlimited number of times,so dif- and a certificate. refrigeration and junior engineer the Lundeberg School of the Paul Amendments of 1990. ferent certifications may be According to a recent action jobs. The first day of the course earned separately. Hall Center for Maritime Train­ by the Seafarers Appeals Board SIU members who are on a begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 4 Results will be mailed to (SAB), after November 14,1994, ship during the November 14 ing and Education is available to p.m. Topics covered include Seafarers no more than a month Seafarers who have passed the deadline are asked by the union to Seafarers this month at the SIU halls in San Juan, P.R. and in Al- refrigerants and compressor after they take the exam. Those certified refrigeration technician obtain certification as soon as gonac, Mich. The two-day class lubricating oils, refrigerant han­ who pass one or more sections of exam will be given priority within possible after they sign off the dso is scheduled this month for dling safety procedures, how the test will receive a certification their respective seniority classes vessel. refiigerants affect the environment the Paul Hall Center. Additional classes are slated and dieories of refrigeration. Day two also starts at 8 a.m. for early 1995 at the SIU halls in Jacksonville, Fla., Wilmington, and lasts until 2 p.m., followed by Seafarers who took the Paul the exam. Some of the subjects Calif, and Brooklyn, N.Y. The Lundeberg School has covered are refrigeration servic­ Hall Center's two-day refrigera­ been offering the class—^which is ing, handling small appliances tion technician certification approved by the Environmental and working with high- and low- course at SIU halls in San Fran­ cisco, Seattle, Honolulu and detection Agent^ (EPA)—at SIU pressure equipment. The instractor conducts test­ Wilmington, Calif, last month halls across die coimtry since July. It also is available as part of engine ing following the second day of found Aat thorough prepara­ tion combined with Ae classwork department upgrading courses at class, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The exam is divided into four made passage of the exam more the Lundeberg School and is being offered occasionally as a separate parts, and there are corresponding likely. Like many other SIU members certification types. Most Seafarers course at Piney Point A four-part, lOO-question who handle refrigerants will need who took the course earlier this EPA exam is administer^ imme­ at least what are known as Type I year, those who took it on the diately after the class. Passing this and Type II certifications, since West Coast and in Hawaii ad­ test will result in Seafarers earn­ galley equipment is covered vised fellow members that study­ ing EPA certification that is re­ under Type I, and ships' stores sys­ ing the course textbook in quired for anyone involved in tems are covCTed under Type n. advance is a major boon when it Seafarers at the SIU hall in Seattle take notes on theories of refrigera­ The SIU encourages all comes time to t^e the lOO-ques- tion during the two-day refrigeration technician certification course. repair and servicing of refrigera­ QMEDs to test for what is called tion Environmental Protection tion equipment and air condition­ Universal certification. In par­ Agency exam inunediately fol­ Cisco and also passed all four when signing up for the class. ing systems. parts of the test. "It's a good They should &en send a check for ticular, Seafarers who work lowing the course. November 14 is the deadline "There's so much information course and the instructor is first- $25, made payable to the "Paul aboard cruise ships should seek for obtaining certification, ac­ to cover in a relatively short time, rate," he said. "I got the book in Hall Center," to: EPA Refrigera­ Universal certification. cording to llie EPA regulation you better show up ready to advance and it re^y helped. The tion Tech. Course, Paul Hall Cen­ learn," said Electrician Gilbert diagrams are excellent, the in­ ter for Maritime Training and REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN COURSE SCHEDULE Millsap, 61, who passed all four structions are very specific and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney 1994 sections of the exam at the Seattle I'll be able to refer to it in the Point, Md. 20674, Attn: J.C. LOCATION DATE hall. "I had the book 'Refrigerants future." DAY Weigman. The book will be sent San Juan, P.R. and the Environment' a week Nov. 16-17 OMU Mark Lawrence, who by first class mail. (Be sure to Wed.-Thu. San Juan, P.R. Nov. 18-19 before the class, and it served me took the class in Honolulu, and indicate an address where the Fri.-Sat. Algonac, Mich. Nov. 29-30 Tue.-Wed. well." QMED Steve Byerly (Wil­ book should be sent.) Piney Point, Md. Nov. 21-22 Mon.-Tue. The 40-year SIU member mington) separately gave identi­ The Lundeberg School also is 199S added that he appreciated the Paul cal summaries of the necessity for trying tomake the book available LOCATION DATE Hall Center bringing the course to studious preparation: "Getting for purchase directly from the DAY Jacksonville, Fla. SIU halls throughout the country. the 'oook in advance is a must!" ports where the courses are Jan. 9-13 *Mon.-Frl. Wilmington, Calif. "We owe a vote of thanks to the they each stated. Feb. 13-17 scheduled. Check with the in­ •Mon.-Frl. Brooklyn, N.Y. Mar. 13-17 •Mon.-Fri. union for putting this on." Seafarers who want to buy the dividual port agents to find out if •Five-day blocKs o? time nave ueen sei aarew loi uiooo wuiwo iw ac­ QMED/Electrician Sonny book should indicate this to the the book is available in advance commodate all who apply and those who want to retest. Each course, Acosta took theclass in San Fran- port agent whom they contact at a particular hall. Seafanrs Stress Class Preparation however, will take place over the regular two-day period. 9 �••;-: i 10 •••••• ••. M0VEMRER19S4 SEAFARERS LOG AB John Sokolik works hard to keep the W/Zkes'decks white. OS Glenn King reports to the deck, ready to begin long hours of chip­ ping and painting. •'f, r'' ' Operating the air compressor which feeds seismic research equipment is QMED Greg Jones. A • • '•' "Keeping up the appearance of a white ship is no easy task," notes Frederick K. Smallwood,the first mate of the USNS Wilkes. But that doesn't stop the deck crew of the oceanographic survey ship from "making a difficult job look easy," Smallwood adds in his September 14 communication to the Seafarers LOG. Smallwood (who also provided the photos for this article) reported to the Seafarers LOG that there is always a lot of work to be done aboard the USNS Wilkes. "The work is very interesting, and the scientists on board always have a few minutes to explain what they are doing with various experiments," he noted in his letter. "While the ship's mission is centered around oceanographic operations, there is always day-to-day work that must go on," the chief mate added. Keeping with the regulations of an oceanographic research vessel, the USNS Wilkes must be painted radiant white at all times. This makes deck maintenance for the crew, led by Bosun Bill Richardson, a constant challenge. Chipping and painting must be worked out with over-the-side operations, and the crew often works long hours. In September, the USNS Wilkes was reunited with an oceanographic seafloor survey system sled which it previously had brought up from 17,000 feet of water off of the south coast of Hawaii in May 1993. The sled had been refurbished and is now being operated by the USNS Wilkes in the Sea of Japan through the end of October. W^ile at sea, the vessel encountered two typhoons—^Ellie and Fred. According to Smallwood, Ellie passed close enough to the ship's operating area that evasive action was required. The USNS Wilkes rode out the storm at a buoy in the harbor at Sasebo, Japan. The 287-foot USNS Wilkes has been operated by Bay Ship Management for the Military Sealift Command (MSC). Earlier this year, however, the MSC awarded a five-year operating contract for the vessel and others of its class to Dyn Marine Inc. That company's operation of the f/SZVS Wi/kej began October 29. Dyn Marine is operating the USNS Wilkes and the other vessels under MSC's contract with non-union vessels in organizational status. OS Darrayl Marshall applies white paint to the stem bulwark. • ."-"v - •' '• "H-v. Purser Vicky Holloway (left) and Cook/Baker Carmelita Henry meet outside the purser's office to go over the day's menu. - J-! Preparing to take a bot­ tom sample Is Bosun Bill Richardson. Bosun Bill Richardson (right) and OS George Galanis mix palnL �NOVEMBER 1994 SEAfARBISLOQ 11 "T^r. (Utet "TKIA. 1^6cA<XKi 'i^(%ltc<^ u^e tKorried 2L t9'?4 or PrcHce 'prederccA. TKcC. ^CcA^rd 64. X cAie^ engineer untA (^Kyudetf. 6(t S<t*t Pu<x*t, P.^.; ^euyuHtf 64- e<4t^U4efed. tvcCA (Ate Se<t^<xrer4 Pt<ut 6M, P6Metf P<y6*it, /4^ter cuitA. (Ac S'TZC ttuyie CA^xa. 40 cfe<vt^, ^xul 0(^<Ua4. Sr. retcxecC CoAt S>ece*HAcr. 't^e euui AIA cvi^ 44 cfe<vi4., (^taxiefA (i*t frA^Uo<x6Ave} ttuiAe tAcOi AMIC i*t /trrMfo., 'Pccerto^ IRcca. 1R<t«6 Ac tHiAAe^ '?H-ci. Another peek into the Seafarers LOG family album shows us some happy moments in the lives of SlU members, in­ cluding two weddings, a fishing trip and families getting together. As always, the LOG welcomes photographs from Seafarers and their families and will publish them on a periodic basis. <xtl tAe eicttiUtceA eit 2!7KSS> p6*K "OddiAUui PiUffie recettdcf Mctzrried (Ae ^4r*Her, (patHero^, uxAfX Atx6l4 ^rtuft PltxMdurxA. '/^fuxcwt A64, ^ieer4 ^r A64, ieleedaxM (x^ <xut-<x^-(Ae-<xrd6M.<xrtf. a<xc<t(69M 4-6te4. Paxf^te reduxr(ed (A<x( Ae "(Atxut^t <^<xiMt^ docnu (Ae '7t6le and /^Mut^'XM r6(Aer4 C<A<X4 xduettture, Au( (Ae re<zl adxxett(ure c<x(X4 at- <^Md <xld-^<x4A6<x*ied 'PAoxtdureiM uxeddtMx^. ^( (Ai4(ed ^<xr (Aree d<ttf41" Paxfne added (Aat Ae 64 &(x*t46derc(i<^ (aAtxo^ d^rt 6M a 100-Mtile d<xt^-4led r6de 6M /fta4Aa 4(x*He(6*Me 4<X<XM. 'SU( 0 ve dlewed doxuM a C6((le iince A/ (^xxd Mto-rrced. /4( Atune 6*t '7H'<yA6le, /4l<x., S(ec<Mird/T4464(emt ^A<xrie4, (P-tdicer fr. A(dd4 ACA cf<yu*u^ 4(X*t, (P-A<vite4 III. 'JAe elder (P<Mcer reeetttlcf4a6led M (Ae (P-adte A<yA<y4., (<xA6Hf (Ae ^Acfr IrtMc (Ae '7H'<yA6le 4At/uf4ird (tx 7V6l*K6*o^t<M-, '• •• ';?v • V:--, •-.'i^V ^ecetUlc^ re(6red ^TOMC (Ae SOTl, 'S<X4UM 'ntoMuel SUiAO. u646t4 P6Metf Ptxitit uxiiA A64 UM.^, daxcra. OMAC daut^(er, /fMO^ar(xt6Ma. lAe S6l(Aa4 MtaAe (Ae6r AMU. 6M P<xr(u<^al aad un^e aMCf S'TTl ^rieMdd (4X 4t<xfi- Atf and dacp AelU udieM docAed ^^ , . '8(X4UM S<X6 Pat^M '4 {aMt.6t(f (AC46(4 A6Mt <XM (Ae 0iter4ea4 OAttx utAde 6(UAa4 dtxcAed 6M d<xM<} "SeacA. lAecf are. {IMC ie{(. dtxH. I^MOH; dau^A(er. /44A(ecf; Pa^aM; 4<XH, dfiex aad UA6{e. dee. ;V.' =• - • .'.iV -" ^Ar64 Sierra eau^A( (A64 4(eelAead 6M ^r/XM( a/ (Ae /4l(^/XMae S^TTl Aall. ^Arc4 4acl4 a4 a 27HSS^- �ifiPij-•• ..iV- • ••V • ,:7^" •• •• v'>V'-«.-r-'»i''*-:i"-i':J.<^.':'; 7"77W--7 12 MOVEMRER1994 SEAFARERS LOG NOVEMRER1994 SEAFARERS LOG 13 71 .7,' ".:rK": • • '7 • -.•,;._ ', • l rewmembers aboard [the MV Advantage surmounted rough seas to rescue hundreds of exand hausted I ravenous South Yemeni refugees aboard two gunboats in deplorable condition which were in danger of sinking. On July 9, the Advantage and its crewmembers came to the aid of the two foundering gunboats containing 353 men, women and children who were fleeing the civil war between the north and south in their native Yemen. The Advantage, a breakbulk ship operated by Red River Ship­ ping for the Military Sealift Com­ mand (MSG), had just finished unloading U.S. military armored vehicles in Kuwait when it was contacted by the MSG, which ad­ vised the captain of the position of the two distressed gunboats in the Gulf of Aden. The South Yemeni gunboats (identified only as boats 121 and 123) were direct­ ly on the course of the Advantage from Kuwait to the Red Sea, so the MSG requested that the vessel and crew investigate the situation and render assistance if possible. According to news reports, six boats had attempted to leave Aden harbor under the guns of North Yemeni forces. Four of those had been blown up and sunk. The two boats rescued by the Advantage v/cre literally all that was left of South Yemen's army and navy. Included in those rescued were the head of the army, the advisor minister of defense and various military colonels. Also aboard was South Yemen's deputy prime minister. Preparing for the Rescue Preparations for the rescue began by all departments the night before the mission took place. However, crewmembers did not know how many people they would be bringing on board or the condition of the refugees until the Advantage reached the two gunboats. "The night before, we got the house ready. We cleared out several rooms and began prepar­ ing food and drinks for when the refugees came on board, because what we did know is that they had been without food and water for a little while," Steward/Bakqr JohnVenables told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. A shipboard hospital and emergency room was set up for the sick and injured by Second Mate Steven Souza and QMED Richard Sanford, who helped the South Yemeni refugees in need of medical attention with his extensive paramedic background. Preparations by the deck crew, led by Bosun Shaw Matthews, included making fenders by at­ taching lines to large tires and lowering them from the Ad­ vantage in order to keep the vessels' hulls from smashing against one another. 7' f , •. ." ' ".7 The Advantage reached the first gunboat at 6 a.m. and found hundreds of heavily armed South Yemeni soldiers aboard that vessel. "We had no idea that they were so heavily armed," noted Matthews. "The element of surprise was so great when we first saw how many weapons they had. It was a very scary and tense time while the refugees and our crewmembers sized one another up," Matthews explained. "I don't think I feared for my life, but I was afraid of what might happen when we brought them on board. They were in a very desperate situation, and they more than outnumbered us," said the bosun. "What we realized later was that the refugees were scared too," he added. Venables recalled that at first it was not apparent that women and children were aboard the ves­ sels. "When we first came upon the boats, we could not see the women or children. The Yemenis had them all hidden inside. Once they realized that we were there to help them, everyone appeared on deck," he said. Ghief Gook Matt Spence noted that although communica­ tion was difficult at first, it was soon evident that the refugees were ready to comply with any condi­ tions set by the Advantage crew. "Before we^ould bring them on board, we had to get the Yemeni soldiers to throw away their weapons," recalled Spence. "The captain called down from the bridge to ask the refugees to disarm." "Once it became ap­ parent that we were there to help, the Yemenis began throwing their weapons into the sea," he said. Rescue Begins The Advantage maneuvered itself into position to receive lines from the first gunboat. Rough seas caused heavy rolling of the ship and initially hampered the crew's efforts. "Due to high swells, we couldn't lower the gangway, so we sent down the pilot ladder," explained Matthews. The lines offered by the gun­ boats were too small to hold the vessels to the Advantage, so Mat­ thews, AB Lawrence Jackson and Sanford descended the pilot ladder and boarded both gunboats to help the refugees. "Due to lack of experience, the refugees were having trouble handling the lines, so we basically helped &em organize in order for our rescue efforts to be conducted safely," explained Matthews. "We showed them how to hold the ladder so they would not hurt themselves and strapped those who needed to go in the gumey safely in place," he added. "We got down onto the first boat and the first thing we noticed was the incredible stench and the horrible condition of the vessel. It was like nothing I have ever seen," Matthews stated. "Conditions on both of the boats were absolutely deplorable," said Bosun Shaw. "Not only were they filthy from the hundreds of Yemenis strug­ gling to survive while at sea, but the boats seemed to be poorly maintained. They looked as if they had been tied up for a great amount of time," he added. Matthews said that although the refugees had thrown the weapons they were holding into the ocean, there were hundreds of other arms resting in various places aboard the boats. "There were literally guns everywhere you looked. In the piping and wiring conduits, shoved in comers and almost everywhere our eyes could see, there were guns. It was an amaz­ ing sight," added the bosun. Making the Transfer Once lines were secure and all visible weapons had been thrown into the sea, tlie transfer operation began and did not stop until the last refugee was hoisted firom the second Iwat later that afternoon. During the boarding process, many of the South Yemenis had trouble using the pilot ladder. "Hungry, thirsty, exhausted and traumatized, a 30-foot climb up a rope ladder is tough for a man in good shape, but for the old and sick it is Mount Everest," wrote AB William Kallins in an article describing the rescue which was published in the Bradenton Herald of Bradenton, Fla. He added that the crewmembers also lowered lifelines and a metal gurney to help pull up the weak and sick and keep them from being crushed between the parallel hulls. Three pregpant women and two soldiers with gunshot wounds woe hoisted safely aboard the Ad­ vantage mHaSi gumey. QMED Sanford carried the 15 South Yemeni children from the gunboats one at a time, on his back, up the 30-foot pilot ladder to safety aboard the Advantage. "We worked about 10-and-ahalf hours straight, in 105 degree heat, getting people on board," Spence stated. "T^e entire crew really worked together to get the job done. It was very important to us to save the refugees." searched the refugees one by one for additional weapons that had not been thrown into the sea. Only a few were discovered and those were given up voluntarily. "You could see the hunger in [the refugees'] eyes," Matthews recalled. "Not only for food and water but for friendly human con­ tact. They had literally been through hell," he observed. When the refugees from the first vessel were aboard the Ad­ vantage, crewmembers began to communicate with them. "Because most of the refugees on the gunboats were Yemeni of­ ficials, they were very well-edu­ cated. There were many who spoke English and explained to us that they were fleeing the country because people were being butchered in the streets of Yemen," noted Spence, who also provided the photos accompany­ ing this article. Venables recalled that the refugees had been fighting for days without end before their departure from the war-tom na­ tion. "They described to us the horrors of the civil war in their country. They had literally been fighting street to street, home to home, for more than three months before their escape. In fact, they had to fight their way out of the hairbor on the day of foeir escape, just barely making it out alive," recalled Venables. "When I reflect back on the Taking Care of the Refugees required the amputation of a toe. Advantage, something that they had not experienced in a long time. Special Galley Efforts "Being in the desperate situa­ Meanwhile the steward tion that they had been in, they department, consisting of Spence, were just overwhelmed to be Venables and SA William Wickamong friendly people," said land, served the refugees Venables. hundreds of pounds of rice and "What was most wonderful cases of vegetables mixed with a were the children. The 15 of them soup base. "Because they had not averaged in age between 2 and 5 had any type of nourishment in years old. Once on board, with several days, the food we served their tummies full and made to had to be an important and quick feel secure, they became kids source of protein and vitamins. again—running and playing and We did not prepare any meat be­ laughing. It really made afi the cause that could make them sick," hard work worthwhile," noted Venables. Spence recalled, "We set up Venables added. The steward/baker noted that two food stations and fed Spence took over a lot of the everyone. We brought out big responsibility of caring for the pots of food and kept feeding children. He helped them get until they were full." cleaned up and fed while teaching Feeding, housing and provid­ them new American songs. ing medical attention for the 353 "The playfulness of the refugees went on through the children provided some relief night. "The entire crew per­ from the seriousness of the situa­ formed heroically to get the tion. They were the best. They refugees comfortably settled," noted Spence. Once the refugees had rested, | slept and eaten, many were able to find temporary comfort aboard the Crewmembers worked! for more than 10 hours j bringing the 353 Yemeni refugees from both! boats aboard the Ad-\ vantage. \ Once on board, crewmembers 7' , Michael Koppenhaver, Bosun Shaw Matthews, AB Lawrence Jackson and OS Bill Kallins make fenders for the Advantage ' inpreparaSon for the rescue operation. ? | " . . . * ^« .iC'- - -7 - ,• Once the refugees realized thatl the Advantage was there to res-| cue them, the children and! women came out from their hiding' places. , . ~ i Once lines were secured, crew- | members prepare to bring the ' refugees on board while the second boat remains drifting in the distance. -r, Chief Cook Matt Spence made I many fast friends among the! Yemeni children, who werel relieved to laugh and play again| aboard the Advantage. Silil '"""I • 'i fVr "' f 7~"- -Simf -1 77-7'' .-..v...." . '7:'" """" - 'c<^\ • i-. ':J .7 77 A 'Tense Time' The South Yemenis had been adrift for four days, nine miles offshore. When the Advantage reached them, they had only reserve fuel, a little food and vir­ tually no water left. "TTie refugees had practically run out of food and water several days before we found them. They were really tired. There was also a school of sharks swimming in the area," said Spence. He noted that although the sharks were "only four-footers, they can cause problems," r Although lines were attached, the rough seas made it difficult to bring the gunboats alongside the Advantage. •t'-; ' • •• A 9 7. When everyone was safely abodrd the Advantage, the refugees relaxed and enjoyed cold drinks and sandwiches on deck. --7''-K. ' . - •, «• still had a lot of life in them and they were playing as soon as we got them on board and away from all dangers," recalled Spence. Several hours after the refugees were situated aboard the Advantage, Matthews noted a change in the atmosphere. "The mood of the Yemenis changed dramatically from relief and hap­ piness over being rescued, to a great sense of sadness and despair," he recalled. "In the long trip to Oman, they had time to think of their foture and their ultimate destiny," the bosun reflected. 'They had just been forced out of the only country they had ever known, and they really had no place to go. It was very sad." v", ^ ,• _• '•7 i \\ /,I •• • 7' I '' ' j ^ ^ '-h • The End of the Voyage The Advantage was instructed to deliver the South Yemenis to safety in a refugee camp set up for them by the United Nations in Oman, 12 hours from where the rescue took place and 14 hours off course for the Advantage. All 353 South Yemeni refugees were transported safely to the camp in Oman by the Ad­ vantage crew. According to Spence, it took approximately two hours for all the refugees to leave the ship. "I can honestly say that I shook everyone of the 353 refugees' hands and received many hugs from the grateful Yemenis. It was kind of sad for the crew to say goodbye. We wished them all the best," said Matthews. : In a telex sent to the ship, crewmembers aboard the Ad­ vantage were commended by Vice Admiral Douglas J. Katz, Gommander Naval Surface For­ ces U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He stated, "I would like to extend a hearty congratulations to you on your successfrjl rescue of die 353 Yemeni personnel adrift in international waters. Without exception, I am sure that those rescued will forever hold the U.S. merchant marine in the highest esteem. Your actions serve as an example of the time honored tradition of service and compassion associated with mariners the world over." Mark Parris, acting assistant secretary for Near Eastern affairs for the Department of State, wrote in a letter to Red River Shipping Gompany, "I wish to take this op­ portunity to thank you and your employees for their successful rescue at sea of nearly 300 men, women and children fleeing the unfortunate conflict in Yemen. The Department of State commends Ship Master Hairy F. Ball and the crew of the MVAdvantage for ac­ ting in the finest tradition of the U.S. merchant marine." "We can think of no more out­ standing example of the dedica­ tion and ability of the U.S. merchant marine than this," Par­ ris added. Rodney Gregory, vice presi­ dent of operations for Red River Shipping Gorp., praised the Ad­ vantage crew in a letter to the Seafarers LOG. "Food, water and showers were provided to the 353 refugees, who were delivered to Oman the following day. This un­ selfish effort by the master and crew of the MV Advantage is an outstanding example of the dedica­ tion and ability of the U.S. mer­ chant marine," Gregory wrote. The Advantage is used to aug­ ment the MSG'S prepositioning program which is designed to meet the U.S. military's rapid response needs in times of war or international conflict. I - Before the Yemenis were allowed to come on board, crewmembers communicate to them that they have to throw all weapons into the sea. Crew Is Praised isisl# ' Rollingatireondeck, which S2 will be used to keep hulls from smashing against one another, is OS Bill Kallins. - situation, it neverceases to amaze me. Here you have these people who had been fighting for their lives for months without end, and then we came along and told them that if they threw away their weapons, we would help them and their families. And they did. They threw away their weqwns and put their trust in us. It was an incredible feeling," Venables noted. "It was amazing to see the looks on their faces when they came aboard. They would hug us and express how happy they were," recalled Spence. As some of the Advantage crewmembers were exchanging information with the South Yemenis who spoke English, other Seafarers were aiding the sick and the injured while the steward department put the final touches on a meal for more than 350. Attending to those in need of medical attention was Sanford, who Venables said did a "remark­ able job." The pregnant women, soldiers and the elderly were treated for simple ailments and released from the ship's hospital "happy to be alive," Venables said. Of all 353 refugees brought aboard, only one person suffered a slightly serious injury which later "i- "• . • _• s,;., .•• |ii|iip7:7 The Yemenis wait patiently to board the Ad­ vantage while watching the first of their fellow countrymen climb the pilot ladder to safety. •f- A Yemeni soldier explains the horrible condi­ tions of the civil war to QMED Bob Ready while newly boarding refugees are searched for ad­ ditional weapons. �:--*.i6.--. .• -••W' vt- -• .' .•••.••• •'•• • SJ :-.:-4--^ •• • • 14 N0¥EMRER1994 SEAFARERS LOG Harvest Grains Keep Orgulf Tugs Busy . ••y.;:.-. ;.'T. . As the cooler winds of autumn begin sweeping down from the north, SIU crewmembers aboard Orgulf tugboats along the Mississippi River continue to work without interruption. "It has been a busy summer for us, which can be attributed to the flooding of the Mississippi last year. Looking to this fall—harvest time—it seems like we will continue to have plenty of work," Dorlis Taylor, who sails as a cook aboard the Enterprise Star, told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. Friendship Eases Hard WorlT Taylor added that teamwork and friendship aboard the tug makes hard work a little easier. "Because we work in so many different conditions—day and night. as well assometimes unfavorable weather— it helps to like what you do and the people you woik with. We are aU like a big family," she noted. Besides its usual loads of mulch, coal, scrap and other dry cargo, Orgulf tugs have been moving much of the summer crops along the waterways and will con­ tinue as the fall harvest begins. "There is always so much work to be done that it is really great to be working with others who not only share similar interests but also who make going to work fun," noted Eddie Oliver Jr. who sails as a deckhand aboard the 7.5. McDermptt. SlU-crewed Orgulf tugs travel a diverse spaii of waters along the Missis­ sippi, and personal safety is always a con­ cern, as is the safety of others navigating the area Safety Is Stressed Crewmembers aboard vessels like the Peter Fanchi reinforce the importance of safety on the waterways. Deckhand Andreas Knighter stated that he always practices safety while on board and en­ courages his fellow crewmembers todo so as well. "It is our concern for one another that makes sailing on Orgulf tugs so great. When we are sailing... all we have is each other," the deckhand noted. Depending on thearea and current con­ ditions in their designated watenvay, some boats are able to operate with as manv as 35 barges. A busy season means non-stop work for Utilityman Chris Orgulf, which is based in Cincinnati, Hormuth (left) and Mate Barry Clarke (right) of the J.B. operates tugs and barges along the Missis- Klelnpeter. sippi River. While the upper part of the river closes in winter because of ice and bad weather, the company operates vessels year-round from Moore's Landing, Mo. south to New Orleans. n «« . 1 *71 .*_*•_ Preparing fresh clam chowder for crewmembers on the U.S. McDermoffls Cook Peggy Robinett. ; Overseeing deck operations On a quick break, Lead Deckhand Checking the lines on board the "'"fV'?'' aboard the Pefer Jo//of is Lead Mozell Turner catches up on union J.S. McDermott \s Deckhand for egg salad aboard the Knighter, gets t^^ Deckhand Dennis Joliot. news aboard the Enfe/pnse Star. Eddie Oliver Jr. Enterprise Star. tie up tne vessel. Slow, For Great Lakes' Iglehart Aboard the J.A.W. Iglefiart, which was delayed from ^ginning its sailing season by icy waters, are Watchman Jeffrey Davis (right) and SIU Algonac Patrolman Ken Homer. Despite a glacial start to the Great Lakes sailing season, the J.A.W. Iglehart has been working great M Wjif S""®' operator. Inland Lakes kola n Management, expects the vessel will be sailing late into the year. The slow beginning of the sail­ ing season was due to thick ice for­ mations that covered Lake Superior and the connecting channels. As a result, many Great Lakes ships did not begin operations until late spring. The J.A. W. Iglehart, a self-unloading cement carrier, became stuck in more than 36 inches of ice when entering Thunder Bay near Alpena, Mich, to pick up cargo. Industry sources predict that Great Lakes ships like the Iglehart will work late into the year. There is no shortage of cargoes on the lakes this year, so shipping should continue as long as the weather permits. V Second Cook Paul Paton (left) and Algonac Patrolman Tim Kelley Porter Ahmed Kaid tidies up the Getting ready for the next meal aboard the Inland Lakes Manageexpect the Iglehart to have steady work until the lakes freeze over, galley aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. ment vessel is Second Cook Lee Sleeper. •\ ; r' �^ ,, , -ty , SEAFMtERSLOG NOVEMBER 1994 Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea December 1994 & January 1995 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, inland Waters SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15,1994 ••REGISTERED ON BEACH TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups All Groups Trip Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 8 57 53 5 28 14 24 2 6 10 6 2 •1 1 1 2 4 9 13 5 3 0 2 1 20 20 19 5 13 9 1 12 3 33 0 14 6 9 1 1 8 44 26 5 15 3 7 14 21 36 5 - 39 8 17 11 - • • 12 12 42 7 •M-'m :• 0 ''•Us.- ", 12 10 16 10 ^-•:v.-13'.'v. 11 ••• '•^\''y-2iv: 29 1?" 4: 6 43 49 7 20 7 • 1 2 7 7 12 3 7 4 1 4 5 25 7 0 11 6 1 9 22 38 53 7 16 19 1 4 1 :Civ: 0 • 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 13 2 1 1 • .• 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 • 0 0 139 426 338 61 135 152 42 66 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 35 52 :s:t 11 . 6 . 2 4 ' 1 4 ::../t:5 0 0 0 1 0 3 12 iti1 .ttitt,6' t::.^ i-:::it 3 ' 5 8 15 5 8 5 5 4 9 2 9 12 6 2 5 5 0 3 23 13. 3 8 11 2 24 t.'-: 11 20 3'• • 5 tt 8 •^y-:-2% 5 O'tt 32 ir.:3 1 28 , S6i: 4 0 • •' 18 1 17. ... 5 16 MyiMi :t:::4. • 5 22 21 18 8 1 3 0 4 7 4 3 5 . 4 0 7 12 6 3 6 8 5 5 7 20 25 6 5 S 9 :t 2\--^'t. t'tit 6' . 0 2 0 t: 1 0 0 26 0 ••:t|i::'6t' 0 3 " 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 61 276 208 40 28 85 86 35 STEWARD DEPARTMENT i-2.. 40 8 0 3 14 0 W22 1 0 2 1 y-r. 0 St- 4--: V 3 ':f4' • 'i-yi 0 13 6 6 2 3 5 6 . 4 4 14 11 0 1• 1 1 3 3 11 9 6 1 4 11 2 4 M-44 f 11 3 1 • "5:^ 3 10 25 8 2 3 22 5 15 14 8 14 2 2 16 36 4 2 4 16 2 4 0 4 3 0 1 1 8 17 11 1 i ' 1 1 3 4 12 18 0 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 1' , ^ 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 228 187 45 98 40 16 30 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 89 - 35 •• 14 0 0 18 13 4 1 2 0 2 0 .-t-'t' 2': 0 2 10 0 3 i 0 1 :.3 ^ 24 28 7 0 12 9 1 17 4 31 2 0 1 8 0 2 21 29 7 0 8 11 5 14 • . g..' •s? 22 28 7 ,0rr' 6 0 15 33 43 . T-V ,0 :tr 16 7 2 15 21 28 9 it:tiO:':.t: 3 10 3 11 16 41 9 0 1 13 9 5 19 4 5 0 3 3 4 7 112 47 10 0 10 13 0 53 10 35 0 1 4 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 36 0 0 0 11 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 331 450 95 0 50 117 32 161 •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York 25 36 Philadelphia 0 5 Baltimore 5 7 Norfolk 10 13 Mobile 9 12 New Orleans 12 26 Jacksonville 19 17 San Francisco 16 23 16 Wilmington 11 Seattle 28 29 3 Puerto Rico 7 18 Honolulu 4 25 Houston 20 St. Louis 0 1 8 Piney Point / 1 0 0 Algonac 167 239 Totals Port 19 22 New York 1 Philadelphia • .it-s • • 6::t.; it:.'8. Baltimore 6 5 Norfolk 4 7 Mobile 13 New Orleans 6 10 8 Jacksonville 18 San Francisco 15 12 7 Wilmington 10 16 Seattle 3 7 Puerto Rico 8 2 Honolulu 13 20 Houston 0 0 St. Louis 4 17 Piney Point 0 0 Algonac 145 123 Totals Port 20 -12 New York 2 1 . Philadelphia 3 4 Baltimore 8 9 Norfolk 7 5 Mobile 5 New Orletuis 5 5V;; 4 Jacksonville 13 San Francisco 33 6 Wilmington 11 12. 14 Seattle 0 4 Puerto Rico 9 7 Honolulu , %} 9 Houston 0 0 St. Louis 6 3 Kney Point 0 0 Algonac 102 121 Totals Port 40 New Yoi^ 1 2 Philadelphia 6 0 Baltimore 13 6 Norfolk 16 1 Mobile 10 New Orleans 4 21 1 Jacksonville 22 San Francisco 8 15 5 Wilmington 20 7 Seattle 2 2 Puerto Rico 28 3 Honolulu 15 5 Houston 0 0 St. Louis 32 0 Piney Point 0 0 Algonac 241 49 Totals Totals All 727 160 'm 292 351 394 136 146 869 1.339 586 Registered on the Beach" means the total number of men registered at the port at the end of last month. A total of 1,027 jobs were shipped an SlU-contracted deep sea vessels. Of the 1,027 jobs shipped, 351 jobs or about 34 percent were taken by "A" seniority members. The rest were filied by "B" and "C seniority people. From September 16 to October 15,1994, a total of 146 trip relief jobs were shipped. Since the trip relief program began on April 1,1982, a total of 21,776 jobs have been shipped. •• " 15 Piney Point Monday: December 5; Tuesday, January 3* 'changed by New Year's Day H-i' New York Tuesday: December 6, Januaiy 3 Philadelphia Wednesday: December 7, January 4 Baltimore Thursday: December 8, January 5 Norfolk Thursday: December 8, Januaiy 5 Jacksonville Thursday: December 8, January 5 Algonac s Friday: December 9, January 6 Houston Monday: December 12, January 9 New Orleans Tuesday: December 13, January 10 Mobile Wednesday: December 14, January 11 San Francisco Thursday: December 15, January 12 Wilmington Monday: December 19, January 16 Seattle Friday: December 23; Monday, Januaiy 23* 'changed by Martin Luther King's birthday San Juan Thursday:December 8, Januaiy 5 St. Louis Friday: December 16, January 13 Honolulu Friday: December 16, January 13 Duluth Wednesday: December 14, January 11 Jersey City Wednesday: December 21, January 18 New Bedford Tuesday: December 20, January 17 EatA port's meeUiystaite at 10:30ajn. Personals VICTOR DALE MATTISON Anyone knowing Victor Dale Mattison or his where­ abouts, please contact Loiraine Mattison at 432 Helen Street, Alpena, MI 49707; orphone (517) 354-8836. NORBERTO "ALBERT" PINEDA Please contact Laura Hand Comilsen at 406 Gait Avenue, Rock Falls, BL 61071; or phone (815) 6264693. Your sister is ill. CEFERINO REYES Please contact yoiu" son, Mario Reyes, at 376 Oak TrailsRoad,DesPlaines,IL 60016. JOHN FRANCIS ROBERTS Please contact your son, John Roberts,at 18 Bernard Drive North, MillersviUe, MD 21108. RADAMESTORO Please contact your wife, Laura Isabel Mejia, at 332 Starr Street, BrooUyn, NY; or phone (718) 628-9646. Corrections • SIU Pensioner William Drew recently informed the Seafarers LOG that reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated. An article about the Manitou on page 12 in last month's LOG mistakenly identified Brother Drew as deceased. "The doctors have given up on me a couple of times, but I'm okay," Drew said recently from his home in Morehead City, N.C. "Actually, this is nothing new. I was listed as Missing In Action twice during World War II." Brother Drew joined the SIU in 1950 in New York and sailed as a QMED and electrician. He retired 14 years ago. • In the caption at the bottom of page 5 in last month's Seafarers LOG, Jim McGee was misidentifled. He is the Houston port agent. • The caption identifying two photographs of New Or­ leans-based crewmembers on page 12 of last month's Seafarers LOG was incorrect. The photo of boatmen Wil­ liam Judd Sr., Steve Judd (who now serves as an SIU patrolman) and William Judd Jr. should have idenbfied their vessel as the Margaret S. Cooper, a shipdocking tug operated by Crescent Towing. The photograph of boatmen Mike Maggett, Eddie Moore, Steve Judd, David Queipo, A. Stevenson and David Kuhlman should have noted their vessel as Red Circle's Teresa F. It was the Teresa F. that recently carried phosphorus. 4:^ .••5' • f: •'•1/ M- • �NO¥EMOER 1994 16 SEAFARERS LOG Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Directory '-'L: '1 Michael Sacco President John Fay Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Sacco Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez Vice President Collective Bargaining George McCartney Vice President West Coast Roy A. "Buck" Mercer Vice President Government Services Jack CafTey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301)899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48(K)1 (810)794-4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. 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 JACKSONVH^LE 3315 Liberty St. JacksonvUle, FL 32206 (904)353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey Qty, NJ 07302 (201)435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (205)478-0916 NEWBEDFORD 48 Union SL New Bedford, MA 02740 (508)997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. . New Orleans, LA 70130 (504)529-7546 ^•NEWYORK. 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718)499-6600 NORFOLK • 115 Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 (804)622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604S.4St Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215^)336-3818 PINEYPOINT P.O. Box 75 Kney Point MD 20674 (301)994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 2 West Dixie Highway Dania, FL 33004 (305)921-5661 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415)543-5855 Government Services Division (415)861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez 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 5ION. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310)549-4000 SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15,1994 NP—Non Priority ..EEO™ONBE.C„ C.»,CL*Src..»NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 20 1 11 2 0 6 0 14 16 C,»NP C.»,a.*tarC.,.NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 18 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 16 . 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 5 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 42 0 24 J 10 3 ,i 0 0 44 30 74 Totals Ail Departments 0 51 20 0 39 11 0 103 * 'Tot^ Registered" means the number of men who actually registered for shipping at the port last month. ** "Registered on the Beach" memis the total number of men registered at the, port at the end of last month. ' ' i Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15,1994 •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf-Coast Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes & Inland Waters West Coast Totals 2 2 44 2. 50 "i-K'i. 2 22 0 25 1 2 0 5 0 9 0 1 10 0 17 0 15 32 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 ' • TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C • .• DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 I 3 2 2 0 27 0 27 6 47 30 8 77 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 1 16 24 3 51 4 82 3 2 29 0 34 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 0 • V, 2 • 0 0 ""'Vl' 0 4 -0 5 0 2 3 7 5 2 4 0 19 0 46 65 2 7 0 5 14 :• 0 0 1 • v.V;- 0 2 • ••.0:-::S 0 2 ill 2 4 Totals All Departments 80 11 40 98 10 35 134 17 * '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. 84 Are You Missing Important Maii? copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please complete the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Department 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 In order to ensure that each active that you are not getting your union SIU member and pensioner receives mail, please use the form on this page a copy of the Seafarers LOG each to update your home address. month—as well as other important Your home address is your per­ mail such as W-2 forms, pension and manent address, and this is where all welfare checks and bulletins or official union documents will be notices—a correct home address mailed (unless otherwise specified). must be on file with the union. If you are getting more than one If you have moved recently or feel (PLEASE PRINT) HOME ADDRESS FORM 11/94 T I I I Name Phone No. L Address Social Security No. • Active SIU • Other Book No. /. • Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. I I L. (Signed). - J �r • v .•V-'v..v •^',-f%^...:. •' ' • . _•" • ikJjr ..'(tfji"--'-• ,; •_,','I.-:. .^•«'- '..- NO¥EMBER 1994 SEAFARERSLOC J oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are 19 Seafarers who have retired to the beach after many years of sailing the world's water­ ways. Twelve of those signing off" sailed in the deep sea division; five navigated the inland water­ ways; one sailed on the Great Lakes; and one was a member of the Railroad Marine Division. Ten of the retiring Seafarers served in the U.S. military—five in the Navy, two in the Anny, two in the Air Force and one in the Coast Guard. Among those joining the ranks of the retirees, James S. Rogers completed the bosun recertification course at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Deep Sea member Robert E. Wagner has been with the union for the longest period, beginning his seafaring career in 1946. The oldest retiring mem­ bers are Clarence E. Lancaster at 72, and Levi Hershberger and Wilbur J. Crooks, both at 71. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pen­ sioners. DEEP SEA JAMES F. BRACK, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department. Bom in Georgia, Brother Brack has retired to Texas. ROBERT G. ECKLEY, 63, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Bom in Pen­ nsylvania, Brother Eckley started sailing in the Great Lakes division and then transferred to the deep sea division. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Eckley served in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He resides in Pennsyl­ vania. LORENZO A. FORGERON, 67, joined the union in 1958 in the port of Seat­ tle. He sailed in the deck department. Bom in Nova Scotia, Brother Forgeron has retired to Washington. WILLIAM A. GIL­ LETTE, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Bom in Michigan, he started his sail­ ing career in the Great Lakes division, later transferring to the deep sea division as a member of the steward department. Brother Gillette upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1953. Brother Gillette retired to Michigan. yr- RAILROAD MARINE To Our New Pensioners ... Thanks for a Job Well Done Each month in the Seafarers LOG, the names of SIU members who recently have become pensioners appear with a brief biographical sketch. 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. LEVI HERSH­ BERGER, 71, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Detroit. He began sailing in the Great Lakes division, later transferring to the deep sea division. Brother Hershberger sailed in the engine department. He served in the U.S. Army in 1943. A native of Michigan, Brother Hershberger currently resides in Texas. ALEX A. JARADIE, 55, joined the union in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department. Bom in Yemen, Arabia, Brother Jaradie became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1%8. He lives in New York. ROBERT K. LAM­ BERT, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. as a member of the deck department. Brother Lambert served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1950. Bom in Florida, Brother Lambert resides in Alabama. MANUEL F.LOPEZ, 64, joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Hous­ ton. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Lopez upgraded to QMED at the Lundeberg School. He served in the U.S. Army fiom 1947 to 1955. A native of New Jersey, Brother Lopez has retired to Califomia. JOAQUIN R. MILLER, 64, joined the union in 1959 in the port of Bal­ timore. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Miller upgraded frequently at Piney Point and received his QMED endorsement there. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1947 to 1958. Bom in Mas­ sachusetts, Brother Miller resides in Washington. LINWOOD E. PRICE, 59, joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Price still calls his native North Carolina home. JAMES S. ROGERS, 55, a graduate of the Andrew Fumseth School of Training, joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of Bal­ timore. He sailed in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Rogers upgraded at the Lundeberg School and com­ pleted the bosun recertification program there in 1982. A native of Virginia, he has retired to Maryland. ROBERT E. WAGNER, 65, began sailing with the union in 1946 in the port of Bal­ timore. He sailed in the deck department. Bom in Pen­ nsylvania, Brother Wagner has retired to Califomia. INLAND FRANK H. AUERSWALD, 57, joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. He sailed as a mate and upgraded at the Lundeberg School a number of times, most recently to firstclass pilot. Boatman Auerswald served in the U.S. Navy. A na­ tive of Pennsylvania, Boatman Auerswald now resides in New Jersey. THOMAS M. DOHERTY, 59, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Philadelphia. He started sailing in the deep sea division and later transferred to the inland division. Boatman Doherty sailed in the deck department.; He upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Doherty served in the U.S. Navy fiom 1952 to 1956. He presently resides in New Jersey. CLARENCE E. LAN­ CASTER, 72, joined the union in 1960 in the port of Nor­ folk, Va. He sailed as chief engineer. Bom in North Carolina, Boatman Lancaster still calls North Carolina home. VERNON E. VANSANT, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Nor­ folk, Va, Joatman Vansant sailed as chief mate. He served in the U.S. f^Iavy from 1952 to 1953. A na­ tive of Delaware, Boatman Van­ sant now resides in Florida." 17 WILLIAM E. WILCOX, 62, a native of Michigan, joined the union in 1961 in Detroit. He began his sailing career on the Great Lakes and later transferred to the inland division. Boatman Wilcox sailed in the deck depart­ ment. He still calls Michigan home. GREAT LAKES NORMAN E. MOENICH, 62, an Ohio native, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. He sailed as a tug deckhand. Boatman Moenich still calls Ohio home. WILBUR J. CROOKS, 71, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Crooks sailed as deckhand. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. A native of New Jersey, Brother Crooks still calls New Jersey home. Corrections In the April and August edi­ tions of the Seafarers LOG, in­ correct information was given about new pensioner Arnold Ferry. Brother Perry, 65, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Boston, Mass. A New Bedford, Mass. native, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Perry still calls New Bedford home. In the October LOG, Joseph Self was described as sailing in the deck department. Boatman Self sailed in the in­ land division as a captain. LOG-A-RHYTHMS A Sleeping Warrior by Charles R. Westover A ship in port is like a sleeping warrior Waiting for its next battle with the sea. But when it's out on the ocean it becomes alive. Smoking, creaking and fighting the huge waves. It's a home, it's a fortress, it's a haven for few, A place to work, to eat, to sleep. To read one's memoirs of the past. To meditate, to plan, to hope. Huge and strong, if it could speak It would tell many tales of distant shores. Of the men who sailed her And took care of her. Quiet now, in port with its booms raised up high. Mostmen left, to forget for awhile The companionship of others. The loneliness of the days at sea. Just happy to be on land again. But anxious to go back. Quiet now, just a breeze, a seagull, A passing plane to remind us of the present. Looking at the giant warrior, carrier of cargo. Carrying supplies now like it was a hundred years ago. (Charles R. Westover, a resident of Dunedin, Fla., sailed with the SIU firom 1946 to 1954. In 1946, he helped organize Cities Service tankers. This poem was written in 1974 while sitting on the dock in Port Tampa.) The Sea and the Woman by Alban Castro The sea is like a woman. Some secrets left untold. The sea is like a woman. Its beauty we must unfold. The sea is like a woman. Its horizons so far to sea. The sea is like a woman. We know not what will be. The sea is like a woman. It can be cold, dark and gray. The sea is like a woman. But I find it hard to stay away. (Alban Castro sails an an OS with the SIU. He recently was aboard the Sealift Arabian Sea.) �i f;- 18 NOVEMRER1994 SEAFARERS LOG For RRF Operation^ Statu Seafarers have boarded the Cape Race to begin sea trials— the final phase of die ship's trans­ formation from a Saudi Arabian-flag vessel to a vessel in the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet. Following its recent purchase by the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and subsequent conver­ sion in a Baltimore shipyard where all equipment and shipboard technology were brought up to U.S. Coast Guard standards—the SlU-crewed Cape Race went out on sea trials to verify that all equipment was in proper working order. The diesel engine was checked, fuel ef­ ficiency was monitored, and any­ thing that possibly could go wrong was evaluated and, if necessary, corrected. Bosun John McCIaren was pleased with the teamwork" aboard theship during this critical stage in the process of the ship becoming an operational RRF vessel. He credited Chief Steward Andre Gee, Chief Cook Harry Jones and the rest of the galley gang with providing some wonder­ ful meals to the hard-working crew. SIU Representative Sal Aquia, who took ^e photos accompany­ ing this article, met the vessel in Baltimore prior to its voyage to Norfolk, Va., where it is based, and noted that "the crew really loved the work." He added that the "food was out of this world" and that everything seemed very orderly aboard ship. Operated by International Marine Cairiers (IMC), the Cape Race wUl remain under govenment ownership for use in surge shipping fm d^n^times of conflict^or w^ ^ All equipment and operations aboard the SlU-crewed Cape Hace were thoroughly tested during sea trials Chief Cook Harry Jones serves lunch to RudiLiuzzi, captain on board AB Pasquale Girgilli completes Heading back to work after lunch are (frorn left) Chief Engineer Paul the Cape Race. The ship is in Sea trials, preparing for the RRF. some paperwork aboard ship. Mussotto, AB Joe Cirafissi and AB Bob Trigett. --•••- V «"K-:'K . Sea trials are busy times for Chief Steward AB Glenn Bake enjoys one of the hearty OMU Jeffrey Bull (left) relaxes while Chief Taking a break after lunch are SA Henry Andrd Gee (left) and Bosun John McCIaren. meals prepared by the galley gang. Cook Harry Jones gets to eat his dessert. Nelson (left) and Chief Steward Andr6 Gee. From the LNG Gemini w The LNG Gemini, one of seven LNG tankers in the Energy Transportation Corporation fleet, sails roundtrip between Arun or Bontang, Indonesia, where it loads its cargo, and Himeji, Osaka, Tobafa or Nagoya, Japan, where it discharges the liquid natural gas. The four photographs appearing below and at right were submitted to theSeafarers LOG by die Gemini's chief steward, Kris A. Hopkins, and show how some of the crewmembers pass their fr^ time on the 28-day roundtrip voyage. OMFn<; Kfivin Conklin and Paul Wolf break for a CUD of rofffelboaJdthe^ L,"}:. V . iui Bosun Ramli Mohamed enjoys the Independence Day cookout. Helping prepare a shipboard barbecue is Chef Cook Judi Chester, Steward Matt Scudder completes a workout in the ship's exercii room. �-; liOVEMBER 1994 Sf-. If /4 •• SEAFARERS LOG Secretary Lovell McElroy, Educa­ SEA-LAND NA VIGATOR (Seational Director Ron Day, Deck Land Service), August 14—Chair­ Delegate Harry R. Johns, Engine man Werner Becher, Secretary Delegate Dean Dobbins, Steward James H. Cbaney, l^ucationd Delegate Mohamed M. Quraish. Director Walter Stevens, Deck Secretary reported receipt of new Delegate Marc Cella, Engine The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union ship- pay rate for unlicensed crew. Delegate Robert D. Zurflub, tward minuk» as possibie. On occasion, b^use of space Educational director urged mem­ Steward Delegate Thomas M. bers to upgrade at Piney Point as Kelly. Chairman reported that ar­ iimitations, some wili be omitted. often as possible. Treasurer an­ rival in Tacoma, Wash, is later than Ships minutes ttrst are reviewed by the union's contract department nounced $645.50 in ship's fund scheduled due to typhoon en route. Those issues requiring attention or resoiution are addrest^ by (te after purchasing 50 new videotapes He thanked crew for helping keep in last four months. No beefs or dis­ lounge area clean and reminded union upon receipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then puted OT reported in deck, engine crewmembers that vacation and forwarded to the Seafaren LOG for pubiication. or steward departments. Crewmem­ benefit forms are available aboard bers requested additional washing ship. Educational director advised SEAUFT ANTARCTIC (IMC), Educational Director T. Neuwiller, machine on crew living level. Ship crewmembers to take advantage of June 15—Chairman Brian Deck Delegate Louis Sorito, heading to Bahrain. upgrading opportunities at Paul Sandlin, Educational Director Steward Delegate A1 Fretta. Chair­ H^l Center. No beefs or disputed SACRAMENTO(Vulctin Car­ Marty Marcellus. Chairman ad­ man reminded crewmembers to OT reported by all three depart­ riers), August 6—Chairman Benvised crewmembers to take care close hatch in forepeak. He men­ ment delegates. Request made by nie Hobbs, Secretary M. Scott, when handling mooring lines. He tioned previous motion to sub­ crew for new toaster. Educational Director B. Caldwell, also noted ice machine needs scribe to Stars and Stripes Deck Delegate Spencer Lyle. NEWARK BAY(Sea-Land Ser­ repair. Secretary stressed impor­ magazine will be brought up with Chairman praised crew for fine vice), August 21—Chairman tance of upgrading skills at Piney captain. Secretary noted new linen job. He said any questions concern­ Pedro Sanchez, Secretary Felipe Point. No beefs or disputed OT system working well. Educational ing sanitary and OT would be P.A. Orianda, Educational Direc­ reported by deck, engine or crewmembers to director urged answered at payoff. Secretary tor Mark Rubl, Deck Delegate steward departments. Question take advantage of educational opSteve Yursha, Engine Delegate stressed importance of continuing raised regarding pay increase due portunites at Lundeberg School. SPAD donations. Educational William Parker. Chairman noted June 1. Next port: Long Beach, No beefs or disputed OT reported director urged all members to at­ radio in crew lounge and Calif. in all three departments. Copies of tend Lundeberg School. He noted microwave oven in crew mess still new contract handed out to each SEAUFT CHINA SEA (IMC), that a well-educated merchant unrepairable. Educational director member and final details of agree­ June 16—Chairman Ron Owens, marine is a strong merchant urged crewmembers to attend ment posted. Clarification ne^ed Secretary Toyokazu Gonzales, on questions of unemployment and marine. Treasurer announced $540 Piney Point for upgrading and spe­ Educational Director Joe Algere, cial courses, including refrigeration health benefit coverage for depend­ in ship's fund. Disputed OT Steward Delegate Brenda C. reported in deck department. No technician class. No beefs or dis­ ents. Vote of thanks given to Grays. Discussion held about puted OT reported in all depart­ steward department for tremendous beefs or disputed OT reported in travel pay. Chairman noted need engine or steward departments. ments. Russ Barrack elected new job. Next port: Nagoya, Japan. for copies of contract and job Special thanks given to steward deck delegate. Recommendations descriptions. Will await patrolman CHARLES L. BffOWW (Tran­ regarding pension requirements for­ department. Next port: Haifa, Is­ in Femdale, Wash. No beefs or dis­ soceanic Cable), August 30— warded to contracts department. rael. puted OT reported by three depart­ Chairman Paul J. Lewis, Secretary Ship heading out to Boston, Mass., SEA-LAND CONSUMER (Seaments. Crewmembers gave vote of Brenda Kamiya, Deck Delegate Elizabeth, N.J., Norfolk, Va. and thanks to galley gang for variety of Roger J. Reinke, Engine Delegate Land Service), August 28—Chair­ Rotterdam, Netherlands. man Amado Abaniel, Secretary food and overall professionalism, Patrick D. McPherson, Steward with special mention to Chief Delegate Roherto Escobar. Chair­ Ray A. Garcia, Educational Direc­ SEA-LAND SPIRIT(Sea-Land Service), August 23—Chairman tor Daniel J. Famenia, Deck Cook Grays for good and tasty man noted payoff scheduled for Delegate Scott Wilson, Engine Howard Gibbs, Secretary Robert August 31. Treasurer announced food and GSU M.K. AbduUa for A. Martinez, Educational Director keeping ship clean. Next port: $400 in ship's fund. Steward holds Delegate Michael Veigel, Steward Delegate Louella M. Sproul. Sonny R. Acosta, Deck Delegate Femdale. another $25 for upcoming bar­ Chairman thanked crewmembers Theodore Doi, Steward Delegate becue expenses. Suggestion to SEA-LAND EXPRESS (Seafor smooth voyage and electrician raise maintenance and cute to $50 Arthur Medeiros. Chairman Land Service), July 24—Chairman will be forwarded to contracts for performing necessary repairs. reported payoff in Long Beach, Ernest Duhon, Secretary G. He advised departments to be department for consideration. Calif, on August 26. Secretary Bryant Jr., Educational Director safety conscious at all times and to stressed importance of donating to Archie Bell, Deck Delegate Larry LONG LINES (Transoceanic check Seafarers LOG for schedule SPAD to supfiort maritime in­ Cable), August 23—Chairman L. Long, Engine Delegate of upgrading courses. No beefs or dustry. Educational director em­ Helary Domhrowski, Secretary D. disputed OT reported in all depart­ Richard H. Surrick, Steward phasized training and upgrading at Coliison, Educational Director Delegate Frank Sison. Chairman ments. Vote of thanks given to Lundeberg School. No beefs or dis­ reported receipt of work rales for Juanito Dansalan, Deck Delegate steward department for job well puted OT reported in all three steward department. He reminded Eddie Morre, Engine Delegate done. Next,port: Honolulu. departments. Vote of thanks given crewmembers to sign crew list and Mike Las Dulce, Steward SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (Sea^ to steward department for fine job. repair form. Secretary discussed Delegate William Smith. Educa­ van services. Educational director tional director reminded crewmem­ Land Service), August 28—Chair­ man Joel G. Miller, Secretary G.F. requested all crewmembers leaving bers to upgrade their skills at Paul Thomas, Educational Director ship to strip bunks and clean rooms Hall Center. Treasurer announced B#?00#fS/74/VGE(10M), Sep­ Austin Horn. Secretary noted $600 in ship's fiind. No beefs or for next person. Movie fund con­ tember 10—Chairman Bob Pagan, problem with some food from sup­ Secretary John Hanrahan, Educa­ disputed OT reported by all three tains $600. Some disputed OT plier. Believes it can be taken care reported in steward department. No department delegates. New tional Director Thomas Woemer, of without too much trouble. eyewash station now aboard ship b^fs or disputed OT reported by Deck Delegate L. Jacobs, Engine and first aid kits placed in different Educational director recommends deck or engine department Delegate A. Nasser, Steward to crewmembers to take time to go locations. New crew lounge furni­ delegates. Request made to have Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. payoff on arrival in port regardless ture also aboard. Crewmembers re­ to Lundeberg School. No beefs or Chairman prais^ quality work per­ disputed OT reported in deck, en­ of time. Vote of thanks extended to quested new washers and dryers formed by all crewmembers in gine or steward departments. Sug­ when old ones fail. Next port: steward department forJob well recent butterworthing and tank gestion made to repair or replace Honolulu. done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. cleaning operations. He informed remote control to crew TV and to crew of in^vidual responsibilities RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN use movie fund to purchase several in trash separation. Educational LNG ARIES(Energy Transporta­ tion Corp.), August 28—Chairman (Ocean Shipholding), August 21— exercise bicycles for crew. Next director reviewed emergency port: Oakland, Calif. Chairman James T. Martin, M. Pereira, Secretary R. Brown, duties with all hands. He also stressed training at Lundeberg School and necessity to obtain new refrigeration endorsements by November 14. Additionally, he said all potential safety hazards are to be reported to educational direc­ tor. Treasurer announced depletion of ship's fund due to purchase of videotapes. Recent contributions raised $1,500 for Cancer Society. Vo beefs or disputed OT report^ >y department delegates. Discus­ sion held on current smoking xjlicy. Clarification may be neces­ sary. Crewmembers put in request "or new washing machine. Vote of 1 hanks given to steward department or clean ship and well-fed crew. Quality, Competence and Pride Aboard Bent The SlU steward department aboard the USNS Silas Bent \s the first in Military Sealift Command, Atlantic history to receive a score of 100 percent in all areas of a rigorous quality assurance inspection last July. "We aboard the Silas Benthave done our very best to represent the SlU and what it stands for in the merchant marine industry—quality, competence and pride," said Ben Henderson, chief steward aboard the vessel, operated by Bay Tankers until last month, when it was turned over to another company for operation. Members of the award-winning steward department are (from left, seated) Henderson, Third Cook Gary Mooney, Chief Cook John Gehring, Cook/Baker Douglas Swets, (from left, standing) SAs Thomas Cyrus, Jack Mohamad, Melvin Rivera and Mohamed Ghaleb. PATRIOT(Vulcan Carriers), Sep­ tember 11-Chairman Ralph W. jibbs. Secret^ Howard G. Wiliams. Educational Director '"rederick C. Harris, Deck Delegate Daniel Gaylor, Engine Delegate Joel L.Spell Jr. Chairman announced Patriot, a tanker, currently under contract to carry grain. Everthing running smoothly. Treasurer announced 800 in ship's fund. No disputed OT reported by department delegates. Recommendation to -••'Xk- :' ;•• 19 Catching Up Chief Steward Edgardo Vaz­ quez (left) and AB Jose Osorio catch up on the latest maritime news in the Seafarers LOG during a union meeting aboard the Sea-Land Expedition. have full dental and optical benefits referred to contracts department at headquarters. Labor Day barbecue was big success, thanks to Steward Williams, Chief Cook Daniel Payne and GSU Julian Mendoza. A.B. Roger E. Pland added to festitivies by play­ ing bagpipes. Next port: Santo Domingo, Nicaragua. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY(SeaLand Service), September 10— Chairman Nels»n Sala, Secretary Jos£ R. Colls, Educational Direc­ tor Thomas I^sco, Deck Delegate Ramon Castro, Engine Delegate Ramon Collazo, Steward Delegate Jorge Salazar. Chairman an­ nounced payoff as soon as patrol­ man comes on board. Secretary stated 31 Cuban refugees picked up so far off Cuban coast and returned to Coast Guard at sea. Beef reported in deck department and some disputed OT in engine department. Ship sailing to Elizabeth, N.J., San Juan, P.R. and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), September 5Chairman John B. Lundborg, Secretary G. Bryant Jr., Educa­ tional Director Archie Bell, Deck Delegate Dennis Brown, Engine Delegate Richard H. Surrick, Steward Delegate Frank Sison. Chairman reported pretty good trip with everyone worlang well together. Two-week shipyard period expected some time in January. Educational director urged crewmembers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and donate to SPAD. Beef brought up in deck department and some disputed OT reported in steward department to be taken up with boarding patrol­ man at payoff. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and job well done. Those getting off ship reminded to clean room for next person joining vessel and return room keys. Smokers also asked to empty ashtrays. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE Sea-Land Service), September 12—Chairman Stephen Rasmussen, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Vocational Director Kashmir Singh, Deck Delegate George ries. Steward Delegate Daniel ^axie Sr. Chairman thanked deck and steward departments for fine obs. His shipboard time is up and le will be getting off in Oakland, Calif. Educational director urged crewmembers to upgrade at Piney ^oint and contribute to SPAD. reasurer announced money in ship's fund spent on movies in Caohsiung, Taiwan. No beefs or disputed OT reported by depart­ ment delegates. Clarification reuested on renewal of z-cards and telephone number in Long Beach, Calif, for sailing board. Crewmem)ers thanked company for new VCR. Ship sailing to Long Beach; Oakland; Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Tokyo, Japan. I- •• • 3!: . �ZO H0KMBER1994 SEAFAREBSLOG AHemate SiduAar^Bp Whmer Know Your Rights Auttouttcedby W^fare Plan PAYMENT OF MONIES. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU At­ No monies are to be paid to anyone lantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland in any official capacity in the SIU Waters District makes specific unless an official uniion receipt is Voltaire Villanueva graduated provision for safeguarding the given for same. Under no cir­ Each May, the Seafarers Wel­ from Philip and Sala Burton membership's money and union cumstances should any member fare Plan awards seven scholar­ Academic High School (San finances. The constitution re­ lay any money for any reason unships to three Seafarers and four Francisco) in 1994. President o quires a detailed audit by certified ess he is given such receipt. In the dependents of Seafarers. the student body, he also was ex public accountants every year, event anyone attempts to r^uire One of the students selected tensively involved in other schoo which is to be submitted to the any such payment be made without this year for a four-year, $15,000 activities, including photog membership by the secretary- supplying a receipt, or if a member scholarship was unable to take rapher for the school yearboo treasurer. A yearly finance commit­ is requir^ to make a payment and advantage of the award; there­ and photographer and editor for tee of rank-and-file members, is given an official receipt, but feels fore, it was given to one of the the school newspaper. He also elected by the membership, each that he or she should not have been previously selected alternates— helped coach the junior varsity year examines the finances of the required to make such payment, Voltaire A. Villanueva. baseball team and was a French union and reports folly their find­ this should immediately be Voltaire, 17, is a full-time, firstforeign-exchange student. He is ings and recommendations. Mem­ reported to union headquarters. year student enrolled in the considered by many of his bers of this committee may make Bachelor of Arts program in radioCONSTITUTIONAL teachers as a bom leader, with an dissenting reports, specific recom­ RIGHTS AND OBLIGA­ television broadcasting at San eagerness to leam and improve mendations and separate findings. TIONS. Copies of the SIU con­ Francisco State University. He also TRUST FUNDS. All trust stitution are available in all union himself and his community. plans to enter the history degree funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, halls. All members should obtain Voltaire is the son of Nellie course of study in order to become Voltaire A. Villanueva Lakes and Inland Waters District copies of this constitution so as to and Ernesto Villanueva. Vil­ a high school history teacher. are administered in accordance familiarize themselves with its like my sister, about what I have After helping tutor his lanueva has been an SIU member with the provisions of various contents. Any time a member feels younger sister in various subjects learned . . Teaching someone since 1969, sailing deep sea, most trust fond agreements. All these any other member or officer is at­ at school, Voltaire discovered the what I knew [that] they didn'tknow recently aboard the President agreements specify that the trus­ tempting to deprive him or her of power of teaching. "I felt that I gave me a great feeling," he said in Washington, operated by tees in charge of these funds shall any constitutional right or obliga­ needed to educate other people. his scholarship application. American President Lines. equally consist of union and tion by any methods, such as deal­ management representatives and ing with charges, trials, etc., as well their alternates. All expenditures as all other details, the member so and disbursement^ of trust funds affected should immediately notify are made only upon approval by headquarters. a majority of die trustees. All trust EQUAL RIGHTS. All mem­ fond financial records are avail­ bers are guaranteed equal rights able at the headquarters of the Five months may seem like a in employment and as members various trust funds. long time from now, but five of the SIU. These rights are clear­ SHIPPING RIGHTS. A months is really not all that much ly set forth in the SIU constitution member's shipping rights and time when it comes to completing and in the contracts which the seniority are protected exclusivea scholarship application for one union has negotiated with the y by contracts between the union of seven awards to be given to employers. Consequently, no and the employers. Members member may be discriminated three Seafarers and four depend­ should get to know their shipping ents of SIU members for the 1995 rights. Copies of these contracts against because of race, creed, school year.The deadline for sub­ are posted and available in all color, sex, national or geographic mitting applications is April 15, union halls. If members believe origin. If any member feels that 1995. there have been violations of their he or she is denied theequal rights Of the seven scholarships of­ shipping or seniority rights as con­ to which he or she is entitled, the tain^ in the contracts between the member should notify union fered by the Seafarers Welfare union and the employers, they headquarters. Plan to qualified SIU members should notify the Seafarers Ap and their dependents, three are SEAFARERS POLITICAL leals Board by certified mail, ACTIVITY DONATION — reserved for SIU members (one in return receipt requested. The SPAD. SPAD is a separate the amount of $15,000 for a fouriroper address for this is: segregated fond. Its proce^ are year scholarship to a college or Augustin TeUez, Chairman us^ to further its objects and pur­ university, and two $6,000 twoSeafarers Appeals Board poses including, but not limited to, year scholarships for study at a 5201 Auth Way furthering the political, social and vocational school or community Camp Springs, MD 20746 economic interests of maritime college). The other four scholar­ workers, the preservation and fiirr Full copies of contracts as ships will be awarded to spouses thering of the American merchant refened to are available to members and dependent children of marine with improved employ­ at all times, either by writing diiecdy Seafarers. Each of these four is a to the union or to the Seafarers Ap­ ment opportunities for seamen and $15,000 stipend for study at a peals BoaixL boatmen and the advancement of four-year college or university. trade union concepts. In connection CONTRACTS. Copies of all • college transcripts, Seafarers Welfare Plan on or The application form is not SIU contracts are available in all with such objects, SPAD supports • letters of reference and before ^rU 15,1995. difficult to complete; however, it arid contributes to political can­ • SAT or ACT results. Eligibility requirements for SIU halls. These contracts specify didates for elective office. All con­ will take some time to gather all the wages and conditions under Schools often are very slow in Seafarers and their spouses and the other necessary paperwork which an SIU member works and tributions are vo untary. No that must be included with the handling transcript requests, so unmarried dependents are spelled ives aboard a ship or boat Mem­ contribution may be solicited or application package. This in­ applicants must be sure to submit out in a booklet which contains an bers should know their contract received because of force, job dis­ cludes: their requests to those institutions application form. To receive rights, as well as their obligations, crimination, financial reprisal, or • an autobiographical state­ as soon as possible. Applicants booklet, fill out the coupon below such as filing for overtime (OT) on threat of such conduct, or as a con­ ment, also should sign up for the ACT and mail it to the Seafarers Wel­ the proper sheets and in the proper dition of membership in the union or SAT exam and start thinking fare Plan. • photograph, manner. If, at any time, a member or of employment. If a contribution With the cost of a college believes that an SIU patrolman or is made by reason of the above • certified copy of birth cer­ about whom to ask to write letters tificate, of recommendation for them. education rising each year, the other union official fails to protect improper conduct, the member Once all the paperwork has SIU scholarship is one SIU their contractual rights properly, he should notify the Seafarers Interna­ • high school transcript and certification of graduation or offi­ been completed and the applica­ benefit that can help members or she should contact the nearest tional Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of thecontribu­ cial copy of high school tion form is filled out, the entire and their families realize then- SIU port agent. tion for investigation and aj^ equivalency scores. package should be sent to the educational goals. EDITORIAL POLICY — propriate action and refund, if THE SEAFARERS LOG. The involuntary. A member should lease send me the 1995 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility 1 Seafarers LOG traditionally has support SPAD to protect and fur­ information, procedures for applying and the application form. refraned from publishing any ar­ ther his or her economic, political ticle serving the political purposes and social interests, and American Name of any individual in the union, of­ trade union concepts. ficer or member. It also has refrained I Book Number If at any time a member feels Tom publishing articles deemed I that any of the above rights have harmful to the union or its collective I Address been violated, or that he or she has membership. This established been denied the constitutional x)licy has beenreaffirmed by memj City, State, Zip Code. right of access to union records of )ership action at the September information, the member should 960 meetings in all constitutional I Telephone Number _ immediately notify SIU President jorts. The responsibility for Michael Sacco at headquarters Seafarers LOG policy is vested in • This application Is for: • Self D Dependent an ^itorial board which consists of jy certified mail, return receipt the executive board of the union. requested. The address is: If for dependent, state relationship to SIU member Michael Sacco, President ' Tie executive board may delegate, Seafarers International Union rom among its ranks, one in­ Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way dividual to cany out this respon­ 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 11/94 sibility. Camp Springs, MD 20746. L 'J Scholarship Applicants Have Five Months Left to Prepare ,'. }•: •'.;.vVa.;.,.r',c ,:.-;t. :"K P V -V--' �NOVEMBER 1994 SEJ^MERSLOG —TT-T:——';—r—= >i Final Departures DEEP SEA FRANK ALAMEIDA Pensioner Frank Alameida, 79, passed away July 5. A native of Hawaii, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1946, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In­ land Waters District (AGLIWD) in 1981. Brother Alameida resided in San Mateo, Calif, and began receiv ing his pension in April 1975. JULIAN A. BULLAND Pensioner Julian A. Bulland, 89, died August 2. Bom in the Philip­ pine Islands, he began sailing with the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1944, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Bul­ land retired in March 1977. JOSEPH L. CIUPAK Joseph L. Ciupak, 38, passed away Au^st20. A native of Michigan, he joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Ciupak sailed aboard American Hawaii Cruise vessels as a member of the steward depart­ ment. LLEWELLYN CUDWORTH DANIELS Llewellyn Cudworth Daniels, 61, died August 20. Bom in North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Daniels sailed in the en­ gine department. LAWRENCE EILAND Pensioner Lawrence Eiland, 84, died June 8. He began his seafaring career with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Eiland shipped out of the New Orleans hall and sailed in the engine depart­ ment. Bom in Clanton, Ala., he began receiving his pension in Sep­ tember 1970. MOHAMMED ELALIKHIDR Mohammed Elalikhidr, 47, passed away August 7. A native of Maryland, he sailed with the SIU from 1966 through 1991 as a mem­ ber of the steward department. Brother Elalikhidr last sailed aboard Interocean Management and OMI vessels. agent, handling beefs and provid­ ing union services to seamen employed on MSC vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946, Brother Grier retired in Febmary 1989. IRVING L. GORDON Pensioner Irving L. Gordon, 94, passed away May 9. Bom in Il­ linois, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1945, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. He served in the U.S. military from 1942 to 1945. Brother Gordon retired in June 1967. RAFAEL T. IBALAUD Pensioner Rafael T. Ibalaud, 73, passed away August 10. Bom in Puer­ to Rico, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Ibalaud worked in the steward depart­ ment as a food preparer on American President Lines ves­ sels. Brother Ibalaud retired in July 1974. WILLIAM JONES William Jones, 53, died June 20. Brother Jones joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine dqiartment. BIN H. LEW Pensioner Bin H. Lew, 82, passed away July 4. A native of China, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1957, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Lew retired in November 1975. GRANT MARZETT Pensioner Grant Marzett, 64, died September 14. Born in Alabama, he joined the union m 1951. Brother Marzett sailed in the steward depart­ ment and upgraded to chief steward. He also completed the steward recertification program in 1984 at the Lundeberg School. Brother Marzett retired in Novem­ ber 1991. ANDREW LEVI MITCHELL JR. Pensioner Andrew Levi Mitchell Jr., 88, died May 15. A native of Texas, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1943 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. He retired in March 1970. JOHN ELWICK Pensioner John Elwick, 78, died May 5. He joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Elwick retired in Septem­ ber 1974. EIEINRICHM. MOOSLEITNER GEORGE THOMAS GRIER Pensioner George Thomas Grier, 71, died July 14. During 20 years of ship­ ping on Military Sealift Com­ mand (MSC), Pacific Fleet vessels, he was instmmental in organizing the Military Sea Transport Union (MSTU), the foremnner of the SIU's Govemment Services Division. In 1964, Brother Grier came ashore to work as a business Pensioner Heinrich M. Moosleitner, 59, passed away Septem­ ber 11. Brother Moos­ leitner joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1962 the port of San rancisco, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. He Irst sailed aboard the SS Monterey. Bom in West Germany, became a naturalized U.S.—" citizen. Brother Moosleitner wa? sailing as chief steward when he retired in July 1993. •v'y.*'^>>'* . Philippine Islands, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Tagaca retired in January 1974. WILFORD H. MOTLEY Pensioner Wilford H. Motley, 80, died August 21. Bom in Ok­ lahoma, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards, before that union mferged with the AGLIWD. Brother Motley retired in Decem­ ber 1972. DAVID A. NORRIS Pensioner David A. Norris, 74, passed away August 22. Bom in Alabama, he began sailing with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Norris sailed in the engine department and upgraded to QMED at the LUndeberg School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Brother Norris retired in April 1988. PAULREISSNER Pensioner Paul Reissner, 84, died August 2. A native of Ger­ many, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1956, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Reissner retired in June 1969. WILLIAM T. RODEGEB William T. Rodegeb, 23, passed away June 19. Bom in San Fran­ cisco, he joined the Seafarers in 1991. Brother Rodegeb sailed as a general utility aboard American Hawaii Cmise vessels. GEORGE G. SCHELLMANN Pensioner George G. Schellmann, 94, died November 28, 1993. Bom in Germany, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Schellmann retired in July 1969. WALTER L. SEDEJ Pensioner Walter L. Sedej, 84, passed away July 30 in his native city of Trieste, Italy. Brother Sedej began sailing with the union in 1961 in the port of San Francisco and became a natural­ ized U.S. citizen. He sailed in the engine department. In a letter from a friend, informing the union of his lassing, it was noted that Brother Sedej was very proud of two things—the U.S. citizenship he gained while sailing, and the fact that he was a member of the SIU. He retired in May 1976. CHADWICK TARKENTON Pensioner Chadwick Tarkenton, 79, passed away September 18. A native of North Carolina, he joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Nor­ folk, Va. Brother Taikenton sailed in the deck department He served in the U.S. Navy in the 1940s. Brother Tarkenton retiied in July 1980. JERRY JEROME THOMPSON Jerry Jerome Thompson, 44, died July 21. Bom in North Carolina, he signed on with the Seafarers in 1971 in the port of New York after completing the Lundeberg School's training course for entry level seamen. Brother Thompson sailed in the engine department. MELVIN WARE Pensioner Melvin Ware, 70, died August 17. A native of Texas, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards, before that union merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Ware retired in August 1973. INLAND RADFORD W.EQUILS Pensioner Radford W. Equils, 80, died Septem­ ber 1. A na­ tive of North Carolina, he joined the union in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He last sailed as a tug engineer. Boatman Equils retired in May 1974. GEORGE CLIFTON ORFIELD Pensioner George Clifton Orfield, 83, passed away September 17. Bom in Richmond, Va., he joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing as a cook on the tug Remus (Allied Towing). Boatman Orfield worked for Allied Towing from 1974 to 1977. He retired in July 1983. LON O. OUSLEY Lon O. Ousley, 59, died September 8. Bom in Oklahoma, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of St. Louis. He sailed in both the engine and deck depart­ ments. Boatman Ousley upgraded at the Lundeberg School. ALBERT P. PETERSEN Pensioner Al­ bert P. Peter­ sen, 72, passed away September 1. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he joined the SIU in 1973 in the )ort of Norfolk, Va. Boatman 'etersen sailed in the engine depart­ ment. He served in the U.S. Navy fixjm 1941 to 1947. Boatman Peter­ sen retired in April 1987. JOHNC.STEEBER John C. Steeber, 66, passed away July 8. Bom in New Jer­ sey, he joined the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Steeber upgraded at the undeberg School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. HOWARD F. SNYDER SR. Pensioner Howard F. Snyder Sr., 90, died Sep­ tember 26. Bom in Maryland, he joined the union in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. He sailed as a barge­ PEDROP.TAGACA Pensioner Pedro P. Tagaca, 81, died June 23. A native of the .\ V •ir. 21 —^ man. Boatman Snyder retired in January 1969. GREATLAKES MAGNUS B. FROLAND Magnus B. Froland, 89, passed away Augusts. He joined the Seafarers in the port of Detroit and last sailed as a captain. A na­ tive of Bergen, Norway, Brother Froland retired to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. in January 1971. FRIDTJOF "FRITZEL" MARTINUSSEN Pensioner Fridtjof "Fritzel" Martinussen, 77, passed away July 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Chicago. Among his shipboard as­ signments, Brother Martinussen sailed as an AB on Bob-Lo Co. ves­ sels and American Steamship Co. vessels. He also sailed on the MV Clark-Milwaukee from \96\io 1962. Brother Martinussen was bom in Frovaag, Norway and be­ came a naturalized U.S. citizen. He retired in November 1983. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN JOHNPISCITELLO Pensioner John Piscitellot82,died July 4. He joined the At­ lantic Fishermen's Union, an af­ filiate of the SIU, in the 1940s in Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. He last sailed as a captain and retired in August 1974. DOMENICO SPINOLA Pensioner Domenico Spinola, 84, passed away Aupist20. A native of Milazzo, Sici­ ly, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGLIWD. Before retiring in March 1973, Brother Spinola sailed as a captain aboard the vessel St. Mary. MCS Official Hamilton Dies at 74 in Seattle Horace "Hamp" Hamilton, 74, passed away Octo­ ber 17 in Seattle. Bom in Dal­ las, Texas, Brother Hamilton began sailing in 1945 as a deck steward. He later served as port agent in Seattle for the Marine Cooks and Stewards, which merged with the SIU in 1978. He worked there until his retirement in 1985. Brother Hamilton leaves his wife, Ida B. "Ann"; a daughter; stepson; four grandchildren; and one great grandchild. �22 NOVEMRER1994 SEAFARERS LOG Lundeberg School Graduating Classes :• '• '• .. .<I...' Pumproom Maintenance—Upgrading graduates of the September 26 Trainee Lifeboat Class 529—Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 529 are pumproom maintenance class are (from left, kneeling) Sheldon Greenberg, Sara Moore, (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Ctiarles Lowe Jr., Kevin Hindes, James BradleyTwiford, Robert Lee McDonald, (standing) Jeff Stuart, Jeff Morris, Thomas Diviny Taylor Jr., Dwayne Marrero, (standing) Tony Perez, John Kannuck, Fermin Morin, John Jr., Ronald Lukacs, Mark Francois, Rick Metcalf, Ralph Gosnell Jr., Raymond Machaj and Dan Holden (instructor). Gustafson, Decario Harris, Richard Allen and Olando Donadelle Jr. Fireman, Oiler, Watertender—^Working their way up the engine department ratings are (from left. kneeling) Yahya Shamman, William Prince, Roy Robinson Jr., Eric Campbell, Earl Gillespie Jr., Jamie Brown Jr., Gregory Brandani, Daniel Gibtrons, (second row) Jose R. Diaz, Vincent Flores Jr., Kurt Jacobsen, Rotrert Parker, Gregory Howard, Mike Chartren, Kenny Flanagan, Randy Pearson, Douglas Hau, (third row) Steve Biles, John Burress, Theron Bowen, Michael Cobb, Adrian Davis, Anthony Crummell, Michael Dean, Steven Fisher and Jerry Stricklen. Upgraders Lifeboat—Certificates of training were received by ihe September 21 class of upgraders. They are (from left, kneeling) In/in Jones, Fred V. Bautista, Richard Fraser, Ben Cusic (instructor), (standing) Anthony Williams, Darrien Lewis, Erik Washington, Kevin Johnson and James Brown. Maryland Beaches' Sand Restored By the Work of the Long Island Seafarers aboard the dredge Long Island recently helped pump more than one million yards of fill along eight miles of Ocean City, Md. beachfront,.replacing sand lost over the years through erosion and hurricane winds. The Long Island, operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., was assigned to the project for 75 days, completing the task in early October. Pumping 15,000 cubic yards of sand a day from the ocean floor to the shore, the dredge's assignments are primarily beach replenishment projects. Seafarers aboard the 1971-built, non-self-propelled, sea-going hopper dredge operate all of the dredging machinery, including drag-arms which are lowered to the bottom. Machinery that mixes the sand to a sand-water slurry and pumping equipment also are operated by Seafarers. Among the eight Seafarers aboard are members of the steward department, who keep the crewmembers replenished. The next project for the 510-foot long, 75-foot beam dredge is restoring ihe sand of the Cape May, N.J. beach. Photos accompanying this article were taken by SIU Nofolk Port Agent Mike Paladino. Pumping 15,000 cubic yards of sand on a daily basis, it took the dredge LongIsland crew two-and-a-half months to restore sand to Maryland beaches. Working long, hard hours, the crewmembers on the Long Island break for lunch. Port Engineer Ray Bamett (left) and Mate Chief Steward Leo Kinnev oreoares a Pictured from left are AB Joe Baricco, AB Thomas Moore, SA Dennis Kennington, Phil Kleinebreil have a few minutes of quiet nutritious mfial fnr tho rro«i nf tho Captain David Ling, AB Bennie Spencer and AB Doug Carson. in the galley before pumping resumes dredge Long te/and. 'i;- �NOVEMBER 1994 SEAFARERS LOG LUHDEBERG SCHOa. Engine UpgnuUng Courses 1994• 1995 mSUUmG OtURSE SCHEDULE The following is the course schedule for classes beginning between late November 1994 and March 1995 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship 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 and to promote the American maritime industry. The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—^the nation's security. Date of Enrollment Course Tanker Operations January 2 January 30 February 27 Bridge Management January 30 Limited License, Part 1 ,. . January 23 Limited License Part n February 6 Limited License, Part ill i February 20 Able Seaman January 23 Radar January 23 February 27 • Wif •• Celestial Navigation February 13 Sealift Operations &Myiiidsnance January 23 Date of Completion January 27 February 24 March 17 February 10 February 3 February 17 March 3 April 7 February 3 March 10 March 24 February 17 Course Power Plant Maintenance QMED - Any Rating Refrigeration Systems Maintenance ^ Operations Diesel Engine Technology Hydraulics Marine Electrical Maintenance I Marine Electrical Maintenance H Basic Electronics Marine Electronics Technician I Marine Electronics Technician H Welding Course Engine Familiarizataion Di&sel DDE/Limited License Prep Safety Specialty Ceunee Course Date of Enrollment Date of Comidetion Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting November 25 December 9 Course Date of Completion Bosun Recertification Steward Recertification February 20 January 23 March 31 March 6 Stee/anll^igiading Courses Course Date of Enrollment Date of Completion Assistant Cook, Cook and Baker Chief Cook, Chief Steward November 21 November 21 February 10 February 10 (Middle) (Hist) (Street) (Slate) Deep Sea Member D (Zip Code) Date of Birth. (Month/Day/Year) (Area Code) Lakes Member n Date of Enrollment Date of Completion January 30 February 27 March 27 February 10 March 10 April 7 li • -r'y'Sw. Jacksonville, Fla. January 9 Wilmington, Calif. February 13 Brooklyn, N.Y. March 13 For 1994 courses, see page 9 in this edition of the LOG. Date of Completion January 13 February 17 March 17 The following courses are available through the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Please contact the admissions office for enrollment information. Course Date of Enrollment Date of Completion GED Preparation Adult Basic Education (ABE) English as a Second Language (ESL) 12 weeks - open-ended admission 6 weeks - open ended admission 6 weeks - open ended admission Session 1 January 30 March 24 Primary language spoken UPGRADING AmHMmN _L February 17 March 31 March 10 ilifirir£ifif»alfiMf ScheAule Date of Enrollment (City) January 9 January 9 February 30 Date of Enrollment RecertHHuaiottPtcgrams Telephone ( Date of Completion 1995ReMgemOon Technician Ccumk Locadon (Last) Date of Enrollment March 13 April 7 February 20 March 24 January 9 February 17 March 13 April 21 January 9 Februarys February 6 March 3 March 31 March 6 March 17 February 20 •"0 f All students must take the Oil Spill Prevention and Containment class. All students must take the Oil Spill Prevention and Containment class. Name Address 23 Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_ Book # Seniority ^ Department U.S. Citizens D Yes D No Home Port. Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held •Ves Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? If yes, class# ^ •Ves Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? If yes, course(s) taken Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? CD Yes [DNO Firefighting: CH Yes CUNO CFR:IZlYes With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing suffi­ cient time to qualify yourself for the course(s) requested. You also must submit a COPY of each of the following: the first page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your z-card as well as your Lundeberg School identification card listing the course(s) you have taken and com­ pleted The Admissions Office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. BEGIN END COURSE DATE DATE LAST VESSEL; Rating; Date On: Date Off:. DNO SIGNATURE. DNO Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. CD No DATE RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Lundeberg Upgrading Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 11/94 '""iirf �SEAijuaxes Volume 56, Number 11 1995 Scholarships There are only five months left to complete and mall in scholarship applications. The submission deadline is April 15, 1995. See page 20 for additional information or an application form. November 1994 Third Generation Seafarer Carries on Legacy SIU Family Proudly Looks on as Mathews Graduates from Training Program grandfather's footsteps, even though they always told me I could do whatever I wanted," the 19-year-old stated. " remember growing up, I would go to the barge and meet my father, and I was really inter­ ested in the work even then. I also was fortunate enough to go on one trip with him. "I'm just attracted to it. The pay is good, I like working with my hands and I like working on anything that floats." Whether or not future generations of the family con­ tinue the Mathews-SIU legacy, Carson^—who is in good health and spends a lot of time fishing and gardening-—concluded that he is thrilled to have set the career precedent for his son and grandson. "I think anyone Tankerman William Mathews Sr. (left) and SIU Retiree Carson Math­ would feel the same way, and William Sr., shown here at work Familiar Trail ews (right) join William Jr. after his recent graduation from the trainee I'm truly proud to see another on a barge In 1975, says he has member of the family sign on enjoyed working In the Inland Both Carson and William program at Piney Point. with the Seafarers." division. Sr.—a 27-year member of the School. As that was the year the for the members to be proud of." SIU—elected to sail in the inland Pride also was on William division, and William Jr. said he Piney Point complex was first used by the school. Seafarers Sr.'s mind when his son com­ also is interested in inland work. attending classes there also as­ pleted the trainee program. But, "I'm very excited, ready to get out sisted in building the center's like Carson, William Sr. em­ there," he said. "I've always been various facilities. phasized that he never exerted interested in thisline of work, and "I went to [the SIU hall in] pressure on William Jr. to enter I love the water." William Sr., 49, currently is Brooklyn, N.Y. for five days' the maritime field. "It makes me employed by Penn Maritime raining, then spent four-and-a- feel great that he chose this, but and usually works in the Nor­ ^alf weeks at Piney Point," he whatever the kids do, my wife folk, Va. area. He has a simple recalled. "There were a lot of and I support them. We have a explanation for why three good people here. I did some daughter who's a schoolteacher, generations of Mathews, in­ raining and some hard work, and we're happy for her, too." cluding his brother. Jack, have eventually, I drove a carload of Getting Started opted for maritime careers and gUys to Norfolk, and we all When Carson first went to membership in the Seafarers. shipped out a day or two later." He returned to Piney Point work on a tug, he simply was "The union's been very good to us, and I believe we've been or upgrading courses in '91and searching for a better means to good to the SIU as well," he '92 and was stunned by the support his family. He had been said. "It's a great feeling to have jrogress of both the curriculum working seasonally in agriculture This 1981 photo shows William Sr. providing a sampling of maritime three generations in the SIU." and the facilities. "The whole and as a hunting guide; in life to William Jr., who was 6 years old when he visited the vessel. For William Sr., the road to system here is beautiful, there's maritime, he found steady Piney Point is a familiar one. He no end to how far anyone can employment with much better completed his seafaring training go," he observed. "The instruc- pay. Similarly, William Sr. got a in 1967 at the Lundeberg :ors are first-rate. It's something sampling of other employment The National Center for ing at the time was found near opportunities before he settled Missing and Exploited her car, but Mary Opitz has on the waterways. He worked in Children has asked the not been seen since. The a textile mill for four years Seafarers International photo below has been age-en­ before approaching some finends who were SIU members about Union to assist them in locat­ hanced to show how the 30ing Mary Opitz. year-old woman might the possibility of shipping. She was last seen on appear today. He started in the deep sea division, with two voyages to January 16, 1981 leaving the At the time of her disap­ Vietnam during the war. "Both Edison Mall in Fort Myers, pearance when she was 17 ships had good crews, but Viet­ Fla., heading out to the parking years old, the brown-haired, lot. A package she was carry- hazel-eyed Mary Opitz was 5 nam was bad," he recdled. After earning a tankerman's ft 5 in. tall and weighed 105 ticket, William Sr. found the pounds. She had braces on her duties and scheduUng of the in­ teeth and was wearing two land division more to his liking, gold bracelets and a gold neck­ and he's been there ever since, lace with a charm. with "absolutely no regrets. I've been a tankerman since '69 and Anyone having informa­ I've pumped a lot of products, tion on the whereabouts of from Bangor, Maine to Mary Opitz should contact Beaumont, Texas. Acids, oil, the National Center for Miss­ molasses—you name it, I've ing and Exploited Children at pumped it." (800) 843-5678 or the Miss­ For William Jr., the decision ing Persons Unit of the Lee with a background like this, It's no wonder William Jr. Is ready to work to take up inland division work County (Fla.) Sheriff s office Mary OpItz as she Is believed on tugs, in this photo, he Is 8 and having fun on his first boat, on was easy. "I always wanted to to look at age 30. at (813) 335-9229. Currituck Sound In North Carolina. follow in my father's and More than four decades after he joined the Seafarers, Carson Williams Mathews recently was on hand to see his grandson William Mathews Jr., graduate from the trainee pro­ gram at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Educa­ tion in Piney Point, Md. Also in attendance with Car­ son this past September was his son, Tankerman William Mathews Sr., rounding out three generations of SIU mem­ bers in the Mathews family. "I'm proud of them both, really proud," said 78-year-old Carson Mathews, who sailed in the deck and engine depart­ ments in the inland division and who retired in 1981. "I'm glad they followed in my footsteps, but they did it on their own." Help Locate This Missing Person -*v � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1994 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ARA AND KEYSTONE SIGN PACT IN STRIKE PRECEDING DEAL, SIU AIDED PICKETING SEAFARERS BACK ISRAELI BROTHERS MARITIME BILL STYMIED IN SENATE CLINTON TO BACK U.S. SHIP BILL IN ‘95 SEAFARERS HAILED FOR HAITI ROLE SEAMEN REPORT SMOOTH OPERATIONS, CLOSE COOPERATION WITH U.S. MILITARY PRO-MARITIME CANDIDATES ASSISTED BY SIU MEMBERS SENATE FAILS TO VOTE ON INLAND SAFETY BILL HOST OF MARITIME MEASURES LEFT UNPASSED, ISSUES WILL BE RAISED IN NEXT CONGRESS RRF DROPS TO 89 SHIPS HOUSTON FLOOD HITS SEAFARERS RESPONDER BOATS ASSIST IN SAN JACINTO OIL SPILL PAUL HALL CENTER INTRODUCES TANKER SAFETY CLASS SEAFARERS AID GULF BUILDUP IRAQI TROOPS BACK OFF AS U.S. REENTER GULF PAUL HALL CENTER ADDS NEW VESSEL TO SCHOOL’S HANDS-ON TRAINING FLEET TWO ADDITIONAL SIU HALLS TO HOST REFRIGERATION CLASSES SEAFARERS STRESS CLASS PREPARATION INTERESTING WORK PERFORMED BY SIU CREW ABOARD RESEARCH VESSEL SEAFARERS FAMILY PHOTOS 353 FLEEING YEMENIS SAVED BY MV ADVANTAGE HARVEST GRAINS KEEP ORGULF TUGS BUSY SEA TRIALS READY CAPE RACE FOR RRF OPERATIONAL STATUS ALTERNATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED BY WELFARE PLAN THIRD GENERATION SEAFARER CARRIES ON LEGACY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1994 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 56, No. 11 1994 Periodicals Seafarers Log