http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4b57b0da8881ef7480aa599af96b001c.pdf dae5c46cc9cd0536ad86ff23725f0c89 PDF Text Text Ill I anne ru1ses II SIU Will Crew 5 Delta Queen Ships; First Scheduled for Year 2000 Higman Boatmen Lauded for Safety Captain Leroy Lepretre is one of a number of Seafarers hon· ored la.st month by Higman Barge Lines for safe operations in 1997. ''We always emphasize teamwork and safety, every sin· gle day," Lepretre said following the presentation of the company's annual safety awards. Page 4 Late last year, the SIU-crewed LNG Virgo saved 18 people stranded for five days in the Celebes Sea, beginning with the rescue of the two individuals pictured above. This dramatic story is recounted on page 24. Lakes Seafarers Fired Up tor Fitout Aboard the Iglehart, Watchstander Paul Gosda takes aim at another record sailing season on the Great Lakes. Fitout began in mid-March, and early indications are that this will be another strong year for Lakes shipping, on the heels of a record-setting campaign. Page 9 SIU Members, Pensioners Slated for New Rx Program _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 3 Coast Guard Opposes Solo Bridge Watch ---------Page 3 �Continued Cooperation Needed to Keep U.S.-Flag Fleet Strong in Next Century President's Report Stop the Trend, Before H Starts Next month the voters of California will cast their ballots on an initiative that carries dramatic implications for all working men and .------------ women across America. On June 2, the people of our nation's most populated state will decide if Proposition 226 becomes law. Proposition 226 is the latest scam created by anti-worker forces to limit the voices of working people from the political process. Using the innocent-sounding name of "campaign finance reform," these anti-worker advocates want the voters of California to say it's okay to limit unions' ability to Michael Sacco participate in state elections and other political processes-but let Big Business run wild. They have chosen California because they think it is easier to sneak this long-winded initiative past the voters rather than deal with it through open debates in the legislative process. Research already shows Big Business outspent labor unions by an 11-to- l margin during the 1996 election cycle. An 11-to-1 margin! The difference in terms of dollars spent is so wide, it is hard to comprehend, so I'll try to demonstrate this in another manner. Imagine being on a football field all by yourself and the 11 members of the Super Bowl-champion Denver Broncos are lined up against you. What do you think your chances of stopping them would be?! Yet, this is what organized labor faced two years ago-and we held our own. Now, the anti-worker corporations and lobbyists feel that was unfair to them. They want to change the rules and tilt them even more in their favor. They don't even try to hide what they are doing. In a recent nationally broadcast news report, one of the people who wrote Proposition 226 told a pro-business group: "Imagine what would happen in your legislative, in your business agendas if the amount of money opposing you every year was reduced by 80 percent, what could you do?" Business already outspends labor 11-to- l and now they want to dramatically widen that margin! It's critical to note that at first glance, Proposition 226 doesn't appear to deal with labor unions. Its first sentence calls on the voters of California to ban foreign money from the political system. Who isn't for that?! In fact, it already IS illegal for foreign money to be used in California political campaigns. What these anti-worker groups are counting on is voters will see only that part of the measure. They figure the voters will be too busy with the other elections on the ballot to read the rest of the initiative. The rest of Proposition 226 demands union members sign an annual statement issued by the state to give their unions permission to spend dues money for items other than those directly related to collective bargaining. If passed, the law would take effect on July 1. Another catch to all of this is state officials have said there is no way they could implement the law before 1999. Therefore, unions would for all practical pl.lrposes be eliminated from participating in the foll elections. How democratic does that sound? Big Business would be allowed to spend whatever it wants, while unions wouldn't even be able to produce a voters' guide to inform the electorate who is standing up for working people. Despite the fact the election is taking place in California, the results of the balloting will be felt across the country. As has been pointed out in this issue (as well as previous issues) of the Seafarers LOG, the effort to reduce the influence of working people in the political process is a national campaign being waged at a state-by-state leve1. The anti-worker forces are looking for any hook, any angle, any way to make their views the law. Of the 29 states where such measures have been offered, 12 state legislatures already have said their working men and women deserve respect and the right to be heard. But that hasn't stopped Big Business. While the challenges are taking place all over the country, the real prize for the anti-worker forces is California. They know California is a trend-setting state- that ideas accepted on the West Coast will malce their way cast. The battle lines have been drawn. Proposition 226 is a lousy initiative because it stands against a value that all Americans hold dear-the right to express yourself freely. It would keep working men and women from gaining valuable information on the candidates and their positions. It would keep unions from standing up for working people when legislatures are in sessions. It would allow Big Business and its allies to call the shots without meaningful opposition. Anti-worker measures like Proposition 226 should be stopped in California on June 2. There is no justifiable reason for them to be,ome law anywhere. 2 On a day in which a stand-in speaker was needed to deliver the annual Paul Hall Memorial Lecture, the immediate past head of the U.S. Maritime Administration informed a Washington, D.C. audience of maritime industry officials, labor representatives and military officers that there is no substitute for a U.S.-flag merchant strong marine. Albert J. Herberger, who retired as the U.S. Maritime Administrator last year, was scheduled to deliver the annual lecture on April 15. Unfortunately, he was unable to be in the nation's capital due to a death in the family. As his address already was prepared, Emanuel Rouvelas-a longtime U.S.-flag advocate-stepped in at the last minute and delivered Herberger's remarks. Vast Maritime Experience To prepare his address, Herberger called upon his vast experience in the U.S. maritime industry. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. and sailed aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels prior to joining the U.S. Navy in 1958. He worked his way through the ranks, serving aboard and commanding warships as well as gaining executive experience involving the managing of manpower resources which included recruiting, training, education, distribution and logistics. By the time he retired from the Navy in 1990, the Albany, N.Y.-native had obtained the rank of vice admiral and served as the deputy commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command, which oversees the movement of materiel and troops for the U.S. military. After Herberger did a brief stint in private business, President Clinton nominated him to be the maritime administrator in 1993. During his four years at the helm, he steered the Maritime Security Program through Congress (gaining passage for it in 1996). jumpstarted commercial shipbuilding in U.S. yards and made sure maritime interests were included in national transportation policies. He now serves as vice chairman for SIU-contracted American Ship Management. Strong Relationship As delivered by Rouvelas, Herberger pointed out the rela- Representatives from the maritime industry, labor, government and military listen as Emanuel Rouvelas delivers the 1998 Paul Hall Memorial Lecture as written by retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger. tionship between the commercial maritime industry and the Department of Defense (DoD) is the closest "in more than 40 years. As a result, strong publicprivate partnerships are being forged in peacetime rather than during war or national emergency." He noted that throughout the nation's history, the maritime segment tended to be ignored until it was immediately needed. He cited examples from the War of I 812 to World War I and World War II as proof. But, Herberger wrote, the cooperation that developed during the Persian Gulf War laid the groundwork for the maritime measures being enacted during the 1990s. From the JO-year Maritime Security Program has developed the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) in which companies with ships contracted in the program not only make their vessels available to the military in times of conflict or emergency but also their terminals, intermodel systems and other services. "Within the framework of VISA, a Joint Planning Advisory Group was established to identify potential problem areas for sealift and develop appropriate solutions. This joint industry and DoD executive-level group. cochaired by the U .S. Transportation Command and the Maritime Administration, is charged to ensure a clear understanding of sealift requirements and capabilities so that all participants are better prepared to take action when needed," he stated. "The importance and value of the commercial merchant marine has received strong words of support by senior DoD officials in both public and official statements in recent times. This visible recognition from the national security arena had been absent for much too long in the debate May 1998 MSC Head Perkins Confident In U.S. Merchant Mariners The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO: 520 l Au th Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD AH Rights Reserved. The head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command recently voiced his confidence in American merchant mariners. Speaking April 23 to the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James B. Perkins, commander of MSC, described the merchant marine as America's "secret weapon" for quick sealift deployment. Perkins further praised America's civilian mariners as "absolutely magnificent professionals." And, answering a question regarding merchant mariners' willingness to sail into danger zones to deliver materiel for U.S. troops, he emphatically responded, "The answer is, hell yes, they will go! They will go like they've gone in every conflict that the U.S. has participated in since the Revolution." llolume 601 Number 5 Tiie SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~16 Former MarAd Chief Herberger Prepares 1998 Paul Hall Lecture Seafarers LOG regarding the national need for a U .S. merchant marine," the retired admiral added. Continue Cooperation He called for continued unity in the industry and ongoing cooperation between the industry and military which will help keep the fleet strong. "My personal assessment is that the U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth. Both the international and domestic fleets, along with revitalized ports and waterways, will be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security." To back up this point, Herberger listed several areas where he believes the U.S.-flag fleet will play a vital role in the upcoming century. Future Growth "Changing trade patterns, technology development and marketplace demands, both at home and abroad, will create opportunities for the waterborne transportation industry. U.S. trade is projected to double or triple by the year 2020 with the increasing globalization of the world economies. "New domestic markets will emerge for maritime services, particularly in the carriage of leisure and commuter passengers and the movement of freight along our coasts." In hypothesizing about the future, Herberger said he sees coastal shipping being used effi ciently to reduce congestion on highways and railroads. He called for support to rebuild America's port facilities-from dredging to highways-to meet the needs of growing trade. Herberger also stated how important it is for the country's shipyards to be active in the construction of commercial vessels. "We cannot, as a nation, continue to relinquish industrial design and manufacturing industries to foreign competitors." In closing, the former maritime administrator urged those attending to "promote the value of this industry to the general public. This great nation must continue to be a 'maritime' power for our own interests." Delivered each year since 1987, the lecture is funded by the Paul Hall Memorial Endowment at the University of Southern California. It was created by the friends and associates of the late SIU president, who served as the union's principal officer from 1947 until he died in 1980. May 1998 �Delta Queen Announces Fleet Expansion SIU Will Crew 5 New Coastal Cruise Ships Starting in 2000 SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company has announced its intention to build in U.S. shipyards five new passenger vessels to ply America's ocean coastlines. Seafarers will crew the ships when they are ready to sail. Bids for the five ships-which will carry between 200 and 225 passengers each-have already been requested. The company expects to sign a contract in September, begin construction for the first vessel around January 1999 and be ready to sail by the spring of 2000. Construction of the next ship will begin when the first is launched. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the SIU and the whole U.S.-tlag maritime industry," stated Seafarers President Michael Sacco. " These five ships represent new jobs for SIU members. Because Seafarers have demonstrated their ability and compe- Seafarers Rally in N.O. For A11ondale Workers SIU members and officials last month took part in a ra11y near New Orleans for Avondale Shipyard workers. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka spoke at the April 16 event, conducted at a local church, to show support for the 4, 100 shipyard workers still awaiting their first union contract. Both officials pledged the federation's continued full backing of the workers. Avondale employees voted in June 1993 to be represented by unions. However, the company since then has used one stalling tactic after another to deny representation to the workers and evade negotiations for a first contract. In fact, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in March ordered the head of Avondale to personally read a cease and desist order to the current and former shipyard employees, rehire 28 fired workers and rescind disciplinary measures taken against 15 others, and pay more than $3 million in back wages. Besides what is covered in the NLRB ruling, the AFL-CIO (the national federation of trade unions, of which the SIU is an member) notes that many other charges of firings and various inappropriate disciplinary actions against union supporters are impending in the NLRB and in the U.S. Court of Appeals. Altogether, this is the largest Continued on page 10 New Prescription Program Announced far Pensioners Agreement Eliminates Out-of-Pocket Expenses The Seafarers Welfare Plan recently announced a new prescription program for SIU pensioners that is designed to make it more convenient and cm:t-effectivc for retirees to secure needed medications_ This program also is expected tc be available for active Seafarers later this year. Accardi ng to Lou Delma. administrator of the Seafarers Welfare Plan1 the plan has signed an agreement with National Prescription Administrators, Inc. (NPA) to provide managed care pharmaceutical services to its eligible pensioners. "We expect this program to save money for SIU pensioners, SIU members and the plan itself," Delma stated. "It also is intended to eliminate out-of- pocket expenses when members or retirees pick up their pres~riptions, and it should significantly cut down on paperwork, too." Eligible pensioners wi11 have the option of purchasing prescription drugs from a network of mon; than 50 000 participating pharmacies. PhMmacy chains such as CVS. Rite Aid, Eckerd, Giant, Kroger and Revco are incJuded in this program . A more detailed list of participating pharmacies will be provided to eligible participants_ Additionally, for the first time, pensioners will have the ability to order their medication through a pharmaceutical mail service 1 May 1998 provider. This is expected to help people who take certain prescription medicines on an ongoing basis. NPA has been administering pres~ription drug benefit programs for more than 18 years. Currently the company serves more than 3 500 clients, representing 7 million covered participants. "NPA brings to the Seafarers a quality program which will allow pensioners access to a huge pharmacy network and other administrative services_ The plan also will benefit from this arrangement as NPA has negotiated with the network pharmacies to reduce the cost of prescription medications," Delma pointed out Pharmacies who participate in this network will recognize SIU peMioners by a special card. Qualified pensioners will no longer have to pay for their prescriptions and wait for reimbursement from the plan. This new program offers electronic processing capabilities which will greatly assist pension· ers in reducing paperwork for prescription claims _ The target date for this new program for pensioners is July 1998. The plan will send eligible pensioners detailed information, and additional related news will appear in future Seafarers LOG articles. Additionally, a participant mailing is being planned for the near future_ 1 tence for years on Delta Queen's three riverboats , the company knows it will have the manpower to crew these new ships in the way the company and the passengers expect. "But, even more , Delta Queen's announcement demonstrates the company's confidence in the domestic maritime program," Sacco continued. "These ships will be built in American yards, taking advantage of the latest technology, to call on American ports." SIU members already sail aboard the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen. The trio of steamboats carries passengers along the Mississippi River and its tribu taries. The company is a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages. Among American Classic Voyages' other holdings is American Hawaii Cruises, which operates the SIU-crewed SS Independence on seven-day voy- ........................ _...._.....,· More jobs for Seafarers, like Housekeeper Gwen Gibson of the Mississippi Queen, are on the horizon as the Delta Queen Company announces plans to build five new coastal cruise vessels. ages around the Hawaiian Islands. Under the plans announced by Delta Queen, the vessels would cruise along the Pacific Northwest and northern California to such locations as the Columbia River, Snake River, Napa Valley and San Francisco. Eastern seaboard destinations will include Boston Harbor; New York; Chesapeake Bay; the nation's capital; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Florida coastal cities . The ships will be 300 feet Jong and diesel driven. They will be designed to resemble coastal steamers that sailed along America's shores nearly 100 years ago. For the passengers, they will feature period furnishings, four-star amenities and the latest in safety technology. Delta Queen expects to complete the launching of the new vessels in seven to IO years. SIU Members In Gulf Buildup Are Eligible for 'Danger Pay1 Seafarers who sailed on vessels deployed to the Persian Gulf during the recent military buildup in that region are eligible for imminent danger pay, according to a communication issued by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The eligibility period began February 7 and still was in effect as the Seafarers LOG went to press in late April. "On applicable contracts, Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) mandated by collective bargaining agreement is reimbursable to the contractor for payments made to the contract mariners on board MSC vessels operating in certain zones of the Arabian Gulf," reads the memorandum from MSC. '"Any reimbursement of IDP is limited to the amounts that would be payable under applicable laws and regulations to U.S. civil service mariners in the employ (of) MSC in a similar port, place, zone or route .... The current zones for IDP in the Arabian Gulf include the sea areas within the Arabian Gulf." SIU members who believe they qualify for IDP and who have signed off their respective vessels should contact the companies operating the ships on which they sailed, according to MSC. Seafarers still aboard ships deployed in the Gulf are not instructed to contact the companie . The buildup took place in preparation for a possible armed conflict between the U.S. and its allies against Iraq. More than 15 SIU-crewed ships were involved in exercises in or near the Gulf as part of that preparedness. Although the likelihood of impending conflict diminished with Iraq's initial and ostensible cooperation with United Nations arms inspectors, the situation seemingly is far from fully resolved, according to news reports. Coast Guard Backs SIU's Position Against Solo Navigational Watch Agency Will Take Case to International Safety Session Consistent with the SIU's position, the U.S. Coast Guard during upcoming international maritime safety metings will oppose solo navigational watch at night, according to a report by the agency. As permitted by the international convention on Standards of Training . Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. several countries have con· ducted years of trials involving solo bridge watch in periods of darkness. Based on studies of the documentation of those trials, the Coast Guard at the 69th session of the international Maritime Safety Committee (scheduled for May 11-20 in London) will recommend discontinuation of such experiments. It further will advise that solo night watch not be included in any amendment to the updated STCW convention _ In a letter earlier this year to Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert C. North, assistant commandant of marine safety and environmental protection, SIU President Michael Sacco reiterated the union's "total opposition to the operation of ships with the officer of the navigational watch acting as the sole lookout in periods of darkness. We believe that a solo bridge operation compromises safety at sea and, as such, it is an unacceptable and unnecessary measure." The SIU challenged the contentions of nations including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and oth.e rs that such a watch is safe. Sacco noted that in studies conducted by such nations, "their supporting analysis is usually unpersuasive and contain many misleading comparisons, incomplete analysis and undefined terms." In an executive summary of its findings, the Coast Guard argued that solo night watch violates existing regulations that cal1 for a continuous lookout. The agency pointed out that trial results indicate periodic lapses-sometimes greater than 10 minutes-have occurred during navigational watches at night. Moreover, a substantial number of officers interviewed as part of the trials reported that keeping a proper lookout in addition to other duties was "sometimes" difficult, while some stated it was "often" difficult. "Solo watchkeeping should not be taking place under conditions where risk of collision is likely to develop," the Coast Guard noted. "Furthermore, the indication that detection will be more rapid when the watch officer has access to high-grade detection equipment only supports the need for promoting the introduction of such equipment to reduce risk on a11 ships, rather than the elimination of the lookout on some ships." The Coast Guard therefore will urge the committee to discontinue solo navigational watch at night and to not amend the STCW convention in that regard. Seafarers LOG 3 �Higman Boatmen Earn Safety Awards Seafarers Honored for Year of Accident-Free Operations SIU boatmen sailing with Higman Barge Lines were honored last month for outstanding safety achievements in 1997. Seafarers earned the annual safety awards in individual and boat categories. Higman, based in Orange, Texas, has presented the plaques since the start of this decade. "We always emphasize teamwork and safety, every single day," said Captain Leroy Lepretre, whose work helped the tug Preston Shuford win one of the boat awards. "With what we're running, oil barges, everybody's got to be on their toes and be extra careful. Really, it's all about teamwork." In order to receive an individual safety award, boatmen must work at least 224 accident-free days in a calendar year. For the boat awards, "They must operate without an oil spill, a personal injury, collision, allision-zero incidents," explained company spokesperson Ginger Norwood. Earning the 1997 awards were the John T. McMahan and the Preston Shuford. The McMahan also won in 1995 and 1996. Additionally, Higman has a "500 Day" award for boatmen who compile at least 500 consecutive working days (as scheduled) without an accident. Approximately half of the 120 or so boatmen employed at Higman have earned the 500 Day award. Many others are on pace to receive it. Seafarers sailing aboard Higman's 18 boats regularly conduct shipboard safety drills and also participate in quarterly safety meetings directed by the company. Lepretre, whose son Cody sails as an OS in the SIU's deep sea division, commended both the company and the crews for their commitment to safety. "I know we always take extra precautions while loading and offloading, for instance," he concluded. "When you empty those barges, they're pretty potent. That's just more incentive to be careful." Honored along with Lepretre from the Preston Shuford were Relief Captain Walter Evans, Pilot Michael Rogers, Tankerman James McCullough and Deckhands Michael French and '97 Financial Records Okayed By Rank-and-File Committee The committee of rank-andfile Seafarers who last month reviewed the union's financial records has reported that it found the SIU's finances are in good order. The financial review committee will submit its report to fel low Seafarers during thi~ month's membership meetings across the country. Such action is required by the SIU constitution under Article X , Section l 5: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an e.\amination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall reporL fully on their findings and recommendations." Seven Seafarers were elected by fellow SIU members during the April membership meeting at Piney Point, Md. to serve on the ~ommittee: Mechanic Thomas J. Burns, who chaired the group; Bosuns James Recertified Deano, David GarQutte, Louis Sorito and Jame~ Souci: QMED Ramon Cnmncho; and Meehan· ic John Gallagher. "The records look very good," said Camacho, who sails from the port of Philadelphia. "We checked them very closely, and everything was fine." Adjourning from their work as members of the annual financial Mmmittee are (from left) James Deano, David Garovtte, John Gallagher, Thomas Burns, SIU Secretary-Treti.5urer David Heindel. Raml'.ln Camacho. James Souci and Louis Sorito. Accepting the annual safety awards on behalf of their respective crews are (photo above) Captain Leroy Lepretre of the tug Preston Shuford and (below) Tankerman Randy Odom of the John T. McMahan. SIU boatmen recently earning safety awards from Higman Barge Lines include (above) Tankerman Randy Odom, Captain Tommy Adams, Captain Calvin Hatfield, Captain Joe Fabacher, Pilot Floyd Bertrand, Relief Captain James Lafleur, Captain Chris Spivey, Relief Captain John Anderson, Tankerman Grayson Skaggs, Pilot Billy Fisher, Relief Captain James Chatlosh, Tankerman Ray Sergent, Captain Elton Jeansonne, Relief Captain Ross Burton and Tankerman Ted Campbell. Wade Greer. Receiving the award for safely operating the John T McMahan were Captains Roy Lunson and IMO Warns That Fifth of World Fleet Will Not Meet July 1 ISM Deadline The International Mari- administer a safety managetime Organization (IMO) ment system that specifies a recently estimated that about safety and environmental 22 percent of the world's protection policy, along with affected vessels will not meet · instructions and procedures the July 1 deadline for com- to ensure safe operation of pliance with phase one of the ships and protection of the International Safety Manage- environment in compliance with international and flag ment Code (ISM). If the code is enforced as state regulations. expected, then non-compliant Other requirements inships either will be denied clude developing defined port entry or will be detained procedures for reporting acciin port and have their cargo dents, preparing for and operations restricted. Civil responding to emergencies, penalty action (a $5,000 fine) management reviews of the also will be imposed against safety system that will be the shipowner, charterer, subject to outside audit, and a agent or master. planned maintenance system The first stage of the ISM for all on-board equipment. Code (part of the 197 4 Vessels passing through International Convention for this rigorous audit by classifithe Safety of Life at Sea, or cation societies such as SOLAS) applies to the fol· American Bureau of Shiplowing vessels engaged in ping or DNV of Europe will international voyages; tank- receive certification, and the ers, bulk freight ships, high- vessels involved will receive speed freight vessels of 500 "Documents of Compliance." gross tons or more, and ships Properly implemented, transporting more than 12 ISM will improve company passengers. response to vessel equipment It calls for companies to casualties and ensure correc- Senate Passes Shipping Relorm Bill Measure Would Extend Cutoff Date for WWII Veterans' Status The Senate on April 21 approved legislation which would change federal regulation of the ocean shipping industry by amending the Shipping Act of 1984. Passed by a vote of 71 -26, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act now is expected to go the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Some backers of the bill, however, reportedly are pushing for a straight yes-or-no 4 Seafarers LOG vote by the full House, with no rewrite of the measure. The Senate bill (S. 414) also includes language extending the cutoff date for veterans' status for World War II merchant mariners from August 15, 1945 to December 3 I. 1946 (the date officially declared by President Harry Truman as the end of hostilities). The SIU strongly supports extending the cutoff date. "With the help of all the Mike MaNeely, Pilot Tommy Donati, Tankerman Randy Odom and Deckhands Kevin Jacks and Gordon Campbell. friends of the merchant marine, both in World War II and presently, there is finally realization that there should be a viable sailing fleet today, but also recognition for the men who sailed," stated Mark Gleeson, vice chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, which for l 0 years has worked to extend the cutoff date. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, the son of a union shipyard worker and a strong advocate of the U.S. merchant marine, pointed out that mariners who began their service between August 1945 and December 1946 "did so with pride, professionalism and a dedication to their country. They deserve this simple, proper recognition." S. 4 J4 preserves the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as an independent agency, although it eliminates tariff-filing with the government, thereby allowing importers and exporters to keep their contracts with ship operators confidential. Earlier versions of the measure-from early 1994 to tive actions to non-conformities reported under the system. ISM will begin to identify and discipline those substandard vessels in foreign trade. The second phase takes effect July 1, 2002. It will apply to other freight vessels and self-propelled mobile offshore drilling units of 500 or more gross tons on international voyages. ISM will increase the potential liability of operators of non-compliant ships by establishing a discoverable link between non-conformities on board operating vessels and the upper management of the company responsible for their Safety Management System. It generally is recognized as fact that ISM in concert with emerging STCW regulations constitutes the most significant change in the accepted conduct of commercial vessels implemented in this century. 1997-had called for eliminating the FMC altogether or merging it with the Surface Transportation Board. Proponents of S. 4 l 4 say the bill's main purpose is to facilitate increased contracting flexibility by allowing importers and exporters to ink confidential agreements with individual shipowners, instead of working through ocean shipping cartels (which jointly set rates). Additionally, although carriers would not be required to file rate changes with the FMC, they would be responsible for making such data readily accessible. May 1998 �Big Business Admits Effort Dedicated To 'Undermining Labor1s lnfluence 1 Anti-Worker Initiative Faces California Voters June 2 Anti-worker forces are pulling out all the stops to implement legislation that would silence the voices of working people from the political process. So far this year, 29 states are considering or have considered measures that would limit the ability of unions to provide political donations, lobby for the causes of working people or even offer voter guides for pro-worker candidates. These efforts have been repelled in 13 states thanks to Seafarers joining with other working men and women to inform their elected officials that bills with such names as " paycheck protection," ..campaign finance reform" or "giving union members a choice" actually are badly disguised attempts to squelch the concerns of working people. Attention Goes West Despite these victories, which have taken place in states from the Atlantic to the Pacific (see chart), national attention is being drawn to California, where that state's voters will decide if what has been dubbed "campaign finance reform" is needed. California holds primary elections on June 2. But included on the ballot will be a number of initiatives including Proposition 226. The authors of Proposition 226 are hoping people will be too busy to read the whole initiative. They wrote the measure to take advantage of the national concern over the possible use of foreign money to influence political races. The first line of Proposition 226 on the ballot asks the voters to outlaw the use of such money in state campaigns-which already is illegal in California. The proposition then spells out in technical language how the initiative-if passed-would not allow unions to use dues money for campaigning , lobbying or other purposes outside of collective bargaining without the annual written permission of uniM members on forms provided by the state. The measure would start July 1, a month after the election. However, California officials have said they will not have the paperwork and bureaucracy in place to implement the lnw until cnrly 1999. This would effectively eliminate unions from standing up for their members and interests during the 1998 statewide elections, which include the governor's seat. Wants tu Eliminate Oppo5ition During an April 3 report broadcast by National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," a co-author of Proposition 226 was heard addressing the Associated Builders and Contractors: "If you can imngine what would happen in your legislative, in your business agendas if the amount of money opposing you every yettr was reduced by 80 percenc. what could you do?!" Frank Uri asked the industry group. For his speech, Uri received a. $5,000 check from the group to help pass Proposition 226. The story's reporter, Steve Rosenfeld, described Uri 's efforts in the following way: " ... he said the bmLOm line was undermining labor's political influence." Uri then drew Rosenfetd•s attention to the state of Washington, where voters passed a similar measure in 1992. Uri said union politi~al contributions have fallen by more than two-thirds. A review of Wa~hington's records revealed in l 992 an almost 2-to- I majority of elected officials in the state ;· .··· . ..... .. .. .. ... . . .!! :<W.h;~~:;.~~u.:;· ~:~ .: aa .: :1hi$ii~· ~·tAt~ ·1~· #ijti!ti.,:;: .: .... · . · . · . '. :t(:.:wh.f~. can or ·~i~ii ·ll~h:. ln~~rm .your legi~l~tor why such :a:):¥l'$~~ur0 'iS bad"frir .aw~.~·frkin'g people. .' ! .<M~ql .::V-'.ith ..frienQ8 •. :· 1.~mify : ~.nd .neighb,grs. Let them know how these bills hurt them and ask them to contact th~f~··. ~1eoted. officials. · .ff ·YPUJJ!tate is having an initiative: . house who supported the agenda of working families. Since the measure was passed, those who are supported by anti-worker forces now control the body hy a nearly identical 2-to-1 margin. 'Bully vs. Average Guy' Adding to the call to defeat the anti-worker measures is AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. During the same MTD executive board meeting, Sweeney noted, "For maritime unions, these proposals would deny us the clout we need to defend everything we cherish from the Jones Act to OSHA (the Occupational Health and Safety Administration), Medicare, Social Security and the list is long." The head of the national federation of trade unions declared these measures are the way corporations, big business and other anti-worker forces are fighting back because working people were able to convince Congress to pass an increase in the national minimum wage, to defeat legislation that would create sham company unions and to reject fast-track trade negotiations that did not include measures to protect workers and the environment. "Maybe we should be flattered that our recent victories on working family issues have spawned so many attacks," added Sweeney. "Clearly we have them worried . They should be concerned because they're not going to win. Working families will not be ~ilenced ." ·· · /(your.$tate is not listed: as it harms all working people. May1998 possible initiative California ....... ..... ....... on ballot June 2 Colorado .................... defeated in legislature, Florida ................. ...... .pending in legislature Georgia .. ........ ... .. ...... .defeated in legislature Hawaii ........................ defeated in legislature Kansas ....................... defeated in legislature Maryland .................... defeated in legislature Massachusetts ........... pending in legislature Michigan .................... pending in legislature Minnesota .................. pending in legislature Mississippi ................. defeated in legislature Missouri ..................... pending in legislature New Mexico ............... defeated in legislature Nevada ...................... initiative pending Oklahoma .................. pending in legislature Oregon ......... .............. initiative pending Pennsylvania ............. pending in legislation Rhode Island ............. defeated in legislature South Carolina ........... pending in legislature South Dakota ............. defeated in legislature Tennessee ........ ... .. .... pending in legislature Utah ........................... defeated in legislature Vermont ..................... defeated in legislature Washington ................ defeated in legislature West Virginia .............. defeated in legislature Wisconsin .................. pending in legislature Wyoming .. ..... ............. passed annual PAC checkoff Congress: Action pending in both House and Senate Please note: The rules in some legislatures allow a defeated bill to be offered again in an altered version or amended to an entirely different measure. It is best to remain alert while legislatures are in session. SOURCE: AFL-CIO Department of Field Mobilization (H11rd 11nd Soft Money Contributions in Millions of Dollars) - Corporate $448 Union 1992 $483 1994 · · •.: -:. ;,B.~mtnd your tagtsJator their is no need for such legis· ~atlon Arizona ...................... pending in legislature, How Big Business Outspends Labor in Politics . • : ·: Register to vote, then vote againsflt. : :. .;:.:Ufge ... your friends, family and .neighbors . to do the san.1~·~ Alaska ........................ pending in legislature possible initiative Noting what has happened and what could happen if measures like Proposition 226 are passed, SIU President Michael Sacco, in his opening remarks to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board meeting in March, stated the anti-labor forces "want to knock out workers from the political process so they can take even more of the purse for themselves. They want to bury unions in red tape and paralyze our operations with bureaucracy." Sacco, who also is the president of the MTD, reminded the board (composed of representatives from the MTD's 32 affiliated unions) that campaign spending records have shown big business in 1996 provided its friends with $653 million while unions contributed $58 million to its supporters. "What our enemies won't say is that they outspent labor in the '96 elections by 11-to- l !" Sacco pointed out. "Anyone can see this is a case of the big bully versus the average guy. The bully couldn't beat us when we played by the same rules, so now he wants to hurt us with a cheap shot. "Well, as in the case of the Tyson-Holyfield match, the bully has bitten off more than he can chew!" Sacco stated. Urges Workers to Fight On Actions Taken Around the Country On Anti-Worker Legislation (as of mid-April) $677 1996 $60 SOURCE: Federal Election Commission and Center for Responsive Politics Seafarers LOG 5 �Teamwork Is Key for Newest Class of Recertified Bosons Speaking directly to the unlicensed apprentices, Garoutte stated that being a _S~afarer can be an exciting and rewarding career. One thing everyone should not be afraid of is to ask questions, he added. 'That's the only way to learn." Sailing from the port of San Francisco, James Souci noted that since arriving at the school, he has met many fine mariners who have shown him their friendship. "Nothing has prepared me better," the 55-year-old Seafarer remarked. Although they come from diverse backgrounds and sail from different ports across the country, the eight Seafarers completing the bosun recertification program last month at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. know the meaning of teamwork. For the six weeks leading up to their graduation ceremony at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Mohamed Ahmed, James L. Deano Jr., David J. Garoutte, Mark A. Holman, James J. Keevan, Roger Reinke, Louis F. Sorito Jr_ and James Souci worked and studied together to complete the highest curriculum available at the Lundeberg School for those members who sail in the deck department. The eight Seafarers developed a real sense of camaraderie during their weeks together and plan to take what they have learned back to their respective ships. 'Union-Like Team' "Our union is like a team," stated 46-year-old Roger Reinke, after receiving his graduation certificate. "All of us are important players on that team, with SIU President Michael Sacco as our captain." Reinke, who sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash., cautioned SIU members that "we're only as strong as our weakest players. It is our duty to support and guide our team and help those who are struggling." He also affirmed that another way to help the team on its winning streak to job security is by donating to SPAD. Reinke thanked his fellow dassmates for their friendship and abo thanked his wife, Antoinette, for believing in him and supporting his career choice. The bosun recertification program is designed to update Seafarers who sail as bosuns on trend~ in the maritime industry, including changing 5hipboard technology and the latest seamanship t~chnique~. Additionally1 the bosuns· curriculum further prepares the seamen for leadership roles among fellow crew members. When at sea, it is the job of the bosun to serve as chairman of the ship's committee, a group of crew members who help keep shipboard life running smoothly. (It is to this group that any problem Renewed Appreciation /Ji Following the April membership meeting at Piney Point, the recertifi~d b~suns p~sed for_ a group photo with several SIU officials. From left (front row) are Lundeberg School Acting Vice President ~1ck M~rrone, J~mes Souci, Mohamed Ahmed, SIU President Michael Sacco, David Garoutte, Rog~r Remke, V1~e President Contracts Augie Tellez, James Deano, Louis Sorito, (second row) SIU Representative George Tricker, James Keevan, Mark Holman and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. aboard a vessel initially should be taken.) Need to Upgrade James Keevan, who had previously worked with the Teamsters for 20 years, expressed his gratitude to the SIU for giving him a good job, union backing and an education. The 49-year-old, who joined the union in 1990 in Norfolk, Va. and now sails from the port of Houston, realizes that in order to succeed in this industry, a mariner has to boost his education and hone his skills. And he noted that the Lundeberg School provides a means to do both. He agreed that teamwork is an important aspect of shipboard life. "Other Seafarers [at the school and aboard ship] are your family when you 're away from your own home. When one succeeds, it motivates others to do the same. Their success is our success." One of the required courses in the bosun recertification program deals with social responsibilities and is designed to improve communications between crew member~ and officers aboard ship. Louis Sorito found that course particularly useful. "It taught me how to deal with people and how to handle problems when they arise,}) stated the 44-year-old bosun, who sails from the port of Jack~onvilk, Fla. An SIU member since 1987, Sorito was grateful to the SIU for the opportunity to upgrade his skills. He said it was "a real honor" to be graduating from the bosun recertification course and thanked his wife, Ann, for her support and encouragement. Directing his remarks to the unlicensed apprentices in the audience, Sorito unequivocally stated, 'This school has everything and more." Upgrading is a very important part of the job, he noted, "because in the business we're in today, we have to be the best in our field and learn new things every day. The Lundeberg School helps Seafarers succeed in their jobs." Mark Holman graduated from the entry-level trainee program 18 years ago. Since then, the 37year-old has seen key changes in the industry and in the training offered at the Lundeberg School. He learned about the unli- censed apprentice program and thought it was a great idea that young men and women would gain experience in all departments before deciding which area mMt suited them _ He also expressed his thanks to the academic staff at the school for their help and to the officials of the union for "keeping us up to date on changes in the industry. You have all done an excellent job of securing our future." Holman, who also sails from the port of Jacksonville, told the unlicensed apprentices that "the window of opportunity is wide open, and if you apply yourselves, the sky's the limit." He concluded with, "Keep our engines full ahead inco che 21st vers, damange control procedures, forklift handling and Hagglund crane operation-and refreshed their firefighting and emergency first aid skills. In each class, the bosuns had to complete the course work and pass either a written exam or a demonstation dri11 or both. The bosuns also WP,re updated by SIU officials on the union's latest efforts to ensure job security for all Seafarers and met with representatives from each department of the union at the SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. From these meetings, the bosuns took with them, among other things, a greater understanding of effective contract enforcement and the union's health, vacation and pension programs, which they can clarify for their fellow shipmates at sea. This was the fourth time back at the school for David Garoutte, 46, who graduated from the entry-level trainee program in 1972 and now sails from the port of Tacoma. I am very happy to be here today," he told the audience, "and I am proud to be part of the SIU." Garoutte noted that learning about some of the recent legislative procedures helped him more fully appreciate what kind of presence the union has on Capitol Hill. He now will be able to keep his shipmates informed about changes and u~oming programs they need to be aware of. He also stated the firefighting, safety and splicing courses are a great way to brush up and hone those necessary skills that do not often get a lot of use. Following his six weeks of study, Souci said he gained new appreciation for the labor movement and the SIU's role in it"from the Seamen's Act of 1915 to today's legislation." The recertified bosun has felt the energy and enthusiasm of the SIU officials in keeping the union on the right track, and he said they have been an inspiration to him. Souci welcomed the unlicensed apprentices into the SIU family and reassured them, "The SIU will help you get where you want to go. You have an occupation to be proud of." He also stressed the need to "upgrade, upgrade, upgrade." James Deana walked away from the bosun recertification program with new appreciation for the educational opportunities available at the Lundeberg School. He thanked the instructors for their "undying patience and knowledge" and the union officials for their "foresight and determination" in keeping the maritime industry alive and growing "as we sail with heads high Continued on page 10 0 century, and keep teamwork the number one priority." Thankful to Union Ad~~~~ed wiresplicing was one of the courses required to complete the bosun recertification program. 6 Seafarers LOG Mohamed Ahmed, 41. who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif agreed that the bosun recertification course was indispensable in helping him achieve a leadership role aboard ship. "I learned things to help me in my job, and I am very thankful to the SIU for what it is today." Through a combination of hands-on exercises and classroom work, the bosuns completed advanced classes in wiresplicing and navigation. They utilized the Paul Hall Center's simulator, did in-depth work in areas critical to the nation's military sealift operations-'--such as helicopter maneu- Louis Sorito prepares cargo to be lifted by the Hagglund crane. May199B �Detentions Spotlight 'Scary Regularity Of Safety Problems on Runaway-Flags 1 Broken or missing equipment. Crews that can't do a fire drill. Insufficient food and water. Crews that are not paid. As illustrated by the U.S. Coast Guard's compilation of ship-detention reports for February, these conditions are commonplace aboard runaway-flag vessels and on some foreign-flag ships that are not runaways. From inoperative firefighting gear to lifeboats that won't launch, and from dangerously unclean living conditions to leaky fuel tanks, safety problems are the norm aboard many such vessels. "What's truly frightening is how widespread these conditions are," noted Edd Morris, one of the SIU's inspectors for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), which for 50 years has fought against the scam of runaway-flag shipping. "You can see it every day in ports all over the United States where these vessels dock. The problems exist with scary regularity." The Coast Guard reports spell out deficiencies found aboard the 28 ships they detained in U.S. ports this past February. Among the summaries: • Crew members on the Greek-owned, Cyprus-flag Alba Sierra were subjected to shortages of food and water, and were not being paid. The emergency fire pump was inoperable, as was the lifeboat's motor. The agency also reported "vital piping systems in the engine room [are] severely deteriorated." • The Greek-owned, Liberian-flag Ellie was a floating fire hazard, with exposed electrical wiring in the lower level of the engine room; improperly stored combustible and flammable material; and "excessive" leaks in the cooling pumps for the main engine and Nos. 1 and 2 ship service generator prime movers. Coast Guard inspectors also reported "excessive hydraulic oil leaks" from the anchor windlass and the steering mechanism. • The onset of stricter documentation requirements for mariners and vessels apparently did not phase the Destinee, where Coast Guard personnel discovered no minimum safe manning certificate. The Belize-flag vessel also was missing the safety equipment it ostensibly possessed, according to an inaccurate certificate. Video Examines FOC Campaign The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) plans to release a ' video documentary this summer examining the first 50 years of the organization's campaign against runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-ofconvenience or FOC shipping. The ITF literally sent a film crew around the world to compile profiles and interviews for the video, which is expected to be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour long. One of the stops in Murch wn:s SIU hcndqunrlur5 in Camp Springs, Md., where SIU President Micha.el Sacco shared some of his views on the cam· paign. "In th~ lat~ 1800s and early 1900s, Am«::ri<;an seafarers went through the same abuses faced by today's FOC crews/' Sattl"> told _journalist Terence Hughes, who conducted the it\terview...That's why my organization, the Seafarers International Union, wn::i formed. Wt', w~re founded be~ause seamen deserve dignity and fair treatment on the job. Our members have that because of their hiring hall system and all the other rules spelled out in the union constitution. Now, we must repeat history by securing fair conditions for all mariners around the world." The video is part of the ITF's newly increased effort to publicize the runaway-flag campaign among the general public. David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, recently asserted that such exposure is vital in fighting the fraud of runway-flag shipping. Sacco echoed those sentiments while being interviewed. uone reason that more people don't know about it is that the problems usually occur far away from the public eye," he pointed out. "Earlier this year, a runaway-flag ship literally broke in half in the middle of the ocean. If a similar accident had occurred with an airplane t'.'.>r a bus, it would have been all over the news. Yet this ship barely got any mention. The only way that's going to change is if the ITF and all of its affiliates work to publicize the issue." Additionally, firefighting outfits were missing required equipment, and the rescue boat had inadequate gear and an inoperable launching device. • Straight from the report on the Egyptian-flag Domiat, detained in New York: "The main engine was leaking large amounts of fuel oil. This resulted in excessive amounts of oil in the bilge, piping and deck plates. The vessel tank leaked approximately four gallons per minute of fuel oil into engine room bilge." • Crews on at least a dozen ships failed to execute routine drills to fight fires and abandon ship. They included the Liberianflag, Japanese-owned Atlas the Cyprus-flag, Highway; Greek-owned Captain George L.; and the Panamanian-flag, Taiwanese-owned Ever linking. • Aboard the Panamanianflag, Turkish-owned Goodpal, ship's officers were "unfamiliar with the operation of auxiliary steering." The engine room was polluted with "excessive oil throughout," and crew members failed to correctly perform safety drills. • The Germaine, flying the flag of Belize, had an inoperable main steering gear and was not manned in accordance with its safe-manning document. The ship also had inoperable firefighting equipment. • There were no emergency steering instructions posted aboard the Panamanian-flag Sea Express I. Crew members did not complete emergency steering drills. The ship's portable fire extinguishers had not been serviced; release mechanisms for the engine room co 2 system were not connected; ana the discharge valve for the cargo area co 2 system was found in the open/discharge position. Runaway-flag shipping is a scheme that involves multiple parties from different nations in the operation of vessels. Greedy Penn Crews Maximize Preparation hipowner part1c1pate in the scam to escape the safety regulations, procedures, inspections, tax laws and higher wages of traditional maritime nations. Leading the fight against runaway-flag shipping, also known as flag-of-convenience shipping, is the ITF. Recently, David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, said the London-based alliance of more than 470 transport-related unions around the world, including the SIU, will call attention to the industry by soon launching a British-flag merchant ship that will sail to numerous ports around the world. The vessel will take a one-year journey coinciding with the 50year anniversary of the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. "It will be a floating exhibition of the life of seafarers. It's intended to raise the profile of the campaign, but also raise the profile of the entire industry," Cockroft stated at a March meeting of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay is chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section. Seafarers sailing aboard Penn Maritime tugs and barges continued their thorough preparation for contract negotiations right up until the talks began in mid-April. Prior to that, on April 2, SIU members met with Jack Sheehan, the union's safety director for the port of New York, aboard the tug Eliza in Staten Island. They extensively discussed different parts of the existing contract and possible improvements. Pictured in top photo (from left) are First Mate John Harvard, Second Mate Michael Modzelewski and AB Lee Henry aboard the Eliza. In the next photo are AB Edward Whitfield (left) and AB Tankerman William Matthews, who also is pictured below. The tug was pushing the barge Atlantic when it tied up in New York har· bor. Penn Maritime operates seven tugs and nine barges, with two more barges scheduled to enter service in the near future. SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping during a filming last month at union headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. May 1998 Seafarers LOG 7 �Upgrader Touts Apprentice Program Bosun Lewis Commends Apprentice Stucker Paul Hall Center Offers 'Tremendous Opportunity' Last year, the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education painstakingly restructured its entry-level program, laying out a challenging but potentially rewarding initial career path for aspiring merchant mariners. Joseph Riccio says he knows firsthand that the new system is working. Riccio last month became the first graduate of the revamped unlicensed apprentice program to return to the center's Lundeberg School for an upgrading course. He graduated in Class 560 last November, then sailed for four months as an OS aboard the Independence . After signing off the American Hawaii Cruises vessel, he immediately went to Piney Point to upgrade to AB. Riccio also signed up for LNG familiarization and advanced firefighting. "The less time you have to wait to upgrade, the better," notes the 21-year-old Seafarer. "We're lucky to have this great educational establishment and this tremendotJS opportunity. "It's not easy, but I'm going to be rewarded. I'll make good money, see the world and have a lifestyle most people just dream about." The unlicensed apprentice program consists of three segments: an initial 12 weeks at the Paul Hall Center including classroom work and handson training; a 90-day shipboard assignment during which students divide their time working in all three departments; and department-specific training back at the school. "The unlicensed apprentice program really helped me get my life in focus," explains Riccio. "It gave me goals, initiative and a whole new way of thinking. "It's hard, but [students] have to know there's a light at the end." The shipboard training is particularly valuable, says Riccio, because it helps students make an informed decision about the department in which they wi 11 sai 1. Joseph Riccio says the unlicensed apprentice program is challenging but worth the effort. He also notes that the Seafarers he sailed with during phase two were consistently helpful and supportive, "showing the ropes" to the unlicensed apprentices on the HM/ Petrachem. Recertified Bosun Sonny Pinkham in particular "was a big help. He really took me in and showed me that it's all done by hard work." In addition to the unlicensed apprentice course, the Paul Hall Center offers dozens of upgrading classes to SIU members. The school also features academic courses as well as a program in which Seafarers can earn an associate's degree. A schedule of upcoming courses appears on page 23 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, detailed course descriptions and the schedule for the remainder of 1998 are featured on the union's internet web site, located at http://www.seafarers.org. Catch of the Day: Safe Seafood Proper Selection, Star~, CaOking Are Vital for Fish Ediwr's no1e.- The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary ~ducation at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Educmion in Piney Paim, Md. It is pan of a series of columns iniended w promote safery, efficiency and ullaround good habits aboard ship. Fish and other seafooa are popular menu items that offer many nutritional benefits. Fish is low in saturated fat and contains Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce harmful cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels. Thi;re arc few United States government inspections of fish, although new lttws are scheduled to be implemented lt1.tcr this year to regulate the 4uality of fish sold in America. Despite the current dearth of regulations. there are several things to look for when shopping for or cooking with fresh fish . They include the following; • The best indicator of freshness is bright red gills_ As rhe fish ages, the gills turn from bright red to dark purple. Of course, you must purchase the fish with the head on to make this determination_ • Clear eyes_If they eyes are sunken or dull. it probably is old. • The scales should be on tight, rather than loose. • The flesh should be firm to the touch. It should be resilient and not soft and mushy_ • The fins should be flexible and moist and not dried out. • The fish should have no unpleasant or "off' odor. 8 Seafarers LOG • The skin should be glossy and moist, not dried out • The cavity should be clean and show no signs of "belly butt\," which looks like freezer burn _This is caused by the fish nor being cleaned quickly after being caught, leading to the enzymes in the entrails deterioraring the flesh. Regarding storage, keep fresh fish on shaved ice with the belly down_ Change the ice daily. Never leave the fish in liquid greater than 33 degrees Fahrenheit; frozen fish should be kept at 0 degrees or below. Additionally. when defrosting fish, defrost in the chill box or reefer_Never defrosr at room temperature. When it's time to cook, remember that fish is very delicate and cooks fairly quickly. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel generally do not fry well _Baking. grilling and broiling are the best methods for chem. When the flesh is opaque and flakes easily, it is done_Do rtot overcook_ Lean fish such as perch and whiting are suitable for pan frying. A light coating of half cornmeal and half cracker meal works well after dredging in seasoned flour and egg diluted with milk or water. Finally, do not consume raw oysters or clams unless you are assured that they are harvested from government inspected beds. Many bootlegged oysters and clams come from contaminated water. If they are consumed raw, illnesses such as hepatitis may be the result. (There are many bacterial toxins and heavy metals such as mercury present today in uninspected waters.) Consumption of raw seafood and fish is not recommended unless you are confident that the restaurant or supplier is reputable. Bosun James H. Lewis recently presented a certificate of recognition to Unlicensed Apprentice Tawna Stucker (second from left in photo above, also pictured at right) for her work aboard the Westward Venture. "It has been a pleasure helping in her training. Tawna's attitude and performance have been excellent!" Bosun Lewis noted in a letter to the Seafarers LOG. He enclosed these photos of crew members preparing the ship for its annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection. The unlicensed apprentice curriculum is an entry-level program offered by the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. It includes shipboard training in all three departments. Official Observes School's Record-Keeping Part of the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention calls for companies to occasionally monitor the record-keeping systems documenting various safety training undergone by mariners sailing aboard their ships. Along those lines, Michael Koppenhaver (right), Manager of STCW/ISM Processes at Transoceanic Cable Ship Co., last month inspected the cataloguing procedures of the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Specifically, SIU Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth (left) and Admissions Director Priscilla Dement showed Koppenhaver the training records of some of the SIU members currently working aboard the company's cable ships, and explained how individual records are updated. "I was very impressed," stated Koppenhaver. "There is a very good process in place." Transoceanic is a subsidiary of Tyco Submarine Systems, Ltd. May 1998 �Strong Start for Seafarers on Great Lakes Ice-Free Sailing Helps Continuation of Cargo Boom For Seafarers on the Great Lakes, the initial weeks of the 1998 sailing season have been an extension of last year's record-setting success. Fitout began in mid-March, with SIU members reporting to numerous vessels. According to the Lakes Carriers' Association, nearly 4 million net tons of dryand liquid-bulk cargoes were moved before the month ended. Boosted by substantially increased quantities of iron ore and stone cargoes compared to the same time last year, the total is believed to be among the largest ever for March on the Lakes. SIU Port Agent Tim Kelley, who provided the photos accompanying this article, reports that Lakes Seafarers "are very optimistic about another strong year. They also were happy about the fact there was no ice this early in the season." RIGHT; Chief Steward Mark McDermot makes sure the galley is properly equipped. Keeping overhead area clean i~ Wip~r Ahmid Hizam aboard lh'J Am~rl~~n R~pvblir;. Deckhand Abdul Said helps prepare the American ReJJublio during fitout. LEFT TO RIGHT'. Getting the job done aboard the Amt;rk;~n R~public are Deckh~nd Moh~~n Massad, Se cond CMk Herry Peterson and Deckhand Ali Ali. Cleaning the meat slicer on the Iglehart is SecOl'ld CMk Ali Musleh. AMERICAN REPUBLIC Conveyormen Ricky Couillard (foreground) and Tcm Palaski inspect safety gear. A 20-year member of the SIU, Wa.tchstander Paul Gosda gives the cameraman a friendly scare. J.A.W. IGLEHART ABOVE: Stowing a ladder is Watchstander Roland Lindemuth. AB James Werda coils rope on the Alpena. Cleaning hatch covers is Deckhand Robert Said. RIGHT: Conveyorman Ed Derry welcomes the start of a new sailing season. ALPENA May 1998 Seafarers LOG 9 �AFL-CIO Council Renews Organizing Call; Receives White House Pledge of Support The executive council of the AFL-CIO reaffirmed its call for member trade unions to continue organizing those workers who do not have a collective bargaining agreement. The council-composed of President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and 51 vice presidents, including SIU President Michael Sacco-met in Las Vegas on March 19 and 20. The group serves as the national trade federation's governing body between biennial conventions. The two-day meeting was held in Las Vegas to emphasize the organizing efforts being waged in that city. A total of 15 unions have more than 100 organizers working together as the Building Trades Organizing Project. In separate addresses, both President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore told council members they will oppose efforts being considered by anti- worker forces to hamper the ability to organize workers. The two, in separate visits, met with rankand-file members to see how they are involved in making their work sites safer and better. Among the other actions approved by the body was a membership mobilization resolution committing affiliates to educate and mobilize union members around proposed legislation and ballot initiatives designed to silence the voices of working people in the political process. A total of 29 states have considered or are looking into such measures. The state of Nevada is contemplating placing the issue before its voters in the form of a ballot initiative. The council also saluted the determination and persistence of Frontier hotel workers who remained strong and united during a six-year strike, which ended in January when a new owner bought the Las Vegas casino and signed a collective bargaining agreement. Appeals Board Issues Actions Dealing with Seniority and Returning Jobs to Hiring Hall The Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) has issued two separate actions: one deals with seniority while the other concerns returning a job to the hiring hall in a timely fashion. The first action, numbered 393, amends the section on "A" seniority by adding a new subsection concerning rated "B" seniority members who sail aboard large medium-speed roll-on/rolloff (LMSR) vessels that will permit them to acquire their "A" books if they work on any of these ships for 24 months within a consecutive 48-month period. Among the vessels included as LMSR are those which recently were reflagged and converted such as the USNS Soderman, USNS Yano, USNS Gordon, USNS Shughart and USNS Gilliland; the Watson-class ships including the USNS Watson and USNS Sisler; and the Bob Hope-class vessels such as the USNS Bob Hope and USNS Fisher. In the other action implemented by the board, action number 397 amends rhe section dealing with the: return of a registration i;ard to a member who either quits or is fired from a job on the same day in whi~h Lhe member reported to thr; ship. The n~w acticn calls for the member to return the job to the hall on that day in a timely fashion in order to keep the vessel frl'.'lm ~Ailing ~hort, so he or she can reclaim the regisLralion card. The SAB is composed of representatives from the: union and its cctttra.ctcd cpera.rors. The complete text of each action 1s printed below. Action #393 Whereas, the Union has made successful submissions in response to government RFP's for the operation of vessels with military charters awarded by MSC and, Whereas, the Union recognizing the critical nature of the operation of these vessels plays in the national security of our country and, Whereas, the Union and the Companies acknowledge the importance proper manning plays in the successful operation of these vessels, agree to the following. Now Therefore, the Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby amends the Shipping Rules to provide for the following seniori· ty class under J, Seniority, B. ( 1), ( e).; ..Any class ·n· seniority sea- between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. The following provision of the Shipping Rules, Section 2, Shipping Procedure, subsection D, shall be amended to read as follows. "A seaman who quits or is fired from a job during the same day on which he reports for such job shall retain his original shipping registration card provided he has received no compensation for such day's employment and promptly notifies the hiring hall dispatcher in sufficient time to fill the job and prevent the ship from sailing short handed." Continued from page 3 case in NLRB history. "I really hope the workers get their contract," stated OMU James Brown, a 24-year member of the SIU, following the: rally. "They've been trying to go union for a long time." "These people really want a Collective Bargaining Agreement Philly Yard Agreement Riveted By Kvaerner, Gov't Entities Europe's largest shipbuilder recently signed a long-term lease as part of the company's plan to build and operate a modern commercial shipbuilding facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Kvaerner, ASA of Norway had signed the initial agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia late last year. That pact stipulated that the parties had until April I of this year to resolve a number of outstanding issues, and it took until the deadline to conclude several of those matters. Describing the arrangement as a "complex transaction," Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge said the lease means "all of our collective energies now can be focused on creating good jobs, building the new yard and building ships." The transformation of the dormant yard into a state-of-the-art facility is expected to generate as many as 8,000 new jobs during the next five years. Kvaerner plans to start construction of the yard this September and to complete its first ship by the year 2001. union at Avondale, for equal rights and fairness on the job," agreed Bosun James Keith, a 29year Seafarer who also participated in the peaceful demonstration. "They voted for it and they should have it. What the shipyard has done is unfair." Approximately 300 people attended the rally at the First King QMED Moses Mickens, pictured at the SIU's St. Louis hall, has discovered an interesting way to contribute to his community while spending time on the beach. The lifeb()atman endorsement, who has sailed twenty-/our (24) months within a consecurive forty-eighr (48) monch period on rhe LMSR ships." Aution #397 SIU Port Agent Francois Appointed to N.E. Council Henri Francois, SIU port agent in New Bedford, Mass., recently was appointed as an advisor to the New England Fishery Management Council's scallop committee. "I'm happy to be appointed because it gives me an opportunity to amplify the SIU's voice with the council," stated Francois. In a letter congratulating Francois, Paul Howard, executive director of the council, noted, "A well-qualified group of advisors with Henri Francois various experiences and areas of expertise will be a great asset to the council as they develop fishery management plans." Francois for years has promoted fishermen's issues at the local, state and federal levels. Seafarers Join Avondale Workers in Rally man with a rating above entry level and a U.S. CCJast Guard The Seafarers Appeals Boara ac1ing under and pursuant to the Maritime Briefs longtime Seafarer _ _..__ __..._occasionally works as a substitute English teacher at Central High School in his hometown of Helena, Ark. Above, Mickens, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, picks up his training record book and registers in St. Louis. Solomon Baptist Church in Bridge City. Joining Brown and Keith were fellow Seafarers AB Mike Keith, AB Juan Salgado, DEU Arturo Rodriguez, OMU Jean Couvillion, OMU William Kelly, Chief Cook Norman Jackson and Chief Cook Pat Herron. Also in attendance were SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and retired SIU officials Joe Perez and Jim Martin. Besides Avondale's exploitation of legal loopholes to delay negotiations, another focal point in this case is the shipyard's $10 billion in government contracts. The AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department has urged Congress and the U.S. Navy to explore Avondale's alleged use of funds from Navy shipbuilding contracts to resist pro-union activities at the facility. 8 Seafarers Graduate As Recertified Bosons The students get hands-on experience working the de-watering pump, one of the prerequisites to completing the damage control class. This course is vital in kMping abreast of current shipboard operations. 10 Seafarers LOG Continued from page 6 into the next millennium." Deano, 3 7, who sails from the port of New Orleans, was particularly impressed with learning about the union's history. "Most members know very little of our beginnings," he stated. He also believes that the discussions about the new international treaties will help him more fully explain their significance and need for compliance to his fellow crew members. In his remarks to the unlicensed apprentices, Deana proudly added that "with perseverance and determination, you, too, may one day stand here." The recertified bosuns take turns practicing their CPR skills. A refresher course in first aid and CPR is required for graduation in the recertified bosun program. May1998 �Port Arthur Welcomes Apartment Complex Seafarer Oubre Helps Spur Renovation of Housing for Retired Mariners It took longer than first planned, but Father Sinclair Oubre believes the newly opened low-income housing complex for retired citizens in Port Arthur, Texas was worth the wait. On hand in Port Arthur, Texas to commemorate the start of renovations that eventually resulted in housing for retired mariners are (from left) QMED Eldridge "Smitty" Smith, Father Sinclair Oubre, SIU Assi tant VP Jim McGee and Patrolman Mike Calhoun. Smith and Oubre played key roles in the project. Residents moved into the renovated building in March, marking the culmination of a $1 million project which began slightly more than four years earlier. Known as The Savannah House apartments, the facility features 20 subsidized housing units-10 of which are set aside for retired mariners, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Oubre, an SIU member who is a priest at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur, helped found the Savannah Housing Corp. several years ago. He currently is president of that organization, which oversaw renovation of a 60-year-old local school that had not been used since 1988 into the apartments. "Initially, I thought the whole project would take about six months," recalled Oubre. However, the housing corporation faced various delays in its planning and funding. And when full funding finally was in place, the job was postponed further due to a backlog of local construction projects. Nevertheless, the end result has been well-received in the community, observed Oubre, who commended the ITF and John Fay (SIU executive vice president and chairman of the ITF's Seafarers Section) for being "very instrumental in bringing this about." The apartments "are the cornerstone of other developments taking place in that area designed to revitalize it as a working-class neighborhood. For instance, 13 homes are being built for qualifying low- and moderate-income families," added Oubre. Occupants of The Savannah House apartments must meet certain income restrictions and be at least 65 years old, due to the complex's subsidy from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Individuals seeking one of the apartments reserved for former mariners must show proof that they sailed throughout their adult lives. (Mariners with spouses may apply, but no other dependents may reside in the complex.) Applications may be obtained by writ- ing Ms. Pat Reed, Savannah Housing Corp., P.O. Box H, Port Arthur, TX 776411056, or calling (409) 982-5200 and leaving a message. Although the 20 units (ranging in size from 374 square feet to 858 square feet) are occupied, Oubre emphasized that applications still are being accepted. "We are maintaining a waiting list, so it's important that interested mariners get their applications on file as soon as possible. In that way, they already will be part of the process when an opening arises." The unfurnished apartments are located on a bus line and near senior centers, shopping, a community health center and churches. 'Premium Accolade' Goes to Obregon Steward Department Holiday meals provided by steward d~partment Seafarers Halloween decorations, as shown aboard the PFC Eugene Obregon were tretttly appreciated, as evi- in two of the photos; recently sent to the Seafarers LOG. denced by a recent entry in tho ~hip'~ minutes. the galley gang. Obregon ..A premium accolade to the i>teward department for those incredible feasts they presented at Thanksgiving, Chri~tma~ and on New Year's Day," reads the shipboard mr;i;ting report of Jam.my 26. Besides providing ex~ellent menus throughc'.'lut thnse holiday~, the ~t~wa.rd departmenr also livened the galley with In addition to commending crew members also discussed the need for all SIU members to apply for a training record book (TRB) as soon n.s possible. Th~y also emphasized the importance of upgrri.ding at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime !raining and Education in Piney Point. Md. and pointed om that upgrading helps increase a Seafarer's earning power. The Obregon is a T-AKX ves- sel operated by Waterman. Working up a big but healthful app~tite a.re AB Charles Frisella (foreground) and Bosun Henry Bouganim, chipping the deck in front of the Obregon's h~licc'.'lpter pa.d in preparation for painting. Cheerfully arranging a table for Christmas dinner aboard ship is SA James Reid. May 1998 Recertified Steward Patrick Helton pitches in with food preparation. Halloween decorations notwithstanding, there is nothing scary about the fruit, salad items and desserts set out by SA Mauricio Castro (left photo) and ACU Faith Downs (right photo). Seafarers LOG ff �Maritime Policy: AlbertJ. fferberger, Reti I Albert J. Herberger The author of the 1998 Paul Hall Memorial Lecture was Albert J. Herberger, who retired as U.S. Maritime Administrator in 1997. Herberger is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N. Y. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 after sailing aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. The Albany, N. Y native served in many positions at sea and ashore during his 32-year military career. His 18 years of sea duty included being commander of a destroyer escort, guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron. a cruiser-des1royer group and a carriu battle group. Prior 10 reliring from the Navy in 1990, Herberger was the deputy commander-in-chieffor 1he U.S. A1lamic Fleel, lhen held the same position with the US. Transportation Command, which oversees logistics mLJvements for all U.S. miliiary forces. After serving as vice presidl!nt for marine affairs at the lncernaiional Planning and Analysis Center, Herberger was nominated by President Clinton in 1993 to become the US. Maritime Administrator. During his tenure as the head <1/ the U.S. Maritime Administration, the I 993 National Shipbuilding lniiialive and Maritime Sernrity Act of 1996 were implemented. The Maritime Security Act, which covers a ]{}year period. helps provide funding for nearly SO U.S.jlag militarily useful commercial vessels. In exr;hange, th£ companie1 which receive the funding agree to make not only the hips but also the c<1mpanies' infrasiruciure available to the military in times of war <1r national emergency. This part of ihe act is known as the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). Several months following his retiremem as mariiime administrator in J997, he was named vice chairman of American Ship Management. Because of a death in his family, Herberger was unable M be in Washington, D. C. lO deliver his address in person. The Paul Hall Memorial Lecture honors the memory of the late SI I.) president, who served as the union's principal officer from 1947 until his death in 1980. Hall believed in and fought for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet. He worked with Congress to pass many maritime bills, including the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. Friends and associates in organized labor and the maritime industry created the endowment in his name at the University of Southern California in 1981. The endowment honors distinguished contributors to marine transportation by bringing to the public their thoughts in the form of an annual lecture. The first was delivered in 1987. 12 Seafarers LOG t is a distinct pleasure to deliver the Paul Hall Memorial Lecture this year. I am very honored to join the distinguished group of lecturers who have preceded me starting with Herb Brand in 1987. I did not have the opportunity to meet and know Paul Hall, but I admire and respect his legacy. Since I left the Maritime Administrator's office last June, I have had time to reflect on what happened during my four years, as we attempted to bring about long overdue maritime revitalization. I am not going to recite the trials and tribulations of that effort, as lessons learned for future use, because they would not read well. I will discuss briefly some of the thoughts I have regarding changing U.S. maritime policy, the impact of the new government programs and challenges for the future. From colonial times to now, the threshold of the 21st century, ocean transportation has always been vital to the well being of the United States. The maritime industry has had profound impacts upon international trade, nationa1 defense and domestic economic expansion. U.S. maritime policy has reflected the changing needs and priorities of the nation throughout its history in a pattern of "feast or famine" approaches: strong action and support followed by a period of almost nonsupport. Throughout our early history, our shipping fortunes flourished and waned, and policy changes came about generally because of wars-our own and those invo1ving other world powers-and technology changes. The War of 1812, the era of clipper ships, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and the advent of iron and steel steamships all brought changes, some good and some bad. By 1914, as World War I broke ouc in Europe, the country was not prepared for the shipping crisis it was facing. It took two years to re~pond. After many debates, Congress enacted the Shipping Act of 1916. In 1920, Congress for the first time formally stated as a matter of national policy that the United States needed a strong merchant marine for national defense purposes as well as for carriage of peacetime cargoes. It was the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, however, that set the course for U.S. maritime programs for the next 60 odd years. Its enactment followed more than five years of hearings and debate. The history of World War II clearly shows how indispensable a strong merchant marine and shipbuilding industry was in bringing about victory. or a while after the war. the U.S. shipping industry prospered and our large inventory of vessels, both active and in the reserve fleets, were sufficient to respond to the needs of Korean War, Vietnam and other Cold War requirements. The Mer~hant Marine Act of 1970 brought a brief period of activity but fell well short of its stated goals. This was followed by a lengthy period of relative inactivity, confusion, disarray and endless procrastination regarding maritime issues, until October 8, 1996, when President Clinton signed into law The Maritime Security Act of 1996, which established the Maritime Security Program. Major policy changes occur when we are in an extreme condition and not before, despite all the studies and evaluations by expert committees and commissions with dire warnings and recommendations for corrective action. Additionally, to succeed, F all major sectors of the industry must be reasonabl unified behind a proposal. The administration an Congress respond to that united industry effort, whe pressured. This critical mass brings about correctiv action. New Government Programs The Maritime Security Program assures that th United States has a fleet of U.S.-flag commercia cargo vessels and skilled mariners needed to ca critical supplies during times of national emergen cies or war. The new law stipulates that companie operating vessels in the Maritime Security Progra must enter into an Emergency Preparednes Agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD to make available their origin-to-destination systems including terminal facilities and intermodal systems tracking and management services. This is no called the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreemen (VISA) and was formally approved by Secretary o Defense William Cohen on January 30, 1997. he VISA program also includes non-Maritim Security Program participants. Within th framework of VISA, a Joint Plannin Advisory Group (JPAG) was established to identify potential problem areas for sealift and develo appropriate solutions. This joint industry and DoD executive-level group, co-chaired by the U.S. Transportation Command and the Maritime Administration, is charged to ensure a clear understanding of sealift requirements and capabilities sq that all participants are better prepared to take action when needed. Tests and exercises are part of the program. This is the closest working relationship between ocean transportation providers and the Department of Defense in more than 40 years. As a result, strong public-private partnerships are being forged in peacetime rather than during war or national emergency. The new approach lends itself perfectly to what DoD will need in times of crisis, when there is an urgent requirement to send a large military force somewhere halfway around the world, and keep them supplied with beans, bullets and spare parts. We no longer have to stockpile as much as we did before. This looms large in the future, because constrained defense budgets are likely to limit stockpiling large inventories of these supplies. We can depend on "Just-in-Time" logistics support provided in a fluid worldwide origin-to-destination capability in the commercial systems. Because sealift and airlift are the pivotal elements in the shift of U.S. military posture and strategy, the new MSP and VISA programs are prudent steps that provide insurance against not having the sealift capacity and capability, nor the civilian mariners when needed. Although such insurance is certainly not free. it is a relatively inexpensive way to manage risk in an uncertain environment. The importance and value of the commercial merchant marine has received strong words of support by senior DoD officials, in both public and official statements in recent times. This visible recognition from the national security arena had been absent for much too long in the debate regarding the national need for a U.S. merchant marine. Billions of dollars have been expended for the buildup of the government-owned fle~t, and millions of dollars more are spent each year to maintain this T May 1998 �Feast or Famine? •ti Maritime Administrator fleet in a state of readiness. This is the most expensive form of strategic sealift. By default the DoD is assuming increased responsibility and costs of very expensive sealift programs while the commercial industry receives minimal support. 1 I1 uch assessment and judgment of relative cost and benefit values in government programs is a serious matter. When a range of options is considered, implementation is often fragmented and uncoordinated because of overlapping jurisdictions and no clear process for balancing alternatives. An example: at the same time the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a DoD program for 19 large roll-on/roll-off sealift ships (LSMRs) at a cost of $275 million to $300 million per ship, it decided on a tonnage fee increase as a funding source for the Department of Transportation's maritime revitalization program. As you would expect, this proposal received heavy opposition, particularly in Congress. The new program start was delayed until a different funding source was used, with a 1V2-year delay. If Paul Hall were here today, what would he think about the condition of the U.S. maritime industry? I will presume he would have the following general assessment and guidance: You have stopped the loss of the entire international fleet, temporarily . . . You have, at long last, caught up with reality regarding the transportation evolution and today's conditions and are going to take advantage of the new capability the industry can offer ... You have retained a modest number of modem competitive vessels as a core fleet ... You have saved a modest number of jobs for skilled mariners. This is particularly critical, at this time, because of the growing demand for sailors for the government- s owned strategic sealift fleet . . . You have reestab- the "Jones Act" industry and initiatives for shipbuilding. In fact, there has been an enduring intent of the Congress to foster and maintain a U.S. maritime industry. At times, policy development turns into a series of unrelated decisions [because of divided jurisdictions], crisis oriented, ad hoc and after-thefact in nature. It is not perfection by any means. Changing trade patterns, technology development and marketplace demands, both at home and abroad, will create opportunities for the waterborne transportation industry. U.S. trade is projected to double or triple by the year 2020 with the increasing globalization of the world economies. New domestic markets will emerge for maritime services, particularly in the carriage of leisure and commuter passengers and the movement of freight along our coasts. Coastal shipping, as well as inland waters shipping, with larger and faster vessels are viable, cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative means to handle the massive increases predicted in both passenger and freight transport requirements for the future. I envisage increased use of coastal shipping to relieve the congested roadways and railways we have today, such as the Interstate 1-95 corridor. Historically, trains and trucks displaced much of the waterborne transportation along our coasts and waterways, but it is time to bring that service back. I see waterborne transport of trucks, freight, automobiles and passengers in a complementary partnership with t~ucking and railroads. he U.S. waterborne transportation system is in urgent need of attention again after a long period of neglect. Many of our ports and waterways are becoming congested and undersized T lished a positive and productive partnership with the with infrastructure deteriorating and channels and DoD. berths unable to take fully loaded, larger modern vessels due to insufficient dredging. Rc,ently the Department of Transportation announced an effort to bring visibility and focus on this area_ The stated goal of the initiative, to be co-managed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration is to ensure that U.S. Marine Transportation.· Waterways, Ports and Their lntermodal Connections meet our nation's future needs_ Action co correct the deficiencies will be brought about only if all the stakeholders support and participate in the initiatives. A critical mass will be needed. I have not discussed shipbuilding today only because of time constraints. It is a vital part of the U.S. maritime industry chat needs continued attention. I am hopeful that some ongoing initiatives, such as the U.S. Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, the DoD's effort to build the next generation of fleet logistics vessels under a Charter-and-Build program and many MARITECH projects are successful. We cannot, as a nation, 'ontinuc to relinquish industrial design and manufa~turing industries to foreign competitors. In closing, I have a final plea for all those in the industry. Let us say the "glass is half full and not half empty" regarding the U.S. maritime industry condition. Actively promote the value of this industry to the general public. This great nation must continue to be a maritime power for our own interests. Can anyone imagine the world's only superpower and greatest trading nation without its own maritime industry? Thank you for this honor and your attention. However, you have not removed the tax rf!gimf! and all the unnecessary regulatory requirements that are placed on US. shipping companies in competition with foreign companies that have no similar coscly burden_ You muse concinue co oppose efforts co amend reservacion laws char supporr US.-flag shipping carriage in both international and domestic trade. While you have attention being given to maritime issues. keep the industry united,· work with the administration and Congress to take further action to strengthen our status as a maritime nation. WellJ I will stop invoking the spirit Paul Hall into today's scene. The Future My personal assessment is that the U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth_ Both the international and domestic fleets, along with revitalized ports and waterways, will be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security capability. The industry's challenges and opportunities are many and must be pursued. Unfortunately, there will e no specific "enduring" maritime policy to be followed. There will be the federal government's commitment to maintain a commercial maritime industry to meet the needs of our nation. Recent proof of this is the action from the administration and, in particular, from the bipartisan support by Congress for the Maritime Security Act of 1996, continual backing for May 1998 1 'My personal assessment is that the U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth. Both the international and domestic fleets, along with revitalized ports and waterways, will be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security capability. 'Can anyone imagine the world's only superpower and greatest trading nation without its own maritime industry?' -Albert J. Herberger Emanuel L Rouvelas Standing in for retired Maritime Administrator Albert J. Herberger was Emanuel L. Rouvelas. Rouvelas, a partner in the Washington, D. C. law firm of Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP. is a longtime advocate of the US.-flag merchant fleet. After graduating from the University of Washington and Harvard law School, he served as a counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee and chief counsel to its Merchant Marine and Foreign Commerce subcommittees from 1969 to 1973. In 1973. he opened his law firm which has grown to more than 80 partners and employees. It represents 111Lljor companies and associations in shipping, surface transportation, computer software, telecommunications, high-technology, aviation, insurance, natural resources and other industries. Rouvelas is a recognized authority in ocean shipping law. He is a director of OM/ Corp., an SIU-contracted company. He also worked with the late SIU President Paul Hall on a variety of maritime issues. From left, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, head of the U.S. Military Command, and Judy Broida from the University of Southern California's Washington Center congratulate Manny Rouvelas after he delivered the 1998 Paul Hall Memorial Lecture written by retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger. Seafarers LOG 13 �Planning a Summer Yacati-n?~ ~ -···" ~-.- . - , ~ ·f <ffi"'a. . .~~ ;o, • • ; For up to two weeks this summer, Seafarers and their families can enjoy a memorable summer vacation , at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. As many SIU members have already discovered, Piney Point offers just about everything you could find somewhere else-and at a better value. The center is located in historic St. Mary's County in Southern Maryland. I - f it's life in the big city you want, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md. are only a short drive away. If it's sandy beaches you crave, or fishing and boating, there are plenty of opportunities as well, using Piney Point as your base. There is truly something for just about everyone in the family within easy traveling time. The Paul Hall Center itself has a health spa, tennis courts, olympicsize swimming pool and plenty of picturesque space for peaceful picnics, walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. Add to that the affordable accommodations and satisfying meals and you get an ideal escape from vacation-time wor- tz,~ ~ H o n o I u I u ~ Washingt~n 9 «0,t foir~, not to be mi:t:scd by 0 / rineJ roint \ri~ \' \ Calvert-boast many summer festivals, celebrntiom nnd 0 Philadelphia ne~any Seafaring families, however, want to explore the surroundings. During the summer months, the counties of the area- St Mary's, Charles and DC YllCil· . tioning Seafarers and their families. A (rip to the m1tion 1 s capital is always a treat And there's so m~c;h to si;i;, Thi; Smithsonian Institution holds hundreds of exhibits (all free) and provides hour of fun for the entire family. Thi: Museum of Americ;an History is known as the "nation's attic" be('1use everything is there- from Fonzie's leather jacket in "Happy Days" ro Dorothy's ruby slippers in the "Wizard of Oz." Or catch the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards-also just a short drive from Piney Point. This benefit is available only to Seafarers and their families . It's not co late co make your reservations now. Just fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed. Happy vacation! UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES <J:ii:i.ca,~C> New \'ork City n~@Jn~ wtrPJccJni .----------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per family. Member Spouse $40.40/day 9.45/day Child 9.45/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. 14 Seafarers LOG Name: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number:--------Address: ------------------~~~~~~~~~~~~ Telephone n u m b e r : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 5/98 ~----------------------------------------------------~ May 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea June & July 1998 MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1998 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York 31 Philadelphia 3 Baltimore I 18 4 8 16 3 12 8 4 2 5 JO 6 8 Jacksonville 14 15 17 % San Francisco 25 16 14 9 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 27 11 26 10 9 6 5 Houston St. Louis 29 2 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 3 7 17 0 3 0 244 2 2 II 4 7 2 2 0 144 85 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville 25 13 4 7 4 5 5 14 8 10 15 3 9 6 San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 13 14 1 7 8 3 6 19 2 2 8 13 0 3 l 6 0 2 4 3 5 0 I 125 107 32 8 Philadelphia · · 17 4 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 4 8 8 2 2 2 0 0 0 Algonac Totals 0 5 Port New York 0 3 28 12 6 14 7 13 1 4 14 3 6 9 5 5 1 5 4 12 14 0 I 0 37 4 2 0 104 1 0 32 0 21 27 2 6 28 187 2 2 2 3 3 19 27 30 8 8 15 12 74 28 28 48 20 44 25 15 6 14 51 17 30 0 2 0 I 3 88 425 244 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 4 0 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 3 6 4 0 6 4 29 4 5 8 20 0 7 13 8 13 3 4 1 135 5 2 3 7 1 6 4 3 3 2 0 6 9 8 2 3 14 18 3 0 7 2 8 31 14 16 11 10 22 14 14 4 I 2 28 3 7 33 10 6 IO 17 3 2 2 4 4 6 3 2 0 3 6 15 5 8 9 1 1 7 6 9 1 5 4 4 7 2 0 0 5 0 0 8 0 0 0 85 74 27 42 4 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 5 0 8 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 5 4 2 I I 0 0 23 24 ·\v1.Imirigton......:.'. : ....... 13 6 6 2 10 20 2 9 2 0 1 7 3 0 1 0 I 0 158 46 24 16 1 5 2 0 0 6 l 14 11 14 8 3 4 8 0 3 · · · ·· '5 ··· ...... · 1 31 6 5 2 1 44 0 3 0 4 0 0 I .:::~;;:::;:::::::;;~;J;:t ,,13 12 I 10 2 8 8 l 17 ; "' 19 40 1 4 I 3 9 19 7 4 2 5 1 0 Algonac . 153 Tobi~ 0 2 ""()'""'""""" " 0 44 32 8 0 0 49 264 0 84 29 0 56 30 19 103 ts 1 1 0 .. ... . 4 0 1 12 2 6 1 7 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 8 3 0 10 6 13 7 0 6" 21 26 7 2 11 0 0 0 0 29 3 9 16 10 0 0 0 15 22 5 9 9 8 3 43 119 19 Port ENTRY DEPARTMENT ::N~ii:::Y.Qrk. · · . . . .6 . . . 28 .: :~lj:O~delphia . :· ":· .· . o"·: . . :. : : . . . . " 2 .... . . .: :.: . . . . :. . . o . . ·3" :.H.?.ilihcicir.~ Norfolk 0 Mobile 0 7 New Orleans 10 1I ·1 Q '" 0 2 7 7 2 3 2 2 1 1 Honolulu 6 68 2 41 Jl'Qli'~'to~ 3. 9 0 0 28 7 0 0 . PoinJ. "A'lga·~~~ .. Totals Totals All Departments 0 o '"',"''"'"':;,9 ,.,.,.',''".. " ......... J "::·> 0 .1o ·::::·:::....... ::::."rI 0 0 1 0 0 t1 17 5 23 2 6 19 1 0 0 14 20 1 7 6 1 71 0 0 0 0 0 0 103 286 280 138 179 1011 772 490 52 178 146 26 574 473 282 401 319 Baltimore ................. Thursday: June J I, July 9 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: June 17, July 15 Honolulu ..................Friday: June 19, July 17 Houston .................... Monday: June 15, July 13 Jacksonville .............. Thursday: June 11, July 9 Jersey City ............... Wedne day: June 24, July 22 M<>bile., .................... Wednesday: June 17, July 15 New Bedford ............Tuesday: June 23, July 21 New Orleans ............Tuesday: June 16, July 14 New York .................Tuesday: June 9, July 7 Norfolk .....................Thursday: June 11, July 9 Philadelphia ............. Wednesday: June 10, July 8 San Francisco ...........Thursday: June 18, July 16 San Juan ...................Thursday: June 11, July 9 St. Louis ................... Friday: June 19, July I 7 Tacoma ........ .,.. , ..... ,..Friday: June 26, July 24 Wilmington .............. Monday: June 22, July 20 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals RUSSELL LEE Hey Lee! I would like to hear from you sometime soon. Please drop me a note. I'll be at the fallowing address until July. Leo A. Castro, c/o /TB Baltimore, PO. Box 127, King Hill State Hovic., St. Croix, USVl 00850. JOHN FRANCIS ROBERTS Gail Roberts is trying to locate information about her grandfather (John Francis Roberts) whom she has never met. Her grandfather sailed as a merchant mariner in 1932 and was still sailing in 1961. John F Roberts had a son, also John Francis Roberts but known as "Sonny." Ms. Roberts would like to hear from her grandfather or anyone who knew him. Please contact Gail Roberts at 30 Fawn Grove, Greenwood. DE 19950; or telephone (302) 3370350. DURWARD STORY Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Durward (Doug) Story is asked to contact his daughter, Norma Langsev, at (320) 762-0546. Story, who was still sailing from the port of Baltimore as chief bosun in the 1950s, worked aboard Isthmian and Alcoa vessels. TOM WOERNER Please write your good friend, Thomas Curley. He is on the Westward Venture. The address is: Westward Venture, TOTE Ocean Trailer Express Inc., 500 Alexander Ave., Tacoma, WA 98421. 11 21 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 1998 19 0 0 109 0 """' 3' 2 11 Puerto Rico : .g.i.;:. Louis 2 ....... ""'' 5 ... 1 Algonac .................... Friday: June 12, July IO 9 1 l "'~ifi~y r.Q1~t Piney Point ............... Monday: June 8, July 6 8 219 ·st'Louis ;:·:~~·~b'. 19 3 2 8 3 9 18 8 16 8 1 Seattle 55 4 34 6 7 ·Jacksonville 3 1 9 ll 3 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C II 4 11 II 7 7 . San Francisco Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 12 18 3 10 3 1 6 2 2 6 8 3 7 6 3 0 2 0 Houston St. Louis Piney Point TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Keeping the Members Informed Aboard the /TB Baltimore, Steward Leo Castro prepares the menu for the next day's meals. The vessel is currently running from St. Croix, USVI to New York. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MARCH 16 -APRIL 15, 1998 Mich~~ $a~co · Presiden( j~nFay CL - Executive Vice President David Heindel ,Augustin Tellez NP - Non Priority **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts George MeCartney Vice President West Coast ,; · ....•. RoY. A. ;'Buck'' Mercer .. Yic;e P.reS-tdent Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley · Vi~~ ·President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey . .. Vice President Gulf Coast HEAllQVAR'tERS . . L-Lakes TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Sec~-Treasurer . Company/Lakes Port Algonac Port Algonac Port ·Algonac Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 5 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT I '> 2:.' 0 2 0 0 12 2 0 5 2 0 23 2 0 10 2 ·o 3 0 17 15 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Totals All Depts 0 67 21 0 14 1 0 53 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 l 20 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St.. #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Battimore St. MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1998 Baltimore, MD 21202 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Region Atlantic Coast 0 2 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 24 2 West Coast 28 Totals Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston,. 'l'X 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 073'02 (201) 435-9424 0 5 0 1 6 0 9 0 5 14 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 21 0 West Coast 0 0 0 0 21 0 Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 0 0 Lakes, Inland Waters .6 ..... West Coast 0 6 Totals (334)478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Uni-0n St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS oJO Jqc~son Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT .o 0 0 0 4 7 0 l 32 0 13 0 5 10 1 8 41 23 2 15 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 l 0 0 8 0 8 0 0 2 0 0 9 10 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 :'.o J.:•.. .~.': 5 ';; Q 3 8 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts n. 0 11 0 6 0 3 9 0 . 0 0 0 0 6J~ fioµrm Ave. brooklyn. NY 112"2 (718) 499-6600 L2 33 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 .0 '. o~ o 55 6 18 41 2 16 61 9 *"Total Registeredu means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. NEW YORK 0 21 0 0 36 11 NORFOLK 115Third Sl. ' Norfolk. VA 23510 · PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622~ 1892 :: :. ·: .." ·..: / .: : ,·: . .. ·P HlLA.t>tt.tJt4 .: . , . . " "" ;l604 S. 4 St. ·. · Philad~lprun, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 , PINEY POINT HO. 8()~ 7~ Piney Poim. MD 10~14 (301) 994-0010 0 T JtVERGLADES I~;l J s. Andrews Ave . . " ·:·· "Fl. L11udcfdfile."FL 333'16 ::, ':· " ' (954) 522.7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremonl St. $an Francisco, CA 94105 ' (4 ($) $4~~5$55 Govemmem Si:rvii;;~s Oivh;ion {41J) 861-3400 SANTORCE F~rnuodez J11ncoi;: Av@., Stop " ' S~llll.l~~I p~ 009()1 10'7 l6V1 t7S7) 721-403) ST. LOUIS 458 I Ornvois Ave. St Louis, MQ 63119 (314 }'752-.6500 TACOMA 341 I South Union Ave. T11comn. WA 98409 (;l5~).?12- 777 4" WILMINGTON · ·. 510 N. Btotid Ave. WHmington. CA 90744 (310) .549-4000 - 1B Seafarers LOii This photograph, given to the Seafarers LOG by Vice President Contracts Augustin Tellez, was taken aboard the SS Kathryn in the 1950s. On that particular voyage. the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Munoz Rivera, was on board. He is the one in the center, standing behind the life ring. Immediately to his right (in the second row) is Tellez's father, Augustin Tellez. And in the back row, behind the governor's left shoulder, is George "Whitey" Burke. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership. it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Adaire last worked on the Sam Houston, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He has retired to Mandeville, La. F ourteen Seafarers are announcing their retirements this month. Among this group arc two recertified stewards, George H. Bryant Jr. and Leonard M. Lelonek, and one recertified bosun, Andrew C. Mack. The three Seafarers are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments. respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 10 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, three navigated the inland waterways and one shipped on Great Lakes vessels. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. GEORGEH. BRYANT JR., HARRING· TONH. ALEXANDER, 65, started his career with the SIU in I 961 in the port of New Orleans. His first vessel was the Robin Trent, operated by Moore McCormack Lines. The Texas native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard Sea-Land Service vessels. Brother Alexander makes his home in Staten Island, N.Y. DEEP SEA JERRY L. BOYCE, 62, JAMES R. ADAIRE, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Penn Exporter. A native of Ohio, he worked in the deck department. From 1959 to 1962, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of San Francisco. The '--"---~=~----' Virginia native sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He also sailed aboard inland vessels. Brother Boyce last sailed as an AB on the Sea King, operated by Crowley SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE . . '. :. X.'. Thi·s is a P, C/FIC DJ. 1i tc P.'E~rS/4rJN summary of th~ annualrepoit ·for the SIU Pacific Dislrkt Pension "' . ,. Towing & Transportation. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. He has retired to Wilmington, Calif. .. •Plan.{Bmployer ldentiftcatiot} No.. 94-606192~. Pla,n Nq, 001] for tlte year ended . .. '3·L· t997. the annual report has been filed With the fotenfal 'Revenue Servi~i:-:;:· a.; rcquirtd ufili6ttht. Erripfoyee 'Reifrement Income Security Acl of . 1974 (ERISA). BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENT . Benerici\foae~ the pi~h·:·:dre:· ~rovlde.d .:.by a U'USl arrangement. Plan expen es wet~ $14,.592,06 7.' i'htac ~xptn~~ ·ifichidcif$616;8'06.Jn ·a:amiil'istf.iluve:•expens· · e~. $289,873 in investment' expe{\ses and $13;685;388 in benefits paid. to partic* :;·:".~~~tj'ts ·and · ben~liciarks. A total ·:o f ·5:•f>?:4:: pcrsoris ·were 'j:Jiif.HcJp4r!§.:1'!:fa~K: ~~~~fk · : ·:·:91.Artu\ 9f:.t.~~:·: B!.M::.nt Jh9 end of the plurt.: y~.% .a,!t~~mgh not all ·of:these persons.:: ::'hpd ·ycttnfi"t'~::.~.~. ¢ : ~:i~µJ; t.9:~~<?,q,r;r~ benefits. · ·<·::':::":::·:::::·::::::.::. ::: . . . .. · . · ·:. "" ".:·: ·::·"" '.: ·::·"::·:.,.:::.The · ·valub"'qf' :plii~·:·: ·:.il.~~¢{~:.:: ..~.H~~. . s.ub.t radini liabilit~C,~·:·:. 9f.... ~h.P. plan. was :-<:$.1.54.916,757 a5 of J'uly31 '; ".:; J99.7'~ ".c6mpar~d to $147,627,328 ·a s.,: oLJuty 31, ":;:199&. ·(Jutrn~ the 111nn ~iear, ptilfr"oxt}eii:en«:e.ctan .increase in its riet "uss.~is · Qf.:' {$.?:; i~9.4i9~· ~'hi~ l~crc~sc 1Qdu~ed un(h~n~bif)~frfo~.&fo~t!il.~ . 91' depreciation fn :. :i th,e,y~Jue Ot pfari ~i's.m~:. ~hat.is, 1h~ tJiff~ri:n~i: ll~lw~~[j ·.m~::v~hi~:f pf th.e:.: plan's :"~·~.~~!$ nt the i::nd, tCif tM. ;--91,l:t: J1l'l,d. ~M v.4.1!-H~; M the Mscrn ac the·beginning :.of the . · . · . · ·. : ;:iY:e.tli,<Sr' th~ ~Q J c;if ?li!i~l~ ·~c;'tjiJi.tt9 gy{in,g Jij¢ y,e:~r, .. :· . . . :.. /{::::· JhQ::P.!~:'1:· ~~a., u foriil:'1rfoome or s21.8S 1.49<f:'inclLi'ufog·employ~r ~omribµ~ rrie :·::t.it;j~~ L1f $28;;<17p., t.ar\li:1~ri· fr~m investment~ .M $11.837.9b'f :'filtcics1 nnd. stock ii ?,~Y:i.~~nds Qf $10,-007.~4~:, ar:id Qt~er ipc0..rti.1::·9f $7,580. Employees 'i'.16 n·,;;t:'c.:91,1 ~ : . 59, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1960 aboard the Galloway. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Andrew Furuseth Training School in Philadelphia. He also upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to his retirement, Brother Bryant sailed aboard vessels operated by Sea-Land Service. He makes his home in Seattle. WILLIAM H. GRAY, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Houston. Brother Gray sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last worked aboard Sea-Land Service vessels. The West Virginia native served in the U.S . Army from 1957 to 1958. He makes his home in Houston. LEONARD M. LELONEK, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of New Orleans. A native of New York. he worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundebcrg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1988. Brother Lelonek last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. He calls Gardnerville, Nev. home. i j'.();~ t:':'P thi• pion. . Mlll~~fbllb;NG STAllllAROS !:'i:'i:3f::.Y:6~ '!:6~~¢ '.';t,h~;; !~ight" to rccc>vc ;i!r~.~f&Qfii!9~ !.f:~qµ~~t. the items · :; ·: :J ; '.'. 1';n .f!\.:i;:~.~·i:IP.!.~F~ ,report; \=opy of the full nrifiut'.11 l'"~j'lOrt or any part !isled below ure includ~d in thm report: i.l i:i: fa;.:;p~s~e~§: h~1ifit6f:.im,~stmt:ms; ... ·);:iit:!'jj6,~·~f.iX1:i1hrritMdil6n:: ~e(lurdlncr~ rh~:· tundinn or ihe pt n· !!T!4:: ·: f~al)~a4tfg~f:1~::g~c~~·fj ¢f .five (51 perccm of plan assets; and ! :;\:;'$'.": Fidu~illfj ·11l.(6~·1h~ti6.rl 7 including transtictiM~ b~tween the plan and parties/~~ ::1~t\1rest [\h~\ fo1::'pers.oll:'s ::~ho have ~~n~i.n rebtiomhlps with the plan) . ::L·:;::,;:;to. obt:iin a copy'.Ofme:f.ulhinouut repon. o.r ~iny part thereof, write or call :jh~<~i'fitt of thd .~1:lih' .:~a~~!fi5ifg~~r, SIU P~ctfic ·District Pension Plan, 522 11_'.0l"o l ' . ·"· "'•' 111 1 .o< 11·,u.. _1 1_11 " '·•"·"''·•''"·" ,:·;.J-:tpr4'ii;9n S(r~et, $;.in '•" ,, Cl r 1 , .f!j 0 M J Rrqnci~rio , . CA 9d 105; telephone number (415) 495-6882. fllSO have lhe right reee,.ive from tile plun adminiMralor, on request .:.:~11.4 t1t M , char~e. a stntemcnt of the aM~ts and liabilities of the plun qnd uccorn: . p41,.~yi~g f:lotes, or a s.t ntement of ·inco~t::. ~\!'id expenses of.the plan and accompa- <:::: .:YOU ·lo ·: 1iying notes, or both. If you request a full annual report from the plan adminis- . t~·llt(!r. these two statements will be included as part of that report. : <.... :Yo~ also have the legally protected right' to examine tbe Annu~I report at the '.. J.1)£l.i.t1 office of the plan, .522 Harrison Sm~el. San Francisco, CA 94 I 05, and al ""Jry~ . u,s, Departmc~t of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C. o.r to obtain ;:: f:(~rfi n copy me u.s-, Ocp~rcmcnc of Labor upon payment or copying costs, Requem to . ,.the DOL ·should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room. N4677 , Pension and .: Wetf;lrn Benefit Adrninii;tration, U.S. Department of Labor. 200 ConstituCion ·::1'~~.~ue, N.W., Washington, DC 20216. May 1998 WILLIAMSON, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Seattle, sailing L---~~'---......J aboard the Choctaw Victory. He worked in the deck department and last signed off the Sea-land Voyager. The California native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1966. Brother Williamson makes his home in Vancouver, Wash. GEORGET. WINFIELD, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1993 aboard the Cape Horn, an IOM Corp. vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S . Army. Brother Winfield has retired to Norfolk. INLAND ANTONIO ADORNO, 51, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 from his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He worked FRANKE. ARTHUR, started his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Virginia, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman Arthur last worked as a chief engineer aboard the M. Jean Dudley, operated by Piney Point Transportation. He has retired to Denton, Md. WILLIAMF. ~MILES, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The =-___;,,;;:..:::.....___:= =Florida native worked primarily for Dravo Materials. Boatman Miles makes his home in Argyle, Fla. GREAT LAKES FREDERICK A. BIESECKER, 74, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987 from the port of Duluth, Minn. His first vessel was the Presque Isle, operated by Litton Great Lakes. Brother Biesecker worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Medusa Challenger, a Cement Transit boat. Born in 111inois, he makes his home in Appleton, Wis. Letter to a Retiring Shipmate joined the SIU in 1977 in the 1967. port of Norfolk, Va. ':??V;::?:;::.<:{:i;::;:,:!:t:!::. . YOUR Rl~H.T$ TQ llDDfnONAL INFORMAnON JOHN F. primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. Boatman Adorno makes his home in Toa Baja, P.R. I'd Like to say goodbye to an old friend, Ken Riley, who retired as an AB/Watchstander on April 18, 1998 from the Sea-Land Quality. Ken sailed with me on my first ship in 1978, the S.S. Transcolumbia. I was an OS and Kenny was an AB. After that, we sailed many times together on all kinds of ships. That gives us a lot of sea s1ories we can tell together. Ken Riley was born in New Jersey and went into the Navy in 1952, just one year after I was born. He then joined the SIU in ANDREWC. MACK, 55, '.:.:.;,f_:::«::/'·:.our:. actu~ry·s Statement .ShQWS lha.t l;!TIQugb m9ney was contributed to the· }~f~rjJ:~.!:~~.tr it fu11&d lfi. ~~d~i:dnncc wHh the minimum funding standards of 1 ::ir;~:· :~!~ 1i :!/.:.· :i ::·. . . department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Orta last sailed aboard the Cape Farewell, operated by Sawgrass Marine Crewing. Born in Mexico, he has retired to Houston. He first sailed;:~ aboard the ... ·· Potomac, operated by Ogden Marine Corp. The North Carolina native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1989. Brother I sailed with Ken on my first ship and now we're sailing together on his last ship. So good luck, Ken. Enjoy your retirement, and I hope to see you around. Your friend, Bosun Mike Carrano Sea-land Quality Mack makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. FRANCISCO P. ORTA, 65 , first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 aboard the Avenger, a Marine Carriers Corp . vessel. He sailed in the deck ""' !,:. ,. ~ l .A · Bosun Mike Carrano (left) gives AB Ken Riley a break from the wheel aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Seafarers LOG 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA and began receiving his pension in July 1971. LEO S. BAPTISTE Pensioner Leo S. Baptiste, 89, died February 3. Born in Louisiana, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1946 in the port of New Orleans, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in January 1971 . SAM H. BOYKIN Pensioner Sam H. Boykin, 76, passed away February 6. He started his career with the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Texas, Brother Boykin was a resident of Oakland Calif. and retired in April 1970. THOMAS B. DUNCAN Pensioner Thomas B. Duncan, 75, died February 8. Brother Duncan began sailing with the Seafarers in 1949 from his native New York. He worked in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Duncan was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., he began receiving his pension in July 1968. JOHN D. MORGAN Pensioner John D. Morgan 90, died February 9. Brother Morgan first sailed with the Seafarers in 1943 from the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department and retired in October 1972. He was a resident of Mobile. 1 HERBERT D. NIXON Pensioner Herbert D. Nixon, 67, passed away February 7. He began his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Andrew Furuseth Training School. Brother Nixon last sailed in 1989 aboard the OM/ Sacramento as a chief cook. From 1951to1953, heservedinthe U.S. Army. A resident of Mobile, he began receiving his pension in September 1995. THOMAS L. OLDFIELD Pensioner Thomas L. Oldfield, 71 , passed away February 13. A native of Oklahoma, he started his career with the MC&S in 1944, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Oldfield resided in Granite, Okla. He started receiving his pension in November 1973. OLIVER HADLEY Pensioner Oliver Hadley. 76. passed away January 29. A native of Louisiana, he joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of .__~====----'Seattle. before th;lt union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother adley lived in Oak1and 1 Calif. and retired in Se,Hemb~r t 99d. ii5iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil Pensioner William H. HAtttby. 77 . died February 14. He joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the pon of Mobile. Ala. He sailed in the ~---"-"'----' stewti.rd depru't- menr and began receiving his pension in Mar'h 1984. Brother Hamby was a resident of Toxey, Ala . ARMON HIGHAM =~== Pensioner Armon Higham, 89, ' pai;i;ed away February~ - A · chaner member - of the SIU, he , jr>ined the "j 1,1nion in 1938 ~--'---__J in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in New York, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing dr1ves and beefs and attended an educational conference in 1970 at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Higham was a resident of Houston 18 Seafarers LOG PETER ORISCHAK - l Peter Orischak, I 57, died ' February 2. He graduated from the Andrew Furuscth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Yorlc. A native of New Jersey 1 he sailed in the deck depart· ment and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Orischak was a resi dent of Toms River1 NJ. HERMAN PEDERSEN Pensioner Herman Pedersen. 71 . died February 24. Born in Nebraska. he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the ===---==:c.__-== port of New York. Brother Pedersen sailed in Che deck department. He last worked aboard the Sea-land Liberator. A resident of Lake Havasu City. Ariz .. he began receiving his pension in August 1983. ANDREW R. PIMENTEL Pensioner Andrew R. Pimentel, 84, passed away November 27 , 1997. A native of the Philippines, he joined the MC&S in 1946, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Pimentel was a resident of Santa Maria, Calif. and retired in September 1976. KASSIM B. SAMAT Pensioner Kassim B. Samat, 81, passed away February 21. Brother Samat started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and strikes. Born in Malaysia, he L-;;=.-"'=='--..;.._--' was a resident of Edison, NJ. and started receiving his pension in December 1981. GEORGE A. SCHUJ George A. Schuj, 50, passed away February I 1. Born in Germany, he began sailing with the Seafarers in ======= 1979 from the port of New York. Brother Schuj worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of San Francisco. JACK SOMMER Pensioner Jack Sommer, 74, passed away March 11. Brother 1 ' Sommer began sailing with the Seafarers in 1961 from the port of New York. Born in Czechoslovakia, he was a member of the engine department. Brother Sommer resided in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in May 1988. 1942 from the port of New York. Brother Valles was a member of the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. A resident of Spring Hill, Fla., he began receiving his pension in January 1972. INLAND JOSEPH F. BACHMANN Pensioner Joseph F. Bachmann, 71, passed away February 26. A native of New Jersey, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Bachmann sailed in the deck department, last working aboard vessels operated by Taylor & Anderson. A resident of Fairless Hills, Pa., he began receiving his pension in July 1988. JOSEPH M. PERRY Pensioner Joseph M. Perry, 75, died February 23. Boatman Perry started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed as a captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Suffolk, Va., he retired in January 1987. WALTER G. POPPERWILL BUEFORD E. STOCKMAN Pensioner Bueford E. Stockman, 76, passed away February 9. Brother Stockman started his career with the Seafarers in ====i 1955 in the port of Lake Charles, La. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 19d1 to 1946. A resident of Melbourne, Fla., he retired in February 1985. LAWRENCE E. TEFFT Pensioner Lawrence E. Tefft. 70, died February 9. He began sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of New York. A native of Connecticut, he worked in the steward departme!"lt and upgraded at the Lundcberg School. During his career, he was acLive in union organizing drives and strikes . Prior to his retirement in February 1993, he signed off the Aries, operated by Energy Transportation Co. Brother Tefft was a resident of Wolcott, Conn. MINES THOMAS Pensioner Mines Thomas. 87, passed away February 4. Born in Texas, he joined the MC&S in 1948 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Thomas was a resident of San Francisco. He retired in December 1973. ISIDORO VALLES Pensioner Isidoro Valles, 86, died February 3. A native of Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the Seafarers in Pensioner Walter G. Popperwill, 71, died February 23. Born in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Popperwill worked as a captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by Express Marine. He was a resident of Lowland, N.C. and retired in January 1998. ELMER F. PRESSLEY Pensioner Elmer F. Pressley, 75, passed away February 6. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of St. Louis. Born in Kentucky, he sailed as a deckhand. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Portsmouth, Ohio, Boatman Pressley started receiving his pension in November 1985. GREAT LAKES ABDULWALIN.ELGAHMI Pensioner Abdulwali N. Elgahmi , 55, clied February 11 . Brother Elgahmi staned his career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed in both the engine and steward departments.The Dearborn, Mich. resident retired in May 1990. ANDREW KOZAK Pensioner Andrew Kozak, 79, passed away February 9. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of Detroit. A member of the engine department, he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Brother Kozak was a resident of Plains, Pa. and began receiving his pension in May 1978. ======= RICHARD J. LUOMA Pensioner Richard J. Luoma, 57, died February 24. The Michigan native joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Detroit. Brother Luoma sailed in the deck department and retired in February 1997. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of Sioux Falls, S.D. WILLIAM J. MAURER William J. Maurer, 62, passed away March 11. Brother Maurer started his career with the afarers in 19 the port of Detroit. e sailed in the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From I 956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Maurer was a resident of River Rouge, Mich. DONALD McEACHERN Pensioner Donald .,.,, Mc em, 72, ssed away February 15. Born in Canada, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother McEachern was a member of the engine department. A resident of Grosse Pointe, Mich., he began receiving his pension in January 1988. PAUL D. MORRIS :' Pensioner Paul D. Morris, 78, passed away January 21. A native of Maryland, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother Morris sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Sheffield Lake, Ohio and started receiving his pension in December 1977. RAILROAD MARINE WILLIAM P. CHARNOCK Pensioner William P. Charnock, 78, passed away February 18. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department, working primarily for Penn Central Railroad Co. Brother Charnock, a resident of Exmore, Va., began receiving his pension in January 1982. May 1998 �overtime for crude oil washing machine. Chairman stressed strict no-alcohol policy aboard ship. He also reminded crew members to return video movies when through The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of unio_n shipboard with them. Secretary advised everyone to be considerate of othminutes as possible. On occasion, because of space ers regarding noise and in keeping limitations, some wfll be omitted. messhall and lounge clean, especially in port. Educational Ship$ mlifutes reviewed by the union's contract depattment.< · · directorwhile advised members to have Those issuesrequiriog attention or resolution are addressed by the union TRB signed by June or they will upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded not get credit for onboard drills. If to the Seafarers LOG for publication. anyone does not have a TRB, he should send in application immediately. He also stated that starting June 1, all crew members on OM/ COLUMBIA (OMI Corp.), PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON tankers will be evaluated by their February 24-Chairman Greg (Waterman Steamship Co.), depanment heads regarding job Hamilton, Secretary Dana Zuls, January 26-Chairman Henry performance. No beefs or disputed Educational Director Ronald Bouganim, Secretary Patrick D. OT reponed. Next ports: Valdez, Gordon, Steward Delegate Larry Helton, Educational Director Alaska and El Segundo, Calif. Robert A. Farmer, Deck Delegate Lopez. Treasurer announced $25 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputCharles J. Frisella, Engine OVERSEAS WASHINGTON ed OT reported. All communicaDelegate Ronald F. Lucas, (Maritime Overseas Corp.), March tions from headquarters read and Steward Delegate Rudolph 15-Chairman Robert Natividad, Xatruch. Chairman reminded crew posted on bulletin board. Three Secretary Alphonso Davis, crew members purchased members to apply for training Steward Delegate S. Perdikis. weightlifting set for all to use. record books (TRBs) as soon as Bosun announced receipt of mesDonations accepted to help defray possible. Secretary stressed imporsages from contracts department. cost. Vote of thanks given by tance of contributing to SPAD and Secretary noted TV needs repair; it MDL Educational director advised bosun to galley gang for job well gets only one channel. No beefs or done. Chief steward thanked chief all hands to upgrade skills ar Paul disputed OT reported. Next port: cook and GSU for great job under Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Richmond, Va. adverse conditions. Next ports: El No beefs or disputed OT reponed . Segundo, San Pedro, Richmond Vote of thanks given to steward SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean and San Francisco, Calif. department for culinary efforts, Ships, Inc.), March 15-Chairman especially during holidays. K. Koutouras, Secretary Tom CAROLINA (NPR, Inc.), March Barrett, Educational Director 25-Chairman James Brown, CHAMPION (Kirby Tankships), James Cleland, Deck Delegate Secretary Hasan Rahman, February 15--Chairman Stephen Paul Moss, Engine Delegate Educational Director John Argay, Secretary Charles Scott, Kristof Zschaler. Chairman Thompson. Chairman announced Educational Director Larry announced payoff on March 20 upcoming payoff in port of Phillips, Deck Delegate Thomas and stated back pay from last year Philadelphia, Pa. He noted ship's Howell, Engine Delegate August should be in mail. No disputed OT food has been very good. No beefs Rodil, Steward Delegate 0. reported by department delegates; or disputed OT reported. Espinoza. Chairman reminded some beefs noted in engine and crew members about keeping plassteward departments. Crew memLAWRENCE H. GIANELLA tic refuse and regular trash in sepabers reminded of no smoking poli(Ocean Ships, Inc.), March 9rale containers. Educational direccy during meal hours. Clarification Chairman Donald J. DeFlorio, tor stressed need for crew to attend needed regarding day off or extra Secretary James E. Lewis, Lundeberg School and to apply for Educational Director Tedd R. pay for every 60 days of duty. TRBs soon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Avey, Deck Delegate e nald Gonzales, Engine Delegate Ernest SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), March 15HM/ DYNACHEM (Hvide Lacunza Jr. Secretary announced Chairman Mickey Noble, receipt of nine new movies aboard rine), February 28-Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary ship. DispuLed OT reported in deck Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Larry Ronald Tarantino, Educational depanment; no beefs or disputed Director Peter Joseph, Deck Holbert, Deck Delegate John OT reported in engine or steward Delegate Ti.:rran(e Boney, Thomas Emrich, Engine Delegate departments. Engine delegate Steward Delegate James Harris. reminded crew members to close John Coleman. Steward Delegate Chairman informed crew of ship's Joseph Laureta. Chairman doors gently at night when others arrival and payoff in Texas City, announced payoff upon arrival in are sleeping. Motion made and Texas. He also relayed vote of Long Beach, Calif. on March 19. seconded to establish permanent thanks from licensed officers to all Crew roster and repair list posted. file with ship·s secretary containdepanmems for tine job. Educaing minutes from previous meetMovie fund now contains $10. tional director sugge&ted crew ings and other SIU-related busiSteward is accepting donations to ness. SuggesLion made to have members cake actvamage of upfill coffer. Educational director grading i;oursc~ at Lundcbcrg mot'c cMiccs on brea.kfast menu advised crew to take advantage of School, donate to SPAD and supupgrading opportunities at Lundeand co leave juice ouc all day for port MDL. Department delegates crew. Ne.x.l port; La Spczia, Haly. bcrg School. No di5puted OT rereported no beefs or disputed OT. ported. Beef pending in deck departRequed made to find out about LIBERTY SUN (Libeny Maritime ment whi~h will be brought to attentransportation money from tion of patrolman. Steward departCorp.), March 18-Chairman Tyron~ Burrell, Secretary K. Houscon co Texm:i Cicy. Crew nmed ment thanked for good meals and DeWitt, Educatic.">Ml Director new chairs needed for mes$ and clean ship. Clarification requested Nathaniel Gaten, Deck Delegate lounie. regarding longshore holiday in Omaha Redda. Engine Delegate port. Next port: Oakland, Calif. Wayne Watts. Chairrn~n reminded crew members tl'> check z-cards for SEA-LAND DEVELOPER (Seaexpiration dare. Educational direcLand Service), March 25-Chair· man Dan Cella, Secretary Frank tor advised all hands to continue to Sison, Educational Director practice safety aboard ship and to attend union's upgrading classes in William D. Hatchel. Deck Piney Point. Suggestion made to Delegate Michael Watson, Engine create recrtatil'>t\al and movie fund Delegate S. Bigelow, Steward aboard ship. Steward delegace Delegate Pat Conlon. Bosun read report from union regarding vesreported dispmed OT; no beefs or disputed OT recorded in other sel's layup. Educational director departments. Clarification requestsuggested crew members upgrade ed from headquarters on rime off skills al Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Washing for day workers. ma.thine on third deck needs OVERSEAS NEW YORK repair. Steward thanked GSU Conlon for job well done. Next (Maritime Overseas Corp.), March 1-Chairman Carlo~ Loureiro. port: Tacoma, Wash. Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director John S1=A-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service ) March 22St@ward Calvin Hazzard preFleming, Deck Delegate C. Kiley, pares lunch for crew members Engine Delegate D.A. Cayan, Chairman Don White, Secretary aboard the USNS Algol. Ths Steward Delegate Jose P. Vainu'u Sili. Educational Director Bay Ship Management vessel Maglalang. Letter of clarification David Bavtista, Deck Delegate rscsntly held a payoff in the received from Vice President R.J. Sagadraca. Steward Delegate port of Mobile, Ala. Contracts Augie Tellez regarding Jimmy Williams. Chairman Digest of Shipboar:d Union Meetings iirstaiii Lunch on the Algol 1 May 1998 reported all running well aboard ship with no beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer announced $30 in ship's fund. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), March 8Chairman Thomas A. Trehem, Secretary Edward P Herrera, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Guy PollardLowsl, Steward Delegate Brad- SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), March 22Chaiiman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn McCluskey, Deck Delegate Walter Price, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate J.F. Manandic. Payoff scheduled in Tacoma, Wash. on March 28. Chairman led general discussion of shipping. He also advised members to keep doors locked when in port and to help keep TV lounge clean. Anyone Capricorn Crew Members Celebrate Holiday From John Thomas, an AB aboard the LNG Capricorn, comes this photo of the vessel's crew members during the Christmas holiday. In the front row (from left) are Bosun Sal Ibrahim, SA Chris Guglielmi, QMED Robert Rice, Chief Cook Udjang Nurdjaja, DEU Lavon James, SA David Wakeman and AB Richard Lewis. In the second row are Third Engineer Steve Radzik, Chief Steward Dana Paradise, First Engineer Taylor Bradstreet and Third Mate Gerard Dundon. ford Mack. Chairman noted good trip and thanked steward for great food. He stated ship scheduled to arrive in Long Beach, Calif. March 11 and asked everyone to stay on board for boat drill. Disputed OT reported in deck depanment. No beefs or disputed OT reported in engine or steward departments. New VCR received and installed. Thanks given to day man for job well done. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), March 10- Chairman Jim Carter, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director David King, Steward Delegate Virgilio Rivera. Chainnan reminded everyone to check z-cards for expiration date and make sure drug screens are up-ro-date. Secretary stated that in order to be aware of what is going on in maritime industry and within union, Seafarers should read LOG and, when possible, attend union meetings in port. Educational director stressed importance Qf supporting SPAD. He also noted that key to job security is upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed or reported. New TV received aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward depanment for job well done. Next ports; Elizabeth, N.J.; San Juan, P.R. and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), March 29Chainnan Joel G. Miller, Secretary G.F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn Ford. Need for new mattresses and additional washing machine brought up by many crew members. Educational director happy to hear so many members going to Piney Point for upgrading. He recommended everyone continue to make use of union's educational facilities in order to better job and financial opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Next port: Oakland, Calif. needing new mattresses should order them through steward. Educational director stressed that job security and advancement is available through upgrading programs at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $38 left over from movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Based on articles in Seafarers LOG, discussion held about runaway-flag shipping and the ITF campaign against it. Vote of thanks given to steward department for well prepared meals. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), March 13Chairman Perry H. Greenwood, Secretary Gene Sivley, Educational Director A. Jarmillo, Steward Delegate R.C. Telmo. Chaimia~. announced payoff on March 14 in Tacoma, Wash. All crew members asked to have rooms clean before leaving ship. Department delegates reported no beefs or disputed or. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean Ugland), March 29-Chairman James H. Lewis, Secretary John Holtschlag Jr., Educational Director Chris W. Cunningham, Deck Delegate George Vukmk, Engine Delegate Howard Bryant III, Steward Delegate Gary W. Loftin. Chairman advised crew members of payoff in Tacoma, Wash. on April 1. Educational director noted importance of donating to SPAD, reading LOG and upgrading and Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Crew of Westward Venture mourns loss of shipmate Harry Huffman. "Everyone loved him as a friend and shipmate. May he rest in peace:· Seafarers LOG 19 �Labor Briefs Hannah Crews Cruise With Crude UAW, Caterpillar End Labor Dispute Following a bitter six-and-a-half-year labor dispute, United Auto Workers (UAW) union members recently ratified a new contract with Caterpillar Inc. The previous UAW contract with the Peoria, 111.-based Caterpillar, a heavy-equipment maker, expired in 1991, making this one of the longest labor disputes in UAW history. Since then, there have been a lockout and two strikes, the most recent of which ended in December 1995 after 17 months. The approval of the six-year pact by a 54 percent majority, which is effective until April 1, 2004, came just one month after union members had rejected a similar proposal, largely because Caterpillar would not automatically rehire all 160 workers the union said were illegally fired during the dispute. Under the new agreement, which covers approximately 13,000 UAW members in Aurora, Decatur, Peoria and Pontiac, IlJ. as well as members in York, Pa., Denver and Memphis, Tenn., the 160 workers will be rehired. In addition, the contract includes wage increases, improved retirement benefits and a moratorium against closing most plants. UAW President Stephen P. Yokich stated, "This new agreement is the culmination of outstanding solidarity to UAW-Caterpillar workers throughout seven years of struggle. The agreement represents economic progress, security for the future, and, perhaps above all, justice and dignity. I applaud every union member, and every one of their equally brave and supportive family members, for their great perseverance and commitment in the struggle to attain this agreement." Kroger Pledges Support to Strawberry Workers The United Farm Workers' (UFW) drive to organize strawberry pickers in the Watsonville, Calif. area just got a boost with pledged support from Kroger Co., the largest supermarket chain in the country. More than 6,000 supermarkets now support the UFW pledge, including Safeway, American Stores and A&P supermarkets. The pledge endorses the right of strawberry workers to organize and bargain collectively without fear of retribution. It does not, however, endorse a boycott of berries. The labor movement and the workers hope that such pledges, coupled with the UFW's organizing campaign, will convince the big corporations that control the strawberry industry to treat the workers fairly. Most of California's 20,000 strawberry workers, who harvest about 80 percent of the nation's strawberries each year, earn about $8,000 annually, with no health insurance or other benefits. Additional assistance is being given to the cause. Last month, legendary folk singers Peter, Paul and Mary performed a benefit concert to support the California strawberry workers' fight to organize under the UFW banner. Also last month, feminist Gloria Steinem joined a march in New York of more than 1,000 people to protest what she called cirminal conditions in California's strawberry fields. Other marches are scheduled in San Antonio, Texas; San Francisco and Chicago. With their spirits buoyed by unseasonably warm weather, Seafarers aboard the tug and barge Mary E. Hannah (top photos) returned to work last month after winter layup, transporting asphalt, oil and other petroleum products throughout the Great Lakes. The Mary E. Hannah is one of three oil-carrying units operated on the Lakes by Hannah Marine. Its ports of call include Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Toledo, Ohio, among others, and it can transport almost 50,000 barrels. When SIU Patrolman Don Thornton met the vessel during fitout March 6 in Toledo, crew mem from left} Deckhand Addison sel for the season's first Bell, Cook Robert P. Hiel and Tankerman Kenton Henry were preparing th trip. Other fitout photos can be found on page 9. Visit the SIU's Web Site at htt~://w History of First Kings Point Class Available on CD-ROM In order LO keep the memories and knowledge gained by the fim graduating «;lass of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy nlivc fer generations LO come. the surviving members of the class of 1942 have i;reated a 900-page volume of stories. photos and other memorabi1 ia. Original1y published in I 992, it is now available on CD-ROM. In describing the mammoth work, Andrew J. Snider III told the Seafarers LOG that the class, of whi~h he was a member, wanted to offer somethin,Q; to lhe a~ademy on their sotfi anniversary . ..The 126 personal histories of our class of 1942 recount life in Che merchant marine prior to World War II, through the war years and into the post~war years/' Snider sttl.ted. 'This is an era we shared with many members of the SIU. "An example is my father who went to sea at the age of 50-a month after Pearl Harbor- and who in 1953 was written up in the Seafarers LOG for his activity as an orga· nizer for the SIU when he sailed for Cities Service." 20 '1 " Seafarers LOG (Snider's late father, A.J. Snider, sailed for ma11y years in the steward department. Prior to World War I, he ~erved in the Navy, then signed up with the Army et the outbreak of that war. After years ashore working in restaurants, he returned to sea in 1943 aboard a Standard Oil tanker and remained with the SIU until his retirement.) As n6ted earlier, 126 surviving members of the classincluding retired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirklandrelated their memories of the school and their tales of the sea for the volume. Ic is the first such work presented LO th~ academy by any graduating class. The book may be found at the academy's library in Kings Point, N.Y. It has been accepted by the U.S. National Archives as an historical document. Copies of the CD-ROM are available through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Foundation, Babson Center, Kings Point, NY 11024-1699 for $25, of which $15 is tax deductible. May 1998 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Stronger U.S. Fleet Equals Lower Deficit Without a doubt , a stronger U.S. -flag merchant marine would significantly reduce America's trade deficit. That is a deficit that mainly reflects the loss of U.S. seafaring jobs and shoreside jobs. too. For many years , I have tried to increase people's awareness of this problem. Clearly, our nation needs to achieve trade-deficit reductions. Keep 'em sailing and rolling under the American flag . Peter T. Katlen Fairborn, Ohio ~ .... Total Veterans' Status Still Not Accorded Our president proclaimed May 22 as Maritime Day, but we have yet to see our American flag raised by the state of Pennsylvania. During World War JI, lhe news media was gagged by our government, claiming national security. As we were denied veterans' status and the G.I. Bill until I 988, Congress waited 43 years until most of us were dead . They even denied our widows and children compensation , pen ion and college. But hear this- World War II a declared war. The U .S. mere ant marine was the only all volumeer scrvicc- rccruired and trained l>y the U.S. Coast Guard. Records show that 866 ships were lost in enemy action, 31 ships disappeared without a trace, and at war's end, the merchant marine lost more (in percentages) than all armed forces combined. The Battle of the Atlantic was won with heavy losses by our U.S. merchant marine, keeping England and Russia supplied with arms. Four hundred U.S. merchant ships were sunk on the eastern seaboard by German submarines while Americans watched from shore. If our merchant marine would have failed in the Battle of the Atlantic, our Congress now would be speaking German. We now have only a small group of survivors living in the Pennsylvania area, but we are still waiting for our World War II state war bonus. Peter Salvo McKeesport, Pa. .. Remembering Happier Days Someone recently gave me a copy of the Seafarers LOG and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story of Roger Horton (January 1998) was great. I attended the SIU school in New Orleans in 1968. Although it has been several years since my last shipping date, I've always missed the brotherhood and the thrill of going to sea. My first ship was the SS Yaka. We ended up in Vietnam. I've lost track of everyone I knew during those treasured years because of my circumstances. I would appreciate hearing from fellow seamen who might care to write. James D. Holland #391218 P.O. Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, TX 75886 4 • Enjoy Reading The Seafarers LOG OMU Rafael Comesana (left) and AB Robert Thompson stand on the Osprey's deck (with Istanbul. Turk@y in the bai;kground). for a while. Greg enjoyed bringing in the harvest fresh from the garden. He had not been home in more than 10 years, so I showed him all the different things that were new in Greenfield, Mass. Jeanne Rice Greenfield, Mass. ~ .. Osprey Captain Praises Crew I'm pleased to provide the following photographs of the SIU crew members of the SS Osprey [all photos on this page]. The Osprey is on a liner service from the U.S. East Coast to Russia and Ukraine, with a few other ports in the Mediterranean and Black Sea thrown in from time to time. These pictures were taken during our most recent voyage. The crew members are all a good bunch of sailors; people Aboard Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management's SS Osprey are deck gang members (from left) AB Ronald Makowiecki, AB Miguel Castro, AB Mike make the ship. Borders, Bosun Robert Lindsay Jr. and AB Robert Thompson. Not picCaptain J.M. Torjusen SS Osprey tured is AB Enrique Bravo. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers. they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail , return receipt requested. The proper address for I look forward to reading the Seafarers LOG. I was unaware of piracy o n the high seas until I read the article, " Piracy Continui:s to Torment Hi gh Seas" (M;ir~h 1998. p, 20). What can seamen do to prote~t themselves in this case? I nl so e nj oyed the article " Pre ~id e tH D e~ lnres 1998 Year of the Ocean " (nlso in M arc h edi- this is'. tion). Last year, my seaman son, Gregory R. Rice. was home for a Full copies of contracts as referred to are avail able to members at all times. either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. visit. I sure enjoyed his being here Augustin Tellez. Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages ancl conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contrttct rights, as well as their' obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If. at any time. a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained The steward departm@nt on the SS Osprey is made up of (from left) Chief Cook Steve Dickson. Steward/Baker Justo Lacayo and SA Saleh Abdulrab. May 1998 from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional pores. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. . PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOii 21 J I �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes Trainee Lifeboat Class 574-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 574 are (from left, kneeling) Adel Shaibi, George Villalba Jr., Jose Majao, John Millward, (second row) Robert Kane, Robert Bradberry, Matthew Harrison, Kenneth Abrahamson, Torrey Manning, Joseph LeClair, Phillip Troublefield, Melvin Ratcliff Jr. and Ben Cusic (instructor). Chief Cook-John Casey, who sails out of Port Everglades, Fla ., is a graduate of the chief cook class on March 27. Refrigeration Systems & Maintenance-Completing the reefer course on March 26 are (from left, kneeling) Troy Fleming, George Habiger, (second row) John Fichter, George Phillips, Jaime Landeira and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Not pictured are Daniel Gibbons, Henry Paquin, Kevin McCagh, David Vega and Stephen Roberts. t ..... Power Plant Maintenance-Upgrading graduates of the March 26 power plant maintenance class are (from left) Ron Oyer (instructor). William Summers, Steven Hoskins, Troy Wood, Stephen Harrington and Thomas Flynn . Not pictured is Richard King. Upgraders Lifeboat-SIU members completing the upgraders lifeboat cours n March 27 are (from left, kneeling) Eric Overby, Patrick Maher, Ben Cusic (instructor), Clarence Fortt, (second row) Steve Winton, Elmo Davis, Ismael Manley and Yahya Mohamed. Government Vessels-M~rking their' grMuation from the government vess~ls class on M~rch 26 are (from left, kneeling} Marcos Rivera. Shawn TGipp, William Tripp, Godofr~do MilttM Ill , (second row) Mark Cates (instructor), Steven Thomas, Alan Bartley, Ja~on Pechette Md Woodrow Brown. Tankerman Assistant-Receiving their endorsements from the tanker assistant course on March 12 are SIU members (from left, seated) Ismael Manley, Yahya Mohamed, Brian Wilder, Herbert Scypes Jr., (second row) Amy Rippel, Brandy Sheffs, Rick Riley, Skip Herrmann, Greg Carroll, Jim Shaffer (instructor), (third row) Paul Dellorso, Jose Castillo, Patrick Maher, Paul Jagger. Dacu Sodusta and Bruce Perry. Advanced Firefighting-Earning their advanced firefighting endorsements on March 11 are (from left, kneeling) DiMarko Shoulders, Wilbert Miles Jr., Paul Wade, (second row) Daniel Fowers, loan Socaciu, Joseph Butasek. Alfonzo Bombita Jr., Salvador Villareal, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Joel Spell, Matthew Holley, Ronald Corgey and Georgiy Pochuliya. QMED-Completing their QMED training on March 26 are (from left, kneeling), Diosdado Retiro Jr., Delson Richardson, Nestor Martinez, Patrick Carroll, Louis Santiago, (second row) Stephen Stepanski, Charles Brockhaus, Evaristo Ginez, Gabriel Williams, (third row) Luis Almodovar, Ursel Barber, Robert Dennis Jr., Joel Trotter and Charles Skeen. 22 Seafarers LDG ~, May 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning in June> July and August at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime'fraining and Educatiqp in Pihey Point~ Md.,A.11 programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Pleas~ not~ that t~i~ s~h~dule may change to reflect thv n~eds of the lllem~r~pip, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation;s security. ···· · · ' Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their coursers ..sW:rtd(\te. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start ·date$; . : . Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Ll,ltjd~be!g School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant (DL) July 20 August 17 August 8 September 5 LNG Familiarization Joly6 July 10 Basic Firefighting June 1 June 15 July 20 August 10 June 20 July 25 August 15 Advanced Firefighting June22 July 27 August 3 August 31 July 3 August 8 August IS September 12 Government Vessels June 15 July 13 August 10 July 2 July 31 August21 !Jeck Upgrading Courses Start Date Course Date of Completion . J.~p~J.,..... ·. July 10 September 4 ··.~~ilf27 June6 Jy.~2~&~:'.~~~~~:f;~I~0)Acf:}~ki~~;~j~~;4;&'.~'.••~ . July 13 August 24 July 25 August 22 Date of Completion Start · n~t~ . Date of Completion July 27 September 4 " Maril~¢ ~lect.rical M~intenance I June 1 July 10 · Marine E c..:tdcal Maintenance II July 13 August 21 · Dasie Electronics August 10 September4 July 20 August 28 Ju~ls July 17 Course August 7 High School Equivalency Progr.al!l • (GED) .Fireman/Watettend~~·' & Oiler ... +~ ·~ < . ..· . ' July l3 Bosurt Recertification July 27 September 8 Steward Recertification June29 August 3 LNG Recertification August 17 August 21 Academic Department Courses Start Date Date of Co~pleti()n 'September 12. · · E~gli$~ '.~s :~ ·:~¢~4)~~.·~aJ1guiige;(it$i} July 24 ·or.Adult Basiflt.ducaiion "(ABE) · General Education Courses August 7 June 29 .:Self:-s.tµ(:ty .. ·~.,':i~('.~d~jtion,· basic -vocational support p~~ral11 · ~~~rses are offered throughout the :£L:yii.a.tl:P!'i.¢ :~~~k.:. P!'i()~:: to. the i\B, QMED, FOWT~ Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and "Watei:survi\:ilitc6urses. . · :. ·' . , · ·.: . .:·. . :'. . :·: · Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _~ Address~=~~---------------------- With this applica tion, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient time to qualify yourself for the course( s) requested. You also must submir a COPY of each of the following: the firsr page of your union book indicaring your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your i.-card as well as your Lunde berg School identification card Listing the course( s) you have taken and complet ed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you unzil all of 1he above are received. COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sc:n Mcm bcr D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If che following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. So~ial Sc~urity # Book# -------~--- Seniority------------- Deparrmem U.S. Citizen; Yes D No D Home Port Endorscmcnt(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Arc you Lt graduLtte of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo Date On'.--~--------- Dare Off: If yes, ch1ss # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes If yes, course(~) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken May1998 DNo CPR: DATE DNo Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifcboatman Endor~ement? DYes SIGNAWRE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 0 Yes CJ No NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 5/98 Seafarers LDG 23 �I l ·~ SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT The summary of the annual report for the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan may be found on page 17. LNG Virgo Rescues 18 Adrift 5 Days The followmg article recounts. in the words of Ismail Shekem, master aboard the SIUcrewed LNG Virgo, the events that occurred on December 26, 1997, resulting in the rescue of 18 persons from a disabled interisland ferry. Whereas it is very tempting to embellish on the facts in order to create a "sea story" worthy of telling, the simple truth in this particular incident, as is often the case, serves to reflect on the actions of well trained, highly motivated men attending to their good work, uniting with the forces of nature, the quirks of coincidence and the mysteries of fate, in ultimately providing for the safe deliverance of 18 individuals standing in peril in the sun-baked reaches of the Celebes Sea. The LNG Virgo departed the port of Bontang, E. Kalimantan, Indonesia, on Christmas Day, bound for Inchon, Republic of Korea, with a full load of liquefied natural gas. At the onset of the voyage, due to operational requirements. th~ ship diverted slightly from the usual navigational trnclc. First survivors Sighted Dawn of the mrnt morning, December 26, found the vessel in peculiarly calm seas and light winds. Shortly after daybreak, at 5:55 a.m ., the ship's lookout, po ted on the bridge wing, s;ighted two men adrifl atop what appeared to be tl 4 ' x 6' plywood sheet. He duly notifi~d the second ml'.l.l~, who wns the wmch officer, who in turn immediately commenced maneuvering the ship while notifying the captain and other crew members as to the situation _ The ship's main engine was brought down to maneuvering speed by 6:00 a .m., and the Virgo was brought about quickly while members of the crew commenced preparat10ns to cm bark the two men in the water. By 6:36 a.m., in position 03-51 North 123-28 East, the ship was brought upwind, upcurrent, and was favorably positioned to enable a heaving line to be hurled down to the men. Also by this time, the ship's crew had prepared the lee-side gangway, hung off cargo nets down at the water's edge as well as life rings attached to long lanyards. The vessel's midship stores crane was also cleared in case it was necessary to retrieve the men in that manner. The men on the plywood sheet (which turned out to be a makeshift raft constructed from a pallet), were gently heaved alongside to the ship's gangway platform and made their way up on deck, where they received immediate attention for exposure and dehydration. They related that they had been aboard a small inter-island ferry named the MIL Sarah, which had departed Sangihe Island (115 miles south of Mindanao, Philippines) on December 21 on an intended voyage to Davao City, Mindanao, P.I., with a total of 18 persons on board. During the passage, while in the near vicinity of Mamre Island (45 miles south of Mindanao) their craft suffered a broken tailshaft. Not having any equipment on board that would enable them to communicate with authorities ashore, the craft's captain and one crew member decided to paddle ashore on the raft, in hopes of getting assistance for their disabled vessel. Unfortunately, they apparently had not taken into account the Mindanao current, which flows to the southwest at two or three knots, and they were soon swept away approximately 120 miles into the Celebes Sea before they were sighted and rescued . At 6:50 a.m., while the two men were being treated and their story ~assed on to the bridge. the ship was being slowly brought up lO speed when a small craft was spotted approximately seven miles distant to westward. The ship's head was brought in that direction. and the vessel duly stc;tmc;:d toward the craft . Bosun Mohamed Rawi helps with the safe embarKation of survivors from the stranded ferry. The small craft, at first glance, when at three or four miles off, appeared to be the typical wooden craft often seen in these waters, with no indication of being in any difficulty. However, upon making a closer approach, and well within two miles, it turned out to be the MIL Sarah, with her entire complement on deck waving their arms and displaying a white cloth sheet with the words: We need help. Others Brought Aboard At 8:00 a.m., the ship again commenced maneuvering in order to make a safe approach to the Sarah, the first line sent out from the lee side at 8:38 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., the gangway was lowered and two men from the boat embarked the ship to speak with the captain. Their story was the same as that told by the first two survivors, and needless to say, having earlier lost sight of their two companions on the raft, and having presumed they had perished, they were stunned to hear of their survival and rescue. In view of the boat's apparent lack of emergency provisions, equipment and communications gear, and considering their perilous situation, it was decided to embark all crew and passengers from the Sarah and, hopefully, convey them to Davao City, where they could be disembarked onto a Philippine coast guard or naval vessel. Thus, at I 0:41 a.m., with crew and passengers embarked aboard the LNG Virgo, the MIL Sarah was abandoned and cast off, and the ship set course for the Davao Gulf where, on December 27, 1997, at 2:25 ;, -·-···'"·',..._-.,··--·."''-''=' - Two men aboard a make-shift raft (right) were the first to be rescued. They told of 16 others on the MIL Sarah, an inter-island ferry (above) which had suffered a broken tailshaft and was adrift in the Celebes Sea. The LNG Virgo maneuvered in the craft's direction and brought all survivors to safety. p.m., in a position 10 miles south of Davao City, all were de i r safely onto the Philippine Navy patrol craft BRT Manuel Gomes. There were no heroes in this tale, no heroics to speak of, only good men doing their good work, doing their best to assist those in need. It gives me great satisfaction to state, as is always the case, that every member of this ship crew turned-to, unbidden, to unite their efforts and talents during the incident. Having said this, and in all sense of fairness, the following individuals should be recognized and highly commended for their actions: Crew Commended AB Greyson Brantley, lookout on duty, in carrying out his duties in a most capable and diligent manner, in sighting the survivors and keeping them in sight while the ship was brought about; Second Mate Paul Greubel, watch officer, in the very professional manner by which he commenced maneuvering rhe ship and arranged for additional assistance; Second Engineer Michael Collinsworth and Chief Engineer Frank Hicken, on duty in the engine room, who did their utmost in responding to the SBE request from the bridge and very quickly prepared the ship's main engine for immediate maneuvering, thus enabling the survivors to remain within sight at all times: Chief Mate James Blanton and Bosun Mohamed Rawi, for takAssisting in lowering the ship's gangway is QMED ing charge of the deck in an Randy McKenzie. efficient and judicious manner, arranging for all equipment to be made ready for use in a very short time, and safely embarking the survivors; QMEDs Ralph Gosnell and Randy McKenzie, who happened to be out on deck for their morning jaunt, and who imm ·the ately commenced to pr ship's gangwa:x ssisted in every J'O way; eward Zein Achmad and his gang, who provided stretchers, blankets, sustenance to the survivors, as well as graciously making room for the 18 "guests" who dropped in unexpectedly to share in the ship's traditional Christmas meal at sea, which had been. postponed until December 26 due to the ship's stay in port. [Other SIU crew members aboard the LNG Virgo at the time of the rescue were Chief Cook Michael Amador, AB Othman Chik, AB Bobby Branham, SA Dennis Burke, AB David Caudill, SA Kenneth Epps, QMED Richard Harris, AB Daniel Kayser, DEU Eric Orscheln, AB Plese Russ, SA Paul Russell, SA Desmond Torres, AB Charles Touzet and Chief Cook Cindy Winter.] The story of the rescue is being submitted by Energy Transportation Corp. (ETC)for the Ship Safety Achievement Awards given by the Chamber of Shipping of America and the National Safety Council. ETC also will nominate the rescue to the National Women's Propeller Club for an additional award. Photos on this page were taken by DEU Orscheln. � 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 May 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW SHIPS PLANNED FOR COASTAL CRUISES DELTA QUEEN ANNOUNCES FLEET EXPANSION SEAFARERS RALLY IN N.O. FOR AVONDALE WORKERS SIU MEMBERS IN GULF BUILDUP ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ‘DANGER PAY’ NEW PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR PENSIONERS COAST GUARD BACKS UP SIU’S POSITION AGAINST SOLO NAVIGATIONAL WATCH HIGMAN BOATMEN EARN SAFETY AWARDS ’97 FINANCIAL RECORDS OKAYED BY RANK-AND-FILE COMMITTEE IMO WARNS THAT FIFTH OF WORLD FLEET WILL NOT MEET JULY 1 ISM DEADLINE SENATE PASSES SHIPPING REFORM BILL BIG BUSINESS ADMITS EFFORT DEDICATED TO ‘UNDERMINING LABOR’S INFLUENCE’ TEAMWORK IS KEY FOR NEWEST CLASS OF RECERTIFIED BOSUNS DETENTIONS SPOTLIGHT ‘SCARY REGULARITY’ OF SAFETY PROBLEMS ON RUNAWAY-FLAGS VIDEO EXAMINES FOC CAMPAIGN UPGRADER TOUTS APPRENTICE PROGRAM STRONG START FOR SEAFARERS ON GREAT LAKES AFL-CIO COUNCIL RENEWS ORGANZING CALL; RECEIVES WHITE HOUSE PLEDGE OF SUPPORT APPEALS BOARD ISSUES ACTIONS DEALING WITH SENIORITY AND RETURNING JOBS TO HIRING HALL PORT ARTHUR WELCOMES APARTMENT COMPLEX ‘PREMIUM ACCOLADE’ GOES TO OBREGON STEWARD DEPARTMENT MARITIME POLICY: ALBERT J. HERBERGER RETIRED MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR HISTORY OF FIRST KINGS POINT CLASS AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM LNG VIRGO RESCUES 18 ADRIFT 5 DAYS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present 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 05/01/1998 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. 60, No. 5 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log