Seafarers Log: Vol. 64 No. 6 (2002-06-01)

Volume 64, Number 6 June 2002

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111

Delaware North Companies Inc. on May 4 purchased (from left) the highly regarded American
Queen, Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen. The famed steamboats, idle since shortly after
September 11, will remain based in New Orleans. A contract between the SIU and the com- r---__...
pany was being finalized as this issue of the LOG went to press. Page 3.

Seafarers Head to Annapolis, Md. as Townsend Kicks Off Campaign

aryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (center) last month announced her bid
for governor during a rally in Annapolis, Md. She aims to become the state's first
female governor. Joining her are Paul Hall Center students Richard Moore Jr. and
Lakindra Williams. For more photos, see page 5.

National
c-T9~tit! Igo Maritime

Day 2002

The SIU participated in National Maritime Day memorial ceremonies May 22 in
Washington , D.C. Four days earlier, the union took part in a more informal
gathering-"Maritime Night at the Ballpark," a minor league baseball game in nearby
Bowie, Md. sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Pictured on the field during the
National Anthem are (from left) U.S. Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John
Flaherty; U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; Paul Hall Center Unlicensed
Apprentices Patrick O'Donnell, Richard Moore Jr., Joshua Robinson, Michael Hall and
Francis Dundas; U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara and SIU Pres. Michael
Sacco. Pages 12-13.



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President's Report
a1mmeasurable Contributions'

Of all the comments made on National Maritime Day about our
merchant marine, none was more persuasive than this segment of

President Bush's official proclamation: "Today,
the men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine and thousands of other workers
in our Nation's maritime industry continue to
make immeasurable contributions to our econom­
ic strength and our ongoing efforts to build a
more peaceful world. We must ensure our mar­
itime system can meet the challenges of the 21 •1

Michael Sacco century."
That kind of insight from the chief executive

bodes well for the prospects of success in our ongoing battle to
strengthen the U.S. fleet. As Seafarers know, it's a big challenge, to
say the least. But it's also one which surely depends in part upon
strong support from the president-support that naturally should
follow such clear recognition of America's ongoing reliance on its
mariners.

As with practically every other ceremony that has taken place
since September 11, this year's National Maritime Day observances
had a different feel. As a nation, we have awakened to many reali­
ties about our strengths and shortcomings. That awakening slowly
but surely includes an increased understanding and appreciation of
what the United States Merchant Marine means to this great coun­
try.

And that insight begins with a history that goes back much fur­
ther than eight months. It dates back to the very beginning of this
nation. From Revolutionary times through the World Wars and
Desert Storm, right through to the present, the merchant marine has
been a bedrock of America's national and economic security.

Of particular note is our performance during World War II. The
younger people in our industry may not know that during those
years the U.S. fleet pulled off the greatest sealift operation in histo­
ry. By delivering the goods, usually under the most difficult of cir­
cumstances, our mariners made victory possible.

It has been said before, but it's worth repeating: Our brave
mariners suffered an enormous casualty rate, second only to that of
the Marine Corps. It was during that period the merchant marine
truly earned its title as the fourth arm of defense.

We lived up to that billing again in Korea and Vietnam and,
more recently, during the Persian Gulf War. Clearly, history has
shown that we inevitably will be called upon again. In fact, even
today we are playing a role in the early stages of Operation
Enduring Freedom.

That's one reason why I know that our greatest moments aren't
in the past. The devastation of September 11 spurred a new, overdue
resolve to seriously commit to strengthening our defense capabili­
ties. Much of that commitment, of course, centers around homeland
security, but it also involves taking a hard look at what America
needs to sustain its forces overseas in an extended fight.

At a time when our security is under intense examination, it
should be obvious that no plan is complete without a genuine
requirement to revitalize our fleet. That must include, among other
steps, immediate enactment of an extended and expanded Maritime
Security Program. It must include fair treatment of U.S. mariners
and U.S.-flag ship operators by our own government. It must
include unwavering support for our cargo preference and cabotage
laws. And it absolutely must include steadfast investment in the
civilian-crewed fleets and programs overseen by the U.S. Military
Sealift Command.

History has proven again and again that we cannot and must not
rely solely on the good will of other nations to aid us, whether in
times of war or peace. As America moves forward in the post­
September 11 era: let us not lose sight of what ~he merchant marine
has meant to our nation. ·

Most importantly, let us never subject ourselves to the unthink­
able danger that quickly would follow the disappearance of the
American flag from the high seas.

Volume 64, Number 6 June 2002

The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN l 086-4636) is published month­
ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf,
Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201
Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301)
899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern
Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POST­
MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing
Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim
Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne
Textor.
Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD
All Rights Reserved.

2 Seafarers LOG

Port Security Efforts ·Continue
New Bills Introduced; Credentialing Program Launched

The enduring port security con­
cerns of experts nationwide are
addressed in new legislation
recently introduced by Sen. John
Breaux (D-La.) and Sen. Gordon
Smith (R-Ore.), the bipartisan
leaders of the Senate Subcom­
mittee on Surface Transportation
and Merchant Marine.

The Ship, Seafarer and Con­
tainer Security Act (S.2329),
unveiled April 25, promises better
information about shipping and
shipping threats, improved track­
ing of vessels and security of the
nation's maritime environment.
Those are subjects of apprehension
among leading authorities in their
quest to craft an all-inclusive and
effective port security package.

"Port security is one of the
most important concerns facing
the transportation industry, and
one of the most difficult and least
understood vulnerabilities to the
American economy," Sen. Breaux
said in introducing the bill. "Since
September 11, I have toured ports
and held field hearings, and I've
learned we have a lot or work to do
to make our ports safer. This
Congress must pass a united, com­
prehensive federal plan to improve
security at our seaports where pas­
senger and freight transportation
security remain serious issues."

Key provisions of the Ship,
Seafarer and Container Security
Act will:

• Require certain vessels
to carry transponders to transmit
and track their positions so the
Coast Guard can track U.S. and
foreign vessels.

• Require the Department
of Transportation (DOT) to nego­
tiate an international agreement in
two years or submit legislation to
congress to identify mariners with
a uniform identification system,
provide greater transparency of
the ownership of ship registration
to track vessel ownership, and
mandate stronger standards for
marine containers.

• Require DOT to better
assess the risks posed by certain
vessels and ensure enforcement of
security zones.

Sen. Breaux intends to have the
bill's provisions incorporated into
any House-Senate conference
report on seaport security.

The Senate Commerce, Sci­
ence and Transportation Com­
mittee currently is considering the
legislation.

DOT Credentlaffng Program
In other developments, the U.S.

Department of Transportation's
newly created Transportation

Security Administration-acting
under a series of congressional
mandates to improve security and
provide increased safety for the
traveling public-launched a wide­
reaching credentialing program.

Akey segment of this undertak­
ing is to ensure that only autho­
rized workers (all personnel whose
duties require unescorted access to
secure areas of the transportation
system) are permitted entry into
secure transportation areas.

The program is designed to
establish a standardized trans­
portation worker identification
card (TWIC) that is universally
recognized and accepted across
the entire transportation sector.
The credential would protect per­
sonal privacy, and be used locally
within the facility infrastructure to
meet multiple levels of secure
access requirements.

Generally, the SIU endorses the
proposed concept of one standard~
ized, universally recognized and
accepted credential for all mar­
itime transportation workers in the
form of a "smart card," which
meets multiple levels of secure
access. A smart card is a credit
card-sized device that contains
multiple technologies including an
integrated circuit chip and one or
more of the following: magnetic
stripe, bar codes, photo identifica­
tion, encryption and authentica­
tion, biometrics, or a non-contact
radio frequency transmitter. The
SIU currently is actively involved
in the decision-making process
that will impact the specifics of
TWIC implementation.

In a closely related area, the
Coast Guard is continuing to press
the International Maritime Organ­
ization to adopt strict new interna­
tional security standards. Among
the proposals submitted recently to
the IMO's Marine Safety Council
is a seafarer identification card.
The U.S. is proposing that these
cards include digital photograph,
holder 's signature, issuing authori­
ty, proof of nationality, positive
identification of the mariner's
qualifications, permission to enter
other countries, and biometric
templates (non-invasive physical
attributes such as fingerprints,
face, voice, etc. that can be used to
uniquely identify an individual).

Mariners, Cargo
Denied Port Entry

Meanwhile~ven before Con­
gress enacts new port security
measures-security concerns
already are resulting in mariners
and cargo being denied entry to
U.S. ports.

The Coast Guard and the
Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS), using the authority
they already possess, are turning
away vessels with suspicious
cargo and refusing crew members
shore leave. The Coast Guard also
is persistent in its effort to per­
suade the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) to adopt
sweeping new international port
security requirements.

In a recent episode, the Coast
Guard prevented a French vessel
from oftloading container cargo

Continued on page 5

Photo by James R. Tourtellotte

The U.S. Customs Service, with its electronic cargo processing sys­
tems has the most knowledge about cargo, aircraft and vessels enter­
ing and leaving the U,nited States at ports of entry. Vessel movements
at ports are controlled through documents filed with the Customs
Service.

Scholarship Committee Selects 10 Winners .
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has I arship. They are Allison Kelly Barra, daughter of

announced this year's SIU scholarship recipients. inland member Louis D. Barra; Brian M. Bragg, son
Selected by a panel of professional educators last of William E. Bragg; Arleen B. Cayan, daughter of
month were five Seafarers and five Dencio A. Cayan; Brittany N.
dependents of SIU members-for a }·;, 'For a moft ln-depth /ook Stropich, daughter of Steve L.
total monetary value of $130,000. at each ot,:the scholarship Stropich; and Christopher A. Urti,

In past years, Seafarers were eli- winne{S~ see page~- · son of Angelo J. Urti.
gible for three of the scholarships :c.2, .,., . This year's selection committee,
--0ne four-year, $20,000 award and meeting in San Francisco, was
two $6,000 stipends for a two-year course of study at appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers
a college or vocational school. This year, however, Health and Benefits Plan.
none of the applicants qualified for the four-year The panel was composed of the following schol­
scholarship. The scholarship committee instead ars and academicians: Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary's
awarded three additional two-year grants, for a total College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University
of five. of New Orleans; Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus

The Seafarers selected for the 2002 scholarships Adolphus College in Minnesota; Dr. Trevor
are Mark A. Dyer, Pamela C. Monaco, Samuel Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community
Garrett, Jeanette Montgomery and Fernando D. College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association
Mesa. of Colleges and Universities; Father David A.

Additionally, five dependents of SIU members Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Keith
were selected to receive a $20,000, four-year schol- Schlender, Medical College of Ohio.

June2002



Delaware North Acquires 3 •queens•
When a company with 25,000

employees and $1.6 billion in
annual revenue shows up at an
auction, one would expect a
strong bid.

Delaware North Companies
Inc. delivered such an offer May
4, purchasing the famous Delta
Queen, Mississippi Queen and
American Queen for a reported
$80 million. Delaware North also

bought the Delta Queen Steam­
boat Co. brand name, and strong­
ly indicated that it will keep Delta
Queen's traditional operations in
place.

That includes basing the
steamboats in New Orleans,
along with their reservation and
sales center. Delaware North also
"plans to interview and retain the
majority of the operation's em-

The American Queen (top), Mississippi Queen (middle) and Delta
Queen have new owners following last month's auction.

ployees."
"We were very impressed with

the local management and talent,"
said Dennis Szefel, president of
Delaware North Companies
Hospitality and Entertainment
Group. "Our hope is that we can
preserve this operation's most
valuable resource- its employ­
ees. Their knowledge of the rivers
and the company's history, along
with the exceptional skill it takes
to operate these vessels, is incred­
ibly important to the ongoing suc­
cess of these operations."

A spokeswoman for Delaware
North told reporters that the com­
pany in other acquisitions nor­
mally has kept more than 90 per­
cent of the employees.

The SIU is optimistic about
reaching a contract with the pur­
chaser; a tentative agreement
appeared imminent late last
month. The purchase itself also
must be :finalized, but federal reg­
ulatory approval was expected by
the end of May.

Seafarers already are sailing
aboard the Mississippi Queen,
which had a schedule in place

Newest LMSR Christened
Seafarers-Crewed Soderman Joins MSC Fleet

More SIU jobs came on line
recently with the christening of
the U.S. Military Sealift Com­
mand's newest large, medium­
peed. roll-on1roll-off hip, the

od mz ·1.

~~~i!i!-t--+he vessel was launched April
26 during a ceremony at the

ational S eel and Shipbuilding
Co. . CO) in San Diego.

The nev e t SIU-crewed mem­
ber of the MSC fleet is named for
Medal of Honor recipient Anny
Pfc. William A. Soderman (1912-
1980). The widow of the ship 's
namesake, Virginia Soderman,
served as sponsor during the cer­
emony and broke a bottle of
champagne across the bow to for­
mally name the ship.

MSC in 1997. In 2001, it was
transferred to the Maritime Pre­
positioning Force to preposition
U.S. Marine Corps equipment at
ea. The ves el was renamed

US1 S Gunnery Sgt. Fred W.
Stockham in honor of a Marine
Corps Medal of Honor recipient.

The new Soderman will strate­
gically preposition Army equip­
ment, including vehicles and sup­
plies, at Diego Garcia in the
Indian Ocean.

The Soderman is designed to
transport helicopters, tanks and
other wheeled and tracked mili­
tary vehicles. It will have a cargo
carrying capacity exceeding
394,000 square feet. The ship is
950 feet long, has a beam of 106
feet and will displace about
63,000 tons when fully loaded.
The Soderman, equipped with
two 32,000 horsepower gas tur-

bine engines, is capable of sus­
taining speeds of up to 24 knots.

The Soderman is one of the
final pieces of a 22-ship fleet
mandated by a Pentagon study
following the Persian Gulf War
that called for strengthening
America's sealift capabilities.

even before the auction. The boat,
operating on bankruptcy court
:financing until Delaware North
formally is approved as the new
owner, began sailing May 7.

Headquartered in Buffalo,
N.Y., Delaware North was a sur­
prise bidder for the steamboats.
According to press reports, seven
bidders participated in the auc­
tion, including Orient-Express
Hotels Ltd., Waveland Invest­
ments, and Uniworld, which
operates Global River Cruises in
Europe.

Delaware North's winning bid
reportedly includes an undis­
closed amount to be paid to cred­
itors and more than $4 7 million to
the U.S. Maritime Administration
for loans it made to build the
American Queen.

The new owner already is a
major player in the hospitality,
travel, entertainment and food
service industries . Delaware
North has seven independent
divisions whose ventures include
-among many other high-pro­
file businesses- operating Bos­
ton's FleetCenter, hotels in

Yosemite and Sequoia National
Parks, the Grand Hotel near the
Grand Canyon, and "recreational
hospitality services" at Niagara
Falls Sate Park and the Kennedy
Space Center. The company's
chairman owns the National
Hockey League's Boston Bruins,
a franchise with a long and rich
history.

The Delta Queen has a presti­
gious history of its own- it is a
National Historic Landmark.
Built in 1926, the boat is 285 feet
long and can accommodate 174
guests.

The Mississippi Queen is 382
feet long and capacity for 422
passengers, while the 418-foot
American Queen can carry 436
guests.

The vessels' routes vary in
length and destination, but include
historic journeys along the upper
and lower Mississippi River as
well as along the Ohio, Tennessee
and Cumberland rivers.

Delta Queen's parent compa­
ny, American Classic Voyages, is
reorganizing following the eco­
nomic fallout of September 11 .

The USNS Soderman's nighttime
launch in San Diego, accompa­
nied by fireworks, signaled new
SIU jobs and stronger sealift
capabilities.

Left: The USNS Pomeroy, T-AKR
316, is a sister ship to the recent­
ly christened USNS Soderman.
Aside from hull number (the
USNS Soderman is T-AKR-17),
both vessels are identical in
appearance and have the same
capabilities.

Also participating in the cere­
mony were Rep. Randy "Duke"
Cunningham (R-Calif.), who
delivered the ceremony's princi­
pal address, and Kristina Carson
Fletcher, niece of the ship's
namesake, who served as matron
of honor. ITF Comes Through Again, Secures Back Pay for Crew

President Harry Truman pre­
sented Soderman the Medal of
Honor during a ceremony at the
White House on Oct. 12, 1945 for
his bravery in Belgium during
World War II.

The christening marked the
econd time a sealift ship has

u ed the Soderman name. The
:first Soderman was a commercial
container ship that was converted
to an LMSR and delivered to

Please be advised that
SIU headquarters and
all SIU hiring Halls will

,,

be closed ThWS,{Jf;J,Y,
July 4, 2002 for the

observance of
Independence Day

(unless an emergency
arises). Normal busi ..

ness hours will resume
the following wot;kday.

,,,:;~.,,,<!~::

June2002

The International Transport
Workers' Federation (ITF) in late
April secured nearly $89,000 in
back pay for Filipino crew mem­
bers of the Malta-flagged tanker
Bregen.

SIU ITF Inspector Scott Brady
handled the case, which unfolded
April 21-24 aboard the vessel in
Freeport, Bahamas. He discov-

ered that the ship operator, Tsakos
Shipping and Trading (based in
Greece), wasn't honoring the
terms of the ITF contract that
covers the Bregen.

The crew included several
Greeks, a Cypriot and a Russian
in addition to Filipinos, but only
the latter were owed back pay.
After investigating, Brady spent

Thankful crew members from the Bregen received their back wages,
thanks to assistance from the ITF.

two days demanding that the
company pay up.

"They ultimately concurred
with my :findings and paid back
wages on board the Bregen of
$43,078 and, in accordance with
the crew's instruction, wired
$45,900 to ITF headquarters in
London for distribution to the
crew upon their request," Brady
noted.

The ITF, based in London and
founded in 1886, is an alliance of
594 transportation-related trade
unions in 136 countries, repre­
senting approximately 5 million
workers. The SIU is an ITF affil­
iate.

For decades , the ITF has
waged a campaign against run­
away flags, also known as flags
of convenience or FOCs. That
campaign, ardent1y backed by the
SIU, has resulted in better work­
ing and living conditions for
mariners of all nationalities.

"Without the ITF insisting on
regulations aboard runaway-flag
ships through collective bargain­
ing agreements, there wouldn't be
any protection for thousands of
mariners around the world,"
Brady stated.

The federation, in describing
its campaign, noted, "Standard­
ization of working conditions is
the ultimate goal, and trade
unions play a crucial role in
achieving this. When national
regulation can be so easily under­
mined by any successful compa­
ny with branch offices in other
countries, international trade
unionism is essential. Without it,
working conditions will in­
evitably plummet."

Seafarers LOG 3



Tug Liberty to the Rescue
Only with training and repeti­

tion can the response to a situa­
tion become instinctive.

Such was the case recently at
Big Stone Anchorage in the
Delaware Bay.

Like many tankers and oilers,
the OM! Sacramento (formerly
an SIU-contracted ship, now reg­
istered under foreign flag) was
coming up the Delaware River
too heavy for the 40-foot chan­
nel. The Maritrans tug Liberty,
which works in combination with
the barge Maritrans 300 to
lighter crude, was on hand to
help in the lightering operation
that would then enable the
Sacramento to continue upriver.

Unfortunately, as the Sacra­
mento s chief mate climbed down
the Jacob's Ladder to check the
ship's draft, he lost his footing,
fell into the water and started
drifting downstream.

Without a moment's hesita­
tion, the crew aboard the tug
Liberty responded instinctively
to their training and released one
of the tug 's rescue boats to
retrieve the wet and em­
barrassed-but otherwise un­
harmed-mariner.

Cruise-Ship Recruitment Scam
Confirmed After ITF Warnings

Following warnings from the Inter­
national Transport Workers' Federation
(ITF), a cruise ship recruitment scheme
-which has taken more than half-a-mil­
lion dollars from at least l 0,000 Kenyan
job seekers-has been confirmed as an
elaborate fraud by the Kenyan govern­
ment.

The move came after the ITF warned
that the cruise ship industry could not sup­
port the jobs offered by a shady United
Arab Emirates-based company, Al Najat
Marine Shipping.

In mid-May, the federation published
the following statement: "The ITF is issu­
ing a worldwide alert to mariners' unions
and other organizations to look out for the
company, and to report any further money­
for-jobs schemes. Al Najat Marine Ship­
ping had commissioned five Nairobi­
based agencies to recruit 50,000 staff for
cruise ships, but applicants were asked to
pay at least US$58 each for a 'medical
examination.' At least 10,000 Kenyans are
known to have paid up."

Speaking in Nairobi last month, ITF
General Secretary David Cockroft warned
ministers the scheme "looked like a racket,

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POL.ITICA'­
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4 Seafaren LOG

an illegal scam. There is simply no possi­
bility that these jobs are out there," he said.

Following government investigations,
Kenyan authorities on May 16 confirmed
the scheme was fraudulent, and halted
recruitment by the company's agents.
According to the ITF, even before the
industry downturn following the Sept. 11
attacks, the number of jobs available on
cruise ships would be far less than what Al
Najat Marine Shipping portrayed.

The ITF contacted the Kenyan govern­
ment in July 2001 with concerns about the
company.

According to a Moroccan newspaper
report, Al Najat Marine Shipping also has
attempted to recruit 20,000 cruise ship
workers there. Le Matin reported that
thousands of people had signed up for the
scheme, paying at least $100 dollars each.

In the past, the ITF has successfully
assisted the prosecution of companies
involved in similar scams in Belgium and
Canada. "The ITF warns job seekers not to
pay money for jobs, to make sure jobs
really exist, and to seek advice from a
trade union if at all suspicious," the feder­
ation noted.

ATTENTION
' SEAFARERS:

/11
,//,,

_., -
~-- -­...... ~ " --::,

Maritrans CEO Steve VanDyke (center) joined crew members on board the tug Liberty to
congratulate them on their quick thinking in the rescue of a fallen mariner. From the left
are Mate Jim Jennings, Assistant Engineer Rod Hood, AB/Tankerman Glenn Naundorf,
VanDyke, AB/Tankerman Edmund "Big Ed" Putro and Captain Rich Adams.

Pension Plan Issues
Check No. 1 Million

SIU Retiree Samuel "Hoot" Gibson
didn't immediately know it, but he recent­
ly became part of the union's history when
he received the one-millionth check issued
by the Seafarers Pension Plan.

"It says a lot about the strength of the
pension plan, and I know they've been
mighty good to me," declared Gibson, 75,
who lives in Gilbertown, Ala. "I have had
numerous medical expenses--doctor, hos­
pital and prescription drugs-and the SIU
has always been there for me. My monthly
retirement checks and the bonuses I have
received are all a godsend."

The Seafarers Pension Plan is based at
SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md.
Check No. 1 million was issued in April.

Gibson joined the union in 1951 and
sailed in the deep sea division until 1981.
He often worked aboard Alcoa passenger
ships, and also sailed for Waterman,
Bloomfield and others.

The Alabama nati esail d in the ngin
department, including numerous voyages

;, I

SIU Pensioner Samuel "Hoot" Gibson, pic­
tured recently (left) and in the early 1950s
(right) in April received the one-millionth
check issued by the Seafarers Pension
Plan.

as an electrician or FOWT. He joined the
merchant marine because "back when I
started, there was nothing to do around
here. And then I couldn't quit after staying
with it for so many years."

Gibson attends the Christmas dinner
each year at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. as
well as other functions involving retired
Seafarers.

"I would like to add that the last bonus
check, for $1 ,000, came just in the nick of
time for expenses that were unforeseen,"
h n ju b.
SIU."

Townsend Announces Bid for Governor

Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsen~ (top photo, f~ont row, next to. SIU
Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz) on May 5 kicked off her bid for governor with a
rally in Annapolis, Md. She aims to become the state's first female governor. Mo~e
than 1,000 people, including U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.),. ~ov. P.a~ris
Glendening and dozens of students from the Paul Hall Center fc;>r Mant1me Training
and Education (based in Piney Point, Md.) attended the gathering at the Maryland
State House.

June2002



Labor Condemns Court Decision
Opening U.S. to Mexican Trucks

An eleventh-hour legal
attempt by groups looking to
keep U.S. highways safe by pre­
venting the government from
ending the moratorium on
Mexican truck border-crossings
has been derailed by a federal
appeals court in San Francisco.

The 9th U.S. Court of Appeals
on May 2 denied the request by
an alliance of environmental,
consumer and labor organiza­
tions, which one day earlier sued
the Department of Transporta­
tion. The group's lawsuit hoped
to stop the federal government
from implementing regulations
for the operation of Mexican
trucks in the United States. It also
sought an injunction that would
have required the administration
to conduct an environmental im­
pact statement so that key public
health concerns about these vehi-

cles could be fully addressed be­
fore they were allowed through­
out the country.

The litigation- filed just two
days before the new guidelines
were scheduled to go into effect
on May 3- alleged that the
Department of Transportation did
not conduct a comprehensive
analysis of the environmental
impacts of the Mexican trucks
when it made its recommenda­
tions earlier this year.

The regulations at issue­
which outline safety and opera­
tional prerequisites-had to be in
place before the president could
lift the 1982 moratorium that
bans Mexican trucks from the
United States.

As reported last year in the
Seafarers LOG, Mexican trucks
were promised full access to U.S.
highways under the so-called

UN Security Council
Calls for 'Transparent'
Liberian Ship Registry

The United Nations Security
Council during its May 6 meeting
in New York called on the gov­
ernment of Liberia to institute a
"transparent and internationally
verifiable audit regime" to ensure
that revenues gained from its run­
away-flag shipping registry and
timber indu try are u ed for legit-

t ial. rnm· nttanan and
opment purposes.

The council's decision also
repeated a request that the gov­
rnm nt e tabli h an effecti e

C rt1ficate of Origin regime for
Liberian rough diamonds that is
transparent and internationally
verifiable. Finally, the council
requested that all UN-member
states, in particular arms-export­
ing countries, exercise the high­
est degree of responsibility in
small arms and light weapons
transactions to prevent illegal
diversion and re-export, in order
to stern the leakage of weapons to
illegal markets in the region.

A panel of UN experts-to be
established in three months by
UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan- will conduct a follow­
up assessment mission to Liberia
and neighboring states to investi­
gate and report on compliance
with the resolution demands.

10lations, as well as any poten­
tial economic. humanitarian and

cial impacts of the resolution,
al o will be reported ..

The foregoing demands were
mp nents of the UN's unani­

m u I) adopted resolution that
nd d already existing sanc-

n again t the West African
n-including an arms

em1ha1r~n10. a travel ban on a large
r of government officials
me in the nation's maritime
•. and a prohibition on the

rt f it rough diamonds­
ther 12 months. The sanc­

:i. r in tituted last year in
n t Liberia 's support for

olutionary United Front
in neighboring Sierra

ria recei es an estimated
illi n in revenue each year

i maritime registry; about
i fly the Liberian flag.

A UN panel last year reported
that Liberia has used funds raised
by the U.S.-based Liberia
International Ship and Corporate
Register (LISCR}-which oper­
ates the maritime register on the
government's behalf- to finance
arms and weapons transport and
other anctions-bu ting acti itie .
During th ame time frame, the
International Transport Workers'
Federation (ITF) claimed that
revenue from the registry funded
pre ident Charles Taylor ' brutal
war against Sierra Leone.

Transparency of ownership
has been a core demand of the
United States in the continuing
international debate over beefing
up maritime security. And
although it has stirred sometimes­
aggressive objections from ship
owner groups and a number of
delegations to the International
Maritime Organization, it still
has considerable backing, espe­
cially in the United Kingdom.

"The clock is ticking for the
Liberian register and it should
have had its last chance," said
Jon Whitlow in response to the
UN's decision to extend the sanc­
tions. Whitlow is secretary of the
ITF's Seafarers, Fisheries and
Inland Navigation Section.

"Those who hoped it would
somehow emerge looking pure
and innocent from the murderous
mire of the Liberian state have
been made to look at best naive
and at worst complicit," Whitlow
continued. "The UN's call for the
Liberian flag to make its dealings
transparent is particularly signifi­
cant. It means the Security
Council accepts that funds have
been used for criminal purposes.
Common decency surely
demands that ship owners ' flag
off' and wash their hands of this
tainted operation."

The UN has given the
Liberian government three
months to establish and imple­
ment auditing procedures for the
revenue it receives from its mar­
itime and corporate registry to
ensure it is spent on legitimate
(social, humanitarian or develop­
ment) purposes.

North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994.
The U.S. did not meet the March
8, 2000 NAFTA-imposed dead­
line for opening all U.S. roads to
Mexican trucks, but U.S. trans­
portation officials since have
been working toward a solution
for the impasse. The regulations
being challenged in the coali­
tion's litigation are the result of
U.S. officials' new policy regard­
ing the trucks.

The plaintiffs in the suit­
Public Citizen, the Environment­
al Law Foundation, the Inter­
national Brotherhood of Team­
sters, the California Federation of
Labor AFL-CIO and the
California Trucking Association
- say the trucks are not clean
enough to enter the country and
will dramatically increase U.S.
air pollution because:

• At least 30,000 Mexico­
domiciled diesel trucks are set to
enter this year, including many

Port Security
Continued from page 2

that was mislabeled and consid­
ered to be dangerous to the port.
The containers were deemed
"misdeclared and in substandard
condition." The ship was ordered
out of port where it anchored
before departing for a foreign des­
tination.

In an April 8 move, the INS
announced that it would no longer
grant isa \ ai ers or shore lea e
to any crew members who did not
possess valid U.S. visas. Under
the procedural shift- made with­
out a change in its formal policy­
the fNS will detain crew members
on board their vessels if they
arrive in the U.S. without valid
visas. In instances where seamen
claim medical emergencies in
order to gain shore leave, the fNS
would review requests on a case­
by-case basis.

Published reports say some
vessel owners already are experi­
encing detention of crews aboard
ships making U.S. port calls. The
INS unequivocally has declined to
adopt a uniform policy to admin­
ister these actions, stating instead
that detention decisions have been
left to local INS authorities.

In a parallel development,
which came after several foreign
crew members jumped ship in
Norfolk, Va., the INS told ship
operators not to lower their gang­
ways until INS agents were pre­
sent. This policy change was insti­
tuted to prevent such incidents in
the future .

Other ship operators have been
required to provide armed guards
to stop crew members without
visas from leaving vessels.

Security Scanning Device
Elsewhere, U.S. Customs offi­

cers in Seattle have implemented a
new system that makes inspecting
the interior of a cargo shipping
container as simple as gazing at a
computer monitor. According to
published reports, the mobile
gamma-ray scanning device
reveals the contents- cargo,
weapons and even people-inside
the quarter-inch thick steel walls
of a shipping container.

The system became opera­
tional in Seattle in early April;
Tacoma is expected to go on line
with units in the near future. It has

older, pre-1944 trucks that are the
most egregious polluters.

• Within 10 years, diesel
emissions from U.S. trucks will
be dramatically reduced due to
new engine and fuel standards; no
legislation is pending in Mexico
to require Mexico-domiciled
trucks to meet the same or even
similar standards.

• Trucks from Mexico may
not be covered from a settlement
that requires U.S. trucks to
remove "defeat devices" which
enable them to test clean at
inspection sites but run dirty on
the open road.

"Trucks that cross our border
from Mexico must meet U.S.
emissions standards," said James
P. Hoffa, Teamsters general presi­
dent. "Unless these standards are
met, we should not allow these
trucks to further pollute the air we
breathe."

Currently, Mexico does not
have strict controls on diesel
emissions. According to the
Teamsters, Mexico-domiciled
diesel trucks already have dra­
matically increased air pollution
in the western border states.
Diesel and its component chemi-

been operational at truck cross­
ings along the country's southern
borders for two years.

An estimated 1.3 million ship­
ping containers transit the port of
Seattle annually. This unit can
scan 11 containers per hour com­
pared to the time it takes inspec­
tors to check one unit. Nation­
wide, the Customs Service has
more than 20 systems deployed.

Port Terrorism Prevention Act
In another congressional move,

Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.)
on April 30 introduced the Port
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2002
(S. 2426). This measure- intend­
ed to beef up security at all U.S.
ports-would provide $150 mil­
lion during fiscal year 2003 to
acquire at least 100 mobile scan­
ning devices; $50 million annual­
ly during fiscal years 2003
through 2007 for research and
development grants, and $500,000
for a government report to
Congress covering automated
scanning systems used by the U.S.
Customs Service.

Under the measure, manifest
discrepancies would be eradicated
by granting the Customs Service
the authority to fine parties (from
$10,000 to $20,000 per violation)
for failing to correct manifest
entries. Additionally, certain mer­
chandise descriptions such as
"freight of all kinds," "hazardous
not otherwise specified" and "said
to contain" would be barred from
use.

Security at California Ports
The Coast Guard has put new

security guidelines into place cov­
ering marine terminals in
Southern California and the ves­
sels and trucks calling at the facil­
ities. The ports of Los Angeles,
Long Beach and Port Hueneme
are affected.

Announced in January after the
Coast Guard held a number of

cals have been linked to cancer,
birth defects and asthma, a
Teamsters news release said.

AFL-CIO President John
Sweeney, in a prepared statement
following the court's decision,
voiced his strong displeasure with
the judge's ruling. "The decision
by the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals
to allow Mexican trucks to oper­
ate on U.S. roads--even though
the trucks do not meet U.S. emis­
sions standards-places a higher
value on corporate rights than on
the safety and well-being of the
American people," he said.

"It is appalling that Mexican
trucks will be allowed to emit
dangerous pollutants on our road­
ways, exposing our communities
and families to increased health
hazards, even though U.S. law
attempts to protect citizens by
limiting emissions from our own
trucks," the labor president con­
tinued. "Last year, the Depart­
ment of Transportation said that
Mexican trucks operating on U.S.
soil must meet all U.S. standards.
We believe these standards
include laws regarding emissions,
as well as labor laws and safety
standards."

meetings with officials from the
transportation community, the
new security requirements went
into effect May 1 . They are based
on three levels of risk, with mea­
sures growing in intensity as the
security risk increases.

Level 1 - The threat of an
unlawful act against terminals and
vessels is considered possible, but
not likely.

Level 2 - Intelligence indicates
that terrorist activities in the area
are likely.

Level 3 - An unlawful act is
considered imminent and intelli­
gence indicates terrorists have
chosen specific targets.

The Coast Guard has outlined
specific security measures that
must be followed at each level.
Terminal operators are charged
with implementing the measures
as appropriate.

When the Seafarers LOG went
to press, the captain of the port
(COP) had Southern California
facilities under a Level 1 alert.
Under this level, every person
entering the terminal must have
business to conduct at the facility
and show valid identification
cards. Further, all packages and
vehicles entering or exiting the
terminal area are subject to
inspection. On a random basis,
five percent of the vehicles are
subject to search.

More measures are required
should the COP call a Level 2
alert. Terminal representatives
would be required to escort all
contractors, vendors and visitors to
their destinations inside the facili­
ty. Ten percent of vehicles ran­
domly would be subject to search.

In Level 3, all deliveries to ves­
sels must be inspected. In addi­
tion, all ship stores must be
screened for explosives, and
explosive-sniffing dogs must
sweep the terminal prior to the
arrival of a vessel, as well as other
security measures.

Contract Reminder
Beginning June 16, under terms of the standard freightship and

tanker agreements, members with 3,000 or more days of sea time
will receive pension credits for their vacation benefits. For instance,
if a Seafarer sails on a tanker where he receives 15 days of vacation
per month, and that individual works eight months a year, then he
will receive pension eligibility for 360 days.

Also, members can include their vacation benefit when determin­
ing annual earnings upon which the wage-related pension is calcu­
lated. This leads to a larger pension.

Seafarers LOS 5



Article Cites Manpower Crisis
Facing U.S. Merchant Marine

An article in the May issue of Sea Power maga­
zine warns that the United States would be hard­
pressed to satisfy armed forces' sealift requirements
in the event of a full-scale conflict.

The piece also quotes several prominent maritime
authorities who emphasized the importance of the
U.S. Merchant Marine.

The article was written by Robert Little, a
Baltimore Sun reporter who authored similar pieces
last summer which were carried on the Sun s front
page.

Sea Power is published by the Navy League of the
United States. In the magazine, Little notes that more
than 95 percent of the materiel needed by U.S. troops
for a normal overseas military mission must be trans­
ported by ship. "Sealift remains essential to combat
success in virtually any large military operation car­
ried out by U.S. personnel in a foreign theater," he
writes. "Smaller regional campaigns, Like the war in
Afghanistan, can be supported to a considerable
extent by airlift, but aircraft simply cannot carry the
huge tonnages of supplies and equipment necessary
to sustain a large invading or occupying force like the
one amassed during Operation Desert Shield.

"The largest airplane in the U.S. Air Force inven­
tory, a C-5 Galaxy, can carry only two Ml-Al
Abrams tanks, for example, because of the immense
weight of the tanks. A cargo ship could carry ten or
20 times as many tanks, and thousands of tons of
other military supplies and equipment as well."

U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles "Tony" Robertson Jr.
(ret), former head of the U.S. Transportation
Command, says the nation "needs a fairly robust, cer­
tainly healthy U.S.-flag fleet to do the [Department
of Defense's] business. When a crisis occurs-I
mean a real knockdown, drag-out crisis-for the

country to rely on foreign-flag carriers is something
we would not want to do."

Similarly, Capt. William Schubert, head of the
U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), says that the
U.S. fleet's status "is a very serious issue that needs
to be addressed right now-today. We don't have
time to postpone this issue any longer, or there could
be some very serious consequences. I am not very
comfortable right now that we have the ability to
respond to an emergency."

The article examines U.S. sealift assets and many
of the challenges facing the industry. For instance,
Rear Adm. David Brewer, commander of the U.S.
Military Sealift Command, notes that STCW require­
ments could impact "the surge fleet during a large­
scale activation."

Strikingly absent from the otherwise fairly com­
prehensive critique was an assessment of runaway­
flag shipping and its impact on the U.S. fleet.
Runaway flags, a sort of waterborne version of
NAFTA, unquestionably have harmed not only the
U.S. Merchant Marine but also the fleets of many
other nations.

The writer does point out that the U.S. "has
always relied on civilian merchant mariners to move
its military supplies and equipment overseas in time
of war."

Finally, the piece mentions several potential steps
for boosting the American-flag fleet. Among them
are creating a merchant marine reserve; developing
an emergency plan for training and certifying retired
and inactive mariners; and initiating various changes
at maritime training institutions.

Schubert concludes that the challengers are "a real
wake-up call that shows how important the U.S.-flag
Merchant Marine is to our national defense."

Reminder for Government Operations Employees
Working for NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers, MSC

The "open season" for the
Thrift Savings Plan runs from
May 15 through July 31. Now is
the time to increase or decrease
your amount of contributions to
the different plans.

It pays to contribute as much
to the thrift plan as you can
afford. This year you can con­
tribute up to 11 percent of your
salary. Civil Service Retirement
System (CSRS) participants can
contribute up to 6 percent of your
salary.

In the Federal Employees
Retirement System (FERS), the
agency will make an automatic
contribution of 1 percent of your

base pay. If you contribute
money, your agency (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration/NOAA, Army
Corps of Engineers or Military
Sealift Command) will make
matching contributions up to a
certain amount. These additional
agency contributions can really
boost the value of your retire­
ment plan-it's like giving
yourself a raise in your pension.
That's especially true if you
contribute the most you can
afford each year and keep your
money invested throughout your
career.

Money in the Thrift Savings

Plan may be invested and trans­
ferred between five funds. The
Government Securities or G fund,
the Common Stock Index
Investment or C Fund, the Fixed
Income Investment or F fund, the
Small Capitalization Stock Index
Investment or S Fund, and the
International Stock Index or I
fund.

Planning for your financial
well-being at retirement is impor­
tant. Take the time to learn about
your retirement benefits. Infor­
mation for FERS and CSRS pro­
grams can be obtained from the
Afloat Personnel Management
Center or at www.tsp.gov.

GMDSS Still Going Strong

The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in
Piney Point, Md., offers a 70-hour GMDSS course that is approved
by the U.S. Coast Guard. The school began offering the course in
February 2001. The class utilizes state-of-the-art training tools, as
shown in these photos. GMDSS stands for global maritime distress
and safety system. Under amendments to the International
Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all cargo ships and
passenger vessels greater than 300 gross tons that sail on inter­
national voyages must be fitted with GMDSS equipment.

Notice to Civmars Re: Force Protection Duties
Recently, the union has received several messages from Civmars. nutfytrYQ

us that they have received orders to perform security duties outside the ves­
sel. These duties have included riding a launch boat, riding a security boat to
patrol around the vessel, standing on the pier for ID check, and standing at
port entry points away from the vessel to check vehicles and passenger iden­
tifications.

The union has notified MSC that Civmars should not be required to perform
these types of force protection assignments, nor should they be asked to per­
form these assignments on a voluntary basis. This type of force protection
assignment should be performed by military personnel or other personnel
working at the direction of the military.

These duties are outside the scope of work normally performed by
Civmars. Civmars are not adequately prepared to perform these assignments,
and these duties place Civmars in positions which pose uncertain risks.

If you receive an assignment of this type, please contact your ship's chair­
man, who should notify the union. We will try to resolve these situations at the
lowest operational level to ensure MSC continues to meet its mission require­
ments and that mariners will not be required to perform these types of duties.

Union, MSC Agree on Position Conversions Port Council Honors Sen. Carnahan
The union's government services

division recently reached an agree­
ment with the Military Sealift Com­
mand (MSC) to implement an expan­
sion of the existing AB positions
aboard its Civmar-crewed vessels.
This will increase the number of ordi­
nary seamen positions and reduce the
number of steward utilitymen slots.

Changes to this program will
affect job opportunities and working
conditions for Civmars in the deck
and steward departments.

MSC is experiencing a severe
shortage of ABs in its East Coast fleet
and a moderate shortfall on the West
Coast. This program will require
changes to the manning scales of
most PMl vessels. As these changes
are introduced, more AB billets will
open, affording an opportunity for
steward utilities to apply for work in
AB positions.

The union is very supportive of all
upgrading opportunities provided
through this position conversion pro­
gram, and encourages those Civmars
who are interested in a future in the
deck department to make application
for transfer.

At the same time, the union is con­
cerned about the possible impact to
working conditions for remaining

6 Seafal'fllS LOS

personnel in the steward department
and the overall impact to food service
and sanitation due to the manning
adjustment. These concerns were
raised in bargaining sessions with
MSC management representatives.
As a result of these talks, the union
signed a memorandum of understand­
ing (MOU) with the command which
calls for a joint monitoring of the
AB/OS-conversion program and its
impact aboard MSC ships.

The parties will convene within 45
days of implementation to examine
input and feedback from the captains
and the chief stewards about any
changes in working conditions. The
union urges all chief stewards (east
and west coasts) to keep your union
representatives informed about the
program's effect on the steward
department.

Stewards may send their com­
ments to:

ci vmarsu pport@seafarers.org.
This email address is set to receive
comments about detailing issues and
reports regarding the conversion pro­
gram. Please file any grievances
through your ship's chairman.
Civmars generally will not receive
responses to messages sent to this
address.

The St. Louis Port Council of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department last month saluted U.S. Sen.
Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.) (pictured with SIU and MTD Pres. Michael Sacco) during its annual banquet.
This year's event took place May 11 in St. Louis. Sacco presented the port council's "Able Helmsman"
award to Carnahan, who is the first woman in Missouri history to serve in the Senate. He described her
as "someone who has demonstrated a firm, effective commitment to the people she represents. It's
very simple: Senator Carnahan supports the goals of organized labor."

June2002



Bosuns: Individually and Together,
Seafarers Must Get the Job Done

The maritime industry has its
complexities, from high-tech
equipment to often-voluminous
regulations and beyond.

Last month, however, the
union's newest class of recertified
bosuns spelled out some nuts­
and-bolts truths that are vital not
only to the SIU but also, one
could argue, to the entire U.S.
fleet.

Addressing fellow members
and unlicensed apprentices dur­
ing the May membership meeting
in Piney Point, Md., the dozen
"recertifieds" shared their views
on the union's effectiveness and
how each individual member
must play a role in that success.
They also described the impor­
tance of different components­
political action, training, job per­
formance, contract negotiations,
representation in the U.S. and
abroad, to name a few.

Completing the four-week
course at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education
were Abdulla Alwaseem, (from
the port of Wilmington, Calif.),
Mark Billiot (Norfolk, Va.),
Ralph Broadway (Baltimore),
Dave Coleman (Mobile, Ala.),
Thomas Gruber (Jacksonville,
Fla.), Frank Hedge (Wilmington,
Calif.), Joseph Olson (Brooklyn,
N.Y.), Ricardo Quinones (San­
turce, P.R.), Omaha Redda
Houston), Francisco Sousa

a · . , ic a I
Watson (Tacoma, Wash.) and Jay
White (Houston). The course­
which blends classroom training,
hands-on instruction and confer­
ences with representatives of the
union's various departments-is
considered the top curriculum for
deck-department Seafarers.

Early Lesson
White, who joined the union

after what he described as a dis­
appointing stint aboard oil-patch
workboats, recalled a message he
heard in 1987 aboard his first SIU
ship. "My bosun told me the SIU
is all about a fair day's wage for a
fair day's work. If we didn't get
the work done, we would lose the
contracts. I have never forgotten
that," he said.

"Remember, the ships do not
exist to give us a free ride around
the world and a paycheck," White
continued. "The companies in­
vest in the ships to do a job. The
SIU invests in us to maintain the

ships and get them from point A
to point B. When everyone does a
good job, everyone looks good.
That's when we get a little extra
time off in port or maybe make a
little extra money. When every­
one does his share, this also gives
Mr. (Augie) Tellez and his staff
power at the bargaining table.
When we don't do our job, we get
no extras, we are weak and our
union representatives have to go
to the table with excuses."

Billiot said he was heartened
to learn more about "all the hard
work that goes into keeping the
American flag flying on the ships
we have. And I'd have to say my
overall experience at Piney Point
has been great, starting as a
trainee in 1988. It seems as
though every couple of years,
some new regulation is intro­
duced and new training is needed

FROM PINEY POINT TO THE WHITE
HOUSE-The SIU's newest recertified
bosuns spent most of the four-week
course on the campus of the Paul Hall
Center in Piney Point, Md. Above,
they're pictured with SIU officials right
after the May membership meeting at
the school. At left, the class included
meetings at AFL-CIO headquar­
ters-and a quick stop across the
street for this photo at the White
House. Graduating from the course
(and pictured in both photos) were
Abdulla Alwaseem, Mark Billiot, Ralph
Broadway, Dave Coleman, Thomas
Gruber, Frank Hedge, Joseph Olson,
Ricardo Quinones, Omaha Redda,
Francisco Sousa, Michael Watson and
Jay White.

for us as Seafarers to maintain
our ability to sail. The school puts
a great deal of effort in keeping
up with and staying ahead of the
changes, and adding classes."

Political Action, Opportunities
For Mobile resident Coleman,

brushing up on the U.S. maritime
industry's heavily regulated
makeup-a condition which
demands political activity as a
matter of continued existence­
proved especially worthwhile.
"SPAD dollars keep the union
wheels turning," he stated, refer­
ring to the SIU's voluntary politi­
cal action fund. "I used to think,
'Oh well, I'll just sign and con­
tribute to SPAD,' but I didn't
fully understand its importance.
Those dollars are fighting for our
survival, from the White House to
a small town in Alabama."

Alwaseem encouraged his fel­
low Seafarers to "always remem­
ber it is very important to donate
to SPAD to support our political
activity.... I enjoy being a sea­
man and I'm very proud to be a
member of the SIU, which is the
strongest maritime union in the
world. I thank the union officials,
past and present, for all the hard
work that they put forward to
make this a true union."

Broadway reported that since
graduating as a trainee nearly 20
years ago, "I've always been able
to find work through the union
halls, and SPAD is a major com­
ponent. It keeps our jobs secure."

Sousa and Hedge both touted
the opportunities they've found
through the union and the school.
"I have sailed non-union and with
other unions. No one offers the
opportunities to advance my

career that the SIU offers,"
declared Sousa.

Hedge has been a member of
five different unions. "The SIU is
the only union that has helped me
advance within my industry," he
pointed out. "I've always appre­
ciated what our officials do for
the membership and the industry.
As for the school, it's all positive.
SIU members have everything to
gain by upgrading."

Redda said he is living proof
of the chances to better oneself.
"I joined the union 20 years ago.
Before that, I used to ride two
buses to go and work for less than
$4 an hour," he remembered.
"Today, I have a beautiful wife
and kids and all that goes with it.
Damn right I'm a union man!"

Redda added that the Paul Hall
Center "is state of the art.
Whatever training is called for in
any department, it's offered here.
I would recommend upgrading to
all SIU members."

Safety Training
Watson half-jokingly said he

found at least one drawback to
staying at the school. "I had an
excellent experience at Piney
Point. I gained a lot of weight and
acquired new know ledge and
skills," he noted.

Like most of his classmates,
Watson is a frequent upgrader. He
also is a veteran of two shipboard
fires (Aleutian Developer and
Liberty Bell) and therefore has an
acute appreciation of the
acclaimed Joseph Sacco Fire
Fighting and Safety School,
which is part of the Paul Hall
Center.

"I believe that you can't get
enough practice. Hands-on train­
ing is the key part in -fire fight­
ing," Watson said. "The Joseph
Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety
School was excellent, as was the
computer lab."

Next Generation
A number of the bosuns

offered guidance and encourage­
ment to the unlicensed appren­
tices in the audience.

"Study at the school, and listen
to your supervisors on the ship,"
said Quinones. "And remember,
the only stupid question is the one
not asked."

"Ask questions and learn,"
agreed Olson. "You can better
your education and job opportu­
nities by taking advantage of
what's offered at this school."

Gruber suggested that the
newest Seafarers can choose from
two paths. "You can either attend
the school of hard knocks, or the
one here before you. The things
here at Piney Point will make
your life easier."

Hands-on training is a big part of most Paul Hall Center courses, including recertification. Honing their skills are (from left) Frank Hedge, Omaha Redda, Mark Billiot (at wheel) with
Paul Hall staff member Jack Russell, Francisco Sousa and Joseph Olson.

June2002 Seafarers LOG 7



Guilty Pleas Entered
In Pollution Case
Involving FOG Ship

A ship manager based in
Piraeus, Greece and a 56-year-old
chief engineer pleaded guilty last
month in a New York federal
court to falsifying a runaway-flag
ship's log to hide the dumping of
oil into the ocean.

The sentencing hearing for
Ionia Management and Christos
Kostakis was scheduled for May
24, too late for this edition of the
Seafarers LOG. The company
may be fined up to $500,000; the
mariner faces possible fines and
up to five years in jail.

The case has been described as
one of several recent episodes in
which U.S. authorities, unable to
penalize those responsible for
dumping oil in international
waters, instead seek their prose­
cution for lying in the logs, once
the ship reaches the U.S.

In a joint announcement
issued May 7, the U.S. attorney
for New York's Eastern Dis­
trict-along with officials from
the Coast Guard, Environmental
Protection Agency and FBI
- noted that the Bahamian-

More Pollution

flagged tanker Alkyon, operated
by Ionia, "like other large ships
produces waste oil from opera­
tion of its engineering machinery.
Much of this waste oil accumu­
lates in the bottom, or bilges, of
ships ' engine rooms. During rou­
tine operations, ships accumulate
too much oily bilge water to carry
from port to port. Because waste
oil is an environmental hazard,
the Alkyon, like other similar
ships, is equipped with a pollu­
tion-prevention device known as
an oil-water separator. An oil­
water separator processes a ship's
oily bilge water by separating
water containing no more than 15
parts of oil per million and dis­
charging that water overboard.

"When an oil-water separator
detects water containing more
than 15 parts of oil per million, an
alarm sounds and the oily water
is prevented from being dis­
charged overboard. The oil
residue produced by the oil-water
separator is stored aboard the
ship for proper disposal in port,
or is burned in a ships' incinera-

EPA Charges 2 Engineers from
Panamanian-Flagged Car Carrier

Two engineers from the
Panamanian-flagged car carrier
Cygnus have been charged with
making false statements in the
ship's oil record book. According
to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, they allegedly
recorded that waste oil was
burned in the ship's incinerator
when, instead, it was being dis­
charged into the ocean.

The mariners-Chief Engi­
neer Pyeong Gab Jeong and First
Engineer Duk Jo Jeong, both
Koreans- in late April were
ordered to remain in Portland,
Ore., as were four other crew

members who are material wit­
nesses. The 623-foot Cygnus is
owned by Feng Lee Maritime
Corp. of Panama City and is
operated by Fujitran Corp. of
Japan.

According to press reports,
Coast Guard and EPA inspectors
on April 10 boarded the Cygnus
in Portland and determined that
the ship's waste oil recovery sys­
tem had been bypassed. They had
received an email from a former
crew member that reportedly
included images of the discon­
nected ship's manifold attached
to a hose that drains overboard.

tor. An oil-water separator
requires regular maintenance,
cleaning, and replacement of fil­
ters."

Federal law requires that ves­
sels document use of the oil­
water separator, discharges of
processed water and disposal of
oily water. The ship's chief engi­
neer is responsible for operating
the oil-water separator and main­
taining and recording information
in the oil record book.

The government announce­
ment further noted that on Jan. 8,
the Alkyon was en route to New
York Harbor when its shipping
agent made a routine request for
the U.S. Coast Guard to inspect
the tanker upon its arrival. The
inspection, which took place off
Staten Island, "established that
piping had been manipulated so
that the Alkyon s oil-water sepa­
rator could be bypassed, and that
oily bilge water had been dis­
charged directly into the sea ....
When a Coast Guard officer
asked crew members if they used
a 'bypass pipe' to evade the oil­
water separator, Chief Engineer
Kostakis produced a pipe and
stated that it was used only for
emergencies."

An inspection of the ship's oil
record book revealed false
entries. Kostakis, a Greek,
waived indictment and pled
guilty to knowingly and willfully
making the bogus accounts . Ionia
pled guilty to the same charge.

As part of the plea agreement,
the parties will recommend to the
sentencing judge that the total
fine imposed be payable to the
National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation, a charitable and non­
profit corporation established by
Congress to promote and con­
serve U.S. environmental re­
sources. Additionally, Ionia will
reimburse the government for its
expenses incurred in prosecuting
the case, estimated to be $35,000.

Finally, Ionia must provide the
Coast Guard with a compliance
checklist for the "proper care and
disposal of oily waste" no later
than four days before any of its
ships arrives at any port in the
United States. The checklist
requires the company to certify
that each arriving ship has been
properly processing and dispos­
ing of its waste oil.

OMU Cortes' Ashes Committed to the Deep

Above: Chief Mate Robin Espi­
nosa (left) and Capt. Peter Saran­
dinaki prepare to scatter the
ashes of Brother Cortes. Below:
officers and crew read from
Psalm 107: 23-31.

B Seafarers LOG

As his ashes were being scat­
tered over the Atlantic Ocean, the
officers and crew of the CSX
Discovery bid a final farewell to
their fellow Brother of the Sea,
Heriberto Cortes.

Capt. Peter Sarandinaki, in a
note to Cortes' widow, Teresa,
wrote that Sunday, April 7, at 10
a.m., while steaming off the East
Coast of the United States, "the
ship's main engine was placed on
slow ahead and the crew assem­
bled for a memorial service on
the fantail."

Tributes of remembrance were
voiced by Steward Jonny Cruz,

SA Erasmo Gue­
vara and QMED/
Electrician Roy
Frett. Readings
from the old and
new testaments
followed, after
which all hands
were joined to­
gether in reciting
The Lord's Prayer.

"We then had a
moment of sil-

Steward Jonny Cruz (right) and
Captain Sarandinaki participate
in the memorial service for OMU
Heriberto Cortes.

ence," Sarandinaki continued,
"as Heriberto's ashes were slow­
ly scattered in the wake of the
ship, accompanied by a final
farewell salute of three prolonged
blasts on the ship's whistle."

Cortes, 48, joined the union in
1971. He sailed as an OMU and
died March 12 while working
aboard the CSX Producer.

Retired Ohio Legislator
Casey Jones Dies at 86

Casey C. Jones, who sup­
ported legislation to assist Great
Lakes mariners, passed away
April 2 in Springfield Town­
ship, Ohio, after a nearly year­
long illness. He was 86.

Jones, a Democratic state
representative for 25 years who
retired in 1995, had been active
in the AFL-CIO Maritime
Trades Department's Toledo
Port Council for many years. He
helped enact a bill to extend
unemployment benefits to those
who worked on lake freighters.

Jones also sponsored bills
that tackled issues such as
migrant labor, literacy, educa­
tion about minority cultures,
sickle cell anemia, crime vic­
tims and more.

A native of Princeton, Ky. ,
he once played basketball for
the Harlem Globetrotters and
the Toledo entry in what became
the National Basketball Asso­
ciation. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur
(D-Ohio) said Jones' sports
background "brought that spirit

Casey C. Jones Sr.
1915 - 2002

of teamwork and camaraderie to
the political process. He had a
way of carrying himself that
people were always comfortable
with."

He is survived by his wife of
38 years, two sons, four daugh­
ters, 17 grandchildren and a
number of great-grandchildren.
Funeral services took place in
Toledo.

Prison Sentence Delivered
In Alien Smuggling Suit

When four illegal immigrants from China died aboard a Japanese
cargo ship bound for Seattle in January 2000, it illustrated the ongoing
problem of foreign-flag vessels serving as conduits for smuggling peo­
ple into the U.S.

Last month, a Chinese man-who himself snuck into the country
five years ago-was sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in
coordinating the attempted illegal immigration of 18 other Chinese
nationals. Chao Kang Lin, 31 , was sentenced in Seattle on May 9. Two
other con pirators already had been convicted an entenced t hort­
er terms.

While the case of the Japanese-flag Cape May hardly is unique­
the vessel was one of at least 15 found along the West Coast that year
with Chinese civilians concealed in containers-the fatalities drew
widespread attention. Altogether, 18 people hid in a 40-foot container
aboard the Cape May for a 10-day voyage from Hong Kong to Seattle.
They paid anywhere from $38,000 to more than $40,000 apiece for the
transportation.

U.S. immigration officials who had been alerted to the scheme
opened the container in Seattle. They found conditions described in
press and government reports as horrific and torturous.

The bodies of three dead men were stacked in the container's rear;
a fourth man died later. They died from starvation and dehydration
caused by seasickness.

The survivors, cramped and short on stores, endured a predictably
brutal, dark journey.

News reports stated that, according to newly unsealed court docu­
ments, U.S. authorities have connected the Cape May incident and
several other smuggling maneuvers to a pair of Chinese "triad" crime
operations.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Lin traveled to Seattle
to meet the aliens upon their arrival and arrange their transportation to
New York City. While awaiting the connection, he was contacted by a
China-based alien smuggler (commonly called a snakehead) who told
Lin to check the local newspaper for a report on the deaths.

Reminder: SIUINMU Reciprocity
As reported in previous issues,

the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan (SHBP) is operating a pilot pro­
gram with the NMU Welfare Plan
which is intended to benefit Sea­
farers.

When the NMU merged into the
SIU, one union was created. How­
ever, in accordance with the merger
agreement, the benefits plans of
each union (as they previously exist­
ed) remain separate.

In the case of the health plans,
eligible members who before the
merger were covered by the SIU
plan, continue to receive coverage
under that plan. Similarly, eligible
members who were covered by the
NMU still are with that plan.

The six-month pilot program
(which ends in July) essentially gives
full credit for sea time toward mem­
bers' health-benefits eligibility, re-

gardless of which plan they are cov­
ered by. As long as a member has
enough sea time to qualify for health
benefits, it doesn't matter if that time
was accumulated on SIU- or former
NMU-contracted ships, or a combi­
nation of both. The member gets
credit toward eligibility under his or
her plan.

The pilot program will be
reviewed by trustees after its expira­
tion.

Additionally, the Seafarers Vaca­
tion Plan and the Seafarers Pension
Plan have announced reciprocal
agreements with their NMU counter­
parts. Those agreements fundamen­
tally allow members to receive credit
toward their pension and vacation
benefits based on their total days
worked, even if their sea time is
divided between companies that are
signatory to the plans.

June2002



Ten Scholarships Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents
Forty-nine years after awarding its first scholarships, the Seafarers Health and

Benefits Plan program is still going strong. In 1953, four full college scholarships were
given out in the amount of $1,500 each, for a total of $6,000. Today, $130,000 is being-

divided up between the ten 2002 scholarship recipients- both Seafarers and their depen­
dents. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the
10 college-bound students.

I SEAFARERS

Mark A. Dyer

Pamela C. Monaco

Samuel Garrett

Jeanette Montgomery

Fernando D. Mesa

June2002

Five scholarships were
awarded this year to Seafarers,
each in the amount of $6,000
for study at a two-year college
or vocational school.

Deep sea member Mark A.
Dyer, 34, began sailing in 1989
at the urging of his younger
brother Aaron. Upon arriving at
his first ship, the USNS Rigel, he
was surprised by Aaron and
another brother, Jeff, who were
waiting for him at the top of the
gangway. Jeff worked in the
deck department and Aaron
worked in the steward depart­
ment. (Another brother, Lance,
also sails.)

Dyer, who lives in Newport,
N.C., sails as a chief steward. He
has received many compliments
and praises for his dedication
and professionalism in the galley
(especially his fresh-baked
donuts) and for his strong inter­
est in the welfare and morale of
his fellow crew members.

His brother Aaron passed
away at the age of 20, and Dyer,
in winning this scholarship and
continuing his education, is
keeping a promise he made to his
younger brother to better himself
in his chosen occupation--culi­
nary arts and sciences. He has
already begun studies at Johnson
& Wales University in Norfolk,
Va., where he has been on the
dean's list, and will continue
with that program.

Pamela Monaco, 44, gradu­
ated from the SIU's entry-level
training program in 1978. In
1980, she upgraded to a rating of
AB and has been sailing in the
deck department for the past 24
years.

In 1992, Monaco graduated
from a vocational nursing pro­
gram and received her vocation­
al nursing license. For the past
nine years, while continuing to
sail, she also has worked part
time as a nurse in the home
health care field and has contin­
ued her nursing studies.

The resident of Shasta, Calif.
hopes to receive an associates
degree in nursing and a regis­
tered nursing license at Shasta
College in Redding, Calif. and
"to use these skills and qualifica­
tions to provide a positive
impact into the nursing profes­
sion in my community."

Although her goals are
focused on the nursing profes­
sion, Monaco has no plans to
disregard her seafaring career.
She says she has enjoyed her
career as an AB and has "always
appreciated the respect and sup­
port given to me by my SIU
brothers and sisters."

Samuel Garrett, 40, has
been a member of the SIU for 13
years. He started working in the
steward department, but follow­
ing a voyage during the Gulf
War aboard the Cape Etna as an
emergency wiper, the engine
department is where he feels
most comfortable, and he has

been sailing in that department
ever since, always taking advan­
tage of opportunities to advance
his skills at the Paul Hall Center.

Garrett's long-range educa­
tional goal is to complete a two­
year program in criminal justice,
leading to an AS degree, at
Florida Community College in
Jacksonville. He would like to
use his new legal skills in work­
ing on behalf of the SIU mem­
bership in both the legal and
political arenas.

Jeanette M. Montgomery,
36, joined the SIU in 1988 in the
port of Honolulu. She worked on
board the SS Independence for a
year-and-a-half before returning
to San Francisco to attend col­
lege. But her funds were dimin­
ishing quickly. She began attend­
ing classes at the Paul Hall
Center, and by the time she was
finished, she had completed the
cook/baker, chief cook and
lifeboat classes and then started
to sail deep sea out of the port of
Seattle.

Montgomery has returned to
the Piney Point school over the
years, eventually completing the
steward recertification course in
March 2000.

Having attended college part
time since 1996, Montgomery is
now ready to take on a new chal­
lenge in the field of medicine.
She plans to attend college full
time in Bellevue, Wash. and then
go on to graduate school at the
University of Washington to
complete a degree in clinical
nursing.

Since graduating from high
school in 1979, Fernando D.
Mesa, 41, hasn't stopped work­
ing-trying everything from
salesman, file clerk, receptionist,
waiter, cook and machinist to
help his parents with the expens­
es of raising a large family. It
wasn't until 1994, when he
began working aboard the SS
Independence and SS Con­
stitution that he felt he had found
his career. He returned to Piney
Point a number of times over the
years to upgrade his skills.

Sailing as a DEU, most
recently on the Chemical Trader,
Mesa has been singled out as a
true asset on the vessel. He
received a certificate of appreci­
ation for his excellent work
aboard that ship. "His duties
require him to work in all three
departments," the ship's master
noted. "His effort is 100 percent
in all three areas and excels in all
three areas."

Mesa now has the time to
return to his education. He has
applied to West Kissimmee
Community College and Or­
lando Community College in
Orlando, Fla. with the hopes of
earning a diploma in social com­
munications. His goal is to
become a journalist or TV news
reporter- and, one day, to write
books-something he has
always dreamed of doing.

Five $20,000 scholarships
were awarded to five depen­
dents of SIU members.

Eighteen year-old Allison
Barra is graduating this month
from Coral Springs High School
in Coral Springs, Fla.

She is the daughter of Linda
and Louis Barra, an inland tug­
boat captain who joined the SIU
in 1979.

She hopes to major in pre-law
at Georgetown University.

Brian Bragg believes aero­
nautical engineering is in his
future. The 17-year-old son of Jo
Anne and William Bragg Jr., a
chief steward most recently
working aboard the Express
(USSM), is graduating this
month from Inglemoor High
School in Kenmore, Wash. He
would like to pursue his aero­
nautical engineering interests at
the University of Washington in
Seattle or at Stanford University.

Arleen B. Cayan, 19, graduat­
ed two years ago from Carson
High School in Carson, Calif.
and has been taking courses at
several colleges, not really sure
of what she wanted to do. But
after a stimulating Calculus II
course, she discovered her love
for teaching math, and plans to
be a math professor, completing
her studies at the University of
San Diego.

She is the daughter of
Anselma and Dencio Cayan, a
2"d pumpman and SIU member
since 1992.

The compassion Brittany
Nicole Stropich received from
others while she was in recovery
from an eating disorder ignited
her personal desire to help peo­
ple. To that end, she has chosen
nursing as her career.

The 18-year-old daughter of
Diane and AB Steve Stropich
(an SIU member since 1981) is
graduating this month from
Escanaba Senior High School in
Escanaba, Mich.

She plans to continue her
studies at Grand Valley State
University in Allendale, Mich.

Ever since age 11,
Christopher A. Urti knew he
wanted to be a doctor. This
knowledge helped him design
his academics and extracurricu­
lar activities toward the medical
profession.

Urti is the son of Claudette
and Angelo Urti, a recertified
bosun who joined the SIU in
1965.

The 18-year-old Urti graduat­
ed from Hammond High School
in Hammond, La. last year and
has been attending Southeastern
Louisiana University in that city.
Next fall, he will transfer to
Louisiana State to continue his
pre-med studies.

Urti applied for the scholar­
ship last year but was not one of
the selected five. That makes this
year's winner especially thank­
ful-and should be noted by
other applicants not to give up at
something they really want.

DEPENDENTS

Allison K. Barra

Brian M. Bragg

Brittany N. Stropich

Christopher A Urti

Seafarers LOB 9



Around the
Port of

San Francisco
Everybody had a job to do when the Consumer (CSX Lines) put into the port
of Oakland, Calif. recently. Clockwise (from top): OMU Jasper Brown and 1s1
Assistant Engineer Michael Romano work in the engine room; Bosun Larry
Kunc overhauls the stores crane; and Chief Cook Frank Sison begins prepa­
rations for lunch.

. Letters to the Editor
(Editors note: the Seafarers

LOG reserves the right to edit let­
ters for grammar as well as space
provisions without changing the
writers intent. The LOG wel­
comes letters from members, pen­
sioners, their families and ship­
mates and will publish them on a
timely basis.)

Memory (Shipping) Lane
I sailed in the SIU in the

1960s, joining the union in 1960
in Brooklyn. My father also was a
union brother from the Second
World War until 1966 or so. His
name was Carl R. Johnson, and
he sailed as bosun and deck main­
tenance. We moved to Seattle in
1961 and shipped from there,
from then on.

I started as a wiper, and sailed
mostly later as fireman/water­
tender and oiler. Now I feel
somewhat like my dad-he start­
ed out on square riggers and then
went on to steamships, and I
sailed on steamships which are
now as "antique" as the sailing
ships he was on as a young man,
as I understand it.

In 1968 I left the sea to attend
Seattle Community College to
learn how to be a computer pro­
grammer, which is how I made
my Jiving until I retired in 1998.

Galveston, Texas in 1986 and
currently serves the U.S. Military
Sealift Command as an aviation
maintenance logistics vessel.)
John R. Johnson
P.O. Box 681
Hilo, Hawaii 96721-0681

.. )It

Coincidence & Thanks
I want to give my thanks to

our late SIU President Paul Hall
and now to our President Mike
Sacco, who is doing a wonderful
job. I'm grateful for the bonus
and I appreciate all of our SIU
brothers and sisters who are help­
ful to me and an other retired
Seafarers.

I sailed as bosun on the Sea­
Land ships, running between
Puerto Rico and Cuba for many
years after World War II. In
retirement, I have noticed an
interesting coincidence. When I
retired, I purchased a house in my
hometown. I live on East 56th
Street-between Cuba Street and
Puerto Rico Street.
Charles W. Jordan
Savannah, Ga.

Short & Sweet: Thanks
Thank you so much for the

extra bonus. It will really help
Nicky Hunt
Philadelphia, Pa.

.. )It

From Sea to Market

These giant cranes are a recent addition
to the port of Oakland and are designed to
accommodate the newest generation of
container ships. They can each lift 65 long
tons at one time and can reach 201 feet
over a ship, hoisting at a speed of 230 feet
per minute and with a capacity to load
more than 30 cargo containers in an hour.

I joined the Seafarers Union
over 11 years ago. I saw it as the
opportunity of a lifetime, to con­
tinue my travels around the world
while being surrounded by some­
thing I truly enjoyed: food. The
year was 1989 and I had just
returned from a three-year pro­
gram with the United States
Peace Corps in the Philippines. I
worked as a volunteer with farm­
ers of remote areas to help
improve food crop yields while
promoting conservation . .. .

Hawaii was my first port o'
call. A friend, seeing my econom­
ic negative flow, suggested the
merchant marine would be my
way out of the jam. He even
arranged for me to stay with a
Filipino family in Hawaii while I
learned the ropes of becoming a
merchant seaman.

I was hired to be a "chef
trainee" on the white ships. It did­
n't take me long to realize I was
experiencing something people
would pay thousands of dollars to
experience, and for others it
would be just a lifetime's dream.
I learned with as much eagerness
as possible. I also worked over­
time every chance I was given ....

My house, which I had pur­
chased as an investment before
going to the Philippines-and
had almost lost because of lack of
employment- was once again
mine to keep. I was caught up
with the payments.

I managed to work 120 days in
two consecutive years, within a
period of just eight months. Then
I went home for a week and con­
tinued to Piney Point to upgrade.
Upon completion, I sailed contin­
uously, upgrading regularly and
never straying far from my goals.

maintain that high standard ofliv­
ing? How do you cope with not
being able to go to the places
your neighbors can only dream
about?

I explained the consequences
of not being able to sail for eight
months out of the year. My
daughter triumphantly suggested,
"Dad, since you love food so
much, why not work at the
Burger King around the comer?"
Visions of automated burger
machines flashed through my
mind, like bad dreams.

With the blessing of our elders
and the support of friends and the
Fil-Am Association (in which we
have been very active since mov­
ing to Florida), The Asian­
American Market was born on
Dec. 15, 2001. ... We provide
items such as foods that many
ethnic groups know from their
homelands, spices, music,
movies, etc. But most of all, a
friendly service the old-fashioned
way, which is all but lost in the
modem world.

Owning our own business is
one of the most challenging and
daring things we have done as a
family. And even though there is
certain clout and status as a busi­
ness proprietor, there also are
many uncertainties. Small enter­
prises usually own the owners,

not the other way around.
My practical self tells me I

will not be able to stop shipping
anytime soon, even though I
would scale down the months I
ship out in a year. My visionary
self tells me the market only will
g t bigger and b r.

During the first week of
January, I went to Piney Point to
complete my STCW training. I
figured I might as well be ready
to comply and keep up with the
times . . . . Life at sea is not for
everyone, but if that is your
choice, to the newcomer I advise
you to cherish every moment and
place. Consider yourself lucky
and open your mind to the new
experiences. Have fun, but plan
for a secure future.

The Asian-American Market, I
hope, will serve as an anchor in
the central east coast of Florida to
any Seafarer in the vicinity. If you
happen to be near Exit 70 on
Interstate 95 and something
smells like pancit or crispy
lumpias, it probably is coming
from our shop, which is located
about a block away from the
interstate at 6165 Babcock Street.
Stop by, say hello and have a cup
of coffee on us.
Victor I. Jimenez
Palm Bay, Fla.

If any of my old shipmates
happen to read this, I would be
happy to hear from them. I sailed
on various Waterman and Sea­
Land ships from Seattle, as well
as other companies' ships that
have long been scrapped. One
ship in particular I should like to
know about is the SS Young
America, a C2 owned by Water­
man that was named for the
schoolchildren of the United
States who bought war stamps
and bonds during World War II.

(The Young America, now the
SS Wright, was converted in

I felt the need to tell my story
so that other brothers who face
similar situations can have a point
of reference. Sometimes life at
sea can be very lonely, and
because one is so involved with
work, the only thing we have
available to keep in touch with
the world is our Seafarers
LOG ....

As my kids grew and become
more aware that their father did­
n't have a conventional job, they
started questioning the need for
me being away from them. It's
the eternal question of a family
man who also happens to be a
seaman and truly enjoys what he
does for a living. How do you

Seafarer Victor Jimenez (back row, wearing cap) is helped by family
and friends in welcoming former Philippine Senator Nikki Coseteng (at
Victor's immediate right) for a book signing at The Asian-American
Market. Also pictured are Luz Cook, Alana-Antonio Rivera, Brian
Doberk, Kevin Jimenez, Marina Harris, Lisa Jimenez, Melynn
Jimenez, Josie Good and Krystal Cook.

10 Seafarers LOB June2002



At Sea and Ashore

Crew members aboard the Overseas Juneau gather for a
group shot in Portland, Ore. before departing for Pakistan. It
reportedly will be the Maritime Overseas Corp. vessel's last
voyage before being scrapped in mid-June. At right, the crew
loads deck and engine stores aboard the grain carrier for the
trip.

En route to Bombay, India last December aboard the Green Island are (photo above
left) DEU Brandon Malone and (above right, from left) Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez, who
sent these photos to the LOG, and AB Yamira Colon. This was the first trip for Malone
and the last trip for the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel, which was scheduled for
the scrapyard.

Above: SIU Assistant VP Donnie Anderson (left) reads the annual financial report at the April
membership meeting in the port of Tacoma, Wash. while Port Agent Bryan Powell (center)
and Union Rep Tre Dixon look on . Below: Seafarers crowd the Tacoma hall for the monthly
membership meeting.

June2002

It's all smiles following
a payoff on the Endur­

ance in Elizabeth, N.J. In
photo above are (from left)

Steward William Biondie,
Steward Fernando Gonzalez,
AB Abdalla Gaafar, Chief
Cook Banjamin Brooks and
SIU Rep Oscar Lopez. In
photo at right are (from left)
Bosun Raphael James, SIU
Rep Joe Mieluchowski and
GVA Faez Almallahee.

Left: Loading
stores on board
the Consumer
(CSX) on the
West Coast are
shoregang mem­
bers Nunu
Randel, George
Pino, Steve Biles,
Gene Aruta and
Kevin Copper.

Right: Jason Schoenstein,
with help from a forklift,

assist in the
loading operation.

To help the crew members aboard the Maj. Stephen
W Pless feel more at home on Easter Sunday, Chief
Cook Linda McPhetridge and Assistant Cook Fred
Gilbert (below) designed and baked a bunny cake
(inset). The photos were sent to the LOG by Chief
Steward Douglas A. Hundshamer.

Seafarers LOii 11



D
uring ceremonies
in Washington,
D.C., representa­
tives of Congress,
the administration

and the military on May
22-National Maritime Day­
cited the U.S. Merchant
Marine's many accomplish­
ments and sacrifices through­
out history.

The merchant marine's con-

Hunter further stated that in
place of the thousands of ships
that previously were flagged
American, we now have far
fewer. "And we see nations
like Liberia using flagging dol­
lars, flagging fees that compa­
nies that used to flag American
are paying into that dictator­
ship, into terrorist groups and
into terrorist operations. We
see in the shipbuilding base a

very small number
of shipbuilders with
the ability to build
ships in the event we
had to surge and
mobilize quickly
could only build a
small number of
ships.

U.S. Maritime Administrator
Capt. William Schubert

"So I think what
we have to do now
is to resolve to
rebuild this indus­
try," Hunter said. He
pointed out that he
recently had met
with prominent lead­
ers in the maritime
community re­
presenting merchant
mariners and ship-
builders and ship­
pers. "We have put

of the maritime community for
their immediate, heroic
response to the September 11
attacks on America. Five
mariners received plaques for
service to their country during
periods of war and struggle:

• Thomas R. Gibson on
behalf of all merchant marine
veterans of World War II,

• J. Robert Lunney, repre­
senting all merchant mariners
who served during the Korean
War,

• Capt. John Trimmer for
all merchant mariners who
served during the Vietnam
War,

• Retired SIU Bosun
Rowland "Snake" Williams
representing all merchant
mariners who answered the
call during the Persian Gulf
War, and

keynote speaker during the
memorial service at the
Washington Navy Yard.

He painted a vivid portrait
of the partnership enjoyed by
MSC and the U.S. Merchant
Marine. He also reflected on
the integral part that
merchant mariners
have played in
America's security
and prosperity.

"For more than
half a century,
Military Sealift
Command has bene­
fited from the pro­
fessionalism and
expertise of
America's merchant
mariners," the admi­
ral said. "Whenever,
wherever-if duty
called, they deliv­
ered. They're still
delivering today,

thereafter, "Comfort sailed past
the smoldering remains of the
World Trade Center into New
York." Once there, the crew
provided 17 ,000 meals and
500-plus medical consulta­
tions, and processed 4,000-plus

and patriotic. "Tl
Merchant Marin
that is good and
about our great n
said.

Although she
part in any of th
activities, Secret
Elaine L. Chao j
ident in recogniz
of merchant mari
United States. "T
our history, mere
have played a cri
serving this grea
Their contributio
nomic strength a
their role in Ame
efforts to achiev
peaceful world a
able."

tinuing importance to U.S.
national and economic security
also was emphasized through­
out the 70th annual National
Maritime Day.

together a game plan," he said,
"and I hope that in the next six
to seven months -and in the
next year that follows in
Congress-we can really do
what it takes to honor our mer­
chant mariners. And that is to
resolve that we flag American;
that we have thousands and
thousands [of ships] that are
flagged American, manned
American and serving on
American-built ships."

• Capt. James Parese, who
represented all segments of the
maritime community for their
instant reaction to the needs of
fellow citizens in New York on
September 11. Parese, now a
member of MEBA, is a gradu­
ate of the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Edu­
cation.

aboard more than U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Brewer,
110 Military Sealift commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command

The U.S. Maritime Admin­
istration (MarAd), the U.S.
Military Sealift Command
(MSC) and the Washington
chapter of the Propeller Club
sponsored the separate events.
SIU members and officials
attended all three observances.

MarAd Memorial
The MarAd event, which

took place at the U.S. Navy
Memorial, expanded on the
agency's traditional National
Maritime Day ceremony to
honor "living maritime heroes"
as well as merchant mariners
who lost their lives in service
to the nation.

Maritime Administrator
Capt. William Schubert hosted
the service, which highlighted
the accomplishments of Ameri­
ca's mariners in past times of
conflict and during the imme­
diate aftermath of September
11.

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter
(R-Calif.), chairman of the
Merchant Marine Panel of the
Armed Services Committee,
was the event's principal
speaker. After reflecting on
the history of the U.S.
Merchant Marine and the
roles mariners have played
during times of war, the
congressman offered, "I
think it's important to reflect
on where we are today,
because the best way we can
salute all those who have
served in the maritime
industry is to take action."

The showing of a series of
short film clips followed
Hunter's remarks. Each depict­
ed various contributions made
by merchant mariners during
our nation's conflicts. Also
presented was a piece that
showed the myriad actions
taken in the aftermath of
September 11.

At the conclusion of each
videotape presentation, a
plaque was given to an individ­
ual who represented the mer­
chant marine for the time
frame and events previously
reflected upon. Surviving mer­
chant marine veterans of World
War II were honored, as were
those who supported America's
military services during the
Korean, Vietnam and Persian
Gulf conflicts. Recognition
also was afforded all segments

ariti e Day L eon
U.S. Rep. Don Young (R­

Alaska) was scheduled to
deliver the keynote addres
during the Propeller Club's
Maritime Day Memorial
Luncheon, which took place at
the Capitol. Because the con­
gressman was involved in a
pressing legislative matter,
however, he was unable to
attend.

In the congressman's stead,
Rebecca Dye briefly addressed
those in attendance. Focusing
on a matter that's at the top of
everyone's agenda in the mar­
itime community, Dye stated
that the U.S. House of Repre­
sentatives' Port Security Bill,
H.R.3983, is scheduled for
action as soon as Congress
reconvenes following the
Memorial Day recess.

MSC Service
Rear Adm. David Brewer,

MSC commander, was the

Command ships
every day, around the world."

Adm. Brewer said 65 per­
cent of his command's 8,600
employees are mariners serv­
ing at sea. Further, he pointed
out that MSC is the largest
employer of U.S. merchant
mariners in the world.

"We depend on them every
day to meet the mission
requirements of the best ocean
transportation system in the
world," he continued. "We at
MSC are proud of all our
mariners, so it is fitting that
today is set aside to express the
great debt of gratitude we owe
to the dedicated men and
women of the U.S. Merchant
Marine.

"I'm proud to pay tribute
today to the U.S. Merchant
Marine, especially those who
have given their lives at sea in
service to our nation,'' the
admiral continued. "But harm's
way is not always associated
with war."

The admiral then cited sev­
eral recent incidents in which
mariners made the ultimate
sacrifice while in the service of
their country.

He also recalled giving
the order to sail the hospital
ship USNS Comfort on
September 11. The vessel,
typically maintained in
reduced operating status, is
crewed by members of the
SIU's Government Services
Division.

Comparing current and
past maritime resources,
Hunter said, "We had thou­
sands of ships during those
days to carry thousands and
thousands of Americans. We
had the ability to build
dozens and dozens-if not
hundreds and hundreds-of
ships during a given year.
We had an enormous force
of merchant mariners."

The U.S. Maritime Administration's ceremony included tributes to mariners
who sailed during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Retired
SIU Bosun Rowland "Snake" Williams (second from left} represented
mariners from the Persian Gulf War. He is joined by (from left) U.S. Maritime
Administrator Capt. William Schubert, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and
Williams' wife, Doris.

"Within hours of the call
to action, 83 of our dedicat­
ed merchant mariners (22
more than required) reported
to the bow of Comfort," the
admiral shared, "answering
the call of freedom, just as
their predecessors answered
the call during attacks on
America from the
Revolutionary War to Desert
Storm."

He noted that the
Comfort was ready to sail in
less than 24 hours. Soon

12 Seafarers LOG

pounds of laundry for more
than 2,500 firemen, police offi­
cers and relief workers who
had stationed themselves at
ground zero.

Admiral Brewer concluded
his remarks by describing the
U.S. Merchant Marine as res­
olute, hard-working, dedicated

By the President of the U

Our commercial maritime tradition dates back
to play an important role today, moving passenge
ing our citizens to the world.

Merchant mariners have served America with
cially at critical moments. Before World War II. ff
rying vital supplies to Europe. During that war, rn
lost to attack, and more than 6,000 merchant mari
a vital role in the Korean Conflict, especially int
Meredith Victory. During the Vietnam War, ship
of the supplies used by our Armed Forces. Many
fire. In fact, the SS Mayaguez incident involved th
chant ship SS Mayaguez.

More recently, during the Persian Gulf War, me
operation since D-Day. And after the tragic ana
mariners and midshipmen from the United Sta· s
sonnel and equipment and moved food and sup· Ii
rescue operations and helped save many lives.

Today, the men and women of the United ta
workers in our Nation's maritime industry con 1u
economic strength and our ongoing efforts to t 1
maritime system can meet the challenges of the 1'
ble within the next 20 years, a viable maritim n
global economy.

Accordingly, my Administration is working itl
labor, and environmental groups to ensure tha o
option that complements our overland transporLti

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. \1e
tion, approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has
Maritime Day," and has authorized and reque t d
tion calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH
hereby proclaim May 22, 2002, as National Mariti1
States to celebrate this observance and to displa_ th
in their communities. I also request that all ship s
that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
year of our Lord two thousand two and of the Ir e
two hundred and twenty-sixth.

June2002



1e U.S.
~embodies all

holesome
tion," he

id not take
ore going

ry of Labor
ined the pres­
ng the service
ners to the
hroughout
ant mariners
ical role in
country.
s to our eco­

e great, and
·ca 's ongoing
a more
e 1mmeasur-

Rebecca Dye, representing U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska)

t we (in Congress) can real-

it takes to honor our mer-

ners. And that is to resolve

-U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.)

ime Day 2002
ited States of America

o the founding of our Nation, and it continues
and freight, protecting our freedom, and link-

distinction throughout our history, but espe­
ey made dangerous and difficult voyages car­
re than 700 United States merchant ships were
ers lost their lives. Merchant mariners played
e rescue of 14,000 Korean civilians by the SS
rewed by civilian seamen carried 95 percent
f these ships sailed into combat zones under
capture of mariners from the American mer-

chant mariners were vital to the largest sealift
ks of September 11, professional merchant
Merchant Marine Academy transported per­
s to lower Manhattan. Their efforts enhanced

es Merchant Marine and thousands of other
e to make immeasurable contributions to our

a more peaceful world. We must ensure our
century. As cargo volume is expected to dou­
twork will help our country compete in our

government agencies, the shipping industry,
r waterways remain a sound transportation
n network.
chant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolu­
esignated May 22 of each year as "National
hat the President issue an annual proclama-

resident of the United States of America, do
e Day. I call upon the people of the United
flag of the United States at their homes and

iling under the American flag dress ship on

y hand this twenty-first day of May, in the
endence of the United States of America the

George W. Bush

June2002

Photo courtesy of MSC
U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Brewer,
commander of MSC, and the
Honorable Gordon R. England, the
Secretary of the Navy, toss a wreath
into the Anacostia River in honor of
fallen mariners during Military Sealift
Command's National Maritime Day
memorial service May 22 at the
Washington Navy Yard.

Right: Rear Adm.
Brewer (at podium),

the featured speaker
at MSC's event,

strongly stated, "The
U.S. Merchant Marine

embodies all that is
good and wholesome

about our country."

Below: The SIU and the Paul Hall Center were well-repre­
sented throughout the day. Pictured at the Washington Navy
Yard prior to MSC's memorial service are SIU officials and
students from the school in Piney Point, Md.

MarAd gave plaques to mariners who served the nation in times of
war and struggle and who symbolized all U.S. mariners from their
respective eras. The honorees were Thomas Gibson, retired SIU
Bosun Rowland "Snake" Williams, J. Robert Lunney, Capt. John
Trimmer and Capt. James Parese, an SIU hawsepiper.

Seafarers LOG 13



Paul Hall Center's 'Nune Noreen' Retires
For more than two decades,

Noreen Neel-a member of the
SIU-affiliated United Industrial
Workers (UIW)-has provided
health care, medical counsel and
a sympathetic ear to people
associated with the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training
and Education in Piney Point,
Md.

This chapter in the native
Washingtonian's life now, how­
ever, is closed. The health care
professional-also known as the
school nurse and more affection­
ately as ''Nurse Noreen"- hung
up her stethoscope, blood pres­
sure cuff and the various other
implements of her profession for
the last time. She retired May 10
following 22-plus years of dedi­
cated service.

"I definitely will miss being
here and my association with
the Seafarers," shared the soft­
spoken registered nurse, who re­
ceived her formal training at St.
Agnes Hospital School of
Nursing in Baltimore. "They are
all very interesting, colorful
people who have such fascinat­
ing stories to tell. You can't be
around them for this length of
time and not miss them."

Neel and her husband, Edward, are pictured immediately following her
recent retirement ceremony.

Although she has seen
patients from all segments of
the training school's
population-upgraders, families
of upgraders, staff employees,
ARC residents and others-dur­
ing her tenure, she will miss the

Take the Family on Vacation to Piney Point
UNION MEMBER

VACATION RATES
A vacation stay at the Paul Hall
Center is limited to two weeks per
family.

Member

Spouse

Child

$40.00/day

$10.00/day

$10.00/day

Note: There is no charge for chil­
dren 11 years of age or younger.
The prices listed above include all
meals but do not include tax.

This summer, treat yourself and your family to an
unforgettable vacation. Everything you could ask for in
a summer holiday can be found at the Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point,
Md.

This benefit, unique to Seafarers, offers comfortable
accommodations, three meals each day and lots of
opportunities for activities that will please every mem­
ber of the family-for up to two weeks-and all at very
reasonable rates (see box at left).

Swimming, boating, fishing and playing tennis are
but a few of the options available within the center
complex. For those who wish to venture farther afield,
the choices are endless. Piney Point is just a little more
than an hour's drive to any number of exciting desti­
nations in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area
(which includes Arlington and Alexandria, Va. and
Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.}-museums, ballparks,
historical sights, craft shows, concerts and much, much
more.

Send the completed application form (below) to the
address listed and be able to look back on a memo­
rable 2002 summer vacation spent with your family.

PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER
Vacation Reservation Information

Name:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-

Socia I Security number: _________ _ Book number:

Address:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-

Telephone number:

Number in party I ages of children, if applicable:

Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: __ _ 3rd 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 20674-0075. 6/02

14 Seafarers LOG

trainees most. "For many of
them, coming here for training
is their first time away from
home, and I think of them as my
children," the mother of five
and grandmother of nine said.
"I'll miss them."

Neel began working part­
time at the school in 1979. "At
that point, I was employed part­
time at St. Mary's Nursing
Home," she said. "I had been
there four years and previously
worked at St. Mary's Hospital
for three years. When the job
came open here, Ken Conklin
encouraged me to come aboard.
Soon, the position was expand­
ed to a full-time job and I've
been here ever since." Conklin
was the commandant of trainees
who later became vice president
of the school.

Neel has worked Monday
through Friday during her entire
tenure at the school, but was
never more than a phone call
away on weekends and evenings
if needed. Although she has no
way of knowing how many peo­
ple she has seen, assessed, treat­
ed or referred over the years,
she estimates she was seeing on
average 125 patients per week
depending on the time of year.

"I see patients with a variety
of ailments," she said. "The
most common are upper respira­
tory infections, but we also
encounter high blood pressure
as well as diabetes. Then of
course there are the minor
injuries such as cuts and abra­
sions .... I assess patients when
they come in and treat them
according to protocol ( estab-

Crew members occasional­
ly ask the Seafarers LOG to
publish mailing addresses for
U.S. Senators and Congress­
men. Here they are:

The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington , DC 20510

The Honorable (Name)
United States House of

Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Additionally, most members
of Congress may be contacted
by e-mail. To locate an ad­
dress, go to www.senate.gov
or www.house.gov. The SIU's

lished medical directives). If
they are suffering from condi­
tions that we can't treat here,
then we refer them to a doctor."

Additionally, Neel drew
blood to be sent out to labs,
gathered specimens for analysis
and administered immunization
vaccines during her career at the
school. She conducted smoking
cessations programs for people
who were interested in kicking
the habit as well as blood pres­
sure screenings and diabetes
screenings. She organized blood
drives, trained designated
employees in blood-borne
pathogens and was responsible
for the flu vaccine program. In
addition, she taught first aid,
CPR and health-risk awareness.

After all that activity, walk­
ing away isn't easy. "Retiring
was a very difficult decision for
me," Neel said, "because I real­
ly enjoy what I'm doing and
love to help people."

As far as the union is con­
cerned, Neel says she has no
regrets about joining up when
the school became a UIW shop
more than 20 years ago. "For
me, the union has been great,
especially in view of the health
benefits we enjoy," she said. "I
don't think you can go any­
where else and get benefits
comparable to those we receive
in the UIW-you don't have to
contribute to the plan and you
only pay $100 per year
deductible. The plan pays 100
percent of reasonable and cus­
tomary charges .... I definitely
would recommend and encour­
age anyone who is concerned
about job security and improv­
ing their quality of life to join a
union."

web site (www.seafarers.org)
provides links to those sites
and to the White House under
our "legislation" section.

When writing to members
of Congress, whether via letter
or e-mail, remember to be
concise. State your purpose,
be factual and explain how
legislation probably will impact
you and others. If writing about
a specific bill, include its name
and number (House bills begin
with H.R., Senate bills with
S.).

Also be sure to inclue your
name and return address.

The telephone number for
the Capitol switchboard is
(202) 224-3121.

June2002



Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea
*TOTAL REGISTERED

All Groups
Class A Class B Class C

Port
Algonac 1
Baltimore 10
Guam
Honolulu 13
Houston 29
Jacksonville 41

Mobile 8
New Orleans 14
New York 26
Norfolk 17
Philadelphia 11
Piney Point 2

Puerto Rico 13
San Francisco 21
St. Louis 2

Tacoma 33
Wilmington 19
Totals 261

Port
Algonac 0
Baltimore 3
Guam 0
Honolulu 6
Houston 21
Jacksonville 23
Mobile 7
New Orleans 8
New York 11
Norfolk 11
Philadelphia 2
Piney Point 3
Puerto Rico_,, 4
San Francisco 8
St. Louis 0
Tacoma 1 l
Wilmington 8

26

Port
Algonac 0
Baltimore 4
Guam 1
Honolulu 5
Houston 12
Jacksonville 16
Mobile 2
New Orleans 4
New York 18
Norfolk 11
Philadelphia 4
Piney Point 2
Puerto Rico 2
San Francisco 25
St. Louis 1
Tacoma 19
Wilmington 25
Totals 151

Port
Al,gonac 0
Baltimore 2
Quant 0
Honolulu 6
Houston
Jacksonville 2
Mobile 1
New Orleans 5
New York 5
Norfolk
Philadelphia
Piney Point
Puerto Rico
San Francisco 5
St. Louis 0
Tacoma 3
Wilmington 5
Totals 39

Totals All
Departments 577

1
6

11
13

24
5

20
13
20

4

5

3
11
3

14
16

170

1
3
0
6

12
15
6
8

12
11
4
6
0
5

1
10
11

111

1
0
1
6

5
0
5
6
9

2

0
6

4
49

1
2
5

18
6

17
4
8

31
13
2

30

2
19
0

16
8

182

512

3
0
l
0

18
13
7
6

15
7
3

6

4
4
9

17
114

0

10
7
2
l

12
6

1
0
2
0
6

6

57

0
0
0
5
2

9
0
2
4
5
1
1

0
0
0
0
0

29

4
0

28
14
26

1
9

26
15
2

17
4
8
l

16
13

185

385

APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 2002

TOTAL SHIPPED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

DECK DEPARTMENT

Trip
Reliefs

2 1 2 0
5
2
6

23
30

8
15
17
11
4

5
18
0

21
26

5

2
10
15

6
10
IO
15

1
3
4
2
2

11
8

l
0
0
5
5
4

3
7
5
1
0

4

1
5
6

2
0
1

12
16
5

12

9
5
1
0

5
13
0

19
11

194 106 so 111

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0 0 0
3 2 I 0
0 0 0 0
3

11
19
4
6
4
5
0

2

3
10
0

11
9

2
4

12
2
4

11
9
0
1
2
7
1

10
4

1
3
4

0
0
1
0
0
0

0
3
0
4
3

1

6
13

4

2

0
1
4
0
7
2

90 71 21 43

STEWARD DEPARTMENT
0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
6 3 0 3
7

13
I
6

14
7
3

1
l

21

3
2

4
1
3

10

0
4
0
3

0
5
1

4

0
0

0
0

2 0 0
14 0 0
16 4 0

114 37 12

7
10
3
6
5
3
1
0
0
7
1
7

10
63

ENTRY DEPARTMENT
0 1 0

0 2
0 0 0
0
1
0
0
3

1
0

1
3
0
3
1

16

414

3

5
5

3
11
26
9
0

20
3
7

7

6
107

321

0

10

0
5
8
5
1

22

4
5
0
5
4

72

155

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

217

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

0
12
3

17
44
60
20
23
48
21
12
4

18
37

5
51
42

417

1
6
0

12
35
33
9

17
20
15

3

IO
16
1

14
12

205

0
6

21
27
31

7

12
25
12
7
4
3

33
0

41
37

267

0
l
0

12
3
3

1
5

13
2
0

1
6
9
0
7

13
76

965

1
4

17
27
45
13
20
16
27

5

4
5

23
4

27
28

267

2
6
0
9

12
33

8
10
18
16
5
6
2
7
3

18
19

174

7
5

9
0

8
10
15

5
I
8

3

7
83

2
2
5

35
17
41

10
14

59
20

5
25

8
29

37
15

325

849

3
2

4
35
21
8
8

40
14
3
6
2
7
7

22
31

214

l
1
0
5

18

12
4

3

18
9

2
1

15
8

100

0
0
1
9
6

15
2
2

IO
4
2
1
1
1

3

0
58

2
6

2
67

48
50

4

29
63
23

2
18

7
17
3

44
31

416

788

*"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.

June2002

July & August 2002
Membership Meetings

Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters
Piney Point ............. Monday: July 8, August 5

Algonac .................. Friday: July 12, August 9

Baltimore ................ Thursday: July 11, August 8

Boston ..................... Friday: July 12, August 9

Duluth ..................... Wednesday: July 17, August 14

Honolulu ................. Friday: July 19, August 16

Houston .................. Monday: July 15, August 12

Jacksonville ............ Thursday: July 11, August 8

Jersey City .............. Wednesday: July 24, August 21

Mobile .................... Wednesday: July 17, August 14

New Bedford .......... Tuesday: July 23, August 20

New Orleans ........... Tuesday: July 16, August 13

New York ................ Tuesday: July 9, August 6

Norfolk ................... Thursday: July 11, August 8

Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: July 10, August 7

Port Everglades ....... Thursday: July 18, August 15

San Francisco ......... Thursday: July 18, August 15

San Juan .................. Thursday; July) 1, August 8

St. Louis ................. Friday: July 19, Augustl6

Savannah ................ Friday: July 12, August 9

Tacoma ................... Friday: July 26, August 23

Wilmington ............... Monday: July 22

Tuesday: August 20*
*(change created l>y Paul Hall birthday holiday)

Each port's meeting stal'ls at 10:30 a.m.

Personal

DAUGHTER OF STEPHEN J. LESLIE
William Vogler is trying to contact the daughter of the

late MTD Vice President Stephen J Leslie. Vogler may
be reached at 194 Willow St., Johnson City, NY; tele­
phone (607) 766-9631.

In Honor of the Sept. 11 Rescue Workers

Above, posing
aboard the
tug Ocean
Venture, are
(from left)
Thompson,
Kolodziejski
and AB
George
Owen.

AB/Mate Vincent W.
Thompson of Westwego,
La. sent these photos to
the LOG. Below is Joseph
'Philly Joe' Kolodziejski, a
former SIU member who

, once sailed on the Texaco
_ Providence and who has

just begun a 24,000 mile
canoe trip (expected to
take about 5 years) in
honor of the Sept. 11 res­
cue workers. He hopes to
make it to Michigan by
October, return to Texas for
the winter, and start rowing
again in the spring-up to
Alaska and down to the
Panama Canal.

Seafarers LOG 15

JI



Michael Sac~; President

John Fay; Execut'We Vice Pre~ide11t

· David Heindel, Secll!tary· Treasurer

~~gustio T~ fice/Jre.sident Contracts

Toni Orzechowski,
Pice President Lakes and Inland Waters

Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone, l'ice President West Coast

.Joseph T. Sor.esi, Vice Presidem Atlantic Coast

Kermett Mangram,
Jlice President Government Services

Rene Lioeanjie, Vice President at large

Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large . ..
HEADQUARTERS

5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 899-0675

ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001

(810) 794-4988

ALTON
325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002

(618) 462-3456

ANCHORAGE
72 (Sesame St., # 1 C, Anchorage, AK 99503

(907) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 327-4900

BOSTON
520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127

{6 l 7) 269-7877

DULUTH
124 w. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 722-4110

GUAM
1>.Q. Box 23127. Barrigada, Guam 96921

"' 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E
Tun Jesp~ Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96.9 l l

''" .. ' / (671) 647-1350

HONOLULU
606 Kalihi. St., Hon~lull), ttt. ,96819

,, (808) S4if?l22 ,,,
't ' HOUSTON c ;~·

1221 Pierce St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
33J5 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206

(904) 353-0987

JERSEY CITY
99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302

(201) 435-9424

MOBILE
J 640 Dauphin fSland P~. Mobil~; AL 36605

(251) 478-0916 ,,

NEW BEDFORD
48 Union St.. New Bedford, MA 02740

(508) 997-5404

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NEW YORK
635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232

(718) 499-6600

NORFOLK
115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 622-1892

PJJILADELPHJA
2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

(215) 336-3818

PINEYPOJNT
P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674

(301) 994..0010

PORT EVERGLADES
1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

(954) 522-7984

SAN FRANCISCO
350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 543-5855
Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400

SANTURCE
l 057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16

Santurce. PR 00907
(787) 721-4033

ST. LOUIS
4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis. MO 63116

(314) 752-6500

SAVANNAH
2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 238-4958

TACOMA
3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 272-7774

WILMINGTON
SlON. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744

(310) 549.-4000

16 Seafarers LOB

1'1'1'111 Monthly Shipping A Registration Report
APRIL2002

TOTAL REGISTERED

All Groups

TOTAL SIDPPED
All Groups

Group I Group II Group III Group I Group II Group III

Port

Boston
Houston
Harvey, LA
New York
Norfolk
San Pedro
Savannah
Tacoma
Totals

Port

Boston
Houston
Harvey, LA

New York
Norfolk
San Pedro
Savannah
Tacoma
Totals

Port

Boston ,.

HoustQU;;,,,,,
0

•

Harvey, LA

New York
Norfolk
San Pedro
Savannah
Tacoma
Totals

Port

Boston
Houston
Harvey, LA

New York
Norfolk
San Pedro
Savannah
Tacoma
Totals

7
IO
2

16
2

8
2
4

51

5
5
1
5
1

6
3
5

31

·~

0
3
]

2
0

9

0
4

0
2
1
4
0

12

Totals All
Departments 103

0
0
0
0

0
2
4

0
0
1

0
0
0

3

1
2
6

5
6
0
4
0 -
q '

5
21

34

0

0
2
0
0

0
0
3

0

DECK DEPARTMENT

4 0 0
5 0 0
1

13

0
5
1

0
29

0
0

0
0
0
0

0

0

I
0
0
0
0
1

ENGINE DEPARTMENT

3 0 0

_2 . ·-~-"·"-~~"' .. 3 ff . 0
0
0
0

0 3
0 6
-0 0

u 2 0 ..... ,.P
0 0 0

0 0
3 19 0 0

STEWARD DEPARTMENT

0
0
2

2
7

2

0
Q
0

13

21

0
2
2
2
0

0
1

8

0
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0

0

ENTRY DEPARTMENT

2
0
0
1

-...,,......,_,_.-.~···~s, 0

.._...,....,_ . ___ ..... 1

0

5

61

0
0
0

0
0

0

0

0

0
0

0
0
0
0

1

2

PIC-FROM-THE-PAST
This photo was sent to the

Seafarers LOG by
Pensioner Richard E. McAll
of Saraland, Ala.

It was taken in 1959
aboard the passenger ship
Alcoa Cavalier. From the left
are crew members Sam
McDonald, Eddie Gonzales,
Richard McAll, George
Dean, Joe Gallo, Jim
Patterson and Homer Ringo.

McAll, now 73, began sail­
ing in 1947. He worked in all
three departments. His first
ship was the Raphael
Semmes, operated by
Waterman Steamship Corp.
Before retiring in 1986, he
sailed aboard the cable ship
Long Lines.

Trip
Reliefs

12
2
7
0

11
2

12
47

3
3
1
2

2

3
22

0

1
6

2
9
0
7
0

5
2
0

25

100

REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Group I Group II Group III

4
l3
12
48

2
22
10
3

114

0
5
5

24
1

32
5

14
86

5
0

38

13
6

20
1

19
0
3

63

301

5
4
0
6
0

11
0
2

28

0
'}

1

10
0

18
0
2

33

3
16

14
18
6

41

0
15

5
47

146

223

0

5
1
5
0
0
1

0
12

0
7
0

5
6
6
1

0
19

0
0
7

2
36
4

36

0
18
4

13

113

151

A new generation of the
McAll bloodline continues
the seafaring tradition.
Joshua Cooper, now an
unlicensed apprentice in
class 626 at the Paul Hall
Center, is McAll's grandson.

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.

June2002



Two captains and one recerti­
fied steward are among the
19 Seafarers announcing

their retirements this month.
Captains Edward T. Bethel and
Jerry K. Champion worked at
the helms of inland vessels for a
combined total of 40 years, while
Chief Steward James A. Wright
completed the highest level of
training available to members who
sail in the steward department.

Including Wright, eight of the
retirees sailed in the deep sea divi­
sion. Seven others, including
Bethel and Champion, navigated
the inland waterways, while the
remaining four plied the Great
Lakes.

Seven of the retirees worked in
the deck department, seven more
shipped in the engine department
and the remaining five sailed in
the steward department.

On this page, the Seafarers
LOG presents brief biographical
accounts of the retiring Seafarers.

DEEP SEA

FINN JAKOBSEN, 71,joined
the Seafarers in 1973 in the port
of New Orleans. Born in Norway,
Brother Jakobsen worked in both
the deep sea and inland divisions
as a member of the deck depart­
ment. He last sailed aboard
Waterman Steamship Corp. 's
Green Island. He makes his home
in Bogalusa, La.

RALPHF.
MORGAN,
70, began his
SIU career in
1992 in
Seattle. He
served in the
U.S. Air Force
from 1952 to

1966. Brother Morgan first sailed
aboard American Hawaii Cruises'
SS Independence. The Massachu­
setts-born mariner worked in the
steward department and upgraded
his skills at the Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship
in 1995 and 1996. Brother
Morgan last sailed on the Sea­
Land Enterprise. He makes his
home in Pahrump. Nev.

DEMITRIOS
PAPAIOAN­
NOU, 73, was
born in
Greece. He
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1972 in the
port of New York. Brother
Papaioannou first shipped aboard
the President Pierce. The steward
department member was a fre­
quent upgrader at the Seafarers
training school. He last went to
sea aboard the Sea-Land
Expedition. Brother Papaioannou
is a resident of Eagle Springs,
N.C.

JAMEST.
PRATHER,
69, started his
SIU career in
1990 in the
port of Nor­
folk, Va.
Brother
Prather is a

retired U.S. Navy veteran with
more than 30 years in uniform.
He first sailed for the SIU aboard

June2002

Seahawk Management's Falcon
Champion. Born in Florida, he
shipped in the deck department as
a bosun. Brother Prather upgrad­
ed his skills at Piney Point in
1997. He last worked aboard the
Lawrence Gianella, an Ocean
Ships, Inc. vessel. Virginia
Beach, Va. is his home.

GENARO
RIVERA, 62,
joined the
Seafarers in
1962 in the
port of New
York. Born in
Puerto Rico,
the steward
department member last went to
sea on the Sea-Land Challenger.
Brother Rivera lives in his native
commonwealth in the city of
Yauco.

ROBERT
RUFFNER,
61, hails from
Virginia. He
started his
career with the
SIU in 1971 in
the port of
New York.

Brother Ruffner worked in the
deep sea as well as inland divi­
sions. He first sailed aboard the
Robin Locksley, a Moore­
McCormack Lines vessel.
Brother Ruffner shipped in the
deck department and enhanced
his skills at the Seafarers training
school in 1997. He last went to
sea on the LNG Taurus. Brother
Ruffner lives in Jacksonville, Fla.

ANGELM.
VELEZ, 63,
was born in
Puerto Rico.
He started his
SID career in
1973 in the
port of New
York. Brother
Velez worked in all three depart­
ments and upgraded his skills at
the Seafarers training school.
Brother Velez lives in his native
commonwealth in Ponce.

JAMES A.
WRIGHT,
61, began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1967 in San
Francisco.
Brother

ll!!:..=..11----l Wright served
in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to
1961. The California-born
mariner first worked for the SIU
aboard the Selma Victory. A
member of the steward depart­
ment, Brother Wright completed
steward recertification training at
Piney Point in 1981. He last
worked aboard the Sea-Land
Anchorage. Brother Wright calls
Gig Harbor, Wash. home.

INLAND

EDWARDT.
BETHEL, 63,
joined the
Seafarers in
1962 in the
port of Phila­
delphia. He is
a veteran of
the U.S. Navy.

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.

The Pennsylvania native shipped
in the deck department as a cap­
tain. Boatman Bethel upgraded
his skills at the Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship
in Piney Point, Md. in 1993. He
last worked on a Moran Towing
Co. vessel. Boatman Bethel is a
resident of Elkins Park, Penn.

JOHN J.
BROWN, 62,
hails from
Maryland. He
began his
career with
the Seafarers
in 1962 in the

L-~-~~_J port of Balti-
more. Boatman Brown is veteran
of the U.S. Army, serving from
1963 to 1965. He first sailed
aboard a Maritrans Operating Co.
vessel. The engine department
member enhanced his skills at the
Seafarers training school in 1998.
Pasadena, Md. is his home.

JERRYK.
CHAMPION,
65, began his
SIU career in
1968 in the
port of Nor­
folk, Va.
Boatman
Champion was
honorably discharged from the
U.S. Army after serving from
1954 to 1957. Born in Cleveland
County, N.C., the deck depart­
ment member sailed as a captain,
working primarily aboard vessels
operated by Stone Towing Line.
Boatman Champion calls
Wilmington, N.C. home.

ARTHUR DIAMOND, 66, was
born in Cook County, Ill. He
joined the Seafarers in 1996 in
the port of Houston. Boatman
Diamond spent the majority of
his career working aboard vessels
operated by G&H Towing Co.
The engine department member
upgraded his skills in Piney Point
in 1994. Boatman Diamond lives
in Hitchcock, Texas.

NOLEY LEE HARVELL, 63,
joined the SIU in 1993 in the port
of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Harvell
is a retired member of the U.S.
Coast Guard, having served from
1958 to 1981. The deck depart­
ment member was born in Lenior
City, N.C. and worked primarily
aboard Allied Towing vessels. He
upgraded his skills at the Sea­
farers training school in 1998.
Boatman Harvell is a resident of
Bayboro, N.C.

MILTON L.
SHECK­
ELLS, 63,
began his
career with the
Seafarers in
1976 in the
port of Balti­
more. The

Maryland-born mariner worked in
the deck department, sailing pri­
marily aboard vessels operated by
Moran Towing of Maryland.
Boatman Sheckells makes his
home in Baltimore.

PHILLIPT.
YEOMANS,
62, joined the
Seafarers in
1990. Boat­
man Yeomans
was born in
North Carolina
and first
shipped for the SID aboard a
Maritrans vessel. He worked in
the steward as well as deck
departments and was a frequent
upgrader at the Seafarers Harry
Lundeberg School of Seamanship
in Piney Point, Md. Boatman
Yeomans is a resident of Harkers
Island, N.C. home.

GREAT LAKES

KASSEM S. ABDULLA, 65,
started his SIU career in 1966 in
Detroit. Brother Abdulla first
sailed on Buckeye Steamship
Co. 's Buck Monitor. Born in
Yemen, he worked in the engine

l department.
His last voy­
age was
aboard the
American
Mariner, an
American
Steamship Co.
vessel. Brother

Abdulla lives in Dearborn, Mich.

ALAWIA.
ELZAHIRI,
65, started his
SID career in
1965 in
Detroit.
Brother
Alzahiri first
shipped
aboard American Steamship Co. 's
Reiss Brothers. The engine
department member last worked
aboard the Southdown
Challenger, a Cement Transit Co.
vessel. Brother Elzahiri was born
in Arabia, but now calls Buffalo,
N.Y. home.

ABDUL
SAEED, 61,
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1966 in
Detroit. Born
in Yemen,
Brother Saeed

worked in both the engine and
deck departments. He sailed pri­
marily aboard vessels operated by
American Steamship Co., includ­
ing the American Seaocean and
the Buffalo. Brother Saeed calls
Dearborn, Mich. home.

HAMID SHOHATEE, 65,
began his career with the
Seafarers in 1966 in Detroit. Born
in Arabia, Brother Shohatee
worked in both the deck and
engine departments. His initial
SIU voyage was aboard the Reiss
Brothers. Brother Shohatee last
worked aboard the William
Roesch, a Pringle Transit Co. ves­
sel. He is a resident of Detroit.

Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG four years of college or university training
in the field of their choice. The award of
five scholarships this year was made on 1946

The SIU pulled a complete work stoppage
on all ships on June 6 to force the
steamship companies to negotiate for new

the basis of a new ruling by the trustees of
the Seafarers Welfare Plan, setting aside a

agreements. As a rr.::=============================;;;i fifth scholarship
annually for a
Seafarer. result of the stop­

page, negotiations
commenced with

THIS MOl'ITH
the operators on
Tuesday, June 11.
Among other things,

IN SIU HISTORY 1966
Seatrain Lines is in
the early stages of
an expansion pro· the union was seek-

ing establishment of a 40-hour work
week.

1956
Four Seafarers and the daughter of a
Seafarer have been selected by the board
of university administrators as winners of
the 1956 Seafarers Scholarship awards.
Each will receive a $6,000 Andrew
Furuseth Memorial Scholarship to cover

gram that will add eight newer, larger and
faster container ships to the Seatrain fleet.
The new ships are converted "Mission"
type vessels and will be used on the
Seatrain routes operated for MSTS, to
and from Puerto Rico. The company also
plans to expand its ports of call, construct
new shore facilities, and increase existing
facilities. The total cost of the new ship
conversions is $30 million.

Seafarers LOB f 7

•



DEEP SEA
GEORGE BRUER
Pensioner George Bruer, 68, died
March 30. Brother Bruer began his
career with the Seafarers in 1959 in
the port of New York. A native of
Hamburg, Germany, he was a veter­
an of the U.S. Army. Brother Bruer
first shipped aboard the Steel Artisan
in the deck department. He last
sailed on Interocean Management's
El Yunque. Brother Bruer began
receiving his pension in 1999 and
lived in Indian Harbor Beach, Fla.

WILLOUGHBY BYRD
Pensioner
Willoughby
Byrd, 77,
passed away
March 16. Born
in Richton,
Miss. , he start­
ed his SIU
career in 1955
in the port of

Mobile, Ala. Brother Byrd served in
the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1944
and first sailed under the SIU colors
aboard Isco 's Steel Maker. The deck
department member sailed as a
bosun and last went to sea on Puerto
Rico Marine Management's
Carolina. Brother Byrd started
receiving retirement stipends in
1994. He made his home in Mobile.

NEAL CAIRNS
Brother Neal
Cairns, 75, died
Nov. 12. He
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1944 in the port
of New York.
The New Jersey

~ native was a
veteran of the U.S. Army. A member
of the steward department, Brother
Cairns belonged to the Dennis A.
Rolland Chapter of the American
Merchant Marine Veterans in New
Jersey. He lived in his native state in
Toms River.

NATHANIEL CLARK
,........."'""'""...,....,...~_,......,.,., Pensioner

Nathaniel
Clark, 76, died
Feb. 12.
Brother Clark
started his
career with the
Marine Cooks
and Stewards
(MC&S). Born

in Ft. Worth, Texas, the steward
department member began collecting
compensation for his retirement in
1975. Seattle was his home.

MOSES COLEMAN
Pensioner
Moses
Coleman, 84,
passed away
March 26. The
Alabama native
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1942 in the port

of Mobile, Ala. His first vessel was
the Alcoa Polaris, operated by Alcoa
Steamship Co. The steward depart­
ment member last worked aboard
Waterman Steamship Corp. 's John
Penn. Brother Coleman started
receiving pension stipends in 1988.
He lived in his native state

TURE DAHLSTROM
~-----~ Pensioner Ture

18

Dahlstrom, 96,
died March 22.

-· Brother
Dahlstrom
started his
career with the
MC&S.Bornin
Sweden, he
worked in the

Seafarers LOG

steward department. Brother
Dahlstrom started receiving stipends
for his pension in 1972. He was a
resident of Concord, Calif.

JOSEPH DALLAS
Brother Joseph
Dallas, 60,
passed away
Jan. 22. Born in
Hungary, he
joined the Sea­
farers in 1979
in Seattle. His
initial voyage
was aboard the

Inger, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel.
A member of the deck department,
Brother Dallas last worked aboard
the Sea-Land Patriot. He made his
home in San Francisco.

FRANCISCO DEDOMENICIS
Pensioner
Francisco
Dedomenicis,
78, died Jan. 30.
Brother
Dedomenicis
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1944 in the port

of New York. He first shipped
aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Del
Sud. A native of New York, he
worked in the deck department and
sailed as a bosun. Brother
Dedomenicis last went to sea on the
Sea-Land Economy. In 1986, he
started drawing payments for his
retirement. Brother Dedomenicis
was a resident of Lake Charles, La.

STANLEY DUDA
Pensioner
Stanley Duda,
82, passed away
April 3. Born in
Brooklyn, N.Y.,
he started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1941 in the port

.___--"'"'....._ __ __.. of New York.
Brother Duda's initial sea voyage
was aboard Isco's Steel Seafarer.
The deck department member start­
ed receiving his pension in 1979. He
called Newton, N.J. home.

JOSEPH FARIAS
Pensioner
Joseph Farias,
79, died Jan. 26.
Brother Farias
started his
career with the
MC&S in San
Francisco. The
steward depart­
ment member

began collecting compensation for
his retirement in 1978. Brother
Farias was a resident of Seattle.

HOWARD FONG
Pensioner
Howard Fong,
79, passed
away Feb. 11.
Brother Fong

" began his career
with the
MC&S. Born in
China, he

lllfl•!I.~ shipped in the
steward department. Brother Fong
started receiving his pension in 1977
and made his home in Westminister,
Calif.

IUPINGHO
Pensioner Iu
Ping Ho, 79,
died Feb. 18.
The Hong
Kong-born
mariner started
his career with
the MC&S in
San Francisco.
He worked in

the steward department and began
drawing retirement stipends in 1971.
Brother Ho called San Francisco
home.

ANDREW HOLLAND
Pensioner
Andrew
Holland, 75,
passed away
Jan. 4. Brother
Holland joined
the Seafarers in
1977 in the port
of Philadelphia.
Born in

Connecticut, he served in the U.S.
Navy from 1943 to 1945. Brother
Holland initially sailed for the SIU
on the Sea-Land Adventurer. The
deck department member last went
to sea aboard the LNG Gemini.
Brother Holland started receiving his
pension in 1991 and resided in
Chesapeake City, Md.

PAUL HOLLOWAY
Pensioner Paul Holloway, 75, died
Jan. 11 . Born in North Carolina, he
started his SIU career in 1953 in the
port of New York. Brother Holloway
was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, hav­
ing served from 1943 to 1946. His
first SIU voyage was aboard the
French Creek, an Interocean
Management vessel. The deck
department member last shipped on
the Sea-Land Long Beach. Brother
Holloway began collecting retire­
ment compensation in 1989 and
made his home in Charlotte, N.C.

SAMUEL HONG
Pensioner
Samuel Hong,
60, died Jan 14.
Brother Hong
began his career
with the MC&S
in 1968 in the
port of Wil­
mington, Calif.
Born in Los

Angeles, the steward department
member last shipped on Matson
Navigation Co. 's Maui. He started
receiving his pension in 1982 and
lived in Gardena, Calif.

DAVID KELLEY
Pensioner David Kelley, 76, passed
away Nov. 12. Brother Kelley joined
the SIU in 1967 in the port of Wil­
mington, Calif. The U.S. Navy vet­
eran first sailed for the Seafarers on
the Brigham Victory, a Bloomfield
Steamship Co. vessel. Born in
California, Brother Kelley sailed in
the engine department and last went
to sea on the Sea-Land Patriot. He
began collecting retirement compen­
sation in 1993 and made his home in
West Covina, Calif.

ANARGYROS KORIZIS
Pensioner
Anargyros
Korizis, 79,
died Jan. 3. He
started his SIU
career in 1969
in the port of
Seattle. Brother
Korizis first
went to sea on

the Sabine, a Ship Operators Corp.
vessel. Born in Seattle, he sailed in
the deck department and last worked
aboard the Sea-Land Panama.
Brother Korizis started receiving his
pension in 1987. He was a resident
of New York.

MARGARET KOWALSKI
Pensioner
Margaret
Kowalski, 80,

l passed away
Dec. 16. Sister
Kowalski start­
ed her career
with the SIU in
1978 in San
Francisco. The

Michigan-born mariner first sailed
on the Santa Maria, operated by
Delta Steamship Lines. A steward
department member, she last worked
on the USNS Silas Bent. Sister
Kowalski began collecting retire­
ment compensation in 1987 and
lived in San Francisco.

PHILLIP LAGAPA
Pensioner
Phillip Lagapa,
82, died March
23. Born in the
Philippines,
Brother Lagapa
started his
career with the
MC&S. He

'--------~ worked in the
steward department and started
receiving his pension in 1968.
Brother Lagapa was a resident of
Livermore, Calif.

JAMES LINN
.--------~ Pensioner

James Linn, 83,
passed away
Jan. 22. He
started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1966 in the port
of Norfolk, Va.
Brother Linn

was a retired veteran of the U.S.
Navy, having served from 1944 to
1965. His first ship was the Sea
Scope, an Alpine Geographic
Associates vessel. The Ohio-born
mariner sailed in the engine depart­
ment. He last worked aboard Inter­
ocean Management 's Keystone State.
Brother Linn began receiving com­
pensation for his retirement in 1984.

LEONIDES LOPEZ
Pensioner
Leonides
Lopez, 82, died
March 27.
Brother Lopez
began his SIU
career in 194 3
in the port of
New York. Born
in Puerto Rico,

Brother Lopez worked in the stew­
ard department and last sailed
aboard the Sea-Land Trader. He
started receiving stipends for his
retirement in 1979 and called
Riverbank, Calif. home.

DON MARTIN
Brother Don Martin, 51, passed
away Jan 11. He joined the Seafarers
in 1987 in the port of New Orleans.
Brother Martin first went to sea
aboard the USNS Algol. The
Louisiana-born mariner worked in
the deck department. His final voy­
age was aboard the Lt. Col Calvin P
Titus . Brother Martin lived in New
Orleans.

GUILLERMO MARTINEZ
Pensioner
Guillermo
Martinez, 76,
died March 29.
Born in Dallas,
he started his
career with the
Seafarers in
1953 in the port
of New

Orleans. An engine department
member, Brother Martinez first
worked aboard Waterman Steamship
Corp. 's Kyska. His last voyage was
on the Overseas Washington.
Brother Martinez lived in Mission,
Texas and started collecting retire­
ment compensation in 1987.

DON McKINNEY
Pensioner Don McKinney, 74, died
April 10. The Blair, W. Va. native
joined the Seafarers in 1961 in
Detroit. Brother McKinney was a
military veteran, having served in
both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air

'l'r"'C~~""'=-, Force. The deck
department
member last
worked on the
LNG Libra.
Brother
McKinney start­
ed receiving his
pension in 1991.
He made his

home in Temperance, Mich.

Pensioner
Everett Moss,
82, died March
25. Brother
Moss started his
career with the
MC&S in 1957
in the port of
Wilmington,
Calif. The

Harrisburg, Ark-born mariner
served in the U.S. Army from 1942
to 1944. He worked in the steward
department and first shipped aboard
Delta Steamship 's Santa Maria.
Brother Moss last worked on the
Santa Magdelena, another Delta
Steamship vessel. He started receiv­
ing his pension in 1984 and lived in
his native state.

JULIO PAMINIANO
Pensioner Julio
Paminiano, 74,
passed away
Jan. 21. He
joined the
Seafarers in
1965 in the port
of New York.
Brother

.__ __ ........., ............ ~___., Paminiano was
born in the Philippines. He shipped
in the engine department, last work­
ing aboard the Sea-Land Liberator.
He started collecting retirement
compensation in 1998 and was a res­
ident of San Fra i

CHARLES POLK
Pensioner
Charles Polk,
60, died Feb. 2.
Brother Polk
began his career
with the SIU in
1964 in the port
of Mobile, Ala.
He served in the
U.S. Air Force

from 1959 to 1962. The Alabama
native worked in both the inland and
deep sea divisions, first sailing
aboard the Steel Chemist. Brother
Polk worked in the engine depart­
ment and last sailed on Waterman
Steamship Corp. 's Green Island. He
began receiving his pension in 1998.
Grand Bay, Ala. was his home.

CECIL RUSH
Pensioner Cecil
Rush, 80,
passed away
March 2. Born
in Grenada,
Brother Rush
joined the SIU
in 1955 in the
port of New
York. He start­

ed collecting compensation for his
retirement in 1984 and lived in New
York.

PEDRO SANCHEZ
Pensioner Pedro
Sanchez, 79,
died Jan. 9.
Brother
Sanchez started
his career with
the Seafarers in
1943 in the port
of New York.

.__ _ __.,...:.....;.., __ __..The steward
department member was born in
Puerto Rico. Brother Sanchez began
receiving retirement stipends in
1984. He resided in his native com­
monwealth.

June2002



Digest of Sllipboard
Union Meetings

would be appreciated, as was
done in the past. Vote of thanks
to Chief Steward Hayes Johnson
for great job making sure those
on watch are fed early without
having to rush. Next port:

doors of opportunity and are
open to all Seafarers. Treasurer
announced $269 in ship's fund.
No disputed OT reported; beef
noted in deck department.
Clarification requested on paid
transportation home after com­
pleting voyage overseas. Member
voiced concern about everyone
helping clean and maintain laun­
dry room and other common
areas. Next ports: San Francisco,
San Diego and Concord, Calif.;
Diego Garcia.

panies to stop restriction to ship
for American crews while in
American ports. Also suggested
compensation for major inconve­
nience this is causing-there are
no slop chests on coastwise
tankers and members can't get to
post office to mail checks home.
Members also requested use of
ship's e-mail, perhaps putting
spare computer in steward's
office for crew use. Thanks given
to deck department for nice paint
job to house, to engine depart­
ment for prompt repairs and to
steward department for fine job.
Next port: Marcus Hook, Pa.

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard
minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space

limitations, some will be omitted.

Philadelphia, Pa.

KODIAK (CSX Lines), March
22-Chairman Garry D.

Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Walker, Secretary Blair D.
Hum es, Educational Director
Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Deck
Delegate Thomas B. Schroeder,
Engine Delegate Glenn A. Snow,
Steward Delegate Sam Kassem.
Chairman announced vessel to
pay off March 2 7 in Tacoma,
Wash. There will be blanket relief
for crew that day. He stressed
need to check in with boarding
patrolman and pay dues on time
in order to remain covered for
benefits. Crew members remind­
ed to keep noise down inside
house structure since those off
watch or on rest periods may be
trying to sleep. No beefs or dis­
puted OT reported. Clarification
requested on STCW renewal reg­
ulations as well as information
about the sale of CSX now or at
any time in the future. Crew
laundry is temporarily down to
one washing machine, so every­
one asked to use extra care.
Steward department thanked for
efforts of excellence in all areas.

Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union
upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded

to the Seafarers LOG tor publication.

ANCHORAGE (CSX Lines),
March 17-Chairman Dan P.
Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda
F. Suncin, Educational Director
William M. Pinkham, Deck
Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine
Delegate Alan L. Hansen,
Steward Delegate Patrick C.
Conlon. Chairman announced
payoff March 20 in Tacoma,
Wash. Everybody asked to help
keep lounge and laundry room
clean. Educational director urged
crew members to take advantage
of upgrading courses offered at
Paul Hall Center in Piney Point,
Md. Some issues expressed by
steward delegate regarding over­
time. All communications posted
on board for everyone to read.
Those members living on 02
deck asked that crew keep noise
from TV and laundry room down
at night. Thanks given to steward
department for job well done.
Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage
and Kodiak, Alaska.

CONSUMER (CSX Lines),
March 24-Chairman Mauro G.
Gutierrez, Secretary Terry L.
Allen, Educational Director Paul
D. Hanley, Deck Delegate
Robert Richardson, Steward
Delegate Eric Van Benthuysen.
Chairman announced payoff
shortly after arrival in Oakland
Calif. He advised each crew

-fi-i:ne;m.t:J~lQ.,W&.1~ union book
1 reacf y for patro man:·l-Ie also

expressed thanks to chief electri­
cal for repairing washing
machine. Secretary thanked crew
for help keeping ship house
clean. He reminded everyone of
importance of contributing to
SPAD and stressed safety aboard
ship at all times. Educational
director asked members to make
sure all shipping documents are
up to date. He also talked about
upgrading opportunities at Paul
Hall Center and that "everything
is there for you to improve your
career." No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Suggestion made to
change chemical used for clean­
ing burners to less hazardous
kind. Vote of thanks given to SIU
President Mike Sacco and his
staff for the great job they're
doing and to the steward depart­
ment for delicious meals, espe­
cially cookouts. Next ports: Oak­
land and Long Beach, Calif.;
Honolulu.

ENDURANCE (USSM), March
3-Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu,
Secretary Russell B. Beyschau,
Educational Director Tesfaye
Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate
Walter 0. Weaver, Engine
Delegate Jam es F. Sieger. Chair­
man reported good trip with pay­
off on arrival in Long Beach,
Calif. He wished departing crew
a safe flight and good vacation.
He also encouraged crew mem­
bers to keep up with latest devel­
opments in maritime industry by
upgrading at Piney Point and
contributing to SPAD. Secretary
noted this was the best trip ever
and thanked crew for great team­
work. He stated that new furni­
ture for crew mess and lounge
are on order. Treasurer noted
$550 in ship's fund. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Suggestion
made to exchange movies for
newer ones. Steward department

June2002

given vote of thanks for job well
done.

ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines),
March 10-Chairman Gregory
A. Agren, Secretary Franchesca
D. Rose, Educational Director
Dann G. Manthei, Deck
Delegate John Zimmerman,
Engine Delegate Billy Hillard,
Steward Delegate Mark
Cabasag. Secretary requested
computer as well as new mat­
tresses for crew. Educational
director noted STCW deadline
passed. He reminded crew to take
advantage of Paul Hall Center
and talked about requirements to
sail in new engine ratings.
Treasurer stated $60 left in ship's
fund after purchasing 24 videos.
No beefs or disputed OT report-
ed. Information requested by LIBERATOR (USSM), March
crew on time allowed to work on 12-Chairman Joel G. Miller,
35-day runs. Is it 4 on and 2 off? Secretary James E. Harper,
Or 3 on and 2 off? Or 2 on and 1 Deck Delegate Todd J. Homer,
off? Crew members taking time Engine Delegate Mario B.
off were advised to make sure Cruzat. Chairman emphasized
they are properly relieved before importance of being on high

OVERSEAS NEW YORK
(ATC), March 16-Chairman

Arriving in San Francisco

During docking operations in the port of San Francisco, crew mem­
bers aboard the USNS Mt. Washington (inset) grab the lines to tie
up the IUM vessel.

getting off ship. Requests made alert, with safety in mind at all
for new TV and VCR. Vote of times. Secretary added that with Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary RICHARD G MATTHIESEN
thanks given to steward depart- USA at war against terrorism, Nancy S. Heyden, Educational (Ocean Ships), March 24-

.c-. .c-. d · ll Director Edward H. Self, Deck ment lOr great 100 , espec1a Y Seafarers must do their part to Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary
h b b S · 1th nk f b Delegate Albert Balatico. t e ar ecues. pecia a s ensure safety o crew mem ers Raymond L. Jones, Educational
· t d k d · d art h l 1 B Chairman announced payoff given o ec an engme ep - w en vesse s trave overseas. e Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck

ts c. th · h 1 · tt. 1 d h. · March 1 7. Orders for upcoming men lOr eu e Pm se mg up a ert an report anyt mg susp1- Delegate Kyle Bailey, Engine
b b ·11 C d I t · d · 1 d. trip are to go to berth 121 in ar ecue gn s. on o ences sen c1ous. E ucationa Irector Delegate Gilbert F. Tedder Jr.
t AB B d. Ed d h. d 1 ·fi · Long Beach, Calif., discharge o ernar mo a an is requeste c an 1cat1on on new Chairman announced payoff
c. il ti.. l f h. · I 1 · half the cargo, go to anchor and lam Qn li.e os~s...::.0~~1 ........... ~...___. contrac.t,..pad;J..c.u ar y conc.emm.g -4--.:t:''=:--=-r.:-..r:,::n:=~--:.-:-:r.:=t::==---t-M~rt"':h--'r+<-irr6uam. He· noted

ta h. · N b f: d. en go o e o isc arge
/TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan ro ry s ippmg. 0 ee s or is- rest of cargo. Bosun thanked that amount of days required to
T rtat. ) M h 31 puted OT reported. Trip relief · .c-. kin file for vacation benefits has ranspo ton , arc - issues were cleared by Wilming- entire crew lOr wor g as a
Chairman John R. Nichols, ton Port Agent John Cox at union team, getting along and helping been reduced to 60. Educational
Secretary Veronika K. each other in true SIU style. He director advised crew members
Cardenas, Educational Director ~~lif~ext port: Long Beach, asked that individuals not use applying for upgrading courses
Jose Ramirez, Deck Delegate outside doors on B deck at night at Piney Point get applications in
Frederick C. Meier, Steward LNG LIBRA (Pronav), March and early morning if ladder can early. No beefs or disputed OT
Delegate Mohamed S. Mosa. 24------Chairman Daniel S. be used. Secretary thanked bosun reported. Suggestion made to
Meeting was held enroute to Marcus, Secretary John A. for pushing to get long overdue increase vacation days for Ocean
Panama Canal from San Pulughi, Educational Director repairs done to rooms and Ships' vessels to 15 days per
Francisco. Chairman informed Kevin W. Conklin, Engine thanked those making the repairs. month. Crew members asked to
crew that ship is going back to its Delegate Riley N. Donahue Ill, He also stated that common areas help keep designated smoking
old run-Houston to Port Steward Delegate Roderick L. are being kept much cleaner and area clean and to keep noise
Everglades, Fla. Secretary noted Clay. Chairman thanked crew for thanked crew for their efforts. down after 1830 when people are
need for ships' minutes and crew cooperation during tour. Secre- Educational director stressed trying to sleep. Recommendation
list forms. Educational director tary asked that anyone needing a need to support union. He made to have union meeting
welcomed new crew members new mattress let him know; six reminded them of educational once a month instead of just
and informed them that 60-days' new ones arriving with next 180- facilities available at Paul Hall before payoff. Vote of thanks
discharge is good for collecting day stores. Educational director Center and to keep all shipping given to steward department for
vacation benefits. He also noted urged mariners to upgrade at certificates up to date. No beefs excellent meals. Next ports:
STCW training classes continue union school as often as possible. or disputed OT reported. Steward Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall
at Piney Point school and anyone Treasurer noted DVD players department thanked for good Islands); Yosu, South Korea.
not in compliance should apply were purchased and installed in food. Any additional room repairs
asap. No beefs or disputed OT both lounges. No beefs or disput- should be noted on new repair SMT CHEMICAL TRADER
reported. Clarification requested ed OT reported. Bosun led dis- list. (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), March
on whether Panama Canal zone is cussion on Maritime Security 31-Chairman Charles R.
under coastwise or foreign arti- Program. Microwave oven on PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans), Davis, Secretary Alexander
cles. Next port: Houston. order for galley. With satellite March 3-Chairman Thomas W. Banky III, Educational Director

system broken, question raised as Lasater• Secretary Catherine M. Larry F. Phillips, Engine
INTEGRITY (Maritrans), March to whether daily news service can Hays, Educational Director Alex Delegate Carlos Ventura,
2-Chairman Ronald L. be offered to crew. Vote of thanks Korotun, Deck Delegate David Steward Delegate Cesar A.
Paradise, Secretary Andrew A. given to steward department for Harvey, Engine Delegate Milton Avila. Chairman announced pay-
Austin, Educational Director good food. Next port: Bontang, Israel, Steward Delegate off April 2 in Houston, Texas.
John A. Bennifield, Deck Indonesia. Chancie Ransom. Chairman Vi 1 · ·d C
Delegate Alfred Mcintyre Jr., cited need for written clarifica- esse now carrymg aci · rew
Steward Delegate James F. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk tion regarding new contract, members warned about dangers
Whalen. Chairman thanked crew Lines Ltd.), March 23- especially pertaining to meal involved in handling this cargo
for working well together for an Chairman Scott A. hours, penalty meal hours and and advised to use safety gear,
enjoyable trip. He advised ABs of Heginbotham, Secretary Lovell union delegate hours. He especially when connecting
need to get tankerman assistant McElroy, Educational Director announced payoff March 6 on hoses. Secretary noted satellite
endorsement recorded on TRBs. William J. Ryan, Deck Delegate arrival in Houston, Texas and system now up and running.
Educational director stressed Leroy Reed, Engine Delegate stated written notification of Every room eventually will have
importance of upgrading skills at William P. Wakeman, Steward restriction to ship has been post- its own line. Educational director
Paul Hall Center. No beefs or dis- Delegate Glenn T. Toledo. ed. He said he had spoken to port urged crew members to take
puted OT reported. Suggestion Chairman informed departing captain about problems with advantage of upgrading courses
made that contracts department crew members to clean rooms timely allotments. Chairman available at Paul Hall Center.
help company obtain permission and take new person through advised crew members to keep Treasurer stated $125 in ship's
for crew to go ashore in Marcus items on ship's checkoff sheet. on top of expiration dates on sail- fund. Some beefs reported by
Hook and Hog Island. Crew Educational director stated that ing documents and upgrade skills steward delegate due to compen-
members realize some changes advancement in maritime field at Piney Point. No beefs or dis- sation for extra riders aboard.
may be due to security issues, but "is up to you and you alone." The puted OT reported. Request for Next ports: Savannah, Ga.;
an escort in and out of the areas facilities at Piney Point are the union to intervene and get com- Baltimore; New York.

Seafarers LOB 19

•



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SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR
SIU l'ACIFIC lllSTRICT PENSION PLAN

This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan 94·6061923 for the fiscal year ended July j 1,2001.
The annual report bas been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefit Administtati-0n, as requited under the Employee Retirement
fncome Security act of 1974 (ERISA).

Baslt: FlaandaJ StaltJmBnl
Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $13,828,897. These expenses included $1~124P0,.1 in

administtative expenses and $12,704,136 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4.496 persons were partici­
pants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive
benefits.

The value of the plan assets. after subtracting liabilities of the plan. was $144,818.531 as ofJuly 31, 2001, compared to
$144,055,342 as of July 3 l, 2000. During tbe plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of$763,l 89. This increase
includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets* that is the difference between the value of the plan's
assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the begin!ting of the year or tbe cost of assets acqufred during the year.
The plan had a total income of $14,592,086, including :emplqyer 'eontributions of $31,1&9, and earnings from investments of
$14,469,427, and other income of $91~470.

Mlnlmulll Ffim'!lnl standards
An actuary's statement sbows that enough muney was confri_l_)'iited to the plan t<> keep it funded in accordance with the mini~

mum futlding standards of BRISA. ·

YOllt Rights to Additional lllfonnallon
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof. on reqtlest The items listed below are includ-

ed in that report:
1. An auditor's report;
2. Financial information and infonnation on payments to service providers;
3. Assets held for investment;
4. Transactions in e11:cess of 5 percent of plan assets; and
5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.

To obtain a copy of thee.. full annual report, or any part tberedf; write or call the office of the administrator at SW Pacific District
Pemion}'IaU.1422 Market Street, san Francisco, CA 94102. The tbarge to co r copying costs will b 9.50 for the full annual
report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets aod lia­
bilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both.
If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying .notes will be
included as part of that report. Th~, charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copy,ing ,~f these
portions of tbe report because these trrtions are furnished without.,eharge. . . , ·. "" . . , . -- .. .

You al$o have the legally protected right to examine the annual r~pott at the maii:J, office ofthe plan, 1422 Market&~e;t1'.:San
Francisco, CA 94 I 02 and the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington:> D.C .• or to obtaiµ a copy from the U.S. Departinent of
Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room. R:-0om N5638,
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200n Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC
20210.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR
SIU PACIFIC II/STRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PLAN, INC.

This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific
District Supplemental Benefits Plan, loc. EIN 94-1431246 for
the year ended July 31, 2001. The annual report has been filed
with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as
required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974 (ERISA).

SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, loc. has
committed itself to pay all supplemental benefits.

Basic Rnanclal Statemenls

The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of
the plan was $2,918,099 as of July 31, 2001, compared to
$3,191,777 as of July 31, 2000. During the plan year, the plan
experienced a decrease in its net assets of $273,678. During the
plan year, the plan bad a total income of $6,956,215, including
employer contributions of $6,771 ,090, earnings from invest­
ments of$6,771,792, and other income of$1,925.

Plan expenses were $7,229,893. These expenses included
$458,101 in administrative expenses, and $6,771,792 in bene­
fits paid to participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual

report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below
are included in that report.

20

I. An auditor 's report;
2. Financial information and information on payments to

service providers;

Seafarers LOG

3. Assets held for investment; and
4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part there­
of, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental
Benefits Plan, Inc., at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
94102, telephone number (415) 437-6832. The charge to cover
copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25
per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administra­
tor, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and
liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a state­
ment of income and expenses of t.l-ie plan and accompanying
notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report
from the plan administrator, these two statements and the
accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The
charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the
copying of these portions of the report because these portions
are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the
annual report at the main office of the plan at 1422 Market
Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, and at the U.S. Department
of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S.
Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests
to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure
Room, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit
Administration, U.S . Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Avenue, .W., Washington, DC 20210.

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 con­
stitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every
year, which is to be submitted to the
membership by the secretary-trea­
surer. 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 recommen­
dations. Members of this committee
may make dissenting reports, specif­
ic recommendations and separate
findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of
the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District are adminis­
tered in accordance with the provi­
sions of various trust fund agree­
ments. 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 mem­
ber 's shipping rights and seniority
are protected exclusively by con­
tracts between the union and the
employers. Members should get to
know their shipping rights . Copies of
these contracts are posted and avail­
able in all union halls. If members
believe there have been violations of
their shipping or seniority rights as
contained in the contracts between
the union and the employers, -they
should notify the Seafarers Appeals
Board by certified mail, return
receipt requested. The proper
address for this is :

Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Full copies of contracts as referred
to are available to members at all
times, either by writing directly to
the union or to the Seafarers Appeals
Board.

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU
contracts are available in all SIU
halls. These contracts specify the
wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives
aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as
well as their obligations, such as fil­
ing 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 contrac­
tual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY - THE
SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers
LOG traditionally has refrained from
publishing any article serving the
political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing
articles deemed harmful to the union
or its collective membership. This
established policy has been reaf­
firmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all con­
stitutional ports. The responsibility
for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in
an editorial board which consists of
the executive board of the union. The
executive board may delegate, from
among its ranks, one individual to
carry out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No

monies are to be paid to anyone in
any official capacity in the SIU
unless an official union receipt is
given for same. Under no circum­
stances should any member pay any
money for any reason unless he is
given such receipt. In the event any­
one 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 headquar­
ters.

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 segregat­
ed fund. Its proceeds are used to fur­
ther its objects and purposes includ­
ing, but not limited to, furthering the
political, social and economic inter­
ests of maritime workers, the preser­
vation and furthering of the
American merchant marine with
improved employment opportunities
for seamen and boatmen and the
advancement of trade union con­
cepts. In connection with such
objects, SPAD supports and con­
tributes 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 contri­
bution is made by reason of the
above improper conduct, the mem­
ber should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by cer­
tified mail within 30 days of the con­
tribution for investigation and appro­
priate action and refund, if involun­
tary. 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 violat­
ed, 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.

June2002



The following is the sched~t~'~''()~, c0:~r~e~; at th~'' raul<ffatl Center for . Maritime
Training and Education in P!pey ~:<:>:¢t~ lv((f.1r9in !une through December 2002. All pro~
grams are geared to impJ:'OVtLthe.jdb skills of, Seafarers and to promote the American
maritime inQ.ustry. ·

Please note thatthis schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the
maritime industry aM-in times of conflict-the nation's security.

Student$ ·atte,nding any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their
course's< start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the
start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for
Saturdaj.

. .Se~farers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul
H~ll Qenter may call the adtnissfons office at (301) 994-0010.

Deck Upgrading Courses
Arrival Date

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids*
(*ltlll$t hilve radar unlimited)

Bridge Resource Management
(BRM)- Inland

·· Bridge Resontce Management
~ _,_ Unlimited*

September 30
October 28

June 24
July 15
August 19
September 23
October 14

July 1
September 30
October 21
November 11
December9

July 15
ugust 19

September 30
, Octeber28

Date of Completion

October25
November22

June 28
July 19
August 23
September 27
October 18

July5
October4
October25
November 15
December13

July 19
October18
November lS
December 13

June 14
July 19
August 23
October4
November 1

June 14
,J~.!.~ ,~2 .. > September ·27·
November 15

"December 20

Recertification
October 7
July8

Engine Upgrading Courses
Course Arrival Date

Oiler September 16
Novemberll

QMED - Junior Engineer September 30

Welding June IO
July t
August 19
September 23
October 21
November18

Marine Elect.deal M3intenance I June17

Engine Utility (EU)

Course

Advanced Firefighting

Government Vessels

Tanker Familiarization!
As~istant Cargo (DL)*
(*must. have basic fire fighting)

. ·Tankerman (PIC) Barge*
(*'must have basic fire fighting)

June 16
October 20
November 25

Safety Specialty Courses
Arrival Date

October7
December2

September 23

July 15
December 2

August 12
October21

Academic Department Courses

November 1
August2

Date of Completion

October 25
December 20

December20

June 28
July 19
September 6
October 3
Novembers
December6

July 26

July 12
November 15
December 20

Date of Completion

October 18
December13

October 11

Joly 26
December 13

August 16
October 25

General ;aucatipn ~od co!lege courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocation-
·Ga~~~ q~era~ons/Advanced Galley Operations modules star! every ~ ·.~,e~funing al snpp()rt program c9ul'Ses .. are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB,
· Januaf;y 7! Ce~?fied Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginitmg Q~Dt FOWT; Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction
January 7. to computers course will be self-study.

j,f":,;;:;: ..... &.';.,;... .. _ + __ • _ •• • _.._, ••. ....;· , •. ...;. • . _ • . .;:..; •• • ....; ·-· ._.:::..,, _ __ - • - · -·-·-. - • - • -·-·-. - • -· -·-·-. - · -· - .. _. - ·· ·-·-·-. - • - • - ·-·-· - ·· - · · -·-"·-. - • -· -··-··-. - -· - ·-~. - • - • -·-·-

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name

---------------------------~

Address - ---------------------------

Date of Birth Telephone __________ _ ----------
Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D

If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be
processed.

Social Security# _________ _

Seniority ____________ _ Department ________ _

U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port

Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________ ___ _

Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo

If yes, class# _______________________ _

Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo

If yes, course(s) taken ________ ______________ _

Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement?

D Yes 0 No Firefighting: 0 Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes DNo

Primary language spoken

June2002

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty
(120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the
date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book
indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying sea time for the course if it is
Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard
fee of $280 with their aoolication. The pavment should be made with a monev order only.
payable to LMSS.

COURSE
BEGIN
DATE

END
DATE

LAST VESSEL: _______________ Rating: ___ _

Date On: Date Off: - -------- ---

SIGNATURE DATE - ----- ------- - -
NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques­
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point.

RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education,
Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qual­
ified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission,
access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6102

Seafarers LOB 21



Paul Hall Center Classes

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 625 - Unlicensed
apprentices who graduated from class 625 are (from left) Robert Grable, Autumn
Kippen, William Ray Jr., Harold Gerber 11, Trevor Cohn, Shareef Dahlan and Ahsha
Staiger.

Government VesseJs- Graduating from the government vessels course recently are

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 626 - Completing the water
survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 626. They are (from left, front row)
Trevon Mobley, Rasheem Moye, Paul Riley Jr. , Earl Wright, George Velez-Rivera, Justin
Bowe, (second row) Masteredseed Paletaoga, James Dewey, John Stephenson, Cameron
Selby, Jorel Lewis, Zerek Selby, Joseph Whitmore and Joshua Cooper.

.- (in no particular order) Martha Leon, Harlan Hulst, Ronnie Jackson, Douglas Speer, Gary
Toomer, Norman Hook, John Daunoras, Daniel Samson, Abdulla Ali, Nicholas
Manessiotis, Dustin Gallop, Ryan Nichols and Felipe Zepeda.

·-

...

Uw.aders Water
SurvwaI- Upgrading
SIU members who com­
pleted the water survival

course March 29 are (from
left, kneeling) Betty

Thompson, Kasem Ali,
Saeed Shaibi, (standing)
Christopher Sykes, Juan

Poblete, Rick Worthington,
James Brockington and

Munassar Ahmed.

Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever
reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions

department so that another student may take that place.

Computer Lab Classes

Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their
certificates. From the left (seated) are William Mcintyre, Robert Goodson and
Robert Hinckley Jr. In the back are Jermaine Williams, Rick Prucha (instructor)
and Lee Gulley.

22 Seafal'el'S LOS

Upgraders Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who successfully complg t_

ed the water survival course March 29 under the instruction of Bernabe Pelingon
(far right) are (in no particular order) Richard Blackman, Kenneth Lattin, James
Logan, Michael Gallagher, Dale Suiter II , Louis Scull II , Rusty Norman, Celso
Cayetano David, Zaid Muthala, Uriel Ross, Kreg Stiebben, Deocadio Romney,
Rafael Concepcion, Wellington Furment, Jerry Maya Jr., Michael Jalbert, Lionel Lee,
Fernando Oyao, Allan Oyao, Robert Steiner, Segundo Soriano and Julio Soriano.

Welding­
Graduating from
the welding class
April 19 are (from
left, front row)
Adam Noor,
Sammy Montana,
Donna Sylvia, (sec­
ond row) Darrell
McDonald, Franklin
Lind, Buzzy
Andrews (instruc­
tor), Gregory Poer
and Robert Pinkard
II. Not pictured is
Azeem Modak.

Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certifi­
cates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course April 12 are
(in no specific order) Richard Wilson, Robet Feltus Jr., Jason Varner, Thomas Swayne Jr. ,
Jason Roate, James McDonald, Jerry Fanning, Steven Wooden, Christin Cross, Anthony
Hoy, Lakeisha Parker, Jacob LeBeouf, Adel Ahmed, Tyrone Hyman Jr., Chance Chong,
Jesse Solangon, Peter Nagowski, John Stewart, Louis Simmons Jr., Travis Robben, Sam
Kramer, Eugene Bedard and Margarete Carey.

June2002



Paul Hall Center Classes

Luis Cruz, Brian Cushing, Charles Davis, Hugo Dermody, Carlos
Dominguez, Nathan Fidinger, William Fogarty, Michael Galbraith,
Thomas Gately, Eric George, Kenneth Holly, Michele Hopper,
Austin Howard, Lloyd Ingram, Morris Jeff, Nels Johnson, Gregory
Garib, Adam Emanuel, Andrezej Furmanowski, Vladimir
Salamon and Douglas Hundshamer. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Basic Safety
Training Classes

Tonya Johnson, Ousmane Ka, John Kasbarian, Brian
Kimbrough, Michael Mahoney, Elmo Malacas, Tony Mohamed,
Phillip Morris, Mothana Mothana, Ryan Neathery, Dennis
Nelson, Michael Nerychel, Luis Nunez, Timothy O'Brien, Mousid
Omar, Timothy Price, Susan Rafferty and Kamin Raji. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)

Larry Reed, Laura Reed, Jerma·ne Robinson, Luis Saddy, Rudy Santos, William
, y or, arold Thomas, Tele Togiai, Willie Toomer, Philip Turner,

Thomas Walker, Mark Ward, Albert Washington, Walter White, Kimberly Withers,
Jaime Allen and Henry Wells.

Franklin Lind,
Christopher Lyle,

Gilberto Marcial, Eric
Nelson, James

Neuner, Jeffrey Parkin,
Nathaniel Rivera,

Jason Roate, Miguelita
Salada, Jose

Sepulveda, Justin
VanPelt, Richard ."'

Wilson, Roy Zanca,
Wilfredo Zuniga and

Albert Wambach.

Ahmed Abdelnaga, August Awong, Jerry Carter, Charles Chubb, Robert Clemons, Dan
Delrosario, James Dunne, Luis Escobar, Luis Gonzalez, Daniel Haegele, Philip Hatcher,
Thomas Howell, Jasper Jackson, Reginald Johnson, Donald Langman, Donald Lash and
Patrick Lavin. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Timothy Lewis, Patricio Libre, Aguilio Llorente, Michael Lockhart, Anthony Lopes,
James MacMeekin V, Charles Martinez, Richard Matthews, Wilbert Miles, Simon
Perez, Francis Quebedeaux, Jeff Radcliffe-Nelson, Jose Ramos, Nathaniel Ramos,
Jaime Reanos, Rafael Suris, Martin Mallek, Richard Thomas, Betty Thompson, Victor
Torres, Stanley Washington, Richard Wilson, Peter Woodward, Robert Young, Joseph
Tier Ill and Robert Woods. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Mohamed Abdelwahab, Atik Almontaser, Donald Autrey, Bienvenido Badillo, Wayne Ballard,
Bernard Beof, Stephen Bird, Kenneth Bluitt, Tony Brooks, William Brown, Gary Carter, Virgilio
Casildo, Kendall Chadwick, Bernard Clark, Timothy Chestnut, Valery Daniels, Joseph Dunnam,
Trevorous Ellison, Sean Farra, Jerry Frizzell, Joseph Grandinetti, Stephen Hammelman, Leslie
Hollowell, Norman Hook, Robert Hoppenwoth, Travis Hosea and Thomas Foster. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)

Josue Iglesia, Daniel Kanzler, Thomas Kilbride, William Kovacs, Peter Koucky,
Floyd Larson, David Lund, Donald Mann, David Martz, Gualberto Mirador, John
Morrison, Ali Munasser, Melvin Nichols, Matthew Posten, Rafael Rios, David
Rivera, Higold Schultze, Christopher Shields, Michael Thomas, James Tran,
Anthony Valery, Michael Warren, William Welch, Derek Yates, Isaac Spencer,
Octavianus Pariama and Justin Van Pelt. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Seafarers LOS 23

---



-

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS
SIU Pacific District Pension Plan

and
SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits

Fund, Inc.

-page20

Seafarers DeHver During Major Seal.iB Exercise
Merchant Marine's Vital Defense Role Highlighted Throughout 'Native Atlas'

Seafarers-crewed ships recently helped make a
major military exercise successful.

SIU members-along with about 2,500 U.S.
troops- participated in ''Native Atlas 2002" near
the U.S. Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton in
Southern California. The $22 million operation,
which began in late March and lasted until mid­
April, is structured for participants to rehearse the
logistics of supplying armed forces in areas without
functional ports or piers--or in nations where U.S.
troops are denied use of a port.

Sustaining American forces overseas is a key
role of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

Among the Seafarers-crewed vessels taking part

Pictured on the Cape Mohican are OSs Terry lgot,
Editho Barraca and Napoleon Nazareno. A trans­
porter is visible behind them, ready to move cargo.

in the drill near San Diego were the Cape Mohican,
Mount Washington, Keystone State, Maersk
Arizona, USNS Gilliland and USNS Seay. Materiel
was loaded and unloaded from those vessels at a
temporary pier that was built for the exercise; the
cargo then was trucked from Camp Pendleton to a
desert location.

Exact freight totals have not been released, but
the gear moved during Native Atlas included com­
bat vehicles, containers, food, inert ammunition and
much more. Fuel transfers were simulated with an
estimated 2 million gallons of water.

Bosun S.R. Garay sailed aboard the Cape
Mohican during the training. ''New security mea­
sures were evident with barges moored along the
offshore side of the ships' hulls to prevent another
Cole incident," he observed. "In addition, there
were patrol boats on station, a floating perimeter
boom, and at night Navy swimmers were in the
water."

Garay, who sent some of the photos accompany­
ing this story to the LOG, noted that the Cape
Mohican is a "Seabee" barge clipper. It is the U.S.
Military Sealift Command's (MSC 's) only heavy
lift ship. "Causeway sections, powered barges,
LCM-8s and other equipment are loaded on three
full-length decks and taken to stowage positions
by transporters," he explained.

He added that both the ship and crew "per­
formed to the highest standards of the SIU and
the merchant marine during Native Atlas. It
was a pleasure to work with this crew."

Native Atlas involved, among others, MSC,
the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANS­
COM), the Maritime Administration, the Coast
Guard, and the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Members of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd
Brigade, based at Fort Stewart in Georgia, flew in
for the exercise.

Similar training is conducted annually under dif­
ferent names. This one
was run by the U.S.
Central Command, the
military authority
responsible for U.S.
combat forces from the
Hom of Africa to
Central Asia.


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