http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/dff8b41c901f530a1b80185ecaceac7e.pdf 63ec953b65fc878655b88a73fde0c5aa PDF Text Text 46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:30 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 MSP Gains Newer Tonnage As SIU Fleet Grows by 2 Alliance Norfolk, Alliance St. Louis Raise America’s Stars and Stripes The SIU-contracted fleet recently grew by two ships as Maersk Line, Limited added the Alliance St. Louis (above, left) and Alliance Norfolk (above, right) to its group of vessels enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Two other SIUcontracted Maersk ships (the Maersk Nebraska and Maersk Nevada) rotated out of the MSP fleet, but they remain in the company’s commercial service and still are crewed by Seafarers. The Alliance Norfolk and Alliance St. Louis are car carriers. At left, the Norwegian flag is taken down from the Alliance St. Louis and replaced by the Stars and Stripes while the vessel was in Baltimore. Page 3. Always Ready to Deliver Seafarers Continue Embracing Role as Nation’s ‘Fourth Arm of Defense’ Delivering the goods for U.S. troops wherever and whenever needed remains a vital part of the jobs performed by SIU members. So say Seafarers themselves, including Recertified Bosun Rick James (right in photo below) and AB Mrimri Farah, pictured in late January aboard the Cape Washington. Seafarers aboard the USNS Mendonca (left) and Cape Wrath also recently discussed their commitment to supporting our troops. Pages 10-11. Union Membership Increases PHC Distance Learning Page 2 Page 6 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:33 AM Page 2 Union Membership Increases President’s Report Protecting Workers’ Freedom Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, but the recently released numbers on union membership in the U.S. are encouraging. The labor movement made big gains in 2007, attracting more than 300,000 new members. As reported elsewhere on this page, that’s the biggest increase going all the way back to 1979. All things considered, I think this is great news not just for unions but for all working families. The growth also is a tribute both to the value of union representation and the resilience of workers and organizers taking part in the campaigns. Michael Sacco It’s easy to see the advantages of joining a union. As Seafarers know, union members have a real voice in the workplace. They have the protection of a collective bargaining agreement. Year after year, government data shows that union members are far more likely to earn more money and have better benefits than unrepresented workers. Meanwhile, private studies consistently show that most people across the country support unions. They also reflect the fact that the majority of unrepresented workers say they would join a union if presented with the opportunity. Unfortunately, in far too many cases, workers don’t really get a fair shot at exercising their right to join a union. That’s why the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated) has pushed so hard for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – legislation that would restore fairness to the National Labor Relations Board process. The spin from anti-worker factions is that the EFCA somehow would deprive employees of their rights when it came time to vote on whether or not to join a union. Brothers and sisters, talk about a smokescreen. The truth is that in most modern-day organizing campaigns, workers – and unions – already are fighting an uphill battle all the way. Not because unions don’t have a lot to offer, but rather because the employers pull out all the stops to keep the union out, often including breaking the law. This isn’t news to anyone who’s been involved in a tough campaign in recent years, but it may surprise others. Companies routinely harass and intimidate pro-union workers during the weeks leading up to a vote. In many documented cases, pro-union workers are unjustly fired. Businesses often spend more to hire union-busting attorneys to cloud the real issues and confuse workers about unions than it would take to pay a fair wage with good benefits. Even if a majority of workers votes for representation, some companies stall and stall during negotiations for a first contract, while at the same time still attempting to disregard the workers’ choice by getting rid of the union. How can they get away with those actions? The enforcement of certain labor laws protecting workers in organizing drives is weak or nonexistent. Appeals processes take too long. Even for the most enthusiastic union advocate, it can be a very tough fight. I think it’s un-American to treat workers that way. Employees deserve the chance to freely exercise their right to join (or not join) a union. The law already says so, but reality says something different. The SIU remains committed along with our fellow unions throughout the AFL-CIO in supporting the Employee Free Choice Act. There is solid backing for the legislation in both houses of Congress. There is legitimate hope that this bill will become law. When it does, the yearly report on union membership will be even better than the current one. And that’ll be good news not just for unions, but for all workers. Middle-class families are finding it harder and harder to maintain their living standards, much less get ahead. Workers’ wages are stagnating or falling. Economic inequality in this country is rising to alarming levels. And health insurance and retirement security are increasingly beyond the reach of middle-class families. Our country cannot afford to continue on this course. At the same time, every day more people are coming to understand that the ability of workers to form and join unions is what laid the foundation for the explosive growth of the American middle class in the post-World War II period. Every day, more people appreciate the role of collective bargaining in promoting broadly shared economic growth and prosperity, higher wages, better jobs, better and more extensive health care coverage, retirement security, and dignity and respect for workers on the job. Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Union membership in the United States increased by 311,000 to 15.7 million in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – marking the largest single-year increase in union membership since 1979. Overall union density increased slightly from 12.0 percent to 12.1 percent last year, reversing a trend of decline in recent years. “Today’s numbers show working people are pushing to form and join unions in order to improve their lives, despite record levels of resistance from employers,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said when the government data became available in late January. “They know that a union card is the single best ticket into the middle class, especially in today’s economy.” Private sector union membership grew by 133,000 and density grew to 7.5 percent in 2007, the first time private sector density grew since 1979. In construction alone, more than 96,000 members were added last year, bumping union density in that industry to 13.9 percent from 13.0 percent in 2006. The largest increase in union membership was in health services, where unions added 142,000 members, a 0.9 percent increase in density from 2006 to 7.9 percent. Union membership among women grew again in 2007, continuing a trend in recent years. More than 201,000 women joined unions in 2007, nearly twice the number of men. Women now account for 44 percent of all union members, a new high. The advantages of having a union on the job were clear in 2007, according to the labor federation. Last year, median weekly pay for union members was $863 while those who were not represented by unions had median weekly earnings of $663. “Our unions have been working hard over the last 10 years to build their strategic capacity to help workers join unions, even in this hostile legal environment where workers’ right to organize has been all but eliminated,” Sweeney added. “The fact that our unions have been able to grow despite a slowing economy and a decline in the public sector is a good sign. As we’ve built political support and held elected officials who oppose workers’ rights accountable, more working people have been able to exercise their choice to join unions.” There have been a number of important victories for workers who wanted a union on the job. Those victories include 40,000 childcare workers in Michigan joining the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the United Auto Workers (UAW). More than 40,000 communications workers joined the Communications Workers of America in the last two years, including more than 20,000 at Cingular (now AT&T Wireless). Last year, 50,000 childcare workers in New York joined AFSCME and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). In addition, 6,000 casino dealers in New Jersey and Connecticut joined the UAW and 3,000 administrative staff from Rutgers University joined the AFT and Communications Workers of America. The manufacturing sector continues to be hard hit due to an overall decline caused in part by trade deals like NAFTA that have shipped millions of American jobs overseas. Manufacturing employment dropped by 287,000 and union membership dropped by 93,000. Union density in manufacturing declined from 11.7 percent to 11.3 percent. The growth in union membership comes at a time when workers say they want and need unions more than ever. More than half of all workers – 60 million – say they would join a union tomorrow if given the chance, according to independent research by Peter Hart Research Associates. “It’s no accident that the vast majority of workers who formed unions last year did so outside the broken National Labor Relations Board process,” Sweeney said. “All workers deserve a free and fair chance to form a union. It’s time for Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act to reform our nation’s broken labor laws and help rebuild our ailing middle class.” Under NLRB Direction, Majestic Posts Non-Interference Notice In an agreement sanctioned by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Majestic America Line in late 2007 was compelled to post a notice to employees aboard the formerly SIU-contracted passenger riverboat American Queen promising that the company wouldn’t interfere with crew members’ rights to choose union representation. In other words, under a government-supervised settlement, the company said it would follow the law. Majestic also agreed to reinstate a former employee who had been unjustly fired because of pro-union activities. The NLRB signed off on the agreement Nov. 7, 2007. It read in part, “The Charged Party will post immediately in conspicuous places in and about its vessel, including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted, and maintain for 60 consecutive days from the date of the posting, copies of the attached Notice (and versions in other languages as deemed appropriate by the Regional Director) made a part hereof, said notices to be signed by a responsible official of the Charged Party and the date of actual posting to be shown thereon.” The bulk of the notice itself read as follows. The name of a Majestic employee whom the union assisted in safeguarding his workplace rights appeared in the original notice but is omitted here as a courtesy: NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES - FEDERAL LAW GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO: ■ Form, join or assist a union; ■ Choose representatives to bargain with us on your behalf; ■ Act together with other employees for your benefit and protection; ■ Choose not to engage in any of these protected activities. (Editor’s note: The company agreed to the following items, which appear in the notice.) WE WILL NOT interfere with, restrain or coerce you in regards to the exercise of these rights, more specifically WE WILL NOT discharge or otherwise discriminate against you for supporting or engaging in activities on behalf of the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO (Union) or any other labor organization. WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce you in the exercise of your rights as guaranteed by Section 7 of the Act. WE WILL offer full re-employment to [name of employee] in his former position without prejudice to his seniority or any other rights previously enjoyed. WE WILL pay [name of employee] wages and other benefits he may have lost because we discharged him. WE WILL, within 14 days from the date of the Settlement Agreement, remove from our files any reference to the discharge of [name of employee] in March 2007, and WE WILL within three days of the removal, notify [name] in writing that this has been done and that WE WILL not use the discharge against him in any way. March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:34 AM Page 3 The Alliance Norfolk (above) and sister ship Alliance St. Louis signify more jobs for the SIU and greater RO/RO capability available to the U.S. Department of Defense. Seafarers Crew Up 2 New Maersk Ships RO/ROs Alliance Norfolk, Alliance St. Louis Join MSP Fleet Call it a win-win development. The SIU recently added two vessels to its fleet, while the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) gained newer tonnage. Beginning in late January, Seafarers crewed up the car carriers Alliance Norfolk (in New York) and Alliance St. Louis (in Baltimore). Both vessels now are operated by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. The ships initially had sailed for Hoegh Autoliners under the Norwegian flag, but now sail under the Stars and Stripes. The Alliance Norfolk (built in 2007) and Alliance St. Louis (2005) are basically identical, each measuring approximately 650 long with a beam of about 104 feet. They were constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). They replaced the containerships Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska (both built in 1985) in the MSP fleet, but those vessels remain in the company’s commercial service, normally transporting grain. Ed Hanley, Maersk Line, Limited vice president of labor relations, commended SIU members for “displaying outstanding professionalism and teamwork during the reflaggings. Their dedication to duty and ‘can do’ attitude overcame the many obstacles associated with taking over new vessels, which allowed for a smooth integration under the U.S. flag. The company and U.S. Coast Guard officials on site were impressed with the readiness of the crew and their emphasis on safety and security.” The U.S. Maritime Administration describes the Maritime Security Program as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag, and U.S.crewed liner fleet in international trade that is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency.” The MSP was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The program helps maintain a pool of well-trained American seafarers who are available to crew the ships of both the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift fleet as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war. Bipartisan support from Congress as well as the administrations of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton crafted and guided the original legislation to its ultimate passage in 1996. That measure provided funding for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels over a 10-year period. In return, the companies participating in the program made sure their intermodal facilities were available to the U.S. armed forces in time of war or national emergency. Because the MSP proved its value during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, efforts were launched in 2002 to extend and expand the MSP before its expiration in 2005. A year later, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed legislation to enhance the MSP with 10 more years and 13 more vessels. During those grassroots efforts to secure a new MSP, a report by the highly respected National Defense Transportation Association stated that the United States military would be that the MSP has become a pillar of the nation’s strategic sealift and global response capability, providing mariners, vessels and intermodal systems to support the military in such missions as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Alliance St. Louis reflagged under the Stars and Stripes Feb. 4 in Baltimore. Chief Cook Vincent Chavez prepares a meal aboard the Alliance St. Louis. Some of the folks on hand for the reflagging of the Alliance St. Louis included (not in order) AB Celestino Daluz, Oiler Eli Young, AB Joseph Ayeo, Oiler Andy Iliscupidez, DMAC Malachi Tannis, Outgoing Bosun Richardo C. Ballelos Jr., Incoming Bosun Roy Tyler, Steward Rudolph Daniels, Maersk General Manager Carol Berger, Maersk General Manager James Denoncourt and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. March 2008 unable to deploy and sustain its forces worldwide without using privately owned, U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. The study by the Maritime Policy Working Group of the NDTA’s Military Sealift Committee demonstrated Crew members safely and busily continue readying the Alliance St. Louis for its first official voyage under the American flag. Seafarers LOG 3 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:31 PM Page 4 Defense Bill Provision Signals CIVMAR Win Mariners Retain Rights as Saga Concludes SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (second from right) represents the union during a recent ceremony honoring the Horizon Falcon. Also pictured at the ceremony are (from left) Capt. Eric Wallischeck of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Wally Becker, senior vessel superintendent at Horizon Lines; and Capt. Tim Brown, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. Wallischeck is presenting the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. SIU-Crewed Horizon Falcon Honored For ‘Brave Actions’ in 2007 Rescue In recognition of their efforts during an at-sea res- ed the vessel through rough seas filled with floating cue that took place last year, crew members and offi- logs to attempt to locate and rescue survivors. A cers from the Seafarers-contracted Horizon Falcon lifeboat with four mariners aboard was dispatched were honored Jan. 26 at a luncheon hosted by the U.S. despite high winds and 24-foot swells. One Chinese Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. survivor was pulled from the water, but as the lifeboat SIU members sailing aboard the Horizon Falcon was being recovered by the Horizon Falcon, a large during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Steven swell nearly swamped the craft while damaging its Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, John Dacuag, motor. The lifeboat was ordered abandoned, but its Jennifer Souci, Stanley Parker, Jack Kem, Earl crew and the survivor climbed to safety up the conSparkes and Jerry Gonzaga, Electrician Ursel tainership’s 40-foot pilot ladder. Barber, QMEDs Husain Ali and Gustavo Osorio, A second Chinese seaman was spotted in the water Recertified Steward Philip Lau and SA Milagros near the containership. AB Dacuag harnessed himself Clark. to the pilot ladder and, using a grappling hook, The captain and crew received the American snagged and rescued the man. Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy for their skillThe Horizon Falcon, by now joined by a Navy P3 ful action in rescuing two mariners from stormy seas. Orion aircraft and another merchant ship, continued “Captain Tom McDorr and the crew of Horizon the search for survivors, but no others were located. Falcon, owned by Horizon Lines, Inc., displayed The containership was eventually directed to resume superior seamanship its voyage. The rescued last year when they Chinese seamen were saved the lives of two delivered to Yantian, Chinese sailors whose where representatives vessel sank in the North of the Chinese governPacific,” the academy ment expressed their noted when announcing thanks to the captain the award. and crew of the On July 12, 2007, the Horizon ship. containership Horizon “The determined Falcon was en route efforts and the profesfrom Guam to Yantian, sional and brave China when it received actions of the captain The Horizon Falcon a message from the U.S. and crew of Horizon Coast Guard to divert Falcon, under most difcourse and come to the aid of a vessel, the bulk carri- ficult conditions, undoubtedly prevented the further er Hai Tong No. 7 carrying a cargo of logs. loss of human life in the sinking of Hai Tong No. 7,” The storm surge of Typhoon Man-Yi had caused the academy noted. the Hai Tong No. 7’s cargo to shift. The vessel The trophy itself, an ornate sterling silver cup, is on foundered and its Chinese crew had already been in permanent display at the American Merchant Marine the water for two days before any ship reached the Museum on the academy’s Long Island campus. scene. Recipients are presented with a plaque representing The Horizon Falcon arrived first. McDorr navigat- the trophy. Following a successful four-year effort by dozens of unions and supporters, members of the SIU Government Services Division are among the workers buoyed by the late-January signing of a Defense bill that includes provisions protecting their rights to union representation. The legislation signed by President Bush exempts blue-collar Defense Department employees from the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) and also calls for certain protections for workers who operate under the NSPS. CIVMARS and other bluecollar DOD workers will keep their collective bargaining rights as well as retain rights to appeal major disciplinary actions. The same holds true for privately employed civilian mariners sailing aboard U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Maritime Administration vessels (though it wasn’t certain those mariners eventually would have ended up in the NSPS). “There are not many wins in our history bigger than this “. . . I am proud that I one,” said John Gage, presi- fought against the National dent of the American Security Personnel System in Federation of Government 2003, and that I was part of Employees. The NSPS applies to the leadership of the House approximately 110,000 Armed Services Committee in Defense employees who 2007 that wrote the language aren’t covered by collective to restore the rights of so bargaining agreements. many Americans.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrom---U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie bie noted, “After four years of lawsuits and back and forth federal court decisions, Congress has finally restored the basic rights of hard-working government employees to bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of their work, and to have in place an independent appeals process to handle disciplinary actions. The new law exempts bluecollar Defense employees from the NSPS, and ensures that employees who are in the NSPS and perform at satisfactory levels receive annual raises and locality adjustments and have an opportunity to earn performance-based raises and bonuses. “This language in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, now Public Law 110-181, affirms the existence of the social contract between employer and employee; affirms the value and dignity of an honest day’s work; and affirms this nation’s core belief in fundamental justice. I am proud that I fought against the National Security Personnel System in 2003, and that I was part of the leadership of the House Armed Services Committee in 2007 that wrote the language to restore the rights of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie so many Americans.” Coast Guard Says No Injuries, No Pollution In McCarthy Mishap No injuries and no pollution were very good words to hear from the U.S. Coast Guard about the stern submergence of the M/V Walter J. McCarthy Jr. in Superior, Wis., on January 14. The 1,000-foot McCarthy struck a submerged object while backing into winter dockage when the object punctured the stern, causing flooding in the engine rooms. The vessel’s stern settled to the bottom at 20 feet of water, covering the ship’s four diesel engines. According to the Coast Guard, the 4 Seafarers LOG crew closed the two engine rooms’ watertight doors and evacuated the flooding areas. That same week, workers pumped water from the ship’s ballast tanks that brought the ship’s stern up in the water, leaving five feet of water in the engine rooms. Workers then installed a coffer dam over the hole in the ship’s bottom, and oil and water were pumped into trucks on the dock to be taken away and treated. According to American Steamship Company, both engine rooms have been steam cleaned at press time and engines are being evaluated for repairs. The company also stated that the holes are sealed, which helps ensure there will be no pollution and that repairs can be made inside while also alleviating the need for drydock. Company officials said repairs could take months, especially given the freezing temperatures at the site. “It’s a very unfortunate event, but things like this happen. When vessels make dock, this is the most hazardous part of their journey,” Adolph Ojard, the executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, told an NBC television affiliate in Duluth. Lt. Aaron Gross, Coast Guard chief of port operations for the Marine Safety Unit in Duluth, told reporters the object that punctured the McCarthy’s hull could have been ice or a concrete piling. The McCarthy transports coal from Superior to Detroit Edison’s St. Claire and Monroe, Mich., power plants. March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 5 TWIC Hearing Reveals Mixed Results Enrollment Continues for Federally Mandated Credential Displaying posters that are part of the joint effort are (from left) ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, ISF Secretary Natalie Shaw, ISF/ICS Secretary General Tony Mason and ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary Jon Whitlow. The photo was taken Feb. 1 at a news conference in London. International Groups Announce Joint Effort to Protect Mariners The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have joined forces in a new initiative to help protect seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The three organizations, which represent maritime employers and trade unions worldwide, announced Feb. 1 in London that they have united to support and promote the IMO and ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers In The Event Of A Maritime Accident. As part of the campaign the three organizations are distributing posters (supported by web sites and leaflets) worldwide to show seafarers how the guidelines can help protect them. They are also encouraging their members - national shipowners’ associations belonging to the ISF and ICS, and seafarers’ unions affiliated to the ITF - to approach their governments in order to promote the guidelines and to monitor how effectively they are being implemented. ISF/ICS Secretary General Tony Mason explained, “As responsible employers, we believe its is very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the fair treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are indeed implemented in practice by governments. Seafarers must be treated with dignity and respect, and given access to independent legal representation in situations where they may be interviewed or held following an accident at sea.” ITF General Secretary David Cockroft remarked, “The knee-jerk scapegoating of seafarers following accidents at sea is a growing concern to us all. In recent years the response of too many national authorities has been to reach for the handcuffs first and find out what actually happened last. “Incidents like these prove how vital the guidelines are. I’m proud to say that the ITF and ISF in their capacity as ILO ‘social partners,’ with support from ICS and other industry organizations, helped to develop these guidelines, which were the product of tripartite negotiations with governments prior to their agreement by IMO and ILO.” Speaking at a press conference to launch the joint effort, the two men displayed the “Maritime Accidents. Seafarers – Be Aware!” posters that the organizations are distributing for use on ships, in seafarers’ missions and in other locations around the world. These can also be downloaded from either www.marisec.org/fairtreatment or www.itfglobal.org/fairtreatment, where the IMO/ILO Guidelines also appear in full. Meanwhile the three organizations sent a letter to the secretary-general of the IMO and the director-general of the ILO that reads in part, “As you are both well aware, the treatment by national authorities of seafarers unfortunate enough to be involved in maritime casualties or pollution incidents is an extremely important issue for the shipping industry, especially in the light of recent high profile cases around the world, where masters and crews have been detained by investigating authorities, apparently without adherence to proper due legal process. It was, of course, such incidents that led to the adoption by governments of the IMO/ILO Fair Treatment Guidelines, in order to address the key responsibilities of detaining states as well as those of the vessel’s flag state and the seafarers’ country of residence. “It is therefore very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are implemented by governments, and we are now actively promoting the IMO/ILO Guidelines throughout the industry…. We are sure that IMO and ILO will welcome this campaign by the industry’s social partners and our objective of ensuring that these important IMO/ILO Guidelines are indeed implemented in practice.” The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on Jan. 23 conducted a review hearing on enrollment progress of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. During the hearing, committee chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) pointed out that as of January 11, 49 of 147 planned TWIC enrollment centers had been opened and that approximately 109,000 preenrollments had been initiated. Additionally, almost 50,000 enrollments had been completed and roughly 12,000 TWIC cards had been distributed to workers in the maritime community. Rep. Cummings and chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), whose committee oversees Cummings’, expressed concerns about the process. “For example,” explained Rep. Cummings, “TSA [Transportation Security Administration] originally estimated that 750,000 individuals in the maritime community would enroll in the TWIC program but now estimates that at least one million individuals will need TWIC cards.” Rep. Cummings also commented that extensive wait times have been experienced by some who are picking up and activating their TWIC cards. He did mention that the contracted company running the program, Lockheed Martin, allows individuals to make appointments to pick up cards and to complete the enrollment process. Rep. Oberstar stated, “I am concerned about mariners who live in remote areas will have to drive hundreds of miles – twice – once to apply for a TWIC card and again to pick it up.” “According to reports from the first 90 days of TWIC enrollment,” said Rep. Cummings, “workers enrolling in the program have experienced severe deficiencies in customer service, ranging from dysfunctional computers and loss of worker data to delays of up to five hours. One station expected to serve over 30,000 people was staffed with only one employee, while another station closed for the day when its printer ran out of toner. “Additionally, while a deadline for enrollment has been established for mariners, the Coast Guard has yet to announce the dates when ports must begin using the credentials. There has also been no clearly established outline distinguishing which maritime vessels must install the machine to read the TWIC cards or set deadlines for land facilities to install the readers,” Rep. Cummings continued. It is unclear whether Lockheed Martin will be able to deliver reliably functioning TWIC readers to all designated locations by the Sept. 25, 2008 TWIC enrollment deadline for mariners. Rep. Oberstar said, “Until TWIC Elijah Cummings card reader technology is available and the rule is pro- Chairman, House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime mulgated, the TWIC will be Transportation used as a flash pass. Although this offers some layer of security, the card is not worker is less than 11 minutes. Concerning the TWIC card serving the intended service.” During the testimony stage readers, Fanguy stated that the of the hearing, representatives TSA has begun a pilot test profrom the Coast Guard, TSA, gram to determine the effecLockheed Martin and the tiveness of the readers and the Maryland Department of biometric data embedded on Transportation addressed some TWIC cards. During his testimony, Coast of these concerns and provided more insight into TWIC Guard Director of Inspections and Compliance Rear Admiral progress. John Porcari, Maryland’s Brian Salerno underscored the secretary of transportation, progress made on TWIC that noted, “There have been some Fanguy mentioned. Admiral instances of enrollees having to Salerno emphasized the Coast make multiple visits to the Guard’s efforts in soliciting Baltimore enrollment site comments from various parts of because of TSA computers the industry and agency offices. Focusing on the TWIC cards being down and because of information previously submit- and the readers, the admiral ted for enrollment being lost on said, “The Coast Guard is in the TSA servers. Slow enrollment process of procuring handheld can be attributed to any number biometric readers which will of issues: cost of the card; pay- enable verification of identity ment arrangements by public and validity of credentials durand private institutions; and ing our vessel and facility reluctance of individuals inspections and spot checks. because of concerns about dis- We are also on track to develop qualifying background crite- the system necessary to allow newly hired employees to work ria.” TSA’s TWIC Program while they await issuance of Director Maurine Fanguy said TWIC.” A major concern in the that enrollment centers have opened on schedule. She industry and Congress is a declared that the average TWIC surge in enrollments that can enrollment time for a port occur as the Sept. 25, 2008 TWIC deadline approaches. Lockheed Martin Transportation and Security Solutions business unit President Judith Marks addressed the concern of the committee with the company’s plan. “We will focus first and foremost on use of mobile enrollment work stations that can be taken directly to stakeholder facilities. This provides an additional level of convenience for the individual workers … by minimizing lines at fixed facilities and easing the burden on major employers. In addition to use of mobile units, we have developed a national surge plan that will allow for U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (second from left), chairman of the House rapid expansion of capacity at Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is pictured during a any of the 147 port locations.” hearing. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 5 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:36 AM Page 6 Advancing Your Career Via the Paul Hall Center The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; call (301) 9940010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 17 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Steward Department Course Spotlight Galley Operations -The course consists of two 2-week modules (totaling four weeks). Each module is 35 hours with additional time participating in the school’s galley operations. This course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center unlicensed apprentice program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA. A student at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., glances at the Paul Hall Center’s initial online course offerings. PHC Offers Online Courses A long-planned program to benefit employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies is coming to a computer near you. The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is offering web-based “distance learning” for mariners. The program comes after a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board and is currently in its infancy but initially offers online courses for: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection; and Shipboard Water Sanitation. Internet-based online training provides mariners the opportunity to receive recommended or required professional training while serving at sea aboard a vessel, while ashore at home, or during any other time when they are away from the ship. All that is required is a personal computer, or laptop with internet capability. The training is designed to be self-paced. The courses are kept as brief as possible so that they can be completed within one or two sittings. A reasonable deadline has been estab- lished for overall course completion. “Distance learning is the wave of the future because it is convenient for students,” explained Paul Hall Center instructor Dale Rausch. He mentioned that those taking the courses can start coursework, walk away and resume use later. These initial courses are designed by Paul Hall Center instructors and tailored to address the annual refresher training of vessel safety management systems and prepare students for resident coursework at the center. The center is approaching operators for suggestions on other online courses to make available. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application found on page 17 of this issue of the LOG and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail, so be sure to write your e-mail address on the form in the space provided. In addition, be sure to include the word “online” when listing the course(s) you desire on the application. SIU-affiliated School Earns County’s ‘Gold Star’ Center Gains Recognition for Superior Compliance to Food Safety Standards The St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department recently praised the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education because of the school’s “superior compliance to food safety standards among food establishments” in the county. The school received a certificate as part of a new program launched by the county to spotlight excellence in food service. “Gold Star” certificates were presented to the Paul Hall Center and to other facilities “who met the challenge of achieving superior standards for the 2007 calendar year,” according to the department. Based on data from the county, it’s clear that the certificates were awarded only to those facilities that truly demonstrate excellence. Approximately 50 food establishments received the recognition – which equates to only about 12 percent of the more than 400 places that were eligible. Located in Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center offers entry training and numerous upgrading classes for merchant mariners. While vocational training is the school’s main focus, food service also is vitally important on a campus which typically houses hundreds of students at any given time, not to mention the instructors and staff. In fact, in some cases the training and food service are intertwined – several of the schools curriculums cover steward department functions. “This award reflects the hard work of 6 Seafarers LOG the trainees involved in daily sanitation classes and practices throughout their first month at the school,” noted Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski. “Of course, it also reflects well on our steward department upgraders. The chief cook program, for instance, is a practical application of these sanitation principles.” Hetmanski added, “In the bigger picture, it’s important to note that Paul Hall Center students transfer the food sanitation principles to the ships as they go to sea.” Daryl Calvano, Environmental Health Division director at the health department, commented, “The Gold Star program recognizes the conscientious efforts of food establishments, and alerts the public to restaurants that have demonstrated exceptional attention to public health safety and sanitation. We are really pleased by the leadership of these establishments who stepped up and met the standards during the inspection period. These establishments deserve to be recognized as having achieved the ‘high honor roll’ for sanitation.” Alan Shick, food program supervisor for the county, said the program came about as a direct result of public interest. “Public inquiries about our inspection work in food services have become much more numerous in the past few years,” he stated. “Both the food establishment and the public win when high standards are achieved, rewarded and made known.” The requirements to earn the Gold Star include no critical violations and no “temperature violations” cited during an inspection. All violations noted by an inspector must be corrected with 30 days (verified by follow-up inspection), and there must be no confirmed unsafe food handling complaints. At least one food service worker must have completed a recognized and approved food service sanitation and safety class with the last two years. Steward department courses available at the Paul Hall Center include galley operations, certified chief cook, advanced galley operations, certified chief steward and steward recertification. Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski (center) displays the school’s award following a presentation by (left) Dr. William B. Icenhower, St. Mary’s County (Md.) health officer, and Daryl Calvano, director of the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services Division. March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 7 Vessel Master, Crew Praise Efforts of SIU Steward Recertified Steward Hugh E. “Bucky” Wildermuth epitomizes the true meaning of what it is to be a good shipmate, according to those with whom he sails. Not only does he perform all of his assigned tasks in a safe and timely fashion, he also goes above and beyond the call of duty in the process they point out. Wildermuth consistently has demonstrated this brand of dedication since he donned the SIU colors back in 1991. And, not surprisingly, his extra efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Wildermuth has been the recipient of accolades from his fellow unlicensed crew members, officers whom he has sailed under for the past decade as well as company officials who operate the vessels on which he has worked. The Indiana-born steward’s positive actions really hit the mark in early January however when he parlayed them into being nominated to receive a cash award. Wildermuth currently sails aboard the Maersk Virginia, one of four SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) Panamax G-Class vessels which are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program providing liner service between the U.S. East Coast and ports in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. During a voyage late last year, the Virginia’s oven went on the blink while underway and was of no use to Wildermuth or his fellow steward department shipmates. “On most ships, this would mean deep-fried or boiled food [for the crew] until the oven was repaired,” wrote Shaun Hughes, master of the Virginia, in correspondence to MLL officials about Wildermuth’s dedication. “…Bucky has taken up the slack by using the barbecue to prepare an assortment of foods like roasts, turkey, enchiladas, lasagna, biscuits, cookies and many other items. This sometimes means standing outside in cold wind to get a meal prepared. Not usual for a ship’s steward.” Apparently, the elements were no match for Wildermuth’s sense of devotion to duty and responsibility to his fellow crew members. Not only did he prepare meals under less than ideal conditions, he also made Christmas extra special for his shipmates. “On Christmas morning, every crew member had a stocking on his door filled with candies, gloves, socks and other items which Bucky has shopped for in port on his own time,” Captain Hughes wrote. The captain also pointed out that Wildermuth regularly prepares favorite meals as well as birthday cakes for his shipmates. On every trip to sea aboard the Virginia, “Bucky strips and Recertified Steward Hugh E. Wildermuth, left, chats with Chief Cook Richard Worobey aboard the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia. The vessel recently tied up in the Port of New York. waxes the decks and ladders in the accommodation during the middle of the night, so as not to be a disruption,” Captain Hughes said. “He does it out of pride in his work.” Captain Hughes said he could go on and on about the praises Wildermuth has received for his hard work and dedication, but he feared he might fail to mention some since they are so numerous. “To those of us who work with him, he simply represents what a good shipmate is and what quality is al about,” the captain concluded. Seafarers Rally With South Jersey Health Care Nurses SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, second from right in bottom right photo; Port of Philadelphia Patrolman Robert Wisler, left in same same photo; Port of Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, seventh from right in same photo behind woman wearing dark shirt, and Port of New York Patrolman Joe Baselice, not pictured, joined rankand-file Seafarers Nov. 14 who stood in solidarity with the Registered Nurses of South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) during a rally. Some 50 Seafarers turned out for the event, which organizers billed as an effort to draw attention to the unfair fashion in which the SJH registered nurses had been treated by company administrators and the board of directors during the quest to obtain their first ever labor contract. That effort started nearly two years ago on July 26, 2006 when the group voted for union representation. As it turned out, the rally achieved its purpose and then some. During the proceedings, it was announced that the nurses’ negotiators some 23 hours earlier had reached a tentative agreement for the health care professionals’ first labor accord. The nurses are affiliated with the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, AFT/AFL-CIO. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 7 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 8 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and will be repeated in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. The requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA con- TWIC Enrollment Centers This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-February, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic When visiting that site, there are different ways to access the most recently updated list of enrollment centers. There is a link near the top of the home page; there’s also one within the TWIC “FAQ.” As they become available, additional addresses will be published in the LOG and faxed to the union halls. The TSA is expected to announce the locations of many more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard, Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street, Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 13201 San Pablo Ave., Suite 300 Richmond, CA 94806 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road, Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 8 Seafarers LOG tact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also regularly appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Seafarers are advised that although pre-enrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-3478942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Georgia Power Plant McManus 1 Crispen Island Drive Brunswick, GA 31523 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street, Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois 8741 South Greenwood Dixon Building Chicago, IL 60619-7061 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 111 W. Washington Street, Suite 346 East Peoria, IL 61611-2532 Indiana 200 Russell Stree Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 James Drive East, Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ■ Pre-Enroll This can save time at the enrollment center itself. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWIC WebApp/ Applicants will need to supply basic information including their name, date of birth and country of birth. ■ Gather Documentation As part of the TWIC application process, individual applicants must supply documentation verifying their identity. A list of acceptable documents was printed on page 4 of the January edition of the Seafarers LOG and is available on the TSA’s TWIC web site. A valid merchant mariner document/z-card is acceptable, as is an unexpired passport. Maine 235 Oxford Street Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 213 W. Main Street Suite 204C Salisbury, MD 21801-4871 3195 Old Washington Road Suite 2106 Waldorf, Md. 20602-3201 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St., Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 300 Tremont Street, Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 916 River Street Ontonagon, MI 49953-1622 800 East Ellis Road, Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 Minnesota 34 13th Avenue, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413-1002 2161 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114-1300 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 3214 2nd Avenue East International Falls, MN 56649-8955 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 New Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 ■ Enroll Applicants may enroll at any of the agency’s enrollment centers, at which time they must pay the TWIC fee of $132.50 (or the reduced fee of $105.25, if applying for a TWIC that expires in conjunction with a merchant mariner document). Applicants will provide fingerprints and be photographed as well as provide personal information. ■ Pick up TWIC Applicants must return to the same enrollment center to pick up their credential. They will be notified by email or phone (as specified during enrollment) when the card is ready. The individual TWIC will be activated, and the card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street, Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 2680 Grand Island Boulevard Suite 1 Grand Island, NY 14072 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 North Carolina 5704 Oleander Drive Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28403-4761 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway A Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street, Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon 621 SW Morrison Street Portland, OR 97205 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 701 North Point Drive, Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 Virginia 814 Greenbrier Circle, Suite F Chesapeake, VA 23320 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 8327 Summit Park Rd., Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd. Huntington WV 25702 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303-2271 March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 8:06 AM Page 9 Welcome Ashore in Ft. Lauderdale Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January 16, 2007 — February 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Picking up their first pension checks, respectively, at the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. are newly retired Seafarers Recertified Bosun Carmine Bova (top photo, left, with Port Agent Kenny Moore) and Oiler Pedro Gago (bottom photo, left, with Safety Director Kevin Marchand). Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Personal Pedro V. Ramos and David K. Seeman Please contact Robert H. Mulligan by phone at (781) 331-0691 or (617) 460-1547, or by email at bob.mulligan@comcast.net Totals April & May 2008 Piney Point ...........Monday: April 7, May 5 Algonac ................Friday: April 11, May 9 Baltimore..............Thursday: April 10, May 8 Boston ..................Friday: April 11, May 9 Guam ....................Thursday: April 24, May 22 Honolulu...............Friday: April 18, May 16 Houston ................Monday: April 14, May 12 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: April 10, May 8 Joliet .....................Thursday: April 17, May 15 Totals Mobile ..................Wednesday: April 16, May 14 New Orleans.........Tuesday: April 15, May 13 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 1 2 4 2 2 6 4 0 2 1 5 7 3 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 4 9 1 6 37 18 2 8 15 35 10 14 3 0 5 2 34 25 0 2 1 4 2 2 17 13 5 3 9 11 12 11 2 7 3 1 16 11 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 4 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 3 3 0 1 19 9 0 0 2 16 4 7 0 0 1 0 21 11 3 0 7 19 1 14 73 51 1 24 26 87 24 42 4 1 17 1 53 59 8 10 8 27 10 16 48 41 1 18 14 56 27 18 3 6 19 9 47 45 3 2 3 8 6 3 5 7 1 4 5 7 10 6 3 0 1 0 3 7 254 238 49 228 132 17 98 507 431 84 0 0 3 4 1 4 13 14 0 6 8 19 13 11 3 1 1 1 14 12 1 4 4 10 1 2 14 15 0 5 4 9 8 4 1 1 4 3 13 10 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 5 2 7 18 13 0 6 10 14 6 10 2 0 0 0 8 7 0 1 3 4 3 1 5 14 0 2 3 7 4 6 0 0 2 2 11 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 10 0 1 1 6 1 3 0 0 1 1 7 7 0 0 8 13 0 11 18 22 0 10 12 35 14 16 6 3 10 2 24 18 2 6 6 16 3 3 14 29 2 10 2 19 15 7 2 3 6 5 22 17 0 0 1 3 2 1 4 2 0 1 0 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 4 3 128 113 19 110 76 10 44 222 189 31 1 0 0 5 2 12 22 18 0 9 5 23 8 20 1 3 3 0 20 25 0 0 2 10 5 5 10 9 0 2 3 9 7 5 0 1 2 0 8 8 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 177 86 10 New York .............Tuesday: April 8, May 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: April 10, May 8 Oakland ................Thursday: April 17, May 15 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: April 9, May 7 Port Everglades ....Thursday: April 17, May 15 San Juan ...............Thursday: April 10, May 8 St. Louis ...............Friday: April 18, May 16 Tacoma .................Friday: April 25, May 23 Wilmington.............Monday: April 21, May 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. March 2008 ENGINE DEPARTMENT STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 10 2 19 3 11 25 19 3 10 13 26 14 10 2 7 9 3 25 24 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 2 0 6 10 1 8 37 22 0 11 11 39 13 18 1 1 8 2 35 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 2 6 1 9 16 16 0 3 12 20 5 20 4 1 1 0 12 26 1 0 1 7 1 2 8 6 0 2 5 4 10 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 5 8 0 2 5 8 1 10 1 0 1 0 5 12 1 0 1 7 3 16 38 27 0 10 5 38 14 39 2 4 4 1 33 37 1 0 1 11 4 8 11 16 0 3 5 12 14 6 1 1 3 1 11 14 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 155 53 6 62 280 123 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 0 0 5 3 5 0 0 1 4 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 5 3 3 1 5 2 6 22 14 1 4 6 28 5 15 1 6 4 1 17 13 4 0 0 11 4 6 2 7 0 2 2 5 12 14 1 27 3 2 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 2 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 12 9 0 2 5 11 2 10 0 8 1 2 5 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 1 7 4 0 18 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 6 0 1 3 10 2 6 0 0 0 0 8 7 6 7 2 8 4 9 38 36 1 11 4 55 29 22 1 5 5 1 29 25 6 0 1 16 6 13 9 16 1 3 5 23 30 21 1 34 3 2 15 13 34 157 112 21 80 45 0 56 298 218 593 594 190 514 341 78 204 1,065 1,041 349 Seafarers LOG 9 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:34 PM Page 10 SEAFA Answer Nation’s Call for M SIU members who have sailed on missions supporting U.S. and allied forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom stand ready to mobilize again whenever their nation calls. That message surfaced time after time during casual shipboard interviews that took place in late January aboard three Seafarers-contracted vessels in Baltimore (the Cape Washington, Cape Wrath and USNS Mendonca). Members stated that in their respective experiences aboard ship, individual opinions about the war in Iraq are as varied as what one probably would find in most other workplaces. To a man, however, they emphasized that there is nothing short of unanimous commitment to delivering the goods – on time, efficiently, wherever and whenever needed. Recertified Bosun David James has made a dozen trips to the Middle East aboard SIU-crewed military support ships since OIF began, including one voyage that spanned more than six months. “We know we’re America’s fourth arm of defense,” James stated. “SIU members are here to support the troops, period. As mariners, I think we all understand that we’re vital to national security.” He and other Seafarers mentioned that there are some obvious things that distinguish the OIF/OEF missions from a regular cargo run. They include the materiel itself, the multiple checkpoints heading into port and the military security teams that normally board the ships at some point along the way. “SIU members are here to support the troops.” --- Bosun David James Shipboard discussions are different, too. “The war is always a topic when you’re headed to Iraq, and the conversation gets more in-depth as you take on the security team and get closer,” said Recertified Steward Bob Mensching. Recertified Bosun Rick James said that even while vessels such as the Washington, Wrath and Mendonca remain in reduced operating status between activations, mariners talk about possible upcoming duties. “At our safety meetings, it’s a daily topic – availability, the war, our readiness,” he said. “Each person has different political views, but we all know we’re a vital part of supporting the armed forces. We look forward to bringing the troops home when the job is done.” Electrician Eric Mentzer pointed out that there is plenty of interaction between the crew and the security teams on many voyages. “A lot of people on the ships become friends with them,” he said. “The last two teams in particular were really cool guys. They’ve got families at home just like we do.” “Everybody gets to know each other. These are tight quarters,” said QMED George Murphy. QMED Bob Oppel has made four voyages in support of the current military operations, with the first two lasting a combined nine months. “The first couple of trips, everyone was gung ho,” he recalled. “Since then it has seemed more routine, although everyone’s just as focused on doing their job. It’s a more serious atmosphere (than a commercial run) and definitely a little different.” AB Mrimri Farah described the delivery of materiel to U.S. troops abroad as “very important,” and added that he is proud to have helped transport humvees and other cargo “that were badly needed at the time. Our guys in Iraq were very happy to see those.” Pictured are QM Mentzer The Seafarers-crewed Cape Washington Recertifie USNS M QMED George Murphy Cape Washington Chief Steward McKinley Jones Cape Wrath A sign aboard the Cape Wrath reflects the consistently safe jobs performed by SIU members and officers. GUDE Rose Winer Cape Wrath Seafarers help keep the Cape Washingt engine room running smoothly. The Cape Wrath, seen from the Cape Washington’s stern ramp 10 Seafarers LOG March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:34 PM Page 11 FARERS or Military Support Missions Pictured from left to right on the Cape Washington are QMED George Murphy, Electrician Eric Mentzer and GUDE Michael Alghafeili. Recertified Steward Bob Mensching USNS Mendonca Storekeeper Ted Hilles USNS Mendonca OS William Thomas USNS Mendonca Recertified Bosun David James USNS Mendonca Electrician Eric Mentzer Cape Washington QMED Bob Oppel Cape Wrath e Cape Washington’s oothly. AB Al Barnett Cape Wrath March 2008 AB William Howell USNS Mendonca Recertified Bosun Rick James, AB Mrimri Farah Cape Washington Seafarers LOG 11 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:35 PM Page 12 Seafarer Went Toe-to-Toe with Legendary Sugar Ray Robinson DATELINE: CINCINNATI, OHIO, MARCH 29, 1955 (SIU Wire Service) – A young able seaman, Johnny Lombardo, stood toe-to-toe with the former middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson, losing a 10-round split decision to the exchamp. Trading punch after punch against some of the quickest hands known to boxing, the young Seafarer clearly had the crowd on his side due to his impressive turnout against the ex-champ who was in the middle of a career comeback. Looking like a block of stone with fists of iron, Lombardo stepped into the ring against Robinson with one knockout of contender Joe Rindone and a thrashing of Garth Panther already to his credit. Despite a flurry of rights and lefts staggering Robinson, the judges handed down the split decision. The verdict was greeted with booing by the fans at the Cincinnati Gardens mainly because Lombardo put up such a terrific fight against the former champion. Even sportswriters from around the nation think Lombardo was robbed. Meet Fighter and AB Johnny Lombardo While the above news flash is a rewrite of newspaper articles of the time, the event and story of SIU Retiree Seafarer Johnny Lombardo (middle) is pictured during the pre-fight weigh-in with Sugar Ray Robinson (right). Johnny Lombardo are true. He’s known to his friends as a soft-hearted but hard-nosed kind of guy. According to Lombardo, while boxing was a passion, the sea was his love. Like most kids during the Depression, he lived in a poor family. His mother being the sole source of income, young Johnny took a job in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Then, a tragic event took place that would shape his life forever. “I was so angry about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I joined the Navy when I was 15,” said Lombardo. World War II began his 15-month combat tour. It was in the Navy where he got his certification as a ship’s machine gunner. “I loved that job so much, I slept at the base of my 20mm gun when I could,” he laughed. Lombardo’s sleeping SIU member Johnny Lombardo (right) squared off with Sugar Ray Robinson. arrangements paid off in the made a name for himself in the ring standing strong early morning of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. against some big boxing names at the time such as “I didn’t have too far to run when they called the ship Rocky Castellani, Phil “Wildcat” Kim and others. to battle stations. All hell broke loose as a Nazi Junkers At age 26, he got his big shot. “Sugar Ray Robinson JU-88 strafed the deck. As the plane circled the ship, I was trying to regain his title and my name came up as his spun around as it was bearing down on me and let loose opponent. When my manager told me, I said, ‘I’m going on him,” Lombardo recalled. He said that everything to beat this guy but I know the judges are going to steal happened so quickly he didn’t know if he was the only the fight from me,’” exclaimed Lombardo. “This was my one to fire on the plane. “The whole ship got credit for big shot and I thought it was a good way for a poor boy downing the plane, but I know I got a piece if him.” When asked how he felt during the heated battle, he said, to make a name for himself.” Then came fight night. “When the first round started, “I was too young to be scared!” As the ship was decorated for the battle, the Navy dis- Robinson starting talking to me. He said things like, ‘Why don’t you lay down and we’ll just get this over covered Lombardo’s real age. The Navy shortly diswith? What was I doing wasting my time in the ring?’ charged him. Well, I hauled off and hit him in the jaw! Undaunted, Lombardo quickly took action. “I joined “During the fight we each almost knocked each other the Army!” he said. “I still wanted to fight, but the Army out,” said Lombardo. “But, to tell you the truth, he was sent me to Italy where the war was pretty much over.” so fast, I didn’t see his punches! He wasn’t washed up Lombardo still had the fighting spirit when the Army like everyone was saying. But, I did get my shot.” shipped him home. “We had boxing matches on board A few months later, Lombardo hung up his gloves. “I during that long cross-Atlantic trip. A buddy of mine, always loved the sea. So I quit boxing, went to the New Sonny Wayman, convinced me to box and they gave me York port agent’s office and signed on to be a seafarer. I the biggest, toughest, best boxer on the ship and I worked mainly on tankers, but would have done anything knocked him out in the third round,” Lombardo rememto be at sea.” bered. When, they got home, Wayman got Lombardo a The 79-year-old Lombardo is retired in Las Vegas and few matches and his boxing career started to move. is still full of energy. “I’d sign on for sea duty today if Lombardo didn’t consider himself a great boxer. “I they’d take me,” he said. “Our union brothers are the think I was ranked 40th before I fought Sugar Ray greatest people in the world.” Robinson,” said Lombardo. But, Lombardo had already Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: 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 12 Seafarers LOG halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:38 AM Page 13 Seafarers International Union Directory Welcome Ashore Michael Sacco, President 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. Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services DEEP SEA René 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 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 March 2008 CIFUENTES GAGO Brother Cifuentes Gago, 63, joined the SIU in 1970. He initially sailed on the Amerigo as a member of the engine department. Brother Gago was born in Zamora, Spain. He attended classes on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gago’s final voyage was aboard the Motivator. He makes his home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. RICHARD HECKMAN Brother Richard Heckman, 65, became a Seafarer in 1959. His earliest trip to sea was on the Navigator. Brother Heckman shipped in the engine department. He last worked aboard the Guayama. Brother Heckman is a resident of Rio Grande, P.R. with Berg Towing Company. He enhanced his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Carter was most recently employed on an Express Marine Inc. vessel. He makes his home in Smyrna, Del. ALEX GOLDEN Boatman Alex Golden, 63, first went to sea in 1973 with Allied Towing. Boatman Golden was born in North Carolina and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard a Steuart Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Golden settled in Harkers Island, N.C. THOMAS HUMPHRY Brother Joseph Jenkins Jr., 67, donned the SIU colors in 1987. His maiden voyage was on the USNS Wilkes where he sailed as a member of the engine department. In 2000 and 2002, Brother Jenkins took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he went to sea aboard the PFC Dewayne Williams. Brother Jenkins calls Lake Stevens, Wash. home. Boatman Thomas Humphry, 68, started working with the SIU in 1972 from the port of San Francisco. In 2000, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Boatman Humphry began his career sailing in the deep sea division aboard a States Steamship Company vessel. He primarily shipped as a member of the steward department on a Crowley Towing & Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Humphry is a resident of Compton, Calif. JAMES T. MARTIN JAMES S. MARTIN Brother James T. Martin, 57, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1972. The deck department member upgraded numerous times at the Piney Point school. Brother Martin was born in Pennsylvania. His first ship was the Sea Carol; his last was the USNS Petersburg. Brother Martin lives in Bacliff, Texas. Boatman James S. Martin, 52, joined the union in 1975 while attending classes in Piney Point, JOSEPH JENKINS JR. WILLIAM PAYNE Brother William Payne, 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1990 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He originally shipped on the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Payne was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Payne resides in Jacksonville, Fla. INLAND WILLIAM CARTER Boatman William Carter, 66, is a North Carolina native. He became an SIU member in 1966. Boatman Carter initially sailed Md. He enhanced his seafaring abilities frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Martin was born in California and worked in the engine department. His final trip to sea was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. DWIGHT PIERCE Boatman Dwight Pierce, 62, launched his seafaring profession in 1972. He was employed with Dixie Carriers for the duration of his career. Boatman Pierce calls Collinsville, Miss. home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. LAWRENCE CHAPMAN Brother Lawrence Chapman, 63, joined the NMU ranks in 1968 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Ocean Evelyn as a member of the steward department. Brother Chapman was born in Mobile, Ala. He most recently worked aboard the Cape Knox. JAMES DILLON Brother James Dillon, 63, donned Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 SIU members in New York threw a celebration for five fellow SIU members who returned home after being held prisoner by Nazi Germany. All of the repatriated brothers had stories of privation and hardships to tell. Three of them, Ralph Piehet, William Weaver and Rufus Stough, were torpedoed on the Sturgis in February 1943. The other two, Paul Petro and John F. Monteverde, were sunk on the SS Honomu on July 5, 1942. All were prisoners since their capture, living on German subs, prison ships and in German prison camps. his NMU colors in 1967 while in the port of New Orleans. He initially shipped on the Texaco Montana. Brother Dillon was born in Tylertown, Miss. His final voyage was aboard the Philadelphia Express. Brother Dillon sailed in the steward department. WAYNE LOBO Brother Wayne Lobo, 64, was born in New Bedford, Mass. He became an NMU member in 1984. Brother Lobo worked in the engine department. Both his first and last voyages were on board the Authority. JAMES STANFORD Brother James Stanford, 55, began sailing with the NMU in 1978. He originally worked on the David D. Irwin. Brother Stanford was a member of the steward department. He is a native of Galveston, Texas. Brother Stanford’s last ship was the Chelsea. cials. The settlement amounted to some $1,500 in extra pay to be split among the crewmembers involved. 1963 The SIU-manned Floridian became the first American merchant ship fired on by Cuban MIG jets about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets circled the ship for 20 minutes before firing. The attack came in the same waters between Cuba and Florida where MIGs attacked an American shrimp boat earlier in the year. This Month In SIU History 1958 The return of representatives on Robin Line ships is producing dividends in overtime payments for SIU members aboard the vessels. SIU patrolmen who covered the payoff of the Robin Kirk in New York secured payment of 764 hours of disputed overtime for the crew, under the SIU contract, following a six-hour beef session with company offi- 1991 Calling the sealift industry “the bedrock of America’s defense transportation system,” the head of the U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force General Hansford T. Johnson, gave high praise to the men and women crewing the U.S.-flag ships that carried soldiers, tanks, ammunition and other military materiel to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, during a Maritime Trades Department meeting. “America’s maritime industry is the lifeline for America’s armed forces serving in Southeast Asia,” he said. Seafarers LOG 13 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 8:36 AM Page 14 Final Departures DEEP SEA BENJAMIN BUCK Pensioner Benjamin Buck, 79, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Buck became a union member in 1951, initially sailing from the port of Baltimore aboard the Santore. He was born in Mayesville, S.C. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Buck’s final excursion was on CSX Lines’ Seattle. He retired in 1984 and made his home in Bedford, Pa. EDUVIGIS DEJESUS Pensioner Eduvigis DeJesus, 88, died Oct. 10. Brother DeJesus joined the SIU in 1951 while in the port of Philadelphia. He was first employed aboard the Emilia as a member of the engine department. Brother DeJesus was born in Fajardo, P.R. His last trip to sea was on the Houston. Brother DeJesus started collecting his pension in 1975 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. KELLEY GRAHAM Pensioner Kelley Graham, 68, passed away Sept. 19. Brother Graham embarked on his seafaring career in 1964. The engine department member originally shipped on the Topa Topa. Brother Graham was born in Odessa, Texas. His last voyage was on the Liberty Star. Brother Graham went on pension in 2001 and called Livingston, Texas, home. ROGER LINASAN union in 1974. His first voyage was on CSX Lines’ Jacksonville. Brother Martin was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and shipped as a member of the engine department. His final trip was aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Martin became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Hazlet, N.J. AURELIO MARTINEZ Pensioner Aurelio Martinez, 86, passed away Sept. 4. Brother Martinez was born in Florida. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1952. Brother Martinez was first employed with A.H. Bull Steamship Company. The steward department member’s last voyage was on the Cove Ranger. Brother Martinez was a resident of Cambridge, Md., and retired in 1981. ANIBAL MATOS Brother Anibal Matos, 50, died Oct. 19. He joined the SIU ranks in 1979 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Matos was born in San Juan, P.R., and shipped in the deck department. His last journey was aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Matos continued to live in Puerto Rico. TEDDY MCDUFFIE Pensioner Teddy McDuffie, 63, passed away Sept. 12. Brother McDuffie became a union member in 1965. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Fairwind. Brother McDuffie was born in Alabama and shipped in the deck department. He went on pension in 1990 and called Mobile, Ala., home. MICHAEL MCERLEAN Brother Michael McErlean, 33, died Sept. 17. He donned the SIU colors in 2000 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother McErlean initially sailed on the USNS Dahl. The deck department member was born in Dayton, Ohio. Brother McErlean most recently worked aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He was a resident of Leonardtown, Md. Brother Roger Linasan, 59, died Oct. 17. He began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1970 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Linasan was a native of the Philippines and he worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Manulani. Brother Linasan lived in Las Vegas, Nev. Pensioner William Miles, 80, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Miles joined the MC&S in 1953 while in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Kennedy; his last was the Lurline. Brother Miles shipped in the steward department. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1992 and continued to reside in his native state of Georgia. LEON LOHMAN LUIS MIRANDA Pensioner Leon Lohman, 67, passed away Sept. 13. Brother Lohman donned the SIU colors in 1977 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Manhattan; his last the Aquarius. Brother Lohman was born in Louisiana. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Lohman began receiving his pension in 2005 and resided in Violet, La. Pensioner Luis Miranda, 95, died Sept. 23. Brother Miranda was born in Ponce, P.R. He joined the SIU in 1942. Brother Miranda originally worked on a vessel operated by Waterman Steamship Corporation as a member of the deck department. He retired in 1978 and settled in Miami, Fla. ROBERT MARTIN Pensioner Robert Martin, 56, died Oct. 22. Brother Martin joined the 14 Seafarers LOG WILLIAM MILES GEORGE O’BERRY ALBERT WESTBROOK BRYAN FERNIZ Pensioner George O’Berry, 79, passed away Sept. 25. Brother O’Berry embarked on his seafaring career in 1946. His first voyage was aboard the De Soto. Brother O’Berry was born in Florida and sailed in the steward department. His final trip to sea was on the Del Valle. Brother O’Berry became a pensioner in 1983. He was a resident of Philadelphia, Miss. Pensioner Albert Westbrook, 82, died Oct. 5. Brother Westbrook began shipping with the union in 1966, initially from the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Los Angeles; his last was the Horizon Trader. Brother Westbrook was a Texas native and sailed as a member of the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1996 and resided in San Francisco. Boatman Bryan Ferniz, 46, passed away Oct. 2. The Louisiana-born mariner became an SIU member in 1981. During his seafaring career, Boatman Ferniz sailed on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Savage Company. He was a resident of New Orleans. MICHAEL OKUTANI Pensioner Michael Okutani, 87, died Oct. 24. Brother Okutani joined the union in 1953 while in the port of San Francisco. During his seafaring career, he sailed aboard vessels operated by American Ship Management to include the President Taft and the Chief Gadao. Brother Okutani worked in the steward department. He was born in Hawaii but called Newberg, Ore., home. Brother Okutani went on pension in 1985. OLE POULSEN Pensioner Ole Poulsen, 74, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Poulsen joined the union in 1961. His maiden voyage was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel. Brother Poulsen was a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed on the Tacoma. Brother Poulsen made his home in Seattle and began receiving his pension in 1997. JACK WINLEY Pensioner Jack Winley, 78, passed away Sept. 24. Brother Winley launched his seafaring career in 1947. The Michiganborn mariner’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel Chemist. Brother Winley worked in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Ultra Max. Brother Winley went on pension in 1984 and settled in Myrtle Beach, S.C. JOHN WOLFE Pensioner John Wolfe, 55, died Oct. 10. Brother Wolfe donned the SIU colors in 1968. He originally shipped in the deck department of the Steel Artisan. Brother Wolfe was born in Elizabeth, N.J. He most recently sailed on the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Wolfe retired in 2007 and continued to live in his native state. INLAND JOHN TOBIN LORENZO BEVERLY Pensioner John Tobin, 89, died Oct. 27. Brother Tobin became an SIU member in 1952. His first voyage was aboard the Sea Georgia. Brother Tobin was born in Surry, N.C., and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was on the Boston. Brother Tobin retired in 1981 and lived in Mount Airy, N.C. Pensioner Lorenzo Beverly, 79, passed away Sept. 20. Boatman Beverly was born in Florida. The steward department member joined the union in 1972. Boatman Beverly was initially employed aboard a Transit Oil Corporation vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he sailed with Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Beverly called Norfolk, Va., home. DAVID VAN NATTER Brother David Van Natter, 56, passed away Aug. 2. He joined the SIU ranks in 1967 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Van Natter, who was born in Virginia, initially sailed on a Rye Marine Corporation vessel. He worked in the engine department. Brother Van Natter’s final trip was aboard the Resolve. He was a resident of Cheriton, Va. BENJAMIN BOLLI SR. Boatman Benjamin Bolli Sr., 52, died Sept. 19. He joined the union in 1974 in Philadelphia. Boatman Bolli first shipped with IBC Company. He was born in New Jersey. Boatman Bolli’s final voyage was aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation Company vessel. He made his home in Galloway, N.J. MORRIS FORREST Pensioner Morris Forrest, 83, died Oct. 19. Boatman Forrest started his SIU career in 1965, joining the union in Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was operated by Moore’s Towing Lines. Boatman Forrest was born in Mathews, Va. His last SIU shipboard job was aboard an Allied Transportation vessel. Boatman Forrest retired in 1989 and resided in Millsboro, Del. WALTER GRIMES Pensioner Walter Grimes, 78, passed away Sept. 11. Boatman Grimes joined the union in 1963. His first SIU-contracted job was on an Ellis Towing & Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Grimes was the born in Marquez, Texas. The deck department member’s final trip to sea was with Higman Barge Lines. Boatman Grimes became a pensioner in 1990 and settled in Orange, Texas. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust have passed away. Name Abner, Clarence Aldafari, Mohamed Apson, Bernard Blair, John Blanco, Martin Brackins, Frazier Burgess, William Burrell, Charles Calderon, Pablo Choy, Cheng Coleman, John Creason, Thomas Dunlavey, Jack Eubanks, Haywood Falinski, Jozef Faulcon, Earlie Fortes, Joseph Frei, Lyn Gandara, Joseph Hebner, Kermit Jenkins, William Sr. Johnson, Orville Jones, Carl Kelly, Marvin King, Clinton Lamb, Clarence Lara, Francisco Lawrence, Eric Littlefield, Louis Lopez, Alejandro Martin, Richard Millet, Frank Moody, Willard Morgan, Gard Morris, Versie Nieves, Heliodoro Ocasio, William Olivo, Ramon Parkins, Edmund Ricci, Anthony Sakellariou, Antonios Sarvis, Juan Serrao, Gregory Shafer, George Vasquez, David Webb, Jack Wielb, Stanley Age 90 83 86 72 82 90 84 81 92 93 72 81 80 77 95 90 77 64 54 79 92 77 68 69 88 78 90 85 76 90 82 81 75 73 85 72 84 81 92 79 85 87 92 82 79 76 87 DOD Aug. 16 July 10 Aug. 1 July 5 Aug. 7 July 5 July 10 Aug. 14 Aug. 16 July 23 Aug. 20 Aug. 28 July 25 July 4 Aug. 14 Aug. 28 July 29 July 14 Aug. 30 Aug. 27 July 7 Aug. 31 Aug. 30 Aug. 20 Aug. 12 July 15 July 15 July 22 July 8 Aug. 10 July 14 Aug. 28 Aug. 17 July 14 Aug. 27 July 18 Aug. 3 Aug. 19 Aug. 8 July 18 Aug. 18 Aug. 23 July 12 Aug. 12 July 1 July 20 July 31 March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:38 AM Page 15 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings Snapshots from Overseas Houston The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 30 — Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Engine Delegate Mahmoud F. Khalil, Steward Delegate Bridgett L. McIntosh. Chairman reported a good, hard-working crew. He urged them to check zcard expiration dates and to keep paperwork updated. They were also advised to look into educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Secretary asked Seafarers to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next member. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for their hard work and great food. Next ports: Houston; Alexandria, Egypt; and Djibouti, Ethiopia. COMET (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 16 — Chairman Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Patricia J. Geras, Educational Director James P. Meyers, Deck Delegate Kleber J. Ureta. Chairman stated payoff to take place Dec. 22 in Los Angeles. He reminded crew to clean rooms before departing vessel. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like fans in rooms, new radio and DVD player to be fixed. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 30 — Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Korron Richardson. Chairman reported crew worked well together. Educational director urged members to stay up-to-date on TWIC information and reminded them to watch their surroundings to help avoid accidents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that a new dryer had been ordered for crew laundry. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 9 — Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte, Educational Director Bruce M. Korte. Chairman requested that everyone leave cabins clean for next mariner. Educational director recommended that all Seafarers check expiration dates on all necessary sailing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to medical benefits. New washer and dryer were requested for crew laundry along with fans for crew rooms. Mariners thanked steward department for the Thanksgiving feast they prepared. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 2 — Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director John R. Parkhurst. Chairman announced payoff in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 10. He advised members to have their rooms clean and also have Aboard the Sealand Motivator Pictured aboard the Sealand Motivator are (top photo, from left) Stewards Chris Sykes and Max Hassell El and (bottom photo) Recertified Steward Judi Chester along with SIU Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny, who noted that he and Chester formerly worked together aboard LNG ships. March 2008 Efficiently getting the job done aboard the OSG tanker Overseas Houston are Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh (above, setting up the dessert table) and Chief Cook Hazel Johnson. union books ready for patrolman. Secretary stated that fresh linen would be issued for departing crew. Treasurer reported $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members inquired about getting direct deposit for vacation benefit checks. Crew expressed gratitude to the steward department for excellent food. It was noted that the voyage was long but the company was great. Next ports: Portland, Ore., and Bangladesh. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 16 — Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Mark Campbell, Engine Delegate Peter E. Sternberg. Bosun reported smooth sailing during voyage. Secretary thanked members for help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged crew to check out what the Piney Point school has to offer. Treasurer noted $3,401 in the ship’s fund; money will be used to purchase a flat-screen TV for crew messhall. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like more comfortable chairs. Steward department was thanked for good meals and a clean ship. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 27 — Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Louis A. Santiago. Chairman thanked crew members for working well together, especially since they were still working out all the kinks in the vessel. Secretary stated that the foodorder issue has been resolved with Maersk port steward. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He also urged them to keep credentials current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members sent their prayers to family and friends of Brother Johnny Kemper, who recently passed away. Next ports: Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS DILIGENCE (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 27 — Chairman Reginald A. Watkins, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Engine Delegate Alton P. Hickman Jr. Chairman reported patrolman to come aboard in Mississippi. Secretary stated that the chief cook would be departing the vessel in the next port; she thanked him for great food especially at Christmas. Educational director advised Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested about how to withdraw money from the SMPPP (Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan). Recommendations were made regarding medical and dental benefits. Next port: Pascagoula, Miss. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 16 — Chairman Donnie W. Collins, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Lowell R. Lemm, Deck Delegate Michael Duggan, Engine Delegate Gregory H. Holsey Jr., Steward Delegate Peter Hernandez. Chairman stated safety issue regarding paint would be brought up with patrolman in Beaumont, Texas. Secretary asked seamen to place dirty linen in bags ASAP and stated that new linen package would be placed outside door for arriving crew. Treasurer reported $490 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that a new TV antenna would be installed along with a new computer for crew e-mail. The computer will be placed in the crew lounge. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. WILSON (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 27 — Chairman Paul C. Sharo, Secretary Arturo A. Rodriguez. Chairman reported safe voyage and announced payoff on Jan. 2 in Houston. Secretary thanked all members for helping keep ship clean. Departing crew members were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities whenever possible at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked steward department for a job well done. HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), Jan. 6 — Chairman Billy G. Hill Sr., Deck Delegate Wilbert Pantin, Steward Delegate Sean M. Sullivan. Chairman expressed his gratitude to steward department for excellent holiday meals. He stated that trip to the Middle East went smoothly. Crew was informed of pay raise which took place on Jan. 1. Secretary advised members to keep up-to-date on TWIC information by reading the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Beaumont, Texas; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Charleston, S.C., and Baltimore, Md. RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line, Limited), Jan. 2 — Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Marcelino V. Cayabyab, Deck Delegate Lawrence Dahalhouse, Engine Delegate Matthew D. Wright, Steward Delegate Lucic Zlatko. Chairman reminded crew to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work. Secretary suggested mariners check out what Piney Point has to offer and also advised them to keep documents current. Educational director discussed latest TWIC information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Guam. Splicing Wire Aboard Coast Range Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro is behind the camera as fellow members of the deck gang take a momentary break from splicing wire aboard the tanker Coast Range. Pictured from left are ABs Travis Stringer, Joseph Merriweather, Rick Wiemer and Michael Cousin and Unlicensed Apprentice Gavin Benckert. Seafarers LOG 15 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:35 PM Page 16 Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Inviting Seafarers To Join AMMV The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) is a nonprofit organization. It was formed more than 25 years ago as a way to gain recognition for what the men of the American Merchant Marine have accomplished for our country in war and peace. Initially, the AMMV was composed almost entirely of men who served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II. Many of our original members were sailing the high seas before the war. (Included in the present membership are both licensed and unlicensed seamen.) At the end of World War II in 1945, there were almost 260,000 men serving our merchant fleet that consisted of more than 5,000 ships. Never again will the world see such a fleet of ships, nor such a group of men who sailed them. This is history. This is our proud history. The AMMV is an active spokesman for merchant marine-related issues. We invite all active or retired men and women of the SIU – whether you sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes – to become members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Also eligible for membership are members of any uniformed United States Armed Service with a DD214. Purposes of the AMMV include the following: Preserving a spirit of comradeship among U.S. Merchant Marine veterans and fellow seamen who served in the merchant fleets of nations allied with the United States; Perpetuating the memory of our dead, assisting their widows and helping comrades where possible. The merchant marine is listed among the services in the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. This was a result of organizational efforts. Publicizing the services of the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and now in the Gulf Wars. The organization has successfully gained veterans’ recognition for seamen in war-time service and continues promoting the need to recognize civilians who serve in military operations through legislative actions and news media. Reminding our nation that it must maintain a modern and strong merchant marine as it is a national military and economic necessity. Membership in the American Merchant Marine Veterans provides opportunity to participate in memorial events across the country, celebrating not only National Maritime Day and the role of the merchant marine throughout our country’s history, but enjoying the nostalgia of sailing again on selected preserved merchant ships of the World War II era. Membership offers opportunities to meet fellow mariners and to help preserve individuals’ history of time at sea. It’s also worth mentioning that no group of men is closer to merchant seamen than members of the United States Naval Armed Guard, many of whom are active members of the AMMV. More information about the AMMV 16 Seafarers LOG and how to join may be obtained by contacting any of the individuals listed below. The membership fee is small; the opportunity to enrich your legacy of sea service through membership is great. The American Merchant Marine Veterans is an organization that works to keep our rich history before the public – to tell the story of life on the seas – and to try to ensure our rightful place in the economic and military history of our country. You can help keep America strong. Come, join us and be part of the AMMV. Donald Trimbath Chairman, Government Affairs AMMV Auburn, California Contacts: New England and Eastern U.S. – Larry Brooks (508) 295-8257 Mid-Atlantic and Central U.S. – Robert Downey (412) 466-0250 and Clarence Newcomer (717) 665-3085 Western U.S. – Frank Mendez (925) 689-2686 Unionism and Responsibility After nearly 40 years in the SIU and on the verge of retirement, I thought it about time that I put in writing my thoughts on being a member of a labor union and what it may mean to others who are just starting out. The very word, union, denotes being unified for and in a common cause – a fraternal brotherhood, in which men and women are protected and not taken advantage of by big business and corporations. The early history of union organization is marked by conflict but also by remaining united. The SIU in particular remained strong, and today is recognized not only in America but around the world as a model of a fraternal labor organization. During these past 40 years, I have seen many changes in the leadership of this union and the way it negotiates with the industry. We negotiate in strength, respect, and for the common good of both the companies and the membership with no fear of intimidation on either side. This is a style of management that should be carried down to the shipboard committees of our representatives. Some members may look on the tasks of ships’ chairman and department delegates as something to avoid, because it could bring problems they don’t want to deal with (or on the other extreme they see it as just “easy hours”). However, it is these positions on the ships that set the tone of morale and confidence in the union as a whole. They carry responsibility towards their fellow members on board. The motto of this union is “Brotherhood of the Sea.” This is exactly what the shipboard committees must be: a brotherhood. If there is a problem, they are there to address the issue itself without broadcasting it or letting personalities get in the way. Committee members must be consistent in their dealings with fellow members, as fairness and respect are hallmarks of the SIU. This respect should also be carried over to members of other unions. As I look forward to retirement I also look forward to seeing my union continuing on its course of fair and impartial leadership, both on the national level and the shipboard level. That course will take the SIU into the 21st century with dignity and respect for ourselves and our fellow members. Christopher E. Brady Kudos to Steward I would like to take a minute to recognize and give thanks to one of our employees for a job well done. Recertified Steward Pedro Mena has been aboard the ITB Baltimore since mid-May. (This note was written in early October 2007.) Pedro has been here for all phases of operations in preparing and taking the vessel to Veracruz…. The steward’s main job is to provide good quality meals. The steward’s performance has a big impact on ship’s morale. Under normal operations it can be a tough task to try to please everyone’s appetite and keep the crew happy. These past four months have not been normal operations from the viewpoint of the steward department. We have been in a foreign port, in extremely hot weather conditions, and there have been extra personnel on board. Given the circumstances in which we have continued to work, Pedro has done an excellent job of keeping the ship’s crew, contractors, ABS and U.S. Coast Guard personnel well-fed. He has consistently provided good quality and healthy meals throughout the entire shipyard period. Pedro has had to take extra time to deal with the local ship’s chandler and ensuring we are getting quality meats and vegetables. He has been very careful to inspect all the meats before we take delivery. Several times he sent back food items that were not acceptable. When we talk and think safety on board, we sometimes might overlook the importance of proper food preparation. Yet, Pedro at times has had to take extra precautions in how he was preparing the meats (for example, soaking them in lemon, vinegar and salts to help kill any bacteria before cooking)…. All of the senior officers on board have been through shipyard periods in which there was not a steward or cook on board. During this time, you were left to cook for yourselves or rely upon local commissary-type meals. Everyone on board the Baltimore has commented on how nice it has been to keep the steward on board and for the quality of meals we have been provided. These quality meals have been provided because of a lot of extra hard work and preparation by Mr. Pedro Mena. Throughout this entire time, he has displayed a positive attitude. This is the kind of effort and dedication to a job that, as master of the vessel, you love to see and appreciate. Thank you, Pedro, for your hard work and a job well done. Capt. Ross Mollnow ITB Baltimore Push for ‘Belated Thank You’ I would like to thank all members of the SIU for their great help in writing and telephoning U.S. representatives to support H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. The bill passed in July 2007. It is now in the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Please call this toll-free number to the Capitol and ask for the office of the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee: (800) 614-2803. You will speak with one of his aides. Ask them to have the chairman release the bill so it can go to the Senate floor to be voted on. We have 57 co-sponsors for the bill, S 961. Again, I thank all SIU members for your effort and time. May you have calm seas and happy voyages. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri Shipboard Memories During the Korean War, I was serving as second assistant engineer on the SS African Rainbow, a post-war-built C3 cargo ship. The ship was owned by Farrell Lines and operated on the South and East African run. However, at the time of this incident, she was chartered to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) branch of the U.S. Navy. Eventually, our travels took us to Wonson, North Korea. As second assistant engineer, the boilers, feed pumps and associated equipment were my responsibilities. It was determined that one of the standby reciprocating feed pumps needed a line on the water end. Alas, we had no hydraulic jack. Also in port was the USS Fox, a destroyer escort. So, we went aboard the Fox, which was supplying power ashore. The engineering officer was very kind and understanding about our plight, but he was concerned about getting his jack returned in case one of our ships had to leave suddenly. He asked if one of his men could go with the jack and we readily agreed. The SS African Rainbow had six two-person staterooms and a beautiful officers’ and passengers’ dining room. So we put the young sailor in one of the plush staterooms and he ate with us in the dining room. Had he been able to spend the time with us, I am sure he would have re-enlisted! Another courtesy extended to us by the USS Fox was our mail. We had no way of getting our mail from the agent in Pusan. Fox’s mailman would pick it up and deliver it to us. Once again, thank you, U.S. Navy! Eli Rantanes Clinton, Ohio (The writer sailed at various times with the MFOW, MEBA and AMO) Honoring Dad and Other Mariners My Dad was one of those unsung heroes of the NMU. He was in the trenches during those early days in the 1930s. He retired in the early 1970s and passed away shortly thereafter. His contribution to the World War II effort was beyond expectations. I even wrote a poem while I was still in grammar school praising him and his fellow brave NMU members. The lines are still vivid in my memories: Who are these men in the U.S. Merchant Marine? Who are these men from 60 to 16? They are the men who are delivering supplies To our fighting men and to our Allies Yet they receive little credit But someday they will all be Honored with medals of merit! Bernard Saslawsky Oceanside, California March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:36 PM Page 17 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the first few months of 2008. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their 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 Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion April 14 May 26 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 May 16 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 31 May 12 June 23 April 11 May 23 July 4 Radar March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) April 21 June 23 April 21 June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman April 28 May 9 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Course Able Seaman Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician March 31 May 23 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Welding April 7 May 5 June 2 April 25 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) March 10 May 5 June 30 March 21 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting March 17 April 14 June 16 March 21 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW March 24 April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 March 28 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) March 31 May 19 June 23 April 4 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider March 24 May 19 March 28 May 23 Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) March 24 (must have basic firefighting) June 2 April 4 June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began March 3. Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) March 3 March 28 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 24 May 19 April 18 June 13 FOWT April 21 June 16 May 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Machinist March 17 April 4 Steward Recertification Course March 17 August 18 April 7 September 8 Academic Department Courses UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No Home Port _____________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: __________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Yes Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? No If yes, class # _________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ March 2008 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, 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. 3/08 Seafarers LOG 17 �46674_p01_20x:6674p0 2/20/2008 6:40 AM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) com- pleted the STCW class Jan. 25 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Alisha Fox, Christine Hellebrand, Jessica McMillion, Jose Garcia, Leila Wander, Cami Hostetler, Diane Brady, Shawn Turman, Frederick Schroder, and Victoria Esquibel. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 698 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jeffrey Amestoy, Tristan Brand, Satchel Caffy, Robert Day Jr., DeMorris Duggins, Winston Franks, Kabir Garcia, Kyle Gibson, Tsawang Gyurme, Spencer Hiruko, Allaina Lampke, Tony Martin, Daniel McDougald, Johnathan McNeil, Frederick Nyarko, Steven Sidler, Troy Smith, William Thompson, Richard Vega, Bernard Wade II and Sean Wilson. STCW - Completing this course Jan. 12 in Hawaii, above in no partic- ular order were: Mustafa Lobut, Connie Matlock, Zarifa Holloway, Danielle Barnes, Vincent Davis, Bruce Allen, David Ritter, Kristina Shoemaker, Kristen Blom, Trisha Fincher, Jessica Knoph, Gino Montesi, Andreas Goerres, Hugo Suarez, Eric Smith and Brent Dennis. STCW - Twenty individuals graduated from this course Jan. 19 at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. They were, above, in no particular order, Calvin Lodge, Dindo Guaresma, Derek Holl, Daniel Brandum, Mark Lancaster, Christina Snipes, Christopher Barnett, Michael Alequin, Genet Woldemichael, Jennifer Salazar, Robert Dominy, Eric Sagoe, Kent Barrow, Noel Newcom, Matthew Young, Sara Kannegieter, Lori Hubit, Lindsey Graham, David Larkin and Rachel Browder (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider - Eight individuals completed the medical care provider course on Feb. 1. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tawrence Abrams, John Benson, Alshea Dixon, Arnaldo Fernandez, Vincent Figuenick, James Morrison, James Tyson and Barry Williams Jr. Tankerman Assistant – Two classes of Phase III apprentices on Jan. 18 graduated from the tankerman assistant course. Completing the class (above, in alphabetical order) were: Rachel Alarcon, John Albritton, Chris Baum, Jonathan Bennett, Rasheen Breathwaite, Fraya Brown, Matthew Brown, Staley Chancellor, Kevin Copeland, Bobby Dickson, Richard Grushkin, Creg Gumanas, Thomas Halliburton Jr., Santaz Harper, Veronica Hernandez, Anthony Irizarry, Yakan Israel, Joel Jones, Emmanuel Korsah, Theodore Lampke, Christopher Landry, Eileen Mendiola, Denise Mendoza, Aman Mohamed, Fadel Mohamed, Edward Newbegin, Marcos Ramos, William Redinger, Jason Redmon, Cieara Rogers, Andrew Thompson II, Daniel Thompson and Barich Zoran. 18 Seafarers LOG March 2008 �46674_p01_20x:6674p0 2/20/2008 6:40 AM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW (Express Marine) – Twenty boatmen from Express Marine on Jan. 11 completed this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leslie Anderson, Eric Bankhead, David Callis, Mark Faust, Ronnie Fulcher, George Greggs, Robert Greggs, David Harris, Greg Havens, Tommy Horton, William Hundell, Parran Keane, Albert Keech, Ronald Meadows, Herbert O’Neal, Lewis O’Neal, Robert Perusse, Gil Pruitt, Artie Schwendeman and Oswald Smithwick. Company Rep. Keith Kirkeide is standing second from left in the back row. Various Classes (Express Marine) – Completing various classes on Jan. 11 were the above STCW (Great Lakes) boatmen from Express Marine. Pictured in alphabetical order are: Eddie Gardner, David Goodwin, Philip Inman, Riley Johnson, Garnett Leary, Sherwood Lewis, Melvin Pendleton, Todd Potter, Clifton Potter, Rob Press, Billy Sawyer, Russel Shores, Timothy Thomas, Larry Tribby, Jesse Voliva and Johnathan West. Company Rep. Keith Kirkeide is standing fifth from right in the back row. STCW - Eighteen individuals completed this class Jan. 19 in Hawaii. They are (above, in no par- ticular order): Sara Seta, Victor Flint, Jeremiah Weise, Josh Lindell, Ryan Smith, Robert Bacaycay, Rasmeithida Chhay, Ryan Kerr, Kevin Kerr, Caleb Wood, Amy Ingram, Jason Fowler, Stacey Eckstein, Genesis Penunuri, Orbelina Zelada, Keith Jackson, Keisha White and Brian Lombard. Completing this class Jan. 11 were these individuals from Great Lakes Towing shown above. Pictured (in alphabetical order) are: Lawrence Dudek, Jerald Galletta, Walter Harris, Sherwood Johnson, Hussein Qassim, Amy Shunkwiler, James Shupert and Leonard Thomas. Stan Beck, right, was their instructor. STCW - Completing this class Jan 12 in Hawaii (above, in no particular order) were: Jose Nunez Ortiz, Roberto Guerra, Gabriele Pena, Adam Valdez, Sean Igoe, Tabitha Maner, Sabrina David, Brett Steinmann, Brandy Alston, Lawrence Hickman III, Robert Martin, Michael Ashline, Ivonne Perez, Michael Sands and Amber Elliott. Computer Class Graduates Three students recently completed computer training classes at the Paul Hall Center. The trio joined Instructor Rick Prucha (center in photo at left, and left in photo at right) to pose with the certificates they earned for their respective accomplishments. Displaying their certificates in photo at left are David Brewster, left, and Devalence Smiley. Leslie McGirt shows off her certificates in photo at right. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 19 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:33 AM Page 20 Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 TWIC Reminders, Enrollment Centers -Page 8 The galley gang (from left): Ricky Williams, Instructor Chef Bob Baumgarten, Devalence Smiley, Rene Gil and Robinson Eromosele The bakery gang (from left): Tereza Padelopoulou, Michael Henry, Adobea Boateng, Darlene Steede, Instructor Ed White, Robinson Eromosele and Chris Hale Students Sharpen Skills at School Seafarer Seibel Shares Photos from Recent Steward Dept. Course Seafarer John Seibel recently submitted these photos of fellow students (and himself) participating in the certified chief cook course at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The photos were taken in October and November 2007. Seibel gave top marks to the teachers and facilities alike – and to the other upgraders, too. “They really have great instructors at the school. You can’t say enough about them,” Seibel stated. “Honestly, it’s one of my favorite places. It’s nice and peaceful. You learn a lot and you meet nice people.” Chef Instructor Robert Johnson displays some of his culinary talent. Amy Atterberry works on sauce for a lab project. John Nunez is pictured in the culinary lab. Rene Gil (left) and Devalence Smiley trim beef for stew. Ricky Williams, Amy Shunkwiler and Bob Baumgarten A couple of trainees serve up lunch. Upgraders take a quick break for this photo. Tanya Bradley and James Abilad whip up some chili in the culinary lab. Two unlicensed apprentices step up for galley duty. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES UNDER NLRB DIRECTION, MAJESTIC POSTS NON-INTERFERENCE NOTICE SEAFARERS CREW UP 2 NEW MAERSK SHIPS RO/ROS ALLIANCE NORFOLK, ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS JOIN MSP FLEET DEFENSE BILL PROVISION SIGNALS CIVMAR WIN SIU-CREWED HORIZON FALCON HONORED FOR ‘BRAVE ACTIONS’ IN 2007 RESCUE COAST GUARD SAYS NO INJURIES, NO POLLUTION IN MCCARTHY MISHAP TWIC HEARNG REVEALS MIX RESULTS INTERNATIONAL GROUPS ANNOUNCE JOIN EFFORT TO PROTECT MARINERS PHC OFFERS ONLINE COURSES SIU-AFFILIATED SCHOOL EARNS COUNTY’S ‘GOLD STAR’ VESSEL MASTER, CREW PRAISE EFFORTS OF SIU STEWARD SEAFARERES ANSWERS NATIONS CALL FOR MILITARY SUPPORT MISSIONS SEAFARER WENT TOE-TO-TOE WITH LEGENDARY SUGAR RAY ROBINSON Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 70, No. 3 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log