Seafarers Log: Vol. 81 No. 11 (2019-11-01)

NOVEMBER 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 11

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

Rescues at Sea
Pages 4, 24

Scholarship Info
Page 11

ARC Adding Three Ships to Fleet
Vessels Enrolling in Maritime Security
Program; Net Gain of Two Ships for SIU

The SIU helped celebrate new
American-flag tonnage as Seafarers-
contracted American Roll-on Roll-off
Carrier (ARC) hosted an uplifting cer-
emony Sept. 20 in Baltimore. The com-
pany is adding three newer ships to its
fleet, including the ARC Resolve (pic-
tured above left, at immediate left, and
the vessel’s wheelhouse at immediate
right). SIU President Michael Sacco
(above right) was a featured speaker
at the ceremony. Beforehand, visitors
toured the ARC Resolve, including (bot-
tom photo, from left) SIU VP Atlantic
Coast Joseph Soresi, Paul Hall Center
Apprentices Cody Carroll, Dave Martin,
Juan A. Vallejo, Briana Davis, Marta
Ruiz, Chris Kluth, Emmanuel Oute-
rial and Nick Chiappini, and SIU Piney
Point Port Agent Victor Nunez. Pages
3, 12, 13.

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2 Seafarers LOG November 2019

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
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Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 81 Number 11 November 2019

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
mentally friendly printer
for the production of this
newspaper.

President’s Report

Reversed to White
Reversed to White

Seafarers may recall that it was only a few months ago when I
began one of these columns by congratulating them for a great, typi-
cally professional response to a sudden flurry of vessel activations.

Turns out those activations were just a warmup.
As reported elsewhere in this edition, our members recently

stepped up and helped crew 33 U.S. military support ships for a
widespread exercise beginning in mid-September. This was not a

small task, but Seafarers came through with flying
colors. So did our officials in the hiring halls and
at the manpower office. Overall, this is believed
to have been the largest activation since the Per-
sian Gulf War.

Although in some ways this may be viewed as
“just doing our jobs,” the sheer scope of the activa-
tions warrants a pat on the back. I’m proud of our
members for answering the call so promptly and so
thoroughly. Particularly in light of the fact that it
really wasn’t 100 percent certain these were exer-
cises (the activations coincided with some interest-
ing happenings overseas), you once again proved
that you’re America’s fourth arm of defense.

I know we’ll remain at the ready, but in the meantime, congratula-
tions to all concerned on a job well done.

Honoring WWII Mariners
Speaking of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role in national

defense, the U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed
legislation that would honor the remaining mariners from World War
II with a Congressional Gold Medal.

The Senate now has an excellent opportunity to recognize these
members of the Greatest Generation.

For those unfamiliar with the history, the U.S. Merchant Marine
of World War II truly made the difference between victory and de-
feat. The SIU was there from the beginning – even before the United
States officially entered the war, in fact. The SIU-crewed Robin Moor
was sunk by a German submarine in May 1941.

More than 1,200 of our members lost their lives in the war. They
were part of a larger group that suffered a higher casualty rate than
any of the armed services.

Unfortunately, we’ve always had to scrap for recognition and ac-
knowledgement. But, we’ve proven it can be done. We proved it in
1988 with the long-overdue awarding of veterans’ status for World
War II mariners, and we proved it again 10 years later with the proper
extension of the cutoff date for that recognition.

Now, the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold
Medal Act is a fitting, final chance to collectively tip our nation’s cap
to the remaining seamen who helped make victory possible.

This simple but powerful gesture would be fitting, satisfying, and
deeply appreciated by the mariners and their families. The SIU stands
behind them 100 percent.

Celebrating New Tonnage
Whether you navigated to this column online or in print, you

couldn’t have missed our coverage of the recent ceremony in Balti-
more where three newly reflagged ships were named (they’re joining
the American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier fleet). The day itself was in-
spirational, and I particularly enjoyed hearing so many compliments
about our rank-and-file members.

Gaining new tonnage under the American flag is never a given,
whether it’s for the Jones Act trade or international voyages. It takes
significant investment and commitment – and those steps are based
in part on the availability of reliable, well-trained mariners, including
SIU members.

Our industry faces plenty of challenges, but we’re also making
substantial progress. Ceremonies like the ARC event reinforce my
confidence that our best days are still ahead.

Michael Sacco

Job Well Done

O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I O N A T L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W A T E R S , A F L - C I O

When the United States Transportation Com-
mand (TRANSCOM) called with an unprecedented
assignment, the SIU answered in a big way.

TRANSCOM in mid-September launched the
largest-ever sealift readiness exercise as part of its
“Turbo Activation” series, ordering dozens of ships
to sea.

The SIU crewed up all 33 vessels, filling every
unlicensed job.

“On one hand, there is never a doubt that Seafar-
ers will answer the call,” stated Bart Rogers, SIU
director of manpower. “But in light of the sheer size
of this activation, I think the members deserve rec-
ognition for stepping up so quickly, without notice,
and getting it done. Credit to the people in the halls,
too – this was a very large task, and everyone rose
to the occasion.”

TRANSCOM oversees 10 other U.S. combat-
ant commands (including the U.S. Military Sealift
Command), the military services, defense agencies
and other government organizations. In announcing
the activations, the agency noted, “These exercises
typically involve only a few ships but this event
… [will] provide a better assessment of the readi-
ness of U.S. sealift forces than can be accomplished
with fewer activations. This scale will also stress
the underlying support network involved in main-
taining, manning and operating the nation’s ready
sealift forces.”

The Turbo Activation series has, since 1994,
served as a no-notice recurring exercise series,
sponsored and monitored by the Joint Chiefs of
Staff and TRANSCOM. This was the fourth Turbo
Activation exercise this year.

The agency further noted, “This TRANSCOM
exercise rapidly activates a mix of Military Sealift
Command and U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) ships
on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts. The exercise
validates the readiness of selected ships and tests
their ability to meet activation time standards and
Department of Defense mission requirements. The
activated ships are directed to transition from a re-
duced operating status to a fully crewed status, with
the quarters made habitable and cargo gear ready,
within five days. Activations are commonly fol-
lowed immediately by a sea trial.”

MARAD maintains the Ready Reserve Force,
which is a fleet of 46 militarily useful, civilian-
crewed ships. This fleet, located throughout the
country, is maintained in a reserve status in the
event that the Department of Defense needs the
vessels to support the rapid, massive movement
of military supplies and troops for a military exer-
cise or large-scale conflict. The ships are managed
by commercial companies and crewed by civilian
merchant mariners. MSC, in close coordination
with MARAD, operates, supplies, and maintains
the ships that provide logistics support, conduct
special missions, move military equipment, sup-
ply combat forces, provide humanitarian relief,
and strategically position combat cargo around
the world.

During the recent exercise, ships were activated
in Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Seattle; Harvey,
Louisiana; Oakland, California; Wilmington, Cali-
fornia; Houston; Jacksonville, Florida; and Tacoma,
Washington.

Seafarers Answer the Call
TRANSCOM Conducts Large-Scale Sealift Readiness Exercise

Three Seafarers-crewed vessels are pictured Sept. 24 in the Chesapeake Bay during the most recent
Turbo Activation. From left are the USNS Mendonca, USNS PFC Eugene A. Obregon and USNS Gilliland.
(U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Hunt)

The SIU-crewed Cape Wrath is pictured Sept. 20 in Baltimore.

As part of a Continuing Resolution to fund the
government that was enacted on Oct. 1, the Export-
Import Bank (Ex-Im) was reauthorized through
Nov. 21, 2019. The Bank’s reauthorization would
have lapsed on Sept. 30 had Congress not acted. To
help convince Congress of the importance of reau-
thorizing the program for a longer period of time,
associations and business leaders from various in-
dustries have united to express their support for a
funded and authorized Ex-Im Bank.

More than 200 companies and organizations
joined a letter sent by the National Association
of Manufacturers (NAM), which called on the
U.S. House and Senate to pass a “robust and
long-term reauthorization” of the Ex-Im Bank.
The SIU supports a fully authorized and funded
Ex-Im Bank, as all cargoes impelled with the
support of the bank must be carried on U.S.-
flag ships.

As stated by the NAM, “As the U.S.’ official

export credit agency, the Ex-Im Bank’s mission is
to support American jobs through facilitating U.S.
exports. Since 2000, the Ex-Im Bank has supported
nearly $450 billion in exports from thousands of
mostly small- and medium-sized companies and
helped support over 2.5 million American jobs. The
Ex-Im Bank has become more important in recent
years given the rise of other countries’ export credit
agencies, from China’s three agencies to those in
Germany, Canada and beyond, making Ex-Im Bank
a vital tool to level the playing field internation-
ally for industries in the United States that need to
increase foreign export sales to continue creating
well-paying American jobs.”

The letter concluded, “Without quick action to
secure a long-term and robust Ex-Im Bank reautho-
rization that fixes past quorum issues, thousands of
American exporters and tens of thousands of Amer-
ican workers who rely on the Ex-Im Bank will be
put at risk.”

CR Reauthorizes Export-Import Bank

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November 2019 Seafarers LOG 3

On a morning set aside to welcome new
tonnage into the American-flag fleet, U.S.
Merchant Mariners also got plenty of recogni-
tion.

The accolades were delivered Sept. 20 in
Baltimore, during a pier-side ceremony hosted
by Seafarers-contracted American Roll-on
Roll-off Carrier (ARC). The company is add-
ing three vessels to its fleet: the ARC Integrity,
ARC Independence and ARC Resolve, the latter
of which was docked near the celebration. All
three will enroll in the U.S. Maritime Security
Program (MSP).

SIU President Michael Sacco was a fea-
tured speaker, and the union turned out in
force. Also representing the SIU at the gath-
ering were Executive Vice President Augie
Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel,
Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi
and Port Agents John Hoskins and Victor
Nunez. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and
Education also were on hand, while SIU crew
members aboard the ARC Resolve welcomed

guests for pre-ceremony tours.
Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby deliv-

ered keynote remarks. Also formally address-
ing the crowd of 200 or so were ARC President
and CEO Eric Ebeling; Major Gen. Michael
Wehr of the U.S. Transportation Command
(TRANSCOM); and Jim White, executive di-
rector of the Maryland Port Administration.
Capt. Mike Murphy of the Seafarers-affiliated
American Maritime Officers capped the fes-
tivities with a toast to the vessels and crews.

Sacco explained the importance of not just
the MSP but the entire U.S. Merchant Ma-
rine in relation to U.S. national, economic
and homeland security. He commended ARC,
TRANSCOM and the Maritime Administration
(MARAD) for their respective commitments
to the industry, and then gave a passionate de-
scription of the men and women who comprise
the U.S. Merchant Marine.

“They are patriots,” Sacco stated. “They are
damn proud to be America’s fourth arm of de-

The newest additions to ARC’s fleet
are replacing three older vessels in the
U.S. Maritime Security Program, but the
company is keeping two of the older ships
in its commercial American-flag service

– meaning it’s a net gain of two vessels
for the SIU.

Two of the new RO/ROs – the ARC In-
tegrity and ARC Independence – are sister
ships classified as large car/truck carriers

or LCTCs. Each is 747 feet long.
The other ship, the ARC Resolve, is a

pure car/truck carrier or PCTC and is 653
feet long.

According to the company, “These
three new vessels all have a main deck
that can accommodate cargoes up to 6.5
meters in height (21.32 feet), which will
make them among the most capable ves-
sels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet for
government and project cargoes.”

The ARC Resolve was docked near
the recent naming ceremony at the Helen
Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, and it
made a great impression on its first crew.

“It’s a beautiful ship and it’s in really
good condition,” said Bosun Yamira

Colon. “Everything about it is excellent,
and we will maintain it.”

“It’s a good ship and the rooms are re-
ally nice,” said AB Steve Thorak.

Chief Steward Tom Hely had a prac-
tical outlook after having joined the
ship two days earlier. “It’s pretty new
and everything worked,” he said with a
chuckle.

The ARC Resolve’s first SIU crew in-
cluded Colon, Thorak, Hely, ABs Eric
Reich and Arles Ballestero, OSs Jose
Rodriguez and Melody White, Oilers
Hycienth Asagwara, Zachary Manzi
and Antonio De Luna, Chief Cook
Thomas Cyrus and SA Mohamed Kho-
deiri.

ARC’s New Additions
To Fleet Mean More

Jobs for SIU Members

SIU Celebrates 3 New Vessels

Port Agent John Hoskins, Capt. Jon Phillips (an SIU hawsepiper), Bosun Yamira
Colon, Port Agent Victor Nunez

OS Jose Rodriguez, SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins, AB Arles Ballestero, AB
Eric Reich

AB Steve Thorak Oiler Zachary Manzi Chief Steward Tom Hely Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus SA Mohamed Khodeiri

ARC Ceremony Also Stresses
Vital Importance of Mariners

The ARC Resolve (above) was docked at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore
Sept. 20 when she and two sister ships ceremonially were added to the American Roll-
on Roll-off Carrier Fleet.Continued on Page 12

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4 Seafarers LOG November 2019

CIVMARS Help Test Mine Counter-Measures
CIVMARS from the SIU’s Government

Services Division recently helped the U.S.
Navy conduct tests that are important to
national defense.

The crew of Military Sealift Com-
mand’s expeditionary sea base (ESB)
USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams in mid-
September wrapped up a three-day mission
that ended in Norfolk, Virginia. The ves-
sel had tested an anti-mine system in the
Chesapeake Bay. Specifically, it launched
and recovered an unmanned surface vessel
(USV) and an unmanned underwater ves-
sel (UUV), Knightfish.

According to the Navy, “The USV and
UUVs are mine counter measure capabili-
ties and the ship went to sea to determine
the feasibility of operating these vessels
from an ESB.”

“Considering the contested environ-

ments which our ships sail in, counter-mine
capabilities are very important because we
have to be able to keep the enemy at bay,”
said Capt. David Gray, the USNS Williams
officer in charge and the ship’s prospective
commanding officer. “Mines of today are
very inexpensive to make. Our adversar-
ies can produce mines for a few hundred
dollars and inflict a tremendous loss of life
while causing millions of dollars of dam-
age. So, we need the assets out there to de-
tect and destroy these threats ahead of time,
and keep the world’s shipping lanes open.”

A team of  Navy Sailors, CIVMARs
and civilian technical experts carried out
the task of launching and recovering the
USV and UUV into the Chesapeake Bay
on Sept. 14-15. The two-day operation
required shipboard personnel to transport
each unmanned vessel from its storage

area inside the mission bay to the desig-
nated launching point next to the side of
the ship. The ship’s crane was used to lift
each unmanned vessel off the deck and into
the ocean. Once each vessel was launched,
they were recovered from the ocean with
the ship’s crane and returned to the mis-
sion deck. In total, the USV was success-
fully launched and recovered twice and the
UUV four times over the two-day period.

According to Gray, the Sept. 14 evo-
lution was the first time a USV has been
successfully launched and recovered from
any Naval ship. USVs have been launched
from other Navy ships, but not recovered,
the Navy reported.

After the conclusion of the evolu-
tions, Capt. George McCarthy, master
of the USNS Williams, recognized the
crew’s efforts.

“Thank you to everyone aboard the ves-
sel for conducting a safe, efficient and ef-
fective evolution here over the last couple
of days,” he said. “Most importantly, we
were able to successfully demonstrate the
concepts we set out to.

“There was a lot of hard work across
the spectrum of people aboard the ship: ci-
vilians, Sailors and CIVMARs,” he added.
“My thanks to everyone for a great job.”

The ship is crewed by a hybrid team
of civil service mariners and Sailors who
operate and maintain a large flight deck,
berthing and messing accommodations and
provide command and control support for
embarked forces.

The USNS Williams was built by
union members at the General Dynamics
NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. It en-
tered service in early 2018.

CIVMARS and Navy personnel (photo at left) launch an unmanned
surface vehicle from the Seafarers-crewed USNS Williams into the
Chesapeake Bay. In photo above, the unmanned underwater vehicle
Knightfish is recovered by the crew on Sept. 14. (U.S. Navy photos by
Bill Mesta)

SIU mariners aboard the Maersk Montana recently
sprang into action to save a boater whose vessel was
sinking.

While the Montana was en route to Antwerp, the ship
diverted to answer a distress call. The doomed sailboat
La Belle Vie was taking on water about 200 miles off
the coast of Ireland, and the lone sailor, Mikhail “Miki”
Chumachenko, was in desperate need of rescue.

“On Sept. 20, 2019, aboard the Maersk Montana
we received a SOS call pertaining to a sailboat in
need of assistance. The boat had a damaged keel
and needed help, so the ship headed to assist,” said

Electrician Eddie Almodovar.
The SIU members aboard also included Bosun Sun-

nil Motley, ABs Thellis Barnes, Fethanegest Demoz,
Urgel Peligro, George Phillips and Kevin Salter,
QMED Jeffery Bull, GVA Al Greene, Recertified
Steward James Cameron, Chief Cook Mark Keller
and SA Claribel Cabral.

“The pilot ladder was ready, a pair of nets were ready
to lower from anywhere on the deck and many lines were
made ready,” said Third Mate Stephen Miller. “[The ap-
proach] was the tricky part. The ship needed to be at a
speed slow enough to where she could run the engine
astern and yet fast enough to catch La Belle Vie, which
was still under sail, to maintain a stable condition.”

The challenge was increased by the rough, force-eight
seas, with Miller noting, “A containership is anything
but graceful in a windy and rough sea at slow speed.”

Almodovar concluded, “Upon arrival to the area
where the boat was supposed to be, a watch started to
locate the boat and was quickly successful. After a cou-

ple hours to maneuver in place to make the rescue, the
single occupant of the boat was successfully rescued and
the story ended well. The boat, of course was lost, but he
will live to sail another day. He was a very nice gentle-
man, and it was a pleasure to meet him. The crew on the
ship did a very professional job during the rescue.”

The rescue was fast and efficient: The Montana began
its approach towards the doomed boat at 7:45 p.m., and
by 9:30 p.m., the vessel had resumed its course to An-
twerp.

Seafarers on Maersk
Montana Help Rescue
Imperiled Boater

Pictured aboard the Maersk Montana (photo at left, from
left) are the rescued sailor Mikhail Chumachenko, Capt.
Richard Hoey, SA Claribel Cabral, Chief Mate Samuel
Halley, Chief Engineer Jeremy Travers, Electrician Eddie
Almodovar, Engine Cadet Willam Star, 3rd Mate Steven
Miller, Deck Cadet Blaine McDonough, AB Fethanegest
Demoz, AB George Phillips, Bosun Sunnil Motley and
Recertified Steward James Cameron. Pictured above
is the doomed sailboat La Belle Vie (Photo courtesy of
Eddie Almodovar).

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November 2019 Seafarers LOG 5

WWII Merchant Mariners One Step Closer
To Receiving Congressional Gold Medal

World War II U.S. Merchant Mari-
ners are poised to receive a Congressio-
nal Gold Medal after the House recently
voted to approve the Merchant Mariners
of World War II Congressional Gold
Medal Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. John
Garamendi (D-California).

“The United States Merchant Marine
was integral in providing the link be-
tween domestic production and the fight-
ing forces overseas, providing combat
equipment, fuel, food, commodities and
raw materials to troops stationed abroad,”
the bill reads. The bill also makes clear
that merchant mariners “bore a higher
per-capita casualty rate than any other
branch of the military.”

Garamendi said in his statement:

“Throughout the Second World War, our
armed forces relied on the Merchant Ma-
rine to ferry supplies, cargo and person-
nel into both theaters of operation, and
they paid a heavy price in service to their
country. The Merchant Marine suffered
the highest per capita casualty rate in the
U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.
An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their
lives, and another 12,000 were wounded,
to make sure our service members could
keep fighting. Yet, these Mariners who
put their lives on the line were not even
given veteran status until 1988.

“Last year, I got the chance to meet
with three World War II Merchant Mari-
ners: Charles Mills of Texas, age 97;
Eugene Barner from Kansas, age 92;

and Robert Weagant from Illinois, age
92. These mariners put their lives on the
line for this country, braving German
and Japanese submarines in their Liberty
Ships as they delivered critical supplies
to our servicemembers in the European
and Pacific theaters,” Garamendi con-
tinued. “Unfortunately, their sacrifice is
commonly overlooked. A Congressional
Gold Medal would give them the recog-
nition they deserve, and that’s why I in-
troduced this bill: to give these veterans
and their families the honor and respect
they are owed. I’m pleased that this bill
has passed the House and I will work to
ensure it passes the Senate and becomes
law.”

SIU Legislative Director Brian

Schoeneman said of the bill, “These mar-
iners have waited over 70 years to get
the recognition they earned braving the
perils of the Atlantic during the Second
World War. This is a long overdue honor
and the SIU is proud to have been a part
of making it possible. Every American
owes these mariners a debt of gratitude
we cannot begin to repay, and this rec-
ognition is but a fraction of what they
deserve.” 

The bill passed the House by a unani-
mous voice vote. A companion bill has
also been introduced in the Senate by
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). That
bill still needs to pass a Senate vote and
be signed by the president in order to be-
come law.

Paul Hall Center Delivers On-Site Training for Crescent Crews

SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing recently completed a one-week designated duty engineer course specifically crafted for them by the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). The back-to-back classes, which were very well-received by all concerned, took place at the company’s New Orleans office. Boat-
men from New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, participated. Pictured from left in photo above are SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Seafarers Jeff Adams, Justin
O’Laughlin and Scott Doll, PHC Instructor Sterling Cox, Seafarers Danny Mayfield, Robert Trahan, Zach Tierney, Kevin Anderson and Ricky Shumock and Crescent VP Edward
Pinner. Standing from left in the photo below are SIU members Rodney Schaubhut, William Wolfe, Bobby Minton and Keith Lowe, Cox and Seafarers Andrew Carson, Anthony
Frisch and Bryan Hughes.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 5 10/17/2019 1:18:27 PM



6 Seafarers LOG November 2019

Spotlight on Mariner Health

Healthy Recipe
Editor’s note: The following

article was provided by the Sea-
farers Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department.

Many people struggle to
keep their weight at a good level
as they get older. Research in
Sweden now shows why: Lipid
turnover in the fat tissue de-
creases during the aging process,
and will make it easier to gain
weight, even if we do not eat
more. The lipid turnover hap-
pens when lipids (or fats) in the
fat cells are removed and stored
at a quicker rate. As we get older,
this does not happen as rapidly as
it used to.

Studies show that if you want
to lose weight, you must watch
your diet and exercise more.
Sometimes this is very hard to do.

Gravity, along with a slowed
metabolism and aging are re-
sponsible for the “middle-age
spread.” Most people start to no-
tice this as they reach age 40.

Lack of dietary restraint is
also a big factor for weight gain.
Adults are not under control of
their parents and are not told

what or what not to eat anymore.
They make their own decisions
and may not think of the con-
sequences. They may not think
of portion control or limiting
their carbohydrate and fat in-
take. They may drink more and
indulge in empty calories. They
may also eat out more and order
take-out from fast food chains on
busy days. With more-demand-
ing jobs, adults may not have the
time to exercise as they would
like. Families with children who
are always on the go, may find
they have a more sedentary life-
style due to being tired at the end
of the day.

There are also some genetic
reasons why people cannot lose
weight. Every person’s body han-
dles the storage of excessive fat in
different ways. Medical issues also
may cause weight gain – for exam-
ple, a thyroid problem or a diges-
tive problem could be the culprit.

Do the best you can with your
diet and weight as you get older.
Be alert to what you are eating
and how much. Exercise when
you can and be diligent to keep
your weight at a normal level.

Ingredients and Seasonings
7 1/2 pounds lamb leg, fat trimmed
& cubed
3 3/4 quarts low sodium beef
broth
1 1/4 teaspoons cumin
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons oregano
3 bay leaves
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
fine
2 cups onions, medium dice
4 cups potatoes, medium dice
3 cups celery, medium dice
2 cups carrots, medium dice
2 1/2 cups tomato, medium dice
2 quarts water
1 1/4 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoon white pepper,
freshly ground
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1 pound flour, to thicken sauce
1 pound smart balance

Preparation
Brown the lamb in a stock pot or
steam jacked kettle for about 5
minutes.
Combine the lamb, stock, and
seasonings then bring to a simmer
and continue to cook over low
heat for 40 minutes.
Add the bay leaves and vegeta-
bles, add water and cover. Simmer
slowly for 30-40 minutes, or until
all ingredients are tender.
Make brown roux by cooking the
flour and smart balance together
for about 10 minutes, stirring con-
sistently.
Check the seasoning; re-season
with salt and pepper to taste.
Thicken with the cooked brown
roux, slowly to reach desired
thickness. Garnish with the
chopped parsley.

Nutrition Information
Per Serving (excluding unknown
items): 249 Calories; 10g Fat

(32.3% calories from fat); 25g
Protein; 24g Carbohydrate; 2g
Dietary Fiber; 57mg Cholesterol;
300mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1
Grain (Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1/2
Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Car-
bohydrates.

Editor’s note: The forego-
ing recipe was provided by Chef
Robert “RJ” Johnson of the of the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education’s Lunde-
berg School of Seamanship.

Greek Lamb Stew
(Servings: 25)

The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education applaud
several recent changes announced by the U.S.
Coast Guard’s Office of Merchant Mariner
Credentialing. Specifically, the agency on
Sept. 23 publicized changes to three Naviga-
tion and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs)
pertaining to qualification for certain STCW
endorsements.

The NVICs are lengthy, but one upshot is
that mariners now can get credit for ROS sea
time towards their sea service requirement of
360 days sailing in the past five years, when
renewing Basic Training, Advanced Firefight-
ing, and Proficiency in Survival Craft.

Following is an excerpt from NVIC 08-14,
“Guidelines For Qualification For STCW En-
dorsements In Basic Training”:

c. For demonstrating continued compe-
tence in BT, the Coast Guard will accept ser-
vice in any capacity aboard a vessel that is
required to hold regular fire and emergency
and abandon ship drills as being relevant to
the qualification of BT. Service on vessels in
reduced operating status (ROS) will be ac-
cepted as these vessels are required to hold
drills under 46 CFR Subchapter W. Mariners
may demonstrate that service on other ves-
sels is relevant by providing evidence that
their service included duties relevant to BT

and/or that their service included ongoing
participation in training and drills relevant
to BT.

d. For purposes of continued competence
for BT, this service will be credited at day for
day (one day of service equals one day of ser-
vice credit).

e. The Coast Guard may accept dis-
charges, or sea service letters prepared in
accordance with current standards, as proof
of seagoing service. For the purposes of de-
termining competency in BT.

f. Mariners who can provide evidence of
360 days of service within the past five years
may complete revalidation training to main-

tain competency for BT. Mariners who cannot
provide evidence of this service must com-
plete U. S. Coast Guard approved or accepted
refresher training (46 CFR 11.302(e) and
12.602(e)). Refresher training must include
assessment of all BT components.

The announcement and related links are
available in the News section of the SIU web-
site, in a post that’s dated Sept. 24.

The NVIC numbers, respectively, are 04-
14, 08-4, and 09-14. As noted by the agency,
for more information or to suggest changes,
contact the Mariner Credentialing Program
Policy Division (CG-MMC-2) at (202) 372-
2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.

ROS Time Now Meets Sea Service Requirements for Certain Renewals
Union, School Welcome NVIC Modifications

The chemical tanker Stena Impero and
its remaining crew members departed Ban-
dar Abbas on Sept. 27 after the vessel had

been held by the Iranian authorities since
July 19.

The International Transport Workers’

Federation (ITF) first reported the news,
after being informed by their affiliate the Ira-
nian Merchant Mariners’ Syndicate (IMMS).
Both organizations worked extensively on
behalf of the mariners.

The SIU also is an ITF affiliate; SIU
Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as
chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section.

“The ITF is very happy that this matter
has finally been resolved and that the vessel
was allowed to leave Iran after 10 weeks,”
he stated. “This is especially welcome for
the remaining crew members. Although they
were treated well, they were understandably
keen to get home to their loved ones.”

He added, “As trade unionists, our first
concern is for the workers. We understand
and respect that there are situations that are
sometimes highly politically sensitive, but
our goal will always be to ensure the fair
treatment, health and wellbeing of seafarers,
and to see that any situation involving sea-
farers is handled in a transparent and timely
manner.”

Stephen Cotton, ITF general secretary,
also welcomed the release of the vessel, reit-
erated the ITF’s commitment to the world’s
seafarers, and praised the actions of the
IMMS.

“Ninety percent of the world’s goods are
transported on ships thanks to the world’s
seafarers. The ITF remains committed to
providing support to seafarers worldwide

and hopes that governments put in place
special measures to ensure that they are not
unduly hindered in performing their duties,”
Cotton said.

He continued, “We also want to put on re-
cord our gratitude to our affiliate the Iranian
Merchant Masters Syndicate for visiting the
crew on Aug. 31 on behalf of the ITF and for
continuing to provide solidarity to the crew
during their time in Iran.”

Mark Dickinson, general secretary of
Nautilus International and second vice chair
of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, said, “I wel-
come the release of the vessel and remaining
crew and wish to thank all those who worked
tirelessly to effect this outcome.”

The Stena Impero is a runaway-flag ship
that is owned by a Swedish company, flies
a British flag and most recently carried a
multinational crew of 23. The mariners were
from India, Latvia, the Philippines and Rus-
sia.

According to news reports, the Stena Im-
pero was sailing through international waters
in the Strait of Hormuz when it was detained
by Iran’s Islamic Revolutiony Guard Corps.
Iran claimed the ship collided with a fishing
vessel and failed to respond to communica-
tions, something the Stena Impero’s owner
denied.

A Royal Navy frigate reportedly was de-
ployed from the UK to assist the tanker, but
it didn’t reach the scene in time.

Stena Impero Finally
Allowed to Leave Iran

The Stena Impero was seized by Iranian military forces in late July.

Lipid Turnover Could Be Cause
Of Age-Related Weight Gain

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 6 10/18/2019 10:49:41 AM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 7

Happenings Around the Port
Of New York/New Jersey

CONGRESSMAN RECOGNIZES UNION’S EFFORTS TO RECRUIT VETERANS – U.S. Rep.
Donald Payne (D-New Jersey) (center in photo above) recently awarded a Certificate of Special
Congressional Recognition to the SIU. The document (below, right) reads in part: “In appreciation
of your participation and hiring efforts during our Annual Veterans Job Fair and your tireless work
towards helping Veterans enter the workforce.” The congressman is flanked by SIU Safety Director
Osvaldo Ramos (left) and Patrolman Edwin Ruiz. The photo at to right includes (from left) SIU Port
Agent Mark von Siegel, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (holding the certificate) and Patrolman
Ray Henderson.

WITH CONGRESSMAN SUOZZI – The SIU recently
took part in a local event for U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-
New York) (center). Pictured with the congressman
are SIU Patrolman Ray Henderson (left) and SIU Port
Agent Mark von Siegel. Suozzi is a good friend of
labor and the maritime industry. He chatted with the
SIU representatives for a few minutes and thanked
them for their attendance.

WITH CONGRESSMAN SIRES – U.S.
Rep. Albio Sires (D-New Jersey) (right)
recently hosted a breakfast for local labor
officials in Hudson County, New Jersey. He
is pictured with SIU Patrolman Ray Hen-
derson.

A-BOOOKS ABOUND – Several Seafarers recently received their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Pictured at the far left is Munasar Muthana
(left), with Port Agent Mark von Siegel. Pictured in the center is Khaled Hussein, also with the port agent, while the remaining photo at right includes Zaza Tchitanava (right) and Pa-
trolman Ray Henderson.

REMEMBERING EL FARO CREW –
Members gather at the hiring hall in
Jersey City, New Jersey, and observe
a moment of silence on Oct. 1, the
fourth anniversary of the sinking of the
SIU-crewed El Faro.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 7 10/17/2019 1:18:30 PM



8 Seafarers LOG November 2019

With Seafarers in Houston
ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes recently participated in a local job fair on behalf
of the union. In photo at left, he stands with the event’s sponsor, City Councilman Dwight Boykins (left). Sykes
poses with staff members in the snapshot above.

WELCOME ASHORE – Two members recently picked up their respective first pension checks at the
hiring hall. Recertified Bosun Eddie Hall is at left in photo at left, with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, while
the photo at right features AB Winton Rich (left) and Patrolman J.B. Niday.

BACKING MAYOR TURNER – Seafarers recently gathered with fellow trade
unionists and other supporters of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (third from
left) for a press conference at the Plumbers Local 68 hall. Pictured from left
are Wiper Luis Fernandez, AB Hermenegildo Cordova, Mayor Turner, AB
Franklin Akins (rear), SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, GUDE Pablo Rochez, GUDE
Hector Guity and QMED/Electrician Mike Kifle.

MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE – Members observe a moment of silence at the Houston hall on Oct. 1, in memory of the final crew
of the El Faro. The Seafarers-crewed ship sank on Oct. 1, 2015, near the Bahamas, claiming the lives of all 33 aboard.

ABOARD LIBERTY GLORY – SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the Liberty Maritime ship in Corpus Christi, Texas. From
left in photo above are AB Anthony Obesem, AB Adams Mohammed, Bosun Bernard Baker, GUDE Kalanihooulumoku Holt, GUDE
Alika Kukahiko, AB Reynaldo Bernardez, GUDE Delson Smith, AB Usman Ibrahim, C/M Patrick Showell, 2/M Nicholas Stanislaw and
3/M Ryan Cazneaux. The vessel was loading sorghum for East Africa. B-BOOKS EARNED – Displaying their re-

spective full B-books at the hiring hall are
Mate Connor Graham (left in photo above)
and AB Remigio Garte (left in photo below).
Both are pictured with SIU Safety Director
Kevin Sykes.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 8 10/18/2019 4:21:22 AM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 9

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

B-BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right in both photos) administers the union oath at the
hiring hall. Picking up their respective B-books are AB Rick Worthington (photo at left) and AB Alfredo De Vera and GUDE
Lance Gibson (photo at right).

SOLIDARITY IN SUNSHINE STATE – Pictured at the
Florida AFL-CIO convention are (from left) SIU Jackson-
ville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Florida Commissioner
of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried, and
SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. During the gathering in early
September, Hopkins was elected a VP of the state fed-
eration.

AT THE HONOLULU HALL – In photo at left, OMU Rholand Daan (right) displays his first pension check. He’s pictured with SIU Port
Agent Hazel Galbiso. AB Dean Crisostomo (center photo, also pictured with the port agent) shows off his newly acquired A-seniority
book. The photo second from right shows OMU Elyser Carpio receiving his full B-book. Congratulating him is Shureen Yatchmenoff,
administrative assistant.

GOLDEN STATE SELFIE – Pictured
aboard the Crowley vessel during a coast-
wise run on Labor Day are Chief Cook
Pauline Crespo (left) and Recertified
Bosun Phil McGeoghegan.

AT THE PINEY POINT HALL – These photos were taken at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. In
photo at left, Seafarer Bertram Solomon (left), who just finished upgrading to FOWT, is pictured with Port Agent Victor Nunez, displaying
his probationary B-book and his first MDL donation receipt. Chief Cook Ramon Sarmiento (left in center photo) receives his full book as
Patrolman Jesse Sunga gives the oath. In the photo at right, SA Tyrone Hall (right) picks up his full book, from the port agent.

ABOARD HORIZON KODIAK – Pictured aboard the Matson vessel (above, from
left) are GUDEs John Hays and Joey Lata, and (photo at right) GUDE Marshall
Daguio.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 9 10/18/2019 4:21:24 AM



10 Seafarers LOG November 2019

After a slight lull, Seafarers recently enjoyed the
restart of a regular gathering at the hiring hall in Ta-
coma, Washington.

Following the August membership meeting, the
union hosted a barbeque for Seafarers and their fami-
lies. Approximately 80 people attended, and the event
was successful, said SIU Port Agent Warren Asp.

“Although it’s been a couple of years since the last
one, this is something that Tacoma did annually for
some time,” Asp said. “We’re looking to revive the
event and host it on an annual basis again.”

The port agent said “many members, both active
and retired” pitched in to help either on the grill or set-
ting up and cleaning up.

“The main idea was to thank the members for a
busy summer,” Asp concluded. “The membership
stepped up this year both to fill jobs on our military
activations and paint a house (through the volunteer
project Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful). Tacoma is
very thankful and this is a small way to show that
thanks and give back to them.”

Tacoma Reignites Traditional BBQ
AB Dan Lovely, Recertified Bosun Shawn Strand OMU Mike Burke, retired SA Leroy Jenkins, Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta

Seafarers Joey Lata, Doug Neubauer, Duane Bergeson and Mike
Gramer

Recertified Stewards Scott Opsahl (front) and
Mike Gramer

Ben Anderson Jr., son of SIU Safety Director Ben
Anderson, counts down the days until he can get his
driver’s license – and does so on a union-made Harley.

Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed’s kids enjoy the fes-
tivities.

Ample indoor seating was available, but many diners opted for casual spots outside.
Retired Recertified Steward Lincoln Pinn entertains the gather-
ing.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 10 10/18/2019 4:21:26 AM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 11

Please send me the SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying
and a copy of the application form.
Name.............................................................................................................................................................................
Street Address..............................................................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code...................................................................................................................................................
Telephone Number ( ) ..........................................................................................................................................

This application is for: ❏ Self ❏ Dependent
Complete and mail form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD
20746. All scholarship application packages must be received by April 15, 2020. 11/19

To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the ABOUT
tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefi ts Plan menu (Participant Letters and Notices of Material Modifi cations sec-
tion) and select SHBP Scholarship Application (PDF). Although the booklet is dated 2016, all information is still current for
the 2020 SHBP Scholarships.

2020 Seafarers
Health and Benefi ts Plan

Scholarship Program

Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available
to Seafarers and their dependents looking to
continue their education. Allocations for each
category will be as follows:

■ One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of
study at an accredited college or university
■ Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers
interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at
a community college or vocational school

■ Five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being
offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend
four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or
universities. Dependents and spouses of active as
well as retired Seafarers may apply.

Seafarers Scholarships

Dependents Scholarships

Th e Cathedral of Learning
University of Pittsburgh

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 11 10/17/2019 1:18:36 PM



12 Seafarers LOG November 2019 November 2019 Seafarers LOG 13

fense. They are part of a legacy that has supported our troops
– not for years, but for centuries. And you’d better believe
they are ready right now, today, to answer the call and support
our troops if the balloon goes up.

“Those are the men and women who’ll sail aboard the ARC
Integrity, the ARC Resolve and the ARC Independence,” he
continued. “And because of their unions and the fact they’re
employed by a good, fair company like ARC and the vessel
operator, TOTE, they’re able to support their families. That’s
the American dream, and it’s symbolized here today.”

Buzby, who formerly served as commanding officer of the
U.S. Military Sealift Command, said his current agency is
working hard to spread the word about maritime.

“Too few of our own countrymen understand the vital im-
portance of maritime issues and the significance of every sin-
gle ship sailing under the Stars and Stripes,” he stated. “The
industry is all about economic security; it’s about national
security; it’s about trade; and it’s about jobs.”

He explained that the nation’s military strength “is inextri-
cably tied to the maritime industry. That’s because American
commercial vessels – like the three ARC vessels we’re going
to be naming here today – are essential elements of military
sealift. Virtually everything that the military requires in a de-
ployment moves by ships…. We need a strong, properly sized
U.S.-flag fleet, including U.S.-flag merchant ships in regular
international trade like these three ships.”

Buzby then recalled a recent visit with young military
personnel who didn’t realize that volunteer, civilian mariners
deliver the vast majority of U.S. materiel in times of conflict.

With Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships docked elsewhere
in the port, Buzby also pointed out that the mariners report-
ing there and elsewhere during a massive activation were all
“on leave or training just a few hours ago. Now, they have
been called, and they have answered. Someone said they’re
patriots? You’re damn right they’re patriots. They answered
the call and they are there today on those ships, ready to take
them to sea.”

A longtime maritime stalwart, Buzby then described the
importance of laws and programs backing the industry.

“Programs like the MSP are designed to ensure that we main-
tain (at least) an absolute bare minimum of commercial sealift
capability to serve our nation’s needs in times of emergency….
We’ve got to level that playing field for our ships,” he stated.

Cargo preference statutes “are key elements in the U.S.-
flag equation, too,” he added.

Moreover, Buzby continued, “I can’t stand here this morn-
ing without mentioning the Jones Act and its vital importance
to the health of the maritime industry and our national secu-
rity. There have been many op-eds written lately – much of
them slanted and based on long ago-debunked falsehoods. Let
me be very clear: The Jones Act is the fundamental corner-
stone of our nation’s maritime policy. It has been for the past
99 years. Without it, our domestic maritime industry – afloat
and ashore – would fold. You need only ask folks in Australia
how things are going there after they repealed their version
of the Jones Act. I, for one, do not want to see our national
internal maritime logistics chain and the jobs that go with it,
(given) to a foreign power. Not on my watch.”

Wehr, director of Strategic Plans, Policy and Logistics and
TRANSCOM, declared, “Many of the people and organiza-

tions who have made this possible today are true patriots.”
He also backed the MSP when he stated, “There is no

doubt the most cost-effective way to do business is the MSP.
It’s effective, it’s efficient, and it’s a true testimony of our na-
tion’s economic strength…. At TRANSCOM, we depend on
this partnership with commercial industry. You’re all part of
this nation’s ability to fight and win wars.”

He further explained, “The ability to support our nation’s
security at wartime is unmatched by any other country. These
ships really do represent sealift that gives the United States
the ability to project military power anywhere in the world….
No other nation matches this.

“What makes us a superpower is the people that man these
ships, that make them work and bring it together,” he concluded.
“Everyone here today is part of this sacred trust we have.”

White described how Baltimore is the nation’s top port
for RO/RO shipments. He noted that the cargo means sig-
nificant economic benefit for the state, both in terms of jobs
and income.

Ebeling reiterated his company’s commitment to U.S.-flag
shipping and military support. He also thanked the “stead-
fast friends and strategic partners from organized labor. The
industry-labor partnership is an amazing success.”

Ebeling described Sacco as a “visionary leader” whose
work is “essential.”

Vessel sponsors were Georgina Fitzgerald for the ARC Re-
solve (wife of ARC Group Chairman Raymond Fitzgerald);
Carol Henry for the ARC Integrity (wife of Transportation
Institute President James Henry); and Pat Ridlon for the ARC
Independence (wife of AIS Executive Vice President and
General Counsel John Ridlon).

Michael Sacco
President, SIU

RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.)
U.S. Maritime Administrator

Maj. Gen. Michael Wehr
U.S. Transportation Command

Eric Ebeling
President and CEO, ARC

Jim White,
Executive Director

Maryland Port Administration

Capt. Mike Murphy of the American Maritime Officers leads the audi-
ence into a toast for the three additions to the ARC American-flag fleet.

Vessel sponsors (photo above, from left) Georgina Fitzgerald for the ARC Resolve; Pat Ridlon for the ARC Independence; and
Carol Henry for the ARC Integrity break bottles of champagne on wooden anchors that represented the bows of their sponsored
vessels. The trio pose for a group shot in the photo immediately below.

Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland pose with union officials following the ceremony. Included were SIU
Secretary Treasurer David Heindel (far left); SIU President Michael Sacco (fifth from left); Port Agent Victor Nunez (eighth from left); SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (fourth from right);
and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (second from right). Pictured at the far right is RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.),U.S. Maritime Administrator.

ARC, Union Welcome New American-flag Tonnage
Continued from Page 3

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 12-13 10/18/2019 1:22:17 PM



14 Seafarers LOG November 2019

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and In-
land Waters District makes specific provision
for safeguarding the membership’s money
and union finances. The constitution requires
a detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants 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 recommenda-
tions. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District are administered in accordance with
the provisions of various trust fund agree-
ments. All these agreements specify that the
trustees in charge of these funds shall equally
consist of union and management representa-
tives 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 ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected exclu-
sively 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 em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals 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 Seafar-
ers Appeals Board.

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful 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 respon-
sibility 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 capac-
ity 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 pay-
ment 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 re-
ported to union headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution 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 ob-
ligation 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 guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the con-
tracts 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 fur-
ther 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 Ameri-
can merchant marine with improved employ-
ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD sup-
ports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are vol-
untary. 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 In-
ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for inves-
tigation 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 Mi-
chael 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.

Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard
Union Meetings

MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk
Line, Limited), July 21 – Chair-
man Emanuel Gazzier, Secretary
Charles Brooks, Educational
Director Carl Montoya. Crew
reviewed president’s report from
union newspaper. Secretary re-
minded members of Culinary 2.0
training opportunity. Educational
director encouraged crew to up-
grade at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and
Education in Piney Point, Mary-
land. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Vote of thanks given to
headquarters.

HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon
Lines), August 10 – Chairman Tar
Ahmed, Secretary Antoinette
Amato, Educational Director
Joshua Johnson, Deck Delegate
Anwar Alsharif, Engine Delegate
Dennis Adjetey. Chairman en-
couraged crew to donate to SPAD,
the union’s voluntary political ac-
tion fund. He advised members to
attend Culinary 2.0 prior to Janu-
ary and to keep all Coast Guard
requirements current. Educational
director reminded members to
upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Crew
expects to use portion of ship’s
fund for new gym equipment. No
beefs or disputed OT reported.
Resolution made concerning
overtime allowances for steward
department. Steward department
unable to accomplish all weekly
tasks within new time frame.
Deck department was thanked for
plankton tow as well as various
projects for new fitness room. En-
tire crew commended for working
well together. Next port: Tacoma,
Washington.

WALTER J. MCCARTHY (Arm-
strong Steamship), August 10 –
Chairman Radi Hani, Secretary
Randall Campbell, Educational

Director Dean Parks. Chairman
discussed importance of helping
new members understand their
contract. Secretary encouraged
crew to room share if enough
room is available. Deck depart-
ment felt harassed during work
hours while spraying the pilot
house. Educational director talked
about upgrading and scheduling
classes at the Piney Point school.
No disputed OT reported.

MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk
Line, Limited), August 18 – Chair-
man Wilfred Maurice, Secretary
Marguerite Diggs, Educational
Director Darrell Goggins. Edu-
cational director urged members
to upgrade at the maritime train-
ing center in Piney Point, Mary-
land. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested increase
in vacation days as well as less
deductions on vacation checks.
Members discussed health care
benefits and voiced concerns with
current co-pay payments. Next
port: Charleston, South Carolina.

JEANE ANN (PASHA), Septem-
ber 1 – Chairman Noel Camacho,
Secretary Ismael Garayua, Edu-
cational Director Joseph Letang,
Deck Delegate Russel Piamonte,
Engine Delegate Rosalio Cor-
dova, Steward Delegate Abrahem
Elsawy. Chairman discussed rules
for random drug tests and when
they apply. He advised members
to keep documents up to date and
renew six months in advance.
Chairman reminded crew to put
Labor Day as a holiday. Captain
and third mate getting off at next
port. Captain provided new fans
for the week due to broken a/c.
Secretary directed members to
inform her of any food allergies
as soon as possible. Educational
director urged crew to upgrade

at Piney Point and seek higher
education. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members who want
to get Real IDs should do so, per
chairman. Members were encour-
aged to take jobs on military sup-
port ships if available on the hiring
hall board. Crew layoff expected
around February for shipyard
work. Steward department was
thanked for a job well done and
delicious BBQ. WiFi should be
available for the beginning of the
year.

OREGON (Intrepid Person-
nel & Provisioning), September
7 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto,
Secretary Tina Knox, Educational
Director Frank Harris, Deck Del-
egate Michael Gore Engine Del-
egate Waverly Moore, Steward
Delegate Wilson Peniston. Stew-
ard department commended for a
job well done. Educational direc-
tor reminded members to upgrade
and keep documents up to date.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew read president’s report from
the LOG. Members were encour-
aged to work safely. Crew very
hopeful to have WiFi availability
in near future.

MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 8 –
Chairman William Barret, Secre-
tary Norma West, Deck Delegate
Morris Foster, Engine Delegate
Charles Packer, Steward Del-
egate John Ward. Educational
director advised members to check
documents and upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members request
increase in vacation pay. Crew
discussed benefits and requested
100% dental coverage. Members
requested increase to retirement
wages and decrease in time re-
quired for retirement.

MOHAWK (JM Ship, LLC), Sep-
tember 15 – Chairman Timothy
Kauble, Secretary Alan Bartley,
Educational Director Michael
Knight, Deck Delegate Eric Jett,
Engine Delegate Jonathan White,
Steward Delegate Kendra Wil-
liams. Crew to be relieved after
COI with the Coast Guard. Chair-
man directed members to work
safely and watch for coming and
going overhead loads. While in

port, hard hats and safety vests
are required on deck. Secretary
thanked members for keeping
mess hall clean. Educational di-
rector advised members to renew
documents early and upgrade at
Piney Point. SA Williams was
praised for doing a great job and
being helpful while on board.
Members were commended for a
job well done this tour. Next port:
Sunny Point, North Carolina.

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as pos-
sible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted.

Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requir-
ing 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.

Aboard CS Decisive

Pictured from left aboard the SubCom vessel in Baltimore are
Apprentice Kenneth Smith, Recertified Bosun Lovell Smith, Ap-
prentice Quinson Blueford, SIU Piney Point Port Agent Victor
Nunez and Apprentice Andre Barbary.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 14 10/17/2019 1:18:41 PM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 15

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” Data is cumulative from Sept.10-Oct. 9. “Registered on the Beach” Data is as of Oct. 9.

Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach
All Groups All Groups Trip All Groups

Port A B C A B C Reliefs A B C

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Deck Department
Algonac 17 7 6 21 10 3 5 18 16 4
Anchorage 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 4 4 3
Baltimore 8 2 0 8 2 0 5 5 3 0
Fort Lauderdale 26 15 6 25 14 5 10 32 13 6
Guam 3 1 0 3 0 0 1 4 1 0
Harvey 9 6 2 10 3 3 3 9 9 5
Honolulu 5 6 0 9 3 0 0 15 5 0
Houston 44 21 7 38 16 6 18 88 43 6
Jacksonville 31 22 11 26 19 7 18 63 43 13
Jersey City 27 14 8 29 9 3 16 58 27 11
Joliet 5 6 1 3 5 1 1 5 3 1
Mobile 12 5 5 9 2 3 2 21 8 3
Norfolk 23 17 12 28 9 5 10 41 31 13
Oakland 21 2 7 14 3 3 5 33 7 5
Philadelphia 5 4 5 3 1 3 1 6 3 1
Piney Point 7 4 2 3 4 4 0 3 4 1
Puerto Rico 9 3 2 5 6 2 6 8 8 1
Tacoma 26 10 5 25 7 2 8 54 19 11
St. Louis 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 3
Wilmington 30 15 2 32 7 2 10 57 31 6
TOTALS 310 162 82 293 124 52 119 527 278 93

Engine Department
Algonac 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 6 1 1
Anchorage 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0
Baltimore 1 4 1 2 2 0 0 2 3 1
Fort Lauderdale 8 4 3 7 5 1 4 23 9 4
Guam 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1
Harvey 1 5 0 2 3 0 2 6 5 1
Honolulu 11 7 1 5 5 0 3 14 6 2
Houston 17 8 3 11 9 2 9 32 15 6
Jacksonville 12 24 0 11 16 1 9 30 35 2
Jersey City 16 7 1 12 8 3 4 21 14 1
Joliet 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2
Mobile 1 5 2 1 4 1 2 4 6 1
Norfolk 16 18 7 13 13 2 4 25 25 9
Oakland 8 5 3 7 2 0 0 11 6 4
Philadelphia 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 1
Piney Point 4 6 0 0 2 0 0 4 10 0
Puerto Rico 4 1 1 7 3 0 2 3 4 1
Tacoma 11 10 3 13 7 2 6 22 9 3
St. Louis 4 2 1 2 0 2 0 3 4 0
Wilmington 13 9 1 6 4 1 2 30 26 7
TOTALS 136 121 33 104 88 19 50 245 182 47

Steward Department
Algonac 3 1 1 3 0 1 1 4 3 0
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Baltimore 3 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 2 0
Fort Lauderdale 5 6 0 6 5 0 5 15 8 0
Guam 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0
Harvey 5 1 0 3 0 0 1 13 3 0
Honolulu 8 1 0 6 0 0 3 18 3 0
Houston 22 6 0 14 3 0 6 41 10 3
Jacksonville 23 8 1 17 8 2 5 39 14 5
Jersey City 14 2 0 7 1 0 4 24 4 1
Joliet 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 0
Mobile 3 1 0 4 1 0 1 4 5 0
Norfolk 10 10 2 8 8 2 6 20 18 3
Oakland 12 2 3 12 3 1 7 25 12 4
Philadelphia 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0
Piney Point 3 4 0 2 2 0 0 5 6 0
Puerto Rico 4 4 0 1 5 0 2 4 8 0
Tacoma 11 0 2 9 1 0 3 22 6 2
St. Louis 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 0
Wilmington 21 6 0 12 5 1 8 30 20 1
TOTALS 157 53 9 111 46 8 53 275 124 19

Entry Department
Algonac 0 5 12 2 8 6 6 1 6 18
Anchorage 1 3 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 1
Baltimore 0 1 5 0 1 3 1 0 1 2
Fort Lauderdale 1 1 4 0 2 2 0 1 7 8
Guam 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Harvey 0 2 6 1 0 4 1 0 2 4
Honolulu 0 6 1 1 4 1 0 1 12 4
Houston 7 13 7 0 9 3 1 13 25 14
Jacksonville 3 25 26 3 17 13 2 4 47 41
Jersey City 2 17 11 1 15 5 3 4 27 12
Joliet 0 3 2 0 2 2 0 0 4 2
Mobile 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Norfolk 0 24 31 0 13 25 3 0 31 48
Oakland 1 13 9 0 13 5 1 3 20 16
Philadelphia 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 1
Piney Point 0 3 8 0 2 8 0 1 1 2
Puerto Rico 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2
Tacoma 3 9 7 2 8 6 2 7 17 15
St. Louis 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1
Wilmington 5 16 6 3 5 6 1 11 53 33
TOTALS 24 145 138 13 104 91 22 49 260 226

GRAND TOTAL: 627 481 262 521 362 170 244 1,096 844 385

SPAD Works For You.
Contribute To The

Seafarers Political Activities Donation

SPAD

ATTENTION SEAFARERS
Another New Ship

November & December 2019
Membership Meetings

As previously reported, the
SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Edu-
cation continues to offer Culi-
nary 2.0 classes designed to help
students boost their skills while
complying with a new rule that
takes effect next year. Complet-
ing the coursework also is in-
tended to aid individual shipping
opportunities.

Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which
will go into effect January 1, 2020,
states, “Within each class of se-
niority in the Steward Department,
priority shall be given to those
seamen who possess an advanced
Culinary 2.0 certificate from the
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School
of Seamanship, in the event such
program is being offered and that
the seaman is registered in Group
I, Steward Department.”

While every new member
of the steward department who
completes their apprenticeship at
the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg
School of Seamanship will have
successfully passed Culinary
2.0, it’s important to remem-

ber that those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards
must also take the coursework in
order to exercise preference and
priority beginning next year (un-
less they have received training
after January 1, 2017 at the Piney
Point, Maryland-based campus).

For those seamen currently
employed as permanent stewards
aboard commercial vessels, they
must attend Culinary 2.0 in order
to maintain their current employ-
ment status.

For those already sailing as
chief cooks and chief stewards,
there are two new revalidation
courses that have been designed
to ensure a consistent level of culi-
nary training and efficiency: Orien-
tation/Assessment Chief Steward
2.0 and Orientation/Assessment
Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are
being offered regularly, but spaces
are limited, so members are en-
couraged to plan ahead and enroll
as soon as possible.

For more information, con-
tact your port agent and/or the
school’s admissions office.

PHC Offers Culinary 2.0

Piney Point.........................Monday: November 4, December 2
Algonac..................................Friday: November 8, December 6
Baltimore............................Thursday: November 7, December 5
Guam.................................Thursday: November 21, December 19
Honolulu.............................Friday: November 15, December 13

Houston...............*Tuesday: November 12, Monday: December 9

Jacksonville..................Thursday: November 7, December 5

Joliet.................................Thursday: November 14, December 12

Mobile.........................Wednesday: November 13, December 11

New Orleans........................Tuesday: November 12, December 10

Jersey City..........................Tuesday: November 5, December 3

Norfolk..............................Thursday: November 7, December 5

Oakland.........................Thursday: November 14, December 12

Philadelphia.............Wednesday: November 6, December 4

Port Everglades..............Thursday: November 14, December 12

San Juan................................Thursday: November 7, December 5

St. Louis..................................Friday: November 15, December 13

Tacoma............................Friday: November 22, December 20

Wilmington........................Monday: November 18, December 16

*Houston change due to Veterans Day Holiday

Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 15 10/17/2019 1:18:41 PM



16 Seafarers LOG November 2019

Michael Sacco, President
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

Kate Hunt,
Vice President Government Services

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

GUAM
P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932
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
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

JERSEY CITY
104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

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

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

SAN JUAN
659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills

San Juan, PR 00920
(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

Seafarers International
Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by students at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing and Education.

Question: Why did you choose to be a mariner?

Pic From The Past

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the
Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may
be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org

Marcus ‘Muscles’ Lopez
Oiler

My dad was in the military, and
he had mariner friends in dredging.
Through them, I found the SIU. I plan
on doing this for 10 years, then take
my money and invest it.

Lavontat Anderson
Oiler

I chose to be a mariner because
I knew I could learn a trade that I
could use on land. I plan to put in
15-20 years in my sailing career.

Kevin Willis
Oiler

I chose to be a mariner because
there’s no other job like this in the
world. You learn while you grow,
and the pay is great.

Denard Williams
Oiler

My brother has been a mariner
for about 15 years, and I finally
decided to take his advice. So far,
it’s everything he said it was, and
the money and travel are pretty
great incentives. I like being
missed back home. Plus, Popeye
the Sailor Man was my idol.

Chanel Peters
Oiler

Because I don’t mind turning
wrenches on a ship to make money
and travel the world. After I received
my B-book, I found out my great
grandfather was a mariner. I didn’t
know before then.

Tim Jones
Oiler

Nothing else better to get a change
of pace, change of life. No other job
pays like it. What could be better?

SIU pensioner Carlos Boiser recently submitted this photo of the LNG Libra on its final voyage under U.S. registry, which took
place in 2000. Crew members and officers signed the oversized print after the ship sailed between Himeji, Japan, and Bontang,
Indonesia. Boiser recalls being on vacation years earlier when he decided to take a job on the Libra. He ended up working
aboard the ship off and on for five years. Boiser retired in 2012.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 16 10/17/2019 1:18:44 PM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 17

DEEP SEA

THOMAS BLUITT

Brother Thomas Bluitt, 65, joined
the union in 1970, first sailing on
the Jacksonville. A deck department
member, he upgraded his skills at
the Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. Brother Bluitt concluded
his career on the Overseas Alice in
1995. He resides in Harbor Beach,
Michigan.

ALFONSO BOMBITA
Brother Alfonso Bombita, 69,
started sailing with the SIU in 1983,
initially ship-
ping aboard the
Santa Maria. He
sailed in the en-
gine department
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Bombita
last shipped on the
Gem State. He resides in American
Canyon, California.

DANNY BROWN
Brother Danny Brown, 61, began
sailing with the SIU in 1980 when

he shipped on the
Philadelphia. He
was a member
of the steward
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Brown most

recently sailed on the Golden State
and makes his home in Fort Lauder-
dale, Florida.

MARK CABASAG
Brother Mark Cabasag, 65, started
sailing with the SIU in 1989, ini-
tially shipping
on the Indepen-
dence. He sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
Brother Cabasag
last shipped on
the Horizon Reliance. He resides in
Auburn, Washington.

THOMAS CUDDIHY

Brother Thomas Cuddihy, 65,
joined the SIU in 1979, first
sailing aboard the El Paso

Southern. He
sailed in the
deck depart-
ment and up-
graded at the
union-affiliated
Paul Hall Cen-
ter in 2001.
Brother Cuddi-
hy’s last vessel

was the USNS Algol. He lives in
Long Beach, New York.

ROBERT CUNNINGHAM
Brother Robert Cunningham, 65,

signed on with
the SIU in 1972
when he shipped
on the Mohawk.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Cunningham’s
final vessel was the Thompson Pass.
He makes his home in West Covina,
California.

ROLAND DAAN
Brother Roland Daan, 71, embarked
on his career with the union in
1989, first shipping aboard the In-
dependence. He sailed in the engine
department and concluded his career
on the Horizon Spirit. Brother Daan
is a resident of Honolulu.

CHRISTOPHER DOWE
Brother Christopher Dowe, 65,
joined the SIU in 1974, initially sail-

ing aboard the
Bienville. He was
an engine depart-
ment member
and upgraded his
skills on multiple
occasions at the
Paul Hall Center.
Brother Dowe also
worked on shore
gangs. He makes

his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

ALAN GARDNER
Brother Alan Gardner, 65, started his
career with the SIU in 1974 when
he sailed on the
Columbia. He
primarily sailed
in the engine de-
partment and up-
graded his skills
at the Piney Point
school in 1975.
Brother Gardner
concluded his
career on the Golden Monarch. He
resides in Felton, Delaware.

ALFRED GONZALEZ
Brother Alfred Gonzalez, 65, joined
the union in 1977, initially sailing on

the Fort Hoskins.
He shipped in the
engine department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Gonzalez
last sailed on the
El Yunque and
makes his home in
Carolina, Puerto

Rico.

PETE HERNANDEZ
Brother Pete Hernandez, 72, donned
the SIU colors in 2001, sailing first
on the Rover. He primarily sailed
in the steward department and up-
graded on several occasions at the
Piney Point school. Brother Hernan-
dez most recently sailed aboard the
Cape Taylor. He resides in Galves-
ton, Texas.

JOHN HOLLAND
Brother John Holland, 64, started
sailing with the Seafarers in 1989,
initially working aboard the USNS
Altair. In 2001, the deck department

member upgraded his skills at the
maritime training center located in
Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Hol-
land last sailed on the USNS Capella
and lives Jacksonville, Florida.

CHARLIE JOHNSON
Brother Charlie Johnson, 71, became
a member of the SIU in 2003 when
he sailed on the
Green Cove. An
engine depart-
ment member,
he upgraded his
skills on numer-
ous occasions
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Johnson’s last
vessel was
the USNS Gilliand. He settled in
Gresham, South Carolina.

PAUL KLIPPEL
Brother Paul Klippel, 65, signed
on with the union in 1975, sailing

first on Hydro-
mar’s Atlantic.
He shipped in the
deck department
and upgraded on
multiple occa-
sions at the Piney
Point school.
Brother Klippel
last sailed on the

Philadelphia. He resides in Flor-
ence, Oregon.

GIL MANIPON
Brother Gil Manipon, 55, started
shipping with the SIU in 1983,
initially sailing on the Constitu-
tion. The deck department member
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on multiple occasions. Brother Ma-
nipon also worked on shore gangs.
He calls Federal Way, Washington,
home.

ALEXANDRE MITCHELL
Brother Alexandre Mitchell, 72,
began his career with the SIU in
2001 when he sailed on the Manoa.
A deck department member, he
upgraded his skills at the union-affil-
iated Paul Hall Center on numerous
occasions. Brother Mitchell most
recently sailed on the Patriot and
settled in Longview, Texas.

PHILIP PARISI
Brother Philip Parisi, 59, joined
the SIU in
1981, briefly
sailing with
the Gloucester
Fishermen be-
fore changing
to deep sea. He
sailed in the deck
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Brother Parisi last sailed
on the John Boland and makes his
home in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

DAVID PARKER
Brother David
Parker, 69,
signed on with
the Seafarers in
1990 when he
shipped on the
USNS Hess. He
upgraded often

at the Paul Hall Center and was a
member of the engine department.
Brother Parker concluded his career
on the Horizon Pacific and lives in
the Philippines.

WINSTON RESTAURO
Brother Winston Restauro, 65,
embarked on his
SIU career in
2003, initially
sailing on the
USNS Capella. A
deck department
member, he up-
graded on numer-
ous occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Restauro’s final vessel was the
Brenton Reef. He makes his home in
Houston.

WINTON RICH
Brother Winton Rich, 70, started
sailing with the SIU in 1990, ship-

ping first on the
USNS Bellatrix.
He worked in the
deck department
and upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center.
Brother Rich most
recently shipped
on the Pride of
America and is a

Houston resident.

DONNA SALING
Sister Donna Sal-
ing, 67, joined the
union in 1993,
when she shipped
on the Indepen-
dence. Sailing as
a steward depart-
ment member,
she upgraded on
numerous oc-
casions at the Piney Point school.
Sister Saling’s last vessel was the
Santorini. She calls Vero Beach,
Florida, home.

ARNIDO SINDAC
Brother Arnido Sindac, 65, signed

on with the Sea-
farers in 1996.
The engine
department mem-
ber’s first vessel
was the USNS
Kane. Brother
Sindac upgraded
often at the Paul
Hall Center. He

last sailed aboard the Integrity and
resides in Norfolk, Virginia.

EVELYN TAYAG
Sister Evelyn Tayag, 64, donned
the SIU colors
in 1988 when
she sailed on
the Baldomero
Lopez. She sailed
in the steward
department and
upgraded often at
the Piney Point
school. Sister
Tayag most re-
cently shipped on the Empire State.
She makes her home in Stuart,
Florida.

GREAT LAKES

JAMES WEBSTER
Brother James Webster, 62, began
sailing with the
union in 1977. He
sailed in both the
deck and engine
departments.
Brother Webster
worked for Arnold
Transit for the
duration of his
career. He resides
in Mackinaw City, Michigan.

INLAND

ROBERT ARTHUR
Brother Robert
Arthur, 62, joined
the union in 1975.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he upgraded his
skills at the Piney
Point school in
1993. Brother
Arthur worked for

G&H Towing for his entire career.
He calls Spring, Texas, home.

JAMES BRYAN
Brother James Bryan, 63, embarked
on his career with
the SIU in 1996
after he worked
as a member of
the SIU-affiliated
United Industrial
Workers. He
worked for Crow-
ley for the dura-
tion of his SIU
career. Brother
Bryan lives in Delran, New Jersey.

JEFFREY JONES
Brother Jeffrey Jones, 52, began his

career with the
SIU in 2003 when
he worked for
Crowley Towing
& Transportation.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Cen-
ter. Brother Jones

remained with the same company for
the duration of his career and resides in
Pensacola, Florida.

RONALD MEADOWS
Brother Ronald Meadows, 62, joined
the union in 2008
when he worked
with Express
Marine. He was
a deck depart-
ment member and
upgraded on mul-
tiple occasions at
the Piney Point
school. Brother
Meadows re-
mained with the same company for
the duration of his career. He calls
Accomac, Virginia, home.

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 water-
ways 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.

Welcome Ashore

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 17 10/17/2019 1:18:45 PM



18 Seafarers LOG November 2019

Final
Departures

DEEP SEA

JOE ATCHISON
Pensioner Joe Atchison, 91, has
passed away. He
joined the SIU
in 1951 when he
worked for Wa-
terman Steamship
Corporation. An
engine depart-
ment member,
Brother Atchison
also worked on shore gangs. He
became a pensioner in 1991 and
made his home in Alvin, Texas.

CHRISTOPHER BRADY
Pensioner Christopher Brady,
74, died September 13. He
signed on with the SIU in 1969,
first sailing on a Seatrain Lines
vessel. The deck department
member’s last vessel was the
Prestige New York. Brother
Brady began collecting his
pension in 2010 and resided in
Ireland.

SAL BUZALI
Pensioner Sal Buzali, 91, passed

away August 24.
He became an
SIU member in
1956 when he
sailed on the Del
Norte. Brother
Buzali sailed
in all three de-
partments and

concluded his career on the
Stonewall Jackson. He became
a pensioner in 1992 and lived in
Sugarland, Texas.

SILVANA CLARK
Pensioner Silvana Clark, 70,
died August 11. She joined the
union in 2001 and first sailed on
the Sugar Island. Sister Clark
shipped in all three departments.
She last sailed on the USNS
Bellatrix and retired in 2015.
She was a resident of Norfolk,

Virginia.

JAMES DEMARCO
Brother James DeMarco, 33,
passed away August 13. Born in
Redbank, New Jersey, he signed
on with the SIU in 2013. He
initially sailed on the John Paul
Bobo and was a member of the
deck department. Brother De-
Marco most recently shipped on
the Freeport. He resided in Port
Monmouth, New Jersey.

JOSE FERREIRA
Pensioner Jose
Ferreira, 79, died
September 5. He
joined the union
in 1971 and first
shipped on the
Hydro Atlantic.
Brother Ferreira
worked in the en-
gine department and last sailed
aboard the Sulfur Enterprise.
He retired in 2005 and made his
home in Spain.

CALIXTO GONZALEZ
Pensioner Ca-
lixto Gonzalez,
92, passed away
September 14. He
became a mem-
ber of the SIU in
1947. A member
of the deck de-
partment, he was

first employed by CSX Lines.
Brother Gonzalez last shipped
on the Caguas. He started col-
lecting his pension in 1985 and
settled in Puerto Rico.

CURTIS JACKSON
Pensioner Curtis
Jackson, 73, died
September 10.
He embarked on
his SIU career
in 1967, initially
sailing on the
Bethflor. Brother
Jackson was a member of the en-

gine department and concluded
his career on the Sirius. He be-
came a pensioner in 2006 and
settled in Jacksonville, Florida.

STANLEY KRAWCYNSKI
Pensioner Stanley Krawcynski,
93, passed away
September 14. He
joined the SIU
in 1952 when he
worked for Ore
Navigation Cor-
poration. Brother
Krawcynski
sailed in the
deck department, most recently
aboard the Carolina. He retired
in 1990 and lived in Orange
City, Florida.

RICHARD O’BRIEN
Pensioner Richard O’Brien, 76,
died September 22. He started
sailing with the union in 1990
when he shipped on the Overseas
Vivian. A deck department mem-
ber, Brother O’Brien last sailed
on the Charleston Express. He
went on pension in 2007 and was
a Houston resident.

ALLAN ROGERS
Pensioner Allan Rogers, 76,
passed away September 12. He
donned the SIU colors in 1965
when he sailed on the Steel Ex-
ecutive. Brother Rogers was a
deck department member and
last shipped on the USNS Men-
donca. He began collecting his
pension in 2008 and resided in
Rhodesdale, Maryland.

INLAND

LESLIE GIBBS
Pensioner Leslie
Gibbs, 82, died
August 8. Sailing
with G&H Tow-
ing, he signed
on with the Sea-
farers in 1962.

Brother Gibbs shipped in the
deck department and continued
to work for the same company
until his retirement in 1999. He
lived in Santa Fe, Texas.

RONALD RIGGINS
Pensioner Ronald Riggins, 83,
passed away September 24. He
joined the SIU
in 1981 when
he worked for
Moran Towing
of Texas. Brother
Riggins was an
engine depart-
ment member and
remained with the same com-
pany for the duration of his ca-
reer. He went on pension in 1998
and lived in Huntington, Texas.

RICHARD ROBINSON
Pensioner Richard Robinson, 72,
died March 6. He began sailing
with the union in 1971, initially
working with Gulf Atlantic
Transport. Brother Robinson
shipped in the deck department
and last worked for OSG Ship
Management. He became a
pensioner in 2009 and settled in
Chesapeake, Virginia.

PERRY RUBOTTOM
Pensioner Perry Rubottom, 75,
passed away September 27. He

signed on with
the SIU in 1993
when he worked
for Higman Barge
Lines. The deck
department mem-
ber continued
his employment
with the same

company until retiring in 2006.
Brother Rubottom resided in
Waring, Texas.

CHESTER SADOWSKI
Pensioner Chester Sadowski, 88,
died September 6. He joined the
union in 1970 and was employed
with Crowley Towing and Trans-

portation. Sailing
in the steward
department,
Brother Sadowski
remained with the
same company
for his entire ca-
reer. He went on
pension in 1996 and was a resi-
dent of Paramount, California.


NMU

ALFREDO CARPIO
Pensioner Alfredo Carpio, 85,
passed away August 27. He
sailed with the NMU prior to the
2001 merger with Seafarers In-
ternational Union. Brother Car-
pio retired in 1996 and made his
home in in the Philippines.

ALFRED HOWES
Pensioner Alfred Howes, 84,
died August 22. He was an
NMU member before the 2001
SIU/NMU merger. Brother
Howes began collecting his pen-
sion in 1993 and lived in Provi-
dence, Rhode Island.

In addition to the foregoing individ-
uals, the following union members
have also passed away. Insufficient
information was available to de-
velop summaries of their respective
careers.

NAME AGE DOD
Barros, Jeronimo 94 09/21/2019
Erdt, Edmund 81 08/19/2019
Evans, Leon 90 08/01/2019
Fujii, Saloshi 93 08/30/2019
Marsh, Harry 92 08/13/2019
Phillips, Reynold 97 09/03/2019
Rogick, Erwin 94 09/06/2019
Stafford, Roosevelt 98 09/06/2019
Unzue, Angel 84 09/24/2019
Zwicker, Dennis 100 06/18/2019

The CIVMAR-crewed hospital
ship USNS Comfort is pictured
off the coast of Basseterre, St.
Kitts and Nevis as it prepares for
a six-day medical mission start-
ing Oct. 3. The Comfort, featuring
a crew that includes members of
the SIU Government Services Di-
vision, is working with health and
government partners in Central
America, South America, and the
Caribbean to provide care on the
ship and at land-based medical
sites. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd
Class Morgan K. Nall)

Hospital Ship
Continues Mission

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 18 10/17/2019 1:18:46 PM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 19

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information
The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime

Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All
programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting
the American maritime industry.

Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at
the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010.

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

AB to Mate Modules Modules must be taken in order. Those who
are not in the mates program cannot apply
for these courses. Contact the Admissions
Office for further details.

ECDIS November 16 November 22


Lifeboat November 16 November 29
December 14 December 27

Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office

RFPNW November 9 December 6


Engine Department Upgrading Courses

BAPO November 9 December 6

Pumpman November 9 November 15

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Steward Department Courses

Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next
class will start November 11.

Galley Operations November 9 December 6

Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 November 2 November 8
December 7 December 13

Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 November 16 November 22
November 30 December 6


Safety Upgrading Courses

Basic Training/Basic FF November 16 November 22
December 7 December 13

Basic Training Revalidation November 15 November 15
December 6 December 6

Government Vessels November 16 November 22
December 7 December 13
Tank Ship Familiarization - LG November 9 November 15
December 7 December 13

UPGRADING APPLICATION

Name_________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o

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

Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No
If yes, class # and dates attended_ __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No
_____________________________________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five
(125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your
department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested.
Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date.
I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica-
tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application
to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply
for any benefits which might become due to me.

COURSE START DATE OF
DATE COMPLETION
____________________________ _______________ ________________________
____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

____________________________ _______________ ________________________

LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________

Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________

SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if
you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any
questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are
reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train-
ing 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 stu-
dents, who are otherwise qualified, or 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.
11/19

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 19 10/17/2019 1:18:48 PM



20 Seafarers LOG November 2019

Paul Hall Center Classes
Apprentice Water Survival Class
#852 – Graduated July 12 (photo
at right, in alphabetical order):
Daniel Bost, Michael Jacob Ca-
quias Garcia, Christian Spiros
Cavathas, Marck Mathias Hilgen-
dorf-Sanchez, Brandon Hoising-
ton, Anthony Tubsuav Lo, Jeremy
Poertner, Christopher Richardson,
Lorin Stewart, Ronald Von Kae-
nel, Zarya Ward, Paris Wilbert and
James Zaro.

Welding – Graduated June 7: Bryan Moreira (above, center) and Luis Alberto Sepul-
veda (right). Instructor Chris Raley is at left.

Welding – Graduated June 28 (above, in alphabetical order): John Groom, Vernon Hum-
bles and Yahya Ali Mohamed. Their instructor, Chris Raley, is at the far right.

Medical Care Provider – Graduated June
7 (photo at left, in alphabetical order):
Richard Abshire, Jose Manuel Boza, Har-
old Gerber II, Martin Hamilton, Ian Mc-
Donough and John Morrison. Instructor
Mike Roberts is at the far left.

RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated June 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Zachary Anderson, Sharde Baker, Badr Bouziane, Jessica Clark, Michael Curtin, Antonio Manuel Gonzalez-
Esteves, Michael Hickey, Kevin Kelly Jr., Mark Malicki, Vincent Mauro, Jackson McDaniel, Joseph Murphy III, Velislav Nikolov, Lane Plummer, Aaliyah Richardson, Samuel Schwim-
mer and Cyrus Silen. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 20 10/18/2019 4:21:29 AM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 21

Paul Hall Center Classes

BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated June 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Elizabeth Ashworth, Marco Antonio Baez Millan, James Bithos Jr., Anthony Brown Jr., Kyree Carter, Michael
Day Jr., Mark Dennison, Albert Granville III, Lorenz Grice, David Hain-Mendez, D’mitri Hill, Kalanihooulumoku Holt, Cale Irons, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon Johnson, Tony King Jr.,
Alika Kukahiko, Johnthan Lebeaux, Anthony Maltese, Andrew Robey, Stephan Robles-Matos, Delson Smith, Christopher Taylor, Neil Tupas and Scott Waterman. Each plans to work
in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training.

Government Vessels – Graduated June 28 (photo
at left, in alphabetical order): Gregory Attawora,
Claude Beerrom, Elizabeth Byrd, Jehan Daza,
D’angelo Dickson, Oscar Emilio Garcia, Richetta
Jackson, Joshua Johnson, Jemell Jones, Ivan
Marikovsky, Hussein Nasser, Yohanes Pribadi, Da-
monta Roberson and Stephen Roseberry. (Note:
Not all are pictured.)

Important Notice
To All Students

Students who have registered for
classes at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education, but
later discover - for whatever reason -
that they can’t attend, should inform
the admissions department immediately
so arrangements can be made to have
other students take their places.

BAPO – Graduated June 21 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order): Mohamed Alghazali, Akim
Davis-Griffin, Marvin Fabrizius, Basheer Ghazali,
Terrex Houston, Joesef Shaibi and Saddam Mo-
hamed Yahia. Instructor Keith Adamson is at the far

right.

Tank Ship Familiarization
DL – Graduated June 14
(photo at left, in alphabetical
order): Jehan Daza, Dexter
Douglas Jr., Scottie Dun-
can, Joel Fahselt, Nieves
Calixto Guerrero Mariano,
Kevin Hale, Jason James,
Leportre Jasper, Mahare
Kidane, Gary Mann, Ivan
Marikovsky, Darius Mc-
Castle, Edward Mills, Fred-
erick Neese, Daniel Tennant
and Christopher Thompson.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)

April 2019 Seafarers LOG 27

Paul Hall Center Classes
SUA (Galley Operations) – Grad-
uated October 5 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Alexandra Er-
ickson, Paisami Gay, Daniel How-
ard, Lamarai Jones, Shadonna
Jones, EsStonia Moore, Eugenia
Porter, Noah Susumu Santiago-
Stephens, Lareesa Warren, Jessica
Williams, Kendra Williams and Jarid
Wilson.

SUA (Galley Opera-
tions) – Graduated No-
vember 2 (photo at right,
in alphabetical order):
Reginald Howard, Billie
Mahealani Kawelo, Alize
Lassiter, Christian Louis,
Gerardo Kaindoy Melano,
Wilfredo Ramos Silva,
James Scott, Tahn Stuart,
Nicholas Tacy, Jalisa Wil-
liams and Derek Wilson.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated October 19 (above, in alphabetical order): Tommy Bel-
vin, Karl Meyer, Mark Salvador Scardino and Velicia Williams.

Galley Operations – Graduated October 5 (above, from left): Stevon Taylor, Porcia John-
son and Tuliga Fuega.

Chief Steward – Graduated November 9: (above, from left), Merly Ford,
real Coronel and Delia Miral Peters.

Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated November 30 (above, from left): John Billington, Alvinmar
Iremedio Aldana, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado and Norma Painitan Baucan.

54924_APRI 2K1LOG.indd 27 3/19/2019 3:49:09 PM

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 21 10/17/2019 1:18:52 PM



22 Seafarers LOG November 2019

Paul Hall Center Classes

Government Vessels – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Bernard Baker, Clark Castrodes, David Chance, Manuel Davis, Dominador Diaz, Nicholas Gibbs, Michael
Kanga, Lon Tige Maduro, Anton Ivanov Marchev, James McLeod, Ariven Torres Olamit II, Dean Parks, John Reyes, Arthur Mojica Sison, Reynaldo Aganan Tinay and Hermino Vasquez
Jr.

Advanced Shiphandling – Graduated May 24: Brian Sheehan
(left) and Patrick Wells.

MSC Storekeeper Basic – Graduated May 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Bernard Baker, Barry Bettis, Ana
Marie Chona Razon Calma, VanNessa Curd, Christopher Flood, Eric Hondel, Porcia Johnson and Christopher
Waters.

Galley Ops (Phase III) – Graduated June 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Jada Gay, Keith Guthrie, Am’quez Hagans and Kion Miller. Each
plans to work in the steward departments of SIU-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training. Joining the Phase III group in this photo
is SUA Graduate Jalisa Williams (right).

Certified Chief Cook – Graduated
June 28: Solymar Herrera Carre-
ras.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 22 10/17/2019 1:18:53 PM



November 2019 Seafarers LOG 23

Paul Hall Center Classes

Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Elijah
Boson, Darryl McCray, Brittany Steward and Calvin Wilson.

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated June 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Greg-
ory Broyles, Jean Favreaux, Lisa Favreaux, Robert Firth and Ali Ahmed Matari.
(Note: Not all are pictured.)

Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated June 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Domingo Mallari
Barroga Jr., Nelson Tulio Bernardez, Romarico Dico Hinayon and Deitre Jackson.

Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Raymond Alexander, Mark
Brooks, George Burgos, Michael Henry and Jayson Velez-Cruz.

Galley Ops – Graduated June 21: Gus Papas (left) and
Anthony Jackson.

Chief Steward – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennison
Dizon, Rachel Janssen, Jesus Pacheco and Luis Jose Perez Acosta. (Note: Not
all are pictured.)

Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated June 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Elizabeth Byrd, James McLeod,
Rual Frades Napoles, Hans Franz Schmuck and Charles Washington.

Chief Cook 2.0. – Graduated July 26 (photo at left, in al-
phabetical order): Ricardo Giovanny Arauz Rochez, Adal-
berto Colon Rosa, Keyon Gregory, Noel Genisan Segovia
and Olive Stewart-Paul.

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG_X.indd 23 10/18/2019 4:21:31 AM



Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for SIU

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NOVEMBER 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 11

Seafarers Save 3 Lives Near Tampa
The SIU-crewed tanker American Pride on Sept. 18

rescued three individuals from a foundering boat near
Tampa, Florida.

Recertified Bosun Ronald Webb said the American
Pride was headed to anchor when an alarm sounded.

“The fishermen’s boat was sinking and they had got-
ten into a life raft,” Webb stated. “We deployed a rescue
boat and put out a ladder. We towed their raft to the ship,
and they came up the ladder…. They had been out there
for four days. They were bailing water like a son of a
gun when we found them.”

The two men and one woman were in good and grate-
ful spirits as they boarded the Jones Act ship.

“Our guys all went above and beyond and did a great
job,” Webb added. “Everything went perfectly, and ev-
erybody did what they were supposed to do.”

Steward/Baker Richard Jones said the galley gang
happily attended to their unexpected guests.

“You know the routine,” he said. “We provided food
and water as soon as they came aboard, and also grabbed
some blankets. You should have seen their expressions –
they were very, very grateful.”

Jones added, “Conditions couldn’t have been any bet-
ter for the rescue, whereas today (one day later), it’s very
windy. For us to spot them like that, it was something.”

SIU members sailing aboard the Intrepid Person-
nel and Provisioning vessel during the rescue included
Webb, Jones, ABs Kervin Guevara, Shaib Juma,
Jahn Boman, Natividad Suazo Ortiz and Alfred
Acheampong, QEP Emanuel Paul, OMU Marcus
Brown, Oiler Greg Alvarez, Chief Cook Adolfo Ber-
mudez and SA Marco Guity. The ship’s officers are
members of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime
Officers.

“The quick and selfless actions of the American
Pride crew saved three lives today,” said Capt. Mat-

thew Thompson, commander of Coast Guard Sector St.
Petersburg.
According to news reports, the rescue happened in the
early evening, approximately 45 miles west of Egmont
Key. The commercial fishing vessel Captain Bob was
sinking when the American Pride approached it, but no
one was visible in or near the boat.

After contacting the Coast Guard, the American Pride

made a second approach, and this time Chief Mate Brian
Enos saw orange smoke, a parachute flare and a life raft
approximately three nautical miles southwest of the Cap-
tain Bob.

The Coast Guard sent a response boat to pick up the
individuals who were rescued. All three were transported
to the local Coast Guard station and then released in
good condition.

Crew from Jones Act Tanker American Pride Rescues Fishermen

Bosun Ronald Webb (center in photo directly above) is pictured with two of the fishermen aboard the American Pride. In the pair of photos
at the immediate right , the American Pride’s rescue boat retrieves the fishermen and returns to the vessel. The image at the far right
(released by the by the U.S. Coast Guard) shows the fishermen’s boat almost submerged.

The SIU-crewed American Pride was delivered in November 2017. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard)

54931_NOVEMBER_2019_LOG.indd 24 10/17/2019 1:18:57 PM