Seafarers Log: Vol. 83 No. 8 (2021-08-01)

AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 8

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

Pandemic Coverage
Page 3

SAB Action 484
Page 6

SIU Crews Step Up During ExerciseSIU Crews Step Up During Exercise

Seafarers from the USNS Bob Hope (photo at left) and USNS Yuma (above) earlier this year
did their parts to help ensure the success of Defender-Europe 21, a large-scale exercise
involving numerous countries. The Bob Hope (operated by U.S. Marine Management) is
pictured in late March in Jacksonville, Florida, in preparation for the exercise (U.S. Army
photo by Kimberly Spinner). The Yuma, crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government
Services Division, is shown in early May in Albania, during the deployment (photo courtesy
U.S. Military Sealift Command). Page 7.

This has been an exceptionally active year for the union’s contracts department, and that
pattern continued with the recent ratifications of three more collective bargaining agree-
ments. New pacts are in place at Matson, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, and Argent
Marine. Without exception, the new contracts boost wages and maintain or improve ben-
efits. Pictured above are Seafarers aboard the Matson ship Matsonia (from left): Steward/
Baker Raymond Lackland, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova and ACU J. Recaido. All voted
in favor of the new Matson contract. Page 4.

More Contracts RatifiedMore Contracts Ratified

AB Fernando Haber appears pleased with the July 4 offerings aboard the Maersk
Line, Limited, vessel. Additional photos of the crew and holiday spread are on Page
4 (and on the SIU Facebook page).

Great Grub on Maersk Michigan



2 Seafarers LOG August 2021

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters,
AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746.
Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland
20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG,
5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746.

Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo;
Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/
Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill;
Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support,
Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements.

Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 83 Number 8 August 2021

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

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

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

Excellent Opportunities

President’s ReportPresident’s Report

Although the global COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, there’s
a lot of discussion about what various workplaces will look like
when it’s finally, fully behind us. Employers and employees alike
have seen the benefits of telework – and, if they’re being honest,
they’ve seen the drawbacks, too.

I’m sure there won’t be a one-size-fits-all
answer, simply because there are so many
variables. Some jobs flat-out require hands-on,
in-person work. Others could mostly be done
without a traditional office, while many more
are somewhere in between.

Since I got vaccinated, I’ve taken advan-
tage of several chances to informally chat with
workers from outside the maritime industry.
Those conversations help me get a real-world
feel for how our shipboard jobs compare to
others that are out there.

While we’re always striving for improve-
ment, I believe – more strongly than ever – that we’ve got a lot to
offer. With very few exceptions, our contracts steadily boost wages
and help ensure safe working conditions. Our benefits are second-
to-none. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, for instance, pro-
cessed nearly 11,000 claims for members and dependents in June
alone, and those claims were worth millions of dollars.

The Seafarers Pension Plan is in fantastic shape, and eligible
members can also take advantage of vacation benefits.

Best of all in my view, Seafarers can upgrade at our affiliated
school in Piney Point, Maryland: the Paul Hall Center for Mari-
time Training and Education. The school is an open gateway for
higher-paying jobs. We fought hard to make the school a reality,
and I hope you share my pride in it.

Upgrading takes sacrifice, but in the long run it pays off. And I don’t
think you can find a similar opportunity in other industries, no matter
where you go. Take advantage of the opportunities to increase your
knowledge and make more money. Brothers and sisters, that’s a win-
ning formula, and it’s a big part of what the SIU and the school offer.

You Delivered
The pandemic in some ways may feel like one big blur, but I

want to point out that Seafarers delivered throughout this ordeal –
and you continue getting the job done today. Going back to when
this all started, we haven’t had a single ship lay up due to lack of
manpower. On that note, I thank our rank-and-file membership,
our port agents, patrolmen and staff, and our area vice presidents
and assistant vice presidents. As always, it has taken a total team
effort to get the job done. And as always, you’ve come through.

Eye-Popping Numbers
If you’ve read these columns for any length of time, you know

I pick my spots when it comes to tossing out statistics. They can
be a little too convenient at times, and context is very important.
(You may have heard the very old saying that there are three kinds
of lies: lies, darn lies, and statistics.)

Nevertheless, this data hits like a sledgehammer, and I don’t
think it’s open to misinterpretation. A closely estimated 99.5 per-
cent of all COVID-19-related deaths in the United States occur
among unvaccinated people, while 0.5 percent (half of one per-
cent) of COVID deaths occur among vaccinated people.

As you let that sink in, consider it part of my monthly plea to
anyone who’s able to take the vaccine but hasn’t yet done so. I
got vaccinated and I believe the vaccines are safe and effective.
They’re essential to our continued ability to deliver. More impor-
tantly, they are proven life-savers.

Michael Sacco

Two legislators with long,
steady histories of backing the
United States maritime industry
were honored recently in the na-
tion’s capital.

The Shipbuilders Council of
America (SCA), the national as-
sociation representing the U.S.
shipbuilding, maintenance, and
repair industry, on June 17 pre-
sented U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby
(R-Alabama) and U.S. Rep. John
Garamendi (D-California) with
the SCA Maritime Leadership
Award. According to the asso-
ciation, “The award is given an-
nually to national leaders who
demonstrate exemplary dedica-
tion and support for the U.S.
shipbuilding and repair industry.”

“The American maritime in-
dustry is fortunate to have had
Sen. Shelby as a strong advocate
in the U.S. Senate throughout
his impressive career,” said SCA
President Matthew Paxton. “With
this award, we recognize Sen.
Shelby and his significant contri-
butions and unwavering support
for the industry, maritime work-
ers, and the defense sector as he
completes his final term.”

As the vice chairman of the
U.S. Senate Appropriations
Committee, Shelby has been
instrumental in support for
naval shipbuilding as a critical
component of the U.S. defense
industrial base. He has also
been a strong advocate for the
domestic maritime industry as
a whole, by voicing his support
for the positive impact of U.S.
shipbuilding on jobs and the
economy throughout the coun-
try.

Shelby stated, “I am honored
to receive this award on behalf
of the Shipbuilders Council of
America. The security of the
nation must be our top priority,
and the maritime industry is a
critical part of our national de-
fense. Our shipbuilders provide
significant and essential support
in the maintenance and modern-
ization of our naval forces, our
Coast Guard, and our commer-
cial industry – creating thou-
sands of good-paying jobs and
driving economic growth in the
process. I look forward to con-
tinuing to prioritize the work of
our nation’s shipbuilding indus-
try.”

After presenting Garamen-

di’s award, Paxton said, “Rep.
Garamendi has been a strong
champion of the Jones Act and
U.S. shipbuilding throughout
his entire time in Congress. He
understands the breadth of the
domestic maritime industry and
how the industry’s success is crit-
ical to our economic and national
security, which can most recently
be seen in his efforts to ensure the
domestic maritime industry has a
leading role in the development
of offshore wind.”

“I’m honored to receive
the 2021 Maritime Leadership
Award,” Garamendi said. “Sup-
porting the U.S. maritime indus-
try is critically important for our
economy and national security.
That’s why I’ve spent my ten-
ure in Congress fighting to end
Congressional neglect of our
maritime industry by introduc-
ing my ‘Energizing American
Shipbuilding Act,’ which would
recapitalize America’s domestic
shipbuilding and maritime in-
dustries by requiring increasing
percentages of liquified natural
gas (LNG) and crude oil exports
to be transported on U.S.-built
ships. As a senior member of the
House Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure, I will
always fight to support our vital
maritime industry.”

Garamendi has been a strong
proponent of the nation’s ship-
yard industrial base and American
maritime industry as a member of
the House Transportation and In-
frastructure Committee and four
of its subcommittees, includ-
ing the Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transporta-

tion. In these roles, he advances
his “Make it in America” agenda
to create new middle-class jobs
and rebuild infrastructure using
American materials and workers.
His role in developing legisla-
tion for the annual National De-
fense Authorization Act (NDAA)
helped reaffirm Congressional
support for the Jones Act and re-
sulted in significant funds being
put into the domestic maritime
industry.

Garamendi has also been a
champion of the defense indus-
try, as well as the country’s vet-
erans and active duty members of
the military, during his time serv-
ing as the Chairman of the Armed
Services Subcommittee on Read-
iness, which oversees more than
one-third of the Department of
Defense’s authorization.

Both legislators were given
the awards during the SCA an-
nual membership meeting.

SCA members “constitute
the shipyard industrial base that
builds, repairs, maintains and
modernizes U.S. Navy ships and
craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels
of all sizes, as well as vessels for
other U.S. government agencies.
In addition, SCA members build,
repair and service America’s fleet
of commercial vessels,” the asso-
ciation noted. “The Council rep-
resents 40 companies that own
and operate over 82 shipyards,
with facilities on all three U.S.
coasts, the Great Lakes, the in-
land waterways system, Alaska
and Hawaii. SCA also represents
87 partner members that provide
goods and services to the ship-
yard industry.”

Association Bestows ‘Maritime Leadership Awards’ to Industry Stalwarts

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby
(R-Alabama)

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi
(D-California)

The SIU in late June won an arbitration decision
that is expected to result in thousands of dollars’ worth
of overtime being paid to eligible Seafarers employed
by Crowley Maritime and its subsidiaries.

New York-based arbitrator Jay Nadelbach on June 25
sided with the union in its efforts to secure compensation
for mariners who were restricted to ship in domestic ports
at any time from July 12, 2020 through August 25, 2020.
It is unknown when payments will begin.

SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker
stated, “I truly believe that this case was nothing more
than an honest difference of opinion about interpret-
ing contractual language. It has been obvious through-
out the pandemic that the company has the members’
safety and best interests at heart. Nevertheless, I ob-
viously agree with the arbitrator’s decision, and look
forward to eligible members being compensated.”

As noted both during the March 23 hearing (con-
ducted online) and in the ruling, this grievance proved
unique. It centered on a pandemic-induced circum-
stance that simply hadn’t been considered before last
year – namely, that American mariners could be re-
stricted to ship in U.S. ports.

Representing the SIU during the hearing were

Tricker and, from the union’s legal department, Leslie
Tarantola, Stan Dubin and Zachary Chase. The union
and the company are in the process of identifying all
unlicensed mariners who were aboard the company’s
vessels during that specific time, while the vessels
were in domestic ports. The union will forward settle-
ment checks to the respective ports where the mariners
are registered, for distribution.

Union Wins Major Arbitration Award

Shipbuilders Honor U.S. Legislators



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 3

Recent Cases Remind All: Pandemic Not Done

Worldwide progress against the
COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, but
the union recently got some unwel-
come reminders that it’s definitely not
finished.

Six Seafarers from the Maersk Mon-
tana, two from the Millville (Keystone)
and three from the USNS Curtiss (Crow-

ley) tested positive for the novel corona-
virus while aboard the respective vessels
(as did some officers from each ship).
All of them bounced back, but three
from the Maersk ship had been hospi-
talized in Bahrain, including two who
spent time in the intensive care unit.

Perhaps as if to underscore the im-

portance of vaccines, four of the five re-
lief crew members sent for the Montana
tested negative for COVID-19 before
boarding. All had been vaccinated. The
lone individual who wasn’t vaccinated,
tested positive (and therefore didn’t sign
onto the ship).

Across the United States, more than
159.3 million people had been fully vac-
cinated around press time, and nearly 25
million others had received the first dose
of a two-shot regimen against the virus.
Within the SIU, most (though not all)
personnel at union headquarters, the hir-
ing halls and the union-affiliated school
in Piney Point, Maryland, had been fully
vaccinated before Independence Day.

As previously reported, recently up-
dated rules at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Education allow
fully vaccinated individuals to leave the
base, though numerous safeguards re-
main in place. The school also continues
working with local health agencies to
facilitate vaccinations for students and
staff who want them.

Two other pandemic-related topics
dominated recent headlines: the delta
variant, and the question about whether
vaccine boosters are needed.

On July 9, the U.S. Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Prevention (CDC)
along with the U.S. Food and Drug Ad-
ministration (FDA) issued a joint state-
ment that rules out any current need for
booster shots. The statement reads, “The
United States is fortunate to have highly
effective vaccines that are widely avail-
able for those aged 12 and up. People
who are fully vaccinated are protected
from severe disease and death, includ-
ing from the variants currently circulat-
ing in the country such as Delta. People
who are not vaccinated remain at risk.
Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations
and deaths are among those who are un-
vaccinated. We encourage Americans
who have not yet been vaccinated to get
vaccinated as soon as possible to protect
themselves and their community.

“Americans who have been fully vac-
cinated do not need a booster shot at this
time,” the statement continued. “FDA,
CDC, and NIH (National Institutes of

Health) are engaged in a science-based,
rigorous process to consider whether or
when a booster might be necessary. This
process takes into account laboratory
data, clinical trial data, and cohort data
– which can include data from specific
pharmaceutical companies, but does not
rely on those data exclusively. We con-
tinue to review any new data as it be-
comes available and will keep the public
informed. We are prepared for booster
doses if and when the science demon-
strates that they are needed.”

Also on July 9, the CDC updated its
“Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in
K-12 Schools,” essentially advocating for
a return to in-person instruction this fall.

In part, the updated guidance reads,
“Vaccination is currently the leading
public health prevention strategy to end
the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting
vaccination can help schools safely re-
turn to in-person learning as well as ex-
tracurricular activities and sports. Masks
should be worn indoors by all individu-
als (age 2 and older) who are not fully
vaccinated. Consistent and correct mask
use by people who are not fully vac-
cinated is especially important indoors
and in crowded settings, when physical
distancing cannot be maintained.”

Moreover, as of mid-July, delta vari-
ant of COVID-19 was present in all 50
states and already had become domi-
nant in many parts of the country. It had
grown in prevalence by a factor of five
in less than one month.

“Although we expected the delta
variant to become the dominant strain in
the United States, this rapid rise is trou-
bling,” CDC Director Rochelle Walen-
sky said during a White House news
briefing in early July.

Elsewhere, the International Trans-
port Workers’ Federation (ITF) con-
tinues spearheading efforts to improve
vaccine access for mariners around the
world. That work has proven successful
in the U.S., where at least 20,000 for-
eign crew members had been vaccinated
in 72 American cities as of early July,
according to SIU Secretary-Treasurer
David Heindel, who also chairs the ITF
Seafarers’ Section.

CDC Continues Strong Advocacy for COVID-19 Vaccinations

AB Patricia Placek gets vaccinated while upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland

Health care professionals board a foreign-flag ship near New Haven, Connecticut, earlier
this summer to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to crew members who want them.
(Photo courtesy Hill Health Center)

SIU President Michael Sacco addresses Seafarers, apprentices and other attend-
ees July 6 at the membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He encouraged
people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and also stressed the importance of
taking advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated school.

Presidential Encouragement



4 Seafarers LOG August 2021

Seafarers could be forgiven for wonder-
ing if there’s a calendar somewhere that
lists 2021 as the year of the contract.

Three more SIU agreements recently
were ratified, on top of a half-dozen that
were finalized earlier in the year – and
more are on the way. The most recent
pacts cover members at Matson Naviga-
tion, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning
(Crowley ATBs), and Argent Marine, re-
spectively.

Matson
A new five-year agreement between

Matson Navigation and the SIU has been
reached. The new contract took effect July
1.

Highlights include yearly increases
in wages and wage-related items, plus
increased pension contributions and a
conditional cost-of-living adjustment. In
addition, members will receive increases
to meal allowances, and gain the newest
federal holiday, Juneteenth, which occurs
on June 19 every year.

Representing the SIU on the negotiat-

ing committee were Vice President West
Coast Nick Marrone and Port Agent Nick
Marrone II. Also involved in their own
respective negotiations were two SIUNA-
affiliated unions: the Sailors’ Union of
the Pacific, represented by President
Dave Connolly, and the Marine Firemen’s
Union, represented by President/Secretary
Treasurer Anthony Poplawski.

Intrepid/Crowley ATB
SIU boatmen have ratified a new

three-year agreement covering more
than 250 Seafarers employed by Intrepid
Personnel and Provisioning aboard com-
pany-operated articulated tug and barge
units. The contract includes wage gains
plus boosts to maternity leave benefits,
subsistence and the reimbursement for
safety shoes. Modifications to work
schedules have been incorporated along
with the consolidation of work rules. The
agreement maintains Seafarers Health
and Benefits Plan medical coverage at
the top level (Core Plus), along with pen-
sion benefits.

The SIU negotiating team included
Assistant Vice President Michael Russo,
Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins,
Captain Larry Soulier, Chief Mate Coro-
nado Hickman, AB Chad Cunningham
and Engineers Chris Surehoffer and
Jimmy Broussard.

Russo said, “It was a difficult negotia-
tion, but the committee stood fast and we
were able to hammer out a deal that was
beneficial to all the members.”


Argent Marine

The SIU also recently secured a new
three-year contract with Argent Marine.
The contract, negotiated by SIU Vice Pres-

ident of Contracts George Tricker and SIU
Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, in-
cludes wage increases all three years, and
maintains pension contributions through-
out.

Hopkins described the bargaining as
“tough but successful.” He added, “Any
time we can negotiate gains for our mem-
bers, it is a good thing, and shows the com-
pany wants to do right by their employees.”

Earlier in the year, the union secured
new contracts with Inland Lakes Man-
agement, American Steamship Company,
Crescent Towing, Seabulk Towing, OSG
(inland), and Penn Terminal, among oth-
ers.

Tolan is pictured near a Sea-Land ship many years ago (above) and, in the other snap-
shot, more recently.

David J. Tolan, a longtime Sea-Land ex-
ecutive who helped modernize the American
maritime industry, died July 6 in Cary, North
Carolina. He was 88.

A former mariner, Tolan came ashore in
1957 to work for Alcoa Steamship Co., and
became an industry stalwart for decades. His
tenure included serving as senior vice president
of labor relations at SIU-contracted Sea-Land
from 1985 until he retired in 1999 (he subse-
quently opened a consulting business). Tolan’s
other posts with Sea-Land included executive
vice president of the Americas Division and
vice president of human resources.

Tolan also headed up organizations that ne-
gotiated key agreements with shipboard and
shore-side labor unions, including the U.S.
Maritime Alliance, the Carriers Container
Council, and the American Maritime Associa-
tion (which includes companies that are signa-
tory to the SIU’s standard contracts). He is also
considered one of the pioneers of containeriza-
tion.

SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez
worked with Tolan many times.

“He was an honest guy,” Tellez said. “He
didn’t play games and you always knew where
he was coming from. I thought he was fair and
he understood that a contract had to be a win-
win.”

Former Horizon Lines CEO Chuck Ray-
mond told the Journal of Commerce (JOC),
“Dave was able to achieve incredible results
through his creativity, energy and strong and
compassionate understanding of the workplace
and the special role laborers played in shipping
worldwide.”

Tolan received the Admiral of the Ocean
Seas award from the United Seamen’s Service
in 2000. During the ceremony, he stated, “I’ve
been involved with labor at every level for a
long time and I have learned that the most im-
portant message we can give to the unions is

that real job security could only come from their
ability and willingness to adapt to change.”

One online remembrance of Tolan credited
him with being “especially influential in build-
ing positive longshore labor relations on the
East and Gulf Coasts after decades of strife.”

A New York City native, Tolan sailed as a
deck officer for six years. He graduated from the
State University of New York Maritime College
at Fort Schuyler.

Anthony Scioscia, who also worked as a se-
nior labor relations official with Sea-Land, told
the JOC that Tolan “was instrumental in align-
ing the union activities to the new container
movement, including not just the longshore
labor unions, but the seagoing unions as well.
His efforts brought the labor movement and
management into sync in terms of containeriza-
tion and in doing so, he was very effective. The
unions … might not have agreed with him, but
they certainly respected him.”

Industry Pioneer Tolan Dies at 88

Three New Contracts Undergo Ratification

Aboard Maersk Michigan
The Independence Day spread aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel was a big

hit, as reflected by these photos (submitted by vessel master Capt. T. Pham). Visit
the SIU Facebook page for additional snapshots.

QMED Joshua Bonita, QMED Fontanos Elllison, Capt. T. Pham

Chief Steward Gerard Cox, GVA Gene Ajoste

AB Carlos Zapata



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 5

Trumka Underscores PRO Act’s Benefits
The head of America’s largest labor federa-

tion recently said it’s time to enact pro-worker
legislation that would reshape the country for
the better.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, a
longtime friend of the SIU, spoke June 29 dur-
ing an online meeting organized by Jobs With
Justice, a workers’ rights organization. He re-
called his own experience as a coal miner, and
then explained the urgency of passing the Pro-
tecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which
is the labor movement’s top legislative priority.

The U.S. House of Representatives already
passed the bill, and President Biden is an out-
spoken advocate of it. However, support in the
Senate has been stuck at slightly less than a ma-
jority, and the threat of a filibuster also looms.

Trumka said the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU
is affiliated, believes that “the single best agent
for change is the PRO Act. We must pass the
PRO Act so that the 60 million workers who
want to join a union right now can do so freely
and fairly. We also recognize that the major-
ity of working people are women and people
of color. And when working people organize,
the power of our unity eclipses the differences
between us. That’s why passing the PRO Act
is not just about rising wages, it’s about racial
justice and gender justice, immigrant rights and
LGBTQ rights. Collective action and collective
power would lift more families and communi-
ties to a better life, in urban centers and Appa-
lachia, in big tech and the American south. Like
the New Deal and the civil rights movement,
the PRO Act will have a multiplying effect,
boosting efforts to fight climate change, win
racial justice and fix our democracy.”

But, he added, the labor movement can’t do
it alone. “We need a broader coalition to win
– one as big and broad as the hopes and aspira-
tions of the American people,” Trumka stated.
“You can’t change America if you don’t change
our labor laws…. What we do in these next

weeks and months and over the next year may
well set the table for decades. And I am abso-
lutely convinced that we have the public’s sup-
port, the president’s support and the resources
and brainpower in each of our organizations to
come together and shock the world.”

Despite skepticism about the bill’s pros-
pects, Trumka said he’s optimistic.

“Let me say this as clearly as I can,” he de-

clared. “We passed the PRO Act in the House.
The president has urged Congress to send it to
his desk. And for that we need 50 votes in the
Senate. Fifty real votes. Fifty senators that are
not playing procedural games or looking to run
out the clock. That’s all we need. It’s written
right there in the Constitution plain as day – the
Senate runs by a simple majority.

“This is not the time for excuses or equivo-

cation,” he continued. “We need consistent,
relentless forward motion…. Though on any
given day we will have targets, this fight has
to be a national fight in every state. Though we
have a calendar, we must commit to fighting
until we win. And we must be ready to lift up
those who join us and hold those who stand in
our way accountable, no matter which political
party they come from.”

He reminded attendees that the federation
scheduled an action week for late July and en-
couraged broad participation.

Earlier in his speech, Trumka said the col-
lective strength available through unions is
what sold him on membership. He saw the ben-
efits of a union contract in his own home and in
his community in Pennsylvania.

“But in the years since, those rights have
been hacked away,” he said. “Workers who try
to improve their lives are far too often met with
retaliation, intimidation, loss of employment,
and the list goes on. And this silencing of work-
ing people has profoundly hurt our country and
threatened our democracy.”

The erosion of workers’ rights that has cor-
responded with drops in union membership
harms America, Trumka said. Such deteriora-
tion has led to “wages held down for decades
as profits skyrocket, and runaway inequality.
Inequality of income, opportunity and most of
all, power. Our democracy is hanging on by a
thread as private equity billionaires fund legal
attacks on voting rights and inspire actual ter-
rorist attacks on our Capitol.

“This must change,” he said. “America must
build a future based on democracy – political
democracy and democracy at work. We must
make big, structural change that empowers all
working people…. The stakes are as high as
they could be: our economic future, our democ-
racy. The PRO Act is the path to a brighter day,
a stronger country and a future worthy of our
children.”

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (left), pictured in a file photo, gave an impassioned
speech earlier this summer about the value of the PRO Act. SIU President Michael Sacco
(right) utilized one of his recent LOG editorials to strongly back the pro-worker legislation.

In early May, the United States Transportation Com-
mand (USTRANSCOM) announced it was partnering with
the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) to
solicit articles on strategic sealift. These articles were posted
online during what was dubbed “Strategic Sealift Week” in
late June, and included insights from eight different subject
matter experts.

They examined different components of the American
maritime industry, but concluded – without exception – that
U.S. mariners and American-flag bottoms remain crucial to
protecting national, economic and homeland security.

Salvatore R. Mercogliano focused on the history of the
merchant marine, and the importance of civilian crews op-
erating militarily-useful ships. Mercogliano, a former mer-
chant mariner and an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy, pointed out, “Following the Vietnam War,
the fleet of troopships and government-owned freighters
were largely eliminated, with movement of personnel shift-
ing to aircraft and contracts awarded to American shipping
companies to handle cargo. [The Military Sealift Command]
also rediscovered an old mission when the oiler Taluga was
transferred to their control and the Navy crew replaced by
merchant mariners. Civilian crews on Navy supply ships
date back to the age of sail, and in the modern Navy to 1899,
when the fuel ship USS Alexander received a merchant ma-
rine crew. That mode of crewing ended at the start of the
First World War. But with the Navy facing personnel issues
and the priority to crew warships over auxiliaries, the Navy
resurrected this concept.

“Over the span of decades, civilian crewing of auxilia-
ries grew with MSC operating not only shuttle ships – those
that provide fuel and supplies from shore facilities – but to
station ships providing underway replenishment to strike
groups,” he continued. “The first MSC station ship went
online in 1991. By the time of the Iraq War in 2003, half
of the oilers, store and ammunition station ships support-
ing strike groups were operated by MSC. In 2010, the last
Navy auxiliary transitioned over to civilian merchant marine
crews. This change, along with a realignment of missions in
the mid-1990s that transferred container operations to U.S.
Transportation Command, oriented MSC to more of a Navy
fleet support vice cargo mission.”

James Caponiti addressed the importance of civilian
mariners. Caponiti, a 37-year veteran of the Maritime Ad-
ministration, said, “The availability of a trained and quali-
fied mariner pool sufficient to support the activation and
operation of the U.S. Government’s surge sealift assets is a
key element of U.S. strategy and planning. This organic lift
includes the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready
Reserve Force (RRF) which currently numbers 41 ships and
the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) 19 Large Medium-
Speed Roll-on Roll-off ships (LMSRs). These vessels are
maintained by commercial ship managers in prescribed lev-
els of readiness and outported in reduced operating status
(ROS) in commercial berths or in government facilities,
available to be activated when crises arise. To promote readi-

ness and to enable rapid transition to operational capability,
ROS vessels are partially crewed while idle. Once activated
and fully crewed, all of these assets, RRF and LMSR alike,
fall under MSC’s operational control. The surge sealift ca-
pabilities comprised from these vessels enable deployment
of combat forces in the early stages of a conflict. Of course,
the vessels themselves are essentially useless without trained
civilian crews to maintain and operate them.

“The government relies on a partnership with U.S.-flag
operators and maritime labor organizations to assure access
to commercial sealift capability and civilian merchant mari-
ners,” he continued. “The investment also works to ensure
the continued viability of both a U.S.-flag fleet engaged in
international trade and the pool of seafarers to crew those
vessels. Without a viable U.S.-flag commercial fleet, and the
American merchant mariners this fleet supports, the United
States would be unable to deploy and effectively sustain its
military forces on a global basis.”

Dan Gouré, Ph.D., a vice president at the public-policy
research think tank Lexington Institute, described the im-
portance of recapitalization. “Over the past several decades,
the number of hulls in the government-owned portion of
the strategic sealift fleet (the RRF and MSC) has declined
and those that remain are aging badly,” he explained. “In
testimony, the then-MARAD Administrator (Mark) Buzby
warned the House Armed Services Committee that the RRF
and MSC surge sealift fleets, about half of the total strategic
sealift capability available to the military, are aging severely
and in need of recapitalization. To underscore the problem,
MARAD and MSC conducted a ‘turbo activation’ exercise
designed to test their ability to surge for a major contingency
in September 2019. Of the 39 vessels that were called on to
support the exercise, only 25 were ready for tasking and just
16 were able to operate at the expected level of performance.
(Seafarers LOG editor’s note: None of the perceived short-
falls during the activation involved the crews, but instead the
vessels themselves.)

“This test simulated what is possibly the most serious
vulnerability the U.S. military faces in preparing for a high-
end conflict,” he continued. “The lack of adequate strate-
gic sealift could outright negate the billions of dollars the
U.S. military is investing in next-generation platforms and
weapons systems. The military will not be able to get these
‘wonder weapons’ to the fight or support them if they are
deployed. According to the U.S. Army’s G-4 logistics di-
rectorate: ‘Without proactive recapitalization of the Organic
Surge Sealift Fleet, the Army will face unacceptable risk in
force projection capability beginning in 2024.’”

He concluded, “It should seem obvious that the recapi-
talization of the strategic sealift force should be at the top of
the Pentagon’s list of modernization objectives. If DoD truly
desired to fully secure its strategic sealift capability, it would
actively work to do so by recapitalizing the U.S. sealift fleet
with ships designed and built in the United States.”

Maj. John Bowser stressed the importance of the nation’s
sealift capabilities, citing potential conflict with China.

Aboard Cape Intrepid

Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess vessel during a shipyard
activation period (June 25-July 2) in Portland, Oregon, are
(from left in each photo) (above) Chief Steward Ingra Mad-
dox, Chief Cook Keesha Holloway and SA Abduljalil Ahmed;
(below, left) GVA Ahmed Kassem and OS Malek Ahmed; and
(below, right), (a Seafaring selfie) AB Antoinne Kelly, GVA
Ahmed Kassem, OS Malek Ahmed and Recertified Bosun
LBJ Tanoa.

Week Highlights Need for Mariners, Ships



6 Seafarers LOG July 2021

MTD Stands in Solidarity with Union Strikers
The Maritime Trades Department

(MTD) recently expressed its support for
1,100 striking Mine Workers (UMWA)
in Brookwood, Alabama, who have en-
tered their third month on the picket lines
against Warrior Met Coal.

The SIU is an affiliate of the MTD,
which is a constitutional department of
the AFL-CIO. SIU President Michael
Sacco also serves as MTD president.

MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Daniel Duncan joined several picket
sites, then participated in a solidarity
rally on June 23 just west of Birming-
ham, Alabama. He told the Mine Workers
(an MTD affiliate) that the department,

its affiliates and its port councils would
stand with them until they return to work.
In addition to the words and action, the
MTD presented UMWA President Cecil
Roberts with a check for the strike fund.

The miners have been on strike since
April 1, seeking better pay and benefits.
The UMWA negotiated a contract with
Warrior Met five years ago that reduced
wages and benefits in order to keep the
mines operating when that company took
over for bankrupt Walter Energy. The
coal is used for steel production in Asia,
Europe and South America.

The union noted on its website,
“While upper management was getting

bonuses, UMWA miners took pay and
benefit cuts.”

Just a day before Duncan was in Al-
abama, about one dozen of the strikers
marched in front of three hedge fund
headquarters along Wall Street in New
York City. Dressed in the union’s cam-
ouflage logo T-shirts, they were joined
on those lines by Association of Flight
Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson
and Retail, Wholesale and Department
Store Union President Stuart Applebaum.
(Applebaum was returning the solidarity
shown by the Alabama UMWA members
during the recent effort to organize an
Amazon distribution center in nearby

Bessemer.)
UMWA District 20 International Vice

President Larry Spencer announced during
the rally that talks would resume in July.

Meanwhile, 650 United Steelwork-
ers (USW) from Local 13-423 have been
walking picket lines since May 1 when
ExxonMobil locked them out of its Beau-
mont, Texas, refinery.

The MTD also sent support to the
local’s strike fund as the USW is an af-
filiate. Father Sinclair Oubre, an SIU
member who is the Diocesan Director for
the Apostleship of the Sea in Beaumont,
presented the MTD donation to Local 13-
423’s officers.

UMWA President Cecil Roberts (left) and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel
Duncan rally with striking Mine Workers in Alabama

USW Local 13-423 Secretary-Treasurer Karla Konning (left) and President Darrell Kyle
(center) receive the MTD strike fund donation from Fr. Sinclair Oubre.

As announced during the July mem-
bership meetings, the Seafarers Appeals
Board (SAB) recently took action that
extends the maximum tour of duty for
A- and B-seniority Seafarers above entry
ratings. This step was taken due to on-
going effects of the global COVID-19
pandemic.

Full text of the new regulation fol-
lows.

SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD
Action Number 484 (Setting Specific
Parameters for Action 481)

WHEREAS, Article IX entitled Shipping
Rules, Sections 7. and 9. grant the sole
and exclusive authority to administer
and/or amend the shipping rules to the
Seafarers Appeals Board; and
WHEREAS, by prior action the Seafarers
Appeals Board has amended the Shipping
Rules to secure and maintain an adequate
supply of qualified and trained personnel
aboard various U.S.-flagged vessels, in
particularly Action Number 481 which
suspended Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5 to
be in sync with established Coronavirus
Precautionary Protocols; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to this grant of
authority and in accordance with the cur-
rent state of emergencies declared by the
Federal Government and by the majority
of U.S. States and taking into account
world-wide conditions and emergencies
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
the Seafarers Appeals Board has decided,
while adhering to the provisions of Ac-
tion 481, to implement specific altered
tours of duty within suspended Shipping
Rules 2, 4 and 5.
NOW THEREFORE, with the afore-

mentioned in mind the Seafarers Appeals
Board hereby takes the following addi-
tional actions regarding specified “A”
Seniority Permanent & Trip Reliefs and
“B” Seniority.
Amend Article IX, Rule 2. Shipping
Procedure, G. (17.), (a) to provide for the
following specific extension of “B” Se-
niority maximum employment as speci-
fied below.
(17.) (a) Except as specifically provided
for herein or by SAB action , seamen with
Class “B” seniority ratings, shipped pur-
suant to these Rules, may retain such jobs
for three hundred and sixty (360) days
and shall request a relief before their
one hundred and eightieth (180th) day of
employment. At the termination of such
round trip or on the first opportunity fol-
lowing the three hundred and sixtieth
(360th) day on the job, such seamen shall
sign off their vessels and the vacant job
shall be referred to the Union hiring hall.
Such retention may be extended sixty
(60) days when mutually agreed to be-
tween the Union and the Company.
The remainder of this rule shall remain in
full force and effect within the alterations
of SAB Action 481
 Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Prefer-
ence and Priority, A., (13.) Trip Reliefs
and Permeant Ratings to extend the
maximum tour of duty for “A” Senior-
ity Seamen. This Action shall not amend
the seventy-five (75) day criteria for des-
ignation as “Permanent” nor the list of
those that may be deemed as permanent.
(a) The following specified ratings enu-
merated in this subsection (a), possessing
Class “A” seniority, upon completing a
tour of duty aboard a specified vessel of
no less, or as close to, seventy-five (75)

days and no more, or as close to, one hun-
dred and eight (180) days, shall be desig-
nated as having permanent status for such
vessel and shall request a relief of no
less, or as close to, forty-five (45) days
and no more, or as close to, sixty (60)
days depending on the vessel’s schedule
of operations, upon the vessel’s arrival at
a port in the Continental United States or
Puerto Rico or other mutually agreed to
port. Subsequent tours aboard the ves-
sel for permanent personnel shall be be-
tween seventy-five (75) and one hundred
and eighty (180) days duration as agreed
by the seaman and the Company at time
of their sign-on for each tour. Transporta-
tion expenses for the seaman requesting
a relief and the seaman providing a relief
shall be borne by the Company.
The remainder of this rule shall remain in
full force and effect within the alterations
of SAB Action 481
 Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Prefer-
ence and Priority, A., (13), (r), (2) &
(4) Tanker Employment (2) [“A” Se-
niority] During the specific period of
employment their tours of duty shall be
scheduled at approximately a two-to-one
employment ratio with time on of no
less, or as close to seventy-five (75) days
and no more, or as close to one hundred
and eighty (180) days of employment be-
tween periods of time off of no less, or as
close to forty-five (45) days and no more,
or as close to sixty (60) days of time off.
Work schedules may be modified subject
to the vessel’s operational necessities,
and as mutually agreed to between the
Union and the Company. Transporta-
tion expenses for the seaman requesting
a relief and the seaman providing a relief
shall be borne by the Company.
(4) Seamen possessing Class “B” em-
ployment seniority employed above the
Entry Level aboard tanker class vessels
in the domestic trades upon mutual con-
sent may request a relief of forty-five
(45) days upon completion of no less
than ninety (90) days employment. Sub-
sequent tours of duty shall be no less than

ninety (90) days and no more than one
hundred and eight (180) days, based on
vessel necessity.
The remainder of this rule shall remain in
full force and effect within the alterations
of SAB Action 481
 Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Prefer-
ence and Priority, A., (13), (t), (2) & (4)
Freightship Employment
(2) [“A” Seniority] During the specific
period of employment their tours of duty
shall be scheduled at approximately a
two-to-one employment ratio with time
on of no less, or as close to seventy-five
(75) days and no more, or as close to one
hundred and eighty(180) days of employ-
ment between periods of time off of no
less, or as close to forty-five (45) days
and no more, or as close to sixty days
(60) of time off. Work schedules may be
modified subject to the vessel’s opera-
tional necessities, and as mutually agreed
to between the Union and the Company.
Transportation expenses for the seaman
requesting a relief and the seaman pro-
viding a relief shall be borne by the Com-
pany.
(4) Seamen possessing Class “B” em-
ployment seniority employed above the
Entry Level may request a relief of forty-
five (45) days upon completion of no less
than ninety (90) days of employment.
Such relief will only be provided in a
domestic port and subject to the vessel’s
operational necessities. Transportation if
any shall be borne by the seaman request-
ing and the seaman providing relief.
Subsequent tours of duty shall be no less
than ninety (90) days and no more than
one hundred and eight (180) days, based
on vessel necessity.
The remainder of this rule shall remain in
full force and effect within the alterations
of SAB Action 481
This action will be reviewed every four-
teen days and will be kept in place until
such time that the parties have deter-
mined that the current emergency no lon-
ger exists.

New SAB Allows
For Extended Tours



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 7

Heartfelt Gift from the Crew of the MV Capt. David I. Lyon

While the MV Capt. David I. Lyon (Sealift) was in Palau earlier this summer, the crew chipped in and had a local “storyboard” made for
Jeannie Lyon, mother of the vessel’s namesake. The wooden board is 18 by 27 inches and depicts the story of the breadfruit tree. Capt.
David Lyon, a logistics officer from Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, was killed in action in Afghanistan Dec. 27, 2013. The ship was
named in his memory in January 2015.

A pair of SIU-crewed vessels, the USNS
Bob Hope and USNS Yuma, played key roles
in the recently completed Defender-Europe
21, an annual, large-scale U.S. Army Europe
and Africa-led, multinational, joint exercise.

Conducted from March through June,
Defender-Europe 21 was designed to build
strategic and operational readiness and in-
teroperability between U.S. and NATO allies
and partners by testing America’s ability to
move troops, cargo and vehicles overseas.
The exercise involved some 30,000 U.S.
troops (members of the National Guard and
U.S. Army Reserve included) along with al-
lied and partner forces from 27 nations.

The Bob Hope, a large, medium-speed,
roll-on, roll-off ship (LMSR) operated by
U.S. Marine Management, in early March
sailed out of the Pacific northwest before
loading in the Ports of Jacksonville, Florida,
and Portsmouth, Virginia, on its way across
the Atlantic to the Adriatic Sea in Durres,
Albania. The vessel’s cargo comprised more
than 700 pieces of Army light infantry bri-
gade equipment including Humvees, trucks,
and light artillery. The USNS Yuma, an ex-
peditionary fast transport vessel crewed by
members of the SIU Government Services
Division, also participated in the exercise.

Once the Bob Hope and its cargo arrived
in Europe at its predetermined location, crew
members aboard the vessel and personnel
from several other deployed military units
took part in a Joint Logistics Over the Shore
Operations (JLOTS) exercise. Such exercises
test and hone the Army’s and Navy’s capa-
bilities to conduct ship-to-shore logistics and
open a strategic port to support surge forces
and equipment. JLOTS maneuvers allow
U.S. strategic sealift ships to anchor near
coastlines and download combat equipment
and forces for transport to shore when exist-
ing ports are inadequate or damaged, or if ac-
cess is denied. JLOTS watercraft can also be
used to reposition units and materials within
a theater.

During this JLOTS exercise, the Bob
Hope discharged more than 800 pieces of
equipment using Navy floating causeway
ferries and Army Logistics Support Vessels
to deliver cargo to the shore. Equipment was
also transported by the UNSN Yuma and a
British roll-on/roll-off ship to Zadar, Croatia,
demonstrating distributed logistics as part of
the JLOTS exercise. The Navy also used the
Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System to
stream fuel from a barge to a tank on shore,
the Army’s Fuel System Supply Point.

Personnel from the U.S Transportation
Command (USTRANSCOM) also partici-
pated in the JLOTS, and the role they played
was vital. Essentially, USTRANSCOM was
tasked with assessing the capability and in-
teroperability of the Army and Navy in deliv-
ering this critical capability to a geographic
combatant commander.

“Our ability to integrate the Army and

Navy for ship-to-shore logistics is essen-
tial, and JLOTS is one way we exercise and
improve this capability,” said U.S. Army
Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commander of US-
TRANSCOM, in a command new release on
Defender-Europe 21. “We must be ready to
respond to crisis on a moment’s notice and
project the Joint Force anywhere across the
globe.”

With 85 percent of U.S. forces based in
the United States, nearly 90 percent of mili-
tary equipment is expected to deploy via
sealift in a major conflict. JLOTS exercises
test the Joint Force’s ability to move from the
U.S. to various locations around the world
and open a logistics hub to provide vital sup-
plies, equipment, and forces to support mili-
tary operations or humanitarian assistance
during disaster relief missions.

“The strategic significance of exercis-
ing a port opening alongside our allies and

partners in southeastern Europe and surging
forces and equipment onward underscores
USTRANSCOM’s mission to provide a
large-scale response anywhere in the world,
in order to assure our allies, deter our adver-
saries, and ensure our national leaders always
have options,” added Lyons.

SIU members aboard the Bob Hope just
before, during and just after the exercise pe-
riod included: Bosun Bryan Hayden; ABs
Joseph Eaton, Harsono Saratoga, Rom-
mel Ines Martinez-Arriola and Damon
Zschoche; Ordinary Seamen Xavier Brown,
Elbert Irvine III and Tomesha Wood;
QMED Ryan Palmer, QEE Terrell Cuffee,
QE4s Gabriel Freeman and Jason Fuller,
Wiper Abdulrehman Shayef, Chief Cook
Joseph Huls, ACU Brandy Griffin, SAs
Raenell Brewster, Kaberlyn Daniel, and
Arkala Williams; SB Kenneth Epps and
Storekeeper Joedy Lee.

SIU Crews Help Ensure Success of Military Exercise

The Bob Hope prepares to discharge military equipment onto floating platforms during Defender-Europe 21.



8 Seafarers LOG August 2021

Spotlight on Mariner HealthSpotlight on Mariner Health

Editor’s note: This article was provided
by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan
Medical Department.

There are several important consider-
ations about blood pressure that can help
individuals avoid related problems.

Remember that blood pressure is more
than just a number that is written in one’s
medical chart. Hypertension is one of the
most pressing public health challenges
around the world. It is clearly recognized
as the biggest contributor to the burden of
disease in society today.

A person’s blood vessels are like a se-
ries of pipes in a home. These pipes/blood
vessels deliver needed blood, nutrients, and
oxygen to all the organs in the body. If the
pressure in the vessels becomes too high, it
can damage that vessel or what it connects
to – such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.

Blood pressure must be controlled to
maintain the health of the body and the or-
gans in that body. High blood pressure is a
big deal!

Blood pressure tends to increase as
people age. It rarely causes any symptoms
until it is too late. Keeping a check on one’s
blood pressure is key to maintaining his or
her overall health.

Hypertension affects about 121 million
adults in the United States, per the Ameri-
can Heart Association. It is defined as a
systolic blood pressure (top number) of
130 or higher or a diastolic pressure (bot-
tom number) of 80 or higher that stays high
over a period of time.

It is recommended that people who

have a family history of high blood pres-
sure, heart disease, stroke, or kidney dis-
ease pay very close attention to their blood
pressure and follow up with their doctor for
any treatments. People can reduce the risk
of hypertension by maintaining a healthful
body weight, exercising, not smoking, and
avoiding stressors.

Managing hypertension will protect a
person’s brain and reduce the risk of stroke.
It also decreases the likelihood of dementia
and boosts cognitive function.

Limiting one’s fat and sodium intake
are very important in a person’s diet. Bal-
ancing sodium and potassium intake is
crucial to help in the regulation of blood
flow through the blood vessels and cells
in the body.

The DASH or Mediterranean diet offers
a healthy balance of nutrients, potassium-
rich foods, and low-fat dairy products.

Little changes in one’s daily routines
can make a big difference in a person’s life.
Control body weight, and get some type of
exercise daily. Walking will increase heart
rate and cardiac output to help nourish the
vessels and organs of the body. It also helps
to relieve stress.

Moreover, smokers have higher blood
pressure, on average, than non-smokers.

There are many new medications on
the market today to help with the control
of hypertension. Follow your doctor’s ad-
vice and keep appointments so that he or
she can monitor you and adjust medications
as needed. Stay active and be informed on
your blood pressure so that you can be
healthy!

Hypertension: Know the Risks

Main Ingredients
7 1/2 pounds cod fillet
1/4 cup gallic pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce Recipe
1/4 cup garlic, minced fine
3/4 cup onion, small chopped
3/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 quart coconut milk
1/4 cup chili paste
2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and
grated
1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 cup green onion, sliced
1/2 cup basil, fresh, chopped

To Make Sauce:
Preheat sauce pan over medium
heat. When several drops of water
sprinkled in pan skitter and dissipate,
add garlic, onions and peppers. Saute
for 3-4 minutes until softened. In a
bowl, mix coconut milk, ginger, chili
paste, lime juice and salt. Add to
pan and cover. Then reduce heat to
low and cook sauce for 5-7 minutes.
Reduce sauce slightly and thicken.
Turn off heat. Add scallions and basil
leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings as
needed.

To Cook The Cod:
Cut the cod into 5oz. fillets. Drizzle
olive oil evenly over the cod. Season
with garlic pepper and kosher salt.
Place the seasoned cod into 2” hotel
pans. Bake in a 350° F oven for 15
minutes, uncovered. Internal temp. of
145° F. Pour off any excess liquid from
the cooked fish. Sauce each fillet with
the coconut basil sauce. Serve hot.

Per Serving (excluding unknown
items): 229 Calories; 12g Fat (46.1%
calories from fat); 26g Protein; 5g
Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 59mg
Cholesterol; 435mg Sodium. Ex-
changes: 0 Grain (Starch); 3 1/2 Lean
Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat.

(Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship)

Healthy Recipe
Baked Cod with Coconut Basil Sauce

Servings: 25

Construction Starts on USNS Kennedy
New jobs for CIVMARS from the SIU

Government Services Division are on the
horizon following the recent start of con-
struction on the USNS Robert F. Kennedy
in San Diego.

The Kennedy is being built at General
Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard,
for the U.S. Military Sealift Command
(MSC). It’s the fourth in a series of six
John Lewis-class fleet oilers. The others
are the USNS John Lewis, USNS Harvey
Milk, USNS Earl Warren, USNS Lucy
Stone and USNS Sojourner Truth.

Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy
carrier strike group ships operating at
sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load
displacement of 49,850 tons, with the
capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil,
a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation
capability and up to a speed of 20 knots.
Each ship will have accommodations for
up to 125 individuals.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the

shipyard hosted a hybrid online/in-person
ceremony to kick off construction. Fran-
cisco Medina, a longtime NASSCO em-
ployee, initiated the first cut of steel that
will be used to construct the vessel.

“Today, we celebrate a time-honored
tradition that marks the beginning of pro-
duction for the ship and to celebrate the
life and service of the ship’s namesake
Robert F. Kennedy,” said Dave Carver,
president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
“This ship represents the thousands of
men and women who have worked hard to
make this ship class a success.”

Kennedy was a Navy vet-
eran, former U.S. Attorney General
and U.S. Senator from New York.
“USNS Robert F. Kennedy will provide
significant contributions to the fleet, serv-
ing as the primary fuel pipeline to refuel
ships at sea. The building of the John
Lewis-class ships marks an important
milestone in enhancing our Navy’s fleet

capabilities and providing critical support
to our Sailors,” said John Lighthammer, a
program manager for the Navy.

According to the U.S. Congressional
Research Service, “Although the role of
fleet oilers might not be considered as
glamorous as that of other Navy ships,
fleet oilers are critical to the Navy’s
ability to operate in forward-deployed
areas around the world on a sustained
basis. The U.S. Navy’s ability to perform
UNREP operations in a safe and efficient
manner on a routine basis is a skill that
many other navies lack. An absence of
fleet oilers would significantly compli-
cate the Navy’s ability to operate at sea
on a sustained basis in areas such as the
Western Pacific or the Indian Ocean/Per-
sian Gulf region.”

The USNS John Lewis was launched
earlier this year, while the USNS Harvey
Milk and USNS Earl Warren are under
construction.

Artist’s rendering (above) of future USNS Robert F. Kennedy. In photo at right, longtime
shipyard employee Francisco Medina (right) oversees the ceremonial cut of the first piece
of steel for the new ship. (All images courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO)

General Dynamics NASSCO President
Dave Carver joins the ceremony virtually.



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 9

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 11-July 12. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 12.

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 SeaDispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

Piney Point.............Monday: August 2, *Tuesday: September 7
Algonac.........................................Friday: August 6, September 10
Baltimore............................Thursday: August 5, September 9
Guam................................Thursday: August 19, September 23
Honolulu...............................Friday: August 13, September 17

Houston...................................Monday: August 9, September 13

Jacksonville.........................Thursday: August 5, September 9

Joliet.......................................Thursday: August 12, September 16

Mobile...............................Wednesday: August 11, September 15

New Orleans.....................Tuesday: August 10, September 14

Jersey City..............................Tuesday: August 3, September 7

Norfolk...................................Friday: August 6, September 10

Oakland..........................Thursday: August 12, September 16

Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: August 4, September 8

Port Everglades......................Thursday: August 12, September 16

San Juan................................Thursday: August 5, September 9

St. Louis...............................Friday: August 13, September 17

Tacoma.............................Friday: August 20, September 24

Wilmington...............................Monday: August 16, September 20

* Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance.

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

August & SeptemberAugust & September
Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings

Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing
onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often includ-
ing testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and
verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason,
not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In ad-
dition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only
long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the im-
portance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the
protection of those around you.

Note to Our Readers

Deck Department
Algonac 19 9 3 14 4 0 4 33 11 3
Anchorage 2 3 1 2 1 0 1 1 3 1
Baltimore 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 28 10 4 12 9 4 9 40 17 5
Guam 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 7 0 0
Harvey 13 4 3 7 4 0 3 19 4 5
Honolulu 9 2 0 6 3 1 3 13 3 0
Houston 45 22 9 25 21 3 19 72 28 10
Jacksonville 33 19 8 17 15 6 16 66 35 8
Jersey City 38 11 4 21 7 2 8 57 12 5
Joliet 2 2 2 4 3 1 1 3 0 1
Mobile 8 3 0 8 5 2 5 13 4 0
Norfolk 19 11 7 16 5 1 5 36 21 8
Oakland 14 3 2 9 1 1 1 26 5 5
Philadelphia 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 9 2 1
Piney Point 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 0 0
Puerto Rico 8 2 0 3 3 0 4 14 5 0
Tacoma 24 10 3 21 6 3 11 39 14 7
St. Louis 6 3 1 1 1 0 2 8 2 1
Wilmington 30 8 4 22 13 1 9 46 11 6
TOTALS 309 125 53 193 104 28 103 509 177 66

Engine Department
Algonac 5 0 2 4 1 2 3 6 2 2
Anchorage 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0
Baltimore 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 7 9 2 6 4 0 3 11 9 5
Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Harvey 4 2 1 3 0 0 0 7 4 2
Honolulu 2 3 0 2 1 0 0 9 4 0
Houston 17 11 2 16 4 1 10 25 21 3
Jacksonville 18 11 1 16 12 0 14 33 15 4
Jersey City 7 6 2 7 3 2 4 11 7 2
Joliet 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 2
Mobile 3 2 0 1 4 0 1 3 2 1
Norfolk 16 11 2 7 4 3 4 18 25 4
Oakland 7 1 3 1 0 1 1 10 7 4
Philadelphia 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1
Piney Point 0 2 0 1 3 0 1 2 4 0
Puerto Rico 6 3 1 1 2 0 1 9 7 1
Tacoma 15 4 4 8 4 1 8 25 10 3
St. Louis 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 0
Wilmington 9 10 1 9 6 0 6 15 12 1
TOTALS 129 76 23 85 48 11 57 205 136 35

Steward Department
Algonac 5 2 0 2 2 0 2 8 4 0
Anchorage 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Baltimore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 10 9 0 4 2 0 4 19 9 0
Guam 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0
Harvey 7 3 0 2 0 0 0 9 3 0
Honolulu 9 2 0 8 1 0 1 12 5 0
Houston 15 8 0 13 7 0 6 29 9 0
Jacksonville 17 12 3 16 9 3 17 39 15 3
Jersey City 8 2 1 5 3 0 1 15 4 1
Joliet 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0
Mobile 0 3 0 2 1 0 2 4 3 0
Norfolk 15 14 2 9 6 3 3 26 20 3
Oakland 13 6 1 5 3 0 2 20 8 1
Philadelphia 2 0 0 4 0 1 2 1 0 0
Piney Point 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 5 2 0
Puerto Rico 5 3 0 3 3 0 0 6 6 0
Seattle 9 2 0 10 1 0 3 13 3 1
St. Louis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0
Wilmington 21 9 0 10 8 0 10 28 10 1
TOTALS 141 76 7 98 47 7 54 243 104 10

Entry Department
Algonac 1 9 6 1 9 2 7 2 15 12
Anchorage 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 2 2
Baltimore 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
Fort Lauderdale 0 2 3 0 4 1 1 0 3 5
Guam 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1
Harvey 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 4 4
Honolulu 1 2 3 0 4 0 1 1 7 5
Houston 2 7 6 0 8 2 0 5 19 7
Jacksonville 0 18 52 0 15 38 15 5 37 83
Jersey City 1 19 8 4 8 3 1 2 20 11
Joliet 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 1 1
Mobile 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Norfolk 1 8 14 2 11 3 4 0 16 27
Oakland 1 16 4 0 5 0 0 1 29 8
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3
Piney Point 0 2 22 0 0 22 7 0 2 18
Puerto Rico 1 2 4 1 0 1 1 0 3 4
Tacoma 3 12 8 2 8 8 5 9 20 11
St. Louis 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Wilmington 2 14 8 2 8 4 3 3 29 14
TOTALS 16 117 147 12 85 89 49 31 211 221

GRAND TOTAL: 595 394 230 388 284 135 263 988 628 332

Notice from U.S. Coast Guard

Regional Exam Center (REC) New York’s historical lo-
cation in the Battery Park building is undergoing a major
renovation that is expected to last a minimum of 12 months.
During the renovation, REC New York is being relocated to
an alternate office space in lower Manhattan. To affect this
move, the REC examination room was closed on Monday,
June 28, 2021, and is expected to reopen in the new location
on Monday, July 26, 2021. During this closure, mariner ap-
plications may still be e-mailed to RECNY@uscg.mil.

Mariners seeking to complete examinations during this
period should consider testing at another REC. Additional
REC locations and application submission information can
be found on the National Maritime Center (NMC) website.

The new location for REC New York is 201 Varick St.,
9th Floor, Suite 904, New York, NY 10014. The NMC will
issue additional information and update the NMC website
confirming the reopening date, examination room hours, how
to schedule an exam, and building access provisions for the
new facility.

The NMC Customer Service Center remains open from
8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Mariners
may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662)
and IASKNMC@uscg.mil.

REC New York Closes
Doors for Relocation

Contribute To TheContribute To The
Seafarers Political Activities DonationSeafarers Political Activities Donation

ATTENTION SEAFARERSSEAFARERS

SPADSPAD
SPAD Works For You.SPAD Works For You.



10 Seafarers LOG August 2021

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

BOOKWAVES PROJECT CONTINUES – At the San Juan hall in late
June, SIU members took action, unloading another Crowley Maritime
Corporation container packed with books as part of the ongoing Book-
Waves operation, a joint effort between the SIU, American Federa-
tion of Teachers and Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, among
others. In the photo: SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Bosun Raul
Colon, QMED Edwin Morales, Chief cook Jesus Pacheco, ABM Jorge
Corrales, SA Eliezer Estremera, ABW Edwin Pagan Jr., SA Ricardo
Ramos, SA Juan Santiago, AB Carlos Diaz and AB Edwin Pagan.

STEPPING UP FOR COMMUNITY – Seafarers in Oakland are participating in a months-long collec-
tion and drop-off for Covenant House California, a self-described “non-profit youth homeless shelter
that provides sanctuary and support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages 18-24.” Some of the
volunteers are pictured at the Oakland hiring hall in late June. The drive runs through August.

ABOARD TUG PATRIARCH – Pictured aboard the Crowley boat in Jack-
sonville, Florida, are (seated, from left) Second Mate Jose LeBron, Chief En-
gineer Ruben Ortiz, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, (standing) AB Raymond
Petterson, Barge Maintenance Peter Bondarenko, AB Ronald Boatwright,
Barge Maintenance Owen “Rick” O’Keefe, Chief Mate Angel Ayala and Capt.
Charles Williams.

ABOARD FREEDOM – Steward department personnel have made extra efforts aboard the TOTE
Services ship, including a Father’s Day menu featuring eggs Benedict (above, left), lamb chops,
purple cabbage, dinner rolls, jambalaya, double-layer coconut cake and much more. Later in the
month, Chief Steward Pauline Crespo (second from left) prepared homemade Shrimp Empanadas.
Chief Cook Steve Laubach is pictured second from right, while the remaining photo shows SA Mah-
foud Alesfoor.

SIU TRADITIONS –
It’s no exaggeration to
say the SIU runs in the
family for these gents,
pictured in Piney
Point, Maryland. From
left are Recertified
Steward Jatniel “Bam
Bam” Aguilera, SIU
Executive VP Augie
Tellez and Recerti-
fied Steward Edwin
Bonefont. Tellez’s and
Bonefont’s respec-
tive familial prede-
cessors were charter
members, while Bam
Bam’s son also has
joined the union.

ABOARD GRAND CANYON STATE – Seafarers are pictured aboard the
Pacific Gulf Marine vessel July 1 on the West Coast. The ship was decom-
missioned later in the week. Snapshot includes mariners from the Gem State,
Keystone State and Grand Canyon State, as follows (from left): front row, SB
Abdullah Falah, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, GVA Ahmed Hussain, GVA Ali Naser,
(second row) SIU Safety Director Adrian Fraccarolli, GVA Greg Tojong, QEE
Jessie Turner, (third row) Bosun Michael Carvalho, SB Charlito Aseberos,
GUDE Emmanuel Nuez, (fourth row) Bosun John Young, SIU Port Agent Nick
Marrone II, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu and QEE Sukhbir Bains.

AT SAN JUAN HALL – In
photo above, Seafarer Emir
Omar Quinones (right) –
better known to some as
Bam Bam Jr. – displays cer-
tificates of completion for
certified chief cook along
with his registration at the
hiring hall. SIU Port Agent
Amancio Crespo (left) helps
with photo op. In the photo
below, Seafarer William
Munoz (right) proudly dis-
plays his full B-book. He is
also pictured with Crespo.

R E C O N N E C T I N G
WITH RETIREE – The
SIU delivers in more
ways than one. Asst. VP
Mike Russo (left) brings
a pension application
to former Chief Cook
Davie Guyton, who
sailed with the union
from the early 1990s
until 2008. Guyton was
at a VA Hospital but was
hopeful of an imminent
discharge.

WITH OSG IN-
LAND CREWS
– AB/Tanker-
man Ed Putro
(left) and STOS
Daryl Ballance
pose for a
snapshot with
their favorite
publication in
Phi ladelphia.
OSG inland
crews recently
ratified a new
three-year con-
tract.



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 11

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

SHIPYARD PERIOD – The SIU-crewed Pride of America earlier this year spent time in a shipyard in Portland, Oregon, for routine work. Crew members are pictured next to the NCL
America vessel. At press time, it wasn’t known when the ship would resume offering cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. (Thanks to Engine Storekeeper Tanya Awong for the photo.)

WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Longtime member Robert Ott
(left), who started sailing with the SIU in 1974, is pictured at the
Philadelphia hall, receiving his first pension check from SIU Port
Agent Joe Baselice. Ott most recently sailed as a QEE, and he also
spent time as an instructor in Piney Point.

ABOARD LURLINE – Pictured from left aboard the Matson ship in late June following a servicing on the West
Coast are ACU Majed Alsunbahi, Chief Cook Richard Walker, Recertified Steward Donald Spangler and SIU
Safety Director Adrian Fraccarolli.

ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINAL – Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman submitted these photos
(below and top right) and the following note from the SubCom vessel: “We recently crossed
the Equator laying cable and had a shellback ceremony for all the polywogs. There were
a lot of them. Fun was had by all after a long mission.” He also commended the steward
department for a tasty Independence Day spread.

BACK ON RECRUITING TRAIL – More signs of life slowly getting back to normal: SIU
Patrolman J.B. Niday (left) recently attended a recruiting event at a San Jacinto College
facility in the Houston area. He’s pictured with G&H Inland Captain Chris Bartholmey
(Piney Point Class #624). (If you know anyone who’s interested in the apprentice program
and/or anyone who already sails and may be interested in joining the union, please direct
them to https://mymaritimecareer.org/



12 Seafarers LOG August 2021

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 Capital Gateway Drive

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
45353 St. George’s Avenue, 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) 549-4001/4002

Seafarers International Seafarers International
Union DirectoryUnion Directory Inquiring SeafarerInquiring Seafarer

This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who were enrolled in the chief cook class at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime Training and Education.

Question: What are some things you like about your job?

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 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital
images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org

Zarya Ward
Gaining new life experiences and

being able to satisfy other people on
the ship – because without us, they
don’t eat.

Emir Quinones
I like feeding people and see-

ing them happy. The steward
department is really the heartbeat
of the ship, and that’s what I like
the most..

Kristine Lacy
I enjoy learning, and there’s a

lot of learning to do. I also enjoy
seeing other countries and meet-
ing many different people.

Laura Davies
I really like the money – if I’m

ever having a bad day, I just think
about all the money piling up at
home. Also, it’s the scenery. I
don’t think I will ever get enough
pictures of all the incredible sun-
rises, sunsets and ever-changing
cloud formations.

Arielle Collier
I like the chance to meet new people

and to learn different skills. It’s enjoy-
able to be around other people and still
be independent. I also get to travel for
free.

Jenell Jones
I have a passion for cooking. Grow-

ing up, that was a way to stay out of
trouble. Now, it’s also a way to get to
travel the world. I recently had a daugh-
ter, and I want to give her a better life.
This career will enable me to do so.

Pic From The Past Pic From The Past

Then-Senator Joe Biden (center) and others endure 95-degree heat and lots of humidity on June 19, 2007, during a pro-worker
rally in the nation’s capital. SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (a port agent at that time) is pictured at right, along with students from
the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland.

Kenisha Neal
I like the diversity and I like

the travel experience. And of
course, it’s also a very lucrative
business.



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 13

DEEP SEA

KASIM AHMED
Brother Kasim Ahmed, 65, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1981, initially
sailing aboard the
Santa Mariana.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and shipped in all
three departments.
Brother Ahmed’s
final vessel was
the Indiana Har-
bor. He is a resident of Palos Hills,
Illinois.

ROGELIO AGUSTIN
Brother Rogelio Agustin, 71, began
sailing with the SIU in 2003. A

deck department
member, he first
shipped on the
Maersk Alaska.
Brother Agustin
upgraded his
skills at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occa-
sions. He last
sailed on the

Maersk Kensington and lives in Nor-
walk, Connecticut.

GABRIEL ARHIN
Brother Gabriel Arhin, 70, donned
the SIU colors in 1996 when he
shipped aboard
the USNS Ca-
pella. He sailed
in the engine
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
for Maritime
Training and
Education on
numerous occa-
sions. Brother
Arhin most recently shipped on the
Cape Texas. He makes his home in
Alief, Texas.

ALLAN CONATSER
Brother Allan
Conatser, 65,
embarked on his
career with the
Seafarers in 2001,
initially sailing
on the Lawrence
Gianella. He was
a member of the
deck department
and last shipped

on the Black Eagle. Brother Conat-
ser lives in Pahrump, Nevada.

RICARDO ELLIS
Brother Ricardo Ellis, 65, joined
the union in
1984 when he
sailed with Or-
gulf Transport.
He sailed in all
three departments
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
Brother Ellis most
recently shipped aboard the Pennsyl-
vania and settled in the Bronx, New
York.

PATRICIA GERAS
Sister Patricia Geras, 68, signed on
with the SIU in
1994, initially
shipping aboard
the Independence.
She was a steward
department mem-
ber and upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on several
occasions. Sister
Geras last sailed
on the National
Glory and resides in Clifton, Colo-
rado.

ANTHONY HULSEY
Brother Anthony
Hulsey, 64, started
his career with the
Seafarers in 2001
and first shipped
aboard the Ton-
sina. He sailed
in the engine
department, most
recently aboard
the Overseas

Martinez. Brother Hulsey lives in
Springfield, Oregon.

RAFAEL IRIZARRY
Brother Rafael Irizarry, 66, signed
on with the SIU in 2001. He initially
sailed aboard the
Maersk Vermont
and was a stew-
ard department
member. Brother
Irizarry upgraded
at the Piney Point
school on numer-
ous occasions.
He last shipped
on the Safmarine
Ngami and is a
resident of the Bronx, New York.

JAMES MAY
Brother James May, 72, joined the

SIU in 2010 when
he sailed on the
Pride of America.
He sailed in both
the deck and en-
gine departments
and upgraded at
the Paul Hal Cen-
ter on multiple
occasions. Brother
May last shipped

on the Independence and makes his
home in Pensacola, Florida.

ROBERT OTT
Brother Robert Ott, 65, signed on
with the union in 1974, initially
shipping on the
Jacksonville. He
sailed in both the
deck and engine
departments and
upgraded often at
the Paul Hall Cen-
ter (in addition to
teaching there).
Brother Ott last
shipped aboard
the Cape Mohican. He calls Wood-
bury Heights, New Jersey, home.

ROBERT SERATT
Brother Robert Seratt, 67, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1975. He was a deck depart-

ment member
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school in
1978. Brother
Seratt’s first
vessel was the
Long Lines;
his last, the
Overseas
Boston. He lives in Trout Creek,
Montana.

JOSE PAQUITO VALENTON
Brother Jose Pa-
quito Valenton,
66, began his ca-
reer with the SIU
in 2006 when he
sailed aboard the
Pride of Aloha.
He was a member
of the engine de-
partment and con-
cluded his career
aboard the Global

Sentinel. Brother Valenton resides in
Elk Grove, California.

STEVEN WASCH
Brother Steven Wasch, 66, em-
barked on his
career with the
SIU in 1991. He
first sailed on the
USNS Wilkes and
primarily sailed
in the steward
department.
Brother Wasch
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. He con-
cluded his career on the Overseas
Los Angeles and lives in Redding,
California.

GREAT LAKES

CLAYTON CHURCH
Brother Clayton Church, 68,
joined the Seafarers in 1978. He
initially shipped on the John Bo-
land and sailed in both the deck
and engine departments. Brother
Church’s final vessel was the St.
Clair. He resides in Lenoir, North
Carolina.

ERIC JOHNSON
Brother Eric Johnson, 76, signed
on with the union in 2005 when he

sailed aboard the
Detroit Princess.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on several
occasions and
shipped in both
the deck and
engine depart-
ments. Brother
Johnson was

most recently employed by Great
Lakes Towing. He calls Sylvania,
Ohio, home.

WAYNE ROBITAILLE
Brother Wayne Robitaille, 65,
donned the SIU colors in 1998. He
was employed with Upper Lakes
Towing for the duration of his
career. Brother Robitaille lives in
Gladstone, Michigan.

INLAND

CRAIG AMACKER
Brother Craig Amacker, 66, em-
barked on his
career with the
SIU in 1994. A
deck department
member, he was
employed by
Westbank River-
boat Services for
the duration of his
career. Brother
Amacker makes
his home in Madisonville, Louisi-
ana.

JOSEPH BLANKS
Brother Joseph Blanks, 63, joined
the Seafarers International Union

in 1977 when he
sailed aboard a
Hudson Water-
ways boat. He
was a member
of the deck de-
partment and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother
Blanks was last

employed by American Marine. He
resides in Oceanside, California.

MILBURN BUCKLER
Brother Milburn Buckler, 63, joined
the Seafarers in
1995. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1996.
Brother Buckler
worked for the
Association of
Maryland Pilots
for his entire ca-
reer. He resides in Lusby, Maryland.

ELIJAH COLLINS
Brother Elijah Collins, 66, signed
on with the union in 1998 and first

sailed with Penn
Maritime. He was
a deck depart-
ment member
and upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1999.
Brother Collins
was last employed
by Harley Marine.
He makes his

home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

NATHAN ELDRIDGE
Brother Nathan Eldridge, 57, joined
the SIU in 1983. He sailed in the
deck department
and first shipped
with Delta Queen
Steamboat Com-
pany. Brother
Eldridge most re-
cently worked on
the Liberty Island
and resides in
Moss Point, Mis-
sissippi.

WILLIAM FOWLER

Brother William Fowler, 70, began
sailing with the Seafarers in 1975.

Initially working for National Ma-
rine Services, he shipped in the deck
department. Brother Fowler was
last employed by Port City Marine
Services. He lives in Courtland,
Mississippi.

JOHN HITCHCOCK
Brother John Hitchcock, 65, became
a member of the
SIU in 1990. He
was a member
of the engine
department and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school in 1997.
Brother Hitchcock
worked for Moran
Towing of Mary-
land for the duration of his career.
He calls Seward, Alaska, home.

STEPHEN KIDD
Brother Stephen
Kidd 63, donned
the SIU colors in
1978, first work-
ing for Interstate
Oil. He sailed in
the deck depart-
ment and was
last employed by
OSG Ship Man-
agement. Brother

Kidd makes his home in Bridgeton,
New Jersey.

WILLIAM KILLIAN
Brother William Killian, 66, em-
barked on his career with the SIU in
1975 when he worked with Steuart
Transportation. He upgraded at the
Piney Point school in 1978 and
primarily sailed in the deck depart-
ment. Brother Killian last worked
for Mariner Towing. He is a resident
of Bristol, Rhode Island.

DOMINIC LASENNA
Brother Dominic Lasenna, 65,
joined the Seafar-
ers in 1978, ini-
tially working for
Crowley Puerto
Rico Services.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. Brother Lasenna was last
employed by Crowley Towing and
Transportation. He lives in Jackson-
ville, Florida.

RICHARD PITRE
Brother Richard Pitre, 69, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1970. He
worked with Dravo Basic Materials
for his entire career. Brother Pitre
lives in Kissimmee, Florida.

ARNAZ STAMPLEY
Brother Arnaz Stampley, 62, began
his career with the union in 1986.
He was a member of the deck de-
partment and was first employed
by Dravo Basic Materials. Brother
Stampley last worked with Martin
Marietta. He is a New Orleans resi-
dent.

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 AshoreWelcome Ashore



14 Seafarers LOG August 2021

DEEP SEA

THOMAS BONNER
Pensioner Thomas Bonner, 88, died
May 31. He became a member of
the SIU in 1952,
initially sailing
aboard the Alcoa
Pegasus. Brother
Bonner was a
deck department
member. He
last shipped on
the Eugene A.
Obregon before
retiring in 1992.
Brother Bonner made his home in
Eight Mile, Alabama.

FLAVIO CASTILLO
Brother Flavio
Castillo, 64,
passed away
December 26.
Born in Hondu-
ras, he joined
the Seafarers in
1990. Brother
Castillo’s first
vessel was the
Independence

and he sailed in all three depart-
ments. He most recently sailed
aboard the Maersk Wisconsin and
lived in Houston.

DANIEL ECKERT
Pensioner Dan-
iel Eckert, 70,
died April 9. He
signed on with
the union in 1978
and was a deck
department mem-
ber. Brother Eck-
ert first shipped
on the Overseas
Aleutian. He last
sailed on the Achiever and went on
pension in 2015. Brother Eckert was
a resident of Webster, Texas.

JOHN GALLAGHER
Pensioner John Gallagher, 97,

passed away
May 26. He
began his career
with the SIU in
1951. Brother
Gallagher’s first
vessel was the
Walker D. Hines.
He sailed in the
deck department
and last shipped

on the USNS Regulus. Brother Gal-
lagher became a pensioner in 1991
and resided in Sellersville, Penn-
sylvania.

ORLANDO GONZALEZ
Pensioner Orlando Gonzalez, 93,
died May 22. He started shipping
with the SIU in 1959 when he sailed
on the Corsair. An engine depart-
ment member, Brother Gonzalez
concluded his career on the Discov-
ery. He retired in 1992 and lived in
New Orleans.

KAYED HRBY
Pensioner Kayed Hrby, 78, passed
away December 15. He joined the
SIU in 1967 when he sailed with

Isthmian Lines.
Brother Hrby
sailed in all three
departments. He
last shipped on
the Overseas Ju-
neau and retired
in 2007. Brother
Hrby lived in the
Bronx, New York.

JEROME KEBBELL
Pensioner Jerome Kebbell, 77, died

June 19. Sailing
in the steward de-
partment, he began
his career with the
SIU in 1990 when
he shipped on the
USNS Stalwart.
Brother Kebbell’s
final vessel was
the USNS Bold.
He became a pen-

sioner in 2008 and resided in Virginia
Beach, Virginia.

JAMES KEITH
Pensioner James Keith, 68, passed
away June 14. He
donned the SIU
colors in 1978
when he sailed
on the Overseas
Ohio. Brother
Keith primarily
sailed in the deck
department and
concluded his
career aboard the
USNS Bellatrix.
He retired in 2018 and was a New
Orleans resident.

FORTAN MARTINEZ
Pensioner Fortan Martinez, 67, died

June 8. He joined
the Seafarers in
1992, initially
shipping on the
Independence.
Brother Martinez
sailed in all three
departments and
most recently
shipped on the
Ocean Crescent.

He became a pensioner in 2019 and
settled in Houston.

JOSE MARTINEZ
Brother Jose Martinez, 40, has passed
away. He started
his career with the
SIU in 2007 when
he sailed aboard
the President
Adams. Brother
Martinez worked
in both the deck
and engine depart-
ments. He last
shipped on the
Maersk Hartford
and resided in Honduras.

LAWRENCE MILLER
Pensioner Law-
rence Miller, 73,
died May 22.
Signing on with
the union in 2005,
he first sailed on
the Pride of Amer-
ica. Brother Miller

was an engine department member
and last worked aboard the Bal-
domero Lopez. He went on pension
in 2015 and resided in Lakewood,
Washington.

OREN PARKER
Pensioner Oren Parker, 85, passed
away June 4. He began shipping
with the SIU in
1993 when he
sailed aboard the
USNS Regulus.
Brother Parker
was a steward
department
member. He
retired in 2006
after conclud-
ing his career on
the Liberty Glory. Brother Parker
lived in Bay Saint Louis, Missis-
sippi.

ROGER PHILLIPS
Pensioner Roger Phillips, 75,

died May 16. He
donned the SIU
colors in 2000
and initially
sailed aboard the
Global Sentinel.
Brother Phillips
sailed in the en-
gine department
and concluded
his career aboard

the Ocean Atlas. He went on pen-
sion in 2011 and was a resident of
Rosenburg, Texas.

PHILEMON QUITORIANO
Pensioner Phile-
mon Quitoriano,
69, passed away
June 15. He was
a deck depart-
ment member
and joined the
SIU in 1992
when he sailed
aboard the In-
dependence.
Brother Quitoriano’s final vessel
was the Horizon Reliance. He
became a pensioner in 2020 and
made his home in Rancho Santa
Margarita, California.

LEON SCOTT
Pensioner Leon Scott, 87, died
May 19. He embarked on his ca-
reer with the Seafarers in 1978
when he shipped on the Santa
Mariana. Brother Scott was a
member of the steward depart-
ment. He last shipped on the Presi-
dent Roosevelt before retiring in
2002. Brother Scott lived in Cor-
dova, Tennessee.

DAVID SEXTON
Brother David Sexton, 67, passed
away June 1. He started sailing
with the Seafarers International

Union in 2005,
initially ship-
ping aboard the
Florida. Brother
Sexton was an
engine depart-
ment member.
He most recently
shipped on the
Cape Washington

and lived in Smithfield, Virginia.

SANTOS VELASQUEZ RUIZ
Brother Santos Velasquez Ruiz, 56, died
February 25. He
began his career
with the SIU in
2020 and initially
sailed on the Green
Ridge. Brother
Velasquez Ruiz
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment and most
recently sailed
on the Patriot. He resided in Kenner,
Louisiana.

MARTIN ZEIDENBERG
Pensioner Martin
Zeidenberg, 71,
passed away Janu-
ary 11. He signed
on with the union
in 2001 and first
worked on the
Patriot. Brother
Zeidenberg sailed in
the deck department
and concluded his

career aboard the Horizon Reliance. He
began collecting his pension in 2014 and
made his home in the Philippines.

GREAT LAKES

JAMES SORENSON
Pensioner James Sorenson, 66, died June
5. He signed on with the union in 1973
and sailed in both the deck and engine
departments. Brother Sorenson shipped
with Arnold Transit for the duration of his
career. He went on pension in 2013 and
was a resident of St. Ignace, Michigan.

INLAND

EDWARD BALAJEWSKI
Pensioner Edward Balajewski, 94,
passed away February 20. He signed
on with the SIU in 1966 when he was
employed by Meyle Towing. Brother
Balajewski last worked with Taylor
Marine Towing and retired in 1988. He
resided in Philadelphia.

STEVIE ELLIOTT
Pensioner Stevie Elliott, 65, died April

25. He joined the
Seafarers in 1977
when he worked
for Higman Barge
Lines. Brother Elliot
worked in the deck
department and
remained with the
same company for
the duration of his
career. He retired
in 2018 and called

Wiergate, Texas, home.

JAMES GILSON
Pensioner James
Gilson, 70, passed
away May 20. He
signed on with
the SIU in 1997.
A deck depart-
ment member, he
worked for Crow-
ley Towing and

Transportation for his entire career. He
became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in
Norris, Tennessee.

JEFFREY LEE
Pensioner Jeffrey Lee, 66, died May
30. He began sailing with the union
in 1977, initially
working with
Crowley Puerto
Rico Services. A
deck department
member, Brother
Lee continued to
work for the same
company for the
duration of his
career. He went on
pension in 2016 and lived in Cypress,
California.

RAYMOND MCMULLEN
Pensioner Raymond McMullen, 94,
passed away June 4. He joined the
union in 1961 when he sailed with
P.F. Martin. Brother McMullen was
last employed by McAllister Towing
of Philadelphia. He retired in 1986
and settled in Woodbury, New Jersey.

DONALD OAKLEY
Pensioner Donald Oakley, 71, died

May 5. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1972, initially
working for
Steuart Transpor-
tation. Brother
Oakley sailed in
the deck depart-
ment. He was last
employed by STC
Little Curtis and
retired in 2011.

Brother Oakley was a resident of
Bartow, Florida.

NMU

JOSEPH BROWN
Pensioner Joseph
Brown, 94, passed
away April 26. He
began sailing with
the NMU in 1943,
prior to the 2001
NMU/SIU merger.
Brother Brown’s
first vessel was
the Francis Scott
Key; his last, the
American Lark. He retired in 1969
and settled in Philadelphia.

In addition to the foregoing individu-
als, the following union members have
also passed away. Insufficient infor-
mation was available to develop sum-
maries of their respective careers.
NAME AGE DOD
Bush, Fred 93 04/03/2021
Carrasquillo, Angel 97 05/01/2021
Carter, Emmett 91 05/28/2021
Cole, Darrell 82 03/17/2021
Donato, Miguel 86 04/19/2021
Garcia, Jose 90 05/13/2021
Jones, Vernon 95 06/13/2021
Larkin, Thomas 87 04/16/2021
Payton, Hirbry 103 05/07/2021
Perez, George 87 02/23/2021
Powell, Darryl 74 06/04/2021
Tatum, Mitchell 84 12/04/2020
Terry, Necho 92 05/19/2021
Torres, Luis 92 06/03/2021

Final Final
DeparturesDepartures



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 15

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitu-
tion of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters District makes specific pro-
vision for safeguarding the membership’s
money and union finances. The constitu-
tion requires a detailed audit by certified
public accountants every year, which is
to be submitted to the membership by the
secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance com-
mittee of rank-and-file members, elected
by the membership, each year examines the
finances of the union and reports fully their
findings and recommendations. Members
of this committee may make dissenting re-
ports, specific recommendations and sepa-
rate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the
SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wa-
ters District are administered in accordance
with the provisions of various trust fund
agreements. All these agreements specify
that the trustees in charge of these funds
shall equally consist of union and manage-
ment representatives and their alternates.
All expenditures and disbursements of trust
funds are made only upon approval by a
majority of the trustees. All trust fund fi-
nancial records are available at the head-
quarters of the various trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected ex-
clusively 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 senior-
ity rights as contained in the contracts be-
tween the union and the employers, they
should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board

by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The proper address for this is:

Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
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 con-
tracts 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 obliga-
tions, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the
proper sheets and in the proper manner. If,
at any time, a member believes that an SIU
patrolman or other union official fails to pro-
tect their contractual rights properly, he or she
should contact the nearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradi-
tionally has refrained from publishing any
article serving the political purposes of any
individual in the union, officer or member.
It also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collec-
tive membership. This established policy has
been reaffirmed by membership action at the
September 1960 meetings in all constitutional
ports. The responsibility for Sea farers 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 ca-
pacity in the SIU unless an official union
receipt is given for same. Under no circum-
stances should any member pay any money
for any reason unless he is given such re-
ceipt. In the event anyone attempts to require
any such payment be made without supply-
ing a receipt, or if a member is required to
make a payment and is given an official
receipt, but feels that he or she should not
have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this con-
stitution so as to familiarize themselves with
its contents. Any time a member feels any
other member or officer is attempting to de-
prive him or her of any constitutional right or
obligation by any methods, such as dealing
with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other
details, the member so affected should imme-
diately 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. Conse quently, 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 de-
nied the equal rights to which he or she is
entitled, the member should notify union
headquarters.

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIV-

ITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a
separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are
used to further its objects and purposes in-
cluding, but not limited to, furthering the
political, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and fur-
thering of the American merchant marine
with improved employment opportunities
for seamen and boatmen and the advance-
ment of trade union concepts. In connection
with such objects, SPAD supports and con-
tributes to political candidates for elective
office. All contributions are voluntary. No
contribution may be solicited or received
because of force, job discrimination, finan-
cial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or
as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and re-
fund, if involuntary. A member should sup-
port SPAD to protect and further his or her
economic, political and social interests, and
American trade union concepts.

NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any
time a member feels that any of the above
rights have been violated, or that he or she
has been denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or information, the
member should immediately notify SIU
President Michael Sacco at headquarters by
certified mail, return receipt requested. The
address is:

Michael Sacco, President
Seafarers International Union
5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746

Know Your Rights Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard Digest of Shipboard
Union MeetingsUnion Meetings

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.

MONTFORD POINT (Ocean
Shipholdings Inc.), April 16 –
Chairman Kenneth Steiner,
Secretary Jean Favreaux,
Educational Director Jose
Encarnacion, Deck Delegate
Jon Sunga, Engine Delegate
Montree Nakwichet, Stew-
ard Delegate Joseph Arigo.
Crew still waiting for email
access and satellite TV parts.
Members reviewed upcoming
vessel schedule. Chairman re-
minded crew to stay on top of
documents. Secretary praised
everyone for a job well done
and suggested a shoreside
barbecue at next port of call.
Educational director urged
members to take advantage of
the upgrading opportunities
at the Piney Point school and
to sign up for classes early.
Major portion of ship’s fund
will go towards entertainment
system. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew went over
relief guidelines applying dur-
ing the pandemic. Members
discussed vaccine opportuni-
ties and inquired about pen-
sion benefits.

GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid
Personnel & Provision-
ing), April 28 – Chairman
Philip McGeoghegan, Sec-
retary Michael Carello,
Educational Director Juan
Castillo, Steward Delegate
Jeffrey Phillips. No Wi-Fi
aboard ship. Laundry items
have been ordered. Crew
discussed latest President’s
Column in Seafarers LOG.
Secretary reiterated the im-
portance of the Jones Act
and encouraged members to
contribute to SPAD (Seafar-

ers Political Activities Dona-
tion), the union’s voluntary
political action fund. Educa-
tional director recommended
upgrading courses at the Paul
Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education. He
advised members to check for
courses early, as class space
may be limited. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Re-
pairs needed on A-deck floor-
ing. Pantry and crew lounge
also in need of repairs. Crew
requested new mattresses,
refrigerators in all rooms and
Wi-Fi availability. Members
want increases to vacation
days and a day’s pay in leu of
days off.

HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon
Lines), May 16 – Chairman
Darryl Smith, Secretary An-
toinette Amato, Educational
Director Jason Powell. Mem-
bers went over old business
including reimbursement for
safety shoes. Members are to
take receipts to union for re-
imbursement if such is denied
on board. Unlicensed laundry
room access expanded to 24
hours. Chairman reminded
members to keep current on
union dues and to contribute
to Maritime Defense League
and Seafarers Political Activi-
ties Donation. Members are
to ask for tour of duty slip
before disembarking the ves-
sel. Chairman advised crew to
register for the Johnson and
Johnson vaccine. Vaccines
will be administered on board
to those who want them while
in Tacoma. Educational direc-
tor reminded crew to check
for upgrading courses well

in advance as they may fill
quickly. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew read and
discussed President’s Report.
Members requested electronic
access to physical paperwork,
satellite TV in crew lounge,
60-day minimum reliefs or
30-45 vacation checks and
an increase to vacation days.
Vote of thanks given to stew-
ard department for good food
and clean house. Deck depart-
ment praised for dedication to
plankton tow, which contrib-
utes to ship’s fund. Next port:
Anchorage, Alaska.

EMPIRE STATE ( Intrepid
Personnel & Provisioning),
June 3 – Chairman Ab-
dulkarim Mohamed, Secre-
tary Troy Smith, Educational
Director Mohsen Mohamed.
Crew members are awaiting
Wi-Fi availability. Chairman
read the latest LOG column
from SIU President Michael
Sacco. Everything going
well as reported by secretary.
Educational director recom-
mended crew to upgrade
and take any and all classes
needed. No beefs or dispute
OT reported. Members re-
quested 90-day reliefs be
made optional to those who
are permanent. Crew was en-
couraged to donate to SPAD.
Among current shipboard
personnel, 85 percent are vac-
cinated.

MAERSK HARTFORD
(Maersk Line, Limited), June
13 – Chairman Sergio Gon-
zalez Lopez, Secretary James
McLeod, Educational Direc-
tor Steven Miller. Chair-

man thanked crew for a safe
voyage and job well done.
He encouraged everyone to
continue working safely and
to stay on top of documents.
Votes of thanks given to all
departments. Members were
reminded to leave clean rooms
and fresh linen for oncoming
crew. Educational director
urged members to upgrade
at the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and Edu-
cation. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members were
advised to regularly read the
Seafarers LOG and were re-
minded how to find it online.
Crew requested increases in
vacation time as well as pen-
sion and health benefits. Next
payoff scheduled for Norfolk,
Virginia. Restrictions to ship
have been lifted and members
can now go to shore. Special
thanks to the steward depart-
ment for good food and an
overall job well done. Next
port: Norfolk.

OCEAN FREEDOM (Crow-
ley), June 17 – Chairman
Jovan Williams, Secretary
Jason Jambeter, Educational
Director Daryl Hicks, Deck
Delegate Robert O’Connell,
Engine Delegate Reinaldo
Roman. Ship received new
linen and a new dryer. Chair-
man advised mariners to
continue practicing social
distancing and to wear masks
when going ashore. He
thanked the steward depart-
ment for their hard work.
Educational director reminded
crew to keep documents cur-
rent and to continue upgrad-
ing. No beefs or disputed

OT reported. Doctor to come
aboard ship June 21 to offer
Johnson and Johnson vaccine
to members who want it. Next
port: Beaumont, Texas.

OHIO (Intrepid Person-
nel & Provisioning), June
21 – Chairman Paul Narro,
Secretary Louins Johnson,
Educational Director Melvin
Ratcliff, Deck Delegate Ra-
fael Cortina Tuells, Engine
Delegate Kevin Johnson.
New microwave and XBOX
game purchased. Ship com-
puter is up and running.
Chairman encouraged mem-
bers to upgrade at the Piney
Point school and to renew
documents prior to expiration.
Crew should continue to prac-
tice social distancing. Special
thanks given to the steward
department. Secretary re-
minded everyone to make sure
laundry machines are emptied
after each use and thanked
crew for keeping house clean.
He discussed vaccines and
thanked the bosun and his
day worker for food waste
buckets. Educational director
urged crew to keep an eye on
expiration dates and to make
sure they request upgrading
classes early since they are
filling up fast. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Chair-
man discussed the President’s
Report in the Seafarers LOG
and emphasized the impor-
tance of vaccinations. Crew
requested new mattresses
and Wi-Fi aboard ship. Mem-
bers would like to purchase
produce and milk every two
weeks and asked for a new TV
in crew lounge.



16 Seafarers LOG August 2021

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

UPGRADING APPLICATION

Name ________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________
Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________
Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member 

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

Social Security #_______________________ Book # _________________________________
Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________
Home Port____________________________________________________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No
If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes 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, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St.
George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 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.
8/21

The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the
Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland
during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and
cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. 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

Gap Closing Courses

MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1

MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15

MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer-Deck September 27 October 15
November 15 December 3

Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 8
October 25 November 5
November 22 December 3

RFPNW August 23 September 10
November 15 December 3

Fast Rescue Boat August 9 August 13

Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10

Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

FOWT September 20 October 15
October 25 November 19

Junior Engineer September 6 October 29

Marine Electrician September 6 October 8

Machinist October 18 November 5

Pumpman November 8 November 12

Welding August 30 September 17
October 25 November 12

Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10

RFPEW August 23 September 17
November 15 December 10

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook August 23 September 24

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

September 27 October 29
November 1 December 3

Advanced Galley Operations September 27 October 22
November 15 December 10

Chief Steward August 23 September 17
October 18 November 12

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 6 September 10

Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17

Basic Training August 9 August 13
August 30 September 3

Basic Training Revalidation August 30 August 30
September 3 September 3
September 10 September 10
October 1 October 1
October 22 October 22
November 15 November 15
December 3 December 3
December 10 December 10

Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29

Government Vessels August 9 August 13
August 16 August 20
August 30 September 3
September 20 September 24
October 4 October 8
October 25 October 29
November 1 November 5
November 15 November 19
December 13 December 17

Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24

Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22

Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 23 August 27
September 27 October 1
December 13 December 17



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 17

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Tank Ship Familiarization – Graduated July 2, above, in alphabetical order: Adewale Isaac Adiat, John Billington, Jose Luis Borrero Rodriguez, Rudy Cesar, David Connelly, David
Denizac, Andrew Gronotte, Robert Haggerty, Deidra Hunter, Julio Cesar Ibanez Kunz, Loretta James, Alfredo Catha Nieto, Carlos Alberto Parrilla and Zeke Alec Pasquarelli.

FOWT – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Brianna Ashley, Nicho-
las Banks, Thomas Bateman, Toren Bolden, Darnel Bruno, Erl Jan Encina, D’mitri
Hill, Dequan Jamez Markell Joe, Kenneth Kauffman, Tyler Maddox, Timothy Mc-
Donald, Zeke Alec Pasquarelli, Shannon Peterson and Oscar Jan Bonite Vencer.

Government Vessels – Graduated June 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Gregory Crowder, Patrick
Dean, Porcia Johnson, Joseph Eligino Lacaden, Yoland Vina Legaspi, Mohamed Ali Noman, James
Osborne, Angela Porter, Reymond Potofsky and Tyrane Savage. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Apprentice Water Survival Class #870 - Graduated June 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Donovan Armstrong, Brandon Coleman, Quinn Duarte, Johncarlo
Garibaldi, Carlos Ruben Gomez Hernandez, Jason Mananga Nsuami, Colin Sabitsky, Brandon Santiago Escobar, Jason White and Sean Wilson.



18 Seafarers LOG August 2021

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Government Vessels – Graduated July 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Xavier Burgos, Arlando Espin, Christopher Ferguson, Garrett Hargis, Emerson Jones, Salva-
tore Macaluso, Joseph Marino, Andrea President, Kyunjre Randall, Darian Riddle, Christian Sucher, Kenneth Townsend Jr., and Joel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Government Vessels – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Javier Abreu, Guy Butler Jr., Douglas Cash Jr., Elizabeth Remotigue Ibanez, Nala Johnson, Sean
Jones, Norasith N. Phetphommasouk, Alicia Plunkett, Keith Steele, Tyler Willette, Nathan Williams, Paris Williams and Hans Guenther Winkler.

Advanced Shiphandling –
Graduated July 2 (photo at
right, in alphabetical order):
Lindsey Austin, Myles Cam-
eron, Robert Christiansen,
Jonathan Hendrickson,
Earnest Paulk III, Jared Wa-
ferd Smith, Chirel Thornton,
Kevin Vogt and Emmanuel
Wilson.

Students who have
registered for classes
at the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime
Training and Educa-
tion, but later dis-
cover - for whatever
reason - that they
can’t attend, should
inform the admissions
depar tment imme-
diately so arrange-
ments can be made to
have other students
take their places.

Importance Notice
To All Students



August 2021 Seafarers LOG 19

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Advanced Galley Ops – Grad-
uated June 25 (photo at left, in
alphabetical order): Aurelio Dela
Cruz Esperanza, Paisami Gay,
Solymar Herrera Carreras, Ron-
dell Richardson, Brittany Stew-
ard and Sheneisha Thompson

Certified Chief Cook
– Graduated June
11 (photo at right, in
alphabetical order):
Brandon Bradley, Ari-
elle Collier, Laura Da-
vies, Brice Jackson,
Jemell Jones, Kristine
Lacey, Kenisha Neal,
Emir Omar Quinones
Torres, Zarya Ward
and Hans Guenther
Winkler. (Note: Not all
are pictured.)

Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 25 (above, in alphabetical order):
Bradley Albert, Xavier Burgos, Arlando Espin, Andrea President, Kyunjre Randall and Joel
Williams.

Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated July 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Mark Canada, Derek Chestnut, Randall Craig, John Daunoras, Scott
Fuller, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Joseph Nicodemus, Javonne Simmons and Kevin Tyson.

Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 25 (above, in alphabetical
order): Julian Abreu, Douglas Cash Jr., Norasith N. Phetphommasouk, Tyler Willette,
Nathan Williams and Paris Williams.



Paul Hall CenterPaul Hall Center
Class PhotosClass Photos
Pages 17-19Pages 17-19

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

AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 8

Maritime unions on July 7 applauded the
release of the MV Ever Given from deten-
tion in the Suez Canal by Egyptian authori-
ties, but warned that more must be done to
safeguard seafarers’ rights and welfare dur-
ing the pandemic.

Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the
International Transport Workers’ Federation
(ITF) (to which the SIU is affiliated), said
the release “will be an enormous relief for
the crew on board and their families. But
while we celebrate this outcome, our atten-
tion is still on the 200,000 seafarers trapped
working on vessels unable to go home due
to the worsening crew change crisis.”

He continued, “Thankfully the crew of
the Ever Given have been well-cared for
and well-represented by their unions – the
National Union of Seafarers of India, and
the Maritime Union of India – who have
worked closely with the shipowner and ship
manager to support the crew during this
trying time. From the moment that the Ever
Given ran into trouble in the Suez Canal,
the crew’s unions have been by their side.
The crew have been furnished with sup-
plies, support, and had their unions standing
up for them nationally and internationally.”

Cotton concluded, “By being unionized,
the crew have been supplied with provi-
sions, legal representation, crew change
opportunities, and counselling support for
them and their families. If this hadn’t been
a case of a ship with a union agreement, we
could have seen a very different outcome.”

The Panamanian-flagged ship got stuck
in the Suez Canal earlier this year and
blocked it for nearly a week, generating
worldwide headlines.

National Union of Seafarers of India
(NUSI) General Secretary-Treasurer Abdul-
gani Y. Serang emphasized that there were
no charges or negative findings about the
crew’s professionalism, but expressed dis-
appointment that Egyptian authorities used
the crew as leverage in financial negotia-
tions with the ship’s insurer.

“We are pleased that this ordeal is finally
over for the crew,” he said. “Their profes-
sionalism has been confirmed by a lack of
adverse findings. Like all seafarers, it is
through their passion and commitment that
they are able to rise to the challenge and
make the sacrifices required to move the
world. This has been a very stressful time
for the crew and their families, who have
had to suffer the uncertainty of whether
their loved ones would become … human
pawns in a wider game being played over
compensation.”

Serang added, “Society needs to reflect
on how so much attention was placed on
the commercial aspects of this incident – on
the possible impacts on prices and supply of
consumer goods – and so little attention paid

to the sacrifice, pain and uncertainty faced
by the seafarers whose welfare ought to be at
the center of the story.”

During the ship’s time at anchorage,
unions and employers secured access to
crew change for those on board so they
could be replaced on the vessel at conclu-
sion of their contracts, as per normal prac-
tice in the industry. Eight of the original
crew signed off during that time, and 17 of
the original crew remain on board in line
with their contracts.

ITF Seafarers’ Section chair David Hein-
del (who is also secretary-treasurer of the
SIU) said the Ever Given was an important
reminder about the fragility of the interna-
tional shipping system, which carries 90
percent of world trade, and the people at the
heart of it: the mari ners.

“I think I speak for all seafarers when
I say it is a relief that the Ever Given crew
are being released and allowed to continue
their lives, but it shouldn’t have taken this
long,” said Heindel. “It’s fortunate that the
crew have had the strong backing of their
shipowner, ship manager and of course their
unions and the global ITF family. Many
seafarers aren’t that lucky.

“Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement

are one of the better companies in the in-
dustry and should be commended for their
sustained advocacy for the crew,” he con-
tinued. “But so too should the crew. The
tale of the Ever Given shows the value of
workers standing together and being active
in their unions.”

Heindel and other ITF officials pointed
out that while the Ever Given case made
the news, there’s an ongoing problem with
crew changes that often remains out of the
spotlight.

“Right now, more than 200,000 seafar-
ers’ rights are being disregarded by many of
the world’s governments as the crew change
crisis drags on,” Heindel said. “Most gov-
ernments still have not restored the pre-pan-
demic exemptions from travel and border
restrictions, and increasingly fatigued
seafarers are languishing at sea working
beyond their contracts with little hope of
relief. Seafarers are being stretched to the
limit because of the government-made crew
change crisis. We still urgently need exemp-
tions for seafarers from border restrictions,
and still urgently need a global roll-out of
life-saving COVID vaccines.”

He concluded, “Frankly speaking, if
governments don’t take action to ease the

mounting pressure on seafarers, the risk of
events like the Ever Given happening, or
worse, will become more and more likely.
As the Ever Given shows, it doesn’t take a
lot to stop global trade.”

Unions Welcome Ever Given’s ReleaseUnions Welcome Ever Given’s Release
Officials Sound Alarm for Mariner Rights Worldwide

Union representatives and Ever Given crew members meet aboard the ship earlier this
year.

Stephen Cotton
ITF General Secretary

The flag-of-convenience cargo ship Ever Given (photo above) in late March became wedged inside the Suez Canal, one of the world’s
most important shipping waterways.

Abdulgani Y. Serang
NUSI General Sec.-Treas.

David Heindel
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair