Seafarers Log: Vol. 84 No. 1 (2022-01-01)

JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 1

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

Thanksgiving at Sea
Pages 10-11

CIVMARS to the Rescue
Page 4

U.S. Mariners ‘Are True Patriots’U.S. Mariners ‘Are True Patriots’
Gen. Van Ovost Praises Merchant Marine; SIU’s Heindel Receives AOTOS AwardGen. Van Ovost Praises Merchant Marine; SIU’s Heindel Receives AOTOS Award

Addressing a maritime industry audience of more than 600, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (right in photo directly above, with SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and AMO President
Paul Doell) on Dec. 3 offered unequivocal support for American mariners and the industry. The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command described U.S. Merchant
Mariners as “true patriots” and said the nation must maintain a viable American-flag fleet. She made the remarks in New York during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards
dinner, a prestigious event sponsored by the United Seamen’s Service. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (photo at left) was a main honoree. Page 3.

Following a pause in 2020 for safety reasons, the yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at
the hiring hall in Oakland, California, returned to action Nov. 23. Always a popular and
well-attended event, the 2021 iteration featured remarks by several U.S. congressional
representatives. Pictured before the gathering are (front, from left) Seafarers James
Abilad, Michael Todman, Ali Munsar and Abdulla Mused. Those standing include SIU
VP Nicholas Celona (second from right), SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right), retired
Recertified Steward George Pino (second from left) and members of the 4th Marine
Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard. Page 5.

Holiday Event ReturnsHoliday Event Returns

While the ongoing pandemic was an ever-present factor, the year 2021 for the SIU could
have been nicknamed the year of the contract. No fewer than 15 new agreements were
reached during that span, including ones at Crescent Towing in New Orleans and in Mo-
bile, Alabama. In photo above, Mobile-area boatmen are pictured with SIU Port Agents
Jimmy White (second from left) and Chris Westbrook (sixth from right). Page 20.

SIU’s Year in ReviewSIU’s Year in Review



2 Seafarers LOG January 2022

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the
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Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights
Reserved.

Volume 84 Number 1 January 2022

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers International
Union engaged an environ-
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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

President’s ReportPresident’s Report

The state of American shipbuilding is a noteworthy example of the
effects of government policy.

While we in the SIU remain justifiably proud of the outstanding
work performed by union shipyard employees, the worldwide ship-

building statistics are sobering. Only one-
third of a percent of the world’s ships carry
the “Made in the USA” label. By contrast,
China produces around 40 percent, while
Korea and Japan account for 25 percent
each.

The main reason for that disparity is
straightforward: the U.S. eliminated its
construction differential subsidy program in
1981 but didn’t attempt to secure any sort of
reciprocity from other shipbuilding nations.
Asian yards, buoyed by billions of dollars
in subsidies, took over the global market.
It only took a little more than a decade for
America to go from being the biggest com-

mercial shipbuilder in the world to no longer producing any vessels
for international trade.

All of that said, things are hardly hopeless. We still have more
than 100 shipyards in the U.S., most of them smaller facilities but all
crewed by capable, well-trained employees, many of whom belong
to unions, including ones affiliated with the Maritime Trades Depart-
ment (where I also serve as president). In particular, union yards in
Philadelphia and San Diego in recent years have constructed some of
the world’s most modern, state-of-the-art tonnage, including tankers,
containerships, and container/roll-on, roll-off vessels.

But those ships are for the Jones Act trade, which largely has been
recapitalized. In order to truly bounce back, our shipyards need a
commitment from the federal government and a solid plan to rebuild
the Navy. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to do both.
Bringing back a modern version of the construction subsidy program
also would help level the playing field for securing contracts to build
commercial vessels for global trading.

In the interim, America would benefit by taking better advantage
of the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program. According to
the U.S. Maritime Administration, Title XI “provides for a full faith
and credit guarantee by the United States Government to promote the
growth and modernization of the U.S. merchant marine and U.S. ship-
yards. The program … provides U.S. Government guaranteed debt
issued by (1) U.S. or foreign shipowners for the purpose of financing
or refinancing either U.S.-flag vessels or eligible export vessels con-
structed, reconstructed or reconditioned in U.S. shipyards and (2) U.S.
shipyards for the purpose of financing advanced shipbuilding technol-
ogy and modern shipbuilding technology of a privately owned, gen-
eral shipyard facility located in the U.S.”

Title XI is not a subsidy program and it has been under-utilized for
too long. Studies have shown that for every dollar invested in the pro-
gram, $20 worth of economic activity is generated.

America’s shipbuilding capability, like other parts of the maritime
industry, is vital to national, economic and homeland security. That’s
why the SIU believes it is of utmost priority to promote, protect and
grow United States shipyards from coast to coast. (More U.S.-flag
ships also mean more SIU jobs.) To do otherwise is to risk eventual
full dependence on foreign countries both for the nation’s commercial
trade and, more importantly, supporting the troops. Those risks are
obvious and unacceptable. We need to do something about it.

America’s Shipyards

Michael Sacco

New jobs are on the horizon for
members of the SIU Government
Services Division following the Nov.
6 christening and launch of the USNS
Harvey Milk.

The ceremony took place at
union shipyard General Dynamics
NASSCO in San Diego, where the
vessel was built.

According to NASSCO, the
USNS Harvey Milk is the second ship
for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class
fleet oiler program. The new vessel’s
crew will include SIU CIVAMARS.

Stuart Milk, nephew of the ship’s
namesake and co-founder and presi-
dent of the Harvey Milk Foundation,
served as the principal speaker at the
ceremony, which also featured re-
marks from NASSCO and U.S. Navy
representatives.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-
California) and Paula Neira, Navy
veteran and clinical program direc-
tor of the Johns Hopkins Center for
Transgender Health, were the ship’s
sponsors. Prior to launching the
742-foot-long ship down the ways,
Neira christened the vessel with the
traditional champagne bottle break
alongside the hull.

“We are justifiably proud of every
ship we build, but this one is special
because of her namesake. Today,
we are honoring Stuart’s lifetime of
selfless service, his hope for equal-
ity, and a world without hate,” said
David Carver, president of General
Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf
of the 3,500 employees of General
Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to
present the future USNS Harvey Milk
for christening.”

Former Secretary of the Navy
Ray Mabus declared the John
Lewis-class of oilers be named after
leaders who fought for civil and

human rights. The second of six
ships honors Harvey Milk, an activ-
ist who dedicated his life promoting
equality.

“Leaders like Harvey Milk
taught us that diversity of back-
grounds and experiences help con-
tribute to the strength and resolve
of our nation,” said Secretary of the
Navy Carlos Del Toro. “There is no
doubt that the future Sailors aboard
this ship will be inspired by Milk’s
life and legacy.”

“The christening of the USNS
Harvey Milk marks another historic
milestone in the history of our Navy
and our country. Harvey Milk’s

words and actions brought hope and
inspiration to many for whom our
nation’s lofty rhetoric of equality
and inclusion were not yet reality,”
said Neira. “Today, while we must
continue to carry on his work, and
much work still needs to be done, by
christening and launching this ship
we honor his legacy, celebrate the
progress that has been made in ad-
vancing diversity and inclusion for
so many, and we know that wherever
the USNS Harvey Milk will sail, she
will bring that message of hope and
inspiration to present and future gen-
erations.”

In 2016, General Dynamics
NASSCO was awarded the contract
by the U.S. Navy for the detailed
design and construction of the next
generation of fleet oilers, the John
Lewis class. The contract calls for
the design and construction of six
742-foot-long oilers with a full load
displacement of 49,850 tons. De-
signed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy
carrier strike group ships operating
at sea, the oilers have the capacity
to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a sig-
nificant dry cargo capacity, aviation
capability and up to a speed of 20
knots. These vessels will replace the
current T-AO 187-class fleet replace-
ment oilers.

In addition to the christening of
this ship, two vessels in the T-AO
class fleet oiler program for the U.S.
Navy – the future USNS Earl War-
ren (T-AO 207), and the future USNS
Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) – are
currently under construction. The
lead ship, the future USNS John
Lewis (T-AO 205), was launched
earlier this year.

Above, guests listen to remarks during the christening ceremony for
the USNS Harvey Milk. In photo at left below, Paula Neira does the
honors, breaking a champagne bottle alongside the hull. (Photos cour-
tesy General Dynamics NASSCO)

The union and the Seafarers Plans are continuing to
work with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to
identify and implement improvements in services for SIU
members.

In mid-November, the union and Seafarers Plans hosted
a meeting at SIU headquarters that included the CHS CEO
and their program manager for the Seafarers Health and
Benefit Plan. Attendees thoroughly discussed ways to
speed up the physical exam steps used by SIU members.

Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, in her
December report to the SIU membership, noted, “We met
with them to reiterate the seriousness of the problems our
participants have been facing during the exam process.
They once again committed to providing the quality of ser-
vice that you need and deserve. CHS indicated that they are
in the process of upgrading their technology to make the
communication and flow of information between them and
the clinics a more seamless process. These major upgrades
are due to take place during second quarter of 2022. They
are also developing new surveys to identify areas that con-

tinue to need improvement. We will monitor their progress
in all areas to ensure that they deliver on their promises,
and will keep you posted on the outcomes.”

In a previous report, Bowen said CHS had eliminated
most of its backlog of exams that were awaiting review
through mid-September. That improvement “is a direct
result of our demand that more resources were required
to fulfill our agreement with CHS, including adding ad-
ditional doctors,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the administrator in the December report
also mentioned that multiple mailings were sent to SHBP
participants in November. They included a cover letter and
notice outlining the positive changes to the SHBP due to
the No Surprises Act. The changes include out-of-network
emergency treatment being covered at the 90% in-network
levels; out-of-network ancillary services at an in-network
facility (such as an anesthesiologist, radiologist or surgeon)
will be covered at 90% of the qualifying payment amount;
and, out-of-network air ambulance service will be covered
at 90% of the qualifying payment amount.

Administrator Reports
More Progress with CHS

NASSCO Christens USNS Milk



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 3

The commanding officer of the U.S.
Transportation Command (TRANSCOM)
recently voiced her strong backing of the
U.S. Merchant Marine and the laws and
programs that keep it afloat.

Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost (USAF)
addressed more than 600 attendees Dec.
3 in New York during the annual Admiral
of the Ocean Sea event, sponsored by the
United Seamen’s Service. The audience
included maritime labor leaders (many
from the SIU), industry executives, other
military officers, international maritime
officials and others (see story, this page).

Gen. Van Ovost was the first speaker.
She said, “The Department of Defense re-
lies on you to deliver our decisive military
force – a job you have done for decades.
This industry is critical to advancing
American interests. As a seafaring nation,
our country has been, and is, and will con-
tinue to be reliant on the strength of the
maritime industry and the many mariners
who are known for their determination,

their grit and selfless service. You are true
patriots.”

She pointed out that mariners “are
the first to go and the last to return” dur-
ing major conflicts, and added that their
role isn’t limited to those periods. “You
are America’s economic lifeline during
peacetime,” she stated. “I’ve referred to
you as TRANSCOM’s fourth compo-
nent.”

Gen. Van Ovost touched on current
challenges facing both the armed services
and the maritime industry. She empha-
sized the partnership between the public
and private sectors, their shared goals,
and the value of regular sealift exercises.
She also underscored the importance of
“minimizing our reliance on foreign enti-
ties”

She referred to a relatively recent
study that led to the creation of the new
U.S. Tanker Security Program and added,
“Programs such as the Tanker Security
Program, the Maritime Security Program

and the Jones Act ensure that we have reli-
able access to industry capabilities to meet
our needs.”

The general then recalled a quote from
retired Gen. Henry Hugh Shelton, former
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who
said: “Our national security depends on a
vital merchant marine foundation.”

Gen. Van Ovost concluded, “I could not
be more proud of the relationship between
TRANSCOM and the maritime industry.
We value the U.S. mariners operating U.S.
vessels, and we recognize the important
role our mariners play in the strength of
our nation.”

SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Hein-
del was one of the main honorees at the
awards dinner, and the union had a strong
turnout that included SIU President Mi-
chael Sacco, Executive Vice President
Augie Tellez, Vice Presidents Dean Cor-
gey, Tom Orzechowski, Joseph Soresi,
Nick Marrone and Nicholas Celona and
many other officials.

On a night when much of the spotlight focused on
him, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel mainly
wanted to talk about others.

Heindel on Dec. 3 received the Admiral of the
Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award in New York, a pres-
tigious honor presented each year by the United
Seamen’s Service (USS). This year’s honorees also in-
cluded Bill Woodhour, president and CEO of Maersk
Line, Limited (MLL); Kathy Metcalf, president and
CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America; and
longtime labor relations icon Tony Naccarato, who
garnered what is dubbed a Special AOTOS Award.

Three Seafarers-crewed vessels also were recog-
nized with USS Mariners’ Plaques: the USNS Patux-
ent, American Pride, and Horizon Reliance. The
plaques, bestowed for various acts of heroism at sea,
were presented by Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer,
USN, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Com-
mand.

Prior to those presentations, Gen. Jacqueline D.
Van Ovost, USAF, commander of the U.S. Transpor-
tation Command, addressed the audience of more than
600, including SIU President Michael Sacco, Execu-
tive Vice President Augie Tellez and others (see story,
this page).

Heindel called his award “the honor of a lifetime,”
and he thanked many people for supporting his work
throughout the years, including his family, Sacco,
other SIU officials, and colleagues from the Interna-
tional Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), several of
whom travelled to the awards dinner from overseas.
(Heindel chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section.)

He emphasized that throughout his decades as a
union official, following several years as a rank-and-
file mariner, his aim remained constant.

“Whether we’re talking about the crew-change cri-
sis that has consumed our many hours on Zoom or the
latest issue with the supply chain, shipboard automa-
tion, alternative fuels, training requirements or almost
any other maritime-related topic, my focus ultimately
is on the wellbeing of the individual seafarer,” Heindel
said. “That’s what motivates me, and on the rare occa-
sions I look back, it’s what I’m most proud of.”

Reflecting on his time with the union, Heindel re-
called, “I joined the SIU in the early 1970s, and one
reason I’ve always believed in the union is that we
don’t stand still. We constantly strive to make im-
provements, and the results speak for themselves.
Today, our members have free access to world-class
vocational training at our affiliated school in Piney
Point, Maryland. They’re part of a top-of-the-line,
fully funded pension plan that gives them security
when they look ahead to retirement. They’re covered
by excellent medical benefits, and they’re protected
by great contracts – which means their families are
protected, too.

“Another way we’ve helped our rank-and-file
members is by keeping up with the times regarding
recordkeeping, getting them easy access to their in-
dividual shipping and registration information, and
being able to communicate quickly using multiple out-
lets, regardless of whether they’re at sea or ashore,”
he continued. “That’s been a main focus throughout
my tenure as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer, and while
– like so many other things – the work is always on-
going, and we’ve made extraordinary progress over
the years.”

He also credited the USS and ITF and cited ex-
amples of their recent accomplishments.

Metcalf and Naccarato both applauded the industry

for its collectively cooperative nature, while also shar-
ing insights about their respective backgrounds.

Woodhour, unable to attend because of a medical
procedure, delivered his remarks via recorded video.
He stressed the critical importance of the U.S. mari-
time industry and listed potential steps to expand it.

SIU’s Heindel Honored with AOTOS Award

Gen.Van Ovost describes U.S. mariners as
“true patriots.”

Van Ovost Backs Jones Act, U.S. Mariners

Pictured from left are honorees Tony Naccarato, Kathy Metcalf and David Heindel.
Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer

Commander, MSC

Metcalf, Woodhour, Naccarato, Mariners Also Recognized

MLL President/CEO Bill Woodhour delivers his remarks
via video.



4 Seafarers LOG January 2022

It’s nothing new for the SIU to help
make Alaskans aware of maritime ca-
reer opportunities, but the union in recent
months has increased its outreach in the
Last Frontier.

SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II has
spearheaded a broad outreach for prospec-
tive applicants to the apprentice program at
the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point,
Maryland; and for individuals already
working as credentialed mariners.

“We have gotten an enthusiastic recep-
tion everywhere we’ve gone” Marrone
said. “People are very interested in the
union and receiving their training at the
school. They’re eager to work!”

Such was the case Nov. 12 at the Alaska
Military Youth Academy, where Marrone
spoke separately with each platoon. After-
ward, around two dozen students showed
interest in the apprentice program, which is
certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Another recruiting stop a few days later
proved it’s a small world. While manning
a booth at the Anchorage Job Expo, Mar-
rone met STOS Melvin Mitchell, an active
Seafarer. (The SIU booth received very fa-
vorable reviews from attendees and from
Alaska Works Partnership, the sponsoring
entity.)

Other stops for the port agent have in-
cluded Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson
(where he regularly meets with separat-

ing military members); King Tech Career
Center/Alaska Middle College School
(AMCS); the State of Alaska Anchorage/
Muldoon/Mat-Su D.O.L. Job Center Net-
work; West Anchorage High; and the Culi-
nary Arts University of Alaska Anchorage.

Meanwhile, upgrades are happening
at the hiring hall in Anchorage, including
adding phone lines, improving internet
connectivity and modifying some of the in-
terior layout to facilitate daily operations.

SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II (left) meets with
Chef Kellie Puff, a professor and chair of the cu-
linary department at the University of Alaska An-
chorage. Part of the union’s outreach includes
stops at the Alaska Youth Military Academy, whihc
is where the photo at right was taken. Marrone is
in the foreground, with students.

Union Ramps Up Recruiting in ‘Last Frontier’

Members Ratify 5-Year Contract
With Virginia Pilot Association

SIU members at Virginia Pilot
Association late last year secured a
new five-year contract that increases
wages and improves benefits.

The agreement covers 24 Seafar-
ers who work at the Virginia Beach,
Virginia-based company.

“We did really well. This is the
best contract we’ve ever had,” said
Oliver Meyer, a launch operator who
served on the negotiating commit-
tee along with fellow member John
Cameron, SIU Vice President Atlan-
tic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Port
Agent DeCarlo Harris.

Meyer said he particularly appre-
ciates the increased pension credits,
along with the pay raises. He cred-
ited Soresi (“Joe was awesome”) and
also noted this was the first contract
negotiated with new management at
the company.

Like Meyer, Cameron hadn’t pre-
viously served on a bargaining com-

mittee, but he said the experience
went well.

“I’d heard some horror stories and
I know it’s never easy, but Joe was
fantastic,” said Cameron, who also is
a launch operator. “We chimed in and
voiced our opinion while remaining
professional. Overall, we’re really
impressed and really thankful. It’s
the best contract we’ve ever gotten.”

Seafarers at Virginia Pilot Asso-
ciation typically work one week on
(with each work day consisting of a
12-hour shift) followed by a week
off. During a work week, they sleep
ashore at a headquarters facility that
Cameron said functions similarly to
a firehouse.

Soresi stated, “I’m glad the mem-
bers are pleased with the contract,
which I believe is a very fair agree-
ment both for the union and for the
company. This agreement means sta-
bility for everyone concerned.”

Pictured from left are Seafarers Randy Grinnan and John Cameron, SIU Port Agent DeCarlo
Harris and Seafarers Gage Harper, Tyler Elswick, Oliver Meyer, Joel Otroba and Will Henson.

Wage Hikes, Improved Benefits Highlight Package

CIVMARS from the SIU Government
Services Division helped rescue two fisher-
men who’d been stuck at sea for more than
a week.

On Nov. 27, the USNS Charles Drew
was involved in a rescue in the Gulf of
Oman. The dry cargo ship received word
of a distress call at 10 a.m. local time from
Combined Maritime Forces, an interna-
tional maritime coalition headquartered in
Bahrain. The Charles Drew proceeded to
the site of a stranded fishing vessel, and pro-
vided food, water and medical care to the

two occupants – who had been adrift at sea
for eight days. The men from the disabled
craft were then transported to an Omani
coast guard vessel.

“This is what we are trained and ready
to do,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, com-
mander of U.S. Naval Forces Central
Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined
Maritime Forces. “As professional mari-
ners, we have a responsibility to help people
in need at sea. We appreciate the govern-
ment of Oman for its assistance and support
in helping us return the mariners home.”

SIU CIVMARS Help Rescue 2 in Gulf of Oman

Two Iranian fishermen signal for assistance Nov. 27 after their boat had been adrift for
eight days in the Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Navy photo)



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 5

Some of the details were dif-
ferent, for precautionary reasons –
but the enthusiastic fellowship and
great food were familiar to those
attending the annual pre-Thanks-
giving feast at the hiring hall in
Oakland, California.

The popular gathering skipped
2020 for safety reasons, but re-
turned on Nov. 23, 2021 (in its
usual slot, which is the Tuesday of
Thanksgiving week).

Guest speakers included U.S.
Reps. Barbara Lee, John Gara-
mendi, Jerry McNerney and Jim
Panetta (all California Democrats).
Other guests included military per-
sonnel; maritime union members,
pensioners and officials; numerous
building-trades union personnel;
shipping company executives and
staff; and others.

SIU Vice President Government
Services Nicholas Celona, long the

driving force behind the decades-
old yearly event, said the mood
was upbeat for the 2021 feast.

“We took many precautions, in-
cluding serving the meals in indi-
vidual containers instead of going
with the usual buffet-style arrange-
ment,” Celona said. “We made sure
plenty of hand sanitizer was avail-
able and we asked that everyone
bring their vaccination cards. We
also spaced out the tables more
than usual. People said they were
glad to be back.”

With 120 people in attendance,
the congressional representatives
gave brief remarks mainly focusing
on the holiday season, the infra-
structure bill, and the importance
of creating and maintaining good
jobs in the U.S. They also empha-
sized the country’s ongoing need
for American mariners and U.S.-
flag ships.

Oakland Thanksgiving Event Resumes

Pictured from left in photo at immediate left are U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney
(D-California), SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Cali-
fornia), SIU VP Nicholas Celona and U.S. Rep. Jim Panetta (D-California).
In photo above, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) addresses the crowd.

SIU VP Nicholas Celona (second from right) wel-
comes guests

Lt. Col. Kevin. P. Arnett, commander of the San Francisco Dis-
trict of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and retired Recertified
Steward George Pino

Yardena Wolf (left), chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swal-
well (D-California), and SIU VP Nick Marrone

Retired Recertified Steward George Pino (center) displays the U.S. Merchant Marine flag.

The hall hosted 120 people for the Thanksgiving gathering. Guests enjoy the holiday event in Oakland, California.

Locally Renowned Gathering Features Congressional Remarks



6 Seafarers LOG January 2022

HONORING VETERANS IN HOUSTON – Seafarers and SIU officials are pictured with U.S.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (front, wearing mask) at a Veterans Day event. SIU Asst. VP Mike
Russo is second from left. Among those also pictured are Bosun German Nunez (right), Recer-
tified Steward Fausto Aranda (left), SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (directly behind the congress-
woman), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung.

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

FINAL FRONTIER – Bosun Kyle Silva (left) is
pictured with astronaut Mike Foreman at San
Jacinto Maritime in La Porte, Texas. The occa-
sion was a “pool session” conducted by Bastion
Technologies of Houston. “Bastion engineers
equipment for NASA as well as the maritime in-
dustry,” explained Silva.

BACKING PRO-WORKER REP. – The hiring hall in Philadelphia hosted an outdoor
labor breakfast for Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D). She’s in the center,
with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray.

GENEROSITY IN TACOMA – Retired Re-
certified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates two
bikes for the annual Santa’s Castle toy drive.
He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Asst. VP
Joe Vincenzo.

UPGRADE COMPLETE – Seafarer Luis Ricardo Venegas
Nolasco (right) proudly displays his first ABW registration
after recently upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in
Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured at the hall in San
Juan, with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo.

WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Bosun
Denyse Sineath (right) picks up her first pension
check at the hall. She’s pictured with SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson. Sineath sailed with the SIU beginning
in 1997.

PHILANTHROPY IN PUERTO RICO – SIU Safety Director
Kevin Sykes (right) and Juan Sanchez of the AFT check inven-
tory of books stored at the San Juan hall for eventual donation
to area students. The donations are part of a long-running out-
reach called BookWaves.

ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR – SIU Safety Director Ben Anderson snapped
this photo during a mid-November servicing of the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel. Pic-
tured from left are QMED Leland Peterson, Steward/Baker Albert Sison, SA Ahmed
Moosa, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, GUDE Abdulrehman Shayef, AB Bonifacio
Fortes and Recertified Bosun Greg Hamilton.

WITH SEAFARERS
IN JACKSONVILLE –
Pictured from left near
the hall are Chief Cook
Larry Griffin, Recertified
Steward Breon Lucas
and Chief Steward Rob-
ert Seim. SIU Patrolman
Adam Bucalo submitted
the photo and noted,
“As someone who also
sailed in the steward de-
partment, it would be a
real honor to work with
any of these men. It’s
why I took the photo.”



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 7

FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey
(left) congratulates AB Luis Mena after swearing him in for a full
B-book at the hiring hall.

ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Key Marine vessel in Florida are Chief Mate Ed Melvin, AE
Duncan Markie, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins and ABT John Daunoras. Thanks to Capt. Michael O’Connell for the
photo.

At Sea and Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD HUDSON EXPRESS – Pictured at the gangway in Jacksonville, Florida, (photo at left) are AB Anthony El-
lison (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. The group photo above includes (from left) Chief Cook David Johnson,
Steward/Baker Antonio Holmes, GSTU Kanish Johnson, AB Falando Williams, Wiper Terence Trip, AB Andrew Graham,
Bosun Zeki Karaahmet, AB Glenn Davis (seated), Pittman, Relief Bosun Damon Anderson and AB Jonathan Eitz. The
Marine Personnel and Provisioning ship is one of the reflagged vessels that have replaced the older Express ships run-
ning to Europe and back. Thanks to SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo for the photos.

ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Now sailing under the Stars and Stripes, the SubCom ship will serve in the newly established U.S. Cable Security Fleet. These snapshots – courtesy
of vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux – were taken in Guam. The photo at left includes Bosun’s Mate Mohamed Saleh, OMU Abdullah Alamri, OMU Nasser Ahmed, GVA Fayez Obad,
AB Altoria McKinney, OMU Damian Langley, Apprentice Patrick Estavillo, AB/SJ Dominador Diaz, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, GVA Kyree Carter, GVA Sarah Wilson, AB/SJ Alejandro
Cusi, GVA Nirale Rolle, Chief Electrician Boyko Kovatchev, Apprentice Bjorn Anthony, AB/SJ Hunter Cox, GVA Kenard Turner, GVA Travis Smith, AB/SJ Joel Saul and Bosun Steven
Whiting. The photo at right includes (from left) GVA/SA Philip Agcaoili, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, Chief Steward Raul Napoles, 3rd Cook Ammar Sailan, SA Shamori White and Chief
Cook Leone Buggage.

ABOARD ARC INDEPEN-
DENCE – These photos were
taken during a weekend servic-
ing in Jacksonville, Florida, in
late October aboard the TOTE
Services ship. Pictured from
left in photo at left are Bosun
Edward Wright, SIU Port Agent
Ashley Nelson and Recertified
Steward Gerald Hyman. The
photo at right includes (from left)
SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman,
Hyman, Chief Cook Jasmin
Franklin, Oiler David Hain-Men-
dez, Wright and AB Rodney Ed-
wards.



8 Seafarers LOG January 2022

1/22



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 9

Deck Department
Algonac 15 6 2 13 3 1 6 25 8 3
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 1
Baltimore 5 6 1 4 5 1 6 3 3 0
Fort Lauderdale 18 11 1 15 4 2 12 28 19 2
Guam 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 8 1 0
Harvey 6 5 1 9 8 2 9 7 10 1
Honolulu 9 4 1 8 3 0 7 13 5 1
Houston 53 16 8 34 11 6 22 75 29 10
Jacksonville 30 26 3 16 18 2 14 57 50 8
Jersey City 28 2 2 23 5 0 16 45 7 5
Joliet 3 3 1 2 1 1 2 4 3 0
Mobile 10 1 5 5 1 3 1 17 6 0
Norfolk 24 10 1 15 7 1 9 27 18 7
Oakland 10 4 3 9 3 1 5 19 3 4
Philadelphia 5 4 0 4 2 0 4 5 4 1
Piney Point 1 5 2 1 3 0 3 2 6 1
Puerto Rico 8 4 1 4 7 0 4 8 4 1
Tacoma 30 5 5 17 4 4 14 47 15 1
St. Louis 4 2 0 2 2 0 1 2 1 0
Wilmington 22 11 5 16 6 2 6 36 13 5
TOTALS 281 128 42 200 95 26 141 430 207 51

Engine Department
Algonac 6 2 0 3 0 0 3 6 2 1
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Baltimore 2 5 0 5 4 0 2 1 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 8 8 1 6 5 0 8 10 14 2
Guam 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0
Harvey 3 3 1 3 2 1 4 3 5 0
Honolulu 4 3 0 3 2 0 1 11 5 0
Houston 9 6 3 8 4 2 8 12 13 2
Jacksonville 18 17 1 11 11 2 4 27 30 0
Jersey City 11 2 0 16 3 0 11 16 9 1
Joliet 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 1
Mobile 0 2 0 2 1 1 2 3 5 0
Norfolk 10 14 5 6 6 1 5 16 22 8
Oakland 6 4 0 2 7 1 4 9 5 0
Philadelphia 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0
Piney Point 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0
Puerto Rico 2 1 0 4 1 0 1 2 3 0
Tacoma 15 7 1 9 3 1 5 21 10 2
St. Louis 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1
Wilmington 9 8 0 7 4 3 6 19 11 0
TOTALS 108 89 13 88 55 12 66 165 142 18

Steward Department
Algonac 5 1 0 3 0 0 0 8 1 0
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0
Baltimore 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
Fort Lauderdale 9 4 0 7 2 1 7 16 11 1
Guam 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0
Harvey 5 0 0 3 1 0 3 5 0 0
Honolulu 9 1 0 1 1 0 1 14 2 0
Houston 16 3 2 11 2 0 5 28 7 3
Jacksonville 16 10 1 8 8 1 10 32 17 1
Jersey City 9 4 1 6 4 1 4 10 4 1
Joliet 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
Mobile 1 2 0 0 2 1 1 6 5 0
Norfolk 15 12 1 8 7 1 6 22 18 5
Oakland 9 8 0 6 6 0 7 19 10 2
Philadelphia 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 0
Piney Point 0 5 3 1 5 1 2 3 6 0
Puerto Rico 5 2 1 3 0 1 2 4 4 1
Tacoma 16 4 0 1 2 1 4 20 6 1
St. Louis 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilmington 19 12 0 13 4 0 5 31 19 0
TOTALS 141 72 9 77 47 8 58 223 114 15

Entry Department
Algonac 0 13 8 0 6 5 5 0 15 9
Anchorage 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
Baltimore 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 3
Fort Lauderdale 0 0 4 0 1 1 1 0 6 7
Guam 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1
Harvey 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 2
Honolulu 0 4 7 0 1 2 2 2 6 14
Houston 2 7 19 1 4 6 2 3 16 23
Jacksonville 3 15 38 3 7 27 9 3 34 82
Jersey City 1 7 11 1 7 2 0 1 19 21
Joliet 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
Mobile 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2
Norfolk 0 11 15 0 8 12 3 1 23 31
Oakland 0 8 2 1 7 1 1 1 17 4
Philadelphia 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Piney Point 0 1 10 0 0 6 0 0 1 11
Puerto Rico 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 6
Tacoma 5 13 7 3 6 4 7 8 18 12
St. Louis 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2
Wilmington 2 16 4 1 11 3 3 4 19 11
TOTALS 15 102 137 11 60 75 34 26 185 244

GRAND TOTAL: 545 391 201 376 257 121 299 844 648 328

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov. 9 - December 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9.
Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beah

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: January 3, February 7
Algonac...............................Friday: January 7, February 11
Baltimore......................Thursday: January 6, February 10
Guam..........................Thursday: January 20, February 24
Honolulu..............................Friday: January 14, February 18
Houston...........................Monday: January 10, February 14
Jacksonville.....................Thursday: January 6, February 10
Joliet.................................Thursday: January 13, February 17
Mobile...........................Wednesday: January 12, February 16
New Orleans......................Tuesday: January 11, February 15
Jersey City............................Tuesday: January 4, February 8
Norfolk............................Friday: January 7, February 11
Oakland...........................Thursday: January 13, February 17
Philadelphia...................Wednesday: January 5, February 9
Port Everglades...............Thursday: January13, February 17
San Juan..............................Thursday: January 6, February 10
St. Louis.........................Friday: January14, February 18
Tacoma....................................Frida:January 21, February 25
Wilmington.........*Tuesday: January 18, *Tuesday: February 22

* Wilmington changes in January and February due to Martin
Luther King Day and President’s Day observances, respec-
tively.

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

January & FebruaryJanuary & February

Membership MeetingsMembership Meetings

Leaders of the AFL-CIO and affiliate unions, including
the SIU, hailed congressional passage of the five-year $1.2
trillion infrastructure bill, which President Joe Biden signed
on Nov. 15.

SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez was an invited
guest at the outdoor signing ceremony.

“The Seafarers International Union enthusiastically ap-
plauds President Biden and Congress for enactment of the
bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act,” the SIU said in a
prepared statement. “This legislation is a massive victory for
our country, and a credit to President Biden, Vice President
Harris and the legislators who supported it.

“We are confident that, in addition to many other worth-
while outcomes, the bill will directly lead to new investment
in America’s maritime industry,” the statement continued.
“The legislation holds great promise for building new U.S.-
flag vessels and creating new job opportunities for the U.S.
Merchant Marine. The SIU is honored to have been invited to
the signing ceremony – a further reflection of the Adminis-
tration’s respect for the labor movement. We look forward to
supporting the resultant efforts to help revitalize American
maritime.”

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Victories like this
are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden.” She
called the legislation “a monumental political and legisla-
tive accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline,
America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This
$1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate
change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water,
high-speed Internet, resilient transmission lines and more is
centered around the creation of good union jobs.”

The law includes a number of strong “Buy America”
provisions, which U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) had
strongly pushed for several years.

“America’s infrastructure used to be the envy of the
world,” said Brown. “But after years of neglect, we see it
crumbling all around us – at our airports, on bridges and
roads. We have lead in too many pipes, transit systems in
need of upgrades, and too many communities still without
broadband. Plenty of politicians have talked about fixing this
infrastructure, but it’s all been empty talk – until now. Now,
under President Biden, we are finally getting this done, with
the bipartisan infrastructure bill.”

A White House statement described the bill as “the largest
investment in the resilience of physical and natural infra-
structure in American history. Millions of Americans feel
the effects of climate change each year when their roads
wash out, airport power goes down, or schools get flooded.
People of color are more likely to live in areas most vulner-
able to flooding and other climate change-related weather
events. The law makes our communities safer and our in-
frastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change
and cyber-attacks, with an investment of over $50 billion to
protect against droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and floods
– in addition to a major investment in the weatherization of
American homes…. These investments will unlock the full
potential of a clean energy economy that combats climate
change, advances environmental justice, and creates good-
paying, union jobs.”

Organized Labor
Applauds Passage
Of Infrastructure Bill



10 Seafarers LOG January 2022

ABOARD MOKIHANA –Pictured from left in the photo at the
immediate right aboard the Matson ship are ACU Marilou Gu-
mapas, Chief Cook Salah Omar, Recertified Steward Fakhrud-
din Malahi and vessel master Capt. Dean Ventimiglia. The
photo below shows some of the Thanksgiving fare that was
served aboard the vessel.

ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon (far right, wearing white top in photo di-
rectly above) submitted these photos (at immediate left and above) from the Patriot ship.

ABOARD MAERSK HAR
Bernardez, Recertified St
The two photos at the ime

Thanksgiving at SeaThanksgivin
SIU Steward Departments Brighten HolidaySIU Steward Departmen

The tradition of SIU steward department members putting forth extra effort to make holidays
special for their shipmates is practically as old as the union itself.

Thanksgiving 2021 proved no exception, as galley gangs on SIU-crewed ships around the world
went all-out with traditional menus, decorations and good cheer.

Based on emails sent to the LOG and reactions observed online, the food itself and the work that

went
Fo

“The
Faulk
of Th
enoug

Ab
memb

“I
Ot

SIU’s
deavo

Sim
Stew
ment

W
skill

Ed
imme



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 11

RD – Pictured in the photo above are SA Mario
Ali Matari and Chief Cook Christopher Coston.
right also came from the vessel.

ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – Pictured in the galley (photo at left, from left) are SA Lakeeba Bazemore, Chief
Steward Lamont Faulks and Chief Cook Osmar Ramos. Seated in the crew mess in the photo above are AB
Doug Hemphill, QMED Mike Joel, Bosun Orvin Mejia and Wiper Laith Ali.

ABOARD G&H BOAT – Crew members aboard the Mark K enjoy the feast. Pictured from
left are Chief Engineer Peter Ntaamah, Oiler Daniel Reas, Mate Kent Hayward and DDA
Ken Meaney. Thanks to Capt. John Cox for the photo.

ABOARD EL COQUI – Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward
Bryan Alvarez are pictured during Thanksgiving dinner prep aboard the
Crowley ship.

Thanksgiving at Seag at Sea
SIU Steward Departments Brighten Holidays Brighten Holiday

t were greatly appreciated.
mple, Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Laycock (an SIU hawsepiper) wrote,
rd department did an excellent job preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Chief Steward Lamont
the rest of the department stayed up late the night before and rose early on the morning

iving to make sure everything was ready to go for our 1400 feast. The vessel was lucky
be in port at the time in Souda Bay, Crete. Lovely weather and a lovely dinner.”
the USNS Red Cloud (Patriot), Chief Steward Dennis Dizon praised his department
Chief Cook Vanessa Brumsey, SA Emily Lepley and SA Salman Alhobabi.
t so proud of my whole team,” he said.
ppreciated their work, too. Reactions to Red Cloud Thanksgiving photos posted on the
book page included requests for home delivery and kudos for an obviously spirited en-

y, Steward/Baker Fakhruddin Malahi (aboard Matson’s Mokihana) and Recertified
i Matari (Maersk Hartford) said they greatly appreciated the Thanksgiving compli-
ived from shipmates aboard their respective vessels.
his is only a representative sample, many online commenters said it speaks well of the
nthusiasm demonstrated by SIU members sailing in the steward department.

note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days
y afterward. Many more are available for viewing on the union’s Facebook page.



12 Seafarers LOG January 2022

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

Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government
Services

HEADQUARTERS
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Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675

ALGONAC
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(810) 794-4988

ANCHORAGE
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(907) 561-4988

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(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
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(808) 845-5222

HOUSTON
625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003

(713) 659-5152

JACKSONVILLE
5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 281-2622

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104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306

(201) 434-6000

JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
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(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
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(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 students at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in
November 2021

Question: What are some of your plans for the rest of this year and/or the New Year?

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

Cody Quinn
Apprentice

Hopefully, in the New Year, I’m
looking forward to being on a ship.
This has been a good experience at the
school but I’m ready to get out there
and get started.

Bernard Nieves
Chief Cook

To complete this class and to
become a full-fledged chief cook,
and after that, go on vacation in
the Philippines.

Brandy Griffin
Chief Cook

Finish my chief cook class,
go out and make a ton of money,
and spend time with my family.
They’re in Virginia, Philly and
Michigan.

Sophia Lewis
Chief Cook

Travelling to all the places I
have dreamed about but haven’t
been able to get there until now,
and learning all of the flavored
dishes that each country offers.

Abraham Allamoth
Chief Steward

Go out there, make some money
and enjoy the shipping life. Buy a new
house.

Naila Kling
Apprentice

To be experiencing the stars and
the moon and, instead of fireworks,
the real world. Meeting people who
are seasoned travelers and who want
to explore the world.

Pic From The Past Pic From The Past

Original caption from the January 1975 LOG: “Deck delegate AB Aden Ezell Jr. (center) tells AB Ed Spooner it doesn’t hurt a
bit as Dr. Manuel Alvarez administers the first of seven shots needed for the trip.” Photo was taken aboard the Sam Houston in
Brooklyn, New York, before the Waterman vessel began its first overseas voyage.



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 13

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

DEEP SEA

KAREEM AHMED
Brother Kareem Ahmed, 50, joined
the Seafarers International Union
in 1992, ini-
tially sailing
aboard the
Independence.
He upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions
and shipped in
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Ahmed’s final vessel was the Hori-
zon Anchorage. He is a resident of
University Place, Washington.

MARTIN ALLRED
Brother Martin Allred, 57, began
sailing with the SIU in 1989. An en-

gine department
member, he first
sailed aboard the
Green Valley.
Brother Allred
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center
on multiple oc-
casions. He most
recently sailed
aboard the Cape

Race and lives in Little River, South
Carolina.

JOSEPH ARTIS
Brother Joseph Artis, 65, signed
on with the SIU in 1975, first sail-
ing aboard
the Baltimore.
He shipped
in the deck
department
and upgraded
at the union-
affiliated Piney
Point school on
numerous occa-
sions. Brother
Artis last shipped on the Mokihana
and resides in Cathedral City, Cali-
fornia.

PAUL CALIMER
Brother Paul Calimer, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers Interna-

tional Union
in 1977. He
worked in the
steward de-
partment and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Calimer’s first
vessel was the
St. Louis; his

last, the Beaver State. He resides in
Aberdeen, Washington.

DONOVAN CHRISTIE
Brother Donovan Christie, 65, em-
barked on his career with the Sea-
farers in 1983,
initially sailing
on the Aquarius.
He was a mem-
ber of the deck
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school
on numerous
occasions.
Brother Christie last shipped on the

Performance and makes his home in
Cleveland.

DEBRA GARDINER
Sister Debra Gardiner, 65, signed
on with the union in 1991. She
first sailed
aboard the
Independence
and worked
in the steward
department.
Sister Gardiner
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Cen-
ter on multiple
occasions. She
last shipped on the USNS Regulus
and is a resident of Monroe, North
Carolina.

ISABEL MIRANDA
Brother Isabel Miranda, 65, signed
on with the union in 1991, initially

shipping on the
Independence.
He sailed in
the steward
department
and upgraded
at the Paul
Hall Center on
multiple occa-
sions. Brother
Miranda last

shipped aboard the Resolve. He lives
in Missouri City, Texas.

AHMED MOZEB
Brother Ahmed Mozeb, 65, donned
the SIU colors in 1999. He first
sailed aboard
the USNS Hen-
son and worked
in the steward
department.
Brother Mozeb
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.
He last sailed
aboard the President Adams and is a
San Francisco resident.

TIMOTEO NUNEZ
Brother Timoteo Nunez, 66, started
sailing with the union in 2004, ini-

tially shipping
on the Cape
Douglas. A
steward depart-
ment member,
Brother Nunez
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Cen-
ter on numerous
occasions. He
concluded his

career aboard the USNS Pomeroy
and lives in Miami.

JOSEPH QUITUGUA
Brother Joseph Quitugua, 73,
joined the union in 2001 and first
sailed aboard
the Patriot. He
sailed in both
the deck and
engine depart-
ments and
upgraded at the
union-affiliated
Piney Point
school in 2006.
Brother Quitu-
gua last shipped on the Dewayne T.

Williams and resides in Guam.

JOHN RUIZ
Brother John Ruiz, 67, began his ca-
reer with the SIU in 1971. An engine
department
member, he
initially sailed
aboard the
Overseas Prog-
ress. Brother
Ruiz upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center in 1974.
He concluded
his career
aboard the Star of Texas and makes
his home in Houston.

MIGUELITO SALADA
Brother Miguelito Salada, 65, em-
barked on his career with the SIU in

1998 when he
sailed aboard
the USNS
Pathfinder.
He shipped in
the deck de-
partment and
upgraded at
the Piney Point
school on mul-
tiple occasions.

Brother Salada concluded his career
on the Maersk Montana and settled
in Toms River, New Jersey.

DENYSE SINEATH
Sister Denyse Sineath, 65, became
a member of the Seafarers Interna-
tional Union in
1997, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS
Silas Bent.
She worked
in the deck
department and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Sister
Sineath’s final vessel was the Al-
liance Fairfax. She calls Hilliard,
Florida, home.

JOHN THOMPSON
Brother John Thompson, 65, started
his career with the Seafarers in 1978

and first sailed
aboard the
Thomas Lynch.
He sailed in
the deck de-
partment and
upgraded often
at the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Thompson’s
final vessel was

the Gemini. He makes his home in
Canton, Maine.

GREAT LAKES

MARC TANTRE
Brother Marc
Tantre, 66,
signed on with
the SIU in 1989.
He initially
shipped aboard
the Adam E.
Cornelius and
was a deck de-
partment mem-

ber. Brother Tantre upgraded at the
Piney Point school multiple occa-
sions. He most recently sailed on the
John Boland and resides in Fairport
Harbor, Ohio.

INLAND

PETER BISHOP
Brother Peter Bishop, 71, donned
the SIU colors in 1971. A deck de-
partment member, he first shipped
aboard the Ponce. Brother Bishop
concluded his career working for
Crowley Towing and Transportation.
He is a resident of Venice, Florida.

JAMES CHASE
Brother James Chase, 66, embarked
on his career with the Seafarers in

2007 when he
shipped aboard
the Terrapin
Island. He
was a member
of the deck
department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school in
2015. Brother

Chase was employed by Great Lakes
Dredge and Dock for the duration
of his career. He resides in Carriere,
Mississippi.

SCOTT CHEW
Brother Scott Chew, 61, signed on
with the union
in 2000. He
sailed in the
deck depart-
ment and up-
graded often at
the Paul Hall
Center. Brother
Chew worked
for the Penn
Maritime for
his entire ca-
reer. He settled in Bangor, Michigan.

RICHARD CORNELIUS
Brother Richard Cornelius, 64,
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1976 when he sailed with
Mariner Towing. He was a member
of the deck department and upgraded
at the Paul Hall Center within his
first year of membership. Brother
Cornelius concluded his career with
OSG Ship Management and lives in
Delmar, Delaware.

DAVID FINDLEY
Brother David Findley, 61, started
sailing with the Seafarers in 1982.
An engine department member, he
worked fo Crescent Towing and Sal-
vage for the duration of his career.
Brother Findley resides in Belle
Chasse, Louisiana.

RONALD FREITAS
Brother Ronald
Freitas, 71,
signed on with
the union in
2004. He sailed
in the deck
department and
upgraded at the
Paul Hall Center

in 2005. Brother Freitas worked for
Penn Maritime for his entire career.
He makes his home in Oviedo,
Florida.

SERVILLANO LOZANDI
Brother Servillano Lozandi, 65,
joined the SIU
in 2002 when
he sailed on
the McDon-
nell. He was
a deck depart-
ment member
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
numerous occa-
sions. Brother
Lozandi most recently shipped on
the Legacy and makes his home in
Miami.

DOMENIC MALLACE
Brother Domenic Mallace, 63,
donned the SIU colors in 2003, ini-

tially working
for Crowley.
He upgraded at
the Paul Hall
Center in 2008
and continued
his employment
with the same
company for the
duration of his
career. Brother

Mallace is resident of Collingdale,
Pennsylvania.

MICHAEL MULHARAN
Brother Michael Mulharan, 62, em-
barked on his career with the SIU in
1978 when he
sailed with CSX
Lines. He was a
member of the
deck department
and upgraded
at the Piney
Point school on
multiple occa-
sions. Brother
Mulharan was
last employed by OSG Ship Man-
agement. He makes his home in
Chiefland, Florida.

OWEN O’KEEFE
Brother Owen O’Keefe, 64, joined

the Seafarers
International
Union in 1983,
initially sailing
on the Aquarius.
A deck depart-
ment member,
he most re-
cently sailed
with Crowley
Towing and
Transportation.

Brother O’Keefe lives in Jackson-
ville, Florida.

GARY SMITH
Brother Gary Smith, 62, started sail-
ing with the Seafarers in 1978. He
first shipped on
the Maryland
and worked in
the deck depart-
ment. Brother
Smith upgraded
at the Paul Hall
Center on mul-
tiple occasions.
He last worked
for Crowley
Towing and Transportation and re-
sides in Rogersville, Tennessee.



14 Seafarers LOG January 2022

DEEP SEA

WILLIAM BAKER
Pensioner William Baker, 96, died
October 8. He joined the Seafarers
International Union in 1943 and first
shipped with Joshua Hendy Corpo-
ration. Brother Baker sailed in the
deck department and concluded his
career aboard the Ultrasea. He be-
came a pensioner in 1995 and settled
in Sugarland, Texas.

BYRON COLEMAN
Pensioner Byron Coleman, 66,
passed away August 25. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1991, initially
sailing aboard
the USNS Titan.
Brother Coleman
was a deck de-
partment member.
He last shipped
on the Liberty
Wave in 2003 and
went on pension
in 2019. Brother Coleman lived in
Seattle.

DOMINICO DACUA
Pensioner Dominico Dacua, 82,

died November
3. He began his
career with the
Seafarers in 1989.
A steward depart-
ment member, his
first vessel was
the Independence.
Brother Dacua
last shipped on
the R. J. Pfeiffer
before retiring in

2005. He resided in Kapolei, Ha-
waii.

LOUIS ESCARRA
Pensioner Louis Escarra, 96, passed
away August 24.
He joined the
SIU in 1957, ini-
tially working for
Penn Navigation.
Brother Escarra
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment and last
sailed aboard the
Voyager. He be-
came a pensioner
in 1992 and settled in Hollywood,
Florida.

RICHARD GEGENHEIMER
Pensioner Richard Gegenheimer, 70,
died October 28. He signed on with

the Seafarers In-
ternational Union
in 1974. A stew-
ard department
member, Brother
Gegenheimer first
sailed with States
Steamship. After
concluding his
career aboard the
Maui, he retired

in 2011. Brother Gegenheimer made
his home in Dunnellon, Florida.

ERASMO GUEVARA
Pensioner Erasmo Guevara, 79,
passed away October 31. He em-

barked on his ca-
reer with the SIU
in 1993, initially
sailing aboard the
Independence.
Brother Guevara
was a steward de-
partment member.
He most recently
sailed on the Sun-
shine State last

year before becoming a pensioner.
Brother Guevara called Jacksonville,
Florida, home.

DAVID KOORY
Pensioner David Koory, 71, died
October 24. He
joined the union
in 1990 and was a
deck department
member. Brother
Koory first sailed
aboard the Walter
J. McCarthy. He
last shipped on
the Patriot and
went on pension
in 2015. Brother
Koory was a resident of Ann Arbor,
Michigan.

CLIFFORD LACON
Pensioner Clifford Lacon, 82, passed
away November 7. He donned the

SIU colors in
2001 and first
sailed aboard the
Anders Maersk.
A deck depart-
ment member,
Brother Lacon last
shipped on the
Maersk Kentucky.
He retired in 2010
and made his

home in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

DAVON MCMILLAN
Brother Davon McMillan, 65, died
September 4. Born in Monroeville,
Alabama, he
signed on with
the union in 1978.
Brother McMil-
lan’s first vessel
was the Great
Land. He shipped
in both the deck
and engine depart-
ments and most
recently sailed
aboard the Resolve. Brother McMil-
lan resided in Pensacola, Florida.

ALBERT MOORE
Pensioner Albert Moore, 80, passed
away November 5. He joined the

SIU in 1960 when
he sailed on the
Arizpa. Brother
Moore shipped in
the deck depart-
ment and con-
cluded his career
on the Explorer.
He became a
pensioner in 2005
and lived in Mesa,

Arizona.

HERMUS PATRICK
Pensioner Hermus Patrick, 85, died
May 15. He began shipping with
the Seafarers International Union in

1976, initially sail-
ing on the Tran-
sIndiana. Brother
Patrick worked
in the engine
department. He
last sailed on the
USNS Denebola
and went on pen-
sion in 2001.
Brother Patrick

resided in Brooklyn, New York.

RICHARD PROVOST
Pensioner Richard Provost, 69,
passed away October 12. He donned
the SIU colors
in 1971 when he
shipped on the
William Reiss.
Brother Provost
was a member of
the deck depart-
ment. He last
shipped aboard
the Anders
Maersk and began
collecting his pension in 2017.
Brother Provost lived in Marengo,
Wisconsin.

FRANCISCO SANCHEZ
Pensioner Francisco Sanchez, 89,
died November 4. He joined the

union in 2001 and
initially sailed
on the Cape Vic-
tory. Brother
Sanchez shipped
in the steward
department and
concluded his ca-
reer on the USNS
Fisher. He retired
in 2006 and made

his home in Corpus Christi, Texas.

ALI SHAIBI
Pensioner Ali Shaibi, 65, has passed
away. He signed
on with the SIU
in 1978 and first
shipped on the
TransColorado. A
deck department
member, Brother
Shaibi last sailed
on the Philadel-
phia in 1996. He
went on pension
in 2019 and called the Bronx, New
York, home.

WILLIAM STEELE
Pensioner William Steele, 80, died
November 19. He started sailing

with the Seafar-
ers in 1967. A
deck department
member, Brother
Steele was first
employed by Hig-
man Barge Lines.
He last shipped
aboard the USNS
Algol before
retiring in 1998.

Brother Steele was a resident of
Buna, Texas.

GREAT LAKES

ALBIN FILARSKI
Pensioner Albin Filarski, 85, passed

away October 30.
He signed on with
the SIU in 1988
when he sailed
aboard the Paul
H. Townsend.
Brother Filarski
worked in the
deck department
and last shipped

on the Presque Isle. He became a
pensioner in 2001 and resided in Al-
pena, Michigan.

INLAND

WILLIAM FURMAN
Pensioner William Furman, 80,
died November
22. A member of
the deck depart-
ment, he joined
the union in
1970. Brother
Furman was
employed with
Allied Trans-
portation until
his retirement in
1998. He made his home in Ports-
mouth, Virginia.

MICHAEL LEAGER
Pensioner Michael Leager, 66,
passed away November 17. He
began sailing with the SIU in
1973 and worked in the deck de-
partment. Employed by Interstate
Oil for most of his career, Brother
Leager last sailed in 1987. He
became a pensioner in 2020 and
settled in Stroudsburg, Pennsyl-
vania.

JASPER MAMOLITI
Pensioner Jasper Mamoliti, 98, died

November 6. He
became a member
of the Seafar-
ers International
Union in 1962.
Brother Mamoliti
sailed with Moran
Towing of Mary-
land for the dura-
tion of his career.
He began collect-

ing his pension in 1984 and resided
in Lewes, Delaware.

DONALD MORGAN
Pensioner Donald Morgan, 91,
passed away October 4. He donned
the SIU colors
in 1972, initially
sailing with
Moran Towing
of Texas. Brother
Morgan was a
member of the
deck department
and was last em-
ployed by Allied
Transportation.
He became a pen-
sioner in 1992 and settled in New-
port News, Virginia.

MELVIN POTTER
Pensioner Melvin Potter, 74, died
October 28. He embarked on his
career with the union in 1965 when
he worked for R.K. Davis Trans-
portation. Brother Potter sailed in
the deck department and was last
employed by Express Marine. He
retired in 2010 and lived in Bath,
North Carolina.

DANIEL WEBSTER
Pensioner Daniel Webster, 82,
passed away June 11. He joined the
SIU in 1973 when he worked for
Interstate Oil. Brother Webster last
sailed with Mariner Towing. He
began collecting his pension in 1993
and called Saugus, Massachusetts,
home.

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

NAME AGE DOD
Cloutier, Richard 80 10/07/2021
Del Rio, Jose 98 09/28/2021
Dias, Arthur 72 09/24/2021
Holloway, Jay 93 08/19/2021
Mitchell, Claude 89 10/01/2021
Mojica, Gloria 90 06/05/2021
Palmore, Walter 93 11/08/2021
Patiniotis, Roseto 90 08/28/2021
Scace, Rodman 92 09/10/2021
Sims, Harold 94 10/04/2021
Townsend, Albert 92 11/10/2021

Final Final
DeparturesDepartures

PDF ver-
sions of
nearly every
edition are
a v a i l a b l e
at seafarer-
slog.org

You can
also scan
this QR
code to go
directly to
the website

Missed an Issue of the Log?



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 15

GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Per-
sonnel and Provisioning), July 21
– Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary
Pedro Castillo, Educational Direc-
tor William Mercer, Deck Delegate
Michael Sinclair, Engine Delegate
Brandon Purcell, Steward Delegate
Santiago Amaya. Chairman re-
minded everyone to sanitize quarters
and wash hands regularly. Educa-
tional director advised crew to go to
the Piney Point school and upgrade.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Members requested Wi-Fi. Steward
department was thanked for a job
well done.

AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management), July 29 – Chair-
man Charles Hill, Secretary Shari
Hardman, Educational Director
Robert Noble, Steward Delegate
Juan Palacios Clother. Chairman
discussed COVID-19 vaccines and
encouraged crew to get vaccinated.
Members discussed pay for sanitation
and union meetings. Secretary re-
ported transportation problems when
going from ship to gate in Port Ar-
thur, Texas. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Crew requested 20 vacation
days for 30 days of employment.
Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Per-
sonnel and Provisioning), August
21 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Sec-
retary Pedro Castillo, Educational
Director Alexander Capellan, Deck
Delegate Clinton Crowden, Steward
Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chair-
man reiterated the importance of
practicing good hygiene and keeping
quarters clean. Educational director
urged crew to check documents and
upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Stew-
ard department was thanked for a job
well done.

AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix
Crew Management), August 29 –
Chairman Charles Hill, Educational

Director Robert Noble, Deck Del-
egate Edward Gavagan, Engine
Delegate Tresten Porter, Steward
Delegate Shari Hardman. Ship
restriction back in effect, per com-
pany orders. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Members reported they
are not getting eight hours in lieu of
days off.

MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line,
Limited), September 3 – Chairman
Roy Madrio, Secretary Marcelo
Alicea, Educational Director Jerome
Culbreth, Deck Delegate Jon Mark
Newman, Engine Delegate Matthew
Yowell, Steward Delegate Sherre
Wilson. Chairman reiterated the
importance of getting the COVID-19
vaccine. He encouraged all depart-
ments to work safely and use proper
PPE. Chairman advised members
to take care of medical certificates
as soon as possible to avoid pro-
cessing delays. Secretary reminded
crew to stay on top of documents.
Educational director urged members
to take advantage of the upgrading
opportunities at the Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Better Wi-Fi needed aboard ship as
well as new converters/transform-
ers in each room. Crew requested
media entertainment options aboard
ship and raises in vacation benefits.
Members reviewed medical coverage
and provided suggestions to improve
relief practices. Next port: Newark,
New Jersey.

EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel
and Provisioning), September 14 –
Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed,
Secretary Troy Smith, Educational
Director Dhahabi Quraish, Engine
Delegate Mark Canada, Steward
Delegate Mohamed Noman. Crew
requested Wi-Fi availability and com-
puter access aboard ship. No com-
plaints from crew, everything going
great overall as reported by secretary.
Educational director reminded mem-
bers to upgrade at the Piney Point

school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. Members were encouraged
to contribute to the union’s voluntary
political action fund (SPAD). Ninety
percent of ship crew has received the
COVID-19 vaccination.

MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk
Line, Limited), September 19 –
Chairman Hussein Mohamed,
Secretary Randall Campbell, Edu-
cational Director George Bieselin,
Deck Delegate Milton Estrada,
Engine Delegate Juan Rochez. Ef-
fective October 1, proof of COVID-
19 vaccine (or an exemption and/
or a recent negative test result) will
be required to enter all hiring halls.
Secretary encouraged crew to con-
tinue following safety protocols for
COVID-19. Educational director
urged members to upgrade at the Paul
Hall Center. Crew requested better
Wi-Fi and for vacation accrual to in-
crease to day-per-day rate.

HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon
Lines), September 26 – Chairman
Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoi-
nette Amato, Educational Director
Mbarek Nouhairi, Engine Delegate
Jeffrey Murray. Chairman en-
couraged members to contribute to
SPAD and to renew documents as
early as possible. Educational direc-
tor reminded crew to advance their
skills by upgrading at the Piney Point
school. Members discussed disputed
OT for ship restrictions. Incorrect
mattresses received. Crew discussed
plans for revisiting topic of ship
restriction in contractual negotia-
tions. Members offered suggestions
concerning ServSafe courses. Crew
asked for the minimum of relief posi-
tions be changed to 60 days or for sea
time requirement for collecting vaca-
tion checks be lowered to 45 days.
Members requested 20 vacation days
for 30 working days and indicated
operators are not transferring sea-
time documentation to headquarters
in a timely manner. Members were

instructed to turn off devices when
not in use to avoid compromising
accessibility for shipmates. Matson
reportedly continues to deny reim-
bursement for work boots. Crew
members would prefer to buy work
boots of their choice rather than
being restricted to Matson’s voucher
program for Red Wing shoes.
Steward department was thanked
for good food and clean house.
Deck department was thanked for a
job well done. Next port: Tacoma,
Washington.

DECISIVE (SubCom), October 11
– Chairman Victor Nunez, Secre-
tary Gregory Johnson, Educational
Director Casey Frederick. Mem-
bers discussed recent progress with
CHS medical exams and also talked
about COVID-19 vaccinations. The
Decisive and Dependable are enroll-
ing in the new U.S. Cable Security
Fleet. Next project to start October
30 in Gulf of Mexico; will mobilize
in next port of call. Congratulations
given to UA Joseph Bates and UA
Alex Boothby for a job well done
during their second phase. Crew
discussed several suggestions for
next contract negotiation, including
changing “Earned Day” to “Day
off” with language that also reads
“and in Port.” Members would
like company-provided Wi-Fi, and
a reinstatement of “Penalty Meal
Hour” in the CBA. Crew suggested
additional manning for OMU/Welder
position with a higher pay rate. Con-
tract should include specific, cable-
related work for deck department
during cable operations. Crew men-
tioned contractual wage increases
for personnel assigned to the Global
Sentinel, due to federal clearance
requirements and lack of communi-
cation during cable operations. No
beefs or disputed OT reported. Next
port: Mobile, Alabama.

INDEPENDENCE (Eco-Tankers
Crew Management), October 24 –

Chairman Dave Coleman, Secretary
Charles Roldan, Educational Direc-
tor Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Emil
Norales, Engine Delegate Mario
Moralita, Steward Delegate Jermin
Matthews. Chairman announced
payoff at sea and instructed members
to give paperwork to captain when
signing on. Seafarers LOGs can be
seen in member portal. Educational
Director reminded members to take
advantage of the upgrading op-
portunities at the Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Steward department trash cans to be
replaced and secured for bad weather.
Vote of thanks given to steward de-
partment for great work.

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Consti-
tution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and
Inland Waters makes specific provision for
safeguarding the membership’s money and
union finances. The constitution requires a
detailed audit by certified public accoun-
tants every year, which is to be submitted to
the membership by the secretary-treasurer.
A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership, each
year examines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and recommenda-
tions. Members of this committee may make
dissenting reports, specific recommendations
and separate findings.

TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU
Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis-
trict are administered in accordance with the
provisions of various trust fund agreements.
All these agreements specify that the trustees
in charge of these funds shall equally consist
of union and management representatives and
their alternates. All expenditures and disburse-
ments of trust funds are made only upon ap-
proval by a majority of the trustees. All trust
fund financial records are available at the
headquarters of the various trust funds.

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected 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 seniority rights as contained
in the contracts between the union and the em-
ployers, they should notify the Seafarers Ap-
peals Board by certified mail, return receipt

requested. The proper address for this is:

Augustin Tellez, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 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 contracts
are available in all SIU halls. These contracts
specify the wages and conditions under which
an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship
or boat. Members should know their contract
rights, as well as their obligations, such as fil-
ing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and
in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member
believes that an SIU patrolman or other union
official fails to protect their contractual rights
properly, he or she should contact the nearest
SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA-
FARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG tradition-
ally has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any individual
in the union, officer or member. It also has re-
frained from publishing articles deemed harm-
ful to the union or its collective membership.
This established policy has been reaffirmed
by membership action at the September 1960
meetings in all constitutional ports. The respon-
sibility for 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 capacity in
the SIU unless an official union receipt is given
for same. Under no circumstances should any
member pay any money for any reason unless
he is given such receipt. In the event anyone
attempts to require any such payment be made
without supplying a receipt, or if a member is
required to make a payment and is given an
official receipt, but feels that he or she should
not have been required to make such payment,
this should immediately be reported to union
headquarters.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Con-
stitution are available in all union halls. All
members should obtain copies of this consti-
tution so as to familiarize themselves with its
contents. Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to deprive
him or her of any constitutional right or ob-
ligation by any methods, such as dealing with
charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details,
the member so affected should immediately
notify headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guar-
anteed equal rights in employment and as
members of the SIU. These rights are clearly
set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the con-
tracts which the union has negotiated with the
employers. 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 denied
the equal rights to which he or she is entitled,
the member should notify union headquarters.

SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY

DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate
segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to fur-
ther its objects and purposes including, but
not limited to, furthering the political, social
and economic interests of maritime workers,
the preservation and furthering of the Ameri-
can merchant marine with improved employ-
ment opportunities for seamen and boatmen
and the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD sup-
ports and contributes to political candidates
for elective office. All contributions are vol-
untary. No contribution may be solicited or
received because of force, job discrimination,
financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct,
or as a condition of membership in the union
or of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers In-
ternational Union or SPAD by certified mail
within 30 days of the contribution for inves-
tigation and appropriate action and refund, if
involuntary. A member should support SPAD
to protect and further his or her economic,
political and social interests, and American
trade union concepts.

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

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

Know Your Rights Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard Digest of Shipboard
Union MeetingsUnion Meetings

The Winner

USNS Fisher vessel master
(and SIU hawsepiper) Capt.
Jennifer Senner submit-
ted this photo of Chief Cook
Stevon Taylor, who won the
“fried-chicken faceoff” aboard
the U.S. Marine Management
vessel.



16 Seafarers LOG January 2022

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.
1/22

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 May 2 May 20

MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17

MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3

Deck Department Upgrading Courses

Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 March 4
April 4 April 22
May 23 June 10

Lifeboat/Water Survival February 14 February 25
March 14 March 25
April 11 April 22

Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24

RFPNW January 24 February 11
February 28 March 18
April 25 May 13

Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16

Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12

Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2

Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16

Advanced Stability September 5 September 9

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

RFPEW April 25 May 20

FOWT January 24 February 18
June 13 July 8

Junior Engineer January 24 March 18
July 11 September 2

Marine Electrician May 16 June 17

Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13

Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

Engine Department Upgrading Courses

Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29

Machinist March 14 April 1

Pumpman April 4 April 8

Welding February 14 March 4
April 25 May 13
June 6 June 24

Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5

Steward Department Upgrading Courses

Certified Chief Cook February 14 March 18
March 21 April 22
April 25 May 27
May 30 July 1
July 11 August 12

Advanced Galley Operations January 24 February 18
April 4 April 29
June 20 July 15

Chief Steward February 28 March 25
May 9 June 3

Safety/Open Upgrading Courses

Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 7 February 11
April 4 April 8

Medical Care Provider February 14 February 18
April 11 April 15

Basic Training January 31 February 4
April 4 April 8
June 6 June 10

Basic Training Revalidation February 7 February 7
February 25 February 25
March 21 March 21

Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11

Government Vessels January 17 January 21
January 24 January 28
February 14 February 18

Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18

Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 April 8
May 2 May 6
June 27 July 1

Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 13
May 23 May 27

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course DatesPaul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 17

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

Apprentice Water Survival Class #875 – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Banks, Omar Caldwell, Elijah Dejean Diallo, Mark Dixon, Ervin Flynn, Levi
Gorokhovsky, Jeffery Griffin, Eachen Hoffrichter, Naila Kling, Caleb Miller, Dane Paulson, Jack Pier, Cody Quinn, Julian Ramirez, Domingo Sadia, Brett Sardinas, Errol Wade-Cephas
and Rose Wilson.

Welding – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander,
David Argo Jr., Merville Lariosa Gallema, Seth Schrader and Anthony Solovyov. Class
instructor Chris Raley is at the far right.

UA to Able Seafarer (Deck) – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Diquan
Adamson, Bryan Aleman Medina, Lamar Doctor, Jeffery Griffin, Roger Mathews, David
May, Tanner Page, Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Johnny Young. Their instructor, Peter
Luhn, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated
Dec. 3 (photo at right, in alpha-
betical order): Georgia Bussink,
Matthew De Maria, John Far-
ash, Alexander Jackson, Jaquaz
Jenkins, Kumasi Johnson, John
Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yu-
salina Merced Jr., Michael Rear-
don, Orlando Rosa Aguirre, Luis
Francisco Soto Collazo, Brad-
ley Tucker and Garrett Williams.
Upon the completion of their train-
ing, each plans to work in the deck
departments of union-contracted
vessels.



18 Seafarers LOG January 2022

Paul Hall Center ClassesPaul Hall Center Classes

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

Importance Notice
To All Students

Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated Nov.
26 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Leonardo Du-
magan Bagnol, Brandy Griffin, Sophia Lewis, La’sonia
Littles, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Mary Moelk,
Bernard Martinez Nieves II, Eric Amauris Rivas-Marti-
nez and Chadon Tshaye `Williams.

RFPEW – Graduated Dec. 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Jorge
Garcia, Ryan Sotomayor and Darrell Whitaker. Instructor Christopher
Morgan is third from left.

Watchkeeping – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Moh-
sin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and
Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus.

Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Darvin
Brown, Kevin Brown, Sheree Brown, Nicholas Ehret, Jacarta Gibson, Lisa Hamilton,
Jon Harvey, Joshua Heath, Gregory LaSeer, Sean Outlaw, Fahmi Saeed, Jessica
Valentin and Angel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Government Vessels – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Qaid Mohammed
Alnaawi, Joseph Altamura, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Maurice Antonio Brodie, Luis Oscar
Cordero-Fuentes, Adolf Lopez Floresca, Jeremy Harris, Michael Ingram, Sterling Kirk, Terrance
Paige, Amy Torres and Frederick Wilson.

Government Vessels – Gradu-
ated Nov. 19 (photo at left, in al-
phabetical order): Miguel Angel
Abad, Leonard Anicola, Mark
Brownell, Michael Clark, Torrika
Devine, Jamal Field, Kenneth
Greenidge, Anna-Maria Halstead,
Supattara Inthapanti, Enchant-
ress Johnson, Joshua Lux, James
Rockett, Eileen Singer, Keith Wil-
liams, Jeffrey Woods and Abdul-
razak Obadi Yahia.



January 2022 Seafarers LOG 19

A total of fi ve scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being off ered to depen-
dents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited col-
leges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafar-
ers may apply.

Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their de-
pendents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows:

Dependents ScholarshipsDependents Scholarships

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

Seafarers ScholarshipsSeafarers Scholarships
Five scholarships designated for dependents:Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers:

Please send me the 2022 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a
copy of the application form.

Name...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Street Address....................................................................................................................................................................................................
City, State, Zip Code.........................................................................................................................................................................................
Telephone Number ( ) .................................................................................................................................................................................
This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent
Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746

To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the
Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF).

Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships.

1/22

2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program

Patrolman John “Jack” Sheehan died
on October 29.

Rescues and New TonnageRescues and New Tonnage
SIU crews were on-hand for sev-

eral rescues last year, jumping into
action to save lives in dire circum-
stances. In each instance, Seafarers
used their training and skills to res-
cue stranded boaters – the training
they hoped never to need to use.

In March, the survey vessel
Wolf River, returning from a crew
change on the Great Lakes Dredge
and Dock-operated Padre Island,
diverted course when the crew saw
a group of people whose vessel was
taking on water in the bay. The crew
saved a family of six, two adults
and four children. Also in March,
the crew of the CS Decisive res-
cued a boater in the middle of the
Pacific Ocean. In April, the crew
aboard the Sunshine State rescued
two boaters from their disabled
craft, and in July, the CIVMAR
crew of the USNS Patuxent rescued
15 people off the coast of Somalia.
Nine days later, the Patuxent would
again divert, rescuing four fisher-
men who had been adrift for 12
days in the Gulf of Aden. The crew
of the Golden State rescued two
boaters near Key West in August –
just before a tropical storm came
through the area – and in Novem-
ber, the CIVMAR crew of the USNS
Charles Drew rescued two Iranian
sailors who had been adrift for eight
days in the Gulf of Oman.

New tonnage entered the fleet,
including the reflagged tanker
Pohang Pioneer and (for the SIU
Government Services Division) the
USNS John Lewis and USNS Har-
vey Milk.

Union and Industry
Beginning in September, the

maritime industry was alerted to
reports of alleged sexual assault and
sexual harassment involving U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy cadets
who said they were victimized
while serving their Sea Year aboard
U.S.-flag vessels. The SIU, while
not involved in any of the allega-
tions, is committed to continuing to
educate members about the ongoing
importance of protecting shipmates
from any and all harassment, and
will continue supporting those who
have been victimized at sea.

While a U.S.-flag vessel was
not the cause of a major blockage
in the Suez Canal in April, SIU
members were negatively impacted
by a historic backup as crews
worked to clear the obstructing
vessel. Many Seafarers shared their
stories during this time, and pro-
vided photos to better illustrate the
magnitude of this incident.

Within the SIU: Union election
results were tallied and announced
in January, with SIU President
Michael Sacco, Executive Vice
President Augie Tellez, Secretary-
Treasurer David Heindel and oth-
ers re-elected by large margins;
longtime SIU official Kate Hunt
retired, and Nick Celona was ap-
pointed to serve as the Vice Presi-
dent of the Government Services
division; Heindel was named an
Admiral of the Ocean Sea recipient
by the United Seamen’s Service;
the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center
opened a brand-new, state of the
art Media Center on campus; and
as of press time, significant prog-
ress was being made in clearing
the backlog of medical paperwork
with CHS.

SIU Forges Ahead
Despite Pandemic
Continued from Page 20

DOT, MARAD Release Report on Academy
The U.S. Department of Transportation

and the Maritime Administration (MARAD)
on Nov. 24 released a new report titled,
“Organizational Assessment of the U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA):
A Path Forward” and an accompanying
Implementation Plan prepared by the Na-
tional Academy of Public Administration
(NAPA).

“USMMA students are remarkable lead-
ers committed to serving the nation and
supporting positive change,” said Acting
Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley.
“They deserve a modern, safe, and inclusive
learning environment where they have the
training and resources that will prepare them
to succeed in the U.S. merchant marine and
in our armed forces. We acknowledge, and
have been working to address, the many ur-
gent issues raised by NAPA’s report and to
put USMMA on a path to modernization.”

NAPA’s assessment affirms that USMMA
faces “longstanding systemic issues” across al-
most all areas of its operations, including edu-
cational programs; facilities maintenance and
capital management; sexual assault and sexual
harassment (SASH) prevention and response,
including during the Sea Year; diversity, equity,
and inclusion; and internal and external gover-
nance.

The full report, including numerous recom-
mendations for corrective and preventive ac-
tions, is available online.

Lakes Task Force Honors Sen. Peters
The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force has

recognized the tremendous work done by Mich-
igan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) for protecting
and advancing the Great Lakes Navigation Sys-
tem.

“Senator Peters has moved the needle on
several extremely important projects in the
Great Lakes,” the organization (to which the
SIU is affiliated) said in a news release. “He
continues to be instrumental in efficiently fund-
ing the construction of a new large navigational
lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Senator Pe-
ters understands the economic benefits of Great
Lakes shipping and the need to make our ports

competitive and reliable even during the winter
season. To that end, he cosponsored the Great
Lakes Winter Commerce Act, which would
make icebreaking a higher priority for the U.S.
Coast Guard and ensured $350 million was in-
cluded in the pending House Reconciliation Bill
for another heavy Great Lakes icebreaker. In
addition, he has worked tirelessly with the Port
of Monroe to resolve import and export issues
associated with U.S. Customs and Border Pro-
tection’s interpretation of rules that hampered
further port development with containerized
cargo.”

Council Thanks Rep. For Jones Act Support
Solidarity with the Jones Act was the topic

of a recent discussion between the leadership
of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council (PMC,
part of the Maritime Trades Department) and
a newly elected member of Congress from the
Aloha State.

During a November meeting, PMC Presi-
dent Randy Swindell and Secretary-Treasurer
Hazel Galbiso (the SIU’s port agent in Hono-
lulu) thanked U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele (D-Hawaii)
for his support. Elected to the Congress in 2020,
Kahele serves on both the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee and the House
Armed Services Committee. Kahele also is a
20-plus-year veteran of the Hawaii Air National
Guard, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The congressman reminded the PMC of-
ficials of his staunch support for the nation’s
freight cabotage law. (The Jones Act states that
cargo moved between domestic ports must be
carried aboard a U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-
built and U.S.-owned vessel.)

He referred Swindell and Galbiso to his
posted remarks on the law: “The Jones Act
plays a critical role in support of U.S. national
security. Eliminating the Jones Act would allow
foreign-built ships to operate in our domestic
trade, which only rewards countries like China
at the expense of U.S. businesses and jobs.
Jones Act carriers provide a reserve force of
well-trained seafarers who in times of national
emergency can crew reserve sealift vessels,
while ensuring the United States does not need
to rely on foreign carriers to move people and
military assets.”

Maritime BriefsMaritime Briefs



Text “Join” to 97779Text “Join” to 97779
To Sign Up for To Sign Up for
SIU Text AlertsSIU Text Alerts

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

JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 1

Outside of the SIU, the year 2021 could
easily be confused for 2020. The world was
still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,
including a number of variants which evolved
and threatened even the vaccinated population.

By December 2021, more than 48 mil-
lion cases of COVID-19 were reported in the
United States alone. At the same time, 196
million people in the U.S. have been fully
vaccinated, and an estimated 231 million
people have received at least one dose of a
COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination numbers
are always climbing, and seemingly signify a
real chance at putting the pandemic in the rear-
view mirror.

Within the SIU, 2021 arguably should be
known as the year of the contract. As of early
December, at least 15 different contracts had
been ratified during the year, and those agree-
ments dominated the Seafarers LOG head-
lines. The pandemic certainly had an effect
on how those negotiations took place, with
countless video conference calls replacing or
supplementing in-person meetings. But the
work still got done, and each contract included
major wins for Seafarers.

The following is an overview of some of the
year’s top stories for the union, the maritime
industry as a whole and the labor movement.

ContractsContracts
The year 2021 saw contract after contract

successfully negotiated and ratified, and across
the board each agreement included gains for
the covered members. Without exception, each
contract boosted wages while maintaining or
improving benefits.

Newly ratified pacts included: three-year
contracts with Crescent Towing, Seabulk,
OSG Inland, Penn Terminal, Intrepid Person-
nel and Provisioning/Crowley ATB, Argent
Marine, Crowley Towing and Transportation,
and G&H Towing; four-year agreements with
Inland Lakes Management, American Steam-
ship Company and Virginia Pilots (which has
been ratified as of press time); five-year con-
tracts with Matson and Watco Transloading,
LLC; a six-year contract with Luedtke Engi-
neering Company; and a groundbreaking nine-
year agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line
that significantly improved on the old contract.

Legislative NewsLegislative News
The Biden Administration has proven to

be a consistent ally to Seafarers, as well as

the labor movement as a whole. In January,
President Biden issued a “Buy American”
executive order, which specifically mentioned
the administration’s support of the Jones Act.
The executive order also calls for federal dol-
lars to be spent on goods made by American
workers using domestic content, and attempts
to close loopholes that have allowed jobs and
production to be shipped out of the country.
In June, the White House issued guidance to
provide transparency around the process of
waivers from the established Made in America
Laws, which includes any potential Jones Act
waivers.

As part of his Labor Day proclamation,
Biden doubled down, saying, “In my White
House, labor will always be welcome. I intend
to be the most pro-union president leading the
most pro-union administration in American
history.”

The House passed the “Protecting the Right
to Organize Act of 2019” in March, which has
been identified as a critically important piece

of legislation for the labor movement. Despite
this, no further actions have been taken regard-
ing the PRO Act.

Arbitration DecisionArbitration Decision
In August, the union lost its arbitration

against the American Maritime Association
(AMA), which had required all mariners sail-
ing aboard any of their affiliated companies’
vessels be vaccinated against COVID-19. The
union’s argument was that the AMA should
have first negotiated with the SIU, rather than
impose the mandate unilaterally.

In the months that followed, vaccine
mandates became the norm across many
industries, and federally required for all
government employees. As of December,
the union’s vaccination rates are very high,
with union employees and officials having
reached a 98 percent vaccination rate. Those
who remain unvaccinated have received
medical exemptions.

Crossing the BarCrossing the Bar
The labor community lost AFL-CIO Presi-

dent Richard Trumka on August 5. A true giant
in the movement and a longtime friend of the
SIU, Trumka helped fight for the union way of
life right up until his death, making an impas-
sioned speech in support of the Mine Workers
just days before he passed. His legacy will
continue to have a lasting impact on workers’
rights. In the wake of Trumka’s passing, Liz
Schuler was elected the next president of the
AFL-CIO. She’s the first woman to fill that
position.

Additionally, AFL-CIO President Emeritus
John Sweeney passed away February 1; Amer-
ican Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice
President Mike Finnigan died on March 19;
longtime Paul Hall Center Instructor and Di-
rector of Training J.C. Wiegman passed away
on May 5; maritime industry pioneer David
Tolan passed away on July 6; and retired SIU

Seafarers Persevere as Pandemic ContinuesSeafarers Persevere as Pandemic Continues

Continued on Page 19

Hoisting the U.S. Flag aboard the Pohang Pioneer (from center of flag, clockwise)
are:Third Assistant Engineer Emily Blake, First Assistant Engineer Hunter Smith,
Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Chief Engineer James Cook, Captain Chris Fox,
Chief Mate Bill Harris, Third Mate Callum Foley, Bosun Ahmed Ghalib, Steward
Rudy Lopez and AB Larry Rawlins.

The SIU pushed for governments to prioritize mariners for COVID-19 vaccines. The work particu-
larly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers completed their respective vaccinations
in April. That group included SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon,
ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz,
Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis
Ramos Rosa and others.

SIU’s Year in Review: 2021

The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continued providing courses for upgraders and apprentices, and also opened
a cutting-edge media center that’s being utilized for various classes. Students are pictured in the state-of-the-art facility.