Seafarers Log: Vol. 87 No. 3 (2025-03-01)

SEAFARERS LOG
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO

R E M E M B E R I N G D O N A N D E R S O N • PA G E 7 / / S I U P H I L A N T H R O P Y I N H AWA I I • PA G E 2 0

SIU Crew
Helps
Rescue
4 Boaters

MARCH 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 3

The SIU-crewed El Coqui (Crowley) rescued four stranded boaters off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Pictured among the El Coqui crew, above: Bosun Juan Carlos Negron Miro; ABs Rahsean Lillard,
Michael Ross, Jorge Soler Solis, Erick Toledo Colon and Michael Wilt; QMEDs Kirk Chambers, Jose Alicea-Sanchez and Mark Dennison; Oiler Jose Borrero Rodriguez; Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco;
Chief Cook Steven Lopez Ferrer; and SA Pedro Maysonet Gonzalez. Page 3.

NY Waterway Christens Ferry
SIU members are sailing aboard the newest addition to the NY Waterway fleet: the Jackie Robinson (below). Pictured at
the vessel’s christening ceremony are (inset, from left) Deckhand Terrence Brown, Deckhand Ziyad Gouda, Capt. Michael
Muia, and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. Page 4. (Vessel photo by Jennifer Voce-Nelson)



Boatmen at a longtime SIU-contracted company in
the south are enjoying new benefits, following cooper-
ative negotiations that concluded Jan. 7.

“After many months of discussions and negotia-
tions that began during the 2022 contract bargaining
sessions, we have successfully finalized a new paid-
time-off (PTO) plan at E.N. Bisso & Son that will
significantly benefit everyone,” reported SIU Assistant
Vice President Chris Westbrook.

The union represents approximately 70 boatmen at
Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans. They
work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard
a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and offshore
towing services.

The enhanced PTO benefit is extensive. Highlights
include immediate eligibility for all employees, includ-
ing new hires; increased annual accrual; flexibility to
use PTO for any time away from work not covered by
other leave types; and an option to sell back unused
time. Additionally, members were compensated for
unused vacation days at the end of last year.

Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Westbrook
and delegates Kevin Wells and Todd Rabalais.

Wells said the vast majority of his fellow boatmen
are quite pleased with the gains.

“They appreciate it,” he said. “Bisso was willing to
work with us, and that’s what made it so worthwhile.
And Chris did a tremendous job. The guys have a lot
of trust in him, because we know Chris has our back.”

Rabalais stated, “These are good gains for us. No
matter how you look at it, it’s money, whether you actu-
ally take the days off or cash in (up to 21 days of unused
PTO). I’ve been there 40 years, and in my younger days,
I couldn’t afford to take the time off. Now I can.”

He added, “The past several negotiations have gone
really well and had good outcomes. Chris does a great
job for us.”

Westbrook credited the delegates and the company
executives for working hard during a series of bargain-
ing sessions.

“In the end, this improved PTO plan will create a
more supportive work environment and allow our
members to manage their personal and family obli-
gations effectively,” he said. “It reflects the union’s
commitment to their wellbeing and recognizes the
importance of work-life balance.”

President’s Report

The professionalism, reliability and
compassion of SIU members never wanes, but
a few recent developments underscore those
characteristics.

As reported elsewhere in this edition, SIU
members aboard the Liberty Power helped handle
a tense situation reportedly involving Iran’s
military. Thankfully, nothing came of it, but the
“suspicious approach” incident offered a reminder
that the U.S. Merchant Marine does indeed serve
as America’s fourth arm of defense.

Around that same time, Seafarers aboard the El
Coqui helped rescue four boaters from a life raft in
Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of the
Dominican Republic. As rescues go, this one was

relatively low-key and routine, thanks in part to very favorable weather.
Nevertheless, the preparedness and efficiency of Seafarers is what helped
make it all seem normal.

Last but not least, members in Hawaii stepped up to brighten the
holidays for those less fortunate – specifically, in this case, area youth. SIU
members donated time and much-needed items, all in a spirit of genuine
philanthropy.

These are merely some of the most recent examples of what makes SIU
members special, and I salute all of you for jobs well done.


Crunching the Numbers

This year’s government report on union density showed little change
from the previous one. Something that always catches my eye, though, is
the fact that union members usually earn significantly more money and
enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. That held
true again in the most recent documentation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, a longtime friend of the SIU, pointed out
in response to the BLS report that significantly more people would choose
union representation if given the chance. That view is based on very

credible polling, and what’s equally known is that union-busting is a multi-
million-dollar industry. Companies get away with violating labor law in
organizing drives for more than one reason, but the simplest explanation is
that they do so because they can.

If you’re not a union member but happened to pick up a copy of the LOG
or are reading this column online, I’d ask you to consider why any company
would spend big money to keep a union out. Is it because they’re so worried
about protecting their employees, or is it because they want to maintain an
outsized upper hand? Without a union contract, the employer calls all the
shots.

Similarly, among the anti-worker politicians at every level of
government, why do they seem so afraid of worker empowerment through
union membership? (Obviously, there are numerous pro-worker, pro-union
politicians, too.)

I’ve long been grateful for the solid working relationships enjoyed by the
SIU with our contracted operators. We definitely clash from time to time,
but I also know we’ve had enough sense to realize we’re better off adhering
to the old maritime metaphor that a rising tide lifts all boats.

If I somehow had a chance to give the so-called elevator pitch to the
people who don’t understand the labor movement, I’d tell them that no
one ever claimed unions are perfect, but they give workers a voice, they
promote accountability – and they benefit the employer through greater
productivity, less turnover, and a healthier power dynamic.

We’ve got our work cut out for us in the labor movement, but we’ve also
got a lot to offer, and I know we’re up to the task.


Promoting SIU Job Security

I would be remiss by not saying anything about the early stages of
the new administration in the nation’s capital, relative to the maritime
industry. At the same time, I’d also be less than candid if I didn’t note that
day-to-day business is being conducted in unprecedented ways.

We are, as always, sparing no effort in promoting YOU and the American
maritime industry. This includes helping build support for the SHIPS
for America Act, educating new legislators and new personnel in the
administration about programs and laws like cargo preference and the
Jones Act, and reinforcing support from old friends.

Stay tuned, and be assured that your union is on the job every day.

2 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

David Heindel

Excellent Work by Seafarers

SIU Secures Mid-Contract Gains at E.N. Bisso & Son

Pictured Jan. 7 in New Orleans as the discussions concluded are (from left) SIU Delegate Kevin Wells, company President/CEO Matt
Holzhalb, VP Mike Vitt, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and SIU Delegate Todd Rabalais.

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers
International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-
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Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo
Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill
Assistant Editor: Aja Neal
Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes

Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved.

The SIU engaged an
environmentally
friendly printer for
the production of this
newspaper.

The SIU online: www.seafarers.org
Volume 87 Number 3 March 2025Seafarers LOG

Notice

In past years, the Seafarers Health and Benefits
Plan (SHBP) sent all participants a copy of their
Form 1095-B at the end February. This is the form
the SHBP is required to submit to the IRS every
year to report all individuals who are eligible for
“minimum essential” healthcare coverage from
the Plan.

Due to a recent change in the law, the Plan will
no longer be mailing a copy of this form to all
participants. However, if you would like to receive
a copy, please contact MAP at (800) 252-4674,
option 2, and let them know you are requesting
a copy of your Form 1095-B. The Plan will either
mail you a copy of the form; or send it by email if
you have consented to electronic notification.

Form 1095-B Available Upon
Request



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3SEAFARERS LOG • 3MARCH 2025

El Coqui Crew Rescues 4
Four recreational sailors are safe, thanks in

large part to the efforts of SIU members.
On Jan. 21, the crew of the Crowley-operated El

Coqui rescued four individuals after their sailboat
sank off the coast of the Dominican Republic.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard report, the
sailboat Mariposa had struck a submerged rock
in the shoal area of the Silver Bank waters, north
of the Dominican Republic. As the El Coqui was
diverting and responding to the distress call,
a nearby fishing vessel aided in retrieving the
stranded men from their life raft in the shal-
low waters and then transporting them to the
containership.

The crew of the El Coqui at the time of the res-
cue included: Bosun Juan Carlos Negron Miro;
ABs Rahsean Lillard, Michael Ross, Jorge Soler
Solis, Erick Toledo Colon and Michael Wilt;
QMEDs Kirk Chambers, Jose Alicea-Sanchez and
Mark Dennison; Oiler Jose Borrero Rodriguez;
Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco; Chief Cook
Steven Lopez Ferrer; and SA Pedro Maysonet
Gonzalez.

Miro said, “As the boatswain of the El Coqui, and
on behalf of my fellow union members who par-
ticipated in the rescue, we feel happy and pleased
with the work that was done during said rescue. It
is an honor as SIU sailors to respond to the call for
which we were prepared.”

The bosun continued: “My lifeboat course
was around 20 years ago, but it all came back to
me during the rescue, and definitely helped. The
weekly drills that the crew performs on the vessel
also helped greatly.”

The rescued men were David Potts, 63; John
Potts, 62; Andrew Cullar, 26; and Russell Case, 67.
The men each expressed gratitude to the entire
crew for the rescue. Case was later identified as
the brother of U.S. Congressman Ed Case (D-Ha-
waii), who has a history of opposing the Jones Act.

Miro said, “The next time our union represen-
tatives go to Congress to defend the Jones Act,
they should remind this congressman that his
brother was rescued by the crew of a ship called
El Coqui, and that it is made up of a crew that sails
with great pride and honor under the Jones Act.
Remind him that a ship that sails under this pow-
erful law saved your brother.”

No medical concerns were reported among
the rescued men, who were transported to Jack-
sonville, Florida, as the El Coqui resumed the
scheduled run.

“This incident underscores the importance
of proper emergency equipment for vessels at
sea,” said Lt. Hannah M. Boyce, Coast Guard
HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft commander for the
incident. “We are all incredibly thankful those
mariners were properly equipped. Helping those
four sailors at their worst day at sea is why we fly.”

“This incident highlights the importance of
having an emergency position indicating radio
beacon that is fully functioning and registered
in the NOAA database,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan
Borders, Coast Guard Search and Rescue mission
coordinator for the case. “Our deepest gratitude
goes out to the crews of the fishing vessel Bonanza
and of the motor vessel El Coquí for selflessly
responding in keeping with the honor and tradi-
tion of the AMVER merchant vessels that come to
the aide of fellow mariners in distress.”

Captain Kurt Breitfeller (left) - an SIU hawsepiper - congratulates
Bosun Juan Carlos Negron Miro for the crew's performance
during the rescue. Seafarers help the stranded boaters climb aboard the El Coqui.

All Hands Safe on Liberty Power
Authorities are investigating a “suspicious

approach” incident from late January reportedly
involving an Iranian “small military craft” and the
SIU-crewed Liberty Power, as well as several other
seemingly related “radio challenges” to other
ships in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

The incident reports come from the organiza-
tion United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations,
which coordinates and monitors security in the
region.

All hands are safe aboard the Liberty Power
(Liberty Maritime). In a joint communication to
the crew and officers from SIU President David
Heindel and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Asso-
ciation President Adam Vokac, the officials said
they are “greatly relieved to learn that everyone
aboard the Liberty Power is safe…. Please extend
our appreciation to the entire crew. The MEBA and
SIU have been in close coordination with Liberty

and government entities to ensure that future
transits in the region are afforded enhanced
protection.”

Heindel and Vokac extended “our sincere grati-
tude to MSC Commander Adm. (Philip) Sobeck for
his pivotal role in swiftly arranging this support.”

They concluded, “We are immensely proud of
the courage and professionalism demonstrated by
every mariner aboard, and deeply grateful for your
commitment and service to our nation.”

A few days later, the ship safely sailed to its
next destination, with air and sea escorts.

The vessel’s deck gang includes (from left) AB June Margaja, AB
Edizon Calderon, and Bosun Donald Desir.

GUDEs (from left) Heliodoro Martinez, Christopher Holmes, and
Xavion Young-Key pause for a snapshot aboard the Liberty Maritime
vessel.

Pictured from left aboard the Liberty Power are SA Rolvin Bonilla
Aranda, Chief Steward Robert Bostick, and Chief Cook Antwon
Norris.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

NY Waterway Christens New Ferry
SIU members recently welcomed new jobs aboard

a passenger ferry named after an all-time sports and
civil rights icon.

Seafarers-contracted NY Waterway on Jan. 29
christened the 500-seat Jackie Robinson during a cer-
emony at its Port Imperial Terminal in Weehawken,
New Jersey. The boat is named in honor of the Brook-
lyn Dodger legend and civil rights icon who is widely
considered as one of the most important and admired
figures in our nation’s history. Service began on what
would have been Robinson’s 105th birthday, on Jan. 31.

SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and several rank-
and-file Seafarers attended the ceremony.

“This is a great addition to the company’s fleet of
modern passenger ferries,” Henderson said. “I’m con-
fident that SIU members will do great work aboard the
boat for many years.”

NY Waterway President and CEO Armand Pohan
stated, “When a group of us was discussing a name for
our newest vessel, we kept landing on the idea of hon-
oring Jackie Robinson, a figure who is an inspiration to
all of us, and a true American icon. For those of us who
are baseball fans, Jackie Robinson epitomized the very
best of the game. He was a player of magnificent skill
and grace. He was also one of the great trailblazers in
the history of our nation, breaking Major League Base-
ball’s color barrier in 1947.

“It was a seminal moment in the cause of advanc-
ing civil rights, and specifically the rights of Black
Americans, in this country,” Pohan continued. “He,
along with Mrs. Robinson, demonstrated remarkable
courage, strength and grace in enduring the hate that
was directed their way by those who would stand in
the way of progress and equality. Jackie Robinson is,
in short, one of the most admirable and important fig-
ures in our nation’s history.”

Seafarers and NY Waterway officials were joined by
Jackie Robinson Foundation President and CEO Della
Britton and Mr. Robinson’s granddaughter, Sonya Pan-
key. The Jackie Robinson Foundation, established in
1973, is a public, nonprofit organization that admin-

isters what has been described as one of the nation’s
premier scholarship and leadership development
programs for talented college students. The Jackie
Robinson Foundation aims to educate and inspire the

general public around the ideals embodied in the life
of its namesake.

The newly built Jackie Robinson “will help provide
additional ferry service to Midtown for PATH commut-
ers during the planned month-long Hoboken PATH
closure,” NY Waterway reported. “Once in regular ser-
vice, the Jackie Robinson will provide comfortable and
reliable ferry transportation on scheduled transit and
excursion routes throughout the year.”

Pankey said, “Our family is really honored to have
the opportunity to have young people and all ... ride on
the Jackie Robinson and have an opportunity to reflect
on his legacy, not just on the baseball field, but off the
baseball field.”

Founded by Arthur Imperatore Sr. in 1986, NY
Waterway operates the nation’s largest privately
owned commuter ferry service. Prior to the pandemic
shutdown, NY Waterway carried more than 32,000 pas-
sengers each weekday on 23 routes across the Hudson
River, bringing New Jersey commuters to Manhattan
and back. In cooperation with MTA Metro North Rail-
road, ferries bring commuters from the west side of
the Hudson River in Newburgh and Haverstraw to the
Hudson Line stations in Beacon and Ossining.

On dozens of occasions, SIU-crewed NY Waterway
ferries have provided emergency service when public
transit systems are disrupted. On 9/11, NY Waterway
ferries evacuated more than 163,000 people from
Manhattan, part of the largest maritime evacuation
in history. In August 2003, when a massive blackout
shut down all Hudson River crossings, NY Waterway
carried 160,000 people home to New Jersey. SIU crews
also have rescued more than 300 people from New
York waters, most notably the 143 individuals rescued
from US Airways Flight 1549, the “Miracle on the Hud-
son” in 2009.

Pictured aboard the new addition are (foreground, from left)
Deckhand Terrence Brown, Deckhand Ziyad Gouda, Capt.
Michael Muia, and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson.

NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan addresses guests at the christening. (Photo by
Jennifer Voce-Nelson)

Sonya Pankey (right), granddaughter of the late Jackie Robinson, does the honors as the new boat is
formally welcomed. Company President/CEO Armand Pohan is at left. (Photo by Jennifer Voce-Nelson)

BLS Issues Annual
Union Density Report

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in late January
posted its yearly report concerning union member-
ship rates in the United States.

The union membership rate – the percent of wage
and salary workers who were members of unions – was
9.9 percent in 2024, little changed from the prior year.
The number of wage and salary workers belonging to
unions, at 14.3 million, also showed little movement
over the year. In 1983, the first year for which compa-
rable data are available, the union membership rate
was 20.1 percent and there were 17.7 million union
members.

Among many other findings, the BLS noted that
union workers “had median usual weekly earnings of
$1,337 in 2024, while nonunion workers had median
usual weekly earnings of $1,138.” For an entire year,
that’s a difference of more than $10,000.

Responding to the report, AFL-CIO President Liz
Shuler issued a statement that read in part, “The per-
centage of workers in a union remained flat … despite
huge organizing wins across the country and across
different sectors of the economy. It’s plain as day
that more working people want a union now than at

any point in our lifetimes. Across our economy and
in every part of the country, workers are standing
together to demand fair treatment, better wages, and
dignity and respect on the job. Our organizing has
resulted in remarkable victories in traditional and
emerging sectors like manufacturing, health care,
clean energy, infrastructure, retail and restaurants,
hospitality, and on college campuses, in technology, in
public service and much more.”

Shuler continued, “Today’s BLS numbers don’t
begin to tell the real story of the desire workers have
to join a union. The number of union elections has
doubled since 2021, boosted by efforts from the previ-
ous Biden administration to give workers a fair shot
at joining a union. In 2024 alone, there were nearly
1,800 union elections, with workers winning the vast
majority. Many of these victories are not reflected in
the numbers released today because employers are
exploiting a broken system to delay bargaining a first
contract. But these wins – including an election for the
first-ever Whole Foods union in Philadelphia just last
night (Jan. 27) – are proof positive of working people’s
incredible desire to join and form unions.”

She also pointed out that public approval for unions
“is at a nearly 70-year high because in an economy that
continues to heavily tilt to the wealthy few and leaves
workers behind, the only way to get ahead is by joining

together. The recent successful organizing campaigns
at places like Starbucks, Amazon, Volkswagen, and
other massive corporations show workers’ momen-
tum and hunger to join unions, no matter how many
hurdles bosses and anti-union politicians throw our
way. There are 60 million workers who would join
a union today if given the opportunity, but between
broken labor law and corporate bosses like Elon Musk
and Jeff Bezos engaging in often illegal union-busting
every year with little consequence, far too few get that
chance. It’s time for change.

“We call on the Trump administration to live up to
its campaign promises to support workers by priori-
tizing fixing America’s broken labor law through the
Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the
Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act,” she con-
cluded. “These bills would finally update our archaic,
broken laws and give workers what we so desperately
want: a free and fair shot at joining a union on the job.”

The data on union membership is collected as part
of the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly
sample survey of about 60,000 eligible households
that obtains information on employment and unem-
ployment among the nation’s civilian noninstitutional
population age 16 and over, according to the BLS.



A recent study by the United States Trade
Representative (USTR) puts into perspective the
relative differences between the United States
and China when it comes to maritime.

For instance, according to the USTR, China’s
global shipbuilding capacity represents more
than 50% of the world’s shipbuilding volume
today. They are now the world’s largest ship-
owner, with 19.1% of the global commercial fleet
under their control. Less than zero-point-four
percent of the world’s ships fly the U.S. flag.

China-based companies, many of whom have
direct ties to the Chinese government, own
stakes in 95 overseas ports, including the Pan-
ama Canal, and they dominate a number of other
critical maritime infrastructure sectors.

Further according to the USTR, China produces
86% of the world’s trailer chassis, 80% of the
world’s maritime cranes, and 95% of the world’s
shipping container supply. China has spent the
last 30 years dumping hundreds of billions of
dollars into its maritime industry. In that same
period, the United States has spent a comparable
pittance, and the industry scrambles each year
to convince Congress to spend the money needed
to fund the Maritime Security Program, Tanker
Security Program and various other maritime
programs at their fully authorized levels.

While the USTR report intentionally did not
include recommendations – its purpose was
mainly to identify the scope of the problem –
there is plenty of hope for progress, specifically
in the form of the recently introduced SHIPS for
America Act. This legislation, which is expected
to be reintroduced in the current Congress, is
the most comprehensive maritime bill in more
than half a century. It features a broad array of
concrete recommendations to revitalize our
industry, including steps to increase our own
maritime power while scaling back China’s.

The USTR report is the culmination of an
investigation began last year after five labor
organizations – the Maritime Trades Depart-
ment, Steelworkers, Machinists, Electrical
Workers, and Boilermakers – filed a petition
requesting an examination into China’s mari-
time policies. Under the invocation of Section
301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the USTR compiled
data gathered through the scrutiny of China’s
practices targeting the maritime, logistics, and
shipbuilding sectors for dominance, and issued
a report on the findings of their investigation in

mid-January. This law allows the U.S. to impose
tariffs or import restrictions on foreign nations
that employ an act, policy, or practice consid-
ered “unreasonable or discriminatory” or which
“burdens or restricts United States commerce.”
Since 2018, this law has been utilized by both the
Trump and Biden administrations to impose tar-
iffs on Chinese imports, according to the USTR.

The new report stated, “The results of this
investigation provide a basis for finding that
responsive action is appropriate.” The report
thoroughly details the scope of China’s planning
to maintain its outsized presence in the maritime
industry and emphasizes it as a point of concern.

The USTR asserts that China’s maritime
practices prevent competition between other
maritime businesses and result in lost sales,
under-investment in capacity, diminished abil-
ity to attract financing, and lost jobs and lower
wages.

For nearly three decades, the USTR contends,
China has employed “increasingly aggressive and
specific targets in pursuing dominance of the
maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.”
The USTR says that certain policies enacted
by China in their maritime planning unfairly
depress costs or provide advantages. For exam-
ple, enterprises within the Chinese shipbuilding
supply chain benefit from the country’s lack of
effective labor rights and the use of forced or
compulsory labor.

Another obstructive policy identified in the
report has resulted in foreign companies in
existing markets being displaced while Chinese
companies gain market share and acquire new,
developing markets. China’s rapidly growing
market share of high-technology ships is one
such example of the country’s strategy in action.
According to the USTR’s report, China’s initial
target was 20 percent of global market share by
2011, but now the country aims to achieve 50 per-
cent global market share by the end of 2025. For
maritime engineering equipment, China initially
targeted 10 percent of global market share by 2011
and currently seeks 40 percent market share by
the end of 2025.

The USTR also says that China revealed the
capacity and willingness to weaponize depen-
dencies and vulnerabilities through economic
coercion to influence policies in their favor, or to
punish other countries for policies that offend
China.

The USTR’s Section 301 Committee has sched-
uled a hearing for March 11, 2025. According to
the USTR’s press release, upon finding that an
act, policy, or practice is actionable under section
301 of the Trade Act, the U.S. Trade Representa-
tive must determine what action, if any, to take to
eliminate that act, policy, or practice. The USTR
will determine which responsive actions will be
considered during the investigation’s next stage.

SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5SEAFARERS LOG • 5MARCH 2025

Duffy Confirmed as DOT Secretary
On Jan. 28, the United States Senate con-

firmed Sean Duffy as the new Secretary of
Transportation, a move welcomed and endorsed
by stakeholders in the domestic maritime
community.

Duffy was confirmed with bipartisan sup-
port, as reflected in the vote count: 77-22. He
takes the helm at a department that oversees
vital maritime components including the Mari-
time Administration. Before confirmation, Duffy
received the endorsement of the American Mar-
itime Partnership (AMP), a major coalition to
which the SIU is affiliated.

According to AMP, Duffy has a strong history
with maritime from his time as an elected official
representing Wisconsin’s 7th District between
2011-2019. During Duffy’s time in Congress, he
was co-chairman of the Great Lakes Maritime
Task Force, a coalition of labor and management
from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and
longshore unions, port authorities, cargo ship-
pers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other
Great Lakes interests. The SIU is part of that
coalition.

“AMP particularly appreciates congressman
Duffy’s unequivocal support for the Jones Act

as expressed during his Commerce Committee
confirmation hearing,” AMP president Jennifer
Carpenter wrote in a letter to Senate Majority
Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) dated Jan-
uary 15.

The confirmation also received praised form
elected officials in Congress.

“I want to congratulate Sean Duffy on his
confirmation to serve as the next United States
Secretary of Transportation,” said Transporta-
tion and Infrastructure Committee Chairman
Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri). “I am confident
that under the secretary’s leadership we can
improve America’s infrastructure by focusing
our investments on core projects like roads and
bridges, streamlining project delivery, and get-
ting the department back to the fundamental
missions of federal transportation programs –
moving people and goods safely and efficiently.”

The Jones Act has aided U.S. national, eco-
nomic and homeland security for more than
a century. The law requires that cargo moving
between domestic ports is carried aboard ves-
sels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned
American.

In 2019, a PricewaterhouseCoopers study
revealed the law helps maintain 650,000 Amer-
ican jobs found in every state and territory,
contributing billions of dollars each year to the
nation’s economy. In addition, the Jones Act
provides for a pool of well-trained, reliable U.S.
citizen mariners available to sail aboard U.S.-flag
military support vessels in times of crisis.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy (center) is joined by his
wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, as he is ceremonially sworn in by
Vice President JD Vance. (Photo courtesy DOT)

USTR Report Details China’s Targeting of Marine Sectors

Former U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai launched the
probe into China’s maritime practices last year. The resultant
report was issued days before the new administration was
sworn in. (White House photo)

The 182-page report (cover is shown above) is linked on the SIU
website.



6 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

Support for Domestic Maritime Evident in U.S. House Hearing
The year’s first hearing of a crucial House subcom-

mittee reinforced support for the Jones Act and for
other U.S. maritime industry components.

SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoen-
eman, who also serves as chairman of the coalition USA
Maritime, testified at the Feb. 5 hearing of the Subcom-
mittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation,
part of the Transportation and Infrastructure Com-
mittee. Also testifying were Paul Anderson, president
and chief executive officer, Port Tampa Bay; Joe Rella,
president, St. Johns Ship Building, Inc., on behalf of the
Shipbuilders Council of America; and Tom Reynolds,
chief strategy officer, Seasats, on behalf of the Associ-
ation for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.

The hearing was titled “America Builds: Maritime
Infrastructure.”

In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman
U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) pointed out that
the hearing is a continuation of the parent commit-
tee’s “America Builds” series “to discuss the nation’s
maritime infrastructure.”

Ezell also noted, “In order to participate in coast-
wise trade between two domestic points, a ship must
be Jones Act-qualified, meaning the ship is U.S.-built,
U.S.-crewed, and U.S.-owned. The Jones Act is a fun-
damental statute for the domestic maritime industry.
The Jones Act is quite literally the bedrock and foun-
dation of our nation’s shipbuilding industrial base
because it helps to maintain a pool of qualified Amer-
ican mariners that we rely on to transport goods and
our military, in times of peace and war.”

He added, “Unfortunately, the rise of the ship-
building industries of global competitors has led to
a decline in our own shipbuilding capacity. Coastal

Mississippi, and the Gulf Coast as a whole, is home to
several shipyards employing thousands of Americans.
I look forward to discussing ways to reinvigorate this
critical industry.”

Schoeneman told the legislators, “The goal of this
hearing is to discuss the current state of our maritime
infrastructure. I would rate our infrastructure a solid
C. There’s much work to be done if we’re going to catch
up to the rest of the world, particularly China, who has
invested billions, if not trillions, into their maritime
sector.”

He stated, “In less than 30 years, China has emerged
as the dominant commercial maritime power. They
are the world’s largest shipowner. They are the
world’s largest shipbuilder and they control most of
the world’s trailer chassis, maritime cranes and ship-
ping container supply. In that same time period, the
United States has invested a pittance and our industry
scrambles, each year, to convince Congress to spend
the money needed to adequately fund our handful
of government programs like the Maritime Security
Program.”

Schoeneman asked the subcommittee members
for support of the laws and programs that keep the
industry afloat.

“America needs more mariners, we need more cargo
and we need more ships of all types, from icebreakers
and fireboats to oceangoing commercial vessels,” he
said. “We can fix these problems by making maritime a
priority again, like it has been in our past. We continue
to work hard to solve our current mariner shortage.”

He added, “When it comes to ships, we’re not living
up to our aspirations. Current law says America must
have a merchant marine sufficient to carry a substan-
tial portion of our waterborne foreign commerce. We
don’t do this. Our fleet carries less than two percent
of our foreign commerce and represents less than 0.4
percent of the world’s shipping fleet. We saw the dam-
age overreliance on foreign shipping creates during
the most recent supply chain crisis. More U.S.-flag
market share will help to strengthen the resilience of
our national supply chain…. For us to compete against
China, we must change our priorities and it needs to
start today.”

Later, during a question-and-answer period,
Schoeneman said the Jones Act is “fundamental” to
national security. Also during the question-and-an-
swer segment, he explained the massive value of cargo
preference laws to numerous Americans from differ-
ent industries, not just maritime.

Rella (from St. Johns Ship Building) weighed in on
America’s freight cabotage law: “From our industry’s
perspective, the Jones Act is absolutely essential to
the commercial shipbuilding sector,” he said. “The

Jones Act, which comes at no cost to the U.S. govern-
ment, helps maintain a merchant marine to carry our
domestic waterborne commerce. The law also ensures
that the U.S. maintains critical shipyard infrastructure
and an associated skilled workforce that can build,
repair, modernize and maintain the more than 40,000
vessels of the domestic Jones Act fleet. This indus-
trial base also ensures there is a sufficient workforce
to support the construction and repair of our critical
national security fleets.”

At different points in the hearing, various legisla-
tors weighed in with their concern for, and support of
American maritime. Ranking Member Salud Carbajal
(D-California) said, “While we have made great strides
in recent years in bolstering our ports, waterways
and maritime industry, we cannot take our foot off
the pedal. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, alone,
invested more than $17 billion in our ports and water-
ways. This funding has been used to fund repairs,
upgrades and replacements to reduce port and vessel
congestion and to strengthen our supply chain. In
addition, cutting emissions near ports by boosting
electrification and investing in other low-carbon tech-
nologies to reduce overall environmental impacts is
critically important, as we continue to battle climate
change.”

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington), ranking
member of the full committee, stated, “I was heartened
to hear (Transportation) Secretary (Sean) Duffy’s sup-
port for the Jones Act during his confirmation hearing.
The Jones Act has strong support among members of
this committee.

It’s critical to the maritime industry.”
(Video of the entire hearing, along with copies of pre-

pared remarks, are linked on the SIU website.)Subcommittee Chairman U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi)

SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right)
confers with fellow panelist Tom Reynolds immediately after the
hearing.

SARC - Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Mariners
Since 1975, the SARC (Seafarers Addiction Reha-

bilitation Center) has been helping mariners find
their way back to successful careers in the shipping
industry. Under the new direction of Chris Leeman,
LCMFT, LAC, SAP, they have modernized the curricu-
lum and added to the staff.

In reopening the facility, particular attention was
paid to updating the curriculum. The facility’s thera-
pist is certified in updated techniques, and the SARC
is unique in its primary mission: providing program-
ming to specifically target the mariners’ culture with
integrity and respect. The facility offers scenic vistas
of the Chesapeake Bay in a home-style atmosphere,
including private rooms for those in the program.

According to Leeman, “While you are here, you
will be treated with respect as merchant mariners.
You will have the opportunity for one-on-one coun-
seling and group counseling designed to address your
goals for your future success. The facility is designed
for co-ed treatment, and you will be able to complete
your U.S. Coast Guard-approved evaluation and com-
pletion requirements with people who know and
understand the requirements of the USCG.”

He added: “Alcohol and drug use is common
among zero-tolerance industries, but you don’t need
to wait until there is a mandatory suspension of your

credentials to ask for help. If you suspect you have
a problem, you can act before the consequence. Your
union provides 100% evaluation and treatment that
is paid for if you have the required sea time.”

If a Seafarer thinks he or she may have a problem
with drug or alcohol use, they may call the center

directly or contact their port agent. Please call the
SARC directly to learn more about intake dates, or
for specific questions you may have concerning
treatment.

Direct contact:
Administrative Assistant Kerrie Thompson
301-710-9070 | Kthompson@seafarers.org

The Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (Photo courtesy of Chris Leeman)



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7SEAFARERS LOG • 7MARCH 2025

Retired Asst. VP Anderson Passes Away
The SIU is mourning the loss of retired Assis-

tant Vice President Don Anderson, who died Jan.
18 in La Belle, Texas, following a short battle with
cancer. He was 74 years old.

Anderson worked for the union for 33 years,
after sailing on tugboats from 1969-73. He served
in a range of shore-side positions including
organizer, patrolman, port agent, headquarters
representative, and assistant vice president. At
various times, he was based in St. Louis; Hous-
ton; Philadelphia; Port Arthur, Texas; Tacoma,
Washington; and Wilmington, California. He
retired in October 2006.

Colleagues remembered Anderson as versa-
tile, generous, dedicated and likeable.

SIU President David Heindel stated, “I am
deeply saddened by the passing of our dear
friend, brother and colleague, Donnie Anderson.
Donnie was a man of immense generosity and
kindness, always opening his home to Seafarers
in need – whether they required a place to rest
or simply a warm meal. His compassion knew no
bounds, welcoming everyone, whether he knew
them personally or not.

“Those fortunate enough to stay with Donnie
may have even been treated to a trip to his favor-
ite fishing spot, where they could experience
firsthand his passion for reeling in a prized Texas
bass,” Heindel continued. “Donnie’s presence,
friendship, and unwavering dedication to our
brotherhood will be greatly missed by all who
knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his
family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

SIU Vice President Government Services Joe
Vincenzo said, “Donnie was a friend indeed.
When I first came ashore in 2003 to help man
the Tacoma, Washington, hall where Donnie
worked, I was still living in Hood River, Oregon,
more than 200 miles to the south. Donnie opened
his home to me for the better part of one year,
giving me time to list and sell my house and get
situated near the hall. He expected nothing in
return, except maybe listening to him spin tales
over many a late-night beer or watching for Big-
foot in the nearby forests of the Gifford Pinchot
National Park.”

Vincenzo added, “I had the privilege of working
alongside Donnie right up until he retired. I can
say with clear eyes that I have not seen another
union official quite like him. Seafarers will
appreciate this: In the days when the registration
list hovered around 300, job calls were compet-
itive and sometimes contentious, and monthly
dispatches topped 170, Donnie was a machine
on the counter, which he often described as a
‘buzzsaw.’ And he could handle it alone! Donnie
was the type of person you responded to whether
out of respect or because you liked him. He was
both a much-needed hammer at times and a soft
landing for Seafarers who were down on their

luck. Donnie had an indominable spirit, which
might be confused with stubbornness, and an
uncanny ability to always bounce back. I will
always remember his boisterous laugh. He will
be missed; he is missed already.”

SIU Vice President Great Lakes and Inland
Waters Bryan Powell also worked closely with
Anderson. He stated, “Don was always willing
to go the extra mile for members. I appreciated
his dedication to the SIU and am grateful to have
counted him as a colleague, and a friend, too.”

SIU pensioner John Cox, a former port agent
and tugboat captain, said, “I was at Crowley Tow-
ing and Transportation in Los Angeles/Long
Beach when Don was port agent in Wilmington.
He was always kind and helpful with everyone,
and was liked by all.”

A St. Louis native, Anderson was active in
the labor movement beyond his specific duties
within the SIU. Among other endeavors, he
served as a delegate with the Los Angeles County
AFL-CIO, and worked with the Maritime Trades
Department’s local port council in southern Cali-
fornia. He also served on the American Merchant
Marine Veterans Memorial Committee, and was
appointed to a slot with the Los Angeles County
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Anderson was appointed as an SIU assis-
tant vice president in 1989, and subsequently
re-elected before his retirement.

In a communication recapping his career, he
wrote, “I have always held it to be most noble to
be so involved in the labor movement and in par-
ticular the SIU. It is amazing to me when I look
back on times past and realize how far we have
come, as a union and the industry as a whole.”

This 2016 snapshot features retiree Don Anderson (middle)
and other volunteers pitching in for the annual “Paint Tacoma”
project.

As part of his retirement festivities in 2006, Anderson fills a plate during a barbeque at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington.

Anderson (right) receives a commemorative ship’s wheel in 2006 from then-SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell.
In 1988, SIU Port Agent Don Anderson (center) meets with (from left) ABs Dino Chappas and
Kenith Simbler aboard the Inger (Sealift) in Crockett, California.



8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 20238 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

Editor’s note: Rafael
Alvarez recently
crossed the North
Atlantic on the Maersk
Ohio as a correspon-
dent for the Seafarers
LOG, and filed this
story. The son of a life-
time SIU member who
sailed as chief engi-
neer, Alvarez has been
a working reporter
for nearly 50 years. In
his younger days he

sailed as a wiper and ordinary seaman. He can be
reached via orlo.leini@gmail.com

Before he was an AB in the SIU, before he
became Virginia’s “Godfather of Italian Ice,”
Blake Braye wasn’t sure what work, if any,
would be his true calling.

“I don’t come from a seafaring family,” said
the Chesapeake, Virginia, native, 44, echoing
a common theme among modern sailors both
licensed and unlicensed. Braye spoke from the
crew’s mess aboard the Maersk Ohio in January
2025, a year after a fire destroyed his home in
Chesapeake.

A friend had been going to sea as an oiler,
making good money. He saw potential in Braye,
then in his 30s, and used the example of another
guy as motivation. Let’s call the other man Fred,
a freelance mechanic who fixed cars in the
neighborhood, getting by as best he could.

“Life,” said Braye, “had passed him by.”
The oiler told Braye that his future didn’t

look much better, noting that at least Fred could
fix cars. Braye heard what the man was saying,
felt it in his bones.

“I was idling from job to job. He kind of forced
me to get out here,” he said. Before you could
say Harry Lundeberg, Braye was at Piney Point
learning the trade and shipping out of Norfolk.
He earned his AB ticket in 2017 and holds an
A-seniority book. He is married with two sons,
ages 5 and 1, and a 25-year-old daughter.

Before the SIU-affiliated school tweaked its
guidelines for apprentices, newcomers spent
time in each of the three departments before
settling on a career. Something of a cook already
– his macaroni and cheese won first place one
year at a family Thanksgiving – Braye appren-
ticed in the steward department in 2015.

“My goal was to make money and explore the
world,” he said. “I was going to be the best chief
cook they ever seen.”

After his turn through the steward depart-
ment he decided “the galley ain’t for me” and
moved to the deck. But the idea to wow the
world while rattling pots and pans never left,
churning in his mind like so much frozen cus-
tard as he chipped paint, stood watch and threw
lines. During his first five years as a Seafarer
he sailed at least eight months a year, putting
money in the bank to make his culinary dreams
come true on shore.

While sailing as an OS aboard the Hapag-
Lloyd containership Philadelphia Express he
went ashore in Antwerp in search of waffles.

“I love waffles,” he said, excited to try the
real thing – a Liege or Brussels style – not the
midnight special at a Waffle House along the
highway. The Liege tends to be oval, made with
pearl sugar and a bit chewy, sold from street
carts, often with chocolate sauce. Brussels are
crispy, a perfect, golden rectangle made with

pearl sugar, square divots deep enough to hold
slices of fruit.

Braye loved them both. He began thinking of
ways to bring the treat home to his sleek, silver
food trailer – think of an Airstream with a food
counter – where in the summer he sells Italian
ice and non-dairy ice cream made with his own
flavors. Most everyone loves chicken and waf-
fles, so why not mold the Liege into a cone and
put crispy tenders inside, perhaps with a little
homemade ice cream on top?

Convinced that he’d “make a killing,” he
launched the business in 2023 and did well. It
was a year later – last January – that his house
was destroyed by fire. He received aid from the
SIU’s disaster relief fund but was set back more
than a year.

Which means more sailing, more putting
money away for a better day and prepping for
the upgrade to bosun when the time comes. And
working on new flavors for the summer ahead.

Blake Braye – Able-Bodied Seaman
Sea Stories

Rafael Alvarez

AB Blake Braye

ITF Reports 2024 as Worst Year on Record for Mariner Abandonment
New data from the International Transport

Workers’ Federation (ITF) reveals abandonment
of mariners by shipowners “is spiraling out of
control, increasing nearly two-fold with 3,133
seafarers abandoned in 2024 compared to 1,676
in 2023.”

The federation, to which the SIU is affiliated,
released the data earlier this year. According to
the ITF, “A total of 312 vessels were abandoned
last year compared to 132 vessels in 2023 – a stag-
gering 136% increase. Twenty-eight ships were
also responsible for abandoning multiple crews
in the same year, with three vessels reported
three times and 25 reported twice.”

An ITF report, submitted to the Interna-
tional Maritime Organization (IMO), details the
skyrocketing increase in the reported abandon-
ment, and highlights the failure of the so-called
flags-of-convenience system “that is central to
ongoing impunity for abuses of seafarers’ rights.”

As explained by the ITF, abandoned mari-
ners can experience months of unpaid wages,
extremely poor on-board conditions, inade-
quate food and a lack of clean drinking water,
and long periods of work without proper rest. In
some cases, they are left completely stranded for
months – even years – on end.

“The lack of enforcement and responsiveness
from flag and port states, the lack of insurance
for vessels, and shipowners refusing to accept
that they are mistreating their crew are common
factors that contribute to abandonment and com-
plicate the resolution of cases,” the federation
reported.

ITF Global Inspectorate Coordinator Steve
Trowsdale said, “The year 2024 was the worst year
on record for seafarer abandonment. Ninety per-
cent of global trade takes place through maritime

transport, and seafarers are the backbone of this
industry. It’s an absolute disgrace that unscrupu-
lous shipowners are abandoning so many crews
with impunity by governments and international
regulators. This is nothing less than a betrayal of
the key workers of global trade.”

Sanjay (not his real name) is one of these
workers. Stranded on board a tug without pay for
15 of the 29 months he’s been working, he’s seen
three different crews come and go – each crew
has left the vessel unpaid.

“All I’ve had are false promises that I will be
paid and allowed to leave,” he said. “I keep work-
ing despite everything because I don’t want the
crew to suffer, and I am the only engineer on
board. But I’m losing hope as each day passes.”

Sanjay is owed around $40,000 – money which
is vital for his family as the only earning member.
He has been forced to sell his family heirlooms to
make ends meet back home.

Sanjay is one of the 899 Indian mariners aban-
doned by shipowners last year. They remain the
largest cohort of those stranded at sea, followed
by 410 Syrians, 288 Ukrainians, 273 Filipinos and
192 Indonesians. A total of $20.1 million is owed
to mariners in unpaid wages, of which the ITF
has recovered $10.4 million so far.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the
port state of choice for vessel abandonments,
accounting for 42 in 2024 (the second-highest
port state for abandonment was Türkiye with
25 vessels). Dubai has become one of the fastest
growing hubs for the maritime industry over the
last five years. Lower taxes, cost of living and
housing are proving attractive to shipowners,
brokers and managers, shipping banks, shipping
lawyers, and freight traders alike.

“Free Trade Zones” across the UAE (of which
there are 46) are also helping to attract global
companies with incentives like tax exemptions
and streamlined customs procedures. But the
lack of regulation is leaving more and more mari-
ners stranded, with vessels owned or managed by
UAE companies also responsible for the largest
proportion of all abandonments.

Moreover, 90 percent of abandoned vessels
in 2024 sailed under a flag of convenience, also
known as a runaway flag. While Panama remains
the flag with the most abandonments (43), there
are a number of other flag states with a stark
increase in cases. Palau (37), Tanzania (30),
Comoros (29), Cameroon (20) and Bahrain (16) all
recorded double figures in 2024. Alarmingly, 20
cases were reported on vessels on which there
was no flag, or a flag could not be identified,
more than doubling the number of cases in this
category.

ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said,
“The scandalous rise in reported cases of sea-
farer abandonment exposes the ugly truth of an
industry which has relied on unchecked exploit-
ative practices and lack of global regulation for
far too long. But the solution lies in plain sight:
better regulation, enforcement and accountabil-
ity from governments.

“By reporting so many cases, seafarers are
sending a clear message,” he continued. “They’ve
had enough of being treated like slaves. The
industry must wake up and take robust action.
Those responsible must be held to account and
punished. Anything less gives a green light to
these appalling abuses of fundamental labor and
human rights.”

Got a good sea story for The LOG? E-mail Alvarez via orlo.leini@gmail.com



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9SEAFARERS LOG • 9MARCH 2025

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

NOT AN EVERYDAY SIGHT ‒ SIU Capt. Nolte Lincks III is pictured in mid-January on a rare snow day in New Orleans, on board and
near some Crescent Towing tugs.

BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC ‒ Three Seafarers recently picked up their respective books at the hiring hall in Michigan. Left in each photo, starting with photo at far left, are AB Mossa Mohamed
(A-seniority book), AB/Wheelsman Tom Martin (A book), and OS Ali Saleh (B book). Safety Director Jason Brown is at right in each photo.

ABOARD ARC DEFENDER ‒ Recertified Bosun Laurentis Colbert (center) and Safety Director Jose Argueta (left) are pictured with
Paul Hall Center apprentices on the TOTE ship in Baltimore, in late January.

ABOARD GEORGE II ‒ Pictured from left aboard
the Sunrise Operations vessel in Hawaii are
Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez Morales, SIU
Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, and Recertified Bosun
Glenn Christianson.

CONGRATS IN ALABAMA ‒ OMU Joshua Irvine (right) receives his
full B book. He’s pictured at the Mobile hall with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean
Corgey, following the January membership meeting.

MILESTONE IN FLORIDA ‒ Chief Cook Norma
Baucan (right) receives her A-seniority book.
She’s pictured earlier this year at the Jacksonville
hall with Safety Director Adam Bucalo.

ABOARD MAHIMAHI ‒ Keeping their shipmates well-fed aboard the Matson vessel are (from left, photo above)
Chief Cook Salah Omar, ACU Taleb Alarqaban, and Recertified Steward Frank Ramones.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1010 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

SEAFARER EARNS SAFETY AWARD ‒ Congratulations to Chief Cook Ludi Zamudio on earning Crowley’s monthly
safety award for January. She’s at left in photo above, left (holding the award certificate), with SIU Asst. VP Kris
Hopkins, and in the foreground of the other snapshot, with Chief Steward Prasert Mastrototaro. Both photos were taken
aboard the Golden State.

BIG MOMENT IN TEXAS ‒ AB Andres Martinez (left) obtains
his A-seniority book in early January. He’s pictured at the
Houston hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick.

ABOARD MANOA ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Matson vessel on the West Coast (photo above, left) are Chief Cook
Arjay Hermoso and SIU Port Agent Duane Akers.

WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII ‒ Longtime engine-
department Seafarer Jonas Bocaya (left) receives his first
pension check from SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso at the
Honolulu hall. He sailed with the union for 33 years, including
as a QE4.

TAKING THE OATH IN VIRGINIA ‒ OS Trevon McCauley receives his full book at the Norfolk hall, during the January
membership meeting. He’s pictured taking the oath and then shaking hands with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey.

PROMOTING MARITIME IN PUERTO RICO ‒ When the National Security Multi-Mission vessel Patriot State docked
in the territory on Jan. 25, the ship hosted an open house to promote maritime career opportunities. The joint effort
involved the SIU, TOTE, Mass Maritime, the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR), and the Labor Council for
Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). Among those pictured near the vessel are Safety Director Ricky Rivera (left)
along with personnel from TOTE and from a local school.

(ALMOST) ABOARD USNS WHEELER ‒ Pictured next
to the TOTE ship in Seattle are (from left) AB Ryan Hills and
Recertified Bosun Christopher Janics.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11SEAFARERS LOG • 11MARCH 2025

At Sea & Ashore with the SIU

ABOARD USNS ROBERT SIMANEK ‒ Seafarers appear to be in good spirits as they gather for a union meeting earlier
this year aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Pictured are Bosun Dhindo Faulve, SA Tahj Ligon, SA Ahmad Jones, QMED
Rahsaan Alexander, QMED Christopher Emanuel, Oiler William Kilbuck, Storekeeper Felix Rosado, Chief Steward Anthony
Jackson, AB Alan Boiser, Chief Cook Leigh Deano, Oiler Torina Brooks, AB Mohamed Saleh, STOS Quasia Clinkscales, and Oiler
Anquette Smith.

CATCHING UP IN SAN JUAN ‒ Chatting at the hall in
Puerto Rico are AB Victor Cortes Maldonado (right) and
Safety Director Ricky Rivera.

HONING SKILLS IN PINEY POINT ‒ Hands-on training remains a staple at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in southern Maryland. Students are pictured (above and below) at the
school late last year and earlier in 2025.

ABOARD USNS SUPPLY ‒ SIU VP Government Services Joe Vincenzo (left in photo above, right) and SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain (left in remaining non-ship photo) meet in late January with CIVMARS
aboard the Military Sealift Command ship. Among other topics, they discussed several initiatives that are underway aimed at improving work-life balance.



12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202312 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

Pic from the Past

This 1993 photo from the LNG Taurus includes (front to back) Recertified Stewards Shawn Fujiwara and Judi Chester, and Chief Cook Janet Lyson.

Inquiring SeafarerDavid Heindel, President
Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President

Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer
George Tricker, Vice President Contracts
Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast

Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast
Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast

Joe Vincenzo, Vice President
Government Services

Bryan Powell,
Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters

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JOLIET
10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-8002

MOBILE
1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605

(251) 478-0916

NEW ORLEANS
3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

(504) 328-7545

NORFOLK
115 Third Street, 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) 549-4000

SIU DirectorySIU Directory

This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent SIU Tallying Committee.

Question: What’s something you wish more people knew about the maritime industry?

Ali Alhamyari
Recertified Bosun

I’d want them to know about
the sacrifice that we make
on a daily basis, leaving our
families and loved ones at
home. I think that would result
in more appreciation.

Lamont Faulks
Recertified Steward

Probably that we spend more
time at sea than the Navy.
You’re probably going to miss
a lot of holidays and birthdays
working in this industry, but
it’s all worth it.

Kyle Jolivette
Chief Cook

A lot of people don’t
understand how things
get to and from America.
They probably just see
18-wheelers and don’t know
the 18-wheelers go to the
shipyard and pick those
containers up, and those
containers are directly coming
off of the ships.

Tom Drummond
AB

Just in general, not that
many people even know it’s
a career option. I think that’s
the biggest thing, and that’s
probably why it can be a
struggle to recruit people.

Samuel Fanjoy
Electrician

I wish people knew how
much the industry affected
everyone’s day-to-day lives,
and how much the country
and the world in general
depend on the maritime
industry.

Patrick Slade
AB

I wish more people knew the
reality of it. You make good
money, but people sometimes
don’t take into consideration
that you’re going to be away
from your family. Some
people also think they’ll make
x-amount of dollars as soon
as they come out here, but it
doesn’t work like that.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13SEAFARERS LOG • 13MARCH 2025

DEEP SEA
MARK BILLIOT
Brother Mark Billiot, 58, started
sailing with the Seafarers Interna-
tional Union in 1988. He shipped
in the deck department and
upgraded at the union-affiliated
Piney Point school on multiple
occasions. Brother Billiot’s first
vessel was the Libra; his last, the
North Star. He makes his home in New Orleans.

GREGORIO CUDAL
Brother Gregorio Cudal, 67, joined
the Seafarers in 1987, initially sail-
ing aboard the Charles L. Brown.
He upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center and shipped as a deck
department member. Brother
Cudal most recently sailed aboard
the Badlands Trader. He calls Ewa
Beach, Hawaii, home.

RUBEN DATU
Brother Ruben Datu, 68, became
a member of the union in 2000
when he sailed aboard the Inde-
pendence. A deck department
member, he upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Datu concluded his
career aboard the Cape Inscription.
He lives in The Philippines.

JONATHAN DELOTTA
Brother Jonathan Delotta, 67, donned the SIU colors
in 1990. He worked in the engine department and
was employed with GFC Crane Consultants for the
duration of his career. Brother Delotta resides in
Davie, Florida.

FRANK DOWLING
Brother Frank Dowling, 65, signed
on with the Seafarers in 1987. He
sailed in the steward department
and upgraded at the Paul Hall
Center on multiple occasions.
Brother Dowling first sailed on the
Independence. He last shipped on
the USNS Watkins and settled in
Kailua, Hawaii.

GEORGE GODICIU
Brother George Godiciu, 69, joined
the union in 1995, initially sailing
aboard the USNS Algol. He sailed
in the deck department, most
recently aboard the Overseas Ana-
cortes. Brother Godiciu makes his
home in Bellaire, Texas.

TOYOKAZU GONZALES
Brother Toyokazu Gonzales, 65,
signed on with the SIU in 1981
when he shipped on the Atlantic.
He sailed in the steward depart-
ment and upgraded at the Piney
Point school on multiple occa-
sions. Brother Gonzales’ final
vessel was the USNS Fisher. He
lives in Riverside, California.

WILLIAM KANE
Brother William Kane, 65, started
sailing with the Seafarers in 1981.
A steward department member, he
first sailed on the Intrepid. Brother
Kane upgraded often at the Paul
Hall Center. He most recently
worked on the Overseas Nikiski
and resides in Dunedin, Florida.

LARRY MCCANTS
Brother Larry McCants, 67, began
his career with the Seafarers Inter-
national Union in 1979 when he
shipped on the Overseas Alice. He
worked in the deck department
and upgraded at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions.
Brother McCants last sailed on the
Liberty Wave and settled in Mobile, Alabama.

KEVIN MILES
Brother Kevin Miles, 64, joined
the union in 1979 when he sailed
on the John Penn. He worked
in the engine department and
upgraded at the Paul Hall Center
on numerous occasions. Brother
Miles concluded his career aboard
the Vision. He lives in Green Cove
Springs, Florida.

ORLANDO PAJARILLO
Brother Orlando Pajarillo, 65,
became an SIU member in 2000,
initially sailing aboard the Inde-
pendence. He worked in the engine
department and upgraded on sev-
eral occasions at the Piney Point
school. Brother Pajarillo’s final
vessel was the Horizon Spirit. He
calls Ewa Beach, Hawaii, home.

LAURA REED
Sister Laura Reed, 65, became a member of the
union in 1995. She first shipped on the Independence
and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple
occasions. Sister Reed primarily sailed in the deck
department and concluded her career aboard the
Horizon Kodiak. She lives in Graham, Washington.

LIZZIE ROBINSON
Sister Lizzie Robinson, 65, joined
the Seafarers in 2003 when she
shipped on the Lykes Explorer. A
steward department member, she
upgraded at the Piney Point school
on numerous occasions. Sister
Robinson most recently sailed
aboard the Washington. She makes
her home in New Orleans.

TONY SIVOLA
Brother Tony Sivola, 61, started
sailing with the SIU in 1989. He
first shipped on the Independence
and worked in the deck depart-
ment. Brother Sivola upgraded on
numerous occasions at the Paul
Hall Center. He most recently
sailed on the Presque Isle and
resides in Vinton, Iowa.

RICHARD TANKERSLEY
Brother Richard Tankersley, 65,
embarked on his career with the
SIU in 1981, first sailing aboard the
Santa Mercedes. He sailed in all
three departments, and upgraded
at the Piney Point school on multi-
ple occasions. Brother Tankersley
concluded his career on the Global
Mariner. He lives in Titusville, Florida.

LEODIANE TORRENUEVA
Brother Leodiane Torrenueva,
65, joined the Seafarers in 1997.
He was a deck department mem-
ber and first sailed aboard the
American Cormorant. Brother Tor-
renueva upgraded his skills at the
Paul Hall Center on multiple occa-
sions. He most recently shipped
aboard the Midnight Sun and resides in Auburn,
Washington.

INLAND
JOHN BUNTING
Brother John Bunting, 76, began his career with the
Seafarers International Union in 1996. He worked in
the deck department and was employed with Crow-
ley for the duration of his career. Brother Bunting
resides in Newfield, New Jersey.

GERARD MCGOVERN
Brother Gerard McGovern, 63, joined the union in
1992. He worked in both the deck and engine depart-
ments and was initially employed with Riverbus
Inc. Brother McGovern upgraded at the Piney Point
school on multiple occasions. He concluded his
career working with McGovern Marine Inc. and
makes his home in Blountville, Tennessee.

OLEG PANKRATOV
Brother Oleg Pankratov, 62, started
sailing with the SIU in 2004,
initially working on the Liberty
Island. He upgraded at the Paul
Hall Center on multiple occasions
and shipped in the deck depart-
ment. Brother Pankratov’s final
vessel was the Vision. He resides in
Hoquiam, Washington.

FREDDIE PATTERSON
Brother Freddie Patterson, 73,
signed on with the union in 2006.
He sailed in the engine depart-
ment and was initially employed
by Crowley Towing and Trans-
portation. Brother Patterson
concluded his career with Crowley
Puerto Rico Services and settled in
Atlantic Beach, Florida.

JEFFREY RYDZA
Brother Jeffrey Rydza, 65, began
sailing with the SIU in 1995. He
worked in both the deck and
engine departments and upgraded
at the Piney Point school on mul-
tiple occasions. Brother Rydza
worked with Penn Maritime for
his entire career. He lives in Fort
Walton Beach, Florida.

We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who
have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and
we wish you fair winds and following seas.Welcome Ashore!



14 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202314 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

Final Departures In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union
members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace.

DEEP SEA
BRANDY BAKER
Sister Brandy Baker, 44, died Octo-
ber 20. She began her career with
the Seafarers in 2009 when she
shipped on the USNS Sisler. Sister
Baker was a member of the engine
department. She most recently
sailed aboard the Cornhusker State
and resided in Orlando, Florida.

GILBERTO BONITTO
Pensioner Gilberto Bonitto, 92,
passed away January 1. He donned
the SIU colors in 1981 and first
worked on the Cove Trader. Brother
Bonitto sailed in both the stew-
ard and deck departments. He
concluded his career aboard the
Sam Houston before becoming a
pensioner in 1998. Brother Bonitto called Gonzales,
Louisiana, home.

CLARENCE BYNES
Pensioner Clarence Bynes, 69,
died December 15. He became a
member of the union in 2001 and
first sailed aboard the Cape Henry.
Brother Bynes worked in the deck
department. He last sailed aboard
the Galena Bay and retired in 2010.
Brother Bynes lived in Quincy,
Florida.

OSVALDO CASTAGNINO
Pensioner Osvaldo Castagnino,
87, passed away December 26. He
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1987. Brother Castagnino
first shipped on the USNS Prevail.
Sailing in the steward department,
he concluded his career aboard the
Cape Trinity. Brother Castagnino
became a pensioner in 2008 and
made his home in Lake Jackson, Texas.

RICHARD GARCIA
Pensioner Richard Garcia, 94,
died November 13. He donned the
SIU colors in 1957 and first sailed
aboard the Oceanic Independence.
Brother Garcia worked in the
deck department and last shipped
aboard the Crusader. He became
a pensioner in 1994 and resided in
Tampa, Florida.

GLENN JOHNSON
Pensioner Glenn Johnson, 75,
passed away December 21. He
signed on with the Seafarers in
1968. Brother Johnson sailed in the
deck department and also worked
on shore gangs. He concluded his
career on the Edward A. Carter Jr.
and retired in 2014. Brother John-
son was a resident of Evergreen, Alabama.

RONALD MATTHEWS
Brother Ronald Matthews, 28, died
October 3. He embarked on his
career with the SIU in 2022, initially
sailing aboard the Dirk S. VanEn-
kevort. Brother Matthews worked
in the deck department and most
recently sailed aboard the Endur-
ance. He lived in Jacksonville,
Florida.

DOCK MCGUIRE
Pensioner Dock McGuire, 79,
passed away December 28. He
joined the Seafarers International
Union in 1964. Brother McGuire
first sailed with Alcoa Steamship.
He worked in the deck department
and last sailed with OSG Ship Man-
agement. Brother McGuire retired
in 2004 and called Mobile, Alabama, home.

JOHN NEAL
Pensioner John Neal, 74, died
December 21. A steward depart-
ment member, he signed on with
the SIU in 1986. Brother Neal first
worked with Steuart Transporta-
tion. He last shipped aboard the
USNS Impeccable and became a
pensioner in 2015. Brother Neal
resided in The Philippines.

LOUIS TALARICO
Pensioner Louis Talarico, 92, died
November 16. He signed on with the
union in 1961. A deck department
member, Brother Talarico first
sailed aboard the Seamar. He last
shipped on the Discovery before
retiring in 1997. Brother Talarico
made his home in Boca Raton,
Florida.

PRENTISS WALKER
Pensioner Prentiss Walker, 81,
passed away December 23. He
became a member of the Seafarers
Union in 1967 when he worked with
CSX Lines. Brother Walker was an
engine department member. He
concluded his career on the Santa
Ana and became a pensioner in
2008. Brother Walker resided in Bartlett, Tennessee.

KEVIN WILLIS
Brother Kevin Willis, 40, died Octo-
ber 26. He started his career with
the SIU in 2018, initially sailing
aboard the Presque Isle. Brother
Willis worked in the engine depart-
ment and most recently shipped on
the Cornhusker State. He lived in
Tacoma, Washington.

GREAT LAKES
LONNIE BROOKS
Pensioner Lonnie Brooks, 85,
passed away December 12. He
joined the Seafarers in 1988 and
first sailed aboard the J.A.W. Igle-
hart. Brother Brooks sailed in the
engine department. He retired in
2005 after concluding his career on
the St. Clair. Brother Brooks made his home in Hua-
chuca City, Arizona.

LAWRENCE KNOPP
Pensioner Lawrence Knopp, 83,
died December 30. He donned the
SIU colors in 1970 and initially
worked with H&M Lake Transport.
Brother Knopp last sailed with
Luedtke Engineering. He went on
pension in 2003 and called Mari-
nette, Wisconsin, home.

INLAND
FLOYD FOSTER
Pensioner Floyd Foster, 94, passed away December
20. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1960. Brother
Foster was first employed with Pennsylvania
Railroad. He last worked with Penn Central Trans-
portation in 1981. Brother Foster became a pensioner
in 1995 and settled in Cobbs Creek, Virginia.

ROBERT JACKSON
Pensioner Robert Jackson, 72, died January 2. He
embarked on his career with the union in 1974 and
shipped in the deck department. Brother Jackson
was employed with Dravo Basic Materials for the
duration of his career. He went on pension in 2014
and resided in Jackson, Alabama.

ROBERT MAZYCK
Pensioner Robert Mazyck, 82, passed away January
3. He joined the SIU in 1977 and worked in the deck
department. Brother Mazyck was employed with
Marine Contracting and Towing for his entire career.
He started collecting his pension in 2005 and made
his home in Charleston, South Carolina.

MARK PENLAND
Pensioner Mark Penland, 72, died
December 7. He joined the union in
1996, initially sailing with Moran
Towing of Texas. Brother Penland
sailed in the deck department and
concluded his career with Express
Marine. He became a pensioner in
2014 and settled in Cantonment, Florida.

THOMAS SAVAGE
Brother Thomas Savage, 65, died September 13. He
embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979.
Brother Savage was employed with H&M Lake Trans-
port for the duration of his career. He resided in Egg
Harbor, Wisconsin.

EMILIO SPINOLA
Pensioner Emilio Spinola, 91, passed away November
3. He joined the SIU in 1980 when he worked with the
Gloucester Fishermen. Brother Spinola was a deck
department member and last worked for Boat St.
Mary’s Inc. He went on pension in 1998 and settled in
Gloucester, Massachusetts.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1515 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • 15MARCH 2025

Deck Department
Algonac 31 8 2 9 6 0 5 38 9 2
Anchorage 5 3 0 2 1 0 2 4 3 0
Baltimore 5 4 3 4 4 3 3 2 1 2
Fort Lauderdale 17 9 5 21 9 6 11 26 9 7
Guam 2 1 0 5 0 0 2 3 2 2
Harvey 5 4 4 4 2 1 2 11 5 5
Honolulu 3 2 0 10 3 0 3 6 2 0
Houston 32 19 8 25 11 6 16 54 28 14
Jacksonville 28 23 7 25 27 7 11 41 30 9
Jersey City 30 9 3 20 5 1 9 31 14 5
Joliet 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 3 0 2
Mobile 8 4 5 4 1 1 2 9 5 5
Norfolk 16 9 12 18 6 8 6 21 20 11
Oakland 5 1 2 8 2 2 5 9 1 3
Philadelphia 4 0 3 4 2 1 3 1 0 1
Piney Point 0 2 2 0 3 1 1 2 0 0
Puerto Rico 6 4 2 6 2 2 2 8 7 0
St. Louis 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4 1
Tacoma 16 6 0 9 3 0 0 26 6 1
Wilmington 23 8 3 17 8 2 8 42 11 3

TOTAL 236 118 64 192 97 43 91 337 157 73

Engine Department
Algonac 4 4 1 0 1 0 0 8 4 1
Anchorage 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Baltimore 5 0 2 5 0 0 0 1 0 2
Fort Lauderdale 7 8 2 8 6 2 4 10 9 1
Guam 2 0 1 1 0 0 3 3 0 2
Harvey 2 4 0 3 1 0 1 2 4 1
Honolulu 4 1 1 4 5 1 0 10 1 1
Houston 7 5 4 11 6 4 5 13 11 4
Jacksonville 16 19 4 19 10 4 2 22 20 6
Jersey City 10 4 2 6 2 2 3 11 6 0
Joliet 2 2 1 2 1 0 2 2 3 1
Mobile 3 2 0 5 2 0 2 4 3 1
Norfolk 8 13 2 8 14 2 3 15 13 6
Oakland 7 1 0 3 5 0 0 4 1 3
Philadelphia 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Piney Point 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0
Puerto Rico 2 1 0 5 3 1 2 8 3 1
St. Louis 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Tacoma 7 2 1 12 2 3 4 10 6 1
Wilmington 11 9 6 10 8 3 6 17 7 5
TOTAL 100 77 27 103 66 22 37 146 94 37

Steward Department
Algonac 3 3 0 1 1 0 0 3 3 0
Anchorage 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Baltimore 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
Fort Lauderdale 8 2 1 10 2 0 1 10 5 1
Guam 3 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 2 0
Harvey 3 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 0
Honolulu 7 3 0 5 0 0 1 10 4 0
Houston 11 13 4 11 13 1 8 17 10 5
Jacksonville 14 18 8 17 20 3 9 29 23 8
Jersey City 9 3 0 4 2 1 4 15 5 1
Joliet 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Mobile 3 2 0 4 0 0 2 4 3 1
Norfolk 12 14 7 6 11 4 2 23 14 8
Oakland 14 1 1 12 2 2 6 15 3 1
Philadelphia 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 4 0 0
Piney Point 2 1 2 1 1 0 0 3 0 0
Puerto Rico 4 6 2 2 4 0 3 6 8 3
St. Louis 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
Tacoma 11 4 1 12 4 2 4 8 5 0
Wilmington 30 7 4 14 4 2 10 43 11 2
TOTAL 138 83 30 106 71 16 52 196 101 30

Entry Department
Algonac 1 12 20 0 1 3 1 2 18 27
Anchorage 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1
Baltimore 0 5 4 0 3 4 3 0 3 1
Fort Lauderdale 0 7 12 0 2 7 2 1 13 12
Guam 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 2
Harvey 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 2 2 5
Honolulu 0 1 5 0 1 2 0 1 1 10
Houston 3 15 14 3 6 8 3 1 31 19
Jacksonville 1 30 57 0 15 32 7 1 59 92
Jersey City 0 15 24 0 9 14 1 1 20 29
Joliet 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 2
Mobile 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2
Norfolk 1 11 31 0 4 26 4 1 19 41
Oakland 1 6 16 0 5 6 0 1 7 12
Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Piney Point 0 5 19 0 1 3 6 0 4 1
Puerto Rico 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tacoma 2 3 5 1 5 3 0 7 3 7
Wilmington 1 6 18 0 6 13 2 4 12 25

TOTAL 12 117 231 4 62 126 31 23 199 289

GRAND TOTAL 486 395 352 405 296 207 211 702 551 429

“Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Jan. 10 - Feb. 10, 2025.
“Registered on the Beach” data is as of Feb. 11, 2025.

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

Total Registered
All Groups

A B C

Trip
Reliefs

Total Shipped
All Groups

A B C

Registered on Beach
All Groups

A B CPort

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

Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea

March & April
Membership Meetings



16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202316 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

LIBERTY (TOTE Services), Octo-
ber 13 – Chairman Kenney Gaston,
Secretary Thomas Johnson, Deck
Delegate Nick Randall. Chairman
discussed several suggestions for
future contracts. He said crew is
working well together as a team.
He advised everyone to familiarize
themselves with company policies
and to be sure to use proper tools
and appropriate personal protec-
tion equipment. Chairman also
commended steward department
for good meals and deck depart-
ment for doing an outstanding job
working safely. Secretary reiter-
ated the importance of maintaining
communication with the SIU and
the vessel operator. Educational di-
rector urged members to keep docu-
ments updated and to upgrade at the
union-affiliated Paul Hall Center.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew discussed missing-man wages
and forklift training for ABs. Mem-
bers requested raises in safety pay,
a day off or day in lieu every 30 days
and to increase vacation from 15 to
30 days. Next port: Galveston, Texas.

MAJ RICHARD WINTERS (Sealift,
Inc.), November 3 – Chairman James
McAtee, Secretary Francisco Da-
vid-Guity Arzu, Educational Director
Riel Vizcarra. Chairman reminded
members to be patient with reliefs
and directed them to SIU hiring halls
to obtain full copies of contracts. Sea-
farers 401K paperwork available on
ship. Educational director encouraged
crew to take advantage of the upgrad-
ing opportunities offered at the Piney
Point school. No beefs or disputed OT
reported.

MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line,
Limited), November 9 – Chairman
Rufino Giray , Secretary Caezar
Mercado, Educational Director Ti-
jani Rashid, Deck Delegate Edgardo
Martinez Espada. Chairman dis-
cussed upcoming payoff schedule
and voting in SIU election. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
would like 30 for 30 vacation and
increased dental and medical cover-
age. Vacuums needed on each deck.
Crew requested an increase in food
budget as well as various new items
including a grill, smoker, TV wall
bracket, towels, pillows and a galley
phone.

OVERSEAS SUN COAST (Overseas
Ship Management), November 24
– Chairman James Hall, Secretary
Dustin Haney, Educational Direc-
tor Chukwudi Alfred, Engine Dele-
gate Kelman Cacho Garcia, Steward
Delegate Erris Jackson. Chairman
thanked steward department for
improved meals and encouraged ev-
eryone to keep up with ship clean-
liness. Secretary thanked crew
for being patient with food stores.
Contract issues can be resolved/
clarified outside of meeting times.
Waiting for meetings is not nec-
essary, per secretary. Educational
director advised members to up-
grade as soon as possible. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members
reported issues with scheduling
certain classes. Crew requested 26
for 30 vacation, new mattresses, a
larger fridge in crew mess and for
more Wi-Fi data to be available.
Next port: Rotterdam, Netherlands.

MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 1 – Chairman
Ali Alhamyari, Secretary Anthony
Jacobson, Deck Delegate Carl Ped-
ersen , Engine Delegate Sammy
Montana, Steward Delegate Dio-
genes Derecho. Chairman thanked
everyone for working safely and
praised galley gang for good holiday
meals. Secretary reminded crew to
clean staterooms prior to departure.
Used linens should be gathered and
brought to laundry room. Educa-
tional director urged crew to stay
up to date on documents and to up-
grade at the union-affiliated Piney
Point school. Requests to use ship
funds should be directed to secre-
tary-treasurer. No beefs or disputed
OT reported. Crew motioned to raise
vacation days earned during a tour.
Members went over bonus pay pro-
cedures for traveling in dangerous
areas. Crew requested new mat-
tresses and pillows. Members would
like expenses to be covered for sea-
men who incur any costs related to
traveling from home to the vessel.
Next port: Newark, New Jersey.

MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 9 – Chairman
Philip McGeoghegan , Secretary
Reshawn Solomon , Educational
Director Cale Irons, Deck Delegate
Yoland Legaspi, Engine Delegate
Bernard Wade. Crew still waiting
for new mattresses, pillows and lin-
ens. All is well and ship is in good
shape, per chairman. Educational
director advised crew to upgrade
often at the Paul Hall Center and to
stay on top of documents. No beefs
or disputed OT reported. Members

would like more vacation days, in-
creased pension for retirees and
for companies to match 401K. Crew
asked for more funding in order to
get better food options. Next port:
Newark, New Jersey.

MAERSK IOWA (Maersk Line,
Limited), December 9 – Chairman
Egidio Ferreira, Secretary Lamont
Faulks, Educational Director Jim-
mie Williams. Secretary reported
a good trip. Educational director
encouraged members to upgrade at
the Piney Point school. No beefs or
disputed OT reported. Long waits
reported for Coast Guard medical
certificates. Crew requested new
mattresses, new pillows and more
Wi-Fi data. Members discussed pri-
vacy concerns related to shipboard
cameras. Food budget has not in-
creased this year. Crew requested
increases to pension and vacation
and would like more ship visits
from patrolman.

ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska Tanker
Company), December 12 – Chairman
Jovan Williams , Secretary Just
Self, Educational Director Lamonte
McKinnon, Deck Delegate Manuel
Espinoza. Chaiman thanked crew
for good housekeeping and working
safely. Vote of thanks given to stew-
ard department for serving good
food daily. Educational director en-
couraged members to renew their
documents six months in advance.
No beefs or disputed OT reported.
Crew requested new mattresses,
new blankets, new shelves and for
unlimited Wi-Fi.

Know Your Rights

Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings
The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space
limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring
attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the
Seafarers LOG for publication.

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Consti-
tution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes
and Inland Waters makes specific pro-
vision for safeguarding the member-
ship’s money and union finances. The
constitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every year,
which is to be submitted to the member-
ship by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly
finance committee of rank-and-file
members, elected by the membership,
each year examines the finances of the
union and reports fully their findings
and recommendations. The annual
financial committee will be elected
during the April 7 headquarters mem-
bership meeting to review the 2024 re-
cords. Members of this committee may
make dissenting reports, specific recom-
mendations and separate findings.

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

SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship-
ping rights and seniority are protected ex-
clusively by contracts between the union
and the employers. Members should get to
know their shipping rights. Copies of these
contracts are posted and available in all
union halls. If members believe there have
been violations of their shipping or senior-
ity rights as contained in the contracts be-

tween the union and the employers, they
should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board
by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The proper address for this is:

George Tricker, Chairman
Seafarers Appeals Board

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Spr ings, MD 20746

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

CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU con-
tracts are available in all SIU halls. These
contracts specify the wages and condi-
tions under which an SIU member works
and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members
should know their contract rights, as well
as their obligations, such as filing for over-
time (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 con-
tractual rights properly, he or she should
contact the nearest SIU port agent.

EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFAR-
ERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally
has refrained from publishing any article
serving the political purposes of any indi-
vidual in the union, officer or member. It
also has refrained from publishing articles
deemed harmful to the union or its collec-
tive membership. This established policy
has been reaffirmed by membership ac-
tion at the September 1960 meetings in all
constitutional ports. The responsibility for
Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial
board which consists of the executive board
of the union. The executive board may del-
egate, 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 pay-
ment 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 cop-
ies of this constitution so as to famil-
iarize themselves with its contents.
Any time a member feels any other
member or officer is attempting to de-
prive him or her of any constitutional
right or obligation by any methods,
such as dealing with charges, trials,
etc., as well as all other details, the
member so affected should immedi-
ately notify headquarters.

EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are
guaranteed equal rights in employment
and as members of the SIU. These rights
are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitu-
tion and in the contracts 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
further its objects and purposes includ-
ing, but not limited to, furthering the po-
litical, social and economic interests of
maritime workers, the preservation and
furthering of the American merchant
marine with improved employment op-
portunities for seamen and boatmen and
the advancement of trade union concepts.
In connection with such objects, SPAD
supports and contributes to political
candidates for elective office. All contri-
butions are voluntary. No contribution
may be solicited or received because of
force, job discrimination, financial re-
prisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a
condition of membership in the union or
of employment. If a contribution is made
by reason of the above improper conduct,
the member should notify the Seafarers
International Union or SPAD by certified
mail within 30 days of the contribution for
investigation and appropriate action and
refund, if involuntary. A member should
support SPAD to protect and further his
or her economic, political and social inter-
ests, 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 David Heindel at headquar-
ters by certified mail, return receipt re-
quested. The address is:

David Heindel, President
Seafarers International Union

5201 Capital Gateway Drive
Camp Springs, MD 20746



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17

Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates

UPGRADING APPLICATION
Name_ _________________________________________________________________________
Address_ _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________
Date of Birth_ ___________________________________________________________________
 Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member 

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

Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________
Seniority_______________________________________ Department_ ___________________
Home Port______________________________________________________________________
E-mail _ ________________________________________________________________________
Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_ ____________________________________________
Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No 
If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________
Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No 
_______________________________________________________________________________

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime
for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qual-
ifying 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 application, 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 origi-
nal 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 Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafar-
ers.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 students, 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.

Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime
Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course
dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet
made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses:
(301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org

Latest Course Dates

SEAFARERS LOG • 17MARCH 2025

Title of Start Date of
Course Date Completion

DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 14 April 25
June 30 July 11
Sept. 29 Oct. 10

Able Seafarer - Deck March 17 April 4
May 5 May 23
June 9 June 27
Sept. 1 Sept. 19
Oct. 13 Oct. 31
Dec. 1 Dec. 19

ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

FOWT March 17 April 11
April 21 May 16

Junior Engineer Program May 5 June 27

Marine Electrician March 17 April 18

Machinist May 26 June 13

Pumpman May 19 May 23

Welding April 21 May 9
June 2 June 20
July 14 Aug. 1
Aug. 25 Sept. 12
Oct. 6 Oct. 24

STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES

Galley Operations March 10 April 4
April 7 May 2
April 28 May 23
May 26 June 20

Certified Chief Cook April 28 July 4
July 7 Sept. 12
Sept. 15 Nov. 21

ServSafe Management April 21 April 25
June 30 July 4
Sept. 8 Sept. 12
Nov. 17 Nov. 21

Advanced Galley Operations March 3 March 28
March 31 April 25
May 26 June 20
July 21 Aug. 15
Aug. 18 Sept. 12
Sept. 15 Oct. 10
Nov. 10 Dec. 5

Chief Steward April 28 May 23
June 23 July 18
Oct. 13 Nov. 7
Dec. 8 Jan. 2, 2026

OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES

Basic Training April 7 April 11
June 23 June 27
Sept. 22 Sept. 26

Basic Training Revalidation April 14 April 14
April 18 April 18
May 5 May 5
May 9 May 9
June 30 June 30
July 25 July 25
Aug. 15 Aug. 15
Nov. 3 Nov. 3
Nov. 7 Nov. 7

Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18


Government Vessels March 17 March 21
April 7 April 11
May 5 May 9
June 2 June 6

Medical Care Provider May 19 May 23

Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18


Tank Ship Fam. - DL April 14 April 18
Aug. 11 Aug. 15
Sept. 29 Oct. 3
Oct. 20 Oct. 24

Tank Ship Fam./LG April 7 April 11
Aug. 4 Aug. 8
Sept. 22 Sept. 26
Oct. 27 Oct. 31



18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 202318 • SEAFARERS LOG MARCH 2025

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #916 – Above: Hunter Abshire, Mark Baillie, Cedricka Banks, Jamequia Cherry, Wilfredo Ali Cosme Ayala, Jacob Wade Dezzutti, Michael Gaffney, Preston
Harris, Suzanne Herrera, Alexander Holmes, Joshua Kelly, Ariel Marrero, Anthony Monroe, Metwa Ojoch, Juan Ortiz Reyes, Shawna-Kay Skinner, Carl Trice, Talib Weatherspoon, Justin White, Sean
Wilson, Anton Zakoverya.

CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 3) – Graduated Jan. 17: Broderick Brown II, David Cross,
Tyvesha Dixon, Jermaine Ross, Louis Lamar Ross, Ahmed Ali Said, Christian Smith.

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated Jan. 17: Redhwon Khaled Abdullah, Micah Marzuwg Acosta, Raheem Fouad Ali, Sean Baldwin, Curt Burgoyne, Shauni Franklin, Emmanuel Grant,
William Harrison, David Henneken, Darren Joseph, Jesse Kireyev, Robert Kitchen III, Michael Klingelhoets, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Karen Lira, Stephen Pagan Laureano,
Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott, Monique Smith, Jacob Watson.

CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated Jan. 31: Alvinmar Iremedio Aldana, Aaron Helton-Cox,
Preeyapha Kaisaard, Randy Madrid, Calvin Wilson.



SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19SEAFARERS LOG • 19MARCH 2025

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated Dec. 13 (not all are pictured): Rahiem Brown, Raheem Clay, Terrell Coleman, Dwayne French, Jose Hernandez Cuevas, Reed Hoffman, Dereon Ivory,
Nicholas Livingston, Anthony Marchanti, Nathan Martinez, Jose Melendez Cordero, Michael Murray, Michael Noyd, Tyrone Ousley Jr., De’mon Quarles, Timothy Raddetz, Cagy Senn, Adarius Simpson,
Isaiah Smith, Escrovan Tisdale-Anderson, Josiah Tunkey, Evan Valigura, Ronnie Ward Jr.

Paul Hall Center Class Photos

TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated Dec. 20: Ninesha Anderson, James Billups III, Edwin Bonefont, Alejandro Cintron Perez, Carlos Colon De Jesus, Raul Colon Matos, Jeffrey Frye, Kevin
O’Lone, James Martin Jr., Michael Penkwitz, Pedro Rivera Hernandez, Edwin Velez.

RFPNW – Graduated Jan. 31: Scott Carter Jr., Jeffery Frye, Michael Harris Jr. WELDING – Graduated Jan. 31: Shawn Alexander, Dale Armstrong III, Justin Johnson, Darryl McCray.
Instructor Chris Raley is at right.



OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO

SEAFARERS LOG
MARCH 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 3

SANTA'S CASTLE ARTICLE AND PHOTOS TO
COME

During the recent winter holiday
season, Hawaii-based Seafarers
donated gifts and care boxes to
Ho’omalu o Na Kamali’i Children’s
Center, a local entity in the Kalihi
district that focuses on providing
local care and services to abused and
neglected youths.

Members began collecting
toys and care package supplies in
November and brought additional
toys to the December membership
meeting conducted at the hiring hall
in Honolulu. Immediately after the
meeting, Seafarers assembled the care
packages and handed them off for
later distribution by workers from the
children’s center.

The SIU members assembled two
variations of care packages, which
were either tailored to meet the
needs of children under 10 or those
older than 10/adolescents. The care
packages consisted of items such as
toothbrushes, toiletries, toys, coloring
books, crayons, and other trinkets.
Members also donated additional
holiday gifts and toys for the children
to enjoy.

Working in conjunction with
SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, union
personnel donating to the cause
included Oiler Calixto Barut, Chief
Cook Raul Napoles, QEE Prentice
Conley, Admin Asst. Caitlyn Wharton,
Bosun Yamira Colon, GUDE Carlos
Madayag, Safety Director Amber
Akana, OS Matthew Domen, QMED
Mario Santos, Bosun Arron Millar,
Chief Cook Henry Wright, AB
Desmond Unutoa, Bosun Gregorio
Cudal, and QEE Michael Valdez.

Galbiso said the children’s center’s
cause was close to her heart, and she
is proud that the hall could assist.
“It’s always nice to be able to do
something little that could make a
big impact,” she said. “I don’t know
what households they came from or
what kind of experiences they’ve had,
but we hope that our donations put a
smile on the children’s faces and let
them know that people are thinking

of them.”
Wharton, who once had aspirations

of becoming a foster parent, also was
glad that she could lend support to a
cause that meant so much to her. “It
was nice to give back and to see that
the kids [at this center] can grow up
and develop knowing that they are
hopefully going to a better situation,”
she said.

The year 2024 marked the debut
of the port’s outreach efforts in
collaboration with the organization.
Wharton and Akana discovered the
group – a local temporary emergency
shelter on the West Coast of Oahu
which provides short-term housing
for children – in the Honolulu port’s
quest for a philanthropic organization
to support.

Bosun Colon appreciated the
enthusiastic participation from
her fellow SIU members and the
camaraderie created during the event.
“It was a really good environment,
with all the members present from
the union hall for a good cause, to

fill out the boxes for the kids,” she
said. “It was a really nice experience
altogether. I asked if they're going to
do the same thing next year, and they
said yes, so I think it went very well.”

The shelter, whose name translates
to “Protection and Safety for
Children,” provides care for kids and
sibling groups awaiting placement
with new caregivers or reunification
with prior guardians.

Additionally, last year marked
Family Programs Hawaii’s 26th annual
holiday party, which the children’s
center participates in year after year.

“Ho’omalu o Na Kamali’i is the only
shelter in the United States providing
a unique, safe, nurturing, home-like
environment rich in island culture
and family values,” said Ho'omalu o
Na Kamali’i Children Center Program
Manager Nadine Dudoit.

Tina Scotty, a representative of
the Children’s Center, stated, “It is the
only receiving home on-island that
allows siblings to stay together as
we seek reunification with another

family member or start the process for
entrance into the foster care system.
This has been a tremendous benefit in
overcoming the trauma and starting
the healing process together with a
sibling by their side.”

Scotty expressed her appreciation
on behalf of the recipients of the care
packages from the SIU. “Donations
like these help us keep our expenses
low for the children coming into
the shelter, as well as help us create
big smiles on the faces of the youth
at the holiday party,” she said. “The
celebration served almost 1,500 and
was so much fun, but we couldn’t have
done it without the generous support
of our community leaders like the
Seafarers International Union. We
were so grateful for the donation of
toys and [dozens of] cute little care
packages for our youth.”

When asked how she thinks the
donations will impact the children
from the center, Colon said, “It will be
a surprise for them, a good surprise,
I hope. I believe they will be very
appreciative receiving the gifts that
we put together for them.”

Wharton said that after the hall’s
overwhelmingly positive experience
collecting and assembling care
packages for the organization, that
the Honolulu Hall plans to participate
in other philanthropic programs and
events with the Children’s Center
throughout the year. Fortunately,
representatives from the organization
echoed that sentiment.

“Mahalo Nui Loa!” Scotty said,
expressing her appreciation for
the SIU’s efforts with the Hawaiian
saying. “We very much look forward to
partnering with [the SIU] again in the
near future!”

Honolulu Seafarers Help Children’s Center with Holiday DonationsHonolulu Seafarers Help Children’s Center with Holiday Donations

Chief Cooks Henry Wright (left) and Raul Napoles display
two care packages.

Pictured above are many of the Honolulu hall volunteers who helped assemble holiday care
packages for donation to a local children’s center. In the front row (left to right) are Oiler Calixto
Barut, Chief Cook Raul Napoles, QEE Prentice Conley, Admin Asst. Caitlyn Wharton, Bosun Yamira
Colon, GUDE Carlos Madayag, and Safety Director Amber Akana. In the back row (left to right)
are OS Matthew Domen, QMED Mario Santos, Bosun Arron Millar, Chief Cook Henry Wright, AB
Desmond Unutoa, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, and QEE Michael Valdez.

Gathering some of the donated items are (from left) Tina Scotty, a representative from
the children’s center; SIU Admin. Asst. Caitlyn Wharton; and Safety Director Amber
Akana.

Bosun Yamira Colon prepares care packages for
the younger children.