44 32 1900 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3df2b4467b8b39efdf305b8cc7c61f05.pdf 15f0b718dcac986436ddb100c073bee1 PDF Text Text SIU members and their families on April 8 celebrated the grand opening of the SIU's new union hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. (pictured above). The building, located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd., drew very positive reactions from the approximately 250 in attendance. Seafarers particularly Family-Friendly a I Opens In New Orleans praised the new hall's accessibility, cleanliness and layout. Joining the festivities were (left photo, from left to right) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Clarence Scott, SIU President Michael Sacco, Recertified Bosun Teddy Bush and his wife, Kathy, AB Lee Selico and his wife, Edwina, and Teddy and Kathy's sons, Isaac and Morocco (front). Pages 3, 9. NMU Members Praise Paul Hall Center Lakes Seafarers Kick Off Season Though still impacted by foreign steel dumping (see page 2), the Great Lakes sailing season is in full swing. Among the Seafarers crewing vessels on the Lakes are Deckhand Mohamed Mohsin (left photo, aboard the American Mariner) and AB Jeff Johnson (right, on the Sam Laud). Page 7. Maritime Unions Reaffirm Readiness ________________________________ ~Page3 NMU upgrader Owen Carr thanks SIU President Michael Sacco for the hospitality he and other NMU members have received since beginning clas5es at the Paul Hall Center. NMU members started taking classes at the center last month as part of the affiliation of the National Maritime Union with the SIUNA. Between them are NMU President Rene Lioeanjie and NMU upgrader Fahd Yahya. Page 4 Fire Fighting School Opens This Month --------------------------------------------------------------------------Page24 �[ President's Report Looking Ahead Preparing for the future is more than a slogan in the SIU. It's our way of life. As this decade nears its end, the groundwork we laid during the 1990s already is paying off for a vibrant beginning to the next century. Our primary focus has been jobs, and being able to handle the influx of Seafarers to crew the new liner ships, tankers, passenger vessels and tugboats that have been-and will be-coming under SIU contracts. The latest example of planning ahead and being prepared came last month when the new hiring hall Michael Sacco for New Orleans opened its doors. This beautiful, newly refurbished facility, located in the West Bank suburb of Harvey, shows the commitment the SIU has made to meet the challenges of the next century. The inviting atmosphere in the hall will encourage members to bring their families when they come to the hall. There is plenty of on-site parking-a need cited by many members who had shipped out of the old hall. This is the fourth new facility to open since 1994 when the Brooklyn hall moved down the street to its present location. In 1995, the SIU moved into its new location in Fort Lauderdale. The following year, the Seattle hall transferred to Tacoma to be closer to the port. Since then, we also have renovated the Norfolk hall and are working on our Wtlmington site. But the SIU does not intend to stop there. We look forward to announcing soon new facilities for Seafarers who sail out of Baltimore and Puerto Rico. All of this has been done with the members and their needs in mind Regarding jobs, what could be more exciting than the passenger ships that were announced last month in the LOG?! The contract signed in the U.S. Capitol between American Classic Voyages and Ingalls Shipyard is dynamic proof of the revitalization of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, a campaign the SIU has been leading throughout the 1990s. The early work paid off with the passage of the Maritime Security Program in 1996. Now we are witnessing how that faith in the U.S. merchant fleet is expanding. In that same April issue of the LOG which announced the passenger ships, we saw Seafarers crew a new Double Eagle tanker, a series of tractor tugs and a roll-on/roll-off vessel. During the last half of this decade, SIU members have climbed the gangways to a great many ships, including the new fleet of military prepositioning vessels. And there is more to come. Not only is there one more Double Eagle tanker due out of the shipyard, but SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co. plans to launch the first in its fleet of coastal passenger ships sometime next year. As always, Seafarers will be prepared for these jobs aboard the new vessels thanks to the upgrading program at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. The school's staff constantly is improving the curriculum to make sure SIU members receive the latest information and can work with the newest technologies when they return to their vessels. The school also has been the industry leader in providing oil spill prevention and containment classes, developing the Coast Guardaccepted training record book and offering approved STCW self-certification courses. Later this month, the center will open the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, the most up-to-date training facility in the world for learning how to battle shipboard blazes. Once again, Seafarers will benefit thanks to the union's and the school's commitment to the future. Now, one more group of American mariners will benefit. We are pleased to welcome the members of the National Maritime Union, who began taking classes at the center last month. They have been very impressed with the facilities and with all the SIU members they have met. During a recent visit to the school with NMU President Rene Lioeanjie, several NMU members pulled us aside to say they have never been treated better at any of the other training schools they have attended as they have at the Lundeberg School. I thank the staff of the school and the Seafarers who are upgrading for welcoming our NMU brothers and sisters. Volume 61, Number 5 May 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~T6 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf: Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright <O 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG Big News Comes.in Threes For Avondale, Newport News OSHA Fines New Orleans Yard; Steelworkers Strike in Virginia; General Dynamics Bid Rejected There were three major developments last month concerning New Orleans-based Avondale Industries and Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. The most recent occurred April 15, when the Department of Defense announced its opposition to General Dynamics Corp. 's proposed $2 billion acquisition of the Virginia shipyard. The company immediately halted its bid, clearing the way for a previously planned merger between Newport News and Avondale. The other stories concerned $537,000 in new fines levied against Avondale by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) for nearly 500 "serious and willful" hazardous conditions at the shipyard; and a strike by members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) at Newport News. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney applauded the Pentagon's decision opposing the General Dynamics acquisition, but quickly pointed out the need to correct those other issues at the respective yards. Rejecting the General Dynamics takeover "appears to be based on sound judgment and on a thorough examination of the longterm implications of such a deal to America's shipbuilding workers, the economy and our nation's defense," stated Sweeney, who heads the national federation of trade unions. He also said that the resultant likelihood of a Newport NewsAvondale merger means ''the U.S. Navy should do an immediate and thorough investigation at Avondale, a major U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessel supplier. Avondale routinely ignores federal laws and battles federal agencies which aim to protect workers at the shipyard .... Yet even in the face of federal scrutiny, Avondale is recalcitrant, refusing either to acknowledge its wrongdoing or to follow OSHA's orders to make its shipyard safer." The fine against Avondale announced by OSHA on April 5 was the second-largest in American shipbuilding history. OSHA cited Avondale for 473 separate instances of unsafe working conditions. These include 266 instances of "willful" violations concerning uncovered manholes, unsafe scaffolding, unguarded high work areas, and improperly installed anchorage points to support workers when they work at great heights. A "willful" violation is the most serious of OSHA's categories. It means that the company knew about the safety problem, knew it was a violation, and yet did nothing about it. OSHA fined Avondale $70,000--the maximum penalty -for each of the four broad categories of willful violations. Seven workers have died at Avondale since 1990, three of whom fell down manholes or from great heights. Avondale's death rate is three times higher than other shipyards with major Navy contracts. Avondale Industries has received $32 billion in Navy contracts since 1993. That year, the workers voted to form a union to make the shipyard safer, to bring their wages and benefits up to par with those of other shipyard workers, and to earn respect on the job. In response, the company waged war on its workers-a federal judge found that Avondale broke the law more than I 00 times during the union campaign and illegally fired 28 workers. Avondale has refused for nearly six years to abide by their workers' choice and negotiate with the union, thus continuing a pattern of resistance to federal laws protecting workers. Meanwhile, at Newport News, 9,200 Steelworkers went on strike April 5. The key issues are hourly wages and pension benefits. "We've bent over backward so much, our head's almost touching the ground," said the president of USWA Local 8888, Arnold Outlaw. "There's not much further we can go." Sweeney pointed out that Newport News "just announced first quarter profits of $18 million on top of the $66 million profit for 1998. In addition, the company has access to a $150 million pension surplus. Given the company's fmancial success after years of wage freezes and worker concessions, the time has come for fair treatment for workers at Newport News." Steel Dumping Bill Advances to Senate House Passes Legislation to Curb Illegal Imports With strong bipartisan support, the House of Representatives on March 17 approved legislation designed to curb record levels of illegal steel imports that are wiping out American jobs. By a vote of 289141, the House passed the Steel Import Limitation bill (H.R. 975), then sent it to the Senate. Consideration of the bill in the Senate may occur this month. The SIU strongly supports the measure and encourages Seafarers and their families to contact their senators and ask them to pass it. (The SIU web site, http://www.seafarers.org, includes links to Senate email addresses. To contact the Senate by telephone, dial 1-202-224-3121.) Seafarers on the Great Lakes have felt the impact of dumped foreign steel since last year. As foreign nations in the midst of economic crises illegally sold their product to the U.S. at below production costs (a practice known as dumping), prices became depressed throughout this nation. That, in turn, slashed American steel companies' income and forced massive layoffs. Altogether, more than 10,000 U.S. steelworkers have been laid off or have lost their jobs because of this crisis. It also meant reduced cargo movement on the Great Lakes, because many of those materials are used in steel production. Hence, last year's sailing season prematurely ended, and this year's kicked off later than expected. Statistics tell part of the story: • Last year, steel imports from Japan more than doubled, while imports from South Korea were up 90 percent. • Imports from Japan, Russia and Brazil currently account for more than 25 percent of U.S. sales of hot-rolled steel-up from only 4.3 percent in 1995. • The dumping drove down U.S. steel companies, income by 60 percent for the first half of last year. In publicizing the problem, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) pointed out that other countries limit steel imports with deterrents such as government quotas and mill-to-mill agreements. The U.S. does not use such methods, leaving the nation vulnerable to dumping. After the House passed H.R. 975, USWA President George Becker commented, "The Congress of the United States not only opened up their eyes to what was happening, they opened up their hearts for the workers and their families and the community ..... We're on to the Senate, and we're going to go at it with the same intensity, the same fervor that we went with this one." The Steelworkers, backed by the AFL-CIO, pushed the bill for a year and a half. The Steel Import Limitation bill directs the President to impose quotas, tariff surcharges, or negotiate enforceable voluntary export restraint agreements in order to ensure that the volume of imported steel products during any month does not exceed the average volume of imported steel for the 36-month period preceding July 1997. It also directs the secretaries of the treasury and of commerce to implement a program for administering and enforcing the restraints on such imports. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the customs service to refuse entry into the U.S. customs territory for a three-year period any steel products that exceed their allowable levels. The bill also directs the secretary of commerce to establish and implement a steel import notification and monitoring program. It requires anyone who intends to import steel products into the United States to first obtain an import notification certificate; sets forth certificate requirements; and directs the secretary of comme~ to publish on a. weekly basis through the Internet certain information obtained from steel import notification certificate applications regarding imported ·steel, including country of origin, the port of entry, quantity, value of steel imported, single producer or exporter countries, and whether such imports are entered into a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone. May 1999 �Maritime Unions Reaffirm Support For American Forces in Balkans Military Plots Strategy for Possible Sealift Campaign in Eastern Europe As military planners design strategies for possibly bringing supply ships to Mediterranean ports in Eastern Europe, the presidents of the nation's maritime unions have reminded President Clinton the U.S. merchant marine stands ready to help in the Yugoslavia/Kosovo conflict if and when it is called out. Joining SIUNA President Michael Sacco in a letter of support addressed to the White House shortly after the North Atlantic Treaty Organization {NATO) bombing campaign began in late March were National Maritime Union President Rene Lioeanjie; Masters, Mates and Pilots President Timothy Brown; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association President Lawrence O'Toole; and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay. The maritime union presidents told Clinton, "On behalf of the men and women of America's merchant marine, we want you to know that we stand ready to serve our nation in any way we can to assist American and NATO forces in the current military and humanitarian crisis in the Balkans. "The men and women of the American Merchant Marine are 'standing by' awaiting orders to supply NATO forces in the Balkans, and they are also available to bring humanitarian aid to the displaced people of the Balkan peninsula." The letter concluded by reminding the president of the loyalty and dependability of American mariners during previous conflicts. "The history of the supply effort which supported our troops during Operation Desert Stonn has demonstrated that the American Merchant Marine can be relied upon to assist the Commander in Chief in the execution of the military and foreign policy of the United States. Our merchant marine and our loyal and dedicated mariners are once again willing and able to serve, as we have served since our nation was formed." The NATO campaign began in late March as an effort to stop the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo by troops loyal to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. The daily bombing raids, which have included U.S. military aircraft, created a massive refugee situation in the neighboring countries of Albania and Macedonia. While trying to provide food, clothing and temporary shelters for the refugees, NATO and private relief organizations have been devising plans for relocating the thousands upon thousands of people fleeing Kosovo until the fighting stops. The head of the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command, a New Orleans SIU Hall Opens to Rave Reviews Seafarers Applaud Facility's Layout & Location Seafarers are utilizing the new SIU hall in the New Orleans area, following its grand opening on April 8. Located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey, La., the facility debuted to positive reviews. "It's a clean building in a nicer neighborhooddefinitely an upgrade," stated AB Vic DiGiorgio, one of approximately 250 people who attended the ceremonial opening. "It's easily accessible, right off the interstate, and the area for job call is nice. Plus, it has a big parking lot" Captain Tim Gegenheimer also cited the plentiful parking spaces as a welcome improvement. "It's better all the way around. Personally, I live just 10 minutes away, which is great. The new hall has plenty of parking, it's in a quiet neighborhood and the building's layout is good." Among those attending the opening were active and retired Seafarers and their families; officials from SIU-contracted companies; local political representatives; SIU officials, and others. In a brief address, SIU President Michael Sacco said that the new hall is another example of the union moving in the right direction. "The SIU purchased this building and modified it to meet the membership's needs. We're constantly looking toward the future," he noted. As with the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash. and Fort May 1999 Purchased last year and refurbished to better serve the membership, the SIU's New Orleans-area hall opened for business in April. Lauderdale, Fla., the Harvey facility is a refurbished bank. Its features include a counter and shipping board, two offices, a small conference room, a lobby area used for membership meetings, new restroom facilities (built to Americans with Disabilities Act standards), an area for members and guests to enjoy coffee or other refreshments, and vending machines (which weren't available at the old hall on Jackson Ave., and from which the union takes no profit whatsoever). There is at least one other notable item: an window etched in tribute to Joseph Sacco, SIU execu- The hall features an etched-glass tribute to the late SIU VP Joe Sacco, bearing the words, "The Brotherhood Lives.• tive vice president who passed away in 1996. Known to all as Joey, he worked for many years in the SIU's Gulf Coast Region. More photos ofthe New Orleans hall grand opening on page 9. division of the U.S. Tranportation Command which handles logistics for American armed forces, discussed this problem when he met with the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on April 14. U.S. Army Major General Mario Montero Jr. informed the audience that military and civilian personnel already are in Italy examining port facilities in that nation and nearby Greece in case sealift is activated for humanitarian or military re-supply needs. He noted his command looks "at handling sustainment supplies and refugee relief supplies." Montero pointed out that in the wake of the Persian Gulf War, the U.S. government and military found it "too costly" to store materiel in "lots of iron piles all over the world." He added that is why the armed forces are using prepositioning ships (crewed by Seafarers), located around the world and ready to sail to a hot Mjr. Gen. Mario Montero, head of the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command, tells the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club that America's sealift is a ieam effort" between the military and commercial fleets. spot at a moment's notice, to deliver the goods that are needed at the time they are required. The general also thanked the representatives from the U.S.-flag shipping industry present for being a vital part of the command's capability to respond to an emergency. He broke down America's sealift as being "one-third active [vessels], one-third reserve and one-third our industry partners. It's a team effort to respond. Without you, we could not do the nation's bidding." SMPPP Statements Sent to Seafarers Members Give Thumbs-Up to Revised Format Annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) recently were sent to participating SIU members. According to telephone records maintained by the firm that manages the plan, Seafarers are responding favorably to the statement's revised layout. The form, issued in March, has been rearranged for greater clarity. The SMPPP originated in the 1996 standard freightship and tanker agreements, and subsequently has been included in some other SIU contracts (all of which were ratified by the membership). Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members also may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a vacation plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member's wage-related pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on behalf of employees. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. The annual statement includes the following information: member's name, address and social security number (which is also the participant's account number); date of mailing; the opening balance for 1998 (which was the year-end 1997 closing balance); contributions received on member's behalf for payrolls received through December 31, 1998 (listed individually and in total); interest earned and administrative expenses charged; any payouts made to the member in 1998; and the closing balance for 1998 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year's annual statement). Seafarers wiJJ be able to colJect the funds within their SMPPP accounts by reaching retirement age, becoming totally and permanently disabled, or leaving the industry. However, the SMPPP was designed to encourage members to use it as retirement savings. For more information, Seafarers may call toll-free 1-800-485-3703. SMPPP facts also are posted on the SIU's web site at http://www.seafarers.org/log/archive/may97 s6.htmJ. SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN The window bears the SIU logo with the words, "The Brotherhood Lives -In Memory of Joe Sacco." "You knew that when you were with Joey, you had his full attention," said SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, who thought of the window. "He was always there for everyone in this union, always supportive without being asked. This is just a small way for others to remember him." As for the hall itself, Judd reported that all concerned are enjoying it. "It seems to have instilled a sense of pride," he explained. "The fact that it's practically brand new, it's clean and it's in a safe place all adds up. The layout is much more functional than the old hall, also." c/o Basil Castrovinci Associates Inc. 323.5 Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 April 1, 1999 (800) 485-3703 (201) 963-9600 Social Security Number: JOHN DOE 123-45-6789 123 SMITH STREET ANYTOWN, TX 12345 Summarized below is the status of your Money Purchase Pension Plan Individual Account as of 12131/98 INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT STATEMENT EMPWYER VOLUNTARY BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT AS OF: 12/31197 $622.18 S0.00 CONTRIBtmONS RECEIVED ON YOUR BEHALF FOR YEAR ENDING. 1998 $325.78 S0.00 YOUR SHARE OF 1998 $103.28 S0.00 -$25.83 S0.00 INVESTMENT INCOME: LESS 1998 ADMINIS1RATIVE FEE: $0.00 S0.00 $1025.41 $0.00 LESS ANY PAYOUT(S) YOU HA VE RECEIVED : BALANCE IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT AS OF 12/31198 SEALAND 1998 Period From 01/01/1998 SEALAND SE ALAND DETAIL TRANSACTIONS FOR Emolover Period To 01/31/1998 Days 31.00 1 Contribution 02/01/ 1998 02/28/1998 I 28 .oo l $50.12 03/01/ 1998 03/3 1/ 1998 31.oo l $5.5.49 SEALAND 06/01/ 1998 06/30/1998 S53.20 SEALAND 07/01/ 1998 07/31/1998 Jo .oo l 1 31.00 SE ALAND 08/01/ 1998 08/31/1998 31.00 $55.49 182.oo l $325.28 I Total ~ $55.49 This sample statement shows the revised format as well as various information that is included on the annual form. Seafarers LOii 3 �'Eternal Flame' Selected for Burn Building Name Steward Poggio/i's Submission Chosen from More than 175 Names Offered in Contest The SS Eternal Flame will become the name of the burn building at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School when the facility opens later this month. After studying and sorting through the more than 175 entries submitted by 69 active and retired Seafarers, the judges selected Eternal Flame as a tribute to the late SIU executive vice president for whom the school is named. Although two Seafarers submitted Eternal Flame, under the rules published in the February and March Seafarers LOG, the grand prize winner would be the entry postmarked with the earliest date. That honor went to Recertified Steward Carl T. Poggioli of Honolulu. His entry was dated w~• F • t01<. ~01,t$T"Oo,) ... "~~ L-------~~;:~~~ Above are some of the letters submitted in the name the -Vessar contest, including the winning entry from Recertified Steward Carl T. Poggioli of Honolulu. March 15. Brother Poggioli will receive a ship's wheel and has been invited to christen the ''vessel', when the school opens on May 18. SIU Pensioner William "Flattop" KoOowitz of Brooklyn submitted the other Eternal Flame entry. His offering was marked March 24. He will receive an SIU jacket. Don Nolan, vice president for the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, served as one of the four judges. He said the crew had a SIU Pres. Michael Sacco shows NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie the "engine very difficult time selecting a win- room• in the burn building-to be named SS Eternal Flame-at the ner and consolation awards Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. because of the many fine entries. Other entries included the (The other judges included Jim of Brooksville, Maine; Retiree Hanson, the center's director of Anthony J. Novak of New word "fire" in their submissions. health and safety; SIU Com- Orleans; and Captain William F. Among those were Fire Drake, Fire Snuffer and Fireball. munications Director Daniel Palmer of Conroe, Texas. Retiree James D. Howison of Several of the entries rememDuncan; and Seafarers LOG bered late SIU officials as well as Managing Editor Jordan Biscardo.) Seattle entered the Vulcan. During the two months of the ships upon which they sailed. Three other "vessel" names "With so many great suggeswere selected for the runner-up contest, entries came from all over awards. They were the Endless the country. Deep sea, inland and tions, it took some time to go Flame, the Flashpoint and the Great Lakes members presented a through all of them and narrow the entries down to a few," Nolan Vulcan. All members who submit- wide arrangement of nfU]les. Some of them wanted to said. "We thank everyone who ted these names will receive SIU include Sacco in the name of the participated because they providjackets. Offering the Endless Flame bum building "vessel." Variations ed some very creative names." was Recertified Steward Ronald included Smokey Joe, Joseph See page 24 for an update on Sacco Fire Extinguishers, Joseph R. Muoli of Baltimore. the fire fighting school Three members submitted Sacco Hot Spot and The Pride of construction. Flashpoint". AB Robert Bakeman Joe Sacco. NMU Members Praise Upgrading at Paul Hall Center The first members of the SIUNA-affiliated National Maritime Union to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. have nothing but praise for the facilities and the Seafarers they have met there. The adjectives "wonderful', and "unbelievable" were heard over and over again when SIU President Michael Sacco escorted NMU President Rene Lioeanjie as he met with upgraders at the center on April 16. "I did not expect anything like this," NMU galley gang upgrader Bienvendio Pagan told Lioeanjie, who made an unannounced visit to the facility. "Everyone has been friendly and very cooperative. This is nothing like any of the other training schools rve been to." "They treat you right," added NMU member Owen Carr, who is taking the able bodied seaman course. "The instructors take the time and make sure you understand." The NMU members also thanked Sacco for all the courtesies they have received during their training. "We are treating the NMU members no different than Seafarers," Sacco noted. "They are finding out what it is like for a training facility to respect them as the professionals they are." Lioeanjie stated he was very pleased with what he was hearing from the NMU members. "They didn't know what to expect when they came here. We tried to tell them based on our past visits, but everything is working out better than any of us could imagine," the NMU president said. Don Nolan, vice president for the Center's Luneberg School, told Sacco and Lioeanjie of one incident between individual SIU and NMU upgraders attending the SIU President Michael Sacco points out some of the features of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School to NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (left) and Vtee President Charles Stewart. STCW Basic Safety class. The two were paired as roommates. Before the first day was over, they had become friends and made plans to study together as well as work with one another. Before leaving Piney Point, Lioeanjie along with NMU Vice President Charles Stewart and AFL-CIO Maritime Committee's Executive Director Tai Simpkins toured the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is scheduled to open this month. NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie {far left) listens to NMU steward upgrader Alba Ayala. Also taking part in the conversation (from her left) are upgrader Bienvendio Pagan, Paul Hall Center Chef Romeo Lupinacci, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, upgrader Dulip Sookhiram and NMU VP Charles Stewart. NMU AB upgraders meet wrtn tne ~IU ana NMU presidents at Piney Point. From the left are Owen Carr, NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Fahd Yahya, Abdul Hassan, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee Executive Director Tai Simpkins, Ernesto Evangelista, Laura Cash-Santos, Casimiro Garza and NMU VP Charles Stewart. 4 Seafarers LOG NMU members taking the STCW Basic Safety class last month were the first to graduate from the Paul Hall Center. They upgraded with Seafarers, who are designated with SIU after their names. From the left are (front row) Instructor Rick Redmond, Fahd Yahya, Edison lnumen, Alfred Acheanpong, Bernabe Pelingon (SIU), Garrick Slack, (second row) Philip Diego {SIU), Unity Bosdick, Ignacio Blanco, Anthony Perry, Mario Marcial, Vemall Marshall, Clifford Lacon, (back row) Heath Darrel, Don Hubbard, lsoline Major (SIU), Eric Tart and Mark Zlfcak. May1999 �NY Unionists: Save Local Maritime Jobs Rally Urges Retention of Sea-Land, Maersk Business; Carriers Considering Bids for Northeastern Operations More than 1,000 trade unionists rallied April 12 outside New York's World Trade Center to urge preservation of thousands of local maritime-related jobs by retaining business from Sea-Land Service and Maersk Line. Two dozen SIU members participated in the demonstration, which was organized by the New York-based International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). The boisterous event was intended to spur New York Governor George Pataki and New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman to extend a successful port lease bid to the two shipping companies. Sea-Land and Maersk, which share vessels, containers, tenninals and other assets, account for a substantial amount of cargo volwne in the port of New York and ·New Jersey. They are considering a new lease proposal from that port as well as competitive bids from Baltimore and Halifax, Nova Scotia to relocate much of their northeastern waterborne commerce. Each of the proposed leases is believed to be for at least 25 years. A decision may be announced sometime this month. ILA President John Bowers stated that the potential relocation of the carriers' northeastern hub "jeopardizes more than 3,500 longshore jobs in this region. Everyone in this region should be concerned about the potential loss of jobs. Not just longshore jobs, but tens of thousands of other jobs related to the movement of cargo into and out of this port." Prior to the rally, Bowers also told Pataki and Whitman that he believed "negotiations between New York and New Jersey regarding issues unrelated to the Sea-Land and Maersk negotiations" repeatedly had delayed the port's proposal during a recent three-month period, thus increasing the likelihood that another port would snatch the business. Whitman attended the April 12 event and subsequently extended a tentative offer to the companies, even though it ultimately requires Pataki's approval because the port is jointly operated. Press reports indicate that Whitman's proposal is approximately $120 million in state incentives. Meanwhile, Maryland officials reportedly have offered to construct a $200 million, 330-acre marine terminal in Baltimore if its bid is successful. An April 14 article by Robert Little of the Baltimore Sun indicated that the state also has promised to improve Baltimore's railroad access--currently perceived by some as a shortcoming, and no small factor considering that SeaLand is owned by rail giant CSX Corp. The estimated 750,000 shipping containers annually handled by the bid winner would triple Baltimore's cargo volwne. Halifax reportedly has bid on a lesser volume of the companies' business. Shortly after receiving Whitman's proposal, Sea-Land and Maersk, which have had some joint operations since 1995, said they will not comment on their decision while they review the bids. However, a Sea-Land official reportedly described the New York-New Jersey bid as "competitive," while a Maersk spokesman indicated a desire for a fairly expeditious decision. - - SIU members and officials were among the more than 1,000 trade unionists taking part in the April 12 rally outside New York's World Trade Center. The demonstration was aimed at saving local maritime jobs that would be impacted by a potential relocation of Sea-Land and Maersk terminal business. Among the Seafarers at the rally (photo below) were SIU Representatives Jack Caffey Jr. (far left) and Jack Sheehan, SIU member Charles DiCanio and SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey (far right). MERPAC Continues Crafting Suggested STCW Standards REC Restructuring Delayed at Least 2 Years The U.S. Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) last month delved further into developing national perfonnance measures for evaluating mariner competence in accordance with the amended STCW convention. Meeting April 1 at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., the group emphasized the need to ensure that all mariner demonstrations of competency in an STCW category titled "basic safety training" are evaluated using uniform minimwn guidelines. "Some of these standards will be established quickly, while others will take longer," noted Bill Eglinton, MERPAC chairman and director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, located in Piney Point, Md. "In any case, the United States will set the standard internationally for mariner training. By February 1, 2002 (the final implementation date for the STCW amendments), only the best training schools will remain." Also at the meeting, Coast Guard officials reported that a lack of funding has slowed the planned restructuring of its regional examination centers (RECs ). The agency still intends to proceed with privatizing certain aspects of licensing and docwnentation; but the RECs likely will remain in their current state for at least two more years. As its name indicates, MERPAC provides advice to the Coast Guard concerning merchant marine personnel matters such as training standards, certification and fitness. The volunteer group includes representatives from throughout the industry-labor, management and government. AB Sinclair Oubre is a member. In addition to the committee May 1999 members, more than 100 volunteers answered a recent Coast Guard call for input on developing the national performance measures for evaluating mariner competence. (The request was published in the Federal Register on Februacy 12.) Together, they are working toward an early Year 2000 deadline for submitting a written response to the agency's concurrent request for performancemeasure suggestions. (They plan to have a draft by July 1.) "It boils down to making sure that the standards established in the STCW amendments (as enacted by signatory nations) are realistic and fair," stated Oubre, who heads a MERPAC working group focused on ratings forming part of a navigational watch. "As U.S. merchant mariners constantly are being pounded about being internationally competitive, what will keep us that way is our quality of training and professionalism. No amount of money can replace a rating who is qualified and welltrained. "However, it will be up to the regulatory agencies like the Coast Guard to make sure that unqualified employees are barred from foreign-flag ships." STCW is the abbreviation for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention took place in 1978, with the U.S. signing on in 1991. The convention was amended in 1995, as 132 countries (including the U.S.) signed on. Some of those amendments took effect in 1997, with others still awaiting implementation. The basic aim of STCW is setting minimum international qualifications for masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on deep sea merchant ships. STCW does not apply to mariners on inland merchant vessels, but does apply to mariners on domestic voyages if the vessel operates beyond the boundary line. As noted in the Federal Register, the 1995 STCW amend- ments require that candidates for certification must establish their competence in a wide range of subjects, depending on the functions they perform and their shipboard responsibilities. The amendments include standards of competence in the form of tables that identify areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, which must be demonstrated, and describe general criteria for assessing whether an individual meets the standards. DOT Nears Full Y2K Compliance A top official at the U.S. Department of Transportation (OOn told Congress last month that the department is nearing full "year 2000" compliance for its hundreds of "mission-critical systems," including those operated by the U.S. Maritime Administration. DOT Deputy Secretary Mort Downey, a strong advocate of the U.S. merchant marine, informed a special Senate committee on Y2K that approximately 90 percent of the vital systems within the department's various administrations have been updated for Y2K. He also stated that DOT officials are working with international organizations and foreign governments to help bring about Y2K readiness in the maritime and aviation industries. Sometimes referred to as the millennium bug, Y2K has become common parlance for describing potential technological problems associated with the turn of the century. The dilemma involves computer equipment-found in everything from ships and airplanes to VCRs and coffee makers-that may misread 2000 as 1900 due to programming that only accounts for a single century. It is a multi-billion dollar, worldwide issue made more complex by inevitable interfaces between compliant and non-compliant systems. Despite the daunting task, Downey told the Senate committee that he is "fully confident that all of DOT's vital computer systems will effectively make the transition on January 1, 2000 .... Every mission-critical system at DOT will be repaired, replaced or retired by the 2000 deadline. Period." He reported that nwnerous DOT administrations already have achieved full Y2K compliance for their respective vital systems, among them the Maritime Administration, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the Surface Transportation Board and others. "The only systems projected to be completed after June are six systems which belong to the U.S. Coast Guard," Downey added on April 14. "The Coast Guard has completed work on 84 percent (62 of 74) of its mission-critical systems. Due to com- plicated logistics and weather conditions in Alaska, the Coast Guard has scheduled completion of its final system, the Valdez Vessel Traffic System, in October 1999 although it now appears that the existing Valdez system will be remedied much sooner. The Coast Guard will do all it can to improve on this schedule, and the commandant has assured me that the Coast Guard will accomplish its Y2K mission well before the end of the year." The deputy secretary also acknowledged that the shipping and aviation fields face particularly difficult predicaments because of their international characteristics. "There is a larger potential for international failures, adversely affecting our own domestic and cross-border operations," he explained. "We continue to meet with foreign representatives in order to cooperate on Y2K issues. Secretary (Rodney) Slater raised the Y2K readiness issue with his European counterparts during meetings in Germany, Belgiwn and England during the last week of March and earlier in the year with Western Hemisphere and African transportation ministers. Last week, we met with representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Transport, who reported on good progress being made in their country." Meanwhile, as reported in the March issue of the Seafarers LOG, management information systems personnel at SIU headquarters have made substantial progress in ensuring that the union's communications and record-keeping mechanisms are Y2K compliant. The medical claims system became compliant late last year, as did the phone systems at headquarters, at all SIU halls and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The clinic system (used to track physical examinations and drug-test data for the membership) was Y2K compliant when it was completed in 1992. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and union plans and accounting departments are using Y2K compliant software. Seafarers LOG 5 �Upgrader Praises Academic Department, Encourages Seatarers to Pursue Education Editor ~ note: Recertified Steward Georg Kenny is working toward his associate s degree through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. As part of those studies, he recently completed a political science class at the school in Piney Point, Md He met the governor of his home state, West Virginia s Cecil Underwood, during that class and subsequently submitted the following article to the Seafarers LOG. Prior to taking the Paul Hall Center's political science course, I had little interest in politics. I hadn't bothered reading the Constitution of our great nation. The Bill of Rights, which guarantees basic freedoms, was unknown tome. I also was generally distrustful of politicians. My outlook has changed for the better, after working with the academic department at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Today, I have a better understanding of how government works. I've seen it in action by attending seminars in Washington, D.C. on matters of national interest (specifically, Y2K). A visit with Governor Cecil Underwood of my home state of Culinary Instructor Batten Wins Prestigious Award Chef Commends Seafarers for Progress Jack Batten, a culinary instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, recently received the "Chef of the Year" award from the Nation's Capital Chef's Association. The award is considered the most prestigious one issued by the volunteer association, a philanthropic group which includes about 500 members-among them chefs, culinary educators, students, distributors and suppliers. "My wife owns half of this award," Batten stated. "She does so much work in the charitable events and other activities of the association." Included among those events is an annual culinary arts salon in Washington, D.C. conducted by Batten and his wife, Janet, in conjunction with another industry affair. When contacted by the Seafarers LOG for a story about the trophy, Batten steered the conversation to his work with SIU members upgrading at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located in Piney Point, Md. "Teaching is what I enjoy most about the food business," noted Batten, an American Culinary Federation certified executive chef and chef instructor at two Maryland community colleges. "In the SIU, it's neat that the mariners want to keep themselves upgraded and taught." Batten believes that, as public awareness of various aspects of nutrition have increased-involving everything from food content to calorie counts, and food preparation to sanitation-and culinary equipment has improved, so too have Seafarers in the steward department become more proficient at their work. "We have students today who are doing things that, 20 years ago, only executive chefs did,'' he explained. "Nutrition and health is a big issue now, whereas you never heard about it 10 or 15 years ago. Today, people want to eat well." Batten added that the field constantly offers new lessons and challenges. "I've been doing this for 30 years, and I still learn something every day." 6 Seafarers LOG Instructor Jack Batten credits steward department Seafarers with enthusiastically pursuing their upgrading courses. West Virginia allowed me to tell him about the Seafarers International Union. I explained to the governor about the continuous educational opportunities and employment and the major medical and pension benefits that the SIU can offer to residents of that state. My studies also included meeting Dr. Sam Tully, West Virginia's chief technological officer, and field trips to county commissioner meetings in Leonardtown, Md. that raised my awareness of local issues. I also commend my instructor, Peggy Densford, for helping me understand the complexity of government and respect the efforts of its participants. In addition to the political science course, I recently studied English literature with Joan Miles. She, too, is a gifted instructor. Recertified Steward Georg Kenny (left) presents an SIU jacket to West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood on March 25. Brother Kenny recently completed the political science course at the Paul Hall Center. I was a high school dropout. Today, I aspire to obtain a college degree. I am very, very grateful to the Seafarers International Union for initiating and maintaining our school. But, most of all, for encouraging Seafarers to further their education by participating in the various academic programs available at Piney Point. Over the years, I have heard many seamen express regret for not pursuing their education. They would say there wasn't enough time or that they were too old. These are erroneous thoughts. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and its academic department always have the time for you. As the saying goes, "It's never too late to learn." Training Vessel Osprey Upgraded The MV Osprey, a training boat berthed at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., recently underwent refurbishment designed to enhance the school's unlicensed apprentice curriculum as well as certain upgrading courses that comply with the STCW convention. Formerly a U.S. Navy patrol boat, the Osprey earlier this year passed its Coast Guard inspection, thereby opening the door for students (including those pictured above) to conduct on-board training exercises with the boat underway. The Osprey's features include Furuno and Ratheon radars, plus a global positioning system. Its training uses include firefighting, steering, line-handling, navigation, rudder and steering commands and more. Lakes Seafarers Complete On-Site Diesel Engine Course Seven Seafarers sailing in the Great Lakes division recently completed an on-site diesel engine technology class conducted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The four-day course took place in Cleveland aboard the Great Lakes Towing Co. boat Ohio. SIU members who successfully finished the class were Lonnee Aakeberg, Cary Gimpel and his father, Don Gimpel, Grant Hult, Dave Plunkett, Gary Rutenbar and Tim Zbin. Instructors Ron Oyer and Bill Saul utilized the Ohio ~ engines for hands-on training. Classroom instruction also was included in the class, which took place March 9-12. Among the topics were diesel engine theory; two- and fourstroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of diesel engines. "The school was glad to accommodate Great Lakes Towing's request for this class,'' noted Saul. "All of the participants were great students and actively took part in the course." Students including Lonnee Aakeberg (above, left) and Don Gimpel benefited from using Great Lakes Towing machinery (pictured at left) during the practical training segments. The four-day diesel engine course took place aboard the tugboat Ohio (bottom photo). May1999 �Watchman Leonard Thomas American Mariner QMED Tom Tucker American Mariner Deckhand Jason Stone (left) and AB John Spezia Tugboat Montana Porter Mohamed Yahya ASC Sam laud Wiper Hamid Hizam American Republic Second Cook Raymond Maynard Sam Laud QMED Kassem Abdulla American Mariner AB Gerald Bollinger Wiper Matt Posten American Mariner St.John Watchman Joseph Hance American Mariner May 1999 Deckhand Robert Jewell Watchman David Gapske American Mariner Sam Laud AB Robert Petko Porter Y. Kaid St.John American Republic Seafarers LOG 7 �Sea-I.and Consumer Galley Just Like Mom's Kitchen One of the most difficult aspects of being a merchant mariner during a holiday is spending it away from the family. But on the Sea-Land Consumer, as on many SIU-crewed vessels, fellow crew members are the family, and the ship's galley talces the place of mom's kitchen-from which come many of the traditional holiday favorites. After a selection of appetizers, Christmas dinner aboard the Sea-Land Service vessel started with homemade split pea soup and went on to roast tom turkey with cornbread dressing and giblet gravy, roast prime rib of beef au jus, and baked glazed Virginia ham. Vegetables included mashed potatoes, acorn squash, peas and carrots and cranberry sauce. The desserts, too many to list, included Boston cream pie, balced Alaska, apple pie and creme caramel. In the March issue, the Seafare rs WG ran a feature on the Sea-Land Consumer and some of the notable meals served aboard that containership. Since then, additional photos have been received, which are printed on this page. The little touches-a decorated Christmas tree and a table-top dancing Santa-help crew members aboard the Sea-Land Consumer get into the spirit of the season. Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt and Assistant Cook Rachel CutlerWashington work very hard to make each holiday a memorable one. ABs Phil. Harmon (left) and Steve Ledermann enjoy a festive meal together. Even the control room, where DEU John Cooper is working, has its own decorations. ABs Bennie Spencer (left) and Larry Bradley (right) are appreciative of all the work Assistant Cook Rachel Cutler-Washington has done to make the holidays special. B Seafarers LOG Enjoying the holiday fare is one aspect to spending Christmas at sea, but there's never a lack of work to be done. ABs Larry Bradley (left) and Phil Harmon get out the paint brushes to spruce up the containership before its arrival in Houston. May 1999 �DEU Pedro Ramos, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Retiree Mario Zelaya DEU Florencio Bermudez, AB Gregory Hickman, AB Bernard Blunt, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez AB Lee Selico, his wife, Edwina, and SIU President Michael Sacco QMED Rogers Bankston, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey AB Joe Labeau, DEU Charles Gray Chief Steward Joe Birke and wife, Delores \ SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Retiree Ray Cuccia Sights from Grand Opening of New Orleans Hall ELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME Captain Thomas White and wife, Stacey The photos on this page provide a sampling of the grand opening last month of the SIU's new union hall in Harvey, La. More photos from the event will be published in the next issue of the Seafarers LOG. Identifications are listed from left to right unless otherwise noted. Very special thanks to Barbara Brouillette-Perez and Jessica Smith for providing the photos. I Retiree Duke Duet and his wife, Maggie, AB Dave Messik, Retiree Beau James SIU Exec. VP John Fay, Retiree Charlie Corrente ••, 1999 SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Retiree Charlie Corrente, Steward department member Dustin Heindel. SIU Rep. Chris Westbrook, guest Kim Gray, SIU Rep. James Brown, secretary Narcille Barbe, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd and wife, Nancy, secretary Barabara Vicknair SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Retiree Louie Babin AB Dave Collins, Retired SIU Port Agent Joe Perez, AB Charlie Touzet AB Vic DiGiorgio, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Deckhand Herbert Hebert, Captain Tim Gegenheimer, Deckhand Alfred DiGregoria, Engineer Willie Judd SealarelS LOG 9 �Monthly Hawaiian Luaus Fann Solid Base for S-L Enterprise Pride A "happy steward department means a happy ship," according to Franchesca Rose, recertified steward aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. And much of that sense of well-being can be derived from pride in one's job and the great training offered to SIU members at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., she said. The photographs on this page, sent to the Seafarers WG by Rose, were taken during a shipboard barbecue to say "Aloha and Mahala" to Chief Cook Mohamed Omar, who had finished his rotation aboard the SeaLand Service vessel. Recertified Steward Franchesa Rose (right) meets her mother, Judith Hopfe, at the Honolulu airport. Mrs. Hopfe supplies leis and flowers from the family farm for the shipboard barbecues aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. "We just want to let you all know that if you ever get Brother Omar on your ship, consider yourselves blessed. For he is a man filled with lots of knowledge, talent, creativity, devotion to his job-and his fine gourmet cooking," wrote Rose on behalf of the ship's crew and officers. "We also want to thank our steward utility, Romeo Mansala, for all his hard work. He does a wonderful job," continued Rose, "and the crew appreciates his fine efforts." The three-person steward department aboard the SeaLand Enterprise plans a barbecue every trip, if not for a special event like the good-bye to Omar, then just to keep morale high. Rose said she makes many of the Hawaiian-style dishes one would find at a typical luau-kalua pig, laulau, lomi salmon, sashimi, poke, opihi, poi and coconut pudding. "Some will try the food, some won't dare," noted the steward, "but we have a great selection for everyone." Since the vessel stops in Honolulu, the flowers and garlands for the luaus come from Rose's family's farm. Her mother and father pick the blossoms, make the leis and ensure the items arrive aboard ship before it departs-and she extended much appreciation to them as well. Beneath a banner reading, "Thanks, Omar, we'll miss you," Chief Cook Mohamed Omar (above) shows off his good-bye cake while SA Romeo Mansala (right) attends to the grill. . ~ The unlicensed crew and officers alike sing the praises of their chief cook. From the left are Chief Engineer Dave McNeil, Chief Cook Mohamed Omar and Captain Tom McKay Jr. Luau delicacies (left) and desserts (above) are both beautifully prepared and arranged by the galley gang, using many of the skills acquired at steward department upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. 10 Seataren LOG The departing Omar (left) is given a rousing "Aloha and Mahalo" by AB Abdulhamid F. Musaed. May1999 �I Students Rally Against Sweatshop Labor Reminiscent of the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations of the 1960s and the anti-apartheid movement in the early '80s, college and university students are again showing their force-this time by protesting the use of sweatshops in the making of sweatshirts, caps, coffee mugs and other gear bearing their school logos. Student groups at more than 20 institutions, including Duke, New Hampshire, Georgetown, Princeton, Wisconsin and Michigan, are staging sit-ins, rallies and other forms of protest to call on their administrations to adopt a policy to ensure that licensed apparel is produced in factories that pay workers a living wage and do not exploit children. The protests are directed at university-contracted apparel companies, asking that they disclose the names and addresses of the factories with whom they do business. In the past couple years, students on a number of campuses began pressuring their administrations to adopt a code intended to guarantee that items bearing their school logos would not be made in sweatshops. The code they are advocating would require disclosure of factory locations and allow inspections of the sites. It also would include provisions against forced labor, child labor and unsafe working conditions. Most apparel companies assert that sweatshop labor is not used in the production of the items found in college bookstores. But many companies do not disclose the locations of their factories, and their claims cannot be verified independently, the activists say. "It's important for us to know where the factories are because then people will be able to monitor them to make sure they're not sweatshops," said one Duke senior. Some colleges and universities have responded to the student pressure by agreeing to require monitors and adopt measures intended to remedy sweatshop conditions. Seventeen of the institutions, including Harvard, Yale and Duke, last month announced they would join a new factory-monitoring group, the Fair Labor Association, which has established a code of conduct for apparel producers in addition to providing measures for monitoring plants for violations. Duke University adopted the nation's strictest code which, in addition to disclosure of factories' nanies and addresses, also includes requirements for a living wage. Port of NY/NJ to Remain Competitive A long-awaited dredging contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month to deepen the channel into the port of New York/New Jersey. The $23.6 million deal-the first of eight construction contracts in a $750 million roject-was awarded to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. to unclog the Kill van Kull channel, which is only 40 feet deep, between the major container terminals on Newark Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Because the large, newer containerships need at least 45 feet to safely navigate harbors on the East Coast, it was feared that Baltimore, with its 50-foot channel would cause the New York/New Jersey port to lose up to 60 percent of its container cargo if the Kill van Kull channel were not dredged. The port is now attempting to convince Maersk Line and Sea-Land Service, Inc., two of its largest carriers, not to flee to Baltimore to build a new terminal. "This deepening project ensures that our port will remain competitive and meet the needs of our customers well into the next century," stated Lillian Borrone, port commerce director at the East Coast's largest containerport. The actual work to dredge the channel-to be started following the submission of a safety plan-involves the digging and ocean disposal of nearly 500,000 cubic yards of material by September 6, 2000. Former SIU Official Jack Bluitt Dead at 72 John "Jack" Joseph Bluitt died at his home in New Port Richey, Fla., Wednesday, March 17. He was 72. Born in New York in 1926, Bluitt was only in his teens when he joined the SIU in 1943. He started helping out behind the service counter in the New York hall, and began sailing in the deck department as an OS, working his way up to bosun. The 42-year SIU veteran came ashore as a union official in 1958 and was sent by SIU President Paul Hall to the Great Lakes region in 1961 as a patrolman in Detroit to work with Fred Famen, the headquarters representative there. (The port later moved to Algonac, Mich., where Bluitt was port agent and headquarters representative from 1975 until his retirement in 1985.) During the Vietnam War, Jack (as the New York dispatcher) would spend many a day from 6:00 a.m. until midnight making sure SIU-contracted Fla. and Hampton, Va. are teaming up to restore the mothballed American Victory and convert it into a museum. Built in 1945, the American Victory has been part of the U.S. Reserve Fleet on Vrrginia's James River following the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU members, the vessel was one of more than 500 Victory · ships that debuted near the end of World War The American V1etory, once crewed by SIU members, is being converted into a museum that will be berthed in Tampa, Fla. •ay1999 Jack Bluitt Wednesday, Bluitt would drive the 20 miles from his home in New Port Richey to Dunedin (near Clearwater) to pick him up, and the two would go fishing or to antique shows or the racetrack. For almost two years, the two of them also visited another retired SIU member, J.R. O'Brien, in a nursing home, and "Jack would give him a lot of attention," Drews reminisced. Jack Bluitt was buried in West Hampton, L.I., next to his wife, Julia, and son Brian. He is survived by eight children and five grandchildren. Brother Donnelly Gets Final Wish • On December 20, 1998 at 12:45 p.m., the ashes of Brother Harry B. Donnelly were scattered from the fantail of the Green Island by the ship's master, Jay W.B. Frank, and Bosun Calvin Miles (in photo at right) outside the Strait of Gibraltar. In attendance were many of the Waterman ship's crew (above), representing all departments in both the licensed and unlicensed ratings. Bosun Miles asked for a minute of silence, and the flag was lowered to half staff. Master Frank noted that the ashes -Were respectfully consigned to the brine that is common to all of us who ply the seas. He is, therefore, still among us and now has eternal peace in perpetual communications with his brothers of the sea: American llictory Will Be Museum Editor :SO note: Retired Recertified Bosun Andrew Boney recently contacted the Seafarers LOG with information for this story. Retired mariners in Tampa, ships destined for Vietnam were properly crewed, according to Red Campbell, retired contracts vice president. Vice President Great Lakes Byron Kelley, who succeeded Bluitt in Algonac, liked him very much. "It can truly be said," Kelley stated, "that Jack was the kind of guy who devoted his entire life to the welfare of the SIU members." Known for his ability to communicate with members, Bluitt was just as comfortable before government panels as in 1977 when he testified before a congressional committee on the state of Great Lakes shipping and what should be done to improve the working conditions of boatmen in that area. SIU pensioner Peter Drews, who knew Bluitt for 42 years, both in New York and Algonac, counted him among his best friends. Drews retired from the SIU in 1986 and gave up driving in 1988. He said that for 11 years, like clockwork each II. During Vietnam, it was operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. Now, a non-profit group in Tampa endeavors to tum it into a museum that will be berthed next to the Florida Aquarium. The organization, known as The Victory Ship, Inc., took possession of the ship via an act of Congress. They since have begun an ambitious fund-raising campaign for the transportation and conversion of the ship. According to press reports, plans call for the American Victory to feature interactive displays recreating aircraft attacks and counter-measures, among other scenarios. A spokesman for the organization told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper, "I hope visitors will walk away and say, 'You know, I never knew that people of such great valor served our country."' For additional information, contact The Victory Ship, Inc. at (813) 228-8766. 'Living Wage' in New Jersey Earlier this year, the Hudson County (N.J.) Board of Freeholders adopted an SIU-backed •nving wage" ordinance that will boost pay and benefits for hundreds of workers in the county. The ordinance mandates that in new contracts (as well as renewals of current agreements), workers at private firl1\S staffing county buildings will receive at least 150 percent of the federal minimum wage. It further requires such companies to provide health and vacation benefits. The ordinance primarily impacts security guards and janitors. Pictured above (from left), commemorating this action, are SIU Representative Ed Pulver, who serves as president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council; Pete Busacca, secretary-treasurer of the council; and Bill O'Dea, a government official who proposed the ordinance. Seafarers LOii 11 �Deep Sea, Inland Seafarers Are Active in 'Charm City' Throughout the port of Baltimore, SIU members are a visible part of the work force. During a typical day last month, a reporter from the Seafarers LOG found Seafarers manning tugboats and military-contracted ships as well as assisting in the refurbishment of a newly contracted surveillance vessel. SIU-contracted inland companies Moran and McAllister have offices in 'Charm City,' as does Transoceanic Cable Ship Co., a Tyco subsidiary that operates Seafarerscrewed vessels including the Global Link, Global Mariner, Global Sentinel, Charles Brown and Long Lines. Other Seafarers-crewed deep sea ships also are among the vessels that load and off-load in Baltimore. The port itself is enjoying an upswing in general cargo, including strong showings this year in rollon/roll-off cargoes, containers, breakbulk and forest products. The photos on these two pages were shot April 13. McALLISTER Jacob Bryan, port engineer at McAllister, sailed with the SIU from 1959 to 1984. AB Holly Schaper is part of crew helping refurbish the lance ship. MORAN TUG S : .../ For Chief Engineer Terry Faulkner, pictured aboard the Brian A. McAllister, the SIU is a family affair. His son Keith sails as an AB with the union. Exhibiting teamwork on deck are DEU Rich Allen (left) and Bosun Tom Moore. A Seafarer for 23 years, Buzz Fenn is a familiar face at the McAllister dock in Baltimore. Checking a fuse box is QMED/ Electrician John Miller. 12 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Harry Galdeira readies another fine meal. QMED Bill MacCulloch enjoys a brief coffee break. May 1999 �\ TOR CAPE WRATH Cleaning carbon out of a turbo is DEU Dave Page. the SIU surveil- Chief Engineer Chuck Holmes (left), an SIU hawsepiper, says QMED Rob Scott and the other Seafarers aboard the vessel are doing a good job. QMED Teddy Wallace records an entry in the engine room. Troubleshooting a telephone Electrician Lenny Bonarek. Aboard the Hawkins Point, Deckhand Dayvien Johnson (left photo) and Engineer Gary Lavinder head to an evening assignment. Engineer Bill Epps (right) greets former Seafarer Manuel San Pedro. Deckhand Wally Lindley reports to the tug Cape Romain. Untying a line on the Hawkins Point is Deckhand Calvin Johnson. Primed for the next job is Engineer Kenny Hudgins. CAPE JOHNSON Pictured from left to right are QMED/Electrician Taylor Clear, GUDE Decarlo Harris and Bosun John Toomey. CAPE WASHINGTON Forming part of the ROS crew are (from left) Electrician Steven Kafka, GUDE Walter Lupo and Bosun Rick James, joined by SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Mar 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �- ired of the hustle and bustle of city streets, jam-packed shopping malls and stuffy community parks? Dread spending your summer vacation at a crowded beach resort or camping ground? Then this year tum your sights to Piney Point, Md., home of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Ideally situated on the banks of the St. George's Creek, all the ingredients for a fun-filled vacation can be found on the grounds or within driving distance of the center. Entertaining day trips throughout historic southern Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can fill time between fishing trips or tennis matches right on the center's facilities. The Paul Hall Center, which houses the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and educational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and a six-story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of waterfront property. A number of the rooms in the training and recreation center are set aside during the summer months for vacationing SIU members and their families. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and in the lobby is the Sea Chest, where personal items, maga- T zines, snacks and SIU souvenirs are sold. Your stay at Piney Point, which can last up to two weeks per family, also includes three delicious meals each day. At the center are a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health spa (including Nautilus, free weights, universal gym, sauna and steamroom) and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This peaceful setting provides the opportunity for both water and land-based expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for a good fishing spot. With 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. The school's marina also serves as the home of the Nianitou, the last pleasure vessel owned by President John F. Kennedy. The vessel was restored in 1990 by SIU pensioners. Across the grounds is the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum. The library contains more than 17,000 volumes on maritime and labor history, while the museum features a collection of ship models, historical nautical instruments and union memorabilia. One does not have to venture too far outside the gates of the Paul Hall Center to get a sense of history. St. Mary's County was the first proprietary colony in America, the first colony to practice religious tolerance, the first colony to have peaceful relations with the native Indians, the first Maryland capital and the first place a request for the women's right to vote was recorded. History aside, there are plenty of other attractions in Southern Marylandseafood festivals, art exhibitions, antique and craft shows, country auctions, concerts and theatre productions. But if you crave more than the easy southern Maryland way of life, you could venture into the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C,less than a two-hour drive from the Paul Hall Center. The Capitol, White House and Supreme Court all offer daily tours. A favorite for many families is a tour of the FBI headquarters as well as a UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES r--------------------------------------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse 10.00/day Child 10.00/day visit to the U.S. treasury's printing site, where one can actually watch the nation's paper currency being made. The Smithsonian Institution holds hundreds of exhibits (all free) and provides hours of fun for the entire family. Among the Smithsonian museums are those for natural history, American history, and the most popular-the National Air and Space Museum. One of the best of its kind is the Washington National Zoo. Hundreds of rare animals live in their natural habitats, including the rare panda bear. There are many more sights to behold in the area. The Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln memorials each has its unique surroundings and places to rest and share a picnic lunch. Paddle boats also may be rented by the hour-a fun way to get a look at life in Washington. Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are also well worth a visit (National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Mt. Vernon). Or you can catch an Orioles' ball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. It will take more than a day-or even a weekend ~to see some of the more famous landmarks and attractions in the area. But by using the Paul Hall Center as an affordable base from which to plan your vacation days, what you do and don't do is entirely up to you. To take advantage of this unique benefit to SIU members and their families, send in your reservation form now. Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. Telephone number: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ 3rd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 5199 go fishing. • • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG May1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea June & July 1999 MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 lfemllersllip Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland W~ *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmingt~n Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 10 16 9 6 18 15 16 4 9 35 18 8 16 20 14 30 27 8 8 11 3 4 7 33 1 4 0 254 15 2 2 1 139 8 2 10 4 6 12 3 3 11 2 2 10 4 5 0 83 Piney Point Algonac Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 13 13 7 S 4 I 3 5 0 4 12 12 2 3 5 2 17 8 4 IO 28 4 16 6 6 21 7 4 27 II 2 7 8 2 6 6 12 8 26 2 2 2 2 1 5 1 0 0 98 64 190 Reliefs 0 1 8 11 49 4 3 12 18 10 46 1 5 0 0 l 0 7S 0 133 89 29 l STEWARD DEPARTMENT 6 5 2 0 s 10 4 8 6 2 3 2 5 1 3 1 25 31 58 38 49 2 7 2 7 17 6 6 29 3 0 3 II 7 4 0 3 1 1 0 3 62 9 11 7 0 7 Piney Point .............Monday: June 7; Tuesday: July 6* (•change creoled by Independence [)(ry holiday) -·-----~· 5 1 0 13 4 6 7 7 8 21 8 12 13 6 4 14 3 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Oass A Class B Class C Trip ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 2 10 7 l 2 1 3 2 3 7 0 3 6 6 4 2 3 13 0 2 4 3 2 12 9 4 2 7 6 7 9 2 12 3 12 6 0 1 2 1 0 4 8 3 4 4 2 20 l 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 31 32 67 111 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 436 25 s s 4 10 11 13 s 34 16 15 22 10 7 20 3 6 0 201 24 12 8 6 4 2 Baltimore ............•...Thursday: June 10, July 8 20 7 4 Dulutb ..................... Wednesday: June 16, July 14 14 20 11 Honolulu •..•.......•.....Friday; June 18, July 16 21 26 18 12 4 9 19 1 17 Houston ..................Monday: June 14, July 12 3 5 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 15, July 13 0 205 0 New York................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 97 11 6 2 11 8 0 4 7 3 4 s 0 2 11 2 4 9 1 5 24 2 9 10 9 6 11 2 4 3 1 7 0 6 3 0 1 0 138 36 13 3 Algonac ..................Friday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 10, July 8 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: June 23, July 21 Mobile •••••m•·•· ........Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday~ June 22, July 20 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 9, July 7 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan ..................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis .................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington .............Monday: June 21, July 19 Each port's meeting starts st 10:30 a.m. Personals EDDIE BURKE Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 2 0 6 4 3 24 26 21 19 8 7 1 3 0 138 8 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 10 1 2 0 3 0 4 5 6 3 2 3 10 10 s 1 3 l 7 1 2 4 1 68 1 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 17 Port 7 0 0 29 0 0 52 194 75 12 0 12 0 160 Totals All Departments 577 490 289 0 1 2 7 9 6 8 6 4 2 0 0 13 21 18 8 14 2 35 12 3 14 13 20 1 9 14 2 2 1 4 3 2 2 0 6 1 0 1 6 0 0 13 7 0 2 2 0 0 0 33 l I 0 0 111 2 0 38 0 0 0 0 21 8 4 5 s ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 20 6 0 l 2 0 2 4 0 0 0 7 II 3 0 0 0 5 0 2 3 3 0 6 13 3 9 0 0 6 5 0 3 6 0 11 11 3 0 2 0 4 0 4 22 60 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 39 117 112 9 l 7 12 5 5 3 2 320 229 139 - 14 0 3 37 40 13 10 1 31 33 2 18 6 3 3 10 2 1 6 3 s It has been a long time since Alan and Jackie Martyn have heard from you. Please write them at P.O. Box 6507, Los Osos, CA 93412; or telephone (805) 528-0229. Keeping on Top of Deck Duties s 0 0 8 2 1 0 0 236 103 29 Cesar Gutierrez, bosun aboard the Liberty Star, tackles a wire-splicing job while the Liberty Maritime vessel is en route to Haifa, Israel. 9 60 29 0 4 0 2 1 19 15 7 2 15 2 15 11 12 27 17 10 28 s Cl--111111111 10 10 17 21 4 11 3 by George Buisson 44 96 20 22 5 0 14 -------8 8 7 4 0 0 16 6 0 0 80 297 241 953 743 403 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 1999 0 1 14 3 0 ··--· 0 14 9 6 15 l 7 4 451 J3 2 2 ------~- New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 2 12 9 14 18 5 1 1 19 3 L06-A-RHmlMS ... River of Love A woman is like a river, shes soft but powerful at the same time. Treat her right and she will keep you afloat at a steady stream. Such as a river, she has her ups and downs, but faithful and reliable like the mighty Mississippi. Like a river, she cannot be dammed or controlled, she must be let free to flow at her own speed and course. But such as a river, she is the source of all life. AB George Buisson wrote this poem in 1991 while working on the MN Advantage during the Persian Gulf war. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sealare1S lnfematlonal llnlon Dlret:IOIY MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - Company/Lakes John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindd Se~retaly-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack CafTey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coa.51 Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kennett Mangnm Vice President Government Services . .. HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (30 I) 899--0615 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 9 0 13 2 0 10 3 0 19 28 L - Lakes NP - Non Priority · TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 7 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 I STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 I ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 16 0 8 0 7 2 0 15 26 Totals All Depts 0 65 42 0 19 4 0 46 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 l (810) 794-4988 9 38 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #tC .Anchorage.AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (20 l) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 - NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 321'-7545 NORFOLK Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pill.ADELPHIA 2604 s. 4 St. t 9148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 15 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 t) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 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 16 Seafarers LOG I 6 so 3 13 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 3 0 7 0 1 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 3 39 9 51 0 1 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 4 0 0 17 0 0 2 0 4 0 2 17 0 2 0 I 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 16 36 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 40 PI C-FROM-THE-PAST l JS Third St 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 0 2 0 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals All Depts 90 3 13 19 1 6 86 3 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY I I 232 (718) 499-6600 Philadelphia, PA 0 2 45 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class .C 16~ This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Third Mate/AB Keith W. Finnerty of Baltimore, who has been an SIU member since 1984. The picture is of his father, Bosun Thomas C. Finnerty (left) and a shipmate (whose name he can't remember except that he was from Boston). It was taken while ashore in LeHavre, France shortly after World War 11. The elder Finnerty was an SIU member from 1943 until 1958. He recently became eligible for an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard for service in the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWI I. He also received medals for all three war zones (Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean) as well as the Combat Ribbon for action under fire. Additionally, the Russian government sent him a medal for his participation in the dangerous runs to Murmansk during the war. Now 76 years old, Thomas Finnerty still reads every issue of the Seafarers LOG. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are a total of 21 members who have retired after many voyages on the world's oceans, waterways and lakes. Eleven of those signing off their ships for the last time sailed in the deck department, seven shipped in the engine department and three were members of the steward department. Among those joining the ranks of the retirees, eight served in the U.S. military-three each in the Army and Navy, and one each in the Air Force and Marine Corps. This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: seven from the Midwest, five in the Gulf states, four on the West Coast, three in Puerto Rico and two on the East Coast. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. J DEEP SEA ALOA AGOSTINO, 71, started her career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1961 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Sister Agostino last sailed aboard the USNS Soderman as a member of the steward department. Born in Wisconsin, she has retired to Corono Del Mar, Calif. MIGUELA. ALICEA,47, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975 from the port of New York aboard the Azalea City. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1968 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Caguas, P.R. CLARENCE E.ANDERSON, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the John C., operated by Atlantic Carriers. A native of Kentucky, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Anderson last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Newark and makes his home in Adrian, W. Va. From 1965 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Army. KASSIM A. HARHARA, 52, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of San Francisco aboard the Overseas Dinny. During his career, he May 1999 worked in all three departments, last sailing in the steward department aboard the Sea-Land Independence. Born in Yemen, he has retired to Seattle. upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Williams last sailed aboard an NPR Inc. vessel. He makes his home in Carolina, P.R. INLAND TOMASA. PEARCE,65, first sailed with the SIU in 1966. Born in Mexico, he worked in the de.ck depart...____......____..~~ ment. Brother Pearce last sailed aboard the Zapata Ranger. He makes his home in Boulder City, Nev. WILLIAMS. TANN0,66, started his career with the MC&Sin 1968, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD, sailing aboard the Monterey. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Brother Tanno last sailed in 1996 aboard the Cape Isabel, an American President Lines vessel. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Born in Hawaii, he has retired to Los Angeles. RUBEN A. VELEZ SR., 53, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was Our Lady of Peace. Starting out in the de.ck department, he later transferred to the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Velez last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. The Puerto Rico native calls San Juan home. FREDERICK V. VOGLER, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco sailing aboard the Longview Victory. The California native worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Vogler has retired to Chino, Calif. GEORGE A. WILLIAMS, 53, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and THOMASM. ASTON SR., 61, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1962.The Mississippi native was a member of the ~=-...;"-'-'-' engine department. During his career, he worked primarily for Dravo Basic Materials. Boatman Aston makes his home in Bourg, La. JOHND. BROOKS,62, began sailing with the SIU in 1975 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Brooks worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Born in Ohio, he has retired to Dundas, Va. STEWART G.CORRY, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Texas native worked in the de.ck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Corry makes his home in Houston. ROBERTW. DAWSEY, 66, first sailed with the SIU in 1987. Boatman Dawsey worked as a captain, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing. His last boat was the Mark McAllister. A native of Mississippi, he resides in Pearlington. HENRY L. NEWKIRK, 64, began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman Newkirk last sailed in 1982 aboard the Estelle Stone. A native of North Carolina, he resides in Wilmington. WILLIAM H. RUSSELL, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1954 from the port of New Orleans. Boatman Russell worked in the de.ck department, last sailing as a mate aboard the Resolute, operated by Dixie Carriers. A native of Louisiana, he makes his home in Metairie. From 1959 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Army. BOBBYR. SIMMONS, 55, first sailed with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Simmons last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Land O'Lakes, Fla. GREAT LAKES LEONARD L. BARNARD, 68, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Barnard worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Buffalo, operated by American Steamship Co. The Michigan native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1952. He has retired to Benzonia, Mich. EDWARDG. FIKE, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1952. The Ohio native started out in the engine department and later transferred to the de.ck department. He last sailed aboard the Virginia, a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Brother Fike resides in Parma, Ohio. MELVINR. -···-· KIRCHOFF, .: ..,.· 57, joined the ;\ Seafarers in fa 1963 in the ·=:; port of Alpena, .,.,. Mich. Brother Kirchoff worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management. He last sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. The Michigan native makes his home in Posen. - JULIAN C. MARTIN, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1959 from the port of Detroit. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department as a mate. Brother Martin last sailed in 1977 aboard the J.A. Kling, operated by American Steamship Co. He has retired to Saginaw, Mich. AHMED A. SHOHATEE, 58, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he began working in the engine department and later transferred to the de.ck department. Brother Shohatee last sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. He makes his home in Detroit. Thanks Given to Obregon Crew The captain and crew of the PFC Eugene A. Obregon recently were sent letters of appreciation from the U.S. Navy for the outstanding support the maritime prepositioning vessel provided the Navy during exercise Dynamic Mix '98. The galley gang (right) is comprised of (from left, standing) SA Jorge Mora, Chief Steward Patrick __.~ Helton, Chief Cook Rudolph .......~........__ _ _ __:.__ Xatruch, SA Edita Miguel, SA Arnulfo Lacayo, (kneeling) Asst. Cook/Utility Mauricio Castro and SA Saleh Mohamed. (SA Mary Jones is not pictured.) _..L..._ l•~rf6ii'S~r=l!!Bf7T!,~--I Members of the f! deck department (left) during -..--..-...4 Dynamic Mix '98 are (standing) Bosun Henry Bouganim, (from left, kneeling) ABs William Michael, Gregory Hickman, Henry Sondie, Charles Frisella and Arthur Reed. In the engine department of the •r::::;lli~~~~=• Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel ~Ni~,~--JiiliiillR (bottom) are (from left: QMEDs Maximo Dising and Robert Farmer, DEU Jose Bermudez, and QMEDs Ronald Lukacs and James Brock. Seafarers LOG 17 - �DEEP SEA CAYETANO B. AGONY Pensioner Cayetano B. Agony, 92, passed away December 18, 1998. A native of the Philippine Islands, he started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1944 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Agony's first ship was the Cape Isabel, and prior to his retirement in January 1971, he signed off the Idaho. He was a resident of San Jose, Calif. JOHN L. ARVANITES Pensioner John L. Arvanites, 65, died February 3. Born in Greece, he joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. ======:::::..::i Brother Arvanites sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney, Point, Md. His first ship was the Orion Comet and he last sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in July 1998. RAYMOND V. BAKER Pensioner RaymondV. Baker, 68, passed away February 8. He first sailed with the SIU in 1948 aboard the Powder River, a Cities Service tanker. Brother Baker worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Leader. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Baker was a resident of Houston. He retired in August 1995. ERVIN BRADLEY ·· Pensioner Ervin Bradley, 78, died February 7. Brother Bradley started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of Mobile, Ala. '--~=:::====;___JBorninSouth Carolina, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He lived in Mobile and began receiving his pension in May 1982. DICK T. BRINKLEY Dick T. Brinkley, 59, passed away in February. Born in Texas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1980 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Brinkley started out in the inland division and later transferred to deep sea vessels. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1957 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Brinkley was a resident of Los Angeles. ROBERT A. BUTLER Pensioner Robert A. Butler, 76, died February 12. A native of Arkansas, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Butler sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1977. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. He was a resident of New Orleans. 18 Seafarers LOG JAi SUNG CHAR CLARENCE V. HENRY Pensioner Jai Sung Char, 80, passed away January 22. Born in Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Prior to his retirement in February 1984, he sailed aboard the Maui, operated by Matson Navigation. Brother Char was a resident of Honolulu. Pensioner Clarence V. Henry, 71, passed away February 27. He was a heavyweight boxing contender prior to joining the ~==~ MC&S in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. His first ship was the Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co. During his seafaring career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. military. Brother Henry was a resident of Harbor City, Calif. He retired in 1983. JOHN N. CHIORRA ===== Pensioner John N. Chiorra, 80, died February 23. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in West Virginia, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Chiarra was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. A resident of Allentown, Pa., he began receiving his pension in March 1969. THOMAS WOODROW DICKENS Pensioner Thomas Woodrow Dickens, 82, _ ·= ·,...••·• passed away March 8. Brother Dickens began sailing with the SIU in 1941 from the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native sailed in the steward department and retired in June 1978. He was a resident of Hammond, La. ROBERT W~ FERRANDIZ r-::::::::.::::~:::-::7~:-=::--t Pensioner Robert W. Ferrandiz, 73, died March 6. \ . He joined the ·' Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. The Empire State native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. A resident of Las Vegas, he started receiving his pension in April 1987. EDWARD F. GARRITY Pensioner Edward F. Garrity, 76, passed away February 13. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the SIU in 1953 from the port of New York. He worked as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Brother Garrity was a resident of Philadelphia and retired in December 1987. LEWIS J. "CURLY" GOODWIN -----=-------. Pensioner Lewis J. "Curly" Goodwin, 83, died May 27, 1998. Brother Goodwin joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port ~====== of New York. Born in Maine, he sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in May 1970. From 1934 to 1939, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of Portland, Maine. GEORGE C. HOFFMAN Pensioner George C. Hoffman, 81, passed away February 13. A native of Louisiana, he started his career with the === Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in September 1979. From 1938 to 1941, Brother Hoffman served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a resident of New Orleans. MARTIN M. ITURRINO ======:="'1 Pensioner in the deck department and retired in April 1987. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Brother Lujan made his home in Los Molinos, Calif. ROBERT 0. LYONS Pensioner Robert 0. Lyons, 80, passed away February 14. Brother Lyons joined the MC&S in 1950 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Illinois and a resident of Berkeley, Calif., he began receiving his pension in December 1980. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. military from 1941 to 1945. Pensioner Marion M. Martin Jr., 78, died recently. A native of Virginia, he began sailing with the SIU in 1948 from the '---====:....__.=_J port of New York. Brother Martin sailed as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1943. A resident of Pearlington, Miss., he retired in October 1978. Pensioner Jeannie Ekimoto Medina, 82, passed away January 13. A native of California and a resident of San Francisco, she joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Sister Medina's first ship was the President Cleveland. Prior to her retirement in October 1976, she worked aboard the Mariposa. DOROTHY KEMISH RAYMOND A. MILLY Pensioner Dorothy Kemish, 74, passed away January 26. Sister Kemish started her career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Her first ship was the Mariposa. Born in England, she was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. and began receiving her pension in June 1978. Pensioner Raymond A. Milly, 87, died January I. Brother Milly began sailing with the MC&S in 1956 aboard the Lurline, operated by Matson Navigation, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in June 1973. Pensioner Melecio T. Llacuna, 85, died January l 0. He joined the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in the Philippine Islands, Brother Llacuna made his home in San Francisco. He retired in 1978. EDWARD J. LOFLIN Pensioner Edward J. Loflin, 82, passed away January 18. Brother Loflin started his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Alcoa Corsair. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and engine departments. The Mississippi native began receiving his pension in October 1981. He was a resident of Sea Level, N.C. JOSEPH E. LUJAN Pensioner Joseph E. Lujan, 78, died" March 17. Born in New Mexico, he joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Greeley Victory. Brother Lujan sailed WILLIAM M. ''DUKE" PEARSON Pensioner William M. "Duke" ·Pearson, 81, passed away November 7, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the ======..:.=:..:.i MC&S in 1948, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Pearson came ashore in 1972 to work at the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. A resident of Waianae, Hawaii, he began receiving his pension in September 1975. KENNETH G. PETERSON MARION M. MARTIN JR. Martin M. lturrino, 87, died February 16. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of New =.;.;,._,;,==York. Brother Iturrino worked in the steward department and retired in December 1976. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a resident of Alexandria, Va. MELECIO T. LLACUNA N.J., he began receiving his pension in October -1982. JEANNIE EKIMOTO MEDINA DELMAR B. MISSIMER Pensioner Delmar B. Missimer, 73, passed away February 1. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Missimer sailed in the deck department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of New Orleans, retiring in May 1986. JOSEPH PASZEK Pensioner Joseph Paszek, 79, died February 15. Born in Poland, Brother Paszek began his care;er with the SIU in 1947 in the port =~__;:;;=::...c..=== of New York. He was a member of the engine department. During World War II, he sailed in the merchant marine and was decorated by President Truman for heroism. A resident of Marlboro, Pensioner Kenneth G. Peterson, 64, died February 10. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1966 aboard the Duke Victory. =======..i The Michigan native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Peterson last sailed aboard the Westward Venture, an lnterocean Management Corp. vessel. A resident of Hancock, Mich., he retired in January 1996. INLAND CHARLES A. CHINN Pensioner Charles A. Chinn, 71, passed away March J2. Born in Tennessee, he joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port ==~==== of New Orleans. Boatman Chinn sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in May 1995. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Memphis, Tenn. GREAT LAKES GEORGE H. SYLVESTER Pensioner George H. Sylvester, 86, died December 15, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1954 in the port of Alpena, Mich. Brother Sylvester worked in the steward department, sailing primarily aboard the S. T. Crapo and the J. W Boardman, operated by Huron Portland Cement Co. A resident of Port Richey, Aa., he began receiving his pension in July J983. RAILROAD MARINE JOSEPH BOLMARICH Pensioner Joseph Bolmarich, 92, passed away February 28. Born in Austria, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Bolmarich sailed as a deckhand and worked primarily for the marine division of the New York Central Railroad Co. He was a resident of Brick, NJ. and began receiving his pension in May 1971. EDUARDO SACCONE Pensioner Eduardo Saccone, 94, passed away February 13. Brother Saccone joined the SIU in J 960 in the port of New York. He sailed as a deckhand and retired in February 1970. Born in Italy, he was a resident of East Northport, N.Y. May 1999 �Ships lllJqutes first are rsvlewsd by the union's contract depattrnent. Those Issues requiring attention or resolution are addmssed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), December 30-Chairman Edwin Rivera, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Rashawn Richardson, Deck Delegate Walter Harris, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Mohamed M. Hussein. Chairman reported all well aboard ship with no beefs or disputed ITT. Secretary thanked crew members for efforts in keeping house and mess decks clean. President's Report from latest Seafarers LOG read and discussed. Also talked about ITF and need to expose runaway-flag shipping. Steward department thanked for great holiday meals. Next ports: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas. OOCL INSPIRATION (Sea-Land Service), December 17-Chairman Neftali Santana, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Clarence R. Langford. Director met with chief mate to establish guidelines for getting TRBs signed off by January 1, 1999. Mate agreed to sign booklets. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service)-December 13Chairman John Stout, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Salvadore a are, Engine Delegate Robert A. Rush, Steward Delegate Lovie Diaz. Chairman stated this was last trip to Caribbean and TRBs should be signed by December 31. Those getting off should clean cabins, leave keys behind and keep all doors locked while ship in port. New VCR will be brought aboard in Long Beach, Calif. He also reminded crew members of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary thanked chairman, ABs and engine department for job well done preparing for ship inspection. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Back door locks fixed on 01-02 level. Fumigation needed to rid ship of unwanted pests. Robert W. Gilliam. Chairman reminded crew members to renew STCW by taking signed TRBs and one photo to Coast Guard before 2002. Secretary noted payoff today and reminded crew of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. He also mentioned new fire fighting school being built there. No beefs or disputed ar reported. COURIER (Intrepid Ship Management), January 27-Chairman Charles Foley, Secretary Eva Myers, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings, Steward Delegate Antonio Martinez. Chairman announced payoff January 30. He'll try to get completion of tour forms from boarding patrolman. New TV antenna purchased. Treasurer stated $600 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to purchase movies with part of money. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), January 28Chairman Stephen Argay, Secretary Michael Hammock, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Steward Delegate Erasmo Guevara. Chairman happy to announce all well aboard vessel with no accidents and all departments working well together. Secretary echoed sentiments, adding everyone has done good job. Educational director stressed that Lundeberg School is one benefit for Seafarers-so take advantage of it. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. New antenna needed and ordered, hopefully in time for Super Bowl. In discussing recent LOG, crew members pleased to hear about new passenger ship in Hawaii. They are also looking forward to completion of new fire fighting facility in Piney Point. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: New York. CAPT. STEVEN L. BENNETT (Sealift, lnc.)-January 26Chairman Samuel Brunch, Secretary Ronald Lupinacci, Deck Delgate Lee Kruger, Engine Delegate Edward Lewis, Steward Delegate Enrique Agosto. Chairman reviewed previous minutes and described positive measures being taken. Repairs to furnishings completed, new mattresses ordered and gym now operational. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Crew should be aware of mandatory classes needed to continue sailing. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Clarification of OT requested, including explanation in detail of regular and premium ar listed by hours and amounts. AB requested new vacuum cleaner for crew deck. JEB STUART (Waterman Steamship), January 22Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Educational Director Michael Scinto, Deck Delegate Desiree M. Crockett, Engine Delegate ElSayed Mohamed, Steward Delegate Tommie Marshall. Chairman reminded crew that anyone may call a meeting aboard ship. Secretary noted steward department's food budget is only $8 per day, so not to waste food or cabin stores. Educational director reminded everyone to watch expiration dates on all endorsements. Also noted Seafarers must have STCW to sail in future and encouraged everyone to take advantage of fine facilites at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed ar reported. All members asked to consider request to contracts department to have 3 percent wage increase applied toward increased insurance benefits (dental, medical) and to think about how they wish to vote. New VCR to be purchased for crew lounge. Next port: Diego Garcia. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum)-January 31Chairman John Mossbarger, Secretary Cynthia Caster, Educational Director Alex Resendez III, Steward Delegate LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), January 24-Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director John R. Parkhurst, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine May 1999 Delegate Charles.E. Bibbs, Steward Delegate Donald Sneed. Chairman noted that after leaving Haifa, Israel, vessel will enter shipyard in Lisbon, Spain for about five days. He also stated three new ships coming out this year, so lots of jobs should be available. He reminded crew members to apply for TRB and upgrade whenever possible. Educational director asked that all movies be returned to library before arrival in Haifa. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management)-January 24Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Steve Dickson, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Duane Costello, Engine Delegate John W. Robinson Jr. Chairman noted despite arduous voyage, all departments performed very well. New computer chips installed in dishwashers to minimize leaks. Educational director stressed importance of applying for TRB and upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He added that if English is not first language, Lundeberg School can help. Treasurer announced $65 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported in deck and steward departments. Engine delegate stated amount owed DEU rectified. Discussion held on efforts of Global Mariner to aid ITF in exposing devious practices of flags of convenience. Thanks given to steward department for keeping crew well fed. Thanks also given to entire crew for maintaining area in good, clean condition. Next port: Wilmington, Calif. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), January 31Chairman J. R. Wilson, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Keith Manzano, Deck Delegate M. Napier, Steward Delegate Carmelo De a Cruz. Chairman reminded everyone to read Seafarer LOG. Information contained will help keep Seafarers updated on latest changes in inudstry and new regulations that affect their ability to earn a living working on deep sea ships. Educational director suggested everyone plan on returning to Lundeberg School to upgrade skills for better job performance. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Crew thanked union for money purchase pension plan. Bosun said ship is best feeder in long time. Next ports: Portland, Ore.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Japan. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Service), January 31Chairman John T. Baker, Secretary Joseph S. Smith, Educational Director Randall Firestine, Deck Delegate Bill Burke, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Levie, Steward Delegate Carlito Navarro. Chairman received telex reply from contracts department regarding disputed ar. Bosun encouraged crew to donate to SPAD. Educational director reminded crew members to take advantage of facilities at Piney Point to upgrade and fine-tune skills. Crew members aboard ship collected $300 to donate to Seamans Mission in Charleston, S.C. toward construction of seamen's club there. They also want to start ship's fund for purchase of movies. Disputed OT reported in all three departments regarding restriction to ship in Italy. Thanks given to steward department for "always going that extra mile." Crew of Sea-Land Independence enjoying change in runs-"the Mediterranean is great." Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C., Freeport, Bahamas; and Miami, Fla. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), January 24Chainnan John Stout, Secretary John J. Alamar, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Kenneth W. Craft. Chairman reminded crew members to lock recreation and coffee rooms while in port. All hands should apply for STCW endorsement. Steward flown home from Yokohama, Japan; new steward SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), January 4--Chairman Shawn Evans, Secretary Robert Miller, Educational Director Ron Belcher, Deck Deleage Mitchell Santana, Engine Delegate Horst G. Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernst Polk. Chairman thanked crew for good trip and reminded everyone to take care in disposal of garbage-no aerosol cans in trash Deck Department On the Job ~ In the port of San Juan, P.R., AB Ron Mena (left) and Bosun Luis Ramirez start the work that needs to be done on the deck of the El Yunque. The RO/RO vessel is operated by lnterocean Ugland Management for Sea Star Line. replaced in Pusan, South Korea. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend Lundeberg School and upgrade job skills. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department to change vacation plan from 120 to 90 days; also to have optical and dental plans upgraded to 100 percent coverage for active members. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), January 17Chairman Milton F. Caballero, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Dirctor Elwyn L. Ford, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Charles T. Powers. Chairman reported vessel returning to 42-day run following 19-day period in shipyard. E-mail received regard- ing NMU affiliation with SIU. Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School. Some ar disputed in deck and steward departments, and clarification requested on delayed sailing due to bad weather. VCR and rewinder need to be repaired or replaced. Also need replacement of mattresses for all unlicensed crew rooms as soon as possible. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), January 31Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Deck Delegate Josefino A. Casugay, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate William K. Moe. Chairman announced arrival and payoff on February 5 in Tacoma, Wash. While in port, crew members asked to keep doors locked. Departing members should make sure cabins left clean with new set of linens for next person. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Paul Hall Center to advance in maritime industry. He also thanked crew for donations to movie fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Discussion held based on President's Report in Seafarers LOG regarding Global Mariner exhibit and threat of runaway-flag shipping. Request made for plastic insurance card to be issued for doctors' visits. Vote of thanks given to steward department and chief cook. and no plastic items overboard. Educational director noted benefits of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Communications received from headquarters regarding affiliation of NMU with SIU. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent holiday meals. WESTWARD VENTURE (IUM), January IO-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Michael F. Meany, Educational Director Patrick Scott, Deck Delegate Fadel N. Saleh, Steward Delegate Vicki Habenicht. Chairman welcomed unlicensed apprentice Josh Davenport aboard ship. He noted safety is everyone's job and to take time to listen to supervisors on safety matters. "We must all work together on this." He mentioned talk of possible trip to China and advised crew to be sure to have TRB when registering. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Steward new aboard ship. Said he will make every effort to do job and keep within contract on food matters, but noted company food budget per man per day is below industry standards and might be reason for high turnover in steward department. He stated he would keep union apprised of situation and noted captain understands problem and is working with him. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion to have only two job calls a day10 a.m. and 1 p.m.-will be forwarded to headquarters. Crew members asked to keep noise down in passageways and respect shipmates off watch who are trying to sleep. GUS DARNELL (OSI), February 1--Chairman Salvatore Ciciulla, Secretary Bob Easley, Educational Director William H. Day, Steward Delegate Arthur Medeiros. Chairman led discussion on difficulty getting reliefs for bosun, ABs, chief cook, steward and pumpman. Secretary reminded crew members of need to keep TRB up-to-date. Educational director advised Seafarers to use Lundeberg School facility as much as possible for upgrading and additional education. Several beefs brought up in all departments. Bosun and crew thanked steward department for excellent job. Seafarers LOG 19 .... �.... Seafarers celebrating Thanksgiving Day at the union hall in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) AB Rafael Franco, DEU Jose Canales, DEU Sabino Pacheco, Pensioner Guillermo Grajales, Chief Cook George Koulouris, OMU Reinaldo Roman, AB Jay Patrick and SA Angel O'Neill. As the Guayama sails into the port of Jacksonville, AB Rodriquez Gonzales (left), Bosun Raymond Gorju (center) and AB Timothy Jackson have their photo snapped. Practicing his marlinespike seamanship, Bosun Bernardo Cruz splices mooring lines for the cable ship Charles L. Brown in St. Thomas, USVI. (photo by Kathy Chester) While in the port of San Juan, P.R., Guayama crew members participate in a boat drill. OMU Daniel Campbell (left photo), who is the engine department delegate on the El Morro, makes a safety check during his 8-12 watch in San Juan, P.R. At right, DEU Jerry Diaz and Steward/Baker Mike Davalie load stores aboard the Gus W. Darnell in Pt. Loma, Calif. AB Hector Sanchez receives his SIU book from SIU Representative Amancio Crespo at the San Juan, P.R. hall. Snow and ice cover the decks of the Sea-Land Trader as AB Robert Natividad (left) and Bosun Jerry Borucki load cargo in Valdez bound for Hawaii. On board the Sea-Land Spirit, Chief Cook Mike Robles makes a pot of soup for lunch. In the port of San Juan, P.R., crew members aboard the Guayama are ready for a payoff. From the left are AB Ray Johnson, Wiper Cecil Edwrads, AB Timothy Jackson, Bosun Raymond Gorju, AB Rodriquez Gonzales, Third Engineer James Spell and OMU Peter Cooley. Ready to work on the Sea-Land cranes in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) Crane Maintenance Engineers Tony Rosa and William "Bill" Turner and Engineer Don Col6n. Taking a break at the Sea-Land docks in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) Crane Maintenance Engineers Bobby Colantti, Billy Bland, Tony Mohammed, Ray Prim, Bosun Luis Perez, SIU Port Agent Steve Ruiz, AB Juan Lopez, Crane Maintenance Engineer William Turner, AB Tony Rodriguez, Crane Maintenance Engineer Carlos Marcial and SIU Patrolman Victor R. Nunez. 20 Seafarers LOG DEU Louis Gattuso checks out the galley of the USNS Sisler while in the San Diego shipyard. May 1999 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Sea/arers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely bas is.) Giving Recognition Where It Is Due The photograph at right is of Jimmy S. Nishikiori. Born and raised in Yokomaha, Japan, he has a wife, Ritsuko, and a daughter, Kaneko. Mr. Nishikiori has worked with the Yokohama Seamans Club for close to 40 years. During that time, he has been a friend to all seamen and has been instrumental in making sure they got back to the right dock at the right time. In addition to his duties as a waiter, he gives advice on where to go for good local food, what to see and how to use the local bus service, among other things. He is a good friend to the SIU, and most of us "China Coasters" know him quite well. After twenty years of sailing, I realize that no one has ever thanked him or given him any recognition for his service to those of us out here on this west coast, so I hope he will see this letter in the Seafarers LOG and know that ·all of us who pass through "Yoko" on our ships recognize and appreciate his diligent service. Rec. Bosun James D. Rader Oakland, Calif. All Seafarers Deserve Respectful Treatment In the February Seafarers LOG, the featured subject was runaway-flag ships and the prob- 0 -0 CALENDAR ,. 0 ~ (l!f 1111 ~""°" ~ May Asian/Padftc American Heritage Month Harris "Mother" Jones was 1borMary born in 1830. The renowned laorganizer, who lived to be 100, said, "I live in the United States, but I do not know exactly where. My address is wherever there is a fight against oppression. My address is like my shoes; it travels with me. I abide where there is a fight against wrong." In 1888, 19 machinists at the 1Georgia East Tennessee, Virginia, and Railroad assembled in a locomotive pit to decide what to do about a wage cut. They voted to form a union, which became the International Association of Machinists. May Day, or International Work1theers' Day, which commemorates historical struggle of working people around the world. Jimmy S. Nishikiori terns that they both cause and endure. We aboard the SS Osprey recently encountered a glaring example in the port of Bourgas, Bulgaria. We were tied up in front of a small ship which we took no real notice of at the time. As our cargo was unloaded, we found out that the crew of the vessel Olga J had been abandoned by her owners for more than five months and had been without pay for 11 months. The crew was from Ghana and had been subsisting on the charity of other vessels. They could not leave the terminal and had no resources whatsoever. Imagine being so far from home, not knowing where your next meal will come from, and no contact with your family. These men are seafarers, risking their lives every day so that obligations can be fulfilled, yet they are deserted in a foreign port, all alone. We sent them food, money and a message of goodwill. Then we were on our way. How long will they be there? We want to know that they made it home safely to their loved ones. workers participating in a general strike at McCormick Harvester Co. in Chicago. Four workers were killed, and anarchists called a public rally the following day at Haymarket Square to protest the police brutality. As the peaceful protest drew to aclose, abomb was thrown into the police line. One officer was killed and several were wounded. Police responded by firing into the crowd, killing one and wounding many. The incident kicked off an intensive campaign against labor leaders and other activists, and eight anarchists were later framed for the bombing. A1A HONORING OUR NATION'S MARITIME HERITAGE. became the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). In 1886, Philip Murray was 25 born in in Blantyre, Scotland. He was the USWA's founding president and head of the Congress of Industrial Organizations from 1940 until his death in 1952. Henry Ford's opposition to 26 collective bargaining was in evidence on this day in 1937, when company goons attacked United Auto Workers (UAW) organizers at the "Battle of the Overpass" outside of the River Rouge plant. Though General Motors and Chrysler signed collective bargaining agreements with the UAW in 1937, Ford held out until 1942. permanently replace striking workers. Employers used this weapon against striking workers sparingly until the 1980s, when its use increased under the influence of the Reagan Administration's antiunion policies. of America, having ratified the merger agreement at their respective conventions, convened as delegates of the merged union, the Insurance Workers International Union. The 15,000-member union merged with the United Food and Commercial Workers in 1983. In 1917, the Amalgamated 18 Meat Cutters and Butcher In 1835, the Ladies Shoe 28 Workmen initiated a huge organizBinders Society was formed ing campaign in packinghouses in New York. across the U.S. that brought membership from 6,500to100,000 two years later. of the Memorial 30 Anniversary Day massacre at Chicago's Republic Steel plant in 1937. Police attacked strikers, killing seven, wounding 100. - Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's (Editor s note: The crew of the money and union finances. The SS Osprey received a letter of constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accounthanks from the crew of the Olga tants every year, which is to be subJ "for your kindness by offering mitted to the membership by the us with some food items. . . . We secretary-treasurer. A yearly highly appreciate the offer and finance committee of rank-and-file hope this will help us live for members, elected by the membersome time, and we pray for ship, each year examines the almighty God to help you and finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommenyour crews for your voyage.) dations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and sepSIU Pension Is arate findings. No Laughing Matter TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds When my husband, Richard of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes Heikus, and I opted for the retire- and Inland Waters District are ment plan that would provide the administered in accordance with widow with a small monthly the provisions of various trust fund income, we chuckled about it agreements. All these agreements because the amount seemed so specify that the trustees in charge small. Well, this widow is not liv- of these funds shall equally consist ing on the income we had at that of union and management repretime, and my pension check at sentatives and their alternates. All Christmas, in particular, was a expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon godsend. approval by a majority of the Richard married late in life, trustees. All trust fund financial but he was a wonderful husband. records are available at the headFor a kid from Cleveland, sea- quarters of the various trust funds. manship provided a life that SHIPPING RIGHTS. A memallowed him to see some of the ber's shipping rights and seniority world and make some good are protected exclusively by confriends. tracts between the union and the I miss him, and reading the employers. Members should get to Seafarers LOG gives me pleasure. know their shipping rights. Copies Thank you. of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If memDarlene Heikus bers believe there have been violaYakima, Wash. tions of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certiMAY22,1999 fied mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: In 1938, the U.S. Supreme In 1959, delegates of the In16 27 Court issued the Mackay surance Agent's International decision permitting employers to Union and the Insurance Workers In 1886, at the height of the 3day,movement In 1942, the Steel Workers for the eight-hour 19 Organizing Committeefonnally police opened fire in acrowd of May '1999 We care aboout our brothers of the sea. We care that these men should be treated with the dignity and respect which they deserve. We care. Steve Dickson, Chief Steward Robert Lindsay, Bosun (on behalf of the crew of the SS Osprey) Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FuJI copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in aJI SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in aJI constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/arers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immedi!ltely notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 2'1 - �1 -- -. I Lundeberg School Graduating Classes Government Vessels Earning their government vessels endorsement last December are (from left, kneeling) Jennifer Cronin, William Maggio, Robert Racanelli, Dawn Williams, (second row) Mark McNabb, Thomas Cyrus , Liberto Viray, Eric Lund, Clyde Plunkett, Mark Cates (instructor), Walter Seals, (third row) Scott Seiler, Erik Haik, Drew Brown, Edward Adams, Ignatius Muzich, John Conn and Steve Cluff Jr. -. Water Survival Class - Completing the water survival class on March 5 are (from left, first row) Ben Cusic (instructor), Jerome North, Otis Reynolds, John Alba, Chris Mills, Miguel Collazo, Christopher Daniels, Melvin Hill, (second row) Steven Cook, Joshua Weir, Nestor Montoya, Antonio Washington, Shantonn Fowler, Emani Viii, James Brasher, Rebecca Gayton and Randy Senatore. Government Vessels - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on February 19 are (from left, front row) Randy Diaz, Peggy Wilson, Mary Bado, Kimberly Mendonca, Keithen Pugh, Noel Corrales, Michael Blue Jr., Mark Cates (instructor), Carlton Dorrance, Charles Larson, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Shaun Bonefont, Christopher Birich, Nathaniel Salter, Levy Calzado, Charles Jensen, Yazid Muhammad, (on left forklift) Antoine Robinson and (on right forklift) Jean Horne . ...... \\ "· FOWT Prep-Seafarers successfully completing the FOWf Prep course December 11 are (from left, front row) Robert Manning, Dominic Osboro, Lauro Delim, Tony Barnes, Alex Diaz, Allan Hinkle, Jose Blanco, Nicanor Amores, (second row) Erik Owen, Aaron Tomilson, Gregory Shields, Harry Flambures, Ernesto Datuin, Nar DelaCru, Armando Lucin and Mark Jones (instructor). Government Vessels - Successfully completing the government vessels class, also in March, are Mark Cates (instructor), Keith Mcintosh, Carlos Perez. Regina Terry, Ibarra Mangaya, Don Burlingame, Marvyn Chester, Kathie Newkirk, Kenneth Gamer, Lupe Campbell, Antonio Perez, Ronald Wilson, Leocadio Colon, Rommel Artis and Ron Oyer (instructor). Galley Operations- Earning their certificates in March for completion of the galley operations course are (from left) Adam Saleh, Marcus Nicholas, Louis Morris, Gloria DeTiege, Anitra McLeod and Maria Aulisio (assistant instructor). Able Seaman - Upgraders graduating from the AB class February 19 are (from left) Jeffrey Ferris, Patrick Cleveland, Eden Latta, Darren Parker, Peter Seifert, Cynthia Schlegel, Stanley Howard, Abedon Lujan, Rommel Artis, Leray Leasure, Randy Senatore, Richard Gathers, Randy Powell, Miles Janecka and Tom Gilliland (instructor). .- QMED-Graduating on April 16 from the QMED course are (from left, kneeling) Michael McGlone, Justin Valencia, Bryce Cutler, Glenn O'Leary, (second row) Randy Pearson, Gene Wheelis, Marijan Masnov, John Gamache and Michael Seyler. Their instructor was Barney Kane. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Firefighting-Receiving their certificates for completing the basic firefighting course February 5 are (from left, first row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Lincoln Fraser, Julita Crodua, Connie Gaines, Bob Bell, Pat Coppola, (second row) Thor Waagsbo, Paul Eich, Chris Hendrix, Roman Kasparyan, John Peden and Ken Johnson. May1999 �LUNDEBER6 SCHOOL 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the next few months at the Seafarers Harty LundeP-erg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Tra~ and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills. ofSeafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturd41 before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Ret:ertlflt:atlon l'lograms Course Start Date Date of Completion LNG Recertirtcation MaylO May27 SaftllJ Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiari7.ation/ Assistant Cargo (DL) MaytO June7 August2 June26 Basic Firefighting May3 MaylO May31 May7 Mayl4 June4 Advanced Firerighting MaytO May29 Government Vessels Mayl7 May24 July 12 June4 June 11 July 30 Lifeboatm.an/Water Survival Mayl8 June 14 Julyll May29 June 25 July23 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) May24 June21 July 1l Julyl6 May28 June25 July 16 July 30 MaylO May14 May29 August20 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June28 August6 Radar Observer/Unlimited June7 July 12 June 18 July 23 Radar Recertification (one day) May7 June 18 July23 May14 June2S MaylO Junell Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) Engine Upgrading Colll'Ses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May3 June 11 August9 September 17 QMED May3 September 13 Julyl3 December3 Diesel Engine Technology May3 Junel Power Plant Maintenance Jnnr. 28 September 17 August6 Novembers June 14 July 9 g Steward Upgrading Courses May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward May 3, 17, 31 June 14, 28 (Every othel' week, startllig Jan. 11) July 12, 26 Academia Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses May3 JunelO In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self- Start Date Galle Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starting Ja~ 11) Tankerman (PIC) Barge study. Additional courses are being added to the Lundeberg School curriculum for the second half of the year. They will be listed In the June 1999 Issue of the LOG. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address ------------------------~ (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatin;1e for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. AU FOJf7: AB and QMED qppllcants must submit a U.S. Coqst Guard ''" el $135 with their qpplicqtion, The pqyment should be llUllk with a mono order only. pqyable to LM$S. Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No 0 Home Port ------------ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No Ifyes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - May '1999 ----------- SIGNA1URE Date Off: -------------~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School ofSeamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 5199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private. non-profit. equal opportunity institution and admits students. who are otherwise qualified. of any race. nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission. access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOii 23 �Escape to Piney Point lhe Plal Hall Center can pnvlde SIU emben and their &mUla with .U the Ingredients for• memonble 19111mer ncatJ.. Pl8a JMr esc8pe te PlaeJ Point toUy. lee Pll• 14 for *'8111. Fire Fighting School i' Opens This Month Mark Dickinson of the lntemational Transport Workers• Federation (center) recently checked on the progress of the fire fighting and safety school. Updating him are (from left) Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center; Jimmy Hanson. director of health and safety; Don Nolan. vice president of the school; and John Mason of American Service Technology, Inc. The fire fighting building (above) features a twolevel engine room (below) and shaft alley with bubbling water that simulates bilge fires. It also includes various types of shipboard doors. hatches and ladders (left). The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education this month will unveil an addition that is enormous both in its size and its probable impact on Seafarers' training. The ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is slated for May 18, with classes commencing shortly thereafter. Located on school property near the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., the new complex will host courses for upgrading and entry-level Seafarers. Basic and advanced fire fighting, first aid and CPR, damage control, water survival and confined-space safety are among the classes that will be taught there. ''It's difficult to overstate how valuable this new facility will be for Seafarers," noted Jimmy Hanson, longtime director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center. "It's one-of-a-kind in terms of specifically being designed for mariner fire fighting and safety training." Built through the financial backing of the International Transport Workers' Federation, the fire fighting and safety school will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. It will include two classrooms; a two-story mare building with moveable walls and props; a damage-control room with water flow and a recessed floor; a water survival trainer; a main fire fighting building designed like a ship; a compressor room where students will learn to takecompresair samples and service ~~~-~..IL -·­ The bUilding aoove wm nouse two classrooms that feature television monitors connected to computers utilized by instructors. It also encompasses a damage-control room; shower and bathroom facilities; rooms for working with compressors and portable fire extinguishers; and (right) a water survival trainer. sors; an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers; outdoor pads connected to propane lines, and more. Overall, the campus-named after former SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco, who passed away in 1996--will feature the most modern, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment Next month's issue of the Seafarers LOG will include detailed coverage of the ceremonial opening, plus a closer I school's many features. ' ':{~,:~~.,. The maze building looks fairly ordi om outside; but, inside is a well-det · story facility that will challenge even the most experienced upgrader. It features numerous props, four separate entrances, ladders cut at the same angle as those aboard ship, and moveable walls which allow varying simulations. :a•~~.-;;;!!'~ iii · \ ~~~~~~~~~~:~~;;~== � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES BIG NEWS COMES IN THREES FOR AVONDALE, NEWPORT NEWS STEEL DUMPING BILL ADVANCES TO SENATE MARITIME UNIONS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN FORCES IN BALKANS NEW ORLEANS SIU HALL OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS SMPPP STATEMENTS SENT TO SEAFARERS ‘ETERNAL FLAME’ SELECTED FOR BURN BUILDING NAME NMU MEMBERS PRAISE UPGRADING AT PAUL HALL CENTER NY UNIONISTS: SAVE LOCAL MARITIME JOBS MERPAC CONTINUES CRAFTING SUGGESTED STCW STANDARDS DOT NEARS FULL Y2K COMPLIANCE UPGRADER PRAISES ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT, ENCOURAGES SEAFARERS TO PURSUE EDUCATION CULINARY INSTRUCTOR BATTEN WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD LAKE SEAFARERS COMPLETE ON-SITE DIESEL ENGINE COURSE SIGHTS FROM GRAND OPENING OF NEW ORLEANS HALL MONTHLY HAWAII LUAUS FORM SOLID BASE FOR S-L ENTERPRISE PRIDE FORMER SIU OFFICIAL JACK BLUITT DEAD AT 72 AMERICAN VICTORY WILL BE MUSEUM FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL OPENS THIS MONTH Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 5 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/cefd34972188b80579288a0d4c5de626.PDF 553e99458f2f432ee05ad517c4057f39 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Seafarers International Union of North America VOL, IX. NEW YORK. N. Y,. FRIDAY. MAY 2. 1947 STRAIGHT FROM THE SHOULDER Wilh no hedging, these representatives of other seamen's unions vowed all-out support to the Seafarers' planned boy­ cott of Panamanian ships to halt the transfer of United States shipping. Speaking is Captain William Ash, Masters. Mates, and Pilots; while looking on are James Scott, British Seamen's Union; and E. Johansen, Norwegian Seamen's Union. For other piicures, see page 5. No. 18 Foreign Seamen's Unions Piedge Aid To Seafarers in Panamanian Boycott NEW YORK—World-wide support of the Seafarers International Union's plan to halt the vicious transferral of American ships to Panamanian and Honduran registry is virtually assured, should the signal fx? given. In a stirring demonstration of international waterfront solidarity, representatives of .seamen's unions and five major maritime nations voiced their organiza­ tions' endorsement and pledged full support of the SIU stand, which calls for boycott of vessels flying Panamanian and Honduran flags when they READY FOR ANYTHING ~^put into American ports. Canadians Win Raise, 30 Day interim Pact JACKSONVILLE — The crew of the SS New Noi'thwind, Seaway Lines Limited, came back from a nine-day trip to find that they were covered by an interim agreement, and that a straight thirty dollar increase, across the board, was already in I'ffcrt. Another stipulation ofT^— the interim agreement is that a plished without the cooperation contract. must, be negotiated of the affiliated unions of the within 30 days. Signers for the Maritime Trades Department in Union were Lindsey Williams, in the Jacksonville area. The untiring efforts of Atlantic charge of Gulf SIU organizing; James Manners, Jacksonville and Gulf officials also contributed Port Agent; and W, J, McLaugh­ in great measure to success of the lin, representing the SIU Cana- Canadian Brothers. With chin up. Joseph Beirne. President of the National More and more, the strength din District. Federation of Telephone Workers, addresses a strike meeting of the AFL Maritime Trades De­ This wage gain, the outcome of in the SIU Hall in Baltimore. He was pledged the support of partment is becoming known as the job action reported in last a workers' force, appreciated by the Seafarers on the pickelline and followed that offer by stat­ week's LOG, meant a great deal seanaen and waterfront workers, ing that he was more optimistic than at any time since the to the crew, as was evidenced by strike started. and respected by the operators. the celebration which took place after the vessel docked and the good news spread around. The speed with which the com­ pany came to terms was final proof to the crew that only or­ ganization, on the ship and However, the management fin­ jobs, as well as considerable DETROIT, April 29—Members ashore, can gain advantage for of the Great Lakes District of ally saw the light of day, and income if the D&C failed to op­ workers. the SIU, assembled in Detroit at realized that the Seafarers was erate, the Union stood firm in ANOTHER SHIP COMING a special meeting yesterday, ra­ not going to give them any The unlicensed personnel on tified by an almost unanimous special concessions, and weaken the New Northwind is Composed vote the newly negotiated D&C the entire passenger ship wage structure on the Great Lakes. mainly of French Canadians, agreement. The SIU has just signed a Negotiations had been drag­ with a sprinkling of Nassauvians. More than 200 Lakes Seafar­ new agreement with the In June the "company expects ers were present to register their ging on since last Fall and, at Moran Towing and Trans­ every meeting between the SIU to add another ship to the run, overwhelming approval of the portation Company covering with accommodations for 200 new 44 hour week and other negotiating committee and man­ its fleet of sea-going tugs. gains secured for the D&C sea­ agement re|)resentatives, they passengers. For full details of the con­ claimed that they would not he This is planned despite the men. tract. which establishes the Ever since last Fall, the De­ able to operate in 1947 if the company howls that it is playing highest wage scales in the hide-and-seek wilh bankruptcy troit and Cleveland Navigation company had to pay any wage maritime industry for off­ Company had been pleading increases. operating one ship. shore opierations. see story The SIU Canadian District poverty in an effort to prevent Despite the fact that the SIU on Page 3. realizes full well - that this job the SIU from gaining their legit­ stood to lose over a thousand could never have been accom­ imate contract demands. The seamen's representatives, who issued their approval of the plan at the April 17 New York membership meeting, were: Einar Johansen, Norwegian Seamen's Union; Ernest Roberg, Swedish Seamen's Union; F. Clausen, Danish Seamen's Union; James Scott, British Seamen's Union, and Manuel Pitharoulis, Secre­ tary of the New York Branch, Federation of Greek Maritime Unions. Additional support would come from the world-powerful Interna­ tional Transportworkers Federa­ tion, it was announced at the meeting by the Organization's representative in the United States, Willy Dorchain. The meeting was addressed also by Captain William C. Ash, Secretary-Business Manager, Lo­ cal 88, Masters, Mates and Pilots of America, which, like the SIU, holds membership in the ITF and the American Federation of La­ bor's Maritime Trades Depart­ ment. Meanwhile, as the SIU tight­ ened its plans for a pK)ssible showdown on the Panamanian {Continued on Page 5) lakes SIU Okays 44 Hour Week D&C Contract Moran Signs its minimum demands on the company. Before finally capitulating to the SIU demands, the D&C at­ tempted to spearhead a passen­ ger ship combine to force the SIU to negotiate a single con­ tract or on a single pattern with the D&C, Boh-Lo, Georgian Bay and C&B lines. This plan failed when the Sea­ farers representatives told the combined shipowners at a meet­ ing held in Detroit on April 25 that the Union would not re­ treat from its minimum terms.. Last Saturday, April 26, D&C General Manager Emory Hatch (Continued on Page }) �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, May 2, 1947 The Itnc'ttp ^ SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 International Officers HARRY LUNDEBERG . . .President 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. PAUL HALL First Vice-President 51 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. MORRIS WEISBERGER - Vice-President 105 Broad St., New York 4, N. Y. GAL TANNER Vice-President 1 South Lawrence St., Mobile, Ala. EDWARD COESTER . . . Vice-President 86 Seneca St., Seattle, Wash. JOHN HAWK - Secy.-Treasurer 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. District Officials J. p. SHULER - - - Secy.-Treas. Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. HARRY LUNDEBERG Sscy.-Treas. Sailors Union of the Pacific 59 Clay Street, San Francisco, Calif. FRED FARNEN - - - - Sec.y.-Treas. Great Lakes District 1038 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan HUGH MURPHY - - - - Secy.-Treas. Canadian District 144 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B. C. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor ^ 267 Solidarity Forever There's an old union song, dating from the days when a picketline was a prelude to long months in the hospital and worse, that sums up the true ideas of Seafarers' union­ ism. The song goes liice this: Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Solid aril y forever, Solid a ril y' fo rci c r, Solidarity forever, For the JJniou makes us strong. Staten Island Hospital Those words, or thoughts like the ones expressed in the above words, are never far from the minds of the members of the Seafarers International Union. The song has been sung on picketlines in every state of the United States, and it symbolizes the actions of the merchant sea­ These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, men in the SIU, who set the pace for the American mari­ as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging time industry. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ Men Now in The Marine Hospitals Through the direct economic action of the militant men who make up the membership of the SIU, standards of all American seamen have risen. Wages are at an alltime peak, and conditions aboard SIU ships are the envy of other U. S. seamen, as well as merchant mariners the world over. All this has been achieved by solidarity. The unity of the AFL Maritime Trades Department made possible the SIU victory in the 1946 General Strike—the most complete tie-up of shipping that has ever been seen. And this same unity, only on a bigger scale, will be called into play in the battle to force an end to phony transfers of American ships to Panamanian registry. The solid ranks of the MTD will be augmented by the seamen of other countries; of Denmark, England, Sweden, Greece, Norway, and where the International Transport workers Federation has affiliates. When the SIU calls for action, it will be an international team that will fight the battle through to the end. Many unions have preached solidarity. The SIU has actually gone about practicing it. That's why we can count on the organized strength of maritime workers all over the world to back us up in our coming beef. Our solidarity has paid off, is paying off, and will continue to payoff well into the future. It's the real trade union way. ing to them. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL GUS KREZTER C. MASON STEVE MOGAN R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT N. LONGTIME ED. DUDEK J. J. O'NEILL E. J. NAVARRE J. N. HULL C. TYNER C. J. COMPAN WM. H. CAO J. W. DENNIS ED. CUSTER WM. BROCE, Jr. GEO. F. DUFFY ADAM KARPOWICH C. LOCIGNO WM. MEAGHER D. LAUBERSHEIMER G. F. HART H. N. LEAVELLE S. HAMILTON % % % STATEN ISLAND HOSP. H. R. BELCHER E. E. CASEY V. PLACEY T. P. O'SULLIVAN R. G. MOSSELLER E. CARRARAS M. BAUCSKI D. NELSON G. H. STEVENSON F. NERING V. ALVAREZ F. G. CRUZ P. AMATO J. A. DYKES E. B. HOLMES C. A. MILLER H. SELBY NEPONSET^ HOSPITAL HUGH BURKE J. S. COMPBELL LINDEN CLARK JOHN T. EDWARDS J. FIGUEROA E. FERRER J. R. HANCHEY C. LARSON L. L. LEWIS L. TORRES S. S. t . BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP. CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES PAYNE CARLOS LEE JR. ALEXANDER DUDDE EDWARD CAIN JR. ERNEST SIDNEY STANLEY ROWE AUGUST OENBRINK WALTER SIBLEY You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6ih floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) WM. KEMMERER RAYMOND NOE MANUEL ROMERO GEORGE MILLER OSCAR PAYNE JOHN WEBB JOHN RILEY (G. L.) JAMES McMAHON (G. L.) ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL M. MORRIS W. B. MUIR D. MCDONALD C. RASMUSSEN B. HOFFMAN J. KOSLUSKY % ^ ^ CHiq^GO MARINE HOSP. LOUIS JOHNSON STEVE SCHULTZ HENRY LALLY % % BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM T. -MAYNES R, LORD J. RUBERY D. BURLISON J. LEVACK E. DELLAMANO J. CAREY �Friday, May 2. 1947 THE SEAFARERS BELONGING TO SIU PAYS OFF Wearing happy smiles, these crewmembers of the SS New Northland celebrated the thirty buck across the board raise negotiated for them by the SIU Canadian District. Story appears on pa.ge I. Information from Jacksonville gave name of ship as the New Northwind. We're con­ fused now, but we hope to clear up the name by the next issue. Great Lakes District Okays D&C Pact, 44 Hour Week (Continued front ?a^e 1) signified a desire to sit down with SIU representatives in a last minute endeavor to arrive at an agreement satisfactory to both Union and company. Present at the meeting in the company offices were Mr. Hatch; company attorney Mr. Bullard; Gi-eat Lakes Secretary-Treasurer Fred Farnen, and International Repro.sentative Russell Smith. After a meeting lasting more than 3 hours, terms of the set­ tlement were.finally decided, re­ duced to a memorandum agree­ ment, and Union representatives agreed to take the agreement back to the membership for either ratification or rejection. It was ratified almost unanim­ ously, with only 3 dissenting votes. 44 HOUR WEEK Among the provisions of the new contract are the following: men in the Deck and Engine Departments receive the same pay for 44 hours that they form e r 1 y received for 56 hours; week-end overtime for Satur­ day afternoons and Sundays is paid -at the .overtime rate of $1.00 per hour; all penalty over­ time as outlined in the contract is paid at the rate of $1.25 per hour. In the Stewards Department, members arc paid at the rate of 1 e.xtra day's pay for every 7 days worked, which actually amounts to an increase of al­ most 15 percent in their base payAll fit-out, lay-up and winter work is to be paid at the rate of $1.60 per hour for the rated men, and $1.40 per hour for the unrated men in the Deck and Engine Departments. Work of a like nature per­ formed by Stewards Department members is to be paid at the rates of $1.60, $1.40, $1.25, and $.93 per hour for the 4 wage brackets in this department. All work over 40 hours in any week will be paid at time-andone-half. This provision includes all standby work, which actually I' '• • .. means any work performed out­ side of the regular sailing sea­ son, including fit-out and lay-up. This is a decided increase over the old set-up. OTHER CONTRACTS ATTENTION! All Canadian seamen on Coastwise vessels should never neglect to pick up their discharges on leaving a ves­ sel. When you register at the Hall for a ship and have no discharges to show, or prove your rating, or length of serv­ ice, you only handicap the Dispatcher. In addition you cause yourself inconvenience and perhaps unemployment. LOG Page Thre« New Moran Contraet Sets Top Wage Stale NEW YORK, May 1 — Faced with the possibility of economic action in the event of contin­ ued stalling, the Moran Towing and Transportation Company ca­ pitulated yesterday to the de­ mands of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union's negotiating com­ mittee and signed a contract em­ bodying the highest wage scale in the maritime industry for off-shore operations. Negotiating and signing the agreement for the Union were J. P. Shuler, Secretary-Treasur­ er, Atlantic and Gulf District, Joe Algina, Acting N. Y. Agent, and Steve Cardullo, Marcus Hook Port Agent. R. M. Fox signed for the company. Under terms of the record contract. Seafarer crews of Mo­ ran tugs will be paid top wages that include all monetary gains in effect on other SlU-contracted vessels, plus the six per cent cost of living increase retroac­ tive to Jan. 1, 1947, negotiated with other companies last March. Up to the time of the negotia­ tions, which v/ere concluded yes­ terday the company had repeat­ edly refused to open discussions for a new contract. It had been stalling since the signing of the interim agreement last fall. Two weeks ago. Brother Shuler notified the company that membership was getting fed up with company's continued delays and favored action. Shuler's no­ tification apparently took effect. In addition to the high wage provisions, other features of the new agreement are: 1. An "inequity increase" of $10 per month for Able Sea­ men and a $15 per month for i Wipers both retroactive to June 15, 1946. 2. An increase in the Stewards Department manning scale, one man being added. 3. Standby rate of pay while in port is $1.53 per hour for an eight hour day. Overtime rate for standby work is $2.30 per hour. The agreement also calls for increase in the travel, meal and subsistence allowances prevail­ ing in all SIU contracts, and are retroactive to March 11 last. (Text of the Supplemental Agreement appears on Page 14.) Low Cost Glasses Now A vafiaUe To Seafarers ".See these new glasses," said Bi other B. "I'm proud of them, and they only cost me $35.00." Another Brother who happen­ ed to be listening to the conver­ sation, looked up and said, "Don't crow until you've been wearing them for a few weeks. I bought glasses myself, and after a little while they did more harm than good to my eyes." After that the conversation became general, and plenty of the Brothers aired their beefs about glasses. To make the story short, here are some of the criticisms: Too high a price on glasses. This was voiced by practically everyone who could make him­ self heard. Terms of the D&C agreement will serve as a pattern for other operators in the passenger ship service, although these contracts will all be negotiated and sign­ (Continued on Page 4) ed on an individual basis. Bob - Lo Excursion Company, and the Chicago and Buffalo SS Company have already signified a willingness to sign like agree­ ments. The Chicago, Duluth and Georgian Bay Transit Company MONTREAL, Canada — The ed out at a press conference in strategy, with the CSU being, in is expected to go along with the effect, nothing more than an Canadian District of the Seafar­ Montreal. pattern. arm of the party and the seamen The decision to form a Cana­ Other agreements covering the ers International Union of North exploited in its behalf. Milwaukee Clipper, and various America has inaugurated its dian District was made by SIU Emergence of the SIU's Can­ Delegates representing 91,000 excursion and passenger ship drive to win improved wage and adian District will provide the maritime and allied workers of working conditions for Canada's operators on the Lakes are now ! spark Canadian seamen have North America when they mot seamen with the establishment in the process of being negoti­ been waiting for. It will set up a recently at the SIU's Third Bien­ of a Branch office in this port ated. militant plan of action for gain­ nial Convention in Chicago. Secretary-Treasurer Fred Far­ city. nen expressed h i s satisfaction The Convention's decision was ing higher wages and better The branch, located at 1440 over the D&C contract in this Bleury Street, was opened last prompted by the desperate plight working conditions, and will call manner, "Certainly, we didn't Thursday, and is being directed of Canadian seamen who have for settling of beefs at the point get everything that we asked by a Canadian Seafarer, ...Gene been foundering without organ­ of production — the methods which have proven so highly suc­ for. But we have no. apologies ization. Markey. cessful on the American water­ to offer for the pattern estab­ In addition, requests have been front. Woi-king with Markey are H. lished on the Great Lakes pas­ pouring in by the hundreds from Murphy, Secretary-Treasurer of Already the Canadian District senger vessels." Canadians who wished to be­ has demonslraled samples of Farnen continued, "We broke the Canadian District and Van­ come organized and affiliated what it can win for Canada's un­ the 56 hour week on these ships couver Port Agent, and William with the SIU, whose militant organized seamen. Within the and got a 44 hour week. This McLaughlin, organizer and Vic­ reeord of accomplishment in be­ past few weeks—while it was in itself is a substantial gain toria Port Agent. half of its membership stands amounting to an average in­ The Canadian District's drive unparalleled in waterfront his­ still in the state of organization— the District forced signing of a crease of $52 monthly for all will be aimed at organizing tory. Deck and Engine employees not everything in Canada that floats. contract by the India Steamship The Canadian District is set­ Company covering the Canadian counting the penalty overtime. Activities of the Montreal office Next year, we expect to have will be coordinated with those ting out to elevate the standards crews of six vessels and giving a 40 hour week on all SlU-con- of the Vancouver and Victoria of wages and conditions on Can­ them the same wages and work­ ada's waterfront to a level com­ ing conditions enjoyed by Amer­ tracted Lakes vessels just like branches. parable with those enjoyed by ican Seafarers. we're demanding on the freight Robert A. Matthews, SIU Head­ Seafarers in the United States. ships this year. That's our goal." Similar contracts were nego­ quarters Representatve, who is Up to now, seamen of the tiated by the Canadian District temporarily in Montreal to aid in country to the North, have been wth a number of other shipping setting up the machinery that —in the great majority—unorgan­ firms, including the Seaway will produce better wages and ized. They have been subjected way Lines Limited, in which all conditions .for Canadian seamen, to filthy conditions shabby pay. unlicensed crewmembers of the Check Ihe slop chest be­ emphatically stresses the purpose company's SS North Wind, op­ fore your boat sails. Make COMMIE SELL-OUT and nature of the newly-formed erating under Canadian registry, sure that the slop chest con­ district. The communist - dominated received a $30 a month increase tains an adequate supply of Canadian Seamen's Union has i in wages. Steps were also taken all the things you are liable FOR CANADIAN SEAMEN failed its membership miserably.' to bring the vessel's shoddy con­ to need. If it doesn't, call the "This Union will be of, by, and Waterfront advances were made ditions up to Seafarers standards Union Hall immediately. for Canadian seamen," he point­ secondary to communist party, —the best on the waterfront. SIU Canadian District Opens New Haii In Montreal, Begins Organizing Drive Check it - But Good �Page Four THE NMU Tries To Freeioad On SlU St Lakes Drive SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 2, 1947 NFTW OFFICERS SPEAK By EARL SHEPPARD DETROIT—At a recont meet­ idcnt of the National Maritime ing held in the Local NLRB oi- Union as saying the Union is com­ ficea, the NMU representatives munist-dominated and that you expressed grave concern because must be a member of the com­ the SIU had failed to notify them munist party or you cannot hold that we had petitioned for elec­ office in the union and he backs tions to be held in the Huron, up his quote by shoving the Wyandotte, Hanna and Wilson Pilot in your face and showing it to you in writing, you as an or­ fleets. It seems that wo really hurt ganizer haven't a leg to stand the feelings of these sensitive on." In the same Pilot under Joe souls by not telling them where, when and why the SIU was or­ Curran's name, the following ap­ peared, "Tiierc can be no com­ ganizing on the Great Lakes. As far as we arc concerned, in promise with corrupt political our current organizational cam­ machines, grou'ps or cliques, paign on the Great Lakes, there whose loyalty is first to outside is no such thing as a National organizations before our union's welfare." This, from the presi­ Maritime Union. Maryland's telephone strike leaders addressed a meeting in Baltimore, held at the SIU Hall. Certainly, when the Lakes sca- dent of the NMU who has closely Also present was Joseph Beirne. President of the National Federation of Telephone Workers. In mcm themselves have repudiated followed the commie line for ten the usual order, Jim Yewell, State Strike Director; Walter Petry, organizer; Joseph Beirne; Tom this outfit time and again, and years, and who openly referred Hooper, Assistant State Strike Director; and Bob Beveridge, President of the Telephone Equip­ state overwhelmingly that they to Joe Stalin as "Comrade Sta­ ment Workers, and a member of the National Policy Committee. are interested in joining the SIU, lin" when he visited Ru.ssia! and only the SIU, why should When the leopard changes lus we concern ourselves with a spots, we'll believe that Joe Curbankrupt outfit which spends all ran and his group of eye-wash of their time in fighting among artists have changed their poli­ themselves and trying to cram tics! But enough of the NMU. their phony politics down the sea­ It's already taken up more space men's throats? in the LOG than it rightfully de­ We have no interest in fighting serves, but we've got to keep the BALTIMORE Sparked by the Ho told the meeting that Sea­ the NMU, mentioning the NMU, record straight. announcement that white-capped farers would join the telephone or considering them in any way LAKES PICTURE Seafarers would join them on workers on the pickctlinc. whatsoever. We're a militant the picketlines, Baltimore's tele­ trade union and not interested Good progress is being shown One of the local officials. Miss phone strikers held a rousing in any phony "save the world" in the overall Lakes picture of Helen Smith, President of the strike rally in the SIU Hall, 14 political program tied to the the Seafarers drive to organize Telephone Clerical Workers, re­ North Gay Street, on Sunday, Moscow bandwagon. Our sole the unorganized on the Lakes. lated her experiences with the April 27. interest is in bettering the hours, We've already petitioned for elec­ company. wages, working and living con­ tions in the following fleets: Joseph Beirne, President of She told of starting work for­ ditions of all seamen. the National Federation of Tele­ Huron Transportation Com ty-two years ago at a salary of phone Workers, came down from pany—2 ships $3.00 per week. She ended her FREE RIDE New Yoi-k to address the meet­ militant speech by stating that Wyandotte Transportation Com­ ing. Officials of the various di­ If the NLRB wants to spend pany—4 ships she would be the last one to visions also had their say. part of their time and part of stop picketing. their scarce funds in notifying M. A. Hanna Company — 13 Baltimore Agent William Rentz One of the leaders of the ships HIGHLY OPTIMISTIC the NMU every time the SIU pe­ Baltimore telephone strikers is pledged all out support to the titions for an election, that's up Wilson Transit Company — 12 Miss Audrey Smith, above. She strikers, and volunteered the use Beirne told the audience that ships to them. Then, if the NMU wants told a packed meeting that "if of the SIU Hall every night in "tonight we can be more op­ to indulge in their favorite pas­ These companies are practical­ scabs pass your picketlines, it's the week until the walk-out timistic than at any time before time of trying to get a free I'ide ly solid for the SIU, and we are your own fault." ends. April 7. on the Seafarers coat-tails, they fully confident that they will "We have a note of optimism can do so. register an overwhelming vote from our own people and the Every time the SIU petitions for the Soafaier.s when the NLRB Labor Department that seems to the NLRB, the NMU can certain­ holds their elections. indicate that before tomorrow ly try to intervene on the ballot. Complete details on the Huron is finished, there will be at least That's their privilege, but let election appear elsewhere in the a wage proposal by AT&T." them spend a little time and ef­ LOG. As regards the other three This is all part of the Union (Conthtiwd from Page 3) fort doing some organizing on companies, meetings ai'e being He told the group that anyone Examination not thorough Optical Plan, located at 152-154 their own. going back to work before the held this week to determine the Fourth Avenue, New York City. Of cour-so, that's practically an election dates and the election enough. Many men who pre-, strike officially ended would scribe eye glasses haven't mod­ Many unions are already mem­ impossibility, as none of the stipulations. strengthen the company's posi­ ern equipment v/ith which to bers of the Plan, and all are loud Lakes seamen want anything to tion, and reduce the bargaining Now that the first part of our in their praise of the service. The do witlr a bankrupt outfit like organizational- program is just work. power of the union. Poor quality work. Some unions involved figure that theirs. about over, that part which dealt thousands of dollars have been Members of unions not on Chester Young, new NMU vice with the fit-out of the ships, we men showed glasses that were saved so far. strike are continuing to respect president pro-tem, in charge of are ready to start the second wavy, and were probably in­ picketlines, and telephone ser­ Total number of members in juring their eyes beyond re­ organizing—he took Joe Stack's phase of our all-out campaign to the participating unions exceeds vice in Baltimore and the rest place after his whitewashed exit completely organize the Great pair. of Maryland is far from normal. 150,000. Slow service. Seamen on the from office—said a mouthful in Lakes so that all Lakes seamen beach don't stick around long the Pilot of April 25. BEST OF EVERYTHING will carry an SIU book. and they can't afford to wait "When you have a young, raw With the ships in full move­ The Union Optical Plan is recruit whom you are trying to ment throughout the Lakes, it be­ for glasses and miss a ship. housed in modern offices. On organize, and he quotes the pres- comes necessary to redistribute ALL OVER NOW the premises are located the WASHINGTON, D. C.. May our organizational staff to such These criticisms were so gen­ scientifically equipped examina­ 1—On invitation from Wil­ ports as they will now be need­ eral among the membership, that tion rooms, and the completely liam Green, President of the ed in. a recent New York membership equipped lens grinding labora­ American Federation of La­ Certainly, with the swell start meeting authorized Secretary- tory. This means no long waits bor, committees from the Members whose gear has that we have already made, we Treasurer J. P. Shuler to investi­ for glasses. AFL and CIO begin meet­ been held for more than three have every intention of seeing gate the field to see if arrange­ ings today to seek the pos­ All members of the SIU, and months in the fourth floor this drive through until all Lakes ments could not be made with sible unity of all of Amer­ their families, are entitled to the baggage room of the New seamen are organized as mem­ a cooperative optical outfit that ica's organized labor. services. The Special Services York Hall are advised to call bers of the Seafarers. would give the Seafarers memDepartment is now preparing a Faced with the heavy for it immediately, or notify The vast majority of these un­ ber,ship competent examinations bulletin giving complete details. threat of anti-labor legisla­ the Hall where they wish it organized Lakes seamen are well and glasses at moderate stand­ tion, President Green, in call­ Until the bulletin is issued, if sent. aware what the SIU stands for, ardized foes. ing the meeting, stressed the there ai-e any seamen, or mem­ Crowded conditions make and that's the Union of their And Brother Shuler reports fact that the need for unity bers of their families in the New it impossible to hold gear choice! These men are sick and that from now on Seafarers can was never greater than toda.y. longer than three months. All tired of the open-shop conditions be examined by competent reg­ York'area, in need of optical service Joe Volpian, SIU Special The unity meetings in the effects remaining unclaimed prevailing on the Lakes for years. istered optometrists (and medical Nation's Capital, are the Services Representative, is the after three months will be Now they want SIU job se­ eye specialists where necessary). third of such meetings since man to see at 51 Beaver Street. sent to the owner's home via curity, contract protection, job If eye glasses are indicated, they the inception of the CIO in express collect. Seafarers who are examined at seniority, union representation, will be supplied at a very reason­ 193B and the first in over five Gear without addresses Marine Hospitals may bring their and all the other benefits of SIU able cost; and other eye treat­ yea,rs. will be disposed of otherwise. membership. prescriptions to the Union Optical ments are available when re­ They'll get it, too! Plan to be filled. quired. Telephone Strikers Rally In SIU Baltimore Hall Low Cost Glasses Now Available To The Seafarers Membership AFL, CIO MEET Unclaimed Gear �Friday, May 2, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Foreign Seamen Pledge Aid To Seafarers (Continued from Page I) quustion, ovidcnco appeared that the Union was causing Washing­ ton big-wigs to keep their ears to the ground. The Maritime Commission an­ nounced that it will pay closer attention to ship sales "under the ilag of convenience"'—refer­ ring to Panama. The Commission revealed an awareness that ships were being bought under Panama registry to beat taxes here, and to cloak ownership for political or other reasons. Tiie "other rea.sons" refer to the .shipowners' scheme to avoid payment of decent wages to American seamen, a factor which the commission and all Washing­ ton has so far failed to take a stand on. At the SIU's membership meet­ ing, Paul Hall, New York Port Agent, introduced the seamen representatives, all of whom spoke briefly. tinued, decided also to terminate tions from American seamen and, all contracts with Panamanian consequently, from seamen the .'^hips. One of the two ships was world over. immediately put back under the "Danish seamen will not allow Norwegian flag, he said. bread and butter to be taken The commiiteo then advised away from American seamen," Through the all its men not to accept jobs on j F. Clausen said. Panamanian ships, and invoked |ITF, the Danish maritime movethe aid of the country's long- linent will go along with its Amci .shoremen "to back the fight if it ican brothers, he added. comes," the Norwegian seamen's He recalled the e.xcellent re­ lepresentative concluded. lationships welded between the Terming the Panamanian two seamen of both nations dur­ transfers "modern piracy," Ern­ ing the war, and hoped for its est Roberg, of the Swedish union, continuance. declared the traffic must be stop­ BRITISH AID ped before Panama accumulates a big fleet. Jame.s Scott, speaking for the In pledging his union's sup­ British Seamen, said the Seafar­ port, he scored the deliberate rob­ ers would receive the full sup­ bery of decent wages and condi­ port of his union. He said the British Sc-arncn's Union had al­ ready i.ssued a statement concern­ ing its stand on the Panamanian situation. "'\Ve are rootiirg for the SIUSUP in its fight to beat the evils of the Panama ship transfers," declared Manuel Pitharoulis, of tire Federation of Greek Mari­ time Unions. "We fought side by side for demociacy,' the Greek seamen's representative .sard "and now we must fight .side by side for a de­ cent standard of living." Willy Dorchain, of the ITF, i-ecalled that the Seafarc-r s was the first North American affiliate oi his organization. He asserted that the ITF's Job is to raise the Brother Johansen stated that a coordinating committee con­ sisting of four unions represent­ ing all types of personnel had met in Norway recently to dis­ cuss the possibility of action, ad it was decided the licensed and unlicensed personnel "would go along in the fight to stop the transfers" to Panama. That meeting, Johansen con- F. Clausen, of the Danish Seamen's Union, stated that the members of his union are prepared to go down the line' with the SIU in the Panamanian beef^ All we've got ta do is give lhe~-word. BOSSES' CONSPIRACY Poiiiting to the elfectiveness and .succe.s.s of all pievious SIU actions in .'•x-ttling its beefs, New York Agent, Paul Hall, main­ tained that it could be done again in tl'.e current Panamanian scheme. Hall blasted the ship transfers as repiesenting more than a de­ vice o: a few shipowners to beat Arnei'ican seamen out of a decent wage. "We ai"e fighting a conspiracy on tlie part of international capi­ tal against all seamen," Hallcharged. Concluding his remarks, he remarks, he \'oiced confidence that legardless of the opposition, the Seafarers would win the beef if it comes. ACTION IN NORWAY "The Swedish Seamen's Union will be with you," said Ernest Roberg, who speaks for the union in the United Stales. It sure feels good to know that the SIU has that kind of back­ ing throughout the world. standard of woiking conditions the world over. Doi'cnain a.sserted that the ITF must take action on the ship transfers in the same manner the SIU takes action—in militant fashion. Also present at the SIU meet­ ing were officials of the strik­ ing telephone workers. They thanked the Seafarers member­ ship foi' their staunch support on the picketlines and for the con­ tribution of .SI000.00 In the tele­ phone workers strike fund. The regular New York Branch meeting on April 23 heard representatives of foreign sea­ men's unions pledge support to the SIU if, and when, Panamanian ships are boycotted. Here is a view of crowded Webster Hall, as it looked to the speakers. Willy. Dorchain. who represents the International Transportworkers Federation in the United States, outlined what action the ITF is prepared to make the Pananuuiian boycott nationwide. In the background.- left, io right, Fkeddie Stewart, Jtecording Secretary; AI Kerr, Chairman: Les Ames, Beading Clerk; and Paul Hell, New York Port Agent. From the Federation of Greek Maritime Unions also came a pledge of support in the Panamanian boycott. M. Pith­ aroulis, Secretary of the New York Branch, made this known at the meeting. While preparing for our own troubles, the SIU found lime to lend a helping hand to the tele­ phone workers. Joe Leone, member of the New York Strike Committee, attended the meeting to thank the SIU. �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, May 2. 1947 SeafarersNeeded To Help Tanker, Gt Lakes Drive Progress Sg Far Proves G.L. Men Want Seafarers BY RAY WHITE By FRED FUSS NORFOLK — Shipping has slowed up considerably in Nor­ folk for the time being. Only two ships payed off here last week, but in spite of this fact we shipped quite a few men to ports south, and to ships in transit. By SONNY SIMMONS The Moran tugboats still hit TAMPA—Shipping is still at a Norfolk pretty regularly, al­ peak here with four ships in port, though two or three of them two for Waterman, one for Bull are now on foreign voyage. and a West Coaster. The Hood River. Pacific Tank­ Silence this week from the The news is that we are due ers, came in April 23rd for pay­ Branch Agents of the follow­ off. In boarding her I found for eight more in the next two ing ports: that quite a few of the freight days, most of which will call for ship boys were aboard. That replacements. NEW ORLEANS is good. SAN JUAN If this proves true we will end As the Isthmian drive is over, up with an empty hall. SAVANNAH with a sweeping SIU victory, ~ HOUSTON ABs are moving fast. As a we now have to turn our power result we have had to ship acting JACKSONVILLE on other unorganized fields. ABs on most of the ships that CHARLESTON The main object of this drive call for them. MOBILE on the East and Gulf Coasts will Pati-olman Dick Birmingham be tankers. In order for this The deadline for port re­ to be a successful operation, as just got back from Miami and re­ ports, monies due, etc.. is the was the Isthmian drive, it will ports every/thing shipshape in that port. The Florida calls for Monday proceeding publica­ be necessary for each and every member to take an active part. very few replacements, as the tion. While every effort will The first and main thing is to present crew is well settled be made to use in the current sail tankers, organized or un­ aboard. issue material received after It is only necessary to contact organized, reporting your act­ that date, space commitments ivity to the Union Hall or Or­ her twice a month now, which generally do not permit us to ganizer in whatever port you is a great relief and a big cut in do so. expenses to us. hit. This will help build up a Since closing the Hall in nucleus of tanker men of which, Miami, the Tampa Branch has at present, we are somewhat been able to remit quite a bit to The ship chandlers are having short of. Of course you will Headquarters. The closing of the a bad time of it, too, since they have to forfeit some of the Miami Branch should net us a went through our picketlines dur­ conditions and wages that are $1200 monthly saving. ing the strike. Some of the ships enjoyed under SIU contracts, We just shipped Uncle Otto on coming- in are taking on six but the object is to bring all the Rosario (formerly the Tris- months supplies of stores. This unorganized companies under tam Daltan) as Night Cook and is true especially of Waterman. the banner of the SIU, so that Baker. But instead of buying from the we all may enjoy a secure fut­ chandlers, the Port Captain or­ Some of the younger members ure. ders a truck and driver from n As the membership knows at will now have a chance to see a u-drive-it company and makes present, the SIU is in an all-out real oldtimer at work. They can the rounds to buy everything get some good pointers from him. - .rive to organize the Great needed. Needless to say, -this Lakes, and we have some of the COPS STILL AT IT makes the chandlers very un­ most capable organizers in the We're still having gendarme happy. field in that area. Borden's Dairy and Watts' Ba­ If any of the Brothers plan trouble in Tampa. These people to take a Great Lakes cruise, are still stinging under the effects kery are the only ones doing a upon arrival there be sure and of the SIU General Strike. They regular business here. These two contact the Organizer as your haven't forgotten it, and any time companies were broad minded assistance will be a great help a seaman has a couple of beers enough to see the writing on the he is as good as in the cooler. in this drive. wall and have benefited by it. Ship Chandlers In Tampa Are Still Learning Hard Facts Of Life—Do Not Scah On Seafarers NO NEWS?? Passenger Ships Next Target For SIU Organizers In Chicago By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO — Shipping this week is again on the upgrade. Quite a few of the boys are showing their faces around the Hall after hibernating in the Chicago area for the Winter months. stands for, the type of contracts we have, and the way SIU mem­ bers are represented in their beefs. For too long these Lakes sea­ men have been getting a dirty deal from the open-shop ships. During the next couple of Now they want unionization, and weeks, the outlook is that ship­ nothing but the SIU will satisfy ping will be very good around them. They've heard how SIU mem­ the Windy City in all depart­ bers give their beefs to the Pa­ ments. trolman, and get prompt settle­ Paying it's first visit to this ment of all just beefs. They port for several years, the SS | realize that they don't stand a Penobscot was at South Chicago chance of being fired if they during the week. She came in make a legitimate squawk when without any beefs, and cleared they're covered by an SIU con­ fer Erie, Pa. with a load of tract. That's protection, Brothcorn—biit only after quite a bit er! of delay at the shipyards where At the present time, we are in she was having some new plates the midst of contract negotia­ put on her. tions with the passenger boat Now that the organizational operators. The outcome of these drive is going full swing on the negotiations will be out in a Lakes, all indications here are short time, and everyone will that the seamen are going for see that the SIU is again lead­ the Seafarers in a big way. They ing the fight with the best con­ have learned what the ^ SIU tracts in the industry. Cv. Also, Mr. Saffold and Hamilton Brothers have bought four LCIs from the government. These ships will be placed under Hon­ duran registry as soon as they are converted. Crenshaw, the other large ban­ ana importer, is still getting a lot of bananas in port from ships un­ der foreign registry. A day never passes without at least 15 or 20 foreign flag ships in port, all carrying scab crews. TOLEDO — The fact that the SIU is able to petition the Na­ tional Labor Rolations Board for elections on several Lakes fleets bears out our repeated statements that the Lakes sea­ men want to be represented by the SIU in preference to any company union or the Lake, Car­ riers. The SIU is not attempting to sell the Lakes men a bill of goods that will later prove to be worthle'ss. We are no Johnny-come-lately Union trying to sell the dreams of any group of Utopians, or any group of poli­ ticians owing their allegiance to a foreign power. These people here feel safe in Our Union, the Seafarers In­ not having to do business with a ternational Union, is run by and union due to the anti-closed shop for the seamen. No one group law in this state. or clique controls the SIU pol­ The anti-closed shop law is be­ icies. fore the State Supreme Court Our policies are formed as a now, but it is doubtful if a fa­ result of democratic union meet­ vorable decision will be handed ings, and our program is for down. When it hits the U. S. the best wages, hours, working Supreme Court we expect it to be and living conditions in the in­ declared unconstitutional. dustry. Take a look at the SIU con­ tracts. Compare them with any Organizing the tugs in this in existence on the Lakes. You area is no obstacle. We can will admit that they're the tops. knock them over in a couple of Today, the SIU is in the midst days, but it is no good as we can of dn all-out drive to bring all have nothing but an open shop unorganized Lakes seamen into contract, and that would be worse the SIU as members. We want to bring the same kind of con­ than no contract at all. tracts and conditions into exist­ Patrolman Birmingham, re­ ence for all Lakes seamen as ports that the CIO has taken hold are now enjoyed by SIU mem­ in Miami. There has been little bers. TUGS A PUSHOVER or no union activity in that city. The teamsters are wide open for a drive, as well as the hotel em­ ployees. There is not one hotel in Miami under a union contract, and only a few of the bars have signed up. When the Lakes are organiz­ ed under the SIU banner, you can walk into your SIU Hall and feel confident that when jmu register for a job that you will get that job without slipping some crimp a fin. You don't have to worry about any cousins or friends of the We will have a report to the boss cutting you out on your LOG every week now. For a job. while we were going full speed SIU contracts and union rep­ day and night, but it looks like resentation cover you at all Too bad that Tampa Marine we'll have a breather for awhile. tmes when you're in the SIU. and Barrows Ship Chandlers couldn't be as smart. They made a few sales to the ships in port flying Honduran flags, but now they are unable to sell stores to the big ships. Fires Put Out, But Texas City Is Ghost Town Of Smoking Ruins YES, NO BANANAS By R. W. SWEENEY Mr. Saffold, Mr. Crenshaw and our old friends, the Hamilton GALVESTON—Texas City is a her place as a "Port of Opporcity of death and disaster. The 'tunity." Several prominent stage, fires have been extinguished, but screen, and radio stars gave a the smouldering ruins still hide benefit performance here Mon­ the bodies of over 100 persons day night, and the response was listed as missing. very fine. The crew of the SS Andrew Confusion reigns. The dead Jackson, Waterman Steamship number more than 500, and the Company, paid off and took up a job of identifying the bodies eoncollection of $61.00 which was tinues. A large funeral serviee was held last week, but even turned over to the relief fund. The fire and explosion con­ since then no day passes without tinue to be the main topics of in­ a stream of funeral processions. terest, but for Seafarers in the The business district is com­ other ports, here is some real pletely torn up. Some buildings news about shipping. We are have been designated as safe, but still busy, both with ships in the majority have been marked transit, and those paying off. condemned. Rated men are as badly needed As to the future of Texas City, here as in any other SIU port. a town that mushroomed to We are kept on the run, and with amazing size as the result of the doing volunteer work to help war boom, nobody could ven­ clear up the Texas City debris, ture a guess. Oil companies state we just don't have time to write that more refineries will be built, a longer report. Maybe next and that Texas City will resume week. Brothers, never got to sell their bananas. None of their bananas have been put in our refrigera­ tors or on our ships either. At the moment we have one Panamanian ship in port. She is undergoing a big repair job in the Tampa Shipyard. 1 1 �Friday, May 2. 1847 THE Record Of Teleiihone Company Shows Operators Have Good Beef By BLACKIE CARDULLO SEAFARERS LOG On Overtime Department Delegates should check to see that all overtime is turned in 72 hours before the ship is scheduled to dock. But this does not mean to hold the overtime until then. As soon as penalty work is done, a record should be given to the Department headi and one copy held by the man doing the job. In that way there is less chance for things to get fouled up. Page Seven Needed: Rated Men For SlU Ships And Organizers Te Aid In Drives By JOE ALGINA MARCUS HOOK—The tempo On closer observation gf these NEW YORK—Shipping is still to take the jobs on the unorgan­ of shipping has slowed some­ scabs, we noticed some of them maintaining a rapid pace in the ized ships — our oiganizing job what in the past week, but what were pretty shabbily dressed, Port of New York. .Jobs are has not ended and volunteers are we lack in shipping we are run down heels and stockings plentiful and a good selection of still needed to finish the job. making up for in contacting the with runs. As it happened to .ships is offered. unorganized ships in the area. be raining, there were three Trying to get the men to take these jobs is an almost impos­ The organizing drive is going girls under one umbrella and With the tempo of shipping sible task, so when in the Port of full blast with more and more only two out of ten had rain­ still on a high level, the number New York, drop in and see the of the Sun Oil boys coming in­ coats. of men taking unorganized ships organizers. to our Hall on their own ac­ has fallen off. We .still need men FIGHT TOGETHER There's a job to be done, and cord to join up. The organizing the more men who turn out to of Sun Oil looks very good and You could quite well under­ take these ships, the better will we hope, before long, to an­ stand that they couldn't afford be the future for all Seafarers. nounce the progress in this long anymore — not on $130 per The majority of Robin Line battle. month, yet these very same peo­ vessels are now paying off in ple can't see that by joining in The Sun Oil drive has been Ealtimore. If any of you hear the strike and fighting altogeth­ keeping us busy, but not too By EDDIE HIGDON Capetown or Durban calling, Bal­ er they could get their wages busy to keep abreast of the most timore is the place to get a ship. important labor activity of the raised enough to live like hu­ PHILADELPHIA—The steady ting out to the meetings is the The S.S C u !• r i e r. Waterman, man beings instead of just ex­ stream of ships through the Port only way to leain the function day—the telephone strike. signed on down south and head­ Let's just take a look at the isting. of Philly is still holding strong. of the Union. ed for Europe. Somewhere along Tell me what Bell Telephone record of the Telephone Com­ Plenty of ships are ere wing up CHANGE CARDS the line she broke down and was pany, or shall we say, let's big-shot doesn't spend $130 per here, but we seem to have If any tripcard men are still towed into New York for repoint out the record to some of month just to operate his big enough men for most of the jobs carrying "A" cards, these are to pair.c. If she remains in port for these politicians who want to limousine. Which reminds me— except among ABs. be exchanged for the blue P-3 any length of time, the crew hang every member of the tele­ • I once worked one day on a At the moment we seem to be permit as soon as possible at any aboard will be paid off. phone union. farm. After a hard day's work having a slight problem with SIU Hall. NIP AND TUCK First, let's take the average I asked for my pay. The farm­ some of the tripcard and permitMake sure that you take along telephone operator's wages and er gave me a dollar. When I men. Most of them never bother With New York still short of all the receipts from the various cost of living for one month and asked why only a buck he said to come to the membership meet­ rated men in the Deck and En­ ports where you iaave been pay­ compare them. The wages aver­ that was all he could afford. ings, and on Thursday morning ing dues, so it will be easier for gine Department, the ships call-" age about .$130.00 a month. I told him to keep the dollar there is a grand ru.sh to re-regi.s- the Patrolman to fill out your ap­ ing for crews are find init nip and tuck to have a full comple­ as he needed it. more than I did. tered. plication for the permit. BARE NECESSITIES ment for sailing. This, boys, is not so hot. How I also told him that if he could­ When asking for a duplicateIn addition to the good ship­ The living conditions and ex­ n't pay more than a dollar, he do you ever expect to learn any­ book, many men pay the dollar penses next. R o o m rent and .shouldn't hire anyone but should thing about the Union when you but forget to fill out t'ne blue ap­ ping, some of our new-dy organ­ ized conipanies are taking ships board figure out to about $60 do the work himself. nevei' attend the meetings? At plication. out of the boneyards. (unless 3 or 4 live together to the meetings there is always Just paying the buck is not The same can be said for the The Bloornfield S t e a ni s h i p make it cheaper), plus about Bell Telephone. They say they some kind of a beef on the floor, enough, for by filling out the ap­ $30 for lunch and carfare. These and by attending the meetings can't afford a raise. Very well, plication you then carry the du­ are the barest of the bare ne­ then if they can't afford to pay you will know the score when plicate slip as your book until Wf A/E^7W0 cessities. something comes up and it con­ a decent wage, they should do the new one arrives. With the With the remaining .$40, there the work themselves and not cerns you directly. OW^t slip you can register and take a must be paid insurance, medical hire girls at starvation wages. Let's get together on this. Get- ship. care, clothing, etc., which canThe application notifies the of­ fice where you want the hook sent. If no application is made, (lE(?E!-Go YOURSELF A you will never receive a book, as STEAK j headquarters needs the slip to is­ sue the duplicate. Branch Meetings Are A Must For Tripcarders And Permitmen Mistakes In Interpretations Of Shipping Rules Are Clarified By PAUL GONSORCHIK V not be done. This anyone can see, but not the Telephone Com­ pany. I've often wondered how tele­ phone operators keep their girl­ ish figures, now I know. Let's look at the Bell Tele­ phone Company's record: Thousands of telephones being installed, added work for the operators, added money for the Company, but no added pay for the operators. Telephone tolls have been doubled since the war, which all goes to show that Bell Tele­ phone can well afford to give these girls a raise. We were up in Chester, Pa., observing the telephone striker's picketlines. There were six girls on the line and we saw opera­ tors walking right through the line—out-and-out scabbing. Attention Agents All applications for SIU burial benefits must be mailed to: JOSEPH VOLPIAN Special Services Dept. Seafarers Intl. Union 51 Beaver Street New York 4, N, Y. NEW YORK--Recently I point- and not within 24 hours of quited up the fact that a large ting or being fired. number of Seafarers are un­ ASSIGNMENT CARD aware of the provisions of the In addition to shipping rule shipping rules, or are laboring 14, the back of the assignment under a misunderstanding of slip lists four rules pertaining their application. to reporting aboard, and if dis­ To clear up some of the dif­ satisfied with the job or fired, ficulties and give the correct in­ how to regain your shipping terpretation, it is necessary to card. illustrate some of the rules most 1. You must report to the ship frequently misinterpreted. with gear within four hours af­ Probably the most misunder­ ter clearing with the medical stood shipping rule is number examiner. 14, which reads: 2. If dispatched between 8 "Members who have shipped, A.M. and 4 P.M., rejection of or later quit or get fired, and the job must be reported to the who do not report back to the Dispatcher within one hour af­ Dispatcher within 24 hours af­ ter boarding the ship. ter shipping, shall lose their or­ 3. If dispatched after 4 P.M. iginal date." or on week-end and the job is The statement, "members who rejected, watches must be stood have shipped and later quit," until Dispatcher's office opens means, naturally, that you take and receives notice of your re­ a job off the board from the jection of job. Dispatcher, clear with the com­ 4. Failure to observe above pany office, and report to the rules, means that you will be ship, where after working a few dropped to bottom of the ship­ hours you decide to quit or get ping list. Second offense will fired. In order to get your shipping bring a ten dollar fine. Most members observe the card back, you must report back to the Dispatcher within 24 rules and report back to the hours or lose your card. Hall within a few hours, but Some men think there is a there are others who don't. 'When three day trial period, during shown the rule, they say: "Gee, which a man can return to the didn't know anything about Hall within 72 hours and reclaim it." his shipping card, as long as he When this happens, it is too reports back within 24 hours of late to do anything about it. So, quitting the ship. my suggestion is read the ship­ This is hot so. The shipping ping rules, and understand them. rules state that you must re­ If all of us do this, there won't turn to the Hall within 24 hours be any hard feelings of unnec­ of being dispatched to the job, essary loss of shipping cards. .CVi Kvij BON VOYAGE Brother Bush, Patrolman here in Phillj', quit last week and shipped out as Bosun on a Water­ man scow. Good luck, Charlie. Everybody wishes you the best and that includes the girls at Sonia's. Brother Walt "Nose" Gardner paid us a visit last week. We sure were glad that he came in as the mail rack was beginning to sag with his correspondence. About 29 letters came for him in about 5 weeks. The Deck Department of the Henry W. Beecher: The beef re­ garding the Skipper working stowaways has been settled. You can collect eight hours each byapplying to the Waterman Office, 19 Rector Street, New York. Waterman Line also has money waiting for Brother Julio Perez of the Haiti Victory, which can be collected at the same office. Weir, the newspapers report that the cost of living has gone up another two percent. And some people wonder why Labor is not satisfied with wages as they are. ¥U; Company is taking one out next week, and several other of the new companies will follow suit shortly. This means more jobs for the SIU, and will increase the short­ age of rated men. When these ships start calling for men, it will be any one's guess where the necessary rated men will come from. A large number of letters have been coming in lately from crewmembers complaining about fel­ lows quitting ships at the last minute without getting a re­ placement from file Hall. This is of real concern to the other crewmembers, for it results in a hardship on tliose left hold­ ing the bag. It not only makes for more work for them, but gives the shipowner a chance to . put his own men aboard. This practice has been discuss­ ed, shouted about and condemn­ ed. It has to stop. It's no use to continue hollering about it, it's up to the' members to take it up­ on themselves to put an end to it. Send Those Minutes Send in the minutes of your ship's meeting to the New York Hall. Only in that way can the membership act on your recommendations, and then the minutes can be printed in the LOG for the benefit of all other SIU crews. �THE Page Eight SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 2, 1947 Question On The Interpretation Of Contract Conies Up In Boston Baltimore Branch Offers Members A Variety Of Ships And Runs By JOHN MOGAN By WILLIAM RENTZ BOSTON— Shipping continues other the various members of the BALTIMORE—We have plenty They are strictly no benefit to to be excellent in the port of Bos­ Deck Dept. had been told by of shipping and no takeis, and the Union, and they exist solely ton, although business fell off some Patrolman that the Stew­ that's where the rub comes in. to get themselves and others into somewhat over the last few ards Dept. could not paint, that trouble. If they are on a ship, Lots of rated men are on the they could sougee only. weeks. someone else has to do their beach, but they do not want to work, and when they are ashore, And Article 5, Section 13 of The SS Tonto (Pacific Tanker) ship unless they get a certain they get gassed up and try to paid off in Portland, Maine—this the Agreement was quoted in run, or they insist on going with tear the city apart. ship was out six month, had support of the argument. This By JOHNNY JOHNSTON I was held by the Patrolman to plenty of beefs, loggings, etc. a certain Mate or Chief Engineer. They show up for the payoff The Coast Guard was elimin­ mean that the members of the Although she looks only slight­ smoked to the gills, and prompt­ As a result we have to take in ated from the situation and the Stewards Dept. can refuse to ly better than the wreck of ly proceed to foul everything up. tripcard men to make sure that Patrolman and the Skipper man­ paint, but that they could paint the Hesperus, the four-masted If they are paid off one hour aged to iron out the beefs with­ if they choose. Like the clause schooner SS Chiquimula has be­ the ships sail on time. With ship­ short, or even fifty hours short, I in the Agreement about the out outside assistance. come the best-known landmark ping as good as it is, the mem­ they don't even notice it, but a Bosun being high man in the on the old Spanish Trail, popular bership doesn't give a hoot about few days later they come howl­ In Boston the SS Madaket Deck Dept. (referred to in these southern link between Florida the new men coming in, but ing to the Patrolman to collect (Waterman) paid off, ,with the columns last week), this clause their money. and California. only disputes arising in the Deck when shipping gets tight, as it j about who is eligible to do the Department. Among the last of what was will, then there will be plenty of This wastes a lot of time that painting might also stand some once a huge and colorful fleet These were ironed out satisfac­ clarification in the LOG. could be put to better use in see­ of sailing vessels plying the wa­ howls about having to sweat out ing that other members get torily; but an argument develop­ (Editor's note: The question ters of the seven seas, the Chi­ a shipping list. ed on this ship with respect to everj'thing that is coming to has been put into the hands of quimula is now moored close to the right of the Stewards Dept. them. The best way to prevent any Headquarters' experts, and the the shore at the Eastern end of • such thing is to start taking those to do any painting aboard. matter will be clarified in next We have eliminated some of of Cochran Bridge, which spans jobs now, without being too par­ As a result of this argument, week's LOG.) these characters, but there are Mobile Bay. the members of the Stewards ticular. It is for the good of the still more around that have to It seems as though the number Dept., who could have picked up The Chiquimula was originally Union, since we do not want to be weeded out. Don't get the plenty of work painting out of­ of performers are increasing with an auxiliary schooner, one of be overloaded when the boom is idea that I am a Prohibitionist. ficers' quarters, did no painting— the spurt of good shipping and throe such vessels built by M. C. over. All I'm trying to bring out is that the Union will have to clean and the Deck Dept. didn't have Keith, of the United Fruit Com­ if men want to drink, they should house. Nearly every ship nowa­ pany, in 1917. Launched in Seat­ WATCH SCAB CABS the time during the trip. do it away from the Hall, and days is carrying one or two so- tle, Washington, she was put into The Admiral Cab Company in not on shipboard. PAINTING PROBLEM called "tough guys" who figure service hauling railroad rails and their Union books arc licenses to steel to the Company's banana this town is on strike, and the When they come in from a trip, Now the basis for the argu­ company has hired scabs to keep let them wait until after the pay­ bother their shipmates. plantations in Central America. ment was this: some time or the taxis moving. That means off before they start investing in In 1921 she was ordered to St. ON CHARGES that no Seafarers would ride in whiskey stock. Andrews Bay, Florida, where The Steward on the Stone her motors were removed and To show how busy the port is, River was apparently one of she was converted to full sail by here are listed a small portion of these. It is strongly recommend­ installing topmasts. the flock of ships that hit this ed by the crew that this Brother She weathered many storms place during the past week, and not be allowed to ship until the and hurricanes during the years where they are heading: SS Stone River gets back to the she was in the West Indies trade, Warrior Point—Pacific Tank­ States and the boys get the op­ and finally laid up in Mobile ers, Aruba and Antwerp; William portunity^ to press their charges. Bay after steam ran the sailing By ED LARKIN Clagett — American Pacific, Hol­ (Nole to Brother Mogan and vessels off the seas. MILWAUKEE—Things here in the crews of the SS Fort Fredland; Mae — Bull Line, Tampa Captain James Buffett, who is town are shaping up okay, and erica, SS Tonto, and the SS well-known by the oldtimers and Boca Grande; R. Lowery • — the men on the ships we have al­ Stone River. Pope tmd Talbot, Antwerp; Nel­ riEy,F|NKY! who sailed out of the Gulf, was ready petitioned are damn glad son Aldridge — South Atlantic, RACE You TO In line with established pol­ the Skipper of the Chiquimula that they are finally going to Italy; William Allen White — •!»£ UN\OW HAU! 'from 1924 to 1927. icy, we have deleted the items have a chance to vote for the SIU Quaker Line, Denmark; Ben Dix­ referring to charges placed J. S. i as the imion of their choice. on—Bull Line, Puerto Rico; Can­ The port of New Orleai# l ank- the scab cabs, and as far a.s the against the Chief Electrician of Having talked this over with ton Vest—Pope and Talbot, Inthe former ship, the member ed fourth in the nation in the' drivers are concerned—well, let a number of the men topside, tercoastal; Arizpa — Waterman, on the SS Tonto, and the Stew­ amount of waterborne trade dur­ it'go, the LOG Editor would only I know how they feel when it Coastwise and then Europe; ing the year 1946. Only New ard of the Stone River. cross out any words I could use Roswell Victory — Robin Lino; comes to the SIU. They know Too many times, the LOG York, Baltimore, and Philadel­ about those strikebreakers. that they won't have to ride the South and East Africa. phia, in that order, exceeded crew in order to get work out has discovered that charges the tonnage of shipping weight I would like to say a word You can get an idea of the ac­ of them. Especially, not when against an individual have not handled at N.O. during the year, about the performers we have in tivity from ju.st these few ships they are paying legitimate over­ been pressed and, therefore, giving the Crescent City clear the outfit. Something should be time to the men who are entitled guilt not established — or that title to leadership in the Gulf. done to these people to see to it listed. Come down to ship out of the charges have been dismiss­ to it. The total tonnage handled was that they straighten up and fly "Baltimore, if you have a rating, Here's the case of an Oiler. ed. and choose your run. right. 5,286,400 long tons. A Brother's reputation and He has to wash rags, mop the decks, and if he has any spare character may very easily be time, he paints, sougees, chips, ruined forever by a public no­ and bosses the Coal Passers. Un­ tice that charges are placed der an SIU contract, that Oiler against him; and notice thai She was still feeling the ef­ times are gradually changing By EINAR NORDAAS would get a nice little piece of the charges were dismissed or fects of her crash with the and soon jobs will not be so DULUTH—Shipping has def­ wharf, when along came the plentiful. cabbage for his legitimate over­ not entirely substantiated may not be noticed by all the mem­ initely started at the head of the Sonora and plowed into her. time. TIME WILL COME The poor Oiler has to make 20 bers who read the first item. Lakes, but it is by no means SHIPYARDS BUSY Whenever charges are prov­ good as yet. We find ourselves minute rounds, work his head They will begin to see the off, and for what? Not even ed and punishment set by the light when the shipowners start Both ships then had to unload membership, the LOG will short only of Wheelsmen, with their cargoes and proceed to the laying them off and hiring nonthanks from the shipowner. The only thing he gets is his gladly publish the finding as a unrated men here in large num­ shipyard for repairs. As a re­ seamen friends and the friends 10 per cent bonus at the end of warning to the membership to bers. sult of all the knocking around of friends in preference to the The ice, which is still greatly the ships are taking, the ship­ regular seamen. the year, provided he rides the beware of the anti-union char­ in evidence, and the strong cur­ yards are being kept busy. ship for at least six months. And acters involved.) Here's hoping they won't have he really deserves that, when you Note to the crews of the SS rents have been the cause of to wait that long before they The ships that spent the win­ consider how much overtime he Niantic Victory and the Wacosta; several accidents at this end of get the score. ter in Duluth have all pulled has lost over the sailing season! Deck Department members have the Lakes. Several ships have When all seamen are organ­ Now is the time to sign those division of overtime for stow­ limped in here, badly in need out for the season's trade with ized under an SIU agreement SIU pledge cards! Now, is the aways and Mate working on of repairs after a tussle with the exception of the barge Mag­ such practices will be elimin­ na, which is due to pull out at the Lake Superior ice. time to apply for membership deck, respectively. ated. All jobs will come off the the end of the week. This overtime, although ap­ in the SIU! Sign and join, and The ice isn't solely responsible board with each man taking his the provisions of an SIU contract proved, was not paid on the regu­ for the damages done some of Organizer Christian Fuss ar­ turn on the shipping list wheth­ lar vouchers, as most of the crew the ships up here, as the Joseph rived in town during the week er he registers at the various will follow in short order. Then, when the Great Lakes assumed. Therefore, all those Wood and the International are and has been busy contacting halls on the Great Lakes, or at are solidly SIU, it'll be the end of sharing in this overtime may ob­ both in for repairs following the unorganized ships in port. the deep water halls. the Lake Carriers halls and of tain their money by writing to their collision in the area of He reports excellent response When the election comes up from the seamen to our organ­ on your ship in the near future, all open-shop conditions on the the Waterman office, 131 State Whitefish Bay. Street, Boston, attention of Mr. Great Lakes. and you want to choose good Another accident occurred izing drive. Then, and only then, will the E. Kiernan. conditions, security and top There are, however, a few when the steamer James A. FarThe Evangeline is delayed once rell struck the west end of the men, mostly beginners, who are wages, cast your vote for the Great Lakes seamen become full fledged recognized citizens, and more, and the most optimistic es­ north pier of the Duluth ship not aware of the excellent rec­ union that will get you every­ not the orphans of the labor timates have her coming out of canal as she was leaving the ord of the SIU. They seem to­ thing that's coming to you—the tally indifferent to the fact that SIU. movement that they are today. the shipyard around May 5. harbor. Lakes Seamen Are Signing SlU Pledge Cards Collisions And Accidonts Mar Week In Duluth I. 11 �Friday, May 2. 1947 THE SEAFARERS Volmteer Organizers LOG Page Nino Rescue Tug Is Battered By Hurricane "It was obvious from the beg­ ever forget him. He acted like Bearing scais sustained as she inning," he said, "that the SIU Isthmian was going broke, and successfully battled her way is a much more democratically couldn't afford to pay over­ through a roaring hurricane, the run Union, and that SIU mem­ time. sea-going tug Farallon limped in­ bers are much better ,seamcn and His officers were afraid of him, to the Port ol Falmouth, England, shipmates." and alwaj's asked him before last week, with sevei'al injured, The fourth member of the making any decision. For that one of whom. .Seafarer Haroid party, William Adams, Wiper, reason, the ship was usually dis­ Mitchum, was ru.«hed to a Facame aboard in Colombo, from organized, and no one knew mouth hospital. which he was repatriated. He what was actually happening. The Farallon was battered as had been part of the crew of the "The officers acted like kids he was going to the rescue of Beaver Victory, and after an CULVER STEVENS another SlU-crewed vessel, the appendicitis opei-ation waited on in kindei'gaiten," was the way GEORGE MEANEY 7,176'-ton SS Caleb .Strong, whose the beach foi- another Isthmian George Meaney put it. "If the Some weeks you have to boat ship. Mate wanted to break t>ut some favoiite qustion. "What <\ii \'()U rudder had been swept away. your brains out trying to get a men he would first go to the thnk of the SIU?" The Caleb Strong cancelled her story from the many Seafarers SUP MAN Both of them wanted to be SOS two hours after having sent Skipper. The Skipper would re­ who have sailed as volunteer heaid on this one. fuse, and that would be that." it. Adams is an SUP member, organizers on the steamship lines "The strength of the SIU is The tales about the voyage The .Moran tug ran into the and has sailed as volunteer or­ which the SIU has organized. well known to all .seamen." they ganizer twice before in his two could go on for hours, and in stated. "And now. with the way hurricane's fury 250 miles off In fact, that's the usual story. years of sailing time. fact they did in the telling. But Landsend. The small craft's the Seafaiers has been helping Last week it was different, and But Meaney and Stevens arc they all add up to just one other unions, our reputation is bridge and navigational instrufour men off the SS Argonaut, m.ents were smashed by the 100the I'eal oldtimers. Meaney start­ thing — It will all be changed reaching all other workers." Isthmian Steamship Company, foot waves whipped up by the ed sailing in 1909, following in when Isthmian goes SIU offici­ Stevens and Meaney chimed in came into the LOG office to tell hurricane. the tradition of the rest of his ally. with, "The Union is doing very their stories. family. Mitchum and the tug's skipper, During most of the conver­ well. If everybody continues to Only three of them are really During the war, he sailed sation, Adams and Egga sat do his best, it will become the Capt. Ralph Thompson, were in­ volunteers. The other is a young headlong into the danger waters. quietly, listening to Meaney and best union of seamen in the jured when the first of two waves fellow who has sailed Isthmian When questioned about this part Stevens. As the interview drew world. That's the waj' we want cascaded over the whole super­ before, and realizes that with of his life, he brushed it aside to an end, we popped out our it." structure, smashing windows and SIU representation, sailing on impatiently with the remark, admitting tons of water. that company's ships will be a "Just put down that I made The captain remained at the much more pleasant task. wheel house until he had to be three trips to Rusia, three voy­ cairied below because of heavy Right after the MM&P strike ages in the South Pacific, and loss of blood from severe cuts in­ four in the Mediterranean. SIU was over. Culver Stevens, DM, flicted by the flying glass. members will know what, that and George Meaney, Bosun, Brother Michum suffered a means." were undecided about what to iractured rib and sevei'e cuts. Stevens served for awhile in do. It took only a short dis­ < 'V As the watei' swept o\'er the cussion, before they both came the Army, getting his training in if 1,117-t.on tug. .Seafarer Donald Field Artillery. He was dis­ to the same conclusion. Lupton was washed through the And that's how they happened charged to go back to sea, and ship's coiridoi' for 15 feet and in whei'i to go down to the Isthmian got plenty of fighting down an e-ight foot companionhis ship was attacked in the office to ship out. way to the main deck with the Mediterranean. steering wheel still in his hand. "When we saw how the Before going into the Army. William Miller, the Third Officer, .strength of our Union won our Stevens had been a member ol recoN ered the wheel and restored strike," said Meaney, "and then the NMU. When he was dis­ it to the .steering column. how we helped out the MM&P, charged, he made one more trip we wanted to do even more for on an NMU vessel, and that "The vessel answered to her the benefit of the SIU. So we broke the camel's back. helm and the ship was turned made believe we were anti­ rtfl-n to the sea \vhile we counted He complained about how the union, and soon we were on the our damages and casualties," communists were running the JOHN EGGA WILLIAM ADAMS Miller said. Argonaut." union for their own benefit and It was a good act they put on, not for the good of the mem­ and they convinced the company bership. shipping agent that they COMMIES ATTACK wouldn't have anything to do with unions, especially the SIU. He got the regular answer rc.served for those who criticize the NMU leadership. For weeks Sailing Isthmian was an old he was the subject of all sorts story to Brother Meaney, since of attacks, so he finally gave he started with the company up in disgust and came over to as far back as 1924. Brother the SIU. Stevens also has a few Isthmian "I've never been sorry I mad(> scows behind him. that decision," he claimed. "At On the ship they met up with the beginning I felt bad about John Egga, who sails as AB. leaving some of my buddies who John started going to sea be­ don't have any use for the com­ cause his friends spoke so well mies either, but now I realize of a seaman's life. Now, after I that if they want to clean up eighteen months, he agrees with their union, they can do it. So I'm happy where I am." them. About the trip on the Argon­ It didn't takg him long to figaut, all four are in complete uge out the difference between agreement. They think that it the SIU and the NMU, or be­ was a hard-time ship, and that tween SIU men and NMUers. only an SIU contract can help the men who sail Isthmian. OLD STORY NEW HOURS Due to the large number of ships in New York calling for crews during off hours and on Sundays. Ihe New York Hall is now operating on a new schedule of hours for registering and shipping. The new hours are; From Monday through Friday from 8:30 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Satur­ day 8:30 to 5 p. m. and Sun­ day from 10 to 3. "We did the work, all right," said Brother Stevens, "but get­ ting paid for it was another story. The day men only aver­ aged 56 hours overtime for the trip, and the ABs averaged 125 hours OT. That's like when I first started shipping on Mer­ chant and Miners ships back in the 1930's." STINGY SKIPPER The Captain of the Argonaut made an impression on the crew, and it is doubtful that they will NMU Has Plenty Of Slogans About Other Things But Not A Word On U.S. Ships Russia Won't Return NMU seamen who read the They haven't seen fit to do duran ships competing with Am­ either one. but the NMU has re­ erican vessels. We're waiting to Pilot, and those that read the mained strangely silent about hear the first bleat R-om the MMU LOG foi- real news about what j that. And the Russians have an- about the Russian ships. goes on in a seaman's life, know I swered all American questions j What's the odds we don't hear that the Pilot has been saying I on this score with stalling or a single word? some few things about the trans­ silence. fer of U.S. ships to Panamanian > j RUSSIA QUIET and Honduran registry. j On four separate occasions, beOf course, they have a good I ginning with last March 18. the Members of the SIU have beef there, but on another beef matter has been brought to the they have fallen down miserablv. attention t)f the Russians. On a long record of supporting For anyone who knows the his­ that date, the then Ambassador other unions in a just beef. tory of the NMU, and its tie-up to Russia. Walter B. Smith, wrote For this reason, all Seafarers with the communist party, such a letter to Russian Foreign Min­ are urged not to purchase the a fall down is understandable. ister Molotcrv, asking for a reply 'Vancouver Daily Province, It seems that Russia, the coun­ "as a matter of urgency." There a scab newspaper, set up and try to which many of the NMU has been no reply as yet. printed by non-union labor. officials owe their first allegiance, Nor have there been replies to The Vancouver, B. C., also has a number of American any of the thiee subsequent SIU Branch is supporting the ships, running under just the queries. International Typographers same conditions that Panamanian Meanwhile, the Russians are Union, AFL, both morally and Honduran .ships are prey to. and physically in their eight But do the comrades question apparently using American ships, month old strike. this? You know the answer to Russian crewed, to compete with Amci-ican crewed vessels. that one. When in Vancouver show In fact, at one time, the Rus­ your contempt for the scabs For over a year now, the U.S. by refusing to buy a news­ State Department has asked the sians attempted to bust an SIUpaper put out by strikebreak­ Soviet Union for the return of 95 SUP picketline in Baltimore dur­ ers. This will help the ITU ships which were loaned to Rus­ ing the height of the SIU strike against the Wage Stabilization members to win their strike sia for wartime use — part of Board. for better wages and condi­ lend-lease. These were to be tions. bought or returned by Russia at There's a lot of howling going the end of hostilities. on about Panamanian and Hon­ Canadian Seamen �Page Ten THE SEAFARERS Friday, May 2, 1947 LOG SHIPS' BilMUTES AMD MEWS New London 'Breeze' Blows News Straight To Crewmen • • The Breeze that the lads aboard the Pacific Tanker SS New London receive from time to time is not a wind current — it's an appropriately named, refreshing little news sheet published "by and for the members of the crew as time permits and "ews^.^ accumulates." egg blue denim, prepared by the Each edition of the Breeze gen­ Houston Tent and Awning Com­ erally carries from four to six pany, and wore a lovely corsage pages of news and banter about of oil stains courtesy of the No. the crew and its activities, the 5 tank, ship, and intere.sting items about The account concludes with the various ports of call. It is ^ mention of the singing of the inprinted on 8V2 by 131^ inch paper evitable "Happy Birthday" vocal, and is apparently run off by the which the Breeze says "was ou\ hectograph process—a hectograph of this world—it was hell." being a gelatin pad for making Other features of the March 4 multiple copies. issue dealt with the storms and heavy seas encountered in the MARCH 4 ISSUE current voyage, crew advances in The March 4 issue, which was foreign ports, notice of Sunday distributed at sea as the New night bingo games for the crew, London was off the Azores Is­ etc. lands, gives a detailed descrip­ Each issue gives an "orchid" tion of the m.akeup of the Azores, to a New London crewmembsr its climate and principal products for doing a bang-up job." Deland the major points of interest. bert Jetton, Saloon Messman re­ Although at press time the par­ ceived this honor in the March 4 ticular port of discharge in Eng­ Breeze. land wasn't known, the Breeze, anticipating it to be London, re­ leased a first-rate roundup as a guide for the crew in the event they hit that port. Not having a society editor, the Breeze nevertheless reported one of the shipboard top social events—a birthday party tender­ ed in honor of one of the crew. In language and style that would make reporters of the swank go­ ings-on of the shoresided society stiffs green with envy, the Breeze recounted breezily the high­ -•> S •• i iill-' aaseftsf-C •:wii All was serene on the voyage which ended at the payoff in Baltimore on March 5. reported Gilbert Parker, OS, shown at wheel in photo at right. ABOVE, three of the Deck Gang handling lines as the Meredith prepares to go through locks in Antwerp, Bel­ gium, the Meredith Victory's destinaton. Mugging with coffee mugs, from left to right, Pete, Sam and LaChance obligingly hold still for the cameraman in photo at loft. Much of the good photography aboard the Mere­ dith Victory stems from the skill of Brother Parker, one of the SIU's lens enthusiasts. Crawtord Men Propose Plan To Remove Slopchest Evils The growing storm of protest against,the abuses and inequities of shipboard slopchests rumbled more loudly as crewmcmbers of the SS F. Marion Crawford voiced lights of the affair, v/hich took place in the "elaborate Gag and Vomit Grill of New London." RE,AL FORMAL The reports says, "While the entertainment was supposed to have been informal, a number of Mr. Chadbourne's (his party) friends insisted on formality and washed their faces for the occasion. "The host," continues our ship­ board society story, "came attired Cold, Ice Slowed Down The Thomas Hyde And Put The Freeze On Crew's Romancing By GEORGE LEIDEMANN, AB instead at the open ports of Crewing up in New York on Haugesund and Kopervik. The Jan. 3, the SS Thomas W. Hyde, first American ship to dock in an Overlakes Liberty, shoved off these two small ports in over a for Newport News to pick up year, the arrival of the Hyde caused something of a stir, and 8,300 tons of coal for delivery to the crew received a warm and Oslo, Norway. cordial demonstration of friend­ This was the beginning of our ship from the townspeople. nightmare. We passed the frozen Winter being at its peak, the port of call at Oslo and called Brothers all agree the atmos­ phere wasn't exactly ideal for \ romance. But despite the cold, the fair sex was friendly and un­ derstanding. Both towns were dry, but leave it to the Seafarers to find his "aqua vitea" (booze to you!). Our cargo discharged, we (Continued on Page 11) unanimous approval of a resolu-^ It was brought out further at tion calling for posting of the Crawford meeting that the Manifest listing all slopchest ar­ plan for posting of the slopchest ticles" in the crew mcssroom be­ list would implement enforce­ fore the slopchest is supplied and ment "bf the motion made at a recent New York membership signing of the Ship's articles." meeting that all slopchest sup­ Declaring that their experience plies bear the union label. has shown that seamen have Text of the Crawford crew's been victims of the inadequate resolution follows: supplying of slopchest, the Craw­ TEXT OF RESOLUTION ford crew said the move was de­ "Whereas, Experience has signed to effect better balanced stocks "and insure the quality of shown that seamen have been victimized by inadequate sup­ supplies." plying of the slop chest, and also AN AMENDMENT by paying unreasonable prices for shoddy materials, and The action stemmed from a "Whereas, In order to insure motion of Brother Kordakis seek­ ing effective action on slopchest equal distribution of sizes, and supplies. The resolution reached in the quality of supplies "Therefore, Be It Resolved, the floor following an amend­ ment, introduced by Brother That prior to supplying the slop­ Burns, that the original motion chest a Manifest listing all slop­ be reworded for action at a regu­ chest articles be po.sted in the lar New York membership meet­ crew messrpom for crew inspec­ ing. All hands agreed to his tion, before signing of the ship's articles." proposal. �Friday. May 2. 1947 J THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief CAPE BRETON, March 20— Chairman James Humphries; Secretary Mandagoc. Motion carried thai each man clean laundry and lounge after using. Motion carried that a special meeting be called in case the laundry is found dirty and to find out who did not clean it up after using. Good and Wel­ fare: Discussion was had on the shortage of cups and glasses. The steward promises to order some as soon as possible. Sug­ gestion that the men clean up the pantry after using the night lunch. WALTER ^COLTON. Feb. 1 —Chairman J. Cerda; Secre­ tary P. G. Fox. Delegates re­ ported everything in order. New Business: Motion carried to have all hands try not to leave any dirty linen laying around. All soiled linen to be put in bin down below in linen locker. Suggest standby to clean up messhall and all hands to return dirty cups to sink in scullery. Messboys to be more careful with cups, glasses and dishes, also sink outside of gal­ ley is not to be used as ash tray. 4. J. 4. SEATRAIN TEXAS, March 30—Chairman Ed. Gibbs; Sec­ retary D. Dragoo. Motion car­ ried that the delegates check with the union and the com­ pany as to why the ships are sailing short handed. Motion carried that the heads, quar­ ters and mess be painted when needed. Motion carried that water tanks be checked for fuel oil and rust. Motion car­ ried that suitable rooms be made for Stewards depart­ ment. 4-4-4. SNAKEHEAD, April 15 — Chairman G. Stroicher: Secre­ tary E. Tart. Delegates reports accepted. Everything reported okay in their departments. New Business: Motion carried to contact N. Y. Hall concern­ ing the pier head jump made by a tripcard. Good and Wel­ fare: All hands pledged their support in cleaning laundry and mess room. 4- 4- 4. NIANTIC VICTORY, Dec. 21 —Chairman D. J. Sheehan; Secretary W. H. Chadburn. Sug­ gestion made that all food­ stuffs be kept out of crew's lockers as going into hot cli­ mate will draw flies to the food. Motion carried to make Satur­ day linen day. Motion carried to see that crew and officers Cold, Ice Make Going Tough For The Hyde And Her Crew On the business side, the Deck (Continued from Page 10) Department had its hands full steamed through the ice-bound j with the Chief Mate, who was port of Kristiansand, where we 'often referred to as "the eager loaded sand ballast below and on beaver in the eager beaver coat," deck in preparation for the voy­ because he was seen so frequent­ age home. As we inched our way ly on deck working in a fur coat. out of the harbor the thick ice The Deck gang had to show Mr. caused some damage to the old Mate from lime to time that it girl. An inspection revealed a 'could take orders from Bosun Ed bent rudder and a broken pro­ Callaghan and do its job in seapeller. men-like fashion. The Hyde's skipper, Captain I Schiavonc, the Bellyrobber, Christensen, changed her course I did the best, he' could to make the and we headed for the Clyde I two months' supply of stores, River anchorage to undergo re­ plus the small amount purchased in Liverpool, last a long three months. In keeping the -crew contented, he had the able as­ sistance of Frank "Baby-Babj' Rosso. Under the supervision of the First Ass't., J. G. Sidlo; the Sec­ ond, Jack Pierce: and the Third, Palmer, John Molini our Engine Delegate, calmly took everything in stride when he wasn't buck­ ing the pangs of the North At­ lantic and the sneers of the Chief Engineer—a Cal^nar character. Enough said! Cooperation of the Black Gang pairs. However, the Glasgow I was tops, bringing the ship into shipyards were unable to accom­ New Orleans in better condition modate us. So we were sent to than they found it. Liverpool, where we got the good A clean payoff was the Hyde's old runaround for 22 days. answer on April 17. Hank AdaThe crew did its best to give mowicz, the Deck Delegate, re­ the Lime Street glamour girls a ported all beefs settled satisfac­ run for their shillings. Later, torily, as did Brother Moline, En­ however, these dolls developed gine Delegate, and Dan Clifford, somewhat of a dislike for the Stewards Delegate. We're hoping that in the fu­ Hyde's men—or the men's hides ture the older members of the —being that we had learned the SIU will explain a few things on score. All hands agreed that most of these Lime Street "comman­ the advantages of strong \miondos" are only looking for some ism to tripcarders and non-union sucker and a one-way ticket to men. The Union is growing. Let's keep it growing. the States. are treated alike at the slopchest. Good and Welfare: All present stood in silence for one minute in respect for depart­ ed Brothers. Suggestion that Steward secure nuts and can­ dies in Panama for Christmas Dinner. 4. 4. 4NIANTIC VICTORY, March 15—Chairman Morris Norris; Secretary Danny Sheehan. Delegates' reports accepted and field. New Business: Motion carried to give the Electricians a vote of thanks for taking care of toasters, fans and per­ colators. Motion carried to give the Steward a vote of thanks for ordering fresh stores and taking care of the men in the hospital. Engine Delegate states muc^ overtime is being disputed by the Captain after being okayed by the First and Chief Engineers. Good and Welfare: Discussion on every­ thing in general. Feeling was that cigarette ration should be increased as there are plenty of cigarettes and they will get stale. POM'T MAKe IT rouOH F6R ^ YOORSELF! ^^ 1 KOfRihio UP YOUR BEEFS AT THE FbRT OF PAY-OFF; DOM'T TAKE THEM TO A^iaT>^ER PORT WHERE THE UNION OFFiGlALSARE NOT ACQUAINTED WllH YOUR PARTICULAR SET-UP AWD HAVE To SPEKJD MUCH MORE TIME BEEORE THEV CAN GET SQUARED AWAY. IT'S YOUR TIME AMD YOUR MONEY - SO SETTLE Y&UR BEEFS AT THg ^ PoiHT OF PROPUCflOA// CUT and RUN By HANK 4. 4. 4. MIDWAY HILLS. March 5— Chairman Wagner; Secretary Charles Johnsen. Good and Wel­ fare: Motion carried that the same rulings of the previous trip be retained concerning fines and offenses. Ships' dele­ gate was requested to see the First Assistant Engineer about the water conditions in the 12-4 cabins. Crew was given a warning about smoking on deck. 4. 4. 4. MIDWAY HILLS, April 5— Chairman Wagner; Secretary E. Spear. Deck Delegate re­ ported requisition for repairs to be ready for submission to proper authorities. Engine and Stewards delegates reported all running smoothly. Good and Welfare: Motion carried that all linen be turned in on pay day before the crew leaves the ship. Motion carried to stand firm ajid not sail the ship un­ til all repairs are made. 4. 4. 4. JOLIET VICTORY, Feb. 25, Chairman Joe Wright; Secre­ tary Ray McCannon. Numer­ ous complains registered on the food situation. Steward charged with catering to the topside. Good and Welfare: Motion made that duplicate repair list be secured for the head of each department and a slip be placed in each messhall .calling for ad­ ditional repair items. 4. 4. 4. MOLINE VICTORY, March 9—Chairman Milina; Secretary Corriher. Several members spoke on the fruit juice situa­ tion complaining that during the trip they had fruit juices only six of seven times. Stew­ ard produced the bill of fare to prove that juices were served more times than stated. Dele­ gates reported all smooth in their departments. All hands stood in silence for one min­ ute in memory of lost brothers. Every week that this LOG comes out there's plenty of infotmation important to every Brother—information which is essential to his job as a sailor and to his job as a union man. This is why we urge everj- Brother to read every page. Don't miss anything. Don't depend on the other guy to tell you what's cookin, etc.—he might, be just like you because he forgot to read every week's LOG or lazily missed a few pages. So, while you're resting your drj- an­ chor in port to be sure to read j'our Union paper, new pamphlets, etc., and when you've grabbed a ship just wrap your arm around a few week's bundles of the latest LOGS and save them for distribu­ tion in those foreign ports—for SIU ships, all those unoragnized ships and those favorite bars. Furthermore, to coil a phrase—your ships are your homes—keep them clean at all times—even when the Old Man doesn't make a daily inspection. You won't have all kinds of beefs, fines, and roaches on your ships if you perform your jobs—doing your work which always includes keeping your quar­ ters. passagewaj's, clothes, etc. in clean shape ... If you guys want to make a home on those coast-wise ships then here's two varieties. Pan-Atlantic Steamship Company will have three "^^ictory ships operating exclusively from New York, sailing every Friday afternoon for Miami, Tampa, New Orleans then to Mobile. Panama City and Port St. Joe. 4. 4. 4- The four vessels now in this Irade will operate to the Gulf from Boston and Philadelphia for the following ports: Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Panama City and Port St. Joe . . . Well, we're not going to beat around the bush about it. We'll just say that Brother Pete Bush, one of our shipmates and an oldtirner, is anchored in our town . . . Another shipmate in town right now is Edgar Kurz ... So is Bosun Bera Smyley, just back from a trip to Lisbon, Portugal . . . Brother John Murray, whojust came in from a five week trip confessed that he'll be grab­ bing the first job he can—no matter where the ship's going— coastwise or foreign. Well, there's a brother who doesn't waste his time on the beach, waiting for those special trips . . . Brother Frank Szczepanski is now sailing up there in the Lakes. Bon season to you Frank! Meanwhile, the LOG will be going to your home up there every week, as you requested. 4. 44. ODD STREETS AND TOWNS SOME SEAFARERS LIVE IN; James McFarlane—in the town of Rice Lake . . . Frank W. Christy —on Tuxedo Avenue . . . Joseph F. Schumsky—on American Avenue . . . John H. Stone—in the town of Cocoa . . . Gordon Dalman—on Cherrj- Street in the town of Holland . . . We appreciated receiving a postcard from Brother Ste\ e Girolmo while his ship took a breath­ ing spell down in Capetown, South Africa. Steve writes; "Just ar­ rived and am having a good time. Give Paul and Benny my regards. Tell Benny I'll drop him a line in the next port. So long for now" . . . Brother Raffaele Garofalo is in this town right now—all ready for a voyage . . . Deck Engineer Weaver Manning arrived two weeks ago. Brother Weaver asked us to let his shimate Joe James know about his presence in town and to look him up. However, if we re­ call correcth% Brother James shipped recently, forgetting to teU us what ship, though ... To oldtimer John L. Cobb down in New Orleans: Your LOG is now being sent weekly, as you requested. 4. 44NEWS ITEM: Only prompt governmeni action will prevent complete cessation of merchant shipbuilding in the next 12 months in the U. S., H. Gerrish Smith, president of the Ship­ builders Council of America, declared recently. He said that on the basis of present contracts, not a single ocean-going merchant vessel will be under construction after the first quarter of 1948. �THE Page Twelve SEAFARERS Friday, May 2. 1947 LOG THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS iiilJte Captain And Catfish Cause Ruckus On Bauxite Vessel To Ihe Edilor: This letter is from the Deck Department of the SS Roy K. Johnson, Alcoa Steamship Com­ pany, at present shuttling baux­ ite from Paranam, Dutch Guiana, to Port of Spain, Trinidad, and is concerned with the exploits of the vessel's skipper, nicknamed by the Deck Gang, "King Cat­ fish." BALTIMORE MARINE HOSPITAL GRUB CALLED BAD To ihe Editor; He had his feelings hurt about a week ago, when he had dis­ covered that some character had thrown a dead catfish into his ventilator, causing a very bad smell within a couple of days. Calling up the three Delegates, he issued his verbal proclama­ tion that if we didn't go below and find out who threw the cat­ fish into the ventilator he would not only be extra rough with the Deck Department but he would refuse the whole crew a draw while at anchor. Then he came out with the latest of sob stories, impressing us with the fact that while in port he had been- letting the Deck men knock off to wash up, sometimes as early as 4:30 p. m. on day work, and that they then turned around and put down overtime for the Second Mate knocking himself out doing sail­ or's work. Thus far, this skipper has been an ideal Captain. He has been so kind as to inflict nine logs on five sailors. He has hired Dutch shoregangs to wash down the decks when leaving port, so as to beat us out of overtime. He has made the round of the^foc'sle to grab the sailor's refreshments; and he has done about every other petty thing that a man of his caliber can dream up. After reading the write-up in the Log about the New Orleans Marine Hospital, and what a job the Union did in getting all the beefs there straightened out, I figured it was about time that something was done about this one in Baltimore. The patients who go to the messhall for their "garbage" can verify this. Anytime you ask for seconds and thirds here you are informed that there isn't any. If you blow your top, the dietician tells you to try and get the same meal on the outside for less than a dollar. The doctors and nurses, here, however, are the best. They're always ready to smile. Of course, We should pay off in New Or­ now and then they may give a patient a snappy answer, but leans about May 5, at which time that's to be expected because we will have quite a few of the they're really overworked the Captain's escapades to talk over with the New Orleans Patrolmen. same as the galley gang. (Name withheld on request). J. W. Horn, Deck Del. C. Brewer Marine Hospital T. Kiiski Baltimore, Md. | Log-A-Rhythms TWO OF THE HOSPITALIZED SEAFARERS Above, John Dykes lifts his head from slrecher • at London airport a few moments before he took off on last lap of 11,000 mile trip rem Karachi, In­ dia to U. S. for medical treat­ ment. Brother Dykes, a Cook on Isthmian's SS Henry Glucksman, developed a spinal paraly­ sis in Karachi in December. In a plaster case from his hips down, he was flown the entire distance and is now in Staten Island, N. Y., Marine Hospital undergoing treatment. Smiling and in good spirits, Victor Placey, (photo right) AB, spends his 27th day in Rouen, France, hospital. He fell 21 feet from deck of the SS Ben­ jamin Goodhue to stone dock below, sustaining a broken hand and elbow. The Legend Of The 3rd Engineer By BILL ROBINSON On the good ship A. A. Roney Sailing up and down the coast. There was one who was a phony— My God! How he could boast! Third Engineer was his handle. And Jonesy was his name— Though he couldn't hold a candle His boasting was his fame. REFRAIN: I'm just the ornriest engineer that's in the fleet. Just to watch me work is quite a treat, I can handle any throttle (Just as long as I've my bottle) There's not a ship afloat I can't beat. Oh, the night was dark and dreary As the Roney lay in port And the Third was mighty weary As he took another snort. And his thoughts grew slower madder 'Til he's sure he heard a bell; As he staggered down the ladder. You could hear our hero yell: REFRAIN: "Half-asternl" old Jonsey shouted, "Stop!—Slow—and Full Ahead! "I swear I'll not be routed"— But the beUs wer& in his head; The dock lines strained and partedThrough the night of wind and rain/ Out to sea ihe old ship started. While one heard this wild refrain: REFRAIN: Quick the AB and the Oiler, Jumped out upon the dock; The Fireman left his boiler— And the Night Mate died of shock So Jonesy sailed the old tub out. Alone on board was he. While faintly you could hear his shout Come back across the sea. Brothers Mold SIU Good Will To the Editor: Just got back from Puerto Rico, where Brothers J. A. Rod­ riguez, Miguel Torres and myself have been since we paid off a ship in Ponce about a month ago. We owe thanks to Facundo's REFRAIN; Airways ticket office, which oc­ cupies the office topside of our At times when stars are hiding Union Hall in San Juan, for the And you're far away from land excellent service and attention You can see the ship a'gliding the owner and his wife gave in Steered by an angel's hand; arranging passage for the three of us back to New York. They secured places for us aboard one of the best planes ^they have, for they always give merchant seamen a break. They also paid my wife's taxi fare from the airport back to our home in Puerto Rico. Words are And when that ship comes sailing not adequate for the service and With ghost-lites on the mast. attention shown us on board the You may hear that eerie wailing plane. From the far distant past. We had everything we wanted at the stopovers in Mayaguez, REFRAIN: Miami, and in North Carolina. At I'm just the ornriest engineer that's in the fleet, the airport in North Carolina, Just to watch me work is quite a treat, where we arrived late at night, I can handle any throttle all the passengers were taken to (Just as long as I've my bottle) the restaurant. ' The proprietor There's not a ship afloat I can't beat. had to be awakened-and his help St.------; had all gone home. The 30 pas­ sengers had to be fed and fed quickly, so when the guy threw up his hands you couldn't blame him. That's where we jumped in. We took off our coats and started serving everybody every­ thing they wanted from eggs to steak. And we let them know they were getting SIU service. They were, all very thankful, be­ cause some of them didn't speak English. We told them not to thank me, but that they should thank the Seafarers International Union. Of course, we also gave them a bit of a pep talk, building the SIU's good will. George Litchfield Miguel Torres J. A. Rodriguez �THE Friday. May 2. 1947 Suggests Union Expand Educational Facilities SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirieen SS SEATRAIN HAVANA RE ENTERS THE GULF Times like these are when we need to educate some of our new­ The crev*7 of this vessel, an er members who do not even un­ Alcoa Liberty on the "rum and derstand trade union terms and bauxite" run, recently became the machinery of such. Even the acquainted with the six per cent newer members added during the wage and overtime increase. We war are not entirely enlightened wish to acknowledge such with a vote of thanks to the negotiating as to the pitfalls of the situation committee. Such increases in now facing them. A suggestion to the Editor, wages and overtime mean more would be to print the New York pork chops to otTset the rising meeting in the LOG. The follow­ cost of living. ing week's editions could print The ere w , furthermore, pro­ one of the ports' meetings, based tests such bills introduced in Congress by such labor haters as upon the value of the meeting, then a return to the main Ball, Case and Taft. Also the branch's meeting for the next tax bill introduced by Knutson, edition. which will liavc little cfTcct upon Also a "Letters to the Editor the working man, but will re­ page" whei-e individual letters duce the taxes paid by Capital to which deal with the improve­ an enormous extent. ment of conditions, wages, etc., NEED FOR EDUCATION could become known to the Trade union education is need­ membership. Such lettei-s should be accept­ ed in our lanks very seriously The Educational D e p a r t m ent ed on, their ability, not only on should gear itself to a new high. improvements, etc., but on trade Two views aboard the Seatrain vessel, whirh recently called at the Port of Galveston on its It is the writer's belief that the union principles, and the politic­ first trip to the Gulf since termination of its war service. Seafarer A. Van Dyke. Deck Delegate SEAFARERS LOG should be ex­ al situation relating to the labor on the Havana, one of the four new Seatrain ships, stated that he and shipmates "can sure unions. panded and many new features say we have had the best representation given by a Union, barring none," I think there would be a quick added. In addition, trade unionists reaction from the membership to should be hired as writez's, or let off steam and encourage im­ more articles from our officials provement. Lee DeParlier, on all points of the labor situa­ have settled the past ones, and and we got to gabbing. He said To the Editor: SS Charles A. 'Warfield tion. It is not the writei-'s wish the futui-e ones will be settled that he and hundreds of others (Ed. note: The LOG already 1 have read in the columns of in the good old American way. didn't like their officers. to complain to the Editor as to how the LOG is compiled, but has a "Letters to the Editor the LOG letters written by for­ When asked why the member­ SIU HELPS lessons should be learned fi'om page"—in fact, two pages (12 mer members of the NMU. I ship did not vote incompetents Anyone with an ounce of grey other labor papers and journals. and 13) are invariably devoted was particularly interested in out of office, he said, "We can't, I am unhappy to state that in to letters from the membership. the reasons given by some of matter knows that the American they are the big bosses." many aspects the LOG is like a LOG policy is to encourage them for their desertion of the standard of living is the highest Imagine oizr SIU tolei-ating on earth, so far superior to the any big bosses! high school paper. If necessary such letters from the Brothers. unholy outfit. From the statements of these funds are not available to en- Brother DeParlier evidently This NMUer also told me they laige and impi'ove the LOG, an agrees with this principle. So. men, and from what we see in had to play ball with a few big asse.s.sment should be raised by what do you say. fellows, let's the press, all is not hai-monious shots otherwise they would be keep those letters rolling in.) ^ in the Moscow camp. And thei-e the membership to do so. discriminated against. What is other evidence that unionism kind of a setup is that? is not the only doctrine preach­ Well, it won't be long. A ed from the alters of Joe Curhouse divided against itself must ran's red temple. surely fall. Soon there will only The misleadors of the NMU be left Hari-y Bifidges, Earl have too long been using labor's Browder, little Joey Curran — lars profit. In the first three cloak to conceal their real pur­ To the Editor: oh yes, and Joe Stalin, the real months of this year they made pose, which is to tear down all big boss. An anti-labor Congress is at American institutions and des­ 22.5 millions in profits. Joseph J. MaJone, Steward present engaged in making bills While basic prices are sky- troy our way of life. No wonder SS John Gibbon designed to ruin the free Am­ high by business profiteering, a decent citizens are becoming erican labor movement. \ big-business Congi'ess is trying nauseated and are deserting in next best that a compaifison is t These bills would ruin rotaiy to desti-oy the ability of the droves. absurb. And it is the aim of the shipping by abolishing the clos­ The SIU is first, and all the SIU to do its pait to maintain worker to maintain his economic ed shop. "The shipowners would needs. With the workers it's a time, strictly an Americazr or­ these standards. This is it. Brothers! be free to pack the ships with question of bread and butter, ganization. We have had labor When in France last voyage, Right on these pages is a finks and destroy union solidar­ disputes in the past, we will an NMU Steward came aboard not diamonds and mansions. good place to blow your top. ity. A. Goldfarb have them in the future. We my ship (he wanted something). If you've got a beef or some It would outlaw many strikes suggestions you think will be for decent conditions. Workers of benefit to your Union and would be stampeded back to your Brothers, why not have it printed in the LOG? If you haven't any steam to blow off, there must be something you've found in­ who is anti-union, too. The en­ the Oilers to start painting the To the Editor: LABOIZ teresting on your trip that I'm writing to the LOG to let gine room has not been painted overhead in the engine room. BlUyou'd like to pass along for the rank and file know about for sometime, pi'obably to keep Proper equipment for the stag­ others to read about~char= the high pressure Chief Engin­ down the overtime, and it is a ing could not be found. So I acters you meet in the fareer we have aboard the SS very filthy looking engine room. told the First that asking the flung coirners of the earth, Charles A. Warfield, an Alcoa Maybe the reason he is having men to work under unsafe con­ joints you've found worth ditions was out. I told him the ship. seeing and those you feel it Oilers would be willing to paint Although he goes out of the advisable for your Brothers if they had planks for the stag­ MEBA Hall on union wages, he NOMORe WALKINO to avoid. Why not let all ing, but that we couldn't take is an anti-union man. He goes THE PLAN)K.-NOW hands profit by your exper­ a chance on breaking a leg. -tHEV JUST into the engine room with his iences? us CRA\A)LlH«0tX5H First replied that if the men substandard conditions by high pressure and a chip on his 'EM WITH PAINT.' Maybe you're pretty good wouldn't take the chance on shoulder. And I thought high threats of fines or imprisonment. at turning out a poem—okay painting the overhead, they Labor is on the verge of losing pressure went out with the end then, let's have it. Pen and couldn't paint at all. of the War era. its hard-won liberties. ink sketches are welcome, With that phony remark, I This Chief Engineer is forever The SIU should take the lead too. If you've got some told the Firemen not to paint in effectively protesting the un­ talking about and against the photographs of your ship, or any more either. In this Union union, and he is bad medicine fair methods of Congress. Lit­ shipmates or any "shots" we work together as good union erature and petitions should be to young men just starting to taken in the various ports men and seamen should, and not passed out all over. Congress­ sea. He also has his say all o'call, send them along. We'll against each othei-. men should be informed that over the ship, whch makes for return them. This is an example of how an the SIU will print lists of their a miserable trip. Not only does it painted now is that the com­ Just mail your material to engineer, who is against labor voting records in labor legisla­ he try to run all three depart­ pany told him to clean and paint the Editor, Seafarers Log, 51 and all the conditions we have tion. These lists should be sent ments, but he also wants over­ it up this trip. Beaver Street, New York 4, fought for and won, attempts to to unions in the various Con­ time cut down in each of them. N. Y. How about doing it destroy good unionism by anti­ The First turned the Firemen I have had a few words with gressmen's districts. NOW! union talk and action. room and In a previous wartime year, this character, as well as with to painting the fire Frank J. Kane U.S. Steel made 45 million dol­ 'the First Assistant Engineer, about one week later, he asked To the Editor; Factional Split Spells Disaster For NMD Rotary Shipping Menaced By Congressional Measure Let's Have 'Em SS Charles Warfield's High Pressure Man Aims To Crack Whip In AH 3 Departments • �THE Page Fourteen SEAFARERS LOG Sometimes Characters Have Reasons For Being That Way Supplemental Agreement Between Seafarers International Union Of North America By LOUIS GOFFIN ATLANTIC & GULF DISTRICT. and the United States Maritime Commission Moran Towing & Transportation Co., Inc., General Agent This supplemental agreement granted, retroactive to June 15,: United States Maritime Commisinade and entered into this 30th'1946, to continue through Decem- sion with a joint request by the parties thereto that it be ap­ her 31, 1946: day of April, 1947. proved by the United States The wage scales and overtime New Monttily Increase Base Pay Maritime Commission. rates now in the contract dated February 1, 1944 and the adden.5187.50 For— Able Seaman . .510,00 dums thereto, between the ,Sea177,50 Wiper 15.00 farers International Union of UNITED STATES MARITIME North America, Atlantic 8c Gulf 4. Utility Man. As soon as COMMISSION District, and the United States quarters are made available, a Maritime Commission, Moran Utility Man shall be added to Moran Towing & Transportation Towing and Transportation Co., the complement of the Stewards Co., Inc. Inc., General Agent, covering V- Department, the rate of pay to be General Agent 4 Ocean Towing Vessels are the same as that of the messmen. R. FOX, Vice President hereby cancelled and the wage This addition will not bo made scales and overtime rates set later than: forth herein shall be substituted, j^^e 15, 1947 on coastwise For— All other terms and conditions employed V-4 Ocean Towing lEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL .shall continue in full force and Vessels. UNION OF NORTH AMERICA effect pending completion of ne­ (b) On foreign employed V-4 gotiations to amend the general Atlantic & Gulf District Ocean Towing Vessels at the rules. time of the next signing of J. P. SHULER articles, 1, Wages. Effective January S. CARDULLO 1, 1947, the monthly rates of pay 5. Travel, Subsistence and of Unlicensed Personnel, when Meals. Travel subsistence shall the respective ratings are car­ be at the rate of $4.25 per day; ried, shall be as follows: and meal allowance shall be 51.05 for breakfast, $1.05 for din­ Deck Department ner and 51.05 for supper. The in­ Boatswain 5251.75 crease in travel subsistence and Able Seaman 198.75 meal allowance shall be retroacOrdinary Seaman 161.65 tive to March 11, 1947. Engine Department 6. Standby Work. When men 5312.17 Company for 212.27, standby work m port by the day 188.15 board and lodging are not I furnished to them on the ship. Stewards Department they shall be paid at the rate of 51.537 per hour. Their regular Steward Cook 5241.15, g Second Cook 225.2o A.M. to Noon and from 1 P.M. to Messman 161.65 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. Electrician Oiler-Diesel Any work performed by them outside their regular hours of work shall be paid for at the rate og $2.301-2 per hour. Men hired to perform standby work shall perform any work that shall be assigned to them by their su­ perior officer, and they shall not 3. Inequity Increases. The fol- gg subject to any working rules lowing inequity increases-shall be]set forth in this agreement un­ less they shall be required to keep steam in the boilers or oil winches. When standby work in any particular department is to be performed, an effort shall bo made to obtain men with rat­ ings in such department if they Two top leaders of the Am­ are available and are competent erican Federation of Labor, to perform such work. Any President William Green, and , ,man so hired for standby 2. Overtime. The overtime rate, effective Januaiy 1, 1947, for Unlicensed Personnel receiv­ ing less than $200 per month, shall be $1.17 per hour, and for those receiving $200 or more per month, $1.43 per hour. Green Backs Drive To Admit 400,000 Displaced Persons Secretary-Treasurer George Meany, have both gone on record as favoring House Bill 2910, which provides for entry of 400,000 displaced persons o v e r a four year period. The bill is based on a resolu­ tion adopted unanimously at the last AFL Convention in Chica­ go, and is an emergency mea­ sure which will not change ex­ isting immigration laws. In announcing his support, Mr. Green stated, "It is my firm con­ viction that the United States Government should admit at least 400,000 of thc.se peoplevictims of all forms of religious and political persecution. This is even less than half of the number of immigrants who could have legally entered our ports, but did not do so because of the war." ordered, ^e guaranteed not less than accordance with the rates of pay outlined in this section. .Standby work shall be under­ stood to mean work performed I by extra" men who are not membei's of a regulai' or skeleton crew. 7. This agreement is signed su'oject to the approval of the Final Dispatch BROTHER MATTHEW CARSON No. 7445 Born in Scotland, Oct. 1882, became full member of the SIU in June 1941. Past away on March 29, 1947 in good standing. Wa.s buried by the Union. Friday. May 2. 1947 I've sailed with all kinds of characters in my day. Good ones, bad ones, funny ones and some not so funny. In fact, aboard ship almost any guy who picks up his peas with a knife is called a character. He had a rough department to handle, for no one knew much about cooking. His Chief Cook was a lumberjack and all his food tasted like wood shavings. Things were rough, and if it hadn't been for the Second If a guy djoes a few things Cook and Baker, we would have out of the ordinary, the label, starved, "character," is quickly pinned on SOMEONE AFTER HIM him, without any of us bother­ When we hit our European ing to learn why he is a "char­ ports, the Steward stayed acter." aboard. He never went ashore, Who knows, if we were bur­ but spent his time off in his dened with what may be on his room. When the Skipper sug­ mind, or lack of it, our actions gested that he go out and get might not be far different. some air, he refused, stating, Such was the case with a "Someone is out to knock me Steward I once shipped with. off!" He was a real character, at least We'd sailed with characters that was the label we quickly before, but when we heard this, attached to him. we started keeping an eye on It all happened aboard the SS Eglantine, sailing out of New Orleans in the early '30s. The Steward was new aboard, and as soon as the ship left port we all noticed the re was something kind of queer about the guy. He always kept to himself and vvhen off duty he stayed in his room with the door locked. DateSetForHuron Election; SlUHelpsNMUGetOnBailot DETROIT, April 25—SIU In­ ternational Repre.scntative Earl Sheppard today signed a con­ sent election agreement at the Local NLRB office for an elec­ tion to determine the union bar­ gaining agent for the Huron Transportation Company's unli­ censed personnel. In a move designed to expe­ dite the election and overcome any possible delays. Brother Sheppard agreed to the inclusion of the National Maritime Union CIO on the ballot as the intervenor. At a prior meeting in the NLRB offices on April 18, the NMU had requested that they be granted one week in which to prove that they had suffici­ ent strength aboard the two Hu­ ron ships to .secure a place on the NLRB election ballot along with the SIU, Both the SIU and company representatives agreed to this request. On the 25th, the NMU repre­ sentatives submitted what they claimed were 8 pledge cards and several membership record cards, purporting to be from members aboard the Huron ships. How­ ever, on checking these cards with a payroll list as of April 15, NLRB Field Examiner Rob­ ert Wiener found that none of these names were on that list! Despite this lack of proof of any representation, the SIU agreed to allow the NMU on the ballot rather than have the election held up by any of their familiar stalling tactics. After all, what docs the SIU have to lose with the NMU on the bal­ lot, when better than 90 percent of the Huron seamen have al­ ready signed SIU pledge cards asking for the protection of SIU representation and SIU c o ntracts. to the business of agreeing on the appropriate bargaining unit and the election stipulations. Final agreement by all parties —SIU, NMU and Huron Trans­ portation Company—was reach­ ed on the following terms for the election; the bargaining unit is to include all unlicensed per­ sonnel with the exception of the Pursers, Radio Operators and Head Conveyormen. Voting will be conducted aboard the two Huron ships—the SS John W. Boardman and the SS S. T. Crapo—in the crew's lounge for­ ward on the vessels. Other stipulations were: the payroll period of eligibility to be the period ending April 30, 1947; and the date of the elec­ tion is to be after May 15 and before June 11, 1947. The reason for the election • date being set so far ahead is that the company requested this time in which to line up their schedule so that they could have both vessels stop at Detroit for election purposes at the same time. This was finally agreed to by all parties. him. We were sure the guy was imagining things, so we be­ gan waiting for something to pop. We weren't disappointed in that, for about 80 miles south of the Azores, on our trip home, we woke up one bright Sunday morning to find no Steward around. We searched the ship fore and aft, and found not a trace of him. The Skipper ordered the ship around and we went over the course we had traveled dur­ ing the night. A few miles back we found what we were all afraid of: Floating on the water was his apron and somewhere way down deep he had joined thousands of other seamen who had found a grave in the deep waters of the Atlantic. PUZZLED CREW Naturally, we were all puzzled why the guy had knocked him­ self off. No one could get to him way out in the pecan to do a job on him, so we waited un­ til the ship got into New Or­ leans, and there we got the story. It seems that the guy had a beautiful doll for a wife, and he had found out she was two- SIU CONFIDENT Earl Sheppard, in charge of all SIU organizing on the Lakes and the other organizers who have contacted members of the Huron ships crews, express com­ plete confidence that the seamen on these vessels will vote for the SIU by a topheavy major­ ity. Some estimates go as high as 95 percent for the Seafarers, Huron seamen want job secur­ ity, contract protection and com­ petent union representation. At the meeting in the NLRB offices, the Regional Board was represented by Field Examiner Robert J. Wiener; the NMU by General Organizer Michael VarELECTION STIPULATIONS go and Detroit Agent Clyde After the SIU agreed to in­ Drake; and the SIU by Inter­ clude the NMU on the ballot, national Representatives Earl the assembled group got down Sheppard and Russell Smith. timing him while he was at sea. The guy pleaded with the babe to be good, but she was getting ready to dump him and just laughed in his face. Can you imagine a guy knock­ ing himself off over a dame? We couldn't either, so we looked up his widow. She turned out to be a beau­ tiful blonde, done to perfection. After our look-see, we could al­ most see how the guy couldn't live without her. In fact, we felt kind of sorry for the guy. And, we found the answer to why this "character" acted as he did. �THE Friday. May 2. 1947 SEAFARERS MONEY DUE Shepard Steamship Company Unclaimed Baggage — New York Last week an article in the LOG called attention to the fact that there is a considerable amount of gear, not bearing the owners' addresses, which has been held in the 4th floor bag­ gage room of the New York Hall at 51 Beaver Street for longer than the three-month limit. Since then the addresses of the owners of several of these packages have been traced, and the gear has been sent to them C.O.D. However, gear is still being held that does not bear the names or addresses of the owners, and since all unclaimed bag­ gage will be disposed of 30 days from last week, it is urged that all claimants write to the Hall immediately and give a com­ plete discription of their gear and where it may be sent. Only three weeks remain before the deadline. Below is a list of names of those for v/hom baggage will be held for that period. If your name appears below, send a description of your gear, and the address to which it may be sent. If your name doesn't >appear, and you have gear at the New York Hall, send the necessary information immediately. COATE, N. V. ARMSTRONG, G. ARNOLD, GEORGE HUNT, MERC STAMFORD, JOHN P. WERNICK, ABE FITGERALD, JOSEPH SMITH, A. OVIAL, VALLY MICHUIEWICZ, JOHN BLUMLER, TED RARPOWICH, ADAM MECHNIEUMAZ PETERSON, ELLAR MARCIGLIO, ROBERTS ROMAIN, CHARLES GRESHAM, ARTHUR L. HARRIS, KEN D. REARDON, CARL HARVY, DAVID R. SIMMONS, STEVE M. CHOWOZ, PAUL L. WOLFE, W. McIVES, W. MACGAN, ROBERT BLACKBURN, ATHOL LAW, F. "WARD, W. L. SLY, RAYMOND BURK, H. DAVIS, REUELL PRULO, R. PYLE, OSCAR M. DEFRANCH, SYRIL STOVE, AGIL DOTY, G. E. B. F. R. MURRY MANUEL, FLORES EDUIE, JOHN M. GERNER, V. WESTPHEL EDWINDARUCO, D. JOHNSON, EDGAR WATKINS, J. WARD, WILLIAM L. LEWIS, JOE DAVIS L. DAVIS, P. H. AUGER, BOB CASPAR, JOHN OLENO, JOHN NEUGENT, S. H. JENNINGS, NORMAN DeVITO RABITZ, H. J. SANTO, WALTER COX, KENNETH MILLER. O. SEA JOHNSON. ROBERT LESS. TIMOTHY MACALINE, H. ASHTABULA 1027 West Fifth St. BECKLEY, RICHARD BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. WHITE, F. E. Calvert 4539 BLUE, MONTE BOSTON 276 State St. Boucloin 4455 DUBE, JOSEPH BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. LISTERMAN. CLARENCE Cleveland 7391 CABAN, JOSE CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. WATTIGEY, E. Superior 5175 NICOLL. GEORGE CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. SlU HALLS Page Fifteen LOG ol NORFOLK MILK STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 3.66 Stray, Curtis E 1.38' Stromme, Earl 7.34 Stuhr, Olaf J Sullivan, Stephen F 45.44 BOSTON Q Suozzo, Joseph J. Sanlouzans. $2.00; B. F. Gordy. Quinnett, Wayne 5.41 Suseoff, William J $1.00; INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Swanson, Raymond C R SS TONTO Swanton, Joseph J Radcliffe, .John 4.97 Headly. $5.00; Smith, $5.00; ArrowRahm, Theodore 19.51 T wood. $2.00; Baker, $2.00; Kerweide.. $2.00; McCormack, $3.00; Woodruff, Ramscl, W 10.00 Thomason, Richard M $1.00; KoBtrivas, $2.00; .Anderson. Rastad, Harold 45.92 Tietze, Kenneth E. : $5.00; Games, $2.00; Noss. $2.00; War­ Rawlins, James H 1.34 Tietze, Kenneth E ren, $2.00; Kyle. $5.00. Reeser, Harry 1.46 Tillotsen, C. W NEW YORK Rizzo, Anthony 5.46 Tomita, Hawe SS BEAUREGARD Roberson, Richard 3.13 Tucker, Walter B D. F. Worster. $2.00; P. Re.nd. $1.00. Roberts, Manuel E. Jr 3.21 U SS ETHIOPIA VICTORY 3.16 Urban, Oswald F,. W. Auer. $1.00; C. L. Downs. Robertson, Daniel H 1.03 $4.00; C. Shiner. Jr.. $1.00; J. A. .M-nr- Robinson, Kenneth J V tln, $1.00; P. N. Froorn, $1.03. Rynberg, Frank R 74 Versosa, Primitive 0 SS GOODHUE Ryniker, Loren F 1.87 Violente, Anthony J S. A. Honorwski. $1.00; J. A. ParS Vitro, Robert E homski, $1.00; W. A. Dedeo. $1.00; W. K. Terry. $2.00; J. F. Delaney, $2.00. Sadlowski, John E 3.36 W L. Vlahos, $1.00. Savolainan, Laurie P 4.01 Wagner, Burton E SS ANTINOUS Scarbrough. Richard 11.46 West, John R A Remijn. $3.00; J. M. Harria, $1.00. Scott, Bergin H 1.87 White, James W SS W. F. PERRY 27.86 Willard, Wallace G D. H. Garrigues. $12.00; D. Wengei Scott, Samp and crew of^S W. F. Perry. $10.00. Skarrlegaard, Hans M 4.01 Williams, Carmond L. .. SS SPAN SPLICE Smiechowski, Theodore .... 1.38 Williams, Luther B Stanley Jandora, $2.00; J. C. Steeber, 11.00 Williams, Thomas E $5.00; R. J. Kipp. $5.00; M. Katrausky. Snow, George M 1.44 Wilosevich, Ljubo $1.00; F. Szczepanski, $5.00; L. Benilez, Sprouse, Watson H. $1.00; R. C. Wilhite, $1.00; J. V. Brook-s. Stark, Warner .... 5.62 Y $1.00; T. w. Kendig, $1.00; T. Mc- Stein, Peter 4.76 Young, oFrank G Nicholas. $5.00; M. B. Franciose, $2.00; Stevens, Herbert 9.19 R. J. Griswold, $2.00. Stinson, Richard . ..10 Zajac, Charles SS PERDUE VICTORY Strautmanis, Otto L. W. Borreson, $1.00. 2.72 Ziaja, Albin .. J. L. Arnolds. $1.00; J. R. Wiiiats. $1.00; C. Johnson, $3.00; C". L. Elkin.. $3.00; J. Coyle, $3.00; I. L. Gentry, $1.00. Philips, Lyle B Posey, Otis Prince, J. T Prince, J. T 1.44 3.13 8.06 23.96 8.00 2.26 27.04 3.36 7.34 10.26 34.61 1.44 4.68 1.44 2.96 29.14 32.24 2.76 13.80 66.87 .60 2.41 .50 3.60 16.57 1.09 2.69 6.99 2.41 Retroactive Wages Smith & Johnson SS Corporation 60 BEAVER ST., NEW YORK 4, N. Y. SS COASTAL ADVOCATE Begley, Raleigh Corneaux, Arnold Dayton, Paul Felker, Edwin Kumke, Wm. H Landry, Paul M. Martinez, N. J Mattsson, Emil 11. McRae, Philip W Neri, Filipi Thorsen, Henry Roupe, Gosta E Scherzer, Edw Shulman, Abo Enyder, Howard Spencer, Edw Tallev, Sirroth Woackler, Gilbert 4.20 17.74 .94 7.00 .94 .94 8.88 Thomas, Edwin M Tiske, Donald R Vaage, Torbjorn 6.44 87.82 73.06 $ 69.23 .92 14.74 SS FRANK C. EMERSON 26.30 Davis, J. H 10.26 36.28 Flack, J. C 94 54.26 Hanley, James E 1.20 41.42 SS EDWIN T. MEREDITH James, R. K 10.26 Main 0147 23.60 Johnson, 'Robert 13.45 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. $ 26.60 15.20 Conkle, Clarence 94 Corpus Christi 3-1509 ! 29.40 Martin, Oliver F .94 Croctor, George H. DETROIT 1038 Third St. Martinez, Francisco 7.04 29.40 20:06 Martin, Thomas E Cadillac 6857 4.66 Margvaiat, Edgar 24.96 McGuffy, J. E Tho three Oilers who paid off DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 1.96 MS COASTAL DEFENDER Melrose 4110 the Madaka in March can collect McRae, John 29.40 McHenan, Thco. E 33.56 GALVESTON 308%—23rd St. their overtime 29.40 Murphy, Johnson, L by writing, or Erwin, Willard W ? 6.06 PeiTv, Dennis E Phone 2-8448 Stevens, Bert 19.14 calling at Waterman Steamship Evans, Lawson SS JAMES M. GILLIS 6.06 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. Phone 58777 Company. 19 Rector Street. New Gambler, Joseph 33.39 SS ELROY ALFARO Ackiss. Elwood $ 3.9S HOUSTON 1615 75th St. York. The "imaginary line" beef Martinez, E. F 6.54 Bliksvar, Alfred R 15,40 Wentworth 3-3809 has been settled. $ 22.36 Padilla, E 10.26 Adrian, Philip C Kellogg, Charles M 3.51 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. 94 Radsavitch, Peter M 2.79 Barron, Joseph F Phone 5-5919 Kershaw, Charles C 1.46 S. i. 94 Ramos, Hipolito 6.06 Bell, Leroy MARCUS HOOK 1% W. 8th St. Walker, James E 3.43 Chester 5-3110 94 HENRY W. BEECHER Schminke, Victor E 5.14 Bryant, Ernest W Wichartz, Julius W 3.43 MILWAUKEE 613 So-iHi 2n.d St 9.80 9.98 Carr, Melvin J The beef regarding the Skip­ Vandiver, Thomas MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Garcia, Pedro 94 per working stowaways has been Phone 2-1754 SS EDW. G. JANEWAY Goeman, L. P 112.82 The Deck Department NEW ORLEANS ..... 339 Chartres St. settled. 5.20 Magnolia 6112-6113 can collect eight hours each by Blanton, Wilbert 6.36 Hall, John P NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. applying to the Waterman OfHary, Samuel H 94 Bonich, Rudy 5.36 HAnover 2-2784 Kearsey, Eric F 3.62 BILL BOWMAN tices, 19 Rector .Street, New York, Hitchcock, C. A 60 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. 12.60 Littleton, Robt. L 18.20 Kublik, George Phone 4-1083 N. Y. Please contact Special Services .46 in person or by mail. Important. PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Miller, Charles A 94 Lallave, Domingo 4. JLOmbard 3-7651 McNichols, Thomas J. ... . 20.52 Okray, Norman 21.14 4" i' t PORT ARTHUR .. 909 Fort Worth Ave. Minichillo, Louis . 7.00 O'Neill, George S 16.80 HAITI VICTORY HENRY E. HICKS Phone 2-8532 .94 21.00 Neilsen, Neils PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. Money due Julio Perez can be Phillips, Robert Your wife is very anxious to .94 84.99 Parker, Jack Beacon 4336 collected at the Waterman Of­ Roosberg, Bernard hear from you. Price, Charles . 1.40 RICHMOND, 'Calif 257 5th St. fices, 19 Rector Street, New York, SS EDW, K. COLLINS 4» 4 4* Phone 2599 Revelle, Thomas E 1.40 SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. N, Y. KRISTEN SVANUM Sykes, Wm. E 94 Albritton, James 5$ 9.33 Douglas 5475-8363 4. 4. 4Get in touch with William Thorsen, Carl J 7.00 Balazo, Gustave 94 SAN JUAN, P. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon Standard, 291 Broadwav, New Woodfall, Charles 4.20 SS WARD HUNT San Juan i-5996 Boulden, Marvin 9.34 York. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Six hours of overtime due the Davis, Harry 94 SS FITZHUGH LEE Phone 8-1728 4 4. 4 Deck Department can be col­ Eakert, Bernard 94 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. CHARLES V. DIX lected at the Bull Line Offices, Copeland, Joseph 9.46 Filers, James P 94 Main 0290 Get in touch with your parents, 1.40 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 115 Broad Street, N. Y. Ensor, James 3.22 Herd, Paul R Phone M-1323 .46 Jamesport, Missouri, Route 1. Jenkins, Henry 17.28 Jeff, John W S. 4. TOLEDO 616 Summit St. 4 4 4 80.20 Kennedy, James 94 Lawton, Wm. M WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. M. CARL WELLS Naffziger, Charles 15.40 Macgregor, Wm 6.06 SS DIXON Terminal 4-3131 A communication from your Paugh, Dorsey 5.14 Marsden, La Verne 7.94 VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. Luis German Figueroa and mother states that you are des­ Garden 8331 Richards, Robert H. 63.88 Newman, Guy W 6.06 Federico Reyes can collect overVANCOWVER 144 W. Hastings St, perately needed at home. Con­ Santo, Michael J 88.08 Pau.gh, Dorsey 19.54 PacIAc 7824 lime money at the Bull Line Of­ tact her at once. Theodore, Phillip .94 Pope, Clark R 2.34 fices, 115 Broad Street. MONEY DUE PERSONALS I �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 2. 1947 The LOG Visits The Cavalier Crew .• • • • • so. Coffee lime, and some crewmembers gather in the Messroom to gulp a cup of java. Left to right; K. Ostling, Carpenter; Anthony Skillman. OM; Robert Larsen. AB; G. Bryan. DM; Alcides Lugo. MM; James Lupo. MM; and Richard Novak. Stewards Utility. This is the floating palace, the Alcoa Cavalier. The last word in luxury, and furnishing excellent quarters for the crew, too. The Cavalier will make the Southern cruise run, sailing out of New York on a seventeen-day schedule to the Islands. Sounds as though it will be a popular run with Seafarers. Ship leaves on first trip May 2. With trays held high. Waiters Carmelo Sousa, left, and Max­ well Brooks, right, show how they are going to carry the food to the dining room. Don't drop anything. Brothers! How about one on the house? After going all over the ship to snap pictures, a long cold one would hit the spot. These men are experts in their field. That's Bill Benish with the polishing rag. Ray Griswold pouring a shot, and Ed Mocney mixing one. Above, left. Evert van Tongeren. FWT. watches his gauges and the camera at the same time. He was the only member of the Engine Department available when the picture was taken, but he won't have to do all the work himself when the vessel leaves for the first cruise. Directly above is a view of one of the crew foc'sles. Two to a room, with double portholes and plenty of locker space. It's sure a far cry from the old days. The Waiters and Bellboy lined up. left, in the Dining Room, didn't wait to have their names taken after the photoflash went off. Anyway, they are part of the Stewards Depart­ ment of the Cavalier, and from watching them in action, it is certain that the passengers will be well taken care of. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 18 Description An account of the resource Headlines: FOREIGN SEAMEN'S UNIONS PLEDGE AID TO SEAFARERS IN PANAMANIAN BOYCOTT CANADIANS WIN RAISE, 30 DAY INTERIM PACT LAKES SIU OKAYS 44 HOUR WEEK D&C CONTRACT SOLIDARITY FOREVER NEW MORAN CONTRACT SETS TOP WAGE SCALE LOW COST GLASSES NOW AVAILABLE TO SEAFARERS SIU CANADIAN DISTRICT OPENS NEW HALL IN MONTREAL, BEGINS ORGANIZING DRIVE NMU TRIES TO FREELOAD ON SIU GT. LAKES DRIVE TELEPHONE STRIKERS RALLY IN SIU BALTIMORE HALL SEAFARERS NEEDED TO HELP TANKER, GT. LAKES DRIVE SHIP CHANDLERS IN TAMPA ARE STILL LEARNING HARD FACTS OF LIFE--DO NOT SCAB ON SEAFARERS PROGRESS SO FAR PROVES G.L. MEN WANT SEAFARERS PASSENGER SHIPS NEXT TARGET FOR SIU ORGANIZERS IN CHICAGO FIRES PUT OUT, BUT TEXAS CITY IS GHOST TOWN OF SMOKING RUINS RECORD OF TELEPHONE COMPANY SHOWS OPERATORS HAVE GOOD BEEF NEEDED: RATED MEN FOR SIU SHIP AND ORGANIZERS TO AID IN DRIVES BRANCH MEETINGS ARE A MUST FOR TRIPCARDERS AND PERMITMEN QUESTION ON THE INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACT COMES UP IN BOSTON BALTIMORE BRANCH OFFERS MEMBERS A VARIETY OF SHIPS AND RUNS LAKES SEAMEN ARE SIGNING SIU COLLISIONS AND ACCIDENTS MAR WEEK IN DULUTH RESCUE TUG IS BATTERED BY HURRICANE NMU HAS PLENTY OF SLOGANS ABOUT OTHER THINGS BUT NOT A WORD ON U.S. SHIPS RUSSIA WON'T RETURN NEW LONDON 'BREEZE' BLOWS NEWS STRAIGHT TO CREWMEN CRAWFORD MEN PROPOSE PLAN TO REMOVE SLOPCHEST EVILS COLD, ICE SLOWED DOWN THE THOMAS HYDE AND PUT THE FREEZE ON CREW'S ROMANCING SOMETIMES CHARACTERS HAVE REASONS FOR BEING THAT WAY DATE SET FOR HURON ELECTION; SIU HELPS NMU GET ON BALLOT THE LOG VISITS THE CAVALIER CREW Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/2/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/20c34065374309b3db72c8fdfef640de.pdf 7f24fc50bc544b19d1284f5ec97b4d32 PDF Text Text • ­JS  SEAFARERS  LOG  OFFICIAL  ORGAN  OF  THi  SEAFARERS  INTERNATIONAL  UNION  •  ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  DISTRICT  •  AFL  ­I  ­Story On Page 3  "I  Vote Curbs On Foul­Ups Abroad  Story On Page 3  m  I  <• •   features hidden  to pre­ fnoririine liUIZ,  vent  identification  and  re­  ..  prisal  against  relatives  in  Poland,  this  Seafarer  told  LOG  of  French  CP attempts  to  get  info  on  US  water­ front security from seamen.  (Story on Page 2.)  A  tug  nudges  Lay­Up Time.  ship  in  line  on  .0  Hudson  River  as  Maritime  Administra­ tion  winds  up its lay­up  program. Some  will  probably  come  out  this fall  to han­ dle foreign  aid cargo.  (Story on Page 5.)  /  Secre­ On The Line.  Executive  tary Lloyd Gard­ ner  of  the Maritime  Trades Department  ^at  mike),  opens  first  meeting of  the  MTD's  Brooklyn  Port  Council.  The  ses­ sion,  attended  by  delegates  from  eight  waterfront  Unions,  drafted  a  far­reach­ ing  program  designed  tor  eliminate  .  abuses  and  remove,  causes  of  friction  heretofore existing  on  the Brooklyn, wk­ terfront. The Council  is assured full SIU  support  in  carrying  out  its  long­range  program.v ,  ,.  (Story on Page 2.)  1  •  1  'l  • I  .'.­.'A'  ;  �SE  ill­ ^VX'.  i'­'X'  te  r  • X  '• .  t'­i  t  fills  IOG  Friday, May  «. ISS*  Shipping  Program's  Fate  To  Be  Decided  Next  Week  A  long  parade  of  shipowners,  maritime  unions,  shipbuilders,  shipbuilding  unions  and  legislators went  before the'House Merchant  Marine  Committee  this  paiSt  week  to  urge  pass­ age of  the Long­Range Shipping  Bill.  The bill has the  complete  endorsement of  the SIU.  The  testimony  in  favor  of  the 4—  —  ^  bill  has  now  been  eomnlefced,  subsidies  to  operators  who  do  not  tax  deferments  on  voluntary'  de­ a  number  of  government  agencies  have  operating­differential  subsi­ posits  by  unsubsidiz^d  lines  to  be  are now  scheduled to testify against  dies,  (2)  tax  deferment  benefits  on  used for  shipbuilding.  the  proposal.  The  hearings  will  reserve  funds  to  be used  for  ship  Some other  provisions of  the bUl  probably  end  sometime  next  week.  construction,  and  (3)  extension  of  (Continued  on  page  17)  The Treasury  Department. General  Accounting  Office  and  the  Bureau  of  the Budget  are­expected to  lead  the  attack  against  the  bill,  which  according  to  the  Biureau  of  the  Budget  is  "not  in  accord  with  the  program of  the President."  The  Senate  has  already  passed  the  bill,  and  its fate  hinges  on  the  (Editor's  note:  The  following  represents  an  interview  with  Brother  findings of  the  House  committee.  Harry E. O'Reilly, Director of  Organization of  .the  AFL.  O'Reilly served  After  Senate  approval  last  August,  as  AFL  President  William Green's  personal  representative  at  the  re­ the  program  was shelved  until  the  cent Chicago  meeting  at  which the  Maritime Trades  Department  set­up  House  group  began  its  hearings  was revised,  and  presided  over the  sessions  there.)  this  past  week.  As  AFL  Director  of  Organization,  Harry  E.  O'Reilly  is  "Right  Step"  The  SIU  and  other  shipping  naturally  interested  in  seeing  the  AFL  reach  out  into  new  groups  have  long  hailed  the  pro­ fields  constantly.  As  he  puts  it,  "Therel  is  no  activity  of  gram  as "a  step  in the  right  direc­ organized  labor  more  impor­'^  tion,"  to  help  stabilize  the  mer­ tant  than  organizing."  He  of  non­union  workers,  O'Reilly  de­ chant marine.  The present program  feels further  that  the  average  clared  that  community  participa­ of  recalling  some  365  government­ tion  helps  create  a  favorable  cli­ owned  GAA  ships  into  the  reserve  union member carries the b^ mate  for  union  advancement,  "in  by talking up the union wher­ fleet  because  of  a  sudden  slump  The  A&G  headquariers  hiring hall  looks  a  lot  more  like  a  Holl^­^  any  case,"  he  added,  "It's  neces­ In  the  industry  points  up the  need  ever he goes.  wood  set,  as  Associated  Press  TV  newsreel  cameramen  and  a  re­ sary  to  be  a  good  citizen  in  order  When  asked  how  else  a  union  to  be  a  good  trade  unionist.  But  porter  take  TV  movies  of  an  Interview  with  Seafarer  Frenchy  for  some  stabilizing  influence,  ac­ cording  to  an  A&G  headqu^ters  man can  help promote organization  the  basis  for  effectiveness  if  a  Michelet  who had  received  handful  of  Communist  propaganda  lit­ erature while  he  was aboard  ship.  .  ,  spokesman.  union  is always  organization."  The  CIO  Shipbuilding  Workers  Danger  Still  Great  Union  and  shipbuilding  interests  While­  recognizing  that  the  SIU  •   told  the  committee  that  American  has done  a solid  organizational job,  shipbuilding activities  will  come to  O'Reilly  feels  that  the  danger  of  "a  complete  halt" next  year  if  the  non­union  conditions  is  still  as  lawmakers  don't  help the  industry.  great  as  it  ever  was.  Non­union  The  AFL  Metal  Trades  Depart­ wages,  he  believes,  are  just  as  ment  urged  passage  of  the  bill  so  much a  drag  on  organized  workers  that we  can "have  a merchant  mar­ ine  of  the  type,  size,  speed  and  today  as  they  ever  were,'  even  A SEAFARERS LOG story about a new flood  of  Communist  health  that  is  expected  of  the  US  though  we  may  be  enjoying  rela­ propaganda  mailings  to  ships  brought  Associated  Press  TV  as the  world's  greatest  power."  tively  prosperous  times.  newsreel  cameramen  to  SIU  headquarters  last  week.  The  Senator  Herbert  R.  O'Conor,  O'Reilly  emphasizes  that  for  story,  which  was  widely  re­'^*^  :  Democrat,  Maryland,  testified  that  unions  to  be  able  to  do  a  decent  printed in the daily press, told  ers  interviewed  several  Seafarers  foreign nations give substantial  tax  job,  their  memflers  have  to  be  of  various ships receiving sev­ who  had  received  the  literature  breaks  and  subsidies  to  encourage  more  than  just  dues  payers.  Keen  eral pieces of literature calling  aboard  ships.  The  film  has  since  the  building of  new  ships for  their  interest  in  union  principles  and  been  shown  in  several  midwest  merchant fleets and  urged  that  the  a  readiness  to  stand  up  and  fight  !or  release  of  convicted  Com­ cities as  part  of  a 15­minute  news­ munists,  a  "big five"  peace  present  bill  be  passed  for "the  in­ for  them  is  characteristic  of  a  reel  program  distributed  by  AP to  terests  of  the  United  States  in  in­ true  union  man.  "It  takes  a  great  conference  including  Com­ a  large  number  of  television  sta­ creasing  measure  with  each  suc­ deal  more  than­regular  payment  munist China and  many other  tions.  ceeding year."  of  his  dues for  a  man  to  be a  real  choice  Communist  causes.  Included  in  the  newsreel  was  a  The tax provisions  of  the bill  are  Harry  O'Reilly  trade  unionist."  The  AP  cameramen­and report­ statement  of  Union  policy  on; the  the  ones  under fire by  the  govern­ matter by SIU Secretary­Treasurer  ment  agencies.  The  plan  provides  Paul  Hall  as  well  as  an  explana­ for:  (1)  extension  of  construction  tion  of  how  the  Union  is  combat­ ing the latest  propaganda drive.  Organizing Top  AFL  Oib/ecf/ve—O'Reilly  • 'f :.  TV  Covers  SIU  Red Mail Expose  Is­'iV  I''  SEAFARERS  LOG  |r:  May  2,  1952  I't  Vol.  XIV.  No.  9  As I See  It  Page  i3  Burly  Page  16  Crossword  Puzzle  Page  12  Did  You  Know  Page  18  Editorial  P^ge  13  Flying  'W'  Page  10  Foc'sle  Fotog  Page  19  Galley  Gleanings  Page  20  Inquiring  Seafarer  Page  12  In The  Wake  Page  12  Labor  Round­Up  Page  16  Letters  Pages 21,  22,  23  Letter  Of  The  Week  Page  13  Maritime  Page  16  Meet The  Seafarer  Page  12  Oldtimer's  Scrapbook  Pages 14,15  On  The  Job  Page  16  Personals  Page  26  PlimsSll  Feature  Page  11  Quiz  Page  19  Ship's  Minutes  Pages  26, >• 27  SIU History Cartoon — Page  7  Sports  Line  Page  20  Ten  Years  Ago  Page  12  Top Of  The News  Page  6  Vacation  Pay ,.  Pages  23,  24,  25  Wash.  News  Letter  Page  4  Welfare  Benefits  Page  25  I'­ltr'­'  mr­ 'Spies'  Aim  At  Seamen;  CG  Trains  For  Security  Alcoa  To  Run  Published  blweekty  at  the  headquartcrt  of  the  Seafarers  Intarnatfonai  Unien,  At­ laniic  A  Gulf  District.  AFL,  «75  Fourth  Avenue,  Brooklyn 32,  N.  Y.  Tel. STerllng  ­S­4671.  Entered  as  second  class  inaiter  at  the  Post  Office  In  Brooklyn,  N.  Y»  under  the  Act  ef  Aus»it  jtiz;  '• '  ­r.jr.  .AUr.lH,  ii­:  OS.  U(<,i  To Puerto Rico  After  July 1.  Evidence  that  French  Communists  and  sympathizers  are  pumping  American  seamen  or information  about US shipping  and the waterfront  wets  offered  by  a  Seafarer  recently  returned from  a voyage  aboard  the  Lewis Emery  Jr.  In another security  develop­.^­ ment here in this coimtry, the  Alcoa has announdeiPthat  begin­ Coast  Guard  indirectly  recog­ ning  July  1  it  will  start  service  »  from  New  York,  Baltimore  and  nized  the  need  for  tightening  up  Norfolk  to  Puerto  Rico.  It  will b®  US  port  security  when  it  began  a  one­way  service  to  San  Juan  ini­ new  program  of  reserve  training  tially, with the ships  continuing  on  stressing  security provisions.  to  South  America  to  pick  up  Meanwhile,  further  support  bauxite.  or  LOG  charges  of  security  The  ports  of  Mayaguez  and  oopholes  on  our  waterfront  Ponce will be  added  to the  service  was  provided  by  another  Seafarer  at a  later  date.  Sailings  from  New  who  reported  that  he  and  many  York  and  Baltimore  will  be  week­ other  seamen  had  signed  on  a  Li­ ly,  with  ships  leaving  Norfolk  berian  tanker  without  having  to  about  every  three  weeks.  offer  any  seamen's  papers,  pass'­^  The  new  service  by  Alcoa  —  ports,  discharges  or  other  identifi­ which  operates  SlU­manned  ships  cation  of  any  kind.  —will  be  in  direct  competition  Curious  About  VaUdatlon  with  the  present  runs  of  Bull  The  Emery  crewman,  whose  Lines — also  operators  of  SlU­ name  must  be  withheld  in  order  manned  ships.  to  protect  relatives  living  in  Com­ However,  Bull  Lines  said  the  munist  Poland,  said  that  he  had  Coast  Guard  reservists  now  undergoing  port  security  training  new Alcoa  nms will  not affect Bull  watch  demonstration  of  a  pumping  system  In  operation.  The  re­ been  approached  by  Frenchmen  in  Line  schedules.  "We  certainly are  Cherbourg  and  Bordeaux,  who  servists'  two  week Jour of  duty  in New  York  ahd  Seattle  is being  not  considering  cutting  down  our  (Continued  on  page  17)  devoted  to secttri^ operaflons.;  ­  .  runs^!'  a. compm^y jspo|oe?m^  s«id.  •   I*'­ V.  �'• ;=?•t    • • '  •   ''''£^^^'^ •  EAfARWng  ioG  VrMar.Sia7t.lMt  Page Threa  Members Vote  Foreign Port  Foul­Up Curb  Aroused  by  repeated  instances  of  fouling  up  by  a  handful  of  irresponsibles  in  foreign  ports,  the  Union  membership in  meetings held  in  all  branches on  AprU  23 authorized  pressing charges against  these men.  Adoption  of  the  resolution  marks  a  break  with  traditional Union policy of^"  the  possibility  that  certain  not interfering with  a Sea­ avoid  ports  might  ban  seamen  from  go­ farer's  activities  while  ing ashore. Such  action  would work  • 1  ashore­  Up  to  now,  it  was  great  hardship  on  Seafarers  riding  pointed  out,  there  was  no  the  long  run  to East  Africa.  Some  need  for  changes  in  that  ports  have  already  placed  irksome  Executive Secretary  Lloyd Gardner  of  the MTD  explains  program of  the  Brooidyn  Port  Council  In  session  with  newspaper reporters.  Siglnund  Brovarski  (right),  of  the  ILA  and  Captain Thomas  Atkins of  the MM&F  are sworn  in  as officers  of  the  Council.  policy.  Action  will  be  taken  in  re.strictions  on  American  seamen.  In  addition,  the membership  was  cases  of  fouling  up  from  now  on  with  charges  being  filed  against  told  that  fouling  up  of  this  kind  has  a  detrimental  effect  on  rela­ performers.  tionships  between  the  Union  and  Complaints  Received  the  operators  and  makes  it  more  The  resolution  was  offered  after  difficult  to  go  in  and  ask  for  im­ headquarters  had  received  several  provements  when  contract  nego­ complaints  of  serious  misconduct  tiation  time  comes.  ashore  by  seamen  in  Middle  East­ As a  headquarters official  put  it,  em  and  South  and  East  African  "You  can  always  tell  when  you're  ports.  While  not  all  of  the  Ameri­ on  a  ship following  a  foul­up crew,  can  seamen  involved  have  been  because  the  local  people  lower  the  Seafarers,  some  of  those  incidents  boom  on  you  when  you  get  into  bivolved  SIU crewmen.  There  have  port.  been  cases  of  homes  broken  into,  and  local  resident^  assaulted  and  "We're  not  going  to  let  a  few  otherwise  molested  in  these  ports.  irresponsible  screwballs  hard­time  the  whole  Union  because  they  run  As  a  result,  the  feelings  of  the  wild when  they  hit  a  foreign  port."  local populace  and local  authorities  The  pertinent  section  of  the  have  been  aroused  against  Ameri­ cans  and  all  seamen  are  being  resolution  reads  as  follows:  "We  made  to  suffer  the  consequences.  hereby  adopt  a  policy  whenever  a  The  situation  is  such  that  the  US  man  is guilty  of  misconduct  due  to  State  Department  has  expressed  being drunk,  and through  such mis­ concern  to all  maritime unions that  conduct  brings the  SIU and  Ameri­ the  behavior  of  some  seamen  was  can  seamen  into  ill  repute  in  for­ damaging  this  country's  reputation  eign  ports,  that  charges  be  pre­ ferred against  such  members at  the  and  prestige  abroad.  termination  of  that  particular  Port  Bans  Possible  voyage,  and  the  offenders  be  made  Another  reason  for  bringing  to  answer  to  the  membership  of  these  performers  into  line  is  to  the  Union  for  such  activities."  MTD Forms  Bklyn Group^  Begins Clean­Up Of  Port  In the most significant action of  its brief existence, the newly­established Mari­ time Trades  Department  has set  up  a  Brooklyn  Port  Council  with  the  avowed  objective of  stabilizing and straightening out the oft­troubled Brooklyn waterfront.  Meeting  at  the  SIU  Brooklyn  headquarters  hall  on  April  29,  delegates  from  eight  unions  affili­ ated  with  the  MTD  estabiished  the  Council,  elected  officers  and  ap­ proved  resolutions  and  a  declara­ tion of  intentions designed  to eiim­ inate  actual  and  potential  trouble­ spots in  tbe port  area.  Benefit  To  Seafarers  Long­sought  stabilization  of  the  Brooklyn  waterfront,  In  itself  the  key  section  of  the  world's  largest  port,  would  be  of  direct  benefit  to  Seafarers and members  of  ail other  maritime unions. The  wildcat strike  In  the  port  last  fall  was  just  one  of  several  such  instances  in recent  years  which have  caused  grave and  unnecessary  hardship  to  Seafarers  throughout the  country.  It  is recognized  that  under  pres­ ent  conditions,  trouble  can  flare  up in  the port  again with Seafarers  again  being major  sufferers should  ships  be  tied  up  for  extended  periods.  It  has  been  pointed  put  also  that  the  port  might  suffer  permanent  damage  from  repeated  disruption;  "Social"  Clubs  Target  SIU  headquarters  if  the  meeting  were  heid.  But  the  boast  did  not  materiaiize,  nor  did  it  deter  any  of  the  delegates  from  affiliated  unions  from  attending  the  ses­ sion.  Aside  from  the  immediate  prob­ lem  of  the  "social"  clubs,  all  unions  represented  at  the  meeting  (Continued  on  page  17)  One  of  the. first  steps  to  be  un­ dertaken  will  be  to  eliminate  so  called  longshoremen's  "social"  clubs  which  have  been  a  prime  sore­spot.  In  one  instance,  the  "social"  club organized  by Anthony  Anastasia  is  actually  a  front  for  a  move  to  take  seven  of  the  ten  Brooklyn  longshore  locals  out  of  the  ILA  Into  a  separate  organiza­ Brand  new  halls for  the ports  of  Baltimore, Galveston and Philadelphia are one step closer  tion.  The  group  would  have  no  to  reality  as  the  result  of  membership  approval of  a  resolution  calling for  a  building fund  connection  with  the  AFL  and  assessment.  Union  membership  meetings  in  headguarters  and  all  branches  on  April  23  would  seek  separate  contracts  from  shipowners.  This  particuiar  unanimously adopted a resolu­"*^'  "social"  club  has  been  branded  tion  urging  $20  assessment  that  all  Seafarers  will  have  an  op­ "home  away  from  home"  in  be­ "dual  and  hostile"  by  resolution  to  provide  modern  halls  in  portunity  to  vote  on  adoption  of  tween  voyages.  As  the  resolution  points out,  the  the  assessment.  of  the  council.  these  ports.  construction  of  new  halls  "has  Under  the  terms  of  the  resolu­ In­accordance with  the provisions  The  day  before  the  meeting  the  proved  to  be  good  business,  not  Anastasik  camp  stated  they  would  of  the  SIU  constitution,  a  30­day  tion,  the  referendum  will  be  held  from  May  15  to  June  15,  1952.  A  only  from  the  point  of  view  of  do­ place  a  picketline  in  front  of  the  secret  referendum  will  be  held  so  favorable  vote  is  expected  in  view  (Continued  on  page  17)  of  the  unanimous  support  of  the  resolution  at  the  shoreside  meet­ ings.  The resolution  calls for members  •   Cartoonist  Ham  Fisher,  creator  of  the  world­famous comic strip character "Joe Palooka"  to  support  the  assessment  move  so  will  be  a  member  of  the panel  of five  judges  that will pass upon the entries in  the SIU art  that Seafarers  in  the  above­named  ports  can  have  the  same  comforts  contest  on  May  20,  1952.  Selection,  of  the  panel  judges  Palooka"  joined  the Army  and  was  that  are  now  available  to  men  in  was  announced  as  a  flurry  of  en­ used  to  illustrate  various  recruit­ ports  where  new  halls  have  been  tries  were  submitted  ahead  of  the  ing  and  instructional  booklets  and  built.  As  the  resolution  puts  it:  May  10  closing  date.  Should  some  posters  for  the  armed  forces.  "We  call  on  all  members  to  vote  contestants  miss  the  deadline  but  Fisher  himself  served  as  war  cor­ in  favor of  this  proposition  so  that  get  their stuff  into headquarters  in  respondent  in  Africa,  France,  Yu­ our  Brother  members  shipping  from  the Ports  of  Baltimore, Phila­ time  for  the  judging,  their  entries  goslavia  and  the  Pacific.  Continuing  vigorous  efforts  to  will  be  accepted  in  the  contest.  Other  judges  on  the  panel  are:  delphia  and  Galveston  can  enjoy  increase  the  number  of  jobs  avail­ Announcement of  the winners  In  John  I.  H.  Baur,  curator  of  paint­ the  same  benefits,  privileges  and  able  to  Seafarers,  the  Union  has  the  various  categories—oils, water­ ing  and  sculpture for  the Brooklyn  conditions  that  we  now  have  in  signed  three  newly­organized  colors, drawings and  miscellaneous,  Museum  and  well­known  authority  other  ports  such  as  New  York,  steamship  companies  to  SIU  con­ will  be  made  at  the  headquarters  on  the  fine  arts;  Edward  Easton,  Mobile  and New  Orleans."  tracts.  New  Facilities  Needed  membership meeting of  May 21, ac­ president, Newspaper  Guild of  New  Each  company  is  starling  out  cording  to  the  present  schedule.  York;  Leonard  Gorlick,  consulting  The  Unioi.  has  long  been  desir­ with one  ship at  present,  but  there  Fisher,  a  native  of  a  Pennsyl­ display  designer  to  the  Silkscreen  ous  of  providing  these  three  ports  are  prospects  of  additional  vessels  vania  coal  town,  sold  his  first  car­ Processing  and  Printing  Associa­ with  the  decent,  spacious  and  effi­ being  purchased  by  these  opera­ toon at  the age of  20 to  the Wilkes­ tion,  and  Bernard  Seaman,  art  edi­ cient  halls  they  need  and  deserve.  tors.  Barre  Record. He  first got  the Idea  tor  of  the  SEAFARERS­LOG.  The  need  has  been  emphasized  by  The  companies  and  the  ships  for his  now­famous character, "Joe  Those  Seafarers  who  still  want  the  institution  of  the  Vacation  and  they  are  currently  operating,  are:  Palooka,"  from  a  prize­fighter  in  to  enter the  contest,  can  get in  un­ Welfare  Plans  which  require  ade­ Bournemouth  SS  Corp.,"  operating  his  home  town  who  put  on  the  ddr the  wire  by  mailing  their stuff  quate  facilities  for  proper  admin­ the  Seavictor;  North  Seas  Naviga­ .gloves  only  to  support  his  orphan­ to the Art  Editor, c/o SEAFARERS  istration. The  workings of  the  NSw  tion  Corp.,  operating  the  Seavigil;  Ham  Fisher  ed  brothers  and  sisters.  LOG,  675  Fourth  Avenue,  Brook­ York headquarters  hall have shown  and  Stratford  SS.  Corp.,  operating  1,000  Papers  Today the "Joe  Palooka" strip runs  lyn  32.  Be  sure  to  include  iden­ that  comfort,  convenience  and  ef­ the  Tramar.  All  of  the  ships  are  At first  the strip  was rejected by  in  more  than  1,000  daily  neU­spa­ tification  and  a  return  address  on  ficiency  go  hand­in­hand,  enabling  Libertys.  the  various  newspaper  syndicates,  pers and has an estimated  audience  each entry.  Prizes will  be awarded  the  Union  to  conduct  its  business  Assistant  Secretary ­ Treasurer  but  subsequently Fisher  put it over  of­100,000,000  readers.  to  winning  entries  in  each  cate­ in  far  better  fashion,  while  at  the  Lloyd  Gardner  handled  negotia­ and  it  became  ani  instant  success.  During  World  War  II  "Joe  gory.,  same  time  giving  Seafarers  a  tions for  the  Union.  Vote  Slated On  New  Outport  Halls  7oe Palooka' On SIU  Art Panel  SIU Jobs  Rise; Sign  3 New Go's  m  �SEAFAMBRS  LOC  Unions To Share  Mariner Ships  ,„|^ :.v  ^  ''^v• ••    Miar. ifar t; ISIt  SIU  NEWSLETTER  from WASmNGTON  The  Maritime  Administration  has  announced it  is following a  policy of  consideration for  companies,  unions  and  coasts  in  the  allocation  of  the  new  Mariner  class  vessels.  ^  This  is  the first  time, so  far  as  is  known,  that  the Government  has taken into  consider­ '  ===«== I  la  ation  the unions  manning the<  ships  when  making  alloca­ The  basic  policy  of  Congress  relating  to  the  merchant  marine  ap«  pears  in  the  preamble  of  the  Merchant  Marine  Act,  1036,  which  says,  tions.  in  effect,  that  it  is  necessary  for  this  country  to  have  an_  adequate  An  A&G  Headquarters  spokes­ merchant  marine,  manned  by  American  citizens,  to  carry  a'"substan­ man  said  the  new  policy  appears  tial"  portion  of  our  commerce.  to  be  a  L'rect  result  of  an  SIU  fight  for  a  more  equitable  system  This  policy  will  be  greatly  aided  by  enactment  of  the  long­range  of  allocating  government  ships  on  bill,  public  hearings  on  which  have  just  been  ended  by.  the  House  Merchant  Marine  Committee.  the  basis of  the men  who  will  man  them.  It  was  the  unanimous  position  of  aU  witnesses  appearing  on  this  The  first  Mariner,  the  Keystone  bill  (Government,  labor,  maritime  employers,  and  veteran­civic­pa­ •  Mariner,  will  go  to  the  Waterman  triotic  groups)  that  the  merchant  marine  policy  cannot  be  maintained  Steamship  Company,  and  be  without  continuing aid  from the  US Government.  At the  hearings,  the  manned  by  SIU  men.  The  second,  Committee was  told that  the fluctuating cycles of  earnings of  American  the  Old  Colony  Mariner,  goes  to  operators  has made  them  unattractive to  private  investors.  United  States  Lines  and  will  be  However,  two  important  stihnbling  blocks  to  enactment  of  this  bill  manned  by  the  NMU.  The  third,  appear  on  the  horizon.  One  is  the  continuing  opposition  of  Govern­ the  Old  Dominion  Mariner,  will  be  ment  agencies  to  certain  features  of  the  measure.  The  other  road­ manned  by  the SUP.  Her operator  block  is  that  some  of  the  unsubsidized  lines, if  they  are  not  extended  has not  been  selected  yet.  the  same  tax  deferment  treatment  on  earnings  as  given  to  subsidi^li  It  is  expected  that  allotment  of  lines,  may  decide  to  attempt  to  kill  the  measure  for  this  sessijcm |lf  Congress.  '  ­ i' '  1  the  remaining  32  ships  will  follow  One  of  the  primary  objectives  of  the  long­range  bill  is  to  help  the  pattern  of  the  first  three  as  American  operators  to  plan,  financially­speaking,  for  the  eventual  re­ far  as  imions  are  concerned.  placement  of  their  vessels.  In  view  of  the fact that  unsubsidized  lines  compose  the bulk  of  the entire  American  fleet, there  appears  to  be no  valid  reason  why  they should  be left  out  in  the cold,  why  they  should  not  receive  the  same  tax  advantages  extended  by  the  Government  to  those  lines receiving  operating subsidy.  Whether  the  bill  is  reported  to  the  House  "as  is"  depends  pretty  much  on  the  views  of  Representative  Hart,  NJ,  Chairman  of  the  House  Committee,  who  is  a. stalwart  administration  supporter.  If  he  should  insist  on  drastic  changes  as recommended  by  the  Government  agencies, his own Committee  could, of  course, overrule him  by majority  vote,  but  Mr.  Hart  then  may  decide  to  insist  on  the  administrative  changes on  the  floor  of  the  House.  Further  tightening  of  regula­ tions  governing  alien  seamen  on  Giving in  under pressure  of  big  business  groups,  the  House  bf  Rep­ US  ships  has  been  announced  by  resentatives  has  voted  to  investigate  the  Wage  Stabilization  Board.  the Coast  Guard. From now  on, all  A  House  unit  will' look  into  the  matter  of  the  current  wage  dispute  aliens seeking seamen's  certificates  in  the  steel  industry.  4"  4*  i •  must  provide  specific  proof  that  In  passing  Hie  big immigration  and  naturalization  bill  (HR  5678)  on  they  have  been  lawfully  admitted  April  25,  the  House  voted down an  amendment  proposed  by  Represen­ to the  US and  are  permanent resi­ tative  Lantaff,  to  strike  from  the  bill  the  section  imposing  a  $500  dents of  this country.  penalty  on  a  vessel  or  aircraft  owner  for  each  alien  stowaiway  on  An  alien  who  wants  to  get  sea­ board  when  arriving jn United  States.  men's  validated  papers  must  show  The  House  disagreed  with  the  Lantaff  argument  that  existing  sanc­ the  Coast  Guard  an  alien  registra­ tions  against  shipping  lines  provide  every  incentive  for  a  carrier  to  tion  receipt  card  issued  by  the  prevent  persons  from  becoming  stowaways  and  for  the  apprehension  Immigration  Service,  or  else  a  and  detention  of  them  if  they  do.  formal  declaration  of  intention  to  The  shipping  lobby  will  attempt  to  kill  this  penalizing  provision  of  become  a  US  citizen  as  issued  by  the  bill  on  the  Senate  side  of  Congress.  a  naturalization  court.  t  4;  ii  Up  until  now,  the  Coast  Guard  Passengers and crew of  the cruise ship  Puerto Rico had  an  Senator  Humphrey,  Democrat,  Minnesota,  has  introduced  a  bill  in  had  been  issuing  seamen's  papers  unexpected bit of  excitement on  her last voyage when  a sick  the  Senate  (S.  3069)  to  extend  the  privilege  of  trial  by  jury  to  cei^  to  aliens  without  checking  on  tain  cases  arising  within  the  special maritime  and  territorial  jurisdic­ whether  or  not  the  alien  was  le­ passenger  had  to  be  taken  off  the  ship at  sea.  tion  of  the  US.  The purpose  is to  expedite the  settlement  of  claims  of  The  Puerto  Rico  was  one  day^i  gally  in  this  country,  admitted  for  merchant  seamen  injured  on  board  ship,  including  those  owned  by  permanent  residence.  Once  the  out  of  New  York  when  Mr.  Louis  lifeboat  were:  Powell,  the  chief  the  US  Government.  Merchant  seamen  are  not  covered  by  any  com­ Mongiello,  one  of  the  passengers,  alien  got  seamen's  papers,  the  Im­ mate;  Frank  Douglass,  bosun;  pensation  act  and. must  look  to  the  courts  of  admiralty  for  adjudica­ migration  Service  found  it  diffi­ became  seriously  ill  from  an  at­ Brothers  Iverson,  Johnson,  Swayne  tion of  claims from  injuries in the  course  of  their  work.  cult  to  deport  him,  even  though  tack of  gallstones. The  Puerto Rico  and  Thompson,  ABs;  Olsen,  AB  In  admiralty,  determination of  Issues  both in  fact and  law  are  made  he  might  have  been  an  illegal  en­ changed course  and headed for ren­ Maintenance;  Bob  Steward,  elec­ dezvous  with  the  Coast  Guard  cut­ trician,  and  William  Vara^,.  the  by  the court.  Federal  statute, however,  makes exceptions  in  cases aris­ trant  into  the  US.  ing  in certain  classes  of  vessels  engaged  in  coastwise  trade  and  those  While  the  new  regulation  only  ter  Cherokee  about  100  miles  Off  third engineer.  operating  in  interstate  commerce  on  inland  waters.  In  these  cases,  Norfolk.  The  Cherokee  then  transferred  applies  to  new  applications  for  either party to  an action  in a matter  of  contract or tort  may request  the  validated  papers,  any  alien  who  The  cutter  was  met  at  2:30  AM  Mongiello  to  a  helicopter  and  he  determination  of  issues of  fact  by  a  jury.  This  limitation  on  jury  trial  and  despite  darkness  and  swells,  loses  his  present  papers  and  ap­ the  man  was  transferred  into  No.  was flown to a Norfolk hospital.  As  a result  of  the  diversion,  the  has been  severely  criticized  by  the courts,  with  Judge  Addison  Brown,  plies  for  a  duplicate  will  have  to  1  lifeboat  and  taken  to  the  cutter  Puerto  Rico  was  a  day  late  arriv­ in the Empire  Case  (19  F.588)  inquiring  "Why  it  should  be  limited  to .  American  vessels  plying  between  domestic  ports  and  denied  to  all  supply  proof  of  lawful  admission.  a  half  hour  later.  Handling  the  ing  in  San  Juan.  foreign  vessels,  and  to  American  vessels  engaged  in  foreign  trade,  it  is  impossible  to  conceive."  Senator  Humphrey  says  his  bill  will  remove  this  unjust  discrimina­ Philly  MTC  Rallies To  Stabilize Port  tion  and  will  eliminate  delays  in  settlement  of  ckses  involving  seamen  injured  on  vessels  owned  by  the  US  through  the  waiver  of  Govern­ ment  immunity  from  suit.  Aliens  Need  Legal  Entry  For  Papers  PR  Seafarers Transfer  Sfck  Passenger  At  Sea  it  f­ |»,:­ t  1  4i­­ Ptt,­ • •   Wr  t  f,r­­'::  .Kr5i­'  4)  .  With more and more of tihe new Mariner­type vessels  being launched,  additional  American  ship  operators  are  beginning  to  show  interest  in  ultimately  acquiring  them.  However,  because  of.  the  troubled  world  situation,  specific  arrangements for the  immediate  employment of  this  class  vessel  by  companies  have  not  fully  crystallized,  excepting  to  the  extent  that  they  may  be  operated  on  a  general  agency  basis  for  a  limited  period  of  time.  Some  ship  lines  are  willing  to  purchase  the  Mariner  at a  price  of  half  of  the  building  costs,  or  roughly $4,000,000,  for  immediate tfre,  while  others  want  to  use  the  basic  design  of  the  Mariher for  complettotx/as a  combination passenger­cargo ship.  Congressional  Committees  are  expected  to  give  attention  soon  to  the  fixing  of  a  uniform  sales,  price  for  the  Mariner  class  so  that  American  lines  can  acquire  them.­ I'M­ Ifeetihg  or  Philadelphia  AFL  Mazitlmo  Trsdea  on  region's  problems,  at  nearby  Chester,  Pa.,  was  headed  by SIU  Agent  Steye  CardbUO  (third  from  left) as President,  plus (L^ DOcfc ttenitis  Chester  Teamsters; Sec'y  Cliff  Cartei:;  ILA,  and Sec'y­Treas.  Henry Vadar^  ,  4;  . 4,  .  :  As a ­matter  of  poUcy,­  the Maritime  Administration, 'Departmient .of  Commerce,  is  approving  sales  pT  American  ships  to  foreign  interests  on the  following cpttditiipns:  (1)  there shall  be no change in  the owner­ ship  or registry  of. said vessel  (after  the  purchase);  (2)'the  vessel  wfil­ not  engage  in  operations  prohibited  to  US  vessels;  and  (3)  that  the  vessel  shall,  if  requested  by  US,  be  sold  or  chartered  back  to  this  country on the  same tenns­ uid .conditions  upon which  a vessel owned  by a citiMn  of the US could  be requisitioned for purdmse  or charter  as provided in tiw Hmchant Marine  Act.  �Friday. May  1§8I  Award For  Cartoon  Excotleiice  Fale Fir*  SEArARERS  LOG  Lay­Up Recall Hears End;  Hew EC A $ May Cut Slump  The  Maritime  Administration  has  announced­the  extent  of  its  present  recall  program  for government­owned  ships under GAA  charters, and  only  49  more  ships will be  recalled.  Less  than 10  of  these will  be SlU­manhed  vessels,  accoi^ing  to  indications.  The  actual  lay­ups  will  not  be"*^  ^  '  '  factors that may  put the  ships back  •  slump,  an  A&G  Headquarters  into  operation.  j  spokesman  pointed  out,  since  the  In  any  event, it  will  not  be  until; Union  realized  the  shipping  boom  after  June  that  the  lay­up  is  com­: would  not  last  indefinitely and  has  pleted.  The  ships  recalled  will  be j  maintained  its  job  ratio  policy  of  allowed  to  finish  the  voyage  for  a  job  for  every  member.  which  they  have  been  committed,  316  So  Far  and June 30 has  been set as a rough  There  have  been  a  total  of  316  date  for  the  time  when  they  will |  vessels  recalled  so  far,  including  all  be  back in  the US,  j  51  ships  ordered  back  late  last  Some  of  the  recalled  vessels  are ;  month.  At  the end  of  the  program,  being  kept  on  a  "stand­by"  basis,; 365  ships  will  have  been  laid  up.  with  skeleton  crews aboard  so  they  To date,  70 SlU­manned  ships have  will  be  ready  to go  back  into  serv­1 been  recalled,  with  44  GAA  ships,  ice  with  little  or  no  notice.  i  manned  by  Seafarers,  not  affected  SIU  members,  however,  have  no  by  the  program,  cause  for  alarm  over  the  shipping  There will  still be some 250  ships  operating  under  Military  Sea  Transport  Service,  including  112  vessels  now  operating  under  bare­ boat  charters  and  a  few  Cape­ type  ships  being  put  into  service.  "We  have  no  way  of  knowing."  said  an  MA  spokesman,  "when  the  international  situation  will  change  Clearing  the first  month  of  the  giant  Union  book  swap,  and  put  some  or  all  of  the  ships  headquarters  officials  pointed  to  the  mounting  amounts  of  back  into  service,  perhaps  even  new  books  passing  over  the  counter,  more  thdn  double  the  before  they  are  laid  up.  It  seems  probable,  in  any  event,  that  some  initial  volume  of  100  a ­week.  of  the  vessels  will  be  put  back  in  Validation  of  new  books  for  old  farer  is  also  furnished  free  of  has  been  snagged  necessarily  by  charge  for  positive  identification.  use  toward  the  end  of  August  when  we expect  European coal  and  SEAFARERS  LOG  Art  Editor  Bernard  Seaman  looks  over  the  the individual  attention given  each  About a  week is  needed  between  grain  demand  to  pick  up."  book  so that  the flow  has not ­been  the  time  of  application  until  the  Newspaper  Guild  of  New  York's  Page  One  Award,  given  him  for  Program  Would  Help  "continuing  excellence  In  the  .  . . field  of  cartoons  .  .  while  as speedy  as hoped.  Indications are  book  will be  ready so men  who  will  The $7.9 billion  MSA aid program  that  once  the  pace  slows  at  head­ not  be  on  the  beach  that  long  Patricia  Butler,  Miss  Page  One,  gives  him  the .scroll  that  goes  is  now  before  Congress.  If  it  is  with  the  bronze­covered  stick  of  type.  The  award'was  made  at  quarters,  outport  applications  will  should  hold  off  filing for  the  book  passed  intact,  it  would  mean  a  big  be  put through  as soon  as possible.  until  they'll be  around at  least' that  the Page One  Ball in New York's  Hotel Astor.­ Exchange  of  the  old  Union  book  long.  Membership  response  to  the  jump  in  shipments  of  coal  and  for  a  new  streamlined  version  was  new  book  issue  has  been  highly  grain  to  Europe.  At  the  same "time,  it  is  believed  brought  about  by  the  need  to  re­ enthusiastic,  despite  the  waiting.  that  European  countries  have  been  place  the  large  number  of  books  holding  off  cargo  orders  in  hopes  expiring  almost  at  the  same,  time,  that  freight rates  would  drop.  since  this  is  the  first  new  Union  Apparently  their  wait  has  borne  book  issue  in  SIU  history.  Special  fruit.  About  two  months  ago.  the  emphasis  has  been "'placed  on  as­ rates  were  two­and­a­half  times  suring that  the new  book  will com­ higher than  the old  Maritime  Com­ bine  beauty,  utUity  and long­wear­ mission  recommended  rates.  Now  Western  Union  telegraph  workers  who  have  been  out  on  ing  qualities  necessary  in  a  docu­ the  rates  are  from  two  to  three  the bricks for one month received  a $500  boost from  the SIU  ment  that  wiil  see  hard  wear  and  dollars lo\yer  than  the  MC  rates.  when  the  headquarters  membership  voted  to  give financial  possible  water  spoilage.  At  the  peak,  this  past  winter,  No  Cost  aid to the striking Commercial­^  there  were  some  530  GAA  ships  in  Distributed  at  no  cost  to  the  Telegraphers Union  (AFL).  in  line  with  the  SIU's  long­stand­ membership,  operation,  with  the  majority  of  the  book  features  a  The  Seafarer­manned  Henry  T.  The  CTU  is the  parent organiza­ ing  policy  of  aiding  other  unions  them  wartime  Liberties.  tion  of  the  Radio  Officers  Union,  when  in  picketlipe  struggles  with  moroccan  leather  cover,  water­ Rainey, owned by  A. H.  Bull &  Co.,  To  date,  SlU­contracted  com­ proof  inside  pages,  gold­stamping  was slightly  damaged in  a collision  one  of  the  affiliates  of  the  Mari­ employers.  Action  was  taken  after  panies  have  the  following  standing  time  Trades  Department  that  has  an  appeal  was  received  from  Lo­ of  each  Seafarer's  name  and  new  with  a  small  Finnish  vessel,  the  as far  as GAA  ships are  concerned.  always  worked  closely  with  the  cal  146  of  the  Western  Union  Di­ book  number,  as  well  as  an  addi­ Rex,  oft  the  Hook  of  Holland  in  a  Alcoa  lost  10,  kept  5;  Bloomfield  vision  which  takes  in  the  ­east  tional  outside  case  to  add  further  dense  fog.  SIU  on  waterfront  policy.  protection  for  the  valuable  con­ A  company  spokesman  said  lost  5,  kept  4;  Bull  lost  5,  kept  1;  coast  from  Maine  to  Virginia.  The  strike  began  on  April  8  (Continued  on  page  17)  tents.  preliminary  reports  indicated  that  Aid For  Families  after  the  company  persistently  re­ Complete  modernization  of  the  the  7,200­ton  freighter  was  dam­ fused  to  make  any  wage  offer  in  The  appeal  said  that  all  funds  Union's  bookkeeping  system  has  aged  slightly  and  that  no  hands  repeated  negotiation  sessions.  It  received  will  be  reserved  for  as­ been  instituted  at  the  same  time,  were  injured.  He  said  . repairs  Involves  more  than  30,000  em­ sistance  to  needy  union  members  t«  insure  that  Union  records  will  would probably  be made in Holland  ployees of  the company throughout  who were having difficulty in meet­ have up to the minute data  on each  and  the  ship  would  be  brought  ing  grocery  and  doctor  bills  as  the  country.  Seafarers  on  the  payroll  of  member.  A  picture  of  each  Sea­ back  to  the  US.  The  Union's  $900  donation  was  the  strike  dragged  on.  a  ship  while  in  port  should  make  sure  to  get  discharges  from  the skipper  for  port  time  as  well  as  for  the  time  spent  at  sea.  Failure  to  get  such  dis­ charges  will  mean  that  the  Seafarer  won't  be  able  to  get  credit for the  port time  toward  money. This  could  A  brand  new  newspaper  designed  to  keep  AFL  union  en­ his vacation  mean  that  a  man  would  lose  gineers abreast  of  the latest  in maritime and  utiion  affairs  is  out  on  some  of  the  vacation  now  being  published  by  the  SlU­affiliated  Brotherhood  of  dough.  Such  being  the  case,  Marine Engineers. Called sim­­ ^  every  Seafarer owes  it  to  him­ ply,  BME  Marine  Engineer,  the  yoimg  SIU  affiliate  and  make  self  to get a  discharge  for  port  the  new  publication  is  on­a  for  a  better  informed  member­ time  worked.  inonthly schedule  with an en»  ship.  finished  until  after  June,  and  by  that  time  some  of  these  ships  may  have  already  been  put  back  into  service.  Just  as  a  sudden  change  in  the  international  situation  brought on  the lay­up  program, an­ other  sudden  change  may  put  the  ships  back  into  service  before  the  program  ends.  Hope  Seen  The  shifting  international  pic­ ture,  a  $7.9  biUion  aid  bill  before  Congress, and  the belief  that Euro­ pean  countries  have  been  holding  off  on  coal  orders  in  hopes  that  freight  rates  would  drop  are  all  Union Book  Swap  Doubles  Early  Pace  Seafarers Give  $500  To  Telegraph  Strikers  Rainey, Finn  Ship  Collide  Off  Holland  '  .  t\ I  I  Get That Port  Time Diseharqe  Catching Up  On  The  News  AFL Engineers Union  Publishes New Paper  4  . 'A  'X  i  • 4  tirely new  format.  Just  back  from  a  lengthy  trip  on  the  Sunmont,  three  Canadian  Seafarers  stop  into  Brooklyn  headquarters  to  pick  up  copies  of  the "Canadian  SailorThey are  (L­R)  Martial  iStonge,  OS;  Evert  Barton,  OS;  John  Ndwtpn,  AB.  .  The  frontpage  of  the  new  paper  headlines  the  BME's  new  agree­ ment  with  four  major  companies  providing  the  highest  pay  in  the  Industry  for  licensed  engineers,  as  well  as  increased  benefits  of  the  BME  'Welfare  Fund.  The  new  paper,  in  addition  to  regular  maritime  and  union  news,  carries  letters  and  stories  about  union  members,  Washington  news,  and  other  feature  items  of  inter­ est.  •  It  is  expected  to  provide  a  potent  organizational  weapon  for  I'.v  •  •   "J I  Td.!  4 GO'S SIGN NEW PACT  BME Ups Skk Beiwm  N«w Pad  Tops fwkC*  Isbrandfsen  Pays, Other Co's  AwoH WSB Qkay  Portion of BME Marine  Engineer shows new forinat and lead sioriea  of  initial  issue.  The  paper  will  be  published  monthly.  >•   A  �Pare  Six  SEAFARERS  LOG  Friday, May t, 19SS  i. v; ;  Del Sud Unmatched As Picnic  Host:  Beetf  Bar­BQ, Baseball  (iV  •   m.  l£ '  li!*  K'  V.  I  S,  OLD MAN  BIVEB BOLLS  ON—Twin flood  damage by the  Missouri  ahd  Mississippi rivers  continued  as  the  crests  of  both  streams  moved  toward  an  expected  meeting  at  the  junction  point  above  St.  Louis.  Omaha  and  Council  Blufff  survived  major  flooding  thanks  to  the  New  Orleans—Thanks  to  the  crew  of  the  Del  Sud,  Saturday,  April  19,  was  a  big  day  work  of  thousands  of  volunteers  in  reinforcing  dikes  and  levees,  but  in  New  Orleans.  A  big  picnic  and  ball  game was  sponsored  by  the  crew  for  the  men on  the  Sherman  Air  Force  Base  at Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas,  was  under  the  beach  and  themselves,  witlf wives  and  childrerl  invited,  .^ter  an  afternoon  of  base­ ten  feet  of  water  as  the  Missouri  breached  dikes  there.  Heavy  rain­ faUs  added  to  the flood  which  has  Inundated  thousands  of  farms  in  ball,  fried  chicken,  beer,  soda  and  cold  cuts,  all  present  rels  of  beer  on  hand,  as  much  combers  came  back  and  blanked  the river  valley from  the Dakotas  through  Nebraska  and Kansas.  The  meanwhile  had  flooded  St. Paul,  Minnesota, and  La  Cross,  agreed  that  the  affair  was  a  chicken  and  potato  salad  as  could  them  in  the  second  game  7­0  as  Mississippi  Wisconsin,  with  Iowa  cities now  taking  a  beating.  be  eaten,  various  cold  cuts  and  30  the  Del  Sud  outfit  had  to  substi­ tremendous  success.  e  »  *  tute  for  some  of  their  regulars  cases  of  soft  drinks  for  the  kids.  In  fact  the  whole thing  went  off  so  pleasantly,  even  though  over  There  were  plenty  of  the  latter  who  were  not  available  in  the  STEVENSON  OUT.  HABBIMAN  IN—Governor  Adlai  Stevenson  of  Illinois said "no thanks" to Democratic  Party bigwigs, when  he refused  600  people  were  present,  that  the  around  as the majority  of  the men  nightcap.  crew  is  thinking  of  making  an  af­ brought  their  families  along.  It  The  only  explanation  that  the  to  run  for  the  presidential  nomination.  With  Stevenson  rejected.  fair of  this kind  a regular  feature.  has  been  a  long  time  since  the  Beachcombers  had  for  dropping  President  Truman  apparently  has  thrown  his  support  to  W.  AveriU  Taking  care  of  all  the  arrange­ "beachcombers"  had  a  chance  to  the  opener  was  that  the' Del  Sud­ Harriman,  New  York  banker  who'has  a  long record  of  service  in  vari­ ments  'were  a  committee  of  six  All  up  on  such  good  eats  at  no  ders  foundered  them  in  an  under­ ous  government  agencies,  but  has  never  held  an  elective  office.  Harriman  is  currently  Mutual  Security  Director,  in  charge  of  the  aid  Seafarers  cost.  handed  manner  by  overloading  program  of  the  North  Atlantic  Treaty  Organization  elected  on  board  Split  Doubleheader  them  on  fried  chicken  and  (NATO).  to member­nations  Meanwhile  General  Eisenhower  added  to  his  strengtjli' in  the  the  Del  Sud;  Highlight  of  the  afternoon  was  beer.  However,  the  Beachcombers  Louis  O'Leary,  a  baseball  doubleheader  between  agreed  that  it  will  be  worth  while  Republican  column  by  trouncing  Stassen  and  Taft  in  Pennsylvania  Raymond  Jones,  the  Del  Sud  team  and  a  newly­or­ losing  to  any  ship's  crew  by  one  and  taking  mos^ of  New  York's  delegates.  Eisenhower also  drew  more  Jimmy  Noonan,  ganized  Seafarers  Beachcombers  run,  if  they  can  match  the  Del  write­in  votes  in  Pennsylvania's  Democratic  primary  than  any  other  Joseph  Galliano,  outfit.  The  Del  Sudders  took  the  Sudders  when  it  comes  to  putting  Democrats  except  Kefauver and Truman,  running far  ahead of  Steven­ son,  Harriman,  Russell  and  Kerr.  Kefauver  headed  the  list here  with  Leonard  Munna  first  contest  4­3,  but  the  Beach­ up  a  top­notch  feed.  far more  votes than  all  other candidates combined.  and  Edward  •   *  *  «  Chant.  They  col­ lected  over  $400  NEW  ATOM  TESTS  IN  NEVADA—^The  use  of  atom  bombs  against  Galliano  Seafarer  Meets  'Mr.. Rhythin'  from  the  Del  troops in  the field is being  studied in a new  series of  atomic  explosions  Bud  crew  to  pay  for  the fixings.  in  the  Nevada  desert.  The  first  test  conducted  on  April  22  involved  As  a  result  there  were  six  bar­ 1,000  troops  who  were  in  foxholes  and  bunkers  approximately  four  —  miles  from  the  actual  drop.  Additional  tests  along  these  lines  are  planned.  At  the  same  time,  the  Atomic  Ener^  Commission  plans  to  test  a  "super"  atom  bomb  at  Eniwetok  Atoll  in  the  Pacific  Ocean  which  will  be  at  least  ten  times  more  powerful  than  the  bomb  that  was  dropped  at  Hiroshima.  British  pians  for  a  test  in  Australia  are  also  going ahead.  Seatrain Wins  Another Round  With Railroads  The  Seatrain  Lines  won  the  lat­ est  round  in  its  fight  witli  the  railroads.  This  time,  the  Inter­ state  Commerce  Commission  granted  the  line  an  indefinite  ex­ tension  of  its  temporary  permit  to  operate  between  New  York  and  Savannah,  Ga.  The  extension,  which  came  just  three weeks  before the permit  was  to  expire,  insiues  that  the  line  can  operate  at  least  until  the  ICC  makes  a  final  decision  about  a  permanent permit.  The  railroads  have  fought  the  SlU­contracted  company,  which  transports  fully  loaded  railroad  freight  cars  by  ship,  and  has  tried  to get  the courts  to stop  Seatrain's  operation.  Seatrain,  in return,  has  filed  a  damage  suit  against  the  railroads  charging  conspiracy  and  violation  of  the  Sherman  Anti­ Trust  Act.  •   Seafarer Bruce  Cole  (left), now  a  student at  the University  of  Ala­ bama,  gets  friendly  with  Bobbysox  Favorite  Frankie  Laine,  dur­ ing  a  recent  dance  on  the  university's  campus.  Over  75  Million  Spent  To Improve  Port  Of  NY  •   *  IT'S  DIFFERENT  IN  ENGLAND—The  English  Parliament  is  seri­ ously considering  a  law  that  would  permit  a  wife  to  take  her husband  to  court If  he  didn't  allow her  enough  housekeeping  money.  The  bill.  has  been  described  as  the  "housewives'  charter."  Under  its  terms  a  wife who  wasn't getting  enough out  of  her husband's  wages to  manage  the  household  could  take  her  spouse  to  court  and  the  judge  would  then order his employer to deduct the necessary  amount from his wages  to be  turned over  to the  wife.  If  nothing else,  the proposed  law  shows  that there's still  one  country  left  where  the  man  controls  the  purse­ strings.  *  *  *  ARMY  MEDICOS  ACCEPT WOMEN  —  The  invasion  of  the armed  forces  by  women  won  another  beachhead  when  the  Army  Medical  Service  accepted  three  women  medical  college  graduates  as  internes.  The  Army already  has some  10,000  women  in its  medical  service, most  of  them  nurses and  technicians,  as well  as  16  women doctors,  but  this  is  the  first  time  it  has  accepted  women  as  internes.  In  announcing  the  latest  step  the  Army  Medical  Service  called  for  more  women  to  prepare for a  career  in that  branch  of  the  armed  forces.  More than 75  million dollars has been spent  in the last  two  years  for  shoreside  reconstruction  and  rehabilitation  in  the  WAR  WITH  JAPAN  REALLIT  ENDS—The  ll^^­year­old  stat6  of  Port  of  New  York,  according  to  the  city's  Mafine 'and  war  between the  US  and  Japan  came  to an  end  officially  on  Monday,  Aviation  staff.  •   April  28,  when  the  Japanese  peace  treaty  went  into  effect.  Aithough  the  treaty  puts  an  end  to  the  occupation  of  Japan  by  foreign  troops,  "This  represents  a  scheduie  of  US  armed  forces  wiil  remain  in  Japan  for  the  time  being  under  the  improvement  without  precedent  in  terms  of  a  defense  agreement.  In  addition, US  bases  will  be  retained  any  port  in  the  world,"  said  the  on  such  islands  as  Okinawa.  i  bureau.  *  *  *  Since January,  1950, the  city has  The  SlU­manned  Liberty  Lillca,  committed $26,710,000  in contracts,  PRISON  GUARDS  NEED  PROTECTION  —  As  the  aftermath  of  owned  by  the  Dolphin  Company,  and  as  overseer  of  all  waterfront  nearly  a  week­long  riot  in  Southern  Michigan  prison,  guards  at  the  was among  the  five  American  ves­ construction,  has  approved  private  Both  the  SEAFARERS  LOG  and  Institution  are demanding  protection  by  state  troopers.  Convict  rioters  were  had  seized  nine  guards  and  held  them  as  hostages  for  five  days  until  sels  listed  as  "partial  losses"  dur­ projects  amounting  to  $48,383,000.  SIU  shrimp fishermen  plugged  on  a  recent  Voice  of  the  warden  and  the  state  agreed  on  their  demands  fof  Improvements  ing  the  month  of  March  by  the  A  New  Era  America  broadcast  overseas  to  Eu­ in the  parole system and  other items.  Now  the guards,  many of  whom  Liverpool  Underwriters'  Associa­ "We  are  in  a  new  era  of  port­ rope.  tion.  are unarmed, are  being  escorted  by  four  armed  state  troopers  in  each  In  all,  13  partial  losses  were  mindedness,  but  there  is  still  a  The  mentions  came  in  'the  cell  block.  The  guards  are also  asking for  rempval  of  the riot  leaders  listed  for  the  month,  and  8  total  tremendous job ahead," said the bu­ course  of  an  interview  vrith  Paul  to another  prison.  losses  —  all  foreign  flag  ships.  reau.  "It will  require  further large  Weston,  niember  of  the  American  •   The  Lilica  was  the  only  SIU­ expenditures  and  Herculean  ef­ Federation  of  Musicians  and  com­ SLAVE  CAMP  SONGS  BROADCAST  As  part  of  the  Voice  of  forts  to  overcome  the  remaining  poser  of  the  popular  song  hit  America  propaganda  program,  six  songs  —  manned  ship  on  the list.  which  originated  in  Russian  The  Lilica  ran  aground  in  shal­ port  problems,  of  which the  physi­ "Shrimp  Boats,  Are  A'  Cd^n'"  slave labor camps have been broadcast  around the world in 39 languages.  low  water  in  the harbor  of  Civita­ cal  conditions  of  port  facilities  is  and  other  tunes  with  a  labor  The  songs  were  brought  put  of  the  Soviet  Union  by  refugees  who  re­ vecchia,  Italy.  Loaded  with  coal,  one  of  the  more  important."  theme.  Harry  Fleischmann,  Voice  cently  arrived  in  this  country? A choir  made  up  of  Russian  displaced  she  was  pounded .^or  three  days  The  city  has  encouraged  opera­ of  America  staffer  who  was.  con­ persons  sang  the  songs  for the  broadcast,  while  the soloist  was  a  for­ with  her  crew  still  aboard.  Her  tors leasing  city­owned facilities  to  ducting  the  interview,  informed  mer member of  the Odessa  Opera who  recentiy fled his native  country.  hull  split  and  she  had  water  in  make their own improvements,  and  Weston  that  the  shrimp fishermen  three hatches.  have  allowed  these  capital  outlaya  are  SIU  members,  something  that  FROM  TOKYO  TO  NATO—General  Matthew  Ridgway  has  been  Her  crew  was  finally  taken  (iff,  to be  amortized  through rental  dis­ he  didn't  know.  chosen  by  member  nations  of  the  North  Atlantic  Treaty  Organization  and  some  flew  back  to  the  States,  counts.  while  others  travelled  aboard  a  It  reported  that  substructure  Subsequently Fleischmann point­ to replace General Eisenhower as head of  NA^­O's armed forces.  Eisen­ plush  liner.  One  of  the  planes  fire­prevention  has  been  finished  ed  out  that  the  LOG  had  carried  hower is coming  back  to the  US after  June 1,  resigning as  of  that  date  that  the.  stranded  Seafarers  took  on  108  piers,  and  that  within  the  a  feature  on  the  shrimp fishermen  to  plunge into the  Republican  presWential  nomination campaign.  Ridg­ ran  into  trouble  just  out  of  the  next  few  months,  above­deck  fire  (March  21  issue)  in  which'  the  way's  job  in Tokyo­ is  being fiiled  D>  qeiieral  Mark  Clark.  The Tokyo  States: and  barely  made  it  to  an  sprinkler system  will have  been io­ fishermen claimed  that  their  work  position no  ionger holds  the importance it  once had  sii^ce  the Japanese  wasn't  quite  as  romantic  as  the  peace  treaty  went  into  effiVit,  althohgh Clark'will  still have  comhiand  emergency  landing field.  stalled  on. all city­owned  piers.  song made  it out to be,­  :  of  military forces  th  the area.  SlU  Vessel In  Sea  Mishap  A  Partial Loss  • i  KOREA TALKS  DRAG  ON—h. couple of  weeks  of  secret  talks  have  thus  far  failed  to  break  the  deadlock  between  Communist  and  UN  negotiators on  the  question of  return  of  prisoners.  The  UN  argument  has  been that  Chinese and  North Korean  prisoners should  not  be  com­ pelled  to  go  back  to. Communist  lines  against  their  will.  Communist  negotiators  apparently  were  ready  to  concede  this  point  when  they  learned that  only  70,000  of  the  132,000  prisoners  in  Allied  hands  were  willing to  return  . At  that  point  the  negotiations  broke  off,  but  have  since  been  resumed.  'Voice'  Plugs  SlU  Shrimpers  • J.­C.  �Friday. May t, M8t  :­:"i  SEAPARERS  LOG  Looking For A Good Ono  Fata Sevea  '  •  • ­a  511/ '52  Response Tops  Record  For  Polio Drive  Breaking all  records of  the past four  years. Seafarers have contributed a  total of  $6,877.76  to  the 1951­52  March  of  Dimes  drive.  This  is  better  than  $2,000  over  the  previous  year'g  total  of  $4,738.57  which  was  the  high figure  up  until  now.  The  March  of  D'mes  campaign,.  only  fund­raising  drive  officially  endorsed  by  the  membership,  is  conducted  by  the National Founda­ tion  for. Infantile  Paralysis  to  Sid  in  the  care  and  treatment  of  polio  victims  as  well  as  to  sponsor  re­ search  towards  a  cure  for  the  dis­ ease.  Sum  Increases  Yearly  This  is  the  fourth  year  that  the  SIU  has  participated  in  the  fund  drive, and  each  year the sums  con­ tributed  by  Seafarers  have  in­ creased  markedly.  Thanks  to  the  generosity  of  working  seamen,  the  Checking  over  a  daily  listing  of  ship  movements through the  port  SIU  has  become one  of  the largest  of  New  York  on  a  headquarters  bulletin  board,  Seafarers  K.  contributors to the  March  of  Dimes  in the  labor field.  Jevnaker, OS  (left), and  R. Olsen,  AB,  pick  out  a  good  run.  The  campaign  got  underway  for  Seafarers at  the end  of  December,  when  appeal  literature  and  scrolls  were  mailed  out  to  all  SIU  ships  along with  the mailing of  the LOG.  Subsequently  the  question  of  con­ tributions  was  taken  up  at  hun­ dreds of  shipboard meetings. What­ A Senate Labor Subcommittee has accused southern  textile  ever  sum  individual  crewmembers  to  give  was  entered  with  manufacturers  of  using  the  Taft­Hartley  Act,  the  National  decided  the  man's signature,  on  the  March  Guard, the courts and local police as ""union busting" weapons  of  Dimes  scroll.  The  scrolls  and  the  money  contributed  were  then  in  their fights  against  union­ turned  over  to  Union  patrolmen  ization.  when  the  ships  paid  off  in  a  US  Plaque  hailing Seafarers'  record in  March  of  Dimes is  accepted  by  Approved  by 11 of  the 13 Senate  port.  Official  union  receipts  were  Asst. Sec'y­Treas.  Lloyd  Gardner  (left)  on  behalf  of  SIU  member­ Labpr Committee  members, the re­ issued  by  the  patrolman  for  the  ship from  I. R. Weinberg,  national labor  director of  the drive.  port  says the T­H  Act, "has in  fact  sum  involved  which  was  turned  served  as cover  for  the  ambush  of  over to headquarters.  pioneering  unions  with  limited  re­ One  Check  Written  sources,"  instead  of  "protecting"  labor  as  it  claims  to  do.  Now  that all  contributions are in  Law  Destroys  and  the  campaign  has  come  to  a  Provisions  of  the  Taft­Hartley  close, the  Union  will  write a  single  Act,  the  report  said,  heiped  two  Ships  owned  by  private  "firms  check  representing  the  totai  re­ Long­existing freight­rate  rulings that  put Tampa  at a  dis­ mills  to  destroy their  union  locals.  under  the  American flag  declined  ceived  and  present it  to the  March  It also  kept the  textile workers out  by five during the month  of  March.  of  Dimes, on  behalf  of  all  the Sea­ advantage with other Atlantic and Gulf  ports are being fought  ol  several  others  in  Georgia  and  The  totals show  1,286 ships  with  a  farers  who  chipped  in  for  this  vigorously  by  Tampa  trade  interests.  Under  existing  Inter­ South  Carolina.  deadweight  tonnage  of  15,339,426  cause.  state  Commerce  Commission 4..^  :  The  injunction  was,  in  one case,  as of  April 1,4952.  In  the  four  years  that  the  SIU  regulations,  the  port  is  not  weeks  ago  in  Washington.  used  as  an  "excuse,"  according  to  has  been  participating  in  the  cam­ the  report,  to  bring  in  National  The  decrease  of five  ships is  the  paign,  the  amounts  have  risen  as  classified  as  a  Gulf  or  South  Should  the  appeal  be  granted,  Guardsmen  and  state  highway  result £f  four  transfers  to  foreign  follows:  1948­49,  $912.33;  1949­50,  Atlantic port  and consequent­ Tampa  shipping  industry  leaders  patrolmen  who  used  "brutal  registry  and  one  casualty.  Mean­ $3,207.82;  1950­51,  $4,738.57;  and  ly rail charges in or out of  the  feel  that  the  port  could  compete  while,  no  new  ships  of  1,000  gross  over $6,500  this year.  port  are higher  than  at  Jack­ with  such  ports  as  New  Orleans,  violence."  tons or more  were launched  during  Seafarers  are  reminded  that  no  sonville  and  other  cities  in  Mobile,  "Freely  granted"  court  injunc­ Beaumont  and  Houston  as  tions destroyed  the effectiveness of  the month.  organization is  authorized to solicit  the  area.  well  as  with ­ South  Atlantic* ports  picket  lines,  the  report said,  while  Private  operators  also  had  143  funds through  the SIU  without the  The  result  has  been  to  cut  off  like  Wilmington  and  Charleston.  newspapers  and  radio  stations  re­ government­owned  vessels  under  prior approval  of  the  membership.  the flow of  goods to and from  ships  They  claim  that  they  would  not  fused  to grant  time or  space to  the  bare­boat charter.  Included among  The  March  of  Dimes  is  the  only  in  Tampa  harbor.  necessarily take away business from  union.  In .mill­owned towns,  union  them  were  62  Victorys.  Most  of  organization  which  has  received  Appeals  Unsuccessful  these  ports  but  that  they  could  go  employes  were  fired  and  then  these  vessels  are  in  turn  under  such  authorization, and  their  cam­ Several  appeals  for  equalizing  out  after  the  growing  South  and  evicted  from  company­owned  charter  to  Hie  Military  Sea  Trans­ paign  Is  always  operated  through  port  rates  have  been  made  to  the  Central  American  trade  on  an  houses.  port Service.  Union  channels.  ICC,  the  latest­one  being  several  equal  basis.  • Ji,  • I  '• 'if  Taft­Hartley  Use  Busts  Unions^ Says Senate Croup  Foreign­Flag  Registry Cuts  Private  Fleet  •  ,  ­ei  _j;V  Tampa Burks  Rail  Rate  Bias  Killing Off  Port  Cartoon  History Of  The  SIU  The  1934  Strike  ­rl  '.if  ' "  1  • ji  No,  10  :­^l  .i >i:  ^  ,  ' . r pn  May  9, 1934,  the West  Coast  longshoremen.  .  . li ip officially  went  on  strike  after, tidks  with  the  r  iV!..;iriUioP®)^ors  bogged  down.  The  seamen  Immedi­ .  J  ately joined  them.  Joint ilrlke committees were  ivT  formed  and  the  seamen's  demands  were  ^eehted­ with :(^ae> ^ (fee  jUmgshorem  •  .V.  .  pTr".'  The strike started with  no funds, no large mem­ bership,  inadequate  plans  and  no  strike  ma­ chinery.  Picketlines  were  maintained  24  hours  .  a dfiy,  with  the strikers  facing «  huge  wray. ttf  ir^rVstrike­breaking  apparatus.  Police  were  out  the  :­^;%st .dayi  breakinrfeeads  oh  aiiy  excuse.  :  What few  scabs the shipowners  could  buy  lived  behipd  police  lines,  barricaded  on  the  docks,  but  at  no  time  were  the  operators  able  to  ef­,  fectively .  move  the  tied­up  ships  or  handle  their cargoes.  Neither  cops  nor  hardships could  break  the  strike,  or  the  men's  determination.*  �­7'.SV,£i; '.  •  Mday. Mar t, mS  SEAFARERS  LOG  V9g0  Eiflit  l>Qltr ItEPORXS....  I'M?'­­ I'  pB^v  m.  ip,­ W­ « .•  I".  ffcC  i­:  fe­ %• '•   SJ  i;.t.  fe;­'  • v.­ •   I­  •  c?:  i  •  y^r  • •   ir  jr'/:  V"';  fr­ vessel  was allowed  to proceed  only  Mobife;  had  the  Government  Camp,  Paoli,  New  York:  after  we  had  posted  bond  that  Cantigny,  Salem  Maritime,  French  some  seven  other  crewmembers,  Creek,  Winter  Hill,  Lone  Jack,  apparently  witnesses,"  would  be  Fort  Hoskins,  and  Bents  Fort,  aU  granted  available as  witnesses.  Cities  Service.  Over  in  Texas  we  had  the  Trinity  (Carras);  the  Fed­ "Have  no  names  yet  but  will  Shipping  still  exceeds  the  num­ eral  (Trafalgar),  and  an  SUP­con­ We've  been  rolling  in  high  gear  advise  you  further  when  we  get  Shipping  in  this  port  has  been  ber of  men registering  in the  port,  tracted  Pacific  Tanker.  again  here  with  a  total  of  33  pay­ more  details  of  this  incident.  Am  moving along,  but will  be only  lair  but  we  are  beginning  to  see  the  You should  see the  happy smiles  offs plus  12 ships signed on  foreign  sending  you  this  information  in  for  the  next  couple  of  weeks  with  a drop  expected in  ships coming in  effects  of  the  lay­ups.  Several  on  these  boys'  articles.  Most  of  the  vessels  had  a  advance."  wagons  which  came  in  durtng  the  faces  when  they  minimum  of  beefs  on  them.  On  a  similar  subject,  we  have  a  for  payoffs ancT  replacements.  The  ships  paid  off  were  the  past  two  weeks  are  heading  for  come  in  here  to  Paying  off  were  the  following:  letter from  Seatrpders  Inc. regard  Thomas  Hejrwopd,  Beauregard,  pick  up  that  va­ the  boneyard.  Beatrice,  Kathryn,  Puerto  Rico  ing  the  Sea  Wind.  On  this  same  score,  that  of  lay­ cation  dough.  (Bull);  Paoli  (in  twice),  French  "We  quofb  below  excerpt  of  a  Phillip  Barbour,  Morning  Light,  ups,  it  looks  like  somebody  can't  That's  only  part  Creek,  Fort  Hoskins,  Lone  Jack,  letter received  from  the  master of  Monarch  of  the  Seas  (Waterman)i  spend  our  tax  money  fast  enough.  of  the  SIU  serv­ Royal  Oak,  Council  Grove,  Chi­ the  SS  Sea  Wind,  dated  Ibicuy,  Corsair,  Roamer,  Cavalier,  Knute  The  William  Tyler  Page  Is  being  ice,  brothers.  wawa  (Cities  Service);  De  Pauw  Argentina,  March  22,  1952,  which  Rockne  (Alcoa),  and  the  Joseph  sent  here  from  Mobile  to  be  Buster  Moore,  Victory,  Cape  San  Martin  (South  we  trust  you wiU find self­explana­ Meeks  (Mississippi).  The  Afoundria,  Hastings,  stripped,  and  then  she  will  be  that  well  knowa  Atlantic);  The  Cabins  (Mathiasen);  tory.  Raphael Semmes (Waterman),  Pen­ sent  right  back  there  to  be  laid  ex­citizen  of  Mo­ Amberstar  (Triton);  George  Kulu­ Duncan  Body  Paralysed  bile  has  b e e n­ up!  kundis (Mar Trade);  Fairland, Clai­ " 'Clifford Kilgus, oiler,  was seri­ nant  and  Roamer  (Alcoa),  signed  With  the  exception  of  a  few  knocking around here a  while. He's  borne,  Azalea  City,  Las  Vegas  Vic­ ously  injured  by  Thomas  Melody,  all  on,  while  the  Steel  Maker  performers,  the  beefs  in  the  port  riding  one  of  the  Cities  Service  tory  (Waterman);  Cecil  Bean  (Dry  OS,  when  both  men  were  under  (Isthmian),  Fairhope  and  Antinous  have­  been  very  small  apd  of  a  coastwise ferries and  taking a mail­ Trans); Clearwater  Victory  (Bloom­ the  influence  of  liquor.  The  skull  (Waterman)  were  in­transits.  order course  on how  to be  a chem­ field); Steel Chemist,  Steel Naviga­ of  Kilgus  was  penetrated  quite  minor  nature.  All  thee  ships  Paying off during the period were  ist.  He's  working  on  the  idea  of  tor,  Steel  Apprentice  (Isthmian);  deeply by  a tee­wrench  wielded  by  were  in  good  the following: Adoniram Judson, Al­ harnessing  and  bottling  the  gases  Anson  Mills,  Charles  Bulfinch,  Ro­ Melody,  and  the  hospital  report  shape,  and  there  coa  Ranger,  Alcoa  Pointer,  Alcoa  in the  air to  do  the work of  an OS  bin  Doncaster,  Robin  Sherwood  just  prior  to  my  leaving  Buenos  were  no  beefs on  (Robin); Omega  (Omega); Cape  Ed­ Aires  was  that  paralysis  had  Puritan  (Alcoa);  Citadel  Victory,  in  his  present  home.  any of  them.  Cape  Horn,  Del  Sud,  Del  Santos  He's  a  persistent  cuss,  and  is  mont  (Alcoa);  Seatrain  New  York  affected  the  upper  body  of  Kilgus.  One of the boys  (Mississippi), Antinous  and Chicka­ working on  a formula that he hopes  (Seatrain),  and  Sea  Gale  (Sea  I  have  asked  United  Shipping  to  floating  around  saw  (Waterman).  The  Ranger,  will show that gold can  be obtained  Trader).  Mobile these days  keep  in  touch  with  the  situation  Pointer  and  Puritan  signed  on  from  the air.  He knows it can't be  The  sign­ons  included:  Gateway  and  inform  the  Head  Office  ac­ is  Rajmnond  L,  .  again,  as did  the  Pel  Sol  and  Del  obtained  from  a  deck  of  cards.  City,  War  Hawk,  Claiborne,  Azalea  cordingly.  Perry  who  ships  Sud  (Mississippi).  Right,  Buster?  City  (Waterman);  Robin  Locksley,  as a  steward. Ray  Perry  In­transit  activity  was  pretty  Some of  the other boys  who have  Robin  Kettering  (Robin);  Seapearl  " 'I  am  in  the  process  of  getting  Just  got, back  heavy,  including:  Alcoa  Clipper,  dropped  in  include  D.  Horn,  Andy  (Orion);  Steel  Chemist,  Steel  depositions from  those of  the crew  from  a five­month trip  t'a the  Far  who  have  some  knowledge  of  the  Alcoa  Corsair,  Alcoa  Pennant,  Al­ Gowder,  George  Conners,  J.  F.  Worker,  Steel  Navigator  (Isthr  East,  and  he's  just  talcing  it  easy  coa  Roamer;  Steel  Maker,  Steel  Mapps,  J.  Kornek,  and  J.  Phillips.  mian);  Cape  Edmont  and  George  happenings  leading  to  the  unfor­ and  enjoying  the  beach.  tunate  affair,  this  at  the  request  Director,  Steel  Recorder  (Isth­ We  also had  brother  George  Dun­ Kulukundis.  Ray joined the SIU back  in 1943,  mian);  Del  Sol,  Citadel  Victory;  can  in  for  a  short  stay.  George  We  have  an  overtime  beef  now  of  the  US  Cohsul.  I  shall  forward  and  has  served  as  ship's  delegate  Seatrains  Louisiana,  New  Jersey,  has been sailing  offshore for a  long  pending on  the  Clearwater  Victory  Head  Office  a  copy.'  delegate on most  of  "We  also quote  below  excerpt  of  or department  Georgia  (Sea­ number of  years,  but now  wants to  for restriction  to  the  ship in  Casa­ the  ships he's  sailed.  train);  Fairhope,  run  coastwise.  Guess  it  must  be  blanca.  When  the  ship  arrived  a  letter  received  from  our  agents  "The  least  I  can  do  for  my  '  in Argentina,  Messrs. United  Ship­ Morning  Light,  love.  there she anchored  out, but  though  ping  Agencies,  dated  March  28,  Union,"  says  Ray,  "is  work  for  its  Afoundria,  Beau­ Formerly  with  the National  Sea­ there were  launches running  every  best  interests  and  advise  new­ regard,  Monarch  men's  Union  in  Great  Britain,  he  day  the  captain  did  not  go  ashore  1952,  dealing  with  the  same  sub­ comers  of  the history  of  this great  of  the  Seas  joined  the  SIU  when  he  came  to  and  pick  up  shore  passes  for  the  ject  organization.  Tlfanks to the Union,  Argentina  Foul­Up  (Waterman);  the  States,  sailing  the  Murmansk  crew  until  three  days  later,  which  when  I.get off  a  ship I  get my  va­ Evelyn  (Bull), and  convey  route  during  the  winter  of  was  when  shore leave  expired.  '"Please  also  note  that  as  a  re­ cation  pay  without  having  to  stay  Southern  States,  1942­43.  He's  always  been  willing  The  company  is  contacting  the  sult  of  a  quarrel  between  Clifford  aboard  for  a  whole  year  and  then  Southern  Cities  to  serve  in  any  capacity  while  on  port  authorities  there,  and  if  it  is  Kilgus,  oiler,  and'Thomas  Melody,  run  up  to  the  company  office  and  (Southern  Trad­ the beach  or aboard  ship in the  in­ found that  the captain  was at  fault  OS,,the former was badly  wounded  have to  wait a  couple of  days until  Bonura  ing).  terests  of  the  Union.  Generally  in  not getting  these  passes this re­ and  has  been  taken  to  hospital  someone  takes  my  application.  This  week  the  port  put  through  sailing  AB  or  bosun,  George  just  striction  will  be  paid.  whilst  the latter  has been  arrested  All I have to  do is walk  into the  its  thousandth  application  for  va­ left us  for  a  coastwise  trip  on  the  by  the  authorities.  We  are  in  Union  hall  and  plunk  down  my  Gashonnd  Epidemic  cation  pay,  with  Seafarer  Victor  Bents  Fort.  There  are  still  too  many  cases  touch with  the American  Consulate  discharges  and  get  my  check.  "Zeke"  Bonura  on  the  receiving  Everything  around  here  is  quiet  of  men  getting  gassed  up  and  go­ and  will  not  fail  to  advise  you  as  That's  what  I call  a  good  deal."  end.  "Zeke" is  an  oldtimer in  the  on  the  labor.front,  with  no  out­ ing  on  the  rampage  both  ashore  soon  as  anything  new  develops  in  Some  of  the  oldtimers  on  the  area,  having  sailed  SIU  in  the  standing  disputes  in  the  area.  On  and  on  the ships.  This  is a  serious  connection with  the above  ex­mem­ beach  here  these  days  include  S.  stewards  department  since  1940.  the political  front,  it  is  a  different  problem, and  the  need  for  putting  bers  of  the  crew.'  Piner, E. C.  Vitou, P. Chattey,  J. M.  A^art  from  his  last  ship,  the  story.  Everybody  and  his  brother  a  stop  to  it  cannot  be  stressed  too  "We  trust  that  the  above  Infor­ Skinner and  H.  L. Graham.  Mean­ Alcoa  Corsair,  he  had  never  be­ has  been  throwing  his  hat  in  the  strongly.  We  have had  two serious  mation  is  required  by  your  Union  while,  L.  W.  Setowsky,  J.  H.  fore  been  able  to  collect  vacation  ring  in  the  race  for  Congress.  cases  of  this  sort  come  up  in  the  for  yo'ir files."  Jones,  T. Burke,  H.  Allman,  W.  T.  money.  So  for  "Zeke"  and  a  lot  I'd  just  like  to  throw  in  a  little  past  two weeks,  and  are  reprinting  These letters will show  how seri­ Noel  and !'.  M.  Adkins  are  in  the  of  the  boys,  this  clearly  demon­ reminder  and  tell  the  boys  not  to  for benefit  of  the  membership  two  ous  this  situation  is  and  these  are  marine  hospital.  strated  the  advantages  of  the  SIU  miss  their  ships.  It  makes  every­ letters  detailing  what's  been  hap­ only  two  of  many  such  instances  Cai  Tanner  Vacation  Plan  compared  to  previ­ thing  rough  for  your  shipmates,  pening.  The first,  from  Isthmian,  in  the  past  two  monfhs.  This  man  Mobile  Port  Agent  ous  set­ups  for  which  so  few  and  for the  negotiating  committee  concerns voyage  number  13. on the  from  the  Sea  Wind  may  be  para­ t,  ^alified.  He  particularly  asked  to  that's  going  to  work  for  you.  Be­ Steel  Voyager.  lyzed  for  life.  You  can  well  see  Seoff/jg;  express  his  thanks  for  the  vision  sides  making  it  tough  for  every  "We  have just received  cable ad­ what  kind  of  a  reputation  this  and  planning  by  those  involved  other  guy  in  the  Union,  nobody  vices  from  our  people  at  Ras  Ta­ gives  the  noembership  of  the  SIU,  for the  enactment of  the new  plan.  likes  the  idea  of  having  to  place  nura in  the Persian  Gulf  that three  not  only  to  the  steamship  opera­ Just  to  top  it  off  properly,  the  charges,  but  that's  the  way  it  has  seamen  from  the  above­mentioned  tors  but  to  people  in  all  parts  of  thousandth  check  also  represented  to be  for  the  good  of  everyone.  vessel are  being held  by  the  police  the  world.  Claude  Simmons  the  largest  one  collected  here  so  Leroy  Clarke  over some  knife  incident.  Activity  is still  on  the  slow  side,  Asst.  Scc'y­Treas.  far.  "Zeke"  and  the  missus  have  Lake  Charles  Agent  "We  are  also  advised  that  the  but  the  weather is holding  up  just  a  husky  $129.19  to  use  towards  fine.  You  can  see  we're  not  over­ some  recreation  that  they  might  loaded  with  manpower,  however,  not  have  had  otherwise  during  his  because  we  had  to  call  on  an  out­ time  ashore­between  trips.  of­district  man  for  one  of  the  few  Lindsey  J.  Williams  jobs  we  shipped.  New  Orleans  Port  Agent  There  was  no  business  either  in  4  3)  payoffs or  sign­ons, but  a few  ships  Shipping from  April ,10 to  April 23  Lake Charles:  dropped around  in transit.  In and  out  while  we  looked  on  fondly  SBonp.  SHIP.  TOTAL  were  '  REG.  REG.  REG.  TOTAL  SHIP.  the  Seapender  (Orion);  Re­ ENG.  STEW. SHIPPED  public  (Trafalgar);  Fairport,  Bien­ PORT DECK ENGINE STEW. REa DECK ville  (Waterman),  and  Yorkmar  04  and  34  4  Boston  50  34  10  100  10  Alamar  (Calmar).  528  134  183  101  130  480  201 .  193  Shipping  has  been  booming  New York  One  of  the  big  problems  con­ down  Louisiana  way lately,  partic­ Philadelphia  133  tinually  cropping  up  here  is  one  32  59  01  43  ^  103  07  '  34  uarly for rated men.  We've shipped  71  309  concerning  members  insisting  on  140  131  80  35j  120  118  "  anrthing  and  everything  in  the  Baltimore  paying  off  when  their  ship  comes  140)  into Vancouver. For one thing,  this  110  63  09  242  48  '49  4?  way  of.j­ated  men,  but  the  non­ Norfolk  rated  jobs  have  definitely  been  on  Savannah  81­ 12  07  port  is  in  a  foreign  country,  and,  1  30  25  19  74  *  24  the  slow  bell.  another,  there's  always  an  is­ 9  12  o  '  n fl  20  11  81  for  • ^ne misguided  soul  of  a  rated  Tampa  sue  raised  on  transportation  for  184  the  relief.  47  01  09  204  03  74  man  got  all  ,fog­bound  and  made  Mobile  ....................  ,74  the  mistake/of  walking  into  the  New  Orleans  Most  of  the  same  faces  around  102  5^3  97  09  95  251  W  .78  hall to pick  up a  copy of  the LOG.  the hall,  though  a  few  of  the  boyi  Galveston  ;  ^  37  13  '  109^  '  ,  «  50  176  09^  Before  he  knew  what  hit  him  he  grabbed  onto  the first  jobs  that  •  4»:  167  came  in.  1/1  '  40.  ,  85  .  .  182:  '  ^  83^  had  volunteered for a  job and  was  West Coast  ­ personally  delivered  aboard  ship.  • Jeff Morrison  .  Dtti^g^the past two  weeks wst'ye  TOTALS  sgat^.Port  New Orleans:  Vacation Checks Reach  1,000, Peak STctai  Gashounds On Rampage  Very Serions Bnsinass  Shipping Moving Along,  But Drop Is Expoelod  Vaneosver Payoffs Can  Foul Up Transporiatioh  it & e smppme RECORD  Ckanee Visit To Hall  Sara Way To Move Out  Vii ii HI  h  "  I  'If  1 I  ' ^  �PaceiniM  SEAFAKEMS  IPC  Frffay, M«r t. Hit  PORT REPORTS  all  the  f^ceries  and  costing  the  Savannah:  company plenty,  what  with  putting  new  stores  on  every  trip  and  throwing  them  over  the  side  each  time.  We  also had  a  little chit­chat  on  Things  have  livened  up  consid­ the  Tagalam,  explaining  to  the  Business  is  moving  along  fairly  earably  since  we  last  reported,  but  boys  the  necessity  to  stay  aboard  normal  for this  port.  Ships  paying  even ­at  the  worst  period  three  until  they  gave  the  proper  notice  off  came in  in true  SIU style, some  weeks  ago,  members  had  no  trou­ of  wanting  to  quit  the  ship.  It's  for  the  last  time  since  three  of  ble  shipping  from  this  port.  Since  important  to  keep  that  in  mind  them  are  soon  to  head  b^ck  into  the  last  report,  we  had  23  ships  when  the  ship  arrives  in  port  on  the  boneyard  at  Wilmington,  NC.  payoff  and  13  sign­ons.  Severai  of  Saturday  aftembon  and  the  halls  The  payoffs  were the  Southwmd,  them  were  Bull  Line  ships on  con­ are  closed  untiL Monday  morning.  Southstar,  Anniston  Victory,  Au­ tinuous  articles.  We  also  lost  two  The  Steel  Navigator  had  a  gas­ gust Belmont,  Helen Hunt  Jackson,  There's no  question how  sentiment  lies on  new halls'  resolution  as  more  ships  to  the  mothball fleet.  hound aboard,  but we straightened  Abel  Parker  Upshur  (South  Atlan­ him  out  but  good.  Seafarers  at  Gaiveston  branch  meeting  approve  it  by  hand  vote.  tic),  Dorothy  and Winfield  Stratton  We've  been  having  a  heat  wave  for the past  ten days, with a couple  All members  should  take  a  little  (Bull).  Sweat  and  T. Wilson.  The  branch  beach  here  lately  are  Tex  Krohn,  of  showers  to  help  cool  things  off  care  when  turning  in a  repair  list,  All  signed  on  again  except  the  also  sent  a  memorial  wreath.  A. Liedig,  A1 Kessen,  Peter  Walsh,  and only put down  what is actually  Belmont,  Jackson  and  Upshur,  for a  little while.  The  weatherman  E. B. Tilley  H.  Pitt, R.  Frye,  J. Hart,  H.  Childs  necessary.  I  just  run  into  a  list  which are  due to lay  up.  In­transit  says  we've  just  about  reached  the  Savannah  Port  Agent  and  G.  Mirabueno.  In  the  marine  peak  for  now,  but  we're  breaking  which  asked  a  complete  overhaul  were  the  Seatrain  Savannah  (Sea­ hospital,  we  have  William  Ander­ i>  t  S>  on lockers ahd fans,  while bnly one  train); Julesburg  (Mathiasen); Yaka  out  the  fans  and  oiling, them,  be­ son,  Ben  Wallace,  Peter  Smith,  A.  cause  it can get really  l];pt in fhese  or  two  needed  slight  touching  up.  (Wateijnan)  and Strathbay  (Strath­ San  Francisco:  Phelepedes  and  D.  Sorenson.  The  three  Eastern  Libei^ys  that  more).  parts.  H.  J.  Fischer  Our  branch  The  election fight  for  the  May  paid  off  here  are laying  up,  which  West  Coast  Representative  meeting  took  up  B  primaries  is raging hot and heavy  doesn't  boost  shipping  any,  but  we  t  4"  4>  a  couple  of  high­ with  all  the  Congressional  seats in  alway^  have  tankers  hitting  this  ly important  sub­ Maryland  and  one  Senatorial  seat  way  and  coming  into  all  parts  of  jects,  including  Shipping  is  in  a  slump  in  this  Wilmington:  open.  Things  are  New  England.  We're  happy  to  report  that  all  the  $20  building  port right now  with seven  in­trans­ shaping  up  for  a  the  brothers  in  the  local  marine  assessment  and  its  making  up  all  of  our  activity.  good  show,  with  the action against  The ships  in transit  included the  all  the  inter­par­ hospital  are  in  good  condition  and  coming  along fine.  foul­ups  who  are  Steel  Scientist  (Isthmian);  Bien­ ty  ballyhoo  and  James  Sheehan  making  life  on  ville,  Fairport,  Topa  Topa,  Jeff  Shipping  has  been  very  good  mud  slinging  go­ Boston  Port  Agent  the  ship  and  Davis  (Waterman),  S e a m a r  and  and  looks  pretty  good  for  the  ing  on  in  both  Musgrove  ashore,  particu­ Alamar  (Calmar).  parties.  X  X  We  spent  so  much  time  larly  in  foreign  ports,  tougher  on  According  to  avaiiabie  informa­ future.  John  "Shorty"  Galveston:  during  this  period  drumming  up  tion,  we  are  going  to  lay  up  four  everyone.  Miller,  one  of  SIU  Libertys next  week.  We have  men  for  replacements  that  the  the  original  Floor  Dlscumdon  Miller  one  Victory  on  idle  status  here  boys  would  start  running  every­ members  of  the  Several  brothers  took  the floor  now,  and  expect  another  soon,  but  time  they  saw me  on  the  street.  SIU,  thinks  the  Isthmian  and  Cit­ to discuss resolutions regarding the  they  will  go  back  into operation  as  The  weather's  been  hot,  and  for  ies'Service  organizing drives 'were  purchasing  of  new  SIU  halls  in  the shipping  was even hot­ major achievements,  and also  feels  Shipping  out  of  our  sunny  little  Baltimore,  Philadelphia  and  Gal­ soop as  MSTS  gets  some  cargo for  a while,  ter  with five  payoffs  in  one  week.  them.  real  happy  about  ABs  going  from  city has  been sort  of  slow since  we  veston,  with  the  consensus over­all  The  Irenestar, Seastar  and Purple­ We'll  also  get  some  jobs  strip­ $62.50  to $263.70,  along  with  other  last  reported.  In­transits  consti­ that  they  were  a  swell  idea.  The  star  (Triton),  plus  the  Fairisle  and  ping  these  Libertys,  so  that  will  gains  like  weekend  overtime  and  tuted  most  of  our  activity,  with  me­mbers  were  highly pleased  with  Madaket  (Waterman)  provided  the  take  care  of  some  of  the  boys  on  better  living  conditions.  nine caliing,  while we  had five pay­ the  progress  the  Union  has  made  the  beach,  since  it  takes  a  bosun  payoff  activity. All but  the Madaket  "But  definitely  two  of  the  best,"  offs  and  sign­ons.  in  the  past  13  years.  and  nine  men  about five  days  to  signed  on  again.  says  "Shorty,"  "are  the  Welfare  The  ships  that  paid  off  and  In­transits  included  the  Strath­ strip  a  Liberty.  They  incidentally  voted  to  have  and  Vacation  Plans."  "I'm  all  for  signed  on  were  the  Neva  West,  port  (Strathmore);  Seacliff  (Coral);  MCS  Election  us  scout  around  for  the  necessary  the  current  building  resolution,"  Marie  Hamil  (Bloomfield),  Sunion  Republic  (Trafalgar);  Seamar,  materials and  paint  to brighten  up  On.the  maritime  labor  scene,  he said, "and am going to  vote 'yes'  (Kea),  Compass  (Compass),  and  things  have  been  moving  along.  Massmar  (Calmar); John  B.  Water­ the  hall  here  and  put  it  in first  as soon  as  possible.  Anybody  want­ Oceanstar  (Dolphin).  The  in­trans­ MC&S  had  contracts  voided  man,  Bienville  (Waterman);  Steel  •   ing  to  know  how  I  feel  can  just  its  were  the  Southern  Counties,  class  shape.  They  also  voted  to  The  read the  resolution. The ports men­ Southern  Cities  (Southern  Trad­ approve  the  action  recommended  by  the  NLRB because of  a  petition  Scientist  (Isthmian),  and  Greece  tioned, are in (lire  need of  adequate  ing),  Royal  Oak  (Cities  Service),  in the  resolution on  gashdunds and  by  other  interested  parties  for  an  Victory  (South  Atlantic).  election  to  see  who  will  represent  There  were repairs  and  beefs on  buildings  where  the  members  can  Cape  Horn  (Mississippi),  Seatrains  performers.  the  personnel.  The  MC&S—  almost all the ships.  We had wash­ The  only other  bit  of  news from  enjoy  the  same  benefits  as  other  New  York,  Louisiana,  New  Jersey,  expelled  from  the  CIO  for  being  ing machines  installed on the  Sea­ these parts  is a sad  item, the  death  ports,  and  with  seamen's  condi­ Texas  (Seatrain),  and  Bluestar  of  brother  Theodore  C.  "Skeet"  Communist  dominated — after  a  star,  Pulplestar  tions at  an all­time high; we should  (Traders).  stop­work  meeting  agreed  to  abide  and  Irenestar,  Musgrove.  Present^at  our  last  move  ahead now."  Boost  New  Buildings  meeting, he  passed away that  same  by  the  NLRB  decision,  so  this  will  got  some  repairs  Some  of  the  other  brothers  en­ night  at  his  home  here  with  his  expedite  the  election.  This  means  done and had  the  The  members  in  this  port  have  Joying  our  sunny city include Dolor  that  the  MC&S­AFL  has  the  right  company issue  an  family.  gone  all­out  for  the  new  building  Stone,  Sam. Druary,  Richard .^ay,  A member  of the SIU since  join­ to ship  from  a  neutral  hiring  hall  extra _ ten  days'  George  Fossett,. Steve  Francowicz,  resolution,  looking  forward  to  the  ing in  the Gulf  in December,  1938,  and  to  take  part  in  the  coming  stores" to  them.  George  Nutting,  Russell  Wright,  day  when  we  wili  have  a  modem  Transportation  Ed.  MacNamarar  George  Matair,  hall, and the  facilities that  go  with  Musgrove  was  52 and sailed  in  the  election.  engine  department  as  an .fWT.  SIU members  on the  beach have  Set­Up  Bill  Brewer,  Thomas  Dyba,  Dorsey  it,  in  every  port.  The following SIU  brothers acted  been urged  to visit  the  blood  bank  They  feel  that  the  members  in  Our  meeting  Faugh  and  Ffed  Lullins.  Some  of  the burial  in Bon­ at  the  marine  hospital,  since  the  here  featured  a  WoodiU  the  brothers  from  the  Mae  were  each  port  should  have  a  decent  as pallbearers at  able to  make our meeting the  other  hall  and  the  benefits  that  are  en­ aventure  Cemetery:  Q.  S.Lee, Jack  supply  of  blood  has hit  a  new  low.  discussion on  the  night,  including  Red  Gibbs,  Fur­ joyed in  other ports.  At  our meet­ Meyer,  Marion  Wickham,  Dick  This  is  something  all  Seafarers  60­day  shipping  rule  for  permit­ ing  they  voted  a  resounding  "yes"  Simpkins, Dave  Mann,  A. B.  Peter­ should  do,  so  their  shipmates  and  men,  and  a  recommendation  that  man  Hipp and  Frank  Allen.  son,  Henry  Bacon,  Paul  B.  Po^ier,^  even  themselves  will  have  blood  the  Union  Negotiating  Committee  for  the resolution.  ,  Earl  Sheppard  Buddy  Reynolds,  Jack  Burke,  H.  available  when  they  need  it  most.  attempt  to  secure  a  transportation  Keith  Aisop  Baltimore  Port  Agent  Wallace,  I.  M.  Peacock,  James  W.  Some  of  the  brothers  on  the  system  for  the  West  Coast  similar  Galveston  Port  Agent  »  to  the  one  iirevailing  in the  East.  Boston:  One  of  the  brothers  in to  see  us  the other day  was Warren "Woody"  Woodill,  who's  been  with  the  SIU  since  early  1948.  He's  sailed  on  all  runs,  including  South  Africa  and  Europe,  but  is  one  of  that  Business  is  pretty  fair  around  Sam  Cohen.  Agent  Terminal  4­3874  PORT  COLBORNE........103  Durham  St.  SIU,  A&G  District  HEADQUARTERS  .  875  4th  Ave..  Bkiyn.  Ontario  Phone: 5591  growing  number  of  men  who's  got  these  parts  for  a  change,  though  BALTIMORE  SECRETARY­TREASURER  TORONTO.  Ontario  86  Colbome  St.  a  yen  for  the  Orient,  preferably  Gay  St.  how  long  it  will  hold  up  we  can't  Earl  Sheppard,  Agent  14|Nortb  Elgin 5719  Paul  Hail  wulberry  4540  Yokohama.  Originally  from  Bal­ ASST.  SECRETARY­TREASURERS  VICTORIA.  &  C  617V4 Cormorant St.  BOSTON  *78  State  St.  • ay.  Lloyd  Gardner  Empire 4531  timore,  "Woody"  has  been  ship­ James Sbeeban. Agent ­  Richmond 2­0140  We  paid  off  the  Jesse  Metcalf,  Robert  Matthews  Claude  Simmons  VANCOUVER.  B.  C  565  HamUton  St.  Dispatcher  Richmond 2­0141  REPRESENTATIVE  Pacific 7824  ping  from  here  for two  years.  David  S.  Terry,  Timothy  Dwight  GALVESTON  308V4  23rd  St.  HEADQUARTERS  Joe  Aigina~  SYDNEY.  N.S  3<)4  Charlotte  St.  He  always  asks  his  shipmates  Aisop.  Agent  Phone  2­8448  (Eastern);  Salem  Maritime  (Cities  Keith  Phone 6346  LAKE CHARLES.  La  1419 Ryan  St.  what  other  industry  can  give  a  SUP  BAGOTVILLE.  Quebec  SO Elgin St  Service);  Montebello  Hills  (West­ LeRoy  Clarke.  Agent  Phone  6­5744  Phone: 545  man  the  pay,  conditions,  welfare  15  Merchant  St.  1 South  Lawrence  St.  HONOLIH.U  ern  Tankers);  Ann  Marie  (Bull);  MOBILE  37  Ormont  St.  and  vacation  set­ups  that  the  SIU  Phone 5­8777  THOROLD.  Ontario  Tanner.  Agent  Phone  3­1754  Phone:  3­3202  Sea  Comet  (Zenith),  and  Tagalam  Cai  Ill  W.  Bumside  St.  NEW  ORLEANS  523  BienvUie  St.  PORTLAND....  QUEBEC  113  Cote  De  La  Montague  makes  sure  you collect.  He's  aim­ Beacon 4336  Llndsey  WliUatna,  Agent  (Sea  Trade).  Quebec  Phone:  2­7078  ing  to  see  the  headquarters  hall  RICHMOND.  CALIF..  257  5th  St.  MagnoUa 6112­8113  177  Prince  WiUlam  St  The  Montebello  Hills  and  Taga­ NEW  YORK  Phone 2599  SAINT  JOHN  878  4th  Ave..  Brooklyn  N.B.  Phone: 2­3049  one  of  these  days  because  all  the  450  Harrison  St.  STeriing 3­4871  BAN  FRANCISCO  lam  signed  on  again  for  another­ Douglas 2­8363  NORFOLK  ....127­120  Bank  St.  raves  he  heard  make  him  more  trip.  We  also  had  the  Robin  Sher­ Ben  SEATTLE  2700  1st  Ave.  Rees.  Agent  Phone 4­1083  Great Lakes District  and  more  interested.  '•   Main 0290  PHILADELPHIA  337  Market  St.  wood  (Robin)  and  Steel  Navigator  440  Avaion  Bivd.  ALPENA  133  W.  Fletcher  S.  CarduUo.  Agent  Market 7­1835  WILMINGTON....  There's  little  of  note  going  on  Terminal 4­3131  (Isthmian)  in  as  in­transits.  Phone: 1238W  SAN  FRANasCO  450  Harrison  St.  around  town.  But  we  urge  rated  NEW  YORK  575  4th  Ave..  Brooklyn  BUFFALO.  N.  Y  180 Main St.  Douglas  2­5475  It's  expected  that  the  long­run­ H.  J.  Fischer.  Agent  STeriing 8­4671  Phone:  Cleveland  7391  engine  department  mep  to  chase  JUAN.  PR......353  Ponce  da  Leon  ning ice  bdx  beef  on the Ann Marie  SAN  CLEVELAND  2602  CarroU  St.  Sal  Coils.  Agent  Canadian  District  Phone:  Main  1­0147  out  here  for  fast  shipping.  We're  will  be  eliminated  soon,  probably  SAVANNAH.........  5  Abercom  St.  DETROIT  ' 1038  3rd  St.  pretty  well  loaded  in  the  other  MONTREAL.........  463  McGiU  St.  E.  B.  TiUey,  Agent  Phone 3­1728  after  this  trip.  The. shore  gang  is  SEATTLE  Headquarters  Phone:  Woodward  1­6857  MArquette 3809  1700  1st  Ave.  531  W.  Michigan  St.  departments,  however.  tearing  out  the  entire  installation  JeS Morrison.  Agent  Seneca 4570  HALIFAX!  N.S........... 128Vi  HolUs St  DULUTH  Phone;  Helro.se  2­4110  Phone: 3­B911  Sam  Cohen  TAMPA  .1809­1811  N.  Franklin St.  which  was made  recently.  It  seems  Ray  White.  Agent  ­  3261  E  92nd  St.  Phone  2­1323  FORT  WILUAM.... 118)4  Syndicate  Ave.  SOUTH  CHICAGO.  .  Wilmington  Port  Agent  ,  Phone:  Essex  52410  Ontario  Phone:  3­3321  the  paint  they put  on  was  spoiling  WILMINGTON,  CaUt...  440  Avaion  Bivd  Baltimore:  New Halls Bandy Idea;  Olean­Up Bus Hera Too  ABoilinsHaalWave  Brings Out The Fans  Members Are Urged  To Visit Bleed Bank  'Black Gang'Rates Sure  Bet For FasI Shipping  •   J %.riu  •  >1 i  "'2  ii  :4  • "'I  • j  Members Going Alt­Oui  For Building Proposal  Need More Care Listing  Repairs Te Gnl Waste  ­3  ­ijj  SW  HALL  DIRECTOR Y  • • S  f  I  �\;a  •   SBATAltgnS  ton  IMay^Miy t. 19SS/  Z  ;  ;  ;,  ­J  ,  .4,  ^'A"­t  • • 'i.i  ^  '  "''• .  '  .  • '• • • ­ • ' .''•  ­  KJ'':  "v  ;*',  •  '/.I.*:'  'Z:'";­;  • ''/Z;: Z­­  •  ­•  •  •  '­ZH'vZ zz: Zz^.Z..­.  ,  ­V  . ' .'  '  z •  '• <  ZZ­  Z  , ZZZZ'Z  V  'f­.'.Z'^ .  ­  • ­• • :  '  • ;' Z'  ­iT/­­.'•  ­  .v. ­.V'  "'  «  ''• '  Z|':zllf 1 z:­""::ZZz:  •  •  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giant scale  at huge  subisidicfry  Gulf  Shq)bmlding Cc^­in  nearby  Chickasaw.  Conversion  of  baby flatrtops  after  war ^for  SlU­manned  Eobm Line and tm. dmg rf  ts ovm ships were dorte here,  ^  1  .  4  _./.iji4aZZ:4Zr.44i55;4  A  major  force  during  World  War  II,  the  Waterman  Steamship  Company's  ships­—with  their  SlU  crews^—nowfigure  prominently  in  the  free  world's  plans  for  defense^  As  they'  carry  cargo  to  the  major  markets  of  the  world,  they  and  the  Seafarers  that  man  them  stand  ready  to  answer any call—and serve with the same  distinction  they  did  the  last  time.  During  the  last  war,  Waterman—with  its  Seafarer­manned  ships—carried  more  tonnage  and  cargo  than  any  other  op­ erator.  It operated Its  own  fleet  plus  as  many  c^s  125  ships  for  the  government  at  one  time—a  distinguished  war .record  in  an American merchant  marine  that  trans­ ported  80  percent  of  the  troops  and  al­ most all the  provisions sent  overseas.  But  the  impressive  Waterman  fleet­ bearing  the  familiar  "Flying  W"—wasn't  always so  prominent.  It was  in  1919,  just  after  Wor d  War  f,  that  the US  Shipping  Board allotted the Eastern Sun to a newly­ formed Mobile company known as Water­ man for  the Liverpool  trade.  Now,  the  company and  its  subsidiaries  operate 43 ships  from headquarters in  the  Waterman  Building in Mobile, and  main­ tain  branches in 25  US cities.  In  its Mo­ bile base  it operates gigantic repair,  dry­ docking,  shipbuilding  and  conversion  fa­ cilities.  There  is  a  huge  Waterman­built  and  operated citrus  fruit  terminal in  Tampa—  used  chiefly  by  the  Pan­Atlantic  Steam­ ship  Company,  a  Waterman  coastwise  subsidiary.  There  are  Waterman­owned  docks in Son Juan, Puerto Rico, purchased  from  the  government  and doubled  in ca­ pacity.  Scattered  throughout  the  US,  wherever  Flying  W  ships  touch,  are  branches  of  Ryan  Stevedoring,  a  Water­ man subsidiary.  The  Waterman tradition is  still  carried  on  by  the  son  of  founder John  B. Water­ man.  The  current  president  is  Captain  Normait Nicholson,  skipper  of  one  of  the  company's  first  ships.  ^ ¥3 Z  •  ­  :  Z 'Z;'  Z  aZ;:  �;  WtUMg,Mar%Wm  '  '  '  FCK* Elevnt  Pioneers in Safety  And Ship Ciassing:  Piimsoii And Lioyd  Like the landsman,  with his good­natured quip to an inex­ perienced factory helper: "get a left­handed monkey wrench,"  the  oldtimer  at  sea  will  often  hound  a  first­tripper  with  a  request  for  "a  Plimsoll  line  dustry  could  imdertake  personal  from  the gear  locker."  Since  this  line  is  neither  made  Inspection  of  the  ships  themselves  of  hemp  or  marlin  nor  easily  or  via  agents.  But  the  growth  of  accessible  .without  stripping  the  vessels and  trade made  it virtually  vessel  of  one  or  more  plates,  the  impossible  to. know  If  a  particular  novice  will  be  hard  put for a  time  ship  was  a  gamble,  either  to  the  to locate  one.  Actually, the  elusive  shipper  or  the  underwriter.  line  really  exists,  but  it  is  far  out  With the  appearance  of  the  lists  of  the  reach  of  practical  jokers  as  in  Lloyd's,  a  new  industry  arose.  well us  the  seaman who  is the butt  Groups  of  specialists  in  different  for  the  jest.  ports  became  the  authorities  on  This  is  due  to  fact  that  when  the seaworthiness  of  ships  and  the  Samuel  Plimsoll,  sitting  for  the  ability  of  their  masters,  informa­ town'  of  Derby  in  the  English  tion  which  the  remainder  of  the  Typical  situation  In  the  work  of  a  classification  society  occurs  when  vessels are  damaged  and  repairs  Parliament  (1868­80),  pressed  for  industry sought to  conduct its busi­ must  be  supervised  to  keep  them  in  "class."  Here, an  ABS surveyor  makes a  last­minute check  with  ness.  One  of  the first  known  ship  legislation  benefitting  the  welfare  the captain  of  the SlU­manned  Alaska Cedar  after  hull  damages from  an  Alaskan  storm  were  repaired.  of  seamen,  he  had  a  very  serious  lists  printed  in  book  form  was  purpose in mind for the  ship mark­ dated  1764, 1765,  1766 and  contain­ for  construction  or  survey.  The  International  Register  of  Shipping  the certainty that  ships on the high  ings  which  have  come  to  hear  his  ed  a  multitude  of  data­for  many  accuracy of  the ratings  was entire­ in  Paris,  serving  a  like  function  seas  have  adequate  structural  vessels  of  the  period,  along'with  ly  In  the  hands  of  the  individual  name.  strength,  are  propelled  by  reliabla  in  France.  a classification  rating of  each ship.  surveyors.  The  Plimsoll  legislation  was  an  machiney and  maintained in  a  sea­ During  this  period,  the  growth  outgrowth  of  popular  indignation  This  consisted  of  a  two­letter  worthy. condition  throughout  their  By  1802,  nearly  20,000  vessels  of  a  merchant  marine  and  foreign  in  Britain  against  the  practice  in  symbol,  the first  letter  indicating  were  almost  equally  split  between  trade  in  the  US  likewise  saw  the  lifetime.  the  shipping  industry—under  the  an  inspector's,  or  as  they  had  be­ two rival books, the  Lloyd's "Green  rise  of  small  organizations  linked  ^  Load­Lines  Important  striess  of  competition  and  in  many  come  known,  surveyor's,  rating  of  Book,"  and  the  competing  Ship­ to  marine  insurers,  undertaking  Load­line  considerations,  roused  cases  due  to  an  operator's  desire  the  huli  and  the  second  a  rating  owner's  Register  or  "Red  Book."  risks  based  on  ship  information  hy  the  agitation  for  reform  in  to  grasp,  greater  profits  —  where  of  the  ship's  equipment,  plus  the  Subscribers  provided"  the  only  they  themselves  gathered.  With  Britain by Samuel Plimsoll  in 1875,  ships  were  overloaded,  sent  out  to  date  of  4:he  latest  survey.  Down  source  of  ipcome,  since  no  charge  almost  two­thirds  of  our  forefgn  are  an  integral  part  of  the  work  sea and  later perished during  gales  to  the  present,  this use  of  symbols  was  made  on  a  shipowner  for  trade  carried  in  American  ships,  of  a  classification  society,  like  the  or  hurricanes  with  considerable  has  persisted  in  various  forms.  the  competence  of  ships'  officers  American  Bureau  of  Shipping.  Ex­ surveying  and  listing  his  ship.  The  rise'of  a  formal  association  loss  of  life.  It  culminated  in  the  perience  has  shown  that  a  ship  is  But  as  one­sided  operations  run  became  a  prime  consideration  in  unsafe—though built  in accordance  British  Merchant  Shipping  Act  of  in  1760  from  the  irregular  gather­ obtaining  these  positions  of  heavy  1875,  which  prescribed  that  all  ings in  a  London  coffeehouse filled  almost  exclusively  for  the  benefit  responsibility  and  gave  rise  to  the  with  requirements  for  hull  struc­ foreign  vessels  must  have  a  load­ a wide  gap in the industry, and  was­ of  the  underwriters,  with  competi­ American Shipmasters'  Association  ture—unless  she  hjas  an  adequate  a  necessary  adjunct  to  it.  Though  tion  for  freight  and  insurance  in  1862.  line  marked  off  on each  side.  , amount  of  freeboard,  as  indicated  contracts  inevitable,  both  were  by  a  load­line.  This,  in  turn,  was  one  of  the  the  coffeehouse  was  gone,  the  found  prone  to favoritism.  This  body  issued  certificates  to  first pieces of  regulatory legislation  owner's  name  was  retained  and  This  is  the  line  drawn  along  the  In  1824  dissatisfaction  reached  masters  and  mates  after  appro­ sides of  a  vessel  showing  the  limit  in  the  two­century­old  history  of  perpetuated  in  what  came  to  be  priate  examinations  of  their nauti­ a unique  profession which had been  known  internationally  as  Lloyd's  a  peak,  with steps  urged  to review  cal skill and seamanship, a function  below  which  she  may  not  be  im­ buffeted  about  since  its  beginning  of  London.  The.Register  of  Ship­ the  entire  classification  set­up,  which  the  government  had  under­ mersed  by  loading,  although  this  in  a  London  coffee­house  in  1688.  ping  appeared  regularly  with  the  especially  the  long­held  view  that  taken  off  and  on  two  decades  is  by  no  means  a  guarantee  of  latest  reports  on  the  conditions  of  ratingshould  be  determined  by  safety  since  proper  loading  itself  Lloyd's  Beginning  the  ships  and  their  ratings  in  pe­ age. and  place  of  build rather  than  earlier.  Within  a  few  years,  the  assumes great  importance.  The  US  ASA also began a system of  survey­ James  II  was  on  the  throne  of  riodic  surveys.  giving  uniform  consideration  to  ing,  rating  and  registering  vessels,  followed  the  British  lead  in  this  It. was  principally  subscribed  to  the  overall  qualities of  each  vessel  as  well  as  publishing  information  regard  as  long  ago  as  1891  though  Britain  that  year  when  an  enter­ prising  innkeeper  named  Edward  by  underwriters,  and  its use  jeal­ and its  state of  repair.  In addition,  regarding  the  ratings  and  surveys,  a really workable  law didn't  appear  a  paradox  arose,  for  rating  solely  Lloyd  advertised  informal  gather­ ously  restricted  from  outsiders  or  which  continues  down  to  the  until  1929.  non­subscribers,  to  the  extent  that  by  age  caused  overbuilding,  since  ings at  which  business  information  fines  were  ievied  for  giving  out  once  a  ship  reached  a  certain  age  present,  though  reorganized as  the  The  new  measure  was  prompted  during  the first  world  war  and  of  various  kinds  would  be  dis­ information,  and  new  issues  could  it  was  out  of  "class,"  no  matter  American  Bureau  of  Shipping  in  afterwards  by  increased  foreign  1916.  cussed,  with  ship news  a  specialty.  only  be  obtained  by  turning  in  the  how  well  it  had  been  kept  up.  trade  tonnage  and  the need  to con­ In  these  same  years,  classifica­ form  This,  in  turn,  discouraged  repairs  with  load­line  legislation  He  drew  a  large  following  of  cus­ old  ones.  and  produced  unseaworthiness  of  tion  societies  also  emerged  in  eisewhere,  where  failure  to  have  Rivals  Opened  Shop  tomers  eager  to  learn  about  the  Italy,  Norway  and  Germany.  A  At  various  tim.es,  rival  organiza­ itself.  locations  of  vessels,  their  cargoes,  few months before  the organization  them  involved  costly  delay  in  Impartial  Registry  expected dates  of  arrival, the  name  tions  developed  because  of  appar­ of  the  ASA  was  formalized,  the  foreign  ports.  An  international  conference,  convened  in  1930­in  Out  of  the  rival  classification  ent  inequities  in  rating  vessels  of  the master, the rig, tonnage, date  Registro  Italiano  Navale  enter­ and  place  of  build,  armament  car­ from  one  port  over  another.  How­ societies and campaigns for reform  ed  the field  in  Genoa,  followed  London,  established  agreement  on  ried  and  other  pertinent  da^a  of  ever,  all  prescribed  ratings  with  emerged a revitalized  Lloyd's oper­ by  the  Det  Norske  Veritas  (1864)  uniform  rules.'  Constant  Checks  Made  essential importance  to prospective  symbols  based  on  a  theoretical  ating  on  impartial  principles, own­ in  Oslo'  and  the  Germanischer  shippers,  marine  underwriters  an"d  term  of  years  from  the  date  of  ed  by  no  one  group  but  dedicated  Lloyd's  (1867)  in  Berlin.  The  Ger­ Operations  of  the  classification  construction  during  which  it  was  to  all.  This  step  in  1840  was  man group  had no  connection  with  society  involve  constant  checks  on  owners.  The  eagerness  with  which  cus­ considered  that  a  ship  of  a  given  antedated by  a development  on the  Lloyd's of  London,  but  had  merely  the  condition  of  the  ships  in  the  tomers  swarmed to  Ltoyd's  evi­ material  and  build  would  be  sea­ continent,  and  the  appearance  12  appropriated  the  name  for  its  own  design  stage,  during  construction  denced  a  growing  concern  within  worthy.  No  standards  were  set  up  years earlier of  the Bureau  Veritas  use.  Japan  and  Russia  also  have  and  while  in  service,  with  special  their  own  societies,  the  Soviet  attention  to  damages  wherever  the industry  for first­hand, accurate  they  occur.  The  American  Bureau  group  forming  as  late  as  1932.  information  with  which  to  conduct  and  Lloyd's of  London are  the only  its  affairs.  Storms,  pirates  and  Societies  Similar  self­supporting  institutions  with  actual  warfare  were  a  constant  They  all  had  a  similar  function,  stock  nor  dividends,  and  peril,  and  hews  of  events  sketchy  though  eventually  mercantile  rep­ neither  offer  no  direct financial  benefit  to  and  slow  in  coming.  resentatives  in  the  various  groups  The  uncertainties  of  the  times  were  replaced  by  shipbuilders,  their  members.  Today  the  American  Bureau  found  underwriters  loath  to insure  naval architects,  and designers  and  maintains  surveyors  in  ports  of  a  vessel  without clear­cut  informa­ builders  of  marine  equipment,  as  more  than  70  countries throughout  tion  on  the'  seaworthiness  of  both  science  and  technology  succeeded  the  world.  It  has  registered  over  the  ships  and  their  masters,  while  rule  of  thumb  methods  and  insti­ 8,300  vessels  grossing  more  than  expanded  trade  to  the  New  World  tuted structural and  power changes  36,000,000  tons,  representing about  dictated  the  need for  some  agency  in the  ships.  three­fifths of American­flag vessels  to  gather  and  report  news  of  ship  The  primary  purpose  of  the  of  all  sizes,  and  virtually  100  per­ movements.  Taking  the  cue.  Ed­ modern  classification  society  is  to  cent of  the  privately­owned Ameri­ ward  Lloyd  capitalized  on  his  establish  standards  to  which  can­flag merchant fleet  of sea­going  association  with  various  shippers,  "classed" vessels must  be built  and  ships  over  2,000  gross  tons.  Tlie  owners  and  insurers  by  setting  up  by  which the  vessels may  be main­ remainder  in  the  8.300­figure  are  his coffeehouse  as a  clearing­house  tained  in  seaworthy  condition.  foreign­owned  or  registered  or  for  all  interested  parties.  These  rules  for  construction  and  both.  WNA  maintenance  are  enforced  by  the  Its  stWed  A­1  symbol  or  reg­ First  Ship  Data  surv^ors,  and  are  universally  istry  mark,  like  the  A#1  used  In  time,  hand­written  lists  con­ regarded  as  standard.  ^  taining  pertinent  bits of  ship  news  similarly  by  Lloyd's,  indicating  the  Load­line  marking  (starboard)  indicating  the  maximum  draft  per­ appeared,  the first  formal  collation  They  represent  an  effort  by  the  top  classification  for  hulls,  down  missible  under. various  conditions  appears  amidships  below  deck  industry  to  police  itself  via  an  through  the  years  has  come  to  be  of  shipping  data.  Years  back,  line  (line  above  A]| disc).  The  initials  TF,  F,  T,  S.  W,  WNA  re­ when  voyages  were  shorter  and  impartial  agency  on  matters  in  used colloquially  in a general  sense  spectively  signify  tropical  fresh  water,  fresh  water,  tropical,  Individual  familiarity  with  ships  which  all  havevital  interests.  to imply  anything that  is first clasi  summer,  winter  and  winter  north  Atlantic  load­lines.  .  The' AB  tvas. greater^  members  of  the  in­ Their  interests  are  best  served  by  or first  rate.  shows  the  ship  is  in  ''cla»" ^ith  the  American  Boreau,  a  '.'t  •  : • ^'1  i  >1  "51  ;'3l  11  ^^1  �Page Twelve  \  SEAFARERS  LOG  Frtday^ May  19St  IN  THE  WAKE  i  ?>• • • ­.  :  i;­"'  •   :  ­y.  |v.  Cavalry  with  an  assist  from  is  believed  to  be  a  survival  of  the  FRED  ADERHOLD, bosun  mother  nature  captured  a  naval  ancient  custom  of  dedicating  each  There  were  quite  a  few  Seafar­ to  Murmansk,  but  was  fortunate  fleet  during the  French  revolution­ vessel  to  the  protection  of  a  god.  Ancient ships  often  were decorated  ers  in  the  Galveston  SIU  branch  enough  to  escape  the  torpedoes  ary  war.  French  troops  Invaded  the  Low  Countries  in  the  winter  with  the  images  of  the  deities  to  Question:  Why  do  you  ship  out  hall  one  afternoon  a  few  weeks  that spelled  doom  to so  many mer­ chant  vessels on  that  wartime  sea­ of  1794­95 when  traveling was  easy  which  they  were  consecrated  and  of  Galveston?  ago,  waiting  for  the  Cape  Greig  lane.  '  because  of  the  thick  Ice  formed  the  wine  probably  represents  the  (Photos  taken  In  Galveston  to  crew  up  for  the  Far  East  shut­ Son  Sailed  Too  over  the  rivers  and  bays.  Frozen  liquid  offering  poured  in  connec­ branch  hall.)  tle run.  Among  the men  the LOG  in  the  ice  at  the  time,  the  Dutch  tion with  sacrifices.  This liquid  of­ The  veteran  Seafarer  got  mar­ fleet  was  an  easy  mark  for  horse­ fering  symbolized  the­ blood  of  a  B.  j. Robbins,  FWT:  I'm  a  true  reporter  found  there  looking  for­ ried  in  1919  when  he first  started  mounted  hussars  who  rode  out  on  human  or  animal  offering.  Texan!  But  also  because  I sail  a  ward  to  the  anticipated  one  year  shipping  out.  Although  a  native  the  ice  and  captured  the  country's  4  4  4  lot  on  toiyboats  voyage  was  a  veteran  bosun,  Sea­ of  Tampa, he  hasn't  been  there for  entire naval  force.  The  measurement  of  ship  ton­ in  MAW  here  in  about  ten  years  and  now  makes  farer  Fred  Aderhold.  4"  4>  nage  is  derived  from  the  tun,  the  Galveston  and  his  in  Galveston  and  has  Aderhold  has  been  working  on  been home  The cult of  the fish was regarded  name of  a  iarge cask in which wine,  like  that  type  of  shipping  out  of  the  Texas  ships  more  or  less  steadily  since  port  for  six  years  now.  His  one  as  sacred  among  the  Phoenicians  ale and  other liquids were formerly  job.  My  home  is  and  Assyrians,  in  Egypt,  and  in  transported.  A  tun  contained  42  in  Lockhart,  1915 when  he  joined  the US  Navy.  son  followed  in  his  father's  foot­ certain  Indian  legends  it  repre­ cubic  feet  of  space,  held  252  gal­ Texas,  s o  it's  After a four­year hitch  in the serv­ steps for a  while.  He shipped long  sents  Brahma.  Part  of  the  reason  lons  of  wine  and  weighed  about  handy  and  con­ ice,  he  decided  that  going  to  sea  enough  to  get  his  AB  ticket,  but  for  this  reverence  was  the  oelief  2,240  pounds.  In  Henry  V's  reign  venient  for  me.  was  right  down  his  alley.  Soon  has  since  given  up  the  sea  and  is  that fish  are  symbols  and  purvey­ (1413­1422),  when  taxes were levied  I  used  to  ship  after  his  discharge  in  1919  he  ob­ now  in  the  exterminating  busi­ ors  of  knowledge  because  they  are  on  ships,  a  tun  was  taken  as  the  out  of  New^Or­ *  tained  an  AB  ticket  and  shipped  ness.  able  to  explore  the farthest  depths  unit  of  measurement  to  determine  leans,  but  prefer  staying in  Texas,  out  on  the  Begosa,  an  old  wooden  While  he  himself  has  no  inten­ how  much a  ship could  carry. Thus  and shipping  here.  • f the  sea.  sailing  vessel.  tions  of  stopping sailing, Aderhold  tunnage  (later  tonnage)  came  to  4  4  4  4  4  4*  can  understand  the  attraction  of  First  Voyage  mean  the  number  of  tuns  or  casks  Charles  Batsdn,  FWT:  I  guess  I  On  his  historic  voyage  around  of  settling down.  "If. I were  a  young  wine  a  merchant  ship  could  the  world  in  1520  Ferdinand  Ma­ carry.  "The  British  still  retain  the  just like  the port,  and  the way  the  The first  voyagd  was  hardly  a  married  man,"  he  said,  "I'd  want  patrolmen  and  howling  success.  While  the  Be­ to stay  home  with  my  wife." Actu­ gellan  explored the  region of South  long ton  unit  of  2,240  pounds.  agent  run  things,  gosa  made it  to  Antwerp,  her  port  ally,  he  estimated  that  he  bought  America  now  known  as  Pata­ although  I'm  of  destination,  she  became  water­ about  4  4.4  ten  chicken  farms  during  gonia in search  Shellfish  are  believed  to  be  the  waiting  for  the  logged  and  couldn't  make  the  trip  of  a southwest­ original  source  of  purple  dye,  dis­ , day  we  'get  a  back.  As  a  result  the crew  had  to  his  life  and  tried  to  settle  down,  but  none of  these attempts  worked  better  hall.  My  be  sent  back  on  a  cattle  boat.  out satisfactorily.  ern  passage  to  covered  by  the  Phoenicians, an  an­ cient  nation  of  sailors  who  lived  home  is  in  Ala­ the  East  In­ Nevertheless,  Aderhold  has  con­ Back  to  Sea  Again  '  bama.  I  sailed  tinued  to sail  steadily for  the  past  dies.  Some  of  along the  eastern coast  of  the Med­ out  of  Mobile  in  32 years interrupted  by short spells  At  the  end  of  each  one  of  these  the  Spaniards  iterranean.  The  dye  was  secured  '47  and  '48,  but  I  of  shoreside  work  in  shipyards.  unsuccessful  experiments,  Ader­ notyied  very  in  minute  amounts  from  mollusks  prefer  the  runs  As  an  oldtimer  in  the  business  hold  found  himself  heading  back  large  foot­ known  to  the  Romans  as  purpura,  print s on the  beach from  natives  apparently  accounting  for  the  de­ out  of_^here,  and  can  usually  pick  Aderhold  carried  a  card  in  the old  to his first  vocation,  the sea.  Now  with  exceptionally  big  feet  who  rivation  of  purple.  Since  the  ac­ my berth.  International  Seamen's' Union  and  he  says,  he's  definitely  made  up  4  4  4  came down to meet them. From this,  cumulation  of  the  dye  was  costly  subsequently  came  into  the  SIU.  his  mind  on  the  subject  and  will  they  named  the  region  Patagonia,  and  cumbersome  it  was  highly  B.  W.  Biggs,  AB:  I've  been  sail­ He  was  in  the  thick  of  some  SIU  stick  to seafaring,  come  what  may,  from  the  Spanish  patagon,  "clum­ prized  by  nobles  and  princes  and  ing  out  of  here  since  1930.  I've  organizational  battles  in  the  early  in  the  future.  The  way  he  put  it  became  the  symbol  of  rank,  even  sailed  out  of  al­ sy  big  foot."  years  while  riding  the  Florida  on  had  an  air  of finality.  'Tm  going  down  to  present  times.  m 0 s t  all  the  4  4  4  to  keep on  sailing,"  he  said, "until  the  Miami­Havana  run.  ports,  but  I  gen­ 4  '4  4  The  term  regatta  used  to  de­ Aderhold  participated  in  the sit­ the  end  comes."  Generally  credited  to  seamen,  erally  end  up  scribe  a  boat  race  is  said  to  come  down  strike  aboard  that  ship  in  Aderhold  sums  up  his  prefer­ the  great  horn  spoon"  is  an  back  here.  I  from  the  Venetians  and  was  the  "by  1938  and  also  the  P&O  strike  of  ence  for  the  sea  under  several  apparently  meaningless  oath  hav­ it's  kind  name  given  in  the  Middle  Ages  to  ing  no" more  connection  with  the  guess  a yea/ later, one of  the early water­ headings.  "First  of  all,"  he  said,  of  my  old  stamp­ annual  boat  races  hreld  on  the  front  victories scored  by  the fledg­ "I think  it's a  darn  nice  life. Then  and  ships  than  their  use  ill  the  ing  grounds.  I've  Grand  Canal  in  Venice  between  sea  ling  Union  on  the  Atlantic  Coast.  you  make  more  money  than  you  galley  of  vessels  in  Colonial  days  been  here  in  the  gondoliers.  It  is  possible  that  it  for ladling  out  soups,  porridge and  depression  and  He  was also  aboard  the ship  when  could  make anywhere  else, and  it's  stems  from  the  Latin  regus  for  similar food, as spoons made  of  the  the  good  days  the  SIU  successfully  rivaled  the  a  much  healthier  kind  of  job  than  "king" and  that  it  at first  referred  horns of  catte and  sheep were com­ and  I guess  I  just like  it here,  and  NMU  in  an  NLRB  election  to  de­ most.  to  an  entertainment  given  before  mon at the time.  One theory about  will  stick  around.  termine  union  representation.  "Of  course,"  he  added,  "condi­ the  doge  or  "little­ king" ...The  them  lacking substantiation  is  that  tions  have  improved  better  than  4  4  4  Only  Passenger  Ship  economic  production  of  drinking  seamen  at one  time referred  to the  Blanton  Petty,  100  percent  since  the  SIU  came  FWT:  I  wouldn't  water  from  sea  water  is ­very  old,  as the Big Dip­ sail  out  of  anywhere  else.  I like  Despite  all  his  years  at  sea  the  into being.  I remember that many  dating  back  at  least to  the  time  of  constellation known  per  (Ursa  Major,  "Great  Bear")  as  the  people,  the  Florida  is  the  only  full  passenger  a  time I got  up early  in  the  morn­ Aristotle  (350  BC).  the ^  great  horn  spoon,  since  it  officials,  the  cli­ ship that  Aderhold has  ever sailed.  ing  and  made  the  rounds  of  the  4  4  4  would be  natural for them  to swear  mate  and  every­ Ordinarily  he's  not  choosy  about  docks, asking  every  mate and skip­ Christening a  new ship by  break­ by  the  constellation  they  used  to  thing  about  the  his  runs,  for  as  he  put  it, "I  take  per I  ran  across  if  there  were  any  ing  a  bottle  of  wine  over  its  bow  locate  the  North  Star.  place.  I've  sailed  what  comes  and  sail  everything."  berths.  Things  are  certainly  quite  out  of  all  SIU  During  the  war  he  made  the >  run  different' now."  ports,  but  will  come  back  here  from  now  oh.  Living  is  high  all  over,  but  it's  ACROSS  DOWN  11. Fixes  34. Miss  La  ­—  17. Light  spar  not  too  expensive  here,  and  the  A  Japanese  announcement  of  a  lars in  bonus money,  in  addition  to  actress  1. Waterman  ship  1. Yelps  19. Before  35. Spoil  climate is  good,  2 .  Joss,  base­ 22. The  Turmoil  e. "Vacation  daylight  bombing  raid  on  Tokyo  what  thiey  received  at  the  payofl^  .37.  Aspects  baU  great  with  "  is  one  38.  Virginia  cape  4  4  4  had  the  entire  world  speculating  was waiting  for them  at the Water­ 3. Murmansk  8. Strong  brews  23. Fish  for  oysters  40. Mouth  of  the  H. Allan,  oiler:  I live  in  Galves­ man  SS Co.  offices.  peninsula  24. Price  Amazon  12. Image  ton  and  have  been  sailing  out  of  on  where  the  planes—reported  to  4. Where  Mobile  is  25. Shipowner  41. Thought  13. Laker  cargo  42. "Rock  of  "  5. City  in  Poland  26. Cask  4  4  4  be US  bombers—were based. Three  here  for  six  14. Dry  28. Rage  6. God  of  war  43. "Monster" lake  29. Reef  years.  I was  born  A  key struggle for the  control of  44. Soaked  15. City  in  W.  7. Yes  weeks  later  the  US  announced  the  31. The  linden  45. "  boy!"  Poland  8. PaUid  here  and  will  history­making flight  of  Gen.  the  Bay  of  Bengal  got  under  way.  32. Peddle  more  of  46.  Fairy  queen  16. Service  provided  9. Islands  in  W.  continue  to  sail  Indies  Jimmy. Doolittle's  B­25s  from  the  Japs sank, two  British  cruisers  and  by  SIU  10. Gallic  (Puzzle  Answers  on  Page 27)  from here.  I tried  flight  deck  of  the  aircraft  carrier  a 10,000­ton  carrier, but  British  re­ 18. Sea­going  New  York  a  cou­ mecliaiilcs  Hornet ... An  SlU­SUP­led fight  tained  control of  Half  the  bay. Full  2  3  20. Port  in Delaware  ple  of  times  and  i  was  won  when  a  "statement  of  control  of  the  bay  by  the  Japs  21. Governor  of  •   will  go  up  there  policy", was  signed  in  Washington  would  lay  coast  of  India  open  to  12  Kansas  soon  to  see  the  binding  the  WSA  to  recognize  col­ invasion  ... US  Supreme  Court  22. Food  Ash  new  hall,  but  for  IS  lective  bargaining  and  maritime  ruled  that  a  sitdown  strike  aboard  23. Airfield  steady  shipping  26. Old  boa/  labor  contracts for  the  duration  of  ship,  even  when  in  port;  was  mu­ 18  will  sail  from  here  for  some  time  the  war.  27. Part  of  a  ship  tiny  ... Pro  sports  gaining  in  SO. Easter  Island  to come.  popularity  because  of  the .war,  ac­ 4  4  4  31. Four­sided  sail  cording  to  a  Gallup  Poll  . . . The  4  4  '4  .  32. Oder,  in  Polish  Delosantos Raul,  oiler: My  home  Bataan fell to the  Japs, and 3,500  SIU  urged  government  to  con­ 23  24  25  33. Chowed  is here.  I was  born  here and  have  Americans  were  evacuated  to  Cpr­ sider  equipping  merchant  sailors  34. Bill's  friend  my  family  here.  regidor,  where  Jap  planes  were  with  rubber,  waterproof  lifesaving  30  35. Thinker  I've  sailed  now  averaging  12  bombing  raids  a  day  suits  to  keep  down  the  merchant­ 36. Man  from  33  and  then  from  .  .  The  Allies  prepared  for  a  men  casualties.  Hamburg  Baltimore  and  spring  offensive  in  Libya  by  Field  38. Cap  36  4  4  4  39. Breeze  •   New  Orleans, but  Marshal  Rommell ... Laval  badk  40. A  hot  guU  always  come  in  power  as  a  virtual  French  Pre­ Navy's  first  aircraft  carrier,  the  44. It  owns  the  back  here.  Ships  mier  .  .  .  The House  Naval Affairs  Langley,  sunk  in  waters  south  of  Golden  City  are  plentiful  and  Committee  voted  against  a  bill  to  Java  . . .  OPA  put­  price  ceil­ 47. Border  48. School  in  tbe  selection  is  outlaw  union  contracts  containing  ings  on  sale  of  household  ap­ grsgiami  ­  .  good.  Since  1943,  overtime  pay  or  union  security  pliances . . . Fifth  person  indicted  49. Arrive:  Abbr.  50. Tea  dregs  when  •   I  joined  clauses  . . . The  SIU  notified  the  oh  sedition  charges,  William  Dud­ • L  Sailers  the^fSHJ,  this  has  been  my  home  former  crews  of  the  Jean  L'ifltte  ley  Pelley  ­was  ^cked  up  by  22. Biscay iM  one  ta.Citi­.fi  •  a .  i  ­n  i f­snd  Warrior tha^j^iiuwj«uda pf  dol7Bag0^ i.rM. c  jD^paztoieflt  0.  �Friday, May  «, 1»S1  SEAFARERS  LOG  Paffc  Thirien­ SEAFARERS ^ LOG  May  2, 19S2  ^Wherever You  Co ..  ­.a  Vol.  XIV  No.  9  Published  biweekly  by  the  Seafarers  International  Union,  Atlantic  &  Gulf  District,  AFL,  675  Fourth  Avenue,  Brooklyn  32,  N.  Y.  T(ri.  STerling  8­4671.  PAUL  HALL,  Secretary­Treasurer  Editor.  HERBKRT  BRAND;  Managing  Editor,  RAT  DXNISON;  Art  Editor,  BERNARD  SEAMAN:  Photo  Editor,  DAHDCL  NILVA;  Staff  Writers.  HERMAN  ARTHim.  IRWIN  SPIVACX.  ART  PERTALL.  '  ilM  Time For A Halt  Some  particularly  flagrant instances  of  fouling up in South  ELurrUtane Crew  and  East  African ports have taken place in recent months.  As  Solid Union Gang  is usually  the  case, such  action  by  an irresponsible  handful  To  the  Editor:  (most  of  them  having  no  association  with  this  particular  The  Hurricane  hit  port  again  in  Union) has reflected  unfavorably on the reputation of  Amer­ the  States,  and  looking  back  on  a  few  months  on  board  her  during  ican  sbamen and  on the  SIU.  •  the  run  to and  from  Germany  we  It' has been a long  and  hard struggle  for  the Union  to win  find  this  ship  100  percent,  a. good  a  measure  of  respect  and  community  standing  for  the  SIU  example of  real SIU Union  solidar­ and  the working seamen  affiliated  with  it.  While it  has al­ ity  in  action.  ways  been  a  Union  policy  that  the  Seafarer's  activities  The  crew has  been  trying  to  get  ashore are his own business, we have to depart from it in this  a  recreation  room  on  here  for  two  years.  Finally  we  got  fed  up  with  instance to protect the good  name of  the Union and its mem­ the  company  run­around  on  that  bership.  subject  the  last  time  in  New  Enforcement  of  the new  resolution  in the last  analysis de­ York.  The  boys  pends  on  the  crews  themselves.  The Union  doesn't  deny  to  decided to  get  any  Seafarer  the  privilege  of  relaxation  and  entertainment  something  done  after many days aboard  ship.  But  if  the crewmembers see a  on the  subject, so  shipmate obviously  making a  terrific nuisance  out of  himself  with  a  "stand  and causing hostility towards American seamen then it's their  pat"  action  on  duty to press charges against the errant individuals.  the  part  of  the  ­• ill  M  As I See It  chew  and  Paul  Gonsorchik's  able  able  handling  from  the  headquarters  end  of  tlie  by  PAUL  HALL  If Anyone had any doubts about  the intent  of  the Maritime  deal,  we  got  it.  Except  for  a  few  additions,  it  is  well  on  its  Trades  Department  to  take  effective  action  on  waterfront  minor  way  to  being a  rooni  worthy  of  the  1^ ARLIER  THIS  YEAR,  YOUR i  sight  of  the  legitimate  beefs  of  problems, those doubts  must  be  dispelled  by  now.  The  tone  time  spent  by  us  in  obtaining  it.  Mlf  Union  was  called  down  to  the  steel  workers  themselves.  and content of  the meeting at which the Brooklyn Port Coun­ It's just  another sample  of  a  heads­ Washington  by  the  Maritime  Ad­ These  fellows,  as  well  as  the  men  ministration  to  confer  with  them  in  the  oil  fields  and  refineries  cil  was established  make it clear  that  the MTD  means busi­ up  crew  getting  its due.  Customs  Strict  on  how  best  to  meet  the  mapning I  who  hit  the  bricks  just  the  other  ness.  Those  who  would  disrupt  the  waterfront  and  fish  in  troubled  waters  have received  fair  warning  that  their  tres­ The  customs  in  Germany  seem  needs  of  government­ownecl  ships.; day,  have •  iong  been  waiting  for  to  be  getting  stricter  every  trip.  At  that  tiipe  the  Administration  j  the  empioyers  to  give  them  the  passes  will  be  tolerated  no  longer.  Last  time  this  ship  was  there,  we  expressed  considerable  concern  j  simple  economic  justice  they  d^  It is encouraging too, to note that  the Brooklyn Port Coun­ heard  they  caught a  seamen  trying  over  the  fact  that  foreign  aid  car­  serve.  .  ,  •   ,  ,  cil did  not  confine itself  simply  to attacking  trouble­makers,  to  smuggle  in  $1,300  in  American  goes  had  been  held  up  because  maritime  unions had  run i  „  important as that might be.  "The Council also approved a posi­ money.  However,  they  Were  very  some  ers.  no  less  than  Seafarers  or  tive program for improving conditions on  the Brooklyn docks  considerate  and  gave  it  back  to  short  of  skilied  seamen.  :  workers  in  any  other  industry,  are  after  deducting  $1,000  as  a  and  removing  the  causes  of  unrest  that  have  led  to wildcat  him  Your  Union  representatives  ,entitled  to  decent  wage  increases,  fine  for  his  pains.  The  customs  went  down  to  Washington  and  told I  Unlike  Seafarers,  they  did  not  re­ stoppages on several previous occasions.  over  there  have  you  down  to  your  those  present  at  the  meeting  in  no  ceive  a  singie  penny  in  raises  in  The stake  of  the Seafarer  in  all this should  be obvious.  It  shorts  now  when  you  go  out  of  uncertain  terms,  that  the  SIU  had  (jie  year  1951.  is in  the interest of  every  man  who  sails  out  of  the  port  of  the  gate  and  we  are  secretly  hop­ Brooklyn—or  any  port—that  the  waterfront  operations  be  ing that  this  situation  does  not  get  worse.  The  German  police  knowledged  by  the  Maritime  Ad­i  ° '  J?  "I"®*  conducted  fairly and efficiently  for  all concerned.  Repeated  any  are  feeling  their  oats  too.  They  ministration  people.  Further  we  cases,  Can  honestly  ^  deny  ' . the  fact  stoppages,  uncertain  labor  conditions on  the  docks  and  con­ gave  a  coupie  of  our  guys  a  bad  tinuous  unrest benefit  no one,  least  of  all  the Seafarer, long­ time,  but  thanks  to  Captain  Bod­ told  them  that  whoever  was  re­  S ? tit.f i  sponsible  for  ship  allocations  had  T  shoreman  and men of  other drafts who make  their living out  den  we  squeezed  through  that  one.  fouled  up  matters  considerably  by;  ^he  men  who  of  the  maritime industry.  In  the  long  rim  these  conditions  There  were  no  major  beefs  on  not  taking  into  account  the  ability  ^  could  have  a  destructive  effect  on  the  port's  commerce  and  this  trip  with  all  things  running  of  the  unions  involved  to  ;  J^hat  larger share of  the.ir earnings.  Looking  at  it  from  here  it  seems  pretty  smopthiy  in  good  SIU  ti­.<!.  cVtirtc  cause the permanent loss of many  jobs,  |  ^ad  de­ style.  When  we  got  in  for  payoff  inose  snips.  The SIU then, is behind  this major effort 100  percent.­ It is  in the  port of  Norfolk,  all was  well  Let  us  hope  that  the  strong  po­  •  voted  a  little  more  energy  toward  happy *to see that all other AFL maritime unions in the coun­ except  the  payoff  itself.  We  came  sition  your Union  took at  that  time '  working  out a  wage settlement  and  cil are  equally  determined  to correct  conditions  which  have  in  with  no  cargo,  and  were  due  to  will  beat  fruit  in  the  aiiocation  of  a  iittle  iess  toward  iobbying  for  a  developed in  the port  over the years.  sail  from  Hampton  Roads  at  new  Mariner  class  vessels  now  price  i^rease,  this  whole  rhubarb  7  PM  the  night  of  April  23  after  coming off  the  ways.  In  chartering  might  have  been  avoided  in  the  4"  S"  if  .  ­ picking  up  a  few  hundred  tons of  these  brand  new  ships  to  the  vari­  first  place,  ous  private  operators,  the  Mari­  «  *  «  tobacco.  time  Administration  is supposed  to  '  Men  Paid  Off  a  point  of  considering  the  |7 VERY  ONCE IN  A  WHILE  WE  For the past  ten days,, the House Merchant Marine Commit­ The  company  evidently  did  not  make  ability  of  the  various  unions  to  H/  run  across  an  incident  which  tee has  been listening  to testimony  on  the Long­Range Ship­ believe  us  (departmental  dele­ crew  them  up.  It  seems  possible  demonstrates  anew  that  the  SIU  gates  Webber, Fava,  Colon and my­ ping Bill.  A long parade of  witnesses from groups inside and  when  we  told  them  inasmuch  then  that  the  SIU  will  receive  a  is  truly  a  Brotherhood  of  the  Sea.  . outside the maritime industry^—veterans' groups, shipbuilders;  self)  as  we  were  entttlefi  to  a  payoff  fair  share  of  these  vesseis  which  Down  in  New  Orleans  last  week  maritime  and  shipbuilding  unions,  chambers  of  commerce,  and  had  ten  guys  wanting  to  get  promise  to  be  the  backbone  of  a  the  Seafarers  of  the  Del  Sud  pro­ vided  an  example  of  this  brother­ ship  operators, and  Congressmen  themselves—haye  testified.  off, ­we  expected'one.  For  a  while  new  American  merchant  fleet.  u  be  uc  especially  when  they  were  hosts  at  a  The SIU,  too, has thrown its support  behind  the bill.  This  news  would  especially  ,  they  behaved  as if  there  wasn't  go­ welcome  at  this  time  when  the  I   'he  men  on  the  bhach  in  ing  to  be  any  payoff  whether  we  So far, not  a single  non­government  word  has  been  raised  were  entitled  to  it  or  not,  but  we  Maritime  Administration  is  in  the I  ^hat  port.  against the bill.  But, the Bureau of  the Budget, the Treasury  got  that  beef,  ;and  the  payoff,  process  of  laying  up  the  Liberty !  Judging  from  all  reports  it  was  and  the  General  Accounting  office  are  slated  to  attack  the  squared  away  the  next  afternoon.  and  Victory  ships  it  took  out  of  ;  a  very  pleasant  occasion  that  was  'program.  We  want to  thank  Ben  Rees  and  the  boneyard  last  year.  Seafarers '  thoroughly  enjoyed  by  all  present  would  be  assured  that  they  will  including  the  families  of  the  men  It  seems evident,  since  these agencies  are concerned  about  Patrolman  Haga  in  Norfolk  for  a  get  sizeable  proportion  of  new  involved.  We  understand  it  was  so  the  provisions  that  give  a  break  on  taxes,  they  arc worried  good  payoff.  These  men  did  their  jobs a being  made  available  through  successful  that  the  crew  is  plan­ usual  solid  job.  *  about losing a few dollars in revenue.  On the other hand, this  allocation  of  the  Mariners.  Let  us  ning  another  such  affair  in  the  fu­ bill  will  encourage  the  building  of  new  vessels,  the replace­ At this  writing we  are how  head­ l)ope that  this time the  Administra­' ture.  ment of  obsolete ships,  and  help put  the American  merchant  ing  up  the  Hudson  River  for  AK  tion  will  stick  to  this  plan  of  al­ The  men  on  the  Dei  Sud  are  to  bany.  This  ship  is  so  unpredict­ location.  marine in  a position  where it can  compete with  foreign ships  able  be  conynended  for  their  thought­ and  unscheduled  from  day  to  «  D  •   built  and  manned  by underpaid labor.  The US  ghoffid  have  day  that­  the  galley  cannot  even  fulness  and  hospitality.  The  fact  learned  that  a strong  merchant fleet  is  vital  to  our  nation's  tell  when  we  are  sailing  or  where  ITH  ALL  THE  EXCITE­  that  Seafarers  will  stick  together  defense.  We  don't  think  this  bill  is  a  cure­all,  but  since  it  to.  ment  that' has  gripped  the  in  this  fashion  shows  the. true  ­ V, will  help­  build  and  stabilize  the  merchant  marine,  we're  natipn  over the^'pl  industry  | community  of  interest  that  has  Jimmie  Colder  jbaokingdt  i«ai^;Som«thmg, bettep come# ialongt,«u ­  or  •  i Ship'a  delegateii  eveiYbodjr'seeB(<i*ito­he­iost4i^|­been­develeped  in  the  SIU.j,'o.­itl  .4  V.  .  ^  if  %  A  Positive Program  Colder  • ^1  ,vl  Ship Bill Backed  W  1  4­ >  • A ­ •  '­­V  •  •   •  ­V •   ii....  �•  ­f':'  race Fonrtecn  Vriday, May 2,  ISSt  SEAFARERS  LOG  \^\  The crimp hauls his prey from  a ship in  New York. He charged  $3 for  the ride, $2  for a hack, and  $3 per  bottle of  fotgut.  After  hauling  cargo  to  Buffalo  all  summer,  canal­boaters  and  their families  tied up for  winter at  Coenties Slip.  (•  . ifc;  a  Q  Oi  iW»  mi  In  the  old  days,  the  seaman  was  a  breed  apart  whose  life  never  touched  that  of  ordinary^shoreside.mortals.  His  days  ashore  were  few,  usually  spent  in  the  seamen's  boarding  house  oc,  flag  house  at  the  mercy  of  the  crimp  to  whom  he  was  perpetually  in  debt.  These  drawings  from  old  newspa­ Ijl''  I  j' "i  I?'I  pers  add  magazines  show  how  a  seaman  lived  75  years  ago.  As one  writer put it in  1873, "In a  few days  all he  has earned  by  very  many  days  of  severe  toil is  exhausted,  his  hands  are  unsteady,  his  head  giddy,  home  ties  are  thought  of  impa­ tiently  and  again  dreary  forecastle life  is resumed."  Ilfc  i"' i  1^1  ifes  1T  r  u  i:  .K  *  • 'A    i  .Z£  1.4  • i '  r  . i I  h&  m  K «  'A IS  f  f  ii l._;.  lu  <  I:  t  L  if  •  1  1­ ',ir  ^s­ Some shipowners operated through the "Exchange" where ships  were crewed  up and  the payoffs  were conducted.  m­''  t ­­   ••  Men  signed, on  at the shipping  commissioner's  office,  but  more  often than not, the master  bypassed this procedure.  iiiipiif  i..;.  �y.,;,*tryiT?rvr'  ­.v;4^  • k:^m:­ V'  #rlday»May 2,195S  SEAFARERS  LOG  Pace  Fifteea  m  • .'ii  ..a  ; JI • V   11'^  I "" MdS3f­. ca  .1| J  SH!i!'t»'i!>?.  • vOgNT?'i • •   ^|J»1  '­.• ?i  '';^i  r­ »  «  »"fc.  ­J.  ?c  Ij  • i  I  wm  [  v.­siT  .  Men  and  boys look  over  wages an agent  offers for a whaling  voyage.  Seamen  catch  a  few  minutes'  relaxation  outside  the boarding  house.  !  rJ 1  1  '  f*  ^  ^  At  the  ship  chandler's  store,  a  seaman  tries on  some new  clothes.  '• i '<1  • •  ­Ki    •   R*i!l:  fo  'vi  Food, drink, women  and crimps were the  I  flag house's stock  in trade.  ^  A  few  oldtimers  hold  a  gabfest  while  keeping warm  at  the stove.  Men  hang  around outside  the agent's  of­ fice waiting for  a  job offer.  m  • 's  • .'ti  • flr    The boarding  house owner  saw to it that  his money  didn't last  long.  A  waterfront  supply­store  displays  its  wares for  passing seamen.  Sailor  and  girl  dance  a  hornpipe  to  the  beat  of  a flag  house piano.  �SEAPARlERS  LOG  Pitt*  Sixtcfea  Friday.  May  t, 19St  THE  i::  A  steady  stream  of  tankers  in  and  out  of  Vladivostok  has  been  re­ ported  in recent  months  by  US planes  cruising  over  the  Sea  of  Japan.  The  traffic,  which  passes  through  US radar  screens  has  been  so  heavy  that  observers  believe  virtually  all" the. Red  planes  in. Korea  are fueled  by  the  tankers  .  .  . The  auxiliary  schooner  Dorothy  P.  Sarty  put  into  New  York  loaded  with  800  barrels  of  herring.  Although  this  was  the  10­foot  craft's first  trip  outside  the  Grand  Banks,  none  of  the  crew  wanted  to  go  ashore.  "We've  only  been  out  5  days,"  said  one,  "and  we can  see the  skyline from  the  pier.  What  else  is there  to see?"  LABOR  ROUND­UP  The  labor  front  has  been  far  from  quiet  latdly,  with  the  steel  situation  presenting  the  most  im­ portant  and  most  changeable  pic­ ture.  Here  is a  picture  of  the  vari­ ous  trouble  spots  as  they  now  stand;  The  most  important  instrument  used  in  the  navigation  of  a  ship  is,  of  course,  the  magnetic  compass.  Consisting  essentially  of  a  magnet­ attached  to  a  routfd  card  with  graduated  markings,  it  indicates  where  magnetic  north  is,  and  with  due  allowances  for  deviation  of  the  mag­ netic pole  from true north,  enables the  navigator to determine  in which  direction  the  ship  is  going.  The  card  of  the  magnetic  compass  is graduated,  or  divided,  into  360.  degrees  in  a  clockwise  rotation,  starting  with  zero  degrees  at  north,  going to 90 degrees at east, and so on,  around the compass.  In addition,  it­is graduated  into 32 points.  Naming the  points in  the order  in which  they  come  is  calied  "boxing"  the  compass.  Each  point  is  equivalent  to  IVA  degrees  of  arc  and  are  further  divided  into  half  and  quarter  points.  The  32  points  are  named  as  follows:  North  Southeast  by  east  West  southwest  North by  east  Southeast  West  by  south  North northeast  Southeast  by  south  West  Northeast  by  north  South southeast  West  by  north  *  Northeast  South by  east  West northwest  Northeast  by  east  South  Northwest  by  west  East  northeast  South  by  west  Northwest  East  by  north  Sonth  southwest  Northwest  by  north  East  Southwest  by  south  North  northwest  East  by  south  Southwest  North  by  west  East  southeast  Southwest  by  west  The  Navy's  newest  and  fastest  troopship,  the  USNS  Barrett,  origi­ nally  planned  as  one  of  three  sister  ships  for  the  American  President  lines,  completed  her  1,200  mile  shakedown  cruise  with flying  colors.  She'll be  the first completely  alr­condltioned troopship ... The Swedish  freighter  Yvonne  put  into  New  Yoi^ to  get fire  department  and  Coast  4  4  4  Guard  help  to  put  out a fire  in  her  cargo  of  coal  in  the  number  four  Steel Seizure—The  government's  hold.  The fire  started shortly  after she  left  Newport  News,  Va.,  bound  for  Sweden.  Crewmen  kept  it  under  control  but  were  unable  to  put  seizure of  the  steel industry  on the  eve  of  a  strike  has  been  ruled  un­ it  out  without  help.  constitutional  by a  Federal  District  4  t  it  Court  judge  who  granted  an  inr  Japan's merchant fleet  has hit 60  percent of  its pre­war level.  A total  junction  nullifying  the  move.  As  of  1,056  ships  are  listed  with  a  gross  tonnage  of  2,541.185,  an  increase  a result, some  600,000 Tlnited Stcel­ of  1,170.000 gross tons  since  World  War  II  .  .  . The  third Mariner­class  ­workers  of  America—CIO,  have  cargo ship,  the  Old  Dominion Mariner,  was launched  in  Newport  News,  walked  off  the  job,  leaving  only  Va.,. last  week  .  . \ The  new  Dominican  sugar  port  of  Rio  Haina,  lo­ maintenance  crews  to  shut  down  cated  15  miles  west  of  Ciudad  Trujillo,  the  capital,  has started  opera­ the  big  blast  furnaces.  The  Gov­ tion  .  .  . The  British  freighter  Manchester  Merchant  was  the first  ship  ernment,  however,  is  now  appeal­ There are  two types  of  magnetic  compasses, the  liquid and  dry card.  through  the ice  into the  Port of  Montreal.  The  skipper. Captain  E.  W.  ing  to  the  Supreme  Court  for  a  Another type of  compass, the  gyro­compass, is a  mechanical device  con­ Raper,  was given  the  traditional  gold­headed  cane for  commanding  the  final ruling on the matter. The steel­ taining  a  set  of  coils  which  are  sensitive  to the  earth's  magnetic  field.  first  ship  of  the  season.  workers  announced  they  would  The  magnetic  currents  are  coif>  4  4  4  fight  for  the  full  benefits  recom­ verted  to  electrical  impulses  which  Contracts for  two new  tankers have  put the  US shipbuilding  industry  mended  by  the  Wage  Stabilization  operate  a  hand  on  a  dial.  The  ad­ over  the  2  million  deadweight  ton.mark  for  the first  time  since  the  Board.  vantages  of  the  gyro­compass  are  war.  A  new  high  of  105  ships  are  under  contract for coastal  or  Great  that  it  can  be  used  much  nearer  to  444  Lakes  yards  .  . . The  Sun  Shipbuilding  and  Dry  Dock  Co.  of  Chester,  the  poles  where  the  conventional  Pa.,  has  £4 jounced  it is  hiring  1,000  additional  employees  to  take  care  Telegraph  Strike—^The  Commer­ magnetic  compass  is  rendered  vir­ of  increased  business which  includes  a  contract for  a  30,000­ton  tanker  cial  Telegraphers  Union  (AFL)  tually  useless  because  of  the  wide';  . . . Plans  to refloat  the  Liberty ship  William  Eaton,  which ran  aground  turned  down  a  Western  Union "of­ difference  between  true  north  and  on  Toshima,  an  island  about  60  miles  south  of  Tokyo,  ran  into  a  snag  fer"  to  have  31,000  striking  em­ the  location  of  the  magnetic  north  when  high  winds broke  the  vessel  in  two.  Seven crewmen  left aboard  ployees  return  to  work  while  ne­ pole.  gotiations  continue  when  the  com­ had  to be  rescued from  the broken  stern.  The  most  common  t^e  of  mag­ pany  said no  money offer  would  be  netic compass  is the liquid,  or spirit,  4  4  4  made.  Russian  inland  river  boatmen  must  be  "unceasingly  educated  in  the'  compass.  This  has  four  colls  of  4  4  4  spirit  of  Bolshevik  requirements and  discipline," according  to the  Mos­ magnetized steel  wires in  cylindrical  cow  Communist  party  organ,  Pravda,  which  complained  of  inefficiency  Aircraft  Agreement—The  Wage  cases sealed under the compass card.  in  the  Russian  inland  waterway  boat  services  .  .  .  The  Tairea,  one  of  Stabilization  Board  recommended  The  coils are  placed  parallel  to the  north­south  axis  of  the  card  which  the  few  remaining  passenger  vessels  with  3  smokestacks  is  to  be  that  two  aircraft  companies'  sign  is  provided  with  a  float  to  reduce  the  pressure  on  the  pivot.  scrapped.  Owned by  the British  India Co..  she  was on  the Calcutta and  union  shop  agreements.  The  com­ The  float,  or air  chamber,  contains  a  hollow  cone,  open  at  its  lower  iifc  Far East and  African runs for 28  years ... The Maritime  Administration  panies are  the  Boeing  Aircraft  Co.,  end.  Within  this  cone  is  found  the  sapphire  bearing  which  rests  on  _has  received  bids  for the  purchase  of  14 governpient­owned  ships  dam­ Wichita,  Kans.,  with  16,000  emr.  the  pivot  and  supports  the  card.  The  pivot  itself  is  fastened  to  the  ployees  represented  by  the  Inter­ aged  during the  war and  now  lying  in foreign  waters.  national  Association  of  Machinists,  center  of  a  cast  bronze  bowl.  The  bronze  bowl  is filled  with  a  liquid  4  4  4  and the  Douglas  Aircraft Go.,  Long  consisting of  45  percent  pure  alcohol  and  55  percent  distilled  water.  Indonesia  is operating  four  schools  to  train  seamen  for its  merchant  if'  marine.  Two  are  elementary  navigation  schools  to  train  seamen  for  Beach,  Calif.,  with  10,000  workers  Since the  compass  will  be  affected  by  any  metal  in the  vicinity, men  represented  by  the  CIO  United  handling the  wheel  should  never under  any  circumstance  carry  knives,  local  and  small  scale  inter­island  trade.  The  others  give  training  to  Auto  Workers.  key^ or  other  sizeable  metal  objects.  These  could  cause  small  but  sig­ aspiring  mates,  engineers  and  radio  operators  . .  .  Imports  of  metaUic  nificant  errors  in  steering.  Nor  should  portable  electric  lights,  port­ 4  4  4  ores  through  the  Port  of  Baltimore  in  February  continued  high  with  able megaphones  or telephone  receivers  be  permitted in  the  vicinity  of  manganese  ores  setting  a  new  record  .  .  .  The  Port  of  Philadelphia  Odds  'n  Ends — The  AFL  and  the  compass.  CIO  joined  other  groups  in  askiiig  handled  8,749,392  tons of  cargo  during  March.  Inbound  and  outbound  4  4  4  cargo  was  about  equally  divided  . . .  The  Hong  Kong  Supreme  Court  that  a  Senate  Select Committee  on  Formerly  when  giving  steering  orders  to  helmsmen  it  was  permis­ Indefinitely  postponed  a  test  case  stemming  from  the  US  embargo  on  Consumer  Interests  be  set  up..  shipments  of  critical  cargo  to  Hong  Kong  or  Red  China.  The  China  Columbia  University's ­student  sible  to  use  the  words  "starboard"  and  "port".  This  has  been  pro­ Mutual  Trading  Co.  is  making  the  test  by  suing  American  President  newspaper  hit  the  school  adminis­ hibited  by  act  of  Congress  because  of  confusion  which  arose  in  their  tration  for  hiring  "a  scab  labor  use.  All orders.given to  the helmsmen  must  be  given as "right rudder"  Lines for  damages  and  delivery  of  a  cargo  of  drugs.  force  of  students" in  an attempt  to  and  "left  rudder",  right  rudder  meaning  turning  the  wheel  clockwise,  4  4  4  break a  strike by its cafeteria  work­ or to  the right,  so  that the  vessel heads  to. starboard,  left rudder  being  The  Marine  Robin, a  C­4,  is being  converted  into a  Great  Lakes  bulk  ers... The  CIO  Textile  Workers  in  a  counter­clockwise,  or  left,  turn  so  that  the  vessel  heads  to  port.  ore carrier for  the Hansand  Corp. To be renamed  the Joseph  H. Thomp­ Kannapolis,  NC,  a  mill  town  con­ Some  typical  wheel  commands  and  their  meanings  are  as follows:  son,  she'll  be  the  largest  vessel  on  the  lakes ... A  Senate  committee  trolled  by  the  giant  Cannon  cottoh  Come  right  ten  degrees—Change  ship's  course  ten  degrees  to  star­ is considering  a  system  of  tolls  on  inladd  water,  and  giving  the  Inter­ mill  chain,  is fighting  attempts  by  state  Commerce  Commission  authority  over  possible  improvement  of  the  local  radio  station  to  break  a  board  on  compass.  navigable  waters .  . . The  US  had  more  merchant  tonnage  on  the  ways  broadcasting  contract* with  the  un­ •   Left five  degrees rudder—Turn  the wheel  until  the rudder  indicator  in  the first  quarter of  1952  than  at  any time  in  the last  two years.' The  ion ... with laibor  members dissent­ registers  five  degrees.  activity  helped  the US  retain  second  place  in shipbuilding  among  mari­ ing,  the  WSB  approved  a  raise  of  Meet  her^—This  command  is  given  when  turning.  Turn  the  rudder  time  nations.  Britain still  holds  the  lead.  5  cents  an  hour  retroactive  to  last  indicator  over  to  the  opposite  side  to  check  or  slow  the  swing  of  the  July  for  over  l,OjDO  workers  in  the  ship  but  don't  stop her.  4  4  ­4  Britain* has asked the  New  Zealand  government to  speed  qp the  han­ Todd  Shipyards,  San  Pedro,  Calif.  Nothing  to the  right—Steer  the  given  course  and  go  nothing  to  the  dling of  ships visiting  New  Zealand  ports and  do away  with  the present  ..  The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  has  right of  it; make  any errors  to the  left.  "bottleneck"  . .  . The  Mutual  Security  Agency  has  accused  three  oil  become  the  third  major  road ,to  Ease  the  wheel—Take  off  half  of  the  degrees  registered  on  the  rud­ companies  of  overcharges  totalling  about  50  million  dollars  on  ship­ sign  a  union  shop  agreement  lyith  der  indicator.  ments financed  with foreign  aid funds.  The charges  were made  against  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  fludder  amidships—Put  the  rudder  indicator  on  zero.  the  Socony­Vacuum  Oil  Company,  Esso  Export  Corp.,  and  ihe  Caii­ Firemen and  Enginemen since Con­ fomia­Texas Corp.  The  MSA  said  the overcharges  were  made on  ship­ gress approved  the  union  shop  for  'Steady  as  she  goes—Look  at 4he  compass  or  landmark  at  the  time  ments of  Middle  East crude oil  to  Western  Europe.  ,  of  the  command  and  steady  the  ship  up  on  same.  railroads  in  Jan.,  1951.  '  i:  !'•   m  W  I  Burly  Wallow  Burly  Every  Issue  iu  The  Seularers  17  AHI JTHERCAUKJCE)  OF THESEA!  yo,  Ho.HOii  • i,  •   �rriday. May t, 1952  SEAFARERS  LOG  Fay*  Semtcea  MTD Sfarfs DockClean­Up Ship Bill Faces  Test  Before House  Hearings  members who perform their  jobs in  is solidly  and  squarely behind  this  (Continued  from  page  3)  local  unions  of  the ILA, Masters  ^n  honest  fashion  irrespective  of  program and  we will do everything  in our power, financially and other­ ?Mates and  PUots, Tugboatmen,  Ra­ any  previous  prison  record;  .dio  Operators  Union,  SIU,  SUP,  7)—a  recommendation  that  the  wise,  to see  to  it  that it  is carried  (Continued from  page 2)  Commerce,  and  other  groups  all  Marine  Engineers,  and  shoreside  membership  of  Brooklyn  ILA  out."  supported  the measure.  have been  attacked by  the agencies  Operating  Engineers—wholeheart­ locals  be. given  the  opportunity  of  Establishment  of  a  functioning  edly  endorsed  a  broad  program  of  voting  as  to  whether  they  are  in  Brooklyn  Port  Council  just  about  on  the basis  of  technicalities in  the  The bill, said an  SIU spokesman,  ,reform  which  is  expected  to  lead  favor  of  the  present  "shapeup"  completes the organizational  phase  language.  is  not  a  cure­all  for  the  merchant  tc  sweeping  changes  in  Brooklyn  hiring  system  or  whether  they  of  the  MTD  program.  Councils  The  National  Federalion of  marine, but it  would  be a  big  help  would  rather  have  the  "rotary  haOe  now  been set  up in  all  major  American  Shipping,  however,  In cutting down  the boom  and  bust  dock  conditions.  hiring"  system;  Ten  Major  Points  East Coast  ports with  the Brooklyn  backed  the  bill  and  said  the  sub­ cycles  of  the  Industry,  and  help  sidy  an'd  tax  provisions are needed  those  cycles  out.  ,  The  program  mcludes  ten  major  8)—^a study  of  the financial prob­ council expected to be the  focus of  so  American  ves|pl8  "may  be  ac­ level  Some of  the supporters suggested  lems  of  irregularly­employed  wa­ MTD  activity  in  the  immediate  points  relating  to  internal  union  quired  with  a  capital  investment  various changes in  the bill, and the  conditions  as  well  as  conditions  terfront  workers  with  a  view  to­ future.  equal  to  that of  competing foreign  government  agencies  are  expected  ward  establishing  machinery  for  on  the  job.  They  are:  With  all  councils  now  function­ vessels  so  that  American  vessels  offer extensive amendments  1)—guarantee  of  internal  making  loans  at  no  interest  so  as  ing, the  MTD is in  a position  to at­ can  compete  with  foreign­owned  to  whe^  they  testify.  The  backers  of  to  eliminate  loan  sharks;  democracy  in  all  affiliated  local  tack  the  organizational  and  func­ ships built  and  operated  by  cheap­ the  measure  are  afraid  that  any  9)  A  public relations  program  to  unions, including monthly  meetings  tional  problems  facing  affiliated  er labor."  virtually  kill the  monthly  financial  reports  and  "se­ make  the  community familiar  with  waterfront unions in  all ports, with  Representatives  of  unions,  a  amendments may  bill, since it would have to be passed  the  problems  of  the  law­abiding  cret balloting ... on all issues in all  improvement  in  water­ large  number  of  shipbuilding  and  by  the House  and  then  go  back  to  men  who  work  on  the  waterfront;  consequent  affiliated  locals;"  front  conditions  expected  as  the  shipping  companies,  the  VFW,  the  the Senate for a vote on the amend­ 2)—a  guarantee  of  mutual  sup­ 10)—provision  for  the  designa­ outcome.  American  Legion  Chambers  of  ed  bill.  port  to  improve  wages  and  condi­ tion of  officials by affiliated  unions  to act as authorized  representatives  tions  for  all  unions  involved,  in­ cluding  a  program  aimed  at  "low­ who can  make commitments  on  be­ ering  existing  eligibility  require­ half  of  the  affiliated  unions.  ments  for  obtaining  welfare  and  Delegates  also  adopted  a  con­ vacation  benefits  for  memberships  stitution  for  the  organization  and  (Continued from  page  2)  the  Commimists  are  apparently  sion. before  he started  sailing  with  elected  officers,  including  Sigu­ of  ail  local  unions;"  3)—provision  for  penalizing  of­ mimd  Brovarski,  ILA  Local  205  as  posed  as  De  Gaullists  or  war  vet­ strongly concentrated, they tried to  the  SIU  he  went  up to  the  offices  ficials  or  members  forcing  or  re­ chairman;  Captain  Thomas  Atkins,  erans.  They  were  exceedingly  agitate  among  men  on  an  Army  of  a  well­known  American­flag  tanker outfit  that also  operates un­ ceiving  kickbacks  by  expulsion  MM&P  Local  88,  as  Vice­Chair­ curious,  he  said,  as  to  the  details  transport.  der Liberian registry.  Although he  Girls  Seek  Information  from  the  union;  4)  and  5)—similar  man;  Steve  Cardullo,  SIU,  as  Re­ of  US  ship  movements,  informa­ provisions  applying  to  shylocking  cording  Secretary  and  Frank  tion  about  US  validated  papers  The  feminine  angle  was  worked  was  not  a  US  resident  then,  he  Garay,  Radio  Officers  Union,  as  and  other  maritime  matters.  and  pilferage;  too.  One girl  displayed  great curi­ said, they took  him on  without ask­ A  former resident  of  France  (he  osity  about  the  wildcat  longshore  ing  for  a  passport,  discharges  or  6)—a  statement  supporting  all  Financial  Secretary.  Prepared  To  Act  lived  there  from  1940  through  strike  in  New  York  last  fall,  a  seamen's  papers.  Other  crewmem­ Speaking  before a  battery of  TV  1943)  the  Seafarer  was  fair  game  walkout  that  aroused  considerable  bers,  including  several  Americans,  were  hired  in  the  sdme  unregu­ Write To Carras  and  newsreel cameramen  following  for  this  kind  of  approach  because  enthusiasm  in  the  Commimist  lated fashion.  he  speaks  French fluently.  Nat­ press.  the meeting  MTD Executive Secre­ For Back Wages  tary Lloyd Gardner, who is also As­ urally,  he  said,  a  Frenchman  ap­ Spanish­speaking  crewmen  were  No  Papers Sought  Seafarers  who  have  retroac­ sistant  Secretary­Treasurer  of  the  proaching  a  seaman  and  speaking  approached  also,  in  this  case  by  'Wo would hang  around  the com­ tive  pay  due  them  from  the  SIU,  made  it  plain  that  the  MTD  "English  would  be immediately sus­ men  posing  as  refugees  from  pany's  office,"  he  explained,  "and  Carras  Company  should  write  is dead serious about its announced  pected, so  that the Communists  are  Franco  Spain.  They  too  were  an­ when  they  had  a  ship  to  crew  up  to  the  company  at  21  West  program.  "I  would  like  to  give  anxious  to  strike  up  friendships  xious  to find  out  everything  about  they  would  just  pick  out  some  fel­ Street,  New  York  City,  for  warning,"  he  said, "to  anyone  who  with  French­speaking  seamen  and  the US  waterfront and seemed  par­ lows  that  struck  their fancy.  They  their  checks.  gain  their  confldence.  tries to disrupt the Brooklyn  water­ ticularly  concerned  about  the  ac­ wouldn't  ask  anybody,  even  an  When  writing,  men  should  front  that  such  an  attempt  will  be  Once  they  thought  they  had  tive  leaders  of  the  anti­commu­ American,  if  he  had  seamen's  enclose  their  name,  z­num­ made  contact  with  him,  he  said,  nist  movement.  met  by  the  Maritime  Trades  De­ papers.  ber  and  the  name  of  the  ves­ they  carefully  start  asldng  ques­ partment  with  all  of  the  power  at  The  informant  knew  of  one  in­ sel  they  were  on.  Also  in­ tions.  A  typical  inquiry  ran  as  stance  in  which  a  seaman  lost  his  if "The only thing they asked me was  disposal."  I had  any experience.  I said  yes,  clude  a.  mailing  address  its SIU  follows:  "I  have  a  friend  on  the  validated papers.  He felt that  they  and  Secretary­Treasurer  Paul  offered  to  show  them  my  dis­ where  the  company  can  send  Hall  added,  "The  whole  weight  of  SS  ,  who  couldn't  ship  might  possibly  have  been  stolen.  charges  but  they  weren't  even  in­ the  check.  the  Seafarers  International  Union  because  he  couldn't  get  validated  Having  been  back  and  forth  to  terested  in  seeing  them."  papers.  What is this  validated  pa­ France  these  last  few  years,  this  A  few  weeks  ago,  he  said,  he  pers  procedure?"  is  convinced  that  the  in­ went down  and  visited  this particu­ Another man,  posing as a  French  Seafarer  are  an  organized  attempt  lar  ship  while  it  was  docked  at  seaman,  expressed  a  great  deal  of  quiries  to  get  information.  Three  years  Toddts shipyard  in  Erie  Basin,  one  interest  in  details  about  tanker  ago,  he  said,  the  emphasis  was  on  of  the port's vital areas. A consider­ movements  and  the  US  oil  indus­ securing  sympathy  for  Communist  able  number  of  crewmembers that  try.  He  was  also  curious  as  to  longshoremen  he  had  sailed  with  on  this  ship  a  limitations  on  the  movement  of  objectives, and  would  board  US ships  and  talk  up  year  and  a  half  ago  were  still  foreign  seamen  in  US  ports.  good  relationships with  Russia. To­ aboard,  running  regularly  between  (Continued from  page 5)  Waterman:  W.  S.  Jennings,  Wil­ Nor  was  the  propaganda  angle  day, information  appears to  be  the  Eastern  lost  10,  kept  2;  Isthrhian  liam  Harper,  William  Tyler  Page,  neglected, the LOG informant  said.  chief  concern.  The  above­named  the US  and  Aruba.  William  A.  Richardson,  Philip  P.  French  Communist  newspapers  lost  6,  kept  1;  Mississippi  lost  7,  ports,  plus  Le  Havre  and  Rouen  kept 13; Robin  lost 5, kept 1; South  Barbour,  Thomas. Heyward, Benja­ and literature  were brought aboard  are  points  of  concentration,  espe­ min H. Grierson,  and George  Gipp.  the  Emery.  In  Bordeaux,  where  cially  when  arms  shipments  ar­ Atlantic  lost  11,  kept  11,  and  Wa­ terman  lost  11,  kept  5.  rive.  The ships  recalled  as  of  the  end  "I  know  how  these  people  oper­ Topping  Off  Superiiner  of  March—^names  of  the  51  ships  ate," he  concluded, "and  it  is  easy  recalled  late  in  April  were  not  yet  to tell  that  these fellows  are  phon­ available—include:  Alcoa:  Joshua  ies  by  the  way  they  approach  you  B.  Lippincott,  Walker  D.  Hines,  and  the questions  they  ask."  Rudolph  Kaufmann, Peter V.  Dan­ CG  Training  Program  (Continued  from  page  3)  iel,  James  B.  Richardson,  Adoni­ Here  at  home  the  US  Coast  ing  a  good  job  for  our  own  mem­ ram  Judson,  Knute  Rockne,  and  Guard's  concern  about  possible  se­ bership,  but  also  in  that  it  creates  William  R.  Davie.  curity  problems  has  led  to  the  es­ a  good  impression  with the general  3.  Bloomfield:  James  Kyron  Walk­ tablishment  of  a  port  security  public."  er.  Robert  Ellis  Lewis,  and  Clara  training  program for  reservists.  At  In  order  to  do  the  job  at  the  Barton.  present  about  150  reservists  from  earliest possible date and  in proper  Bull: Cornelius Ford, Charles Car­ the  East  Coast  area  are  receiving  fashion, it  was  necessary  to secure  roll,  Joseph  A.  Brown,  Robert  two  weeks  of  instruction  in  secur­ additional funds, because the  heavy  Lansing, and  William  James.  ity  problems  in  the  Port  of  New  investment in  New  York  headquar­ York.  Eastern:  Casimir  Pulaski,  David  ters did  not leave  sufficient  money  'The  Coast  Guard  said  that  this  in  the  Building  Fund  to  provide  S. Terry, Jesse H.  Metcalf, Thomas  program  would  continue  regularly  for  these  three  ports.  P. Leathers,  Thomas  Stone,  Timo­ until  July  1,  with  new  groups  of  thy  Dwight,  Henry  Baldwin,  John  First  Class  Union  reservists called in  on two week in­ F.  Appleby,  and  James  Witcomb  As SIU Secretary­Treasurer Paul  tervals.  While  the  men  are  not  on  Riley.  active  duty,  the  Coast  Guard  has  Hall put it,  when speaking in favor  Isthmian:  Danlbl  H.  Lownsdale,  the  power  to  call  up  these  reserv­ of  the assessment, '.'The SIU has al­ John  Lind  and  Zane Grey.  ists  for  such  duty  if  it  feels  the  ways  held  to  the  policy  that  Sea­ Mississippi:  Francis  E.  Warren,  farers  travel  first "blass.  We  could  need  is great  enough.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Henry  Meigs,  pay  $1 in  dues,  but  then  we  would  James  B.  Duke,  David  Starr  Jor­ Liberian  Ships  dan, and  Joseph  L. Meek.  The  ease  with  which a man could  have a  one buck  Union.  The entire  get  in  or  out  of  the  country  on  membership  invested' so  that  Sea­ Robin:  Jacob  Chandler  Harper,  a  foreign flag  ship,  particularly  farers  shipping  out  of  New  York  Anson  Mills,  William  Sturgis,  those  under  Panamanian  and  Li­ could  have  the  comforts  we're  all  Charles  Bullfinch  and  John  Fiske.  berian  registry, was  exemplified  by  enjoying  here  at  headquarters,  South  Atlantic:  Cornelius  Gil­ the case  of  Seafarer Peter  Arthurs.  which everyone  agrees is the finest  liam,  Charles  D.  Paston,  Nathaniel  In  previous  issues  the  LOG  had  Union  hall of  its kind.  Silsbee,  William^  H.  Aspinwall,  pointed  out  that these ships  would  "It's  only  fair  that  the  men  in  Grenville  M.  Dodge,  Abel  Parker  Upshur,  August  Belmont,  Helen  Top  secret  radar  installation  with  enclosed  crow's  nest  is  one  of  be  an  ideal  two­way  entry  and  es­ the  outports  who  chipped  in  for  this  building  and  those  elsewhere,  Hunt  Jacksoh, Josepli  Pulil|z«!)^^4!,  vthe  features  pf.­jtjie  neW^Uperllner,  the  UhHed  States,  which  is  cape  route  for  subversives,  should 'get' 41ie «aine­kilid«ef'deal.''  k  Acthuss. said­ that»> «A­ ««• ­ooca*    US  Seamen Spy  Targets  In France  Lay  Ups Near  End;  EC A $May Cut Slump  Vote Slated  OhNew Halts  For Outports  �:>  »  !•   5i­.  »  i .  I ^  Trlday, Mw t. U8S  SEAFARERS  LOG  Wnf Blrliteeii  Old Time l>is€harge Gives  Idea  Of  How Conditions  Used To Be  That  although It's  easier to float  in  salt  water,  you  can  swim faster  While  going  over  some  old  papers  that  I had  at  home,  I came  across  an  old discharge  in  fresh  water?  Because  of  its  that I  received back  in 1919 from  the US Shipping  Board,  It  reminded  me  of  the old  days  density,  salt  water  offers  greater  that are  so  hard  to forget.  This  plain  piece  of  paper  and  the  information, on  it  show  how  resistance  to  movement  The  re­ cord  books  prove  it.  things  were  so  different  those days.  As  this discharge  is over  30  years old,  it is easy  for  seamen  these  days  to  see  the  change  now  that  we  are  under  a strong union  like the  SIU.  ^  ~  eERTIFICATE OP SEAMAN'S 8EIWICC  ^  4,  If,  inaugurated,  and  Philadelphia  waa  the capital immediately afterward!.  At  various  times during  the Revo­ lution  and  prior  to  the  actual  formation  of  the  US,  Baltimore,  Annapolis  and  Princeton,  J^J,  as  well  as  Lancaster, and  York,  Pa«  were  meeting­places  of  Congress.  That you qualify  for SIU welfare  4  4  4  benefits  after  only  one  day's  work  on an SIU ship during the calendar  That  the  North  American  Con­ year?  More  than  $350,000  has  tinent contains two­thirds of all the  been  paid  out  under  the  Welfare  fresh  water  in  the  world?  The  Plan since  it  began  in 1950.  principal  source  for  this  supply  are  the  Great  Lakes,  Erie,  Huron,  ^  if,  Michigan,  Ontario  and Superior.  That  the  largest  piece  of  glass  4  4  4"  ever made is located on  a mountain  in  California?  Manufactured  in  That  Seafarers  manned  the first  1934,  this  special  glass  disk.  200  tanker  switched  to  American  reg­ inches  in  diameter,  is  now  the  istry  after  the  start  of  the Korean  huge "eye" of  the largest telescope  War?  The  18,000­ton  Olympic  in  any  observatory  in  the  world,  Games,  formerly  under  the  Hon­ situated  on  Mount  Palomar  in  duran flag, crewed  up in  Baltimore  Southern  California.  with  an  all­SIU  crew  in  August,  1950.  if,,  if,  if,  4  4  4  That  the  shadow  of  an  airplane  That  clay  originated  in  a  small  is  always  the  same  size  regardless  of  its altitude?  Scientists have  ex­ hill  in  China?  The  weathering  of  plained  this  condition  by  the  fact  certain  minerals,  forms  clay,  or  that  the  sun's  rays  are  parallel.  kaolin, a  corruption of  the Chinese  Anyway,  that's  how  it  works  out.  word  Kau­ling,  the  name  of  a  hill  from  which  the  earliest  samples  i*  J"  of  clay  ireached  Europe.  . That  Will  Rogers  was  not  born  4  4  4  and  did  not  die  in  any  state  That  some flowers  force  their  although  he  was  born  and  died  in  the US?  Rogers, the classic Ameri­ way  through  solid  ice  in  order  to  can humorist  who died in 1935, was  blossom?  Mountain  climbers  in  born  in  the  Oklahoma  Territory  the Swiss  Alps have  seen examples  and  died in an  air crash  in Alaska.  of  this  in  the  soldanella,  a flower  native  to  the  area.  DEPARTMENT OF  COMMERCS  sHippiNO :sntviCK  OPftCe OF U. 8. SHIFFWa  Since this  old  piece of  paper has  FonroF  no  value  as  a  record  of  work  aboard  ship,  it  is  a  copy  of  how  awful  conditions  were  in  those  To  WHOM  IT  MAT  CONCERN:  'C­ of  thie  ofBce  diow ttwt  This  is  to  oertifvnthst  the  days,  when  even  the­ discharges  were  terrible.  There  was  no  Age  Xf  .yeers,  born in  record  of  any  se­ easels mentioned below:  rial  number,  the  age  listed  was  Esw—  false  and  every­ Hartman  thing  was  a  hit  and  miss  affair  that  was  typical  of  the  Shipping  Board  days.  They  were  the  days  of  two  eggs  per  man,  Thursday  and  Sunday.  Stew  for  the  crew  and  roast  for  the  brass  was  the  rule  imder  the  two­pot  system.  This  particular  vessel, the  James Timson,  was con­ sidered a  liberal ship in those days.  Complaints  Useless  The  crewmembers squawked  and  \  bellowed  but  it  was  hard  to  make  any  headway.  Wages  were  poor,  and  the  two­watch  system  was  in  4"  t  4  4  4  force.  The  deck  department  was  That  in  the  case  of  a  Seafarer  That  the  woman  who  served  as  in  the forepeak and  the black  gang  dying before collecting his vacation  was  aft,  away  aft.  benefits  his  beneficiary  is  eligible  official  hostess  at the  White  House  When  I held  the latest  discharge  to  receive  the  money  due?  This is  longest  was  not  Eleanor  Roosevelt  against  this  old  one,  you  can  see  over  and  above  the  regular  $2,500  but  Dolly  Madison?  Since  Jeffer­ son's  wife  died  before  he  became  that  the  current  certificate  is  a  death  benefit  for  all  Seafarers.  President,  Mrs.  Madison,  as  wife  piece  of  paper  of  great  value  in  4  4  4  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  became  the SIU.  That Philadelphia  and New  York  the  official  White  House  hostess  First  of  all,  it  is  a  genuine  rec­ were  once capitals  of  the US?  The  during  his  two  terms.  Afterwards,  ord  of  service,  since  it  has  the  Z­ first  US  capital  was  New  York,  Madison was also President for two  number  of  the  seaman  and  the  of­ where  George  Washington  was  terms.  ficial number  of  the vessel.  It tells  Agnoluw qf Smnaa.  whether  or  not  the  vessel  was  on  coastwise or foreign  articles, where  my check  in less  than ten  minutes,  Turning  to  the  latest  discharge,  the  man  shipped  and  discharged  I  look&d  at  the  old  discharge  and  I  thought  that  at  the  least,  it  was  and  what  ratjng  he  sailed  under.  said  to  myself,  "Well,  you  are  just  a  bond,  and  was  gilded  by  the  It  is  signed  by  both  the  master  a  piece  of  paper  that  ought  to  be  SIU.  and  the  shipping  commissioner  to  framed."  Charles J. Hartman  make  it  legal.  I'm not  sure  where the "graveyard watch," that lonely  mid­ SIU  Benefits  Guaranteed  With  this  worthwhile  piece  of  night  to 8 AM  trick, got its name from,  but it  certainly is  an  paper,  the  seaman  who  is  with  the  appropriate tag.  There's nothing like the loneliness and quiet  SIU  has  a  guarantee  of  a  $15  a  of  that  watch  to  bring  back­^­  ;  week  sick  benefit  when  he  is  in  to life old memories and faces.  have  been  throughput  the  world­ the  hospital.  This  discharge  is his  I've  joined  a  ship  in  dry  dock  come  to life  again.  A  seaman  has  ticket  of. admission  to  the  hospital  Our boy Moon  Koons may  have done a lot of  things during  at  a  Brooklyn  shipyard  as  a  Jfire­ plenty  of  memories,  and  they  cer­ when  he is  ill.  man,  and  drew  the  midnight  to  tainly  come  back  to  life  on  the  his  life,  but  one  thing's  sure—he  always  kept  his  pride.  I  It  has  a  cash  value  toward  the  8  AM  shift,  so  I  "graveyard  watch."  vacation  pay  for  each  day  that  is  guess  an  incident  that  happened  while  Brother  Koons  was  know.  The  trick  It  may  not  be  the  reason  that  throwing  leather  for  a  living­*  stated  on  the discharge.  is  bad  enough,  this shift  was  given  fhe  name,  but  shows what pride the guy  has.  When  the  dust  lifted,  the  other,  It  has  a  death  benefit  value  of  but  this  is a  lay­ the  "graveyard  watch"  certainly  $2,500  if  only  covering  one  day  of  Before  Moon  took  up  his  po­ guys  looked  pretty  sad,  but  so  did  up  ship,  so  we  does  bring  up. memories of  the far  the year in which  the death  occurs.  sition  in  front  of  the  New  Orleans  Moon.  only  have  a  skel­ past.  It  is  a  record  of  sea  time  for  new  hall, he  was quite  a boy in  the pro­ His $25 topcoat  was  vrrecked.  A  eton  crew,  just  fessional  ring.  $25  suit,  a  $7  pair  of  shoes,  a  $9  men  who  are  interested  in  obtain­ ienou£.'  men  to  Well,  time  marches  on,  and  my  Well,  one  day  he  went  to  see  green silk  shirt  and  a  $5  felt  hat  ing a  rating after  serving  as  mess­ keep  the  ship  in  "graveyard  watch"  is  just  about  man,  wiper  or  ordinary  seaman.  about fighting  a  certain  palooka  in  were all  ready  to  be tossed  out.  operation  until  it  closing so  I  think  I'll  treat  myself  All this did not happen overnight.  the  Westside  Arena,  across  the  On  top  of  that,  Moon  spit  out  is  put  back  in  to a  cup of  java.  FarreU  It  was a  long and  hard fight  to get  river.  The  promoter  told  Moon  four  teeth  and  had  a  big  gash  on  Paddy  Farreil  service,  all  the  benefits  that  a  discharge  that he could only  pay  him  $50  in­ his head.  It cost  him  $40  for doc­ stored  away  for  a  while.  or  else  stands for.  We  oldtimers  know  it,  stead  of  the  $100  he  had  been  tor  bills,  and  he  had  to  stay  out  Even  the engineer  on  watch  sel­ of  work  for  two  weeks.  and are proud  that imder SIU lead­ promised,  and  Moon  got  sore.  Home On Farm  "I  wouldn't  After  it was  all over.  Moon  told  dom  comes  down  to  the  engine  ership  we  have  achieved  all  these  room  unless  the  man  on  watch  fight anybody  for  the  boys,  "I'll still  never fight  for  changes for  the  benefit of  the rank  calls  him  for  some  emergency.  fifty  b  u  c  k's,"  a  measley  50  bucks."  and file  of  the  Union.  Moon  growled,  Percy  Boyer  Strange  Feeling  When  I presented  my  discharges  and  walked  out  for  my  vacation  pay  and  received  It's  a  strange  feeling,  almost  witlT  his  pride.  morbid,  as  you  sit  all  alone,  with  By  the  time  LOG­A­KHYTHM:  only  the  groan  of  the  feed  pump  that  Moon  got  with  its  piston  struggling  up  and  across  the  down,  and  the  clip,  clip,  clip  of  the  word  the  spinning  generator  and  the  sort  of  By  Roy  Fleischer  For obvious reasons the LOG  Koons  tired  rumble  of  the fuel  oil  pump  spread  around,  cannot  print  any  letter  or  for company.  other  communications  .sent  in  and  a  whole  gang  was  bunched  up  A  ship  belongs  to  every  star.  You  wander  cround,  making  by Seafarers unless  the author  on  a corner  in the  French  Market.  sure  everything  is  shipshape,  and  Moon  came  strutting  along  and  The  gulls, the  sea, the  foam;  signs  his  name.  Unsigned,  then  sit  down  next  to  the  boiler,  anomymous  letters  will  only  the gang  started  to make  all  kinds  It  belongs  to  all  the  world.  5\  where  you  can  see~  the  water  of  remarks.  wind  up  in  the  waste­basket.  Every  harbor  is  its  home.  gauge,  and  then  your  mind  begins  One  guy  called  Moon  "yellow."  If  circumstances  justify,  the  to  wander.  K  c­­ Children, of  Seafarer . Charles  Another called  him a  "jughead."  It  belongs  to  all  who  claim it.  LOG  wili  withhold a signature  Some  of  the  faces  you  luiew  in  Boyd  (L­R),  James,  Terry  and  .  Well,  like  I  said.  Moon  had  his  on  request,  but  if  you  want  it  Whose  imaginations  roam  far  ports  many  years  ago  pop  up  Cheryl,  pose  with  mamma; on  ,  printed  in  the  LOG,  put  your  pride.  The fireworks  really  start­ And.  follow  in its wake  in  front  of  you.  The  memories  their  <  four  acre  farm  near  ed,.  and  Moon  plowed  into  the  name on  it.  whole­gang.  To  make  th^world  their  home.  of  home  and  of  the,  places  you  H^hey,;:Pa..,;;;.  X  The 'Graveyard  Watch'  Was Given  Right  Name  Moon's  Pride  Something  That  Nothing Could  Kill  Sign Name On  IMG f^etters  The  Ship  .  I,  �rridiey. May  X.  19SX  Seafarer's Final Resting Place  Shipmates  of  the  late  Burl  Eugene  McDonald,  AB,  stand  at  at­ tention  after  burial  ceremonies  in, Buenos  Aires.  As  reported  in  the  February  8  LOG,  McDonald's  untimely  death  came  January  25  when  he  fell  oyerside  in  the  harbor.  Photo  by  A.  S.  Parsons.  Pop i» Proud  Of  Flo's Debut  Florence  Hand,  nine­year­old  daughter  of  Seafarer  James  Hand  of  Tampa,  made  a  modest  debut  as  a  thespian  when  she  appeared,  on  the  boards  in  a  play  produced  by  the  Chil­ dren's  Theatre  of  Tampa.  Florence  was  a  member  of  the  cast  of  "The  Clown  Who  Ran  Away"  which  showed  for  four  performances  at  The  Tampa  Lit­ Florence  tle  Theatre  in  Park  on  April  7,  8 and  9.  The  local  press  gave  the  per­ formance  a  big  splash  including  a  large  photo  of  Florence  and  two  other  cast  ­members  doing  a  spe­ cyilty  number,  straw  hats  and  all.  The  play  itself  drew  a  sizeable  audience at all four of  its showings.  Blond  Samaritan—'52  Model  Provides  Haven  For  Seamen  Nowadays  with  the  various  newspapers and  weekly  periodicals  throughout  the nation  constantly crammed from margin  to margin  with world shaking crimes, there remains hardly  any  space  for  the  once  ubiquitous  little  stories  of  man's  humanity  to  man.  Current  criminals,  both  national  and  international, from  the  depths  of  the  underworld  to  the  depths  of  the  Kremlin  seem  to  dominate  all  our  attention.  Thus  it  is  with  somewhat  justifi­ able  pride  that  we  write  about  the  seemingly  incredible,  but'  quite  true,  case  of  Lube  Plant,  guardian  angel  of  American  seamen.  Lube  (pronounced  "Looby")  is  the  pert,  saucy  little  blond  "owner  of  the  Wilmington  Hotel.  She's  private  banker,  mother  confessor  and  "sociable  funster"  to  all  sea­ misses itusy  Subwuy Rush  Face Nlnetaea  SEAVARMRS  men.  She  has  been  known  to  pro­ vide sailors with  funds so tffat  they  could  rent  rooms  iir  hotels  other  than  her  own  wheh  she  had  no  vacancies.  My  own  experience  was  a  good  illustration  of  same.  Room  and  Loan  Being  entirely  fundless  I  re­ quested  a  room  on  credit,  which  was  immediately  granted,  followed  by  the  offer  (and  acceptance)  of  a  personal  loan.  Through  frequent  tapping  this  rapidly  assumed  quite  alarming  proportions  and  represented  no  small  percentage of  the little blohd  Samaritan's  working  capital.  '  A  typical  "Lube­ism"  is  directly  quoted  as  follows:  "So  I  get  beat  a  little  bit,. OK.  So  I  g^t  rich  a  dollar  less,  a  year  later."  Although  her  hotel  has  been  lo­ cated  in  the  Los  Angeles  suburb  of  Wilmington  a  little  less  than  two  years,  she  is  none  the  less  remarkably  well­known  from  port  to  port  around  the  world.  The  hotel  itself  is  a  homey,  comfort­ able  type  with  open  sesame  to  refrigerator  and  coffee  pot,  al­ thoiigh  the last­named  is on  a rigid  schedule  for  after  hours.  These  quarters  are,  of  course,  closed  to  the  public.  It's  a  business  proposition,  but  what  a­  business!  Whoever  heard  of  a  hostelry  actually  operating  like  one  of  those  large,  old­fash­ ioned,  turh­of­thq­century  families?  Thad  Du  Puy  Iran Prisoner  Gets  Life  Sentence  In Oxide  Mines  Anybody  who  gets  a  little home­ sick while  in Japan can  get a  touch  of  New  York  by  taking a  little ride  on .a  subway  line  if  you^ happen to  be  in  the  port  of  Osaka.  Of  course  it isn't  much  of  a  line  as  subways  go,  because  the  whole  ­thing  is only  a  little  more  than  six  miles  long.  But  it  has  one  big  ad­ vantage.  It's pretty  new,  with  one  section  completed  just  a  couple  of  months  ago,  and  another  part  un­ der construction and  due to  go into  operation  pretty  soon.  The  city  fathers  here  have  big  plans  for  extending  this  thing  to  make it  a  real  subway  syriem  with  branches  and  transfer  points  Prisoner  (left)  stands on  launch,  hands  manacled  behind  his  back  throughout the city.  Right now  it's  on  the  way  to  the oxide  mines.  Iranian  police  who  were guarding  him  are  at  right.  more  like  a  shuttle Ime.  They fig­ ure  that  it  wiil  cost  them  about  All  of  us have  heard  about  Devil's  Island ,i$nd  Siberia, but  $1301  million  to finish  the  whole  the Iranian  government  has  a  place of  its own  for  prisoners  job, which  is a nice  piece of  change  which is equally unpleasant.  I learned  about it in  the course  Jn  Japan.  Like  in  the  US,  too,  of  my  last  trip  to  the Persian^  they're  having  trouble  raising  the  Gulf  aboard  the  Steel  Voy­ sian  national  who  had  killed  a  money  and  don't  know  which  way  ager.  man  in  a fight.  The  man  was  to, turn  to  spak  the  taxpayer  for  We  happened  to stop  in  the port  brought  to  trial,  found  guilty,  and  the  dough.  of  Bandar  Abbas,  Iran,  where  we  sentenced  to  life  imprisonment  in  One  thing  I  must  say  for  riding  picked  up  a  cargo  of  red  oxide  the oxide  mines.  the.  Japanese  subways..  Although  While  )ve  were  loading,  an  Iranian  The  mines  themselves 'are on  an  they  can  get  pretty  crowded  like  boat  came  alongside  with  several  island  offshore  which  is  pretty  ' the  ones  in  New  York,  the  people  of  the  local  police  and  a  prisoner.  barren.  I don't  envy anybody  sen­ ' haven't  been  trained  to  push  and  Laler  on,  I  gpt  to  talking  with  tenced  to  spend  the  rest  of  his  shove  the  same  way  they  do  back  the  Iranian  police  captain  ­who  life  there,  working  in  a­mine,  in  came  aboard  our  ship.  He  told  that  Persian. Gulf  heat.  .  home.  Joseph  Reckl  n  r  Maurice  Sanborn  me  that "the  prisoner  was  a  Rus­ By  SEAFARERS  LOG  Photo  Editor  Seafarers  interested  in  securing  a  list  of  all  photographic  equip­ ment  manufactured  in  the  United  States  and  abroad  should  pick  up  the  May  issue  of  Photography.  This  particular  issue  lists  every  piece  of  photographic  equipment  available  here  and  abroad.  It  covers  all  cameras,  lenses,  films,  synchronizers,  meters,  etc.  Important  in  this  listing  are  descriptions  of  all  the  equipment  and  their  prices  here  in  this  country.  It's  a  good  idea  to  pick  up  this  issue  it  you  are  contemplating  making  any  purchases  abroad.  Since  the  local  prices  are  listed  it  will  give  you  a  good  idea  of  what  sort  of  a  buy  you  are  making.  Don't  forget  the  duty  that  will  be  slapped  onto  the  cost  of  pur­ chases  that  you  bring  back  into  this  country.  Also  keep  in  mind  that  most  equipment  can  be  purchased  here  at  discounts  running  up  to  25  percent.  So  remember  these  two  items,  duty  and  discount  before  making  those  foreign  purchases.  i  t  t  4»  4»  t  i­  i  J.  1.  3.  4.  4.  t  The  Signal  Corps  recently  unveiled  "Two  Minute  Minnie," a  camera  that  goes  beyond  the  Polaroid  camera  since  it  doesn't  even  use  film.  The  camera  converts  invisible  electric  images  into  finished  prints  two  minutes  after  the  shutter  is  tripped.  The  prints are  processed  without  a  darkroom, the  same  plates can  be  used  over  and  over  again.  The  process  is­called  Xerography,  an  electrophotographic  process  in  which  light  is  recorded  on  a  plate  that  has  been  sensitized  by  a  charge  of  electricity.  When  light  hits  the  plate,  the  charge  leaves  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of  light  received,  leaving  an  invisible  electric  charge.  Finely  ground  black  powder  then  is  blown  across  the  plate.  Wherever  there  is  electricity  on  the  plate  the  dust  sticks—the  more  charge  the  more  dust.  The  powdered  image  is  transferred  to  ordinary  paper  coated  with, an  adhesive  layer  such  as  rubber  cement.  The  finished  print  is  protected  by  a  film  of  transparent  plastic.  The  camera  offers  many  advantages  for  military  use  since  all  print  processing  is  done  in  the  camera.  This  does  away  with  darkrooms;  the  plates  aren't  light  sensitive  until  they  havfe  been  charged.  A  small  supply  of  plates  can  be  used  over  and  over  again  merely  by  wiping  off  the  image.  Important  is  the  fact  that  atomic  radiation  won't  fog  these  plates  as  it  will  ordinary  film.  The  Parker  Pen  Company  has shelved  its new  sub­miniature  camera.  As  originally  planned  it  was  the  size  of  a  king­size  pack  of  cigarettes.  Yet  despite  its size  it  was  to  yield  a  large  negative.  By  reflecting  the  image  from  a  mirror  internally,  the  needed  depth  of  camera  was  cut  in  half.  It  was  to  be  extremely  simple  to  operate  and  was  to  sell  for  well  under  $20.  It's  main  feature  was  to  be  simplicity  in  operation.  As  the  camera  became  more  simple  to  operate  the  internal  mechanism  became  more  complicated  and  when  it  emerged  from  the  lab  the  camera  called  for ^  a  price  well  over  $20.  Parker  felt  that  its  new  price  couldn't  compete  with  tiK  many  foreign  cameras  and  the  whole  project  was  dropped.  .  Eastman­Kodak  has  just  released  Ektachrome  Roll  Film  Type  B.  This  is  a  color  film  for  use  indoors.  It  is  balanced  for  tungsten  light  including  flashbulbs.  It  is  being  made  up  at  present  in  both  the  120  and  620 size  and  retails for  about  $1.79  The  Polaroid  camera  that  gives  you  a  finished  print  in  60 seconds  is  now  being  made  up  without  bellows  or  lens for  use  with  cameras  that  can  take  cut  film  holders  up  to  the  8X10  size.  Its  main  purpose  is  for  "on  the  spot"  industrial  and  scientific  photos,  immediate  proofs  of  studio  set  ups  and  shots  of  all  types  where  dark­rooms  are  not  available.  "  An  electronic  laboratory  in  New  Jersey  is  making  up  electronic  flash  units  in  kit  form  to  sell  for  under  $30.  If  you  find  it  a  nuisance  to  carry  flashbulbs  on. a  ship  or  can't  get  them  in  certain  ports,  this  unit  is  something  to  consider.  It  works  off  dry  cells  and  is  good  for  1,500  flashes,  which  brings  the  cost  per  shot  down  to  a  fraction  of  a  cent.  The  whole  unit  weighs  6  lbs.  If  you  are  interested  drop  us  a  line.  The  unit  can  be  purchased  wired  for  an  additional  $3.  Qiiiz Coianef  (1)  The  product  of  two  successive  numbers is  209  greater  than  their.^  sum.  What are  the numbers?  (2)  The  US  Constitution  tells  (how  a  new  political  party  can  get  on  the  ballot),  (who  is  commander­in­chief  of  the  Army  and  Navy),  (how  many  members  are  in  the  President's  cabinet),  (at  what  age  a  citizen  may first  vote)?  (3)  The  moon  appears  to rise  and  set  because  of  the  (rotation  of  the  earth),  (revolution  of  the  earth),  (rotation  of  the  moon),  (revolution  of  the  moon)?  44)  If  A  varies  directly  with  B  and  A  is 12  when  B  is  four,  what  is  B when A­is four?  (5)  Nine  generals  have  been  President  of  the  US  during  the  course  of  history.  Name  three.  (6)  What  race  horse  has  won  the  Kentucky  Derby  classic  more  than  once?  (7) ­A  weather  element  determined  without  the  use  of  an  instrument  is (ceiling),  (humidity),  (visibility), (wind  velocity)?  .  (8)  Mucla­akers  were  Uarmers  who  raised  wheat),  (early 20th  century  writers who  believed in  reform), (novelists  of  the Jacksonian  era), (Ted­  ; •   dy  Roosevelt's  Rough  Riders)?  (9)  The member  of  the Triple Alliance  who withdrew from  it in  World  War I  to fight  on  the opposition  side was  (Germany), (Afll^ria­Hungary)^  (Italy),  (Turkey)?  llO)  The first,  angle  of  a  triangle  is  30  degrees  less  than  the  secon^  and  the  thh­d  angle  exceeds  the  second  by  15  degrees.  How  many  de­ grees  in  each  angle?  ..(The  sum  of  the  three angles  of  a  triangle  is  IRQ  degrees.)  •   '  Quiz  Ansvv.rs  on  Page  27.  _  mm u­m • «• • • • <  .;  J.. ...  , .  mm mm m'm  m,m u b  �SEA^AREMS  LOG  Twenfir  Fridar. m»T% IfSt  • • •  m  No Spring  Fever On Atlantrc  As Fierce Winds  Smash Ship  By  Spike  Mtijrlin  They  all  said  that  Ray  Bobinson  ing  overhand  rights  and  lefts.  was  slowing  up,  that  he  wasn't  as  When  he  got  Ray  in  a  clinch,  ha  good  as  he  used  to  be.  No  doubt  rabbit­punched  virith  his right hand.  standing  in  water  up  to  your  armpits  in  a raging  gale  and  mountainous  seas  isn't  ex­ there's  something  to  it,  but  you  Ray  wasn't  having  any  of  that.  In  actly my idea of  smooth spring sailing—but  when the old  Atlantic decides to kick  up, there's  could never  telt that by  the  job he  the  next  clinch  he  locked  Rocky's  not much  anyone can  do  about  it.  did  on  Rocky  Graziano.  right  hand  and  massaged  the  back  The  Kyle  V.  Johnson  Is  a  good  Fading or  not, Robinson  can still  of  his neck,  as  if  to say, "Two  can  ship, but  I doubt  if  1*11  ever forget  Suddenly, the  number three  life­ and  the  drums.  We  had  to  hang  do  more  things  faster  and  better  play  at  this  game."  my  trip  aboard  her.  I  understand  boaT  was  thrown  against  the  en­ onto something secure all the while"  than  anybody  around  today.  And  In  the  second  round,  Robinson <  she's  headed  for the  mothball fleet  gine  skylight.  Its  forward  davit  —or else  be swept  over the  side.  when  he . has  to  be,  he's  all  busi­ changed  tactics.  He  danced  away  was  ripped  from  the  deck  and  The  captain  and  chief  mate  did  ness inside  the ropes.  His fantastic  lightly  from  Rocky's  charges,  all  —and  a  well­deserved  rest.  I.  signed aboard  her March  14,  in  went  along  with  it.  A  couple  of  everything they could to make  sijre  sequence of  four and five combina­ the  while  pouring  in  a  ceasele^  Halifax,  NS,  expecting  to  have  a  other  lifeboats  were  smashed  by  nobody  was  swept  over,  but  it  still  tion  punches,  hooks,  jabs  and  up­ tattoo  of  sharp  left  jabs  with  an  was no  picnic.  pleasant  trip  because  I figured the  the  seas.  percuts all in rapid­fire fashion  was  o~^ccasional  crisp  right  cross  to  winter  storms  were  just  about  The.  number  three  boat  was  very  much  in  evidence  that  night.  Rocky's  jaw.  When  they  landed,  Bulwark  Goes  Rocky's head  snapped  and his  eyes  over, and  there'd  be  weather more  bouncing  around  on  deck  and  Just  when  we  were  getting  se­ The two men  presented a strange  glazed  over.  to  a  sailor's  lik­ threatening  to  rip  up  the  number  contrast  of  personality  and  style.  Dazzling  Maneuver  ing—sunny  skies  four  hatch.  It  had  to  be  secured,  cui'ed,  about  40  feet  of  starboard  No  sooner  had  R a y  entered  the  bulwarks right next  to the bow  was  • Just before  the round's  end Rob­ and  smooth  sail­ so out we  went.  ring then  he turned his back  on all  At  the  same  time,  the  oil  drums  torn  loose.  Only  part" of  it  was  pre­fight  proceedings  and  8pen\  inson  executed  his  most  dazzling  ing.  What  a sur­ which  had  been lashed  on the  boat  left,  and  that  had  to  be  secured  the  next  15  minutes  loosening  up  maneuver,  an  eye­catching flurry  prise 1  got.  Everything  was  deck  also  decided  to­break  away.  before  it  started  ripping  the  deck  in  his  comer.  He  studiously  ig­ of  left hooks, all  the  while dancing  sunny and smooth  They  too  needed  extra  lashing.  apart.  nored  all  greeters  from  Joe  Louis  in on his  left toe.  No ballet  dancer  —until  we  got  With  the  seas  breaking  over  the  We finally got through it, though,  on down.  In contrast. Rocky hopped  was  ever  more  graceful.  two  days  out  of  ship  so  that  we  were  up  to  our  and  the  rest  of  the  trip  was  what  and  swayed from  side to side,  head  The end  came early  in the  third.  Halifax.  Then,  armpits  in  water  at times,  and  the  I  had  wanted—sunny  skies  and  • dovm  like  a  miniature  bull  ele­ Ray  cornered  a .slowed­down  Gra­ ziano  against  the  ropes  and  shot  like  a  bolt  from  wind  howling  and  beating  against  smooth  sailing.  phant,  stopping  to  chatter  with  all  in  Bondreau  Omer  Boudreau  us,  we  started  securing  the  boat  a  short­armed  right  hand flush  the  blue,  the  who  came  over  to  him.  on  the  chin.  The  punch  exploded  wind started  howling.  It got  up to  Managerial  Brushoff  at the point of  greatest impact,  just  about  125  miles  per  hour.  Just  before  the  bell,  Bobby's  before  the  elbow  straightened  out.  The  sea  started  kicking  up  too.  manager,  George­Gainsford,  tried  Graziano  slid  down  the , ropes  to  The waves piled up.  The wind  and  to  tell  him  something.  Bobby  the floor.  He  lay  on  his  left  side,  the  sea  seemed  hell­bent  to  chalk  brushed  him  aside  like  an  annoy­ his  right  foot  twitching  feebly  in  up  another  victim  for  Davey  ing mosquito,  a  gesture  that  plain­ the air  like a  fly whose  wings have  Jones'  Locker.  ly  told  who  was  king  of  the  roost.  been pulled off.  He finally made  it  Lifeboats  Demolished  It  took  only  about five  seconds  to his  feet,  but  it  was  all  over.  Some  people  go around  the world  for  pleasure in  40  days.  The  wind and  sea  ke^t  hammer­ to  see  that  Robinson  was  "up"  for  After the fight  the TV fans  were  ing  away  all  night.  For  a  while  Others,  who  may  be  in  a  hurry, do  it* in  a  week  by  plane.  this  one.  He  came  out  shooting  a  treated  to  an/Interview  with  Jake  it looked  like our  last  trip.  But  for  the  crew  of  the  Steel  Navigator,  it  was  a  business  series  of  raking  left  hooks  and  vi­ LaMotta,  whOm  RoHinson  had  cious  right  hands  to  the  gut  like  butchered  just a  year before  to win  voyage,  (mostly business any­>  ^  a  high­powered finely­precisioned  the  title.  "Robinson," LaMotta  de­ for the long  haul across  the Pacific  of  3,264 hours'  duration.  piston  rod.  Rocky  was  a  willing  clared  solemnly,  "is  the  greatest  Be Sure to Get  way)  We  started  out  from  New  York  Ocean (o  the  Philippine  Islands.  mixer though.  He clubbed  back  the  combination  punchei' in the world."  This  was  the  longest  run  of  the  Dues Receipts  at high noon, December 1,  1951, all  trip  without  a  stop,  lasting  for  17  only way he  knows how,  with loop­ You said  it,  Jake.  Headquarters  again  wishes  set  to  see  the  world  in  SIU  style.  until  we  arrived  at  Manila.  to  remind  all  Seafarers  that  It  wasn't  until  April  15,  1952,  that  days  The year  1952 came while we  were  payments  of  funds,  for  what­ ever  union  purpose,  be  made  we  got  back  to  the  home  port  at  at sea,  just one day out of  Oakland.  Stepped Up  Stops  6:30  in  the  morning,  making  it  a  only  to authorized  A&G repre­ sentatives  and  that  an  official  136 day  voyage, less 5^ hoims that  Once  in  the  Far  East,  the  stops  Word  has  been  received  by  the  is now  in'the Army, and is  a  veter­ _^Tnion receipt  be gotten at that  we  won't  quibble  about.  It  added  came  with  far  more  rapidity.  Wq  Union of  the death of a former Sea­ an  of  the  Korean  War.  put  in at  Hugo,  then Manila  again,  time.  If  no receipt  is offered,  The  deceased  Seafarer  was  only  be  sure  to  protect  yourself  by  up to  a nice payoff,  plus that ^ca­ and  from  there  to  Saigon,  Indo­ farer,  Pfc  Eugene  MandicL,  who  20  years  old  when  death  camie  in  tion  dough.  China.  Next  it  was  to  Bangkok,  was  killed  in  Korea  while  cover­ the  early  days  of  the  Korean  cam­ Immediately  bringing  the mat­ Our  trip  went  in  an  east­west  Thailand; Djakarta,  Indonesm; Sin­ ing  a  retreat  in  July,  1950.  Man­ paign. When last seen, Mandick  ter  to the  attention of  the sec­ was  direction.  After leaving New  York,  gapore,  Port Swettenham  and half­ retary­treasurer's  office.  dick's  body  has  operating a  machine  gun  in  one  of  we  stopped  for  two  days  at  New­ a­dozen  other  stops  in  the  Malay  The  Union's  word  of  advice  just  been  sent  the  many  desperate  rear­guard  ac­ is  to  insure  that  all  monies  port  News,  and then made  the run  States,  Ceylon  and  India.  Finally  home to Brooklyn  tions  which  took  place  in the  early  paid  are  credited  to  your  SIU  down  to  and  through  the  Panama  we  headed  home  via  Aden,  Suez  for  funeral  cere­ days.  Canal,  up  to  Long  Beach,  Cali­ and Halifax.  record.  Insistence  on  an  offi­ monies.  Arthur first learned of  what hap­ *cial  receipt  will  prevent  "can  fornia.  All in all  we  passed through  two  pened  to  his  brother  when  he ran  Mandick  sailed  shakers" from  soliciting  funds  We  touched  two  other  ports  on  major  canals,  stopped  at  21  dif­ in  the  engine  de­ across  men from  his brother's  unit  for unauthorized purposes, and  the  Pacific  Coast,  San  Francisco,  ferent  ports  for  periods  of  from  partment with the  shortly  after  he  arrived  in  Korea.  will  bar  any  foul­ups  later on.  where we spent the Christmas holi­ ten  hours  to  six  days  (not  long  SIU for about  3Vi  They  told  him  that  they  lost touch  day,  and  Oakland,  before  leaving  ,enough  to  get  bored  anywhere)  years  before  go­ with  Eugene  in  the  course  of  that  and  touched  the  territories  of  12  Mandlck  ing into the Army.  retreat.  different  countries—the  US,  Pan­ According  to  Aside  from  his  brother  Arthur,  ama,  Philippine  Islands,  Hido­ Brother Gordon Hann, who  shipped  Mandick  is survived by  his parents,  Chlna, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaya,  with  Mandick  on  several  trips,  Mr.  and  Mrs(  Thomas  Mandick  of  Ceylon,  India,  Aden,  Egypt  and  Mandick's  twin  brother,  Arthur,  323  12th  Street,  Brooklyn,  not  far  Canada.  also  was  a  Seafarer.  He,  too.  from  the  SIU  headquarters.  Anybody craving variety can find  plenty  of  it  on  these  Isthmian  ^around­the­wbrld  cruises.  There  certainly  is  plenty  of  it,  provided  you  don't  mind  signing  on  for  a  The  LOG  opens  this  column  as  can  throw  together,  but  properly  trip  that's likely  to run  about  four  an  exchange  for  stewards,  cooks,  spiced  with  a  tangy  dressing,  it  months,  or  maybe  more.  bakers  and  others  who'd  like  to  assumes  a  new  role.  As  a  sample,  Daniel  Dean  thare  favored  food  recipes,  little­ Puckett  offers "Polish  Salad  Dress­ known  cooking  and  baking  hints,  ing".  ^en vVho payoff a ship  dishes  with  a  national  flavor  and  Here's  what  you  need;  cups  the  like,  suitable  for  shipboard  vinegar,  cup  sugar,  114  tea­ fn a­foreion port'durTnt)  Mother's Tabby  use. Mail  in  your  suggestions.  spoons  salt,  2  cups  oil,  1  teaspoon  an extended \/oya^ ^  pepper,  a fifth  of  a  teaspoon  of  A  good  meal  pepper­upper  can  cayenne  pepper  and  2  large  cloves  hoir"h+hemselves and  often  add  that  extra  little  some­ of  garlic  very finely  chopped.  Just  +he CInion.  thing  needed  to  put  a  menu  over.  mix and  beat  everything  very  well  Sometimes,  to  the  despair  of  the  before  serving  on  any  green  or  steward,  many  side­dishes  are  tossed salad.  If  you  like,  the  same  proffered,  but*  none  preferred.  mixture  can­be  used  on  cole  slaw.  Simplicity  frequently  provides  the  The big  item  is  taking a  little time  margin  of  suc­ ­fhe remainder  to  make  something  different  from  cess.  thb usual  run­of­the­mill dressing,  (Op­Hne'tVip.  ing.  Brother  Jesse  the loss  Wofks  Incidentally,  Puckett  suggests  W.  Puckett,  stew­ the  following  as  sure  to  make  a  ard,  recently  a hardship on  hit  with  the  peanut  butter hounds:  beached  at  the  the reshoPihecKevi  Take  5.  pounds  of  very finely  USPHS  hospital  chopped  cabbage,  2  cups  of finely  in  Seattle,  has  a  chopped  celery  and  2 cups  of  pea­ pretty  good  idea  nut  butter  and  mix  them  all  to­ of  the  tastes  of  gether.  Add  enough  mayonnaise  seafaring  men,  Pnckett  dressing  to  moisten,  then  make  sinoe his own  sea­ Ship's  mkscot  on  the  Mother  going career  dates back  to the time  little  balls  of  the  mixture.  Serve  ML  snuggles into  arms  of  Or­ he  was  12.  A  salad, ­ he  notes,  is  on  lettuce  with  any  dressing  de­ a  colorful  dish ­of  greens  anyone  sirad,  Stor  ,more.  >  ville  Payne, chief  cook.  Globe­Girdling^  Isthmian  Style^  Runs  3^264  Hours  JMandiek Killed In Korea  Seafarer Sam. Says  iSffmSiu­MMim)!  The  iob vacated fs  los+To­the Sru­fcr  Galley Gleanings  \  �THday. May t, 1#5«  Seafarer Wante  To Educate Crew  1­!  .  fagv Tw«^­eee  SEAFARERS  IPC  Inquires About  Discharge Info  LETT EE  S  •   To  the  Editor:  »•   :  $  ^  ,  I  would  like  to  know  if  you  To the  Editor:  Sorry  not  to  have  sent  these  have  taken.  This  way  a  man  will  Harmless Photos  afraid  there  Is  a  lot  that  has  hap­ could  help  me  with  a  little  in­ pened  since  I  entered  the  service  about  seamen  getting  Items to  you sooner,  but you  know  know M  that kind  of  run  is coming  Cause Him Grief  of  which  I  am  unaware.  Any  or  formation  discharged  from  the  Army  so they  how  the  "postoffices" ^re  on  the  up and  can  plan  what  to  do.  all  information  that  you may  have  could  go  back  to  sailing.  My first  Harry  Washburn  To  the  Editor:  Persian  Gulf  run.  I  sure  do  like  seamen's  papers,  Coast  sergeant  said  I  could  apply  for  that  new  LOG,  I  can't  give  you  (Ed. Note:  The Union welcomes  I  was  coming  off  the  Sea  Gale  concerning  Guard  clearances,  shipping  regu­ one,  but  that  if  I  am  discharged  constructive  suggestions  from  Sea­ recently  which  is  docked  at  the  an  opinion  of  the  crew,  because  lations,  etc., would  be  appreciated.  I  must  keep  on  sailing  until  the  farers  and  tries  to  put  them  into  Army  base  in  Brooklyn,  and had  a  there  are  only  three  SIU  men  on  Also  a  copy  of  the  latest  agree­ Korea  situation  is  over  with.  effect  if  at  all  possible. You'll  find  roll of  film in my pocket,  also some  the ship,  but they're  all for  it. The  ment  and  wage  scale.  a  picture  on  page  5  of  our  new  prints  of  pictures  that  I  took  in  rest  of  the  crew  are  aliens,  non­ I  sailed  in  the  last  war  from  A/2o  John  D.  Matchitio  1644  ship's  bulletin  board  which  has  a  Antwerp  and  aboard  the  ship.  At  union.  to  1947  and  I  am  now  a  re­ (Ed.  note:  The  release  forms  The  Fort  Bridger  has  been  out  daily  listing  of  ship  arrivals  and  the  gate  I  was  stopped  by  a  cus­ are  on  their way,  although  for  the  tired  member  of  the  SIU.  I  would ­ toms  man  who  asked  me  if  I  had  here  a  year  this  month,  with  six  departures.)  like  to  know  if  I  sail  until  I  am  time  being  no discharges  are  being  over  i  L  ,4)  anything.  more  to  run  on  the  articles.  The  the  draft  age,  and  then  quit  I told  him that  I wasn't  carrying  issued  because  there  is  currently a  sailing,  can  the  draft  board  put  skipper is now  on the  12^st line of  anything,  only  a  roll  of  film  and  surplus  of  seamen.)  the  articles.  We've  got  a  whole  Foui'fJps Need  me  back  into  the  Army?  I  am  25  3)  3i  4"  some  pictures,  which  I  showed  new  crew  except  for the  old  man,  A Good Lesson  years old, married  and I have  been  him.  None  of  the  pictiures.or nega­ third  mate,  sparks,  the chief  cook,  To the  Editor:  in  the  Army  since  February  25,  a  BR,  and  yours  truly  as  beliyrob­ Some  of  these  performers  had  tives  had  anything  to  do  with  the  Get IZS  Dollars  1952,  which  is  only  a  couple^nf  ber—and  with  the  grade  and  va­ better  wise  up to  what  they're  do­ Army  base,  just  some  shots  of  my  In Argentina  months.  I  would  also  like  to know'  riety  of  food  available  over  here  ing  and  how  it affects  all  of  us  or  shipmates  and  also  of  the  SIU  To the  Editor:  if  you  could  send  me  the  release  I  can  truly  qualify  to  that  title,  they're  going  to  wind  up  in  the  headquarters.  Anybody  going  to  Argentina  papers  for  seamen.  much  to  my  disgust.  Pvt.  Daniel  Mollahan  deep six.  You can  get  pretty  well  Well,  this  customs man  took me  should  make  sure  that  the  captain  We  have  a  fed  up with  this  type  of  character  over to  an  MP  and  he  called  over  has  American  money  to  give  out  (Ed.  note:  We're  sending  the  pretty  convivial  after  you've  seen  him  in  action  two  more  MP's.  They  gave  me  on a  draw.  If  you take  the draw in  papers,  but  right  now  the  Army .  crew  now.  We  quite  a  rough  time  Just  because  I  Argentine  pesos  you  only  get  14M!  isn't  releasing  any  seamen.)  once  or  twice.  had  16  Neapoli­ I've been  noticing reports  in the  had  a  roll  of  negatives  in  my  for a  dollar,  whereas  when  you get  4  4  4  tans  in  the  last  LOG about  how some  of  the broth­ pocket.  Finally  they  let me  go.  dollars  you  can  get  26  to  30  pesos  crew,  but  since  Feels Stewards  ers  run  wild  in  certain  foreign  I  think  this is  a  pretty raw  deal  for  each  dollar  anywhere.  we  are  not  run­ when  a  man  can't  even  take  some  •  Also,  make  sure  that  you  don't  ports,  particularly  on  the  Robin  Bate Increases  ning  to  Italy  any  Line  run.  Naturally  it  isn't  up  to  pictures  of  his  shipmates  without  buy  anything  to  take  home  with  To  the  Editor:  more,  they  went  being treated as if  he was  a  crimi­ you  unless  you  get  a  customs  per­ the  Union  to  play  nursemaid  to  home  to  their  nal.  I'd  like  the  fellows  to know  mit  to  do  so.  Otherwise  the  cus­ First  of  all,  I  would  like  to  these guys when they're  over there,  f a m  i 1 i  e s.  I  de Pailier  that  if  you  have  a  camera  or film,  toms officials  will come aboard and  thank Brother  Bill Hay  for his fine  besides  which  the  Union  can't  do  haven't been back  letter  in  the  April  4  issue  of  the  some  of  these customs  fellows can  seize  them.  to  the  States  in  a  year.  We  have  ansrthing  about  them  until  they  give  you  an  awful  lot  of  trouble.  LOG.  He  had  some  very  good  The  Crew  of  the  Sea  Wind  had  some  Americans,  NMU  and  even  get back  to ^e States.  points  in  it  regarding  the  stew­ its  stuff  seized  and  taken  ashore,  Evaristo  Rosa  one  MM&P second mate  as an  AB  But  the  SiU  has  down  through  ard's  department.  With  all  the  but  the  captain  on  our  ship  pro­ ^  ^  L  —he missed  his ship—but only  the  the  years  tried  to raise  our  condi­ tested  several  times  to  the  Ameri­ new  pay  increases  for  day  work­ tions  and  has  as  a  result  built  up  three  SIU.  JThe  rest,  German  and  the  public  impression  of  the  sea­ GM  Has Praise  can consul  and  the  authorities  and  ers,  they  seem  to  have  left  out  Canadian mostly,  are a good bunch.  steward  department  men,  who  are  got  the  stuff  back.  going  man.  So  when  these  per­ For New I4IG  Likes  Air­Mail  LOG  day  workers,  putting  in  8  hours  However,  the  stories  that  we're  We're  enroute  to  Has  Tanura  formers  and  foul­ups  go  into  ac­ To  the  Editor:  now  Aearing  in  the  crew  mess­ in  a  spread  of  12.  Or aren't  stew­ tion,  they're  Just  killing  every­ to  load  for  Germany.  We're  get­ Thanks  for  your  kind  and  im­ room  about  the  senoritas  and  the  ard  department  men  considered  ting  long  trips  now,  with  45  days  thing  that's  been  done  up  to  now,  mediate  attention  to  my  request  good  time  the  crew  had  prove  it  day  workers?  at  sea  and  two  in  port.  Sure  like  and  we  can't  allow  that.  for  the  LOG.  "Your  package  with  was  well  worth  the  long trip  from  With  the  new  pay  increases,  a  Hurt Brothers  those new  LOGs, and  the 3­edition  back  and  current  issues  arrived  Baltimore.  wiper  who  could  have  Just  started  air  mail  is  sure  OK.  The  only  If  some  guys  won't  toe  the  line  and  was  received  with  open  arms.  going  to  sea,  Joseph  Rudolph  hitch  is  that  this  bucket  moves  even  after  being  shown  the  way,  I  noticed  my  letter  printed  in  the  could  get  a  pay  Ship's  Delegate  they  Just  don't  belong.  Anybody^  Letter  of  the  Week  column,  and  around  too  much.  scale  above  sec­ 3)  i 3i  ­ How  about  sending  out  some  who's  going to  Jam  up  my chances  thank  you for this  kind gesture.  ond  and  copies  of  the  tanker  agreement,  of  making  a  living,  and  I'm  speak­ I  could  hardly  believe  my  eyes  He'd Like To Go  cooks.  T h e'i c  plus  all  the  educational  literature  ing  for  the  great  majority  of  at  the  size  of  the  new  LOG.  It  men  have  to  you  can  put  in  a  package.  Sure  brothers  who  like  to  raise  a  little  sure  is a fine  feeling to  know  that  Bach To Sea  have  a  little  need  to  give  some  of  these  guys  row  now  and  then  in  its  proper  the  SIU  has  gone  forward  once  L'o  the  Editor:  more  experience  place,  is  going  to  get  his  lumps  again  by  publishing  the finest  I'm an  ex­able  seaman,  27  years  some  education.  than  a  wiper  to  Missed  some  LOGs from  Feb.  28  one  way  or  another.  trade  Journal  in  the  history  of  or­ old.  I'm  not  a Union  member,  but  sail  as  cooks.  to  March  31.  They're  probably  You  can see  what  these foul­ups  ganized  labor.  All  of  SIU's  past  that's  not  because  I  didn't  want  Another  ex­ Ulrlch  waiting  in  Suez.  Enclosed  are  a  can do  to our Union when  you con­ accomplishments  are  reflected  in  to  be,  but  due  to  circumstances  ample  is  bosun's  few  steward  department  sugges­ sider  that" every  time  something  the  present  LOG.  As  the  SIU  at  the  time.  and  deck  engineer's  wages  com­ tions  for  consideration  by  the  ne­ nasty  happens,  it  becomes  typical  moves  forward  in  the  task  of  pro­ I did  four years in  the Navy,  and  pared  to  the  steward's  and  chief  of  all  seamen,  not  an  individual  viding  not  only  the  American  sea­ also  sailed  on  the  Great  Lakes  ore  cook's  pay.  Doesn't  a  chief  cook  gotiating  committee.  Will  you  have  the  Camera  Edi­ situation.  When  our  Union  Nego­ men,  but  seamen  of  every flag,  carriers.  '  have  a­more  responsible  job  than  tor  give  me  the  dope  on  a  III  F  tiating  Committee  goes  into  con­ with  the  highest  standards  of  liv­ Right  now,  I'm  with  the  US  a  bosun  or deck  engineer?  Leica  with  a  Summltar  f:2  lens?  tract  powwows  with  the  shipown­ ing  and  best  working  conditions  Foreign  Service,  but  my  heart  is  Responsible  Job  1  bought  it  In  Germany  for  $212.  ers  this  summer  that's  Just  the  and  the  highest  wages  ever  still  with  the  ships.  I  am  stiU  in­ A  chief  cook'  is  responsible  for  What  will  be  the  duty  on  it?  Are  kind  of  thinking  they've  got  to  dreamed  of,  so  has  the  SEA­ terested  in  Joining  your  Union  feeding  40  or  more  men  aboard  fight.  there  any  restrictions?  Does  that  FARERS  LOG  kept  pace  by  insur­ and  would  do  so  if  there  are  any  Every  little  punk  action  makes  ing  that  the  members  of  the  SIU  possibilities.  I'd  appreciate  any  ship.  He  has  to  know  all  about  $500  allowance  cover  this  situa­ butchering  of  meats  and  cooking  tion?  I'll  be coming  back as  a  pas­ it  tougher  to  present  the  fair  side  are,  and will  be,  the best  informed  information  you  have  on  this.  of  food  to  perfection  so  that  the  of  the  issue.  We'd  better  crack  senger.  This  is  one  of  the  best  seamen  throughout  the  world.  I  am  sending  along  a  check  for  crew  will  be  happy  and  well  satis­ 35MM  cameras  made,  and  I  could  down­on  these  characters  before  Army  Releases  $2  to  cover  the  cost  of  the  LOG.  fied.  Still,  his  wages  are  lower  never  buy  one  in  the  States  for  it's  too  late.  There  were  quite  a  few  letters  I've  only  seen  one  issue,  but  I  than  the  other  two  rated  men,  Frank  Carter  inquiring  about  obtaining  releases  like  it  and  would  appreciate  hav­ less  than  $400.  There  are  probably  a  lot  of  I'm  sticking  it  out  for  the  Ar­ from the  armed forces,  in the vari­ ing  it  sent  to  me.  3)  3)  &  other  steward  department  men  ticles  (18  months)  so  keep "those  ous  editions  sent  me.  and  at  the  Francis  John  Savage  who  feel  they  have  been  left  out  LOGs  conung.  Thanhs SIU  For  end  of  each  letter  I  noticed  an  4  3)  3)  in  the  pay  raise  that  day  workers  Lee  de  Parlier  editor's  note,  informing  the  corre­ Wail St. Film  received.  I  hope  that  our  officials  Ship's  Delegate  spondent he  was  being sent 'en ap­ Bough Weather  give  this  consideration  when  they  (Ed.  note:  Those  tanker  agree­ To  the  Editor:  plication  form.  That  there  ever  ments  are  on  their  way.  You  can  In  behalf  of  the  officers,  execu­ was  such  a  form  is  certainly  news  Spoiled The Trip  open  contracts  with  the  ship  6v^>  ers.  bring  that  camera  in  under  the  tive  board  and  membership  of  the  to  me  and  I  am  very  glad  to hear  To  the  Editor:  Home  Office  Employees  Union  that  there  is  a  chance  for  former  It's  smooth  sailing  now—^with  Paul  Ulrlch  $500  limit.)  (Int'l  Alliance  of  Theatrical  Stage  seamen  to  obtain  a  discharge  to  plenty  of  ­OT—and  the  Thomas  4  4  4  3)  4  4  Leathers  is  a  good  feeder  with  a  Employees)  the  writer  wishes  to  return  to  sea.  gOQd  SIU  crew,  but  the  trip  over  Suggests  LOG  express  his  sincere  thanks  and  'Asks  Application  Ashs SiV  List  grateful  appreciation  for  the  loan  I  have  a  friend  here  who  is  a  wasn't  so nice.  List  All Fines  Of  SMp Sailings  of  the motion  picture print  of "The  former  third  mate  and  he  would  From  the  time  we  left  Newport  To  the  Editor:  News,  March  10,  Battle  of  WaU  Street."  To  the  Editor:  like  to  know  if  there  is a  separate  until  March  30,  The  crew  of  the  Seatrain  Sa­ I  wonder  it the  Union  could  list  This film  was  shown  iseveral  form  for  former  ships'  officers,  or  we  really  had  a  vannah thinks that the LOG should  the  ships  that  are  coming  and  go­ times  by  this  local  union  to  its  if  he may  use the  same one as  un­ publish  a  list  of  all  fines  imposed,  rough  time.  ing in New  York harbor in the ship­ general  membership  and  to  a  gen­ licensed  personnel.  If  so,  I  would  Yes  sir,  aU  the  such  as  the  $50  fine  for  missing  ping  hall so that  the fellows  copld  eral  meeting of  all  shop  stewards,  like  to  have  three  copies  of  these  rigging  is  dam­ the  ship  or  quitting  at  the  last  have  an  idea  of  how  the  shipping  and  the  consensus  was  that  the  applications,  as  I  also  have  a  aged.  All  the  minute  without  a  replacement, the  situation  is.  A  lot  of  the  boys  go  SIU  did  a  wonderful  Job in  assist­ brother  who  is  an  ex­seaman  and  lifeboats  were  $10  fine  for  men  not  doing  sani­ running  around  looking  for  the  ance  to  the  Financial  Employees  I  am  sure he  would  like  to return  smashed  and  a  tary  work  as  required  and  so  on.  Journal  of  Commerce  which  has  Union as  well as  a magnificent  Job  to sea.  couple  of  davits  The  LOG  should  also  state  that  it  How  will the  new issue  of  Union  such  a  list,  but  you  caa't  always  in the filming ofnhe  incidente dur­ ripped  out  of  the  is up to the  ship's delegate  to turn  ing the  strike.  books affect  us  fellows  who are  in  find this  paper.  Gasvar  deck and  the seas  men  in for these violations.  If  the  Union  would  put pp  a list  It .  is  our  opinion  that  this film  retirement?  Will  the jiew  books  It seems that  when a  ship's dele­ like  this  in  the  headquarters,  it  should  be  of  inestimable  value  in  be  made  out  now,  or  will  we  have  made  a  mess  of  everything.  would  be  very  helpful.  A  man  vigorouisly  pushing  forward  the  to  wait  until  we  pick  up  the  old  There  wasnt  much  sleeping  gate  turns  a  man  in  he  immedi­ while  the  rough  weather  was  hit­ ately  becomes  a  heel  or  a  stoolie.  ,  •  would  know  pretty  much  what  to  aims  of  lei^timate  unionism.  Will  ones?  Also,  I  still  have  the  old  engine  ting  the  ship,  hut  she's  i^till  afloat  Something  should  be  done  to tiffin  expect. in  the  way  of  tuns  and  you  again  extend  to  the  Interna­ ships for the next couple of  weeks.  tional officere the writer's personal  department  papers.  Issued  by  the  and  moving  slowly  towarid  Rotter­ the  abuse  off  the  ship's  delegate.  Sometimes a  fellow wants a par­ appreciation  for  the  lo^n  of  this  Department  of  Commerce.  Are  dank  Hope  we'll  have  better  After all, he has to live on the ship  with the  men.  they  good  anymore,  or  do  X  have  wcsthsr ©n­the  trip back.  ruu for good reason, but he  priut.  Douglas  Aeker,  Jr.  Franclseo  Gaspat  to  apply  for  new  ones?  From  BasseHM; Moto  doesn't  know  if  he shouM Wait Yor  Ship's  ieiegite  ShROr'delegate:' ^  what 1 readt )aF.tJpH8Sw^L06i Aurn­ '  '  �Pjp ^  Paca  Twentjr­twa  SEAFARERS  LOG  Be Praises Union  Ettieieneyi Gains  I"'"'­'.,  •  Friday^ May %, 198t  "  ^  Shipping industry  ADlaehSheep?  •  X  E  T  T  E  E  S  •   foHhe  Editor:  To the  Editor:  The  smooth  and  efficient  opera­ everyone  can't  be  a  prize­winner.  mix  it  by  hand  like  they  used  to  All  this  talk  about  preparedness  tions of  a machine  depends largely  But  at  least  they'll  know  there's  gives me  a  howl.  The  Government  do  in  the  old  days."  ^  on  the  man  or  men  operating  it.  legitimate  handling  of  this  deal  This  chief  is  responsible  for  prods  industry  and  science  night  Smooth and  well­ordered operation  and  maybe  next  year  they  may  some  nasty  acid  burns  that  one  of  and  day.<for  a  build­up  in  every  To  the  Editor:  is  the  rule  in  the  SIU.  With  this  walk  off  with  one  of  the  awards.  the  wipers  got.  The  chief  was  field,  new  ideas  with  an  eye  to  the  I  just  want  to  let. my  shipmates  kind  of  operation  we  have  become  This  is  not  a  pitch  for  myself,  putting  a  barrel  of  boiler  com­ future  and  then  lets  the  cobwebs  the  foremost  and  leading  union  In  because  I  just  don't  seem  to  have  know  that  I have  pound  on  top  of  the  main  engine.  on  the  shipping  industry  pile  up.  become  a  proud  the  maritime  industry.  the  knack  for  this  stuff.  But  if  I'  The  bung  was  over  the  platform  The  only  new  developments  in  .  The  gains  that  have  been  made  can  rouse  up  some  of  the  bashful  father  of  a  ten  and the acid spilled out and burned  the  shipping  industiy  since  the  by our  Union in  the past  few years  boys  to  send  their  work  in,  we'll  pound  baby  boy.  the  oiler's  shoulder  so  badly  it  war  are  these  35  Mariner  ships,  a  My  wdfe  gave  are  ample  proof  make  this  a  top­notch  contest  to  welcome  sign  although  only  two of  hasn't  healed  in  over  a  month.  of this.  The union  show  that  the  SIU  guy  is not  only  birth  February  We don't  mind minor gripes  now  them  are  ready  for fitting  so  far,  12  in  Touro  In­ operates  on  an  talented  on  the  job,  but  applies  and then,  but this chief  is too much  and  the  dribs  and  drabs  in  new  economical basis,  some  of  his  skill  to  creative  art  firmary  in  New  oil  and  ore  carriers.  to  take.  Orleans.  We  which  means  a  after  hours  too.  Crewmembers  There's  plenty  of  activity  in  air­ saving  in  money  Gil  Schap  have" named  him  SS Transatlantic  craft,  weapons  and  push­button  Johnnie  Drexell  Johnnie  for  each  and  ev­ 4  4  4  gadgets  but  the  shipping  industry  ^  i  it  Baxter.  ery  member.  A  sems  like  a  stepchild  in  the  whole  Merton  (Slim)  Baxter  comparison  o f  process.  Now  I'm  not  heavy  in  4  4  4"  wages  received  the  brain  department  like  some  of  by  most  unions  McKay  To  the  Editor:  the  people  who  should  know  bet­ To  the  Editor:  under  existing  "• We're  having  a  good  trip  on  ter,  but  I  know  what  this  means  I,  being  another  poor  seaman  contrScts,  and  the amount  of  bene­ the  Del  Santos,  but  we're  think­ who  lost  his  freedom  of  the  sea  to  my  job  and  how  it  would  show  fits  they  receive,  if  any,  show  that  ing  about  asking  the  company  to  To  the  Editor:  by  being  drafted  Into  the  Army,  if  any  emergency  cropped  up.  they  pay more  union dues  percent­ change  the  ship's  name  when  we  The Transatlantic  may  be a  good  would  like  very  much  to  have  the  Why  Is  It?  age­wise  than  the  members  of  the  got  back.  ship—except for a  couple of  the of­ LOG  sent  to  me  here  at  camp  Most  of  us  understand why these  SIU.  We figure  that  the  Del  Matri­ ficers—but  the  company  is  going  Few  unions  have  a  union  paper  iQony  would  be  a  much  better  tag  to  have  a  bunch  of  gripes  and  rather  than  at  my  home  address.  ships  pulled  out  of  the  boneyard  that  can  compare  with  the  LOG.  for  her  because  of  the  number  of  claims  on  its  hands  when  we  get  I  enjoy  the  LOG  very  much  and  I  are  heading  back  there,  because  believe  that  it  is  the  best  Union  there  aren't  any  cargoes  for  them  The  LOG  is  a  well­edited  paper  weddings  we've  had  on  the  trip.  back!  to  haul  right  now.  But  with  every­ newspaper  published  in  the  US.  dealing  in  matters  of  importance  While  the  ship  was  in  Santos,  Most  of  the gripes  are  about  the  I  have  benefited  by  being  with  thing else  working  on  a  long­range  to all  labor,  as  well as  members of  Brazil,  we  had  four  weddings,  and  chief  engineer, and  the crew seems  the Union.  The policy  of  the Union  two  more  brothers  are  planning  to  to  feel  that  when  we  get  back  it  the  SIU  and  have  learned  a  lot  basis,  why  is the  shipping  Industry  of  assisting  other  unions  is a  well­ get  married  when  we  leave  and  will  be—new  chief,  same  crew,  or  from  the  Union  and  the  swell  guys  left  out  of  the  picture?  This long­range shipping bill that  established  fact  in the  entire labor  start  north.  So  that  makes  six  else  same  chief  and  a  new  crew.  that  sail  out  of  it.  I  have  made  many  friends  since  coming  in  to  was  discussed  pretty  fully  in  the  movement.  guys  who've  tied  the  knot  on  this  But  Bosun  Gerald  Pettipas  also  the  SIU  in  September,  1950,  when  LOG  (Feb.  8,  1952)  seemed,  on  the  All  officials  of  our  Union  are  trip.  has  a  gripe  about  the  mate,  who  the  Union  signed  the  Cities  Serv­ whole,  a  good  deal  for  the  future  seamen,  and  are  elected  by  the  Alton  R.  Booth  he says  is also  carpenter on  board.  ice fleet.  of  the  Industry,  since  it  seems  to  membership  to  represent  them.  Ship's  delegate  When we  started the  trip, the mate  Pvt.  Robert  G.  Campbell  be  lagging  behind  all  the  others  This  is  sound  democratic  policy  4  4  4  renovated  the  captain's  cabins  and  in  the  way  of  progress.  which  has  made  the  SIU respected  4  4>  4  the master stood  watches.  by  the  entire  labor  movement.  If  there's  some  reason  for  hot­  .  Mate Does  Work  tling it  up  in  Congress,  since  I un­ The  election  of  capable  and  ef­ When  his attention  was  called  to  derstand  the  Senate  passed  the  ficient  Union  officials  which  we  To  the  Editor:  this,  he  assigned'  the  dayman  to  To  the  Editor:  bill  last­August,  I  wish  someone  now  have,  will  continue to  keep us  Reading  about  the  case  of  would  come  out  and  explain  why.  a  Union  second  to  none  in  the  en­ Brother  Kupscznk  in  the  last  issue  assist  him  at  OT  rates,  but  when  Several  months  ago  I filed  There's  a  lot  at  stake  if  US  ship­ the  rest  of  the  cre^v  slept,  he  be­ tire labor  movement.  of  the  LOG  reminds  me  of  the  William  McKay  time  I  got  sick  aboard  the  Robin  came  the  dayman,  sweeping  decks,  through  Army  channels  to  Wash­ ping  Is  getting  the  cold  shoulder  running  the  deck  gang  and  when  ington  for  release  from  service  as  from  government  planners.  We  t  4"  4"  Goodfellow  in  1946.  We  were  in  he  was  asked  about  it  he  said  that  per  directions  from  SIU  head­ ought  to  know  why.  the  port  of  Lourenco  Marques,  was  what  they do  in  the  NMU  and  quarters.  Robert  J.  Phillips  Mozambique,  when  I  had  to  be  the  Lakes.  He  raises  and  lowers  On  Monday,  April  14,  I  was  no­ 4  4  4  taken  in  for  an  operation.  I  was  the hook  without  calling  the  bosun  tified  that  my  application  was  To  the  Editor:  treated  well  at  the  hospital,  but  turned  down  due  to  the  fact  that  to  turn  to.  I  am  on  the  Golden  City  which  when  I  got  out,  the  Robin  Lines  The bosun also complained about  at  the  present  time  there  is  not  a  must  have  set  some  sort  of  a  rec­ agent  put  me  in  one  of  the  cheap­ the  chief  engineer,  who  has  made  critical  shortage  of  merchant  sea­ To the  Editor:  ord  by  hitting seven  ports in  seven  est  places  in  town  to  stay  until  men.  The  above  is,  in  part,  a  our trip miserable.  First he threat­ Here's  one  for  some  of  the  old­ days.  We  started  by  getting  into  he  was  going  to  arrange  transpor­ ened  to  cut  off  our  water  because  quotation  from  the  directive.  timers  to  try  their  memory  on.  It  Bremerhaven,  Germany,  on  April  tation  for  me.  I  originally  joined­the  SIU  in  any  one  on  this  picture  taken  32  the  ship  was  1,000  pounds  over­ 4.  From  there  we  hit  Bremen  on  I waited  around for a  month and  1943 and  sailed until  being drafted  years  ago  on  the  Minnesota  is  still  loaded and  could not  carry  enough  half  with  no  results.  Finally,  I  April  5;  Brocken,  April  6;  Ham­ in  February,  1951.  water ­to  make  the  trip.  sailing,  let  the  LOG  know  when  burg,  April  7;  Rotterdam,  Holland,  went  back  to  the  :  If  you can  advise me  any further  you  will  be  in  port  and  I  will  be  When  a  steam  line  was  carried  April  8;  Antwerp,  Belgiam,  April  agent,  asking  away  at  the  anchor  winch,  it  was  on  tWs  matter  I  shall  greatly  ap­ happy  to  visit  you  at  the finest  ,  9;  and  Cherbourg,  France,  April  them  for  my  clubhouse  in the  world,  I  mean the  left exposed  and the  bosun  burned  preciate  it.  1(1.  The  next  day  we  were  on  our  r  a  n  s  p  6  r  ­ James O'Sullivan  one at  675 4th  Avenue in  Brooklyn,  his  leg  on  it.  When  he  told  the  tation.  One  ship,  way  to  Baltimore.  (Ed. note:  Unfortunately, due  to  our SIU  headquarters.  chief  engineer  about  it,  he  was  the  Robin  Lock­ I  think  that  is  really  moving  Thanks for sending  me  the LOG.  told  to  "sue  the  company  if  you  the  recoil  of  government­owned  around  a  little.  No  one  missed  the  sley,  was  avail­ ships  the  shortage  of  seamen  has.  It  is  without  a  doubt,  the finest,  want  to,  don't  bother  me,"  and  ship  and  everyone  turned  to  In  able  in  the  port  disappeared  and  the  Maritime  Ad­ most  inspiring  and  interesting  that's  what  he's  going  to do.  every  department.  It's  a  smooth­ and I  asked to  be  George  Prota,  a  wiper,  was  ministration  is  no  longer  request­_  paper  published  anywhere,  or  by  put  on  her  as  I  running  ship,  SIU  style.  assigned  by  the  chief  engineer  to  ing  discharge  of  seamen .from  the  anyone,  union  or  otherwise.  Re­ wanted  to  get  Danny  Piocerelli  Santiago  gards  to  all  my  friends.  spray  paint  over  the  boilers  in the  Armed  Forces.)  back  home.  t  4  George  Groves  tropics  —  where  the  temperature  Gets  Run­Around  was  106  degrees  under  the  venti­ The  agent  told  me  that  I  had  to  go  to  see  the  master  personally,  lator.  He  was  standing  on the  cat­ because  all  passenger  vacancies  walk  on  the  verge  of  heat  exhaus­ To  the  Editor:  were  taken.  1  went  up  to  see  the  tion  when  he  fell  through  an  With  our first  annual  SIU  Art  Contest  nearing  the final  turn,  I'm  American  Consul  to find  out  what  unprotected  escape  ladder opening  y^teally  eager  to  see  what  the  boys  was  going  on.  He  told  me  to  go  which  had  no  chain,  and  injured  have  been  turning  out.  I  hope  I'll  see  the  agent.  So  they  had  me  in  his  back.  It  still  pains  him  on  be  in  town  when  the  judging  is  a  run­around,  from  the  agent  to  occasion.  Told  To  Sue  made  and  my  brother  Seafarers'  the  captain  to  the  consulate  and  Our  great  chief  engineer  told  back  again.  I  didn't  have  any  work  is  put  on  display.  One  thing  I  know  is  that  in  a  money  left  and  didn't  know  what  him  he  was  paying  him  OT  to  paint, and not  to fall  down ladder.s,  bread­and­butter  Union  like  ours,  to  do.  where  there's  plenty  of  emphasis  Finally,  one  day  I  met  a  friend  and  that  he  was  too  busy  to  be  on  the  bread­and­butter  aspect,  of  mine  by  the  name  of  Victor  putting  up  chains,  and  tttat  this  other  considerations  aren't  forgot­ Offerra  who  told  me  that  there  was  a  ship  and  not  a  nursery  any­ ten.  This  art  competition  is  a  were  four  jobs  open  on  a  Liberty  way.  He  told  Prota  to  "sue, us  if  ship.  I  went. to  see  the  master  you  don't  like  it,"  and  that's  just  good  example  of  what  I  mean.  It  not  only  gives  the  boys  a  and  he  hired  me  as  AB.  That  was  what  Prota's  going  to _do;  Ship's  delegate  John  E.­  Fisher  chance  to  pull  off  the  wraps  from  how  I got back  to  the  States.  son^e  of  their  creations,  but  helps  It  seems  that  according  to  my  says that  the chief  engineer always  draw  out  some  pretty fine  talent  experience  and  that  of  Brother  disputes  any  kind  of  overtime  and  that  you  see  going  on  all  around  Kupscznk,  Robin  Lines  pull  the  raves  and  rants,  and  says'  he's  you  on  the  ships.  Some  of  my  same  treatment all  over  v^hen  they  running  a .ship  and  hot  r  union.  shipmates  on  many  occasions  have  have  sick  seamen  on  their  ships.  Fisher  says  the  whole' engine  de­ done  art  work  that  would  put  the  They  should  have  a  little  more  p^ment has  niade  the  trip  under  professionals  shame,  consider­ consideration  to the  men who  work  threats, "With  the  chief  yelling  all  ing  lihe  material  they  had  to  work,  their  ships, for  them.  Some  of  the  the  time,  and  working  the  wipers  with,  plus  the  time they  were  able,  agents  think  they  are  doing  you  a  from  bell  to  bell,  even: in  the  favor,  or  just  don't  want  to  bother  tropics.  to put  in  after  work.  .  taking  care  of  you.  I  wonder  If  ;  Tribute  to  Men  On  our  trip  south,  the  armature  Crewmembers of  the  Minnesota, known as  the "hoodoo ship" of  thq  'i'his  contest  is a  swell  tribute  to  there  is  my  action  that  can  be.  In  the  dough  mixer  burned  out  Nortl^  Atlantic,  posed  for  this  one  in March,  1920.  That's  George  these  men,  since  it  win  give  them  taken  so as  to  protect  sick seamen  because  it was  so old.  The skipper  GfovM  geated  on  deck  —*  the  recognition  for  their  ability  in  foreign  j^rts.  said  tp  get  a  new. one  in  Rio,  but  Identified',, are' Hetiiian  that  they  deserve.  ,  Of  course.  Marcellno .Santiago  the  chief  says  "Hell  no,  let  them  some  readoni  will  "  Hi'.­;­:,.  •  ,  .  He^s Passing Out  The Cigars Now  Del Santos Crew  Marryiny Kind  Ayrees ill Seaman  Get Kun­Around  Go Places  On Golden City  Crew Airs Gripes  About Officers  LOG Will Follow  Where He Goes  Turned Down On  Discharge Plea  Anybody Recall  Minnesota Trip?  Art Contest Real  Hit To Seafarer  •  i  �IMJay, May t. M5»  Vac* Tfrenfy­tturM  SEAFARERS  LOG  •  LETTERS  •   S  E  A  F  A  R  E  R  S  CASH  BENEFITS  Far East Tour  Ms  Nearing End  There is  no union  and  no contract.  Whatever the company decides,  the  people  abide  by.  Sometimes  they  are  good,  sometimes  not  so  good.  We  are  directly  under  the  com­ pany's  heel.  When  the  unions  do  move  in,  I'll be  ready to cooperate  in every  way.  I  think  the  most  valuable  asset 1 brought home  with me  was  the  knowledge  of  unions and  their  fi.nctions  as  the  Seafarers  taught  me.  Believe  me,  I'll  surely  use  this  knowledge  when  the  unions  do  come.  Please  continue  sending  me  the  LOG,  It's  a  wonderful  paper.  Melvin  Jack  Hartley  To the Editor:  '  •   the  Steel  Fabricator  Is  now  In  Suez,  on  Its  way  home  from'  the  PAID  BY  THE  SEAFARERS  INTERNATIONAL  UNION  •  ATLANTIC  AND OULF  DISTRia  •  A.F.L.  Orient  on  a  trip  which  will  last  •«  about four months.  We have  made  Vacation  Plan.  April  M—AprU  36  a  typical  Isthmian  tour  of  the Far  Welfare  Plan.  April  6—April  19  East,  calling  at 18  ports  in  India,  Malaya  and  Indonesia.  The  best  port out here is Singapore.  We hit  there  twice  for  a  total  stay  of  12  Manuel  Galvah  ,  7703  S6.3»  Charles  Gallagher  ,  7703  44.78  days.  Nobody  was  sorry  to  leave,  Leo  Gallagher  7704  113.17  because it  proved  to  be an  expen­ Luciano  Labrador  .......  105.78  ,  7705  Carlos  DeLeon  7706  .  68.83  sive  place  to linger.  Rex  Coots  . 7707  87.89  Down  in  Java,  Djakarta  is  a  REPORT NO. 6  Markes  Kalafatis  ,  7708  61.44  Spiridon  Vozkis  cheap  and  popular  port.  Our  stay  7709  94.50  By Lloyd  Gardner, Asst. Secretary­Treasurer  Frank  Lijo  7710  102.67  there  was  marred  by  the  mdrder  Joe  Mirto  54.0A  Period Covered  by This Report—^Aprll 14­April  26  7711  Raymond  Trichs  of  a Seafarer  off  the Steel Appren­ 7712  9S.m^  Cash  on Hand  |236,435.19  Void  ,  7713  Void  tice  in  port  at  the  same  time.  (A  Albert  Akberdin  7714  42.78  Estimated Accounts Receivable  210,000.00  Clifford  Moore  report  of  Claverland's  death  was  7715  78.94  Agosto  7716  •   110.83  Vacation  Benefits  Paid  in  Period  94,948.91  Francisco  in  the  March  7  LOG.)  George  Mastoras  To the  Editor:  7717  71.94  Steer  Clear  Donald  Olson  7718  42.39  618,891.07  Durwood  Dees  I received  the March  21 and  the  Vacation  Benefits Paid  Since  February 11. 1952.  7719  104.61  Most Seaferers  are familiar with  April  4  edition  of  the  LOG  and  Sidney  Lipschitz  7720  84.00  the  Radio  Bar  in  Tanjong^Priok.  enjoyed  them  very  much.  The  The steady  pace  of  benefits  paid  out  by  our Vacation  Plan  continued  Joseph  Camp  7721  84.00  Alvin  See  7722  73.50  It is a good place  April  4  edition  had  pictures  and  without  interruption  these  past  two  weeks.  We've  already  gone  well  Oscar  Alston  7723  59.89  to stay away from  also ­quotes  from  the  boys,  Joseph  past  ^rmas  Lindfors  ......... 7724  119.00  $600,000  mark  and  the  payments  are  sticking  very  close  to  "Wilmar  Harper  . .•   7725  89.44  as  it  has  long  0.  Pelham  and  Ricbard  F.  Ran­ original  estimates  that  the  Plan  would  shell  out  around  $2,500,000  a  Joseph  Centorbi  7726  81.28  been  the  center  some,  while  in  New  Orleans,  La.  Thomas  Moller  .  7727  121.73  year,  or  $50,000  every  week.  Theodore  Milians  7728  101.50  of  trouble  for  I'm  sure  all  parents  of  Seafarers  William  MarshaU  ........ 7729  44.73  seamen.  The  would  join  me  in  saying  that  we  Both  the  number  of  men  collecting  and  the  total  amount  paid  out  Jacob  Mcintosh  ; 7730  44.73  Simpson  • 7731  61.44.  characters  who  are  so  thankful  for  the  wonderful  these  past  two  weeks  covered  by  this  report  is  practically  the same  as  Carl  Lewis  Ware  7732  82.83  hang  around  are  progress  our  boys  are  making.  Simpson  61.06  7733  in  the  previous two  week  period.  The  very  slight  drop in  the number  Frank  Oscar  Figueroa  7734  110.44  the first  to  be  •   Their  past,  present  and  future  collecting  is  balanced  off  by  the  larger  size  of  benefit .checks  as  men  Herbert  Halley  7735  96.44  rounded  up  by  advancements  are  achieved  by  the  William  Hall  7736  62.61  Paige  Trader  7737  82.83  the  police  wben  help  and  support  of  their  grand  coming  in  later  have  additional  sea  time  to  their  credit.  CarUn  Carlos  Nava  7738  99.56  Within  the  next three  weeks or  so, we  expect  that  there  will be  some  Joseph  a  crime  has been  organization,  the  SIU.  Tripp  7739  65.73  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ...  7740  3,500.00  committedi  Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Pelham  men  coming  in  for  their  second  round  of  checks  since  they  will  have  Walter  Cousins  7741  115.89  Our  ball  team  was  victorious  Bright­weU  7742  117.44  another  90  days sea  time  by  then.  All  of  which  proves  the  soundness  William  ,  Harold  McMahon  7743  44.33  over  the Steel  Director in  Jeddah,  of  the benefits  system set  up by  the SIU, since  it provides  another help­ Oliver  Thompson  ........ 7744  41.61  Saudi Arabia,  and followed  this up  Richard  Anderson  ^  7745  114.72  ing  ready for  the taking  every three  months.  Grady  Crews  ;  7746  43.56  v.ith  a surprise  win  over  a  highly­ Leonard  Howard  7747  93.17  touted  team  from  the  President  George Burns  7748  39.67  To  the  Editor:  Albert  Masciello  WilUam  Lane  7631  7749  Check  115.11  69.61  Polk in Singapore.  The cruise­ship  7632  47.83  Joseph  Korchak  7750  No.  Amount  Henry  Cortez  60.67  Name  I  have  recently  seen  several  is­ boys  made  it  even  by  winning  a  Harold  Stivers  7633  112.00  Juan  Nieves  7751  68.44  $41.22  Lester  Wolfe  Albert  Veverica  7563  7634  83.61  Philip  Polito  7752  58.72  return  match  in  Belawan  Deli,  sues  of  your  SEAFARERS  LOG  Christopher  90.22  Frank  Walters  Kellehen  ...  7563  7635  46.67  Albert  Richall  ..7  7753  which  I  found  to  be  very  inter­ 52.89  Sumatra. Our team was made up of  58.33  Richard  Jacoby  Roscoe  Tillett  ^..  7564  Francis  Corcoran  7636  97.61  7754  105.78  52.11  Donald  Ertizinger  ...... 7637  L'Esperanie  ....  7565  45.50  George  Bimle  7755  106.17  representatives  of  all departments.  esting.  The  LOG  is like  no  other  Bernard  69.22  Floyd  Jarvis  Jesse  Trynor  7566  .  7638  61.44  Jack  Sandrs  7756  39.67  Including  topside.  Games  were  labor  newspaper  that  I  have  e­er  Georxe  Stambilu  80.11  James  Murphy  7567  Joseph  Donohue  7639  78.56  7757  48.23  95.28  Arnold  Ballinger  7568  Charles  Smith  arranged by Bob  McCutcheon, DM,  seen.  7640  44.33  Stuart  Liles  7758  47.44  105.39  Clarence  DeBay  7569  Michael  Ruane  .........  7641  7759  35.78  Charles  McCain  82.0"JH"  who  also  handled  the  pitching  As  a  former  seaman,  I  am  in­ Nikodem  Glen  78.56  Rudy  GladweU  7570  Archie  Martin  7643  7760  97.61  59.89  terested  in  keeping  informed  con­ Purvis  Parker  103.06  Lee  Foo  7571  chores.  7643  94.89  7761  50.17  41.61  Bryon  Clmpman  cerning  the  sea  and  so  would  like  Seldon  Sherwood  .......  7573  7644  7762  68.06  Whitney  Girouard  75.83  Tops  among  our  suggestions  for  93.72  Delbert  Haught  Walter  WaUace  7573  Alton  Hunt  7645  7763  116.28  87.50.  the  LOG  regularly.  7574  81.67  Johnny  Brown  Horace  Sanford  the new  agreement  which  we  have  to If receive  7646  7764  119.00  Vincent  Garvey  77.78  53.67  George  Bernard  7575  have  subscriptions  to  the  Albert  Halm  7647  •   106.94  Dominic  Graciaho  7765  101.11  forwarded  to  the  negotiating  com­ LOG, you  66.89  Robert  Merritt  Artemio  Vazquez  7576  7648  7766  96.83  Russell Roberts  108.89  will  you  please  let  me  know  Robert  Voliva  7577  41.61  Stanley  Bobbins  mittee, is  the  need for crew  gang­ the  charge.  7649  7767  113.94  William  Oliveri  56.00  Burton  Owens  7578  107.33  LeRoy  Pierson  Leonard  Leidig  7650  7768  59.50  63.39  way  watchmen  on  Isthmian  ships.  Wlodzimierz  Dietrucki  :.  7579  121.72  William  Jefferies  7651  7769  66.50  Milford  McDonald  45.50  Walter  Kelly  The  use  of  native  gangway  watch­ dies  Orr  7652  57.94  (Ed. note: We've  put  your  name  Edward  Shamrock  7653  38.11  men  is  an  inequality  in  the  Isth­ on  the  mailing  list.)  Robert  Stoufflet  7654  74.28  mian  agreement  as  compared  to  Conrad  Wade  7655  38.89  »  4)  «  Alberto  Diaz,  Wilbur  Purdy  Joseph  Flynn,  7656  108.11  the  agreements  V|ith  other  com­ Bennie  Lewderback  7657  114.72  AB: I've been  out  messman:  If  you  panies  and  constitutes  a  loss  of  Minzionis  Marloni  7658  64.94  should  be  stuck  Aldemiro  Dossantos  7659  39.67  for  the  last  six  ovettime  to  the  sailors.  More  im­ Stanlslaw  Kocjan  7660  76.22  on  the  beach  for  months,  so  I  got  portant  is the  fact  that  the native  Bengt  Berglund  7661  66.89  a 'few  days,  this  James  Battle  7662  94.50  myself  a  pretty  watchmen,  are  Incompetent  and  To  the  Editor:  Martin  Rubio  7663  38.89  good­sized  check.  careless in their surveillance. They  Regrettably,  I  cannot  enter  the  dough  comes  in  Harry  Peeler  7664  72.72  Edison  Thomas  7665  36.56  This  vacation  offer  no  protection  to  the  crew  or  SIU Art Contest this year  as I will  real handy. If  you  Matoie  Boyles  7666  87.11  money  and  the  be  over  here  in  Japan.  However,  ask  me  that's  the  the crew's quarters.  Thomas  O'Brien  7667  118.61  best  feature  of  new  LOG  are  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ... 7668  3,500.00  I will have four or five entries next  Draw  Problems  Byron  Colgrbve  7669  $45.89  both  terrific.  Second  to  this  is  a  request  for  year.  Maybe  Morris  Weisberger  the  plan.  Charles  Brumfield  7670  92.17  James  Weir  7671  88.28  a clause in  the agreement concern­ can  submit  a  couple  of  the  small  Faustino  Orjales  7672  91.78  ing  draws,  to  be  given  every five  models  made  by  Walter  Smith.  Nichols  Borozzl  7673  43.56  Jesus  Araya  7580  74.67  Charles  Hauger  7674  7770  45.89  1  90.61  George  Hashagen  days  in  port.  The  way  it  stands  Tbey  are  great  works  of  art  and  I  Abraham  Felnsteln  7581  88.28  Melvin  Mays  7675  58.73  59.50  C.  L. Tal  7771  now,  the  crew  has  to  depend  on  know  that  Walter  would  not  sub­ LesUe  Tyler  7583  105.39  Octovlan  Bogdan  ........ 7676  58.72  40.06  Hong  Yu  7772  Jess  Etheridge  ......... 7583  58.33  William  Davey  ......... 7677  57.56  104.61  Emanuel  Flamourakis  ... 7773  the  whim  of  the  captain  for  a  mit  them  himself.  Besides,  he  is  Theodore  Hurlde  7584  84.78  Walter  Clifton  7678  58.73  7774  77.39  Sen  Chang  probably  out  here  somewhere.  second draw  in a foreign  port. The  Henry  Cavanaugh  7585  38.56  Henry  Callan  7679  54.44  55.61  Charles Locke  7775  7586  38.89  Herman  Meijer  *  A.  Jorgens  Eugene  Salvador  7680  7776  60.67  94.11  Alf  Polusen  crew  has  no  way  of  knowing  how^  Norman  Wright  7587  102.28  Donald  Trefethen  7777  93.72  7681  103.44  Hugh  Meacham  long they  are going  to stay  in  port  »  *  •   Reginald  Thomas  7588  68.44  Julius  Prochownik  ...... 7682  52.89  48.22  Grady  Faircloth  7589  110.83  Void  37.'7a  7683  Void  James Taylor  7779  and  thesefore  how  much  money  Andrew  Smurda  7590  71.94  Joseph  Kiper  7684  59.50"'.  55.22  Robert  Booker  7780  they  will  need when tha first  draw  Adam  Doucette  7591  67.67  John  Scott  76.61  7685  7781  95.67  Calvin  Simmons  Karl  Hellman  7592  94.11  John  Bryant  99.17  7686  7782  117.83  Earl  Neidlinger  list is  made  up.  Eugenio  Ojeda  7593  66.11  Armando  Lavagno  99.17  7687  7783  63.39  Hubert Mathes  T|iat is all we have on our minds,  To  the. Editon  Leon  Harper  7594  82.06  Roger  Sullivan  78.17  7688  104.61  Florenclo  Salmason  7784  Narch  Krzyuda  7595  03.33  00.61  7785  Thomas Hankins  now.  We  are  all  looking  forward  I had  just  gotten  off  of  the  De  John  Griffith  7596  78.56  88.28  7786  Louis  Greaux  to collecting  our  vacation  pay (the  Soto  from  Mobile  at  Pier  8,  Bush  Raymond  White  7597  103.67  Edwin  Parsley  7787  78.94  1  Paul  Rasmussen  ........ 7598  122.50  7788  68.06  firsli for most of  us) and to meeting  Herbert  Shartzer  Terminal  Bropk­ Donald  Klchey  Marvin  White,  7599  38.11  94.11  7789  John  Haynes  old  friends at  our  own  Union  bar.  lyn,  when  I  ran  Tomas  Mojica  7600  45.11  cook:  There  isn't  90.61  :  7790  Luverne  Wallin  John  Ferreira  7601  38.50  91.39  a  7791  Michael  J. Carlin  Francis Donovan  across  Mom  who  Constatin  Cyriakldis  .... 7603  58.72  much  to  say  ex­ 89.06  'n  7792  Seymour  Ossofsky  :  ^: Deck  delegate  run's  Mom's  VassUlos  PentaUs  7603  61.44  cept that I'm glad  46.28  ,1  Daniel  Parkman,  Jr.  .... 7793  Chandoha  7604  71.56  73.50  1  7794  Boje  Nielsen  Place  near,  Ihe  Mike  Leonard  Turi  7605  55.22  to  be  able to  col­ 7795  106.17  1  Robert  Brown  docks.  We  talked  Lauri.  Markkanen '  7606  117.44  lect  vacation  pay.  84.78  1  7796  Aneelo  Antoniou  Thomas  Sexton  7607  94.11  7797  77.39  1  George  WeddeU  over  the  1946  Thomas  WaUer  7608  59.89  And who wouldn't  7798  WUliam  O'Brien  73.11  1  general  strike  Frank  Plnkowskl  7609  78.94  be  when  it comes  Ralph  Perry  7799  91.78  1  Aleksander  Sarg  7610  '  67.28  7800  72.72  Marcus  Dean  when  Mom' s  Marvin  To  pe Editor:  MUler  7611  80.11  to  getting  money  86.72  1  7801  Leo  Strange  Place served  as a  Ralph  McKenzie  7612  80.50  like  this?  I  retired  my  book  in 1949  and  68.06  1  7802  Peter  Repetto  Alfred  Hovzse  .­...  7613  78.94  7803  Gilbert  Perry  51.73  1  soup  kitchen  for  came  home  to; Lexington,  NC,  to  Plsaao  Lester  Horton  7614  43.94  7804  65.33  1  Velven  Morton  iSeafarers  who  James  Byera  7815  51.33  marry  and  settle  down.  It  proved  Jose  CasteU  7805  59.11  1  Fred  Britt  ;.... 7616  66.89  7806  Daniel  Sheehan  52.50  1  to  )e  a  difficult  adjustment  in­ were  picketing the airea.  96.06  Jose  Casais  7689  Paul  Reed  7617  118.32  Ellas  Telan  7807  108.89  1  85.56  Tomas  Ramirez  Mom Said to say hello to some , of  Edward  Reed  7690  7618  100.33  Glenn  Reld  sofar  as  labor  conditions  arc  con­ 7808  117.44  1  110.83  7691  Lehtmets  .......... 7619  88.38  Nikolai  Taska  7809  99.94  I  the  bOys  and  ask  them  to  stop  by  Teet  cen ed.  .  61.06  Spiridon  Mavroleon  .... 7810  7698  WllUam  West  7620  88.28  John  Cochintu  115.50  1  64.17  Recardo  Barcelons  7631  84.00  Jerome  Prodey  .......... 7693  I. doti't  have  the  many  advan­ and see  her when  in the  neighbor­ Newton  Baker  7811  37.33  .1  110.44  James  Kirchner  7622  102.67  James  Conaway  ........ 7694  Manousos Mavroleon  7812  124.44  *1  tages ; Seafaii:'er$  had  while  I  wfis  hood.  Void  7623  Void  Aanastaslos  Athana­ John  Wlljlamson  ........ 7813  93.73  1  42.39  Harold  Farrington  7695  active  as  a  seaman.  He^e  unions  I plan  to  be  In  New  York  for  a  Michael  Folanls  ......... 7624  105.39  sopoulos  7814  42;C»­^'4^  1  io3.as  Jack  Goldman  7696  Arne  Hansen  Godfrey  Deshetel  ....... 7625  93.33  7815  98.38  >  while,  so  any  of  mg  old  buddies  ai;e* in  ^elr  infancy.  I  work  in  a  43.17  James  Milne  WUie  Walker  ........... 7626  89.93  Anthony  Esposlto  .;.... 7697  7816  48J3  ;  :^1  59.11  Ellzlar  MarteU'  furniture  plant and  make  95 cents  who  want  to get  in .touch  ^tb 'me  James  Grinstead  7698  7637  .  41.23  Harold. Scofleld  119,7S  ;v]  7817  56.39  Ca>'<uine  Manclno  7699  Robert  Stone  ..t  Arthur  ScheU  ... 7628  87.11  7818  192A9  5I  an hour.  If  I worK steady  and hard,  can find  in*' at  headquarteis^.  47.44  7700  Kosta  HatgimisiM  ..... 7639  86,06  John  Zents  (Continued  on  page  24)  'r>isano.  117.44  I generally clear about  ^0 a  week  7701  Lewis  ......'....7^ ,  105,78  Monty  Moser  Parents Find  E40G  Enjogahle  Former Seafarer  Asks For UMG  MMe  Regrets ReHl  Miss Art Contest  i  .  Mom Seeks *46  Strike Veterans  EUe Tough In  Npn­MJnlon dob  TOTAL  I  Vacation  $ii»,760j8  �SEAVAU tks  he* T#ciit3r­­f• or  too  S  E  A  F  A  R  £  It  S ®  CASH  BENEFITS  '  Friday. May t. 1952  • ''•mm    TOTAt  $119,760.58  Vacation PJan  April 14 — April  26  Welfare  Plan  April  6  —  April  19  PAID BY  THE  SEAFARERS  INTERNATIONAL  UNION  •  ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  DISTRICT  »  A.F.L.  (Continued  from  page  23)  fev  44.72  98.78  40.83  74.67  39.67  100.72  98.78  50.94  108.11  120.94  73.11  39.67  85.17  58.72  116.67  112.00  52.50  90.17  113.56  91­.33  114.72  20.22  2,500.00  $49.78  Check  Amount  No.  90.22  Wmard  Pratt  7819  81.28  Donald  Fisher  7820  93.33  Wheeler  Vandersall  7821  96.83  Glenn  Walton  7822  100.33  Oscar  Raynor  78M  87.89  Wmiarn  Kennedy  7824  73.11  John  Little  7825  50.17  Manuel  Cross  7826  110.44  Ralph  Sheffield  7827  102.28  Alfred  Isaacson  7828  35.78  James Davis  7829  54.44  DeVaughn  Harrison  .... 7830  41.61  Stefan  Sobczek  7831  64.94  PhiUip  May  7832  75.06  Alonzo  Morris  7833  80.89  Bjarne  Johannesen  7834  61.39  Joseph  Blank  7835  104.22  WiUiam  MacGregor  7836  102.28  Eustace  McAuley  7837  70.00  Norman  DeLapouyade  ... 7838  54.44  Joseph  Alesksandrowicz ..  7839  35.39  James  Kemp  .  7840  64.94  Robert  Smith  7841  J.  Frank  Keel­ 11^.44  Alexander  Stankiwici  ... 7842  117.83  an, AB: Every sea­ Frank  Barclay  7843  83.22  Jackson Smith  7844  Void  man  should  be  Void  7845  124.44  tickled to death at  Anastasios  Komnlnos  .... 7846  61.83  Sing  Quey  Lin  7847  57.56  all  this.  It's  just  Victor  Eng^  7848  57.94  about  the  best  Elvin  Saucier  7849  120.17  Norman  Hali  7850  109.28  kind  of  a  deal  Emilio  CoUazo  7851  105.00  that  the  Union  Wiiliam  Parker  7852  82.06  Anthony  Conti  .......... 7853  85.56  has  ever  gotten  Andreas  Swenson  7854  101.50  for  the  fellows.  Jack  Chastain  7855  89.44  Hayden  Henry  7856  58.72  George  Perdeauvilie  7857  40.06  Charles Coburn  7858  38.89  Claude  Gauthreaux  7859  86.72  7962  36.56  Wayne  Westbrook  Jack  Mauldin  7860  46.28  7963  80.50  Robert  Hohman  Francis  Ploppert  7861  115.89  7964  66.89  Robert  Rivera  Reidus  Lambert  7862  38.11  7965  43.17  Herbert  Grant  ..  7863  Manuel  Colao  41.61  7966  35.00  Joseph  Stanley  Charles  Michalik  7864  85.17  7967  64.17  Larry  Williams  ..  John  Powe  7865  112.39  7968  81.67  Salvatore  Conseltao  John  Michaelis  7866  105.00  7969  Orvme  Arndt  7867  96.44  Izaak  Dekloe  •  91.00  7970  Billy  Cherry  7868  85.17  Calvin  Lake  45.50  7971  Alvizio  Oliverira  7869  77.39  Joseph  Foley  82.44  7972  39..'28  Marian  Gadzinski  ...... 7870  Richard  Johnson  112.00  7973  3,500.00  Rune  Gustafsson  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ... 7871  55.61  7074  $58.33  Afentakis  John  Boyd  Bradford  7872  91.39  7975  35.39  Stonewall  Jackson  John  Macfarlane  7873  45..50  7976  83.22  Andreas  Lignos  ­..  7874  Calixto  Gonzalez  94.50  7977  112.00  Ricardo  Ebon  Anwar  Toha  7875  48.61  7978  123.28  Stecial  SulUvan  Joseph  Fiesel  7876  52.89  7979  100.72  Russ  Palmer  John  Mitzelos  7877  7980  75.83  U6.67  James  Harrison  Antonio  Condarkis  7878  76.22  7981  36.78  Fritz  Widegren  Murray  PergaiJient  7879  52.11  7982  36.56  Thomas  Ralney  Burgess  Marcantel  7880  65.72  61.83  7983  John  Fontenot  7881  Robert  Schahuber  7984  79.72  113.94  Alvin  Bey  Kasimirs  Abarons  7882  .  63.39  7985  46.67  George  Contaxis  Alfred  Rammler  7883  89.83  7986  89.83  Lewis  Roberts  BUUe  Hill  7884  64.94  7987  62.61  John  Sullivan  Donald  McNeille  7885  47.44  7988  Ronald  Holden  97.61  7989  Albert  Kowalskl  49.39  7990  Graydon  Suit  100.72  7991  Anthony  Zaleski  59.50  Bernard  Fimovicz  ........  7992  George  Alexan­ 76.61  7993  Adrian  Donnelly  der,  cook:  The  99.17  7994  Albin  Freberg'  7995  '  56.78  best  part  of  it  is  Calvin  Webb  98.39  7996  Justin  Ball  that  you  don't  37.72  7997  Clyde  Horton  87.50  7998  have  to  stick  to |  Cornelius  James  41.22  Robert  Legg  .  ......... 7999  one  ship  a  whole  85.94  8000  Elsworth  Real'  49.00  8001  year.  If  you feel  Robert  Jennigan  119.78  8002  Theodore  Fraginos  like leaving  earli­ 42.00  8003  Lloyd  Rogerson  er  you  can,  and  8004  ­>­106.56  George  Little  99.56  8005  Daniel  Lupton  still collect.  99.56  8006  Bert  Dawson  61.83  8007  Charles  Lynsky  8008  58.33  Juan  Maldonado  125.61  8009  Diego  Cordero  a2S.61  76.61  VirgU  Swanson  Charles  Dyer  7886  '....  8010  114.33  75.06  RusseU  Eagle  .'  8011  Robert  Flattery  7887  80.03  Joseph  Neveraskus  113.17  8012  Tong  Ylck  788f:  77.78  Richard  Stiansen  96.83  8013  Robert  1.  Grant  7889  44.72  Leonidas  SantourlS  115.89  8014  Herbert  Parks,  Jr  7890  43.17  79.33  8015  Wayne  Henderson  7891  Wesley  Young  '.  87.89  Demitrios  Grivas  81.28  8016  Joe  Atehinson  7892  83.01  Henning  Bjork  39.67  8017  mas  Coffman  7893  50.94  Gerasimos  Agapousts  ....  8018  111.61  Richard  Bush  7894  103.83  114.72  8019  Union  Sanders  7895  Charles  Taylor  121.33  112.78  loanmis  Emmanuullldls  ..  8020  Sidney  Ghale  7896  84.00  David  Rivers  '  73.50  Roscoe  Dearmon  7897  —  8021  90.22  8022  49.78  Fulbert  Bodden  7898  Edward  Douglas  98.00  80.50  8023  Frank  Bartlett  ......... 7899  Clayton  Conley  42.39  73.89  Walter  Kusmierlzak  ....  8024  WUliam  Smith­  7900  41.61  105.78  Willard  CahiU  8025  Anthony  Denddo  7901  124.44  42.00  8026  TerriU  Nickerson  7902  Claiy  93.33  56.78  8027  Jimmie  Knight  7903  .nas  Moses  113.56  89.83  James  Tucker  8028  Frank  Throp  7904  84.!!9  8029  76.22  Paul  Signorino  Richard  Suttle  7905  69.61  77.78  8030  Harold  Allen  7906  Charles  Moore  53.67  Harris  Bennett  66.50  8031  Earl  Clark  •   7907  101.50  Horace  Dunlap  92.94  8032  Hugh  Randall •   7908  47.44  95.67  8033  Jack  Peralta  John  Pulio  7909  91.39  George  E.gner  49.39  8034  Antonio  Jlmlnez  7910  53.28  Joseph  Briant  8035  105.78  Nevin  ElUs  .  • :  7911  92.17  82.44  8036  John  Adams  Arthur  Wiggins  7912  10422  Halford  Windham  83.22  80.37  Eleuterio  Magbo  7913  93.72  113.94  Charlie  Bums  8038  James  Messec  7914  76.22  Claude  Rayfuse  119.39  8039  Constantine  Booras  .,.. >  7915  66.50  8040  117.63  Andrew  Mir  Alfred  Seegmiller  •   7916  91.78  William  Fassett  71.17  8041  Joseph  Kerrigan  7917  M.56  Emilio  Ramos  8042  107.72  Price  Willoughby  ...... 7918  109.67  Santo  Pessino  8043  53.67  Charles  Thorpe  7919  37.72  Edgar  Dodds  ......... . 8044  54.83  Andrew  Suech  7920  .  109.67  Donald  Bush  .  8045  40.81  Ralph  Murry  ^  ...:  7921  100.94  William  Ischower  8046  73.50  Beverldge  Duiilop  7922  108.50  8047  Milton  Reeves  99.56  Charlies  Hartman  7923  107.72  Thomas  Munco  '...  8048  80.50  John  MUler  7924  69.22  John  Eddins  8049  37.72  Thomas  Peacock  7925  72.33  Charles  Dewald  8050  45..5fl  Carl  Hargroves  ,'^926  80.89  Virgil  Mahan  ....^.  8051  112.00  ' Gene  Bacon  •   7927  122.69  57.94  Edgar  Swortelgner  8052  William  Morris  7928  08.83  Frank  Crider '  76.71  8053  Joseph  SzhoeU  ......... 7929  100.72  Charlea  Zinn  :  8054  105.39  Winton  Bennett  ........ 79;:0  .Tohn  Troyer  .;  62.22  8055  88.67  Wayne  Korb  7931  8050  James  Slayton  ,  7932  ' 111.22  Curt  Borman  38.11  112.00  Albert  Belt  8057  101 11  Charles  Pierce  7933  sa 37  Ocie  Hill  ..;  105.17  8058  Jesse  Wiggins  7934  71..5fl  ." ohn  Rodriguez  104 22  .  8059  Floyd  Henry  7035  ....;.. .  8060  62.22  Douglas  Ward  72 33  Artaro  Valiente  7936  8061  73.08  Xennit  Thibodeaux  7037  69 22  Walter  McDonald  Name  IS.:  .5^  Joseph  Fazio  7938  Edward  Brevier  7939  Edward  McCarthy  7940  Michael  Billo  7941  Thomas  Carmichael  7942  James  Jackson  7943  MUton  Cox  7944  WilUam  Massey  7945  John  Allmon  7948  Leroy  Donald  7947  Louis  Salagar  .......... 7948  Joel  Johnson  7949  John  Logan  7950  Niel  Nielsen  7951  Louis  Roa  7952  Jose  Doletin  7953  Alvin  Huthmacher  7954  Irvin  Gorgas  .......... 7965  Efthinios  Pappas  7956  Herman  St.  Clair  796T  Chester  Mazuk  7958  Alexander  Batcho  ....... 7959'  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ... 7960  James  TTroutner  7961  8184  72.72  Herbert  Burgesser  8308  125.61  73.11  p.  WUklns  8185  60.28  Walter  Fitch  8309  125.22  85.17  John  WestfaU  8180  60.67  Dary  Letoumeau  8310  88.33  "• '5 Ralph  KUbourne  8187  82.22  Thomas  White  8311  103.00  72.72  CyrU  Hagen  Robert  VUlamor  8188  102.67  Hinrlch  Wiese  8312  96.44  109.28  8189  }35.33  Troy  Thomas  8313  45.11  100.33  EmUe  Houde  8190  45.11  Wayne  Hartman  8314  103.44  49.39  Joseph  Lcger  8191  83.01  Lacy  Walker  8315 ­  90.22  85.17  JuUan  Czapllcki  8192 >  49.78  Robert  Rogers  8310  81.44  98.78  Robert.Zulauf  8193  79.72  GetUs  Lightfoot  8317  82.83  W.44  Leong  Dai  8194  60.28  Joseph  MuUoy  8318  .  70.39  99.56  Bernard  Gomez  Burnett  Green  8195  52.50  Angus  Winth  8319  58.72  35.39  Harvard  Morrlz  8196  38.89  Andrew  Nickle  '  8320  ' 100.72  41.M  8197  87.28  Lawrence  Porper  8321  89.08  M.33  Adrian  Gonzalez  8198  78.17  Stanley  Barbarowics  .... 8322  77.39  45.50  John  Sercu  8199  55.61  Charles  Balalock  8323  58.72  88.38  Peter  Degrassi  103.44  Joseph  PozzuoU  8324  57.17  122.89  Walter  Cressman  ........ 8200  8201  89.50  Donald  Townsend  ....... 8325  57.94  85.17  Joseph  BusseU  8202  124.44  Evanguelos  Venlzelos  .... 8328  120.58  87.89  Edward  Johnston  Stephen  McKlnney  8203  35.78  Fred  SuUins  8327  57.17  77.00  8204  107.33  Clarence  Conkle  8328  114.72  72.33  Joel  Bremer  .  8205  52.50  Samuel  Hudglns  8329  92.04  46.67  Richard  Brown  Henry  Brandies  8206  113.56  CorneUo  Preclaro  ...... 8330  96.83  95.67  8207  61.06  Ralph  Sapia  8331  58.33  96.44  Michael  Kavanaugh  Charles  Hostetter  8332  110R3  35.00  Harvey  Burge  8333  103.08  .  57.17  Harold  Jeror  8334  40.33  123.87  Melvln  Ward  83.35  44.33­ 124.83  Clarence  Da­ AUen  Boone  8336  107.33.  105.39  WUliam  Webb  8337  115.80  35.00  shwe.  deck  engi­ Herbert  Collins  8338  54.83  60.67  Georges  Binnemans  8339  42.00  •   77.00  neer:  There's  no  Stefan  Kadziola  8340  126.73  54.06  question,  this  is  GuUlermo  Ortiz  8341  .100.72  54.83  MUtladis  Isolakos  8342  54.83  Void  quite an  improve­ Chritsos  HouU  8343  97.22  3,500.00  nlent  over  the  Edward  MUler  >8344  40.83­ $36.50  Ralph  Diaz  8345  44.72  61.83  earlier  setup  Void  8340  Void  102.67  where  you had  to  Harold  Peacock  (adjust­ 91.00  stick  with  one  ment  of  Check  No. 4403)  8347  23^2  94.50  Michael  Collins  8348  98.00  96.00  company.  Nick  Angelopoidos  ;.  8349  80.90  78.17  Elmer' B.  Frost  (adjust­ 122.50  ment  of  (nieck  No.  6888) 8350  24.11  43.94  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  .  .  8351  2.000.00  91.78  8352  $89.83  40.44  F.  Szwestka  <8208  75.83  Theodore  Moyer  52.50  Joseph  Clevenger  8209  90.01  Frederick  BOldsborough  8353  '  101.50  George  Lochman  8394  51.72  104.61  Anton  Leire  8210  108.11  Norris  Tripp  8355  50.39  113.17  Earl  Wallace  8211  107.33  Jerry  Morgan  8350  35.78  83.61  Andrew  DanUuk  8212  50.00  Bernel  GuUlory  8357  35.00  125.22  Thomas  Orr  8213  52.11  NeUl  Abemathy  8358  99.56  108.89  Vincent  Kuhl  8214  92.17  Joseph  Bissoiinet  8359  100.17  111.01  Patrick  Durkln  8215  86.72  WiUlam  Parks  8360  101.11  93.72  Thomas  McForbin  8216  61.06  John  Paerels  8361  74.28  123.28  Garret  Mutter  8217  30.94  Idelfonso  Perez  .. 8362  103.83  110.83  Colman  Baggs  8218  91.78  Jack  Ryan  8363  48.22  48.61  Chong  Dong  8219  117.44  Henry  Croke  8364  99.17  97.61  Algernon  Harper  8220  55.22  Frank  Feld  8305  69.22,  43.50  John  Bailey  8221  66.89  Warren  Gammons  ...... 8.366  43.17  117.44  Charles  Outlaw  8222  38.11  Jesse  Laseter  8367  124.83  97.22  Thomas  Bunch  8223  69.22  Han  Fong  8308  40.44  61.44  Eddie  Hernandez  8224  113.17  Arvln  Weeks  8309  119.78  76.22  Clarence  Hemby  8225  109.67  Gregorio  Troche  8370  60.11  100.72  Henry  WiUlngham  8226  43.56  Ben  Ladd  8371  87.89  117.44  WUUam  Entrekin'  8227  78.17  PurvU  BlackweU  8372  84.78  97.22  Charles  MerrUl  8228  112.00  Franklin  St.  Mary  8373  106.17  84.78  Thomas  Walsh  8229  44.72  Frank  Foley  8374  120.17  108.11  John  McDuffie  8230  37.33  George  Barbour  8375  74.28  110.06  Raymond  Turner  8231  52.11  Eugene  HaU  8378  49.00  40.06  Thaddeus  Jones  8232  75.44  Leo  DeLoach  8377  115.11  87.89  Joseph  MontpeUer  8233  65.72  Leo  Rondario  8378  , 122.11  Kenneth  Alpaugh  8234  67.67  Norwood  Geno  82.15  .  86.72  Clarence  NaU  8236  102.28  Ralph  Denayer  8237  56.78  WUllam  Vldal  8238  88.67  James P.  John­ Axel  Lindffren,  David  Fonseca  8239  .  84.39  mesgman:  FWT:  When  you  Harold  Welsh  8240  50.56  ston,  Paul  Capo  :  8241  46.28  This  Is  just  like  remember  the  Joseph  BattaglU  8242  56.00  time  that  we  got  Claude  RusscU  8243  45.11  getting  money  Thomas  Rodgers  8244  83.22  from  home  with­ no  vacation  mon­ Bernard  Larsen  8245  78.61  ey no  matter how  James  Robinson  8240  39.28  out  haying  to  Aurelio  Gomez  8247  119.78  write  for  it.  In  long  we  worked,  Adam  Hanke  8248  92.17  then  this  check  KJeU  Lynstad  8249  40.44  other  words,  it's  a  very  pleasant  Uoyd  Johnston  8250  63.39  feels  just like  Mitchell  Reed  8251  83.22  surprise.  found money.  Edward  Schielder  8252  39.28  Joseph  Worsley  8253  .  71.94  Jack  Waldschlager  8254  98.78  John  Moloney  8255  87.11  119.39  8379  Kermlt  Knutson  OjiOO  •   41.81  Carl  Costanzo  91.78  8380  71.17  Dwlght  CarroU  8257  ,  85.39  Andreas  Nikoletoi  .8134  Oscar  Cooper  93.33  8381  93.72  Ho  Kee  8258  77.39  Johnnie  Koen  8135  Albert  Hamtiuc  ....... .  73.89  8382  83.61  Ham  Chee  8259  77.39  Robert  Ford  .  8188  James  Smith '  114.38  Le­wis  Akins  8383  78.17  Charles  Cain  8260  99.94'  .  8137  Henry  Sojak'  56.00  8384  ..8201  71.94  Bobby  Walker  60.28  Walter  HaUett '  .  8138  Kan  Loh  39.67  8385  8262  73.89  Darley  Bodden  80.28  Joseph  O'NeU.  .  8139  Chong  Kong  40.44  VeUe  Osbourae  8388  J..  8203  llTsOO  85.33  Vincent  Jones  .  8140  Ronald  Heath  117.83  Bobby  Lynn  8387  Joe  ParcoIIa  8264  105.00  41.22  .  8141  Carl  Woodlief  81.28  8388  8268  62.22  John  Brady  .  52.50  Gerasslmos  Galatljl  8142  Alphonso  De  Souza  ...: .  72.72  8268  .  115.11  James  Morris  eeeoeoeeee  58.33  Albert  Sussman  .  8143  Percy  AUred  50.17  Robert  Whyte  52.89  37.72  Juan  Relnosa  ........... 8267  8144  LeRoy  Taylor  ...<, .  93.00  8391  '.  8268  63.78  George  Llebers  8145  51.33  Clarence  Crevler  Harold  Posey  ........f  .  8392  38.11 ^  89.08  Daniel  Robinson  8140  56.00  Herbert  Sprinkle  ........ 8269  Robert  Pope  .........r .  Theodore  Martinez  ...... 8.393  101.50  50.94  Void  i.......... 8270  Void  .< 8147  Andrew  Marshall^  8394  124.00  37.89  John  Abraham  8271  114.72  AncU  Cunningham  8148  Charles  Sanderson  ... i  .  James  Glenn  8395  84 00  58.33  John  Diakakls  .......... 8272  59.50  .  8149  Chai  Shao  ............  94.89  8398  62.22  Paul  Kolesnick  ......... 8273  110.06  Teofil  Smlglelski  .  8150  Joe  Brim  40.44  Jack  Morrison  ^.  8397  82.83  Leo  Seleskie  ............ 8274  52.11  Gordon  McFarland  .... .8151  James  PoweU............  8398  104.22  99.17  An.  Miao  8275  59.50  .  8152  Fred  Shuler  55.22  73.11  James  Chang  8270  59.50  WUliam  Shierling  ...... 8399  .  8153  Chee  Tan  8400  43.17  99.17  Donald  MueUer  8277  86.11  Alton  Groover  Alfred  Anderson  • i'   .8154  Elmer  Wheeler  ..  ........ 8401  81.39  84.39  James  WUliams  ......... 8278  56.39  .  8155  Walter  Browning'.  Walter  Matthews  8402  79.06  94.89  Robert  Fqlch  8279  99.50  .  8158  Hubert  Deaii'  ....  • • • I'  8403  92.56  Cuthbert  Hinkson  .......8280  122.11  Robert  Krug  ....  <  • •  • « , 8157  '73.50  «in  Foo  Jwee  122.50  Armando  Vargas  8404  Cheng  ..........  8281  49.78  00.89  .  8158  Cyril  Newman  ...  117.83  NUlo  Relttle  8405  Huo  Liu  8282  71.17  99.17  8159  Roland  Hampshire  * • «4    .  43.56  8283  115.50  Edward  McGowan  ...... 8406  53.28  Pasquale  Barblerl  .0160  Arrelious  Bankstdu  103.06  8284  56.39  Steven  Zvobich  ......... 8407  8101 '  40.06  Delwan  WUUams  Albert  Hahn  ......... J. .  Charles  Mclntyre  8408  93.67  8285  84.56  .,85.17  James  Glldia  v  .  8163  John  Sanders  .  j,  84()9  105.00  B3.22  WUUam  Seattle  113.17  Harold  Abemathy  ....... 8280  .  8163  Charles  Mag'ee  ........  8410  49..30  3.000.00  Theodore  Just  106.04  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ... 8287  .  8164  Trussell  Beatrous'  ....,{.  Jiannl  Santacroee  ....;. 8411  100.94  8288  $109.28  85.17  David  Zunlga  8165  Lewis  Oliver  . J. .  Herberi;  Chase  8412  54.83  Raymond  Lovelace  8289  53.67  70.00  8168  Samuel  Oswald  ,:i.. J. .  8413  60.61  8290  35.78  Wesley  Jackson  89.83  James  Johnson  Morton  Pariiell  • • •,  1 8167 ,  8414  100.72  72.33  Max.  Marcus  ....'.  84.30  John  SchlUIng  ........... 8291  ,8108  Benny  Coleman  *fi>  Joseph  Neubauer  8415  92.94  8292  82.83  113.17  Billy  BaUard  ..  .  8109  Paul  Gallant  ..  8418  90.00  E3.67  Luis  Martinez  8293  108.89  Tobe  Beams  .8170'  Paul  Lay  8417  68.44  Void  112.78  Theodore  Graduelick  .... 8294  Void  ; 8171  George  MitcheU  WlUlam  Kehrwleder  .... 8418  125.22  107.33  73.89  Samuel  Langbam^ f t.*­*'* •  8299  .  8172  John  Rehm •   Void  8419  Void  Jean  Auger  ....r.;.8296  90.01  07.22  Dolphiis  Walker  .......j. .0173  eee«S99S  98.72  8297  111.22  Janfes McShee .......... 8420  .45.11  Joseph  Blake  Angelo  Sabella ''. ^'...{. .8174  129.61  58.33  Voljjemar  Pold  ......... 8421  35.00  Albert  Vandyke  ......... (1290  8175  Emory  Poi­tef  1'..'.  .  8422  125.01  38.17  Hutfcrt.  Andrews  8299  89.06  John  Moorer  .  . 8170  Fulton  Hendffx  Harvey  Morris  8423  John  Nolde  8300­  :  57.17  80.89  Perry  B.  Kennedy  (To  8434  8.301  50.78  Robert  Farrar  40.44  40.05  .Tohii  Kulp  place  Check  No.  3745.;.  8177  Emile 'Davies  .  ........  .'.9429  8302  60.28  80.00  872.33  Frederick  Benedict/.  Victor  Arevalo  .......  .8178  Lorence  Wood  8420  72.72  Bllcker  Bobbins  ........ 8303  85.17  82.06  Modesto  Velez  '.' .. i., .i.  8179  Andrew  CecU  8427  Enrique  Megido  8304  61.08  114.72  64.17  8180  'i'homns  Melton ''.  S423  0000­  ­.  30.17  Homer  Uldris  95.20  Raymond  Engert  33.53  I.  aiOL  Gilbert  Arnett '  37.72  Lyndon  Wade"".8308  ­  58.38  Bisa  Homer Pattlshall  41.01  Juan  Leib«..r­......*A.,w>­8307  Johii  Clui'k  .. . v*.  Paul  Babyak  ............. 8062  Alexander  Smart  8063  Robert  Phifer  8064  Joseph  Dodge  8065  Charles  Uribe  ....J  8066  Joseph  Cantin  ....J  8067  Paul  Serrebsted  ..J  8068  Newt  Williams  8069  Thomas  Faulkner  8070  John  Boettcher  8071  Jens  Madsen  •   8079  Rufus  Carrington  8073  Viggo  Holton  8074  Edward  Mtslosky  8075  Lawrence  Hickey  ....... 8076  Clarence  Storey  8077  George  Kerr  8078  August  Eklund  8079  Maximino  Bernes  ....... 8080  Frank  Carroll  ......... 8081  Benjamin  Gordy  8082  James  Norris  8083  John  Cox  8684  Harry  Downing  8085  Leo  Kennedy  8088  Anthony  Pinto  8087  Thomas  King  8088  William  Canty  1....  8089  Stanley  Cieslak  8090  Augustas  Lubas  ..... 8091  Constantino  RuggierO  ... 8092  John  Kroon  8093  Dennis  Downey  8094  John  Duffy  8095  Void  8096  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ... 8097  John  Waterbury  8098  Daniel  WUson  8099  WUUam  O'Dea  8100  Donald  Hartman  8101  Forrest  Harper  ......... 8102  James  Chew  8103  Hipollto  Ramos  0104  Victor  Menor  0105  Garry  Day  8106  Harper  Darrow  ;..  8107  Oscar  O'Neal  8108  Louis  Boren  8109  Edward  Hayden  ........ 8110  John  Dicovitsky  8111  Leo  Huston  8112  Joseph  Dwyer  8113  Perry  Pedersen  8114  Henry  Herkinheins  8115  Carroll  Sypher  8116  Jacques  Forest  8117  Cass  Peddle  8118  Clarence  Collins  8119  Mieczyslaw  Pierprinskl  ..  8120  Raymond  Bowman  ...... 8121  Henry  Wirtz  8122  Robert  Snedeker  ........ 8123  Robert  HaUman  v..  8124  Benedicte  Luna  ­8125  William  Matsoukas  ...... 8126  David  Joiies  8127  Walter  Jones  1...  8128  Samuel  Anderson  ....... 8129  Arthor  Milne  8130  Joseph  Hannon  8131  Richard  Taylor  8132  Eugene  Ayler  8133  (CoQjtoued 00 pagy, 25);  ....  ­ • 1    ,.,­1  �• Wfay, M«y>, mt  Pace ^en^­ffve  StAFA REUS  LP  S  E  A  F  A  R  E  R  S  TOTAL  $119,760.58  CASH  BENEFITS  Vacation Plan  April 14  —  April  26  Welfare  Plan  April  6  —  April  19  PAID  BY  THE  SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNjpN  ' ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  DISTRICT  «  A.F.L.  (Continued  from  page  24)  Stephano  DIgirolomo  .... 8548  JosepiT Keelan  8549  Ralph  Rice  8550  Check  8551  Name  No.  Amount  Eugene  McDonough  Alvoie  Green  8552  Norman  SasseviUe  8553  Harry  Bennett  8429  70..39  8554  Gordon  Fletcher  35.39  Bernard  Simpson  8430  8555  Frederick  Drouant  8431  80.11  Merle  Doucette  8556  Chester  Gautreau  8432  112.00  Arthur  Vogel  John  Levee  36.94  Charles  Demers  ...i.... 8557  8433  8558  Andrew  Kusch  8434  89.06  Frederick  Cohen  8559  Dale  Huffman  8439  71.17  John  Ceccere  Arthur  Blanchette  8560  Charles  Gasklns  8436  89.28  8561  Void  8437  Void  Richard  Hutton  8562  Void  8438  Void  Charles  MacQueen  8563  Harkos  Sigalas  99.56  Patrick  McNamara  8439  Sten  Birkiand  8564  Dimitrios  Cailaa  8440  125.61  • ....  8565  lUchael  Kroll  8441  49.50  George  Biliek  8566  Theodore  CorreU  ........ 8442  91.00  Frank  Dowd  8567  Joseph  Mucia  8443  107.33  John  Axeison  8568  John  Boritz  8444  45.90  Tyree  Radciiff  8569  Edward  Jasmine  8449  39.67  WlUlam  Luth  8570  Vernon  Williamson  ....v.  8446  68.06  Miguel  Diaz  Stephen  Homka  8571  Glen  Acaley  8447  81.00  8572  WUUam  Ferry  8448  63.00  Robert  Arnold  8573  Alton  Booth  8440  81.39  Woodrow  McDaniel  8574  Charles  Strate  8490  38.89  James  Markei  Jabez  Sampson  8575  Harry  Toal  8491  72.33  8576  Harold  Trahan  8452  93.33  Casimir  Szymanski  8577  Thomas  Donaldson  8493  111.61  Clarena  Dechenne  Constantinos  Frantzis  .... 8578  Leonard  Beattie  8494  81.67  8579  Donald  Hewson  8499  79.83  Marvin  White  8580  Charles  O'NeUI  8496  112.39  George  Alexander  James  Johnston  8581  Clarence  Thibodaux  8497  49.39  .  8582  Vincente  Sanchez  8498  108.50  Bernard  Feeiy  8583  Vee  N1  8498  59.89  William  Seltzer  8584  Albert  Lavole  8460  101.50  Robert  Harvey  Herbert  Lamourleux  .... 8585  Francisco  Bartholomel  .. 8461  102.67  8586  Kaspar  Hansen  8462  41.61  Frank  Cavanaugb  8587  Lawrence  Gordon  ...... 8463  105.39  George  Colar  8588  Frank  Bradeley  8464  89.06  Walter  Makln  8589  Alexander  Triblo  8465  ­  42.78  John  Benedict  8590  Alvln  Huthmachcr  8466  52.89  Michael  Hasek  8591  Goon  Thiu  8467  101.50  Glen  Holbrook  8592  John  Velasco  8468  102.67  James  McLeod  Richard  Carroll  8593  Clifford  SeweU  8468  78.17  8594 .  Vincent  Hartung  8470  66.80  Victor  Bonura  8595  George  Tipton  8471  77.39  Kenneth  Fletcher  Edward  Delcoure  8596  Bertram  Keenan  8472  37.33  Duvlc  Barthelmy  8597  Lewis  Ward  8598  Accurso  Bontl  8599  Feilden  Folse  8600  Hector  Mena  8601  Robert  Ferran­ Frank  Kouns  8602  diz,  2nd  cook:  I  James  Davenport  8603  Charles  Saton  8604  never  bad  any­ Raymond  Saunders'  8605  thing  like  this  Louis  Brlant  8606  Joseph  Bruno  8607  happen to  me  be­ Lester  McCarthy  8608  fore since  I start­ Arthur  Longuet  8609  Warren  Canavan  8610  ed  working  and  Cleveland  Sawyer  8611  believe  me  I've  Dewey  Parsons  '.  8612  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ... 8613  been  working  a  Francis  Taggart  8614  long  time.  Arthur  Smith  8615  John 'Whited  8616  Johan  Pedersen  8617  Nolan  McCurley  ^8618  8619  55.22  Jessie  Basco  8473  Woodrow  BUUter  8620  91.00  James  Eccles  8474  Luis  Canales  Harry  Hammond  8621  79.33  8479  Hebert  Laiche  Roy  Pritchett  8622  58.33  8476  Earle  Walden  8623  39.67  Salvatore  Zammitb  8477  Fred  Reinolt  8624  47.44  George  Foley  8478  Woodrow  LeweUyn  Cecilia  Cervantes  8025  81.28  8479  Alex  Boyette  8626  50.17  Casimir  KrowlcM  8480  Chester  Hatch  8627  103.44  Joseph  Stachowicz  8481  Archie  Carter  Lucien  Miller  8628  79.72  8482  Michael  Marketoa  William  McAuley  8629  40.83  8483  Roland  Matthews  8630  39.28  Robert  Mahoney  8484  WUUam  BeU  8631  35.39  CasUagan  Ebon  8489  Bemlce  Check  8632  121.72  John  Higgins  8486  Fred  Murphy  Narmo  Alvarez  8633  81.28  8487  Louis  Clark  8634  74.67  Alfonso  Riverz  8488  Boy  Rayfield  WlUlam  Coleman  8635  83.22  VasiUos  Anastasladis  ... 8489'  8636  58.72  William  Frltts  8490  Santas  Martinez  8637  49.78  Cientie  Strong  8491  Dee  GUbert  8638  66.11  Milton  Robinson  8492  Edgar  Bryant  FuUer  Childress  8639  100.33  8493  GUbert  Foley  8640  38.11  8494  James  Mynes  8641  66.89  James  FlnneU  8495  Steven  Shewchyk  8642  8496  35.39  Jack  Olsen  Ray  James  Gordon  King  8643  3,500.00  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  ...  8487  Vincent  Dumont  8644  WiUiam  J.  OUverl  (Adjust­ $38.11  ment  of  Check  7767)  ...  8498  126.78  8498  Herman  Meitz  100.33  Martin  Sierra  8500  38.89  Stephen  Laffey  8501  WilUam Seltzer,  99.56  Carlos  Mojlca  8502  .  74.67  chief  cook;  This  Harold  Spicer  8503  113.56  is vtonderful.  Un­ Byron  Slaid  8504  61.44  Luman  Johnson  8509  Hewie  Terry  50.56  der  the  old  sys­ 8506  Gustavus  Ekeltind  ....... 8507  86.33  tem  you  had  to  Bobbie  WUliam  56.00  8508  Domenick  Coppola  100.72  stick it out wheth­ 8508  Axel  Lindgren  8910  99.17  er  you  wanted  to  John  Anton  73.11  8511  Creth  Harrod  78.17  or  not  in  order  8512  Eric  Malmstrom  ........ 8513  109.28  not  to  sacrifice  Lloyd  Lewis  ............ 8514  115.11  Carl  Allenby  8519  43.17  vacation  pay.  Victor  Sadacca  8516  39.67  Cesar  Izqulerdo  8517  89.44  Harry  SiUerl  ........... 8518  92.94  Bernhard  Roll  8519  52.89  WiUiam  PoUard  8645  A.  Cameron  .­.  8520  72.33  Jakob  Hansen  8646  .  Alphonsus  Galdikas  8521  43.17  John  ScuUy  8647  Lee  Wong  ;• .... 8522  49.78  James  Tarrant  8648  Nee  Dao  ......'  8523  50.17  Joseph  Stanton  8649  Richard  Richetto  75.44  George  lUchards  8524  8650  Joseph  St.  Laurent  56.39  Clayton  Stanley  8525  8651  J.  C.  Duncan  8526  70.39  Robert  Dillon  8652  Frederick  Pa.tterson  .... 8527  93.33  Sam  Dlllard  8653  '  Dalton  Barnes  8528  58.72  David  Mlilican  8654  Daniel  Buckner  8655  8529  38.89  Chow  Tung  Eugene  Kirkland  8656  .8530  101.11  Joe  LuJuan  Ralph  South  8531  8657  51.33  Juan  Tabaras  Charles  Parrish  8532  46.28  Nason  Nunn  8658  WiUiam  Douglas.  Jr  8533  70.39  Herman  Hickman  8659  Johnnie  Proctor  ........ 8534  .  105.78  Harold  Zurn  8660  Jason  Gibbs  .8661  8539  110.06  [Jack  Howard  Charles  Harkal  8536  8662  41.22  Marcus  Multer  Roy  HaU  ...W  8537  8663  52.11  Roy  Alston  Roy  Alderman  • SiKia  38.11  loannls  MetaUinos  8664  Marion  Edga  8539  8665  117.83  George  Crabtree  Curtis  Harvey  8540  8666  80.89  Paige  MitcheU  ­Everett  WllUams  8941  78.96  Benedict  Klakowici  .... 8667  Robert  Annal  41J61  Frank  Taylor  8668  8942  Stephen  Dent"  85«B  ;... 8660  77.39  Louis  Hurley  Warren  Sm'th  .......... 8944  74,87  Chester  Hlehelskl  ...... 8676  Len.  Duncan  ............. 8948  44.72  Rosendo  Sote  8671  Jow^  JWynn  ...........  $64)8  John  Trust  :  8672  aR88.  Jerimin  Zwaeru*  ...... 8678  afy  3889  96.08  72.33  38.11  43.94  59.11  110.44  87.89  52.50  89.06  80.50  42.39  67.28  45.39  76.22  104.61  77.00  106.94  54.83  99.94  118.61  50.94  76.61  52.89  78.94  36.17  44.33  35.78  77.00  90.22  79.33  103.83  109.67  40.06  92.17  94.89  101.50  40.44  54.06  113.17  125.61  97.61  102.67  117.06  91.39  43.56  125.22  109.28  43.94  50.56  89.83  125.61  66.89  43.56  115.50  84.39  49.78  59.50  120.56  48.22  46.67  90.61  61.06  37.72  104.22  2,500.00  35.00  108.50  95.28  93.72  92.56  121.72  43.17  111.61  112.39  36.17  116.67  126.78  111.22  89.06  77.39  64.17  50.17  102.67  85.94  57.17  106.56  108.11  119.00  80.11  96.83  59.89  74.67  88.28  43.56  56.39  127.56  Franglskos  Gounaris  Jose  Gracia  Nemesio  Rivera  Arthur  Roy  Howard  Mens  Fred  Hausen  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  Boyd  Langley  Paul  Petak  Michael  Ditsolis  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  Nathan  Bobbins  Lawrence  ThomhUl  .  To  Cash  Vac.  Checks  Kenneth  Cann  I,eonard  Lewis  Robert  McLean  ...  Hans  Skottene  ....  Henry  Eslwlck  ....  Leslie  Sigler  Void  Frank  Semple  ....  Charles  Wiggln  ...  Frank  Kuvakas  ...  Julian  Dedlcatoria  .  John  Pearson  ....,  Clyde  Gamel  ....,  Richard  Sessions  ..  Werner  Pedersen  ,  William  BeUgraph  8674  8675  8676  8677  8678  8679  8680  8681  8682  8683  8684  8689  8686  8687  8688  8689  8690  8691  8692  8693  8694  8695  8696  8697  8698  8699  8700  8701  8702  8703  8704  8705  8706  8707  8708  8709  8710  8711  8712  8712  8714  8715  8716  8717  8718  8719  8720  83.61  8a.2<J  73.50  108.11  87.80  68.44  120.94  97.61  44.33  99.56  125.61  104 61  1,500.00  50.56  44 33  79.33  67.67  42.00  99.56  57.17  92.94  1,000.00  123.28  46.67  2,000.00  113.56  84.78  82B3  54.06  49.39  97.61  127 94  Void  119 78  82.44  127.56  127.94  79.72  78.94  80.89  78.56  78.94  101.1)  41.22  61.06  51.33  92.94  William  Reynolds  8721  Rudolph  Blanton  8722  BUI  Mpontsikaris  872.3  Charles  Gailen  8724  Clinton  Garrett  8725  Roy  Hawes  8726  Robert  Hoppke  8727  Giyn  Davies  8728  Walter  Gray  8729  • "ranklin Cain  8730  Walter  MitcheU  8731  Louis  MarshaU  8732  Daniel  Rucker  8733  Frank  Paylor  8734  Herman  Callaway  8735  LioneU  Antoine  8736  Vincent  Monte  8737  Konstant  Kaln  8738  .1.  Stanley  Smith  8739  Ernest  Skipper  8740  Rudolph  SUva  8741  WiUiam  Harper  8742  Glen  Reid  .  8743  Ramire  Gonzales  8744  Ivan  Trelford  8745  .Toseph  Bluton  8746  George  Dunfee  8747  Carl  Kumrow  8748  Kennyon  Bigham  8749  Estuardo  Cuenca  8750  John  Curtis  8751  Robert  Greene  8752  Donald  Starling  8753  AUen  Beaslcy  .......... 8754  Uonel  Houde  8755  • Toseph Moore  ........... 8756  WUUam  Bedgood  8757  Curtis  Dials  8758  Clark  Medley.  Jr.  8759  Frank  Wesley  '.  8760  Jesse  Parrish  .8761  Herman  Bryant  8762  Ernest  Vitou  ;... 8763  Charles  Shirah  8764  Teodoro  Urbina  8765  StiUanos  Mavromlchalls  .  8766  Robert  Ray  8767  77.00  47 83  117.44  40.44  41.61  84.78  46.28  119.78  42.00  117 08  94.89  113.56  71.56  87.11  70.00  115 89  127.94  99J6  115.89  92.56  99.17  92.17  61.06  87.11  91.00  93.72  77.00  94.50  95.67  71.94  50.17  57.89  54.83  49.78  102.67  96.83  90.61  63.78  63.39  42.00  116J28  59.50  91.00  104.61  103.06  105.39  83.22  Period  Covered  By This  Report—^April  6­April  19  Cash  on  Hand  ^  $  263,896.45  U. S. Government Bonds  1,000,273.44  210,000.00  Estimated  Accounts Receivable  5,745.00  Hospital  Benefits  Paid  in  Period  143,206.00  Total  Hospital  Benefits  Paid  Since  July 1.  1950.  19,066.67  Death  Benefits Paid  in  Period  249,433.33  Death  Benefits  Paid Since  July 1,  1950  $30.00  30.00  15.00  .30.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  45.00  15.00  $240.00  $30.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  SEATTLE,  WASHINGTON  Francis  I.  Gibbons  $30.00  WUUam  B.  Jones  30.00  Jesse  W.  Puckett  30.00  $90.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  BRIGHTON.  MASS.  H.  R.  Blanchett  Richard  P  Bowman.  Henry  V.  Keane.  B.  Klakowicz  A.  D.  Leva  Lincoln  E.  Smith.  James  F.  McLaughlin.  George  Vourloumis  ­ $30.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  15.00  45.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  $285.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  NORFOLK.  VIRGINIA  Edward  C.  Atkins  Austan  L.  Atkinson  Robert  J.  AumUler  WiUiam  C.  Baldwin  Albert  M.  Brlckhouse  Angelo  V.  Cossentlno  Maryus  M.  Ciirrier  Elgin  Dover  Roger  W.  Horton  Gerald  McCarthy  Edward  J.  Richard  .;  Shirley  E., Roundtree  '  WiUiam  A.  Rowe  WUliam  C.  Scruggs  Ernest  T.  SqiUres  Jack  F.  Warner  $15.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  15.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  60.00  30.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  $435.00  USPHS  RELIEF  STATION  MOREHEAD  CITY,  N.  C.  WUliam  H.  Guthrie  $45.00  • I  $15.00  60.00  $75.00  REPORT  NO.  27  By Lloyd  Gardner,  Asst.  Secretary­Treasurer  FraLAND  SANITORIUM  SEATTLE.  WASHINGTON  EmU  Austad  USPHS  HOSPITAL  GALVESTON,  TEXAS  Stanley  T.  Dombroski  Edwin  E.  Donaldson  Joseph  C.  Fanara  Fred  Hohenberger  W.  J.  John.son  Thomas  F.  Lay  Edward  P.  McLaughlin  George  H.  Noles  Manuel  J.  Pedraza  .luan  Rodriguez  Peter  Sadowski  Howard  C.  Smith  Howard  H.  Stansbury  F.  W.  Walaska  BELLEVUE  HOSPITAL  NEW  YORK,  N.  Y.  Joseph  H.  Hare  A.  McGuigan  .  Welfare  USPHS  HOSPITAL  SAVANNAH.  GEORGIA  Earl  A.  Bink  [  WiUiam  B.  Creech  J.  E.  Garrett....,  G.  W.  Graham  James  J.  Lucianl  Louis  C.  MUler  J.  T.  Moore  H.  ,C.  RandaU  Noah  J.  Raulerson  CENTRO  ESPANOL  TAMPA,  FLORIDA  Gaetano  Busciglfo  ...  $60 00  $15.00  30.00  30.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  $180.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  MOBILE.  ALABAMA  Herbert  AUman  .'.  $15.00  Tim  Burke  30.00  J.  H.  Jones  30.00  Walter  T.  Noel  15.00  L.  W.  Setowsky  15.00  Cllftord  T.  Wuertz  15.00  Theodore  D.  Halenda  Forrest  G.  Harper  Hugo  J.  Hilden  Walerek  J.  Kupidlowski  Thomas  V.  Logan  Haakon  J.  Mourn  Thomas  Mungo  Malvih  A.  NUsen  John  J.  O'Connor  George  G.  Phifer  Raymond  Plaza  Richard  I.  Price  Arthur  S.  Reinholdt  Louis  Rosenthal  Charles  W.  Shaw  Loonis  F.  Sisk  John  A.  Stout  WiUiam  D.  Warmack  Albert  L.  WUUs  Thomas  Wills  15.00  15.00  30.00  15.00  .30.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  45.00  15.00  90.00  15.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  $780.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  NEW  ORLEANS.  LA.  H.  A.  Bishop  $15.00  Leroy  G.  Boster  30.00  Robert  P.  Burton  '  15.00  E.  F.  Caddin  30.00  Rolph  A.  Cannill  45.00  WUson  O.  Cara  45.00  James  D.  CardeU  45.00  Oliver  Celestine  45.00  James  Crone  30.00  R.  Cruz  '  45.00  Martino  De  Salvo.....  45.00  Erick  R.  Eklund  15.00  E.  E.  Euglehardt  15.00  M.  L.  Everett  ,....  45.00  M.  C.  Gaddy  45.00  Chai­les  T.  Gasklns  30.00  Carl  C.  Jordon  45.00  Leonard  Kay  45.00  Leo  H.  Lang  45.00  P.  J.  Legendre,  Jr  15.00  Oliver  Lewis  45.00  L.  F.  MarshaU  15.00  WiUiam  L.  McLeUan  45.00  J.  E.  Milton  45.00  John  A.  Morris ................... .  15.00.  Luis  S.  Osma  45.00  K.  Raana  45.00  James  A.  Rider  30.00  Edward  E.  Roberts  15.00  A.  A.  Sampson  45.00  Foster  B.  Shedd  45.00  Andrew  Stauder  30.00  Charles  L.  Strata  30.00  Horace  H.  Tastet  30.00  J.  C.  Thompson  30.00  Lonnle  R.  Tickle  45.00  John  J.  Uszakiewicz  15.00  WiUiam  R.  Walker  45.00  Orlen  Wheeler  15.00  Louis  J.  WUUs  30.00  60.28  121.72  . 72.72  39.67  101.89  68.83  47.83  .  61.44  $120.00  108.50  46.28  USPHS  HOSPITAL  43.94  SAN  FRANCISCO.  CAUF.  45.89  Russeil  D.  Roberts  $30.00  73.50  Peter  Smith  15.00  52.89  Daniel  Sorenson  15.00  68.83  Antoneo  Phelepedes  15.00  117.44  104^2  $75.00  42.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  74.67  BALTIMORE. ­ MARYLAND  116.28  $15.00  85.56  Thomas  Ankerson  30.00  100.72  Harry  L.  Baum.  81.28  Rolland  R.  BeU  30.00  119.00  Helmar  N.  Bjork  15.00  $1J50.00  74.67  Nelson  W.  Blades....  45.00  30.00  43:56.  Edmund  CabansM  CHAiilTV  HOSPITAL  OF  LA.  30.00  83.81  Richard  L.  Foust.  NEW  ORLEANS.  LA.  •••  38.11  Joseph  F.  Goude  • • • • • • «• • • •15.00  $90.60  64.44  OiMter  SL  Green...............  30.00  Ivy  B.  Hathem*..,  ...  USPHS  HOSPITAL  BOSTON,  MASS.  John  Kentrotas  $45.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  STATEN  ISLAND.  N.  Y.  James  Barnes  Henry  Baron  Leonard  H.  Beattie  Jon  B.  Bogren  Victor  O.  Bonet  J.  G.  Bosman  John  E.  Brady  Loton  Brooks  Thomas  J.  Caffrey  Frank  Cardoza  E.  A.  Carton  N.  R.  Cartwright  John  Chaker  Wong  Kong  Ching  Richard  M.  Ferguson  .Tohn  F.  French  David  Fun^an  WiUiam  Girardeau  Abram  Goldsmith  Max  G.  Graham  Oscar  Grant  Charles  A.  Hartman  Luis  Hernandez  Roscoe  R.  Hobdy  Oscar  Jones  John  W.  Keenan  Charles  Kerstens  .lames  J.  Lawlor  James  R.  Lewis  .Tohannes  Liknes  WiUiam  E.  Logan  • A.  McGuigan  John  J.  McLauglUin  Marcel  MitcheU  Alfred  Mueller  Frank  Nering  Arthur  D.  Ogilvie  WUliam  Owens  Robert  J.  Patterson  WUliam  E.  Pepper  .Joseph  Prindezis  Herbert  Reene  Nathan  Rubin  Juan  S.  Rueda  Aaron  Sasser  Cleveland  B.  Sawyer  .John  S'aman  Jackson  K  Smith  Emerson.  Spauldingi  .Joseph  Traxler.  Francis  D.  WaU  $30.00  90.00  30.00  45.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  15.00  30 00  15.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  45 00  15.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  30.00  45.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  15.00  15.00  15.00  45.00  30.00  30.00  45.00  15.00  15.00  45.00  15.00  15.00  30.00  15.00  30 00  30.00  15.00  30.00  30.00  15.00  $1,380.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  FORT  WORTH,  TEXAS  Joseph  P.  Wise  J.  H.  Ashurst  $60.00  60.00  $120.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  FORT  STANTON,  N.  M.  Donald  McDonald  Jack  F.  Thornburg  $60.00  60.00  $120.00  USPHS  HOSPITAL  SAN  JUAN. P.  R.  Julian  I.  Antencio  Joseph  G.  Bracht  Wayne  F.  Crow  Walter  Garrett  lldefonso  Perez  $45.00  30.00  60.00  15.00  75.00  $225.00  DEATH  BENEFITS  Remie  Doucette  Cornello  CastUlo  John  Padzlk  Archibald  King  William  F  Thompson  Maximo  Vejo  .  Burl  E.  McDonald  Joseph  OSsianik  ...  Joseph  M  L'Espcranc*  $66.67  ajiOO.OO  2.500.00  2,500.00'  lJUU.UO  2.500.00  2JOO.00  2,500.00  2JS00.00  $19J>08.n  ­jf.  �#  • . DIGEST of SHIPS' MEETINGS .. .    PENNMAR  (Calmar),  March  »»—Chair­ man,  J.  Markham;  Sacratary,  • .  Konon.  Complaint  waa  made  that  some  of  the  officers  faU  to  cooperate  durlnff ffre  drills.  Station  cards  should  be  placed  above  each  man's  bunk.  Inferior  quality  of  some  of  the  goods  In  the  slopchest  will  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  patrolman  at  payoff.  Crew  passed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  steward  department  for  work  well  done  from  Longview  to  New  York.  Deck  crew  gave  a  vote  of  appre­ ciation  to  the  chief  mate.  Chief  mate  thanked  the crew  for  bringing  in  a  clean  ship  and  performing  all  duties  in  good  SIU  style.  SEATRAIN  LOUISIANA  (S o a t r a I n),  April  20—Chairman,  Walter  E.  Bayeler;  Secretary,  Kenneth  M.  Skonberg.  Chief  engineer  promised  that  sewage  drains  in  12­4  and  4­8  rooms  would  be  taken  care  of  by  shore  gang  in  New  York  this  trip.  Bookshelves  were  put  up  by  desk  engi­ neer.  Names  of  men  who  missed  ship  were  mailed  into  haU.  PUERTO  RICO  (Boll),  April  21—Chair­ man,  Thurston  Lewis;  Secretary,  Jim  Murphy.  Ship's  delegate  reports  that  soap  needed  by  crew  messman  for  their  work  has  not  been  provided.  Total  of  $14  was  donated  to  ship's  fund;  $4  was  collected  from  those  absent  from  last  ship's  meeting.  A  motion  to  rescind  the  present  system  of  electing  ship's  dele­ gates  (a  new  delegate  every  four  trips,  rotating  departments)  was  defeated  after  much  discussion.  Quentin  Remaud  was  elected  next  ship's  delegate  by  acclama­ tion.  Messman  will  set  out  coffee  for  wipers.  MAE  (Bull),  March  Chairman,  Carl  R.  Olbbs;  Secretary,  Richard  V.  Calling.  One  overtime  beef  will  be  taken  up  with  paymaster  in  Baltimore.  Ship's  delegate  will  buy  playing,  pinochle  and  canasta  cards  as  well  as  chess  and  checker  sets  from  ship's  fund.  Seat  cushions  have  uOt  yet  been  received,  although  steward  has  ordered  them.  Agreed  that  the  ship's  delegato  buy  and  keep  on  hand  at  all  times  a  supply  of  stamps  for  the  crew.  March  4­­­Chalrman,  Carl  E.  Clbbs; Sec­ retary,  Richard  V.  Celling.  Delegates  re­ ported  no  beefs.  Suggestion  was  made  that  a  television  set  be  purchased  from  the  ship's  fund.  Since  the  crew  bought  the  two  washing  machines  now in  use  on,  the  ship,  patrolman  will  see  if  it  is  pos­ sible  for  the  company  to  contribute  to  the  purchase  of  this  set.  Brothers  Gibbs  and  Gelling  volunteered  to find  out  about  prices and  terms.  Question  was  raised  as  to  why  the  bars  of  face  soap  cannot  be  larger.  Steward  explained  why  this  was  so,  and  said  that  if  anyone  needed  more  soap  he  had  only  to  ask  for  it.  After  some  discussion,  it  was  decided  to  get  a  new  messman  in  Baltimore,  since  the  iresent  crew  messman  and  pantryman  h{  lave  been  incompetent.  The  8  to  12  or­ dinary  promised  to  spend  more  time  and  effort  on  his  sanitary  work.  ranging  transportation  In  those  ports  where  there  is  no  public  transportation  service  from  isolated  doidcs  and  plants.  POINTER  (Alcoa),  March  1(—Chairman,  N.  Nlcbolai;  Secretary,  F.  P.  Russo.  Del­ egates  reported  everything  in  order.  Agreed  that  wiper  and  ordinary  will  clean  laundry;  recreatiop  room  will  be  cleaned  by  steward  department.  All  hands  will  clean  washing  machine  after  using  it.  Crew  asked  not  to  make  un­ necessary noise  in passage  ways and  near  sleeping  quarters.  SUZANNE  (Bull),  April  20—Chairman,  Ken E.  Bsckerlch; Secretary,  L. B.  Cooch.  Motions  passed  to  use  fresh  lemon  and  orange  juice  and  to  install  proper  baking  equipment.  Suggestion  was  made  about  the  installation  of  chains.  Improvement  in  food  was  discussed.  CAPE  HORN  ((lAltsltilppI),  January  20  —Chairman,  George  E.  Egner;  Secretary,  Frank  L.  Bartlett.  Delegates  reported  everything  okay.  Suggestions  were  made  to  paint  the  crew  messhall  and  install  grating  in  the  laundry.  February  27—Chairman,  Frank  L.  Bart­ lett;  Secretary,  Union  H.  Sanders,  Jr.  Bosim  asked  hands  not  to  throw  garbage  out  of  porthole  on  gangway.  Steward  said  that  messman'  would  make  coffee  every  morning  at  9:30  AM.  Oiler  asked  that  a  messman  be  assigned  to  messhall  during  meals.  Steward  agreed.  Crew  members  were  asked  to  put  glasses  and  cups  back  in  the  pantry,  as  ship's supply  is  short.  March­27—Chslrmsn,  L.  O.  Carney; Sec­ retary,  Frank  L.  Bartlett.  Motion  passed  for  steward  to get  120  days' stores  requi­ sition  for  next  outgoing  voyage.  Crew  asked  to  keep  small  pieces  of  soap  off  shower  decks.  Suggestion  made  that  everyone  be  sober  at  payoff.  €  CANTI6NY  (Cllres  servtcsfj,  April  21  —Chairman,  O.  Galliano;  Secretary,  Petar  V.  Hammel.  Captain  suggested  that  the  company  might  repair  television  aerial  and advised  against  spending money  from  ship's  fund  for  this  purpose.  He  also  offered  to  help  crew  repair  set.  Request  was  made  that  crewmembers  cooperate  in  keeping  recreation  room  clean.  SEATRAIN  SAVANNAH  (Seatrsin),  April  23—Chairman,  T.  B.  Lawson;  Sec­ retary,  Doug  Ackar,  Sr.  Delegates  re­ ported no  beefs.  Steward  told  crew  that  extra  towels  would  be  available  during  summer  months.  Men  were  asked  to  keep  the  laundry  clean  and  be  sure  to  ­Jte  empty  pockets  before  putting  clothes  in  ROBIN  TUXFORD  (Seas  Shipping),  the  washing  machine.  Cots  will  be  dis­ March  23—Chairman,  Ceorge  Schmidt;  tributed  on  request.  Secretary,  Pete  Prevas.  Disputed  over­ SALEM  MARITIME  (Cities  Service),  time  will  be  taken  care  of  in  port.  Since  ship's  delegate  Smokovich  has  been  ap­ April  4—Chairman,  L.  L.  PIckeH;  Secre­ pointed  acting  bosun  until  arrival  at  US  tary,  Mike  MIchallk.  Beef  about  food  port,  Clarence Cousins  was  elected to  act  purchased  in  New.  Zealand  will  be  re­ as  ship's  delegate  for  the  rest  of  the  ported  to  food  committee  in  New  York.  voyage.  Motion  was  made  and  seconded  Discussion  was held  on  keeping the  mess­ to  fumigate  the  ship  before  leaving  the  room  clean  and  not  using  coffee  cups  States  again, as  there  are  many  rats  and  for  ashtrays.  Delegates  will  check  roaches on  board.  Discussion  was held  on  screens  for  portholes  and  doors.  Dis­ repairing  the  blowers.  Ship^s  delegate  cussion  on  maintenance  of  washing  ma­ will  investigate  the  hot  water  in  the  cold  chine.  April  18—Chairman,  Henry  P.  Leavey;  valve  in  the  showers.  Union  business  should  be  kept  away  from  the  purser,  Secretary,  Mike  MIchallk.  Bosun  is work­ and  whatever  typing  is  necessary  should  ing  on  deck  and  mate  doing  carpenter  be  done  by  the  steward.  work.  Steward  delegate  reported  beef  about  member  and  captain.  Martin  J.  CARRABULLE  (National  Navigation),  Hitchcock  was  elected  ship's  delegate  by  April  13—Chairman,  M.  H.  McKay;  Sec­ acclamation.  Agreed  to draw  $10.00 from  retary,  Pets  Plasclk.  Ship's  delegate  re­ ship's  fund—^which  now  stands  at  $47.15  ported  a  balance  of  $105.71  in  the  ship's  —to  buy  checker  set  and  games.  Dis­ fund  and  explained  his  talk  with  the  cussion  held  on  amount  of  milk  put  out  captain  about  draws  in  US  money  at  for  12­4  watch.  Discussion  held  on  keep­ ports  where  the  exchange  difference  is  ing  messhall  clean.  New  members  were  great.  Crew  decided  to  send  a  $25  con­ told  the  rules regarding  washing machine  tribution  to  US  Marine  Hospital  for  tu­ maintenance.  Talked  about  meal  service.  bercular  seamen  and  money  for  the  March  of  Dimes  upon  arrival  at  Curacao.  WILD  RANGER  (Waterman),  March  2  All  hands  will  donate  $2  to  ship's  fund  —ChalrMan,  T.  J.  Connell;  Secretary,  C.  St  the  next  draw  in  Curacao.  DeSllva.  Delegates  reported  everything  okay.  Request  was  made  that  the  crew's  SOUTHERN  STATES  (Southern  Trad­ quarters  be  painted  and  that  necessary  ing),  April  21—Chairman,  McArthur;  Sec­ gaskets  be  installed  in  portholes.  New  retary,  M.  S.  Netto.  Delegates  reported  mattresses,  shower  heads  for  deck  de­ no  beefs.  Letter  was  sent  to  hall  to find  partment  and  a  new  iron  were  also  re­ out  about  new  wage  scale.  Motion  was  quested.  The  ship's  delegate  will  speak  passed  to  buy  new  tablecloths,  pillow  to  the  patrolman  about  moving  the  laun­ cases  and  shower  curtains.  Motion  was  dry  from  aft  to  midship,  since  present  «made  that  SIU  negotiate  with  Southern  location  is  inconvenient  and  dangerous  Trading  as  soon  as  possible  about  ar­ when  ship  carries  deck  cargo.  Request  E'  I  would  like to  receive the  SEAFARERS  LOG—please  put  my  name  on  your  mailing  list.  (Print  Information)  NAME  STREET ADDRESS  i,'  ..ZONE  Signed  STATE.  Book  No  TO  AVOID  DUPLICATION:..  If  you  are  an  old  subscriber  and  have  a  change  of  address,  please  give  your  former  address  below:  ADDRESS  CITY  .  ^Cau'Shahergi*  Have No OH  The  membership  is  again  cautioned to beware  of  persons  soliciting funds on ships in  be­ half  of  memorials or any other  so­called "worthy causes."  No  "can­shakers"  or  solici­ tors  have  received  authoriza­ tion from SIU  headquarters to  collect  funds.  The  National  Foundation  for  Infantile  Paralysis is the only charitable  organization  which  has  re­ ceived  membership  endorse­ ment.  Funds  for  this  cause  are  collected  through  normal  Union  channels  at  the  pay­oflf.  Receipts are issued on the spot.  .....  ZONE  tisgeeeesses* • •  • • • ggeeGMeseee;  ifsegeeeseese  STATE..  etassaSgeegege  'sion held  on placing  charges against  deck  engineer  due  to  continual  drunkenness.  January  20—Chairman,  George  Bauer;  Secretary,  Marvin  Hauf.  Added  to  repair  Ust  were:  EngliK  department  heads;  steam  Une  to  sciUlery  sinks;  handle  on  gaUey  door;  new  keys  for  aU.  rooms.  Ship's  delegate  wiU  see  the  proper  de­ partment  heads­about  these  repairs.  Re­ pair  list  wlU  gHnade  UP  and  turned  in  at  least  two  weeks before^ payoff, to aUow  time  for  aU  minor  repairs.  March  t,  1952—Chairman,  George  Bauer;  Secretary,  Marvin  Hauf.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  The  repair  Ust  was  discussed.  Discussion  was  held  on  the  poor  baking  for  tke  past five  months.  Steward said  the  baker  shouldn't  ship out  as  such,  since  he  doesn't  try  to  improve  his  work.  Baker  should not  be  permitted  to  saU  under  that  job  classification  for  at  least  a  year,  and  this  should  be  stamped  on  his  permit.  The  whole  mat­ ter  wiU  be  taken  up  with  the  patrolman.  AU  hands  should  be  sober  at  payoff.  and  boat  drill  at  11:30  AM.  A  new  wasb­ ing  machine  for  the  crew  hai  been asked  for.  Complaints  were  made  about  the  rusty  water  in  the  showers  and  wash  basins  and  the  orlnUng  water,  which  is  always  warm.  WILLIAM  H.  CARRUTH  (Transfual),  March  2—Chairman,  J.  B.  Bugelawtkl;  Secretary,  Bing  Miller.  Ship's  delegates  reported  on  repairs  made  in  Galveston,  draws  and  customs  in  Italy.  Motion  was  made  that aU  hands refuse  to sign  on un­ tU  the  ship  is  fumigated.  Shower  cui^  tains  should  be  hung  in  engine  depart­ ment  showers.  Passageways  and  recrea­ tion  room  should  be.kept  clean.  Discus­ sion  was  held  on  repairs  to  be  made  by  the  crew,  washing  machine  for  new  crew  members,  mattresses  and  inner  springs.  New  plumbing  will  be  installed  in  deck  department's  toilet.  Bed  springs  in  4­8  oUer's  foc'sle  should  be  checked.  April  13—Chairman,  J.  B.  Bugelewtkli  Secretary,  C.  H.  Randolph.  Two first­trip  wipers have  not  been doing  their sanitary  work,  although  the  engine  delegate  showed  them  how.  Suggestion  was  made  that  these  men  be  brought  before  the  patrolman  and  that, department  delegates  testify  against  them.  Crew  passed  a. vote  of  thanks  to the  steward's department  for  the  good  food.  The  steward  thanked  the  crew  for  good  work.  Chief  engineer  wag  thanked  for  his  cooperation.  SEATRAIN  GEORGIA  (Seatraln),  April  20—Chairman,  Paul  Ulrlch;  Secretary,  J.  J.  Malont.  Paul  Ulrlph  was  elected sl^'s  delegate  by  acclaihation  and  the  S2S^  In  the  ship's  fund  was  turned  over  to  him.  Added  to  the  repair  Ust  were:  Fan  for  messmen's  quarters;  drinking  foun­ tain  for  crew's  messroom;  screen  doors  was  put  In  for  portablo  desks  in  aU  for  the  four  passageway  exits;  a  new  quarters.  ..  .  clothes  wringer  for  the  washing  machine  March  23—Chairman,  Red  Connell;  Sec­ and  some  new  ashtrays.  MARORE  (Ore),  April  2—Chairman,  Eii­ retary,  Otto  Robert  Hoepner.  If  payoff  gsne  G.  Senff;  Sacratary,  Floyd  Jenkins.  is on Saturday,  each man  will get  a $10.00  MONROE  (Bull),  April  25—Chairman,  Balance  of  $5.00  left  in ship's fund  after  draw:  if  it  is  on  Monday,  captain  wUl  Theodore  Smith;  Secretary,  Juan  O'Quen­ buying  a  washing  machine.  Electrician  wire  in  for  a  larger  sum.  One  messman  de,  Jr.  Old  washing  machine  was  sold  will  repair  toaster  in'  crew's  mess  as  work­a­way  hired  at  Bremen,  Germany.  soon  as he  can  get  parts.  Since  the  ship  Repair  list  wiU  be  made  up  and  turned  is  going  to  the  yard,  crew  would  like  to  in  to  patrolman  in  New  York.  Sugges­ get  wind  scoops,  as  there  are  none  on  Uon  was  made  to  keep  sweets.  Jams  and  board.  Suggestion  was  made  that  each  pickles  in  messhaU.  Crew  was  asked  not  man clean  the laundry  after using  it; one  to  spit  in  foc'sle  sink  and  drinking  fo;^­ man  be  assigned  to  laundry  from  each  tains;  each  department  in  turn  wUl  clean  department.  Suggestion  made  that  crew­ the  recreation  room  from  Sunday  to  Sat­ members  be fined  $.20  if  they  leave  cups  urday  PM.  If  the  laundry  is not  moved  on  deck  and  in  recreation  room.  Con­ to  midship,  as  requested  at  last  meeting,  for  $35  and  this  money  added  to  the  tribution will  be  sent  to Manhattan  Beach  catwalk  should  be  put  up  on  after  deck  ship's  fund,  which  now  stands  at  $47.40.  USPHS  HospitaL  and  proper  lighting  installed  along  the  The  $1  contribution  from  new  men  wiU  way  to  the  laimdry.  Messhall  wiU  be  now  be  omitted.  Ship's  delegate  and  pa­ SANTORS  (Ore),  April  t—Chairman,  kept  locked  in  Europe,  and  man  on  the  trolman  wiU  inspect  the  ship's  water  W.  Walter;  Secretary,  H.  RIggo.  Motion  gangway  wiU  hold  the  keys.  Patrolman  system.  made  to  dispose  of  old  washing  machine  will  get  checkers  for  recreation  room  in  motor  for  parts.  Motion  passed  JAMES  H.  PRICE  (South  Atlantic).  and keep  Ekiropean  ports.  Patrolman  to  define  to  get  the  water  fountain  and  ice  box  sections  of  department  passageways  for  April  13—Chairman,  S.  Garcia;  Secretary,  repaired.  Shortage of  milk  wlU  be  looked  cleaning.  C^ilef  electrician  should  over­ J.  Ranlerl.  Delegates reported  everything  into.  Variety  of  mixed  drinks  should  be  haul  foc'sle  fans  and  order  necessary  in  good  shape.  Motion  was  passed  to or­ kept  on  hand.  More  cups  are  needed  in  der  stainless  steel  or  porcelain  ^inks  for  the  pantry;  crew  should  return  cups  to  parts.  April  13—Chairman,  Red  Connell;  Sec­ thawing  out  meat.  AU  men  absent  from  pantry  after  use.  retary,  Otto  Robert  Hoepner.  Ship's  the  meeting  must  donate  $2  toward  the  delegate  will  see  the  captain  about  open­ starting  of  a  ship's  fund.  Ship's  delegate  MARTIN  BEHRMAN  (Alcoa),  April  14—  ing  slopchest  at  sea  for  clothing.  Bosun  discussed  conditions  of  life  aboard  ship  Chairman,  Richard  A.  Mountanay;  Secre­ WiU  see  the  chief  mate  or  captain  about  for  the  benefit  of  men  making  their first  tary,  JoESph  Duffey.  Before  arrival  at  painting  rooms.  Chief  steward  wiU  im­ voyage.  AU  rubbish  should  be  put  in  Honolulu,  the  captain  said  he  would  not  prove  daUy  menus.  Sufficient  night  lunch  waste  paper  baskets.  get  a  replacement  for  crewmember  who  and  more  fresh  fruit  should  be  put  out  ship  at  Portland;  he  also,  an­ AMEROCEAN  (Blackchester),  March  12  missed  at  night.  New  lock  with  spare  keys  nounced  that  there  would  be  no  more  should  be  installed  in  crew's  messhaU.  —Chairman,  G.  Bozec;  Secretary, R. Hunt.  fresh  milk.  Radiogram  was  sent  by  the  If  deck  crew  works  at  night  and  in  the  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  Crewmem­ crew  to  SUP  agent,  who  met  ship  and  morning,  midnight  lunch  should  be  bers  agreed  to  take  better  care  of  the  cleared  up both  these  matters.  Crewmem­ served  in  place  of  penalty  meals  or  laundry.  Stevedores  wiU  keep  out  of  bers  will  buy  washing  machine  from  crew  quarters.  overtime.  ctRef  engineer.  Motion  passed  to  ask  the  ROSARIO  (Bull),  March  23—Chairman,  captain  to  put  out  a  draw  in  US  money  CAROLYN  (Bull),  April  20—Chairman,  Jack  at  Calcutta,  as  this  is  optional  for  him.  Secretary,  John  J.  Scanlon.  Newly  C.  Hensley;  Secretary,  R.  E.  Dickey;  To­ Ship's Smith;  elected  ship's  delegate  will find  delegate  wiU  speak  to  the  captain  tal  of  $58.00  was  coUected  for  March  of  about fixing  the  sinks  in  crew's  pantry.  out  from  the  captain  if  the  company  Dimes.  Suggestion  made  that  the  medi­ Any  crewmember  who  needs  a  new  mat­ agent at  Singapore  would  mail  letters  for  cine  chest  be  checked  thoroughly.  Crew­ the  crew.  Suggestion  was  made  that  should  see  the  steward.  Steward's  crewmembers  members  suggested  that  the  captain  put  tress  keep  their  feet  off  the  department  wUl  clean the  passageway.  out  half  the amoimt  of  cigarettes on  hand  seats in  the messhall.  A few  of  the crew­ during  the  trip  south.  Suggestion  was  members are  not  doing  their share  of  the  STEELORE  (Ore),  April. IS—Chslrmann  work.  A  committee  made  that  an  alarm  be  installed  in  the  Ralph  will  be  appointed  at  Dayor;  Secretary,  James  Conklln.  messroom  for  the  standby  man.  Calcutta  to  take  care  of  getting  the  Engine  and steward's  department  showers  boilers  repaired,  since  they  are in  a  very  and  toUets  are  to  be  painted.  GUers, fire­ dangerous  condition,  according  to  the  JOHN  FISKE  (Robin),  April  20—Chair­ men,  quartermasfers  and  others  are  un­ unanimous  opinion  of  the  engine  depart­ man, W.  B.  Aycock; Secretary, J,  R. Lane.  able  to  reUeve  their  watches  on  time.  ment.  If  the  captain  does not  have  them  Motion  was  made  to  arrange  for  water  Patrolman  wUl  be  asked  about  the fire  repaired,  crew  will  go  to  the  US  consuL  in  the  engine  room.  Motion  was  also  made  that  aU  hands  be  present  when  SEAWIND  (Seatraders),  April  19—  bringing  up  water  deal  in  engine  room  Chairman,  Edward  Lamb;  Secretary.  with  patrolman  and  that  aU  engine  de­ Charles  Martin.  Ship's  delegate  reported  partment  hands  put  down  overtime  when  that  the  chief  engineer  says  the  ice  box  coming  up  topside  for  water,  to  give  in the  crew's messhall  cannot be  repaired  Ray  McAndrews  foundation  for  beef.  It  was  suggested  and  a  new  one  must  be  ordered.  Motion  that  aU  hands he  sobef  at  payoff.  Motion  passed  to  get  sufficient  food  supplies  for  Your  gear  off  the  Yaka  is  being  was  made  that  E.  R.  BaUey  be  given  the  the  entire  voyage  in  the  States  (non­per­ ship's  crew  approval  to  continue  saUing  held  at  the  Waterman  office  in  ishable  food,  canned  goods,  tea,  coffee,  on  SIU  ships.  Each  department  delegate  Jacksonville,  Fla.  flour,  etc.)  and  to  have  the  patrolman,  WiU  turn  in  his repair  list  to  ship's dele­ delegate and  steward  check  stores  before  gate  who  WiU  give  them  to  the  chief  if  if  .if  officer.  Rufino  Roca  u  PERSONALS  SEATRAIN  NEW  JERSEY  (Seatraln),  April  24—Chairman,  Red  Barnett;  Secre­ tary,  Sir  Charles.  Nordstrom  nominated  ship's  delegate  by  acclamation.  A  bal­ ance  of  $7.3.3  was  reported  in  the  ship's  fund.  It  was  reported  that  not  enough  meal  and  mUk  were  on  board  for  the  voyage.  Men  are  being  assigned  to  dif­ ferent  jobs  without  the  knowledge  of  the  bosun.  Safety  lifeboat  string  is  rotten  and  should  be  checked.  NATHANIEL  B.  PALMER  (Palmer),  January  9—Chairman, George  Bauer;  Sec­ retary,  Marvin  Hauf.  Launch  service  and  draw  In  Bombay  wlU  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  patrolman.  Discussion  was  held  on  basing  overtime  amounts  on  a  percentage  of  the  wages  earned,  not  just  deciding  it  according  to  two  dif­ ferent  wage  scales.  Ship  should  be  fumi­ gateg.upon  arrival  in  the  States.  Discus­ Editor,  SEAFARERS LOG,  675  Fourth Ave.,  Brooklyn  32, N. Y.  CITY  PMday. May  t, 195*  SEAFjtRERS  LOG  Pac* Twenty­alK  The shore­gangway  watchman  in  Savannah has sent  your papers and  gear oil the Helen  Hunt Jackson  to  the SIU  hall  there. You  may  claim  them  by  writing  that  office.  it  4  John  Petusky  It is  important  that  you  get  in  touch  with  your  sister.  Write  Mrs.  Ann Rivers,  31 Hancock Rd., Wake­ field, Mass.  c  the  crew  signs  in.  Motion  passed  that  captain  be  required  to  live  up  to  the  agreement  on  the  purchase  of  milk  In  foreign  ports.  Deck  department  agreed  to  let  steward  department  paint  its  own  quarters,  as  the  captain  expects  the  whole  ship  to  be  painted  and  cleaned  up  in  two  weeks.  Delegates  will  see  that  foc'sles  are  clean  for  the  new  crew  com­ ing  on.  Steward  asked  all  men  leaving  the  ship  to  turn  in  their  cots.  Vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  the  stewards  depart­ ment—especially  the  cooks and  steward—  for  making  a  little  go  so  far.  Buddy  L.  Young  Get  in  •  touch  with  Charles  "Chuck"  Ayers  at  Rt. 1,  Box  155,  DEL  NORTE  (Mississippi),  April  12—  ,Chairman,  Bob  Foster;  Secretary,  H.  Burnsville, Ala.  it  it  ^  Crane.  Air  conditioning  units  will  be  re­ paired  when  the  ship  returns  to  New  Or­ leans  for fifteen  days.  Retiring  ship's  delegate  thanked  the  cr6w  for  keeping  the  ship  on  a  smooth­sailing  course.  Brother  Swain.^  was  elected  new  ship's  delegate  by  acclamation.  Athletic  direc­ tor  is  looking  for  more  men  for  the  ball  club.  Ship's  fund  now  stands  at  $216.27.  All  previous  motions  on  the  air­condi­ tioning  unit,  gearing  of  the  lifeboat  winches  and  other  repair  matters  should  be  brought  up­to­date  and  acted  upon  at  the  end  of  the  present  voyage.  Motion  was  raised  thai  all flower  sprays  bought  for  the  dead  will  cost  $50.00  in  the  States;  in  foreign  ports, .the  rate  of  ex­ change  will  determine  the  size  of  eaCli  bouquet.  AU  hands  are  asked  not  t»  dump wet  garbage, through the  portholes,  amidship.  as  they  are  left  opeii  for fresh  air.  Seatraln  Texas  Fireman  on  Seatraln  Texas  who  loaned  money  to  Joe  Costello  should  contact  him at  38 St. Johns  Robert  Jay  McAlpine  The above­named  man  or  any­ Place,  Brooklyn,  NY.  one  knowing his whereabouts since  4"  3^  William  U. Martin  New Orleans  payoff  of  SS Choctaw  Trail  in  Jan., 1946,  should  contact  Get  in  touch  with  NYU  College  Paymaster,  Pacific  Tankers,  311  of  Dentistry,  209  E.  23  St.,  NYC.,  regarding  appointment  for  treat­ California  St.,  San  Francisco.  ments.  Selective  Service  has  issued  it  t,  Charles A.  Case  draft classifications for  the follow­ ing  men:  Michael  Aversano,  lA;  Important for you to get in touch  Joseph  A.  Calvino,  2A  until  Oct.,  with family.  Your  parents are get­ XLCOA  PENNANT  (Alcoa),  March  22—  Charles  Avers;  Secretary.  1952;  Thomas  J,  Sgardelis,  lA;  ling  better  after  both  being  ill  'f­ Chairman,  James  Pursell.'Delegates  reported  every­ Gabriel  L.  WiUiamsen,  2A  until  Meadville Hospital  and  hope you'll  thing  okay.  Motion  mqdg  for,  crew  to  ge  write;  —­ 4.  (qoirtinued  orf page 27 >  Oct.,  1952.  .  V  >v  .  ^  NOTICES  �rrtday, M»T  t, 19St  ­  SEJFARERS  V&G  ?af*  Tweiity­iwT««  ... DIGEST of SHIPS' MEETINGS ..  Heaey.  Brother  Tagges  asked  that  medi­ (Continued  from  page  26)  cal supplies  get  special attention  as there  on record  • •oppoacd    to beef  being  taken  is  an  insufficient  supply  of  them.  A  bad  on ­board  in  Trinidad.  Suggestion  made  smeU  was  reported  in  the  crew  mess  re­ not to  throw firecrackers  on ahip anymore.  frigerator.  Attempts  to  eradicate  the  smeU  have  been  unsuccessful.  >  EDITH  (Bull),  April  10—Chairman,'  J.  March  20—Chairman,  Maclntyre;  Secre­ Wllliamt;  Secretary,  L.  Rlre.  Motion  tary,  Laugford.  Ship's  delegate  gave  a  made  to  draw  from  the  ship's  fund  for  a  talk  on  performing  at  the  last  port,  and  radio  and filter  for  the  crew's  use.  Fan  If  it happened  again a  report  would go  to  in  the  messhaU  does  not  work  properly.  the  patrolman.  The  keys for  the  foc'sles are  missing.  FORT  HOSKINS  (Cities  Service),  April  ROBERT  LANSiNO  (Bull),  April  7—  15—Chairman,  Ed.  Avrand;  Secretary,  K.  Chairman,  Charles  Taylor;  Secretary,  H.  Stalnmetz.  All  the  hands  were  asked  not  DIddlebock.  A  vote  of  thanks  was  ex­ to  throw  cigarette  butts  on  the  deck.  tended to the  steward and  his department  made  for  new  contract  form  for  their  good  service.  The  wiper  will  Suggestion  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Union.  talk  to  the  patrolman­about  the  washing  machine.  LONE  JACK  (Cities  Service),  April  13—  Chairman,  T.  Casey;  Secretary,  D.  Single­ CECIL  N  BEAN  (Dry  Trans),  April  12—  ton.  Motion  made  and  carried  to  set  a  Chairman,  A.  Hansen;  Secretary,  N.  E.  $50  limit  the  ship's  fund.  Motion  also  Ellis.  Ship's  delegate  reported  that  beefs  passed  to on  see  that  the  scuttlebut  is  re­ wiU  be  taken  care  of  at  payoff.  Motion  paired.  Washing  machine  needs  to  be  made  and  carried  that  repair  list  be  permanently  installed.  Suggestion  made  turned  in  to  the  patrolman.  Bosun  and  to  make  a  repair  lis}  with  four  copies.  delegates  were  critical  of  the  steward.  CLEARWATER  VICTORY  (Bloomfleld),  March' 1—Chairman,  E.  R.  Buckley;  Secre­ tary,  W.  C.  Povey.  It  was  decided  that  each man  should be  responsible  for clean­ ing  the  laundry  after  using  it.  A  few  beefs  in  regard  to  leaking  pipes  in  the  galley,  no  fans  in the  reading  room,  the  radiator  In  the  reading  room  can't  be  turned  off  and no  bunk  lights aboard,  for  replacing  bumed­out  bulbs.  March  24—Chairman,  H.  Welsh;  Secre­ tary,  W,  H.  Povey.  Steward  said  the  ship  is badly stored regarding  fresh vegetables.  The  crew  complained  that  their  messman  gave  poor  service.  Coffee  urn  in  the  pan­ try  is  out  of  order.  Crew  asked  for  new  percolator  to  make  more  coffee  In  the  mesahall.  April  12—Chairman,  E.  Buckley;  Secre­ tary,  W.  Povey.  Suggestion  that  all dele­ MARINA  (Bull),  April  11—Chairman,  Virgil  Swanson;  Secretary,  John  J.  Breen.  Delegates  reported  everything  running  smoothly.  All  repair  lists  to  be  handed  to  the  patrolman  when  the  ship  docks.  Chief  engineer  refused  to fix  fans,  chains  or  anything  else  for  the  steward's  department.  ALCOA  PENNANT  (Alcoa),  April  4—  Chairman,  D.  Parker;  Secretary,  James  Pursell.  Repair  list  made  up  and  turned  in.  Delegates  reported  everything  okay.  Juke  box  auctioned  off  and  money  to  go  to  punching  bag.. Suggestion  made  that  when finished  eating  everyone  leave  the  messhall  in  order  that  the  messman  can  clean up.  AZALEA  CITY  (Waterman),  March  23—  Chairman,  Jake  Garrison;  Secretary,  ua­ vid  B.  Sacher.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs. Suggestion  made  to have something  done about  the  water  back aft.  Suggestion  made  to  put  in  for  a  new  washing  ma­ chine  as  per  new  agreement.  Repairs  have  not  been  made  and  something  should  be  done  about  It.  April  4—Chairman,  Jake  Garrison;  Sec­ retary,  David  B.  Sacher.  Suggestion  made  to  have  something  done  about  the  noisy  steam  lines  back  aft.  The  delegates  were  asked  to  do  a  better  job  of  making  up  the  repair  lists.  Suggestion  to  have  each  department clean  the laundry on  a weekly  basis.  check  with  th«  patrolman  on  the  slop­ chest  supplies,  also  inquire  about  getting  new  innerspring  mattresses  for  the  crew.  Ship's  crew  went  on  record  to  send  a  letter  to  General  Ridgway  protesting  his  forced  disbanding  of  United  Seaman's  service.  A  letter  will  be  sent  to  head­ quarters  about  the  same.  been  made,  such as  ventilators and  fhow­ ers,  washing  machine,  etc.  parts  of  the  agreement  read  and  explained  such  as  coffee  time, penaity  meals,  daymen  stand­ ing  watches,  working  in  port  for  firemen,  steward  department  working  hours,  and  questions  on  Union  policies'and  custom­ ^lU  Headquarters  urges  all  ary  duties  and  obligations  were  asked  and  explained.  Ship's  fund  to  be  taken  draft  eligible  seamen  to  be  DEPAUW  VICTORY  (South  Atlantic),  up  at  payoff.  sure  they  keep  their  local  Se­ April  4—Chairman,  N.  Leone;  Secretary,  F.  PInkowskl.  Delegates  reported  no  lective  Service  boards  posted  beefs.  SEABEAVER  (Colonral),  March  29  —  made  that  the  patrolman  Nick  Magash; Secretary,  Gustav  on  all  changes  of  address  see  the Motion  chief  engineer  about  beef  con­ Chairman,  Leuth.  meeting  called  with  the  through  the  use  of  the  post  cerning  the  fireman  and  wipers.  Motion  purpose Special  of  instructing  the  new  crew  made  that  a  new  washing  machine  be  i  about the  Union regulations.  In  hot  weath­ cards  furnished  at  all  SIU  put  aboard  ship.  Suggestion  made  that  cots  will  be  given  out  and  they  are  delegates  make  up  a  repair  list.  Motion  •   er  halls  and  aboard  ships.  to  be  kept  under  deck  in  bad  weather.  made  that  the  ship  be  fumigated  for !  Instructions  to  keep  the  messhall  clean  Failure  to  keep  >our  draft  cockroaches.  at  all  times.  board informed  of  your where­ BARBARA  FRIETCHIE  (Liberty  Naviga­ ROYAL  OAK  (Cities Service),  April  II—  abouts  can  cause  you  to  be  tion),  no  date;  Chairman,  J.  F.  Barrel­ Davis  Gilbert;  Secretary,  M.  listed  as  a  delinquent  and  be  Secretary,  Thomas  Moller.  Delegates  re­ I  Chairman,  Neo.  Motion  made  to  take  money  from  ported  everything  okay  and  taken  care  drafted  into the  services  with­ of.  The  catpain  is  going  to  give  each  the  ship's  fund  to  buy  a  ne­w  iron.  The  volunteered  to  make  the  pur­ out  a  hearing.  The  Union  in  man  a  draw  when  the  ship  arrives  in  '  treasurer  chase.  Motion  made  and  carried  to  make  Philadelphia.  The  repair  list  was  read  such  cases  can  do  nothing  to  and  discussed.  sure  to  bring  to  patrolman's  attention  .  beef  on flour,  beans,  etc.,  which  are  full  aid  Seafarers who  fail  to com­ GEORGE  M.  KULUKUNDIS  (K  A  C  ply.  Steamship),  April  4—Chairman,  Charles  Merrill;  Secretary,  S.  Mavroleon.  Dele­ gates reported  no  beefs.  Suggestion  made  department  that  all  cups,  glasses  and  that  all  crew  members  help  in  keeping  dishes  used  by  crewmembers  be  secured  the  laundry  room  clean.  Repair  list  to  after  use  and  that  an  effort  be  made  to  be  made  for  each  department.  leave  the  messroom  and  the  recreation  room  in a  tidy  condition  for  the  messmen  ALANSON  B.  HOUGHTON  (Alcoa),  in  the  morning.  An  explanation  was  March  23—Chairman,  Joe  Selby;  Secre­ of  bugs;  $42.97  reported  in  the  ship's  made  by Chairman  Robin  to  the new  men  tary,  M.­A.  Gray.  Delegates  reported  no  fund.  as  to  their  rights  in  a  shipboard  meet­ beefs.  Deck  delegate  gave  a  talk  on  un­ ing  as  compared  to  their  rights  in  a  ionism  to  the  new  members.  Joe  Seiby  HENRY  BALDWIN  (Eastern),  March  21  shoreside meeting.  AU crewmembers were  gave  a  talk  to  the  crew  oh  operating  the  urged<­ to  cut  down  on  the  noise  in  the  washing  machine  and  placing  cups  in  the  —Chairman,  Galaree;  Secretary,  R.  La­ pairite.  Two  men  to  be  turned  in  to  the  passageways  at  night.  sink  after  using.  patrolman  for  a  Uttle  advice  on  coopera­ April  19—Chairman,  J.  Hickle;  Secre­ tion  and  work.  Foc'sles  to  be  painted  tary,  J.  Forget.  $21.60  reported  in  the  MILTON  SMITH  (Isthmian)  March  ship's  fund.  Subject  of  ieaving ' dishes  Chairman,  J.  Arellanes; Secretary,  B.  Val­ on  the  next  trip.  March  of  Dimes  poster  to  be  posted  and  crew  to  give  what  they  and  messhaU  in  untidy  condition  was  dis­ les.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  Motion  to  the fund.  made  that  anyone  not  cleaning  the  wash­ want  March  2—Chairman,  J.  Bourgeois;  Sec­ ing  machine  be fined  SS.  A  new  ship's  retary,  R.  Lapairlte. The  washing machine  delegate  was  elected  as  the  previous  one  cannot  be fixed  and  a  motion  was  made  got  off  in  New  York.  Messman  asked  to  get  a  new  one.  Suggestion  made  that  that  crew  please  follow  general  sanitary  coffee  urns  be  repaired,  as .they  were  rules.  not  properly  repaired  last  trip.  Keep Draft  Board Posted  STRATHBAY  (Strathmorc),  April  8—  WILLIAM  S.  GRAHAM  (Watermanh­ Chairman,  E.  Rushing;  Secretary,  Alfred  gates  see  the' .patrolman  at  once  to  J.  Bronk.  Ship's  delegate  reported  that  : March  14—Chairman,  Gillespie;  Secretary.  '  J.  W.  Reilly.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  straighten  out the  matter  of  overtime  in  the  crew's  bunks  stiU  have not been fixed,  Casablanca  that  was  disputed.  Boatswain  new  fans have  not  come aboard  and lock­ '  Motion  made  by  the  bosun  to  keep  the  asked  each  man  to  make  up  a  list  ot  ers have  not  been fixed.  Suggestion made  '  old  washing  machine.  Seconded  and  repairs  needed  in  his  forecastle  and  turn  j  that  we  get  an  automatic  toaster.  Stew­ '  passed.  H.  M.  Conneil  was  elected  ship's  OMEGA  (Boise  Griffin),  April  8—Chair­ ard  says  that  they  need  a  new  mixing  :  delegate.  Motion  to  report  all  accidents  it  in  to  the  ship's  delegate.  man,  H.  A.  Arllnghaus;  Secretary,  S.  i  immediately  was  seconded  and  passed.  STEEL  NAVIGATOR  (Isthmian),  April  Rothschild.  Suggestion  made  by  the  machine  in  the  galley.  Suggestion  made  '  Discussion  was  held  on  keeping  recrea­ MAIDEN  CREEK  (Waterman),  April  13  that  the  spare  steamer  in  the  laundry  be  —Chairman,  Charles  C.  Fritz;  Secretary,  10—Chairman,  James  Seeds;  Secretary,  ship's  delegate  to  have  repair  Usts  made  used  for rinsing  clothes.  The  crew  needs  tion  room,  laundry  and  messhall  clean..  Eight  to  twelve  ordinary  seaman,  wiper  Paul  B.  Gladden.  Captain  said  that  all  N.  F.  Nielsen.  Motion  made  to  have  the  up  for  aU  departments.  Motion  made  to  keys  for  their  rooms.  and  sanitary  will  keep  the  laundry  clean;  rooms  will  be  painted  before  the  trip  is  ship  and  particularly  the  messhaU  fumi­ get  an  electric  iron  aboard  ship  and  the  over.  Delegates  report  everything  okay  gated  of  red  ants.  Brother  Dean  brought  washing  machine  needs  repairs.  Sugges­ messmen  wiU  take  care* of  the  laundry.  HENRY  T.  RAINEY  'Bull).  Feb,  14—  so  far.  Request  for  less  noise  while  the  out report  of  a  lack  of  respect  by permit­ tion  made  to  check  slopchest  and  stores  Chairman,  A.  Smith;  Secretary,  David  men  for  the  bookmen.  Repair  list  to  be  before  signing  on.  watches  below  are  sleeping.  Repair  list  Mann.  Delegates  reported  some  disputed  THOMAS  LEATHERS  (Eastern),  March  to  be  placed  on  bulletin  board  so  th^t  drawn  up  ^ department  delegates  and  overtime.  Special  meeting  to  be  called  17—Chairman,  Thomas  Eaton;  Secretary.  to be  turned over  to the  ship's delegate.  necessary repairs  can  be made.  upon  arrival  in  port  with  either  the  I  H.  McAleer.  Delegates reported  no  beefs.  ALEXANDRA  (C a  r r  a s),  March  B.  Ruggle;  Secretary,  H.  K.  agent  or  patrolman  in  regard  to  urgent  I  F.  Caspar  was  elected ship's  delegate.  He  ANSON  MILLS  (Seas Shipping),  March  9  HURRICANE  (Watarmam,  April  20—  Chairman,  Pierce. •   Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  matters.  A  vote  of  thanks  was 'extended  I  WiU  see  the  mate  about  painting  faciU­ —Chairman,  Stanley  Claslals;  Secretary,  Chairman,  F.  A.  Fava;  Secretary,  P.  San  Ship's  delegate  stated  that  there  will  not  to  the  steward's  department  for  their  I  tieg  and find  out  who  is  able  to  give  any  James  Kelley.  Suggestion  by  bosun  to  Miguel.  Whoever  is  getting  off  the  ship  be  any  smoking on  the  deck  at  any  time  fine  food  and  cleanliness.  Clothing  disap­ necessary  penicillin  injections.  A  sugges­ please  stop  door  banging  while  watches  should first  pick  up  vaccination  cards I  A  vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  the  stew­ peared  in  Denmark,  due  to  the  fact  that  :  tion  was  made  that  the  messman  and  are  sleeping.  Discussion  on  the  care  of  from mate.  The crew  unanimously  passed  ard's  department  for the fine  job  of  work  there  were  no  keys  for  the  locks.  ! pantryman  work  together  to  improve  the  laundry  and  the  recreation  rooms.  a  vote  of  coqfidence  to  the, steward  and  they  have  March  14—Chairman,  A.  Smith;  Secre­ meal service.  Stewart asked crewmembers  been  doing.  Minor  repair  list  for  engineers  to  elimi­ his  department.  Motion  was  niade  to  get  tary,  David  Mann.  Agent  'Hlley  said  he  to  cooperate  during  evening  meals,  when  a  larger  quantity  and  a  greater  variety  nate.  STRATHPORT  (Strathmore),  April  13—  will  theck  on  a  washing  machine  aboard  aU  hands  are  sei­ved  at  the  same  time.  April  4—Chairmen, J.  Kelley; Secretary,  of  fresh  friiit  in  addition  to  a  better  Chairman,  O.  M.  Brooke;  Secretary,  A.  C.  this  ship.  A  vote  of  thanks  goes  to  the  Laundry  room  wiU  be  kept  clean  by  three  C.  Stangenberg.  Engine  department  dele­ grade  of  cookies,  as  those  put  on  board  Carpenter.  Suggestion  made  to  give  the  galley  crew  for  their  cleanliness  and  departments.  Pantry  should  be  kept  gate  made  a  suggestion  to  take  up  a  for  the  last  trip  were  stale  and  inedible.  steward's  department  a  vote  of  thanks  good  food.  Letters  were  read  from  the  cleaner  at  night.  Crew  wiU  keep  area  collection  for fireman  who  received  a  Suggestion  was  made  that  the  ship's  del­ for  their fine  service  and  excellent  meals.  SIU  in  regard  to  the  March  of  Dimes  and  plates  clean.  The  crew  commented  egate  contact  the  chief  engineer  to  see  Tough  deal  at  the  hands  of  the  French  All  hands  were  asked  to  keep  the  recre­ and  LOG  delivery.  '  on  the  good  chow.  police.  Delegates  made  out  repair  lists  about  moving  the boiler  tubes, to  provide  ation  room  clean.  and  turned  them  in  to  the  department  more  room  outside  the  laundry  for hang­ ROBIN  GRAY  (Seas  Shipping),  Jan.  8—  KATHRYN  (Bull),  April  19—Chairman,  ing  clothes.  heads.  STEEL  DIRECTOR  (Isthmian),  March  30  Chairman,  none;  Secretary,  J.  Hauser.  G.  A.  Burke;  Secretary,  H.  Laihance.  Ship's  delegate  reported  about  stores  not  —Chairman,  M.  J.  Ralph;  Secretary,  H.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  Francisco  FRANCES  (Bull),  April  27—Chairman,  PAOLI  (Cities  Service),  no  date;  Chair­ Van  Whitney;  Secretjjuy,  Mike  Zelonka.  C.  Brannles.  Delegates  reported  every­ coming  on  board  and  the  captain's  un­ A.  Bartolomei  was  elected  ship's  dele­ sympathetic  attitude.  Carpenter  requested  man,  BUI  Laugford;  Secretary,  A.  E.  Beefs  from  deck  department  will  bo  thing  in  order.  Motion  made  and  carried  gate  by  acclamation.  juices  eve'ry  day  in  the  tropics.  straightened  out  by  boarding  patrolman.  for  the  steward  to  expiain  why  he  ran  fruit  Feb.  18—Chairman,  Robert  Morgan;  short  on  stores.  Repair  list  to  be  turned  LAS  VEGAS  VICTORY  (Waterman),  April  12—Chairman,  H.  Kelly;  Secretary,  in  to  each  department  delegate.  Steward  Quiz  Auzwerz  asked  that  linen  beyond  use  be  turned  in  E.  Hansen.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  so  he  can  have  it  condemned  and  get  Disputed  overtime  will  be  taken  up  with  (1)  15,  16.  the  patrolman.  Captain  will  give  a  small  new  linen.  All  the  crew  was  warned  (2)  Who  is  commander­in­chief  about  how  SlU  expected  a  clean  payoff.  draw  before  arriving  in  New  York.  Draw  and  slopchest  account  will  be  posted  on  of  the  Army  and  Navy  (the  Presi­ CHILORE  (Ore),  April  13—Chairman.  the  bulletin  board.  Motion  was  passed  dent).  The  other  items  arise  Clyde  Carlson;  Secretary,  George  Morris.  not  to sign  on  before  all  repair  work  has  A  laundry  schedule  for  all  three  depart­ Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  Suggestion  Secretary,  John  Hauser.  Air  system  needs  been  completed.  Engine  delegate  sug­ through  precedent or  are governed  ments  will  be  posted  on  the  bulletin  made  that  the  crew  have  enough  cutlery  to  be  cleaned  and filters  installed  In  all  gested  that  all  brothers  keep  the  mess­ by  state law.  board.  and  dishes  for  their  use  at  chow  time,  crew  quarters.  Motion  made  that  the  ship  !  hall  clean  at  night  by  cleanin.g  up  after  and  to  have  fresh  coffee  for  each  meal.  be  Steward volunteer will change  (3)  Rotation  of  the  earth.  left  in  true  SIU  style,  clean  and  or­ I  themselvc!!.  library.  A  vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  ANNE  BUTLER  (Bloomfleld),  April  20  derly  at  payoff.  First  assistant  refused  to  !  the  (4)  11^.  ROBIN  DONCASTER  (Seas  Shipping),  steward  department  for  good  food  —Chairman,  C.  A.  Gardner;  Secretary,  paint  the  black  gang's  quarters.  4—Chairman,  A.  Mosher;  Secretary,  I  and  service.  (5)  George  Washington,  Andrew  Donald  Norflub.  Motion  made  that  com­ ­April  March  29—Chairman,  W.  Wallace;  Sec­ pany  install  a  new  washing  machine.  W.  M.  Komkehrwieder.  Ship's  fund  to  re­ retary,  H.  Hauser.  Delegates  reported  no  Jackson, William Harrison, Zachary  Motion  pasred  that  crew  refuse  to  sign  main  aboard  ship  and  to  be  turned  over  beefs.  Discussion  on  the  use  of  the  two  SEA  GALE  (Seatraders),  April  14—  to  the  new  treasurer  as  the  old  one  is  washing  machines.  Discussion  on  opening  Chairman,  Egbert  Goulding;  Secretary,  E.  Taylor,  Franklin  Pierce,  Ulysses  on  for  another  voyage  untU  company  getting  off  after  this  trip.  Motion  made  the  FO  mess.  Discu­s­sion  on  opening  the  Robinson.  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  Grant.  Rutherford  Hayes,  James  £'e«'r^.°ty%tr%re'yarfo«l^P?/''^®  that  a  clarification  be  put  into  the  agree­ slopchest.  Wiper  complained  about  lack  of  medical  ment  that  if  a  man  is  put  ashore  in  a  Garfield,  Benjamin  Harrison.  •  attention  in  Liverpool.  Deck  delegate  foreign  port  for  hospitalization  when  he  ROBIN  SHERWOOD  (Seas  Shipping),  SEAVIGIL  (Orion),  April  4—Chairman,  asked  men  off  watch  to  get  draws  im­ (6)  None.  The  Derby  is  a  race  Fab.  14—Chairman,  S.  Zubovlch;  Secre­ comes  out  he  be  either  given  the  full  Clifton  Wilson;  Secretary,  Francis  Napoll.  ,  mediately  instead  of  waiting  until  for  three­year­olds.  tary,  J.  C.  Howard.  Delegates  reported  money  he  has  coming  for  room  or,  if  he  The  ship's  delegate  reported  and  clarified  I  6:00  P.M.  in  every  port  and  to  put  out  no  beefs.  Motion  made  by  ship's  dele­ is  put  in  a  hotel  by  the  agent,  be  given  the  beef  on  transportation.  Motion  made  I  more  draws.  Deck  engineer  asked  that  (7)  Visibility.  gate  to  have  bosun  equalize  overtime  to  the  difference  between  the  hotel  and  the  and  carried  that  all  beefs  should  be  '  fans  be  checked  for  repairs.  Deck  m.sin­ (8)  Early  20th  century  writers  see  if  low  man  wants  it.  before  asking  amount  he  is  allowed.  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  member­ i  tenance  spoke  about fixing  up  recreation  Feb.  3—Chairman,  A.  Mosher;  Secre­ ship  othe.­s.  before referring  them  to  the  captain  i  room.  Wiper asked  all  hands to  keep  the  who  believed  in  reform.  tary,  H.  Dombrowskl.  $55  reported in  the  April  5—Chairman,  J.  Morin;  Secretary,  or  the  department  heads.  Windshoots  for  i  washing  machine  clean.  Suggestion  was  (9)  Italy.  S.  Ortiz.  'Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  ship's  treasury;  $3  was  spent  on  books  the  crew's  quarters  and  screens  for  the  made  to  get  the  radio fixed.  Discussion  on  a  brother  who  was  sick  in  and  magazine­3  for  the  library.  Each  de­ passageway  doors  are  needed.  Steward's  (10)  35, 65, 80.  DEL  SANTOS  (Miss.),  FcEruary  10—  the  port  of  Saint  Vincent  in  the  Cape  partment  to  clean  the  laundry  one  week  department  will  keep  the  recreation room  Verde  Islands.  Discussed  about  the  chief  at  a  time.  Suggestion  made  that  outside  clean,  and  the  deck  and  engine  depart­ Chairman,  Alton  B;  Booth;  Secretary,  Walter  Makln.  Crew  voted  $25  from  the  steward  not  doing  his  job  as  he  should.  passageway  be  used  and  not  the  pantry  ment  to  keep  the  laundry , clean.  Puzzle  Answer  Repair  list  for  all  three  departments  to  passageway  as  it  interferes  with  men  ship's  fund  for  the  upkeep  of  the  grave  working,  especially  at  meal  times.  Sug­ be  turned  in  to  the  patrolman.  PAOLI  (Cities  Service),  April  12—Chair­ of'a  deceased  brother  in  Victoria.  As  gestion  that  men  think  about  and  talk  man,  i  Mable;  Secretary,  RIcclardella.  the  former  ship's  delegate  was  left  be­ ­CHIWAWA  (Cities, Service),  March  25—  over  the  new  clarifications  to  be  added  Crew  is  not  satisfied  with  the  bean  cof­ I  hind  in  Santos  due  to  illness,  crew  to  the  agrepment  and  any  other  clauses  'chairman.  Rocky  Milton;  Secretary,  Rob­ fee,  they  prefer  canned  coffee.  Milk  is '.elected  a  new  delegate.  Headquarters  ert  Ritchie.  Ship's  delegate  reported  to  be  put  in  for  benefit  of  the  entire  sejrved  only  once  a  day.  The  ship  needs  !  was  given  a  vote  of  thanks  for  securing  pending  beef  against  the  captain.  Paint­ Union.  List  to  be  made  up  before  too  to  be  fumigated,  and  a  suggestion  was  '  the  best  agreement  in  maritime  history.  ing  of  the  messhall  deck  to  be  brought  long  a  time  expires.­  • *  made  to  put  it  on  the  new  repair  list.  to  the attention  of  the fifflt  mate.  A  com­ Motion  made  and  carried  to  have  each  PAOLI  (Cities  Service),  April  20—Chair­ mittee  of  three  was  appointed  to  pur­ SEACOMET  (Orion),  April  12—Chair­ department  rotate  one  week  in  keeping  man,  Norman  Kirk;  Secretary,  A.  RIccl­ chase  recreational  games  for  the  crew  man,  M.  B.  Harris;  Secretary,  H.  Terrlll.  the  recreation  room  and  the  laundry  ardella.  Delegates reported  no  beefs.  Mo­ to  use.­  Discussion  on  getting new  Ubrary  Delegates  reported  no  beefs.  Ship's  fund  clean.  Def;k  maintenance  to  ask  for  time  tion  was  passed  for  each  member  of  the  books  and  Union  literature  for  education  stanffs  at  $16.81.  If  the  ship  goes  to  off  in port 80  that he  can exchange  iibrary  crew  to  donate  $1  to  the  ship's  fund,  of  the  new  men.  Discussion  on  purchas­ Aruba  or  any  other  foreign  port  a  rider  books.  which  now  stands  at  $19.  Fund  is  lim­ ing  a  movie  machine  or  television  equip­ is  to  be  added  to  the  articles  for  the  ited  to  $100  and  will  be  gradually  in­ ment.  purpose  of  transportation.  The  steampipe  MADAKET  (Waterman),  March  22—  creased  if  ship  goes  foreign.  Donatioiu  lu  the  pantry  needs  repairing.  Chairman,  Max  Byers;  Secretary,  Harry  will  be  collected  by  department  dele­ D.  French.  Discussion  on  the  drew  in  gates  Notice  on how  4o  operate  washing  JOSEPH  A.  BROWN  (A.  H.  Bull).  March  14—Chairman,  Henri  Robin;  Secretary,  . FAIRLAND (Waterman), April 10—Chair­ Kobe.  Delegate  asked  to  notify  the first  machine  will  be  posted  In  tne  laundry.  Robert  R.  Bowley.  Ship's  delegate  re­ man,  C.  E.  HImby;  Secretary,  Bill  Doyle. i  assistant  to  repair  ventilator  blowers  aft.  Each  sanitary  man  will  put ,butt  cans  in  ported  that  $26.42  was  sent  to  the  March  Motion  made  and  carried  to  see  that  Slopchest  was  not  adequately  supplied  his  passageways.  All  standbys  will  co­ operate  in  keeping  meschall  clean.  A  of  Dipies  at  the  last  payoff.  Ship's  fund  >  water  tanks  be  cleaned  before  next  voy­  ,  with  most  popular  brand  of  cigarettes.  April  4  —'•  Chairman.  Eric  Malmstrom;  sugge.stion  was  made  to  sell  phonograph  now  stands  at. $12.  Ship's  delegate  is  to  age  begins.  Motion  carried  for  patrolman  see  the  chief  mate  and  the  engineer  to  see  about  having  porthole  fans  in­ Secretary,  Paul  Wllkins.  Motion  made  and  donate  proceeds  to  ship's  fund.  All  about  painting  the  engine  department's  stalled  to insure  proper  ventilation.  Sug­ !  and  carried  that^crew  not  sign  on  new  present  were  in  favor  of  buying  a  new  quarters.  Suggestion  made  by  steward's  gestion  made  that  the  ship's  delegate'  articles  until  the  Important  repairs  have  radio.  iSQQQ  SQQ  QHIi Si  DBSB  ass  aSQS  asQssss  mmmmm  ggaiZIS  "dfflS  BDID  B0B0  aaa  SBBQ  0DI1  [ZDOSl  HiiBcaEci  caaa  i  c!30ajSB!za0[s  cussed.  Bean  coffee  wiU  not  be  used  as  replacement  for  regular  standard  brands,  second  engineer  has asked  that no clothes  be  hung  in  the  boUer  room.  • '• I  a  'I  �:, \"  SEAFARERS  LOG  •  QFFtCIAL  ORGAN  OF  THE  SEAFARERS  INTERNATIONAi  UNION  •  ATLANTIC  AND  GULF  DISTRICT  •  AFL  •   &'?•   #'V  hv:'  'V ­  ! '  ­'v&r­"• ••   ­'V ,  •   '  •  .;•  •  ;• ' •  ­  •  •   :'f I  iJOt  • .   i­ •••  •  y •  . ' •  .r7'^'*'• • '• •   'a;;'  .  <:^''  y,y­­^i;  • ••  •  .­­r'  '•   •  "?  • '­*"'  !  ''  '• • :;*i|    I'l­V  Omitting the  red tape  which characterizes other  set­ups,  the  SlU  Vacation  Plan  determines  eligibility  simply.  You  need  just  90  days­worked on SlU ships since  June  I, 1951.  •.   ^V  L>  Filling in form is  an easy  matter.  Filing of  applications at head­ quarters  permits  processing'in  a  matter  of  minutes;  air  maif  speeds  handling  outport  applications.  ^  ...  If  you^have put in  the required time in  work at  sea  or  in port, as  shown  on  your  discharges,  your  check  will  be  made  out  to  you  on the'  spot.  Outport checks cofhe  by return mail.  •   Ybur check  cqh be cashed at any SlU hall.  Apply.again ds  soOn  as  you have  discharges  for another  90  days  worked,  or  let  your  money pile up and collect d lump  sum annually.  >  •  '  •  ' • '^'. '­f,"  mw­ • . •   ':. '.;v,  '• •   • : •  V  � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2, 1952 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XIV, No. 9 Description An account of the resource SHIPPING PROGRAM'S FATE TO BE DECIDED NEXT WEEK ORGANIZING TOP AFL OBJECTIVE - O'REILLY TV COVERS SIU RED MAIL EXPOSE 'SPIES' AIM AT SEAMEN; CG TRAINS FOR SECURITY ALCOA TO RUN TO PUERTO RICO AFTER JULY 1 MEMBERS VOTE FOREIGN PORT FOUL-UP CURB MTD FORMS BKLYN GROUP, BEGINS CLEAN-UP OF PORT VOTE SLATED ON NEW OUTPORT HALLS 'JOE PALOOKA' ON SIU ART PANEL SIU JOBS RISE; SIGN 3 NEW CO'S UNIONS TO SHARE MARINER SHIPS ALIENS NEED LEGAL ENTRY FOR PAPERS PR SEAFARERS TRANSFER SICK PASSENGER AT SEA LAY-UP RECALLS NEAR END; NEW ECA $ MAY CUT SLUMP UNION BOOK SWAP DOUBLES EARLY PACE SEAFARERS GIVE $500 TO TELEGRAPH STRIKERS UNION BOOK SWAP DOUBLES EARLY PACE RAINEY, FINN SHIP COLLIDE OFF HOLLAND AFL ENGINEERS UNION PUBLISHES NEW PAPER 40 CO'S SIGN NEW PACT DEL SUD UNMATCHED AS PICNIC HOST: BEER, BAR-BQ, BASEBALL SEATRAIN WINS ANOTHER ROUND WITH RAILROADS SIU VESSEL IN SEA MISHAP A PARTIAL LOSS VOICE PLUGS SIU SHRIMPERS SIU '52 RESPONSE TOPS RECORD FOR POLIO DRIVE TAFT-HARTLEY USE BUSTS UNIONS, SAYS SENATE GROUP FOREIGN-FLAG REGISTRY CUTS PRIVATE FLEET TAMPA BUCKS RAIL RATE BIAS KILLING OFF PORT THE FLYING W PIONEERS IN SAFETY AND SHIP CLASSING: PLIMSOLL AND LLOYD TIME FOR A HALT A POSITIVE PROGRAM SHIP BILL BACKED FROM AN OLDTIMER'S SCRAPBOOK OLD TIME DISCHARGE GIVES IDEA OF HOW CONDITIONS USED TO BE MOON'S PRIDE SOMETHING THAT NOTHING COULD KILL THE 'GRAVEYARD WATCH' WAS GIVEN RIGHT NAME POP IS PROUD OF FLO'S DEBUT BLOND SAMARITAN- '52 MODEL PROVIDES HAVEN FOR SEAMEN MISSES BUSY SUBWAY RUSH IRAN PRISONER GETS LIFE SENTENCE IN OXIDE MINES NO SPRING FEVER ON ATLANTIC AS FIERCE WINDS SMASH SHIP GLOBE-GIRDLING, ISTHMIAN STYLE, RUNS 3,264 HOURS Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/2/1952 1952 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d7cc0d2a6c73cdce04c2798527f30582.PDF 9126a6ad910ff56ac970da2b9e7aca6f PDF Text Text TRANSPORTATION VOTE OKAYED Announcement was made this week by the Head­ quarters Tallying Committee that Seafarers in fhe Atlantic & Gulf District had adopted transportation rule proposal No. 2 by better than a 3 to 2 margin in the recently concluded 60-day referendum. The Tallying Committee's recommendation that the new rule go into effect immediately was concurred in by the membership in reg'ular biweekly meetings Official Organ, Atlantic & Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of NA held in all Branches on May 18. Proposal No. 2 was carried by a vote of 2680 to 1616. The newly adopted rule directs that, when a YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1949 No. 19 VOL. XI i'crew is due transportation, those men who desire to stay on board ship can do so, providing they do not collect transportation money. Those desiring transpor­ tation must leave the ship. Proposal No. 1, the rule form­ erly in effect, directed that men due transportation money must First signs that the SIU rep­ accept it and leave the ship. The The Seafarers International W. D. Henderson, international representative of the Sea­ resentatives' meetings with Bri­ deposed rule was first put into Union is extending its fight to farers International Union, is now in London conferring with tish marine union officials was effect on August 20, 1948, when smash communist plans for British maritime workers, whom the conununists have Been' clearing the air of communist it was imanimously accepted at throwing the world's important violently propagandizing in an effort to win support for the somanufactured confusion came on membership meetings in all waterfronts into confusion anc called strike of the Canadian Seaman's Union. The SIU repre­ May 7, when 700 dockers in Branches. chaos. sentative has provided British unions with the first clear Newport, Monmouthshire, who SIU representatives are now HOTLY DEBATED picture of the situation on the Canadian waterfront. Since his had been unofficially supporting in Great Britain exposing the At that time the rule was put arrival, several dockers' wildcat stoppages have ended and the the CSU, voted to return to phony "strike" called by the before the membership along work. men have voted not to support the CSU.^ in accord with the communist dominated Canadian with the balance of a new con­ official policy of the Transport and General Workers Union of Seamen's Union, which is inten­ COMMIES PANICKED tract being submitted for ratifi­ Great Britain. On page 12 is one of the statements issued in sifying its struggle to involve The arrival of SIU represen­ cation. London by the SIU. British dockworkers because tatives in Britain, the announce­ The adoption of the now de­ Canadian seamen have doomec ment in London of AFL Presi­ feated rule touched off one of the plot on the homefront. few SlU-contracted Canadian not refuse to handle cargoes of dent William Green's statement the hottest controversies ever The British seamen's and dock ships in scattered British ports Canadian ships manned by the and the action of the Newport waged over a Union rule within SIU Canadian District. ers' unions are following the notably Bristol. dockers to ignore the CSU in an the A&G District, and was the Until the SIU representatives' The Transport Union told the area which the communists policy of the International Trans recent arrival in London, com British dockers not to become thought they had wrapped up subject of debate for months at portworkers Federation, by re ship and shoreside meetings. The fusing to support the "strike.'" munists, led by a CSU organ pawns of the communists by aid­ immediately threw the leaders SEAFARERS LOG for over two However, communist propa izer, had been quietly pouring ing the disruptive commie effort of the rapidly disintegrating CSU months devoted space to memgandists have succeeded- i»- halt­ their propaganda all over the to immobilize Canadian vessels in Canada into panic. in British popts. Harry Davis, CSU president, ing loading and unloading on a British waterfront. The London Daily Worker, of­ flew to England in an effort to GREEN ACTS ficial paper of the British com­ William Green, president of stave off complete collapse of munist party, and party front the Anierican Federation of La­ his "strike." The Iransporlation rule organizations bombarded marine bor, in a telegram to the Trans­ SIU representative^ Henderson now in effect reads: v/orkers with false and mislead­ port and General Workers' Un­ told, British maritime workers "When transportation is ing stories of the "strike." was ion, . also urged the members of that Davis' frantic flight Throughout the propaganda that organization not to support proof that the CSU was desper­ due a crew iinder the terms campaign, the communists kept the communist inspired CSU ate and had been almost com- of the contract, those men who desire to stay on board up a vicious attack on the SIU, "strike." (Continned on Page 11) the ship can do so. provid­ because of its traditional, unre­ ing they do not collect trans­ lenting fight against commun­ portation. Those men desir­ The Seafarers International ists political chicanery on the ing transportation can collect Union of North America, AFL, US waterfront. same and upon receipt of has granted a charter to the WORKED UNOPPOSED the money shall get off the Marine Allied Workers of the SIU representatives found that ship and replacements for Atlantic & Gulf, in response to the communist propaganda ma­ those vacancies shall be ship­ pleas for union protection from The telegram below was sent* to the American chine was working without op­ ped from the Union Hiring thousands of workers in fields Federation of Labor's Executive Board by Paul Hall. position. No source of factual in­ Hall." close to the maritime industry, First Vice-President of the Seafarers International Union it was announced this week. formation was available to the and Secretary-Treasurer of the Union's Atlantic and The charter was effective from British maritime workers. bership comments, both pro and Thus the communist strateg­ May 11. Gulf District, requesting a ban on the use of the AFL con. The new SIU affiliate will ists succeeded in stirring up label by the Canadian Seamen's Union. SIU Interna­ In the several dozen letters maintain its headquarters in New few port locals into taking un­ published in the LOG the bulk tional Representative Harold C. Banks was scheduled to official, wildcat stoppages in sup­ York with offices in the SIU of the arguments fell into two port of the so-called strike. appear before the Executive Board, now in session in A&G Hall at 51 Beaver Street. categories: W. D. Henderson, spokesman Branches will be established in Cleveland, to present a detailed report of the SIU's 1. Those who favored the rule major port cities on the Atlantic for the SIU representatives in position. Britain, reports that consider­ requiring all men to take trans­ and Gulf coasts as need for them The text of the telegram was as follows: able progress has already been portation and pile off, and arises. made in counteracting the com­ 2. Those who favored allow­ May 18, 1949 Lindsey Williams, Director of ing men to stay aboard, as in Organization for the SIU, A&G munists' attempt^ to plunge Bri­ Seafarers Internatidnal Union of North some instances men were being District, has been nominated to tish ports into confusion. America respectfully requests that the executive forced to pile off after only a Henderson has presented the be Secretary-Treasurer pro-tem other side of the story to the board of the American Federation of Labor give few weeks of employment. of the MAW. Williams participated in the officials of the British maritime full consideration tosour affiliate, the Seafarers PUT TO VOTE preliminai-y organizing drive, and unions, giving them for the first International Union of North America, Can­ Discussion on possible changes reported that groups of marine time • complete details of the adian District, in its struggle against the com­ in the rule was. climaxed at Canadian situation. allied workers in New York, Nor­ coastwise membership meetings munist party masquerading as the Canadian The picture began to change folk, Tampa, Mobile, New Or­ on February 9, when the two al­ as the facts were unfolded be­ Seamen's Union in Canada. The Seafarers In­ leans and Galveston had ap­ ternate proposals adopted fore Britain's maritime workers. plied for membership. ternational Union of North America and its and placed on a were ballot for a After conferring with the SIU "The Marine Allied Workers Canadian affiliate have been discriminated secret referendum vote to begin will give many non-seamen in representative, Arthur Bird, na­ against in Canada by persons masquerading un­ on March 1. various unorganized sections of tional secretary of the docks der the AFL banner. We earnestly request that Balloting on the referendum the maritime industry the kind group of Britain's powerful this masquerade by communist fellow travelers was concluded on April 30 and of Union protection you^ can only Transport and General Workers' get from the most powerful mari­ IJnion, called upon members of be turned aside. Further that steps be taken a Tallying Committee elected the' floor at the May 4 time Union in. the world, the hiis organization to ignore the that the AFL's name not be used by the com­ from communists' plea for support. meeting. The committee consist­ Seafarers International Union," munist party in Canada in the future as it has He declared that his union ed of Walter Gardner, 4294, Williams said. been in the past. Our International representa­ supported the policy laid down Chairman; Ferdinand Hart, 488; He also said that announce­ by the International Transporttive, Harold C. Banks, will present the SIU's Sal Colls, 21085; Edward Mooney, ments concerning fTie new Union 46671; Lars Hillertz, 48392; W. would be issued through the workers Federation,' which \iad position in detail in person. J. Brady, 6829. ruled that British dockers should LOG at, frequent intervals. Seafarers Thwarts Commie Attempt To Snare Support Of British Dockers For CSU Strike' The New Rule MAW Given Charter By intematlenal Cmadim Commies Misasiag AFL, SIU Telk AFL executive Board �Page Two THE S E IF ARE RS LO G Fridayv May 20. 1949 SEAFARERS LOG Published Three Times a Month by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. * - HAnover 2-2784 Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 The Greatest Enemy By their own admission, one of the top objectives of the communists in every maritime nation is control o: the waterfront. Their motives are obvious enough: through control of the waterfront they hope to be able to cripple inter-continental trade and travel whenever they wish. • Naturally they have sought to infiltrate the maritime unions. In the United States, disciplined communist blocs have repeatedly used waterfront workers as pawns to carry out their aims, which have nothing to do with trade union progress. Similar blocs have done the same in other lands, and are trying to do it now in Canada and in Britain. But the anti-communist unions, like the Seafarers, have done their work well, and the commies are on the run. Throughout its nearly eleven years of life, the Sea­ farers International Union has fought to block the com­ mies' attempts to bring the trade unions under the control of Soviet Russia. Naturally, most of the SIU's strength has been used against the communists on the North American continent, where our US and Canadian components are at home. However, Seafarers ashore in the far corners of the world have never made any bones about their opposition to the communists. Their belief, founded in experience, that the communists are the most dangerous of the enemies the workingman possessed was too deep for them to keep quiet, with the commies on the prowl everywhere. The SIU will continue to fight the communists, and to fight them wherever they raise their heads on the world's waterfronts. Seafarers will continue to rally to the side of anti-communist maritime workers anywhere. They will not be halted by communist slander or by communist terrorism. They will fight until the com­ munists are beaten once and for all. A New District The news that the Seafarers International Union o North America has chartered the Marine Allied Workers comes as welcome tidings to thousands of unorganizec workers in industries linked closely to maritime on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The charter was granted in response to urgent pleas from these workers for union benefits and protection They are turning to the SIU because we have demon­ strated clearly that we are the most powerful and pro­ gressive Union in the field. If we may say so, we believe that these unorganized workers have chosen wisely. The workers who come into the Marine Allied iWorkers gain not only the protection afforded by the established strength of the SIU, but they obtain the sup­ port of the powerful AFL Maritime Trades Department. They will also be part of the 8,000,000-strong AmericanFederation of Labor. Moreover, this development works both ways. With workers in allied industries joined to -us in a single inter­ national Union, our own strength as seamen will be far greater. The result will be greater protection all around. We salute the Marine Allied Workers of the Atlantic & Gulf, and we bid them "Fair weather." Their entrance into the SIU family brightens the future for all of us. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates hy post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Mimeographed Postcards, can be obtained free at the Social - Service desk. Men Now h The Marine Hespita/s FORT STANTON J. LIGHTFOOT A. McGUIGAN These are the Union Brolhers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writing them. J. SUPINSKI W. H. ROBERTS J. ASHURST NEPONSET HOSPITAL H. A. BLAKE L. BALLESTERO J. S. CAMPBELL V. W. CHESNER J.T.EDWARDS . I. H. FRENCH E. FERRER V. JIMINEZ J. T. KEMPT K. G. LUNDBERG C. L. MOATS W. SEARS H. SELBY J. SILLAK Q. TULL ... ' : L. TORREST. WADSWORTH G. WOODS F. ZESIGER t 1. t ^ NAVY HOSPITAL Long Beach, Calif. J. ROLING WM. L. PARKS M. J. FOLAN J. MARTINEZ & » t BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP. P. G. DAUGHERTY P. E. WALSH W. VAUGHN H. G. BROWN J. JOHNS D. T. YIAKAS L. McMILLIAN J. R. TILLEY G. A. CARROLL F. KORVATIN J. SCHALLER 4 t t NEW ORLEANS" HOSPITAL E. MASSEY J. DENNIS ROTZ LANDRY ELLARD - . w: MCDONALD G. W, MEANEY CHARLES BROWN, ' J. DICKINSON V. LAWRENCE A. ARVANTIS LOUIS WILLIS N. L. WEST CLAUDE RAYFUSE JAMES PATTERSON B. C. RESKO . F. L. ROCHON. E. E. GROSS E. R. MESSINA W. H. LEWIS J. BALLMAN Kt L. GUNDERSON J. C. GARLAZA G. H. COLAR D. MCDONALD if % if STATEN ISLAND J. TURNER T. M. BROWN M. J. LUCAS N. NORPMANS C. W. GOODWIN J. SMITH D. GELINAS V. D'ACO R. E. QUINN S. RIVERA V. GROVER A. KING D. HERON J. J. DEVINE X X i, MOBILE HOSPITAL J. P. BUCKELEW J. B. BERRIER J. STEELE E. JARRETT if X X SAVANNAH HOSPITAL C. BUTLER . G. LASS W. STEWART L. C. COLE WYCHE XXX GALVESTON HOSPITAL J. D. JACKSON L. R. WILLIAMSON J. HAVERTY ^ .1 �May 20; lSf40 THE SEAFARERS LOG RECHECKING THE REFERENDUM RESULTS Paga Hiree Crew Stranded In BA Gets Back Pay Award The former crew of the SS J. M. Davis, stranded high and dry in Buenos Aires when their ship was sold from under them in January, 1948, have been awarded an average of $2,500 each by an Argentine court, to cover unpaid wages and extras due the men. The money, now in the hands of the United States consul in Buenos Aires, was awarded the men following their suit against the Pratt Steamship Gompany, former owners of the ship, who went into bankruptcy while the ship was at sea. NEW PROBLEM change is 9 to a dollar, the offi­ cial rate is 4.8 to a dollar. The communication also re­ ported that the seamen, difficult as their problem is in recover­ ing money due them, are lucky in that the money realized' from sale of the ship did not cover all of the claims against the company, but that the claims by seamen for wages had preference and thus were the first monies paid out. DOLLARS RARE Several claimants, the report noted, lost out entirely. Detailing the situation con­ fronting the seamen in claiming the money, the report stated: "Application has been made to remit the J. M. Davis funds to the States, but when the applica­ tion will be granted is another question. At least six months wait can be expected. "In the meantime one must consider that the Argentine debt to the States is around $400 mil­ lion, and exchange is scarce and is getting scarcer every day. The former officers and crew, all of whom faced a host of difficulties in getting b^ck to the States without funds, now face the problems of getting their money out of Argentina and converted from pesos to dol­ lars. A communication received at - Here is how some of the Mar­ Of six shipments to the Neth­ ships and four in other foreign A&G headquarters, summarizing shall Plan shipments hgve laeen erlands, one went in an Ameri­ ships. the case, noted that the men distributed since Congress, on can ship, three in Dutch ships Two additional bulk cargoes have three choices for gaining April 3, tightened up the *50 and two in other foreign ships. AVent to Bizonia in American the money awarded them: percent provision in the legisla­ Of 67 shipments to Italy, 46 ships during April. 1. Gollect the money from the "To wait involves the risk of tion governing EGA. There's not went in American ships, 18 in Of the 195 cargoes reported Gonsul in pesos, much change yet, Washington Italian ships and three in other for April, 118 or about 55 per­ 2. Wait for the funds to go decline in the value of the peso and thus fewer dollars." pbservers point out. foreign ships. cent went in American ships. through a government transfer Under the law as it now On 18 grain cargoes in April However, figures made public to the US Treasury, where the The communication, in touch­ stands, a minimum of 50 percent to the United Kingdom, Eire, cover only certain bulk cargoes. money will be paid in dollars, ing on the conversion of peso? into dollars through the black of all cargoes moved from United France, Netherlands and Norway, Whether there were other bulk 3. Exchange the pesos fdr dol­ States ports- must be sent in American ships fared-as follows: cargoes, or how dry-cargo and lars in the Argentine black mar­ market, stated: • American flag ships. In addi­ Of five to the United Kingdom, tanker shipments were distribut­ ket. "Sources here advise getting tion, American ships are sup­ two went in American-ships, one ed is not known. Accordingly, the the money out as quickly as pos­ posed -^o get an appreciable in a British ship and two in percentages cannot be taken as The communication noted sev­ sible. That means getting dollars eral hitches to each possibility. share of EGA goods shipped be­ other foreign ships. a completely true picture. on the 'unofficial' market at 9 The first choice means the sea­ to 1, thus losing about 40 per­ tween foreign countries. There Of five to Eire, four went in man will have to spend his cent of the money. It is a ques­ - is no" ban. on including Army American ships, one in a for­ money in Argentina. eign ship. Ships in the computation. tion every seaman must deeide The second choice is a remote for himself." Of four to France, three went During the first 10 days of one, in that the Argentine gov­ May, 23 cargoes of coal were in American ships,>- one in a for­ No SIU Crew- is to pay off MOVE FAST eign ship. ernment may not approve the sent from the United States to any ship until the crew's transfer of pesos into dollars be­ Italy, 19 to France and three to quarters and equipment are The communication concluded BULK ONLY cause of that country's acute dol­ by stating that, unless crewmemthe Netherlands. as clean as any Seafarer likes lar shortage, and if it does, the bers wish to wait indefinitely Of the 23 cargoes going to However, two grain shipments to find a ship when he first plunging value of the peso will until an exchange in currency to -the Netherlands and two to goes aboard. Patrolmen have Italy, 11 went in American ships, greatly reduce the amount of is made through the US Treas­ Norway went "in Dutch and Norbeen instructed that the nine in Italian ships, and three dollars finally received. we^an ships respectively. crew's quarters must be ab­ in other foreign ships. ury, they should make arrange­ Other areas receiving grain solutely clean before a pay­ ments for disposition of the funds Of the 19 cargoes going to BIG LOSS at once. France including French' North shipments were: Bizonia, 14 in off will be allowed. Please The third possibility—the black Africa," eight went in American American ships; Austria, one in cooperate with your officials The unlicensed crewmembers market — means accepting less ships, five in French ships and an American ship; Greece, three in carrying out this member­ and the amounts involved are: in American ships; Italy, four in ship order. than half the amount in dollars, six in other foreign ships. American ships, five in Italian as the black market rate of ex­ Timothy G. Kelly, Bosun, GRAIN TOO $2947.4^; Edward E. Nordlund, DM, $3089: Gharles J. Garlstead, SEAFARERS AID ISRAELI LABOR MOVEMENT All three of the coal cargoes AB, $2537.96; Robert B. Franks, going to the Netherlands went AB, $2486.18; Johannes B. Jen­ in Dutgh ships. sen, AB, $2898.86; Harry W. In the same 10-day period, Brown, acting AB, $2225.09. there were seventeen cargoes of Garl J. Smithy, acting AB, bulk grain moved to Europe. $2246.55; Harold H. Moody, AB, Five went to the United King­ $2463.92; Donald E. Akridge, OS, . dom, three in British ships, two $2353.25; Robert R. Lord, OS, in other foreign ships. $2231.95. Six went to Italy, four in Am­ erican ships, one in an Italian Ramon Sequeria, OS, $2246.25; ship and one in another foreign Robert Gist, FWT, $1785; Luis ship. E. Torres, Oiler, $2232.76; Her­ American ships did manage to nandez Diaz, Oiler, $2209.06. get three grain cargoes to Greece, Andy Satkowski, Oiler, two to Bizonia (Anglo-American $2596.20: Donald F. Orlicki, act­ Germany) and one to Eire. ing FWT, $2457.03; Terry J. RotSo in 10 days of May, of 63 tanzi, FWT, $1928.66; Martel W. shiploads of grain and coal 29 Huitt, FWT, $2546.99. went in American ships. This Teddy R. Weber, Wiper; was 46 percent. $2581.60; Jack Matchniff, Wiper, On 144 cargoes of doal sent $2126.90; John E. Gorrin, Ghief during 'April, American ships Steward, $3480.87; - Fred Good­ fared pretty well, however, al­ man, Ghief Gopk, $2919.82. though it is easy to see that Stanley Budzinski, Second some of the maritime nations are Gook, $2718.25; Man\iel Dorman, jealously guarding cargoes con­ Third Gook, $2948.98; Harold.J. signed to their^own ports. Of 81 coal shipments to Frdnce Shown above is a group of Seafarers who participated in the annual Tag Day for Histadrut. Gilliam, Utility, $2484.75; Daniel and French'' North Africa, 38 the Israeli labor federation. Occasion was also the observance of the first anniversary of the P. Van Tiel, Messman, $2655.73; Gloyd E. Mclntyre, Messman, Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel on "May 1. This expression of solidarity be­ went in American shiiss, seven $2519.59; Francisco W. Grijalva, in French ships and 36 in other tween American and Israeli workers is in keeping with the resolution adopted by the SIU at Messman, $2751.48. foreign ships. its recent national convention in Baltimore. Rechecking their figures, before announcing the result of the 60-day referendum to deter­ mine the A&G transportation rule, are the members of the Headquarters Tallying Committee. Left to right: Lars Hillertz, Ferdinand Hart, Edward Mooney, Walter Gardner, W. J. Brady and Sal Colls. / Not Muih Change In CCA Shipping Notice to Crews �TEE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Port Tacoma Busy With Payoffs, Visits To SiU Canadian Ships By WILLIAM McKAY Friday. May 20. 1949 LAUDS SIU ROLE 11^ AFL DRIVE _ V Port Savannah Keeps Moving At A Slow Pace IKTCRNATIONAt. •KCRCTAIIV.TfllAtUltKfl TACOMA—The heaviest rush destroyed the electric percolators, April 8, 1949 By JIMMY DRAWDY of business around here in a long toasters, and smashed the dishes. The Canadian SIU crew that time came this week, when we SAVANNAH — Payoffs and Mr. P»ul H«ll, Secretary paid off three ships in from fair­ went aboard had its work cut sign-ons of the Southport and Seafarers' International' Union of N. A. . ly long voyages. We handled out for it, but in short order they (Atlantic and Gulf Oieiaion) Southland, plus four in-transit 51 Beaver Street them in short order and sent had patched things up. Now fork, New York ships helped keep shipping mov­ All the damaged or broken new crews from the Hall. Dear Brother Hall: ing in this port, though at a not This sudden rush of business equipment was replaced with At the present tine, the A. F. L. Food Council too ragid clip. The Southport of Greater New Orieane, which, is coaposed of Local Union shouldn't cause any great trek new stuff and extra gear put was handled in Charleston and 1608 of the Retail Clerks International Association %nd to this country by Seafarers ex­ aboard, so the crew heading but Local Union AO? of the Aoalgaaated Heat Cutters and the Southland tied up, here in Butcher Workmen of North America, is conductinga suc­ pecting to find hot shipping, as found itself with better equip­ cessful and vigorous strike against the Capiaol Food our backyard. Store Chain in this City. Your local organization has there may not be a week -such ment, and more of it than when provided immeasurable,assistance to insure the ultimate The in-transits were the Doro­ success of this strike, for your members are aiding ua as this for a good while to come. the ship hit port. in picketing this chain of,stores on a daily basis. thy, Robin'Doncaster, Steel Re­ ^ Stay where you are. Brothers. Your local representatives, Brothers Earl Shepherd and C. J. Stevens, have given us the maximum of cooperation. corder and Steel Worker. All If an act of God comes our way, We needed their support and have received it without any reservations. One of your Local's assistant agents. were found to be in good shape, and we're hard hit for men, Brother George H. I4cFall, has supervised the picketing and s o rri e replacements were of the Seafarers and has done a splendid and effective we'll pass the word along in due Job for us in.this regard. I wish at this time to exsent out to jobs. preoe my sincere appreciation to you for the action your time. members and local officials have taken in behalf of the In addition to the regular SIUFood Council and the retail workers of New OrleAna. Such The picture looks about tJie unity of purpose, as has been displayed, is destined fo contracted ships, we've been busy same' for the next couple of guarantee to the workers of this oommunity for- the first time the genuine and tangible benefits of militant trade visiting the Canadian District weeks. The Monroe is due inunionism. I am grateful to your organization and to your local representatives. ships in this port. Several of transit and the Southwind will them hit this port with CSU With kindest regards, I am By GAL TANNER follow her by a few days. The crews aboard. I went aboard the Dorothy, we've been told, will Lakeside and had a heart to MOBILE — Shipping zoomed start paying off every third trip heart talk with some of the upward for a week here and from now on, so that will help then plunged downward toward crewmembers. us a bit. The crewmembers were okay, the end, with the result that the With that- skimpy outline of but kind of confused by all the first period saw us handle four the happenings around this part communist propaganda. Most of payoffs and seven sign-ons and of the country, we'll close until Secretary-Treasurer James Suffridge of AFL Retail Clerks the crew were good law-abiding the final week three payoffs and next time. thanks Seafarers for aid given by New Orleans Branch. Canadians, who resented the in­ four sign-ons. terference by the commies in The ships paid off since the PIPING IT TO THE PERSIAN GULF last report were the Morning their affairs. Thy were worried how their Light, Wacosta, Antinous, Jean families would make out: if they La Fitte, Wild Ranger, DeSotb, lost their jobs. I explained the all Waterman; and the Corsair, ? I situation to them, and helped Alcoa. ^ clear the air of a lot of confus­ The sign-ons were the Wa­ ion. I think they will make very costa, Morning Light, Choctaw, Antinous, John W. Cullen, Wild good SIU Brothers. Ranger, Claiborne, DeSoto, all SCORCHED EARTH On the Federal Voyager 1 Waterman; the Corsair, Puritan found thie situation somewhat and Pilgrim, Alcoa. different. There the crew paying During this time we handled off adopted the scorched earth but one in-transit ship, the Al­ policy. They.cut up the leather coa Ranger,"over from New Or­ settees, mattresses and pillows, leans. All payoffs and sign-ons were smooth, with all beefs settled right on the ship, as per SIU procedure. We received a copy of a letter written to Triton Steamship Company by its Catania, Sicily, agent, who heaped great praise upon the crew and officers of By FRENCHY MICHELET the Irenestar. The agent. Cap­ SAN FRANCISCO — Shipping tain S. Lizzio, stated in part: Zane Grey Seafarers pose for a formal portrait before shoving off for the Persian Gulf with remains only fair in this once- "As your agent at Catania for a load of oil pipe and supplies. Front row, left to right, the crewmembers are; E. A. Ducousin, booming port, because of the your vessel, the Irenestar, we Chief Cook; E. Melle, AB; Gus Boni, Wiper; P. J. Scanlon. AB; Barney Speegle, Oiler; Grey, shift to Wilmington of the Isth­ have been in contact with the Chief Mate; F. I. Givvon, Bosun; I. Ostrofsky, Messman; unidentified visitor; J. Doletin, Messcrew and officers of the above mian pipeline ships. man; lils Beck, Carpenter. That port's gain is our loss, but vessel, and we wish to present Standing: Louis Rawippo, Wiper; D. Waters, AB; A. Cairns, Utility; D. Fisher, AB; J. Drisas long as they are ships and to you our congratulations. kell. Oiler; C. Jones, Messman; Francisco Alcain; E. Brondelsbo, AB; J. Bove, 2nd Cook; F. BEST YET .jobs for SIU men we're not Arona, FWT; Constantina Contrones. Chief Steward; A. Olson. AB; H. BabcockJ 1st Engineer; crabbing. "The crew of the Irenestar is F. Gilbert, 3rd Engineer; R. Burrill, 2nd Engineer; R. Long, OS. Otherwise, most of our activity the best of the American crews Photo was contributed by Ship's Photographers of San Pedro. has been confined to the settle­ with which we have been in ment of routine beefs on in- contact as agents in this .port. transit ships and the paying off (The agent had been representa­ of two Waterman ships, both tive for WSA during the war.)" . squared away and paid off with­ With that kind of praise the Sign-ons were Cape Mohican, dorsements. There's no sense in By JOE ALGINA out incident. crew of the Irenestar can well NEW YORK—Shipping here Colabee, Kathryn, Helen, Emilia, this.' The men will not be al­ The only prospects for better stand up and take a bow. We're has been a little better than Suzanne, Inez; the Bloomquist, lowed to sign aboard the ship shipping on this coast lie in the proud, too, as the men were usual, which means we're ship­ Triton's new ship; Steel king-. and also stand the possibility of stabilizing of the present mess sent from the Mobile Hall. ping out some of the men backed Isthmian; Dickinson, Smith & having charges placed against in China and the other Far East­ Mobile has been selected as up here on the beach, but we're Johnson; Robin Sherwood, Robin, them. ern countries. We've been running into cases the site of the State Federation ^jiowhere near having to call outIf you don't have the ticket, If trade could get back on its of Labor convention to be held 'ports for men. recently of men accepting jobs feet, we would have a genuine this weekend, and the SIU is' During the period since the for which they do not have en­ don't throw in for the job. boom for shipping,- however, the going to be well represented. last report, we paid off 16 ships prospects don't seem too good This is the first time in many .and signed ,on li. All of the at thfe present. years that the convention has ships handled were in good shape Up Tacoma way the Demostar been held in this city. and were cleared in short order. and Pontus Ross, which are on Some of the Brothers now on Payoffs were: City of Alma, The recent change in the LOQ's publication schedule caused the grain run to the Far East, the beach here include: H.. Bessemer Victory, Raphael Sema couple of minor inconsistencies. One^ of these has proved have been paying off and crew- Sgdgeway, C. Montgomery, A. mes and Chicasaw, Waterman; rather embarrassing to Bennie Gonzalez, Patrolman !n the ing up with regularity, thus giv­ Tremer, N. Breedin, W. Chris-' Marymar, the first Calmar ship Port of Baltimore, who recently forwarded a report to the ing a hearty spurt in activity up tian, T. Ballard, J. Smit, C. here in two years; ^Cape MoliiLOG stating that shipping was good there. By the time the there. LOG came off the press and was distributed in Baltimore, Morse, H. Smith, A. Nelson, C. can, Mar-Ancha; Steel Rover With that as the picture out Rollins and T. Porter. and Steel Navigator, Isthmian; . shipping had taken a nose dive. here at the present, it should be To finish-off the report, here's'Sea Trader, Mar-Trade; Colabee, To- set the record straight and to avoid further embarrass­ evident that permitmen are bet­ the roster of SIU men currently! Illinois-Atlantic, and kathryn, ment to Brother Gonzalez, whose reports of shipping are ter off where they" are. Any jobs bedded down in the Mobile Ma- Helen, Emilia, Suzanne^ Inez , and always accurate, the LOG advises its readers to bear in mind that may arise will be handled rine Hospital: J. p. Buckelew,' Jedn, BuH. The Jean was a port thai the time spread between the filing of shipping reports by the good number of book- J. B. Berrier, J. Steele, E. Jar- payoff prior to her laying up for and publication date may occasionally result in discrepancies. members on the beach. rett. 'awhile. ' • Mobile Shipping Completes Cycle: Ify — Then Down Isthmian Shift To Wilmington Coois Frisco Shipping In New York Cuts In (h Beach Bockiog It's Not His Fault �Trida?, Ma^ 20. 1949 THE SEAPARERS LOG Page Five ILG Orgaaizer Murdered • I By Open-Slop ^rngsters NEW YORK—William Lurye, 40-year-old special organizer for the AFL International Ladies Garment Workers Union, was fatally _stabbed by three un­ identified thugs on Monday, May 10, in a phone booth of a build­ ing in which the union had called four strikes. UNION POSTS REWARD The ILGWU immediately of­ fered a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderers who, the union charges, are "gangsters obviously in the hire of non-union sweatship em­ ployers." The building in which Lurye was attacked—224 West 35th Street — and several othei-s on the same street house a number of dress manufacturers who have employed gangsters to resist the ices were held. Loudspeakers brought the services to the vast ILGWU's organizing drives. crowds in the streets. In a drive last Septemger against these open shops, the HAD GUTS ILGWU enlisted the aid of sev­ Lurye, who quit a well-paying eral Seafarers, who routed the hoodlums in several attempts to presser's job to become a spe­ cial organizer, was held in high smash union picketlines. esteem by Seafarers who worked Chai-ies Zimmerman, ILGWU with him during the drive last vice-president in charge of the fall. Said one; "Lurye was a special organizing drive, said 100 percent good union man. that a non-union manufacturer He had plenty of guts. Nobody had told Lui-ye that he was "out who knew him could say any­ to get him" in retaliation for his thing but good about Willie effort to organize the company's Lurye." workers. Another Seafarer said that The slain organizer was hon­ Lurye "was a man you could al­ ored in a mass tribute on Wed­ ways approach with a problem nesday, when 65,000 workers in and get results." the garment district quit work Despite the fact that 100 de­ for four hours to join 35,000 tectives have been assigned to others in the vicinity of Manhat­ the case, the police have not de­ tan Center, where funeral serv­ veloped any leads on the killers. Top oifficials of the ILGWU flank hearse as it leads funeral procession north on Eighth Avenue. Several thousand garment workers marched in solemn tribute to the martyred organiser, whose murder the Union vowed to avenge. 'V. The late William Lurye Banked by wreaths, the bier of the slain ILGWU organizer lies in Manhattan Center, where 4,000 unionists, including representatives of the SIU, attended funeral services. �T BE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Friday. May 20. 1949 SaSPS' MINUTES AND NEWS • i 1'I Tilghman In Singapore For Repairs steei Agers Get Fair shake lAfter Collision With British Ship At Kirby's Manila Bistro A Manila bar and hotel that "treats seamen right" The Isthmian Liberty William Tilghman is in Singapore undergoing re­ has received the unanimous praise of the Steel Age qrew, now enroute to Middle Eastern ports on a four-months pairs for damages sustained in a collision with the British freighter Rich­ voyage. mond Hill in the Malacca Straits last month. There were no casualties among The crew of the Isthmian ship go on watch get back to their paid a visit to Kirby's Bar and ship in time, and those who may either crew. Hotel during a stop in the Philip­ have celebrated a bit too much The ships crashed in pitch pine port and met the Kirby are either put Op in a room at darkness at about 4 A.M., April brothers, two former American the hotel or are accompanied 19, approximately 20 miles from seamen who went out of their back to the ship. Advice on the Singapore, as a driving rain way to give the crewmembers local sights — and prices 4- are poured down on the heavy seas. their money's worth and help given to the crews before they The vessels were locked for them avoid the pitfalls that often start sight-seeing. ne'arly two hours until daybreak, befall seamen in foreign ports. One of the brothers, W. H. when the Tilghman pulled her­ The crew reported that the Kirby, in commenting on the self free. Kirbys met the boys at the door bar's policy, noted that "being Both ships made Singapore un­ and checked with the cabbie to formers sailors we know how to der their own power, the Rich­ see that they were not over­ treat our brother sailors." mond Hill with a gaping hole charged. With that hospitable Located at Buendia Road and in her port side, and the Tilgh­ reception the boys agreed that Finlandia Street, Makati Rizel, man with her bow stove in above they had found the hangout for the Bar and Hotel is now on the the water line. them. mailing list of the LOG—one The Kirbys, the crew reported, more service oTered Seafarer READY JUNE 3 also see to it that seamen due to patrons. According to a statement re­ ceived from the Tilghman's del­ egates, repairs; on the Isthmian ship should be completed some­ time around June 3, when she will resume her voyage to the By SALTY DICK Persian Gulf. The Tilghman was enroute from Long Beach with In 1945 I sailed with an OS of Europe, was badly injured at a load of pipe, when the crash named James Jones, from Wash that time. Now he's a patient The William Tilghman damaged bow is being repaired in occurred. ington,' D. C. The last time at the Schuylkill Haven Hospital, a Singapore yard. SlU-manned Isthmian ship and Brilish heard from him he was planning Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Signatures on the Tilghman statement were those of James freighter crashed in Malacca Straits last month. ^ to enter politics Don't you He wants to hear from his Brake, Ship's Delegate; Roy Lee, thank Frisco is the foggiest city friends. His address is Box 29 at Engine Delegate; Arvel Bear den. really appreciated by all hands." Because a goodly number of in the U.S.? the hospital. Deck Delegate, and David Max­ Relations between the foc'sle the crew are newer members of I know a fellow in New Jimmy Sheehan, Port Agent in well, Stewards, Delegate. and topside are exceptionally the Union, quite a few educa­ Orleans who is working* in a Aside from, the mishap at sea, smooth, the delegates reported. tional and safety meetings are downtown cafeteria 12 hours a Philadelphia, is doing his best to conditions aboard the Tilghman "The Skipper, Chief Mate and being held during the Tilgh­ day, six days a week for $35. No. make a good hall of what he has ... Sloane House in New York are good, the delegates said. The Chief Engineer have cooperated man's ourrent voyage. This place is not unionized Stewards Department drew spe­ with us in every respect and we "Oh the whole, we delegates Larry Allen is driving a Crescent will give extensions to service men. But merchant seamen are cial mention for being "on the feel we are indeed fortunate in feel these men are really conl- •Cab near the Alcoa dock. allowed to stay only seven days. ball with the chow and that is that respect," they added. ing around," the delegates said. I met Pat Donahue who says Who's the seaman who wants Of their approximately, one- he's going to school to learn to ship on the Staten Island mixing drinks. When I said month stay in the Far East port Ferry? Maybe things are that for repairs, the Tilghman dele­ he was learning to be a bar­ tough, though. A certain water­ tender he blew his cork. Seems gates- declared: Seafarer Jack (Aussie) Shrimpfront union has more than that he's learning to become a "As far as Singapore is con­ ton, veteran passenger and freight 1,000 men on the beach and no cerned, it may not be the best mixogist.... Felix Amoura has ship steward, has found a better prospects for the future... It port in the world for going switched to the rum and coke way to beat the horses than won't be long before you'll be > ashore but under the circum­ run. betting on them — although we buying apples at the corner. stances we sure are not com­ Joseph Koslusky, Oiler on the don't know that he doesn't risk plaining." Black Rock during the invasion an occasional shilling anyway. "Kingpost" Krieg is on an Al­ Jack joined the staff of The coa scow and recruiting ball Thoroughbred Record, a 74-year players for the "Seafarers" softDROP THAT HOOK! old weekly magazine devoted to ball team. He has a post for you horse racing and breeding. —if you're good ... Frank Vivero is stopping in New, York for a The Record, which is published short visit after which he plans in Lexington, Kentucky, sent to choo-choo back to his home­ Jack to England this spring to do town, New Orleans ... We read a series of' articles on blood that most of ,the seamen going to lilies. hospitals are suffering frorn heart Jack's researches led him to trouble. And we thought; the Liverpool on March 29 where he sea was an easy life! took in the running at Aintree JACK SHRIMPTON of the Grand "National, one of England's great traditional races. ^lis first dispatch published on ing periodicals ... Editorial, ma­ April 2, was an account of the terial by Mr. Shrimpton on Eng Grand National and its history. lish topics that might be of in­ Members who forward "Whether he had a couple of quid terest to American horsemen wil their membership books to down on Russian Hero, the 66-to- begin appearing shortly in this the New York Hall for retire­ 1 winner of the rugged steeple- magazine. He also will report ment are ugred to mark the the 1949 Grand National, Epsom jchase. Jack failed to mention. envelope with the notation Derby and other notable events •""Aitentions: 6.*h floor," in or­ Announcing his appointment of the racing year." der to insure quicker bandtwo weeks earlier, the Record's ling of the matter. editor identified Jack as a "Com­ Jack, a frequent contributor to mentator, Consultant," and said: the LOG, never touted his knowl­ Marking of the envelope in "Mr. Shrimpton, although edu­ edge of horseflesh to the readers, the manner advised above Steel Chemist cre,wmember Leon LaBitt scored a bullseye will save time and will result cated in England, has spent a when he dropped the anchor in Batavia. Java« ^he Chemist in prompt return pf the book large part of his life in Australia but confined himself to union topics, with an occasional fling a hit real trouble later when she went on. the rocks off the. to the sender. where he is recognized as a leading writer for various rac- salty humor. California Coast. 'The Voice Of The Sea' Writes For Racing Monthly RETIRING BOOKS �Friday, May 20. 1949 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven Digested Minutes Of SiU Shipi Meetings STEEL DESIGNER. Jan. 9 — decided to re-arrange Stewards V. Szymanski, Chairmen; V. SuDepartment for smoother servic^. benick. Secretary. Reports of Slopchest beef tabled. Minute of delegates read and accepted. New silence for Brothers lost at sea. Business; Motion carried that 4- 4 4' crew not sign on until all repair SEATRAIN HAVANA. Mar. 17 work had been completed. Dis­ —T. Bolton, Chairman; L. Phil­ cussion on ship's washing Ma­ lips, Secretary. C. Shvant re­ chine. Motion carried to follow signed as ship's delegate, James posted instructions concerning Oliver elected. R. Fithen re­ washing machine and care of signed as engine delegate, O. C. facilities. One minute of silence Benningiield elected. No beefs for departed Brothers. reported by any department. t' J. J. ST. AUGUSTINE VICTORY. 4 4 4 Mar. 5 — I. B. Middlebrooks, Chairman; M. Cross, Secretary. noted that fans had been placed, CAPE MOHICAN. Mar. 20— in the pantry, recreation room John Tuezkowski, Chairman; ArShip's delegate reported that all and hospitdl. Delegates reported. mand Stepanian. Secretary. Pre­ beefs had been straightened out Motion carried that periods be vious minutes read and accepted. in New York. There was no dis­ set aside for education meetings, All departments reported in good puted overtime in any of the de­ but that educational talk are not order. Voted that ship's dele­ partments. Motion carried to in­ to be discontinued at regular gate should tell Captain crew ex­ vestigate various shoreside laun­ sessions. Union problems and pected to be paid for launch in dries and 'to give letters of rec­ objectives were discussed during Hamburg. Patrolman to be ommendation to these mei'iting a question and answer period asked to act on overtime carried it, and the LOG is to be so in­ devoted to Union education, with over from last trip. Minute of formed. All delegates are to many members participating. silence for lost Brothers. serve as members of the investi­ Suggested that new literature on gating committee for this pur­ 4 4 4 Union educational subjects be ob­ pose when the vessel reaches the STEEL SEAFARER. Mar. 27— tained from the Hall. A list of West Coast. Also carried were John Shaffer. Chairman; Pet§ permit men eligible for books motions to, lock the library while Bluhm. Secretary. Moved, sec­ was drawn up. Suggested that in port, and to lock the pantry onded and carried that all books belonging to library be dnd give keys to the watchman foc'sles be cleaned and left clean collected and exchanged this trip. on duty. Discussion pro and con Crew messman was compli­ for the payoff. Voted that depart­ on the use of the new toaster mented for his improved han­ ment delegates make up repair while in port. Cross i-eminded lists and hand them to ship's By HANK dling of his job. the book men*" to vote on the delegate as soon as possible. Un­ 4. 4. 4. transportation referendum. One HASTINGS. Mar. 6—W. Hamil­ der Good and Welfare, ship's Keep writing those letters, Brothers. Those Congressmen and minute of silence for Brothers ton. Chairman; C. J. Oliver. delegate agreed to see Captain Senators must know that the Taft-Hartley Act should be repealed. lost at sea. Secretary. Ship's delegate dis­ for vouchers before payoff so Your letters, and the letters your families back home write, mean cussed death of the Bosun. De­ that men could clieck deduc­ a lot—to you and your Union ... For some time we have wanted partment delegates reported that tions. Voted to split remainder to mention for .the good and welfare of the membership that im­ evei-ything was in order, except of washing machine bill among mediately on receiving discharges members should write the name for few hours disputed overtime all hands. Decided to ask Gal­ of the steamship company on the back. Later on this information in Black Gang. Motion carried veston Patrolman to straighten is always impor-tant and saves you time and effort... It shouldn't asking that longer and better out confused situation in galley. have happened to a sea dog. Seafarers all over the world, "are mattresses and sheets be brought Minute of silence for departed hearing about the dog waiting on the Linden waterfront in New aboard before signing the articles Brothers. 4- 4" Jersey for his ship-home to come back. The dog missed the ship, W. E. DOWNING. Mar. 5— for the next voyage. Discussion Norw^egian tanker, the SS Thorunn and has been beachcombing John P. Synotl, Chairman; Ed­ on ship's welfare. One minute for several months now waiting for her to come,in again.^ ward Mandaras. Secretary. De­ of silence for Brothers lost at partment delegates reported that sea. 4 4 4 4- 4. 4. there were no beefs except dis­ Steward "Ziggy" Zygarowski sailed in after a voyage on MALDEN VICTORY. Mar. 27— puted overtime. Discussion on the SS Gadsden... "Blackie" Nolan Flowers sailed in from his transportation clause in agree­ Howard Hutcherson. Chairman; F. M.^ Collins, Secretary. Engine trip and has a story of the voyage. Write it up for the LOG. ment. Letter to be ,drawn up 4 4 4 and sent to Union Hall and copy delegate reported Chief was dor Blackie... We're wondering if Brother Vick D'India is still ANDREW JACKSON. Mar. 13 posted on bulletin board. Sug­ ing work of unlicensed men. aboard the SS Bret Harte. Furthermore, we'd like to know if —John Ward, Chairman; Walter gested that Steward take on Deck delegate reported some dis­ Newberg, Secretary. Delegates the crew has been receiving those bundles of LOGs they re­ three months' stores 'since trip is puted hours on painting. Ste­ reported that all was in order, quested while they keep transiting the Panama Canal? Let's expected to last that much ward department okay. Voted to longer; stores are to be taken have Patrolman settle beef on with exception of few hours dis­ hear from you. Brothers,.. Two Seafarers. Brothers Luther on in Montevideo. All hands are topside doing work.. Voted that puted overtime in Deck and En­ Hammond and J. A. Hammond, are out there in California re­ to keep heads clean. Vote of galley and other spots needed gine departments. Chairman dis­ questing the LOG to be sent to them so they can keep up with Also cussed reasons why it is neces­ thanks given to Brother Scara- chipping and painting. the Union's affairs. Okay, fellas, you are logged for the LOG. mulz for his excellent job as voted to get slopchest opened sary for ship to have a ship's delegate and the duties of the more often. Minute of silence ship's delegate. job. Chief Cook yas elected for departed Brothers. t 4. 4. ship's delegate by acclamation. Here are some of the Brothers who are in town — Charles . WILLIAM TILGHMAN. Mar. Repairs needed in various de­ Dasha, Joe Walsh, Franklyn Webb, Allan Emery, Riley Carey, 5 — L. Trent. Chairman; Tiny partments discussed and Brother Adam Hauke, Fred Paul, Frank Throp ... The SEAFARERS LOG Simpkins. Secretary. Ship's dele­ Ward offered motion calling up­ will be sailing free of cost to the homes of the following Brothers; gate J. W. Brake reported all is on delegates to see department Walter Smith of Louisiana, Carroll Brown of Massachusetts, Lee okay, as did department dele­ heads about these repairs and re­ Eckhoff of Alabama, Patrick Lundrigan, William Rogers .of Con­ gates. Suggestion to find out port on progress to next meet­ necticut, Arthur Mclntire of California, John Opalenik of New what transportation is to Mobile. ing. Motion carried. One minute Jersey, F. Clawson of Maryland, Augustin Tapp of New York, Repair list to be posted for on­ of silence in memory of Brothers Carl Ainsworth of Washington. coming crew. Vote of thanks lost at sea. given to galley force for fine job. 4. 4, 4. 4 4 4 BULL RUN, Mar. 22 — John 4 4 4 If you Brothers wish to read about news and views of W. E. DOWNING (No date SUZANNE. Mar. 27—Rich- given)—E. Mandras, , Chairman; Byrd. Chairman; J. P. Forget. the labor movement in our nation then grab yourselves the Secretary. Ship's delegate Ed­ ard Diaz, Chairman; Peter Ser- John P. Synnolt, Secretary. No only magazine of its kind. It's called "Labor and Nation" pub­ ward Kitts reported that every­ ano. Secretary. Under education, departmental beefs. -Discussion lished bi-monthly here in New York and a few newsstands thing was running smoothly. His chair led discussion of additions Of feeding beef. Vote of thanks sell it... If we remember correctly. Brother Pete "Sunnyside" Com­ to delegates. report and those of department t6 the Bull Line's fleet. See Patrolman Latorre is° still aboard the Azalea City... Steward Thomas delegates approved. Under Edu­ plaint about Patrolman to be about Chief Mate's refusing med­ "Pop" Foster has been up there on the Lakes for some time cation ship's delegate putlined referred to Headquartei's. Vote ical aid to men. Minute of si­ now... We're informed that Brother Pete King, the Steward, the structure of the Union and of thanks for good meals being lence for departed Brothers. is due in town soon from a trip..; That oldtimer of a Bosun, its functions for the benefit of served, especially the cold sup­ Brother Roderick Smith, has been out for a long voyage. He's 4 4 4 the newer members. Resolution pers in the hot weather. Minute tankering on the SS Michael. CAPE MOHICAN. Mar. 2B— adopted calling on all hands to of silence for Brothers lost at sea. James Dawson. Chairman; John go to recreation hall after meals 4 4 4 Department GOLDEN CITY. Mar. II— Halpin. Secretary. to allow messmen to get things Brothers, keep those ships clean and happy. Hold those meet­ cleaned up. Discussion on high Joseph James, Chairman; J. H. delegates reported no overtime ings regularly. Keeping those jobs running in SIU style—which cost of certain items in slopchest. Darce, Seoaetary. Elected T. A. beefs. Moved- seconded and car­ means according to the agreement—makes for a good trip... One minute of silence in memory Scanlon to ship's delegate; F. B. ried not sail ship unless she was Brother James Crowley sailed into town recently from a voyage. Williams to be engine delegate; fully stored for a thi-ee-month of Brothers lost-at sea. ^ A rathbr short one, at that, if we're correct about it... Brothers, voyage. Moved and carried to Morris Berlowitz to be stewards as soon as you get drydocked in a hospital, here in the States, ar turn in detailed report to Patrol­ WILLIAM H. CARRUTH. Mar. delegate; E. B. Sanders to be in foreign ports—and you know you'll be there for some time, man on feeding. Minute of si­ deck delegate. Under Good and 27—Gill HoIIoway, Chairman; AI write a letter to Headquarters. Protect yourself at all times. lence for Brothers lost at sea. Welfare after discussion it was DaForest, Secretary. It was A neuj rale ori imnsporhdionh^S gou. It is aJso apood ideato re­ read the shippi& rales, lion rules, and tSe As^G Constitu­ tion, so that ^ocLzvili knouj whir the linion^s rtdes and -prvcedarcs arfc-T&u I) ii\ goar6cl&' a misujider^iandi ^ CUT and RUN |i •I I �Page Eight THE SEAFAHERS LOG THE SPEJIKS r- Venezuelan Customs Of Courtship Bewilder Seafarer WorMng Ashore To the Editor: . Here is a line to let everybody know that I am still living down here in the boiling tropics, in Venezuela to be exact. , At present, the weather is nice and cool—if you consider 95 to be cool, for it does warm up a bit in the middle of the day. I must forewai-n you: I just completed two months studying Espanol very successfully and now find it difficult to think straight in English. • I had to bear down while at­ tending school in Caracas, but It's paying off. I can read Hem­ ingway and savvy the Spanish phrases he uses as punch lines. , Within three more months I will have my year in and be en­ titled to three weeks off. I may return to the U. S. and ship out again. Thought the Brothers might be interested in the customs of this country concerning court­ ship. On Saturday and Sunday even­ ings, and on the hundred and one holidays, the girls go to the local park and walk in a circle, the guys form a larger circle around the girls and walk in the opposite direction. When one of the girls puts the whammy on you, it's up to you to nod your head and make another trip around. AROUND AGAIN While • making another trip around you decide whether or not you like her, and, if so, when you pas^ again you shout, "Adios." You take another walk, as the custom goSs, to see if any more girls give you the whammy. If none of the other girls are satisfactory or give no encourage­ ment, you wait until the girl ap­ proaches again and say for the final time, "Adios." Then, if you can still bear it, you make an­ other trip around. The girl then must speak. If she wants to go with you she will say, "Adios, By The Numbers A number of readers, un. dersianctebly confused by the LOG'S shift from weekly to 10-day publication intervals, have written the Editor that '. they are certain that one or two issues have failed to ' arrive in their maiL ' v While, occasionally there are mishaps in the post of­ fice, it is suggested that before you write in it might pay to check the numbers of the issues you have re­ ceived. Chances are that you have not been overlooked. For instance, the present LOG is Vol. XI. No. 18. The LOG of May 10 was No. 17; that of May 2 was No. 16. Just look for the number at the top of page one. Also, readers' wishing to change their subscription, ad­ dress are requested to en­ close the old address as well • as the ndw, *,; • I Friday. May 20. 1949 Senor. Esta bora nosotros vamos." (Goodbye, Mister. This hour we go.) Aha! Now you think you have her. That's just the beginning of trouble. Brother. She leads you away from the crowd, but not to a quiet and secluded bench. In­ stead you are taken to a large group of characters sitting under the trees. You wonder who these idiots are. Well, Rose starts by introducing you to papa, mama, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, etc. It looks like old home week. Little Rose sits down between mama and papa and the male relatives put you through a third degree that would make the New York cops look like pikers. CONVOY CONTROL If the report is favorable, you are then allowed to take her out. Oh joy — victory. But wait— who's that following you as you promenade down the street: no one less that the whole family. You go to a movie and all the relatives sit between you and around you. They love to stay for two or three showings if the feature is a western. After the show you all return to the living room of Rose's par­ ents, where all the relatives hover nearby like vultures. It's hopeless, so you say goodnight and head home. Hope springs eternal, how­ ever, so back you go the next night. You knock at the door and it's opened a crack. A voice tells you to go around to the window, a window with bars, where Rose is sitting. You shoot the breeze and asks if she can come out. She says this is the date and you are courting her. Why didn't you bring a musical instrument and some fiowers, she says. You tell her Americans do not court in that fashion, but if she could take a walk you might round up some commercial musi­ cians. To this proposal you hear a voice from the other room boom out, ""No." Mama has spoken. Well, Brothers that's life down here. I'll take a shot of native rum and- sleep off the nightmare. Ed Larkin SIPPING SUDS IN SCHUBERrS Schubert's Bar, a favorite rendezvous for the crewmembers of the Nathaniel Currier in Bremen, gets the patronage of crewmembers Red, Hipp and Dick Roberts, during a recent stop by the Waterman ship. Shot by Shelly White. CTMA Cartoon Figure Draws Query To the Editor: I wish to protest against the type of cartoon in which trol­ lops are pictured in the LOG. Undoubtedly the LOG comes in­ to the homes of some' of our Brothers and such cartoons in the LOG are offensive to the women folks. There are unlimited types of cartoons the LOG could use to get its ideas across without using -the offensive type mentioned above. I sincerely hope you will act upon this. Edwin C. Roop (Ed. Note: Brother Eoop ap­ parently is referring to the character used to portray the Cities Service Men's Tanker Association (CTMA). The CT­ MA character is illustrative of ... •->' the things Cities Service sea­ men found offensive in that or­ ganization. Unfortunately, there are organizationSr like CTMA,. which are constantly attempt­ ing to underlie the security of American seamen and their families. Naturally, a true pic­ ture of these organizations could not be conveyed as any­ thing but unsavory, and the LOG feels that the families of the Union members will un­ derstand. Although Brother Roop's is the only objecticm received by the LOG - in re­ gard to the CTMA cartoon, it does appreciate hiu com­ ment. The LOG is conscious of the fact that the Union newspaper is widely read by Seafarers' families and it strives' to conform to all the standards of good taste in the presentation of items affecting the welfare of its readers.) EMILIA REPAIR CREW The engine gang of the sugar-toting Bull Line ship, take a crack at repairing the winch before heading south for more cargo. Left to right, Louis Avilea, Oiler; William Vaughan, Wiper; Bob Meeks, Wiper; Frank Canas, 3rd Assistant. Shot was by Charles Horvath, Fireman. Baltimore Paper Backed SIU Position On 50-50 EGA Bill To the Editor: Foreign sailors, therefore, go in and out while Americans stay here, sleeping in cheap hotels,, wandering between barrooms, idling time away. Many have used most, if not all, of the money earned on their last trip. Every now and then men come in from a trip and the piece-off system operates. The newcomers, hand out their money to their friends who are on the beach here. Fortunately ^ for the men, saloonkeepers and storekeepers whom they have Ipng patronized know that when a sailor gets money he will pay his bills. JSo most of them buy on tick. But it's not like having cash in your pocket. There's much less action, color,, and gusto on the Baltimore beach than usual, and the,only thing, that can change it, sailors say, is Congressional action to force ' the use of American ships on owners who can use foreign ships more cheaply. Attached is a copy of the edi­ torial page clipped from a recent issue of the Baltimore Sun, ex­ plaining the hardships forced up­ on American seamen as a result of loose administration of the EGA shipping regulations. I thought Seafarers might find it interesting and hope, there­ fore, that you will'find it pos­ sible to reprint it. - Joe Grimes (Ed. Note: The editorial re­ ferred to was published before Consrress passed the ECA bill which requires that 50 percent of government-financed cargoes moving to and from US ports be shipped in American vessels at domestic rates. The Balti­ more Sun's viewpoint is re­ printed here because it sub­ stantiates one of the argu­ ments advanced by the SIU in its fight to keep American seamen from being made vic­ tims of foreign flag low stand­ ard operators.) Around south Broadway, Thames Street, east Baltimore Street and other streets where merchant sailors roam in Balti­ more, things are dull. Men from many lands are there between sailings: Norse­ men, Greeks, Lascars, Italians, To the Editor: etc., and .many Americans, of May I express my apprecia-" course—but, nobody spends much tion for your - great courtesy in money. ^ printing a notice in the LOG. The fbm^ers have little to "personals" column requesting" spend h|cause their wages are my son' Cyril J. Magnan to com- ; low an(^ the-exchange is against municate with us? them. T^e have little You have rendered a great to spend J^cause they aren't service to my wife and me., We workin^^/v^ ^ heard from him yesterday Over Amefican merchant through a letter written from seamen the beach in Bal­ Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is timore, u^a^le to get jobs. Large­ aboard the Alcoa Pioneer. ly, that'i|i|)ecause of a phony in the ad^!|^istration of the Mar­ I do not know how the SIU could function without the SEA­ shall Pla^» At first^ the rule was at least FARERS LOG. It keeps one in half the Ships carrying Marshall touch with the entire member­ Plan aid' to Europe 'Should be ship. The information given keeps under the American flag. That the boys alert and ready to cope rule is now abolished, and ship with any situation. operators find it cheaper to use I wish you continued success ships that fly foreign flags be­ in what you are doing and will cause on these it isn't necessary continue to perform for the SIU. to pay the wage scale set by Joseph R. Magnan American unions. Grand Rapids, Mich. Contacted Son Through Log Personal Note �Friday. May 20, 1949 THE SEAFARERS DECKED OUT AND WAITING LOG Page Nine Colabee's Run Through F^g Banks Calls Up Perils Facing Seafarers To the Editor: fog all year round, due to the might not seem so much, but our Gulf Stream meeting the colder One of the foggiest runs on the air over shallow water in the radar was out of order. North Atlantic made by the Hog North; also the southerly winds The memory of the collision Islander Colabee„ ended when hitting the cold' water of the between the Coast Guard ice­ breaker Eastwind and a tanker she docked yesterday at a Brook­ Labrador Current. Then there last January is still strong in lyn pier. The second trip of the are the shipping routes from my mind. It's all in the record new season to the port of Baie Boston, Halifax, Montreal, etc., now and the blame affixed, but Corpeau, on the shore of northern coupled with numerous fishing the lesson I drew from that in­ Quebec, presented an interesting boats, which present the mates cident was that in a moment assortment of weather conditions, with vexing navigational prob­ ranging from mild and sunny lems. It is because of their fraught with danger somebody skies to snow, hall and fog. We skill and the luck of a thirty didn't think and, as a result, about a dozen lives were lost. first sighted a field of ice two year old ship that survived a Thirty-eight years ago, the days from Baie Comeau—fog was torpedoing in the late war, that greatest liner ever built, the quite dense, and would lift and we came through without nrfsTitanic, sailed from Southamp­ descend willy-nilly. hap. ton on her maiden voyage. The route we travel runs The ship gets its position from Staffed with the cream of the through the Georges, Brown's shore radio station. In foggy British Merchant Marine, in­ and Roseway Banks, areas of weather, bearing can be made stilled with the belief that the prevailing fog and hazards like anytime, but usually in clear Titanic was unsinkable, her of­ Waiting to greet the passengers as they enter the Robin White Ledge, off the Nova Scotia weather compass adjustments, if ficers relaxed their customary Tuxford lounge are Seafarers Jo^ Zuba, Messman. left, and coast where the ship struck a any, are made at two ten-minute caution. The lifeboats were se­ , Rudolph (Gabby) Gross, Passenger Waiter, right. Purser is in submerged object in 1946, but periods each hour. cured and covered in such a way the center. Gross submitted the picture to the LOG. was able to proceed on her way After picking up our cargo of that gave no thought that they with.little delay and minor dam­ paper roll from Baie Comeau, would ever be used. age to her keel. Sparks received a number of and heading home, we were only messages from other ships that Another dread to mariners is twelve hours out when we ran To the Editor: ship was the Russell Alger. there were icebergs in the into a snowfall. The day was Dead Man's island, a towering I have been here at Fort I left the Alger in March rock, 160 feet high, enshrouded Sunday and bitter cold. I shiv­ vicinity of the Titanic's course. Bragg for the past eight months 1948, and would like to hear in mist, with only a 100-watt ered in my parka as the snow The message was given to the and in that space of time I have from some of my old ship mates. lamp on its summit to warn and fog blanked out the sea and captain. It was ignored. Captain met about 25 former seamen, all Here in the Army, as you may ships of its danger. Also, to be­ sky. E. J. Smith wanted to distin­ of whom sailed during the war, have guessed, I am cooking. devil the mariner are the alter­ Suddenly, gliding qut of the guish the ship's first crossing. It only to be drafted into the What a difference in cooking ations in the compass bearing fog appeared a tanker, she was was full speed ahead. The ship peacetime Army. here and on a ship. At least on caused by mineral deposits from 200 yards off our port bow with collided with an iceberg and sank I wonder what the country a ship the Union made sure the Quebec mainland and the full way on her. Since we were with the loss of over 1,500 hun­ would have done- without us. I the crew had the necessary Gaspe Peninsula. blowing our whistle at minute dred lives. sailed from 1942 to 1948, out of things to work with. Here we intervals I wondered why the UNAWARE FOG AREA Boston, New Orleans and so on. get by with what we can get by tanker wasn't blowing too. Not Reading an account of that I sailed in all positions in the hook or crook. The area from Cape Cod to till she came abeam of us did tragedy, one can picture the Steward Department and my last Cpl. George Stanton our port of call has a prevalent her whistle sound. Now this warm comfortable interior of the ship, the rich and famous re­ laxed, dining and chatting, while outside their illusory world the ominous iceberg passes their portholes. Some see it and won­ der, but they are not frightened. A seamen can appreciate the irony of this, as he drinks his coffee, in the messroom then dons his heavy clothes or oil­ skins and stands lookout, the sea raging and the salt spray stinging his face. He knows how real the sea is, but he is confident — he knows his ship too: he has com­ By JOSEPH E. SHANER plete trust in the man on the bridge, and when he turns in, (Reprinted by permission of Esquire magazine) it would take a hurricane to I. Seafarer's Choice III. The Tides make him lose his sleep. LIVES AT STAKE Farewell, dear lass, weep not that I (depart. Miss you, yes, as moon would miss the sun. I don't doubt that many sea­ The boatswain's call in fretful haste commands The old man his sextant, the ship her chart; men remember experiences in The sailo£ to his far-flung seas. Oh, heart,, v As roses,, their beauty and scent undone, which boners have proved costly How can I tell you that exotic lands "^Would miss their sister rain, I miss you. Heart! to ship and men. Sometime, Stir the young blood in me, while in your eyes, The tides within me must forever run somewhere, somehow, errors are made. The best of men make I see you bravely damming back a tear? Far from the beaches to the fairway's blue. mistakes and worse, blunders. What words would ease your aching night, when cries And still I'm pinioned, though the landfall's won. But a ship is the last place to Escape the throat and fall where none may hear? For the selfsame tides call me back to you. make the wron^ decision when two-score or more lives depend This is my choice. My wanderer's soul longs -Ah, lass, how I miss you, your gentle way. on the man who makes them. For spun jade seas and cobalt, foaming wet; Touch of your hand, caressing eyes, your face; In conclusion I want to say For the prop's sibilant tune, for wind songs. Lips that curve to smile, the sweet disarray that this is a happy ship with, For gulls calling in distant ports, and yet... Of one bright "lock that only adds to grace. harmony in all departments. The Steward, B. Bailey, gives us vei-y Heartbreaking kiss! I turn to go, my cheek Miss you, yes, as stars would miss the night. appetizing menus; H. Jaynes has Burns wet, and throat throbs so, I cannot speak! As the seamew his cry, my eyes their sight! the right psychology of what a Bosun should do. Other old-timers II. I Speak On The Wind IV. The Cost who are probably fami^ar to many are: E. Benson, Fireman: J. I must come home again. Haunting sweet smells At sundown from the flying bridge I see j Gorman, AB; J. Dugina, AB; A Rise in the coral strand, sweep the lagoon Your lithe form dance among the cherry clouds Diamond, Oiler; J. Drummond, And slash my heart for want of you. Up swells Night cook and baker; Tex Suit, And in grey jungle mist; or it may be AB, and J. Reilly, Deck Engi­ The pearled green spume singing flies and its tune I see your lovely face among dawn crowds neer. Echoes your low-voiced laughter. Ah, the cost Of parakeets and pigeons, cockatoos. John J. Flynn Seafarer Joins Army Galley Force A Sea Sonnet Sequence And birds of paradise, their wings a'flame. I find your radiance among rich hues ' Of rainbows arching green lagoons. Your name I speak on the wind, and whispering sej(s Float it to the landward from where the birds Sing it to flowers and gossiping trees Epehanted on the beach. Dearest of words!' It's ever with me, to what seas I go, , Wherever the stars shine, or winds do blow! Of wandering is much too dear afar. With the miles between and fleet years lost. And youth and beauty being what they are. Ah, lips and eyes and ears shall have surcease. Lonely breasts, empty arms, shall ache no more! Oh, joy, to have my heart and blood increase Their pounding when I see you at the door. And still, ah, lass, I could not long remain! .The sea will call, and I'll needs go again! ATTENTION! The slop chesl is your cornei store while you are at sea. You can't take your trade someplace else if the slop chest doesn't have what you need. �Pago Tea TAMPA — Chairman, Hay White, 57; Recording Secretary, J. T. Kern, 50323; Reading Clerk, R. C. Keller,' 50323. Motion carried to excuse mem­ bers presenting valid reasons for not attending meeting. New business of previous Branch meetings read and accepted. Sec­ retary-Treasurer's financial re­ port accepted as read. Agent gave report. Patrolman and Dis­ patcher were in Miami paying off the Florida. Under Good and Welfare, Agent spoke on the co­ operation the SIU is giving vari­ ous unions in their local organiz­ ing drives, and of the active part we are taking in the labor move­ ment as a whole. Several mem­ bers took the deck and discussed shipping generally. 4* 4" MOBILE—Chairman, C. Kim­ ball, 52; Recording Secretary, M.­ Reading Clerk, Harold J. Fischer, 59. New business in minutes of previous meetings' in other Branches read and accepted. Port Agent discussed at length the stand taken by the SIU and the rest of the labor movement in regard to the present national labor law. He pointed out that members in Mobile had written to their Congressmen urging them to vote for the ThomasLesinski bill to replace the TaftHartley law. He urged all mem­ bers to encourage their families and friends to help in this matter. He also gave the final results of the voting in the Cities Service tanker election. The Agent con­ cluded with a picture of the cur­ rent shipping situation in Mobile and the possibilities for the next couple of weeks. Motion carried to accept communication from the Alabama State Federation of Labor. A Tally Committee was elected to count ballots cast in this port in recent transportation rule referendum. Motion carried to accept Secretary-Treasurer!s financial report as read. Dis­ patcher and Patrolmen discussed activity in their • departments. 250 members present when meet-t ing adjourned at 7:45 PM. i 4. 4. NEW ORLEANS — Chairman, Herb Knowles, 3725; Recording Secretary, Johnny Johnston, 53; Reading Clerk, Buck Stephens, <376. T3B SSAPj^RSttS LOG Friday, May 20. 194i9 ian, W. Fraser and D. Hodge. One minute of silence, in memory of deceased members. Meeting adjourned. pt 7:30 PM, with 90 SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL members in attendance. ENG^ - 4 4 4 STWDS. SHIPPED NEW YORK — Chairman, L. 15 30 Williamsj 21550; Recording Sec­ 259 retary, L. Goffin, 4526; Reading 81" 70 20 71 Clerk, R. Matthews, 154. A&G Shipping From April 21 To May 4 PORT REG. DECK Boston New York Philadelphia... Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa Mobile....^ New Orleans., Galveston. West Coast San Juan 17 144 32 GRAND TOTAL.. 492 37 14 14 51 69 55 45 14 the port, the Agent said, all hav­ ing been settled at the payoffs and sign-ons. Balloting Committee reported on number of ballots cast in transportation rule refer­ endum. Oath of Obligation ad­ ministered to four men. One minute of silence in memory' of departed Brothers. Excuses for absence from meeting referred to the Dispatcher. Motion carried recommending that Agent con­ tact Headquarters and attempt to have UFR^ strike film, and other educational films obtainable, placed aboard those ships having movie projectors. Motion amended to read that cost of films to be paid for out of ships' funds. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM, with 326 bookmembers present. 4 4. 4. NORFOLK — Chairman, J. S. While, 57; Recording Secretary, Ben Rees, 95; Reading Clerk, James Bullock, 4747. Membership approved minutes of previous meetings in other Branches, and accepted Headquarter's Reinstatement Commit­ tee report. Agent reported that two Smith and Johnson ships are due to arrive in Norfolk. Company states that it intends to run these ships regularly be­ tween this port and Italy with coal as cargo. Blue ticket men were advised to compute their REG. ENG. REG. STWDS. TOTAL REG. SHIPPED DECK 13 17 47 97 133 374 27 30 89 Figures Not Received . 28 17 - 82 16 20 50 17 9 40 45 52 148 75 106 250 45 20 120 48 39 132 12 9 35 8 108 20 64 19 11 11 53 89 37 49 8 423 427 452 1,367 other Branches read and ac­ cepted. Motion carried requiring man seeking to be excused from meeting to show documentary proof that he •was unable to at­ tend. Following elected to serve as Tallying Committee:* G. Velie, C. Rice, W. Armstrong, R. Brown, C. Moss and W. W. Allred. Agent reported on status of shipping-in port. No change ex­ pected for next couple of weeks. 108 members present when meet­ ing adjourned at 7:32 PM. 4. 4. 4. PHILADELPHIA — Chairman, D. Hall, 43372; Recording Secre­ tary, George Seeberger, 6932; Reading Clerk, J. Davis, 23177. All business of previous meet­ ings in other ports accepted, with exception of Norfolk motion of­ fering change in requirements for union office. Agents said that shipping had been some­ what slow, although several ships had paid off her.e in the past two weeks. He also reported on the progress made in improving the Hall. Members of the Nether­ lands seamen's union thanked the SIU for this port's aid in squaring a food beef for the crew aboard a Dutch ship in this port. The Coast Guard is con­ ducting a survey to determine how many ABs are eligible for green tickets and have asked the Port Agent to discuss the matter with them. Motion car­ ried to recommend that "Dis­ patcher specify whether man is book or permit member when jobs are being called. A fiveman Committee was elected to count ballots in transportation refer^dum. Two men took the oath of obligation. Meeting ad­ journed at 8 PM. ^ 4' 4* 4' BALTINIORE —— Chairman, ]M. Burnstine, 2257; Recording Secr^ary, G., A. Masterson, 20297; Reading Clerk, A1 Slansbury, 4883. seatime and to apply for green tickets as soon as they have 1,080 days on deck. Agent's re­ port accepted. Dispatcher re­ ported on shipping and registra­ tion. Motion carried to with­ draw motion made at previous meeting, calling for change in re­ Motions carried to accept Sec­ quirements for Union office. retary-Treasurer's •'and New Or­ Reason for withdrawal is that leans' financial reports. Minutes original motion ignored constitu­ of previous meetings in other tional procedure. Motion car­ Branches read and accepted, with ried to elect Building* Repair Committee to inspect Hall, draw, up list of needed repairs and ar­ range for work to be done. Elected to serve on committee were: J. W. Pulliam, Jimmy Branch minutes of previous Ackres, Vernon Porter, I. A. meetings read and approved. Thomas and. Jack Helms. Under Secretary-Treasurer's financial re­ Good and Welfare desirability of port approved. Several men exception of motion to non-con­ men with sufficient seatime ap­ were excused from the meeting cur with Norfolk minutes sug­ plying for green tickets was after presenting valid excuses. gesting change in election re­ stressed. Meeting adjourned at Agent's, Patrolmen's and Dis­ quirement rules. Agent reported 8:30 PM; 101 member present. patcher's reports read and ac­ ^ i ' 4* on business of port, saying that cepted. Motion carried to buy SAVANNAH —Chairman, Jim things had picked up since the an exhaust fan for the Union last meeting, and looked fair for Drawdy, 28523; Recording Secre­ Hall. Elections held for dele­ tary and Reading Clerk, C. Rice, the coming two weeks. He angates to Maryland and District of 40707. noimced the results of the Cities Columbia AFL convention. Service collective bargaining Previous Branch minutes read. Elected delegates are: William election, which the SIU won by Members approved Secretary- Rentz, - F. A. Stansbury, and an 89 percent majority vote. Treasurer's financial report, and Leon Johnson. Alternates are There are no beefs pending in Headquarters' report. Minutes of G. A. Masterson, John. Hatgimi- C 64 . l4 . '6 11 49 91 46 46 6 452 53 24 10 8 50 128 • 34 41 5 458 181 57 27 30 152 308 117 136 19 1,387 sios and B. Gonzalez. A six-man tallying committee to count ^al­ lots in recent transportation referendum elected. Meeting ad­ journed at '8:30 PM; 225 mem­ bers present. 4' 4- 4> •. SAN FRANCISCO—Chairman, W. Otic, 34661; (Recording Secre­ tary and Reading Clerk not named). Minutes previous meetings in other ports read. Port Agent re­ vealed that shipping in Frisco area is poor, with most payoffs taking place in the Wilmington and Tacoma areas. He advised men that shipping opportunities are greater in those two ports. Two of the vessels taking men from the beach here were the Citrus Packer and the Beaver Victory. Patrolmen's and Dis­ patcher's reports read and ac­ cepted, as was Secretary-Treas­ urer's report. , Membership con­ curred in Headquarters' r^brt. One minute of silence in memory of our departed Brothers. Meet­ ing adjourned at 7:50 PM ^with 93 members present. 4. 4. 4 BOSTON—Chairman, T. Flem­ ing, 30821; Recdrdtng Secretary, A. Melanson, 44406; Heading Clerk, 894. Minutes of previous minutes in other Branches read. Motion carried to non-concur with Nor- folk motion on requirements for Union office. Headquarters' and Secretary-Treasurer's reports ap­ proved. Agent's and. Dispatch­ er's reports accepted. Following men elected to serve as Tallying Committee: F. Johnson, L. Garabedian, E. Cotreau, J. Chermes- Committee, Headquarters' and financial reports accepted as read. Agent reported that port was just about holding its own on the shipping front. He discussed sev­ eral beefs that came up aboard shfps paying off, including one in which a man had been fired for allegedly being four minutes late. The man stayed aboard ship as a' result of Union representa­ tion. During reading of minutes of other Branch meetings, a mo­ tion carried to non-concur with Norfolk recommendation , for a change in qualifications for Un­ ion officeholders. It was pointed out that the Norfolk motion was out of order, as the Constitution provides the procedure for such changes. Dispatcher's and Pa­ trolmen's reports read and ac­ cepted. Communications from men seeking to be excused from meeting referred to Dispatcher. Charges read. Stx-man Commit­ tee elected to ^ount ballots ill transportation rule referendum. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M., with 903 members present. 4 4 4 SAN JUAN - Chairman, '!. Garcia,. 7152; Recording Secre­ tary, P. Dunphy, 46214; Reading Clerk, T.. Banning, 3038. Motion to non-concur with sec­ tion of Norfolk New Business recommending change in re­ quirement for. election to Union office; other minutes of other Branches accepted as read. Agent reported that shipping had been slow for past two weeks. He asked Brothers to visit the sick members in Marine Hospital. Patrolman reported that payoff on Ponce had been smooth. Both reports approved by membership. Motion carried calling for small flag to be placed in front of Hall. Under Good and Welfare, Broth­ ers discussed the transportation rule. Charges pending against two members read and accepted. One minute of silence in memory of deceased members. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM, with 87 members prbseht. Shipping Is Slow In Wilmington By E. B. TILLEY WILMINGTON — Shipping is slow in this port and we don't anticipate any payoffs for the next two weeks. However, during the last two weeks we have paid off three ships and put full crews aboard two of them. The .payoffs were on the SB Thomas Cresap, Steel Ranger and Steel Chemist, all Isthmian. We didn't have a chance to send a crew to the Chemist, however. The fact is that the Chemist is undergoing, a plastic surgery op­ eration at the Todd Shipyard. She'll be in the yard' until .the end qf June. When the Chemist comes out next month' we'll get to crew her, and we expect to have plenty of bookmen around to take care, of her. < In fact, we are about ready to hold our first meeting in this port. Of course, there has been a little more activity here than the payoff rate indicates. The SS Oshkosh Victory is here now." But she will payoff in Frisco. The Zane Grey is taking off on the "pipeline run"i and will be out for a good five months. If anybody up around Boston is wondering what became of Gus Callahanj he is on a very SIOT,!^. boat to the Persian Gulf." �Friday, Mey 80, IMS TEE SEAFARERS LOG Pagar Elavea Seafarers Bleck Cemniie Attempt To Snare Aid Of British Beckers V i li';. : .: I forward presentation of the facts.' representative explained. "These (Continued from Page I) pletely repudiated by its mem­ "Contrary^ to propaganda," he desperate CSU leaders, who had told British marine workers, "the ] lost support of, as well as con­ bership. CSU men have been offered trol of, the membership at home "In Canada there are no ships in Canada, gambled that the tied up by the so-carierstrik^"^t'"^®"hip in the SIU." He cited the fact that more plight of ships crews on 'strike' today," he said. than 1,500 CSU men had joined in British ports would arouse the THE CRIMSON QUIRT, by Wil- sional contributions • to the LOG "In Canada the CSU is out, the SIU in the past few weeks. sympathy of the very strong liam Colt MacDonald: Signet search out the aloneness in men. finished, done with," the SIU He also pointed out that the trade union movement in Bri­ Those who -have enjoyed his ap­ spokesman explained. "That's Books; 192 pages; 25 cents. proach to a story-will certainly why Davis is able to come' over CSU had been expelled from the tain and elsewhere." Gun-play and the love o^ a delight in Capote's gossamer fan­ here. He would not have been SIU at the 1944 convention be­ It has also been pointed out strong man for a good woman tasy, overlaid with color and able to leave Canada, if 90 ships cause they refused to disavow to the British workers that the are the stuff this fast-paced West­ atmosphere, heavily applied. communists, in line with the in­ had -been tied up there, as he communism. ern is made of. ternational policy emanating "This so-called strike was call­ A contemporary New Orleans claims they are." The hero and his pals manage boy of thirteen is thrown into from Moscow, are utilizing their ed withqut regard for the legi­ BLASTS COMMIE LIES 'to outride and outshoot the rust­ the enervating isolation of a contacts on the waterfront to timate economic interests of the lers and the bank robbers al­ crumbling plantation and its de­ halt the flow of Marshall Plan Canadian seamen," the SIU though things are touch and go cadent and perverted household. In meetings with the British spokesman declared. "It was a goods wherever possible. maritime workers, the SIU on almost every page. In the The resulting madness is devious spokesman blasted the lies plant­ desperate effort to maintain per­ Throughout its history, the •end cowboy Pete Piper wins the and involved reading, but fas­ SIU has fought communist at­ sonal leadership and power. hand of Cressy, daughter of the cinating — if you can take it — ed by the communist propagand­ "Without regard for hardships tempts to win control of the US ists and detailed the facts in the -owner of the C-Bar-A. especially so, if you enjoy dream­ Canadian situation from the this would impose on their mem­ waterfront. The SIU has con­ This story follows the pattern like sequences without much time the communist leaders of bership in foreign ports, and tinually told waterfront -workers of all good Westerns, and West­ plot action that are held to­ the CSU first began their ill- knowing most of them would everywhere that the communists ern fans will eat it up. It will gether with vivid imagery and join the SIU if they returned to are nothing more than traitors fated maneuver. Tje good in the flickers too. to the working classes of all a fresh and effective handling of The CSU "strike" was called Canada and found out the true countries. words. i. t by its communist leaders with­ conditions, they wired crews of SIU officials have declared that 'OTHER VOICES, OTHER out a secret strike vote by the these former CSU ships in for­ communist slander and terror­ ROOMS, by Truman Capote. membership, after the SIU had eign ports to strike there. ism wiil not halt the union's un­ Penguin Signet, 144 pages, signed agreements with Canad­ EXPOSES TACTICS relenting fight against these ene­ 25 cents. ian operators. "Now here is where the Bri­ mies of genuine trade union men The CSU began negotiating for tish dockers come in," the SIU '• and women. This book is recommended to a new agreement last August, John Wunderlich, whose occabut talks were stalemated after months of discussion. In October, the. CSU leaders requested that RICHARD T. WRIGHT a Conciliation Board settle the Contact your mother at 2709 dispute. SIU, A&G District N. Avers Ave., Chicago 47, HI. A three-man board, one of Now available to unions, ships' The whole organization of the BALTIMORE... 14 North Cay St. X % whose members "was the hand- crews and other organizations is strike including the close co­ William Rentz, Agent Mulberry 4540 HAROLD ARTHUR NELSON picked representative of the BOSTON 276 State St. "The Battle of Wall Street," a operation between the SIU and Your family asks that you get CSU, made a unanimous recom­ 20-minute moving picture based the striking United Financial Ben Lawson, Agent Richmond 2-0140 Dispatcher Richmond 2-0141 in touch with them. There has mendation for a contract, but on the Wall Street Strike of Employes, AFL, is clearly shown GALVESTON 308'/2—23rd St. been a death. CSU officials immediately re­ 1948. by scenes from the picketlines Keith Alsop, Agent Phone 2-8448 jected the contract without re­ The price of the film is $40, and SIU Headquarters, which % % ^ MOBILE 1 South Lawrence' St. CLIFTON W. GUYETTE ferring it to the membership. Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 2-1754 which is the actual cost price also served as Strike Headquar­ E. Sheppard, Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 plus postage charges. ters. P.O. Box 1229, MoWrite to The recommended contract NEW YORK : 51 Beaver St. Any organization wishing to Strategy meetings, picket brief­ contained the wages and condi­ Joe Algina, Agent HAnover 2-2784 bile, Ala. NORFOLK ." 127-129 Bank St. tions acceptable to the CSU buy the film should write the ings and other activities includ­ Ben Rees, Agent Phone 4-1083 RUDOLPH R. PASCHAL. membership, but CSU leaders Seafarers International Union, ing the SIU stewpot are de­ PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St. concealed this fact by falsely an­ Atlantic & Gulf District, AFL, picted. Get in touch with your local J. SKhehan, Agent Market 7-1635 nouncing that it called for a 25 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, SAN FRANCISCO 85 Third St. draft board and your father. It High point of the film is the Frenchy Michelet, Agent Douglas 2-5475 'percent wage cut and loss of N. Y. sequence showing the severe is urgent. SAN JUAN, P.R. 252 Ponce de Leon The picture consists of actual clubbing being meted out by the hiring hall. ^ ^ L. Craddock, Agent San Juan 2-5996 scenes photographed during the CLIFFORD NEWTON SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St. Rejection of the Conciliation strike in which 1,100 employees New York policemen to Sea­ Jim Drawdy, Agent Phone 3-1728 workers, Board's proposals indicated that of the New York Stock and farers and financial Get in touch with V. L. Lyon, TACOMA 1519 Pacific St. who lay down before the main CSU leaders were working for Broadway 0484 Four Leaf Clover Realty, 501 Curb Exchanges tied up the door of the Stocky Exchange on the communist objectives and TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. E. Walnut St., Pasadena, Calif., world's top security markets for the membership's 32 days, and were joined on the the second morning. This was Ray White, Agent Phone M-1323 or write to P.O. Box 317, Pasa­ disregarding WILMINGTON, Calif., 227y2 Avalon Blvd. described by those who saw it wishes. picketlines by hundreds of white£. B. Tilley, Agent Terminal 4-2874 dena, Calif. Phone SYcamore 2It was at this point that the caped Seafarers. The film was as one of the most savage dis­ HEADQUARTERS. . 51 Beaver St., N.Y.C. 8288 and reverse charges. SECRETARY-TREASURER SIU, which had many friends produced by the SIU, A&G Dis­ plays of policy brutality in labor Paul Hall history. and sympathizers among CSU trict. DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION rank and file, signed the agree­ Lindsey Williams ments and declared itself ready ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURER Robert Matthews J. P. Shuler and willing to man the ships. Joseph Volpian Only then did the CSU leader­ The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea­ ship call the "strike." They dis­ SUP By BEN LAWSON farers International Union is available to all members who wish covered, however, ^that their to have it seint to their home free of charge for the enjoyment ot HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. BOSTON—Beantown is com­ members, anxious to get out . Phone 5-8777 their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to havB PORTLAND...... Ill W. Burnside St. ing into its own on the ship­ from under communist domina­ the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every Beacon 4336 ping front, and all hands are tion, were joining the SlU by SIU branch for this purpose. RICHMOND, Calif. 257 5th St. looking forward to some wel­ the hundreds and sailing the However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU Phone 2599 come activity within the next ships under SIU contract. SAN FRANCISCO 59 Clay St. hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG, few weeks. Douglas 2-8363 SEE DEFEAT which you can fill out; detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. The calls for jobs during the Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. Main 0290 past week exceeded the number CSU leaders, sensing disaster, WILMINGTON ...440 Avalon Blvd. of men on tap, and we" had to desperately sought to maintain PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION Terminal 4-3131 call New York for 15 men. their grip by inducing CSU men ^ And it looks- good for next in foreign ports, to strike, telling To the Editor: Canadian District them they faced pay cuts of 40 month, too. We have the Yar­ I would like the SEAFARERS LCXJ mailed to the. MONTREAL 404 Le Moyne St. Marquette 5909 mouth coming in to take a full dollars a month and other out­ address below: HALIFAX 128 Ms Hollls St. crew on June 6, prior to begin­ rageous lies. On the Canadian Phone 3-8911 ning her "overnight runs between front, however, the ships were FORT ARTHUR 63 Cumberland St. Boston and Yarmouth, Nova sailing. Phone North 1229 Scotia. PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St. It was then that the CSU All the • other summer excur­ communist leaders began their Street Address Phone: 6591 TORONTO lllA Jarvis St. sion boats will begin crewing Elgin 5719 up on June 1. They'll be taking open campaign to draw British Zone State waterfront workers into their City VICTORIA, B.C 602 Boughton St. full crews. Empire 4531 fight to maintain hold over Can­ Anyone who is looking for- a adian seamen. Signed VANCOUVER 565 Hamilton St. Pacific 7824 ship in the next month will SIU representative Henderson have a pretty good chance of Book No. HEADQUARTERS 512 McGilt St. knocked the props from undeV getting one, if he comes up to Montreal Plateau 670 the communists with a straightthe port pf Boston. Wall St Strike Film Available To SIU Crews And Trade Ikloas SIU HRLLS Boston Shipping Goes To Town Notice To All SIU Members �Pags Twelvs THE -S E A F A R E n S LOG Fziday. May 30. 1949 British Unionists Get Straight To Their Questions On Canadian Situation In reply to the questions which have been ad­ dressed to me, regarding the so-called "strike" of members of the Canadian Seamen's Union in British ports and elsewherq, I should like to bring the following facts to your attention: First, you ask whether wages and working conditions on the Canadian ships in question are protected by a legal contract and, if so, whether this contract is up to the standard of wages and working conditions that previously prevailed. The answer is emphatically, "Yesl" The Sea­ farers International Union of North America, Canadian District, has bona Ade legal contracts for the same wages and working conditions that prevailed under the former CSU contracts with the following Canadian steamship companies: HAVE SIU CONTRACTS Acadia Overseas Freighters Ltd.; Argonaut Navigation Co. Ltd.; Atlantic Shipping Agencies Ltd.; Bristol City Line (Canada) Ltd.; Canadian National (West Indies) Ltd.; Pickford and Black Ltd.; Saguenay Terminals Ltd.; Triton Steamship Ltd., and others. Second, as to whether or not the trade union movement in Canada is supporting the SIU in Canadian portsv where the SIU are manning and sailing these ships. The Seafarers' International Union of North America, Canadian District, has the support of the American and Canadian trade union move­ ment. ' Specifically, if is being supported in Canada by the International Longshoremen's Association— the dockers in practically every instance are working the ships in all Canadian ports—Rail­ way Workers of Canada, the Licensed Officers' Unions, and many others. Third, as to whether members of the CSU are actually being thrown out of their jobs, 'as a ^result of these ships being contracted by the ^Seafarers International Union of North America, Canadian District. The answer is emphatically, "No!" Insofar as" SlU-contracted ships which return to Canadian ports still have CSU members aboard, these men are offered membership in the SIU. Four or five former CSU crews have'in this .way changed over almost 100 percent to the SIU upon arrival and continued on their jobs, thank•ful to regain membership in a genuinely demo•cratic trade union that has the support of the rest of the trade union movement in America and Canada.^ In all, over 1,200 former CSU men have joined the SIU in the past few weeks. One of the crews to change over en masse was that of SS Lady Nelson, a large passenger ship operated by the Canadian National SS Company, Ltd. REJOINED After all, in doing this, they are merely re­ joining the parent SIU Union. As it now stands, well over one-half of the ships operated by these companies have already returned to Canadian ports, have been" dis­ charged and loaded by Canadian dockers, and are now 'manned by SIU, Canadian District, crews. Fourth, you ask about the relations of the Canadian Seamen's Union and the Seafarers International Union in the past: The CSU was affiliated with the SIU until 1944. 'At that time the power-hungry leaders of the CSU refused to accept the majority-rul­ ings of the International on the issue of com- • munism and were dropped froni the SIU. They With the phony "strike" of the conixnunist-dominafed CSU nearing collapse on -the Canadian waterfront, the communists have been , concentrating on winding sup; port from British maritime workers. They have spread falsehoods and distortions in calling upon the British dockers not to„ handle Canadian ships. Although the Trans­ port and General Workers Union refused to support the CSU, the communists had been pouring propaganda into the British water­ fronts entirely unopposed until the arrival ii]i Lopdon recently of the SIU representative, W. D. Henderson. He has exposed the strategy to employ British waterfront workers to regain communist control of Canadian shipping. The following statement on SIU position and the issues involved in the Canadian situation was written to answer the question put to the Seafarers by British unionists. There is one point I want to make clear at once—there is no strike. It is not recognized as such by the waterfront trade unions of Canada, who are actively supporting the SIU Canadian District". ( However, the leaders of the CSU, knowing themselves to be thoroughly discredited in the eyes of the majority of their own membership and of the rest of the trade union movement of Canadian seamen. It was a desperate effort to maintain their own prestige and control. So they declared a strike on these ships,' a strike for which they gave two different reasons: on the one hand, they said they were opposing a 20 percent wage reduction (which has been averted by the SIU), on the other hand that they were fighting for a 15 percent wage increase. This so-called strike was declared without re­ gard for the legitimate economic interests of the Canadian seamen. It was a resperate effort to maintain personal leadership and power; IGNORED MEMBERSHIP never even informed their own CSU members of the issue involved. Fifth, you ask the circumstances under which the parent organization—the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union of North America, Canadian District —signed contracts with steamship operators who had previously had contracts with the CSU: The conditions of Canadian seamen were in great danger, owing to the failure of the CSU leaders to sign contracts with their former oper­ ators. after long negotiations. A Conciliation Board was set up, including one member appointed by the CSU, and this Board issued a unanimous award. POLITICAL SCHEME Not for industrial, but for political reasons the CSU leaders withheld the contents.of the award from the membership; they wanted a strike for the strike's sake, and expected misinformed mem­ bers abroad to follow the strike call. Under these circumstances, the maintenance of their wages and working conditions was threat­ ened. Therefore, in the interest of all Canadian sea­ men as well as of the CSU membership (who, you must remember, were affiliated with the SJU until 1944), and in the interest of the entire trade union movement of Canada (and with the support of the trade unions of Canada) the SIU Canadian District, Which is of course a much ihore powerful organization than the discredited CSU, signed contracts with these'operators at the prevailing wages and conditions. TAis action provided ffor the protection of the conditions of all Canadian seamen. The officials of the CSU then approached the SIU Canadian District for re-affiliation, in order to preserve their" own power and jobs as officials. This was fiatly refused by the SIU; since the CSU leaders had proven themselves incompetent. However, the SIU offered—and still offers—SIU membership to CSU members who, by and large are very anxious to regain the protection of the SIU and the trade union movement of Canada. Following the rejection of their plea for reaffiliation, the CSU leadership then approached the operators with a request to renew their former contracts at reduced wages. But the operators were by then already legally under contract with the SIU Canadian District. Sixth, you ask why the CSU officials claim that there is a strike: I Without regard for the hardships this would impose on their membership in foreign ports, and knowing that most of these crews would rejoin the SIU if they returned to Canada and found out the true conditions, they wired the crews of these former CSU ships in foreign ports to strike the ships there. Now, here is whei® the British dockers come in. These desperate CSU labor leaders, who had lost the support of the entire trade union move­ ment, as well as control of their membership at home in Canada, gambled that the plight of shipS crews on "strike" in British ports would arouse the sympathy of the very strong- trade union movement in Britain and elsewhere. I am certain that you and your members will not be misled by this subterfuge now that the facts are before you. ' There need be no Canadian seamen out of wprk here, except by their own choice. ' And no question of wages or working condi­ tions, or other legitimate trade union considera­ tion, is involved. The SIU Canadian District directs all the crews of "struck" ships to go back aboard their ships and honor the legal contracts which protect their wages and conditions on tlmse ships. CSU MEN WELCOME The SIU Canadian District assures these men, who have been misled by false and discredited CSU leaders, th^t after they have brought their ships back to Canada they will have the oppor­ tunity of rejoining the parent union, the Sea­ farers International Union of North America, Canadian District, and of joining forces once more' with the most powerful and progressive trade union movement in the waterfronts of North America. V The International Transport Workers' Federa­ tion investigated this situation on April 25, and refused to support this unjustified strike in other countries, when it was not recognized by the trade union movement on the waterfronts of Canada. ! The SIU wishes to thank the individual dock­ ers of Britain who, by th^ir ready sympathy for w)iat appeared to them, to be trade union issues, have again shown their own high union quality and standards. But I know that as trade union men they will support the trade union movement in Can­ ada, and thus assist the Seafarers International Union in fulfilling these contracts providing for top Canadian wages and conditions on the ships,' '•'.••"•I � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 20, 1949 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XI, No. 18 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: SEAFARERS THWARTS COMMIE ATTEMPT TO SNARE SUPPORT OF BRITISH DOCKERS FOR CSU STRIKE MAW GIVEN CHARTER BY INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN COMMIES MISUING ALF, SIU TELLS AFL EXECUTIVE BOARD THE GREATEST ENEMY A NEW DISTRICT CREW STRANDED IN BA GETS BACK PAY AWARD NOT MUCH CHANGE IN ECA SHIPPING PORT TACOMA BUSY WITH PAYOFFS, VISITS TO SIU CANADIAN SHIPS PORT SAVANNAH KEEPS MOVING AT A SLOW PACE MOBILE SHIPPING COMPLETES CYCLE: UP - THEN DOWN ISTHMIAN SHIFT TO WILMINGTON COOLS FRISCO SHIPPING IN NEW YORK CUTS IN ON BEACH BACKLOG IT'S NOT HIS FAULT ILG ORGANIZER MURDERED BY OPEN-SHOP GANGSTERS TILGHMAN IN SINGAPORE FOR REPAIRS AFTER COLLISION WITH BRITISH SHIP STEEL AGERS GET FAIR SHAKE AT KIRBY'S MANILA BISTRO WRITES FOR RACING MONTHLY MINUTES OF A&G BRANCH MEETINGS IN BRIEF SHIPPING IS SLOW IN WILMINGTON WALL ST. STRIKE FILMS AVAILABLE TO SIU CREWS AND TRADE UNIONS BOSTON SHIPPING GOES TO TOWN BRITISH UNIONISTS GET STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS ON CANADIAN SITUATION Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/20/1949 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1949 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/34494eb2abed090cb4cc75800a4a3d6a.pdf eb0d06e68099b2f49989de9c2dbdaaa3 PDF Text Text Approved IBU.ABBBS.;·~·. LOG I.. I ;' Story On Page I 6020 M;J Ci>Ff'l~l.AL ORGAN 01' THE SEAFARER.I l'NTl:RNATION AL UNION • ATLANTIC, GU_LF, l:_AKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO ' ". Cr,ws Refuse To .Sail Liberian-Flag Ships j - Italian crewrn:elJlbers of Libei:ian-flag SS Nassau demonstrate for the International Maritime Workers Union after they walked off the cruise- ship. i:t;i. sup-port of an IMWU picket line: IMWU, which was. set· up by SIU and NMU to :organize' . runaway-ship crewmembers, 'has pledges from majority of Nassau crew ~ and '. ~rew of sister ·ship Victoria. , . Both vessels were hung up when crew . ,refused to· sail them, demanding a union contract. ·The crews are holding firm despite a court order removing the picket line. IMWU . ~s demanding raises, OT pay and recognition. (See story o'n 'page 3.) · · �'RafifJNeWCcJDstitdOn·· By go·~~ercent ·Majority . Adopted by an overwhelming majority, better than 90. percent of. all the.. votes cast, the revisecl constitution of the SIU A&G l)istrict went .into effec.t on Thursday, 'May 12. The., new -document t ook effect Collowing app1:oval in~all 'SW ports ·of 1he· tallying committee's 1'.•". · ·port on the results of the re- ' ..... · blanks .out of a total of f,573 balLakes and Iniand Waters District. · . . f erendum. . · lots cast. The Change In name was ma_de · A . two-thirds vote · was re- By voting to amend the cona necessary by the ·fl'~~ that SIU-. quired to p~ss the eonsHtu:- stltution, the SIU ·membership .al-·. manned· ctee1>:-se~ .s~ps are par·i · t b t th· tered the jurisdiction of the Dis- tfcipating In the Lakes trade . and d rnna 1 amen men s, u · Is trict to include the Lakes and In- seeking to establish subsidy operarequirement was far sur- land Waters, as well as formi lly- tions out of the Lakes. Organizing passed. During the 130-day vote, mcorpor~ting the various harbOr activity also prompted the change. from March 31 to April 29, - 4,1•78 votes were cast .in favor of the amendment and only 322 agains~. There were .also 68 voids and five crafts and other divisions which In addition, the change ijl ·the the~ Union has organized In recent constitution Incorporates the. new Members 'Of the .crew_of the City of-Alma pose with. ·a life ring' years. The new name of the district executive set-up in ti.le. Union noting that 'the vessel had. compfeted 571 da·~ w.itho.ut a ,lost time . is now the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, which provides for an executive ·hac( fthe•·best recofd irdheWaterma" fleet..,. ,• accident, .T•he crew board of officers to meet regularly , • • • and Clirect union affairs. The .m emhers of the board are given. specific · regional responsibil~ties and. authority. and.' present job titles are One of the major changes in' the SIU constitution is the changed.· new schedule of membership meetings. They will now be Passage of. the Landrum-Griffin held monthly in the deep sea ports pt New Y:ork, ~hiladel­ .Act ·required .modifying the con:. . phia, Baltimore, Houston, New Orleans and Mob1l_e. The stitutfon as to qualifications .for I . elected office, condition of .union port of Detroit _has·been added to the m~!1thly schedule. mem'benbip and similar JPatters. The hew executive . board set-up of th! Union, -which has All meetings will be· held at 2:~0 PM, !peal time, for each of the Amenoments In the new constitu~ been .functioning since November, 1959, under administrative seven ports concerned. a~apted the 'SIU .doc~ment ~ "reorganization has been formally-incorpor~ted ·into the conThe meeting schedule calls for New York mee.tings on the first tiQn conform with all the provisions of it t• . It ' t · ·· b · · · . :. Monday of each month, following the first Sunday; Philadelphia, the the new F.ederal law. · 8 ~ u. ~~n. . . ~e s -up ne~ ~o these divisions. first Tuesday; Baltimore, the first Wednesday, and Detroit, the first • • • The constitution also provides titles of president, executive ~~~ . .. . for · ·a·· monthly membership ~eet- vice-president, vice-president .Qualifications for election call ·Houston, New Orleans and Mobile will meet in the week follow- ing system with meetings to be in charge of contracts ~d contr~ct · for three years~ full membership ing the above m.eetings, Houston on Monday; New Orleans on held ·on different nights the ftrst enforcement, three ·regional vice- in the Union· three years' seatime Tuesday and Mobile on Wednesday. week of the month in majo SIU presidents <Atlantic; · Gulf; Lakes or its equiva.i~nt time in shoresid~ . Since the first Sunday in June· isi June· 5, the port of New York ports_. Staggering of the meeting imd Island Waters) and a secre- employll)ent for . the Union; four . will meet June 6; Philadelphia, June 7; Baltimore, Jµne 8; Detroit, nights enables t~e mell)bershlp to WY-tr,asurer. . .· montbs of this seatUne or equiv~· . June 10. Houston will meet Monday,· June 13; New Orleans, June act on resolutions reports an d The constitutio_n .Provides (or in- lent time to be fti the calendar y_eal:" 14 and Mobile, June 15. · other ,matters in that month s terim officers to fill the!!e fui;ic- in which the ·election is held. and Special meetings at a, port may be called at the direction of the meeting,. . wtth~ut having to ~old 'tions until the Union elections tMs compilance with national ia~ as to efigibility for Union office.. <For port agent or area . vice-president, between the hours of 9 AM and over· ~atter1 from one meeting to fall The , Interim officers are: 5 PM. A two-hour posted notice of such special meetings is.required. the next as was the case In the President .. . ......... : . Paul Hall exam.pie, the LandrUm·Griffin law · . specifies that no ·one can hold · previous meeting system. Executive Vice~esldent L ____________;__ _ ____,_ _ _ _ _-:---------'+---r:.-:~~0-:---------Cal Tanner union office who has been conVice-President . In Charge of victed of a felony in the five years Conti-acts and Contract Enpreceeding their term of ·.offtce.)' , .. for.cement .... PJaude Simmons SIU elections will be for four-year terms. • • • ., Vlce·Pie$ident ln Charge of .,~ the ·Atlantic LCoast Sh · d Meetings wHl. b~ h'eld on a ~ . u re New Meeting p roce d ~ SIU ConstitlltiOn - .- highlights 1 . A. • . . , Vows .., ' .#afl-OIJ ,· S. fa.te D.e p'·_ · 1 c.1 • p t · f · · · Bl d E U I S . ; .. n . s a c .Is . r 0 e S· > ~ ~::ge _e;par ~:n;~~y ~~::a~~l~~~=~ p:~~~~m~:: Vlci!-Presldent . · · . h the Gulf Coast .. Lindsey Williams Houst N Orleans Mobi·1e and . 4cting at the request of AFL-CIO Pres1?ent G~orge Meany, and f~llovymg an emp a ..- Vice-President In, Charge of Detro~~· ew · ' tic statement by the State Department pledgmg action at last on the blacklist ~roblem, tjie the Lakes and Inland Waters SIU withdrew its picketline from the SS ·c1eopatra in the port1>f New York, endmg a 24-day . Al Tanner tie-up of the vessel. The pick ~ Secretary-Treasurer <vacancy to be etline was removed on Friday ances made today, we will have no time unions. and t he SIU on de- filled by: president as per. con".' evening; May 6, at 5 PM. other recourse but to resort to velopmentS in this area, to fully- , itltutionf · ' At the same time, Seafarers and - members of other MTD affiliates in Canada removed their picket' line from the Egyptian-flag Star ·of Assuan in Quebec. The withdr~wal of the picketline ended, for the time being, the Union's protest a~ainst the practice e>f J\...rab League Il!ltions of black· JI g bl-- -··hi"h 11 s~~in g American· a s 11::; . w .: • have ever touched_ at an Israeli The.Se ships have been t por · . Governblocked from carrying us SIU Opt1•ca,1.: Bene·fI•1 ,:iWO . V . . .. - 'Old Aa· . picketing.,, . The Department's long string of assurances !printe~ on page 5) was a notable departure from- pr~vious statements in which it had criticized the Union's action as a political iiianeuver as well as issuing pious platitudes that the US does-not condone the boycott. The Department conceded the Union had a justified beef by ad~ mitting, as the Union had charg.ed,' American seamen had been mistreated in Arab port~ and that American ships had been placed on a blacklist. It agreed to consuit with the AFL-CIO, other marl- -investigate the SIU's . complaints • • • ::!~: r:;~~ 1!:a~~.or~ to ·as~"""e . ' The'. constltution m;kes provisioq ' for the functioDing-of ..various su·b· · ' The State Depai:tment st4tement sidiary lijvi~io_ns auch as tug and · · ' was worked out in .consultation harbor work~rs, the Puerto Rican with AFL-CIO headquarters w,bich Division; marine -allied workers ., r~ undertook to negotiate the Issue ~d· the like: It specifies the basic ." ~ - ·. . _ _ after' hearlIJg a fuJl· report on the provistoh~ · tb'at have to be lilcorThe s~ond anrliV'er~m-Y of the matter from SIUNA President porated In the · coris\itutiona of Seafarer International Union's Opo Paul Hall. Following that report, · · ·· tical Benefit .Plsin is approaching, the AFL.CIO Executive Council a·· and" in- the tw.;' years of Jts• e'xwent on i:ecord as strongly-support· ., ·. istencethe ,program .has e.nabled ing the SIU's picketline .at!'tio11. . . ;,. . '·. . -., . . more than Seafarers to. have · 3 500 ment farm surplus cargoes to Arab . Witbd.r~wal of .the picket~ine was ··.,~d · ~ tlteir eyes exa~ined· and o~tain countries, gifts of th.e us Govern· followed by withorawal of an_Arab . eyeglasses. ., . , · ment to the riations Involved, and League counter-boycott of ' · · an : . . . ·~ ~ ·. ,It ~' Tpe plan w~n~ · !nt'o effe,ct .~n fr~m participatinJ' in the P.ersian American-flag shipping, J.n effect, , ~ .; , :, • ·. -: ~ . _ ·· .. '· June 1,· 1958, sta.ttlng in the New Guif oil trade. the Arab states ·had e~tend~d to ·all · ~~~'.J'~E--:'S}Jlppi~g "in ·..$~~~tle. York area, and 1'. nefits bave ·· In withdrawing the line, the SIU SEAFARERS LOC American-flag .~eSs~lli the blacklist has b.e~n: -rwwne, pr.etty...w~ll .~yr- been spread now· .nine different· declared in a telegram to Meany . · · prjlctices: " ~~~~ i}ad,, prey.iously- lng,,t~,~ :f.a•t. ~i:fod, apjHhe fut~~ PQrts ~ittiin" the:"sip! · -. that it was acting. "in. d~ference May 20, 1960 ~qi. XXll, No. ·11 lirp~t~d :to,.-those s~i"~ ~~\v,Iµ~h ~ ~~d~ .1o;o~s·: \>right~· also. Th~ 1!->~gges~ Seafarers -with ,90· 'days · of seato your suggestio~, as l?resident of . • .· . , ever;~llded ,ln .ls~~el.. ,At tht: ·.~t:/ 'J?rotil~~ }iQwt. l• ·- •ettlJJg ;;- ~en . ~q time in any calenc,lar year, and·'at th e AFL·CIO. and. in 'llght of our the picke~ing. ~nded,;l,~ ~~a.!1-;t~~~r\- .tak'.. ~·" lob~ t~at ·Come ~,up. ,,na . least ·.on·e day of 's eatime in the she traditional., suppo.rt oL., AFL·CIO. . , . , ':d the.. ~~J:> por~s ~er~·. gpffig .,to -ftlclt ~ ~ih !.the, V~3e1,.., one~ ,;~~Y' ·montlls ~l'ior. •to the proposed ex• polic~." .\. · PAm. HALL, SeCTetaTJ1-TTea1Urff' . re(~)~, .· se~iCeS-" ,t~·.;_: ·n!~~~~~f!-~ :~P::~n, ,~, ·:· .' '·~ ,_r;_ . .;..· --~ _,. '· . · ~m!nat,ion are ellgiJ>le -~~r 1 ·i\g. ben.o In ~ s~parate st.~~ment S~UNA lhRBERT BRAND, Editor. BEBHARD Sr.&· ships: owned ~Y ~me~~~n~~~8'' ~e~- {· During the ~~ast. -~JJ~cl~ the·\·f9l~ efits. ': ·- . ,. , -... ·... Presi~e~t ~~ul Hall n~!~,d: As a MAN, Art EditO?"· . Haifux Ana~•· ~ ·Js !>'li~ved:.JJ:nlt ·: _A.ra~~ fl~~ :t~ Io~ng shil>ll ·.pa;f4: off: -:Ptodue~r . · Tit~ ~en can obta•n , new. ex• -resuU of· State Department ~ssur- AL. MABxnr, · AlrrBUR :BJCRGZR, CJ7AllLDI pic:\tet.. t~~~~'>B1alps;~-~:~~~ ~ia~,e~~ -JM~~4!>~: ~~e~~ .A:P.ptenti~~· St~~I ;imjnattons a:nd .new· glas._i:es evei;y ·an~es . given . AfL-CIO Pr~sident . ::.u=:a.G:iJ'T,S:['lta~.e~~:;;:· bY, ·ps~ ~l ,.,cp~~a~~~" 'f!.e,.r~ "!1t. f~e;: ~~~~<fl!t!i~ia'ni);;i-~.P~!ln ~lie~ (~ar~· t wo .years; :pr9viding t~ey. main- . ..M~llf:lY, it appeai:~ .. that. for t!:t,e . . • , ein: ... · . to~/.:~- t.he:· S~~·. ·~~~tP~ ~:~~~7 Oy!.~aJJ}t · ~nd ,. Jd~~e~ "lW'.a~,r- tain their .~llglbil~t1. · :•., ·· first time .· the State Del)artment Publlslied blwffkly •t "'• h••dqu•rt•n den,r.j:lecl slon Jf;:. m!'t •,th';,..t:J'jilon r-m'iim·~Y:..·<.,; • • ··;.," ·' ..,;; < · ·;,.i ·• ·, ,f. ~ . Seafarers who t"ook· advantage .of . ' · ·· . of the Sufarers lntern•tlon•hUnlon. At•. h •Jt' " " t· :J; ··l;;t•,>-c!~,, ilf '. ·r· ;· t 'f' ?;. , _,,,::,Ji; ' ... .t<" " " ' ·~ ... 11. , .••F" ~~i.· -· ' ' · h~~ expre~s~d)ts IJil! en! tQ. f?£?:,;UP lanttc Gulf, L.k... and 1n1mnd waters · . ~,,,"':.!~.¥:r ,~,.~r::~~~!~"' ·?:."f:,.:;>:-..:i·:rJ r: ~-·.:~llpW~IJ,,..S~J.>~ :·a~~~~:""·~~;·. tHe- ..~la~ ln ) ts lnc~pti_on ~are 'a d,.,t~·lhese ~ro~le~s"&lid tate pcs1~1ve., :~::'~~ ~~.L·2t:.· -1:.~. ~;~~th T)irpraC-ttcaJ:~ee~.:g, . -tbtl''1\~a1>; P~ducer' ,(i\fal'.\lle)r~te,el · ~ppreJt- vi.Sed to ,-make . 'a n.rai)pointm~n~ to,. .actjon~' .. ' .., · , . ·· ~ flc· co,·nc1,ct.•81i PGllt•I• paid at the Post. count~r-;boycott " ~as ,. to ...eest .Ai\»J> . .tice (lathiJllan);:,·and 0eean"·.4Jjce have 'their ·eyeS - Te.,;examlned~ -1: 88. · . · : • -, . • · • - » • ., .- Off ce n roo~vn, NY upder the Act · · - ~ . '1. · r· ' t · , , • • ',. • 1, dJ · , · ~- tht inf.I · · ::!Jo~~ve.r•.·~ h~"f~f!4• ''.~ '-~~I~. o1 ~u,."·~~.;ui,~; · · :. ' ~. . ~ 1 ;,~. .. gov~r,pme~~ c~p~iJl_~r.a'i~e.~µ~l~for. ~~lq"{ .O~~r.8'a•>··i:' '"·II.; t, ·-:··i ·. ,~ i ~.:: .a,~ u.st~~l}~1--":'6::-.- .. IAJ, ..P~e~ ~ops . th~ '~P,ar.tnieJit !~1. to giy~,,P!~~~:'" . .> · i-.:,.\ _4~ • 1~ ., · _ ·:,; · ·, ,~an~shipm~n~. o~ ·C~g~e~ ofJ.1,~~ ~, ~il:~-tr ...ajl~ft ..~~flf:r.\"~r~",....~e~r~ ··ar~ ~ :us~~ . ~·?e~ll.?' ~~ef.,¥.. ~~'\Y.C>.;.. · eal d mplementabon to -~e as~; · ·-' . .· ~ .. ' r ' (Contbltled O_Jl 1J)age, 5') ::'-'7' '-: ·~e,~~~ :.a nd _Porw,11r ieaipi~~· .- .)'~~~·. J/' ,.-:: --..., . . , ~ ,,: I se.·a-· 1e· B'Oasts. ' ·c·OO ·; :,Sh· ,, ;.: ·•· · ·. . .IPPIRfl 1 1 -.<" 1 Am=: . _., .. ~· . 0 7 . . , -~.., f'. I ' ~, J ' ..... t ..,... - �- Eight Qn-R-u naways Ties Up Two Ships lnNewYorkHarbor • • I Giving staunch support to the International Maritime Workers Union, crew4 members of two runaway-flag passenger ships, the Victoria and the Nassau, have refused to sail the ships until they win .union representation and a contract. ~ • ...result; the owner s have arrival, Friday morning. The NasBoth the·Nassau and the Victoria been forced tO cancel the sau was sched~led to turn around fly the Liberian flag, as do numsailings of the ships, which and sail the same day, and actually erous other cruise ships operating are · on the New York to Bahamas run. The cancellation came Passengers sit on deck of SS Nassau waiting for vesselito sail. But crew refused to work ,ship in demand for contract and sailing was after the owners, ·1ncres Line, had failed to recognize_ the IMWU as collective bargain- took passengers aboard, but then, had to tell them to leave the ship when it became apparent that the crew was reiusing to break ranks and sail the ship. The Victoria came In Sunday afternoon, May 15 and had to discharge its--passengers by tugboat as the Nassau was occupying its docking berth at pier 42. It too took passengers on via launch for a Tuesday sailing but was forced to cancel out when the crew would not put up steam in US trade both out of New York and Miami. The IMWU's right to represent the crews of runaway vessels rest• in part upon the precedent set by the National Labor Relation1 Board. The NLRB ordered a collective bargaining. election on the Liberian-flag SS Florida, which was subsequently won by the SIU. In its decision, the Board held that American unions have the right t«t organize crews of runaway vessel1 in American foreign commerce. ing representative for the crews. The IMWU promptly slapped a cancelled. picket line on the Nassau, on Fri-------..;....-~~----------------~day, May· 13, and the crew gave full support to the action. The Vict oria came in on Sunday and she too was -tied up. Picket. Called _Qft Subsequently, the pickets were called.off via a restraining grder issued by Justice Henry Clay Greenberg of the State Supreme Court, WASHINGTON--The Interstate Commerce Commission but the ships were unable to sail . · gave Seatrain Lines a reprieve on its SavaMah port service, thanks to the staunch support of the IMWU by the crews. The issue · Bet1er beefsteaks for Seafarers is now -the word aboard but little more,.in a decision it handed down on the company's is now in the courts for settlement. many more SIU-contracted vessels as several additional shipargument that a stop be put to r a i 1r o ad rate-juggling trains Savannah and New ·York · The action ··parallels a program ping companies have agreed to upgrade the quality of steak aimed at destroying ship com- were idle. The Savannah was later of pr?test picketing of _PanLibHo,n used aboard ship. Such major .. reactivated on the pleas of Georgia shlppmg elsewhere i~ the nation s petition. port authorities. . ports. Last week runaway-flag ves- operators as Mississippi ShipAs a result of the decision, govThe time involved in reversing sels we.re picketed in protest dem- ping, Calmar and Ore Line erning paper products, Seatrain is . . .continuing its service into Savan- the railroad action h-as been costly onstrat1ons in several Great Lakes have now joined Seatrain, Isth- - . po~ts. mian, Bull and Sea-Land in agreenah, but may have to discontinue to the company. However, the company was enSien Pledce Cards tt if it cannot get bettet• treatment Ing to rep1ace " commerci al"" g ra de,, A vast majority of the 285-man steaks with steaks graded good. from the Commission than it has couraged by the ICC's action in ordering reduction of the shortcrew of the Nassau, which.had be'e n The grading ls done by the US been receiving on rates governing haul rate on the spe.ciftc product. recruited in Italy, had previously Department of Agriculture and other types of cargo. The ICC ordered the railroads It hopes to use the ruling as a signed IMWU pledge cards. Shan- provides a basis for judging the precedent to secure reduction- of non Wall, who ls executive direc- quality of the meat. to reduce their short-haul rate on In addition to the above-menpulpboard sent to Savannah for such short-haul charges on other tor of the IMWU, had- meetings commodities so as to continue in · with the owners in an effort to obtioned companies, other ship opLongshorell\en this week struck shipment via _Seatratn. However, business ·out of the Savannah area. tain an interim agreement which erators who have agreed to the the ports of Chicago, Milwaukee, the ICC refused to order the railThe railroads and the ICC have would provide union recognition, f th SIU F 0 od Pl are Cleveland and Toledo as effort• 1 0 roads to work with Seatraln in been the target of considerable an interim wage increase -0f some proposa e an Bloomfield, Valentine, Overseas to negotiate a new agreement establishing joint rail-w..ater rates that would be competitive with the criticism from coastwlse and inter- 20 percent and overtime pay. Pres- Navigation, Mar 1n e Carriers, failed just as other contracts in all-rail through rate b e t w i e D coastal• carriers, as well ·as from ant wages are in th, vicinity of $60 Clover Carriers, Oceanic Petro- effect had expiren. Amid port of l T p t l um and Chicago negotiations this week, Savannah and New York. It also· the SIU and other maritime a month. When the operators failed to ;:~~ sf::!~~:nLln~:.o e longshoremen continued to picket refused to lnstruet the railroads to unions, . for : collusive . action . on rate-making desitned to destroy show, as . promised, with_ an offer The first companies to agree to the piers where they work. The rerluce short haul rates on other shippin1 competition and seamen's by Wednesday, May 11, the IMWU , use of the better-grade beef were picketlines were called for whell commodities. plcketline ~it the Nassau upon her Seatrain and Isthmian Line, with the ILA and management failed The problem arose last fall when jobs. Bull and Sea-Land next in line. to agree on new wage agreements the railroads cut the all •rail . being sought by the longshoremen · through rate, while m~..intaiping an The upgrading of shipboard and stevedores. artlftcially-hlgi,_ rate on that part steaks ls a direct by-product of · the SIU Food Plan's success in deMeanwhile in the port of Mil· of the cargo which had to · be veloping more efficient systems of .waukee, longshoremen are t?onhauled into Savannah to 'go via shipboard food preparation and tinuing their picketing pendinC Seatrain. Seatrain suspended its service. The Food Plan, by stress- the outcome of a membership por t ser-vice for a while and laid Ing "to order" preparation of !ood meeting screduled for this week. up . two of its . ships. Elsewhere on the Lakes, CleveThe Commission's majority reand individual servings instead of land will have 8 negotiating meetport conduded that the railroad's famflyastyle feeding has cut down fng starting today and the ports (Savannah & . Atlantic) charge shipboard food waste with conse~ of Rochester, Buffalo and Erie against traffic moving in Seatrain's · quent savings to the operators. started meeting in Buffalo yesterservice is discriminatory, and that The "to order" feeding system also day. Toledo has not scheduled failure . to . est.a blish proportional- · results Jn fresher, tastier food negotiations. rates .o n . pulpboard from ··St. - ·serv:ed in a more appetizing manA $2.75 hourly pay scale for it$ Mary's, Georgia, · to·· Savannah and ner. members is being sought by the thence ftom Edgewater, New As a ·result of these improve- ILA. To date they have been ofJersey, to its final destination, is ments, Seafarers on ships of the fered $2.55 instead. Dockworkers unjust, un.r easonable and discrimiabove-listed companies now have in the port of Chicago are curnatory. the additional benefit of better- rentlty earning $2.33 _an. hour. quality beef. Eventually, the Food · It was introduced into the record Another aim of the ILA is t«t Plan hope11 to extend this new negotiate a master contract coverthat .the J I:!ilroad had cut its allrall·' rates· fr.o m the St. M!lry's, benefit to ~very SIU-contracted ing all Great Lakes ports where ship. Georgia, area to 1'lew York and its 10.000 members are employed. New Jersey, as a means of openly· Separate agreements were in ef' competing With .the combined rall, fect tor each · port prior to their ··Type water-.r.ail. routes utili~ed by shipexpiration last -week. Present wage · p~~s ·and Seatrain. ·. To tighten _the · scales on the Lakes for ILA work· . When Possible , 11irth, · tlie railroad ~hen J,"al.S~ the ers range from $1.78 to $2.55. . Jn order to •ssure ' accurate .. ~ ~ 1hort~haul rates; on paper ·PrQd~ctl ' · · Canadian longshoremen through :clt1esta of ·llilpbOard meetings · ·"from st. · Ma:r1'• .-to'· the ·· port 01 · . . • " ·. · . . . . .. .. • their r espective locals have atated in th• LOG, it 1a desirable that Savannah". · PickM boot Oll'cift ·NCllll'' 11 as she's tfecl.' te th• doal ~ lite Roat1ng · the nporta o~ 11;llpboilrd. me't"" that they wm not hatadle any of tht! :·81~1r-:e1&ht · ~(U::t;O.~r~~-: ).,b. .· -,~~In~ ;...-~ ~~ ·~~ NCiaau·~~..- thipi when~ ·wort that i1 diverted to the Canalap . .. ·be - t,;pecl . . .ff at . ,. all pouible. ·. ~ Yfent···otr ;tti~ 'btecir ''tthin',tll~ ~~.; ·. ~ anch~ dian port1• . . • ' , i> ,. •. ICC Retreats,-slows RR Rate War On Seatrai1f Ore, Ca·l mar Join 'Better Steal<' Parade ILA Str·1kes Lakes ports F.or contract . Minutes '' ·., .:. 1• • ~ n. the-"r· · !ecto.ria• · ,. �......._____________.>SEAP !REIS . ~~----. . - noABn 1orA11·sn1PPING· , ·' April 27 Through May 11 Shipping slumped a- bit this past per iod, despite t he good weather , the total of men shipp ing dipped below the 1,000 mark. . A· total of 998 men shipped this period as compared to l,OM during the last one, for a drop of 56 men. These figures cover shipping In all classes. The number of registered "A" and "B" men on the bea~h at the end of the period was 2,851, a slight increase over last period's total of 2,834: . Despite the slump, shipping activity gained, as .there we~ 226 ve~ aels serviced this period compared to 210 in the previous two weeks. as The breakdown was: payoffs, 59; sign ons, 34; and iq-transits, 133. Shipping totals fell in Boston, New York, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Mobile, Houston and San Fr ancisco and gained slightly in all the other ports. Baltimore suffered the 'biggest decline with a. drop of 46 men, and New Orleans gain.e d the most, 39 men. San Francisco was the only port without a payoff; Boston, Norfolk .,, ..... ~ . Sl,ip _Activity and Miami had no sign ons, and. every port serviced vessels ln;-transit. Houston led all the ports in servlcirig with 196 operations, though it ~pped 15 from Its previous period's total of 211. It als~ led In vesse~ calls last period. The breakdown for shipping (Including "A," "B," an! "C" men) was: deck, 36'1;' engine, 340; and steward, 291, for a total of 998 lmen. , Ports with ·100 4r less '" A" a nd "B" men ~gistered on the beach at the end of this period -were: Boston, Phllidelphla, Norfolk, Jackson-· ville, Miami, Wiµnm~on, San Francisco and Seattle. Ports with 50 or less "A" men reg1Stered on the beach were: Boston, Miami, and Wilmington. Sit• •• Par Ofh ~;~:::: • 1'1111..,pWa. • • 6 la~• ' '•• t O• T....._TOTAt - ·· J ' 4 1: =:!wii~ •• •·:· 7 21 . 41 ·I 4 - 6 17 JI 7 17 I I 15' 4 4 21 2' : J I M'-1 •••. : : : : 1 M.Wle ~ ••••• 11 1 ' or1... . . I New ·11 Hontw • • • • • • 2 · ~ 1 : : . • :• ·; • 2, ·$Httte •· 3 . • • • • ·..:.:.._ _ _ , , ............ It J4 - IJJ Port .dispatchers have fQrecast t he following outlook for the next period : BostGn, fair .•• New Y~rk, ste'ady ••• PJdladelphla, good • • • Balli.more, poor ·••• Norfolk, poor ••• Mobile, very good • • • Jackson• ville, fair ••• New Orleans, good ••• Miami, slow .•• .Houston, fair ,, • • Wllmln1ton, fair ... _san Francisco, poor ••• SeaW~, slow. ·5 . IS 35 32 1 ; .n ... 22' .... DECK DEPARTMENT Ship~ leglsteied CLASS 8 Registered CLASS A GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP I ALL 1 z 3 ALL 1 ! I ALL I % I ALL 1 1 1 1 .2 1 1 2 2 2 Boston . - . . ....•.....• 14 22 17 8 18 6 29 8 1 '1 New York . ..••••••••• 23 2 18 2 6 2 u 1 5 7 9 5 .13 7 11 1 Philadelphia .•.••••••• 17 3 2 11 2 2 16 2 43 2 6 6 18 3 Baltimore . . . . ••• • •••• . 11 30 4 1 1 1 I s 2 1 --: 1 Norfolk . _. ..• •• • ••••• · 3 2 1% 1 1 7 1 s I e 5 1 4 7 1 Jacksonville ..•••••••• 1 l. Miami . . . . . : ••••••••• . 10 3 5 2 9 2 1 23 1 'I 'I 14 8 Mobile . ... : .••••••••• 4 4 1'1 16 18 11 30 12 63 1 8 10 45 1 New Orleans ..•••••••. 21 4' 15 7 8 17 2 Zl 19 25 11 15 2 Houston. _. ...•••••••• ·20 30 12 · u 1 3 10 2 2 1 5 3 6 3 7 -1 u 1 Wilmington . .••••••••. 2 3 3 8 2 4 3 1 4 8 2 12 2 I San Francisco . .••••••. Seattle . . . _. . . ........ 2 1 3' 9 3 9 3 12 21 6 7 18 3 9 f 6 · l-3Z7 21 -.. ·1 · 1 071 -87---U-943 l: zn llt 171 11 1Z a15alt6 TOTAlS Port ••• - ., - - - • -• - - - -- - - - - - - -- 2 GROUP GllOUP GROlIP I ALL - 1 z I ALL CALL 1 I B 1· 5 1 2 s 18 4 1 9 IZ l9 - 39 z 41 2 11 84. 144 50 Z78 8 4 18 13' 21 4 St 8 8 12 31 30 88 13 111 2 .I 27 18 2 It %! 2 3 9 3 I 11 6 5 -3 10 2 7 I 7 13' 1 15 1 ~ ' 13 11 1 - 121 -36 451 9 901 - 1 1 111 1 7 .5 • 9 - 5 - 59 68 ' I 41 '1 82 20 17t 5 . 13 23 36 8 8 12 21 I 55-· 17 3 75 30 '15 11 3 5 11 5 16 6 17 I · 1 · 12 1 i it 2 HI 1 2 8 ~o 12 . 21 12 2 14 3 It 1 3 ff 13 22:Z49_96_12- l161 13Hf53.l l9 TI86 -22-11 H'l'IZH I ALL A - - - - - - -1 -2 -2 ' -- -- --s -2 -2 -3 -., - - - •- - - GROUP 1 -1 - -1 -1 -- -3 - - - -- 3 6 Registered On The BeacPt CLASS 8 CLASS A SHIPPED -1 - - t - -- rorA1 Shlpf)ld CLASS e .: Shipped · CLASS 8 CLASS A 13 - .. " -' - - ,5 - - - -· ~· ' -- ., -• ENGl_NE DEPARTMENT . Registered CLASS A - '°" legIslered . CLASS 8 _ GROUP 1 z I ALL ·1 1 - Z2 1 8 15 -1 81 101 19~ 2 2 2 1 4 1. GROUP GROUP SALL SALL 2 1 I 1 1 -10 261 111 472 %'1 15 5 7 2 2 11 11 13 9 - 22 6 2 1 17 It ZS 3 -1 57 1 6 -1 -· 34 I 2 2 1 1 6 ' 2 - 18 4 18 3 I 25 2 3 2 H 5 11 7 4 9 36 28 5 46 . 1 3 25 9 3 S7 2 13 15 42 31 9 28 5 2 3 2 1 2 5 3'5 1 8 = 1 9 1 2 3 3 12 2 1 2 15 5 17 3 2'1 31-17' -38 1· 243 _ 8_45_58 lllt 283s32- 1196 ·· ~ Boston.: ...•.•••••••• New York . ..... ... ..... Philadelphia ..•••••••• Baltimore .....••••••• Norfolk . . . ...•••••••• .lacksonville .••••••••• Miami .....•••••••••• . Mobile . . . ............ New Orleans ..•-•• ; •••• Houston . _..•.•••••••. Wilmington ..••••••••. San Francisco .••••••. . Seattle . . __. . ... . .... . 10TALS - •- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - ..... ., , - Shipped · CLASS C Shipped CLASS 8 Shipped CLASS. A ., -· GRQUP GROUP . GROUP Z . SALL C ALL 1 " 2 SALL 1 B A 2- 2- - 1 4 1 9 1 1 5 8 49 49 130 29 %08 4 25 33 tz 27 18 3 2 13 . 1 2 H 1 2 5 u 1 5 11 · 9 1 20 1 1 14 u 7 56 12 '15 ' 1 21 17 n 11 4 6 2 18 IO 3 ·3 1 5 1 1 4 u 3 9 1 11 .: 1 ' 2 3 ·z 1 2 2 3 3 I 1' 14 42 4 to 7 8 11 4 10 6'1 10 108 1 27 16 -8 17 9 8 36 80 31 3 5 2· 21 '11 14 3 8 8 10 31 '8 2 20 5 8 42 9 .. 3 2 3 5 2 1 2 - 1 4 16 3 1 8 1 11 2 24 5 ·25 1 2 2 4 21 8 46 3 4 3 27 · 11 7 1s-16Tio;i9&. 1ot4ol340 128-4t9"767- l-Sl4 -11-94-9'1 l°!OZ GROUP GROUP ·z I ALL . 1 I ALL 1 z - ..... -11 -1 - - • 4 9 1 1 1 . 7 6 H ' - 31 -3 s - - - - -3 -1 -'4 - -- - -- 8 8 18 -- - -11 -1 :s: ~ '- 10 1 it · 1 10 -1 . - 2 3 2 8 3 -s-5' '1 - 2 ' -I 1 5 11 lM Registered On Tlte leac• CLASS A .eLASS 8 T0.1A1 SHIPPED - • - - ., - - - - -· - - - - - - • ' - -- - - -• -- I STE·WARD DEPARTMENT Registered CLASS A leglsfered CLASS B naour Port ' 1 .Boston . ..... . .•. . •... Jtew York ... . ... ..... . 28 Philadelphia .•..•••••• 7 Baltimore . .. 1• • • • • • • • • 12 Norfolk - __ . ..•••••••• 2 lacksonville .••••••••• 1 Miami . ... . ·. • ••••• •·••• . - - ' Mobile . .. : ..•.••••••• 9 New Orleans .••••••••• 14 Houston - . ... ; , ••••••• 15 Wilmington ...•••••••. 3 San Francisco ..••••••. 4 Seattle 7 TOTAlS i o2• •• • • ••••••••• t SALL 1 1 ·60 8 24 2 2 11 5 14 Sl 1 3 3 2 I 5 13 2'1 6 32 ·52 st · 9 15 3 8 1 5 ' 10 8 15 36123 ,- 261 - 2 - - .. -- . GROUP l S ALL z Shipped CLASS B Shipped ·CLASS A GROUP l I ALL ! GROUP .! . I -1 - -15 -16 -5 -2 -18 -u -- - -12 -12 --1 10 .ft - 4 5 2 l 4 '1 1 ·1 10 12 7 1 11 3 1 8 H 6. -- -1 -- -1 3i --· -- 12 - II -- -- 11 11 -- - - -11 -1 -- · 5r 1 ......-3 I -- - 10 -1 -2· 167 1016 1410 84 329 . n"•. -1 -- 98 tIii -- -1 , 21 13 25 · 2 42 . . .'1 - - .,2 z -1 1 5 7 1'5 5 .8 u -~ , - 4 • -l - - -- Ir 5--8 - 68 ·1-s1 65-21-:SZ l 178 3 - 1 ; ·GROUP B GROUP j ALL 1 I I ALL ' Reglst•ed tiASS A . T01A1 • SHIP., fD Shipped CLASS C c A \ · GROUP . GROUP I ALL 1 2 S ALL 2 .~5 6 12 1 1 1 at 94. 43 · 108 245 .3 s .. 80 86 6 21 .U 12 .. 5 -4 174 c '15 --2 11 40 11 24 23 6 s 9 5 7 Zl 1 3 ·2 H 1 1 It 7 3 5 I 2 3 1 1 -19 'JI: 9 291 9 33 19 18 48 12 80 141 48 ..8 ti . 4 1· 8 H 28,,,.- , 4 14 11 ·1 .3 ' ( :I 2 1 11 4 3 . 6 11 . 8 · 6 ·22 .. 2 6 8 · II 8 3 5 18 1 ·6 9 ·H t z,1!03 3oi l 695 u-14 190 . 218 ~ '- . · -,-3, ·.1~u 178 67- 1-'ll ---:.- 7l 4Z - - -- - - - -- - - ' ' The leach CLASS 8 1 ALL -- -2 -z -25 -12 2 -- 108 H 147 1111 106 -1 -· -• · 52 11 -4 ... 3 --' -4 --'' ' 4861 -38 ·--4 -..... 111 ~11 · 298 102 111 ., 8 !...:... . , .·. 1 2 28 ,' ~ I• . On -SUMMARY / Registered CLASS A Registered CLASS 8. GROUP 1 2 3 ALL GROUP .1 2 3 ALL Shipped·~ .. ~ . · Ship~ · . CLASS A · _· ' CLAS$ ·a , GROUP GROUP 1 2 \ I ALL . ; 1 ·z . I · ~ · Shipped CLASS c:, • ~LL . TOTAL · Registered On The Beaclt Ci.ASS A . CLASS B · .J HIPPED · GR01:1P , 1 2 S1AI:.L . CLASS . . A ·B C M.L GROUP 1 ·- 2 S ALL GROUP 1 2 3 AI.L DE ::;.=.C .;;:;.K = - - - - - - - - - !~0_:_~-~-46 . l :.3.2'1_!1 _28 _68 1 _10'1 _!!!_ !}9 J 3 I .~ 12~~,}3· 1 96 _ 3 _ · fl:..:_13 l,_;_~Z,24~~96_'22_l_S67 1.314.L-.458~'U8'6-22 ENGINE ST.EWARD , 81 174 38 _ . ~02_3~ :::c;u==-=~;.:.:o=r~o~r::-:A=·L-=-s.... . -:-..-...;. _zt~ · 38~ ,.,J • I 243 - .. ...,•. • 45 58 I 111 29 135 . 32 j°23· l -i61 _:-5=8 .68 {~81 65 - 21 - 92 ~1 l 83t u / 81 1H 1 29s 131z'Js ~: • 8- • • t 196 · ,9 Cn.s=3. wr 1· &23 2' .J. ,· •• ,f ' "I- 41. I lK . 5 19 1~~~ .. ( 71=1~2 ss 161 1 211. s 21 54 ._:_, ' J i,. -. / ~ 16-l ,. .:.39.J ; t~t~18~71 _42]_.291: 2Qi ·io3 ss n:o4~62a , z·u ~ot .1- 91'8,1s~ • ..~1~ :i. • • :~ - .4 .. ""' '17 1~7 J..~3~ ' ~O·li,6. 104 40 I 340 128 , 419· 67 I 8H 11 • ~ ~ . •, • 94 -97 J 202 . 3p(j.::a95J_1~1· __190 I 21~ ts1 .J~1~sl:t1 175. u .t · 1- 656 ' , I r ~.' ,'...i , ,(.: . - �........ t, INQtimING SEAFARER jS~U ·withdraws · Cleop~tra . -. P1clc.ets On Slate Dep t Pledge w. QUESTION1 HoW do you spend your .-duty houn aboGr,l 1hip when you'r• on a long trip?. . · (Continued from page 2) ally con.signed aboard Amftrlcanflag vessels. The 24-day plcketllne began on April 13 In New York. Three efforts by the ownera of tl)e Cleo,patra to enjoin the picketing were unsuccessful. The Incident attracted considerable attention ln the US Senate, where at the same time, a resolution was under discussion authorizing President Eisenhower to withhold aid to any nation which discriminated a£ainat shipping. The sponsors of the resolution, while aiming It principally at discrimnatlon against Israeli-flag shipping In the Suez Caµal, amade it clear In the light of the SIU protest that they were also concerned about the blacklisting of American· flag ships. The resol~tion passed in the face of a bitt~r attack on the SIU by • Ed l'fmaertT, me11muu Well, 1. M. Yatel, AB: I pus the time reading pocket boolu. My favorites are mysteries and novels, · a n d I get u 1 u a 11 y through one in a day or so. I guess after that comes c a r d g a m e s, among the most frequent b et n I pinochle. Also I try my hand at a chess game or so. I also have found that working overtime i• another way of keeping myself· occupied. And it's profitable, too. t $ t. during my oU-duty hours, I read boou and write letters. .This, to me, ls a good way of passing the time o( day (or n i g h t> and it keeps me pretty w e 11 occupied. From time to time I've even stood 1 o o k out watches with buddlel of mine. This not only aids in keeping the man alert and wide awak_,, but it also serves as a means· of making the watch go by'faster fol'"him. Senator J. l'ulbrlght (Dem.Ark.>. The SW had previously communicated ~h• reasona for its picketing to tbe Senator, and had also asked for a hearJ.ng before the Senate Foreign Relatiom Committee of which Fulbright ls chairman. It received no reply. Fulbright toQk off on a . trip to Cairo a few days later where he received a hero's welcome and entered Into private consultatlont with Nuse._ .Aatde from support in . the Se~ ate, the SIU stand attracted wide public sympathy and endorsement. Hundreds of letters, postcards and telegrams poured Into headquarters from home and.. abroad, . from unions, political leaders and Indiridual citizen1 applauding the SIU for acting where the State n.. partment had failed to act. The foUow~ng is .the exchange of telegrams between Meany and the SIU m which Meany requested. removal of the picket line and the SIU complied. After receiving the Department of State's statement of pol· icy,_ftFL-CIO ·president Georg~ Meany, telegraphed SIUNA's president PaulHall. Meany called for .the withdrawal of the Cleopatra picket line, based on the State Department's promise of renewed action toward termin·a ting the Arab blacklist and mistreatment Paul Pallas, AB: I tty to work . of American seamen. overtime as much as I can because John Murra,., wiper: Most of my The text of the telegram ls a s + - - - - - - - - - - - - - It's one good way' free time is "pent studying. I'm follows: of making the deference to your suggestion as pi:eparing myself "I have today received from Act- President of the AFL-CIO and in hours whiz by, I for the C o a st ing Secretary of State Douglas Dil· light of our traditional support of also like to play Guard examinaIon the good-faith assurance of the AFL-CIO policy we will abide by poker ·from time for FWT and tion Government of the United States your request and will remove the to time with a don't. have much that it will fully investigate the picketline as of today at 5 PM. good crowd. Betime for anything Rrlevances of US· seamen and recause I usually omcers and members of else. After I pass new its diplomatic efforts to pro- our"The m a k: • coastwise Union take this opportunity to PHILADELPHIA-Shipping was thi1 exam and tect American seamen and shipruns, I try to good in this port during the last ping against future indignities and express to you and to the Execuget my rating, I catch as many period and the outlook ls for more discrimination. I firmly believe tive Council our deep appreciation ball games as I can. Then In be- intend to hit the of the same in -the ---coming two that the good trade union purposes for your interest In, and support books ·for my oiltween all. of this I try to sit down weeks, according to Steve Cardullo, for which the Seafarers Interna- of, our fight for the rights of Amera few minutes each day to writ• a er's rating. Ev1ntually, I hope to port agent• get a full Union book. Then I'll be tional Union established the picket ican seamen and for freedom of letter home. of •more value to myself and the The agent reported that six ships line at the Cleopatra have been the seas for American-flag ships.'• t t t In a subsequent-statement to the paid off, five signed on and six served and I suggest the picket SIU~ press, Hall made it clear that the were serviced in transit. line be withdrawn. Tomlll)' Danbeek, OS; Long sea SIU .r eserved the right to renew Cardullo noted that the affairs 'Complete Support• trips usually find me assembling w. P. O'Brien, AB: When I'm not of tl!.e port were running smoothly "Please be assure·d of tho con- its picketing of Egyptian vessels wooden ship models when I'm catching up on soma rest or just and work in the various dfvlslons tinued and complete support of the should the Department of Slate plain taking u. of the union continues to progress. entire trade union movement for fail to take action on its "stateoff watch. This easy, I usually The shipping breakdown is as the members of' the SW and all ment of policy." work may be Protest Mistreatment r e ad or p lay follows: merchant seamen. We . Intend to tedious, b u t I "The SID established its picket om Massmar, Yorkmar .cards. Of course, Paying think it's rewardprotect the interests of American all this takes sec- <Calmar>; Edith, Angelina· ~Bull); shipping and seamen at all times." line with the support of the Intering when you get ond · position to Chilore and Santore (Marven). · The Union reply was as follows: national ·Longshoremen's Associa· the projeet finSigning on: Titan (Cargo Tankletter-writing. I "Re: your wire pertaining to the tion to protest the mistreatment of ished. , Next on try to make my -ships); Massmar, Yorkmar <Cal- picketing of the SS Cleopatra In American seamen and the black· the list is readlettera home as mar>; Chilore and Santore (Mar- protest against the UAR blacklist listing of American shipping. As a . Ing. I also like long as possibl~. ven). · · of American ships and mistreat- result of State Department' assur• •o out on deck and lounge around ances given to AFL·CIO President I . have to because The In-transit ships were the ment of American seamen: when it's nice and sunny. Finally, "You have iliformed us that the Meany, it appears that, for the first I like .to plan my activltie1 for the I have a Jaree audience: a wife and Petrochem (Valentine); Afoundria next port of call and make a men- four children. Of course, come next <Waterman>: Jean (Bum; Steel State Department hu given •good· time, the State De.p artment has ex• tal note of the old acquaintances i July, I'll .i.ave to make them even Executive (Isthmian); At I a ii t Is faith' ·assurance• to you that it will ·pressed its intent to face u.p tct · plan to look up, the majority of longer because then I'll have a (Cargo ·Tankship) and Mankato take positive action to resolve these problems anti take positlv• these problems. Therefore, in action. Victory CVICtory). sixth to write to. whom are female, naturally. "However, should the State D• partment fail to give practical implementation to the assurance• made today, we will have no other recourse but to resort to picket;. log." The following ii t~s full text of the ~tats Department written stats· surpluses In this country and make their own 1hlpplna arrangements ment b1/ Acting Sec:retaT11 of State Douglaa Dillon to AFL.CIO Pren. directly with private carrien. dent George Meanr dealing wiili the SIU'• complaint about th• black· "No United States Government agency ls a party to these contract.. Consistent with the policy that no United States agency condone the Ii.st and the -mistreatment of Amencan aeamen: "1. As a matter of settled policy, the United State1 supports .the Arab boycott, the Department will continue Its etroril -to do what It principle of freedom of the sea1 and free access to foreign ports an'Cl can to end the application of these restrictive olaUIU with respect to .Jacllltie&. TJ?.• Depai:tm~nt liiii coriBtintly sou~t to facilitate the nor- U.S. ftag vessels under charter to foreip coanhiea .. . mal pursuit of intematlonal commerce by vessell of United States "6. Regarding treatment of United States clUum abroad, lncludln&' registry. · American seamen, H ls of course mandato17 on thla Department to "2. The ·united States Government has long and unequivocally main· do everything · possible to assure equal treatment and freedom from WILMINGTON - Shipping took &llined the principle that there should be freedom of transit through harassment for all our citlze'ns in foreign countries. United. States dipthe Suez Canal for all n1atlons. Thl1 policy has been publicly empha- lomatic and consular officer~ have standing instructions to extend every a turn for the better here accord· sized on numerous occasions, and was specifically reiterated by the appropriate assistance to our citizens who. may encounter diffic~lties. ing to Reed Humphries, port agent• . Secretary of State during his address before the United Nations Gen- In several recent instances American seamen e:qaerlenced ditrlouUiea Thirty-six men were shipped in all eral Assembly on September 17, l959. at po~ in the United Arab Republic. Our consular officers 'made every departments. With · only 29 men "3. The United · States Government protests as a matter of policy effort to assist the ere~ of three vessels, and were In fact able to be registered for the period, help was ~iscrimina,tory actions ~r practices· with respect to International trade of m~terial help. The J?epartment has renewed its, standing lnstruc- sent from San Francisco to fill the which adversely affect United States' ftrnµi, vesSels and citizens. The.. tions to its consular officrs to be on the alert to assist in settling griev- jobs needed. continue to py.rsue, bY all appropriate and effective ances regarding treatment abroad of American seamen or other Ameril>epartwent The SS Ames Victory (Victory means, every avenue whereby private American Interests ln lnterna- can citizens which are brought to their attention. Carrier) paid off and signed on. . "7. As a matter of basic procedure, th,e Department gives full con- Eight. other vessels were serviced Uolial trade may be fully safe-guarded~ and restored. "4. With respect to Arab trade restrictions . ariBinl out of the .Arab· sideration to all communications from private American groups with in-transit. The Yaka <Waterman>. Israel conflic.t, the Deeartment of State reemphasizes that our Govern- respeJ:t ·to prol,)Iems affecting the conduct of United States foreign re- Portmar . and Alamar (Calmar); ment neither ·recognizes nor condones the Arab .boycott which Includes latl~ns . .In accordance with this procedure it has ~een and will con- Erna Elizabeth (Albatross), Steel the blacklisting of United Sta~s .flag :vel@els in part b~cause · of prior tinue . to be, the intention of the Department of. State ·to give full Art is a n and Steel Advocate calls at Israeli ports. Ever-y "pproprlate 'Opportunity JVill, be utilized, consideration to all communications· from ·the Seafarers International (Isthmian), Robin Kirk (Robin) and on a contlnuiag basis, to reemphasize this ftindainental position ·to the Union, other affected maritime unfons and other interested groups. the Mermaid <Metro-Petro) were ·Governments conc~rned. At th• same time, every suitable occasion The Department will eonsuit with the AFL-CIO and Its multime af- these in-transit. wlll. be emgloyed both within and outside the United Nationf?, to fa~ ·flllates on future developments aftectlnr J\merlCan veuela and seamen Shipping-wise, the coming period cilitate progress towards. a solution of the basic Arab-Israel conflict In the areas concerned. is reported as fair. from which the Arab boycott arises. · "1-n the light of the foregoing basic principles ·and in conformity with "5. The United States Navy in f.~bruary 1960 discontinued tbe use the fundamental natiQilal inter~s·t, the Deparhnent lives uamancea of a ~Iause formerlyemployed IJ! c~ntracting procedures for the de- that H wl~I under&akQ to investigate fully the grievances df the Sea-~ ' livery of oil to U.S. ·naval .installations abroad, lest. thlS t~use, which faren International Union and, through appropriate diplomatic action . ~ ~.~ /(I/OW/"'~ was designe~ ~o ass~re- toe eff!clent ,o~ratip' of ~ei· Fleet,~ be .~on- '"th the foreign eou~es Involved, to renew Its ef!~ to assure free1i"' _ _,, 1trued· as acq~ence ln.. the Arab)>oycc;>tt. Regarding transport!ltion, ·dom Of the 1eas and .to protect the intere1t. of oar lblpplq .and seav l'1J of PL. 480 cargoes, ~stric.tlve clauses have in certain ihstanc~s been men now beinc discriminated .acainst b1 the Arab boycott and black' •·" . .- ' . _ . •• c:s u ·incluCled iii ship charters , by foreigµ,, ,countriea. :which purchase the U.tlq polle7." Philo. Sees Prosperity . . ' .. 9 *° State D~p't Pledge On Cleopatra Wilmington Runs Short Of Ratings wm . -pjf!J/li· · •" r i·l l 1 • ' • • 'r . . ~J,·J ~ ~ l .. / .1. • • • .• ~ ., • •. i ' " ~ ,. a- .. ----"'E ·. �Approximately tW<>-thirds of the men in the~ Esso fleet have cast their ballots in the National Labor Relations Board contest betwe~n the Esso Tanker Men's Union, 81! affiliate of the . SIU of North America, and-the Esso Seainen's Association, a Vacuum Tanker Men~s Association, so-calle4 '~ind~pendent" outfit. who called for a court-ordered The voting in 'the 27-ship American-flag tan];cer fleet is expected to continue for another 60 days at. the minimum. . All of the ships have been voted' once, but since Esso operates on a "time . off ' in i~eu of overtime" systern, it will be necessary to vote the ships at least two more times to catch the men whq were on leave when ·:-;e ships first voted. Safe and sound in San Francisco, Seafarer John Millner points out area off Singapore where he fell overboard and spent eight hours in the water. Looking on are Captain Gus Salveson of Norwegian. flag Martita, and Bjoern Knutson, lookout on the ship .who spotted Millner, leading ~o his rescue. '(San Francisco Examiner photo). . . ' . - . · · Norse Ship R~scues Seafarer -Alter Eighl Hours In Water A Seafarer, who hadn't been in swimming for several years, spend eight hours in the water off Singapore recently in a successful fight for life. , John L. Millner, a crewmember on the Steel Rover, fell. overboard while the ship .was pulling out o~ Singapore, and+ '. . nobody heard his cries for The skipper ·of the Norwegian was ·kept on a · liquid diet for sevhelp. It was about 8 p.m. vessel, Capt._ Gus Salvesen, said er~ days. The Steel Rover was At that time began a desperate for life that lasted eight hours in the shark-infested waters {)ff Singapore. · The first thing he did was to take off his clothes, so that he could swim with more ease and head for the lights on the Br~thers Islands, some five miles away. :But the current was too strong, and he was forced to give up this idea, and battle just to keep afloat. Several ships passed withU,. 100 yards of him, but Ms cries were not heard. After he had been swimming for eight hours in the water, the SS Martita, a Norwegian tanker came by and the lookout, l8-year-0ld .Bjoern Knutse~. spotted hiin. A lifeboat was lowered and· he was rescued. 15 truggle that he was amazed that anyone c?uld survive eight hours . in t~e mght waters of the Malacca Strait. Knowled&'e Returns Fast!. Millner hadn't done any swimming in eight years, but had - no trouble remembering. "It .came baC'k to me real fast," he said. "As soon as I hit the water· I kicked off' my shoes and stripped myself naked. "All I had on was a. wrist watch - stm working - which ·l never even n'oticed while .in the water." "I had no thoughts~" he conun·ued, "I was too busy swimming and hollering for help: Two passed me before the Norwegians came, and boy, how· I love those Norwegians." Millner, suffering from exhaustion, a sor~ thrQat and burned eyes, contacted, shortly after the rescue, ~nd Milln~r was still n~t missed, it was d1sc~vered. Ey1dently, it was assumed that he had missed the sb.ip at Si~gapor~. He is now resting m San Francisco and expects to make another trip in a month or so, when he has fully recuperated. :--------~-=-,----. Shorthanded? a U crewmeJJ!ber quits 'while . a sbip is in port, delegates are_ asked . to contact the ball immediately fo.- a . replac~ ment. Fast acijon on th~ir part wm keep all jobs aboard ,ship . filled at ·an times and elim1:. .~ate the ·chanc~ of the 1hfp sailing shorthanded. audit of the association's funds because of alleged · misappropriation an'«[ misµse of the niembership's money. . . J" 0 UL . B oosf Su rp · r;5 es . ; . r • La. Po·r f votes For s1uNA Aftlllatton The Esser- union "membership G n voted by secret referendum baJlot iast summer .. to a1filia"te with the NEW ORLEANS enera Y SIU of North America when , it good shipping conditions prevailed · hEre during the last two weeks and became apparent . th.a t the union indications are that they w,ill con- . could not "go. it alone" and get a tlnue at the same pace, reports satisfactocy ·coptract settleme.nt Buck Stephens, actin·g agent. There from' ihe· company. wf:re eight payoffs, 6 sign ons and . As a result, the. company broke a total of 21 vessels serviced in. off negotiations on the excuse that transit. · · another organization, the Ji.isao The shipping picture dur_ing t.he Seamen's Association, _claimed_ to . last two weeks was in sharp conrcpresent the men in the t ras t · t o a predi ct ed . ou tlook o·f · · h fleet. . esa. tur~ed out to be anot ~r m a ·"slower" as noted in the last issue s~rmg of such asso~iations op- f SEAFARERS LOG. · erated by John . Collins, profes- 0 i off r The vessels pay_ng , we e sional organizer of so-called "ind pendent" outfits ;~in ihe tanker Alcoa Runner (Alcoa>; Del Norte, e · · Del Campo, Del Alba and Del Valle · field. - . · ·· • · (Miss.>; Steel Surveyor (Isthmian); John c. "<°:Atlantic Carr.>; San Election Called By ETMU. Consequer.ipy, t~e ~TMU peti- Marino <Peninsufar Navigation). · "' . . tioried for an election lo establish dear title to Its right ·to represent' : Sip-om, l.ll-T:ranslta Signing on: Del Norte (Miss.)': and bargain for the . men in the fleet; To nobody's surprise, . the Neva West <Bloomfield); Steel company has openly. called ·upon Vendor, Steel Surveyor Usthmian1: the men to ·vote for Collins' outfi\; ~lcoa Planter (Alco•> and Santa Collins previously had -full con- Venetia <Elam). trol over the Esso men in the Esso Those serviced in transit were~ Tanker Men's ' Association, prede- Alcoa Roamer, Alcoa Clipper, Alcessor to ETMU, but ·was fired out coa Ranger, Alcoa . Corsair, Alcoa of . the fleet. · It was later dis-: Planter <Alcaa); Seatr"if.l Savannah, covered'- that he · had set himself S~atrain Georgia, Seatrain New up a lifetime job, plus pension, a~ Ycrk, · Seatrafn LOuis~na <Seat~e expense of ·Esso men, without train>; Neva·· West · <Bloomfield);· thefr .knowledge. He was also Steel Vendor (Isthmian); Monarch" charged with concealing· financial of . the · Seas, Hastings;. ·W~cQsta,; data, cancelled ·checks .and . other Topa ·Topa, ·Afoundria·, Claiborne details -as to ihow he ·handled the <Waterman)~ Thetfs <Rye · Marine'.>: tankermen's money. ' , Titan . <Cauo Tanksbip); Atlas Subsequently; Collins was sued <Tankers and Tramps), and Evelyn by a , member . of :the . S~cony <Bull). .· I .0 If YOU CaD'i-ReaCh-11 ;· . . . ~ ~ • > .. . · - · If.you are.painting· and-y~uive taket,- ·c~r~ of the ,"area Jmm•·d iate'y in· .front.. of you, .· . , ·. d~~ 't-.. risk i~jury bf-sfret~~i~g to· -cover. · places out o~ y~ur r~ch. . · It only ·strains y~u.r arm, ·and__w.hat'i' wor~e.·. expQses you to.· .,,,. :' the.risk of.-faUinsfout."qfyq.,r .bosu.n's chair •'. ~n:d lici~ing .a ,·~trlou• ·aecident. , .~ - ~. , "· I , •• . · T~~- 'the fime to ' r..elocale your ·chair .so . th~t you are in,front-<0f yo.ur·work ~nd don't . ': -_hbve t~f twist int~. uncomfortable . poiiti.o~sr ·. _:,. , lf .you . can't. recich it easily,, move so t.hQt · ,.., '• ' • F • . yo·u con. • I I ~ . ••• MOVEl . '. ; .. ( ~ ·I • .. 1~ 1, ~ f • • ' ~ I I I , , ,' ,,. ' t �SE,,4.1'.4.RER! £0G , . . . - llanecl bJ the PoU. Commltte.,.... TALl~ . COMMITTEE ; ·· ...~ :P~; P-117. · ~ j Georse ·UtciJio'11i; ,J1.t7t ~ · Oswald Ers~•. E-148 However, In checking the stubs and the votes cast for 'the day, we· are· unable to find the stub. Iii checking tlie votes cast .for the day however, we do find the voided ballot, but still no stub. Therefore, . the committee has assumed that the polls committee, in trying to straighten out the above, omitted to _put the siub of ballot 1445 with the other stubs, as a resuit of which the stub was lost. Therefore, it is the recommendation of this committee .that the membership concur in the action taken by your committee on the above, quarters offices, all five (S) of the aforewhich was ·to record the above ballot as void; on the men ti oned sample ballots that are being i day's voting. This ·did not, ·of ' d f f'l i . course, vo d Br·o ther Games' original vote, ~e or , 1 e cop es. In addition, your committee finds that headquarters also only the voided ballot. had on band, unused ballots 7801 through In reference to the stub from San Juan, 10,000. ~our committee has placed in one the stub that was missing was that of bal(1) box, all of the ballots, used and unused, lqt' 6039, which is recorded on the port's which were on hand in headquarters or r9ster sheets for the day of April 18th, received from the ports. 1960. The roster for the day· fails to show Also on hand in headquarters offices . the name of the individual to whom the are signed receipts for the following ballot was issued or to whom it was · inamount of sample ballots, broken down, as tended to be issued. The roster, however, follows: does have printed on it in the place proPORT . ·BALLOTS vided for the name of the individual to ~olton . . . • • .. .. .. • • • .. • • • • • • .. • • .. • .. • • .. . 5 whom the ballot should have been issued, P::ad!frfu ... .-. •••• • · ........ •· • •• •• • • •• · • · • 10 the word "void". The enevelope containB ltlm P0 •• •••••••••••••• ••• ••••••• •••• 5 N~rf ~~ • . . " " ' " · • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• ••••• 10 ing the ballots cast for the day, also con~~onvilie.. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: g tains tqree (3) ballots, which corresponds ~oi~ ::::::::::::::::::::::-:::::::::::::: 1g with the number of ballots issued · for Hew Orleani • · • • • • • • • • · • · • · • • • · • • · •••••••• 10 the day as reflected by the Port's roster w<!~~ift0nt~ ' ••• • ·• 16 f or th . t a11 ying UAll.,.f oH. ..••.••••••••••.•••••••••• •• • •••••• ••• • •• • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • 5 - e d ay. Th eref ore, th'is JT umon 8 ~!:tue ·~~~~~.. ::::: :.: : : :: : . : : : : : : : : :: : : : : : g committee in the absence of any written an Juan · · • · • • • • • • • • • • • • · •• •• .• ••.••••• .. 5 statement from the port's poll committee TOTAL ................... .. ..... ; •••• ti for the day giving details as to the reason When taking into consideratiofi the for the voiding of the ballot 6039 has sample ballots that are on hand in headcounted this ballot in the port's totals as quarters, the receipts for sample ballots a void ballot. It is the recommendation sent to ~ the outports, and checking this of this Committee that the membershiI? against the bill for the printer, we have • concur in the action taken by your Comaccounted for the 100 sample ballots that mittee on the stub of ballot 6039 for the were made up by the printer. port of San Juan. We, the committee, have checked the files In fhecking the stubs for the port of . of. headquarters ~ffices and seen signed New Orl~ans, ·your committee found that receipts by the various port agents for the the stubs . of ballots 3408 thrQugh 3425 official ballots that were sent to them by were m'issing. However, in checking the headquarters offices. We have checked envelope : received from the bank for the these signed receipts and tpe serial num~ votes cast in the port of New Orleans on bers . on them against the loose stubs re-~ · April 17th, -1960, we then found the afore~eived, and against the stubs still at- ' mentioned stubs, still attached to the tached to the unused ballots. Ten thous~ original ballots, along with the ballots and ballots were either sent to all ports, that had bee·n cast in th.e port for that or were on hand in headquarters, the date. In comparing the roster for the port stubs on them bearing serial numbers l against the ballots contained in the enthrough 10,000. We received back from velope from the bank, your committee the 'Ports, or had on hand in headquarters found the following- statement from the office!} Qr otherwise accounted for, stubs port of New Orleans polls committee: number 1 through 10,000, including the "4/7 /1960-Ballots No. 3408 through ones on . the unused ballots. The total No. 3425 placed in envelope with number of unused and 'used ballots stubs attached and not used due to equalled 10,000. All unused ballots are coffee being spilled on same." accounted for." The following is a detailed Ronald A. Eden, E-163 breakdown of the ballots, by.· ports and Emil Herek, H-423 serial numbers, as well as an account of Frank P. Russo, R-317 the ballots tallied, portsby-porti Your committee has included ballots RERORT_ · ~----·\·V.OTE Oil COHS.T.1-TUTIONAL AMENDMENT We, the undersigned Union tallying committee, duly elected 8~ t the regular business meeting of April 27th, 1960, at headquarters, submit the following report and recommendations: We met with AI Kerr, who Is Uhlon office manager, and .who · had been assigned by the he-a dquarters offices of the Union to work with the committee. He carried out our orders at all times. He also gave each of us.. a copy of the present Union constitution. He suggested that we read those sections of our constitution dealing with the Union tallying committee in detail, which we did. The committee then to·ok over the co·nference room on the 3,rd deck of our headquarters building as the place in which we would do our work while in session. Our sessions were · open to all members. There were no instances of misconduct. Our !ipt action was to elect from among ourselves, L. P. Hogan, H-87, as chairman of the committee. . The full committee then picked up the ballots from Commercial Bank of North America located at -1400 Broa(lway, New York City, as per the constitution and resolution adopted by the membership in . c.o nnection with the referendum. (See correspondence set out in full later in this report, showing official documents ex· changed). , ~ Brother Kerr then turned · over to us the stubs and unused ballots for the port of New York. We then received from the headquarter's offices all of the files relative to' the conduct of the election. From the files, we found signed receipts 6101 through 7600, which had · been issued to the port of New York and signed for by William Hall, an assistant secretary-treas· urer of the Union. The committee then checked the stubs of the used and unused ballots that were in ibe baiiot box, and found that they numbered from 6101 through 7600. The numbers of the stubs, when checked against the· used and unused ballots, were found to coincide with the numbers of. the ballots that had been issued· to the port of New York. · Your committee then checked the dates ef voting rosters and compared them •gainst the minutes of the s,pecial meet· BPortt ~~ ::,t •::~!':.'' R :t8~_~':d ~~:: v;i:d .~~!1, :!~f'o~. 1!!:1. 01 1• 112 logs for· the election o.f polls committee.'s on · · • • • • • • • • _,., 11 1 112 100 New York .• , ••• 8101-7600 8101·7377 7378-7600 1168 80 24 5o 1277 In this Port: We ~und In· every instance Philadelphia ... · 251~1000 2!11· 448 4411-1000 187 10 1 o 198 1 that a polls· committee had been dufy ~~~::'~r8.• :::::: =t~~ ~~:~ ~ ~~ ~ 4:~ . elected for the days op which voting. had Jacksonville •••• 2201-2300 2201-2264 2265-2300 62 2 o o 84 Miami •••••••••• 2301·2400 2301~2349 2350-2400 43 4 0 0 49 been conducted in the port of New York. Mobile .. '.I' ..... 2401-3150 2901-2861 2862-3150 449 12 o· o 461 . We checked the unused ballots that New Orleans .•. 3151-4150 3151-3891 3092.4150 680 41 •20 oo 741 . Houston ... . .•• 4151·5150 4151-4600 4601-5100 437 12 1 450 were oti.hand· that had been issued :to the Wllmtnirtnn .••• 5151·5300 5151·5268 5269-5300 .114 3 1 ·o ne San . Francisco. • • ISS01-S&>O 5301·5504 5505-5600 116 26 2 o 204 port of New York."We found that unused S@~Ule ..... "4 •• 0001..sooo 5601-5763 5764-5900 144 19 o o 163 167 5 26 1 0 189 ballots 7378 throu(h 7600 were on hand Ban 7 11•1i -; ; '· '· ~~'!:9 ~gg"~gg tn the port of New York. As.. stated before, .., 4171 45 322 1 the stubs for the unused ballots checked "· qut. • Explaln~d In detail Inter ·1n the Committee's report. . Your committee then commenced ·c ount- · Your committee made a comparison of 3408 through- 3425 in ·t...m ·fatals for the . '111 the votes that had been cast during . the voting r9sters of tl)e various ports port of New Orleans as void ballots. Your the election in the port of New Y.ork. ~gainst the mi~utes of the special meetcommittee . recommends that the member,,he committee inserted the proper certi• ings for the election pf polls committees. , ship concur in the ~ctiori . taken by your flcation~ with respect to stubs ancr unWe found, in every instance, that a duly committee in this matter. . · used ballots. · ._ elected polls committee had. been elected. In the {!ort of Philadelphia on ' April .., The 'breakdown of the total votes cast in · In checking the stllbs of all ports, we 27th, 1960, the last bailot cast ·for the day ·have found that two (2) stubs were mis:;was ballot· •39. !Jn· Aprjl 2~th,. 1960, the .t he port of New York is given In the portby-port · breakdown later in · this report. Jng, one (1) each in the ports of Baltimore committee finds that th.e first ballot cast . The committee hes seen a letter, dated· and San Juan, from the stubs submitted · for tpe day was b~Ilot" 441. Your cominitMarch ..30th, 1960, _. received .from the by those ports. · · · · tee has found in checking the· rosters subprinter, The Rand Press, In,e;,who print~ci In the· case of Baltimore, your· commit- · mitted to headquarters, a roster witl.i no the ballots. The letter cer.tifies that he, · teeiee found when .checking .the r,osters, port, c;fate or ballot number .listed on it. · tlie printer, printed··and delivered· 10,000 the following note signed by the polls This -roster bears the signature of A.. R. 'constitutional ba-llots, numbered 1 through committee for that port for the date of Haskins, H-80 on it~ whkh .tends to lndi~ 10,000 and 100: samples ballots With· 0000 ' Aprµ 25, ' 196q; . · cat4f that Brother Haskins had cast a . bai~ place of" numbers. · · · · · · ~ · "Due to an overilg~t .'Eddie. Games .. ·· .IOt. .in checking ihe . polls committee · sig: · · ··· · The 0ommittee ·h11 checked and· ·•we · · had · voted ·twice. ·· Man had ·already .natu~es and-· book-numbers ·on ·thia' ro,ter, .... ' . tlDd. tliaf in headquartei;s tlier.. are still·. ·.- :· ilia ,°balldt. at_'tJme.' Pus wa~ . . .against":, tlie .. Pliiladelpliia rosters,· for th!' . ·-, . ·. -. --ft~e'' (5) 'ianiRle :J;>.U<)ts· that ·h:ave ~-ever (J_etfc~, '' bT · th• ·Comm-~ee:: Ballot·~ ··-.-d,y1 ~f .April ·26th and -April 29th, -1960 ·"·· . ~··• ·. ;ti'ee.i :u11eCI. - W.e-:· Jiav~ '.Qli -~Ji(I, l(.- be-4.:: .;.'· :_' •NQ.' :·' ,1~· .. w_ii - ~mm~ .._·\to1a .:_e.nd. ; ,...._'~e :(litcf that : one·· of oiic ~r~iiier~ Ir~· .. 1 =t= 1 13 250 · g 138UJ: '* m.rtees Willqupby, W-306, had ~rved on the tpdtcated "polla committees <he 'Iiad"'" jiot 1ervecf:0n'-Ai>r1L"27tb), rio thb. Committee has assumed that the roster wliich doesn't bear the rullµe. of .a pox:t, date- or· ballot number is the roster for the Port of Phlla· delphia for the .date of. April ~8th;- 1960• This would also account for the fact that your Committee received from the bank. an envelope· for the pol't of Philadelphia 'for this date, containing one ballot. Your committee has included this ballot in the totals fo~ the port and recommends to the membership that our action on the matter be concurred in: On the roster for San Juan, Puerto RiCo, date4 April 14th, 1960, the roster only bears the signature of one polls com· mittee member. · However, · a check .of the Special ·Meeting for . the day indicates that a full polls committee was elected. Since no ballots were cast in the port that day, it is the recommendation ot'this com· mittee that the roster for the day be accepted. On Appl 6th, 1960, the roster for the port of San Francisco failed to· show what port it was being submitted from. However, your committee, by checking the ballot numbers that were cast that day against the voting records maintained in headquarters, was able to determine that the ballots cast were cast in the port of San Francisco. Since there were only sev• en (7) ballots cast, and these seven (7) ballots would in no way effect the final outcome of the· vote, aQd all of our brothers sh ould b e a II owe4..:i wh ere possible to cast their vote free of technicalities, this committee has included these votes in the totals of the port of San Francisco. It is the recommendation of this committee that the membership concur in the action taken by yoyr committee on the afore· mentioned seven (7) ballots. The fellowing correspondence was ban· died by the Union Tallying Committee: , To All Ports April 25, 1960 RE: Polls Committee's Duties on Last Day of Voting on Constitutional Amendment . Dear Sirs and· Brothers: Article XIII, ·s ection 5 (a) and Section 1J (b) of the Union constitution, contains the instructions with respect to the way the port polls committes are to carry out their functions · on the last day of voting•. The constitution is, of course, permanent, and that governs the duties of the committees. However, for your convenience, the following is sent along to serve as a guide, and you may find it useful. Remember; the constitutio~ governs: 1. On the day the balloting in each port Js to terminate, Friday, April 29th, 1960, 'the polls committee elected for that day shall, in addition to their other duties, deliver tcr headquarters, or mail to head· quarters Cby registered or certified ma.ii), all the unused ballots, together with a certification that is suggested be used by each port: Certificalion for Unused Ballots "We, the ,Polls committee of the port of , hereby certify that th'e en· closed are all the ballots sent to this port and not used. The unused ballots number (here put in the amount of the ballots~. and bear serial numbers · · through (here put in the serial numbers of the unused ballots); All are accounted for. Except <here put · in the word . "none" or give details) . Dated · . . , J960 · (Name of Polls . Committe Member) <Book Number <Nanie of Polls ". Committe Member> · · <Book 'Number · (Name ot Polls •· Committe Member) . . .(Book Number The above ~ certification shall be signed and ~ated, without .p rejudice to the right of any Committeeman to make appropri· ate dissent. This ~ertification should he enclosed in the package with the unused ballots. 2. In the same package with the unused ballots, but bound separately, the polls committe~: shall forward to '. headquarters all stubs collected during the period of · v.oting, together with a cel'tification• signed and dat~d by all members of th• Polls Committee. The following ls the. · . <Con~ued Ol\ pag~ 8) :o.:~·:. ~!:f{i;_Jt_«iJ.'.:~4if.~..J:Af.·· --~fJ:.: ~e:tit1iajS ::ln::itlf.i.SIU .Porls HMaJwJI~ 1960 • �SeatFainlGYls· The SIU -"eontl!acted Seatraba Lines has opened new aeneral of· flees at_...595 River. Roadf1Ed'9water, New Jersey, thAI weeki The' move was made by the Jine to locate ill offices at the scene of its rail car and highway container operations. SeatraJn was formerly located at 711 Third Avenue, '.New York City. · To reach the new general offices by telephone there is a New York City -exchange, LOngacre. 4-5500 and In N~w Jersey, WHitney1 5-6600. WASHINGTON-The Maritime Administration announced it is spending $122,000 in the first step toward possible automation of American-flag ships and the .elimination of seamen's jobs. It envisions unmanned, pushbutton vessels which will ter phrase, of course, applies to se_amen who will be jobless as sail the seas without a single athe result of automatic ·ships. · . crewmember on b.o ard. ' The obvious target of such a plan would appear to be the seamen who presently man Americanflag vessels. The threat of an auto· mated ship could be used as a weapon by ship operators and/or Government agencies to attempt to cut down manning scales and union standards. This ambitious Governmentbacked project has been placed in the hands of the Norden Division of United Aircraft Corp., Stam.ford, Conn. This firm has been instructed to study not only the machinations of the scheme, but the "sociological aspects" as well. The lat- The group also will look . into such areas as compqter equipment for automatic deCisions and ·commands; navigation and collision avoidance problems; communications equipment; selection of a propulsion system; safety and reliability of operation, and the ~co­ nomics of initial construtcion and op.eration. Because of the en•1rmous costs that would be involved · in developing at!Y practical system of remotecontrol navigation, tJle P!eliminary studies authorized by the Maritime Administration are not regarded as a threat to seamen's jobs for the present.. Union .Has Cable 'Address Seafarers overseas who want ·to get In touch with headquarters in a hurry c£n do so by cabling the Union at its cable address, SEAFARERS NEW YORK. Use-of this address will assure speedy transmission on a!l messages and faster service for the men· involved. - mentioned envelopes to the Union TallyMay 3rd, 1960 big Committee. No one other than approSeafarers International Uni9n priate bank personnel has had acce~s to 675 Fourth Avenue the sajd envelopes contained .in our vault. Brooklyn 32, New York Very truly yours, Gentlemen: · ,. Irvine : Gould This is to certify that the one additionManacer al 'envelope received by .this Institution J. Goldman (Continued from P•&'e 'J) 2nd, 1960, for a referendum on an· Amendaddressed to Mr. R: Harold Bach, ExecuWitness tive Vice President, Jn the name of the ed c~mstitution, the memb~rship have ~ertificatioJi that ls suggested be used by .May 3rd, 19(10 duly elected the following to constitute Seafarers International Union of North . each port: the Union Tallying Committee to tally · Mr. R. Harold Bach America, Atlantic . & Gulf District, AFLCertification for Stubs E:Heutlve Vice "President the ballots cast in said referendum, ·.and CIO, has been propel'ly · safeguarded in "We, the undersigned, polls committee • Commercial Bank of North Ainerka our vau 1t. which have been deposited with you: of the port · of , hereby HOO Broadway Walter Harris · Charla Palmer We have today surrendered the above certify_ that the enclosed are all of the New York, ·New York . James ~cell · 'John Matkoski mentioned envelope to the Unjon T~UY· stubs collected during the period of votDear Sir: _ L P. Ho&"an Albert lsaac ing Committee. No one other than approing, and that we have checked - them As Assistant Secretary-Treasurer· of the . In accordance with · the Constitution and priate bank personnel has had access to against the rosters and the number of unSeafarers International Union of North Resolution adopted by the membership, the said envelope contained in our vault. used ballots, all are accounted for. Except America, A & G District, AFL-CIO in a ll)ajority of the Committee may accept yery tr~iy yours, - - - -.--." <here put in the word charge· of the minutes thereof, I herewith delivery of and sign a receipt for all of Irvin&' Gould "none" or give details). ' c erti(y that, · in accordaric~ with the Conthe enevelopes which have been mailed Manacer Dated , 1960 stitution of this Union and the Resolution to you during the course of said referenJ. Goldman (Name of Polls Committee Member) duly adopted by the membership on March dum. Witness - · (Book Numbl!r) 2nd, 1960, for a referendum on an AmendIt is hereby requested that _ypu ·certify (Name of Polls Committee Member) In accordance with prior usage, thi1 ed .C onstitution, the membershi~ have that all the envelopes receiv(!(J" by ·y ou (Book Number) report, t,he final report of the Union Tallyduly elected the following to constitute have been properly safeguarded in· your (Name of Polls Committee Member) ing Committe~ is to be read at the meetthe Union Tallying Committee to tally vault, that you have · surrendered them <Book Number) ings in all ports, where quorums exist; ·the . ballots cast in said · referendum, and to · the said Union Tallying- Committee, The above certification ·shall be signed to be held on May 11, 1960. The commitwhich have been deposited with you: and that no one other than appropriate - and dated, without prejudice to the right tee notes that its proceedings have closed James Purcell Charles Palmer bank personnel have . had access to the of any Committeeman to make .approprio.n May 5, 1960. 1Since the ·constitution Walter Jlarrls John Ma&kowski said env·~lopes. ate dissent. This certification 11hould be requires that election procedures be folL. P •. Ho&"an Albert Isaac Very truly yours, enclosed in the package with the stubs. lowed as closely. as practical, we refer In accordance with the Constitution and Seafarers internation Union of The polls committee members shall not 'to the ·May · 11, 1960 meeting as ·the conResolution adopted by th·e membership, North America, A&G · Distri~t. be discharged from their duties until the sti.t utional amendment (election , report) a majority of the Committee may accept AFL-CIO forwarding .called for by the aforemenmeeting. We have to give it this name bedelivery of and sign .a receipt for all of Claude Simm~ns . tioned is completed and evidence of the cause. obviously, we are .now dealing ·with ·the envelopes which have been mailed to Asalstant Secre&ary-Treauarer a constitutional amendment and not an mailing thereof is furnished the port you during the course of. said ref~rendum. Al Kerr agent. election report . .With respect to that meetIt is hereby requested.. that you certify Witness The forwarding of the above, called for ing, again .as required by the .constitution, that all the envelopes received by you May 2nd, 1960 tn Article XIII, Section 5 of the constithe . membership must take up the dis_have been properly safeguarded in your Mr. R. Harold Bach tution, shall be to the following: crepancies contained Jn this rep~rt. How.: vault, that you have surrendered them to ExecuUve Vice President Union Tallying Committee ever, we take note ol the fact that the the .said Union Talying Committee, and Commercial Bank of North.· America Seafarers International Union, discrepancies . indicated herein are insigthat "no one other ,than app,ropriate ban~ HOO Broadway Atlantic and Gulf District nificant and do not effect. the results in personnel have had access to the said New York, New York 675 Fourth Avenue any . way and that . ail constitutional reenvelopes. · · . Dear Sir: Brooklyn 32, New York . quirements have been met. Also, this t. · Very truly you.rs, . The undersigned members of the Union In the event that a polls committee cana unanimous report, there bei~g , no .dis· Seafarers Internation Union of Tallying Committee, acting under and not be elected or cannot act on tile day sents. Therefore, under the provisions of North America, A&G 'Disfrict, pursuan~ to the Resolution ado.p ted on the balloting in each port is to terminate, Article XIII, Section 5 (f) of the present AFL-CIO March 2nd, 1960 by the members of the the Port Agent shall have the duty to constitution, this closing report must be Claude Simmons forward the material specifically set forth ' Seafarers international Union of Nortl) accepted as final. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer America,_A & G District, acknowledge rein Section 5 (a) 9f the constitution (unAl Ke· r r · By the terms of Article XXVII, Section ceipt "of the envelopes sent to you from used ballots and stubs) to .the Union Tally-Witness ' · 3, and Jn forwarding ·two (2) copies of the the various ports on the referendum of ing Committee. May 3rd, 1960 report to the secretary-treasurer, we an Amended Constitution for this org~ni· Any qµestions on the above should be ·Mr. it. Baroid Bach · heteby ·notify the secretary-treasurer that zation and delivered this day· io directed to -the undersigned in headquarExeeuUve ·.vfoe President t~e amendment has been approved by : Very truly yours, . · ters by teletype. ·Coinmercla~ Bank o,! ~o~b Amerlea . two-thirds majority of the valid bailots Fraternally, Union Tally~ng ,·Coriu~itf~e : ·H~ Broadway cast, . but that this notification be deemed Al Kerr Charles Palmer James Purcell · . ·. ·New Y,_n, New York made as of 12:01 .AM:. May 12, 1960. PurOffice Manager John Matkoski Walter ~ar~s. , . ·Dear Sir: . . suant to ·the present constitution, there: · May 2nd, 1960 Albert Isaac L. P. Hoc.an. ,. . . .:,-The udde~signed - ,.iembers of the·Unioµ fore, it the unanrmou!l repqrt of thi1 r · Mr. R. Harold Bach ., May 2n'd, 1960 ; · Tallytilg Comi:nittee, acting under and . Union 'f.allying Committee that the riew · Executive Vice President Seafarers International Union ·pursuant to the· Resolution -aijopted on constlt.u tion· -.goes into effect as oi that Comercial Bank of North Amerfca · 175 Fourth Avenue ·March 2nd; 1900 by .the members of the time on that day. HOO Jt:rna'1way · Brooklyn 32, New York ~Seafarers lnternatio~al .Union of North , · · ·America, A , & G Disirict, acknowledge reNa.me Book . No. De,&. · New. York, ~ew York Gentlemen: ceipt of· the envelopes. sent to you from 1obJa ,,Ma-~I . . )J-19- · ~ D,ee~ . Dear Sin .. Thi~ is .to certify that all the e'nvelopes P-IS . ·Deek As Ass•~ant Secr~tary-Treasurer of the received by thi"s I~stitution a~dre$f\ed t9 . · tlie va~ious :ports,'on 'the 'referendum' of- Cbaries Palmet S~farers International Union of . North Mr. R. Harold .Bach, Executive:.,Yice Presi-• · an ~mended qonstltuti~n for . t~is organi- -- J~mea :l'uJ.c~ll P-17 .&nSlne American, A · & G District, AFL-CIO, in . dent, in the name of· the Seafarers Intero- · ~tioJ! ~nd ,,ae \:rered· th~s day ~ us. ·. ,· · Lawrence Hocaa· .H·S'J · ·-:.. ./ Enaiile • . . "'h tna '· charge of the minu~s thereof, I herewith · national Union .o f North America, Atlan- · ,. , , . ~ · Veey truly ~ours; : 1 ,.. · .. • .. '"' , tiuion·, Tall1fri1 .'. ~ommlttff · ·..: ~ ~- ..aa . i . . ; certify .that1 Ip accprdance with the ..Co.n- · .tic .and Gulf· J;>istrict, AFL-010, Have. hffn ci.arl~ Patmei , .1aajes·. P.ire.u ., / ·, _ : ~lb~~ ·Jsa'ac :. '. ititotlon this tlnlon c<tthe,Resolution . ·. properly safeguarded in oqr vault . ..~'-t ; ~· · ~ ~ -1 ~ ... ", ~'1. t:' ' .... ' ~ .. t !J.r: . . ~lfed i.ae ~·· "~ L. -P. ,..Hqaa ,, · .-... (~ .:~ ... ~,. JV;.tter•-Jlarm ~ ··,. ·dul1.ld6.,te.d/by the membership on M~cb 'We . have· ·today· $urrendered .the,...abOv~~ :.' .. • • t.. • .. , • Tally Committee -~-eport On Constitution ·s a.l lo·t . oil. ' . a ls of. ~ 1 •! ' ~ ·~ t' �.....w... Se8k.55% Shipbuilder Aid Ceiling Some Facts .On Gas Miieage The driving season is here and so are the big gas bills. Cosl of fu'el · ranks next to depreciation as the largest expense · of car ownership. You'll pay more for gas this summer; especially because of increased .gas taxes. The majority of states now tax gas at six cents or more per gallon. In fact; 13 states now tax at seven cenfs. • So you can see why <;ar owners are argtiing over how to get more mileage. Says on~ re-ader: . ' -''I'm writing because you were cited by a fellow .worker of mine regarding gas mileage. We .had a dispute as to what' .steady speed a ~ar -would get its best mileage." L Speed Cost~ . We hope the argument wasn't · too liot because even experts differ a little. Generally, over 30 mph you start losing · mileage. But the increase is not. signficant until you go .over 40. If at 30 mph you get 21 mpg, then <typically) at 40 you get 20; at 50, 18; at 60, 16; at 70, 14. That doesn't mean all cars . will get the same mileage at these speeds, of course. Other f~ctors affectinf mileage are ·weight, engine compression ratio, condition of the car and driving habits. A 3,000-pound car gets 50 percent more mileage than or,e weighing 4.0oo; other factors equal. You can see why the new compact cars are ·r unning away with car sales this -year. They're 2·,300 to 3,000 pounds. • They dori't provide quite as much mileage as some of the ads claim. But drivers' · experiences so far indicate they yield 19-26 mpg for the manual-shift sixes, depending on wejght. . A high-compression ratio retically helps engines get more mileage out of gas. But the highcompression earl on the road gen-· era1ly are those loaded with gasusing extra accesories like ~auto­ matic transmission and power steer- ing. Also, over a certain ratio, genSeafarer Arthur· Roy, AB, thinks nothing of it as he perches on top erally 9 to 1 or higher, you need of mast aboard Del Rio (Mississippi). Roy went aloft to help premium grade. Fortunately, octane unsnarl thtt riggil'!g on a boom which slipped. · ratings have been incre3sed each year so that regular gas now rates as· high as premium did in 1953. Automotive engineers estimate that about 50 percent of all cars on the road in 1960 will be satisfied with 91 octane gas. Regular gas now is well over 91 in most areas, and country-wide, averages 92.4. Cars generally get along with lower-octane than average in mountain country. Private Brand Gas What about private:brand gasolines sold at a price differential by . . 1ome chains? Interesting testimony on ".this recently c1me out at Fed· Four SIU scholarship students-two of whom are seamen eral Trade Commission ·bearings. Sun -ou Company told the FTC that and the other two children of Seafarers-are slated to grad.t he private-brand station is usually a low-cost chain operation which pays as much as three or four cents per gallon less than independent ·uate from their respective ·colleges next month. major dealers pay for gas of like grade. and quality. In fact, t'1is proThe two 5 e a f a r er s are · ducer claimed the gas sold by private-brand dealers "is frequently Michael J. Carlin and Herman New York. She was chosen for the purchased •.. from major suppliers and is the· same as that sold under J. -Sperling. Carlin, an eco- award in 1957. the brand name of such suppliers." nomics major, attends New York Robert ·Hauser, son of Seafarer If . that's true, it means the big ·refiners charge their own dealers University. He rec.eived the award Edgar R. Hauser; an electrician, is :more for -gas tban they- do the private-b.rand chains. ill 1958. Sperling bas been study- an insurance major at the UniverYou can find out your compression ratio from .your owner's manual ing economics since 1956 at .the sity of Connecticut. He expects to or from a dealer. But the octane requirement varies even among the University of California, Los go to work as an insurance agent in same make cars. You can try this test: When your tank is pr~ctically Angeles. Both men will receive Connecticut. · empty, fill with regular gra~e. If you nC?tice harder starting, less power bachelor's degrees in their fields. Committee Of Educators or hear a ping or knock when you·accelerate, you probably need either The SIU Scholarship Plan comhigher-octane gas- or an engine· tune-up, mittee which once a year chooses Tire Drac five of the applicants vying for the ' . ' Another factor is "tire drag," the American Chemical Society News awards, consists of F. D. WilkinService reports. It's important 'to have wheels aligned. A wh~el out of son, Howard Univ., Bernard P. Ireland, College Entrance Examinaalignment (toeing -in or out) by one deiree increases drag about eight tion Board, Miss Edna Newby, percent. Poqr alignment aiso ruins tires and creates a steering hazard. Douglass College, Elwood Kastner, Underlnflatlon ·of tires also wastes gas. Five pounds of underinftation New York University and William - wastes a ..half-gallon on -every 20, the · American Petroleum lnstitute· estimates. · · · F. Adams, Alabama University. Keeping your · car serviced, and adjusted properly also is vital for gas mileage: . Besides carburator adjustments and spark timing, here · ·are points to check: - • A dirty filter can reduce mileage ·as much as ten percent. • A .11low or stuck choke· can rob you of 30 percent. ' ' • ·Dirty or faulty spark plugs can waste as much as ten pe~cent. · • To0-beavy ,motor oil in' the wr~ng :·season is another waster.' , · • So are stuck manifold and· cooling-system thermostat valves . . You cari waste much gas through ·careless habits. Among th-em:· Jackrabbit' starts', staying_too long:"iii fower gear before- shifting, rusl;ling up to your stop 1 and then jamming .~n-' fhe' brakes;.· .unpeceSSary idling, ' 'nervo.usly 'raciug the ·engine .,.while 'you WIJit foi: a l!jht to c;hange• . Four Scholarship Winners Graduating .From College . '. ~, ' . . . WASHING TON - Competition from J:apanese shipyards has become so tough that the Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce acted recently to increase construction - differential subsidies to 55 percent. Gover~ment construction subsidy ceilings were originally set at 50 percent in order to enable American shipb.uilders to compete with foreign shipyards but the Japanese yards, in particular, still can build ships ror less than American companies, even with the subsidies. Cheap Labor A combination of cheap labor and the newest and most modern machine tools and facilities enable foreign competitors to build vessels for so much less than American yards. No matter how much of a subsidy Congress gives on ship cunstruction, foreign yards seem to be able to beat American prices. This is true of many other areas of heavy manufacturing, from railroad locomotives to bulldozers. Jobs Top Registration, SF Reports SAN FRANCISCO-Shipping in the port of San Francisco exceeded all expectations this period as 48 men shipped on the five vessels that were in transit and two ships that were in for sign ons. Also, men were sent to other west coast ports that were short of man-power. This -makes the second period in a row that more men shipped than registered. Forty - eight men shipped to 39 registered. The immediate future looks gloomy, though the next period might be fair. The Fairport is scheduled to pay off soon and three ships will be serviced in transit within the near future. Seafarers Pleased Most of the Seafarers in the San Francisco area are quite pleased with the way the Cleopatra beef _ turned out in that it was so successful in calling attention to a situation ·that never should have existed. During the last period the Maiden Creek and· the, Young America (Waterman> signed on, and the Amers Victory (Victory); Portmar and Alamar (Calmar), Erna Elizabeth (Albatross) and Steel Artisand (Isthmian) we~e in transit. '~ In the hospital? «-·c1·ll;«.S.l l'.>H·a·. ll .;m.mediaieJy.J: . •t'· .· �Non-Subsidy _Operators ·· Press Trade-In Proposal\ Four Ships CrewU,.g Up f.n Mobile · - \ - J,fOBILg.._:Tbll port II figuratively rubb\ng Its band.s_ wUh an· ticipation, expecting to crew up four ships in the. next couple of weeks. The Jean liaJltte, 'i'opa Topa and Afoundria · are expected to call for full crews ~ as ls the T·2 tanker Keva Ideal which II going to take on l grain cargo. "The crewing of these four ships, all about ·the .-me time, Will strip this port ·b are," Louis 'Neira, port agent, reports, "so anyone wanting to ship should be able to get out.'' The ship upturn will be welcome because shipping in the last couple - of wee.ks was just fair. . . · Ships ttiat entel,'ed the P-ort and paid off .ant ' ~he Alcoa Roamer, Alcoa Corsalr, Alcoa Ranger, Alcoa Cavalier (Alcoa) .~ · Jean Lafitte, Monarch oi.' the Seas, Topa Topa, Afoundria and - Claiborne <Waterman j ; Fort· lloskins ( Cities Service). The .Wacosta <Waterman) was the only sign on vessel. .A,rriving here in-transit were the Del Campo and Del- Rio. <Missis· sippl), · Steer Vendor Usthmian) aqd Alcoa Roamer <Aicoa>. ·~* the " regular m~mbership . meetfl:li of Mat 11, the member· ·ship vgted unanimously to carry the tallying . committee's report. · WASHINGTON-Non-subsidked steamship compan!•, Including Alcoa and Bull Line, are staking their hope1 for improving their fleets on a bill permitting them to trade in their present ships for more mod-1 · . · ern vessels. However, the fie Amerlclll Steamahlp Auoclaproposai is running into some Uon. tough sledding In hearings before the House Merchant Marine Committee. _ The bill has received the support of th~ Amer~can Merchant . Marine Institute, representing At!antic and Gulf Coast shipowners, ' but has been opposed by the Paci- Three Ships ·P aying Back Wages Soon BALTIMORE - . Shippi_ng has been slow ·in Baltimore during the last period and is expected to remain so for the next few periods. Crews from the bankrupt Pacific Carrier and Westport are scheduled to receive their money soon, but men from the Pacific Venture will have to wait a Bit longer for their funds. The ships were sold to meet :back debts and crew payrolls. The following ships paid off last period: Emilia, Jean <Bull); Bethcoaster, Kenmar <Calmar); Steel Ex e cut iv e (Isthmian); Feltore <Marven); · CS Baitimore (Cities Service); and Bethtex (Ore). Signing on were: Bethcoaster (Calmar >; Feltore, Bethtex <Ore); and Oremar <Marven). Serviced in transit were: Robin Locksley <Robin); Oremar, <Ore); Waco st a (Wat~rman); Seamar, Bethcoaster, Massmar; <Calm!lr); Alcoa Patriot, Alcoa Pioneer (Alcoa); Edith <Bum; Steel Vendor, (Isthmian); and The Cabins <Texas City). STEEL CHEMIST Clsthmi•n), Aprll 21-Ch•lrm•n, K. C•nn1 Secretary, E. Cooks are supposed to ·Anderson. serve foodst'\lffS on plates. Suggested a change in messman. The· ship!ii steam table was put back 1nto serv· ice upon or deu of tbe captain. It was resolved that a member· of the headquarters staff board the vessel to straighten oul lhe food program and other beefs. Usually, I meuun of thll kind needs . th• unanlmoUI 1upport of the mariUm• lil4Ulta:J If it 11 to make headw17 m -COngreu, particularly since th• Burea.u o~ the Budget II traditionally-hostile, to any measure• broadening aid to American shipping. .., If the bill goes through, the SIUcontracted Alcoa Steamship Company piam to trade. in Its C-1 vessels for C-2s,' C-31 or ~ore modem typei, whlle Bull . Line would exc;~ange two to fo.u r of its pres~nt ships for c-48. The American Tramp $hip Assocla~on, represe~ting owners of tramp Libertys and Vlctorys, II _also interested in .t he legislation. In testifying for the MariUme Administration, Deputy Administrator Walter C. Ford noted that the vessels presently in the reserve fleet would have to be scrapped or limited to emergency use 1f the Govemmelit cannot sell them to shipowners Interested in putting them to use. . Tbe Alcoa witness noted that without trade-in rights, Alcoa would have to cut back its services as its present ·C-ls reached the end of their useful life. . Bull Line's plans for trade-Ins W9Yld give tbe compani C-4s for, use as combination container and general= cargo, ships. Each of the C-4s would be able to handle 48 trailers in the ;IS-fQQt .ranie. with ample additional cargo space for carrying smaller boxes and conventional break-bulk cargo. If modified through shipyard conversions, · the C-4s cQgl4 c~ as much as i 78 of the large trailers, while still leaving as mlich capacity for break-bulk cargo as presently a\'ailable on the company's ~2s: •' . .Union representative~ working _at various exhil?its have meal in messroorri. Show ran six days in Washin9ton arr:nory, attracted · huge crowd of visiton., induding President Eis~nhower. · steward department fo~ the flne meal quest wu made to clarif>" who II in served on Ea,11ter Sunclay. Steward charge of the medicine aboard the department asked to check on· fresh ship, Repair lilt to be wbmitted bewater: Water has ~~en nmnlng l'IUty ·1ore reachlq port. again . . Check all cranes for oil leaks. · It was moved to ·discontinue the use ALCOA CAVALllR <AICOI), Mly I of · the washing machine between ol:30 '-Chairman, P. Davl11 S.Crot1ry, 9. PM ,.and 5:1:$ PM: .. La11lter. Crewmember Lonnie Han· son was ilown home due tq UlnellS• ., CS .NORFOLK <Cltlet letYlce), ~ay Ship's dele1ate reported the repair 11-Chalr.man, T. Cummings; Secrelist was to be posted by Thursday, tary, T. Jones. All departments re-· Overfime beef• to .be placed in lhip's ported no beefs. A Tote of ' tiankl minutes at the regu!Ar meettni. ID went to the steward department for the steward department there were a good job. '· 22 hour1 of disputed overtime. Will be tumed over to the ·patrolman. ALCOA ;.O~A""iiii<Atcoa)~ Ap·rt1 24 '-··'~-Ch•lrman, J. llowdon1 Secretary, K. ELIZAllf.'l'H (lull), Mly I-Chai"' m•n, w. .liinllh1 Seeret1ry, R. · Ha,.. Brltt•ln. Th.- :re rwere no beefa ·renandeL There wt re no beefl. Under · food and welf1r.e it WH aufguted that something·- be done about the plufeing of ke)'bolu ill the to,Jleta I · t. and ~ower1. room .ad ruatT water In tanb. Laun· ~ room to be painted and u to- be kept clean. . The · Mobil• ~-llM-~ 81'9 considerably ·Interested in the report that Waterman la getting favorable .action· Q~ its· b~ .f or a shipping subsidy and may·get a subsidy con· tract soon. Th~ 'l'Should mean more shipping activity from this port. The recent action by the US State Department In · askfug· the Union to withdraw its pickets from the Egy.ptian ship Cleopatra, and promising to protect the . rights of American seamen In foreign ports ·bas come 1n for qutfe a bit Of favorable discussion here. The SIU'• ·pi~lr.et action resulted In world· 'w·i de ptlbliclty over the way our Gove~ent baa allowed Amerio can.flag ships ahd American seamen to. be pushed around. taldns their job• Mrioualy: book .. members should take these Jobs. Lock on foc'ale not worktnf; ·alSo locks on Wiper and' .ftreman'a door. All lOcU STEEL ADMIRAL (llfhmfafl), Pab. on doora should. be cheeked and 17-Chalrman, E. lsrHl1 Secret•ry, keys made. · 15 given to enrliteer for · .I. I. lalterllnt. 803.lSO in abip•• maklnf abaft for TV. Undenhlrt1 fund. J . .Ea1terllng, new abip's deleshould be in a..Orted ldze1 lince crew aate. elected by acclamaUon. Motion la not all size 44. made arid · carried to i..ve lblp"1 fJln4 used only for t.rmon bualneu. llail . MY- DEL ORO (M,_lalppll, Aprll 11 to ·be turned over to lhlP'• delerate -Ch1lrm.n, P.ur Arthi>fers · Secr~ary; MERMAID <Metro· Petroleum), M•Y for malllnl in Panama C1nliL · Vincent flt..-r1ld, Sblp'1 dele. .te 1-Ch•lrman, E. Seeley; · Secretary, B. repor;ta dlfcuaion on hot water. If Sl•de. Minutes of the last meeting ARIZPA <Waterman>, M1y · S-Chalfw . at any time there II no liol water. · were read and posted. Delegates will 111an, .lamn c. Baucloln1 Secretary, tb1a should be 1011ed by the crew 1ee patrolman at pay d'f about the Giibert Troscl1lr. Motton made to for the vo:v. .e and reported to patrol· captain issuing, fqr£:ign ,mony. Want 1ee about getting .10 .percent for dec,ll man. Treasurer report. balance of US currency or traveler's checks. cargo such as ·tankll containing oxplo- , .•llf.'70, After expenses, postare, ex· Also want the patrolman to see the lives. Vote of thanks to lteward de· · presa charges, phone call, etc., bal· chief engineer about getting cold partment. ance 11'1.'13.· No beet. or dflputed ·or w~ter aboard ship, . Engine depart· -reported. Daniel- Browning elected ment foc'sles heed painting. Refrlg· - .CITY OP ALMA <W1term1n), M1y 4 new sbip.'1 · delegat~. · ' · erator vegetable box has not been -Cl\ali'm•n, D. Rudd'" lecretary, P. . _ , 1•. _ , working ·"properly. Repair list wa-s Pox. Delerate report. three .men · MOUNT WHITNEY (Cargo ·a. Tank• g iven to t tie C!I Pt11in to · b ave spring · MARYMAR CCalmu), May ..:..Chair.a mined . llhlp. No bnftl. 8230 movie ship Corp.); Aprll 20-Ch1lrm1n/ Wll• straps lnst.iied for the bunks. Galley · . m•n, A. Whltmar1 Secret1ry, R. Cumfund collected: TV· bW 119.80. · Cbaln Ham 8arth1 Secretary, .I. Decllatorla. and store rooms and foc'sles to be . mfi191. Several repairs were not taken needed for recreaUon room. Suggest Captain . will try fo obtain American f umigate d in port. Vote of thanks care "of in the shipyard, but other safer · passage when earr)llng d~k dollars: otherwl1e it Will have to be· , given by the ctew to all t he steward than · that there · are no bfef1. Crewload; also that repair list be m11de up . moneY. of country we're in . . Few department for good service and good . · · member• . were asked to . cooperate immediately . after .depart"1'e•,.· houra disputed OT. Much dlacuaton f~od. with the 111nitatlon men in all departwas in order -to ltrallhten out tho . · ..._. . ·. .· . .. · ments to make their ;lob a little ALAMAR CC1tm1r>; iiMy · I-Chai"' lteward about many, lhortaru ln pro, .. ROYAL OAK (Cities Service>, May ~ easier. All ...hands , agreed that this man, T. Prazler1 Secretuy, T. Yabvlslons. · would be done. · lonsky. Delegate report• no major _.,,-_ . · 12-Chalrman, J .. Puker; Secretary, · R. Smith. J. Phillips - was elected ~M · · I --..,.... _ beefs. All ..d~alra ,made with the ex· • MANKATO VICTORY (Vlder'Y. :,c1rshlp's delegate. Repair list was given . EDITH •(8ull>r May 1i-Ch~lrman, I. · - ception . of new· li>ckers and musl!.• rlers>, Aprll. ·SO. Ch•lrman, MichHI to the new ship's delegate. A new · · ·· Smlthl secretary, M. Mlcliallk. Flow· room vents. Slight. improvement in. Loretto1 $eeret1ry, CecU· c. · llCollt. reftrligerator ii' netedded, At~lh 'c omm utinl· .. . . .· .···. . . ers :were 11e11t- to 'chief e_aflneer"s foo4 1ltuaUon. Sbortat•. ot water - SafetT m'etintr '!JU held. ReIMlr ' JUit ca ona .were Pos. e on e bul1e n home for .the demlle ~ of ·the' chief'• . pitchers' and wash ballln p 1u11. A all fllled · out. T wo troublemallers got board. · · father. Chief ,aimeer wu put uhore little quiet to be maintained at nlthV' off;· &~ward delegate re'ports ou · · -· to attend funeral. ~ n~w reefef far In passaieway1. 11.ubecl ,otatou too man sent b•cll: to States due to Wnea . MARQRI "<Marven>, ·Mar - 1-Ch•lr• the crew'1 -.meu was ordered ·bY the watery. · ' '• No '!>eel• · Few houri disp.uted ' OT; man, D: Glmze; Se~•tuy, c. Redell. · · · captain. Z,.erythlnc • wu reported · · There- was olie beef about the cliviaion ' ported. One · ~~ w~ . paid ofi m San smooth. Curtain• are~ uked 'for · ,. MONTIGO IKY <ltanclanl Marine)~ DEL · ~a ~lnlulpptt, Aprll 24, of overUme and · then turning down Juan to go to the hospital there. All the ' crew nieuroom-. SteWard' depart- . Aprll 30-Chilrmiln, .I. R. MurphYJ Chalrm1n, .Henry Ma111 1 Secretary, all OT. See the appropriate depart· communlcaiton1 were read and posted ment wu atven .a vote~of 'thanks -for ' lecrefary, L Pierce. Slilp'1 doleCarmela · ~ttanl. LaWrelice o . TWeF ment delegate with any beef .as · It Ship's delegate resifned and J. Bowan the preparation ,and - •rYbJf of the gate HpON ,talk ; with,'· oijl man re ,elected n~w lblp'1 delerate. Treuuru comes up instead of waiting until was elected to the vacated post. It food. · ,. · . .: · di'aw1 In Karachi; Captlln pld he report• 12'3 orr-hand, ' Spent ms~ . meetintr 11lght. · The ship's · delegate was suggested . that · u • crewmembers • " .o;...__ . ~ '- • had -.about U.'100 In '118· 'Clll'NneyBalance.. sero. . · No · beefs repottecl. , reported one beef about the pantry ftnish their meals they leave the fable LOSMAR <C•lmu>~ , M•Y , ~hair• after that draw1 .would be in. J,ndlan ..cooler should have been replaced thle being short of supplies and the prob· and give room to those who haven't man; s. MoHkowlk11· secretary, Wm.- .. ruphees. Two" mem to be pal4 J'8t, · trip 'bilt .~"t. ~ to be ' ke~t · lem was 'solved. A messman 'missed eaten. Reque1t that meei1n11 be ro· allier• .·J.etter.a -":concirnlng ~•Pair• One man , repla\*f. at. ..utnl -ilme 'b1 ' cloHd.· ',· . · tate.d ~ . . · , ·, , , aent to SIU ·h eadquarters. Wfil.. co'n• patrolman • . o.:Ivelton. TUu., , Will · . , , t he lh1p in 'Baltimore. Need for paint· m. &be measroom deck and the fuml· . tact ai.o atiout captain•• U8' of rifle, report ·to boarding patrotmaft. · D'•· , -, GULflWATIR~ : <Met'o ' Petrol•um), ..: oPoe .,ol the .ship to be 'rid of the · STEEL RECPRD•R Uathlftlan>, May Dlscuulon . on . fOOcl noru ~1aacl Unen, layecl ..sun.t ~. 1No~ beef1. Dl9April. n-;;.eh1lnn1n, J. •111ter1 lee,... ·. roeellea. . P!Uolmap .• 11- .~o see the 1-Ch.• lrman1 I , Parr1 ,sec~et.,y, G. 'Vote . of 1ppreclatfon · to'. ·BPam ''for au....,. oa Unea -8 per asreement.1 • :tery. · D,·· RelJln..... Shbf,1 dekllate m ate ,abOUt e xtra ti~• to make cof· Lopez. Three ·men were li>Hed - for ·. ba1eb&ll .corerana >;tempera~a · re· ·· »oii'tTbo~ · llb'raiT . boob: ~turn .. rep0rt..'.au rePiilr• tpde ' aa' J.;llbon;' .· fee before. ~Wng · the ganfs . to work. misbehavior ,and. failure to perform · porte '. ~~ . ~., ,f! , " · :'. , ~·· , eollef C,.pe. K9'P lndlau . out• ·ot ... No·· beefe: -..' Men plean cooperate ta ' Allo· yant 3 PM co!fee time, and ..theJr work. There have. been numer· · • •. ... • • ~ - . ,' • .. ·, ' _pa~•W11111 ucl l'OOllUo 1,. 1' . , ~ .. • . · ·~p!q _.... ISc,qn J!IOld~ ' ~ Cil , 1riad.cC>OP•· • · ou.11 · complaint• about t he creW-a · CHICICAt~w · cwetwraan>, Mllrtll tt >... - : . •.,....::-- ·: ·. - · , . tlwab &o '·..,,ard ~ ftr » ··w.U· · . - ,, _,_ .. ---:-r. : -.; · · 4raws. · ~e ~ 1bip'1 fund hu -se.~,. . ....Cllaltman;"Mcu•r-S.U.tair; Hay•· · <-, ltlllYH.LI CWmrm••>• Mir 1 - · " donif. · Dill:!'llllloll n , 'illen .ltaJtilc .fiUI-. .. , - ~ltl!O'A"-~ " "· ~•n!f>,.~ May 11 Ol;le AB wu .hospl~allzed la Calcutta. •No eXtr•· eljarettQ.~ J;e,;fliaet; T:wo . C_....I......,, ...wJH,.M ,C.'"'9ft1 ~ : ~ 1ia4 ~- ~--- · .• riCINJfrmaa;; 1t: .cttltlcMlla~ary, · ~'l'bere · were· a few hour1 ·c1&putec1 .O'f .. · eUt'oas • "9idt'"WY- Di'&•Yiffl7 .fary, UNtv:' :T.f--. "i'e;; ~.. ' tab vacaUoa \(n<~ to~..v.aca•·' : -- ~-~ ~_.. -~ ~ wilL .be. r9ferred. to tile .P•lrol· · . - . clan, 14brarr. ..o.:i. ~-a .,· JION· Ill><~' "'1Jiil.a Dlll'Qtet ''. ·tlan~ .' · r--,arb'llncl~1itaci' ..llhUilcl '., : " ·tllillt. , . ...... ,.~ ~~ •• ~!! ·~efortt pa.Jott. A vote Of· thanki ~· p:ortl: .. ~~":!tallte«~ ~of::'~• ·or-~ to"-·.._ .' ~:·:11P'':witb• ~.:ol'.:: . .>~ . Ii'~ A- _....,_ ,til- _ . ,, ...,_.,,,#0~ a.I·' ', ·~ent ·:to the mwaril llepartment; Be• · eUl"en "·~"~ .~....,·•. ~.,,,. •.Pilfi'olnlailJ.~...~ ·,Qttptu;:.lie»t -·"'-la•Tto'.. l' llr~Ritni• r~.. ~'~;: ;;,· - · --· DIges ·Of· ·Siu · Ship· e·etIDgs c:. .. ..'f.tidtif!P'• ~ •:11 · ,. • • '*" ,Henn -.• • , • f~~ ... - "- ~ '~. :- JI,..._...,. ..... .._....,., ,}. "';" .... •• • " ' • · .- ,. ·~ -· �Pare ..Eleveli · MediCa1: . Care Battle Overlooks ~MD Fees ' The controversy over a.. system of ,providing medical care for older Americans now raging ·in Congress has obscured one.of the basic causes of the problem-namely the sharp rise in doctors' and hos· pital fees over and above the ment these statements, with statisincrease in the cost of liying. tics obtained from the us DepartI This problem, which affects both ment of Labor. The report says young and old, but particularly that while the general cost of Hvolder people because of their heavy ing b=is ·gone up 24 percent in the medical bills and lack of funds, last ten years, the cost of mr.d: cal is re~ponsible for th e furore costs in general have skyrocketed over the F1>rand Bill. But even some 47.5 percent, tbe cost of a passage of that measure would not hospital room has jumped 88 percompletely resolve it ·since there cent and the cost of hospital inis nothing in sight to halt the surance has blown sky high, up steady upward rise of medical and 108 percent. hospital costs. Recently, .the trustees of the According to a special report Seafarers Welfare Plan voted inpublished by "US News and World creases in benefits for family hosReport" on• this issue, "The · cost pital <.'nd surgical care, raising the of being sick. amounts allowed for various operkeeps going up-1 ations. increasing the daily hos• SEAFARERS and no early end pital room and board benefit to to the rise is ex- $15 a day and boosting other LOG SPECIAL - pected. Doctors benefits proportionately. These are ch a Pg i n g changes were made in part to pro- · REPORT more for home vide greater benefits for SIU and office visits. families but also were made necesP.rice5 of most drugs are higher. sary by the rising cost of medical Hospital bills are way up. A major care. If any real advances are to be illness cr.i:i mean medical costs in the thousands. The big rise in made in solving the problem of medkal chRrges Js. 11 growing medical costs, something would , problem for Americans, both young have to be done to regulate the and old." presently-unregulated increases in The report goes on io docu- doctors; fees and hospital charges. ------------+ Ba·lt~ Port Body. Files Radiograms • I . . BALTIMORE -The i ·Maryland Port Authority announced recently the inauguration of ' a service to deliver radiograms ,filed aboard ship by members of any -crew. Me!isages can be sent via radiotelegraph station WMH owned and «>perated by the Maryland Port Authority. The station will send messages anywhere in the United States to any person who is willing ·to ·accept the message on a "col.; lect''. basis. · . WMH will also accept and de~ liver return messages and will bill t)le origirial sender at a· later· date. , The service · is · available to all ships sa~ling the Ch~sapeake ·a nd Delaware Bays and on the · nearby high seas. At ·this writing the outcome of the contract dispute between the International ·Maritime Workers Union -and the Incres Line, owners of the pass_enger ships Nassau and · Victoria, is still in doubt. But one thing is ce'rtain~and that is that the IMWU h~s the .solid support of the ships,- crews and of the crews of many other runaway vessels as well. · When the- pickets had to be ·w ithdrawn as tne result of a court order, the company tried to hustle the ships out. This mane.u ver failed because the cr~wmembers refused to work the -ships until they get union representation and some imptovements.in their conditions. No matter what the outcome, the "lncres Line dispute is proof positivf: ~hat, given encouragement and support, runaway ships' crews will fight militantly for decent conditions anq a u.nion contract. This, d~spite the fact that these crews are almost alw~ys aliens recruited overseas and subject to loss of jobs and deportation for· daring .to demand-just treatment and ~onsider-ation for their needs. The IMWU, which was set up with _the joint support of the SIU and the National Maritime Union, has done a fine 'job of organizing ·and solidifying the··Incres- Line crews l;>ehind the Union. But in a sense, the best organizer in this picture is the rµnaway ship operator. By paying mise~able wages·, under-man.n ing his ships, working his crews long hours and ·subjecting them to intoler~ble conditions, he is driving them to join ,a union in self-defense. Once -the IMWU makes· its pro-· .gram more widely-known to runaway ships' crews · a~d offers them . assistance, the runaway operator is .going to find .h e will have to· meet· union conditions to sail his ships. " t · . Si ILGWU Publishes News Iii. Chin·e se - ~ --, ~et~er · Fee~i~g ~~se~farers on many s~u-C~ntra"'ct.ed .ships are· getting a new bonus in the form of. ~etter-.quality s~ea1t meats as_a result" of .· the success.ot.t :he SIU Food Plan. The industry-wide program was originally set up with the purpose o{ improving shipboard service arid food preparation. It was argued that reFront page of "ILGWU Local 23 News," now being published in placing mass feeding techniques with. individual preparation Chinese "'ition. Local · has several hundred members of' Chinese and · setv~ce. · would' ·provJde fresher, tastier meals; and .also. artcestr.y • . . .eliminate e0nsid~r'able .·w.aste. ·The savings could then be translated into better qqality storing and a wider variety· of. Local 23 of 'the International Ladies· Garment Workers Unship's_stores; : · · ·'· . ' · ion has come up with something rather unique in the annals •· . . .. .. . . : Thafs jq~t, wha~. is, happ~J.liilg as . a i;esult . ,o.~ ~he, ~uccess of union publishing •.• a Ch~nese-language newspaper. · ".·fSEAP.Af:lERf!Jj, • of· the program to .date-and tpe chief benef1c1ar1es Jlre the : The Chinese paper ·is a O'.. . .. , . . . ·. : seamen theritselves. The 9ld nia~-f~eding practices,. leading t.r-anslation ot the regular LoIt is prepared ·by an editor of to over-cookin_g and over-'}>r~paration ;were ad~ittedly both cal" 23 paper and will be is- the "Chinese Tribune," who u..sed, • .,F~ ' . \i;. (;. •' · was~eful an.d un.satisfact'ory. Cooking and serv;ing to individ- sued several tlines a year, to reach to "be an ILGWU organizer. ProqiIH M.:flMQI¥ ~--, 1:1al .o rder is ·the key. to good shipboar.d feeding,,- along w.ith the 900 Chinese members of· the inently featured in t.tle newspaper ~~6 'IM&fiAWi . quality .aµ.d vai:.!~ty of' storing~ The SIU F:ood flan is· having skirt ·and Sportswear· Wor-kers' is labor news and material on the ,_ · · · · Union Label campaign. ~· :: · '"· CO~Siderable..~q~~~S·'i~"ac~eving' • ~ose· obje.ctiyes:".' ·· , ·" UJiion. · ,; i •: :.·Dnnfi ,' -A(f '. ..: m "'· ' t,~. ,· ·~ ·• . .. !ii·" , \ .. �- .... )I . - .... Twetn. SEA.l'A.ltElt! , l.00 Mother For La Salle Oller Juapge, and even cOlt1y autoPraises mobllea are entrusted to NelL Help One time a seaman who was on SIU the east coast wanted hi1 port· To &be Editor: To the Editor: · - This letter is long overdue, · We had some bad luck cross- able electric oven and thil W81 but I would like you to know lnl the Atlantic · from New promptly forwarded. York to La Pallice, France. Unusual happenings become how grateful I am to Utt SIU Currently hospitalized in the Houston area, ' reportl Port Agent Brother Claude Virgin, oiler, part of his job. For instanee, a for its kindness and help when Charlie ~imball, are Seafarers Saul Schneider, Mack Aeoata, Adam. had a bad heart attack and was seaman who made a pier, head my son, John Scott, died. Slowick and Thomas Chapman. . · out for several hours. He en- jump for a ship to Japan or · · When two of my sons went Schneider is a messman whose last vessel was the Pandora. 1'e is tered a holpital in France. some other distant place did not to Baltimore to · bring John being treated for yellow jaundice and· will probably be in the hospital . Thanks and credit should be have time to store hia auto- home for· burial, the m)n in for another three weeks. given to Captain William Har- mobile. · This chol"e wu con- the Union hall there couldn't vey for getting our ship to a signed to Neil who parked the do enough to help them with Ac0sta, who sailed l~st as an oiler on the Mount Shasta, came. .down vessel with a doc~or aboard• vehicle in front of bis home information and get things Also, · a world of credit to H~ where:- lt could · J>, watched straightened out quickly, which mer Ligon, chief mate and until the .owner got back. . saved ·us a great deal of time _ William Calefa'&o Brother H. Parks .f or first-class ·, . and, trouble. first aid help until the dbctor. Also, it was good to know arrived aboard . ship. John had so many- good friends The officers and crew did a -the men on his ship, the SS tine job transporting tbe doctor· Emilia.- sent a beautiful · bouto and from the Weather Ship quet of flowers and 30 of his France II and SS La Salle. friends sent sympathy cards. The steward and steward deDeep down in mY heart I am partment did a flile job taking ~ very gr~tefpl to all who helped . Slowick Acosta Chapman Schneider care of.. the sick man until our The men should be thankful ·arrival in port. The crew hopes with an ulcer condition but is making good progress and should be re· they have a union which takes for a quick· recovery for Broth,.,An letter• to tM editM for such good care of them anil leased in a week or so. er :Virgin: ' publicatioo in the SEAFARtheir problems and· is so willnl Slowick, an AB, is beina treated for iiljuries recieved when he was. ERS LOG muat be . signed Edward Cole to help them. run over by an automobile. The length of his stay in the hospital has b11 the t.Oritn-. N.ames toill to ~ 1:Mn. Marsare& Scott not yet been determined. ·be withheld upon f'equeat. $. - $. $. Chapman, whose last job was on the Denton as an oiler, is being Aid treated for a glandular ailment and should be discharged in the near . Welfare I future. · Draws Praise Blood· Donations S•aman Assails Seafarers on the beach or off the ship on shore leave should take To ibe Editor: Arab· Po~ some time either to write a letter to, or visit, their buddies laid up in . I · w~uld lijte to express my To the Editor:: · hospitals. Visits from friends are always welcomed by. men confined-to deep appreciation- for the help To the Editor: I sailed (both in . the NMU hospital rooms. tlie Welafi'e Plan gave us when . I want to thank you froD\ the and SUP> for many years and I went to the hospital ln Janu- bottom of my heart' for the 10 The following is the latest list of hospital patients; I well know how seamen are I ary, and for the prompt way pints of blood ·ma.de availal>lt treated in Suez, Port Said, AlUSPHS HOSPITAL US SOLDIERS HOME HOSPITAL they handled everything. to me when I suffered a mas- exandria, etc. I also know that BOSTON, .MASS. W:ASHINGTON 25, DC · Wm. H. Thomson Gilbert Edwards John F. Santo1 ¥arilva Wallace sive hemmorhage on Easter any mention of such to the US Chas. A. McCarthy . VA HOSPITAL ~ ~ ;\; Sunday. c:omml will be Ignored. USPHS HOSPITAL CENTER HoT SPRINGS, SO. DAKU'i'A NEW ORLEANS, LA. Clifford C. Womack The doctor1 were unable to So, as a former seamen, and lose Alonzo. Jr. Edward Knapp USPHS HOSPITAL · He's Big Help · stem the hemniorhage for 30 as ari American, I 'thank you Thomas E. Andrews Leo B . Lang SAVANNAH, GEORGIA William E. Alpin Clyde R. Leuett hours and my family was·notified for having the courage to call Garland Bennett William Morian A. T. Arnold R . E . McCluskey -W:o Seattle Men William Barron Ernest Web6 and l was given the last rites attention to thes~ facts by tyC. Bankston, .Jr. .Joseph Martello Paul Carter Nicholas Bastes Victor Mlorana, .Jr. ·one thing that ·f ew landlub- of my faith. Were it not for ing up th~t Ara'b ship. USPHS HOSPITAL J'ames E. Belcher Jack Moore hers realize or ean understand th ose 10· P i n ts of ' bloo d• I would NORFOLK, VIRGINIA May I also· suggest the foiAccurso Bonti Anthony Novak c. Batts .James M. Davu Edward Boyle Louis W. ·Pee4 ls that even ·Seafatess have .not be here today. " lowing: When talking to report• ~er~rt Jlroy_g~gn .J@~ ~ruf Ricl1ard OhilZ!lrra Eugene G. Plahn vital" statistics .to take care of Dennis Cahoon Steven Purifoy .Aiso, wlli you' thank ·Brother ers, tell tliem at;>out -what freatVirgil L. Coash Wm. E. Roberts R. Camantique Henri .J. Robin ashore, · such as the matter of Gillette, the SIU h ospita1 pa~ merit se~men. get in Alexandrl11, Donald Dambrino Chlis. R. Robinson USPHS HOSPITAL Wm. Daugherty .Joh'D E. Sanders . 1 f hi ist · income t.a x filing and other perGALvEsrON, TEXAS Harold N. Eby Herman L. Smith tro man, or- s ~ss a~ce on Port Said and. other Arab ports. sonal affairs. , . Henry Falgout Louis Spindler Mack Aeolta .John Gibson . · verifying my seatime. How "pilots," : cops, etc. roll, Max Anderson Pat- H. .Jones Donald Forrest Ralph F. Subat It 'ts forfunate that among Also three members of the rob and otherwise mistreat Pier ce Downer Saul Scbllelder Chas. Habl.ghorst Charles Summerell Ben Buck Adam Slowik Leo C. Hannon Walter B. Ulrich city ·dwellers there are some in SIU and SUP donated• their Americani-and Nasser makea Thomas Chapman William . Barris Ferdinand V. Viio every port who are interested blood but I do not have their this look like an Israeli plot. Sidney S. Irby Herbert Wilson USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY Edward O. .Johnson Luther E. Wing in the difficulties and problems names · and I wonder If° you . Charley Bou Anderson .Jordan .Joseph P. Wise William Bates Ioannil N. Louka.I of seamen, who can understz.nd b. lish th ks t George M. Kasprzyk Harry Wolowita Joseph Blake . J'obn S. Lukas and are sincerely anxious to b.o could pu my an q my -t t • t Robert W. Bunner E. J'. O'Rourke Nor man W. Kirk unknown benefactors in . the %lnnb Kodro1 Peitro Paulin . VA HO.SPITAL of service to -them. There must LOG. '. · ·. Wants Public Thomas Lauer Thomas C, RileF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Thomas Leha:v L • .J. Sheehan John .Joseph Hazel be somebody ashore who can Thanking you again for the Serafin G. Lopes A. W. Willert USPBS HOSPITAL be trusted to taJce care of things. heip you have given me and for 0 • . USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH. TEXAS llANHATl'AN BEACH I.~ the cpmparatively isolate~ the trouble you went through To &he Editor: F. E. Anderson Max Olson - BKLYN.• NY B. F . Deibler Peter W. Sotlre outport of Seattle, Nell Pardo for me. While we .of the membership J'ohn .J. Driscoll Santiago Laurente Woodrow Heyen Bozo G. Zelenclo Bart E. Guranicll: Hell1'7 E. Smith known as Nell to hundreds of Plllllp Mohan. realize the journalistic achieve· VA HOSPITAL Willlam D. Kenny Seafarers; is just as anxious t~ < ments of the LOG, I find rt diaHOUSTON, TEXAS USPHS HOSPITAL a. J'. Arsenault ' SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. be helpful with personal probt. lo ;\; ·heartening to enter a Union Matthew Bruno J'ohn F . Malylko . VA HOSPITAL as' he F I I p I ball and view copl~s. of our pubIems Seafarers· may have Samuel P. DrurY Charles Nall OTEEN, NORTH CAROLINA ls of making out and filing their am y ra llcation collecting dust. Richard L. Harilden Lloyd".J. Thoma.. Joseph J. Baas · Charles Haymond Howard .J. Watt. VA HOSPITAL taJtreturns, and su'ridry. Assist One so.lution is branching out· income Gunnar.. Johnuon David L. W.IWamll 24TH ST. & lST AVE., NYO USPHS HOSPITAL . paper .wort. To· &be Editor: to distribute it to the general Chas. o. Beiiiini · BALTDIORE. MARYLAND · VA HOSPITAL Th'· ill kn 1 d public. . ·. One of the biggest problemsRamon .Asueda · Wm. Koftowiteb KERRVILLE, TEXAS of Seafareri is "the deilvery of· w w ac ow e ge reTheodore S. Aleek G. L. Loeffer Willard T. Cahill Glend1n L. Broou· ·G. P. l!(atcotte mail. - Nell provides a solution · ceipt of· y~ur Welfare ,Plan'• In that way, we could make STOCKTON STATE HOSPITAL Kenneth C. Brown Gerald Rivera, Jr. letter relative to Yourick Gullthe public aware of .the import. to this by renting numbered · · STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA Hermao D. CameF Eulene E. Stewart boxes. Mall addresseil or for· lory Jr. and the receipt of the ance of the merchant marine to l>an M; Christolo1 Jeff Davia I'. X. Sulllvan Sldne:r C. Day Jobn W. Tlcil• MT. WILSON STATE HOSPITAL warded to his office is locked check. -. \ , the country's economy. SJdne;v T. DickeM Lawrence A. Tnoa . ilT. WiLSON·BAL'i'lilORE COUNTY Gorman T. Glaze Kenneth J'. · Wella In the boxes and upon lnstruc.Oil behalf of Mr. Omerlce . Our ·fight is theirs too, but BALTIMORE, lrlARYLAND Loyd J. GrUUs J'ohll Yulma1 Oeorie Davis tfon Is promptly forwar<Ied to Guillory and the other members they are less informed. Danb Hl«iinl SAILOR SNUG HARBOR HOSPITAL USPHS HOSPITAL a seamen anywhere in tile world of the deceased'• family, we / R. E. Hartley STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK SEA'l'TLJ:, W ABBINGTON A. B. Gutierrez Thomas llllkleD by, ajr,mall. He knows more wish to -thank tou and your_de(Ed. note: The LOG u toide· Edward S. Cannon J'ame1 c. Mitchell . TRmORO HOSPITAL Edward E . lldlnfer ,Leo L. Selealde than some lax · shipping com- partment very much for your Z11·distributed to membeT1 of NEW YORK Perfecto Hierro Johll P. WillWu ptmies· what mall means to a cooperation and assistance In CongTesl, state and ·.FedeTal Jam" Ruaell Geori• B. Little seaman. settlinl the .atfafrs of the de- a.gepciea, matjtime, .empipyer.• ceased . . "'· · · The pi~l may contain checks, We th'ank you .for Y- · ur and" uni<ma, aa well aa the gen,. 0 0 aome urgent pews from home, era! public.> reports ·on activity 1n· any · en· offer· for further a4vice and as- / ;to ti . $. terprise . a 'seam~ ' may ha:v"' . listance . in this . m~tter.: ' . Kind regards and best wishes. Savannah ashore, etc. Mall ii an important thinl fn a seamAln S llf«!. and Daniel J. MasH c ·l eared Nell's service is abiled to fulfill · t lo t this end as it .6aa· done for' the· :· . ') To the EditOr: past lG yean. ' Sugsests, We, the crew of" the Seatratn Where can. a seaman far from ·. f . ~ Savannah, w~h tq thanJi: the home, or those wno do n~t have a e· 8 ,u Ovu· ~ · headquarters .. atai! most sin.homes, keep his valuable papers To the Editor: , cerely for the outstanding· repand things? . Not on ahips or Wben In Seattle, may I sug- resehtati,o n' giyen us whil~ b1m1ome puJ>Uci. check . room. The geat that Seafarers patron1ze dlhig beefs, ·a t the la8t. pay,.' · mall . boxes ' serve also aa safe_ tlie Presto 'Donut Cafe, 2132 off. · • ' · • deposit ~boxes for '.' seamen . to I Ftrat-A:venue, three blocks: ~outh . Their .strona backing has re.:. keep their discharges . and sucih- or the hall. , . . . newed our awareness . of "one of ~ tmportan~ papers. II". , well· &J. • It'a' .a union place- with rea· the many p0s1Uve a~antages of . other- valu-_.ble , · and .. persooal IO~}?le pric~a.- ~e owner give•~ . bel9~ging ~o • .. fine u~n.: .. , belongin1• . w:Jiil•~· ~ fl;Waf, ~ ·the IUYI a fib' 1hak•• . . . r$$ L . :~rew Big~~~ ,~~~•: ,·µ& ~i "~' ~ « · .. . . . .~ ~ , l'or1~ .,., '. . · '. .Sea"fl' ~avUD!~. · f . SEAFARERS ·11·~11YDOC • • 4 ~ Stricken ·A t Sea ·Letters . To The ·Editor .... .. Saved Hi..-. / ·. T Welfare ... G t LOG ses a ' ts a 'eefS c A Crew seatl:le :;..-;.,. 1 our ,: .. , I .Qt.... ., . / �The .BOtlle -_Of Hastings. • •• I Antinuous And Hastings Collide To (The following . article tDCll aul>mitted to the LQG bu Seafarer Jim Bales) ., After two weeks coastwise, ttie Del Santos is now on its way back to West Africa. · While w.e were on the coastwise run, we - had two interesting events: The first was the collision of two Waterman ships, the Hastings and the Antinuous. On March 29 we were at anchor in the :aouston ship channel due to the fog. At 9:45 AM, as we were getting ready to get underway again, the SS Hastings . .passed us. · At 10:25 I wall on lookout on the ,bow when I heard whistles blowing, the sound of anchors being dropped Ahd then, the 1ound oi a crash. : About 10 minutes · later the fog begsn to clear. Almost 500 feet off the port bow we could see two ships which had run together, almost bow to bow. They were the Hastings and the Antinuous, both belonging to the Waterman Steamship Company. We on the Delta Line were glad to see that Waterm~n kept the trouble in their own family and did not invite us. We anchored and stood by for 35 minutes. Then, seeing that they did not ·need help,' we got underway. As we headed for Port Arthur, w~ could see the Hastings was still trying to get her bow out of the' Antlnuous. ,, Waterman~ Woe The ctiief electrician came to the bow when he heard the crash and I sent him to get my camera. <Ed. note: The photos of the collision appeared in the April 8 LOG.> The second interesting event was a hailstorm. which we ran into between Galveston and New 'Orieans. The storm came up suddenly, and some of the hailstones reached %tbs of an inch in diameter. The stones piled into driftS on the deck ·up to· three inches deep. We are now out in the South Atlantic. There is no fog, no hail-just calm seas. It Tooks as if we have a good crew this trip: The food has been fine and we are looking forward to a very good trip. Irlll®M trW11 .Three declc department men on Waterman's Afoundria work on the _booms while the vessel is at sea, The Seafarer ii'! th~ white cop In Quinn. Photo was taken by bosun Roy Theiss. .._ ~[;]]~~ ~ ~ .~i;-~ · ~ • • Husky Crew On Iberville Whoever qrdered the sloPchest for the Ibervllle <Waterman) must think that the · crew ·consists solely of ''Bayou Buffaloes." It seems that all of the undershirts availabie · are size 44-pretty much for men Jn the 200-pound class. The crew notes 11la1ntively that undershirts should be stocked in as1;orted sizes since not everybody goes for those 44's. Bill Cameron was chairman of the meet~ng and Henry Leiby, secretary. t ;\;. ·;\;. Seeing Stars On The Orlor. $. i- ,. <Thu article submitted to the LOG by Bernard D'Ornellas, ahfp•1 delegate on the USAF Rose Knot) Enclosed you will find pictures of the galley force ~f the Rose Knot, who are doing a first-class job providing good food .for us. portaut it ls to have a good galley Many times they put in long force aa everything be·comes cen• hours, go out of their way and tered in the messhall on these Iona far .b eyond· the call of duty trips. Just to provide u1 with a little something extra. & you are well aware, we on these missile ships spend long periods at sea-the .last three voyages having lasted 45 days, 81 days and now 82 days respectively -and you can imagine how im- Stop.Watering The Potatoes! Watering whiskey is a nasty habit that some barkeeps ~re reputedly addicted to. , But on On -the Orion Star the chief the · Alamar (Cal-mar) there's engineer talks only to the Ca- another complaint. Meeting bots and Lodges, but since the secretary T. E. Yablonsky reUnion delegates aren't attached ports that the mashed POtatoes to those noted Boston aristO- · are being watered down a wee cratic families they are out' of bit too much. the picture. Meeting secretary Coincidentally, th e r e' s a · Tany Arellano complains that the delegates· can't get . near the shortage of wash basin plugs, which ~hould make it-.simple to chief. · On the positive side, the crew. let the water go do\Vn the drain Is getting some benches made i1;1stead of Into the potatoes. to sit on the fantail, but for the $. $. ¢. peace ·and quiet Qf all concerned a riew edict has been issued-no . transistor radios to be played on · Some Ma s s m a r Se~farers deck. were reported to have made ·the ;\;. ;\;. t, first move in the direction of atwhat is called the How D'Ya Catch taining· bless~d "state· of nature." A· couple of them are reputed to Trout At Sea? Nobody would ever be· caught · hav.e come to dinner in their dead going to se·a with a ftyrod underwear~ prompting ·the crew and a book on "How To Catch meeting to rule that men are Trout," because if they did, the not to come to the messhall In Coast Guard woutd' be after un~erwear. Though the MasS:them iri no time, ready to cart mar doesn't require tuxedo and them off to the nearest Plibllc tails, It also isn't the Garden.of Health Service Hospital. Never- Eden. toa1 US~ $ Massmar No Eden . Men Laud Rose Knot· Cooks' Extra Effort theless, the Seatrain Louisiana crew feasted on no less than a bushel of the delectable freshwater fish. No, nobody caught them Qff the Edgewater dock. They were a .g ift to the crew from the electrician P. Smith, and his wile. It doesn't aay whu taught 'em, Mr. or Mrs., but they were propably a wel: come . change from the bony shad that the Seatrain fishermen have be~n pulling ovei; the . fantail. LOG-A-RHYTHM: William Jenkins, popular chief steward, poses for a snap. Everyone has been pleased with his efforts. Picture was taken while on the John c. Don't Send ·Your Baggage COD ~eafarers are again warned not to send their baggage COD to any Union hall The Union cannot accept delivery of any baggage where -express charges have not been prepaid. . Men who send baggage COD to U'nlon halls face the prospect of having te go to a lot of trouble and red tape with the Bailway .Express Co. · I Love The Sea By H. O'MARA I love the sea in all its many guises When it is calm or when its temper · rises Lying as a sheet of glass Restless as a fair 11oung lass Many have fought her, some have lost - . Chief cook Jaclc White (with apron) and 3rd cook James "Horse" O'Hara, have earned the thanks of the crew of the Rose Knot for their fine work in the galley. ' I believe in the old saying "A Many the lives the fight has. cost well-fed crew ls a happy crew" and you can take my word for it, we Many the fathers and sons The sea ltaS taken beneath the are well fed. A vote of thanks for the stewards is given· at every meeting but I feel tliat a little extra s.hould be given lo these men But when · it comes time f o_r, me for the long hours they dedicate to our well-being and comfort. to die If you will recall the Rose Knot's On ~e ocean'• floor fl wish to lie For the moonlight's path across menu was picked out at Christmas time as being one of the best of all . the sea . SIU seagoing vesse!s. Is the one and only road for me waves Never to <.&waken �•., -:r ~ ·•- '· > I r-i< ·, • .-' Medicine--Man -WaDted'. , , Jf • The men on the Montego. $.ea hav;e a problem that is, u,nique to Seafaring men. Landlubbers have ~ugstore~...on ·every corner, dispensing pills and soda-pops; .but men at sea hav~ to .rely on the good old m e d i - + - - - - - - - - - - - cine chest for pills to cure knows who to. go to In order to get' their ills. medicine. But on the Montego ·Sea The problem on the Montego it's a different story, and its as · Sea is that nobody ever knows who difficult to get a pill as it is to find has the key to the medicine ·chest, a left-handed monkey ~ench or a so the men have to ·chase from one sky-hook. mate to the other until they - run· Crewmembers ar~ trying · tQ down the desired key. reach an understanding on who is On US Navy ships -they have to carry the )tey to the medical what they call ' a . '"pharmacist's supplies so the men won't. have to mate" who walks around with a big .indulge in wild goose cfiases when koy around his neck, and everyone they need a b!ind-aid. · ' SHIPBOARD SKETCHES by Ben Graham MADAKIT (Wate.....-11), ' ~lll!rli l Chalrm111,' '· R. Tou1rb ,.cret1ry, c. •111er. Brother W. Datu• d~ a ihl• .Job u . lblp'• d1I11ate. BverrthlnS running .llDootbly. No beef1. Every• one pleal8d '!!fth ooob-talty food, proper}7 prepared. . . ITl!IL ~OYAGER Usthmfinl, A"ril 10-Chafrmin, o.· M. Jones1 Secretary, W. H: Simmons. 'Discussion re gettinf more milk on board fl>r Ion& trips. All repair. taken care of :with excep· _tion of '. cementine and cleaning fresh water tanks. Water I• rusty, Motion . that fresh water tank• be cleaned and cemented H soon H possible. Motion that fresh water be taken on ·only wb.e re sanctioned by USPH. Sus, gested · that all room deck• , be painted and that ahoreside people be ke_pt · out of room · anil .passagewaYS in for· eien port1. Discuuion on donation to library: Six houu di1puted over• time in engine dept. STllL I x I c u T r v I (Isthmian), Aprll 10-Chilrman, Robert Airs Sec· retary, Al1xand1r Brodie. Report o,n two men , 12·4 engine dept. contlnu· ally fouling up. Discussion on rentinJ movie filmrand nee4 for new speak· er. .Allo on showera being used by other departments. Have . spare keys made for showers and toilets so they can be kept locked whlle in · port. New drainboard for laundry required. ( DJ••• ...... lmrttt. .. te report• : ~... man lllilffd lblp '1.D., 1 Baltlmoi;e1· Bia. 1ear wa~ put a1hore. Wiper ·hoitd- · ' Alet:r mfftlq held. Poor medfeal tallsed in _venein'.aela • . Headquarter'• . ""loe ID. Korea. notlfled by radiop-ami. eent by lhlp'1 ~ ~ .· r . dele1ate~ John Keiltrley. Three room• ALfCI ••OWN <•roomfleld), Aprfl 17-Ch1frm8n, Clyde I.. Van IPPll · painted thl• trlp. Rest to be painted in near future. Repair .list turned in l1cr1tary, ~oool'tl• Hair. Shfp'• dele· to captain. C1ptain requests crew· •ate re~ with vote of' thank• from members to make bunk• and keep crew. J. ·c. Arnold elected new ¥iP'I rooms clean. No beefs reported. Earl deleeate. Johnn:v Cantrell voted ihip'a McNab elected new shlp'1 del'e&ate. treasurer alld librarian. Treasurer re· Request fank• be recemented and port• '$3.30 '•pent- for phone call, ru1ty water re11orted to patrolman. $1.20 for lock on library. Balance Sl.112. · No beefs. Two ho·urs dispute.d OT· in deck dept. · · SS FAIRPORT <Wat•rman'i, Aprll I -Chairman, Robert Graf1 Secretary, ORION STAR COrlonl, Aprll 17Jack G,uitrd. Delegate reports ~11·1 Chalrman, George CrlggSI Secretary, well. Treasurer · reports balance: 120. Tony Arellano. When vessel reachc1 American · currency; 1200 Japanese Port. of Nab,, captain will procure yen. Terry J. White elected new 1hlp'1 delegate. Crew requests that · steward dept. serve foods coming from galley steaming bot throughout meal hour. Brother White requests repair lists be started outbound and not held until last minute. more often. No ~tan' work 'd0ne )n. eqlne dept. while ID' clr)idock. No ~~ Digest ,.Of SIU Ship ·:~etings ' WILD RANGER <Waterman>, Aprll 24,-Chalrman, R. W. Wright/ Secretary,. A. Aaron. Repair list turned in. Sent telegram to Union about sick broth-er who sl&ned off in Rottercf11m and flew back to US. Suggeat that a aood fumigation b'e given to foc'sles, &alley ~d ~ellhall. · Vote of thankl to steward dept. STEEL DIR-ECTOR <lsthml1n), Mirch 17-Chalrman, · R. Burnsed; Secretary, T. Gaspar. Delegate reports Joseph Gioell hospitalized at Port Said. 123.06 in ship's .Eund. No beefs . . Books and magazines deUvered to ship .were ofd ones. Suggest that heads and ahowers be . fixed as well as cleaning in deck dept. · · BENTS FORT (Cities S•rvlce), Aprll 17-Ch•lfm•n, J. Sween•y; Secretary, P. K1ras. No beefs reported. Arriv· ing Monday AM and _paying o!f Mon· day.' OT earned Saturday and Sunday not to be paid until next payoff. Want headqual'ters to remedy thl1 for future payoffs with thl1 company, · cigarettes and clsari. Chief engineer still- refuses to ' talk to ' deleiates. No beefs reported in engine and iteward -I de_pts. Beef!! in_ dee.It dept. tp be FLOMAR (Calmar), Aprll a-:..chalr· POR-TMAlt (Calmar>, · Aprlf 17 taken up with boarding patrol.lilan. man, C. Hensley1 Secret•ry, C. Dur· Ch1lrman, J. Fereira; Secretary, G. Brother Ira. HarrLson elected new h•m. Some disputed OT in deck dept. Simmons. · Everything running 1mooth• treasurer. Jose Sanchez resigns with Motion io '.extend voting period at ly. No beef1 reported. ,Richard Ref• vote of thank• from crew. least 90 ·day1 to enable men at sea to fley elected new ship's delegate. Dls· vote. Seconded and carried .unanl· cussed ·a nd ·vetoed suggestion to iltart ITEEi. MAKE,R. Usthmlanl, Aprll 17 mously. Suggest 50c. donation to .lhJp's fund. Delegate to see chief -ch1lrman, c. Gullet; Sscretary, J. cover ship's bUSlness, etc. lpebox , engineer about inltalling fan in laun• JlmH. Delegate reports one man door latch to be fixe.d. Li&hts to be dry room. · ' left ship in Seattle due to illness in lelt on. in passageway in crew'• family; one man hospitalized ·in For· quarters. Hand . in repair list. "RADFORD ISLAND (CltlH Serv• mosa. 126 collected for Library Assn. fee}, Aprll 26-Chalrman, T. WHm11 Rep;ilr list turned jn, $60 in ship'• SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatralnl, Secretary, A. Carpenter. Refrigerator · fund. Disputed over.time in deck and Aprll 17-Chalrman, N. - Norwood. requires repair. New mattresses re· engine depts. No beefs. N. A. Hui! 1 ceived. Delegate reports everything okay. No beefs reported. · Everyone elected ship's treasurer. M/·S/ C to Ship's fund $03. Cl'ew thanks Mr. • . donating $2.50 toward purchase of contact Union ot'flclals to 1ee if all and Mrs. f. Smith (electrician · Smith) . TV. Delegate to see patrolman about contracted companies- c·a n end pay. for the bushel of ·trout that was sent ·standard soap according' to agree· rolls on December 31st ' 'for Income aboard. Appreciated by all. ment. Vote of thankl to steward tax ·purposes. Suggestion that steward depi.. vary- menu. one - minute 1Uence for our departed brothers. STEIL TRAVELER Usthmlanl, April . ALCOA CLIPPER <Alcoa), Aprll H 27-Chalrman, J. Beye; Secr•tary, J. --Chairman, Ed Kelly1 S•cretary, J. O'Donnell. Delegate reports· no beefs. MASSMAR <Cl.lmarl, Aprll 24 Roberts. Two men left 1hip in KingChairman, W. M11onr Secretary, J. · 117 in ship's fund. Some disputed ston, Jamaica. Spot painUng instead overtime to be taken up w\th patten- · Tifb§f. Deleiiile reporti beef re of paintipg rooms. $1M in m'o vie baker -being fired and other beefs to- man. Beefs to be cllanneled through fund. No beefs .reported. M/S/C re be taken up with patrolman. Radiator department de~egates. / letter received from · Alcoa Civalier in crew's messroom to be fixed. Quiet to go by present ahipping ruleJI also at night requested in passageways. ALCOA CORSAIR (Alcoa), May 1work on better retlremeni plan. Ask . Crew not to come to meuhall in un· Ch•lrmin, "Tex" Metting; S•crstary, 11alrolman who lo make- eo&ee derwear. Luti iif work on-repair list ii!. Keischice. Discussion ·with captain weekend• at· 3 PM coffee time. not taken care of. about sl\ip's delegate mlsslns fire & boat drill. Captain requested that SANTA VE ..ETiAIElaml, Ap~ll 21 •LCOA' PEGASUS" <AlcOll. Aprll ·11 aame be brought up at later date. -C:h1frman, J~mH Purcell1 Secr.e tary, -Chairman, Donald F.• MHHI SecreMovie fund, 1332 on hand at end of F. · J. O'Nelll. Repair list turned jn t1ry, George Kini. Deleeite report• last voyage; $218 spent on films in Hq. notified lbout' , ma11 ho1PitaUzed one man ho1Pltallzed in Long Beacb. Mobile; total on band, S116. No beefs tn · Malta; al10 concerning sinks. St~w· No new1 on man hospitalized In reported. ,Brothe1· McKelroy elected ard elected shipboard treasurer. Di" Hawaii. Most of repair. tilten care new 1hlp's delegate_. Crews• guarter1 . puted overtime hi deck and engine ·of in San Francisco. Belt to be done need painting, not spot painting. department.. Vote of thankl to ltew· 11 by engineers. f".75 fit llhlp'1 fund. Washing machine needs repairln1. 1 hate to ship out quick honey, but somebody h~s to work, you . ard dept. •nd crew mt;3!1 for aood No beefs reported. Plea1e return Plea1e brlns cups ·back to pantry. 1ervlc1., malllns addreu to bulletin board. know •••" · Wiper and OS to take care of laundry ANGELINA (Bum, Mey 1-Chalr· ~NGILfNA <Bum. March 12. 1nd .teward dept. to take care of. Chairman•. w. Nejwo1on1 S•critary, H. recreation ·room: General diicussion · man, A. Ferrara; Secretary, H. R. Dombrowski. Delegate reports no R. Dombrowski. R. Motilta elected on ·new con~Ututlon. pro and con. · l!eefs: Vote of thanks to &alley force. lhlp'1 delesate. No beefs reported. Sugaelted , that night lunch be eaten IDITH (Bum, Apr11 .14-Chalrman, In. ~euhall and not ta~en to roo~•· I. Kings S~cretary,.. Mlke.- ~tchallk. ATLANTIS . (Petrol), M•Y 1-ChilrDelayed sallin1 time ok,yed .by c!ap· man, G• . ~1rcla1 Secretary; O. W. CHfWAWA (Cltl•• S•rvfce), April tain, Three houri' . ilisputeil OT in Trawick. Beeb re money draws in 17-Chafrman, C. Copeman; Secretai:y, en&lne dept. Bring coffee cups back foreign ports, shore gang chipping, J. D. McL•more. Delegate report• to pantry after usin• saJlie:. Vote of milk in forei'1!- ports, repairs to be two men milled. ah.Ip · at Portland, thank• to steward dept. for . eood completed, to: be ·taken •up· _with pa· Maine, M1rcb 22. Ship .Old. · Final ~rving a~d preparation of meall. trolman. ,Some dls_Puted . overtime. HONOLULU .••. 51 South Nlmlts Hqbwa1 SECRETARY-TREASURER payoff Toledo, Ohio, .approxlmatel1 Two men- loggeil- -ln Greece. MIS not Paul Hall ' PHone 5-17H , April 28. Some vandalltm. Two houri ROlfN IHlllWOOD <Moore McCorto pay Qft unttI all, beefs are 1ettled: NEW ORLEANS ...... :-.m Bienville St. ASST. SECRn'ARY-TREASUl~ERS disputed .overtime in deck dept. Lousy mack>, Aprll 10. Ch1lrman, F. Pasa• also to change brand of coffee. All RAmond 7-428 W. Hall, ' Deck C. Siinmon1, Ens. chow. Someone destroyed 1h,lpmate's luk1 Secretary, P. F. •rck. Mike NEW .YORK ..... ;8711 4th Ave., Brooklyn hands warned 'aboup smoking on deck. &. Mooney,·Std. J. Volpian, Jolnt . HYaclntb IMl600 lh9e. Leave foc'1les in eo 0 d shape. Reed elected ·•hlP'• delegate. ,S30.35 Vote of t!Jank1 to steward dept. HEADQUARTERS ... . 675 4th Ave., BJdyn; PORTLAND..•••••• , •• , •. 111 SW Clay St. Crew reports food beef; stale bread; · .in treasury; S4 1Pent for •l ibrary. No BALTIMORE . . . . . ...1218 E. Baltimore St. . CApltol 7·3222 menus not' up to par; 'food ~prop_erly beefs reported; Coffee to be made . $1AFAIR <Orlon>, Aprll 36-Chalr· Earl Sheppard, Asent EAstern 7-4900 SAN FRANCISC0 ....... 350· Fremont St. . prepare~ · • in percolator.- Keep messroom · and man, Dave Barry; Secretary, Alonzo EXbrook· 7·l5800 BOSTON .. . : ...·.... .. ......,.278 State St. . pantry clean ·between meals. ~ Bryant. Delegate reports beefa to be SEATTLE. : .............. ll!OlJ - 1st Ave. John Araba1cz, Actlns Agent · STEIL AllTrsAN<aithmlln>/ April taken up with patrolman. S4.31 in ' . . MAln 3-0088 , Richmond· 2-0140 2S-C:l'la!rm!U), Joe Bracht; Secr•t~ry, 'YORKMAlt (Calm1r),· Apl'U .. 17. •• ,,,, ••••. 505 MariDe ' Ave .. · '"Ip'• • fund ~ Deck delesate reports Robert H1rmon. New ship's delegate HOUSTON . ..... . ......... . 4202 Canal St. WILMINGTOl'" Ch1lrman, I. •row.m Sec,..t~ry, _W. mate working on deck, taking .OT · ·,TEnnlnal ~ R .. Matthew1,.Asent CApltal 3-4089; 3-408C elected. Treasurer report• .$5 paid Crsuman. F. H. Taylor elected ship's . from declt . dept. EnJl.ne delegate to for · library; $19.26 ·1n treHury. No delegate.. Enrytbing okay. No beefs · He chief about air· vents . . No, 1afety MIAMI ·: . .......... . ... 744 W. Flagler St. · · beefs. Need acreen door for pantry; · i:eported. · Ben Gonzales, J\gerit FRanklln 7-3584 meeting held on board this trip. also · keys for door to foc'sle. Locker MOBILE .. ...... . .. '. 1 South Lawrence St. ALPENA , · 1i'f Wver Si. .S teward welcomes sug1testlon1 on needs repairing. John . Jack1on new 1 LUCIL• BLOOMFllLD (Bloomfl•ldl, " fooas crew · would like. Ship needs Louis Neira, Agent . HEmlock 2· 754 · · · •·• • '· ·''''·':.Bini wood 4-3816 1hip's delegate. Aprll 2-Chalrman, · Keith Wln1ley1 fumigation; new' washing machine. NEW ORLEANS . - . · · · · · .523 Bienville St. BUFFALO NY 914 Main St Sicr.tary, Lff de Parlier. Delegate Lindsey William1, Agent Tulane 862~ ' • ".',' •• ••' • •'' ·: GRant 27z8 Voto of tbank1 to ate~ard dept. .• , JOHN <Ahantrc c~rrlers>, March reports port payolJ in River. Few NEW YORK ....... 875 4th Ave .. Brooklyn CL"'-V ELAND 4420 W ,.., . St 4 26-Chalrman, o. if. Manlfold1 J•cr•- - 'hours disputed· OT not collectable. · HYacint}J 9-6800. "' .. "•• •" • .. .HAJD t-0147 KATHRYN (Bum, May 1-Ctialrman, . t.,y, Ed 'Taylor. Man - mllsed ship in . Brother Pete Lypen, AB, injured at (. .P1t1r1on1 .Secretary, R. · Bacon;· NORFOLK .... · •! ' ' " " " •• • 418 Colley Ave. DULUTH ....... .' .... 82'f W. Super10ir St. . Bl!_ton Rouge. Nq beefs. reported. sailing and put oil ship. Hall notified Paul Gonsorchik, - Actlns Agent · . Phone· Randolph 2'"-4110 DeJegat11 reports no l>eefs. Some disbut unable to replace injured man MAdlson 7-1083 · puted OT In engine dept. MIS to · 'C HILOR• <Marven),, Aprll 21 as ship wa1 sailing. Harry Smith- re· .ADELPHIA ' 337 Market St FRANKFORT, Mich .....•.. . PO ~OX 287 have IJpecial ' meetlne about shortage PIUL~ Chairman, Clyde. ·Kent; Secretary, 'slgn1 a1 delegai~.' Eldon Arriot elect· · · · · · · ·' · ' , ELgln 7-2441 of food upon , arrival in New York. S. Cardullo, Aeent Mark.e t 7·1635 MILWAUKEE , . ; •.... 833 S. Second Ave. James Schroeder. Mate f 1hows di• · ed llhiP'• delegate. Sugee1t "arrival J1lscuHed keephJS sick men Jn , hosp!· SAN FRANCISCO .....•.. 450 Harrlton St. . BRoadwa).'. "2·3039 agreement · OT bet~ieen AB -and pool" ~e run for ship's, fund. Beef1 Walter Sibley, Agent Douglas 2-4401 RIVER ROUGE . . 10225 W. Jefferson, Ave. .OS. ·one . man missed ship in Phlla· to be taken care of H they come up · !al wh~n tbey are 1lcllt. SANTURCE, PR. _1313 Fernandez Juncos., Mich. · ' Vlnew~Od 3-4741 delphia. No beefs reported. .Crew _~not to be held untll, '8yoft. Cooper· , . · Stop 20. SOUTH CHICAGO .•••••. 8383 Ewing Ave. aske4 to 'kiep' __tecrea~.iop room clean ate in ~eeping laundry clean. Wringer ATLAS <Cargo & Tankihlp~ Man1.), . Keith Terpe, Bq. Rep. , Phone 2·3998 . ' SAglnaw 1-0733 and to turn- oft wa1hing machine when .in laundry roo~ . net!d• flxinf. A'prfl , 3p...:..chalrm1n~ /Ii., ~ &; Bourgot1 JACKSONVIl..LE . 920 Main St .. Room 200 ;oLEDO. ·•· ···•'••••••···12!> Summit St. ~brouah. . _ • . --- , 11!1tc.r et)lry, S. M•. Slmos. Shlp,'s ' dele· · William Morru, Agent ELgln 3-0987 CHerry 8·2431 ·- · / ' · . DIL Vll.NTO (Mississippi), Aprll H •ate .reports <two ABs got off, fireman AMEi' VICTORY <Vi~tory Carriers), -Chairman, P1ul ·warrens Secretary, and wiper fired. Chief en&lneer -'IUlf· " SEATTLE.~ .······ .,. · ···· .2005 l&t. Ave. Aprll 2~halrman, T. Bolind1 Seer• A. I. · C.u nnfngh1m. Discussion on gests lie~~~g a ~ull set of, -spare tubes Ted Babko)>V.11ld, ~gent Ma!n 3-4334 · tar. y , H. Rain"s. Delegate reports one '~ foul-ups aboard ' ahip and proposed . for TV ·~~ n~w" o~ ' board; -. also a WILMINGT-ON. Calif .. . . . 505 Marine Ave. FORT Wll..LIAM. '-••· ••.. 408 Simpson St. member passed awa;>' iii Inchon. ':Wei-. . amendment1 to constitution ... Patrol·r-- 1peaker. Anyone 1etting oil jn Good ,~ ' Reeil Humphries; Agent Terminal.4-2528 'Ontario• · Phone: 3·3221 iare notlRed. Also report• fwo men man ' to take up wlth"1cal>tal'n mat'ter Hope should give notice.· After we HALIFAX N.S ........... 128¥.a HoW1 St. In lteward 'd ept. and" one map In of baker being. flred ' i11 result of beef ,, tap .. oft ·wil'll' .b e on the waY to-Perth · · fhone 3-8911 MONTREAL ..•.•. 834 St. James. St. West engine, dept. logged for missing ~p~y. · with chlef cook. ~ ' : · ' . . •Aml)o)'.. Cilhlef C'crok who.._ got 'off lhlp . Victor 2-8161 Beef.I re 1 m,oney itraw1, kind of c~r· ·,,- · .' - --- · · . · -·1n ~ San DJ¢fo t'1anks . crew· for t,... HONOLULU .. . . 51 south Nimitz Highway QUEBEC . .... ·...•... 44 Sault·au-Matelot · FAIRLAND <111;Landl, April 14dona11on they made to buy flowerl renc)!, to be turned' ov.er to . patrol, .PHone ·502.777 · Quebec LAfontalne 3·1ll60 man. Some. men have · )\ard time"! get- ' Chairman, W • • C. ln1ll1 ',secretary, , for slllt'e r's funeral.!. Treasurer report"' · NEW ORLEANS.: ...... 523 Bienv.ille st: THOROLD. Ontario.·-·· •. 52 St. David St. ting ho1pltal _.lips qll m~te .. J,lepalr'l;fst Harry ~racknelf. ~verYihine r.J-uniiJne -., ·~·~7 ;in ahlp'1 . ~und. 'Cre:w reDtµi.cle!i,.1 , Jacklion 5·7428. A . • C.,nal ··7·l5212 to \be made o~t. Eneme . 4ept. rob~~ smootbly. · '88:!18 :In shtp's fund. No . !O~ .Jo. 1~aV.e co1' ~n deck and , t~ ;ke,ep •: . . . ... ' ... TuRONTO, Ontario ..••.. m King St. E, to be · pajnted. n~~- trlp, w:m~ ne pa• beefs reported. Donald· BrowJl}ee re• · rec~e11Jion ·ro~ c1ean. N:~ Are P\lll'IP . • NEW YORK·..,-•• ; .. 875 4th ,Ave" oroo...yn . . . EMpil'e 4-5719 t r olman _about lpdsh'l&, while ~ dl'.l!· llgn1 II ihlP.'• 4eI••atJ .with vote of ,.,,_ PP ' .' IJtlp. ' Suaa,e~.te~· that )WOpclen . f~· : . • ' . . H Yaipint.h ,IMl60!J ST. JOHN. NB .... 11'1 Prlnc6 William St. pye~~e "1-PUt.e'\~ t!eci: and -.tb,arikl for , Job , w,eU: done. ·Walter .., be~c:he1 . be built on ,PUp·dec.k. ... · · i .doc,lt.,r t_.~ , i:;-.1. (: PP.l\~"-~b. '..-. .... .-.... ,lll,b~ ,c~y . St. · , ..._ OX 2·M3l engine . dept1~ "rGa~'jVaYr tit ~id '-un~· - '' Snell, ,,ellic~d ~ newf lhiP'• 4ele1ate. r,, . ,, ,', ;. ~ ....• , , · , ''< • • t> , ,. , • : , . , ; ;, . _, .,.. ,. -.-:. C'.,AJ!!t?'·'~' VANCOUVER, BC . . ... .... .,. .2118 11~ St: ' .,nfe":Wheq llil~ · J•;1~"1tod ' on ~n ::-..:."DlieUlil~J~ " :trJaF.' 11-0 ·1l'Otl~;'9'°~reen·' " AR.(J~~!",(W1firpsan), •1~.P'''' " '' ~ '· ~Z<\; : . aA~·· ra~Nemco·: ; ~ ,,;.;·..·400 sarruo~ st.. __ , · 1anew.ay,. p00r;." lilune1il, °, 1 PGOf .~ "ai&W' w,u ponecl,, or, dele•ate noWle.d . , .' Ch1fr.iliaf1,'~ J,• K•nnedn h .c ret1ry; ·L. . !". .- , .- · '«' • ' J>ou11as~ 1' !,I Janke. : IRj~lr . II~. Mdt Jn, .' Two ·meit . ' mall ·, 1elfylce1 maui: n9,t1, 'bel.,. ."f,r• ·:·... . . ' .... Iii . . ' __,.,...,.., ' !1>11 ' •:f :~> • -'t~'} f~ ~ I.~... _;r • , .,.. '•rv•ni,;·~•raf 14l~haJ ....1;.t1;·mi..ed ,ltilp.t,:'No ;Jte'efld·e~~:, .Jo.-,,, • '..1> .<:. '. :;tL\~··" ··~~ ~ : 2505"'1~ · ~ve•. B~TillOBB : ... . ~.I..!J: Eait Baltlmore1 It. "; warded to ~P• ~~cit · si9~ic-:·1n.,11~.i:;· "' ·,!'! ... •: .. :·~.. · 1 .-. - - .,.. .. ~ -.,Jv~~ .0.: · ~ ' • .. • »'. •·: .. · * " · ·B A1tern 7·3383 • J ~est . ·~".. :.H,•:;~ll; .-n,~-e~;-·be "•OPl!Dtd "" ......,,, " " ~ ..........,.,.... q.e"81'1J·~'~.' '<11. .ph~ JWl.;t •l•~:- •e!' del~ . :.., " •.d . •· WJQllNG'l'ON-: .:~ ,.-. ... . 8'» .11· ·. - ~ei.cll(ONQ~VLV ....,.11 'No,,rtlJ.. Nimltz Rlib1ra1 r·-:..~ :'~: :~i;.. ·. ~.w~:}. f•-;..f--·~., ,.. '. {.:; 'if.,.;? ,,~'1... ,.. . ,:.~l · • ·*''\~:i~~·,r .. :~.' ~ ~'l~tl· ~:1:1.; "i1 l>v$'~~ .·~ 1 ·~ '~~·~....;~:·!p,. !1·!• ;ft~' .• ·~7· .... l•. --- sO- SIU BALL DIRECTORY I - MC&$ - SIU, A&G Distrid -·- - Great Lakes DisJ·rict ·c: ot Canad1'an D1°str1°d : sup MFOW .. ot >4- " I' I :"··: •••.. '1 ·. w ' • ·• ,: · '.,. . · ' ,. , . ' . ~e::.:., I ifr'~~·; '. J&.'~, o••tM• , !-7', ,' •,. . P~n• f.f0'1'I j •• ., ' f ' ' r �· ,P I·~RSONALS AND NOTICES~l s E1Ji" 'i ll ii ~ ' l i> t: SIU Blood ~lfts . fi«e Helped·Her Leticia GD, born Feb. 10, · 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Luis Gil, Bayamon, Puerto Rico. . . 'TO SHIPS IN ATLANTIC EUROPEAN AND SOUTH AME~ICAN. WATERS .. . MTD" . WFL-85, 15850 ~ca. Ships in Gulf of Mexico, Carib. bean, West Coast of. . South America, West Coast' of MexicCJ · and US East Coast. WFK-95, 15700 KC9 Ships in Mediterranean area, North Atlantic, European and US East Coast. • EveQ· Sunday, 1915 GMT (2:15 PM EST Sunday) ' WCO·l3020 KCs -. Europe and North A.m erlca WC0-16908,.8 'K C1· East Coast South America WC0-22to7 . KC1 West Coast South America . · .E;~ Monday, 0315 GMT 1 ·EST Sunday> WMM 25-15607 RCs Australia · WMM 81·11037.5 •• , '°"I -~· . N9rtJJwest. Piciftc ·· · ··· . ~.. \, .:' ~~ . .. .to ~ ~ . ;t. ;t. ;t. . · Charles Colon, born April 12, 1960, to Seafarer and ·Mrs. Leopoldo Colon, Brooklyn. . ;t. ;t. ;t. Dprls ADD Crus, born · Feb. 18, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Juan A. Cruz, New Orleans, La: Marie Unker (left) four-year old daughter of Seafarer William ;t. ;t. ;t. Unker, prepares to leave Philadelphia hospital after surgery to · ~b~ S'3nleJ' Damels, born close a hole in ~er heart. NurJe Suzann Brunner pins on the orchid Feb. 26, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. of success. SIU Blood Bank contributed blood for succe5sful surRichard H. l"aniels, Wanchesom, NC. gery. (Philadelphia Daily News Photo) t t t Blcb•rd Travis Alford, born April 20, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Aleck L. Alford, Pensacola, Fla. i\; t t Gv y Roberi Brinkerhoff, born The deaths of the following Seafarer• have been reported to the April '23, 1960, to Seafarer and Seafarers Welfa,-e Plan: Mrs. Albert C. Brinkerhoff, Yulan, Jacinton Olabarrleta, 85: Brother home in Norfolk, Va., February 11, NY. Olabarrieta died of natural ·causes 1960. Nelson had sailed briefly at the USPHS with ihe SIU. The administrator of hospital, Staten his estate is Mrs. Vi~-ginia Anding. Island, April 7, Burial was in Forest Lawn Ceme1960; Olabarrieta tery, Norfolk, Va. had sailed1n the t 70: "" Brother ;t. Lish Taylor, Taylor, SIU deck department since No- who was - on the SIU disability. pension, died of vember 1955. He acute ' coronary is · survived by thrombosis while· his wife, l\h's. at· his home in A new publication in the field Justa OlabarMobile, Aiabaina, of shipboard safety was issued re-' rieta, of New York City. Interment' April 17, 1960. cently by the S~ety Department was in Calvary Gemetery, New Taylor had sailf:d of the Seafarers International York. in the SIU stew- Union. The four page publication, ard depar~nt. called the "Safety Line," is deWilliam S. McKenna, H: He is survived signed to encourage safety aboard Brother McKenna <lied of a heart by his wife, Mrs. ship and highlight the progress !lilment on ApriL· :,, .. Nicola Taylor, also of Mobile. that has been made in achieving 7, 1960, while at ~MW='"··· Burial was in the Oaklawn Ceme- this goal. Deacon's H o s - .· · ·· tery, Mobile, Ala. It represents the joint effort pl ta 1, Boston, . o\;. o\. o\; being made by the SIU and t ·- e Mass. McKenna . Yourlok Gulllory Jr., 26: Brother SIU-contracted companies to deal had· sailed in the ·Guillory died in Singapore, Febru- ·with problems of shipboard saL_y SIU ,deck.departary 17, 1969r He and serves as a news outlet for ment since Nohad sailed in the ship and shore personnel convember 19.43. He SlU steward decerned with these problems. is survived by . a partment since The newspaper was d~signed es· ' sister, l\'Irs. Sarah , pecially for unlicensed. seamen Niswell, of Weymouth, Mass. March, 1952. He employed aboard ocean going vesBurial services wertt not indicated. is survived by his mother, Mrs. sels of companies the SIU has . ."" . ;t. ;t. contracts with. In addition to news Manuel Sanoni, 71: Brother Sa- Merle Guillory.of .and safety suggestions, it has a noni, a member'-Of the Harbor and Mam 0 U· . - La. s~ction dev.otec.l to summaries o,f Inland Waters bivision, · ·died of Burial was in safety meetings aboard the. varioq.s lobar pneumonia at his homo in Mamou, La, vessels, outlining what is being · Baltimore, Miu·cii .31, 1960. A benedone, on Ute spot, to checl acci· · , ficiary, Mr~. Agar ' Garayoa, is· the dents. . , . only listed survivor. Burial. was·ln ;'Safety Line" will lbe mailed st. Stanislaus. -Cemetery; 11altimore. · · to all vess~is · as part of the salety ' • . -, · >~ • : • ;t._ ... •o\. . . ~.. ' . .... training. program. Director of .~'' ThoJDaB Jt: Nelson, ·50: Brother· · 8afety Department is Joe Algioa. Nele~nt:\ .cned of pneumonia at bis·· The . ·111iill. ETiiADES: ·DEPARTIEIT· .· !·-. ~ .. . . . ;t.· Christine Coats, born Jan. 13, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ira K. Coats, Los Angeles 37, Calif. 0 .,.,,"' Meclnwhile, MTD 'Rou·nd-The-World Wireless Broadcasts Continue • • • . ;t. Goes Out To SIU Crews \VFK-39, 19850 KC. Ships in Caribbean, East Coast of South America, South Atlantic and East Coast of . United states. · \· ~ ;t. 'Safety Line' EVOY SUNDAY, 1620 GMT (11:20 ES1 Sunrloy) ~ (10· :~5 P~ ;t. DISPATCH . ."THE VOICE OF THE ; Bath Ann Saranthas, born April 3, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Charles E. Saranthus, Irvington, Ala. ;t. ;t. ;t. Annette Marie Brltan, born April 1, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Alexander S. Britan, Texas City, Tex. .. ~ / ; t. "' born ;t. March 27, Mltehell Wilson, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Thomas G. Wilson, New Orleans, La. i ~ ¢. Pera Kathleen Adams, bprn February 5, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. WUliam E. Adams, New Orleans, La. ·. 1. ;t. Andrew Leonard Bomak, Jr., born April 2, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Andrew Hornak, Reading, Pa. EVERY .1 SUNDAY I D·IRECT VOICE1 BROAD.CAST . I ;t. - ;t. Victoria Alison, born April 1, · 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. Homer W. Alison, Slidell, La. Norfolk Slows t: BABY All of the following. SW families have received a $200 maternity benefit pliis a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's name: ' NORFOLK-Shipping has dropped off badly here and will be about the same in .the period to , come, reports Port Agent Paul Gonsorchik. · There .were· six ·ships in transit duriilg the period and two payoffs. No sign ons were recorded during the span. The two payoffs- were on the lrenesta,r <Triton) and Cantigny (Cities Service). ·· The Irenestar changed its registry to that Q{ the Greek flag, Gonsorchik added. Serviced In transit were the following: Ines (Bull); Mankato -Yict Ory (V"JC t ory .Carr. ); H asti ngs <Waterman>i Bents Fort (Cities ;t. o\. o\. Service); Orion Clipper (Orion) The Houston hall is holding im- and Melody. · ' .. . .~BRIUI.S~ Fr~ Fllnt portan.t ·mail for the followirig Get in touch with · your . son, men: Frankie Jr. F. T. Anderson E. P. Meyer _. _. _. E. L . Bethurum J. H. Moore · °"' · °"' ..,. R. Baumprdner F . J. lllller· J. J. Buenday W. 8. Jlonttome" Leslie J. Brllhart C. L. Cherry S. D. Morales Our new 11ddress is 551 NE 133 D. R. Carvey J.M. Masko C. M. Carlso11 O. ft. Mefrert 'Street, North Miami, Fla. Get in C. M. B. Maynard · H. Fowler touch· with mother as .soon as you J. Gron J . McDonald M. McNabb, Jr. S. L. Grice can. Everything is OK. I'm going , F. J. lleQueeneJ C. A. Georter to camp for the summer. Robert. F. J. Hall R. W. OllliD c. Bushart R. Powers / ~ ;t. t R. J. Pelalo · W. G. Bll7 •. J. R. Joy· E. JI. R1oon Charley Berkley FWT II. .Jarrell F . L. Sanders F. SeiTalm Send address for your topcoat to B. Kaminsky J . Lowe J.E.S~n Paul F. Whalen, 8152 San Huerta L. W. T. Langford J. E. ScarbOrouah M. '11errintton c. N. Lewl1 Circle, Buena Park, Calif. C. C. Llal Y. R. Talberf o. J4oUey J. E. Willford ;t. "' t John J. Doyle <s&eward) . Contact brother Franz Amstadt at 314 56th Street, Brooklyn 20, NY. . Congratulatioils to Le.e Kantor of t~e Seafar~rs 'Vacation .Plan, who is gr~duatmg ~rom Brooklyn . College this June.· '1"· ;t. ;t. Income tax refund checks are being· held for the following Sea-· farers by Jack W. Lynch, Room 201, 450 West Harrij;on St., · San Francisco, Cal. Emest C. Ander10n Sammy Rogamo1 Claude D. Berry Joseph R. Touart . ~Jh!1'1l. ~~ Jr. ~:~:'::hd i;!'~~: IDcbael J. - Dohert1 wm. K. wawn1 Fortunato Drllon Charle• w. ·White R. W. Ferrandiz J'rancls J . White Dominic craztano All Sal Wor.a Fona Yao King Yung Ploy Woo Raymond flflUer Joaepb Yonlck Sbelrlelc! ~erk!U sm ' ~· ·. J �Yol. XXll ·t.to!·-11 .. -Great · Lakes · Picketing-:: -H its ·Runaway ~invasion .-- --"1- .. SCHEDUtE . OF - SIU~ 1 . MEETll8S . SIU membershjp meet· ings are held regu,arly once a month on day~ in· dicatecf· by the SIU C.on· stitutioni . at 2:30 P.M. 'in the .liSted SIU ports belo-w. All ·.sea·farers are -ex:. pecte·d to - attend: those who . wish. to . be __excused should request .permission by te,legram (be sure to inc.lude registration num· ber). Jhe next SIU meetings ~ilf , be: New Y:orlc June 6 Philadelphia, June 7 Baftimore June 8 Detroit June 10 ' Houston June · 13 -New Orleans June 14 · ·Mobile- · June 15 HIWD Wins Philly Tug Fleet Vote · � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 20, 1960 Description An account of the resource Headlines: TWO RUNAWAYS TIED UP BY IMWU RATIFY NEW CONSTITUTION BY 90 PERCENT MAJORITY STATE DEP’T VOWS ACTION; SIU ENDS BLACKLIST PROTEST SIU OPTICAL BENEFIT TWO YEARS OLD ICC RETREATS, SLOWS RR RATE WAR ON SEATRAIN ILA STRIKES LAKES PORTS FOR CONTRACT TWO-THIRDS OF BALLOTS CAST IN ESSO FLEET VOTE NORSE SHIP RESCUES SEAFARER AFTER EIGHT HOURS IN WATER TALLY COMMITTEE REPORT MA’S NEW PROJECT: HOW TO GET RID OF SEAMEN SEEK 55% SHIPBUILDER AID CEILING FOUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE NON-SUBSIDY OPERATORS PRESS TRADE-IN PROPOSAL ILGWU PUBLISHES NEWS IN CHINESE GREAT LAKES PICKETING HITS RUNAWAY INVASION MINIMUM WAGE FOR SEAMEN UNDER FIRE HIWD WINS PHILLY TUG FLEET VOTE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/20/1960 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XXII, No. 11  1960 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ca8cbda27269aa3443977fb652072553.pdf 7f7bd310e1742008c9a00ed98a694cf2 PDF Text Text • • • imulator laildin School Will Add World's Most Modern Systems Groundbreaking for the new simulator building at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took place last month. The school, based in Piney Point, Md., is adding new simulators for shiphandling (insets), engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Pages 12-13. Local Clinic Contracted on Island The union last month opened a new hall in Guam, a U.S. territory where many SIU-crewed vessels are based. It is located on the third floor of Sunny Plaza in Tamuning. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan contracted with a nearby medical clinic in Harmon, Guam. At right (from left), SIU Representative Matt Holly, AB/Dayman Mike Merrell, AB Bruce Bussert, AB John Favero and Recertified Bosun Peter Funk arrive outside the hall. Page 3. Jobs Gained Joining Call for Global Debt Relief Seafarers Crew Tanker Prudhoe Bay The SIU tanker fleet grew last month as Seafarers crewed the Prudhoe Bay from the hall in Tacoma, Wash. The vessel's run includes three different stops in Washington as part of the Jones Act fleet. Page 3. At a rally April 9 in Washington, D.C., Seafarers and other union members joined fellow activists in calling for global debt relief for developing nations. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (center) delivered a powerful message at the event when he pointed out that Third World debt is forcing American workers to "compete for jobs with workers in countries who are making 1O cents an hour." Greeting Sweeney are (from left) Recertified Bosun Dan Ticer, SIU Representative Steve Ruiz and Unlicensed Apprentices Patrick McAlpin and William Yurick. Pages 2, 11. �President's Report Bulldlng for the Future As you can see on the front page of this issue, we have another project under way at the Paul Hall Center designed to further improve the quality of the training Seafarers receive. The center is expanding and upgrading its simulator facility. In a big way. When the Lindsey Williams Building opened 15 years ago, the equipment inside was considered cutting-edge technology. Members could come to the school to upgrade their shiphanMichael Sacco dling skills using computers rather than actually being on the water. Fifteen years ago, the shiphandling simulator was the most effective way of training. It has been upgraded to the best of its capabilities. However, it has reached its limits. All the information stored in the separate computer room in the Williams Building to operate the simulator now can fit inside a laptop computer. The new simulator building-scheduled to open this fall-will continue to provide shiphandling training. The facility is designed to better prepare deck department members to become ABs. The new equipment will allow upgraders to have a full 360 degree view from the virtual bridge. It will have electronic chart displays in a fully integrated bridge. Like the old simulator, it will have several auxiliary bridges along with the main bridge. The difference will be that the separate bridges will be interactive. This means a Seafarer training to operate a docking tug can work with another upgrader learning to bring a containership to port. The technology will allow them to work together to experience this situation. This is just one of many new training situations that can be experienced. Seafarers working aboard tankers and tank barges will benefit from the new technology. The center will be installing a liquid cargo handling tanker simulator which can be used by inland and deep sea upgraders. The new system incorporates the latest technology aboard today's tankers, including computerized loading and discharge. Engine department upgraders will have their own simulator courses. The new equipment will greatly expand the automation training for QMEDs as the center will have the capability to train in any propulsion mode. This includes diesel propulsion, steam propulsion, gas turbine propulsion and all auxiliary support systems. The new building will feature multi-functional classrooms that will allow for all kinds of training. And, best of all, the whole system is designed to upgrade and expand to include the technology needs of the future. The SIU is proud of the fact that we have the best trained, safest mariners in the world. This new s ·mulator complex is the latest proof we intend to keep that distinction. The Paul Hall Center has continually grown and changed to meet and exceed the needs of Seafarers since its gates opened more than 30 years ago. Those of you who have been to Piney Point know of the many changes that have taken place just during the last couple of years. The culinary lab and the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are the most obvious. But, the range of new classes and the modem way that old standards are taught highlight the school's ability to change with the times. The Seafarers LOG will keep you updated on the progress of the new simulator building. The new facility is the latest example of how the SIU is moving ahead with the times-new ships, new jobs, new technology and new training for the new century. Volume 62, Number 5 May 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Seafarers Join In Call For Global Debt Relief Approximately 50 SIU members took part in an April 9 rally in front of the U.S. Capitol-a demonstration described by the AFL-CIO as "a symbolic call to the world's industrialized nations and global financial institutions to break the staggering chain of debt afflicting the world's developing nations." Union members were prominent among the estimated 4,000 people who participated in the four-hour event, culminating with demonstrators forming a human chain around the Capitol. Organized by Jubilee 2000/ USA, which bills itself as "part of a worldwide movement of people of conscience and people of faith, including trade union members, environmentalists, human rights and other activists," the rally kicked off a week of mobilizations aimed at making the global economy work for working families. "High debt levels force developing countries to lower labor standards and wages in order to attract corporate investment," AFL-CIO President John Sweeney told the Jubilee 2000 crowd. "That means American workers must compete for jobs with workers in countries who are making 10 cents an hour. It pits worker AFL-CIO President John Sweeney calls on Congress to cancel the debt owed by some nations. against worker and nation against nation in a race to the bottom, and it's a race we must stop with debt relief." OS Joao Cordeiro, interviewed by a television reporter during the event, said that canceling the debts of the most heavily indebted nations "is the right thing to do." That will help enable them to boost spending on education, health care and job creation, he stated. According to rally organizers, 40 such nations owe other governments and financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, some $220 billion, with little realistic hope of repayment. One result is that these countries cannot afford the most basic social needs. In Mozambique, recent floods killing more than 600 people and displacing a million more added to already crushing poverty, said Eufrigina dos Reis Manoela, a member of that nation's parliament. Yet Mozambique must spend most of its few resources on servicing its debt. "That money should be used for long-term development to Continued on page 11 Many of the Seafarers who took part in the demonstration show off part of the chain held by participants around the U.S. Capitol to symbolize the chain of debt incurred by developing nations. St. Louis Port Council Honors 3 The St. Louis Port Council f;'!JIT2Wi'!777~ of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO last month honored three individuals during its annual dinner event. Pictured at the April 8 affair are (from left) Dick Mantia, port council president; Jack Martorelli, port council VP: Michael Sacco, MTD and SIU president; Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, recipient of the Joseph Sacco Friend of Labor award (named in memory of the late SIU VP); Jimmy Hathman, president of the Iron Workers District Council of St. Louis and winner of the Labor Man of the Year award; Ken Behlmann, president of the Behlmann Automotive Group and honoree as the Management Man of the Year; and Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Council of St. Louis. May 2000 �Prudhoe Bay Signals New SIU Jobs The union last month gained new jobs in its Jones Act tanker fleet as SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime became the operator of the former ARCO vessel Prudhoe Bay. After the first SIU crew signed onto the ship, the vessel began lightering operations in Puget Sound, Wash. The Prudhoe Bay usually loads several grades of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel at the Cherry Point refinery and then lighters to Crowley barges in Anacortes, Wash. Built in 1971 in Baltimore, the tanker is 810 feet long and has a 105-foot beam. It can carry approximately 443 ,000 barrels. SIU Tacoma Safety Director Jamie Overby met with Seafarers as they boarded the tanker late last month. He reported they were excited at the prospect of new jobs for SIU members. In the engine room of the former ARCO tanker are (from left) GUDE J. Israel, OMU Earl Olson, Safety Director Jamie Overby, OMU John Lange and OMU Casey Barber. Helping keep the galley operating smoothly is Chief Cook Gary Loftin. Formerly part of the ARCO ··· . 'fleet, the Prudhoe Bay now by SIU members. Pictured aboard the newly contracted tanker Prudhoe Bay are (from left) AB Alula Teferi. ABT. Ingersol. Safety Director Jamie Overby and Bosun Lewis FitzjearL On 'Z' Job in Pearl Harbor SIU Opens Hall in Guam Welfare Plan Contracts With Clinic With the opening last month of a new SIU hall in Guam, Seafarers now have an additional location where they can register, file for benefits, acquire upgrading forms and beneficiary cards and take care of other related business with the union. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan has contracted with Harmon Doctors' Clinic in Guam, so members may utilize that facil- ity to meet their medical requirements for shipping. "Considering the large number of SIU-contracted ships that are based in Guam, this is a logical move that should prove very convenient for the membership," observed SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. He added that in addition to the SIU halls in the continental United States, the union now operates Earlier this year, SIU-crewed tractor tugs accomplished their task of docking an aircraft carrier at the Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as these photos were taken. Seafarers first crewed the new "Z-class" boats in early 1999. Operated by Admiral Towing and Barge Company. the tugs feature a Z-drive-an integrated unit which replaces conventional propellers and rudders. It performs propulsion as well as steering, thereby enabling the tug to push or pull in any direction. Each of the Hawaii-based tugs-named Z- Three, Z-Four and Z-Five-is 95 feet long. Seafarers in Guam may utilize the new SIU hall at Sunny Plaza (left) and the new clinic in Harmon (right). SIU Hall in Guam Sunny Plaza 125 Tunjesus Crisostona St. Suite 301-E Tamuning, Guam 96911 Telephone: (671) 647-1351 or 1350 Fax: (671) 647-1359 SWP-Contracted Clinic Harmon Doctors' Clinic 2214 Route 16 Harmon, Guam 96912 halls in Guam, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. The Guam hall is located at Sunny Plaza (third floor), 125 Tunjesus Crisostona Street in Tamuning. The clinic is in nearby Harmon, located at 2214 Route 16 (see box above). Meanwhile, progress continues in the modification of the building on Essex Street that will serve as the SIU's Baltimore hall. The union anticipates transferring its Baltimore operations from the current facility on East Baltimore Street to the newer building in the near future. Taking advantage of the newly contracted clinic in Guam are SIU members (from left) AB/Dayman Mike Merrell, AB Bruce Bussert and AB John Favero, each with Tesh Caole of the Harmon Doctors' Clinic. May 2000 Seafarers LOG 3 �Membership Receives President's Pre-Balloting Report SIU President Michael Sacco has issued the pre-balloting report to the membership announcing general elections for the union's officers will take place this year. The releasing of this report is called for in Article X, Section 1( e) of the SIU constitution. The report lists the various offices that will appear on the will begin ballot. Voting November 1 and continue through December 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2001 through 2004. A total of27 positions from president to port agent will appear on the ballot. In presenting the report, Sacco noted he has worked with the union's executive board and port officials to appraise the needs of the SIU for the next four years and beyond, while considering changes that have occurred in the industry. Printed below is the full text of the 2000 pre-balloting report. May 8, 2000 Pursuant to Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my Pre-Balloting Report The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2001-2004 will commence on November 1 and continue through December 31, 2000. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective July 13, 1989, and such other voting procedures as our SecretaryTreasurer may direct I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward the ever-changing meeting demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2000 General Election of Officers for the term 2001 through 2004. HEADQUARTERS President Executive Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Seamen's Missions Offer Aid Centers Assist Mariners Throughout U.S. Editor s Mte.· Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member and diocesan director of the Apostleship of the Sea, wrote the following article. A Catholic priest, Oubre joined the SIU in 1990. This year, he has sailed as an AB aboard the HMI Dynachem and the ocean-going tug Doris Moran. You finish the last gulp of coffee before going below to relieve the watch. It is 1945 hours, and you finish the story with your crew mates. Going below, you relieve the watch. As you look at the clock in the control room, it is 2000 hours. A tremendous shudder rattles the ship to her keel, and at the next moment of consciousness you are on the deck, wondering how you traveled the last 15 feet. As you come to your feet, and head to the main deck, you see the ravaged deckand then come upon one of your friends who only a moment before was sharing your story. He is pinned and dying, crushed by equipment that came loose in the explosion. • • • A clear night meets the watch and the ITB slowly moves out of the channel. Up ahead, a ship is heading into port. The two vessels are positioning themselves to pass port-to-port. This pmcedure has happened thousands of times before, but this time something is different. The alignment is not right. Closing at more than 20 knots, it's too late to avoid collision once you realize this will not be a standard passing situation. A tearing sound rings from ahead, the vibration of two vessels sliding past each other. It is followed by the bright light of igniting fuel. You had read of things like this happening, but you thought it only happens to other people. You ring the emergency alarm, and the crew tries to go to their emergency stations. However, the flames already have engulfed the barge, and the fire's intensity prevents the mate from reaching the life raft canister. Can't stay, can't get to the life raft, so there's only one choice left. You grab your life jacket, and you and the rest of the crew jump into the black abyss. As you rise to the surface, the acrid smells of petroleum fumes fill you lungs, and you do not know if you will make it. • • • The above stories are true, but they are not unique. When a maritime casualty hap- 4 seatarers LOB pens, damage occurs. There is one type of damage to the ship-but there are two types of damage to the crew members. The first type of crew injury is the physical trauma: broken limbs, lacerations, bums. These conditions need immediate attention. Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Enforcement 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 2 Headquarters Representatives 10 Port Agents There shall be one port agent in each of the ten Constitutional ports; namely: Piney Point, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Though they are terribly painful, they can be treated, splinted and bandaged. The healing takes time, but each week, progress can be seen until the bones and flesh heal. Once healed, the mariner can physically return to his or her profession. The second type of damage is much less obvious, and may take much longer to heal. This is the psychological hurt that each mariner suffers in his or her own unique way. Often, one is not aware of the depth of the psychological damage until the physi- San Francisco, Detroit-Algonac and St. Louis. In accordance with the abovementioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open on July 15, 2000 and close on August 15, 2000. The foregoing constitutes your President's Pre-Balloting Report and subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco cal healing is completed, and one prepares to board the next ship. This happened to one of the crew members of the SS Texaco Oklahoma. He did not realize the degree of his injuries until he attempted to board the plane to meet his next ship. At that point, he realized he could never go back. The pain was too great, the hurt too deep. A friend recently said to me, "The company was very good about getting help. Continued on page 8 Fire Fighting Instructors Smith, Combs Pass Away The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are mourning the loss of two fire fighting instructors-John Smith and Richard "Stormie" Combswho passed away recently in unrelated cases. Smith, 71, worked at the school in Piney Point, Md. smce 1988. He died April 16 ~----~ after battling John Smith cancer-a disease which he refused to let keep him off the job, right until his final days. Combs, . .rm......_,.__, 55, started teaching at the Paul Hall Center in He 1996. died March 26, apparent- ~"­ ly from com- ·ifw.w.'.!"'''''' p 1i cat i on s Stormie Combs after what was expected to be fairly minor surgery. Both men helped plan and build the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (pan of the Paul Hall Center), which is the premier marine fire fighting facility in the U.S. It opened last year. "It's a shame. I don't know how you replace either one of them, because they both did such a great job," said Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. "We extend our condolences to, both fami- lies, but I know that everyone here at the school also feels as if we've lost two members of our family." Jim Hanson, safety director at the center, knew both instructors well. "When we hired John, he told me that he never dreamed he would get paid for doing something he loved so much," Instructors John Smith (left) and Stormie Combs (center), picHanson recalled. "It didn't tured at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School with take long for him to prove that. fellow teacher Rick Redmond, brought dedication and expertise Whenever you gave him a to their jobs. class, a project or anything else to do, he was on it right A Florida native, Smith Mechanicsville (Md.) Volunaway. I learned in a very short served in the U.S. Navy from teer Fire Department and was time that I didn't have to check 1950 to 1973. He remained an a familiar face at local schools, on him to see if a task was active member of the Bay where he annually instructed d(')ne, because it always was. District Volunteer Fire Depart- children on fire safety during "I have known Stormie ment, located in Lexington "Fire Prevention Week." since we joined the county's Both made numerous trips volunteer (fire fighting) com- Park, Md. and was to have been inducted this month into to the SIU-contracted passenpanies," Hanson continued. "I Southern Maryland ger boats Delta Queen, Misstook him on his first trip on the the Delta Queen to show him the Volunteer Fire Department issippi Queen and American different classes we do for Association Hall of Fame. (His Queen, where they provided those crews, and I immediate- posthumous induction took on-site safety training for ly knew he was going to love it place at Smith's memorial ser- Seafarers. In various remembrances, and do a great job for us. vice on April 22.) He instructed an estimated they were praised as extremely People on the boats looked forward to his return. He had a 7 ,000 students throughout reliable and diligent. way with people; you just had Southern Maryland, not only "They're a credit to this to love him." at the Paul Hall Center but also school," stated Bobby Dean, Fellow instructor Anthony at local colleges and emer- another fire fighting instructor Hammett also knew both men gency-services organizations. at the Paul Hall Center. for many years. During most of his years at the "Stormie never had an enemy. 0 Stormie would give you Seafarers school, he was the John, once you got through the the shirt off his back in a primary fire fighting instructor rough exterior, you saw that he snowstorm," Hammett said. "I had a love for the fire fighters for the trainees. never saw him upset. He was and Seafarers he trained." born in LeonardCombs, always trying to help someRecertified Steward Dorotown, Md., was a veteran of body. the U.S. Air Force (1963thy Carter described Combs "John was a good instructor, too," he continued. "I hope 1969). He worked as a fire and Smith as "very supportive. I'm (working) that hard when fighter for the Department of They were always there for the I'm that age, because he'd Defense for 23 years before students. and we needed that wear me out. He really put a joining the Paul Hall Center more than anything else. They staff. He was an officer for the meant a lot to us." lot of energy into his job." May2000 �Military 'Depends' on Merchant Marine Joint Chiefs Chair Shelton Reaffirms Support for U.S.-Flag Fleet The nation's highest ranking military officer told cadets at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. that the military "depends" on the U .S.-flag merchant fleet. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Henry H. Shelton (U.S. Army), addressed the students during the academy's 12th Battle Standard Dinner on April 5. His remarks covered several topics, but he opened with his emphatic support for the U.S.flag fleet. "Quite simply stated, our national security strategy depends on a vital merchant marine, and the Joint Chiefs and I know it and so do our leaders in Washington," Shelton stated. "Ask any officer from any of the services who has had the opportunity to serve on a joint task force in the myriad of hot spots around the globe- just ask any of them if the U.S. merchant marine is important to their operations," noted the general. "You will not only get a 'yes,' Georgine Retires as President Of the Building Trades Dept. Robert A. Georgine retired last month as the president of the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (BCTD) a position he has held more than 25 years. "The trade union movement is losing one of its giants," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob Georgine has always been a fighter for building trades members. He has done a lot to improve the lives of a.11 working people_ We are all going to miss our friend," added Sacco, who also is president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. The BCTD board elected Edward C. Sullivan, president of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, to finish Georgine's unexpired term. The board also selected Joseph Maloney, who had been the executive director for the Canadian office of the BCTD, to be the department's secretary-treasurer. Georgine, 67, started his career in his native Chicago catching hot rivets as .an Iron Worker helper. After serving in the Army, be began an apprentice program as a lather. He later was elected business agent of Lathers Union Local 74 before becoming president of the International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers_ He was elected to the BCTD post in December 1974. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called Georgine "a strong and effective leader_ His supp6rt for the programs of the AFL-CIO has been a critical factor in our rebound in organizing and political power." New York Bill Aims to Include Mariners in Civil Service Exam Law New York legislators are considering a bill that would provide men and women who sail in the U.S. merchant marine with the same status as members of the U.S. armed forces when they apply to take a state competitive civil service exam. State senate bill 1710 was introduced earlier this year by 12 members of the upper body of the New York State Legislature. It is being considered by the Senate's Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs. May2DDO and Construction Trades Dept. He is pictured with SIU Pres_ Michael Sacco after addressing the 1998 Mart meat department workers earlier this year voted to join the UFCW. Since that mid-February vote in Jacksonville, Texas, the company's union-busting lawyers have used red tape in attempts to stall and subvert the exercise of employee rights. Armstrong, who works at Crown Cork & Seal in Abilene, Texas, pointed out that several UIW members at the plant have family members who are employed at Wal-Mart_ "So, we've had an inside look at some of the tactics the compa- ny is using to prevent this election from being successful," be noted. "The UFCW has one representative in town for these [ 1OJ meat cutters; the company bas 20. The company is bringing in each employee one at a time and then in groups, telling them that unions are just 'big business that wants their dues.' Then they tell them the union won't get them Gen. Henry H. Shelton ed all U.S. forces during the Persian Gulf War also has been vocal in his backing. "Since I became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I have come to appreciate first-hand why our merchant marine has long been called the nation's fourth arm of defense .... The American seafarer provides an essential service to the well-being of the nation, as was demonstrated so clearly during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm," noted Gen. Colin Powell in 1992. MarAd's Hart Visits SIU Vessels Maritime Trades winter executive board meeting. Like the Maritime Trades, the BCTD is one of seven trade and industrial departments within the AFL-CIO. The BCTD is composed of 15 international unions representing 3 million construction workers in the U.S. and Canada. The measure would amend the present state law to allow merchant mariners to take the same makeup civil service exams as permitted members of the armed forces when they are not available on the regular testing day because they are on active duty. Civil service tests are required for some jobs in the Empire State. The position goes to the person with the highest score. The law provides for military personnel who are forced to miss an exam they have qualified to take, to have a special test administered later. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey saluted the legislators introducing the bill. He said recent actions to include mariners who sailed in World War II as veterans made the elected officials aware of the problem with the state's civil service exam process. SIU Affiliate Backs Wal-Mart Campaign On the heels of the first prounion vote by Wal-Mart employees~ the AFL-CIO and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) have launched a joint nationwide educational campaign to spotlight the harmful impact the huge retail chain is having on working families and their communities across the nation. "Regardless of industry, occupation, trade or craft, Wal-Mart is destroying jobs, lowering wages, eliminating health benefits and busting unions" wherever it situates, said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and UFCW President Douglas Dority in a letter to all AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils. During the campaign's early stages, two members of the SIUUnited Industrial affiliated Worker (UIW}-Mike Armstrong and Glenda Copelin-recently participated in a rally in Tyler, Texas, near the town where Wal- Robert Georgine (left) retired last month as president of the Building but a resounding 'yes-and-canwe-have-more! '" This is not the first time the Battle Standard Dinner has been used by a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to declare support for the U.S.-flag commercial fleet and its American citizen mariners. Three years ago, Shelton's predecessor, Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, told the cadets, "Today, after two centuries, our merchant marine is every bit as important and every bit as vital to the commerce and defense of our nation as it ever has been. "We simply cannot overstate the vital contributions of our U.S. merchant marine. Our national security depends on its vitality," Shalikashvili stated. These two chairmen are not alone in their support. The man who served in the post immediately prior to both and command- anything (through collective bargaining) or represent them." Armstrong is president of the AFL-CIO Abilene/Big Country Central Labor Council, which supported the Tyler rally. Sweeney and Dority took part in that event, which may be a springboard to union representation for other workers at WalMart's 2,485 stores in the U.S. "We won't stand by and let Wal-Mart take our money at the cash registers as consumers, then stab us in the back as workers," said Sweeney. "As a movement, we must take steps to respond to Wal-Mart's attack on our living and working standards." Meanwhile, the UFCW welcomed a ruling in late March by the National Labor Relations Board ordering a union representation election for meat and seafood department employees at the Wal-Mart "Supercenter" in Palestine, Texas. Labor's initial reports in ·its nationwide educational campaign concerning Wal-Mart pointed out that, among other facts, Wal-Mart is the largest outlet for imported goods in the United States, buying many products from countries Seafarers aboard the Gopher State and the Petersburg recently welcomed U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (far right) aboard the respective vessels in Guam. Recertified Steward George Borromeo aboard the Petersburg said Hart complimented the SIU for its reliability. Recertified Bosun Peter Funk told Hart that the crews "extend our gratitude for the opportunity to serve MarAd and our country in the most professional manner possible." Pictured with Hart aboard the Petersburg are (from left) Captain Jay Parker, Guam Rep. Robert Underwood, Funk and Borromeo. Both ships are operated for MarAd by lnterocean Ugland Management where child labor, slave labor and human rights suppression are commonplace. Additionally, an average WalMart employee earns about $11,700 per year (working 30hour weeks), while only 38 percent of Wal-Mart employees have company-provided health cover- age (the national average is more than 60 percent). And qespite the company's "Buy American" and "Bring it Home to the USA" slogans, a pair of 1998 studies revealed that 80 percent and sometimes more than 90 percent of clothing sold in Wal-Mart is foreign-made. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (left} and Mike Armstrong, a member of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, discuss labor's efforts to protect Wal-Mart workers' legal right to choose union representation. The two met at a rally in Tyler, Texas. Seafarers LOG 5 �With 29 diversified facilities for handling all types ; of cargo, the port of Los Angeles-including Long Beach · and Port Hueneme-is one of the busiest in the nation. In recent weeks, SIV Wilmington Port Agent John Cox met some of the incoming SIV-crewed vessels in those ports f\fq'~,;0··;r1·,<W{;%''J!:ti-1'.~;(t1\?2t.;1)1)fi>'I to update the members on recent activities within the union and the maritime industry and to clarify or respond to any questions raised during their voyages. Cox also provided the photos appearing on this page. More of these pictures will be included in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOQ. Susan Galka (above) is an AB aboard the USNS Effective (below), a SWATH vessel operated by Maersk for special missions of the Military Sealift Command. Aboard the Developer, AB Jerry Borucki loads barrels with the help of a deck crane. In the Wilmington Hall When the Overseas New York tied up in Long Beach, the camaraderie among crew members was evident. Pictured above are QMED Stanley Golden and Recertified Steward Nancy Heyden. 6 Seafarers LOG Working on deck are Overseas New York crew members (from left) Bosun Carlos Loureiro. Chief Engineer Jeremy McCartney and Chief Pumpman Dencio cayan. Chief Cook Carlita Navarro AB Ron J. Sagadraca May2000 �Work Starts Aboard Lakers Despite Low Water Levels Low water levels in the Great Lakes-the fastest decline in nearly 150 years-is not only affecting shoreline property owners and marina operators, it also is forcing cargo vessels-like the SIU-crewed American Republic -to lighten their loads in order to avoid running aground in channels and ports. Lakes Huron, Michigan and Erie each have fallen 312 feet over the past three yearsbetween 11 and 13 inches below last year's levels. (The waters on Superior and Ontario have remained fairly constant because they are regulated by locks and dams.) Some of the marinas and channels can be dredged to avoid boat damage, but freighters and barges have resorted to cutting their loads-some by as much as 6,000 tons-to reduce their drafts by two feet in order to stay clear of running aground in narrow waterways and ports. According to Glen Nekvasil, spokesman for the Clevelandbased Lake Carriers' Association, "When you light-load your vc:ssd by 6,000 tons, you 're leaving more than $200,000 on the dock. This is not really a positive development, but there's nothing we can do about it." Nekvasil further noted that if it took an average of 50 voyages to meet a customer's coal or iron ore requirements in 1997, it now would take 52 trips with a lightened load. The low water levels could mean additional runs during this season for SIU-crewed vessels. Sometimes a laker can run more routes to make up the shortfall, but those that must traverse the Sault Ste. Marie locks are limited since the locks are closed from January 15 to March 25 due to winter ice. Vessels that don't have to pass through the locks have taken advantage of the lack of winter ice to stretch the shipping season and get in more runs. This year, for example, the SIU-crewed Medusa Conquest started the new season by sailing from Chicago to Charlevoix on February 7-just 13 days after its last voyage from the prior season. That meant that some Great Lakes mariners, who usually have ab.:>ut twl'.'.l ml'.'.lnths off during the winter seas.:>n, this year had only about two weeks. Scenes like these are not uncommon on the Great Lakes this year. Above: the lake bed is clearly visible where the American Mariner is tied up. Below: four additional feet of water usually pound against this dock. Nekvasil confirmed that in such cases, shipping on the Great Lakes "is becoming a year-round industry." The reason for the low water levels this year is two warmerthan-average winters. Snowpack runoff, rain and winter temperatures affect the water levels on the Great Lakes. This year has seen much less snow, lower-than-average rainfall and increased evaporation of surface water due to the mild winter. Higher temperatures mean less ice to protect the lakes from early evaporation and less melting snow to replenish tributaries and groundwater. And if the lack of rain continues, the Illinois Natural Resources Water Survey Division believes a drought-and therefore water shortages-are possible this summer. Dealing with this whim of Mother Nature is especially difficult since only three years ago, the water levels were at a nearrecord high. In spite of the low water levels, Seafarers are hard at work, carrying the cargoes so vital to the economy of this nation: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, sand, grain, salt and liquid bulk products. Fitout on t.IJe Alpena Cleveland, Ohio While the American Mariner was docked at Drummond Island, OS Justin Von Sprecken did some work from the landing chair, as did (inset) OS Robert Crosby. Mark LaFrance Cook Norbert Hinrichs Wheelsman Taking part in a lifeboat drill aboard the John J. Boland in Sandusky, Ohio are (clockwise from top) Wheelsman Kelly DeVine, Bosun Michael Keogh and Wheelsman Larry Skowronek. James Werda Wheelsman May2000 Seafarers LOG 7 �r NATCO Crews in the News lnq1irin9 Seatarer Question: Which port was your favorite to sail into and why? (Asked of SIU members in the union hall in New Orleans.) Norman Jackson, Steward• Recife, ' Brazil. It was a pleasant place. I loved the beach and enjoyed being there. Terrence Ford,DEU - I've only been to one port outside the country and that was Haifa, Israel. It is nice, the climate is good and the people are good. March proved noteworthy for Seafarers sailing aboard NATCO dredges, for at least two reasons. First, as reported on page 4 of the April St:1afarers LOG, SIU crews overwhelmingly approved a new threeyear contract. Participating in negotiations were (top photo, from left) NATCO VP Bill Pagendarm; SIU Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta; Seafarer Dale McKelvie; SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker; Seafarers Ray Maddock, Mike Horn and Jeff McCranie; NATCO Project Manager Bill Murchison and NATCO Operations Manager George Strawn. The agreement includes wage and benefit increases and was extremely well-received by the membership. In the next two photos, Seafarers on the Padre Island meet with SIU Mobile. Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly (left photo, standing) before casting their Vl".'.ltes. Meanwhile, Captain Steve Taylor provided the two photos at bottom. which illustrate another newsworthy happening involving NATCO crews (also reported last month). SIU member Dennis Johnston (right) helped rescue a local sport fisherman whose boat otherwise would have smashed into either these rocks (left) in San Juan Harbor or the grounded runaway-flag ship nearby. ...,......~--==---___, Jimmy Dea no, BREC Perth, Australia. It really was five women to every people were nice there to me. I sailed a majority of my time between India and Puerto Rico. When I kit I t1eeded tounseling, they sent me to a good family counselor. The counselor was very good and very qualified, but she could not understand the life of a seaman, or life on board a ship. "I went to the sessions, but they really did not help," the friend continued. Lilt was only when I talked to my uncle who had been a seamen during World War II. He had his ship torpedoed out from under him. He experienced being in the dark water, the stench of oil, and the loss of his shipmates. He understood what I had gone through and the ways of the sea. Because he knew, he could teach me how I could heal and sail again." My friend then said, "Father, could you tell the mariners that if they are in the same type of situation that I faced, they can come to the seamen 's mission. There, they can find a priest or minister who knows the life of the mariner and can be a listening ear as he B seatarers LOG tries to heal his mind and spirit." I promised to do so, and that j~ the purpose of this article. • • • All along the coasts of North America are seamen •s missions that are at the service of mariners. Often, these places are thought of as a location for a ride to the store, a place to call home or a port-o call for a cheap beer. However, and most importantly, they are the mariner's place for spiritual ministry of mind and soul. As a port chaplain and as an active mariner, I invite you to visit the seamen's mission near you for help in healing your mental or spiritual pains. These may be the result of a casualty, or other causes. Very recently, a brother mariner shared with me how much a local seamen 's mission helped him to overcome his addiction to alcohol. He confessed that he wouldn't be working today if he had not been given some tough love, and loving up- port at the local seamen's miss1on. If you are unsure where the closest seamen's mission is to you, I invite you to check at your union hall, or contact the Rev. Paul Chapman at the North American Maritime Ministry Association. Rev. Chapman works in coordination will all the centers in North America. His phone number is (212) 533-6945. You also may contact him by email at PKCMAN@aol.com or by writing to him at 23 7 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012. Another contact is Rev. Bob Balderas at the Apostleship of the Sea: telephone (202) 541-3226; email aos·usa@nccbuscc.org; mailing address 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017. Also, feel free to contact me at (409) 838-0451 extension 137. As my friend said, "If I would have known more about the seamen's mission, I would have gone there earlier." Chief StewardAntofagasta, Chile. Nice and tropical with beautiful scenery. The people greet you nice. The beach is beautiful. Birke, QMED Mombasa, Kenya. I went on a safari, saw elephants and other animals in the wild. I had a good time. Lawrence man. Calcutta, India. The Continued from page 4 ....---,....._--...,...__..,..,..,......, Howard Williams, Everybody told me that. I went and I said, 'They weren't lying.' J ohnny Young, retired Chief Cook- Seamen's Missions and Centers Areat~eServWeof Marinen Stacey Bernard, OS - Singapore. It is a nice place for shopping for clothing and souvenirs. It is beautiful for sightseeing. Laurie Christmas, QMED I've been around the · world many : times - I used to be a Delta Lines stiff - and any place in Brazil would be my favorite. ~ Wright, retired QMEDMombasa, Kenya. It felt just like home. The people were very friendly. Frank Cotton gin, AB/Dayman - I guess Estonia, in the Baltic Sea. Everything about it. The scenery was nice, plus it was my first ship (Liberty Sea), so it was exciting. Michael Devalle, L ChiefSteward · . - Any place ~ in South . America. · The people ~ were nice. It was a paradise run for members back then on Delta Lines. Bosun Mixon Commended By Overseas Chicago Capt~ Recertified Bosun Jesse Mixon recently was credited by Captain William Gould for his outstanding work aboard the tanker Overseas Chicago. In a letter to Mixon, which was forwarded to the SIU, Gould noted the "very fine job you have done during this past shipyard period aboard the Overseas Chicago. Both the chief mate and myself have been impressed not only with your competence and ability to get the job done, but also by the way you worked so well with shipyard and contract employees." The letter continued, "Thanks in large part to your determination and dedication the Overseas Chicago has come a long way .... Whether it was setting up the rigging to paint the undersides of the bridge wings, or insuring the airless paint sprayer kept running, you continually made sure things happened. "You are a credit to both your profession and the SIU." Mixon has been an SIU member for 26 years. May2DOD �New Orleans Members Meet With HQ Officials Active and retired Seafarers at the New Orleans hall got together April 11 with officials from SIU headquarters during the monthly membership meeting. SIU President Michael Sacco, Exec. VP John Fay and Sec.-Treas. David Heindel participated in the assembly, along with more than 50 members. Sacco provided updates on the potential merger of the NMU into the SIU; the importance of doing a good job and working safely aboard ship; new job opportunities in the SIU; donating to SPAD, and more. Attending the membership meeting in New Orleans last month are (from left) SIU Patrolman James Brown, President Michael Sacco, New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and VP John Fay. President Sacco (above) updates members (top right) on the latest happenings within the SIU and the U.S. maritime industry. Group from Guam Begins Curriculum At Paul Hall Center Eight citizens of Guam arrived ship. Finally, students return to last month at the Paul Hall Center the center for department-specific training that prepares them to begin sailing aboard SIU-contracted vessels. for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., where they are enrolled in the unlicensed apprentice program. They are the first residents from the westernmost United States territory to sign up for the three-phase curriculum, which r pares students for a career at SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) greets Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt, who gave a vote of thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco and his staff. Alaskans Tackle Apprentice Program sea. Arriving from Guam were Samuel Lloyd, Ryan Legario, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Joseph Benavente Jr., Jerald Martinez, Christopher Dionio and Allyson Pangelinan. The unlicensed apprentice program includes an initial 12week training session in Piney Point covering the basics, followed by a 90-day practical training and assessment period that takes place aboard a U.S.-flag Welcoming the first group from Guam to enroll in the unlicensed apprentice program are Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (fifth from left) and Recruiting Director Bart Rogers (far right). The newest apprentices are {from left, front row) Christopher Dionio, Michael Herrera, (second row) Samuel Lloyd. Ryan Legario, Allyson Pangelinan, Joseph Benavente Jr., (third row) Kevin Ignacio and Jerald Martinez. Assisted by a career-placement program run by the state, four Alaska residents are enrolled in the entry training program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. They chatted with school and SIU officials following last month's membership meeting. Pictured from left to right are Patrick McAlpin, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Beth Ketah, SIU President Michael Sacco, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. New Bedford Patrolman Retires More Apprentices Earn GEDs A familiar face at the SIU hall in New Bedford, Mass., Patrolman Eugenio DeSou:sa (left, with Port Agent Henri Francois) retired April 28. Desousa worked at the New Bedford hall for 13 years. Previously, he worked in various jobs in the fishing industry, both in the U.S. and in his native Portugal. DeSousa's plans for retirement include spending time with his children and grandchildren. working around his New Bedford-area house and-despite decades of doing this for a living-fishing. "He did a great job and will be missed," noted Francois, who presented Desousa with a commemorative plaque. In recent months, a number of unlicensed apprentices have taken advantage of the GED program offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. During last month's membership meeting at the Piney Point, Md. facility, apprentices Quinton Washington and Elijah Huff (fourth and fifth from left, respectively) were congratulated by SIU officials for earning their high school equivalency diplomas. Pictured from left to right are Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Washington, Huff, SIU Sec.-Treas. David Heindel, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Also earning his GED was apprentice Donald Davis, who was unable to attend the meeting. May2000 Seafarers LOG 9 �On SW Ships in San Francisco SIU members aboard the Sea-Land ships Challenger, Pacific and Trader and on Matson's R.J. Pfeiffer and Lurline met recently with officials from the union's San Francisco hall. Pictured on this page with the SIU crews are SIU West Coast VP Nick Marrone, Asst. VP Nick Celona and Safety Director Vince Coss. During the shipboard meetings, crews and officials discussed (among other news) the maritime industry's latest training requirements, construction of new SIU-contracted ships, and the importance of political action. Sea-Ltmd Trader VP Nick Marrone, Recertified Bosun Dennis Brown Sea-Land Challenger VP Nick Marrone, Chief Steward Bill Bragg Lurline Chief Cook Jon Blasquez, VP Nick Marrone, Chief Cook John Stein, Safety Director Vince Coss, QMED Ed Rynberg, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul R.J. Pfeiffer Asst. Cook Marcus Rowe, Chief Steward John Bulawan, Chief Cook Ronnie Richardson, Asst. VP Nick Celona ·:.; il<l«jw~·:.iti~·3~rt,¢1(::ari<l ·:support manttme tabor's ... 'fight to .t>resefv~ American jfJips, manned by ·. : :t95:s·:··.: ; ·:· . . ··. Lurline (Sitting) VP Nick M~rrone, Chief Steward Lucille Aguilar (Standing) Matson's James Mann, Chief Cook Steven Sun, Asst. VP Nick Celona Federation Promotes Savings Bonds American seamen at ':Arilerican·wage levels. He .:· lald the.responsibility for the decline of U.s.· . m~ri.dme:·af the door.of ~he Departments of .· · Agricuftu·re, Defense and State, whose polkie$ : weaken rather than help American shipping. , ~h~ . irimrqye~'t .we~f~e ·and··. bospitaU~tton pack- · Sen~tors v ance. Hartke, T~d Kennedy and · /·~g¢·'. :Were··.ri~gO,tia,t¢d: :Wit~ the s~.!P O\.Vn~rs :on . ·. o·aniel IJ'touye also ·Called for a stronger .: the advke·of the . Americaii~flag· mer~ ·S~afare..S W~lfare Plan.:· , chant fleet in speeches A v~~tpe~: plan to indud~ hospi~I an~ su~gicar·pe~¢fl.t5;;; ..(p.~usJ ~Ii incruse in ·disahUitY:.: . .· benefits,·. hOspltal benefits and death ·benefits.. will go .into effect on June 1. The provisions of The provisions . . ·include: Jiospitat bene~ The AFL-CIO is endorsing this year's national campaign overseen by ' the U.S. government encouraging citizens to "save for a more secure :·. fits fofWives of..:· ·: :s~afarerfarid unmar~ .: :;, future" by investing in savings bonds. In announcing its backing, the federation (to which the SIU is affiliated) noted, "Even though we are in the midst of the best economic times in history, as a nation we have a very low savings rate . ... Savings bonds provide Americans, young and old, a safe and convenient way to save. Whether buying the familiar series EE or the inflation-protected series I, savers receive competitive interest rates, exemption from state and local income taxes on earnings, and under certain circumstances exclusion from federal income tax if the bonds are used to pay the tuition and fees of higher education." The new series I bond is currently earning 6.98 percent interest, and the series EE was earning 5 .19 percent as of April. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, labor chairman on the national volunteer committee promoting the campaign, said, "The labor movement's long history of endorsement for the savings bonds program has been based on our concern for assuring that union members and their families know about and have access to this opportunity of saving for a sound financial future. For many working Americans ... savings bonds can offer an easy and relatively high-yielding method to save for their future needs." More information is available on the internet at: www.savingsbonds.gov. 10 Seafarers LOB THIS MONTH 'M .... Ht rTo ,:f~ ~--V :· .· ~( ~· =' · ._ .; · beforetheconven- · · 1 tiQn~ . . v ..,·· ried children under 19; provisions .for . home visits by a fami- rn:=~~~====~~============~ Ending nearly 72 . hours of uncertain ly physician; surgical benefits up to a maxicaptivity by the new Communist Cambodia mum of $300; death benefits are raised from the entire 39-m.an crew, 28 of them $1,000 to $3,500 and the disabflity pension · regime, SIU members, of the seized containership ·is. increased .by .·$ lO per wee~ tq $~5 pet M~yaguer were safely rescued tare· Wednesday week. · · evening, May 14, by the naval destroyer USS·, Wilson shortly after military action was carried out by combined U.S. Marine and Air Force · ' 1965 · .. . The 12th biennial convention of the Seafarers units against the Cambodians~~.. The Mayaguez, en route from Hong Kong to ·. International Union of North Alnerka was Sattahip, Thailand loaded with 225 containers held in Washington from May 26 through 1 of cargo, was reportedly seized in intern9tional · J~ne l. The highlight of the conventlon s first waters off the coast of Cambodia in one of the day' came when Aft-CIO President George most traveled trade routes in Southeast Asia. ,Meany pledged that, the federation would go May2000 �ISeat arers Participate in Jubilee 2000/USA: Breaking the Chains of Debt I Continued from page 2 cure social ills," she said during the rally. As one union member put it, "If they could get the debt canceled it would mean their governments wouldn't be so easy to exploit by corporations that are just looking for the cheapest way to make the bigger profits. They don't care about the people in these countries." Among those shals were (kneeling) L.G. Johnson, (standing, from left) Josh Ellerbee, Jerramy McNeil, Jessy Lorusso and Thomas Minton. OS Joao Cordeiro (left) is interviewed by a television reporter. Left: Blake Horton (left) answers a visitor's question about the rally. Ready to lend a hand to rally organizers are (top photo, from left) Seafarers DeShawn Stephenson, Dave Campbell, Mike James and Ole Olsen, along with (bottom photo, from left) Dan Ticer, Brad Lowry, David Jones, Travis Kirchhofer and Todd Curry. Low temperatures and a daylong wind advisory didn't deter SIU members from taking part in last month's rally in Washington, D.C. supporting debt relief for developing nations. At right (from left), Bob Wilson and Blake Horton join thousands of other supporters near the Capitol. Below (from left), Seafarers John Mossbarger, Jioia de Leon, Heather Frizzelle, Steve Ledermann, Dorothy Carter and Joao Cordeiro arrive early for the April 9 event. Why Global Debt Relief Matters to Working Families Editors note: The following is reprinted with permission, from the AFL-CIO. Saddled with enormous debt owed to international financial institutions and rich countries, the governments of many developing nations ex.pose their citizens to exploitation by multinational corporations and are unable to spend money on critical health and education needs. This overwhelming debt helps speed the global "race to the bottom," lowering wages, living standards and workers' rights not only in poor nations, but in the United States as well. Relieving that debt would help create a global economy that works for working families in all nations. Because they lack their own resources, poor governments have to borrow billions of dollars from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to finance their economic development. But these institutions often require poor countries to reduce spending on social programs, cut wages, eliminate job security and privatize public enterprises. These moves can be devastating. leading to massive job losses, which in tum May2000 make it hard for governments to afford to pay back their debts. The pressure to repay their debt prevents governments of developing nations from meeting their citizens' basic needs. For example, Zambia spends $3 on debt payments for every $1 it spends on basic social services. This in a country where, according to the Harvard University Center for International Development, 20 percent of the population is HIV positive, 30 percent of children have no vaccinations and half of the population has no access to safe drinking water. Meanwhile, in their efforts to augment international loans with private investments, governments of developing nations often lower labor standards and wages to attract corporations-undercutting jobs here and abroad by forcing competition with workers who earn as little as 10 cents an hour. Because the debt owed to the United Sates is a ver.y small proportion of our overall budget, relieving developing nations' debts would barely impact the United States- but it would make a huge difference to the countries affected. Seafarers LOS 11 �Paul Hall Center A L The engine room simulator includes diesel propulsion plant consoles (upper left), the electric power plant main switchboard (upper right) and electric power plant consoles (right). It is designed for the training of engine room watchkeeping personnel in the operations of a vessels diesel propulsion plant and electrical power plant and includes an auxiliary systems and machinery simulator. ast summer, the Paul Hall Center for M marine-oriented fire fighting and safe of its kind. The center, located in Piney Point, Md., i mier this fall when it is scheduled to open ne simulator in the world. Altogether, the refu addition will feature new simulators for ship tions and liquid cargo procedures. Deep sea, inland and Great Lakes Seafar upgrading courses will utilize the new simula tice program. Without exception, the simulat with the amended STCW convention. These new simulators will go a long way trained in the latest shipboard technology," s help SIU crews prepare for the challenges of "It's going to be a huge boost to the stu added J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of v "Several years of research went into this, incl ulators overseas. Because of the thoroughne the best equipment for the best-trained, safes The centerpiece of the expansion w'ill 360~degree viewing sector and three interac include an integrated ship control console wi (GMDSS), electronic chart display (ECDIS, console and more. Graphically, it is believed to be as power The simulated "views" from the bridge are re wide variations in weather, time of day and c It provides teaching support in the follo coastal and offshore navigation; collision avo · igation systems; search and rescue operation igation; bridge watchkeeping procedures incl GMDSS procedures; oil spill response manag bridge team management. The engine room simulator is potentially wipers to engineers. It is designed for the trai in the operations of a vessel's diesel pr Additionally, it includes an auxiliary systems The crane and liquid cargo simulators are The simulators are designed by Transas M Further details about the simulators and t upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. 0 Adding to the realistic feel of the simulators is an integrated ship control console with tools such as Furuno radar (lower left) and electronic chart displays ECDIS (left and below). Thousands of navigational charts from around the world are included Some Classes That Will Utilize New Simulators AB Bridge management Third mate/limited license Unlicensed apprentice Inland courses QMED FOWT Pumproom maintenance and operations Crane maintenance electrician Tankerman-PIC (barge) (DL) Tankerman familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) Diesel engine technology Marine electrical maintenance Gr, Ql 12 Seafarers LOB May2000 �• Qing 4 Simulators Instructors can select from a wide variety in weather, time of day, location and class of vessels for the full-mission shiphandling simulator (above and two photos directly below). aritime Training and Education opened a new, school now considered by many as the best looking forward to another blockbuster preclassrooms equipped with the most modem bished Lindsey Williams Building and new andling, engine room functions, crane opera- rs in nurutf(")U~ deck and eng;ne department ors, as will students in tht unlicensed apprenr~bascd training in those cour es ill cDmply oward helping ensure that Seafarers arc fully id SIU President Michael Sacco. "They will the new century." ems, the instructors and our entire school," cational education at the Paul Hall Center. ding evaluation of some of the high-tech sims of that research, we know we' re installing -working mariners in the world." fu11-mission shiphandling simulator with a ive auxiliary bridges. The main bridge will h ARPA/radar, global marine distress system ith charts from all over the world), a steering u] a system as exists anywhere in the world. arkably realistic, and the programs allow for ing areas: voyage planning and execution; dance; ARPA/radar operation; electronic nav; vessel traffic management; high speed rtavding tugs and barges, towboats and pilottttg; ment; port dcvdopmcnt; human factors; and seful to any rating in that department, from · g of engine room watchkeeping personnel pu1sion plant and electrical power plant. and mat;hinc,ry simulator. imilarly advanced and useful. nne. t; classroom expansion will be published in With state-of-the-art equipment and unparalleled graphics (two photos directly above, right and below)J the bridge simulator will bolster numerous classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. It includes a 360-degree viewing sector. undbreaking for the new simulator classrooms the Paul Hall Center took place la.st month. May 2000 Seafarers LOB 13 �Each summer, the Paul Hall Center fot Maritime ·.: Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. opens its :-. :·doors to vacationing Seafarers and their families. ·: · There is ·much to take advantage of at the center - com.·f?rtable accommodations, three delicious meals each day, a ·• . libtaty, !'ealth spa, te~s courts, ~lympic-size swimming :· ··· .pool, .s~ilb()ats and mtles of beautiful landscape for peaceful ::· walks or picnics. · In historic southern Maryland, where the facility is located, are ~any fam~us la1!dmarks and ~actions-something for everyone in the family- like seafood festivals, arts and crafts fairs, antique shows, country auctions and acres of unspoiled parkland. The center also is just a short drive front Washingto~ D.C., Arlington.1 Va. and Baltiinoi'e.1 · Md.t each offering many histori... "'" .~V. cal and educational sights as well ·· • as recreational pursuits lik~ baseball 11111m1i1.-,,,., at Camden Yards.. A vacation stay at Piney Point is limited to two weeks pe' family. . ..... f t:· PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number'.----~------­ Book number: - - -- - -- UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Address'. A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: 0 ate of arrival: 1st choice: t I ----------~------ 2nd choice: - - - - 3rd choice: _ _ __ •r Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day I I I I • I (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) two weeks per family. I I I • Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I I I I Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. age or younger. The prices listed above include all ' meals but do not include tax. ~ - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . I I 5100 ----- ~~-~~-----~~--~-~--~--------------------------------------------------------------------! f4 Seafarers LOG May 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia B~ltimor~, •.. Norfolk Mobile 19 . 4 17 5 4 6 11 15 7 9 5 9 5 3 9 10 3 4 9 7 7 15 9 11 7 6 8 10 9 Houston .. St Louis ·:Piney Po.in,t . Algonac Totals DECK DEPARTMENT l7 5 i4 ...... () 5 8 8 30 12 .~ 0 5 ell 3 .o 235 0 148 12 9 2 3 6.•. 3 10 0 S. 6 2 4 Trip Reliefs 29 " 18 17 27 .'i .·.·, 2· l .o 2 3 7 2 5 21 17 3 11 8 8 17 13 19 9 5 24 31 10 10 6() . 24 0 4 5 41 8 48 21 18 4 2 12 4 0 39 18 16 11 7 11 4 10 4 0 11 10 31 2 l 4 0 2 " 8 0 193 0 106 5 .2 3 406 196 124 22 11 7 5 4 9. 5 9 l 2 67 3 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT } 2 5 0 3 2 0 3 1 ......J .:. . 8 3 4 4 2 7 8 4 0 4 7 19 7 15 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 8~ July 6 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 Honolulu .................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston ................. .Monday: June 12, July 10 • .,., 20 ···· Mobile ..... ~ ..... ~ ........ Wedn~y: . Juri~. 14.. July 12 9 4 I Algonac ..................Friday: June 9, July 7 H 20 51 ·Piney Point .·........... :Monday: June 5, July 3 Jacksonville ........ .,Thursday: June 8,. July 6 6 7 2 73 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 7 · .. Puerto Rico Honolulu TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C .· Jua.a & •.J•1Y 2001J .MelilbBrsbJP . ,' .. Meelin .· . rgs ;Dtiejj:Sea; .Lakes,.Inland'Waters New Bedford ......... .Tuesday: June 20, July 18 6 21 8 Personal Mobile New Orleans 0 2 6 2 6 1.ac'ksonville Puerto Rico 8 4 .·J.3 . 1 l~ · ':l 2 14 2 2 2 0 6 12 8 8 38. 9 8 40 35 6 .6 . ·2 2 3 2 1 0 ". 31 3 1 1 ROBERT B. HYLAND Please contact William H. Hyland at 7143 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21224; or call (410) 282-0595. Discussing STCW Requirements 2 47 35 0 91 0 1 0 1 1 27 25 257 78 37 4 3 38 18 88 , ()°, . 7 4 o· 0 0 0 () l 19 ' 23·. 0 0 0 ' 0 AlgM.M 202 Totals Totals All Departments SS4 422 359 26 396 108 304 124 230 14 0 0 5 1 0 73 254 308 138 934 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2000 10 657 540 After last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU President Michael Sacco and SA Shirley Winbush discussed some of the requirements of the amended STCW convention and how they impact Seafarers' training. Winbush is enrolled in the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MARCH 16 · '""''. ,., ......... ·. ,., ....... Mkltad Sacco President . John Fay .. ·q . · · ·executive Vfo.e Presidenf;.;· ·· CL - Company/Lakes Secretary-Treasurer L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel APRIL 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts .; Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Bytiln Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nfchotas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kennett Mang.ram Vice President Government Services 4 .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207% (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. DECK DEPARTMENT ] 8 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 9 0 l Port 0 17 6 0 9 3 Algonac 0 5 6 Port Algonac 0 18 16 Algonac Port Algonac Port 0 8 5 0 6 3 0 5 6 9 14 0 . .. _.-. ~ - .... 28 1 0 49 31 0 20 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Totals All Depts 28 tair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCllORAG.E 721 Sesame St., #IC, An<:horage, AK 99503 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters (907} 561-4988 MARCH 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore SL, l3altirot)re, MD 212-02 (4WH27-49<?'J *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B o· 0 0 Class C ,: : · ah:it:e<;a~t:<:;r:;::<:.:;;s+::::· . . · 1 ::E~~~~$S:.1m.~~:; W,~j~f.S:: · .:· q West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B 0 0 0 0 Lake8, lfilana. warers ·o · 0 0 0 I 0 4 S Gulf Coast 0 ;pa,~~.s~JP:l~g ,~a~~:: : · .0.·... Wc~t Coast 0 Totals 0 Region ·:· : ~~~t~~:: ~~~:~J::i:.:·:>YT:·:::::::::::.:°' . . '(:folf Coast···':· ....:::\:.:: ..... :.:.....0: .... 3 8 9 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 Q. ... 0 1 ... 0 14 11 1 1 24 2 2 27 10 0 '' 0 0 1 . 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 2 1 1 4 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 5 1 10 10 2 7 12 1 West Coast Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Region Atlantic·: C9.a$t,.:.: · APRIL 15, 2000 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner John M. Clarke of Houston, Texas. It was taken at "Joe Palooka's" in Mobile, Ala. in 1953 at a moment of relaxation during the Atlantic organizing drive. Pictured are some crew members from the Royal Oak, a Cities Service vessel, as well as members from Atlantic 16 Seafarers LOG Refining. Clarke, then a steward assistant, is the one in the cowboy hat. John M. Clarke joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York and sailed in the steward department. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952 and retired in 1994. May2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 50 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Thomas H. Hawkins graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the recertified graduate, 12 of the retiring mariners sailed in the deep sea division , four shipped on inland vessels and five plied the Great Lakes. Fifteen of the retirees worked in the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and two sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. O DEEP SEA LUIS R. CENTENO, 66. first sailc;d with the Seafarers in 1959 aboard the Beauregard. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department. During his career. he also sailed in the engine dcpartrnr;nt, Brother Centeno last worked aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He makes his home in San Francisco. THOMASH. HAWKINS, 73, began his career with the Seafarers in 1949 from the port of New YMk. A native ofWashingt1:m, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification cours.e in 197 5. Brother Hawkins last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. He calh Hoodsport, Wash. home. LO, 70, started his career with the STU in 1986, sailing aboard the USNS Hess , operated by May 2000 port of San Francisco. A native of California, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Lawrence H Gianella, operated by Ocean Ships. Inc. From 1956 to 1960, he served in the U.S . Air Force. Brother Lacunza makes his home in Sparks, Nev. THOMASN. LUKETICH, 65, firs.t ~ailed with the SIU in 1978 aboard the Potomac. operated by Ogden Marine. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. From 1951 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Luketich has retired to Ardenvoir, Wash. OLIVEIRA, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1962 in Santa Rosa. Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Ft'ttt'lti~tl">. Bmii in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Galdos worked in the steward department. last sailing aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He has retired to Cloverdale, Calif. JARAMIL- ERNEST LACUNZA, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the in China, he worked in the steward department. He participated in several Thanksgiving events at the San Francisco hall. Brother Siu last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Bay Shore, Calif. ROBERTL. SMITH, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York after graduating from the Andrew Furuseth Training School. His first ship was the Alcoa Pioneer. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Anny, Brother Smith calls San Francisco home. JOSE SOTO, 61, began his career with the SIU in 1969, first sailing aboard the Joplin Victory. A native of Puerto Rico. he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Mayaguez , an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Soto makes his home in Carolina, P.R. MANUELM. VIRGILIO GALDOS, 65, ROMAN LSC Marine, Inc. Born in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Jaramillo worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the USNS Denebola, a Bay Ship Management vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. He resides in Brigantine, N .J. 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1992, first sailing aboard the Antarctic. He worked in the deck department and upgraded hi~ ~kill~ a.t the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. Brother Oliveira last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. San Diego is his home. ANGELR. SANTANA. 67, graduated from the Andrew LEONARD STEINHARDT, 57, graduated from tbe Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Steel Seafarer was his. first ship. Bl">rn in New York, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Steinhardt has retired to Toms River, N.J. ated by Radcliff Materials. Mendenhall, Miss. is where he calls home. FREDDIE R. RICE, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native worked as a mate/pilot, last sailing aboard a Maritrans vessel. Boatman Rice makes his home in Lowland, N.C. WILLIAML. SMITH, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1973 aboard the tug Mariner. Born in Mississippi, he worked as an OS/Cook, last sailing aboard the Honour, operated by Maritrans. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Smith calls New York home. GREAT LAKES FRANCIS J. BELLANT, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1957 working aboard the tug Mojave, operated by Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. A native of Michigan, he sa~led as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Before retiring, Brother Bellant worked aboard the tug Carl Luedtke, operated by Luedtke Engineering Co. St. Ignace, Mich. is where he calls home. CLARENCE B. CASEY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit, working aboard the tug Hardwick, operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the deck department. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Anny. Brother Casey has retired to Fort Gratiot, Mich. JAMES CORBRAN, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1960 from the port of Buffalo, N.Y, sailing aboard the Edmund P. Smith, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Corbran worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S . Air Force. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. The New York native makes his home in Hamburg. KENNETH w. DeGRAFF, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967. Born in Illinois, he worked as a deck engineer and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. A resident of South Holland, Ill., Brother DeGraff last worked aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. MARVIN A. SCHMITZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Chicago. The FredA Manske was his first vessel. A native of Wisconsin, he worked as a conveyorma11, last sailing aboard the St. Clair, operated by Amerfoan Steamship Co. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Schmitz has retired to Glenbeulah, Wis. INLAND Furusdh Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. The Puerto Rico native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Santana makes his home in Caguas., P.R. KWAN JOY SIU, 62, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1969 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Wilson , operated by American President Lines. Born CHRISTOPHERS. LUPTON, 64, started his. career with the SIU in 1954. Boatman Lupton worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A native of North Carolina, he makes his home in New Bern. HENRYR. RAINEY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native worked in the deck department. Boatman Rainey last sailed in 1990 aboard the Avocet, oper- ...... Re$tonttiQU of the historic. ~1P 4meripaf1. f.icto,Y . co.~tin~~~ju·· . ·:. Tampal ~cording to the groil:P.oveiseeing.th.e projeer:·. . , ·· · J'~~Vic~oty S4ip. I~c. last .rnQnth. repo~~d-that tlfo: ves.seF-s -bµ~l,;. . deck and superstructure ''have been sand blasted and have' a new ·. coat of paint. The ship is out of dry-qock and back in the wet slip." .'. A loca.t television station planned to air a feature late last month about yolunteers who are helping restore the American Victory. .o"I'he project also has received newspaper coverage. .... . FQr tnot~ information about the American Victory~ restorai)on, · · or to volunteer, sen<l email to AmVic@aol.com, ·telephone"(Sl3) · 228r8766 or write to The Victory Ship, Inc., 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33609. . ". . . Built in 1945, the American Victory had been part of th~ U.S. Re erve Fleet on Virginia~s James River since after the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU members the 454-foot vessel was one of more than 500 Victory ships that debuted near the end of World War Il During Vietnam, it was operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. · Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA LORENZO BENNETT Pensioner Lorenzo Bennett, 73, passed away February 3. A native of Mobile, Ala., he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of New Orleans. The steward department member later graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in Mobile and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Bennett last sailed aboard the SeaLand Galveston as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in February 1992. He was a resident of Los Angeles. ZEEY.CIDNG Pensioner Zee Y. Ching, 78, died December 22, 1999. Born in China, he started his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of N cw York. Brother Ching worked in the steward depart· ment, last sailing aboard an inland VMMI operated by Dixie Carriers. A resident of Violet, L;i., he started receiving his pttlSiM in November 1976. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. JOSEPH L. FORNIS Pensioner Joseph L. Fomis, 71, pMsed away January 19. Brother Fomis joined the Marine Cooks & Stewa.rd:J (MC&S) in 1945, first sailing aboard the Edwin H. Du.ff: He worked in the steward department and retired in January 1975. Los Angeles was his home. CESAR S. LAGO Cesar S. Lago, 60, passed away February I 0. A native of the Philippine ldand~, he begcli\ his SIU career in 1984 from the port of ="'-"-"--' Wilmington, Calif., first sailing aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Brother Lago worked as a chief cook. A resident of Wil· mington, he last sailed aboard the Sga-Land Enlerprist:. WALLYW.LAU ···.,,: . . Pensioner Wally .: W_ Lau, 78 died February 19. He joined the MC&S in 1944 in the port of StUl Frattcisco_ Born in China, he worked in =-=-=--'--~~ the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. Prior to retiring in April 1997, he sailed aboard the Overseas New York_ Brother Lau wa~ a resident of San Francisco. the Cubore, an Ore Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Long worked in the engine department and retired in December 1979. Sea Level, N.C. was his home. ALEJANDRO S. MARTINEZ Pensioner Alejandro S. Martinez, 66, died February 13. A native of Puerto Rico, he graduated from the Andrew , "' Furuseth ;~l'\\ 1 Training School in 1964 and joined the union in the port of Baltimore. The Transeastern was his first vessel. Brother Martinez sailed in the deck department. Before he retired in June 1999, he worked aboard the Golden Monarch, a Westchester Marine vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. His home wa:J in Ponce, P.R. EDWARD MERCHANT Pensioner EdwMd Merchant, 87, passed away March 5. He joined the MC&S in the 1940s. Brother Merchant sailed itl the steward department and began receiving his pension in April 1977. OLIVER P. OAKLEY Pensioner Oliver P. Oakley, 71, died December 8, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he first sailed with the Seafa.rer:J in 1946 aboard the B/uq Ridgq Victory) a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Oakley worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in December 1997, he sailed aboard the Denebola, operated by Bay Tankers. He was a resident of Olyphant, Pa. CALVIN T. PRICE Pensioner Calvin T. Price, 76, passed away MMch 10. A native of North Carolina, he joitled the SIU in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va_ Brother Price worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Van HorizQn, opernted by Vancor Steamship Co_ During h1s ca.rter, he also worked in the engine department. The Tarboro, N.C. resident started receiving his pension in April 1983 . KIM SIN QUAN Pensioner Kim Sin Quan, 67, died February 15. Brother Quan began his career with the MC&S in 1958 from the port of San Francisco_ ~..........- - Born in China, he worked as a chief cook. Prior to retiring in January 1995, he sailed aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. San Francisco was home to Brother Quan. HENRY D. LONG - Pensioner Henry D. Long, 83, passed away February 6. Born in North Carolina. he started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was 18 Seafarers LOG OTIS L. SESSIONS Pensioner Otis L. Sessions, 72, passed away February 14. He joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. The Mississippi native worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the SIU's training center in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was .___ _ _ ___..._"""-..;..;:oi active in union affairs and organizing drives. His last ship was the LNG Capricorn. A resident of Bay Minette, Ala., he began receiving his pension in May 1997. From 1950 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. RAYMOND J. THOMAS Pensioner Raymond J. " Thomas, 79, died December 4, 1999. Born in Alabama, he -- started sailing '" with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New York. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Cove Trader. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he started receiving his pension in July 1986. RICARDO M. VENZON Pensioner Ricardo M. Venzon, 72, died January 25. Brother Venzon joined the Seafarers in 197 5 in the port of Wilmitlgton, Calif., first sailing aboMd the Council Grove. A native of the Philippines. he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in March 1992, he sailed aboard the Over$eas Alice. From 1945 to 1972, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Venzon lived in Honolulu. STEVE WEST Pensioner Steve West, 79, passed away February 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1963 from the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Pioneer Mist_Born in Poland, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother West ~ailed in the engine department and upgraded to a licensed officer. A resident of Bergenfield, N.J., he started receiving his pension in March 1988. WILLIAM M. WEST Pensioner WilliamM. West, 85, died January 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1938 in the port of Norfolk. Va. Born in Panama, he sailed in the engine department. He was active in union affairs and organizing drives during his maritime career. Brother West last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Newark. A resident of Seattle, he retired in January 1981. Mobile, Ala. Brother Whitten worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He was a resident of Mobile and started receiving his pension in February 1985. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1950. JAMES H. RATHBONE AHSAIWONG Pensioner Ah Sai Wong, 89, died January 27. Born in China, he began sailing as a steward with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of San Francisco. He started receiving his pension in July 1975. Brother Wong was a resident of San Francisco. Pensioner Walter H. Whitten, 72, passed away January 14. He started his career with the SIU in 1945 from the port of James H. Rathbone, 52, passed away February 8. Born in North Carolina, he first sailed with the SIU in 1990 aboard deep sea vessel Cape Farewell. Boatman Rathbone later transferred to the inland division, sailing primarily aboard McAllister Towing Co. vessels as a mate. Poquoson, Va. was his home. HARRY WOO SR. Pensioner Harry Woo Sr., 78, passed away January 31. A native of Hawaii, he joitled the MC&S. Brother Woo sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in January 1970. Kaneohe, Hawaii was his home. RONALD L. REEVES HILAND Ronald L. Reeves, 50, died December 30, 1999. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1994 aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Reeves sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in Indiana, he was a resident of GainesviHe, Ga _ LESLIE W. COLLIER HUGH L. STEWART Pensioner Leslie W. Collier, 69. died March 6. A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman ColHer worked as a captain and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Coinjock, N.C., he started receiving his pension in March 1993. Pensioner Hugh .: L. Stewart, 69, passed away January 2 7. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1952, first sailing in the deep sea division aboard the Oremar. He later transferred to inland vessels. Boatman Stewart worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Baltimore and started receiving his pension in December 1987. From 1948 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Navy. JOHNNIE W. FELDMAN Johnnie W. Feldman, 62, passed away January 2. Born in Arkansas, he began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Houston. Boatman Ftldm.an last sailed as a captain aboard a Marine Towing Co. vesseL From 1955 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Air Force. DONALD G. HUDDLESTON Pensioner Donald G. Huddleston, 71 , passed away January 20. He started sailing with the SIU in 1960 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. Boatman Huddleston worked as a tankerman, last sailing aboard a Maritrans vessel. A resident of Supply, N.C., he retired in September 1993. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Air Force. BENNIE J. LANDRY Pensioner Bennie J. Landry, 68, WALTER H. WHITTEN ated from the diesel scholarship program in 1982. During his career, he also worked in the deck department. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Lufkin, Texas, he began receiving his pension in August 1988. passed away February 21. Boatman Landry began his SIU career in 1963 from Port Arthur, Texas. The Texas native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he gradu- GREAT LAKES REINO E. SALO Pensioner Reino E. Salo, 85, died November 12, 1999. Born in Wisconsin, he began his SIU career in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother Salo sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in April 1979. He was a resident of Superior, Wis. THOMAS KARL SCHULTZ Thomas Karl Schultz, 56, passed away January 15. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Schultz worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. DANIEL A. STORCE Daniel A. Storce, 62, passed away February 4. Brother Storce first sailed with the Se ...Jrers in 1968 aboard the Reiss Brothers, operated by American Steamship Co. Born in Illinois, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1985 aboard the Presque Isle. Cloquet, Minn. was his home. May2000 �fa wwwawwww crew members to keep current with upgrading/training and Coast Guard requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department, with special thanks to Chief Cook Arthur Medeiros for excellent meals and great barbecues. EL MORRO (IUM), January 31-Chairman Steve Copeland, Secretary Kris Hopkins, Educational Director Fred Dougherty, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Marvin E. James. Bosun stressed importance of keeping all beefs routed through department heads. He asked crew members to lower noise on crew deck, take care while smoking in cabins and return movies promptly and put in order. Secretary advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and check expiration dates on necessary shipping documents. Treasurer announced $152.28 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew van provided at Blcunt Island seems to be working well. Inquiry made into increasing pensicn benefits. Clarification requesced on STCW deadline. Vote of thanks given to steward department for jcb well done. Ne'.l{t ports~ Port Everglades and Jacksonville. Fla. HM/ CAP/i LOOKOUT SHOALS (IUM), Jatmary 31 ChAirma.n Steven t,. Bush. Secretary Alan W. Bartl~y, Edu<;atiomtl Director Salom~ CHtr6, Deck Dele ate.Zimmnc Qn, ngine Delegate Wilbert J. Mil~& Jr., Steward Delegate Ralph F. Morgan. Prior to leaving port of Seattle, chairman requtsttd absentee ballots for mercer vote. EdLicational diri;dor ,minded crew members to check STCW and z-cards for expiration dates. Treasurer announced $900 in ship's movie fund. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Inquiries made on improving mail service and obtaining refrigerators for crew rooms. Steward asked crew to help keep linen locker clean. Recommendation made to keep door closed during meal times to keep people out of galley other than steward d~partment memberi. Vole of thanks givett tc steward depa.rtment for job well done, to deck department and DEU for help provided to :o;teward. Ship heading to New York. Hou~ton und Philadelphia. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime Corp.), January 24Chairman Rodney Jimenez, Secretary Normnn EYnns, Educational Director Trent R. Sterling. Chairman noted payoff scheduled January 28 in Beaumont, Texas. All crew member!; ~hould return movies, ~trip bunks and cleaft rMms before getting off ship. Trip was good. Educational director advised those members who have time to consider upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for weekly cookouts. MARINE COLUMBIA (Intrepid Ship Mgmt), January 24Chuim1un Greg()ry Hamilton, Secretary Jamu F. Dunne, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Detricke R. K~lly, Steward Delegate Kathleen Lanah~n. Chairman noted shipyard work finished and vessel ready to sail. Payoff to take place in El Scgun- May2000 do, Calif. and will then sail to Richmond, Calif. and Valdez, Alaska for cargo. Secretary said holidays enjoyed by all and wished good health and happiness from ship's crew to officers and staff at Piney Point and headquarters. Educational director urged everyone to use facilities and upgrading programs at Paul Hall Center and be aware of new regulations and requirements needed for future sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into ability of receiving vacation pay after 90 days. Several items needed to be purchased, including new set of exercise weights, furniture in crew lounge, curtains in living and dining areas and cabins and new jacket for steward department for work in reefer boxes. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), January 16-Chairman Werner H. Reeher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Edui;ational Director Robert E. Bruckmall, Dock Delegate Joseph Dallas, Engine Delegate Ross Himebauch, Steward Delegate Terry R. MaKno. Chairman announced payoff January 22 in port of Tacoma. He thanked i;rew for helping keep ship in order and reminded them to get clean set of linen for relief b@for@ leaving. He also urged everycne to take time to vote in SIU-NMU merger. He noted pro· gress made in last 10 year~. Trtasurer stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have vacation pay incorporated into gross pay, which later will determine pension benefits. Vote of thanks to steward department for well-prepared meals. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (AMSEA), January 26-Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kristin Krause, Educational Director Ch~rles J. Betz, Steward Delegate haat Newsome. Chairman announced arrival of across-the-board EPA, which is posted en bulletin board. Anyone int@rested in voting ~hClUld check with union patrolman when returning to States. He also advised crew to make sure all shipping documents are updated. Educational director suggested crew members take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. TteMurer announced $1.355.85 in ship's fund, of which $942 allocat· ed for purchase cf T-shirts in Pa.lma 1 Spain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Satellite system still in the worh. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), February 13--Chairman Mauro Gutierrez, Secretary William E. Bragg. Educational Director Marvin D. Wells. Chairman stated rumors regarding vessel being transferred to East Coast are firming up as fact. No official notice yet, but preparations being made. He announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. on February 15. Crew awaiting response from headquarters regarding tanlc/cargo hold cleaning. Secretary read fax from headquarters informing crew of preliminary results on SIU-NMU merger vote. Educational director urged GUAYA MA (NPR, Inc.), February 6-Chairman Ray Gorju, Secretary Richard Hicks, Educational Director Ronald C. Smith, Deck Delegate James R. Blitch. Chairman thanked all hands for good trip and announced payoff upon arrival in Jacksonville. He asked that all movies be returned and that plastic refuse be separated from regular trash. Educational director recommended crew members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. GUS DARNELL (OSI), February 21-Chairman Salvatore G. Ciciulla, Secretary Robert L. Easley, Educational Director Lawrence A. Banks II, Deck Delegate Efrain N. Santana. Chairman led discussion on new shipping company and encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary warned crew to watch cut for use of alcohol at sea and ashore. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Piney Point, particularly the tanker operations course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request for satellite to be brought up to captain and company. Request made to provide additional cold drinks while in Caribbean and other hot areas. Next port: Charlestont S.C. HM/ DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), February I-Chairman Bradley L. Seibel. Secretary Steven R. W agner , Educational Director harles J. Brockhaus\ Deck Delegate Arnold R. Neff, Engine Delegate Kenneth Stratton, Steward Delegate Isabel Sabio. Chairman announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 3. Educational director recommended everyone take upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing number of days needed to receive vacation check from 120 to 60 and increase fine for missing ship from $100 Lo $500. Discussion held regarding medical attention for crew members; Chairman noted regular charter from Corpus Christi to be changed after two more discharges in Tampa. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), February 6-Chairma.n John E. Stout, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educaticnal Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate William G. Burke, Engine Delegate William D. Parker, Steward Delegate Yahya S. Ali. Chairman thanked crew for good voyage and reminded those getting off to clean cabin for next person and leave key. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep mess hall and crew lounge clean, with special thanks to bosun and daymen for great job painting galley storeroom. He pointed out importance of donating to SPAD for job security. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point and stay on top of new rules and regulations needed to ship <'.>Ut, including STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into cutting vacation pay from 120 to 90 days. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), February 21Chairman Michael A. Presser, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Walter R. Ferrero, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Seymour, Engine Delegate John D. Lewis, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman announced payoff in New Orleans on February 25. He posted communications for all to read regarding SIU-NMU merger vote. Hill, Engine Delegate Cary Pratts, Steward Delegate Alberto Falcon. Chairman thanked deck department for good job while ship was in co1d north. He announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas and urged those getting off to go to Piney Point to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's Report from Seafarers Great to Be Home It was all smiles for the crew aboard the Developer, when it put into the port of Long Beach, Calif. last month, fresh from a Far East run. From the left are DEU Jose Garcia, Relief Steward/Baker Ruben Casin and AB Dante Cruz. For additional photos taken aboard this U.S. Ship Management vessel and other ships calling on the busy California port, turn to page 6. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director stated importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into 100 percent dental insurance coverage for members and dependents. Repairs needed to meat box. Vote of thanks given to steward department in helping make good trip and keeping morale high. Next port: Haifa, Israel. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk), February 6-Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Educational Director James T. McParla11d, Deck Delegate Donnie Collins II. Steward Delegate Edward F. Fuller. Chairman stated ship locks good and asked for help keeping it that way. Educational director advised crew members to advance learning skills by upgrading at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $850 in ship's fund. Discussion held about safety factors related to working on watch and everyone stated they would like to work more overtime. Clarification requested on overtime for steward department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension fund. New vacuum cleaners and coffee pots needed as well as new mattresses. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.: Freeport, Bahamas; Miami; and Panama. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk), February 4-Chairman William C. Dowzicky 1 Secretary Khamis Mageed. Chairman stressed importunce of having STCW endorsement by 2002. Secretary stated that best way to clear air among shipmates is to hold union meetings on reg-ular basis. Educational director reminded crew to keep eye on new courses available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ice cream freezer for crew mess hall needed as well as TV antenna and e-mail service. Request made for company to inform crew members of death in family. Better health insurance requested as well as dental coverage for family members. Ship heading to Japan and South Korea. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Mgmt.), February 20-Chairman Daniel N. Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Michael LOG read, and discussion ensued regarding new ships, importance of contributing to SPAD and SIUNMU merger vote. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider being able to file for vacation pay after 90-day tours. Steward department given vote of thanks. OVERSEA S OHIO (ATC), February 22-Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeffery L. Smith, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate J ess Chalker, Steward Delegate Tommy Belvin. Chairman reported that captain will attempt to pay off ship every 30 days. Electronic transfer draws will be availagle twice a month (15th and 3ot ). Educational director will keep in touch with Paul Hall Center regarding schedule of proposed ATC courses. Chairman read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez addressing questions about riding gangs and 90-day vacation. Requests made to have periodontal treatments covered by health plan for members and dependents. Discussion held about money purchase pension plan. Forms being printed to deal with pre-payoff room checks which will be conducted and signed off by steward or bosun. Next ports: Los Angeles, Ferndale and Richmond, Calif. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (ATC), February 22-Chairman Jack Walker, Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Charles W. Dahlhaus. Chairman announced payoff scheduled at anchor in next port. He mentioned STCW requirements need to be fulfilled. Secretary said deck department doing good job with separating trash and plastic items and in keeping house in good shape. He advised members to read Seafarers LOG to be informed on issues, especially SIU-NMU merger vote. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point, especially for tankerman certificate. Disputed penalty . OT in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Request made for tape rewinder in crew lounge. It was reported that there was a lot of snow in Valdez, Alaska this past winter and that anyone taking a job aboard a tanker in that region should be sure to bring along lots of cold weather gear and safety shoes. Ship heading to Anacortes, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 �~ I ·· · ·.- ,~ was retired, but that's not the end .• :~1:~n~fe10Ii~;: ~~0a':.,~0!i~infi ·,·_-._.,-_. 1 •_:~.· ·. thi~, and sailed on ships such as a ._. . _ floating museum, if you will ..........:..=..................""""'"...............__..'""'"-~~-----.....;.;.'----........_ _ . . . - - -...............-............. She's probably nothing com(Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG ment of U.S. seamen; pared to the ships being built and reserves the right to edit letters •Armed Guard who served on sailed these days, but she wasfor grammar as well as space U.S. merchant marine ves- and still is-something real speprovisions without changing the sels; cial to those who had her as part writers intent. The LOG we!• members of any uniformed of their Jives way back when. comes letters from members, penU.S. armed services with a Want to see the ship? She's sioners, their families and shipDD-214; and berthed at Pier 1 Clinton Street in mates and will publish them on a •widows of veterans who have Baltimore. She's open to the pubtimely basis.) received their DD-214. lie Wednesdays and Saturdays. To receive an application for She's scheduled to leave May 15 Seafarers Welfare Plan membership, please call or write: for a trip to Toledo and ports of Has No Comparisons American Merchant Marine call on the Great Lakes, which Veterans will keep her away for about four I've heard people tell of the months. c/o Gene Delong medical plans their unions give Hudson Valley Chapter The old students? Some of us and, believe me, there's no comP.O. Box 284 are among the volunteer crew that parison: the Seafarers Welfare Pleasantville, NY 10570 will man her for the trip. Now Plan is the best. (914) 769-3539 that's a far cry from the school No matter what type of meddays when we heard the boilers ical attention I needed in the past When your completed applica- constantly but never dreamed of (before Medicare), the SWP paid tion and copy of proof of eligibil- sailing with her. To some of us, it everything. I am very, very fortunate in ity are returned, they will be for- is a second chance at an unfulhaving been a member of the warded to an AMMV chapter filled dream of a lifetime. Whether our dreams were fulSIU. And, speaking as the voice near your residence. filled or not, what remains is that of experience, I hope all members Albert M. Antaki the John W Brown was somerealize what a good union they Chapter President thing very special to those of us belong to. privileged to have gone to school Walter Karlak aboard her. Queens, N.Y. Llllarty Ship John Brown George P. Whitney Now a Living Memorial Glenside, Pa. September 7, 1942 at Beth· AMMV Looking lehem-Fairfax Shipyard in Balt(Editors note: George P Far New Membere imore, Md.: the Liberty ship John Whitney ;s a graduate of the W Brown slides down the way The American Merchant schoolship John W Brown, part Marine Veterans (AMMV) i5 a and into the Chesapeake. Her life of Metropolitan Vocational High young, growing organization has begun. School in New York City. He curShe was one of only 2, 700 s.eeking new members. rently is secretary of the alumni It is a non-profit pro-American Liberty ships to be built and one association that was formed three organization whose purpose is to of 344 built at the Bethkhcmyears ago. He is looking for other Fairfax yard. gain recognition for what the me i 1f she had made but one cross- past tudents of the schoolship. of the merchant marine have Anyone intersted in joining the accomplished for our country in ing during the war, it was figured alumni assocation should contact times of war and pence. It abo that her construction was a sucthe SS John W Brown Alumni aims to educate the American cess. But thi$ old girl, s.he's someAssociation by mail at P. 0. Box thing clsc. She made 13 crossings public as to the importance of 343, Wading River, NY 11792 or having a strong Amtrican-ftag as a lim ·tcd troop s.hip, taking our by e-mail at jwba/um@aol.com.) merchant purine at all times and men over and sometimes German to help the cause c.f American POWs back. Once the war was won, she SIU Gains Strengtll seapower and the American seadidn't stop there; she went on to man. Through the Years To be eligible, applicants must serve as a schoolship in New This letter is dedicated to the submit proof of service in the York City, training thousands of men and women who-in the past, American merchant marine at young men for merchant careers. any time, or on allied countries' Thousands of young men like present and future-strive daily to ships carrying American cargo in myself walked her decks and hit retain a strong hold on our wartime. Acceptable proof of ser- the books in preparation for a life nation's defense. Through the strength of the at sea. I wonder how many of vice includes: • certificate of discharge from you were among those young American merchant marine, we m;can voyages (foreign or mi:n. If you are, we're looking to live in peace today. The courage speak with yc.u, as. we have start- of these men and women is awecot'\stal) or inland waters;. •members M U.S. maritime ed an alurtttli association and are some. Through the visionary leaderservice (active or inactive, trying to locate as many of the old students as possible in an attempt ship and the strong unity of the including Academy cadets); membership and the Paul Hall •members of U.S. Health to reunite aboard our proud ghip. In 1982 the John W BMwn Center, the union continues to Service who cngaged in treatgrow. I am proud to be one of its members for 38 years- from 1947 to 1985, and then reclaiming my book in 1987 for a last voyage. Paul Hall was the head of the union when I joined. He left a legacy-now the Paul Hall The U.S. merchant marine, so long ignori;d, unappreciated and Center-where everyone could i:veu orgollen by the nation it served during World War IT gets a have the opportunity io educate just and long-overdue tribute in a new book, "Pntriofa and Heroes: themselves and make life meanTrue Stories of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II." ingful. His vision went far and The author. Gerald Reminick, became acutely aware that 50 beyond even his expectations, years after the end of thi; war, many of the old-timers were dying. and the Paul Hall Center is no He determined to gather together and publish as many first-person doubt the greatest technical vocadiaries and remembrances as possible tc remind the nation of its tional school to assist seafarers in debt to the merchant seamen. being all that they ~an be. SIU Pensioner Peter Salvo of McKeesport, Pa. is one of the Carrying on Hall's tradition mariners foatured in the book. His sailing ex.pi;ricnccs during the and adding a stronger emphasis 1940s are included in chapter 5. to training was Frank Drozak. ((Patriots and Heroes" is being published by Glencannon Press The gavel then fell to a third and will be available late this month. Anyone wishing to order the great man, one with whom I am book (320 pages with more than 50 photos and illustrations) should proud to asso~iaic, Mike Sacco. contact: The Glencannon Press, Maritime Books, P.O. Box 644, May the Scafarcr5' leadership Benicia, CA 94510. The toll free number is (800) 711-8985 and the continue to have God's blessings. f~x is (707) 747-0311. The price for the book is $21.95 plus $4 shipRobert C. Goodrun pmg. • • SIU Pensioner Pete Salvo Featured in New Boak an WWII Merchant Mariners Eufaula, Ala. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts arc posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under "no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as weJl as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. lf any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. [n connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May2000 �----------------------------------~--~~~~~- -- ~- ~~- .•' The foUowing·is the schedule for classes beginning between May through November at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. AU pro- - Course ~gtams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's Start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the - start dates. For clllSses ending on a Friday:t departure reservations should be made for .:Saturday. · Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul .:::·. ~~~ ·.S91~:. ~:~Y. ~~~-~e admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ May 1 May29 June 16 ·. · Assistant Cargo (DL)* May19 July 14 August 11 July3 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date July 31 September 4 Date of Completion May26 August4 September 1 September 29 Odober27 Mayl July 10 August7 September4 October 2 September 15 October 13 November3 October 2 October 23 May26 Basie Fire Fighting. July 21 August 18 September 22 October 20 November 10 .July7 · June 26 ~Tuly 24 August 4 A~ust21 September l September 29 September 18 With this application, COPIES of lhfl following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in 1he lasl six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicaring your department and seniority, and qualifying seat_ime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested All FOWT. AB and QMED aaalicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard &e of $180 with thgir applicqtiofL The pavment should be made with a monev order onlv. aavable m LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone ------~---­ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakc:s Member DateofBirth _ _ _ __ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is noi filled out completely, your application will not be processed. S6~1AI Seturity # - - - - - - - - - Seniority~----------- Departmtttt _ _ _ __ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port ----~~~~~~-- Ettdorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - LAST VESSEL; _ __ _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On; Ari; yQ\l ~ graduate af the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? [J Yes SIGNATURE Jfyes 1 class# - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Da ycu hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No -----~--~-~- CPR: D Yes Date Off: [J No D No Primary language spoken~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~-~-~ ~----------~-~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATJON TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit. equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified. of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5100 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes - Unlicensed Apprentice Class Graduation Welding - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on January 28 are (in no particular order) Michael Blue, David Heavey and Jean Horn. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at the back. Headquarters Representative Carl Peth (left) administers the union pledge to the unlicensed apprentices who completed the third and final stage of their training program. The proud new book members are (in alphabetical order) Shannon Bonefont, Steven Cook, Jason Dew, Reggie Donaldson, Bobby Ellis Jr., David Green, Blaine Harkins, Romel Holland, Kenneth Jones, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, Erik Nappier, Robert Parker, Brandon Scalzo, Europa Tuivaiti and Adam Williams. QMED - Graduating from the QMED course on April 14 are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Ashworth, Eugene Bedard. George Bixby, Philip Curtis, Robert Flesey, Roy Frett, William Harris, Antonie Jennings, Asher Liss, Dennis Middleton, Vincent Mull , Michael Repko, Daniel Rodriguez. Carlos Sanchez., Gregory Stone. Kim Tye, Benjamin Vernon and Hiawatha Williams. Chief Cook - Learning some of th@ finer points in cooking from Chc;if/lndructor John DOMM (center) are (from left) Susan Mos, Louis Morri~. Dobson, Jam~~ Wadswonh and Christa Arnold. Government Vessels - Completing the government vessels course on February 18 are (from left, seated) Blaine Harkins. Romel Holland, Reggie Donaldson, Bobby Ellis Jr.. (second row) Mark Cates (instructor), Thomas Broberg, Sarah Hansen, David Green, Steven Cook. Shannon Bonefont, Kaid Adam and Jason Dew. Train the Trainer - To teach ~ny STCW ccurse at the Paul Hall Center, the U.S. Coast Guard requires instructors to complete this w@@k-lor'lg ~curse _ Conducted by Beth Wroblewski (Mad of the curriculum development department at Piney Point) last December, the participants learned and discussed different aspects of training. Completing the train the trainer cours@ are (in no particular order) Mitch Oakley, Tami Accardo-Jones, Gregory Thompson, Francis Russell, Robert Russell, Robert Dean Jr., Buzzy Andrews. Jody Sch'11rf@nstein, Penny Adams. Ray Adams Sr., Sam Meyers, John Smith, Bernabe Pelingon, Stan Beck. Bill Saul, Joyce Raum and John Hetmanski. 22 Seafarers LOS S CW Personal Survival - Upgrading Seafarers recently completing the personal survival requirements for their STCW certificates are (in no particular order) Alvin Moore, Deborah Tate, Edward Wallace. Clifton Washington, Larry Bradley, Edward Pace, Doug Gantenbein, Sidney Jenkins, Cesar Johnson, Joseph Ayeo, Herberd Adolph, Carlos Ebanks, Wilfred Lambey, Ronald Tremble, Carlos Julio, Miguel Rivera, Gary Lamp and Steven Hoskins. Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. May2000 �Pa uI Ha II Ce nter Graduat in9 CIass.es Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Daniel Dillabough, Roy Jerue, Lisa Kitashima and Thomas Medardo. Their instructor, not pictured, was Chef Ed White. Welding - Completing the welding course on March 3 are (in alphabetical order) Sotero Berame, Marino Callejas, David Kloss, Rhonda Koski, Conrado Martinez, Faustino Pereira, Lino Remorin and Peter Sternberg. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back, at left. Jones, GarloS' Majao. Nelson Martin, Calvin McField, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva. Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise_ Advanced. Fire Fighting Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements on March 17 are (from left. Kneeling) Luis Martinez, Donna Jacob-Scott, (second row) William Thomas, Ede DeOliveira . Paul Grant. Austin Howard. Albert Haarmann, Richard Durance, David Heavey, John Wong. Curtis Nicholson Sr., Joel Rosete, (third row) Sarah HM$en, Tim Keller. Antnony Hammett (instructor), Norman Smith, David Campbell, Tommy Cyru5, Bart Bookman , (fourth row) Sen Shi.ipp ~no Nicholds ViQira _ May2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Daniel Dillabough, Roy Jerue, Lisa Kitashima and Thomas Medardo. Their instructor, not pictured, was Chef Ed White. Welding - Completing the welding course on March 3 are (in alphabetical order) Sotero Berame, Marino Callejas, David Kloss, Rhonda Koski, Conrado Martinez, Faustino Pereira, Lino Remorin and Peter Sternberg. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back, at left. Jone , Carlmr Majao. Nelson Martin, Calvin McField, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva, Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise. Advanced Fire Fighting - Earnin!J their advanced fire fighting endorsements on March 17 are (from 1en. Kneeling) Luis Martinez, Donna Jacob-Scott, (second row) William Thomas, Ede DeOliveira. Paul Grant. Austin Howard. Albert Haarmann, Richard Durance, David Heavey, John Wong, Curtis Nicholson Sr., Joel Rosete, (third row) Sarah HM$en, Tim Keller, AnthOny Hammett (instructor), Norman Smith, David Campbell, Tommy Cyrus, Bart Bookman , (fourth row) e~n Shupp ~no Nicholds ViQira . May2000 Seafarers LOS 23 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS JOIN IN CALL FOR GLOBAL DEBT RELIEF PRUDHOE BAY SIGNALS NEW SIU JOBS SIU OPENS HALL IN GUAM MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT SEAMEN’S MISSIONS OFFER AID FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTORS SMITH, COMBS PASS AWAY MILITARY ‘DEPENDS’ ON MERCHANT MARINE GEORGINE RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF THE BUILDING TRADES DEPT. NEW YORK BILL AIMS TO INCLUDE MARINERS IN CIVIL SERVICE EXAM LAW SIU AFFILIATE BACKS WAL-MART CAMPAIGN WORK STARTS ABOARD LAKERS DESPITE LOW WATER LEVELS BOSUN MIXON COMMENDED BY OVERSEAS CHICAGO CAPT. NEW ORLEANS MEMBERS MEET WITH HQ OFFICIALS SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN JUBILEE 2000/USA: BREAKING THE CHAINS OF DEBT MAJOR UPGRADE PAUL HALL CENTER ADDING 4 SIMULATORS SIU PENSIONER PETE SALVO FEATURED IN NEW BOOK ON WWII MERCHANT MARINERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 5 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d88f4898508350691354a265faa52a66.pdf 3144a0d0e4b66f872b1fbfbdae3ae2d8 PDF Text Text www.seafarers.org Volume 63, Number 5 May 2001 Sealarers Crew Coastal Cruise Ship The new coastal cruise ship Cape May Light is the latest addition to the fleet of SIU-crewed vessels. Following ceremonies April 25 in Alexandria, Va., the ship begins its itinerary this month. Below left, OS Richard Bergeron and AB Giovanni Feliciano load provisions for the dedication ceremony, and at right, OS Jason Musmeci welcomes guests aboard the vessel. Page 3. Patriot Sparkles Coalition Urges ANWR Development Job Growth, New Energy Source Cited as Key Benefits by 'JobPower1 A number of improvements have been made to the Hawaiibased cruise ship ms Patriot. Pages 11-14. Administration Signals Jones Act Support U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), speaking at a March 27 press conference on Capitol Hill, explained some of the expected benefits of exploration and development of the Coastal Plain of Alaska 's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The SIU supports ANWR development and recently joined the coalition JobPower to promote it. Also present at the press conference were (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco and Operating Engineers President Frank Hanley. Page 3. • Newest LMSR, Pomeroy, Launched in San Diego • SIU-Crewed USNS Dahl Commended for Rescue �President's Report Cruise-Ship Gains Benefit SIU, Nation The fleet of SIU-crewed cruise ships keeps growing. That's good news for the union and for the nation. During a shipboard ceremony last month in Alexandria, Va. on the Cape May Light, I was struck by the progress of the American-flag cruise ship industry in the past year. From the Columbia Queen in the Pacific Northwest to Michael Sacco the ms Patriot in Hawaii, and from the Cape May Light to its sister ship Cape Cod Light along the coasts, we're witnessing the beginning of a potential boom for U.S.-flag passenger vessels. The best is yet to come. As you probably know, U.S. Lines is building the two largest cruise ships ever constructed in an American yard, with launches scheduled for 2003 and 2004. Credit must go to American Classic Voyages, parent company of the aforementioned ships. Their commitment to the U.S. flag is leading the way in building a newer, bigger and better American-flag cruise ship industry. I'm sure that when most people look at beautiful new vessels like the Cape May Light (and the others), they see it from a passenger's point of view. And from that perspective, there's plenty to be excited about. But I see this from a different angle. When I see the Cape May Light, I see new jobs for American citizens. I see more proof that U.S. shipyards can get the job done. And I see an enhancement of America's national and economic security. That last point is especially important. The cruise ship industry isn't the best-known segment of the U.S. Merchant Marine, but it's an important part just the same. It helps build a manpower pool of qualified mariners. Many of the same crew members who prepared the Cape May Light for its inaugural voyage may someday use their skills to deliver vital cargo to U .S. troops overseas. A lot of the training and skills that they need to operate the Cape May Light also can be used on tankers and containerships and military RO/ROs. There are other benefits. Compared to the runaway-flag ships which-for now-dominate the market, I'm positive that U.S.-flag cruise vessels will provide a safer product, both for the passengers and for the environment. Already, the Patriot has created new shoreside work with the opening last year of the SIU's new safety school in Hawaii. And it's about time this nation started benefiting from the millions and millions of dollars spent each year by U.S. citizens on vacation cruises. During the April 25 ceremony on the Cape May Light, I couldn't miss the irony of welcoming a new ship almost literally in the shadow of the nation's capital, where so much of our industry's fate is decided. Part of our job is working with Congress and the administration to help ensure that they understand the multi-faceted advantages for America with the addition of each new U.S.-flag vessel. There's much more to such ships than a nice appearance and an enticing itinerary. We will continue that work, just as we remain committed to providing the world's best-trained crews--on every type of vessel. The SIU is proud to be aboard the Cape May Light. We'll continue to do everything possible to support companies like American Classic Voyages and to make sure that ceremonies like last month's become the rule, rather than the exception. Volume 63, Number 5 May 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301 ) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes ; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 200 I Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Another Month, Another List of FOC Detentions Runaway-flag ships accounted for more than half of the vessel detentions in March by the U.S. Coast Guard. Nine of the 15 ships detained are runaway-flag vessels, also known as flag-of-convenience (FOC) ships. All 15 fly foreign flags. Among the detainees, two are Panamanian-flagged. According to Coast Guard reports, the main deck of the general dry cargo ship llha Do Fogo, inside the deck house, "was wasted and holed." Combustible liquids were stowed in an unprotected space, and the emergency portable fire pump didn't work. Additionally, "there were electrical hazards throughout the vessel from improper installation and maintenance: anchor windlass, light fixtures, and electrical appliances on the weather deck." The llha Do Fogo was confined in Fall River, Mass. on March 2. Apparently, things weren't much better aboard the Panamanian-flagged bulker Krissa, held in New Orleans on March 26. The crew couldn't perform a fire drill; the engine room bilges were contaminated; the chief engineer's certification had expired; and the emergency fire pump "leaked cooling water excessively." One of the more unsettling reports described conditions on the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Marine Pioneer, halted in Houston on March 10. According to the Coast Guard account, "qualified personnel were not available in the cargo control room during cargo offioading." Also on the Marine Pioneer, there were no toxic gas indicators (benzene) or procedures in place for maintaining vapor-testing equipment or tank overfill alarms. Nor were there any operable oxygen analyzers on the tanker. The agency also indicated that AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS The U.S. Coast Guard's monthly list of vessel detentions reveals many of the hazards connected with runaway-flag shipping. Above, the runaway-flag tanker Westchester-which spilled half a million gallons of crude oil near New Orleans last November-trails a containment boom in the Mississippi River. the ship operator (Parakou Shipping, Ltd.) "was not responding quickly to the vessel's request for required parts," and that the crew's waste-management plan and record-keeping were lacking. Similarly, a lengthy report was issued for the general dry cargo ship Multi.flex Sprint, registered in the Bahamas. Detained in Baltimore on March 31, the vessel was cited for inoperable bridge propulsion controls; an inoperable emergency fire pump; excessive leakage of fuel and water from the main propulsion engine and auxiliary machinery; and leaking "hazardous amounts of exhaust gas into the engine room" from the main engine. In addition, the hatch cover hydraulic system leaked oil onto the main deck, and the rescue boat release mechanism didn't work. The Coast Guard further noted a shortage of stores, contamination of the potable water, and an inoperable food cold-storage system. A runaway-flag or FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Shipowners who participate in the FOC scam typically do so to avoid taxes and regulations while employing cheap, often unqualified labor. Very often, mariners who sail aboard runaway-flag ships are denied the most basic rights. It is not uncommon for FOC ships to sail with a shortage of stores, and crew members often need assistance from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) just to secure their wages. Unsafe working conditions, inadequate medical attention and very low wages also are prevalent. Panama's False-Document Saga Indicates 1,000 Bogus Certificates Firings Follow Embarrassing Expose by ITF On the heels of a high-profile incident in which the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) sold a first officer's certificate to the head of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), news reports last month stated that more than 1,000 "mariners" are working under false documents issued by Panama. Meanwhile, the AMP reportedly fired 14 employees, including the manager of the licensing division, and suspended at least 26 others while government attorneys ostensibly continue investigating the falsedocument situation. In March, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft-with no seafaring experience-purchased (for approximately $4,500) mariner 's credentials from the AMP authorizing him to navigate a vessel. Although the notion of a runaway-flag registry selling documents wasn't new, the incident crystallized the danger and corruption connected to runaway flags, also known as flags of convenience (FOC). The episode received substantial coverage in the industry press and some high-profile reporting in the commercial media. The ITF has fought against runaway-flag shipping for more than a half-century. (The SIU is one of 570 unions affiliated with the London-based federation.) Reacting to the AMP dismissals, Cockroft stated, "So long as these are some of the guilty parties, then it is a useful first step. It is also a recognition of what the rest of the world has known for years: that Panama has been not just a pioneer of the flags of convenience system, but also of the laxity and legal abuses which that system encourages. "If Panama is truly committed to improving its maritime operations, it needs to change its register from an operation without responsibilities, whose sole purpose is making money," Cockroft added. "The ITF is happy to meet with the AMP at any time to assist with what would be the long and difficult task of cleaning up the Panamanian register." Panama is the world's largest shipping register. Almost none of the 6,000-plus vessels registered in that nation are owned by genuine Panamanian companies, staffed by Panamanian crews or commanded by Panamanian officers. In the weeks after Panama sold credentials to Cockroft, press reports quoted an anonymous AMP spokesman as saying that an initial investigation allegedly turned up more than 1,000 mariners holding phony documents. Additionally, the magazine Fairplay reported that the inquiry will check assertions made by former Panama President Guillermo Endara that his nation's consulates in New York and Miami employ relatives of AMP workers who are involved in the scam. Applications for mariner licenses are accepted at Panamanian consulates worldwide. Among the ITF's goals in its campaign against runaway-flag shipping are the elimination of the FOC system and the establishment of a regulatory framework for the shipping industry based on the concept of a genuine link between the flag a ship flies and the place where it is beneficially owned and controlled. The federation also seeks to attack all substandard shipping and secure ITF-acceptable standards on all ships irrespective of flag. May2i �1st Coastal Cruise Ship Christened SIU members are sailing aboard the newly christened Cape May Light, a coastal cruise ship scheduled to enter service this month. Ceremonies for the 224-passenger ship took place April 25 in Alexandria, Va., near Washington, D.C. "We 're all here because we love the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine," said U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao at the christening. "We want to see it strong and revitalized." Chao said the Cape May Light means "increased employment, and that's why I'm so pleased. I salute the men and women who will sail aboard her." She further credited SIU President Michael Sacco "for his wonderful leadership" in promoting a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Sacco pointed out at the ceremony that the vessel represents new shipboard jobs and enhances U.S. national and economic security. He noted that the new billets will help build and maintain a pool of qualified mariners- a sentiment later echoed by Chao. Built in Jacksonville, Fla., the Cape May Light is the first vessel AB Frank D'Amelio helps load stores for the ship's dedication. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, keynote speaker at the christening, said that "every single vessel entering the U.S. fleet is vitally important to national security." Pictured with her are (from left) American Classic Voyages CEO Philip Calian, U.S. Coast Guard Chaplain Capt. Leroy Gilbert, Cape May Light Capt. Charles Beverly, American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay, Chao, SIU President Michael Sacco, and Emanuel Rouvelas, chairman of Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP in the new Delta Queen Coastal Voyages fleet. A sister ship, the Cape Cod Light, is expected to enter service in August. The company, a subsidiary of SIU-contracted American Classic Voy- ANWR Development Offers Major Benefits Coalition Points to 700,000 New Jobs, Decreased Dependence on Foreign Oil The SIU is part of a new coalition of trade unions, elected representatives and businesses that is urging Congress to open the Alaska Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil exploration and development as part of a comprehensive energy package -an action that will generate up to 700,000 domestic jobs. SIU President Michael Sacco, joined by presidents of other unions and members of Congress, endorsed ANWR development at a Capitol Hill press conference on March 27. "By opening ANWR, the United States can increase domestic oil production, reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil, and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for American workers," stated Sacco, who also serves as president of the 8-million member Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. "ANWR will be explored and drilled by American workers; the oil transported through U.S.-built pipelines; refined and distributed by domestic facilities; and its byproducts used by U.S. energy producers and U.S. consumers." He added, "Many of our brothers and sisters in maritime labor will crew the growing fleet of environmentally safe, doublehulJed, U.S.-flagged tankers that will carry the oil from Alaska." The coalition is named Teamsters Pres. James P. Hoffa SIU Pres. Michael Sacco The christened USNS Pomeroy is released stern-first into San Diego Bay. Job Power. Also voicing support at the press conference were U.S. Sens. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and Teamsters President James P. Hoffa. Murkowski recently introduced S. 388, the National Energy Security Act of 2001, ·which includes authorizing language to develop ANWR. Young is sponsoring H.R. 39, the Arctic Coast Plain Energy Security Act of2001. "I'm pleased to see JobPower join the growing chorus of calls to open ANWR," noted Murkowski. "This group will help educate key members of Congress on the need for a sound, responsible energy policy that promotes economic development and job creation, enhances our national security, and meets the nation's energy demands. ANWR is a key part of such a policy-one that provides jobs for Americans and power to the American people." "It will mean more jobs to make sure we do it right," asserted Stevens. "The technology is there to develop this area.... If predictions are right, the supply of oil from ANWR will be about equivalent to the amount of oil we have imported from Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years." U.S. Rep. Don Young (RAlaska), though unable to attend the press conference, also weighed in with his backing. "The support of this group underscores the profound importance the opening of ANWR means to the working men and women in the U.S.," Young said. "Hundreds of thousands of jobs depend directly on Congress' decision to permit environmentally sound production in what could be one of our largest oil discoveries. This signals a sea change in this debate, and a bill permitting environmentally sound development is going to happen." Hoffa declared that ANWR development will help free America's working families from a current predicament "between a rock and a hard place. On one side, there's an economic recession that is darkening our doorstep. On the other side, an Representing new jobs for SIU members, the Pomeroy, one of the U.S. Navy's largest ships with a cargo-carrying capacity of more than 380,000 square feet, will preposition Army cargo at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The strategic sealift ships are large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off ships (LMSRs), the largest ships ever launched down a sliding ways in the United States and the largest ships that can fit through the Panama Canal. U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens Seafarers Begin Crewing Pomeroy May 1 The newest ship to be crewed by Seafarers for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) was christened the USNS Pomeroy (T-AKR 316) March 10 at NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego. It is the seventh of eight new construction ships completed by NASSCO under the government-mandated initiative known as the Strategic Sealift Program. The 950-foot vessel was named in honor of Army Private First Class Ralph E. Pomeroy, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient whose brave actions in Korea in 1952 cost him his life but enabled his platoon to hold their position during a surprise attack. On hand at the christening ceremonies were members of Pomeroy's family, including two brothers and three sisters. One of ages, plans three more additions to its coastal fleet during the next few years. "This is a nice boat, it really is," stated OS Jason Musmeci aboard the Cape May Light. "Everyone is working well, across all departments, and the technology aboard the ship is very advanced." The 300-foot vessel is named after an historic lighthouse and is "designed to resemble the classic coastal ships of the late 1800s," noted the company. Itineraries for the Cape May Light and Cape Cod Light include the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime Provinces, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama. At the christening, American Classic Voyages CEO Philip Calian credited the partnership between labor, business and government for facilitating the new coastal cruise ships. He said the Continued on page 7 his sisters broke a bottle of champagne over the ship's bow, while another served as maid of honor. The vessel was then released stem-first into San Diego Bay. Speakers at the launching ceremony were U.S. Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.), a member of the Defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee; U.S. Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; and Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC. Other speakers included Rear Admiral Dennis G. Morral, U.S. Navy Program Executive Officer for Expeditionary Warfare Programs; Brigadier General Edward T. Buckley, Assistant Division Commander 7th Infantry Division, and Richard H. Vortmann, president ofNASSCO. The vessel will be delivered to the MSC in August and in December will join her sister ships of the Watson class-the USNS Walson, USNS Sisler, USNS Dahl, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Charlton and USNS Watkins-in the prepositioning fleet. The final ship of the Watson class, the USNS Soderman, is scheduled to be launched in April 2002 and delivered the following September. Continued on page 9 Seafarers ·106 3 �Parent Co.'s Filing Not Expected to Disrupt NPR-Navieras It's "business as usual" for SIU-contracted NPRNavieras, even as its parent company, Holt Group Inc., reorganizes its financial structure. Holt Group recently filed for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Philadelphia-based container shipping, stevedoring, warehousing and trucking group plans to shake up and reorganize its fiscal composition, which is overburdened by a $300 million debt. Holt and 24 of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including NPR-Navieras, filed petitions in the District of Delaware. The company plans to come out of protection sometime this summer. Meanwhile, it will operate as normal, continuing payment of employee salaries, wages and benefits with no interruption or change in any customer-related practices. "It's very much business as usual," said family spokesman Leo Holt, after the company made the voluntary petition March 21. Chapter 11 allows a company to continue operating its business while it seeks a settlement of its debts. In the first nine months of last year, published reports said, Holt posted losses of nearly $40 million, compared with $7 .5 million in losses during the corresponding period in 1999. Revenues also declined, by $23.5 million over the same time frame. The revised company strategy is for creditors to translate debts into equity and free up capital to invest in its shipping and stevedore operations. The Holt Group, with annual sales in excess of $300 million, is a leading provider of integrated cargo transportation and logistics management services in the contiguous United States. It also provides cargo-related services including stevedoring, warehousing and trucking at owned and leased marine terminal facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida and Puerto Rico. Seafarers Earn Bonuses From 3 MSC Companies SIU crews soon will receive pay bonuses from three U.S. Military Sealift Command- (MSC) contracted companies, reported SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Maersk Line Limited, Patriot Contract Services, Inc. and Dyn Marine Services recently were designated to receive bonus money from MSC under two performance recognition programs, Tellez noted. Each company, in turn, will distribute payments to crews working on their respective vessels based upon previously negotiated formulas. Maersk and Patriot were recognized under MSC's large, medium-speed, rollon/roll off (LMSR) performance award program while Dyn Marine Services was cited under the command's technical analytic geographic survey (TAG-S) perfor- mance award program. Maersk was graded as "superior" and has already received funds from MSC. Individual bonus checks will be based on the time crew members were employed within the LMSR fleet, according to Tellez. Unlicensed crewmembers employed aboard Patriotoperated LMSR vessels will receive funds based on a similar framework. Dyn Marine crews are sharing in $80,000 in award funds from MSC. Like the Maersk and Patriot crews, those working under Dyn Marine contract will receive bonuses based on previously negotiated formulas by unlicensed and licensed unions. "We have reviewed the payment schedules and agree that they all comply with our negotiated settlements," Tellez said. SIU-Crewed MV Ascension Featured on Island Stamp An SIU-crewed vessel is featured on a postage stamp printed by a British-governed island in the South Atlantic. The MIV Ascension, operated by Sealift, Inc., is one of three vessels portrayed on the postage stamp issued by the Government of Ascension Island. Also shown are the Wide Awake II and the Maersk Gannett. The stamp, issued as part of a four-stamp series, was circulated for Christmas 2000. The themes of the series are local island scenes relating to Christmas songs. The 15-pence (cent) stamp on which the MIV Ascension appears is titled "I Saw Three Ships." The MIV Ascension is a containership that provides dedicated liner service from Port Canaveral, Fla. to Ascension Island. The vessel resupplies the U.S. Air Force Base on that island. Bosun Antonio Mercado poses near a new paint scheme he completed at NPR-Navieras in Puerto Rico. Although the line's parent company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, no interruption is expected at NPR-Navieras. Crowley Authorized for Cuba Run SIU-contracted Crowley Liner Services in early March received authorization from the Bush administration to provide common carrier services for licensed cargo from the United States to the Republic of Cuba. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a component of the U.S. Treasury Department, issued the authorization. In gaining the approval, Crowley becomes the first U.S. ocean carrier sanctioned to do business in the communist country in more than 40 years. Officials for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based business said they hoped to begin shipments right away, but that everything was contingent on potential customers securing licenses to ship goods. Agricultural goods such as poultry and dairy products primarily constitute the cargo Crowley has been authorized to ship. Jacksonville and Port Everglades are expected to be the ports that Crowley utilizes for service to Cuba. Jacksonville served as the largest port of entry end exit for trade to Cuba before the 1959 Cuban revolution. The company applied for permission to do business with Cuba late last year when the Clinton administration hinted that portions of the United States' 1960 trade embargo against the island nation could be rescinded. Congress last year passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. This legislation authorized OFAC to license the transport of agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices or other products directly from the United States to the Republic of Cuba. Mayaguez Rescues 5 from Sinking Sailboat The SIU-crewed Mayaguez on April 5 rescued all five people from a sinking sailboat approximately 70 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a public service commendation to the captain and crew of the Mayaguez, citing their "determined efforts, outstanding initiative and adept seamanship skills." After receiving a distress call from the sailboat Spinning Jenny of Lune, the Coast Guard dispatched an aircraft to locate the boat's position, according to the commendation. Subsequently, the agency requested the Mayaguez to take aboard the five mariners from the foundering boat. "The crew of the Mayagu,ez quickly and diligently altered course to render assistance to the mariners, who had abandoned ship to a life raft," notes the citation. "Due to the quick response and dedication, the five sailors were rescued. . . . The crew of the Mayaguez s commitment and decisive, selfless actions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of public service and the United States Coast Guard." Seafarers sailing aboard the Mayaguez during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Patrick Ray, ABs Marvin Chester, James Frank, Michael McKnight, Alan Barnett and Charles Wright, Chief Electrician Michael Martykan, OMUs Joseph Arch, Blanca Ortega and Allen Newgen, EU Juma Juma, Recertified Steward Eva Myers, Chief Cook Ivan Salis and UMMs Roque Lambert and Jorge Mora. The ship is operated by NPRNavieras. No Relation ... But 31h Stars \ The MN Ascension, the vessel at left in the set of stamps, is crewed by SIU members. While ashore in Apollo Bay, Australia, camera-equipped Storekeeper Terry Malone discovered a magnificently named motel. No, it isn't affiliated with the SIU-but it does offer 12 guest rooms and free parking. As for the name, the lodge is located near "beaches, boating, fishing" and other amenities, according to information found on several travel-related web sites. 4 Seafarers LOG lfay200 �New Twist on Army Headgear: Black Berets Made in China As the contentious issue concerning the distribution of black berets to all U.S. Army soldiers played out during the past two months, a staggering twist came to light. Namely, the Pentagon reportedly skirted a long-standing "buy American" law when it ordered more than one million of the berets from China and other Third World countries. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, .it remained unclear whether the Army would proceed with the order. The House Committee on Small Business on April 5 ordered the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to suspend the contracts, pending completion of congressional investigation into the matter. One day earlier, a Pentagon news conference-scheduled essentially to justify the $27 million procurement-abruptly was cancelled. At that time, 24 crew members from a downed American reconnaissance plane were being detained in China. U.S. apparel manufacturers charge that the order last October by U.S. Army Gen. Eric Shinseki for foreign-made berets stems from an arbitrary deadline. A federal law known as the Berry Amendment requires the Pentagon to purchase clothing made in the U.S. of 100 percent domestic components. Shinseki wanted every soldier in the Army outfitted with a black beret by June 14, the Army's 226th birthday. Because U.S. factories could not meet that deadline, the DLA uncharacteristically waived the amendment. According to news reports, U.S. factories could have produced the berets if given a longer and more traditional deadline. A spokesman for the American Apparel and Footwear Association told a Washington reporter that the Pentagon usually waives the Berry Amendment only if no U.S. company makes the item. Black berets traditionally have been exclusive to Army Rangers. Now, Rangers will wear tan berets, while the rest of the troops will wear the black models. Bush Administration: Jones Act 'Essential' In its first public statement on the Jones Act, the Bush administration declared the law must be maintained as "an essential element of U.S. maritime policy that provides important economic and national security benefits to the nation, such as support of the U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair industries, and maintenance of a labor base of skilled American mariners." Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta made the statement in response to a written question following his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee. The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between U.S. ports be carried in vessels that are U.S.crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.owned. Similar U.S. cabotage Jaws reserve the movement of passengers and the performance of marine services such as dredging, towing and salvage to vessels that are U.S.-crewed, U.S.owned, and U.S.-built. During the 2000 campaign, the Bush/Cheney ticket issued an equally strong statement of support for the Jones Act. "Programs that have contributed to the growth of our domestic fleet, such as the Jones Act ... should be Rear Admiral Robert C. North Retires; Pluta Named Successor to USCG Position A change of command took place April 27 when Rear Admiral Robert C. North retired as assistant commandant for marine safety and environmental protection at the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C. In that capacity, he coordinated national and international regulatory programs for commercial vessel safety, port safety and security, and marine environmental protection. Admiral Paul J. Pluta was named his successor. RADM North, who was the assistant commandant since May 1997, has been very supportive of the SIU and its attempts to improve marine safety. Bill Eglinton, the director of training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., has worked with Admiral North over the past few years. "The admiral has been very supportive of MERPAC (the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee of which Eglinton was chairman for several years)," Eglinton noted. (MERPAC serves as a deliberative body to advise the secretary of transportation, via the U.S. Coast Guard commandant, on matters relating to the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of seamen serving in the U.S. merchant marine.) Eglmton also recalled that two years ago, when the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations specialized agency headquartered in London, England, was pushing to have . sole lookouts on the bridge at night, Admiral North, who headed the U.S. delegation to meetings of that organization, helped May2001 RADM Robert C. North RADM Paul J. Pluta stop the proposal in its tracks. Prior to assuming the duties of his most recent position, RADM North served as assistant commandant for acquisition at Coast Guard headquarters, where he had responsibility for directing programs for the acquisition of major systems, products and services to support Coast Guard mission requirements worldwide. Before that, he served as commander of the eighth Coast Guard district in New Orleans, where he was responsible for all Coast Guard operations over a 26-state area from the Gulf of Mexico to the border with Canada. A graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler and the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., RADM North has received many decorations, among them the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, as well as numerous citations and special operations service awards. Like his p~edecessor, Rear Admiral Paul J. Pluta served as commander of the eighth Coast Guard district, headquartered in New Orleans before being named assistant commandant for marine safety and environmental protection. He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and holds an M.S.E. degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan. RADM Pluta first served as an assistant engineering officer aboard the cutters Chincoteague and Minnetonka. From 1988 to 1991, he served as commanding officer at the Marine Safety Office in Wilmington, N.C., where his command played a key role in support of Operation Desert Storm. He holds the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals. maintained," Bush declared when a candidate for the nation's highest office. Elsewhere in his written responses to questions from the Senate committee, Mineta said, "A strong maritime industry capable of serving the commercial and national security needs of the country requires more than a fleet of U.S.-flag commercial vessels. It requires a base of trained mariners to crew our ships, a shipbuilding and repair industry capable of building and repairing those ships, and a national maritime infrastructure including ports, waterways and intermodal connectors that can serve the economic growth and national security requirements of our nation. I hope to work to bolster the strength and effectiveness U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta of each of these critical aspects of a strong maritime industry. "While it is necessary to continue support for key elements of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, such as the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program," he continued, "this administration will also vigorously pursue negotiations aimed at ending international practices that disadvantage U.S. companies." Maritime Alliance Requests Ballast Water Standards The Transportation Institute in late March formally asked the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate the process establishing a mandatory, nationwide ballast water management program. A joint appeal from a broadbased alliance of organizations representing the majority of vessels involved in domestic as well as foreign trade, the request took the form of a letter. It was addressed to Coast Guard Commandant Admiral James Loy. The petition suggested to Admiral Loy "that a realistic and comprehensive national ballast water management program is necessary to address the transfer of aquatic invasive species in ballast water in an environmentally sound manner, while preserving the operating safety and flexibility required by vessels trading in U.S. waters." The international coalition advised the Coast Guard that development of such a program should-to the extent possible -be synchronized and consistent with the International Maritime Organization's continuing efforts to formulate an international plan governing ballast water. The alliance of trade associations said in the petition that it will support a mandatory ballast management program that permits the use of ballast water exchange as well as other management methods. Such a program, the group contends, comprehensively will address ballast water management issues on the wide spectrum of vessel types calling at U.S. ports. Currently, ships entering U.S. waters from outside the exclusive economic zone, under guidance contained in the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, have been asked to report their ballast water management practices. In addition to other specifics, these reports are supposed to include information on how ballast water is retained aboard each vessel. The coalition views the following as essential elements of an acceptable management program: • Promulgation of a mandatory national ballast water management program. • Creation of a ballast water management standard. • Certification/Approval of ballast water management technologies and practices. In addition to the Transportation Institute, the alliance consists of the American Maritime Congress, American Petroleum Institute, Chamber of Shipping of America, International Association · of Independent Tanker Owners, Lake Carriers' Association, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, and World Shipping Council. Ballast water is carried by ships to provide stability and adjust a vessel's trim for optimal steering and propulsion. The use of ballast water varies among vessel types, among port systems, and according to cargo and sea conditions. Ballast water often originates from ports and other coastal regions, which are rich in planktonic organisms. It is variously released at sea, along coastlines, and in port systems. As a result, a diverse mix of organisms is transported. and released around the world with the ballast water of ships. House Okays Memorial Support The U.S. House of Representatives on March 21 passed legislation authorizing support for an addition to the American Merchant Marine Memorial Wall of Honor located at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro, Calif. The House approved the Maritime Policy Improvement Act by a vote of 415-3. The bill bas been referred to the Senate. The measure authorizes up to $500,000 in federal support for the addition to the memorial. As noted in the text of the bill, "The United States Merchant Marine kept the lifeline of freedom open to the allies of the United States during the Second World War, making one of the most significant contributions made by any nation to the victory of the allies in that war." Seafarers LOB 5 �Preparing the tug Hannah D. Hannah for fitout of the 2001 season in South Chicago, Ill. are OS Steve Nemeth (left) and AB Eric Meier. Porter Yehia Kaid replenishes the cereal dispenser aboard the American Republic. DEU Richard Cole clamps down on one of the Buffalo's hatches. Fitout on tb.e Great Lakes 2001 Above: There's nothing like freshly baked bread, being removed from the oven by 2nd Cook James Martineau aboard the St. Clair in Toledo. Left: Checking out the navigation equipment on the St. Clair is Wheelsman Nels Johnson. DEU Musid Musleh tightens a clamp aboard the John J. Boland. Below: Martin Hochstafl is the gateman on the John J. Boland. Aboard the ITB Susan W Hannah/Southdown Conquest in Port Huron , Mich . are (from left) SIU Safety Rep. Todd Brdak, Conveyorman Courtney King, Cook Gerald Rifenbark and AB Lawrence Budnick. DEU Hamid Hizam is happy the shipping season has started again on the American Republic. Right: AB Jeffery Laland secures a hatch aboard the John J. Boland. Above, 2nd Cook Nasser Aljalham takes out a fresh batch of buns from the oven aboard the John J. Boland, while at right, Porter Mohamed Saadi gets dessert ready to put out for the St. Clair crew members. 6 Seafarers LOS May2001 �USNS Dahl Aids Injured Mariner A Greek mariner is out of harm's way today, thanks largely to the training and actions of the captain and crew of the SIU-contracted USNS Dahl. The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel on Feb. 17 was in the South Pacific Ocean transiting from Charleston, S.C. to Diego Garcia. At about 1:30 p.m., the vessel's radio operator received an emergency call for help from the Rescue Coordination Center in Norfolk, Va. The transmission alerted the Dahl crew of an emergency aboard the Greek Tanker Astro Beta. The Greek vessel was located some 140 nautical miles south of the Dahl s position. Theodoros Mavromanolakis, a pumpman on the Astro Beta, sustained a serious wound when a grinding wheel disc he was using in the vessel's machine shop disintegrated and cut his neck and throat with fragments. Upon receiving the call, Capt. Mike Burke, master of the USNS Dahl, immediately changed the The SIU-crewed USNS Dahl, which entered service in 1999, diverted course to answer an emergency call. ship's course to rendezvous with the Greek tanker. About four-anda-half hours later, the LMSR reached the tanker and launched its inflatable boat crewed by Bosun Terry Armas, Chief Mate Chris Larkin and the third assis- tant engineer. The three mariners boarded the Astro Beta with medical supplies. They examined and treated the victim's wounds. Mavromanolakis' injury was discovered to be within two inches of his carotid artery, so he needed immediate professional medical attention. Meanwhile the two ships' masters discussed expeditious action. Since the Greek tanker was fully loaded, her maximum sustainable speed would be only about 12 knots. The Dahl, being a significantly faster ship, could get Mavromanolakis to the closest port faster. So, the patient was transferred to the Dahl. After the transfer, Capt. Burke charted course for Georgetown, Ascension-an island in the Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and Africa-and the Dahl got underway. Mavromanolakis was cared for in the LMSR's hospital by Larkin and Third Mate Will Bentley during the voyage to port. Along the way, the duo consulted with a doctor from the Medical Advisory Service in Bethesda, Md. via satellite phone. Once at Georgetown, Mavromanolakis received professional assistance. "The first aid training these men received at the Seafarers International Union's Piney Point training facility, the American Maritime Officers' training center and the Military Sealift Command's training center paid off," said Capt. Burke. "I was extremely proud of my crew, particularly Chief Mate Larkin, Third Mate Bentley, Third Assistant Engineer Pisch and Bosun Armas." Petersburg Retums To Guam It's steady as she goes for the crew aboard the SIU-contracted Petersburg. The vessel recently returned to her home port in Guam following a short stay in the shipyard in Singapore. The crew expressed their happiness with their new contract during a recent visit by SIU representatives. In addition, they indicated that they enjoy the vessel's run and working with their fellow crew members. The Petersburg is a tanker operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. (IUM) under contract with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The vessel is one ofMSC's four Afloat Prepositioning Tankers and is part of the 37 ships in the MSC's prepositioning program. IUM is based in Voorhees, N.J. AB Bruce Buchard (left) and AB Miles Copeland take a brief break from their respective duties. Pictured above from the left are Third Mate Andrew Matthers, QMED Don Montoya, Oiler Gerome Slade and AB Sjamsidar Madjidji. In the photo at left, AB Robert Wankmueller performs maintenance on the nets. AB Curtis Nicholson stands near the "warning" sign he made to promote shipboard safety. AB Brock Booker (left) briefs Bosun Peter Funk on the bench he built on the ship's deck, which contains eyewash and a fire extinguisher. Active in Alaska Members of the steward department keep the remainder of the crew happy with their culinary creations. Pictured in the galley are (from the left) SA Minnie Thomas, Chief Steward Oscar Angeles, Chief Cook Thalis Ealy, SA Ros Clark, SA Erni Lizada and Pumpman Dave Bouda SA Qais Ahmed. checks a valve. Cape May Light Readies for 1st Cruise Continued from page 3 Cape May Light and its sister ships are reminders of the importance of the Passenger Vessel Services Act and the Jones Act-cabotage laws which enhance U.S. security. American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay described the coastal cruise The SIU participated in the Alaska AFL-CIO legislative conference in February, with the event taking place in Juneau at the governor's mansion. Pictured at the meeting are (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone; Susan Knowles, wife of Alaska Governor Tony Knowles; Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer; and SIU Representative Harold Holten. Wiper Edmund Livings prepares to paint a boiler. Livings is a 2000 graduate of the Paul Hall Center. ships as "an ambitious undertaking by a courageous company. This vindicates the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which has been under unjust criticism in recent years .... Without Congress' support of the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act, ceremonies like today's are not possible." The Cape May Light enters service this month following dedication ceremonies April 25. Seafarers LOii 7 �New Orleans-Pictured from left to right are Patrolman James Brown, Port Agent Steve Judd, VP Contracts Augie Tellez, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, President Mike Sacco and Executive VP John Fay. SIU President Mike Sacco addresses Seafarers at the April membership meeting in New Orleans. West and Gulf Coast Seafaren Welcome Headquarten Ofticials Meeting Topics Include STCW, SIU-NMU Merger Seafarers recently welcomed SIU headquarters officials to the union's halls in Wilmington, Calif. and New Orleans, respectively. Pictured on this page are photos from an informal gathering at the Wilmington hall in February; from the April membership meeting in New Orleans; and also from the March membership meeting at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. Among the topics discussed at the halls were the SIU-NMU merger; the union's support of exploration and development of the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR); upgrades to various SIU halls in recent years as well as the opening of several new halls; new job opportuni- ties for Seafarers in the inland and cruise-ship industries; and upcoming contract negotiations. Other subjects presented at the halls included the training requirements for the amended STCW convention; performance bonuses earned by Seafarers-contracted U.S. Military Sealift Command ships; wage increases for Waterman's prepositioning ships; a manning increase on AMSEA's fast sealift vessels; and a change in management operations for the double eagle tankers, from Interocean Ugland Management to Hvide Marine (with all contracts remaining in place). SIU President Mike Sacco greets (left photo) GSU Jennifer Smith and (above) 2nd Pumpman Linton Acliese in Wilmington. Wilmington-SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, GSU Eduardo Munizaga, SIU President Mike Sacco Mobile-Retiree Red Roach, SIU Representative Hubert Cain, Retiree Tobe Dansley Left: Wilmington- AB Mike Blunt, AB Bernard DeRepentigny, SIU President Mike Sacco, Port Agent John Cox Right: Mobile-Port Agent Ed Kelley, Capt. Mike Yarbrough Mobile-SIU boatmen from Crescent Towing (left photo) meet with VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (second from right) following the meeting . Pictured from left to right are Joe Tucker, Charles Tucker, Kyle Tucker, William Tucker, Corgey and Benny Tucker. The meeting (above) packed a full house. B Seafarers LOB 8ay2001 �Former Cargo Vessel, l'age Now Carries Ammo GSU Wanda J. Glinke is hard at work in the galley. Chief Cook McKinley Jones Jr. serves up a meal to crew members in the galley. renamed in honor of a Korean War hero. Patricia T. Holder, wife of MSC Commander Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, was the ship's sponsor during the Feb. 21 renaming ceremony. Admiral Holder served as the event's keynote speaker. The Page and its sister ship, Crew members aboard the Seafarers-contracted Lt. Col. the SIU-crewed Sgt. Edward A. John U.D. Page continue to rep- Carter Jr.- scheduled for delivresent the union in a professional ery to MSC in June-will carry manner during the performance all the U.S. Army's containerized of their daily duties. prepositioned ammunition, by the The vessel, chartered by the end of the year. U.S. Military Sealift Command The 949.8-foot Page is owned (MSC), is a self-sustaining· and operated by Maersk Lines ammunition transporter. FormerLtd. of Norfolk, Va., under a fively a cargo ship, which sailed year charter to MSC. Maersk under the name Newark Bay, it operates some two dozen SIUrecently was tied up in Sunny crewed vessels for MSC and in Point, N.C. to load cargo. Following completion of a the Maritime Security Program. conversion program, which com- The company's fleet includes menced in October 2000 at the containerships, roll-on/roll-off Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry- prepositioning vessels and Tdock Co. in Norfolk, Va., it was AGOS vessels. It's lunch time for Electrician Mohamed A. Ali (above) and QMED Richard K. Larsen (below). AB Thomas Murphy AB George Marfo, left, joins Bosun Michael Moore, AB Steve Westfall and AB Ed Jaynes for a meal. Bosun Michael Moore and AB George Marfo AB Steve D. Westfall prepares to post the sailing board. Chief Steward James 0. Kidd Jr., Bosun Michael Moore, Chief Cook McKinley Jones Bosun Mchael Moore displays the stencils for the vessel's new name. SIU Joins Coalition Urging Congress to Open ANWR Continued from page 3 energy crisis that is threatening to cut off electricity, heating oil and other necessary fuel. "The Teamsters support actions that will help working families with both problems," he continued. "All of organized labor does. Opening up the Coastal Plain of ANWR will pump millions of dollars of new activity into our nation's economy, while at the same time dramatically increasing our domestic oil production." The coalition also pointed out that developing America's largest untapped domestic source of oil not only will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources, but also boost the nation's sealift capabilities and industrial base by encouraging construction of more American-built ships, which will be crewed by U.S. manners. Further, despite concerns from environmental groups, the coalition emphasized that developing an energy policy which includes ANWR will be done in an envi- ay2D01 Chief Steward James 0. Kidd Jr. shows off one of his prized creations in the steward department. ronmentally responsible manner. Technological advances and the dedication of American workers to ecologically sound operations will enable safe, efficient and environmentally sound development. Finally, the group observed that the area proposed for exploration constitutes less than 1 percent of the 1.5 million acres that make up ANWR. That area basically is an Arctic desert and a small fraction of the 88,000 acres that make up the North Slope. Organizations represented at the conference included the SIU, MTD and Teamsters; American Maritime Officers; International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers; International Union of Operating Engineers; Laborers' International Union of North America; National Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association; Transportation Institute; and United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. Wiper Jared M. Lee heads to the fourth deck for a meal following a productive day in the engine room. CAPTAIN AND CREW REUNITE-Following a luncheon in his honor, retired Capt. Ted Vickers is happy to be with his former crew members at the Paul Hall Center. From the left are Capt. Steve Sears, Capt. Mike Lydick, Capt. Mike Davis, Capt. Ted Vickers, Chief Mate Vladimir Salamon, Chief Mate Scott Trester, Capt. Bill Gossett and Chief Mate Chester Stephens. Not pictured is Chief Mate Roger Rothschild. Capt. Vicken: Mentor aa.d Moti.vator It has been said that the accomplishments of a student are measured by the successes of his or her teacher. If that is the case, then Capt. Ted Vickers is a very successful man, indeed. A number of SIU members recently attended the Paul Hall Center to take STCW-related courses. They were all crew members who worked for Capt. Vickers at one time or another between 1983 and 1986. All are now captains and mates themselves and claim that Capt. Vickers was a true role model. They note that Vickers ran a tight ship (tug) with respect, good humor and caring. In addition to his nautical knowledge, they say that Vickers served as a mentor and motivator for everyone who sailed with him. Because of his caring approach to his crew, a true bond has formed over the years. And every time one of his crew members upgraded, they took his teachings and applied them to their own studies. When the upgrading Seafarers learned that Capt. Vickers lives not too far from the school, they invited him to lunch, setting up one of the dining room tables with a sign reading "Reserved for Capt. Vickers' Crew." And for just a little while, it was like old times. Seafarers LOG 9 �With the sm Above: San Juan SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez (right) inspects the working conditions on the NPR, Inc. cranes in Puerto Rico. With him is AB Roberto Flores. Left: AB Joseph Hubert shows his painting technique on one of the NPR, Inc. cranes. I C J The galley gang aboard the Mayaguez includes (from left) Chief Cook Ivan Salis, Chief Steward Edward P Dunn and Messman Roque Lambert. = = ! Right: The two Neils share a laugh at the MTD executive board meeting last February in Los Angeles. From the left are SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii). Right: Working on the deck of the Mayaguez is AB John Weaver. Left: Everyone enjoys returning to the Paul Hall Center and seeing old friends while upgrading their skills. From the left are Recertified Steward Robert Wilcox, Chief Electrician Christo Tsipliareles and Recertified Steward Joseph Gallo Jr. Left: Unlicensed Apprentice Ole Olsen (left) and OS David Parks enjoy the scenery as the Global Sentinel approaches the port of Vancouver, British Columbia . Russell Barrack is the bosun aboard the Mayaguez, an NPR, Inc. vessel. 10 Seafarers LOB May 2i �DAWN OF A NEW ERA The Vessel Signals New Beginning For U.S. Cruise Industry United States Lines began carrying passengers between New York and Europe in the early part of the 20th century-in the golden age of oceangoing passenger travel. It was a glamorous world enjoyed by such famous actors, artists and inventors as Cary Grant, Salvador Dali, Mary Pickford and Thomas Edison. Today, a part of that golden age has returned with the ms Patriot, the first in a new fleet of elegant and modem United States Lines cruise vessels. Meet the SIU-crewed ms Patriot .. . Shipshape! FACILmES FACTS AND FIGURES 9 passenger decks 7 passenger elevators Extensive open deck space 2 outdoor swimming pools Shuffleboard area Fifth Avenue shops and boutiques Barbershop and beauty parlor Photo galleries Medical center Self-service laundries Conference and meeting center Theater Gross tonnage: 33,930 GRT Height: 126 feet from water line to top of stack Length: 704 feet Beam: 90 feet Draft: 25 feet Main Engines/Propulsion: 2 Sulzer main engines, 22,400 total hp; 2 bow thrusters, total 3,000 hp; 2 stern thrusters, total 3,000 hp Speed: 19 knots Stabilizers: Sperry Marine automatic stabilizers Recent Projects to Crew Member Areas • Crew shower partitions were improved to eliminate standing water by extending the shower walls down to the deck in order to channel water into the drains. • All crew clothes washers and dryers are fully functional. • Ventilation has been improved and the series of "hot" cabins has been corrected and are now much cooler. • All crew cabins have had new lock cylinders installed in order to improve crew security. • Vending machines and additional food service equipment-ice cream chest, ice chest, hot dog machine-have been added to the crew dining area. • During February, the crew bar and "slop chest" officially was opened and is now operating on a daily basis. Profits from this area are being credited to the crew fund. • An onboard Crew Welfare Committee has been formed. This representative group from all shipboard departments will address crew recreational needs. • Regular meetings are being conducted with SIU representatives to address any crew issues. • A review of the crew menus has been undertaken to increase satisfaction and selection. The Hotel Director has surveyed the crew for their input and has organized a crew "food committee." May2001 As with any ship that undergoes refurbishment, the Patriot had to work out its share of kinks. Fortunately, the issues that surfaced during the vessel's West Coast stay have been addressed. Improvements have been made to the crew shower partitions, clothes washers and dryers, cabin ventilation and security. Vending machines and additional food service equipment have been added to the crew dining area. In February, the crew bar and "slop chest" opened, with profits credited to the crew fund. Additionally, other improvements are pending, such as installation of a satellite TV system, replacement of various fixtures in the restrooms, and repair or replacement of certain floor tiles. "It's important for us to do a good job crewing the ship," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "You can see a big part of the future of our union in the Patriot-namely, the two new cruise ships that are being built for U.S. Lines. The Patriot itself is a beautiful ship, but it's a springboard to bigger and better things for SIU members. "The union and the company are working together to identify and address the crew's concerns," he continued. "We're putting together programs to tackle those issues. Our ultimate goals are to provide a stable, well-trained manpower group and a positive working environment. All of our efforts are geared toward that." Brief History The ship, which carries up to 1,212 passengers, was built as the Nieuw Amsterdam in 1983 by Chantiers de l 'Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France. It was acquired from Holland American Line at a cost of $114.5 million and was delivered to American Classic Voyages (AMCV, the parent company of United States Lines) Oct. 18, 2000. After undergoing a $21 million renovation at Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Ore., it sailed on Thanksgiving Day to host a series of trade industry preview events in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The ship was renamed the ms Patriot and launched in Hawaii under American Classic Voyages Co. 's United States Lines on Dec. 9, when it inaugurated year-round, seven-night cruise service throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The christening ceremony reflected both the heritage of Hawaii and the spirit of America as Maggie Inouye, wife of Senator Daniel Inouye, officially dedicated the ship. The United States Lines' logo, a stylized American bald eagle, is prominently displayed on the Patriot's smokestack. "We envision United States Lines as 'America's cruise line,"' stated AMCV President and Chief Operating Officer Roderick K. McLeod. "It offers a brandnew experience for cruise enthusiasts: the convenience of a cruise vacation in a comfortable, all-American-type atmosphere with emphasis on experiencing the Hawaiian Islands, up-close and personal." Adorning the smokestack is a stylized American bald eagle centered on a field of gold stars. The wings of the eagle suggest the stripes of the American flag; the three top stars represent the initial three vessels in the United States Lines fleet; and the other six stars represent United States Lines' commitment to its customers, employees, shareholders, community, the environment and our nation. Seafarers LOG 11 �llle U.S. Flag T •ted States • From the moment United States Lines introduced the ms Patriot on Dec. 9, 2000, a star-spangled tradition was born-one befitting the largest American cruise ship and the first major ocean-going passenger vessel to register in the United States in more than 40 years. Each American flag that flies over the vessel during its weekly Hawaii cruises is one that has flown over the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. According to AMCV's McLeod, "The Stars and Stripes reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, allAmerican cruise vacations and revitalizing the U.S.-flag cruise industry." AB Jeff Kalbach The logo of United States Lines is a stylized American bald eagle centered on a field of gold stars. GU Nabil Sharif, GU Ebrahim El Shaibi and GU Esa Abdullah Cocktail Server Brenda Black /(::_1ai . r-tonolulu The ms Patriot sails weekly to five ports on four of the Hawaiian islands Hawaiian Influence speak the Hawaiian language, dance the hula, play the ukulele and create a lei. Resource materials and In addition to the regular cruise experience, the ms displays of island artifacts and furnishings add to the Patriot offers passengers the opportunity to gain total Hawaiian experience. more knowledge about the rich heritage of the Children enjoy the knowledge shared by the Hawaiian Islands. kumu, but they also have their own part of the ship. The Destination Leaming Center is the "heart" of During its refurbishment, special centers-Graffiti 's the vessel, a place where travelers can learn about for teens and Kaleidoscope for pre-teens-were Hawaii and the 80 optional shore experiences offered designed to offer different activities away from their in the ship's island exploration program. The ship's parents featuring games, parties, contests, movies, Hawaiian teacher, or "kumu," shares the islands' histournaments and more. tory and lore, and passengers may choose to learn to But many of the optional excursions are wonderful opportunities for families to enjoy together and include a submarine exploration of undersea life around the islands, kayaking, horseback riding and snorkeling. Additionally, at certain times of the year, special cruises are featured. For example, over the Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day holidays, the ship will sail into Pearl Harbor to Destination Learning Center visit the memorial built above 12 Seafal'el'S LOB the U.S.S. Arizona (which was sunk Dec. 7, 1941), and passengers can learn more about the meaning of the Hawaiian harbor in the course of American history. Whale watching cruises take place from January through March, and Aloha festival cruises are scheduled during the month of September to help the Hawaiians enjoy their native culture. Celebrating a birthday, engagement, honeymoon, anniversary? Different packages also can be arranged for any of these events. Even weddings can now be performed aboard the ship. lfay 2001 �Living Room of Presidential Suite Bedroom of Presidential Suite Accommodations Aboard the 33 ,930-ton ms Patriot, there are so many things to do that returning to your room is necessary just to rest up for your next island adventure. There are 606 suites and staterooms divided into 15 categories-everything from the luxurious presidential suite to the 20 parlor suites and 122 superior ocean view staterooms to the 266 ocean view staterooms or 197 of the more economical interior staterooms. All feature TV, radio, telephone and individual climate controls. Fares vary according to season, and all include onboard meals, activities, entertainment and port charges. Waikiki Beachboys Club Kumu Study ttinerary / The ms Patriot departs every Saturday evening year-round from Honolulu on seven-night, five-port cruises of four of the Hawaiian islands-Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaiibefore returning to Honolulu. No wonder Hawaii is known as America's paradise! Each island has something different to offer for both adults and children-from black sand beaches and tropical rainforests to fiery volcanoes and ancient Polynesian sites to coffee plantations and sugar cane fields to hiking trails and incredible golf courses-and more. All these options make it a little daunting for a visitor to figure out exactly what to see. / ' '>rff"tn:i 1 Graffiti's Teen Center But the ship's Island Explorations sengers right at the ship's dock for virprogram is there to help, showcasing 80 tually all excursions. optional shore excursions with tour itineraries that can be customized based on a passenger's personal interests or fitness evel. Passengers receive detailed excursion information for each port to help them choose specific tours, and experienced local Discover Hawaii's Tropical Beauty guides meet pas- Ship SpecHications and Facilities • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1,212 Passengers 33,930 Gross Tons 704 Feet Long Automatic Stabilizers 9 Passenger Decks Destination Learning Center Destination Services Desk Kaleidoscope Kids' Center Graffiti's Teens' Center Internet Lounge 2 Outdoor Swimming Pools Kohala Spa & Fitness Center Princess Kaiulani Movie Theater Fifth Avenue Shops and Boutiques Conference & Meeting Center 7 Passenger Elevators Eagle Deck Bridge Deck Mariner Deck Promenade Deck Broadway Deck Main Deck ADeck BDeck CDeck One of the ship's lifeboats Kaleidoscope Kids' Club May 2001 Seafarers LOG 13 �Activities dancing to the ms Patriots musicians, who play a variety of jazz, Daytime hours are mostly spent swing, contemporary Hawaiian and exploring the islands or enjoying classic rock throughout the ship's the amenities of the ship, including nine bars and lounges. Cultural two outdoor pools, a whirlpool and shows, revues, comedy acts, comfortable lounges for taking in singing, dancing and passenger talall the beautiful scenery. And for all ent shows keep things lively. There those who can't exist without eis also a 230-seat theater which mail, an Internet Cafe is at the shows first-run movies. ready with nine computers standing "Madam Pele's Night of Fire," by for some indoor surfing. however, is the signature event The nights are a different story. Passengers may enjoy listening and SIU Safety Director Jim Storm and 1st Cook Johnny Palencia 2nd Cook David Moulder which occurs when the ship passes the crimson lava flow of Hilo's Mt. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Crew members and passengers gather on deck to view Madam Pele, the volcano goddess, and festivities ensue, including an outdoor volcano-theme dessert buffet, known as the Feast of Fire, as well as an award-winning comedy show. Cabin Attendant Angie Sticka 1st Cook Reuben Maldonado and 2nd Cook Anthony Angel Food In speaking about the cuisine, the passenger dining experience aboard the ms Patriot is truly a highlight. A galley staff of 90 SIU chefs, cooks and specialists create the meals for the main dining room (the Manhattan Dining Room) as well as for the alternative Outrigger Cafe's fare (which serves breakfasts, theme lunches, afternoon grill service and evening dinners). American and Pacific Rim specialties are showcased in the main dining room and are served on china, customdesigned by the suppliers of the original United States Lines. Other information about the art and history of AB Robert Mason and Carpenter Eric Orcwein 2nd Cook John Arciaga the original fleet is featured in the menus. And should a passenger still have some room after dinner, there is 24-hour room service as well as an ice cream station. (But not to worry, the shipboard Kohala Spa and Fitness Center can help you shed some of those newly gained pounds. And for pampering, there's a beauty salon with hair, skin and nail service for men and women.) AB Willie Johnson, OS Jorge Soler, Bosun Christy Fernando, OS Alfonso Banda, OS Andrzen Bronkowsksi and OS Gary Lauer While the ms Patriot is the first in a fleet of new U.S. cruise liners, United States Lines currently has two 1,900-passenger vessels under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. The 72,000-ton cruise ships-the largest ever built in a U.S. shipyard-will enter service in Hawaii in 2003 and 2004. 14 Seafarers LOB May 2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 -APRIL 15, 2001 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 1 Baltimore 6 6 0 3 3 2 4 6 12 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New · Orl~ans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point .............Monday: June 4, July 2 DECK DEPARTMENT Port Aigonac ,.. ,, Guam TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C l ", 4 18 37 6 15 22 8 2 5 11 18 2 23 25 10 23 3 12 7 12 4 4 3 9 7 9 5 4 3 0 3 0 3 24 24 12 9 1 0 5 14 13 4 9 5 8 6 4 6 9 10 2 5 0 0 5 4 4 3 11 10 101 6 3 3 3 5 3 4 5 4 70 2 21 1 10 12 7 5 204 120 80 22 20 181 0 5 0 7 15 13 -0 2 1 8 4 14 6 4 1 2 0 5 5 9 0 0 2 0 3 22 8 4 8 6 11 5 1 6 5 2 2 0 8 3 0 5 16 12 8 2 3 6 s 5 5 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 8 20 0 4 5 7 11 · 3 0 6 4 9 1 3 0 4 1 4 4 49 3 2 4 1 0 0 1 l 1 3 40 0 3 4 1 2 94 3 14 2 7 20 9 0 22 10 6 0 20 12 227 0 3 22 11 4 103 19 8 5 0 21 4 141 392 383 298 250 Totals All Departments 452 417 0 2 2 4 0 1 95 24 2' 2 2 0 9 0 9 17 33 16 12 27 9 8 11 0 21 6 1 10 6 22 5 11 16 12 5 5 2 13 · 0 5 8 9 0 8 2 3 3 13 13 137 1 8 10 62 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 14 10 3 10 38 2 8 6 0 10 4 10 10 1 4 2 2 1 1 2 2 0 36 3 33 24 4 2 3 2 7 6 23 240 83 70 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0 5 0 15 3 6 1 43 15 23 3 3 179 8 25 8 10 33 24 2 26 5 7 2 34 21 0 0 0 5 I 2 3 l 0 2 4 4 0 5 1 0 0 0 3 0 11 13 7 6 0 45 4 8 0 8 15 10 0 14 0 8 0 5 12 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 28 13 15 25 10 5 3 6 8 2 0 0 4 7 0 12 10 41 15 3 28 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: June 13, July 11 Honolulu ................. Friday: June 15, July 13 Houston .................. Monday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 7, July 5 - Jersey City ..:...........Wedne$day: June 20, July 18 Mobile .................... Wednesday: June 13, July 11 NewBedford .......... Tuesday: June 19, July 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 12, July IO New York................Tuesday: June 5, July 3 Norfolk ................... Thursday: June 7, July 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 6 Thursday: July 5* (*change created by Independence Day holiday) Port Everglades •......Thursd€ly: June 14, July 12 San Francisco .........Thurs4ay: June 14, July 12 . San Juan .................. Thursday; June 7, July 5 2 11 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 7, July 5 1 6 189 Algonac ..................Friday: June 8, July 6 6 0 0 0 4 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 5 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 6 2 1 1 380 2 0 0 0 9 9 14 100 0 0 0 0 4 9 8 3 3 8 5 5 2 2 15 0 18 13 20 3 5 14 14 13 186 3 2 5 1 6 8 70 33 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 ~ 7 40 38 2 3 7 4 9 4 85 2 3 25 22 2 2 10 3 4 4 0 7 3 12 1 3 2 16 33 4 1 3 2 5 4 0 3 5 33 16 25 49 24 6 7 0 4 15 11 21 11 1 20 2 7 2 10 14 150 55 2 0 0 0 5 8 11 30 2 0 0 0 22 10 16 5 16 42 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 3 1 3 4 0 0 0 10 7 54 2 5 9 0 2 0 6 5 45 Port 5 1 5 1 2 4 0 3 0 3 2 7 4 8 1 6 8 2 13 8 104 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 6 l 7 0 0 Q 0 ,3 3 1 3 1 0 11 2 5 2 7 2 6 11 98 7 7 0 0 13 2 15 13 111 0 1 0 0 7 7 6 22 3 21 23 0 66 274 394 96 875 680 626 St. Louis ................. Friday: June 15, July 13 Tacoma ................... Friday: June 22, July 20 Wilmington .......... .....Monday: June 18, July 16 Each port's meeting starts at 111:30 a.m. Personal ALTON mcKMAN JR. Please contact Sean Hanley at (718) 926-4902. FRIENDS OF JAMES E. HILL James E. Hill would like to hear from any shipmates who sailed with him aboard the Penn Vanguard or the Keva Ideal. You may write him at 1805 Mitchell St., Apt. 1, Tampa, FL 33602. Correction In the April edition of the Seafarers LOG, page 13, several photos taken aboard the Sea-Land Voyager inadvertently were included with an unrelated article about the USNS Watkins. *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. lfay 2001 Seafarers LOB 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lnlernalional Union Directory MARCH 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Dafld Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez APRIL 15, 2001 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . Kermett Mangram .. Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 {810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St, Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 {907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 13 13 0 10 3 0 7 3 0 18 35 DECK DEPARTMENT 7 0 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 4 5 0 0 6 7 0 7 1 0 3 3 0 14 30 Totals All Depts 48 54 0 18 13 0 30 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 41 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters MARCH 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 APRIL 15, 2001 TOTAL SIIlPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606K.alihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 {713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., JacksonvilJe, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 0 0 0 I 0 0 4 2 1 2 0 5 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 Q 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 8 2 0 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 4 0 2 0 3 5 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 5 12 2 0 10 2 Totals All Depts 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 6 0 17 24 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622·1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16!/i Santurce,PR 00907 {787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 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 16 Seafarers LOB PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Ted Vargas of Princeton, W.Va. It was taken in Rotterdam, Holland on the fantail of the Muncie Victory in July 1947. The ship, operated by South Atlantic Steamship Co., was making its last voyage as an SIU-contracted vessel. The crew members had just unloaded their aid cargo of grain to wore-torn Europe. "We had to tie up to a buoy and offload into barges," Vargas noted in a letter accompanying the photo. "All piers were either occupied or had been destroyed in the war." With Wiper Vargas (left) is Messman Eric Joseph. The vessel at right is the Atlantic Wind, a Liberty ship under Panamanian flag. Vargas mentioned that Joseph, an ex-boxer, went on to become well known in the SIU because of an act of generosity: He donated the cornea of his right eye to another SIU member, Phil Pron. Pron had been the victim of a shipboard injury that was slowly destroying his eyesight. His only hope was for a corneal transplant. Joseph's retina had been damaged, a carryover from his boxing days. The men, who had not known each other previously, met in the Staten Island Marine Hospital. An article was written about the two Seafarers in a March 1951 LOG. Ted Vargas sailed on three Liberty ships in the '40s and '50s. He presently volunteers as the 12-4 oiler aboard his fourth Liberty ship, the John W Brown , based in Baltimore, and says that vessel's trip to the Great Lakes last year was a huge success. Nlay 2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. hree captains and one pilot are among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Jam es M. Bowers, Julio R. Santana and Steve R. Warford, along with Pilot Percy P. Daucet, sailed the inland waterways for nearly 100 combined years at the helms of their respective vessels. Nine of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes, while the remaining nine, which include the former captains and pilot, navigated the inland waterways. Fifteen of the retirees worked in the deck department, three shipped in the engine department and three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA ABDULLA K.ALMANSOOB, 64, hails from Yemen. Brother Almansoob joined the SIU in 1976 in Seattle. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1988 and 9. He last shipped aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Northern Lights. Brother Almansoob lives in Seattle. r---.:::;;;~~---, WILLIAMJ. BEATTY, 68, started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the port of Houston. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Beatty served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964. A member of the engine department, he first shipped in the inland division aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Brother Beatty upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1986, 1995 and 1997. He last worked aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Beatty lives in Roanoke, La. ROBERT J. FRANKEL, 75, started his SIU career in 1986 in Seattle. Brother Frankel served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Born in New Brunswick, N.J., he sailed in the deck department. His first ship was the USNS Desteiguer, operated by Lavino Shipping Co. He last worked on the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Frankel calls East Brunswick, N.J. home. ROBERTF. LEWIS III, 57, was born in Woodbury, NJ. Brother Lewis started his SIU career in 1966, joining in the port of New York. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U .S. Navy from 1961to1965. Brother Lewis first sailed aboard the Sapphire Sandy. The deck depart- May 2001 ment member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Florida. Brother Lewis resides in Lakeland, Fla. the LTC John UD. Page, operated by U.S. Ship Management. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla. JAMES McHUGH, 66, started his SIU career in 1970, joining in the port of New York. Brother McHugh served in the U .S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. The Tamaqua, Pa. native sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother McHugh first shipped aboard the Steel Design. He last worked aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. 's Carolina. Brother McHugh lives in Philadelphia. INLAND EFRAINM. SANTANA, 61, hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Santana started his SIU career in 1967, joining in the L~~~~~ port of New York. His first ship was the Penn Sailor, operated by Penn Transportation Co. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1977 and 1987. He last shipped aboard Ocean Ships, Inc. 's Gus W Darnell. Brother Santana calls Bronx, N.Y. home. GARYB. EARL SCOTT, 64, began his SIU career in 1989, joining in the port of Houston. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Scott served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1955 to 1958. A bosun, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Scott first sailed aboard Sea Mobility, Inc. 's USNS Invincible. The Portland, Ore. native last worked aboard the USNS Bold, operated by Maersk Lines. Brother Scott resides in Dickinson, Texas. ALVIN TUTSON, 68, started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the port of Houston. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Tutson first sailed aboard the Tamara Guilden, operated by Transport Commercial. The steward department member last worked aboard Interocean Ugland Management Corp.'s Pacific. Brother Tutson lives in Houston. ELLIS YOUNG, 57, hails from Savannah, Ga. Brother Young started his SIU career in 197 0, joining in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was Penn Transportation Co. 's Penn Sailor. The engine department member upgraded his skills a number of times at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Young last sailed aboard GEORGE A. BODDEN, 62, joined the SIU in 1971 in Tampa, Fla. A member of the deck department, Boatman Bodden was born in Honduras. He sailed primarily aboard Red Circle Transport Co. vessels. Brother Bodden calls Tampa home. JAMES M. BOWERS, 61, was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. He started his SIU career in 1968, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Bowers served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. vessel. Boatman Bowers last worked as a catain aboard the Interstate 85, operated by Lynnhaven Services. He calls Kill Devil Hills, N .C. home. PERCY P. DAUCET, 62, started his SIU career in 1961 , joining in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Daucet first shipped aboard a National Marine Service Inc. vessel. The Louisiana native sailed as a pilot and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1987 and 1993. Boatman Daucet last worked aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. He resides in Welsh, La. HARVEYR. GALLOP JR., 63, hails from Nags Head, N.C. Boatman Gallop started his SIU career in 1967, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel. Boatman Gallop lives in Powells Point, N .C. DANIEL J. GAYLOR, 68, joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Gaylor served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy before becoming a Seafarer. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the USNS Triumph, operated by Sea Mobility Inc. Brother Gaylor last worked aboard a Red Circle Transport Co. vessel. The Massachusetts native calls Pineville, La. home. JOHN PATRICK MORAN, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1973. Boatman Moran first sailed aboard a National Marine Services Inc. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last shipped aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. Born in New York, Boatman Moran now calls Cheboygan, Mich. home. RAYMOND RUSHON, 65, started his SIU career in 1972, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Rush on shipped as a member of the deck department. The Pennsylvania native sailed primarily aboard Crowley Liner Services vessels. Boatman Rushon resides in Havertown, Pa. JULIO R. SANTANA 62, joined the SIU in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. A captain, he sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels. Boatman Santana upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1989. He lives in Carolina, P.R. STEVER. WARFORD, 71, started his SIU career in 1978, joining in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Arkansas, the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1941 The SS Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-tlag vessel to be sunk by the Gennans (May 2 l). The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats, and were approximately one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the Robin Moor, sinking it. The attack evenwally helped lead to all American-flag ships being armed and supplied with gun crews. deck department member shipped as a captain and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1991. Boatman Warford sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels. He calls San Marcos, Calif. home. GREAT LAKES JULIANW. BUDNICK, 64, joined the SIU in the port of Detroit. Brother Budnick served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He first shipped aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Rogers City, Mich., the steward department member last worked aboard the Buffalo, another American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Budnick lives in Michigan. ABDON. FOTAIH, 59, hails from Yemen. Brother F otaih began his SIU career in 1972, joining in the port of Detroit. He first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1978. Brother Fotaih last worked aboard American Steamship Co. 's Walter J. McCarthy. He resides in Dearborn, Mich. DONALDR. GIMPEL, 66, started his SIU career in 1967, joining in Duluth, Minn. Born in Duluth, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1998. Brother Gimpel last sailed aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. He lives in Duluth, Minn. first-class vacations at the lowest possible.... Fishing, swimming, tennis, saiJing, soaking up the sun and exploring the lands that fonn the coast of the Chesapeake Bay area are some of the things avail· able at the vacation center. 1991 THIS MONTH IN SIU HISTORY 1970 The SIU has opened a vacation center at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. This is a new and unique union program to make available to SIU members and their families In the aftermath of the conflict in the Persian Gulf, the American military is evaluating the effectiveness of all elements that went into Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Insofar as U.S. shipping is concerned, the verdict of commanders and planners throughout the military is that the nation's defense interests require more sealift capability and a healthy American-flag merchant marine .... Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney has highlighted the importance of mobility for the purpose of an adequate defense. A priority of DOD is 1'the ability to project military power rapidly to areas of U.S. strategic interest," Cheney said. Seafarers LOS 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA PABLO BARRIAL Pensioner Pablo Barria!, 78, died Dec. 21, 2000. Brother Barria! began his SIU career in 194 3, joining in the port of New Orleans. The deck department member first shipped aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. A native of Havana, Cuba, he last worked aboard the Bay Ridge, operated by Bay Tankers, Inc. Brother Barrial began receiving his pension in 1986. He lived in New Orleans. EDGAR BIVENS Pensioner Edgar Bivens, 76, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Bivens started working with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native first sailed aboard the Penn Export, operated by Penn Export Co. Inc. Brother Bivens shipped as a member of the steward department and last worked aboard Cove Shipping Co. 's Cove Navigator. Brother Bivens served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in lfJ86. Brother Bivens lived in Mobile. GEORGE BLACK Pe ioner Geor Black, 80, died ec. 19, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1948, joining in the port of New York. Born in Burma, Brother Black first sailed aboard Sinclair Oil Corp. 's Robin Wently. He shipped in the deck department, last working aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Black started receiving his pension in 1978. He called Las Vegas, Nev. home. WALTER BOWEN Pensioner Walter Bowen, 84, passed away Jan. 5. He joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The steward department member was born in Washington and began receiving his pension in 1971. He resided in Ben Wheeler, Texas. ROBERT BRIAN Pensioner Robert Brian, 77, died Jan. 12. The West Virginia native started his SIU career in 1946 in the port of Houston. Brother Brian first shipped aboard the Rob Gray, operated by Sinclair Oil Corp. He sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Long Beach. Brother Brian served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Brian lived in San Francisco. CLAUDE DICK Pensioner Claude Dick, 76, passed away March 6. He began his SIU career in 1953, joining in Galveston, Texas. Born in League City, 18 Seafarers LOB Texas, he first sailed aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Dick shipped as a member of the deck department and last worked aboard the Pride of Texas, operated by Seahawk Management. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. Brother Dick, who lived in Galveston, started receiving his pension in 1991 . WILLIAM EDWARDS Brother William Edwards, 43, died Jan. 10. He joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The Virginia native, who was a .......................~_..-....__,memberofthe deck department, first sailed aboard an Interocean Management vessel. Brother Edwards last shipped aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He called Norfolk, Va. home. WILLIAM GOEPPNER Pensioner William Goeppner, 87, passed away Jan. 20. Born in California, he started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother Goeppner shipped as a member of the steward department. The Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co., and American President Lines' President Hoover were among the vessels on which he sailed. Brother Goeppner started receiving his pension in 1972. He lived in Sunnyvale, Calif. DANIEL HALLEY Pensioner Daniel Halley, 89, died Nov. 11 , 2000. He started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Among the ves. sels the steward department member sailed aboard were Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Young America and Matson Navigation Co. 's Matsonia. Brother Halley started receiving his pension in 1977. He made his home in Germany. PETER HAMMEL Pensioner Peter Hammel, 86, passed away Feb. 24. Brother Hammel started his SIU career in 1955, joining in the port of New York. The New Orleans native first sailed aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Hammel shipped in the steward department, last working aboard the Overseas New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Hammel called Chalmette, La. home. He began receiving his pension in 1983 . CHARLES KRAUSE ..-----------., Pensioner Charles Krause, 85, died Jan. 27. A charter member of the SIU, Brother Krause joined the union in 1938 in Boston. L __ __._~_ He shipped as a member of the steward department. The Massachusetts native began __i receiving his pension in 1972. Brother Krause resided in Plymouth, Mass. PETERLYPEN Pensioner Peter Lypen, 76, passed away Feb. 26. He started his SIU career in 1944, joining in the port of New York. Brother Lypen shipped as a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard a Bloomfield Steamship vessel. He last worked aboard the Borinquen, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. Brother Lypen served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He called Elizabeth, N .J. home and began receiving his pension in 1986. ment, Inc. Brother Rotunda served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960. He lived in Fairmont, W.Va. and began receiving his pension in 1995. Navy from 1944 to1946. Brother Wong, who began receiving his pension in 1986, called Santa Clara, Calif. home. ANTONIO SANTIAGO MAURILIO ZEPEDA Pensioner Antonio Santiago, 82, passed away Jan. 12. Brother Santiago joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Stony Creek, operated by American Tramp Shipping and Development Co. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Santiago worked in the deck department, last sailing on Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. 's San Juan. Brother Santiago began receiving his pension in 1983. He called Staten Island, N.Y. home. Pensioner Maurilio Zepeda, 68, died Feb. 17. Brother Zepeda started his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of Houston. Born in San Juan, Texas, he first sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Del Valle. The deck department member last shipped aboard the Overseas Vivian, operated by Vivian Tankships Corp. Brother Zepeda began receiving his pension in 1998. He lived in Galveston, Texas. WILLIAM MASON Pensioner William Mason, 79, died Dec. 12, 2000. Born in California, he started his career with the MC&S. Brother Mason sailed in the steward department. States Steamship's Montana and Matson Navigation Co. 's Manulani were two of the vessels on which he sailed. Brother Mason started receiving his pension in 1976. He lived in Long Beach, Calif. PAUL PARSONS Pensioner Paul Parsons, 72, died Feb. 3. Brother Parsons started his SIU career in 1961 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Wilkes -1::------.1 County, N.C. native first sailed aboard the Steel Architect, operated by ISCO Inc. Brother Parsons shipped as a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard Interocean Management Corp. 's Cape Fear. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. Brother Parsons started receiving his pension in 1992. He called Lenoir, N .C. home. FRANKIE SNOW Pensioner Frankie Snow, 80, died Feb. 16. Brother Snow joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. He first sailed aboard the Southern Counties, operated by Terminal Steamship Co. Born in Virginia, Brother Snow shipped as a member of the steward department. He last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Jefferson Davis. Brother Snow served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1985. Brother Snow resided in his native state. DONALD THOMPSON Pensioner Donald Thompson, 66, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Thompson started his career with the MC&S. The Monterey and Matsonia were among the vessels aboard which the steward department member worked. A native of Verndale, Minn., he started receiving his pension in 1977. Brother Thompson called Syracuse, Utah home. BERNARD ROMANOFF Pensioner Bernard Romanoff, 81, passed away Jan. 22. He joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, Brother Romanoff first sailed aboard A. H. Bull Steamship Co.'s Rebel. The New York native last worked aboard the Borinquen, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. Brother Romanoff started receiving his pension in 1988. He resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. EDWARD UZIEL ANTHONY SANTO ROTUNDA JACK WONG Pensioner Anthony Santo Rotunda, 64, died Feb. 8. He started his SIU career in 1961 , joining in the port of New York. Born in Shinnston, W. Va. , the engine department member first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He last worked aboard the Carolina, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Manage- Pensioner Edward K. Uziel, 84, died Dec. 18, 2000. Brother Uziel started his career with the MC&S. The steward department member sailed aboard the American President Lines' President Hoover and President Wilson during his career. Born in Ohio, he began receiving his pension in 1974. Brother Uziel lived in Santa Rosa, Calif. Pensioner Jack Wong, 80, passed away Dec. 22. Born in China, Brother Wong started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the ..........__....~-~-~ port of Houston. His first ship was the Eldorado, operated by Transasia Transport Corp. A member of the steward department, Brother Wong last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. He served in the U.S. INLAND TOMISLAV BAKIC Boatman Tomislav Bakic, 67, passed away Jan. 31. He joined the SIU in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Croatia, Boatman Bakic first sailed aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member last sailed aboard an American Marine Services vessel. Boatman Bakic lived in San Pedro, Calif. GEORGE BAUM Pensioner George Baum, 88, died Jan. 2. He began his SIU career in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Baum first shipped aboard an Intercontinental Bulk Corp vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked aboard a Moran Towing Co. of Maryland vessel. Boatman Baum began receiving his pension in 1974. He called Stoneleigh, Md. home. KENNETH GODEKE Pensioner Kenneth Godeke, 74, died Jan. 5. The Texas native started his career with the SIU in 1974 in Houston. A member of the deck department, Boatman Godeke sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing Co: vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. Boatman Godeke called Houston home. He began receiving his pension in 1988. HAYWOOD TRICHE Pensioner Haywood Triche, 82, died Jan. 7. Boatman Triche started his SIU career in 1964 in Port Arthur, Texas . Born in Lockport, La., he sailed as a captain. He first shipped aboard a Slade Inc. vessel and last worked on a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Boatman Triche began receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in Gibson, La. Continued on page 20 May2001 �Digest of. Ship~~rcl • • '/'' "%) •nion Meetings .~. The Seararers 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 tor publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Feb. I I-Chairman Paul Domes, Secretary Milton M. Yournett, Educational Director Roy S. Frett, Deck Delegate Julio Mattos Jr., Engine Delegate Gustavo R. Osorio, Steward Delegate Angel Correa. Chairman informed crew of payoff Feb. 12 in Jacksonville. Educational director led discussion on need for basic fire fighting course to comply with STCW. He advised crew members to apply now rather than wait until last minute. He also encouraged them to read LOG for union and industry news and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer reported $58.50 in ship 's fund after purchase of movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce time required to file for vacation benefits. Discussion held on improving pension and medical benefits. Captain to be asked about feasibility of installing radio, TV antenna during yard period. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Feb. I9-Chairman Dana M. Cella, Secretary Robert A. Castillo, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Mohsin A. Ali, Engine Delegate Jason Vogel, Steward Delegate Amin A. Mohamed. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 26 in· Houston. He said · as a good trip with a good crew. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Crew bade farewell to ee unlicensed apprentices in Charleston, S.C. Secretary thanked everyone for good voyage, and educational director advised crew to ead LOG and take advantage of courses offered at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to purchase smokeless ashtrays for those members who smoke in their rooms. Unanimous vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. ENDURANCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 18-Chairman Francisco C. Munoz, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director Ramona P. Gayton, Deck Delegate Paul S. Wills, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson. Chairman and secretary reported smooth trip and look forward to their vacations. Secretary also urged crew members to read LOG to keep up with union news, upgrade skills at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. Educational director asked for everyone's help in keeping dryer clean and free from lint. He also stressed need to complete STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into reducing time needed for vacation check. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), Feb. I I-Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar M. Vazquez, Educational Director Douglas D. Greiner, Steward Delegate Melvin W. Hite. Everything running smoothly, according to chairman and secretary. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG about importance of meeting STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002 read and discussed. Suggestion made for contracts department to check into prescription coverage for dependents and to reduce time needed to collect vacation benefits. Afay2001 GUS W. DARNELL (Ocean Shipping Inc.), Feb. I-Chairman Patrick B. Rankin, Secretary, Kenneth Whitfield, Engine Delegate Mike Kille. Chairman announced ship to pay off Feb. 3 in Charleston, S.C. Secretary noted repair list passed around. Crew should check rooms and add any repairs needed. Members also asked to fill out address correction card and update any other forms. All three departments reported beefs pertaining to allotments. No disputed OT noted. Recommendations made to have allotments available throughout voyage and increase pension plan benefits. Steward department thanked for job well done. HAWAII (CSX Lines), Feb. I8Chairman Billy G. Hill, Educational Director Ronald A. ·B elcher, Deck Delegate James R. Blitch. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 23 in Jacksonville. He noted computer now ready for e-mail use by crew. He asked crew members to keep safety in mind at all times aboard ship. Crew expressed gratitude for new satellite digital TV system. Educational director reminded everyone to keep shipping documents up to date. He also stated that attending upgrading courses at Piney Point "is a must to protect your job" and noted need for STCW compliance by Feb. 1, 2002. He advised.crew members to read monthly LOG and have TRBs signed before getting off vessel. Treasurer stated direct TV system costs $55 monthly; donations accepted. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce seatime needed for vacation benefits. Bosun thanked crew for working together and helping separate plastic items from regular trash. Crew gave thanks to staff of LOG for good work. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), Feb. 4-Chairman David I. Murray, Secretary Marvin T. St. George, Educational Director Angel Hernandez, Deck Delegate Dwayne L. Gordon, Engine Delegate Kenneth A. Adamczak, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 6 in San Juan, P.R. He advised everyone that Feb. 1, 2002 is deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary asked for help keeping messhall and lounge clean. He also said that all doors should be locked for safety while in port. Educational director talked about facilities and upgrading courses available for Seafarers at Paul Hall Center and urged everyone to attend. Treasurer reported $200 in ship's fund. All monies will be used to purchase new movies. Clarification requested by steward delegate on cleaning of rooms. All communications from headquarters posted in messhall. Recommendation made to ask contracts department to look into increased dental benefits and prescription coverage. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: San Juan; Jacksonville; Philadelphia, Pa. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Marine Corp.), Feb. 18-Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Michael P. Brown, Deck Delegate Gregory A. Poer. Chairman noted good trip to and from Bangladesh. Payoff scheduled Feb. 20 in New Orleans, La. Crew members reminded to clean rooms before getting off. Secretary thanked crew for helping separate plastics from regular trash and for turning in dirty linen. Educational director advised everyone to check that all documents are up to date and take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for repair of ship's radio and TV antenna. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Feb. 26-Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Deck Delegate Jeffrey A. Lagana. Chairman noted watchstanders doing outstanding job. He reminded crew that safety is everyone's business. Secretary stated mail is not being forwarded to ship in accordance with contract and there are not enough work gloves for everyone. Educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center, keeping TRBs current and obtaining STCW certification before Feb. 1, 2002. Treasurer announced $504 in ship's fund. Crew would like to purchase 25- and 30pound dumbbells, tape rewinder (220-volt) and new barbecue grill. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for company to provide bottled drinking water until water tests come back showing no problems. Vote of thanks to steward department for good food. Ship heading to ports in Chile, Peru and Panama. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), Feb. 4---Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Director Jorge N. Fernandez, Deck Delegate Charles E. Gordon ill. Chairman announced vessel arriving in Tacoma, Wash. Feb. 9. Payoff will take place same day. He suggested locking doors while in port and having clean linen for relief. He also thanked crew for good job in separating plastic items from trash. Secretary reported $118 in tuna fund. He advised crew members to store glasses in proper place during heavy weather. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of SIU's upgrading facilities at Piney Point. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate. President's report from recent LOG read. Crew discussed report and importance of getting union representation for oil patch mariners in Gulf of Mexico. Request made for company to supply work gloves. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime for pension benefits and having one wage scale for all SIU-contracted vessels. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif. NEW YORK (ATC), Feb. 17Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Oscar Garcia. Chairman stated satellite antenna on order and to be hooked up when vessel returns to West Coast. Payoff will take place following meeting in captain's office. Bosun reminded crew members to comply with STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002 and thanked deck department for smooth job during lightering operations. He reminded crew of dues increase as of Jan. 1 and led discussion on possible shipboard training. Secretary asked everyone to help keep common areas clean. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center and reminded crew members to rewind videotapes when finished. All members advised to take care when coming off bow, as steps are slippery when wet. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications on work tours read and posted. Suggestions made for next contract, including dependent coverage for prescription drugs and increasing pension according to cost of living. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Next port: Singapore. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG), Feb. 23-Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Engine Delegate Willie J. Franks, Steward Department Juan M. Rochez. Chairman thanked everyone for great job on deck. He reminded members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and get required STCW training before Feb. 1, 2002. Educational director echoed bosun's comments regarding need to attend classes at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like union and company to see monthly LOG. Treasurer announced $555.50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew welcomes two new unlicensed apprentices on board. Bryan Wells and Justin Armstrong will spend 3 months aboard ship, learning operations of each department. Bosun thanked steward department for barbecues, great food and overall cleanliness. Steward reminded those getting off to get clean set of linen for Patriotic Meeting Oiler Ahmed Khaul (right) welcomed SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox aboard the cruise ship ms Patriot when the vessel recently was on the West Coast. Operated by U.S. Lines, the Patriot is based in Honolulu. about satellite antenna for ship. Next port: New York. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), Feb. 25Chairman Lothar G. Reck, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr., Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski, Steward Delegate Subagio Wibisono. Chairman explained importance of contributing to SPAD and how all members benefit from it. He reported on events during Singapore shipyard period and ac\vised crew members to update STCW requirements before Feb. I, 2002 deadline. He also suggested they read the LOG and know their contract. He asked those getting off to clean rooms and leave fresh linen. Secretary commented on need to complete basic safety training course at Paul Hall Center. He also stated all the help you need for the future is available at the school. "All the training I received really paid off. I appreciate all the training and use it each day." Educational director reminded crew members to keep drug testing and all shipping documents up to date. Without them, you could lose your job. Treasurer announced $60 in movie fund, $164.16 in cookout fund and $255.50 in ship's fund. Plans are to buy a new grill in Tacoma, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on company contributions to pension plan, availability of unlicensed apprentices and extra vacation days. All crew members gave vote of thanks to steward department. Bosun asked everyone to pitch in and help keep rec. room and laundry area clean at all times. Vote of thanks also given by Bosun Mosley to SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona and his staff for all their help. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), Feb. 4 -Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Joe Salcido, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard, Steward Delegate George Lee. Chairman reported payoff Feb. 6 on arrival in Oakland, Calif. Union officials to be on hand for collecting dues and answering any questions. Educational director reminded everyone to check STCW certification because after Feb. 1, 2002, you will not be able to sail without it. Fire fighting is one of required courses and is available at Piney Point. Check dates for each course in next person. Steward also thanked relief bosun and his crew for help with barbecues: "Couldn't have done it without you guys." SEALAND FLORIDA (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 3-Chairman Thomas E. Driggers, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Educational Director Eric D. Bain, Engine Delegate Glenn O'Leary, Steward Delegate Charles Curley. Chairman announced arrival in Charleston, S.C. Feb. 8. Payoff scheduled for Feb. 12 in Houston. Secretary noted everything running well aboard ship and crew members are all good team players. Educational director advised members to pay attention to signs posted throughout ship and work safely. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new chairs for messhalls. It was also noted that too many tapes are collecting in crew lounge. Everyone asked to rewind tapes when finished and return to lockers for others to use. Clarification requested on why payoff port is not first U.S. port after going foreign. RELIANCE (CSX Lines), Feb. 11Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Orlando Cancel, Deck Delegate Ramon Duran, Engine Delegate Omar Sharif, Steward Delegate Abdulla Baabbad. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma Feb. 16 and Coast Guard inspection in Oakland, Calif. Feb. 21. He informed crew that hard hats must be worn on deck at all times. Verbal warning to be given for first violation. Secretary asked those members signing off vessel to leave cabins clean and get fresh linen for next person. He also reminded everyone to keep noise down at all times because someone is always trying to sleep. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and make sure STCW is up to date. Treasurer announced $94 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into changing seatime needed for medical coverage. Request also made for union to provide and post in union halls and in LOG per diem rates for travel within U.S. as well as on foreign voyages. Are there different rates in different countries? Bosun complimented steward department for being best feeding ship in his 25 years of sailing. Thanks also given to chief cook and steward assistant for job well done and to all crew for helping keep ship clean. Seafarers LOB 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 RALPH TWIDDY SR Pensioner Ralph Twiddy Sr., 84, passed away Jan. 2. Boatman Twiddy joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in Dare County, N.C., Boatman Twiddy sailed primarily aboard Gulf Atlantic Towing Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Boatman Twiddy resided in Creswell, N.C. He began receiving his pension in 1973. Know Your Rights · Central Railroad Co. vessel. Boatman Wilburn last worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1991. Boatman Wilburn lived in Liberty, Texas. GREAT LAKES JACOB HAJOSTEK Pensioner Jacob Hajostek, 79, passed away Jan. 31. Brother Hajostek began his career with the SIU in 1962 in Cleveland. A member of the deck department, he sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Born in Cleveland, Brother Hajostek served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He started receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Hajostek called Lakewood, Ohio home. JOSEPH KEELAN AARON WILBURN Pensioner Aaron Wilburn, 71, who sailed as a captain, died Jan. 7. Born in Missouri, he joined the SIU in 1959. He first shipped aboard a New York Pensioner Joseph Keelan, 88, died Jan. 22. Brother Keelan started his sru career in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Pennsylvania, the deck department member started receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in Tampa, Fla. away Feb. 16. Born in Cleveland, Brother O'Dee shipped as a member of the deck department. He worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co vessels, last sailing aboard the Lemmerhirt. Brother O'Dee started receiving his pension in 1989. He called North Olmsted, Ohio home. WILLIAM G. TRUAX Pensioner William G. Truax, 64, died Jan. 31. The Toledo, Ohio native started his sru career in 1967,joining in Detroit. ~_......._ __. Brother Truax first sailed aboard the Reiss Brothers, operated by American Steamship Co. The engine department member last worked aboard Pringle Transit Co. 's Paul Thayer. Brother Truax served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1963. He started receiving bis pension in 1994. Brother Truax lived in Maumee, Ohio. RAILROAD MARINE JOHN O'DEE Pensioner John O'Dee, 73, passed LOG-A-RHYTHMS Liberty Ships (And the Men That Sailed Them) by Viktor R. Henrikson Kaisers coffins they were called, Cursed by some but respected by all. From the Atlantic convoys to the waters of Tokyo Bay, These are the ships that saved the day. The ships and the men that went to sea, Thats what kept America free. Watch an old Liberty at anchor, awaiting for the tide, Then stop and remember and thank your God That these ships, these men were on our side. Very few are left now, and soon all will be gone. The ships and the men that once. sailed our oceans, Both rough and serene, and made us proud of our Merchant Marine. Viktor Henrikson (aka Mr. Swede), who works in the Government Services Division, is an MSC carpenter and 28-year SIU member. ANTHONY LAUS Pensioner Anthony Laus, • 85, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Laus started his SIU career in 1963 in the port of New York. The Hoboken, ~--___. N.J. native shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Laus worked primarily aboard Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. Brother Laus lived in Forked River, N.J. and began receiving his pension in 1977. TEDDY RONDA Pensioner Teddy Ronda, 82, died Feb. 1. He started his SIU career in 1960, joining in his native New York. A member of the deck ~L-..~ department, Brother Ronda worked primarily aboard New York/New Jersey Hartford Railroad vessels. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1944 and started receiving his pension in 1969. Brother Ronda lived in Bronx, N. Y. The STCW Clock Stops Ticking Feb. 1, 2002 Feb. 1, 2002-That is the date by which mariners sailing aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels must comply with the amended STCW convention. If a mariner has not completed STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or acquired the 1995 STCW certificate, if required, by Feb. 1, 2002, then that mariner cannot sail aboard deep sea or near-coastal ships. All SIU members who sail on these types of vessels are asked to contact the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at this toll-free number: 1-800-7322739. Please contact the school even if you already have completed basic safety and you have an STCW certificate. 20 Seafarers LOS FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the May 7, 2001 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2000 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the STIJ 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 management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all sru balls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest sru port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy bas been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the STIJ Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, . political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2DIJ1 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman (including simulator steering assessments) Mays June2 June 30 July 28 August25 June 1 June 29 July 27 August24 September 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May19 June 16 July 14 August 11 June2 June30 July 28 August25 Radar (simulator) August 11 August24 Radar (one-day renewal) July6 July 27 August24 Radar (three-day renewal) July 3 July 23 July5 July 26 June 16 July 7 August 25 June 22 July 13 August 31 May12 June9 July7 August 4 May25 June 23 July 21 August 18 June23 July 14 June 29 July 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (simulator) (*must luwe radar unlimited) GMDSS (simulator) Bridge Resource Management Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations m-Odules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 6. Recertification Bosun Recertification Septembers October 8 Steward Re(ertification July 7 August 6 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting May12 June9 May19 June 16 Advanced Fire Fighting (one week) May5 May12 Advanced Fire Fighting - First Aid May19 August 11 June2 August 25 Government Vessels May12 May26 June 9 June 23 July 7 July 21 August4 August 18 June 1 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 10 August 24 September 7 STCW Basic Safety May12 May19 STCW Medical Care Provider May19 June9 August 11 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Basic Safety May12 Arrival Date June23 · June 30 · Jnly.7 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 25 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* ("must have basic fire fighting) Date of Completion Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fu~ fighting) Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May19 July 14 June29 August24 QMED - Any Rating August 25 November 16 Welding June9 July 21 June29 August 10 itt~~\i~ <J:une9 ., . Engine Upgrading Courses Course Date of Completion Start Date Course The following is the schedule for classes for the months of May through August 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course~s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservafions should be made for May26 .June 23 .July 21 August4 ,. August 18 . June .23 _':August 18 June 16 August 11 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~~~~--~,;~n~Q;;~ A-·;~n,-;,.·A:,.;;.;·-·-·-·~·-··-~-·-·-;;t~-t~~~:;;;;:;tio;~coPIES~~~~;;~;;~:~-~:;;e-:~;;~n~~~n~~~-~~-tw:~; UrURH llWU rrl.lflHI IUft (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order onlv. pavable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - May2001 LAST VESSEL: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: - - - - -- -- - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5101 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Phase ill Unlicensed Apprentices - Unlicensed apprentices from classes 603, 608 and 609 are in the third phase of their training, having completed the DEU course April 27. From the left are (front row) Uverna Johnson, Chris Marquez, Samuel Lloyd and (second row) Robert Stellon and Shawn Waring. Their instructor, Randy Senatore, is standing in the back. FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements May 4 are (in alphabetical order) Muniru Adam, Milton Ballard, Lance Barabino, Dwayne Brock, Davon Brown, Neil Brown II, Robert Brown, John Collins Jr., Kevin Fisher, Kevin Hartley, Jon Hemba, Carlton Hendley, Guy Leary, Steven Lombardi, Mark Maduro, Timothy Manes, Harry Mays, Donald McBride, Fred McGauley IV, Rupert Mulzac, Robert O'Neal, Cipriano Panganiban, Matthew Redlinger, Lane Schroeder, Eli Smith, Donna Sylvia, John Westfall and Fred Ziegler. Their instructor, Mark Jones, is at far left. Welding- With their instructor Buzzy Andrews (in white) , upgrading Seafarers who completed the welding course April 20 are (in alphabetical order) Ronald Celious, Edmund Erdt, Timothy Horger, Edward Kelly, Jose Liwag and Charles Sneed. Able Seaman - Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class ending April 6 are upgrading students with their instructor, Bernarbe Pelingon (far right). Included in the class roster (although not all are pictured) are (in alphabetical order) Stanley Adams, Damon Anderson, Gregory Baker, Ronald Bergeron, Avery Brooks, Carlos Castillo, Thomas Coscia, Earnest Dillard Jr., Ronald Gibbs, Brian Guiry, Randy Hayme, Alvin Hester, Darrin Howell, Elijah Huff, Dayvien Johnson, L.G. Johnson, Leslie Klein, John Lightfoot, Douglas Ogle, Randell Porter, Steven Rocker, Silas Sam, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Taylor, Beverly Williams, Richard Williams and Rodolfo Zena . Able Seaman - Graduating from the AB course May 5 are (in alphabetical order) Steve Bentley, Terry Blade, Dana Brooks, Denetrica Brooks, Alexander Busby, Armando Castillo, Angel Centeno, Jason Dew, David Flores, Ronel Guerzon, Harley Jones, Jeroma Luckett, Michael McErlean, Troy Mitchell, Mostafa Mostafa, Chad Reynolds, Marque! Sapp, James Stanford, Stephen Steward and Tawnia Stucker. Tankerman (PIC) Barge - These Seafarers who successfully completed the tankerman (PIC) barge course March 16 are (in no particular order) Steven Kroner, Gerard Costello, Douglas Jones, Pete Hudson, John Bellinger, Andre Bernard, Charles Jackson, Chris Lisowski, Michael Knighton, Harvey Wilson , Jeffery Mccranie, Bartley Lane, Brian Wynn, Brandon Ponce 11, John Jaradat, Craig Melwing and llya Ledesma. Not in picture is Ashby Furlough. The course was taught by instructor Mitch Oakley. · Social Responsibility - Advanced Fire Fighting- Completing the advanced fire fighting class March 9 are (in alphabetical order) Leo Borror, Timothy Burke, Richard DeWitte, Owen Duffy, Patrick Duvernay, Russell Kopecki and Edward Wilisch. Their instructor is Anthony Hammett (standing left). Instructor Joyce Raum leads a course in social responsibility to the students in unlicensed apprentice class 614. · Any s~udent who has registered for a class and s~f~t: whatever reason-that he or she cannot ena;··ptease inform the admissions department so tha,t another- student may take that place. ..22 Seafarers LOB May2001 �Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboat Endorsement Electrician Paul Su has worked aboard the SS Independence for more than 20 years. With the help of Paul Hall Center instructors Ben Cusic and Steve Soltysik, and the support and tutoring of many of his shipmates, Su earned his lifeboatman endorsement in February, when he graduated from the class held aboard the cruise ship while underway in Hawaii. Joining in the congratulations are, from left, instructor Ben Cusic, Paul Su, instructor Steve Soltysik, Elizabeth Porter, Nicole Chevalier and Amanda Brown. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Earning their water survival/lifeboat endorsements are (from left front) Keith Foster, Jill Robertson, Gerhard Jakits, instructor Ben Cusic, Tim Molly, Derek Kurch, David Fletcher, Amin Saleh, Gary DiPresso, Flavia Manning, Keo Sivongxay, Elias Parker, David Agosto, Ryan Nakama, Timoteo Lagula, Khaled Taffi, instructor Steve Soltysik, Robert Brock and Ken Caffey. Water Survival - Handling a big job takes teamwork! Fellow crew members Will Joquin and Don Smith have their hands full bringing Mike Liugalua into the the life raft during water suvival classes taught aboard the SS Independence. Crewmates Mike Young and Brandon Allard steady the raft. LEFT: Water Survival/Lifeboat Completing the shipboard water survival/lifeboat class are (from left front) Krishinda Bledsoe, Karol Tovar, Bernard Essiful, Amanda Brown, Mariana Ylaya, Brian Moore, Ronnel Sugui, Frank Ababa, Paul Su, Jerico Elgarico, Anthony Lopes, Charlene Medeiros, Elizabeth Porter, Matt Reventas and instructors Ben Cusic and Steve Soltysik. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Completing the water survival/lifeboat class in between their regular shipboard duties are (from left front) Donald Smith, Larry Genetiano, Stephen Warren, Dana Duarte, Anthony Pace, John Rabanal, John Meacher, Brandon Allard, Mike Liugalua, Ruben Siclot, Will Joquin, instructor Steve Soltysik and David McNeil. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Graduating from the water survival/lifeboat class, held aboard the SS Independence , are (from left front) Melecio Agpoa , Remando Ortiz, Romeo Cacal , Orlando Pajarillo, Michael Young , Arthur Rallos, Danile Cubangbang, Willis Abaya, Vinn Sirongxay, instructor Steve Soltysik and Jason Izaquirre. LEFT: Water Survival/Lifeboat - Successfully mastering the water survival/lifeboat course held aboard the cruise liner are (from left front) Albino lnfinada, Ben Reid, Vince Adams, Shane Hayes, instructor Steve Soltysik, Chester Ramiro, Nicole Chevalier and Vicente Cacacho. May2001 Seafarers LOB 23 �ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Check all your shipping documents to be sure they are up-to-date and not about to expire. You can't sail without them. Paul Ball Center Enrollment SoaJ'B As S e.rs Eye STCW D e 'Haven't Seen This Many People Here Since Desert Storm' Despite its rural setting, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has the feel of a small city these days. Students are flocking to the Piney Point, Md. facility. In midApril, more than 300 upgraders and unlicensed apprentices were enrolled at the school. Many were there for the center's U.S. Coast Guard-approved STCW basic safety class, a key requirement for numerous mariners under the amended STCW convention. The deadline for compliance with the amended STCW treaty is Feb. 1, 2002. Seafarers have taken notice, as 75 to 100 or more SIU members per week are completing the basic safety course at Piney Point. Other students are taking advantage of courses conducted in the center's new simulator (installed last fall), which offers training for shiphandling including radar operation, ARPA, GMDSS, engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Many of the courses involving the simulator are designed to meet STCW requirements, for deep sea and inland mariners alike. The cutting-edge equipment provides teaching support for a broad range of subjects, including voyage planning and execution, tanker assistant DL, and engine room watchkeeping, to name only a few. Still others are participating in specially tailored courses that ar.e designed accommodate their respective work schedules. For instance, Seafarers from Moran, Express Marine, and Crowley attended Piney Point in April. Additionally, the unlicensed apprentice program is thriving. Last month, more than 100 Installed at the Paul Hall Center last fall, the new simulator offers training for (clockwise, from upper left) radar, shiphandling, bridge resource management, GMDSS and more. trainees were enrolled in the first component of the three-phase curriculum. Overall, the past few months may have marked an unprecedented level of peacetime enrollment at the school, which opened in 1967. "I haven 't seen hi many students here since Desert Storm," observed J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training. "STCW has a lot to do with that, but we're also still running other upgrading courses-AB, FOWT, lifeboat, the steward department courses and others." Many of the classes utilize the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, an extension of the Paul Hall Center campus that opened in June 1999. More than 4,000 students have trained at the world-class facility, which specifically is tailored for mariner fire fighting. The Paul Hall Center offers approximately 40 courses that are U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Hands-on training is the key component of most courses, while classroom lessons complement Most of the classes at the Piney Point, Md. facility emphasize hands-on training, but classroom instruction also remains an integral educational component for upgraders and unlicensed apprentices. the practical learning. For a list of upcoming courses, see page 21 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. More information about the school is available online at www.seafarers.org. Bosun Touts Life at Sea The fire fighting and safety school, pictured in the photo at left and two below, hosts numerous classes, including STCW basic safety, basic and advanced fire fighting, damage control , water survival, first aid and CPR. Bosun Larry Watson (standing) recently discussed various aspects of going to sea, with 20 juniors and seniors at South Whidbey High School's career center. Several students at the Langley, Wash. school expressed an interest in more information about seagoing careers. Watson, a 24-year member of the SIU, previously encouraged one of his neighbors to attend the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Jason Hudkins is completing the program's third and final phase. Seafarers who wish to interest local youth in a maritime career are encouraged to contact their local SIU hall to receive promotional material and guidance on how to be a maritime career mentor. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ANOTHER MONTH, ANOTHER LIST OF FOC DETENTIONS PANAMA’S FALSE DOCUMENT SAGA INDICATES 1,000 BOGUS CERTIFICATES 1ST COASTAL CRUISE SHIP CHRISTENED ANWR DEVELOPMENT OFFERS MAJOR BENEFITS SEAFARERS BEGIN CREWING POMEROY MAY 1 PARENT CO.’S FILING NOT EXPECTED TO DISRUPT NPR-NAVIERAS SEAFARERS EARN BONUSES FROM 3 MSC COMPANIES CROWLEY AUTHORIZED FOR CUBA RUN MAYAGUEZ RESCUES 5 FROM SINKING SAILBOAT SIU-CREWED MV ASCENSION FEATURED ON ISLAND STAMP BUSH ADMINISTRATION: JONES ACT ‘ESSENTIAL’ NEW TWIST ON ARMY HEADGEAR: BLACK BERETS MADE IN CHINA MARITIME ALLIANCE REQUESTS BALLAST WATER STANDARDS REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT C. NORTH RETIRES; PLUTA NAMED SUCCESSOR TO USCG POSITION HOUSE OKAYS MEMORIAL SUPPORT USNS DAHL AIDS INJURED MARINER PETERSBURG RETURNS TO GUAM CAPE MAY READIES FOR 1ST CRUISE WEST AND GULF COAST SEAFARERS WELCOME HEADQUARTERS OFFICIALS FORMER CARGO VESSEL, PAGE NOW CARRIES AMMO CAPT. VICKERS: MENTOR AND MOTIVATOR THE PATRIOT VESSEL SIGNALS NEW BEGINNING FOR U.S. CRUISE INDUSTRY PAUL HALL CENTER ENROLLMENT SOARS AS SEAFARERS EYE STCW DEADLINE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 5 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ba9ebe2dec9ed4b77f8a45779f35bde9.pdf c19350b399a6c75e17e481ee4bd28fd2 PDF Text Text Volume 64, Number 5 u# rue unaway-Flag Ships Still Smuggling Refugees Disgraceful Case of 'Monica' Imperiled Children - New Dredge Christened Page 3 40 Years of SPAD Since its founding in 1962, the union's voluntary political action fund has helped protect the SIU's interests. In this 1976 photo, presidential candjdate Jimmy Car:ter:-pledges-Su port for a cargo-preference bill as . then-SIU President Paul Hall (seated to Carter's right) listens. Page 6. The union last month joined Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. in welcoming the hopper dredge Liberty Island, christened April 9 at Port Everglades, Fla. SIU President Michael Sacco, pictured at the ceremony, called the dredge "an allAmerican vessel." ~-- Page4. Midnight Sun Construction Proceeding Well l i Construction that began in June 2001 is entering its final stages as the rollon/roll-off vessel Midnight Sun rounds into shape in San Diego. Page 7. LNG Ships Rescue 12 -----Page4 CIVMAR News -----Page9 Port Security Update _ _ _ _ _ Page5 �ANWR Fight lsn 1t Finished President's Report The Face of Runaway-Flag Shipping The story in this month's LOG about the runaway-flag vessel that transported more than 900 illegal immigrants to Italy casts a revealing light on the lack of accountability that characterizes flag-of-convenience shipping. It's tough to say which is more regrettable in this case-the human suffering, or the fact that it's not all that unusual when it comes to runaway flags. The run-down freighter Monica, flying the flag of a nation that has no business running a ship regMichael Sacco ister, somehow delivered its human cargo. So desperate were the passengers that some actually threatened to throw children into the sea when faced with possible boarding of their decrepit vessel by Italian maritime authorities. Later, with the ship in port and I.he situation relatively more calm, the story took on a face: that of the sick 4-year-old boy, dressed in rags and unclaimed by anyone. Such is the commerce of runaway flags. The Monica episode is eerily similar to one that took place a year earlier in France. In both cases, the refugees paid thousands of dollars apiece for their transport-money that flowed into criminals' hands and fueled the FOC dilemma. If you've followed the International Transport Workers' Federation campaign against runaway flags, you know those aren't isolated incidents. Among other examples, during the 1990s the United States literally faced shiploads of illegal Chinese immigrants who paid their way aboard runaway-flag ships bound for America. The pitfalls of runaway-flag shipping aren't limited to smuggling illegals. In a high-profile case last year, the head of the ITF-with no shipboard experience-purchased a first officer's certificate from the Panamanian registry. That situation symbolized the enormous safety hazards spawned by FOC registers whose monitoring of their socalled mariners begins and ends as soon as the application fees are in the bank. The runaway-flag scam also leads to circumstances like the one recently investigated by SIU ITF inspectors in Florida. As reported on the next page, the inspectors discovered slave-like conditions on the FOC vessel Ismael Express-lack of stores, lack of pay, extremely unsafe conditions. It is so common for crews on runaway-flag ships to be owed wages that ITF inspectors last year recovered more than $1 million in back pay for mariners aboard FOC ships. Additionally, dangers of runaway flags have taken on added urgency in the wake of the terrorist attacks against the U.S. Port security has become a gigantic issue in Washington, D.C. and throughout the nation, due in no small part to the large number of FOC ships calling on our harbors every day. The very nature of runaway-flag shipping-often intentionally elusive- makes it a serious threat to national security. For all of those reasons, the SIU is more committed than ever to supporting the ITF campaign against FOCs. We recognize the threats as well as the extent of the task, and we remain undeterred. Honoring Our Heritage This month, at ceremonies in Washington and elsewhere throughout the country, America will honor its maritime history on National Maritime Day. Appropriately, most of the focus will be on those mariners who gave their lives in the line of duty, especially the thousands who perished during the monumental seali:ft operations of World War II. The ceremonies are important and worthwhile. Still-and this has been said before-the best tribute our nation can pay to those mariners who answered the call is to reinforce our commitment to building and maintaining a strong U.S. fleet. History has demonstrated that maritime is a proven, vital and costeffective defense industry. At a time when America is weighing its safety needs and vulnerabilities, our citizens deserve a robust U.S. Merchant Marine that will continue to protect our national and economic security. Volume 64, Number 5 May 2002 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2002 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Senate Fails to Limit Debate on Amendments The U.S. Senate on April 18 failed to secure cloture on two amendments to the Senate energy bill from Alaska's Senators Frank Murkowski and Ted Stevens and Louisiana Senator John Breaux to open the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas development. The ANWR amendments fell 14 votes shy of prevailing over a filibuster, falling on a 46-54 tally. But the fight isn't over. The aforementioned senators as well as other backers of safely developing ANWR vowed to advance the cause. Stevens pledged to introduce an amendment (as the LOG went to press) that would provide native Alaskans living in ANWR the right to drill on the 92,000 acres they own. That expected amendment highlights what some Alaskans reportedly see as a fight against federal lawmakers for states' rights. "They have a right to drill on their own land," Stevens said. "We're just getting warmed up," Murkowski stated. The amendments would give the president the authority to safely explore, develop and produce the Coastal Plain's resources if it serves U.S. national economic and security interests. They also would also designate an additional 1.5 million acres of the refuge to wilderness status. The SIU strongly favors safe development of ANWR. The union has lobbied for opening the Coastal Plain because it would create good jobs for U.S. citizens as well as lessen the nation's reliance on foreign energy sources. "My own state of Louisiana has a 60-year track record of producing oil and gas in ecosystems far more fragile and sensitive than the desolate tundra of the coastal plain of Alaska," said Breaux. "I have visited ANWR in the winter and summer, and I believe limited exploration on the Coastal Plain is consistent with protecting the environment because modern technology drilling and development are sensitive to both ecology and to local concerns. Energy development has the support of the people of Safe development of the Coastal Plain would lessen U.S. reliance on foreign energy sources. Alaska and can be done today without damaging Alaska's ecosystem." Arctic Power, a prominent coalition in favor of safely developing ANWR, said the Senate filibuster last month ignores both "the critical national security implications of our need for increased domestic production" and "the voice of organized labor and the native Alaskans who live and own land in ANWR. By failing to pass these amendments the Senate failed not only the Inupiat land holders in the Coastal Plain and Alaskans who rely on a resource economy, but all Americans who face rising gas prices and greater dependence on foreign and unstable sources of oil." Stevens described ANWR's opponents as "radical environmentalists." He also posed this question: "Why should the Alaska Eskimos be the only indigenous people who own land Sen. Ted Stevens Federation's Lawsuit Challenges Parts of Campaign Finance Law The AFL-CIO on April 22 filed a complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C. challenging the constitutionality of several provisions of the new campaign finance statute signed into law in March. "The AFL-CIO strongly supports meaningful campaign finance reform, including banning or limiting soft money at the national party level, as well as other key parts of the new statute. But this law also unfairly and severely interferes with the ability of unions to communicate with the public and to advance working family interests in the U.S. Congress," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Although other legal challenges to the new law are pending, the labor movement will now be able to advance our own claims and principles directly." The lawsuit challenges three aspects of the new law, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, under the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. It contests provisions that will make it a crime for a labor organization to broadcast a com- that are forbidden from drilling on it, forbidden from using it to provide jobs for their people and jobs for American industry?" Later on April 18, the Senate passed an amendment from Murkowski that bans oil imports from Iraq until the United Nations confirms that the country is adhering to weapons-inspections programs. "We need only look back on the past month to understand the extent of the chaos and uncertainty that exists in the Middle East," Murkowski said earlier in the month. "Iraq increased the reward to each Palestinian suicide bomber to $25,000 and imposed a 30-day oil embargo against us. With labor strikes cutting exports from Venezuela and the Iraqi embargo, nearly 30 percent of our imported oil is now in jeopardy. Saddam Hussein has called on the Arab world to use oil as a weapon against the United States. Are we going to defend ourselves?" Sen. John Breaux Sen. Frank Murkowski munication that refers to a federal candidate, including incumbent lawmakers, in any manner within 60 days of a general election or 30 days of a primary or a convention. The lawsuit also challenges provisions that redefine what kind of "coordination" of a union's public advocacy (by the union on the one hand, and a candidate, including an incumbent office holder or a political party on the other) might be considered an unlawful union contribution to that candidate or party. These provisions will impede the labor movement's efforts to work with legislators and engage in public issue advocacy. Additionally, the lawsuit challenges provisions that compel unions and political committees to make advance public disclosures of possible public communications, broadcast and otherwise, that might refer to candidates or important issues. The AFL-CIO supports strong disclosure laws, but forced publication of the mere intention to speak later will exert chilling effects and impose unjustified burdens and costs. The AFL-CIO lawsuit does not contest significant portions of the new law, including its prohibitions and restrictions on soft money contributions to national, state and local parties, officeholders and candidates, and its extensive other new disclosure requirements. May2002 �Tonga-Flagged Refugee Ship Another Case of FOG Sleaze Incident Shows Role of Runaway Flags as Instruments for People-Smuggling To those unfamiliar with the maritime industry's sordid side, the case of the dilapidated runaway-flag freighter Monica may seem too disgraceful to be true. The story came to light in March, when the Tonga-flagged ship-which has used 10 names and at least seven runaway flags since 1988- was apprehended by the Italian navy after arriving off the coast of Sicily carrying 928 people, most of them Kurdish women and children seeking asylum from Iraq. As in many other well-documented cases involving runawayflag ships (also known as flags of convenience or FOCs ), the details Suspended or Not? Tonga is a South Pacific tsland In Western Polynesia. It's also one of the latest additions to the International Transport Workers' Federation's list of flag-of-convenience (FOC) countries. In just two years, the Tongan registry has gone from zero to 200 ships. Until last month, it had been operated from Piraeus. On April 11, the maritime industry newspaper Lloyd's List chronicled several disturbing developments involving the registry in recent months which underscore the pitfalls of runawayflag shipping. Early this year. Tonga's Karine A was seized by Israeli authorities in the Red Sea carrying 50 tons of weapons for Palestine. The U.S. Navy searched another Tongaflagged ship, the Rasha J. The registry then supposedly suspended the additions, of any additional . ships. According 10 Lloyd's, however, "Agents, based in Sweden and , Syria approached by this newspa- ' per ·under the guise of fictitious UK-based shipping companies seeking to register small ageing tonnage. gave the green light to proceed and presented conflicting stories regarding the flag's sus..: pension." Five days after the story was published) Tonga terminated the contract of Greece-based TIRS to operate its registry. aren't pretty. According to press reports as well as information from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the refugees said they each paid between $2,000 and $4,000 for the transit, which is believed to have originated up to two weeks earlier in Lebanon or Turkey. On March 18, Italian authorities guided the badly overcrowded Mon ica into port in Sicily, even as they refrained from going aboard the rusting vessel because some crew members and passengers had threatened to throw children overboard, to prevent the ship being boarded. (Refugees' legal status reportedly may be stronger, in some cases, if they actually get into the country rather than facing detention at sea.) Considering the extremely congested and dirty conditions aboard the Monica , most of the passengers arrived in decent shape. That was not the case, however, for the 4-year-old boy whom authorities found on the ship dressed in rags, unclaimed by anyone aboard. According to one international news report, the child was suffering fro m a growth-stunting illness and weighed less than 15 pounds. During the ensuing weeks, at least 19 arrests were made, including the captain and five crew members as well as others suspected of involvement in smuggling illegal immigrants. Ali Attia, believed to be the shipowner, also was among those taken into custody. The vessel itself, built in Budapest sometime during the mid-1970s, has been registered with the following runaway flags at various times since 1988: Malta, Honduras, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Belize, Sao Tome & Principe, and Tonga. During that period, it operated under the names Blue Sea, Cynthia, Sanamar, Samar, St. Elias, Lujin, Kasanava, Geni, Nagham and Monica. The ship was in such bad shape that an Italian court last month ordered it scrapped. · The episode was reminiscent ITF Secures Pay, Repatriation For Ismael Express Mariners of a similar case from one year earlier, when 910 other Kurdish refugees (including more than 400 children) landed in France after their decrepit, Cambodianflagged ship East Sea deliberately was run aground. Criminal gangs based in Turkey and Iraq reportedly were behind the smuggling, and charged up to $2,000 per passenger. . Ducking Responsibility A runaway-flag or FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than that of its real ownership. Shipowners register under foreign flags where fees, taxes, trade unions and laws protecting mariners may be minimal or nonexistent. "Criminals smuggling drugs, arms and other illegal cargo, and even terrorists often use FOC ships," the ITF said in a recent statement. "They are also frequently used by people-traffickers-gangs that charge high fees to smuggle emigrants to countries where they can claim asylum." ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said FOCs are part of a shady business which makes it easy for people to conceal their identities, although the new environment post-September 11 is at last focusing government attention on the problem. "This usually involves operating substandard ships without proper regulation, but it could also involve money laundering, gun running, drug trafficking, people smuggling or terrorism," he said. "Later this year the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations body responsible for maritime safety, will probably adopt rules making it compulsory for every ship to display its real owner's identity," Cockroft added. "That will be one important step towards ending a system which encourages secrecy." For more than 50 years, the ITF-to which the SIU is affiliated- has conducted a campaign for the elimination of runaway flags and for a genuine link between a vessel and the flag it flies . Runaway-flag ships long have been known as conduits for smuggling illegal immigrants. Pictured above and below are three runaway-flag vessels in New Orleans earlier this year. Mississippi Que.en Set to Sail; Auction Scheduled for May 3 It's a big month for the Delta Queen Steamboat wants to purchase other American Classic passenger Co. . boats, including the coastal cruise vessels Cape Cod The SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen is scheduled Light and Cape May Light as well as the American The International Transport Workers ' Federation (ITF) in · late to resume service May 7, and the company's prop- Queen and Columbia Queen. March secured $15 ,000 in back pay for crew members aboard the run- erties are scheduled for auction May 3 in Chicago. Waveland is not a lock to win the auction. away-flag cargo vessel MV Ismael Express. The entire crew also was According to news reports, Chicago-based Several other companies are expected to enter bids. repatriated after their medical needs were addressed. Waveland Investments has offered to pay $3. 75 milLate last month, another potential bidder As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, ITF inspectors in January lion for the Mississippi Queen and the Delta Queen emerged when Los Angeles-based Uniworld stated discovered "slave-like" conditions on the Panamanian-flagged vessel during the auction. The company also reportedly its interest in Delta Queen's assets. Uniworld owns when they boarded it in Cape Canaveral, Fla. will put up $10 miilion in operating money and keep Global River Cruises, which offers river voyages in 'Crew accommodations were crawling with rats, according to ITF Delta Queen's headquarters in New Orleans. Europe on a 15-ship fleet. The company reportedly Inspector Scott Brady of the SIU who said he'd never seen anythiiig to · American Classic Voyages, parent company of said New Orleans would become the U.S. headquarrival the vessel's conditions in his 20 years in the transport industry. Delta Queen, recently indicated that Waveland also ters of Global River Cruises. When the Ismael Express was boarded, the local Baptist Seafarers Any uncertainty regarding the auction hasn't Ministry had supplied the only food available to the 10 crew members. slowed preparations for the Mississippi Queen to From late January at least through early February, the mariners-from resume sailing. The boat had been laid up since late the Philippines, Chile and Haiti-had survived on rice. No water was last year, following American Classic Voyages' filavailable for washing, even though grease and oil covered most walls. ing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization that The crew slept two to a bunk, with little or no bedding, shared a single was spurred by economic fallout from September bathroom with a shower and had an inoperable refrigerator in the 11. kitchen. Seafarers began reporting to the Mississippi Even though tfiis was a radical case, according to the ITF, this is not Queen earlier this year. The boat has a full schedule the first time it has seen these kinds of problems on ships they call planned for the rest of the year that includes stops in "Miami River Boats." Brady said these vessels trade between Florida Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Haiti, and the crews often are treated very poorly and then abanKentucky, Minnesota and Ohio . . doned in Haiti when the vessel is of no more use. The ITF constantly is on the lookout for flag 9f convenience vessels The Mississippi Queen has been docked since last year that are fraught with danger, poor working conditions and lack of pay. - but is slated to sail this month . ..,...t::........:...,,..:.....=!::?!!§,~=-::~~ May 2002 Seafarers LOS 3 �Seal arers-Crewed LNG Ships Rescue 12 Twelve people today are safe and out of harm's way, thanks to the efforts of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed LNG Virgo and LNG Gemini. Crews from the two Pronav Ship Management vessels saved the dozen individuals-an 11person crew from a sunken Indonesian wooden boat and a Filipino fisherman- from certain doom Feb. 14 and Feb. 24, respectively, in a pair of rescues on the high seas. The LNG Gemini was under way from Bontang, Indonesia to Himeji, Japan and located some 12 miles off the southeast tip of Borneo Island during the early afternoon hours of Feb. 14. The bridge watch observed heavy smoke rising from the forecastle of a nearby wooden boat-the Harapan Bahagia. People on board the vessel could be seen moving their arms and waving colored clothing. After being called to the deck, Captain Anthony G. Papadopou- los safely maneuvered the LNG Virgo toward the wooden craft for a closer look. Once in position, the master and his crew saw that the boat was loaded with livestock (cows) and bagged cargo. Eleven men were on board. Within minutes, the crew saw the boat's bagged cargo as well as livestock being jettisoned overboard. Moments later, the Harapan Bahagia overturned rapidly and all 11 people aboard were in the water without lifejackets. To remain afloat, they were holding onto empty drums and 5-gallon plastic containers. Despite strong winds and rough seas, the LNG Virgo lowered and launched its No. 1 lifeboat and successfully rescued all 11 people. Once aboard the Virgo, each of the survivors showered, had their clothing dried and was served a hot meal. Some five hours later, the survivors safely disembarked to the tugboat Bontang 04 which rendezvoused with the Virgo. AB Chad Cunningham, right, cbats with members of the 11-person Indonesian crew that he and his shipmates aboard the LNG Virgo rescued Feb. 14. Seafarers aboard the LNG Virgo during the rescue operation included Bosun Carlos Pinida, ABs James Eastman, Chad Cunningham, Robert Triano and Peter Wojcikowski, QEDWs David St. Onge and Endang Abidin, Recertified Steward Franklin Robertson, Chief Cook Anthony Jacobson and SAs Carlos Julio and Robby Lapy. Ten days later, at about 6 p.m. near the Philippines, AB Carlos Eclevia aboard the LNG Gemini spotted a small fishing boat with a man standing and waving frantically. Captain John Denton slowed the Geminis engines and moved in closer toward the small craft to investigate. Once within range, Eclevia established communications with the fisherman. Following some skilled shiphandling, the small craft was worked alongside, and Filipino fisherman Jauier Sahibal was brought on board. After providing him with fresh water and dry clothing, LNG Gemini crew members learned that their new guest had departed his home port (Mindanao Island) Feb. 2 with three other fishermen, all in separate boats. Piloting the three other boats were his two brothers and his best friend. After exhausting their respective fuel supplies, the four fishermen tied their boats together to make a bigger target for the radars of passing ships. Over the next two weeks, the four vessels drifted further and further to the open seas after being caught in currents. The other three fishermen died of starvation and thirst; Sahibal kept himself alive by drinking seawater and urine two days before his rescue. He shared that he had to cut himself away from the Aboard the LNG Gemini, Steward Assistants Mohammad Kassem, left, and Thomas Cyrus, right, attend to Filipino Fisherman Javier Sahibal shortly after their shipmates pulled him from the sea. deceased fishermen because the odor-mentally and physicallywas more than he could bear. The Gemini crew made the overnight hours as comfortable as they could for Sahibal. He was dropped off the following day back at his home port where he would rejoin his wife and three young children. In addition to AB Eclevia, Seafarers aboard the LNG Gemini during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Charles Kahl, ABs Zaine Basir, Scott Snodgrass and John Ray, QEDWs Leonides Bacal, J an Haidir and Robert Rester, GUDE Ali Amran, Recertified Steward John Gibbons, Chief Cook Jose Mandie and SAs Thomas Cyrus, Mohammad Kassem and Syed Murtaza. New Dredge Christened The union last month joined Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. in welcoming the hopper dredge Liberty Island, christened April 9 at Port Everglades, Fla. The 315-foot dredge already had been operating near Palm Beach, Fla. "The Liberty Island is an allAmerican vessel- built in an. American yard, crewed by American mariners and owned by Americans," said SIU President Michael Sacco, a featured speaker at the ceremony. "We in the Seafarers are proud to crew this fine dredge," he added. "The SIU members who are working aboard this vessel are among the best-trained, safest and most productive mariners in the world. I know you'll do a great job." The Liberty Island was constructed by Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Its potential uses include harbor development, channel maintenance and beach replenishment, among others. According to the company, the dredge "incorporates technological advances that make it the most efficient dredge of its kind operating in the U.S." It can dispose of material by bottomdumping and also can discharge through a shipboard pump-out system. Right: A bow connector is used to connect dredge off-loading pipelines for delivery of material to the shore. Also, a nozzle allows bypassing the shore-side pipeline system. From here, Seafarers can operate the controllable-pitch propeller propulsion, bow thrusters and steering as well as monitoring systems. "We are proud to see Old Glory flying from the Liberty Island," stated SIU President Michael Sacco at the April 9 christening. 4 Seafarers LOG Sea Star Line Acquires NPR-Navieras Assets Seafarers-contracted Sea Star Line has acquired the assets ofNPRNavieras, another SIU-contracted company which had owned and operated five Jones Act vessels. A court approved the transaction April 8. As reported in past issues of the LOG, Holt Group Inc.-parent company ofNPR-Navieras-last year filed for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, although the move didn't interrupt NPR's ship operations. The newly approved agreement covers the purchase of ships, equipment, assignment of terminal leases, trade names and other assets related to PR's Puerto Rico service. It took effect at the end of last month. In announcing the acquisition, Sea Star touted its expanded service as "the premium intermodal transportation system between the continental United States and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The operation will combine Sea Star's versatile roll-on/roll-off, lift-on/lift-off service with Navieras' market-leading container service." Earlier this year, Sea Star acquired the El Yunque and El Morro from Matson Navigation Co. May2002 �Report: Cabotage Laws Afore Imperative To National Security Than Ever Before Using the tragic events of September as a cue, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), in its recently released 2001 annual report, said the Jones Act and other cabotage rules today are more vitally significant to national security than ever before. Since September 11, according to the report, national security has become not only a matter of protecting U.S. interests abroad, but also here at home. "The flag of the vessel and the crews of the vessels are now under tremendous scrutiny, particularly after revelations that international terrorist Osama bin Laden owned and operated a number of flag-of-convenience ships," the report said. "These events (of September 11) have only strengthened the important role that American-flagged vessels, crewed with U.S. seafarers, and owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, play in the U.S. economic and national security." A presidential commission has recognized domestic marine transportation as part of the critical infrastructure upon which our economic welfare and security depend. The Jones Act and related cabotage laws, stated the report, are a critical first line of defense against foreign control over this key part of our transportation system. In this vein, America's . fourth arm of defense-its merchant rriarinewill continue to play crucial roles in any conflicts involving U.S. interests. The MCTF document noted that America's domestic fleet has grown dramatically in the past 35-plus years. Today, it has more than twice as many large vessels as its 1965 counterpart- vessels that are larger, faster and much more productive. The Jones Act fleet represents 81 percent of all U.S.-flag tankers; 50 percent of all U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off ships; 30 percent of all Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) capacity; and 29 percent of U.S.-flag commercial containerships. Support for our nation's cabotage laws is ·stronger today than ever before, the report continued. It can be found in the White House, in the halls of Congress and within the U.S. military. "Repeatedly, our nation's elected officials and military leaders continue to emphasize their commitment to and support for the Jones Act and other maritime statues," the report said. Presidential candidate Governor W. Bush was unambiguous in 2000 about his position on the Jones Act, stating, "programs that have contributed to the growth of our domestic fleet, such as the Jones Act. .. should be maintained." The president's administration has echoed his strong support for the cabotage laws. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta called the Jones Act "an essential element of U.S. maritime policy that provides important economic and national security benefits." Capt. William Schubert, U.S. Maritime Administrator, also is an enthusiastic supporter of the Jones Act. "I am 100 percent in support ... of the Jones Act [and] cabotage laws," he told a congressional audience. The U.S. Congress always has strongly supported U.S. maritime cabotage laws, the report said, noting that few bills challenging the cabotage laws were introduced in 2001 and that none was passed. The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) received the most attention. A bill introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), S. 127, amending the PVSA to temporarily allow foreign-built ships into domestic trades, was reported by the Senate Commerce Committee but received no further action. A companion bill, H.R. 2901, also was · introduced; however, it received no consideration. PVSA will in the coming year, likely remain an issue as opponents consider taking action to capitalize on the adverse impact the terrorist attacks had on the U.S.-flag cruise industry. Moving to the Jones Act front, U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (R-Mich.) last year renewed his efforts to repeal the Jones Act, introducing a new bill, H.R. 2046. This bill received no other support and remains blocked· in committee. No similar Jones Act bills were introduced in the Senate. Support among Senate leaders remained robust, with both Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) continuing their advocacy of a viable Jones Act fleet. In the construction arena, the Jones Act fleet is undergoing a significant renewal and expansion program. Some 115 vessels with a market value of $3 .4 billion are under construction in American shipyards, with more orders pending financing or completion of negotiations. Included in these U.S.-flag vessels are: § Double-hull tankers to bring Alaskan crude to West Coast refineries; § Roll-on/roll-off trailer ships for the Washington/Alaska trade; § Tank barges and tugs for virtually every waterway; § Ferries for New York Harbor and San Francisco Bay area; and § Offshore supply vessels for the Gulf Coast. While the MCTF has been very successful in defending the nation's cabotage laws, opponents continue to attack thembut in more subtle ways, the report said. Foreign cruise lines have asked U.S. lawmakers to designate Panama a "distant foreign port" for purposes of the PVSA. This would enable them to engage in otherwise domestic voyages from Florida to the U.S. West Coast by way of the Panama Canal. More extensive exclusions of the PVSA have been proposed to allow foreign-flag cruise ships to perform coastwise voyages, an action that would establish an indefensible example for cargo cabotage. Finally, foreign shipping companies also have sought to use a vessel-lease financing law to gain a grip in the domestic U.S. trades. If successful, this loophole could gut the U.S. citizen ownership requirements of the cabotage laws and surely undermine the Jones Act. One of the most significant Some Steps Taken, More Needed for U.S. Port Security Nearly eight months after the tragic events of September 11, a comprehensive plan on how to best fortify security at the nation's seaports-a package on which both the administration and lawmakers can agree-remains elusive. And although the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Customs Service and port agencies collectively have stepped up patrols and increased surveillance measures on all ships entering U.S. ports, many experts believe the nation's seaports remain at extreme risk. "If terrorists found a way to use the U.S. aviation industry against our country, they are potentially capable of exploiting the vulnerabilities in our maritime transportation system as well," Captain Anthony Regalbuto said during recent testimony before Congress. Regalbuto is chief of U.S. port security for the Coast Guard. "We are absolutely convinced that our maritime sector is one of our nation's transportation systems that is the most vulnerable." America's lawmakers in November approved aviation security legislation that spent billions for innovations to more closely scrutinize passengers and baggage. Many procedures which resulted from that legislation are being implemented at air terminals throughout the country. Such measures for the mar- threats continues to come from abroad, according to the report. Powerful nations are attempting to use the World Trade Organization negotiations to eliminate the Jones Act and other cabotage laws. The report warns that these and other threats to domestic cabotage laws are on the horizon, but the MCTF stands ready to ensure the continued viability and growth of the domestic fleet. "September 11 has changed the face of the nation forever," Phillip M. Gill, MCTF chairman, wrote in his letter which accompanied the annual report. "Many challenges confront the nation in the years ahead. But whatever the future holds, the MCTF is poised to respond and will remain the leading voice in support of the nation's vital cabotage laws." The MCTF is the most broadbased alliance ever assembled by the U.S. Maritime industry to promote U.S. cabotage laws. Its membership spans the United States and represents ship and barge owners and operators, labor groups (including the SIU), shipbuilders and repair yards, marine equipment manufactures and vendors, trade associations and pro-defense groups and companies in other modes of transportation. itime industry, particularly in the port security arena, remain in flux. One port and maritime security bill already has been debated and approved in the Senate. Another still is awaiting action in the House. Once the House acts, additional delay likely will take place because the two bodies will then debate to recon~ile the differences in the two pieces of legislation. Issues such as scope, agencies that should be in charge of various security tasks, and funding also will have to be settled. · Aggravated at the sluggish pace at which port security legislation and related measures are taking shape, World Shipping Council President Christopher Koch went on record and expressed what many in the maritime industry feel about the port security quandary when he offered, "We can do a.better job, we need to do a better job, ·and we need to get started on it very soon. We need the federal government to establish its security requirements and we need to get n·ew rules in place," he said. Latest Developments In the latest port security developments, the U.S. Department of Transportation on April 11 advanced its efforts as Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced that TRW Inc. has been selected to perform port vulnerability assessments (PVA) under contract to the Coast Guard for the nation's most critical commercial and military seaports. The selection came in the wake of successful implemenContinued on page 7 Union Industries Show 2002 The Paul Hall Center for Sponsored annually by the AFLMaritime Training and Education as CIO Union Label & Services Trades well as the SIU-affiliated United Department, the well-attended event Industrial Workers (UIW) partici- showcases the jobs, products, skills pated in the annual AFL-CIO Union and services of union workers Industries Show, which took place throughout American industries. April 5-8 at the Minneapolis · Next year's show is scheduled to (Minn.) Convention Center. take place in Pittsburgh. Left: AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka, fifth from left, cuts the ribbon officially opening the 2002 AFLCIO Union Industries Show in Minneapolis. Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charles Mercer, second from right, was among the 10 other union and corporate officials who joined Trumka in the ceremony. May2002 Top left: Manning the UIW booth, which included a display from the Paul Hall Center, are (from left) UIW Representative Emiliano Garcia, retired Great Lakes VP Bill Dobbins, National Director John Spadaro, Great Lakes VP Bill Ellis, West Coast VP Herb Perez and Paul Hall Center Public Relations Director Mike Hickey. Top right: Giveaways that reflect the quality of union-made products are part of the attraction. Seafarers LOG 5 �Protecting Seafarers' Interests for 40 Years In a nation governed by laws, it almost goes without saying that practically every part of our lives, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat and far beyond, is affected by government. Still, some things are more closely watched-over than others - and the U.S. maritime industry arguably is one of the country's most regulated trades. At the federal level, there are nearly 150 agencies, bureaus and councils within the government that possess some amount of authority over the U.S. fleet and its mariners. That's not counting the many dozens of committees, subcommittees and panels in Congress which also impact the industry, nor the state and local entities that have maritime jurisdiction. With that in mind, the SIU always has been politically active. In fact, the union's forerunner (the ISU) was a driving force behind the passage of the Seamen's Act of 1915, a law that in many ways revolutionized the industry by setting minimum safety standards and removing many restrictions that had impeded the careers of merchant mariners. More recently, the SIU has played important roles in the enactment of the Maritime Security Program (1996) and the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. The union also has been a consistently strong advocate for other laws and programs that help engender a strong U.S. fleet, including the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act, cargo preference, the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program, and the export of Alaskan oil, to name a few. SPAD's Roots One way the SIU makes its voice heard on Capitol Hill is through the Seafarers Political Activity Donation, better known as SPAD. The voluntary fund was created in 1962, originally under the name "COPE," which stands for Committee On Political Action. At first, the fund mostly served as a vehicle for the SIU's support of the AFL-CIO's political endeavors. Through the years, it evolved into a program specifically focused on political candi- The SIU's political activities have been buoyed by SPAD since the voluntary fund's inception in 1962. Delivering the union's message are (clockwise, from upper left) Paul Hall to Richard Nixon (1970), Joseph Sacco to Bill Clinton (1992), Frank Drozak to Jimmy Carter (1980) and Michael Sacco to George Bush (1989). (Hall and Drozak are late SIU presidents; Joe Sacco, a late SIU executive VP.) dates and legislative issues of importance to the SIU. Today, SPAD is an indispensable tool in the ongoing effort to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine. "Membership participation in SPAD helps give the union a fighting chance to preserve, promote and expand the U.S. fleet and the good jobs that go with it," noted SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. "Because such participation is so vital, I thank the membership for their generous involvement in the past, and I encourage every SIU member to sign a SPAD authorization. I particularly welcome the participation of our brothers and sisters who were in the NMU." Get Your Shirt Together The contest to come up with a new catch-phrase that signifies the importance of SPAD to the SIU membership is nearing its end. As reported in the past two issues of the LOG, the new slogan (similar in sentiment to the "Politics is Porkchops" of the past) will be printed on T-shirts. Details on the shirts' availability will appear in future issues of the LOG. Meanwhile, 6 Seafarers LOG active and retired Seafarers are encouraged to submit entries for the contest. Up to three slogans per entrant may be submitted. Entries must be received by June 10 for consideration. The winner will get an SIU jacket, an SIU cap and an SIU shirt. To enter, please complete the form printed at right and mail it to the address indicated. Beginning last month, there is a new vacation application for the NMU vacation plan that includes authorizations for working dues and SPAD. Members who were in the NMU at the time of the merger last year now are eligible for the first time to participate in SPAD. The authorization need only be signed once. Presidents' Insight In a 1976 editorial, then-SIU President Paul Hall noted, "The SIU's past political successes as well as any we will achieve this year or in the future, depend solely on one critical factor-the active support of the SIU membership through SPAD .... It is the individual Seafarer who must carry the weight of the SIU's political programs. Seafarers have always come through before, whether it was walking a picket line or donating to SPAD. I am confident that our members will do so again." Many years later, the union's emphasis on grassroots political action and participation in SPAD remained prominent. In a May 1995 column that preceded a number of key elections, SIU President Michael Sacco wrote, "When your port agent or another SIU official or a fellow Seafarer asks you to help out, please lend a hand. When you are called upon in the upcoming months, remember what you are fighting for: your job, the future of our industry and the security of our nation .... We must make efficient use of every one of our resources in order to protect our jobs and our industry. Along those same lines, it is also important for Seafarers to continue their voluntary support of the Seafarers Political Activity Donation fund." More recently, Sacco observed, "For as long as I can remember, one of the greatest strengths of the SIU has been our members' enthusiastic participation in political activities, including SPAD.... Because the maritime industry is so heavily regulated, politics is as important to our survival as securing new contracts and upgrading. A quick look towards current debates on Capitol Hill reinforces this point. Politics dominates our industry. It has been that way since our union's founding in 1938, and it won't change. That's why it's up to Seafarers to stay involved." r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, I NAME THAT T-SHIRT CONTEST Here are my ideas for a new SPAD slogan: (You may submit up to three ideas) 1. 2. 3. Name: Address: Telephone Number: - - - - - - - - -- -- - -- -- - - - - - - - - - -0 I am an active Seafarer Send completed form to SPAD Slogan Contest, D I am a retired Seafarer Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. L---------------------------------------------------------------------------May2002 �Additional Port Security Needed Continued from page 5 Introduced by Representative tation of the department's new Don Young (R-Alaska), H.R. Port Security Grants Program, 3983 represents the House of which provides funding for port Representatives' reply to the maritime security bill passed at the security enhancements. "Securing our nation's ports end of the last term of Congress and maritime transportation sys- by the Senate. It would require tem is a vital component of our port and facility vulnerability overarching our transportation assessments, catastrophic emergency planning, vessel and facilisecurity mission," Mineta said. ty antiterrorism plans, transportaUnder the recently inked contion security cards for individuals tract, TRW will: § Develop model port securi- entering secure areas on a vessel ty guidelines as recommended in or facility, establishment of marthe August 2000 report of the itime antiterrorism teams, foreign Interagency Commission on port assessments, and developCrime and Security in U. S. ment of an antiterrorism cargo identification and screening sysSeaports; § Develop methods for and tem for containerized cargo. The conduct PVAs for at least 55 ports bill also would mandate installathroughout the United States; and tion of automatic identification § Develop a port vulnerability system (AIS) equipment on variself-assessment methodology to ous vessels operating in U.S. help local port stakeholders evalu- waters and would authorize finanate security conditions and make cial assistance-$7 5 million annually for the next three fiscal improvements within their ports. "This issue is a very high pri- years-for enhanced facility secuority for the Bush Administration, rity to implement a maritime and for the Department of antiterrorism plan approved by Transportation," said Associate the secretary. Financial Responsibility Under Secretary of Transportation Meanwhile, the subcommittee for Maritime and Land Security, Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis. on Coast Guard and Maritime "With more than 25,000 miles of Transportation of the House navigable waterways and over Committee on Transportation and 350 ports, the nation's maritime Infrastructure on March 14, 2002, system presents one of our great- held a hearing on financial responsibility for port security. est security challenges." Commandant of the U.S. Coast The purpose of the hearing was to Guard Admiral James M. Loy examine who is responsible for concurred with Bennis' assess- implementing enhanced security ment and offered, "Model port measures in U.S. ports and conattributes and port vulnerability sider ways to finance the new assessments are critical tools to security equipment that individual ensure industry and government ports and marine terminals must dollars are spent wisely to address install to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack. risks in our ports." Capt. William Schubert, U.S. The foundation for the PVA a wa u in pl e in I 999 maritime administrator, testified of Tran when the Coast Guard reviewed t a h Departm methods used by federal and state portation has implemented a proagencies to gauge the strengths gram to receive and evaluate grant and weaknesses of U.S. ports. The proposals to finance the cost of Coast Guard used this experience enhancing facility and operational and research to finalize the security in critical national searequirements for a comprehensive ports. The maritime chief also analysis of ports and critical infra- noted that the Coast Guard has begun vulnerability assessments structure. in various U.S. ports. Congressional Hearing Joseph Cox, representing the Elsewhere, the subcommittee Chamber of Shipping of America, on Coast Guard and Maritime discussed various security meaTransportation of the House sures intended for implementation Committee on Transportation and on ships, including automatic Infrastructure on March 26 in identification systems, ship secuElizabeth, N.J. conducted a field rity officers, and ship security hearing on port security. During plans. Richard Steinke of the the hearing, Rep. Frank LoBiondo American Association of Port (R-N.J.) and several of his state Authorities noted that protecting colleagues heard testimony from a U.S. seaports is a shared responsiwide range of government and bility and that the monies currentprivate industry experts on the ly appropriated for seaport securiincreased security efforts being ty grants are insufficient to propimplemented in the port of New erly enhance security. Fredrick York and New Jersey. Also Ferrin of the Jacksonville Port addressed were the increased port Authority discussed the vital role security challenges facing the of seaports in the national econoentire maritime industry follow- my and the need for federal and ing the September 11 attacks. state funding to pay for mandated The U.S. maritime industry security upgrades. Paul Richardhandles more than 2 billion tons son of the U.S. Maritime Alliance of freight and 6 million containers stated that Congress should create annually. More than 5,000 ships a dedicated funding mechanism arrive each year at the port ofNew for port and intermodal cargo York and New Jersey alone. security requirements. "Protecting this port area has What Others Are Doing been a top priority since the Los Angeles Mayor James K. September attacks and the efforts Hahn's task force on waterfront under way here are critical to security has formulated a plan to keeping this large port secure and have everyone who visits that port the surrounding region safe from show a valid photo ID. And terrorism," said LoBiondo. Canadian Transport Minister The hearing was the congress- David Collenette announced man's third at the port of New York March 27 that enhanced security and New Jersey since last August screening procedures for ships and came on the heels of the unan- entering the St. Lawrence imous March 20 approval of H.R. Seaway-Great Lakes system have 3983, the Maritime Transportation been updated and agreed to by Antiterrorism Act of 2002. Canadian and U.S. authorities. May 2002 Orea-Class RO/RO Still on Pace for Delivery This Year Construction of the Midnight Sun is entering the home stretch, with the roll-on/roll-off vessel still on schedule for an October delivery. The Midnight Sun is the first of two RO/ROs being built at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard for SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE). Construction began June 4, 2001. Designated as Orea-class vessels, the two new builds are the first U.S. -built commercial dry cargo ships in a decade. They will join TOTE 's Tacoma-toAnchorage service. Ship deliveries are scheduled for October 2002 and April 2003. Each vessel will be 839 feet long, with a beam of 118 feet. Left: TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE? In this case, the house is taken to the top of the Midnight Sun. The maneuver at NASSCO took place late last month. Right: The bow's last section is moved into place. Left: The vessel will be 839 feet long with a beam of 118 feet. Golden Gate Monument Includes Merchant Marine A monument to the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who have sailed past the Golden Gate Bridge in service to their country was dedicated in San Francisco on April 14. Hundreds of people-including VIPs, state and local officials and active and retired military members- attended the ceremony, which was held at Vista Point on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dubbed the San Francisco Lone Sailor Memorial, the monument is a replica of the original Francisco architect, designed portions of the edifice. The memorial recognizes all four of the country's sea services through sculptures in relief: merchant marine cargo vessels being attacked during World War II, an aircraft going airborne from the deck of a Navy carrier, a Coast Guard cutter and helicopter conducting rescue operations involv- Lone Sailor statue situated at the three-year contract. U.S Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Stanley Bleifield, the U.S Navy Memorial's official sculptor, created the latest Lone Sailor version. It stands 7 feet tall and weighs in at a reported 800 pounds. Fred Warnecke, a San The agreement, which goes into effect this month, calls for wage increases as well as better medical and pension benefits. Seafarers covered by this contract will receive "plan G" medical insurance, which provides comprehensive coverage for Crowley Seafarers Approve Contract SIU members who work for Crowley Liner Services at Petty's Island, N.J. have approved a new ing a sailboat at sea, and Marines landing on a beach. The number of sea-service men and women who have shipped out through the Golden Gate over the years is gargantuan by any standard. During World War II alone, more than 1.5 million utilized the route. A plaque on the statue reads: "This is one last chance to look back at the city of San Francisco, shining on its hills, one last chance to look back at the coastline of the United States, one last chance to look back home." members and their dependents. Serving on the negotiating committee were Seafarers John Wozunk, John Gallagher, John Haller, Bruce Swanson and Michael Fay along with SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joseph Soresi and Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone. "It's an excellent contract that was approved by a nearly unanimous tally," stated Wozunk. Crowley operates roll-on/rolloff barges that run between Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Fla. and Puerto Rico. Seafarers LOii 7 �2 Die In Cape Horn Fire Two members of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) died March 31 in a main engine room fire aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Horn. Chief Mate Tim Bohan and First Asst. Engineer Phil Hellesto perished in the accident, which took place in the Pacific Ocean approximately 800 miles east of Honolulu. The fire's origin is being investigated, although the U.S. Coast Guard has indicated that the suspected cause "is a broken fuel line between No. 8 and No. 9 cylinder heads for the injectors or valve lifters." . The 749-foot Cape Horn, part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF), was transporting military cargo in support of the annual exercise Cobra Gold. A "Class B" fire started in the upper level of the engine room; it was contained and extinguished, thanks to the heroic efforts of Bohan and Hellesto as well as those of other crew members. The USNS Shasta, a U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ammumtlon carrier crewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division, was en route from Port Hadlock, Wash. to Pearl Harbor on March 31 when it received a distress call about the Cape Horn. Billy Bushey, an AB on the Shasta, reported the following: "Upon receiving the distress call, Shasta immediately diverted and proceeded at full speed to the Cape Horns location. Bosun Pat Arabaca and the deck department broke out and rigged all the ship's towing gear m just six hours. "Shasta arrived on scene early a.m. of April 1 and at sunrise commenced transferring fuel, drinking water and personnel to the Cape Horn to assist in rigging for tow. Eventually, three deck machinists, ship's Cargo Bosun Gary Vargas and Bosun Mate Guillermo Reyes worked very long hours aboard the Cape Horn to break the anchor and rig the chain for tow. "High winds, rough seas and rain made it impossible to get a messenger across until the morning of April 3. Capt. Greg Hague very skillfully maneuvered the Shasta across the Cape Horns bow, and the ship's RHIB boat crew got the messenger across and the tow was rigged. Shasta towed the Cape Horn for about 24 hours until [a locally contracted tug] showed up and we passed the tow to her. "Shasta s last duty was to take on board the remains of the two unfortunate brother mariners who perished in the fire and transport them to Hawaii, where we arrived April 6. "All hands participated at ·one time or another over the four days of this operation." The photos accompanying this story were taken by Carl Go, radio electronics technician aboard the USNS Shasta. They illustrate some of the salvage operations involving the Shasta and the Cape Horn following the fatal engine room fire aboard the latter vessel March 31. In the photos above and below left, the Cape Horn, part of the RRF, is pictured from aboard the USNS Shasta in the Pacific. Below right, crew members on the Cape Hom begin the early stages of the recovery operation. The rescue-boat crew got a messenger across and the tow was rigged (four photos below). Pictured in photo at left, from left to right, are the boat crew and one of the men who rigged the tow on the Cape Horn. They are AB Fred Occular, Jr. Engineer Fred Alexander, Second Officer Alex Munz, Bosun Mate Bob Sanchez and Bosun Mate Gil Reyes. Former Port Agent George Vukmir Dies A former SIU official who came ashore in the early 1980s and then went back to sea has passed away. Brother George Vukmir, 54, died Feb. 16--the victim of a heart attack. Born in Washington, Brother Vukmir joined the SIU in 1969 in Seattle. He shipped in the deck department, first sailing under the SIU colors aboard the Isco-operated Steel Apprentice. No stranger to self-improvement, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1973 and again in 2001. Brother Vukmir came ashore in the early '80s as a patrolman in the port of Tacoma, Wash. Several years later, he was appointed Tacoma port agent. He went back to sea in the late '90s and continued sailing until 2001. His last vessel was the Tacoma , a CSX Lines ship. SIU Tacoma Secretary Brenda Delia had particularly fond memories of Vukmir. "Both my sister and I worked for George over the years," she recalled. "I started working for him in 1989 when I became secretary here, but my sister worked for him in the earlier years. "We both regarded him as a very sweet, fair and outgoing person who was a pleasure to work with and be around," Delia continued. "Beyond all else though, he was union through and through ... . Although some people thought he had a tough exterior, he was really just a teddy bear. He would do anything he · could to help SIU members," she concluded. "He was a real thorough guy from the very first time I met him," offered Harmando Salazar, B Seafarers LOG Brother George Vukmir Jan. 13, 1948 - Feb. 16, 2002 SIU Jacksonville, Fla. representative. "I knew George for a good 25 years, and during that time, I never heard anything bad about him." Salazar initially met Vukmir in New Orleans when he (Salazar) was a patrolman paying off a ship. "George told me that he was the nephew of Steve Troy when we first met, so right away I knew he was all right (Troy is a former SIU official). "He always carried himself well and people thought a lot of him," Salazar continued. ·"I was real hurt when I heard the news about his death. I'll miss him and I'm sure the union will too." SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz also had warm memories of the late Vukmir. "George was quite the character," said Dietz. "He was a lot of fun and a very interesting person to work with." "When I first got hired and sent to Seattle, he was the patrolman out there," Dietz continued. "I guess that was around 1986, and I have known him ever since. He was a loyal SIU member who will be missed a great deal by union brothers and sisters." Vukmir was buried Feb. 25 at the Evergreen Cemetery m Enumclaw, Wash. May2002 �Devil in the Details? Getting mariners to their ships and home again is a time-consuming and complicated job. It's also job that will grow bigger and more complicated because in 2005 the U.S . Military Sealift command (MSC) estimates that there will be more than 5,000 unlicensed civil service mariners operating MSC vessels. For the past several years the union has heard many concerns from mariners about the difficulties they have encountered dealing with Afloat Personnel Management Center (APMC) placement representatives or "detailers." Sometimes detail problems occur as a result of MSC system issues such as the current manpower shortage and recruitment and retention issues. MSC is addressing these issues and the union is working with MSC in several areas to resolve the manpower deficit. The union and Civmars appreciate the efforts of those placement representatives who work hard to communicate regularly with Civmars about their assignments and other requests. Still, pr?blems such as overdue relief, failure to get adequate vacation or training time still exist. MSC and the union are negotiating Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction (CMPI) provisions and will negotiate new contracts this year. It is important for the union and MSC to fully understand these issues and address them. Union representatives have already brought these concerns to the attention of APMC labor and placement team representatives and their supervisors. We have also brought these concerns to representatives at MSC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The union has proposed several changes that we believe would result in better placement support for mariners. Additionally, the union has established an e-mail address to receive information from Civmars describing your interactions with the MSC placement specialists. Mariners are encouraged to send examples, both positive and negative of their interactions and communications with APMC placement personnel. Please make your message as detailed as possible. Include the dates and times of communications (or dates and times of calls), who you spoke with or who you were trying to reach. Let us know the results of these calls (For example, were the calls returned? Was your call returned in a time1y manner? Was your issue resolved in a satisfactory way?). Please include your name, rating and ship assignment. The union will not share personal information with the agency unless it is authorized by the mariner; and union representatives will ensure that you won't OPM Starts Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on March 25 kicked off a new federal benefit- a long-term care insurance program through which approximately 20 million federal employees and members of the uniformed services, as well as retirees of both groups and certain family members, may apply for coverage. OPM is the insurance program's sponsor. The early enrollment period (which began March 25 and ends May 15) coincides with a nationwide education campaign conducted by Long Term Care Partners, LLC. Long Term Care Partners is a joint venture of MetLife and John Hancock, the program's insurers, and will be devoted exclusively to this insurance plan. During early enrollment, prepackaged policies can be purchased for three- or five-year periods, with daily benefits of $100 or $150. For individuals who want greater flexibility, daily benefits ranging from $50 to $300 (in $25 increments) can be purchased. (Additional plan options, including an unlimited benefit, will be available during the regular open enrollment, which runs from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2002.) be penalized for sharing this information. This e-mail address is established to receive information about placement experiences only. If you do not have access to e-mail, please send a letter to your union representative For grievances or other issues please follow the established procedures for communication with union representatives. Generally, participants in this survey will not receive a response. If you would like a response to your submission, please send your e-mail directly to your union representative. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with the union. Send your information to: civmarsupport@seafarers.org. For individuals ages 18-30, premiums are $8.40 per month for a policy that offers a threeyear, daily benefit of $100 and a 90-day waiting period, or $32 depending on the type of inflation protection chosen. After age 30, premiums will vary based on age, amount of coverage, length of coverage, and other factors. For more inf~ ;,~, Uon q(fa OPM's new insuran progrartt~'s" call 800 582-33S7 or visit - http://www.opm.goyUnsurelttcl.~, or http://www.ltcfeds.c;omf Two methods of inflation protection are offered, according to OPM. The automatic compound inflation option increases benefit levels by 5 percent each year, without a corresponding rise in premiums. Under the future purchase option, policyholders receive benefit increases based on the Medical-Consumer Price Index every two years. An additional premium will be charged and based on the individual's age at the time of the increase. Enrollees can decline increases under this option. The early enrollment period is most appropriate for individuals who are better informed about long-term care insurance. OPM urges those who are not as familiar with this insurance product to use the education period to decide which, if any, long-term care insurance best fits their needs. Oorah! Celona Named Honorary U.S. Marine SIU Asst. VP West ~oast Nick Celena (left) is congratulated by Col. J.L. Ledoux, co_mmandmg officer of the 23rd Marine Regiment, on his honorary apprnntment to the Corps. The U.S. Merchant Marine always has maintained close ties with the nation's military, but for one SIU official the bond recently became even tighter. On March 19, SIU Asst. Vice President Nick Celona was named an honorary member of the 23rd Marine Regiment during ceremonies at ~he Marine Corps base in San Bruno, Calif. The certificate proclaimmg Celona's appointment cited his work with the union and with military ve~erans. It also noted the SIU official's efforts to publicize the Corps (m the context of the merchant marine). "He coi:itinues to display th~ highest degree of patriotism in support of the Umted States of Amenca and America's Corps of Marines," states the document. ~he hoi:ior includ~d a flag-raising ceremony and a reception, the certificate itself, Marme Corps pins and decals and an invitation to the regiment's annual "birthday ball" later this year. "This isn't something the Marines do too often so it means a lot to me," Celona noted. ' ~oth he .and Col. J.L. Ledoux, commanding officer of the 23rd Manne Regiment, used the occasion to speak to the troops about the merchant marine's role in national defense. Ledoux, who has served aboard the SIU-crewed prepositioning ship MV Jack Lummus, noted that the "fourth arm of defense" is vital in delivering materiel to U.S. forces both during conflicts and during peacetime missions. "He was very complimentary toward the merchant marine, and the troops seemed very interested," Celona recalled. "I then had a chance to speak to them, and pointed out that the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Marine Corps have been intertwined since the very first days of this country, all the way through to the present. We've been on the forefront of supplying the cargo so they can get the job done." ~elona conc_luded by reiterating the union's commitment to protectu~g U.S. national and economic security, and the Marines responded with a hearty "oorah," the service's signature call. Celona's father served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-50. With Civmars in Norfolk, Va. SIU Government Services Division Representatives Kate Hunt (top photo, right) and Maurice Cokes (at right, third from right) met recently with members aboard the USNS Mt. Baker and the USNS Supply, respectively. The shipboard meetings took place in Norfolk, Va. May2002 Pictured at the reception are Col. Bill Bremer (Ret.) , Col. Hank Morris (~et.) , SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, Col. Donald Reed (Ret.) and Richmond, Calif. Sanitary Service VP Len Stefanelli. Seafarers LOG 9 �LOG-A-RHYTHMS by Todd M. Curry Teardrops of angels falling from heavens domain Falling to the earth to show all His children His mercy, love and grace. He cries for His children who gave their very lives So others can live once more in His heavenly delight. They show us the path back to Gods holy ways For their sacrifice was given in love and they did not die in vain. They planted a seed that will always grow fast And it is in the simple act of love That their memory will always last. So do not weep out ofsorrow, Do not weep out ofpain Just love others as you have so been loved and their memory shall always go on Forever and a day. (This poem, penned Sept 11, 200 l by SA Todd M. Curry aboard the USNS Shughart, is (•dedicated to the memory of all the brave Americans who gallantly gave their lives for the well-being of others so we can continue to pursue life) liberty and happiness for all." Another poem by Curry follows.) by Todd M. Curry I cannotpredict the future lam unable to change the past I can only live for the moment Loving others as I have so been loved So the memory offallen friends Will always last. An Easter Rhyme for My Angel by Jeffrey A. MatJgold . An Easter rhyme Seafarer Oubre Says Sailing on Friday Worth Reading Any Day of the Week The follo wing book review was written by Rev. Sinclair Oubre, a member of the SIU The volume is "Sailing on Friday: The Perilous Voyage of Americas Merchant Marine, " by John Butler. The book is published by Brassey Books, based in Washington, D. C. When I prepared to ship out on the MIV Seabulk Challenge, I searched my "to-be-read" library, and pulled this little volume out) and threw it in my sea bag. Over the last five days, as we sat at anchor at Galveston Roads mon- . itoring the anchor chain during the 8-12 watch, I have enjoyed this wonderful book. Beginning with the first chapter) Mr. Butler) a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, takes us on a brisk voyage covering more than 200 years of U.S. merchant marine history. He does this by taking sections of maritime history to describe the ups and downs of our industry. At the same time, he provides a cornucopia of maritime trivia and facts to hold our interest. In the opening paragraph, he describes the meaning of the title: "Superstitious sailors, and few are not to some degree, have long believed that if they set sail on Friday something would go wrong and that misfortune almost certainly would befall them if thaf day was also the thirteenth of the month. Yet probably more ships leave port on Friday than on any other day of the week. A merchant ship earns money only while under way) so it makes sense for the captain to put to sea before a weekend to keep otherwise idle crew members occupied in productive work." Over the next 249 pages, Mr. Butler narrates both the high and low points of that 200-year history, and holds the reader spellbound with maritime trivia. For instance) Mr. Butler explains · that the term "packet ship" comes from the canvas and leather packets of mail that were routinely shipped across the Atlantic. He reveals that the ship Alert which Richard Henry Dana Jr. (author of Two Years SailiDll on Friday Before the Mast) returned from California on, was destroyed by the Confederate Naval Ship Alabama under have passed) and so has its marthe amazing command of Commander Raphael Semmes. itime primacy. However) like the As a priest who is very young tanker captain, there will involved with worker issues, and continue to be work to do, organized labor, I most appreciwhether it is Jones Act cargo, ated Mr. Butler's sensitivity to military sealift or PL 480 agrithe working conditions of seafar- culture cargo. However, like the young, optimistic cadet, there ers. He shows a good understanding of maritime labor histo- remain tremendous optimism ry, and the important role it and enthusiasm in our industry. For our nation to see a new played in U.S. seafarer welfare. dawn for its merchant marine) However, he is no apologist for labor) and has no problem we must dedicate our national recounting some of its foibles treasurers of innovation and and shortsightedness leading-edge technology. The book contains a good Mr. Butler concludes the book index which allows the reader to with an epilogue that draws on find people, ships and events the lives of three different seawith ease. The author also farers. One is a mariner at the end of his career, the second is a includes a time line that helps the reader see the historical relayoung tanker captain, and the tionship between events. The third is a young woman cadet at the U.S. Merchant Marine book contains chapter notes, but Academy. These three persons I would have preferred that the author used more conventional symbolize our maritime history footnotes. and national maritime policies. Like the old mariner, the U.S. For those readers of the merchant marine as we have Catholic Maritime N ews who are known it since the end of World interested in understanding where we have been as a marWar II is at the end of its voyage. It has done well, and was itime people, this book is a great · introduction that will lead the the largest and greatest in the world, but many of the historical. reader to further and deeper events that lead to its ascendancy studies. to help our time apart, remain free of disparity. Thanks from Express Marine Jesus will help us claifY the reas_ons why we have a need to always be of.for, with the other, in spirit. Listen! Can you hear it? At this time every year, His message, ever so clear. At distance in flesh, yet still we mesh our hearts, our minds, forever intertwined Our roles, our souls, coincide our goals. with His. Thank God for His promise. thank God for us! (Jeffrey A. Mangold, who sailed as an AB, wrote this poem for his best friend of more than 30 years.) 10 Seafarers LOG Three retiring inland Seafarers each were given a parting gift from New Jersey-based Express Marine, lnc.-a framed photograph of the tugs on which they last worked. Clockwise from above are Charlie Foster at his retirment party on the tug Consort; Stewart Parks and his wife, Connie, with their picture of the tug Escort; and Walton McHorney and his wife, Josie, with their framed memento. Express Marine's SIU-crewed tugs push coal barges from piers in Hampton Roads, Va. up the East Coast to power plants in the Northeast. May2DD2 �USNS Martin OD Duty As part of the Maritime Prepositioning Program of the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, the SIU-crewed USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin (and the other vessels in that fleet) support a full range of activities. They carry everything from tanks and ammunition to food, hospital supplies and fuel for both humanitarian missions and major military operations. With special equipment, the prepositioning ships are able to off-load at piers or from offshore, and their roll-on/roll-off ramps are ideal for loading and off-loading wheeled vehicles and tanks. Each ship has a flight deck for helicopter operations but carries no operational aircraft. The USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin first loaded up at Blount Island, Fla. in 2000 and was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. Operated by Osprey Ship Management, Inc., the 754-foot vessel was named in memory of 1st Lt. Harry L, Martin, who posthumously was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 March 1945." Left: Chief Steward Stanley J. , Krystosiak gets a bit tearyeyed as he chops onions. DEU Ali K. Zaidan is ready to replace some of the burned-out light · bulbs aboard ship. Right: With paintbrushes at the ready, ABs Miguelita Salada (left) and AB Wayne Smiley (right) begin work while Chief Mate Christopher Hill looks on. Keeping the vessel ship-shape is SA Saleh Ahmed. In the wheelhouse are Capt. Jeffery L. Sutton (left) and AB James Davis Jr. Left: The engine gang consists of (from left) QMED Sergio AyalaDiaz, DEU Ali Zaidan, 3rd Asst. Engineer Andrew Putski and Engine Cadet Christopher Kapfer. 'Fourth Arm of Defense' Oft'ersJob Opportunities A vital, civilian component of America's national defense structure offers job opportunities for entry-level personnel and military veterans alike. One avenue leading to employment openings in the U.S. Merchant Marine is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The school, open since 1967, guarantees its graduates a job. Offering dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses and world-class training equipment, the Paul Hall Center provides the training needed for a successful career in the merchant marine, including a highly regarded entry-level program as well as courses for veterans who have qualifying sea time in a deck or engine rating. Although it's not part of the armed services, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been a key part of America's national defense since the country's earliest days. That role never was more evident than during World War II, when General Eisenhower dubbed the civilian mariners America's "fourth arm of defense." Today, the merchant marine consists ofU.S.flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. Some serve in military support roles, while others operate only in the commercial sector. Since its founding, the Paul Hall Center (named for the SIU's second president) has helped tens of thousands of SIU members hone their skills and advance their shipboard careers. Overall, more than 50,000 rated and licensed seamen have completed upgrading classes at the training center; and 21,000 young men and women from every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and several Unlicensed Apprentice Tiffany Nettles trains U.S. territories have graduated from the on a lifeboat davit at trainee program for those just beginning the Piney Point, Md~ their maritime careers. school. Among the school's most beneficial training tools are the bridge and engine simulators, the marine fire fighting and safety school and the culinary lab. Students at the southern Maryland school may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. For information about the training center and the union, visit the web site www.seafarers.org, or call toll-free at 1-877-2353275. May2002 Joseph Manning (at wheel), guided by his instructor Maurice Chambers, demonstrates the hands-on nature of the apprentice program. Right: Arts and crafts schooling, such as that practiced by Harold Gerber 11 in this photo, is designed to help students develop and refine certain skills that are relevant to their shipboard assignments. Seafarers LOG 11 �From Sea to Sliining Sea Wit.Ii tlleSIU Left: HOUSTON - SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee (left) congratulates Capt. William Fisher (accompanied by his wife, Mary) upon receipt of his first pension check. Fisher worked with Higman Barge Lines as well as Sabine Towing & Transportation Co. for 40 years. DEFENDER - Chief Cook Saundra Leonard prepares her grandmother's southern fried chicken recipe for crew members aboard the Defender (USSM). Left: TAMPA - Jacksonville SIU Port Agent Anthony McQuay (right) meets with Bosun Michael Proveaux (left) and AB Almus Allen aboard the Sulphur Enterprise. NEW JERSEY - SIU Rep Edward Pulver (second from right) lends his support to CWA Local 1034, which is engaged in a bitter organizing struggle with Enable Health Care. Key organizers in the campaign have been summarily fired without justification. The CWA organizing slogan for this campaign is "Jobs with Justice." Pulver also serves as the president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council. Up to his neck in work is AB Travis Jackson on the deck of the Prince William Sound. Left: CME Gregorio Abalos checks to see that the cranes are operating smoothly in port. Above: Richard Barnhart (right) receives his new "A" seniority book from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Right: Sidney Wallace is the bosun aboard the /TB Groton. Stephen Kastel (center), bosun aboard the Innovator (USSM), is pleased to receive copies of the new standard contract from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (left) and SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell. 12 Seafarers LOS May2002 �tions from crew members pertaining to clothing allowances and work performed during meal hours. . The ~eatt1{B~,. LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard · ininiltes as possible~ On occasion, because of space ~ ·liRJilations~ some will be omitted. Ships f!llnutestirst are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upolrrecefpt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ···· to the Seafarers LOG for publication. GLOBAL LINK (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.), Jan. 18-Chairman Bernardo Cruz, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Franklin A. Coburn, Deck Delegate Robert V. Bakeman, Engine Delegate John Hoskins. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 31 in Baltimore. Vessel docked in Baltimore; no word yet on future operations. Educational director advised crew members of deadline for compliance with STCW training. He also led discussion on prevention of drug and alcohol problems. Secretary stated $3,000 in ship's fund. Deck delegate noted need for proper relief in his department. No disputed OT reported. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Jan. 6--Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Donald J. Mann Jr., Deck Delegate James T. Early. Chairman thanked crew for good trip. He noted needed repairs to ship and asked crew members to be patient until changes can be made. Educational director urged everyone to watch safety videos on board vessel and attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for revising pension plan benefits. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Ship will pay off in Long Beach, Calif., then sail to Oakland, Calif. before heading to Far East. HM/ DEFENDER (Seabulk Tankers), Jan. 31-Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Charles K. Dunnavant, Deck Delegate Tan A. Joon, Engine Delegate Demetrius Simmons, Steward Delegate Peter L. Crum. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 2 upon arrival in Lake Charles, La. although noted possible delay due to fog. Secretary asked everyone to leave rooms clean and with new sets of linen for reliefs. Educational director talked about STCW training and taking advantage of facilities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Lake Charles; Tampa, Fla. INNOVATOR (USSM), Jan. 13Chairman James R. Wilson, Secretary Charles A. Medeiros, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Hassin Ali. Chairman thanked crew for professionalism, noting smooth trip and pleasant sailing experience. He stated that former bosun, John Stout, had retired. Entire crew wished Stout a long and happy retirement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new mattresses and pillows as well as an article in the LOG about making individual contributions to the Money Purchase Pension Plan. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. KENAI (ATC), Jan. 30--Chairman Eric Berry, Secretary Dorothy M. Odoms, Educational Director Anthony R. Hulsey, Engine Delegate Patrick Lynch, Steward Delegate Self Salvation. Secretary stated galley in need of new equipment, including stoves, deep-fat May2002 fryer, grill, ventilation fans, heating lamp to keep food warm and refrigerator/freezer. Educational director encouraged crew members to attend Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Suggestion made that satellite cables be run into all unlicensed crew rooms. Chief Steward Odoms was welcomed back after being off for five months. Vote of thanks to Chief Cook Salvation for good job as relief steward, and thanks to Patrick Lynch and Ray Ramos for installing TV and refrigerators. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 27-Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Michael L. Baker, Educational Director Erik T. Bradshaw, Deck Delegate Robert C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Robert L. Stevenson. Secretary asked crew members to leave rooms clean for next arrivals. Educational director advised everyone of STCW enforcement policy. He urged crew to upgrade and take advantage of all Piney Point has to offer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for copies of contract. After Houston, ships heads to Mozambique and Kenya. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines), Jan. 27-Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Deck Delegate Danny H. Davis, Engine Delegate Daniel A. Beshears, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman thanked ABs for good job. He mentioned that if anyone gets injured aboard ship, the accident should be reported immediately to department head or nearest officer. Change of captains will occur in port of Balboa, Panama. Chairman asked that everyone help keep laundry room clean and in good order. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and of complying with required STCW training. He stated chief mate will fill out TRBs. Treasurer announced $600 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase available items in slop check locker. Suggestion also made to have shipboard water tested. Ship heading to ports in Panama, Colombia, Peru and Chile. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Jan. 23-Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Charles Walker, Deck Delegate Bonifacio B. Fortes, Engine Delegate Bryan Wells. Chairman announced arrival Jan. 28 in Cherry Point, Wash. He stated repair list posted and crew should fill it out. Chairman reminded crew members to check with supervisor prior to going on deck in inclement weather and to use centerline walkway. He also talked about separating plastic items from regular trash and about keeping watertight doors dogged. Educational director spoke about deadline for STCW compliance and advised crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract regarding working in bilges offwatch. Chairman answered ques- OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), Jan. 27-Chairman Roger C. Tupas, Jack A. Hart Jr., Steward Delegate Paul F. Diesner. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 9 in Jacksonville, Fla. He suggested crew read LOG to find out latest union news. Secretary thanked crew for good trip and for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point and make sure all shipping documents are up to date. Treasurer announced $128 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on no-injuries policy aboard vessel. New chairs needed for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine holiday meals and for Capt. Balano's delicious birthday party fare. PATRIOT (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), Jan. 31-Chairman Wayne D. Casey, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Educational Director Lino E. Remorin, Engine Delegate Vicente S. Cacacho. Chairman announced job well done by deck department. Secretary noted successful ship inspection. He advised crew members to watch for lint buildup on overhead exhaust vents. Educational director reminded everyone of deadline for STCW compliance. Treasurer explained two shipboard funds. Movie fund is given $2,000 annually ($166.60 per month) by company. Company also pays $300 each month to ship's fund for every month there are no lost-time injuries. There presently is $1,080 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were asked to return all movies brought to crew lounge. Steward given vote of thanks for great job. Bosun said he hasn't eaten so well in a long time, and day man joked he wants to rent a room when his time is up, just for the good food! Ship heading to Israel. SEABULK MARINER (Seabulk Tankers), Jan. 28-Chairman Rimvydas Ourbonas, Secretary George Monseur, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Blair C. Baker, Engine Delegate Jerome Dooms. Chairman announced payoff expected Dec. 31 in Norco, La. Crew members reminded to use safety equipment at all times and separate plastic items from regular garbage. Secretary thanked everyone for help keeping house clean. Educational director encouraged crew to be sure sailing papers are in order. No disputed OT reported; beef noted in deck department. Crew members requested union help with processing of Coast Guard paperwork. Also requested clarification on travel (cash vs. tickets) and asked for SMPPP statements. Another suggestion was for all ships to have same medical plan coverage. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CAPE JACOB (American Overseas Marine), Feb. 7-Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary Lauren J. Oram, Educational Director George C. Cruzen Jr., Deck Delegate Harry Massa, Steward Delegate Marco Guevara. Chairman reported ship still on heightened alert in Diego Garcia and could deploy at any time. Inspection will occur Feb. 15, and vessel will go on exercises Feb. 18. Secretary noted $500 in ship's fund. Recommendation made to buy software for crew's computer or more videos. Educational director reminded crew members to check shipping documents and make sure all are current. He advised everyone to try and learn something every day. "Whether on board ship or at Piney Point, knowledge is power." No beefs or disputed OT reported. Copy of SPAD poster received and posted in crew passageway. Suggestion made for crew to receive a day's pay for travel when joining ship. Thanks given to steward department for keeping everything rolling, especially chief steward "for mixing it up and keeping everyone upbeat and positive!" CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 28-Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Nelson S. Lazo, Deck helping keep ship clean. He asked crew to use street clothes washer and dryer only for street clothes. Educational director reminded crew members of safety precautions while at sea. Some disputed OT reported by deck and engine delegates. Clarification requested on whether steward department members need STCW training. Suggestion made for ship to have headquarters e-mail address in order to clarify issues aboard ship while at sea. Repairs/replacements requested for chairs and settee in lounge as well as chairs in crew mess hall. Steward department Sailing with the "A-Team" From Recertified Chief Steward Russell B. Beyschau comes this photo of the "A-Team"-the galley gang-on the Endurance. Beyschau (right), who is known for his decorated birthday cakes aboard the USSM vessel, is joined here by Chief Cook Enrique Garrido (left) and SA Jaime Castillo Delegate Michael D. Wittenberg, Engine Delegate Victor I. Mondeci, Steward Delegate Timothy R. Hubbert. Chairman announced March 2 payoff in Savannah, Ga. He expects satellite dish to be fully installed by March 8. Secretary talked about engine room fire aboard ship and expressed his thanks to everyone for fast and professional response. "I would like to thank the union for having all of our crew take basic safety training," he said. "It works." Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $74 in ship's fund. All other funds were used to purchase satellite dish. Beef rep01ted in deck department; some disputed OT reported in steward department. Next ports: Savannah, Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia. EXPLORER (USSM), Feb. 3Chairman Raymond "Skip" Yager, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Kenneth Smith, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate Fadel A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Larry Lopez. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 6 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary asked crew members to separate bottles and cans from rest of trash. Educational director talked about compliance with STCW regulations and advised everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $3,600 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to purchase new antenna for crew lounge and upgrade video service to DVDNCD (which would require machines that work in both USA and Asia). Request also made for computer software. Next port: Long Beach. INTEGRITY (USSM), Feb. 30-Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Leopoldo P. Emnace, Engine Delegate Conrado Martinez. Bosun reported wonderful trip and great weather. Secretary thanked crew for praised for fabulous menus and meals. Bosun asked crew to remember to re-wrap night lunch for next person. Crew requested computer for communal use. Wiper suggested refrigerators for each room. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), Feb. 24-Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Kevin A. Kellum, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman said crew joined ship Feb. 9 in Singapore. Following March 1 payoff in Tacoma, Wash., vessel will begin Triangle Run (Oakland, Long Beach, Hawaii). He thanked crew for working well together and for help in cleaning ship after period in shipyard. He reminded everyone to keep doors closed while in port and to be sure shipping documents are up to date. Secretary stated $30 in tuna fund was transferred to movie fund. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for higher ratings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new furniture for crew's lounge and fans and refrigerators for each cabin. Thermostats should be turned off in empty rooms. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Maritime Overseas), Feb. 3Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Earl N. Gray Sr., Deck Delegate Daniel P. Seymour, Engine Delegate Linton L. Reynolds Jr., Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Bosun informed crew that captain will reimburse everyone who paid for launch services while ship was anchored in Manta, Ecuador. They should bring receipts to captain. Chairman announced Feb. 7 payoff on arrival in Galveston, Texas. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and of upgrading skills in Piney Point for job security. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Suggestion made for next contract to include paid return transportation following fourmonth tour of duty. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOG 13 • �·. Vacation at Piney Point • • • How people choose to spend their hard-earned vacation time is a scaped grounds. And three delicious meals are provided each day! personal thing. Some may wish to relax and just get away from But, definitely, take a box lunch and a camera and go to the zoo. their busy routines at home or at work. Others may take the opporIf it's relaxation you want, just stroll around the zoological park, tunity to educate themselves by reading, sightseeing or going to looking at the incredible collection of animals and soaking up the museums. Still others may simply just want to have fun. warmth of Washington's summer weather. It's rare you can get all those possibilities wrapped into one If it's educational opportunities you seek, the zoo will fit the bill. The 163-acre Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Rock Creek activity. But we have the spot for you-The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Park was established by an Act When you choose to spend of Congress in 1889 "for up to two weeks of your sum· advancement of science and the mer vacation at the Paul Hall instruct~on and recreation of the Center in Piney Point, Md., people.'' Itis a world leader in the zoo is an easy day trip exhibition, conservation, zooaway, as are many other logical research and education. attractions in the nation's capHome to more than 5,800 aniital or in nearby Baltimore, mals, it was the first zoo estabAnnapolis and northern lished with the purpose of savVirginia. ing animals on the brink of Each summer, a number of extinction. Today, nearly 130 of rooms in the center's training the zoo's species of animals are and recreation center are set endangered or threatened. aside for vacationing SIU If it's just fun you're seeking, members and their families. watch the famous cuddly panda With an ideal location on bears, Mei Ziang and Tian Tian, the banks of the St George's as they frolic about, munching 9reek in Southern Maryland, on vast:quantities of bambq~>. the Paul Hall Center is the .-. -Or check out the baby Suinatran perfect place from which to tiger cub, born Sept. 18, 2001, base a family vacation. as he develops his skills as a tiger. Or wander around the elephant The center, which houses the largest training facility for unlihouse and see Kandula, the male Asian elephant born Nov. 25, who censed deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen is growing fast, gaining from one to four pounds each day. There"s in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and also Kraken, a Komodo dragon, and Mechi and Kali, greater oneeducational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and homed Asian rhinos, and Jana, a giraffe bom Jan. 18, 200 L "a ·six..story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of The zoo is open every day of the year (except Dec. 25). During waterfront property the summer, the grounds are open.f rom 6 a.m. unt-il 8 p.m. and the The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and there are cer- buildings from .-.10 a.m. to ·6 p.m. And-admission is free! (Parking tainly enough amenities and activities to keep everyone in the fami- is $5 for the first three hours and $2 for each additional hour.) ly happy. There is a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tenUse of the Piney Point facilities as a vacation spot is a special nis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health benefit for Seafarers and their families. Why not take advantage of spa and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landit this summer by sending in your reservation form now! • • • and Visit the Zoo ,.-.--- --·----- ------ ___ .. ----------- ---- -- ------- ----- --- ------- --- ----·--- ---- ---- -·------ --- I l ~-- ---- ------ ---- ----- ----,. I i PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information l : l : I I A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. I :I Name: I :I Social Security number: UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Book number: I : Address: I I I I l • Telephone number: Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) 3rd choice: _ __ Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 5102 Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 14 Seafarers LOG May2002 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 -APRIL 15, 2002 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIIlPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington al 4 3 7 25 28 16 23 26 11 3 3 9 28 4 32 32 255 2 3 1 8 0 6 15 23 10 · 12 ·9. 9 0 9 10 0 12 9 134 0 1 5 2 0 4 9 10 5 19 12 6 6 22 13 20 13 18 5 12 0 0 6 12 2 24 21 167 7 16 27 2 4 4 11 4 3 15 14 21 158 124 0 2 0 3 2 24 2 8 9 9 0 0 5 7 3 15 7 96 l l 0 17 3 7 8 1 2 7, 4 0 0 0 3 9 18 20 8 2 7 14 12 10 7 4 0 12 17 14 4 7 18 5 3 1 2 14 2 25 16 141 · I 2 l 8 4 3 0 2 11 3 6 11 6 6 4 5 8 4 6 0 0 2 9 3 1 ·o 53 25 27 2 q__ 11 26 44 18 6 24 17 5 Honolulu ................. Friday: June 14, July 19 Houston .................. Monday: June 10, July 15 10 3 13 43 3 3 4 9 47 56 82 59 79 422 7 0 12 2 5 0 12 29 9 33 10 16 38 6 8 3 14 20 13 12 4 1 15 0 6 2 4 4 8 5 3 11 2 9 4 66 4 8 2 2 5 4 2 3 1 2 3 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 4 0 6 2 9 2 0 25 45 0 0 0 2 3 4 0 5 4 11 1 2 1 3 0 10 18 18 1 1 0 7 16 16 .2 3 20 206 19 14 167 15 7 97 17 7 44 0 0 . 3 9 o o 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 5 0 23 23 2 0 0 l 5 0 9 31 7 7 13 5 19 0 0 0 1 3 13 4 4 3 4 4 1 14 6· 3 26 8 7 lO 19 6 4 0 5 1 5 10 0 l 3 9 2 4 3 6 2 5 0 2 5 1 1 2 l 0 1 I1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 18 9 61 2 0 20 18 7 87 I 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 5 2 6 11 3 4 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 7 28 1 6 0 0 Mobile 0 New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico. San Francisco 3 6 2 0 0 4 8 o 2 4 1 16 9 21 5 14 28 13 2 6 4 9 3 36 l 39 8 1 7 0 2 8 0 84 66 0 0 4 2 5 4 62 46 50 3 31 69 19 1 26 7 19 2 44 36 426 773 1 0 22 0 5 3 12 I 16 2 5 1 16 6 93 2 4 67 0 0 0 0 9 11 66 . 269 157 185 957 828 2 19 3 0 1 2 7 0 0 1 7 6 42 22 8 165 174 0 3 0 4 2 22 572 463 368 363 15 Mobile .................... Wednesday: June 12, July 17 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: June 18, July 23 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 11, July 16 New York................ Tuesday: June 4, July 9 Norfolk ................... Thursday: June 6, July 11 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: June 5, July 10 Port Everglades .......Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Juan ..................Thursday: June 6, July 11 St. Louis ................. Friday: June 14, July 19 Savannah ................ Friday: June 7, July 12 Tacoma ................... Friday: June 21, July 26 0 0 0 0 0 6 3 1 0 5 12 2 0 0 7 10 0 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Luau on the Maui 2 3 29 1 1 39 19 32 13 18 65 19 3 19 9 22 3 33 19 319 18 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: June 19, July 24 0 263 4 0 8 11 8 2 8 12 5 0 17 17 4 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 6, July 11 Wilmington ...............Monday: June 17, July 22 o 0 0 2 2 3 1 0 0 1 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: June 12, July 17 11 0 4 7 5 21 26 184 ; Boston .....................Friday: June 7, July 12 37 14 2 11 12 3 11 4 4 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 6, July 1 I 15 29 5 10 0 Algonac .................. Friday: June 7, July 12 18 7 6 0 Piney Point ............. Monday: June 3, July 8 48 17 4 27 24 258 2 5 1 47 2 3 3 4 0 11 14 2 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 4 1 1 Totals All Departments 4 5 6 2 3 3 Port Tacoma Wilmington Totals 10 9 5 1 3 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville . $t. Lguis~ 11 2 1 3 3 87 3 4 7 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 50 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT l 0 Port AlgonacBaltimore Trip Reliefs June & July 2002 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Each voyage, on the evening before arrival in Honolulu, everyone aboard Matson Navigation Co.'s SS Maui looks forward to a shipboard luau . This photo of the steward department was taken during a recent luau by the vessel's master, Donald Marshall. From the left are Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed, Asst. Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz, Room Steward Mohamed Ahmed and Chief Steward Muhamad Sani. Marshall notes, "This SIU steward department is a credit to the union and has made the SS Maui a real feeder." • *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2002 Seafarers LOG 15 ,.. �Seafarers lntemalional Union Directory N1'111 1'1onthl7 Shipping A Registration Report MARCH2002 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group ill John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez. Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast .Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Rene Lioeanjfo, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at large • • HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 7 7 9 8 2 7 6 7 53 2 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 9 0 1 0 1 0 3 7 3 4 3 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 1 11 5 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 4 11 59 4 0 3 4 53 7 4 2 0 0 16 11 10 16 0 11 130 37 12 2 0 5 0 2 16 15 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr., Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St, Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St.. #1 c. Anchorage, AK 99503 (901) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON ~20 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 30 l-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (67l) 647-1350 U:ONOLl.JLU 606 Kalilii St., Honolulu, Bl 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 J 07302 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Jsland Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 {718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box. 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE l057FemandezJuncosAve., Stop !6 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., SL Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 SAVANNAH 2220 Bull St., Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 238-4958 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WlLMINGTON 510 16 . Broad Ave., Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarers LOS Boston 2 Houston 2 Harvey, LA New York 5 0 0 0 2 "-----~ 4 1 0 0 l 0 0 0 0 Savannah Tacoma Totals 3 6 30 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 11 1 Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals 2 3 1 2 1 12 -6 3 Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Savannah Tacoma Totals Totals All Departments """--·~-···~"''''''~ 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 -~~ 4 32 105 50 0 6 0 6 22 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 3 8 3 24 0 18 4 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 ·o 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 19 0 0 o_ 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 6 6 50 2 3 0 . 2 -· 2 12 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Boston 6 27 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Boston 2 2 5- - ·..~-"" . d Norfolk San Pedro Houston JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, (201) 435-9424 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port 1 6 0 0 12 3 0 3 33 19 70 4 6 124 370 0 19 118 26 0 0 3 0 13 0 0 3 3 0 5 15 5 0 5 23 4 3 0 2 16 6 21 1 19 1 19 85 5 1 4 0 0 2 4 4 0 2 1 0 0 2 0 5 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 5 0 5 3 5 10 15 8 40 0 0 30 4 34 0 15 7 18 6 15 110 110 209 154 18 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, taken by Seafarer Hector Reyes, was originally printed in the Feb. 19, 1954 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Nino Valdez (seated at right) and his wife were visiting old friends aboard the SIS Florida while the SIU-contracted vessel was in Havana Harbor. The Cuban-born Valdez was a professional boxer from 1941 until his defeat in 1959 by Sonny Liston. At one time, he was even one of the top contenders for Rocky Marciano's heavyweight title, but the fight never came about. The record books state that Valdez fought 69 pro fights in his career, compiling a 49-182 record with 36 KO wins and 5 KO defeats. When heavyweight bouts were hard to come by in the early '40s in Cuba , he worked as a longshoreman and construction laborer, which probably is how he befriended the Seafarers when they arrived in Havana. Nino Valdez died in New York June 3, 2001. May2002 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below qre brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. n this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. O DEEP SEA FIDELS. BROAS, 65, hails from the Philippines. Brother Broas served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1961. He started his SIU career in 1979 in Seattle, first sailing aboard the Del Sol. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1995. His most recent voyage was aboard the Liberator, operated by U.S. Ship Management. Brother Broas makes his home in New York. PLARIDEL P. CADIZ, 66, joined the SIU in 1970 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Buckeye Atlantic. The steward department member was born in the Philippines and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1990. Broth diz as wen o sea on the Sea-Land Producer. He is a resident of Sacramento, Calif JACKJ. COOPER, 71, was born in Virginia. Brother Cooper began his SIU career in 1980 in the port of Norfolk, Va., having served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1950 to 1970. His first ship was the Columbia. The deck department member upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md., completing bosun recertification training there in 1992 and LNG recertification instruction in 1998. Brother Cooper's last voyage was on the LNG Gemini. He makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. NORMAN DUHE, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New Orleans. The steward department member frequently enhanced his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, completing the steward recertification program in 1986. Born in Louisiana, he last worked on the Stonewall Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Duhe lives in his home state in the city of Slidell. · EUSEBIO FIGUEROA, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. He started his career with the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Figueroa fust sailed on May2002 the Seatrain Texas. The deck department member's last voyage was aboard the Equality State. Brother Figueroa calls Kirbyville, Texas home. · -~~I JAMES D. HARRIS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. His first ship was the City ofAlma. A member of the deck department, Brother Harris upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1977. His last trip was aboard Newport Tankers' Achilles. Brother Harris calls Wilmington, N.C. home. IGNATIUS MUZICH, 70, began his SIU career in 1994 in the port of New York. The Croatianborn mariner first sailed on the USNS American Osprey. A member of the deck department, Brother Muzich was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. His last voyage was aboard the Integrity. Brother Muzich is a resident of his native country. EUGENIO OYA, 69, was born in Spain. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. The deck department member upgraded his skills at Piney Point, Md. Brother Oya last worked on the Express, a U.S. Ship Management vessel. He lives in Sunnyvale, Calif. LEIFV. PEDERSEN, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Pederson first sailed on the Sealift China Sea. Born in Denmark, the deck department member last worked aboard the Nantucket Shoals. He calls Pearl, La. home. RODNEY J. PENCE, 45, began his career with the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. He "---..I..- - ' first sailed on the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Ship Management vessel. Born in Texas, Brother Pence worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1979 and 1995. His last voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Pence is a resident of Bacliff, Texas. DONALD RUND BLAD, 71 , joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. Born in New York, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Rundblad lives in Tacoma, Wash. HANABLE SMITH, 57, hails from Alabama. Brother Smith started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The deck department member enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1977. Brother Smith last shipped on the MV Courier. He makes his home in Mobile. FLORENCIO UMALI, 65 , joined the SIU in 1986 in the port of Honolulu following a 20year career in the U.S. Navy. Born in the Philippines, Brother Umali first shipped aboard the UNSN Contender. One of hi daughters was an SIU scholarship recipient who graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in education. Brother Umali sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the Constellation, a Maersk Lines vessel. He resides in Newport News, Va. EDGARDO VAZQUEZ, 71 , started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port ofNew York. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1981 and completed the steward recertification program in 1987. He last shipped on the Sea-Land Expedition. Brother Vazquez lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. TOMMIE VINES, 47, was born in Alabama. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Vines first sailed aboard the Buckeye Atlantic. The deck department member last worked on Puerto Rico Marine Management's Humacao. Brother Vines lives in Mobile, Ala. GREAT LAKES . JEROLD SAXON, 60, was born in Fayette, Mich. After serving in the U.S . Navy, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in Frankfort, Mich. Brother Saxon shipped in the deck department, last sailing on the JA. W Iglehart. He makes his home in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. INLAND THOMASJ. CROWLEY, 71 , started his SIU career in 1977 in Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Crowley is a military veteran, serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. A native of New York, he first worked aboard the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1949 The Atlantic and Gulf District of the Seafarers International Union scored a landslide victory in the recently concluded collective bargaining election on nine Cities Service ships, with the company's unlicensed personnel casting 8 9 percent of the valid ballots in favor of the union. Although only 12 of 11 0 ballots were cast in favor of the companysponsored Cities Service Tanker Men's Association, the company again challenged the election before the National Labor Relations Board. A previous election, in which 83 percent of the seamen voted for the SIU, was challenged and another election ordered. Seafarers are urged to stay on their ships until the NLRB sanctions the election, since the company is trying to replace them with "company union" men to reverse the SIU victory. Aquila. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1998. Boatman Crowley makes his home in Moreno Valley, Calif. ~liJ~l WILLIAMS. FISHER, 61, was born in Texas. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. A member of the deck department, Boatman Fisher shipped as a captain. He is a resident of Corrigan, Texas. ALVE CARL HOLMES, 61 , hails from Pennsylvania. Boatman Holmes started his SIU career in 1988 in the port of New Orleans. He worked as a launch operator, last sailing on a vessel operated by Alabama Pilot, Inc. He calls Pensacola, Fla. home. STEVENT. MORTON, 57, joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of New Orleans. Boaman Morton is =-=...._...- .. a military veteran, having served in the U.S . Army from 1963 to 1967. The engine department member last worked on a vessel operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. Boatman Morton lives in Franklenton, La. STEWART W. PARKS, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1981 in the port of Philadelphia. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2001. Boatman Parks makes his home in Tangier, Va. ships that are effectively controlled by the United States," Scott said, uare United States-flag vessels." He urged the Nixon Administration to base its decisions on maritime needs solely on "ships which fly the American flag and are manned by American citizens." Scott was the principal speaker at a day-long seminar sponsored in Washington, D.C. by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. The seminar was devoted to the problem of the "runaway-flag" fleet, which is now larger, in terms of tonnage, than American-owned vessels registered and crewed in this country. THIS MONTH JN SIU HISTORY 1969 A long-standing Defense Department theory that American-owned ships, registered under th~ flags of other countries, are under the "effective control" of the United States in time of crisis was sharply attacked by Senator Hugh Scott (R-Pa.). "The only 1989 Navy Secretary William L. Bell Ill said the crews of the Seafarers-manned Pacific T-AGOS fleet "demonstrated exceptional professional competence, resourcefulness, innovation and dedication in support of Pacific Fleet ASW operations while conducting consistently superb daily operations, numerous special ASW tasks and the development and employment of new systems." Secretary Bell's remarks were part of the citation accompanying the celebrated Navy Unit Commendation pennant and certificate presented · to the five SIU-crewed T-AGOS vessels operating in the Pacific. The SIU-crewed vessels play a key role in the national defense of the United States. Seafarers LOS 17 .... �.~nal Departures r ~ , ! DEEP SEA FLOYD ACORD Brother Floyd Acord, 45 , died Jan 28. He started his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The California native first went to sea aboard the William T. Steel, a Richmond Corp. vessel. Brother Acord shipped in the engine department. Brother Acord called Houston home. WOODY AINSWORTH Brother Woody Ainsworth, 55, passed away Jan. 19. Brother Ainsworth began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Houston. He first sailed on the Walter Rice, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. Born in Texas, he worked in the deck department. Brother Ainsworth last went to sea aboard the OM! Sacramento. He made his home in Arcadia, Texas. VERNER ANDERSEN Pensioner Verner Andersen, 84, died Feb. 3. He joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. The engine department member last worked on the Cove Navigator, a Cove Shipping vessel. Brother Andersen started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. He was a resident of Wayne, Fla. GEORGE BIETE Pensioner George Biete, 88, passed away Jan. 21 . Brother Biete started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). Born in the Philippines, he worked in the steward department. Brother Biete began receiving stipends for his retirement in 197 5. He made his home in Sacramento, Calif. CASSEL BRIDGMAN Pensioner Cassel Bridgman, 85, died Feb. 12. He started his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Bridgman served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard. His first SIU voyage was aboard the Bradford Island, operated by Cities Service. The Hyde County, N.C. native shipped in the deck department. He last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's William Harper. Brother Bridgman started receiving retirement compensation in 1972. He was a resident of Elizabeth City, N.C. GEORGE BURKE ~iljifl~~:;:-1 Pensioner George Burke, 74, died March 14. Brother Burke joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Burke's first SIU voyage was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, Brother 18 Seafarers LOB Burke shipped as a bosun. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Value. Brother Burke started receiving his pension in 1993 . He called Brooklyn, N.Y. home. BOBBY BUTTS Pensioner Bobby Butts, 76, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Butts started his SIU career in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala, after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954. His initial voyage was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The Mississippi-born mariner sailed in the deck department as a bosun. He last worked on the OM! Champion. Brother Butts started receiving his pension in 1989. He was a resident of Mobile. JOHN DMOCHOWSKY Pensioner John Dmochowsky, 77, died Feb. 19. Brother Dmochowsky began bis career with the Seafarers in 1977 in Detroit. He was a veteran of the U.S . Navy, serving from 1942 to 1946. The Perryopolis, Pa.born mariner shipped in all three divisions, working in the steward department. Brother Dmochowsky last worked on the Cornhusker State, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. He started receiving his pension in 1991 and made his home in Flat Rock, Mich. JESUS FERNANDEZ Pensioner Jesus Fernandez, 91 passed away March 3. Born in the Philippines, Brother Fernandez started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department member last worked on the Sea-Land St. Louis. Brother Fernandez began receiving his retirement stipend in 1976. He lived in Daly City, Calif. OLAV GUSTAVSEN Pensioner Olav Gustavsen, 81 , died Dec. 13. Brother Gustavsen began his career with the Seafarers in 1951. His initial voyage was aboard the Ft. Hoskins, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Born in Norway, the engine department member started receiving retirement payments in 1984. Brother Gustavsen made his home in San Francisco. HARRY HAGERMAN Pensioner Harry Hagerman, 87, recently passed away. Born in Samish Island, Wash., he joined the SIU in 1965 in Seattle. His initial voyage was aboard Moore-McCormack Lines' Robin Kirk. The deck department member last went to sea on the SeaLand Newark. Brother Hagerman began receiving his pension in 1989 and lived in his native state. MILTON HENTON LESTER PUGH Pensioner Milton Henton, 76, died Feb. 25. Brother Henton began his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. The Mississippiborn mariner first went to sea aboard the Gulf Water, a Metro Steamship vessel. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Henton last worked on the OM! Missouri and started receiving his pension in 1988. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. Pensioner Lester Pugh, 87, passed away Feb. 28 . The Alabama native was a charter member of the Seafarers, havL!-C"1<.~....:zi~~_--J ingjoined the union in 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the City of Alma, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Pugh left the SIU briefly to serve in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1944. The engine department member last worked aboard the John Tyler, another Waterman vessel. Brother Pugh started receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in his native state. PAUL HOLLOWAY Pensioner Paul Holloway, 77, passed away Jan. 7. Born in Wilkes County, N.C., Brother Holloway joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York. The U.S. Navy veteran first sailed aboard the French Creek, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The deck department member last worked on a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Holloway began receiving his pension in 1989. He lived in Elkin, N.C. ROBERT LAMBERT Pensioner Robert Lambert, 71 , died March 8. Brother Lambert launched his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The U.S. Navy veteran frrst shipped under the SIU colors aboard a Sprague Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Lambert sailed in the deck department as a bosun and last worked aboard the Sealift Arctic. Born in Florida, he began collecting retirement compensation in 1994. Brother Lambert made his home in Daphne, Ala. Wllllllll••lm ARTHUR MEDEIROS Brother Arthur Medeiros, 49, passed away • recently. Born in Hawaii, he joined the SIU in 1985 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Medeiros served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. His initial voyage for the Seafarers was aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence. The steward department member last worked on the SeaLand Navigator. Brother Medeiros lived in Honolulu. CHARLES POLK Pensioner Charles Polk, 60, died Feb. 1. Brother Polk started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked in the inland and deep sea divisions and first shipped aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. The Alabama native sailed in the engine department and last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Green Island. Brother Polk began collecting retirement stipends in 1998. He made his home in Mobile. RUSSELL SHELTON Pensioner Russell Shelton, 83, died March 1. Brother Shelton started his SIU career in 1948 in the port of New York. Born in South Carolina, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. His initial SIU voyage was on Ore Navigation's Bethflor. The steward department member last went to sea on the Carolina, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Shelton began receiving his pension in 1976 and made his home in Pumphrey, Md. MICHAEL TRAUB Pensioner Michael Traub, 92, passed away Jan. 25 . Brother Traub started his career with the MC&S . The steward department member ~,..w..-.'"""""==...,.>-..311 was born in Poland, but called Riverside, Calif. home. Brother Traub began receiving his pension stipends in 1974. MARVIN WEST Pensioner Marvin West, 84, passed away March 4. Brother West joined the SIU in 1968 in San Francisco. The Tennessee-born mariner was a veteran of the U.S . Army, serving from 1942 to 1945. Brother West first sailed aboard Newport Tankers ' Achilles. A member of the deck department, he last worked on the Manatee. Brother West started receiving his pension in 1983. He was a resident of Pine Knot, Ky. ALCIDE WILTZ [7-:;illlJll!lii~I Pensioner Alcide Wiltz, 85, died Jan. 8. Brother Wiltz started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in San Francisco. Born in Louisiana, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American President Lines and States Steamship Lines. The steward department member began receiving retirement stipends in 1979. Brother Wiltz made his home in New Orleans. PAUL WOLF Pensioner Paul Wolf, 62, passed away Feb. 13. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York. Brother Wolf served in the U .S. Army from 1957 to 1960. His initial SIU voyage was aboard the Capri. An engine department member, -.........~__...______, Brother Wolf last worked on Pronav Ship Management's LNG Gemini. He started receiving his pension in 2000 and made his home in Melbourne, Fla. INEZ WOO Pensioner Inez Woo, 84, died March 3. Sister Woo joined the MC&S in 1952 in San Francisco. The steward department member sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by States Steamship Co. and American Ship Management. The Colorado native began receiving retirement compensation in 1979. She lived in Honolulu. u INLAND THEODORE BOEHLER Boatman Theodore Boehler, 59, died Feb. 27. He started his SIU career in New York. Born in Newark, N.J., he shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans Operating Co. Boatman Boehler was a resident of Hazlet, N.J. HAROLD DANIELS 1 Pensioner ~µ.;.u•.i...uµ,,1....1 Harold Danid:s, 1 70, passed away March 12. The North Carolina native joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Daniels sailed as a captain, first working aboard a C.G. Willis vessel. His final SIU job was on a vessel operated by Maritrans Operating Co. Boatman Daniels started receiving his pension in 1996. He made his home in Atlantic, N.C. LUTHER JONES Pensioner Luther Jones, 74, died March 3. He started his SIU career in 1969 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. The Ohio-born mariner first shipped on a Southern Carriers Corp vessel. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. Brother Jones last worked at the helm of an Allied Towing vessel and began receiving his pension in 1990. He made his borne in Pooter, Ga. JAKE E. KEELEY Pensioner Jake Keeley, 75, passed away Feb. 16. Boatman Keeley joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of New York. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the inland as well as deep sea division. The engine department member first shipped aboard the Monarch of the Continued on page 19 May2002 �ftnal Departlfres Continued from page 18 Sea, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Boatman Keeley last worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel and started receiving retirement stipends in 1992. He lived in Mobile, Ala. LESTER LEBLANC Brother Lester LeBlanc, 60, died March 13. The Morgan City, La. native joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. A captain, Boatman LeBlanc shipped in the deck department. He worked primarily at the helm of vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Va. Boatman LeBlanc resided in his native state in West Lake. WILLIAM WEISE Pensioner William Weise, 78, died Feb. 11. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. The Phila1...---~---""LJ delphia native worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Weise shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He last worked on a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Brother Weise began receiving pension payments in 1980. He called Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. home. GREAT LAKES LOUIS LOUPE Pensioner Louis Loupe, 72, passed away Jan. 9. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1947 to 1948. Boatman Loupe joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Houston. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a captain. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by National Marine Service. The captain started receiving his pension in 1991 and resided in Lafourche, La. DOLPHIN MOORES oatman Dolphin Moores, 43, died Feb. 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Houston. The deck department member first worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Born in Pensacola, Fla., he last shipped on a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. Boatman Moores lived in Whitney, Texas. RUPERT PERRY JR. Pensioner Rupert Perry Jr., 69, passed away Feb. 5. The Dare County, N.C. native launched his SIU career in 1977 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Perry served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1949 to 1971. He first sailed with the Seafarers aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked on a Maritrans Operating Partners vessel. Boatman Rupert started receiving retirement stipends in 1994. He made his home in Coinjock, N.C. CLIFFORD KRACHT Pensioner Clifford Kracht, 62 passed away Feb. 2. Brother Kracht joined the SIU in 1967 in Frankfort, Mich. The Michigan native first sailed aboard the Milwaukee Clipper. He shipped in the deck department and last worked on American Steamship's American Republic. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996 and was a resident of Orlando, Fla. WILLIAM "B RUSH L Pensioner William "Buffalo Bill" Rush, 81, died March 1. Born in WilkesBarre, Pa., Brother Rush started his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in Detroit. His initial voyage under the SIU colors was aboard the John Gibbon. The engine department member last went to sea on the City ofAlma. After corning ashore, he worked in the SIU hall in Buffalo. Brother Rush also served as a dispatcher in River Rouge and Algonac, Mich., and began collecting retirement stipends in 1985. He made his home in Bradenton, Fla. ABDULSHAHTER Pensioner Beryl Peterson, 86, died Jan. 20. Pensioner Abdul Shahter, 66, passed away Feb. 4. He started his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Cleveland. His initial voy.__......,.........a...;;-.. age was aboard the Consumers Powers, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Yemen, Brother Shahter shipped in the engine department. He last went to sea on the H. Lee White, another American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Shahter began receiving retirement compensation in 2000. He Boatman was a resident of Dearborn, Mich. BERYL PETERSON Peterson joined the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he first shipped under the SIU colors aboard the Floridian, an Ideal Cement Co. vessel. He was born in May2002 Trenton, Fla., and worked in the engine department. Boatman Peterson last sailed on the New Yorker and started receiving his pension in 1980. He was a resident of Houston. port of New York. Boatman ~ Andersen served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. He first shipped for the SIU aboard a '---~-~-~ Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. of Baltimore vessel. A native of Jersey City, N.J., he was a member of the deck department. He last worked on a vessel operated by New York Cross Harbor Railroad. Boatman Andersen called Wayne, N.J. home. JOHN DEFAZIO Pensioner John Defazio, 78, died Feb. 12. Brother Defazio started his SIU career in 1960 in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He sailed 1-:;:;;•lllT!ii~-1 as a captain, working primarily for the marine division of the Baltimore &Ohio Railroad. Brother Defazio started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1974. Staten Island, N.Y was his home. EDWARD SIMMS Boatman Edward Simms, 85, passed away Feb. 27. He started his career with the SIU in 1963, joining in the port of New York. The New Jerseyborn mariner shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard Erie Lockawanna Railroad Co. operated vessels. Boatman Simms started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. He ~ L Plus® Working For Working Families Contact Information, Toll-Free Phone Numbers for Union Plus Insurance Programs •Auto Insurance (AIG)-For AIG claims, call 1-800-4338880 24 hours a day • For AIG customer service, call 1-877-310-5687-Mon- ATLANTIC FISHERMEN EARL WITHEE Pensioner Earl Withee, 61, passed away Jan. 30. He joined the Seafarers in 1984 in New Bedford, Mass. Born in Rock~-"---' land, Maine, Boatman Withee served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. The steward department member first sailed aboard the Canton, a Western Scalloping Corp. vessel. He last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel and started receiving his pension last year. Boatman Withee made his home in Ocala, Fla. Health Savings Union SIU members are eligible for a number of benefit programs through the union's participation in Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege), a non-profit organization created in 1986 by the AFLCIO. Union Plus aims to provide union members and their families with valuable c · mer bene its. By using the collective buying power of America's union members, Union Plus offers a variety of high-quality, discounted goods and services exclusively to working families. Printed below are toll-free phone numbers and other contact information for some of the programs in which the SIU participates. For additional information, visit Union Plus on-line at www.unionplus.org or call the appropriate, program-specific number from among those listed below: lived in Greensboro, Ga. day-Friday 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Apply by phone at 1-800-2949496 • Discounts are available on prescriptions, dental, vision, foot & ankle, hearing care, diabetic supplies and nurse "help line." To find a provider or to enroll, call 1-800-2283523 Car Rental Discounts •Avis (Discount #B723700)Get rate quotes and make reservations online, or call 1800-698-5685 • Budget (Discount #V816100) --Get rate quotes and make reservations online, or call 1800-455-2848 Credit Card Other Programs Union Plus, in conjunction a er H u e Services, has created the Union Plus credit card exclusively for working families. Among other features, the card offers: • Competitive interest rate • No annual fee • Money-saving balance transfer offers • A scholarship program • Free additional cards • No liability if cards are lost or stolen • Strike-payment protection (if applicable) • Skip-payment options • Grace periods on new purchases • Complete online account management • To apply by phone, call 1-800522-4000 • For customer service, call 1800-622-2580 • Education Loans (Sallie Mae) -Apply (;}nline, or oall-1-8 881-1022 • Flower Discounts-Order flowers online, or call 1-888667-7779 • IBM Computer DiscountsCall 1-800-426-7235 ext. 6250 to order • Legal Services-Find a lawyer online, or call 1-888993-8886 • Hotel Royal Plaza at Walt Disney World-Call 1-800248-7890 • North American Van LinesCall 1-800-524-5533 • Union Checks-Call 1-888864-6625 for information and order forms • Vacation Tours-Book tours online, or call 1-800-590-1104 • Workingfamilies.com ISPGo online to www.workingfamilies.com, or call 1-800806-2150. RAILROAD MARINE ANDERS ANDERSEN Boatman Anders Andersen, 72 died May 30. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1960, joining in the ~-'-....riliiitiil8i~~ ....... Send your stories, photographs and news items to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Recognizing the Merchant Marine I retired from the National Maritime Union in 1967. At least half of my 20 years in the NMU was as bosun and quartermaster. My last ship was the SS Boise Victory. I was bosun on that ship for eight months and then went to school and got my third mate's license. I sailed with the Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P) for 18 years and took early retirement at age 60. The MM&P sent me a Merchant Marine flag, which I presented to the Veteran 's Band here in Corpus Christi. Whenever the Veteran's Band performs on various patriotic holidays, the Merchant Marine flag flies next to the Army and Navy flags. I met with the mayor of Corpus Christi, and he agreed to recognize the U.S. Merchant Marine. At a special ceremony at City Hall last year, I joined other NMU retired merchant mariners and two retired ship captains as the mayor declared Aug. 21 , 2001 "U.S. Merchant Marine Day." Our city council meetings are televised and rebroadcast twice more during every week, so a lot of people saw this. Phil Rosenstein Corpus Christi, Texas member to stand up to a captain. Jim also was a master craftsman in working with wood. Once, we llE::::~•J needed a podium for a meeting at the Jim Lawson ball. We had rented one, but it was too small. With the meeting scheduled for the following day, we were in trouble. Jim was in the union ball and overheard what was happening. He told us not worry, he would take care of it. He then went home and returned with a podium he constructed. It took him about five hours and looked better than the one we had rented. We still have it! During the Detroit newspaper strike, I remember we had a couple of carloads go down to Detroit to help on the picket line. We stayed for the day and then left. I didn 't see Jim for the next week, and when we finally caught up, I asked what happened to him. He told me that the people on the line needed him, and he had been returning to support them throughout the week. That's the kind of guy Jim was: always willing to help his union brother. Don Thornton, Port Agent Algonac, Mich. ~ (The following letters were among those received at headquarters following last month s mailing of the bonus checks to SIU p ensioner.s.) Straight to the Point (Editor s note: Phil Rosenstein included with his letter a copy of the proclamation declaring August 21, 2001 as "U.S. Merchant Marine Day. " Rosenstein used to write many stories for the NMU Pilot. Now 76, he remains active in senior citizens ' affairs and got married for the first time at the age of 74.) ~ Remembering Brother Lawson I would like to say a few words about Jim Lawson, an SIU pensioner who recently passed away. Jim truly was a friend to the SIU-especially to the staff and members at the Algonac union hall and on the Great Lakes. Jim always helped around the union hall. He didn't hesitate to offer suggestions if there was a problem aboard ship that called for a union Thank you very much. The $1,000 bonus check was greatly appreciated. Arnold Heatherly La Follette, Tenn. .......... Appreciation and Pride I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the check you sent me. It was a pleasant surprise. I am proud to be a part of the Seafarers Union. Troy Dean Smith Rome, Ga. ~ Nice Timing I was surprised and glad to receive the bonus check. It came at a very good time. I have a birthday coming up; I'll be 84 years old. Thanks again and God bless you Know Your Rights and the staff. Roosevelt Robbins Philadelphia (The writer is a charter member of the SIU.) ~ Thanks to All I would like to thank the administrator and the trustees and anyone else who had a hand in sending this bonus check. Those of us who are on a pension thank you so much for everything. Henry W. Miller Mobile, Ala. ~ Counting Blesslngs Thank you very much for the bonus check of $1 ,000 that we received the other day. What a blessing! Again, thank you and God bless the Seafarers Pension Plan. Mr. and Mrs. Jose Torrefiel San Francisco ~ Courtesy and Cash To the administrator and each member of the trustees, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your kind generosity of the thousand-dollar gift. My wife and I have always been treated courteously and well by the members of the health plan, and I send my thanks to them also. Richard J. Conner Boyertown, Pa. ~ Nice Surprise I really had a wonderful surprise when I received a bonus check from the SIU. I count my blessings every day that I spent my career working for such a caring and thoughtful union, and I appreciate the benefits I have received. I thank the board of trustees, from the bottom of my heart, for remembering the disabled retirees. Leonard Paul Belhaven, N.C. ~ Thanking for 2 On behalf of my husband, Antoine W. Allemond, and myself, I want to say thank you for the bonus check. We are delighted to receive it. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. We have always been very satisfied with the Seafarers Pension Plan. You have taken good care of us. Helen Allemond Plaquemine, La. Notice Information Bulletin from the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center RECEllT ACTIONS AFFECTINB IMl'LEMENTAnON OF THE STCW At the recent London meeting of the Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), it was RECOMMENDED that the signatories to the STCW delay port-state control enforcement of the STCW through 31 July 2002 to allow adequate time to process the volume of applications and issue certifications that many Parties reported as outstanding. The convention still came into effect on February 1, 2002. The action taken by the Subcommittee is not binding; it is a recommendation to port-state control officers and recognized organizations only. Mariners not holding STCVV-95 certificates serving vessels calling at a port state that does not accept the Subcommittee's recommendation may cause the vessel to be detained. At present, we do not have any information about which port states, if any, will not accept the recommendation and will not delay port-state enforcement. In a recent message, the Commandant, U. S. Coast Guard established policy for U. S. enforcement of the STCW. The message can be found at: http://www. us cg .mi l/hq/ g-m/ nm cf co mp I/· STCWMessage-lnternet.doc. In general, for U.S.-flag vessels in U.S. ports, the Coast Guard does not intend to hold additional boardings solely for STCW enforcement For U.S. mariners on a ·on 20 Seafarers LOG U.S.-flagged vessel sailing on a foreign voyage, the mariner should hold either an STCW-95 certificate or provide proof that prior to 1 February 2002 they have a completed application on file with the Coast Guard. However, some foreign port states may not accept this arrangement of showing proof of having submitted an application as meeting the requirements of the STCW. If the application is submitted after 31 January 2002, the mariner may not sail on a vessel going foreign until the STCW-95 certificate has been issued, Please visit the Web site and review the message for complete details. Licensed and certificated personnel seeking issuance of an STCW-95 certificate, must complete all gap-closing requirements. Once completed, application for the STCW95 certificate should be submitted to any U. S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center. Until the mariner receives the certificate, he or she may only serve on vessels not subject to the STCW or on vessels in near coastal, domestic trades. Mariners seeking to upgrade a credential or an applicant seeking an original credential, must meet the requirements of the applicable policy letter(s) posted on the World Wide Web at: http:Jlwww.uscg.milJSTCW/m.policy.htm FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds . monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set SHIPPING RIGHTS. A · mem- forth in the SIU Constitution and in ber's shipping rights and seniority the contracts which the union has are protected exclusively by con- negotiated with the employers. tracts between the union and the · Consequently, no member may be employers. Members should get to discriminated against because of know their shipping rights. Copies of race, creed, color, sex, national or these contracts are posted and avail- geographic origin. able in all union halls. If members If any member feels that he or she believe there have been violations of is denied the equal rights to which he their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between or she is entitled, the member should the union and the employers, they notify union headquarters. should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is : Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions. under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May2002 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of eourses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point~ Md. from June through December 2062. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and- in times of conflict- the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 16 November 11 October 25 December 20 QMED - Junior Engineer September 30 December 20 Welding June 10 July 1 August 19 September 23 October21 November 18 June 28 July 19 September 6 October 3 November 8 December6 Marine Electrical Maintenance I June 17 July 26 ../- Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 30 October 28 October25 November22 Advanced Fire.fighting October7 December 2 October 18 December 13 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* June 24 July 15 August 19 September 23 October 14 June 28 July 19 August23 September 27 October 18 Government Vessels July8 September 23 July 26 October 11 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 15 December 2 July 26 December 13 July 1 September 30 October 21 November 11 December 9 July 5 October4 October25 November 15 December 13 August 5 September 23 October 28 August 9 September 27 November 1 August26 August JO June3 June 17 June 24 July 1 GMDSS (Simulator) July 8 October 7 November4 December 2 July 19 October 18 November 15 December 13 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 16 October 14 September 27 October25 Lifeboatrnan/Water Survival (one week) June 10 July 15 August 19 tember 30 June 14 July 19 August 23 October 4 vem June7 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 August 9 August 16 August 23 August JO September 27 October4 October 11 October 18 October25 June 10 June 19 August 14 (*must have radar uhlirniled) Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - Inland Bridge Resource Management ,, (BRM) - Unlimited* (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerrnan (PIC) Barge* (*must have basicfueflghting) Basic Fire Figbting/STCW ("prerequisite required) Julys Radar August 5 Steward Upgratllng Courses July 15 August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26 September 23 September 30 October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28 ovember4 November 18 December 2 December 9 December 16 STCW Medical Care Provider Galley OperationslAdvaneed Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 7. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Stew11rd classes start every other week beginning January 7. Recertification Bosun October 7 July 8 _Steward November 1 August 2 November 1 November 8 November 22 December6 December 13 December 20 August 16 October 25 August 12 October 21 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. Io addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers cour~ will be self-study. -·-~-·-~-·-·- ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·---·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·· -·-·-·-~-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the follo wing must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days s eatime for the prev ious year, one day in th e last s ix months prior to th e Name ----------------------------~ Address - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - - -- - - date y our class starts, US MMD (z -card) front and back, front page of y our un ion book indicating y our departm ent and seniority, and qualify ing seatime for th e course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED aQplicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a mongy order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE END DATE BEGIN DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#______ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ __ _ __ __ Seniority _ __ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ Department U .S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken May2DD2 D Yes D No CPR: D Yes O No LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5102 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes • PAUL HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS 623 ---= ;_=~;?-~~~~3 ~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 623 -· Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 623 are (from left, kneeling) Jason Simpson, Marcus Peters, William Faulkner II, Brian Shaw, (second row) Timothy Tyree, Kennard Taylor, Josette Brown, Jeff Bruton, Robert McFeeley Jr., Robert Norris, (third row) Antonio Torres, Stanley Kordinak II, Robert Odmark, Richard Parks, Caleb Buckley and Jarrod Pestana. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 624- Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 624. They are (from left, kneeling) Antonio Mendez-Cruz, Austin Ayers, Kenneth Taylor, Brian McAllister, Jerry Solangon, (second row) Brent Midgette, James Grasseth, Javier Gonzalez, Kevin Steen, Thomas Lovern, Beato Diaz Jr., (third row) Jayson Ray, Demario Wilcox, Aaron Matuszny, Daniel Amesbury, Gregory McKinnon, Jonathan Carter, Jeffrey Thomas, Lon Molnar, Joshua McDaniel and Christopher Bartholmey. · WeldingGraduating from the welding class March 22 with Instructor Buzzy Andrews (far left) are (from left) Brian Carroll, Dennis Caples, Dennis Middleton, Jorge Turcios, Todd Desrosiers and Andrew Egressy. Tanker Familiariz.ation/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course March 15 are (in no specific order) David Lund, David Martz, Bernard Clark, Jessie Bongolan, Daniel Samson, Ryan Nichols, Joseph Tier Ill, John Paffrath, David House, Marion Cummins, Todd Gatton, Frank Irby, Felipe Zepeda, Stephen Bird, Dustin Gallop, Trevorous Ellison, Brian Robison, Charles Jones, Tiffany Nettles, Abdulla Ali, Mark Cooper, ·Jose Molina, Nicholas Manessiotis, Travis Hosea, Michael Knitter, Isaac Spencer, Sean Farra and Michael Thomas. GMDSS- Upgrading SIU members who enhanced their skills in the GMDSS course which ended March 22 are (from left) Elmer Swarr, Caesar Del Greco , David Steckel, John Bilich, Wes Bertrand, John Comeau, Bruce Comiskey, Peter Funk and Bartolome Romero Jr. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is at far right. Advanced Fire Fighting - Seafarers who graduated from the advanced fire fighting class March 29 are (in alphabetical order) Rommel Artis, Archie Bodden, Lawrence Brissette, Kevin Buselmeier, Margarete Carey, Joseph Cooper, Robert Feltus, Ruben Gamboa, Steven Leschinski, Edward Mancke, James McDonald, James Meyers, Robert Pinkard, Mark Pruitt, Grant Shipley, Luis Sosa, Rafael Suris, Donna Sylvia, Robert Timmons, Edward Whitfield, Michael Woolard, Paul Yose and Robert Young. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Any student who has registered for a class and·finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Giving the Gift of Life ~ Xarry Lumun6erg Scfr.oo[ ofSeamanslii'p Cfass6Z6 Jos6.U11Coo~r 'ftnJOn :Mo5ky !Afa.sUretfsu41Palet.oag~ CameronStlhy Zmli.,SefSy Joli11SUJ1fier=n JOSLpfi 'Wliitmorr '11iis artifa:au is ir1 appnciation ofyour effort ro meet t!W 6f.ooanlllls of patients in our C01Tt111Umty. )f.mffican 1R.ft{(TOSS tfiani.§ you for your C{ceptiona(smia. + 22 Seafarers LOG Members of unlicensed apprentice class 626 recently received a certificate of appreciation from the American Red Cross for their part in ensuring an adequate blood supply to those in need. From the left (back row) are Joseph Whitmore, John Stephenson, Cameron Selby, Joshua Cooper, Trevon Mobley, Masteredseed Paletoaga and (kneeling) Zerek Selby. Presenting the certificate are Wondra Jones and Brian Scully of the Red Cross. Government Vessels - Seafarers who completed the government vessels course April 14 are (from left, front row) John Murray, Jessie Bongolan, William Horton, (second row) Greg Thompson (instructor) Enno Vok, Alba Alfaro, Dennis Middleton and William Miller. May 2002 �Paul Hall Center Classes Mario Delacruz, Rodolfo Delacruz, Alphonse Dixon, William Drummond, James Dryden, Ray Garcia, Ellis Gaynor, Silvestre Gonzaga, Thomas Grosskurth, Rance Hadaway Jr., Gerard Hayes, Calvin Hicks, Earl Hicks, Tyrone Johnson, Jeffrey Kass, Thomas Keenan Jr., Alfred Lang, Jong Lee, Erik Leibold, Anthony Leo and Kevin Hall. Basic Safety Training Classes Arnold Lopez, Ernest Martin, Mariano Martinez, Bruce Mesger, Abdullah Mohamed, Daniel Monjarres-Kerr, Ahmed Mozed, Walter Napper, Robert O'Connell, Robert Pabon, Herminio Pagan, John Parkhurst, Michael Penkwitz, Van Phan, Dennis Pickering, Ronnie Powell, Ali Quraish, Roberto Ramirez, Rodney Roberson, Celedonio Roman, Walter Sainvil, John Reber Ill and Horace Rains. Amy Shunkwiler, Jennifer Smith, ~~llJl.IJllllM Theodore Smith Jr., Timothy Smithwick, Curtis Spencer, Daviel Stavron, Elmer Swarr Jr., Manuel Tan Jr., Daniel Teichman, Larry Thompson, Curtis Torres, Samuel Washington, Charles Welsh, Kenneth Whitefield, Subagio Wibisono, Jimmy Williams, Edward Winne, Ellis Wooten, Warren Wright, Mohsin Yafai, Carlos Sanchez, Thomas Woerner, Nicholas Serritella and James Crate. (Note: Not all are pictured.) John Huyett, Jessie James, Lawrence Kunc, Pedro Laboy, Justo Lino, Randy Louque, Michael McAlister, Micah Miller, Bernard Mood, Melvin Morgan, Jawald Pardesi, Michael Pooler, Timothy Porter, Cary Pratts, Jill Prescott, Clyde Smith, Donald Sneed, William Soto Jr., Rodger Taylor, Valentine Thompson, Louis Uleski, Duare Washington, Thomas White, Robert Williams, Scott Zagn and Pablo Rochez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ,.. Victor Acevedo, Luis Almodovar, Raminder Bhullar, Michael Blizzard, Carlos Bonefont, Michael Briscoe, Jaime Cayonte, Adaberto Colon, Arthur Edwards, James Enah, Farook Esa, Jonathan Gibson, Douglas Greiner, Michael Hinton, James Jackson Jr., Gregory Jaegle, Timothy Kotsis, Jorge Lanas , Steven Black, Tony Amaro and Gerard Lanzerotti. Tina Lowery, Harold McAllister, Nebojsa Milosevic, Hassan Oudeif, George Papuchis, John Pena , Edward Perry, Jeffrey Pope, Nathan Rippey, Abdo Saleh, Gerhard Schwarz, Robert Scrivens, John Seibel, Dante Slack, Luis Sosa, Timothy Taylor, Cornelio Vilano Jr., David Warner, John Willette, Philip Wright, Daryl Coleman, Radames Toro and Carlos Lugo. Abdulaziz Alomary, Cornell Andrews, Salah Assabahi, John Austin Jr., Thomas Bain , James Baker, Russell Barrack Jr., Jeorge Barahona, Sara Barahona, Kay Bonilla, Redentor Borja, Wilfredo Caidoy, Dennis Caples, Luis Cercado, Rodney Clements, Eddie Coe, Jose Colon, Leocadio Colon, Norman Cox Ill, Gilberto Torres, Henry Commager and Lawrence Soulier. Seafarers LOB 23 - �Vacation at Piney Point Looking for a great spot for your family vacation this summer? Check out the facilities at Piney Point/ See page 14 tor more information. The East Coast port of Norfolk, Va. sees its share of incoming vessels; everything from container ships and tankers to oceanographic surveillance ships and other military craft. On recent servicing trips to some of the vessels, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny snapped these photos. Of the six ships represented on this page, three were in transit (the Maersk Arizona, USNS Little Hales and Seabulk Challenge) while three others were in ROS status (USNS Impeccable, SNS Mendonca and US Gordon/ waiting called up at any ti support of U.S. mil operations. P~rt of the USNS Little Hales crew includes (from left) GVA Nicholas Murgolo, AB Roger Reinke, CSKS Luis Burgos, Bosun Samuel Duah and AB George Bozman. Chief Cook Harry Brewer (left) and GVA Larry Baker work aboard the USNS Little Hales. - Randolph Scott (above), 2nd pumpman on the Seabulk Challenge, and AB Louis Holder (below) of the USNS Impeccable, take part in their respective shipboard meetings. Above: Chief Cook Max Hassel checks a boiling pot aboard the USNS Mendonca. .. GUDE Louis Gracia climb the gangway Seabulk Challenge. the All's well aboard the USNS Impeccable with Chief Cook Jacquelyn Maclaurin and SA Patty Davison. Right: EU Hussein Kirkland and OS Antonia Martir enjoy a cup of coffee on the USNS Impeccable. Above: Steward/Baker Ben Sivells wraps up the leftover dessert from lunch aboard the USNS Mendonca. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2002 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ANWR FIGHT ISN'T FINISHED FEDERATION'S LAWSUIT CHALLENGES PARTS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW TONGA-FLAGGED REFUGEE SHIP ANOTHER CASE OF FOC SLEAZE ITF SECURES PAY, REPATRIATION FOR ISMAEL EXPRESS MARINERS MISSISSIPPI QUEEN SET TO SAIL, AUCTION SCHEDULED SEAFARERS-CREWED LNG SHIPS RESCUE 12 NEW DREDGE CHRISTENED SEA STAR LINE ACQUIRES NPR NAVIERAS ASSETS REPORT: CABOTAGE LAWS MORE IMPERATIVE TO NATIONAL SECURITY THAN EVER BEFORE SPAD: PROTECTING SEAFARERS' INTERESTS FOR 40 YEARS ORCA-CLASS RO/RO STILL ON PAVE FOR DELIVERY THIS YEAR GOLDEN GATE MONUMENT INCLUDES MERCHANT MARINE CROWLEY SEAFARERS APPROVE CONTRACT 2 DIE IN CAPE HORN FIRE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS? OPM STARTS FEDERAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM OORAH! CELONA NAMED HONORARY U.S. MARINE SEAFARER OUBRE SAYS SAILING ON FRIDAY WORTH READING ANY DAY OF THE WEEK USNS MARTIN ON DUTY 'FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE' OFFERS JOB OPPORTUNITIES FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA WITH THE SIU SIU SHIPPING IN NORFOLK Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/1/2002 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 64, No. 5 2002 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c41a566b4732ae2e3432256bc39aab6d.pdf 003a0775dfb065f9feacf33a150dbd98 PDF Text Text 16775_p01,3,12,13.qxd 4/24/2003 9:21 PM Page 1 Volume 65, Number 5 May 2003 OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM SEAFARERS DELIVER! !"# $%&'"# ()***# +%&,&-%-'# '&.$./0# &12&-3# 42-% "5&/#6**#+789:-%;%3#'5.<'#5%$<%3#"-&/'<2-"#&/3 '=<<$>#:2&$.".2/#,2-:%'#&'#"5%#8?+?#&/3#2=-#&$$.%' -%42@%3# +&33&4# A=''%./B'# -%0.4%# ./# 7-&C? 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Y5.E5!AGJ! O)*$(S$^?9=7$BY#SD$H1681:Q;9:D$MB T*R.. %/)*0$O.T-.*** 16 Seafarers LOG H"#9 ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- P )* . P* ) )* P ^U / P P . * * ) _[ * ) ) , * * ) U P + , + / . P :: * * * * * / * : * * * . * * * ^ O )) / )* * )R ) ^g * R R T * )/T /) _U: )* + O T * /P )P gV * P/ )+ P) * * . VV ) . * / * O ) _^ ) P R P* * .. P* U^ * / P T * ,O . f: ) )T , )/ * * , ^d ) ) P / * P ) _< * , . )P ) .. R g^ / ) ) O * // / ^V * T / )* * * P [^ X!A5!X*BXH/TGEX!G * O ) , * , ) _U * * * ) * * ) [ * P * * * * * [ H"#9 ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- TXA53GXTXB*J!*1X/+W /00*A#",7A#",7*5***A#",7*55***A#",7*555 BX+F*BXH/TGEX!G H"#9 ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- GJG/. 3W5HHXB /00*A#",7G#'7 A#",7*5********A#",7*55*******A#",7*555*****************T%0'%M- * * ) P * ) * ^ * * * * * * * < * P * * * * * [ 3GXY/TB*BXH/TGEX!G ) ) ) P * . ) _< ) * ) ) * * * : * ) P ) * * ) d H"#9 . * P P * * * f * * * * * * * < * * ) * * * * _ X!GTZ BXH/TGEX!G ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- * . * . * / * __ * / * / * O * __ * , / R * * P _f * P * * * / * d * * * * * * * < * . * P * * * V ) . * , * , ) _f R T . /P * )/R P _U_ )+ /) * .T * +) )* _fU * ./ ), T. * * ). _Vg G"9(0-*/00 B%7(#9>%)9- fU [f :^ d< : _: fU dd[ :U^ :<[ PIC-FROM-THE-PAST L5.'#<52"2#;&'#'%/"#"2 "5%#0IJ 1>#H%/'.2/%I'7%"!+9'"7%#+2, S-22Q$>/)#M?Z?#7"#;&' "&Q%/#&12&-3#&#S=$$#^./%' @%''%$? 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Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW LIFE FOR ‘THE BIG U’ NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ALSO BUYS S.S. INDEPENDENCE SIU’S HEINDEL HONORED PRESIDENT SIGNS SUPPLEMENTAL WARTIME FUNDING; CARGO PREFERENCE LAWS UPHELD ‘FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE’ DELIVERS SIU MEMBERS AMONG ‘GREAT AMERICANS’ CREDITED IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM’S MASSIVE SEALIFT EFFORT SIU ACTIVE IN ITF INSPECTOR’S SEMINAR TAX RELIEF FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM MARINERS MSC ACTIVATES ‘SHIP STATUS HOTLINE’ LABOR-MANAGEMENT COALITION ANSWERS AGENCY’S CALL FOR SECURITY FEEDBACK HISTORIC DECISION: CONSOLIDATION PETITION APPROVED EAST AND WEST COAST CIVMARS RECOGNIZED AS ONE CDC ISSUES UPDATED ALERT AS SARS SAGA CONTINUES RETIRED PORT AGENT JOE GOREN DIES SIU-CREWED USNS ABLE REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE STUDY: COMMERICAL SHIPPING VITAL TO MILITARY TRANSPORT UNITED SEAMEN’S SERVICE HELPS CREW HIT THE BOOKS SEAFARERS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH NURSE’S ASSOCIATION FANNELL’S FAST-PACED ADVENTURE IS TRIBUTE TO MERCHANT MARINE FORMER SIU MEMBER WERNER’S NOVEL DESCRIBES ‘COMING OF AGE AT SEA’ NAVIGATION FUNDAMENTALS: NEW COURSE GETS UNDER WAY AT PAUL HALL CENTER SIU OFFICIAL LEO BONSER RETIRES AFTER 38-YEAR CAREER SERVICING SHIPS IN SAN FRANCISCO UPGRADING CLASS FEATURES 3 FATHER-SON PAIRS SEAFARERS SUPPLY U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ LAKES CREWS COMPLETE FITOUT AS WEATHER FINALLY COOPERATES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 65, No. 5 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6aa2198a751556be7de56723b69c9389.pdf 6fffa80bffce724b21309928a5562677 PDF Text Text 22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:05 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 5 Tanker Charleston Joins SIU Fleet May 2004 LAKEN SHIPPING GOES SIU! Mariners at Laken Shipping LLC recently voted to join the SIU. The Cleveland-based company operates an integrated tug-barge (ITB) that primarily hauls stone from Kelley’s lsland, Ohio to Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio. Page 3. Newly Added Vessel Signals More Jobs for Seafarers The union last month welcomed new shipboard job opportunities as the chemical carrier Charleston joined the SIU fleet. Seafarers crewed up the 635-foot tanker in Houston. Page 3. Seafarers Deliver the Goods For U.S. Troops in ‘OIF2’ The sealift mission known as Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 continues running smoothly, and SIU members are doing their part to support U.S. troops in Iraq. Sixty SIU-crewed ships are sailing in OIF2, including the Cape May (pictured above and at right). AB George Papuchis (left, at Cape May’s helm) is one of more than 2,000 Seafarers who have mobilized for this phase of the mission. Page 2. SMPPP Statements Mailed Page 9 George McCartney Remembrance Page 6 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:05 PM Page 2 President’s Report Training and Security Shipboard and port security may be the hottest topic in our industry. With the approach of the July 1 deadline for compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, U.S.-flag operators and their crews along with American ports are making sure they’re ready. The vast majority of affected U.S. vessels and facilities already have submitted their respective security plans to the U.S. Coast Guard—a significant accomplishment, according to the agency’s commandant. Michael Sacco As with most, if not all new maritime regulations that impact shipboard procedures, proper training will be essential for Seafarers and our contracted companies. On that front, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is ahead of the game. Working closely with SIU-contracted operators, the union and the school have developed and implemented useful courses related to maritime security. For instance, every student at the Paul Hall Center must complete a four-hour class called “general security awareness.” The course complies with requirements spelled out in both the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It is not only offered at the school in Piney Point, Md., but also has been taught by Paul Hall Center instructors aboard SIU ships. Several other classes also deal with security. All students at the Paul Hall Center receive a government-approved anti-terrorism briefing. For many years, the school has conducted a government vessels course that includes anti-terrorism components. Also, the Paul Hall Center offers instruction for vessel security officers, as well as security-team training which includes small-arms lessons (for those sailing aboard military-contracted ships). Naturally, providing the most up-to-date security training is an ongoing process. With that in mind, I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming advisory board meeting next month in Piney Point, where representatives of the school, the armed forces, maritime labor, the Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration and U.S.-flag operators will thoroughly examine new security requirements and the best ways to fulfill them. Meanwhile, the Paul Hall Center is living up to its tradition of constantly staying a step ahead of the industry’s needs. OIF2 The U.S. Military Sealift Command didn’t exaggerate when it promised that Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2) would be the largest, fastest combat cargo movement since World War II. Already, 60 SIU-crewed ships have mobilized for OIF2. They are helping transport an estimated 24 million square feet of cargo for U.S. troops into and out of Iraq. Counting members of our Government Services Division, more than 2,000 Seafarers are sailing in support of the mission. Once again, I couldn’t be more proud of the way our members are upholding our legacy as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. Just as they did before and during the all-out combat phase of the war in Iraq, SIU members are answering the call in OIF2 with quiet, determined patriotism and a level of professionalism that’s second-tonone. The OIF2 sealift is yet another great example of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s value to our national and economic security. It’s also further proof of something that’s been true since our founding in 1938: Seafarers deliver the goods. George McCartney Finally, I encourage all Seafarers to spend a few minutes reading about the career of our recently departed brother George McCartney, retired vice president of the union’s West Coast region (page 6). We’ve been fortunate over the years to have had many officials and members who have gone above and beyond when it comes to promoting not just the SIU but the whole U.S. Merchant Marine. Even by that standard, George was exceptional. He found a home early on with the SIU and spent the next 50-plus years doing everything possible to strengthen our union. That type of dedication is essential to our continued success. We all would do well to live up to the model that George provided. Volume 66, Number 5 May 2004 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Deliver the Goods In Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 While the overall mission of stabilizing Iraq remains complex, the sealift operation known as Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2) is proceeding smoothly—and Seafarers continue playing a key role in the process. Approximately 60 SIU-crewed vessels remain active in the massive resupply mission that commenced early this year. As previously reported, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) estimates that more than 240,000 U.S. military personnel will have rotated into and out of the Middle East by the time OIF2 concludes. MSC also reported that U.S.-flag ships are carrying heavy volumes of combat service support gear for forces working to steady Iraq. Overall, approximately 24 million square feet of cargo belonging to nine units in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and National Guard are being moved by ship during OIF2. One early highlight of the mission involved five Seafarers-crewed large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) ships loading out more than 70,000 tons of Army hardware in Antwerp, Belgium for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division— known as Big Red One. From Jan. 25 to early February, the LMSRs (USNS Brittin, USNS Wiper Ryan Neathery pre- Red Cloud, USNS pares for a safety drill Dahl, USNS Charlton and USNS Watkins) aboard the Cape May. Pictured aboard the Cape May, one of 60 SIUcrewed ships that mobilized for OIF2, are (from left) Third Mate Ed McDonnell, AB George Papuchis, OS Jeff Perez and QMED/Electrician Emmett Neathery. The SIU-crewed Cape May carries military gear after loading in Norfolk, Va. took on a wide range of materiel for delivery to an area northwest of Baghdad, where Big Red One relieved the 4th Infantry Division. The cargo included M1-A1 Abrams heavy battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, Bradley fighting vehicles, heavy trucks, Humvees, fuel trucks and containers loaded with various supplies. For Seafarers, OIF2 is the continuation of a patriotic duty that began with pre-war mobilizations for the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. As U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert recently noted, “Over a year ago, when we first learned that U.S. armed forces would again be relying on American sealift to bring freedom to the Middle East, we called on you (U.S. mariners). We knew there was the potential for danger, but we also knew that the U.S. Merchant Marine would ensure that equipment and supplies would get to where they needed to be and on time. Together, we planned for many contingencies and we coordinated for months before the Army landed in Iraq. We met the challenge—over 7,000 mariners and over 130 U.S.-flag ships brought the military their tanks, Humvees and other critical equipment that led to the freedom of the Iraqi people and the capture of Continued on page 10 Rank-and-File Finance Committee Okays Union’s Records for 2003 A seven-person committee of rank-and-file union members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during the April headquarters/ Port of Piney Point membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. has completed its review of the SIU’s financial records for the year 2003 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Gerard Costello, port of Baltimore; Herbert Davis and Michael Dempster from the port of Norfolk, Va.; Michael Joel and William Kelly from the port of Philadelphia; David Martz, port of Baltimore; and Jamie Miller from the port of Piney Point. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to them. In its report, the committee noted, “We … do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the Union and have found that the system of internal control is ade- At the conclusion of their business, members of the union’s 2004 finance committee joined SIU Secretary David Heindel, left, for this photo. Pictured with Heindel are, from the left, Herb Davis, William Kelly, David Martz, Mike Dempster, Jamie Miller, Gerard Costello and Mike Joel. quate to safeguard them properly.” Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution mandates that a financial committee annually examine the union’s financial records. That segment reads: “The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations.” The committee is hard at work. May 2004 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:05 PM Page 3 Laken Shipping Mariners Vote SIU Union Contract Brings Many Gains for Newest Seafarers Mariners at Laken Shipping LLC recently voted to join the SIU. The Cleveland-based company operates an integrated tug-barge (ITB) that primarily hauls stone from Kelley’s Island, Ohio to Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio. Leading the organizing drive were SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Seafarer Tim McKenna, the union’s port steward for Great Lakes Towing Company in Cleveland. “Congratulations are in order, both to our newest members and to those who worked on the organizing campaign,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “Their contract is something to be proud of, and it’s great to have them aboard with the SIU family.” Laken mariners in late March expressed unanimous support for joining the SIU, and the company quickly recognized the union as the exclusive bargaining representative for all seamen employed on its vessels. Laken’s ITB Cleveland/Cleveland Rocks is crewed by a captain, mate, engineer, lead deckhand and three other deckhands. The newest Seafarers include Mate Garland Attaway, Deckhand Joel Budzar, Lead Deckhand Patrick Carney, Deckhand Tony Cenname, Deckhand Aaron Gordon, Engineer Matthew Hoban, Captain James Long, Deckhand Jeffrey Marin, Deckhand/Cook Eric Piascik and Engineer Mark Stevenson. The ITB entered service for the season on April 7—one week after crew members unanimously approved a five-year contract that brought substantial improvements. Previously, the mariners had not received a pay raise for three years. They also had no holiday pay or pension plan, and their health insurance required co-payments. Under the new contract’s terms, the crews received immediate wage increases and are scheduled for raises in each subsequent year of the pact. They are covered by the union’s top medical plan (Plan G), which does not require co-payments. Additionally, they are enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) and are eligible to upgrade at the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Other contract highlights include holiday and bereavement pay, establishment of a grievance procedure and implementation of a seniority system for layoffs, promotions and transfers. The self-unloading barge Cleveland Rocks is a new addition to the SIU fleet on the Great Lakes. More New Jobs! Tanker Charleston Joins SIU Fleet The union last month welcomed new shipboard job opportunities as the chemical carrier Charleston joined the SIU fleet. Seafarers crewed up the 635foot tanker in Houston. The Charleston is the eighth ship in the United States Shipping LLC U.S.-flag fleet. Built at Louisiana’s Avondale Shipyard in 1983, the vessel has a breadth of 106 feet and a deadweight tonnage of slightly more than 48,000. It is equipped with 43 cargo tanks. Seafarers also sail aboard United States Shipping’s integrated tug-barges Baltimore, Groton, Jacksonville, Mobile, New York and Philadelphia, as well as the Chemical Pioneer. The ITBs typically carry refined petroleum products including gasoline, heating oil and jet fuel to the Caribbean as well as the East, Gulf and West coasts. The Chemical Pioneer, acquired by United States Shipping in July 2003, transports a wide variety of chemicals from U.S. Gulf Coast ports to U.S. East Coast ports. The Jones Act tanker company is based in Edison, N.J. “This ship means more new jobs for Seafarers, so the union obviously welcomes the addition of the Charleston,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “The SIU’s ongoing commitment to gaining new, good jobs for Seafarers continues to get results. Our crews are dedicated, productive, safe and reliable—all of which helps tremendously when it comes to securing new work.” He added that the union and the company enjoy a good working relationship and will continue exploring ways to expand the U.S.-flag fleet. Aboard the tug Cleveland, Seafarers review details of their new fiveyear contract before unanimously approving the pact. The tug Cleveland is part of an ITB that hauls stone from Kelley’s Island, Ohio to Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio. U.S. ITF Affiliates Meet in Washington Officials from numerous affiliates of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) met in Washington, D.C. in late March to discuss potential strategies for increased grassroots activities and international solidarity. David Cockroft, general secretary of the London-based federation, addressed the gathering. SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, participated and offered their insights. They are pictured seventh and eighth from left, respectively. Speaking is Tom Keegel, secretary-treasurer of the Teamsters. Letter to NMU Welfare Plan Participants Editor’s note: The following letter was scheduled for mailing May 1 to participants in the NMU Welfare Plan. As previously reported, the Plans’ merger doesn’t change anyone’s benefits. May 1, 2004 Dear Participant: As you know from Membership Meetings and the Seafarers LOG, the NMU Welfare Plan will merge with the Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan on June 1, 2004. May 2004 You will continue to receive the exact same benefits that you now receive from the NMU Welfare Plan. The new identity for the merged plan will be Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan, Level N. Effective June 1, 2004, all outpatient medical claims should be submitted to the following address: Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan – Level N P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 Telephone: 1-800-252-4674 You should continue to call First Health at the same number you already use (1-800-8391980) for pre-certification for hospital stays and facility locations. Your group number with First Health, Plan 501, remains the same. First Health may also help you locate a doctor in your area. Hospitals should continue to send their claims to the First Health address on your membership card. Your new membership card, which contains all of this information, is enclosed. As in the past, you may show this card to the doctor or hospital when they request information regarding your health insurance plan. Please note, this card does not guarantee eligibility for benefits. You must continue to earn eligibility in accordance with plan requirements. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the NMU Welfare Plan staff for their years of service and dedication to Plan Participants and their families. The Seafarers staff will continue the tradition of service and dedication to the membership. In fact, the level of service should be better because of the Seafarer’s larger network of ports and staff. You should continue to contact the NMU Benefit Plans’ office for questions concerning vacation, annuity and pension benefits. Very truly yours, William J. Dennis Administrator Seafarers LOG 3 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:27 PM Page 4 Membership Receives President’s Pre-Balloting Report SIU President Michael Sacco has issued the pre-balloting report to the membership announcing general elections for the union’s officers will take place this year. The release of this report is called for in Article X, Section 1(e) of the SIU constitution. The report lists the various offices that will appear on the ballot. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2005 through 2008. A total of 27 positions from president to port agent will appear on the ballot. In presenting the report, Sacco noted he has worked with the union’s executive board and port officials to appraise the needs of the SIU for the next four years and beyond, while considering changes that have occurred in the industry. Printed below is the full text of the 2004 pre-balloting report. May 3, 2004 Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my pre-balloting report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2005-2008 will commence on Nov. 1, 2004 and continue through Dec. 31, 2004. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our constitution, as amended and effective March 16, 2001, and such other voting procedures as our secretary-treasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our executive board and port representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the ever-changing demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2004 general election of officers for the term 2005-2008: 1 President 1 Executive Vice President 1 Secretary-Treasurer 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 2 Vice Presidents at Large 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries ITF Secures Aid for Crews Of Two FOC Bulk Carriers The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) at the beginning of the year secured more than $64,960 in back pay for crew members aboard two runaway-flag vessels in the Houston area. Upon being informed of complaints from three SriLankan crew members (electrician, bosun and AB) aboard the Taxiarchis Sierra, SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who works out of Houston, visited the Cyprus-flag bulk carrier when it arrived in that port Jan. 18. He discovered that the managers, Argosy Shipmanagement Inc., based in Piraeus, Greece, had not been paying the crew in accordance with their ITF contract. Aung negotiated with the company and secured the sum of $9,147.60 as per the agreement, which included two months’ wages, overtime and leave pay, along with repatriation for the three crew members. Unfortunately, the mariners could not sign off at that time since they did not have the necessary visas, so Aung arranged for repatriation in the next foreign port. Additionally, he ordered more provisions for the crew, paid by the owner, and recommended that the ITF inspector in the next port check to make sure that everything was Mariners aboard the Turkish-owned Sealight, which flies the flag of Malta, informed the ITF of their complaints. still okay. Aung also was alerted to the plight of the crew aboard the Sealight, managed by Furtrans Shipping Group, a Turkish company based in Istanbul and flying the flag of Malta. The mariners claimed they had not been paid according to the ITF agreement covering that vessel. And wages that were being paid had been delayed for periods of two months or more. The ITF inspector visited the bulk carrier when it arrived in Freeport, Texas and demanded that the company pay all wages, back pay and repatriation costs. In addition, he demanded that the owners take no action against the seafarers for demanding their contractual rights. Aung negotiated with Furtrans and received $55,812.95, which covered Seafarers LOG Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President The tug Honcho is part of the Puerto Rico Towing fleet. Negotiations Underway At Puerto Rico Towing two months’ wages for five crew members, as well as overtime, leave pay and repatriation. The remainder of the crew had just boarded the vessel and did not want to claim wages at that time. Aung asked that other inspectors keep an eye out for the Sealight, checking to ensure that the company continued to comply with the ITF agreement. The ITF, based in London and founded in 1886, is an alliance of 594 transportation-related trade unions in 136 countries, representing approximately 5 million workers. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. Three Sri-Lankan crew members aboard the FOC vessel Taxiarchis Sierra count the money they received in back pay, thanks to the assistance of ITF inspector Shwe Tun Aung. 4 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) port agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, DetroitAlgonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2004 and close Aug. 15, 2004. The foregoing constitutes your president’s pre-balloting report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Negotiations for a first contract are continuing at Puerto Rico Towing, where boatmen recently chose to join the SIU. The company operates tugboats that perform docking and undocking in San Juan Harbor as well as in other ports in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Its duties include providing harbor towing services for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) at the U.S. Naval Station at Roosevelt Roads, approximately 50 miles from San Juan. Puerto Rico Towing is a subsidiary of Great Lakes Towing. The SIU represents ABs and deckhands at Puerto Rico Towing, while the licensed personnel are represented by the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers. The company operates five boats and has reported plans to “expand and deploy additional tugboats in the near future.” Victor Nuñez, SIU port agent in San Juan, credited AB Angel Lozada (among others) with “being a great asset during the organizing drive. He continues to do outstanding work as a union delegate.” Pictured from left to right are AB Angel Lozada, Deckhand Sixto Franco and Deckhand Sinforiano Negrou. Left: Reviewing contract proposals on the tug Punta Borinquen are (from left) Deckhand Sinforiano Negrou, Deckhand Sixto Franco, AB Angel Lozada and SIU San Juan Port Agent Victor Nuñez. May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/26/2004 11:22 AM Page 5 Unions Voice Strong Objections to MMD Provisions The SIU and seven other maritime unions, along with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, early last month submitted comments objecting to numerous provisions in a U.S. Coast Guard interim rule (47 CFR Part 12, USCG-2003-14500) covering forms and procedures for the issuance and renewal of merchant mariners’ documents (MMDs). The joint statement came from the SIU; MTD; American Maritime Officers; Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; and the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. The unions called for a public hearing “in order to develop a complete and accurate record regarding the provisions and consequences of the Interim Rule.” “At the outset, we believe it is extremely important to emphasize that the procedures and requirements governing the issuance and renewal of MMDs determine whether a trained and qualified individual will or will not in fact be able to pursue his or her chosen profession,” the unions wrote. “It is absolutely essential that such procedures and requirements be reasonable, realistic, clear and fair, and that they do not serve to arbitrarily deny qualified persons with the opportunity to work aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. “It is also important to empha- size that to the extent American citizens are denied the chance to pursue a career in the United States merchant marine for reasons that have very little if anything to do with their current qualifications and on-the-job performance, our country will lose a valuable, irreplaceable component of its militarily-useful commercial sealift.” The unions argued that the interim rule “is directed at mariners least in need of additional regulation and is thus an unnecessary means to improve security.” They also pointed to runaway flags (also known as flags of convenience) as “the real threat to the security of the United States,” from a maritime perspective. “While we commend the United States Coast Guard for the steps it has taken in recent years to regulate foreign-flag vessels, far more regulation is needed in this area rather than against United Statesflag ships.” Further, they noted that the interim rule “simply further regulates the group of people in the maritime industry who are already the most regulated. Adding to the complexity of merchant mariner documentation does not itself enhance the security interests of the United States. Our country needs more, not less, U.S.-flag ships and more, not fewer, U.S. citizen crews if the United States wants to seriously address the threats to our ports, our economy and to our citizens posed by flagof-convenience vessels and their foreign citizen crews.” Among other objections, the unions particularly took issue with the “character and habits of life” standard included in the interim rule. “The Interim Rule provides that the ‘character and habits of life’ of the applicant, and whether the applicant is determined to be a ‘safe and suitable person’, shall be considered by the Coast Guard when deciding whether or not to issue or renew a merchant mariners’ document,” the unions wrote. “These terms are not defined, but rather will, according to the Interim Rule, be left to the ‘appropriate Coast Guard official’ to decide. “We understand that prior to the promulgation of this Interim Rule, 33 CFR section 6.10-1 permitted the Coast Guard to grant MMDs only if ‘the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of such person are such as to authorize the belief that the presence of the individual on board would not be inimical to the security of the United States.’ However, we know of no instance in the last twenty years when this rule was used to deny the issuance of an MMD. In fact, this rule has all but been struck down by the United States Supreme Court, and the Coast Guard’s attempt to resurrect it and to make it part of the regular MMD application process cannot succeed….” They also pointed out, “We understand that the intent of this standard is to thwart terrorism and terrorist activities. However, we are greatly concerned that as writ- Land Management Agreement Geared Toward ‘Environmentally Sound Energy Development’ Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton has signed a document that finalizes the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) plan for managing 8.8 million acres of public land in the Northwest portion of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. In signing the document, known as a Record of Decision, Norton said the BLM’s management plan “will help meet America’s need for environmentally sound energy development as directed by the president’s National Energy Plan.” Under its management plan, the BLM will make 7.23 million acres of the 8.8 million Northwest portion acres available for energy leasing and will defer 1.57 million acres from leasing for 10 years. All energy leases will be subject to strict environmental standards. In addition, the plan includes provisions to protect water quality, vegetation, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitats, and subsistence uses. This plan was the result of extensive consultations with Alaskans. “With America’s dependence on foreign oil growing each year, energy from the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska can help in the long term to increase our domestic energy production and stabilize prices,” Secretary Norton said. “This plan will help produce energy in an environmentally responsible manner with the best available technology, while protecting the important biological, subsistence and cultural values found in this area.” The U.S. Geological Survey May 2004 estimates that the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska has between 5.9 and 13.2 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil with a mean estimate of 9.3 billion barrels. President Warren A. Harding created the Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 4 in 1923. In 1976, BLM assumed management responsibility for the area, and the name was changed to the National Petroleum ReserveAlaska. In 1980, Congress instructed the interior secretary to undertake “an expeditious program of competitive leasing of oil and gas” in the Reserve. Throughout the past two years the BLM has used various studies to develop the Northwest Plan for the National Petroleum ReserveAlaska. “With today’s signing, we can continue to access these vital reserves and in doing so we can increase our national security, provide more stable energy prices for America’s families, reduce our dependency on foreign oil and create new jobs in America,” Secretary Norton said. As part of the Record of Decision, Norton designated 102,000 acres as the Kasegaluk Lagoon Special Area. “This area is important for migratory birds and marine mammals and features marine tidal flats that are rare on the North Slope. I concur with BLM’s recommendation for this area, and it will be protected,” Secretary Norton said. BLM will include “no surface occupancy” restrictions that pro- hibit permanent structures and contain other protective stipulations on any leases issued in this special area. The plan, detailed in the Final Northwest National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Integrated Activity Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement, includes a variety of restrictions and designations designed to protect water quality, vegetation, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, subsistence uses and scenic/recreational values. ten, the undefined ‘character and habits of life’ criteria could be used as a catch-all excuse to deny individuals an opportunity to work aboard U.S.-flag vessels based not on their qualifications or on-thejob performance, but rather on their unpopular but legitimate and legal politics; personal habits and lifestyle; or other equally irrelevant, non-terrorist related matters. Without clear definition and specific criteria, United States citi- Alaska to Offer Drilling Leases On Some State-Managed Waters Oil and gas drilling leases for up to 350,000 acres of state-managed waters along the whole coast north of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in October will be offered by the state of Alaska, according to published reports. Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) made the announcement March 31. By law, the state manages waters up to three miles offshore. State administrators can enact land-use policies without the Alaska Legislature’s approval. “It’s a solid answer to America’s energy shortage,” said Murkowski during a Washington, D.C. press conference. “It sends a very strong message that we are not going to be held hostage by OPEC.” The governor’s announcement came after OPEC ratified a pledge it made in February to reduce the cumulative target oil output of its 15 member nations by a million barrels per day. Experts say that the pledge likely will further increase U.S. gas pump prices, which have averaged more than $1.75 per gallon nationwide in recent weeks. In a related development, Interior Secretary Gale Norton said that oil reserves in the far Northern Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) represent the nation’s largest single prospect for future oil production—greater than any state, including Texas and Louisiana. The secretary in March shared statistics about ANWR’s energy potential with members of the U.S. House Resource Committee during testimony on Capitol Hill. Coast Guard Admiral Reminds ‘Maritime Partners’ About MTSA’s July 1 Implementation U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thomas H. Collins, the agency’s commandant, recently distributed a letter to “maritime partners” concerning deadlines related to the Maritime Transportation Security Act. The mid-March communication includes a reminder about the Coast Guard’s “help desk” that provides the latest details on maritime security regulations. Extensive details of the Act have been published in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. The text of Admiral Collins’ letter follows. “As you are by now well aware, the January 1, 2004 deadline for submitting security plans required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) has passed, and the implementation date of July 1, 2004 for ves- zens are in the position where they may lose their right to work in the profession of their choice based on purely subjective determinations by an agency of the United States government.” Lastly, the unions asserted that the appeals process for mariners whose applications are denied “is unclear and insufficient,” while the cost of the interim rule to mariners “is vastly underrated.” sel and facility security will soon be upon us. “To date, we have received security plans from over 95 percent of those vessels and facilities required to comply with the MTSA. This is no small accomplishment. However, plan approval is only a part of the security process. The implementation of those security plans by the vessel and facility operators is the crucial element that will solidify the MTSA foundation. I ask that you please ensure your members are aware of the approaching compliance date and are fully prepared to implement their individual security plans. The Coast Guard takes these security requirements very seriously, and we will aggressively enforce the July 1 deadline. “Additionally, if they have not “The administration firmly believes that we can develop energy at home while protecting the environmental values we all hold dear,” Secretary Norton said. “The Coastal Plain of ANWR’s 1002 area is the nation’s single greatest onshore oil reserve. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that it contains a mean expected value of 10.4 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil. To put that into context, the potential daily production from ANWR’s 1002 area is larger than the current daily onshore oil production of any of the lower 48 states. “ANWR could produce nearly 1.4 million barrels of oil, while Texas produces just more than one million barrels a day, California just less than one million barrels a day and Louisiana produces slightly more than 200,000 barrels a day,” the interior secretary said. Secretary Norton reiterated the Interior Department’s support for energy production in the far Northern Coastal Plain of ANWR—the area set aside for possible oil and gas production in 1980 by President Carter and Congress. “Energy production in Alaska’s Northern Coastal Plain will reduce dependence on foreign oil; will create new jobs; is strongly supported by organizations that represent working men and women; and will protect wildlife with the toughest environmental regulations ever applied,” she said. “With American ingenuity and new technologies, we can protect the tundra and wildlife on the Northern Coastal Plain.” already done so, I strongly urge your members to submit their security plans now. To facilitate this effort, the Coast Guard has established a help desk to provide a “one-stop-shop” for up-to-date information on implementation of the maritime security regulations. Your members can visit the help desk web site at the following address: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/mp/mtsa.shtml “The help desk itself operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 1877-MTSA-Aid (1-877-6872243) or 202-366-9991 for all MTSA-ISPS needs. The help desk staff will either immediately respond to questions or will research the issue and promptly provide a written response. “I thank you and your members for their efforts thus far, and look forward to the full implementation of the MTSA so that, together, we can make our waterways safe and secure.” Seafarers LOG 5 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:28 PM Page 6 Remembering George McCartney Lifelong Passion for SIU Defined Retired VP Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney, one of the union’s most enthusiastic champions for more than a half-century, died March 19 at his home in San Mateo, Calif. following a long illness. He was 72. McCartney spent his entire career with the Seafarers. At age 17 he climbed the gangway to his first SIU ship, the Liberty tanker Catahoula, in 1948. He retired as vice president of the union’s West Coast region in 1998, but remained very active with the SIU. In fact, he attended the monthly membership meeting in San Francisco the day before his passing. In remembering the New York City native, union officials and former shipmates pointed to McCartney’s lifelong passion for the Seafarers. “I go back a long way with this union. I can honestly say that I never met anyone who cared about the SIU any more than George did,” SIU President Michael Sacco said March 26 at a graveside service at Seafarers Haven Cemetery in Piney Point, Md. “I always thought that if someone X-rayed George’s heart, they’d see a ship’s wheel inside, with the words ‘Brotherhood of the Sea.’” SIU Executive Vice President John Fay described McCartney as “an eloquent spokesman for the SIU. He loved the SIU and, like most of us that came around in that era, it was his whole life…. You never heard anybody say anything unkind about him.” Nick Marrone, who succeeded McCartney upon his retirement, noted, “I knew him for 20-plus years. He was a very honest, forthright individual. What I During a 1993 meeting of the American Merchant Marine Veterans in Portland, Ore., McCartney pledges the SIU’s support in the fight to extend the cutoff date for veterans’ status for WWII mariners. remember most was his positive attitude and his thumbs-up gesture…. George loved the union. This was the biggest part of his life and he enjoyed every moment of it.” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez observed, “George embraced the cause and fought for the membership literally until his last days. In our line of work, you simply can’t have enough people like George McCartney.” SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona first met McCartney in 1977 and later worked for him on the West Coast. “He was extremely loyal, he loved the union and we worked well together,” Celona said. “When it came to the merchant marine and the SIU in particular, he would always stand up. He just loved the SIU and the membership. Since he retired, he attended every meeting. I’m glad I worked with him.” Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell sailed with McCartney during the 1950s and later worked with him again when both were officials. “He was an excellent shipmate and he always knew his job,” Campbell stated. “Beyond that, he was ‘Mr. Union.’ George took part in many of the waterfront beefs and really was involved in all of the union’s campaigns.” Retired SIU Bosun Joseph Morrison knew McCartney for more than 40 years. “George was a dedicated official and union member,” Morrison said. “He knew everyone and treated everyone equally. He’d be in the office very early in the morning. As the members would come in, he would shake their hands. He knew everyone’s name.” McCartney also was a friend to the Seafarers LOG. He regularly kept in touch with the union’s newspaper staff and was quick to offer background, story ideas, compliments and constructive criticism. “When he called our office, he identified himself as the West Coast cub reporter,” recalled Jeanne Textor, longtime office manager at the LOG. “He kept us updated on maritime issues on the West Coast and he shared his wealth of information when an SIU or MC&S member or official retired or passed away. George absolutely will be missed by all of us.” Raised in the Hell’s Kitchen area of New York, McCartney sailed in the engine and steward departments from 1948 until 1960, when he came ashore as part of the maintenance gang in McCartney enjoyed attending meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, first as an active official (top photo, flanked by SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and current SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) and later as a retiree (below, with MFOW President Whitey Disley). his native city. During the 1960s, he worked as a patrolman in New York and also served as the port agent in Wilmington, Calif. for two years. He was the union’s New York port agent from 1972-76, then moved to the West Coast. McCartney worked as the Seattle port agent in 1977, then as San Francisco port agent beginning in 1978. In 1981, he was appointed to the newly created position of West Coast vice president—a slot to which he was reelected several times, until his retirement. McCartney was instrumental in aiding the union’s return to the passenger trade, and he also played a part in many of the SIU’s historical and central campaigns. He was active in local port councils, central labor councils, state labor federations—and anywhere else he saw an opportunity to promote the SIU’s interests. “He was a friendly, hardworking, decent, loyal person,” SIU President Sacco remembered. “Most of all, he was—and always will be—a Seafarer.” Duly credited with helping the SIU return to the passenger trade, McCartney is pictured aboard the SS Independence in 1984. McCartney’s SIU career began in 1948. Whether working with Seafarers (top two photos) or supporting members of other unions in times of need (bottom), his efforts were tireless. Pictured in New York in 1974 are (from left) McCartney, SUP President Morris Weisberger, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Lane Kirkland and ILA President Ted Gleason. 6 Seafarers LOG May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 8:15 PM Page 7 Lakes Seafarers Complete Fitout Shipboard Security Plans in Place on SIU Vessels SIU crews on the Great Lakes completed a busy but routine fitout in mid-April. “It was very busy from the beginning of March, but everything went smoothly,” noted SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. “All of our contracted companies are running. The last one (Great Lakes Associates) broke out the weekend of April 17.” The SIU halls in Joliet, Ill. and Duluth, Minn. reported similar activity levels in March and April. 2nd Cook Earl Hicks American Spirit The Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA), a trade group representing U.S.-flag operators, reported that 45 American-flag vessels were operating on the Lakes by early April. That figure is more than double the number from last year at the same time. “Equally important, the April 1 tally is the highest since 2000, when 51 U.S.-flag ‘Lakers’ were in service,” the LCA noted. “Most of the increase comes in the category of vessels that carry iron ore, limestone and coal.” SA Darlene Weymouth American Spirit AB Terry Arlt American Spirit Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes in March totaled 1.1 million net tons, more than double the total recorded a year earlier, the association reported. Weather played a big role in the increase, as icy conditions in March 2003 slowed or delayed some shipments. “For the year, the Lakes coal trade stands at 2.6 million tons, again more than double the volume recorded at the same point in 2003, and a slight increase over the 5-year average for the January-March timeframe,” the association said. “It must be noted that the 2004 season-todate total includes a number of western coal cargos that moved as a result of the one-time extension of the closing date for the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.” Like other segments of the U.S.-flag fleet, Lakes crews and operators have begun complying with the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) well in advance of the July 1, 2004 deadline. “An LCA-developed Alternative Security Program for Great Lakes Dry-Bulk Carriers was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in late December, and LCA members have begun training personnel in the requirements of the Program,” the association noted. While many elements of the LCA Program are deemed Security Sensitive Information (SSI) by the federal government and therefore are not for public disclosure, the Program details the responsibilities of shipboard and land-based employees in complying with the security requirements set forth in the MTSA, passed by Congress in 2002. ASC Bosuns Address Key Issues SIU bosuns who sail with American Steamship Company (ASC) took part in informative meetings March 16 at the union hall in Algonac, Mich. The first part of the day-long session covered many topics including shipping rules, contract administration, responsibilities of the ship’s chairman and the importance of political activity. During the afternoon meeting, the bosuns tackled vessel security, shipboard safety, the 2004 outlook for maritime trade on the Great Lakes, and more. The following Seafarers participated: David Barber, Ronald Bochek, Albert Brzezinski, Jeffrey Eckhart, Scott Gallagher, Michael Keogh, William Mulcahy, Charles Niegebauer, Michael Schaff, Larry Smith and Rudolph Tahtinen. Helping conduct the initial meeting were SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, Joliet Port Agent Don Thornton and Patrolman Chad Partridge. Representing the company were ASC President Jerry Welsch, Safety and Security Officer Tom Anderson, Vice President of Operations Noel Basset, Vice President of Traffic and Sales Keith Collingnon, Human Resources Manager Kathy Elinski and Human Resources Vice President Kevin McMonagle. ASC’s SIU-crewed Great Lakes fleet includes the Indiana Harbor, Walter J. McCarthy, St. Clair, American Mariner, H. Lee White, John J. Boland, Adam E. Cornelius, American Republic, Buffalo, Sam Laud and American Spirit. QMED John Norick American Spirit AB Issam Hani American Spirit Among other rules, the MTSA requires security training for mariners and shore staff and various safeguards such as inspection of holds prior to and during loading and unloading of cargo. It also calls for screening of noncrewmembers boarding the vessel. Lakes Boatmen Okay Pact By an overwhelming majority, Seafarers who sail aboard line boats operated by Material Services Corporation on the Great Lakes recently ratified a new five-year contract. The new pact, which covers 34 mariners, became effective Jan. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2009 with a wage and benefit re-opener on Jan. 16, 2007. Among other gains, the new contract features a $1,500 signing bonus in the first year and three percent wage increases in both the second and third years. Benefits also improved, as the pact calls for an increase to $22.50 per day for maintenance and cure. Additionally, SIU members will receive travel reimbursement from the company when they successfully complete upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. “The members seem very pleased with the features of the new contract,” said Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, who served on the negotiating committee. Talks for the contract commenced in December and continued for about two months. “We had a total of three meetings, each of which lasted two days,” Brdak said. “The hours were long and challenging, but the end results were well worth it.” In addition to Brdak, the negotiating committee was composed of Joliet Port Agent Don Thornton and Delegates John Kline, Lonnie Hibner and Wallace Killion. Material Services Corporation operates three tug/barge units in the Chicago River System. Attention Seafarers: Bosuns Al Brzezinski (left) and Michael Schaff review the Great Lakes Standard Freightship Agreement. American Steamship Company Security Officer Tom Anderson addresses the bosuns about the vessel security plan scheduled to take effect July 1. Participating in the meeting are (from left) Patrolman Chad Partridge, Bosun Bill Mulcahy, SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski and Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. May 2004 Seafarers LOG 7 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 8:36 PM Page 8 Former Scholarship Winner Gives $5,000 to Help Others The cover page of the May 1978 Seafarers LOG includes a picture of James Mann as one of the scholarship winners for that year. He is the center photo in the top row. When James F. (Jimmy) Mann received a $5,000 award from the union’s scholarship program in 1978 for two years of study, it helped him on the road to attaining his educational goals. Twenty-six years later, Mann has contributed a check in that same amount to the scholarship fund in the “sincere hope and expectation that it will help another young person realize a part of their dreams, as it once did for me in my younger years.” He initially planned to use his scholarship money to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston Mass. and did, in fact, study jazz piano there. He transferred to Newbury Junior College, also in Boston, where he received an associate degree in hotel and restaurant management and then completed his studies at the hotel school at Cornell University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Mann came out of the trainee program at Piney Point in 1973 and returned the next year to upgrade to second cook and baker. Between classes and colleges over a 13-year period, he continued to go to sea and upgrade his skills, working his way up the ranks to become chief steward in 1983. The deep sea member then took the position of fleet commissary manager with Sea-Land Service Inc., which involved managing a 42-ship feeding and steward department operation. At the same time, he shared his food service management skills with the steward upgraders at the Paul Hall Center several times a year. A memorable moment for Mann came when in 1989, SIU President Michael Sacco awarded him with an honorary steward recertification certificate for all his work with the school. Mann now has his own company, Mari-Serve Network Inc.—a steward department management and consulting firm in San Leandro, Calif.— and also works full time as supervisor of vessel operations with Matson Navigation Co., an SIU-contracted operator, where he has been for 11 years. Twenty-six years after being awarded an SIU scholarship, James Mann contributes $5,000 to help another young person on the path to success and personal fulfillment. The former Seafarer continues to view his association with the SIU as “nothing short of a wonderful experience in life. That experience has included many great memories, a college scholarship, education and training opportunities and enduring friendships that have lasted to this day,” he wrote in a note accompanying the check. Memorial Planned to Meredith Victory Captain, NMU Crew The Korean monks of St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, N.J. are raising funds for the building of a monument to be dedicated Oct. 14, 2004 for the rescue of 14,000 Korean refugees by Captain Leonard P. LaRue, master aboard the Meredith Victory and the ship’s officers and NMU crew. The ceremonies are scheduled to take place on the third anniversary of the captain’s death. The two-fold story behind this effort is an interesting and uplifting one that was brought to the attention of the Seafarers LOG by Charles P. Thole, a retired member of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association who lives in Newton. The Korean Conflict The first part of the story occurred during the Korean Conflict, when the 455foot Meredith Victory, operated by Moore-McCormack Lines under charter to the Military Sea Transportation Service with Capt. LaRue at the helm, was carrying supplies to American servicemen in Korea on behalf of the Navy. Three days before Christmas in 1950, the vessel— along with about 200 other American ships—was summoned to the North Korean port of Hungnam to evacuate American and South Korean marines and soldiers as well as more than 90,000 North Korean civilians. Capt. LaRue saw refugees thronging the docks, carrying everything they could in their flight from Communist troops. He ordered his crew of 47 to begin loading them onto the vessel until it could hold no more. There were 14,000 crammed into the five cargo holds and covering the entire main deck of a freighter that was designed to hold 60 persons, and set sail for the port of Pusan in South Korea, 28 hours away—a treacherous voyage through the heavily mined Sea of Japan, which was being patrolled by enemy submarines. The ship also was carrying 300 tons of jet fuel in 52-gallon drums. Food and water were scarce and sanitary conditions were deplorable, but the 8 Seafarers LOG freighter eventually arrived in Pusan, only to be turned away by Korean officials who were inundated with other refugees. They were told to head for the island of Koje Do, 50 miles away. They arrived there on Christmas day, but the port was too small and crowded, so the refugees had to wait on board another night at sea until Navy LSTs finally were able to transport the refugees from the ship to the shore. In the ship’s log, Capt. LaRue wrote: “The nearness of Christmas carries my thoughts to the Holy Family—how they, too, were cold and without shelter.” The amazing part of this journey was that not one refugee died in the evacuation and, in fact, five babies were born during the harsh voyage! Capt. LaRue, a Philadelphia native and veteran of World War II merchant marine operations in the Atlantic, remained in command of the Meredith Victory until it was decommissioned in 1952. In 1960, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Merchant Marine’s highest honor. He also received many citations from the governments of America and South Korea for his rescue, and the freighter was designated a Gallant Ship by Congress. The ship was put back in service in 1966 for service in the Vietnam War. It was finally sold for scrap on Oct. 1, 1993. In 1954, the captain, always a religious man, retired from seafaring life and, under the name of Brother Marinus, joined the Benedictine monks at St. Paul’s Abbey, where he lived until his death at 87 in October 2001. In an obituary printed in The New York Times, they quoted Capt. LaRue’s view of the rescue as a turning point in his life. “I think often of that voyage. I think of how such a small vessel was able to hold so many persons and surmount endless perils without harm to a soul. The clear, unmistakable message comes to me that on that Christmastide, in the bleak and bitter waters off the shores of Korea, God’s own The Meredith Victory saw action in World War II, the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. hand was at the helm of my ship.” The Korean Monks The second part of the story pertains to the arrival of the Korean monks at St. Paul’s Abbey. In 1949, after Korea was divided, the Communists closed the monasteries in North Korea and killed or imprisoned the monks. Some managed to escape and make their way south. One monk, who had taken home leave from his abbey in Korea, stayed at St. Paul’s Abbey until 1951, when he was asked to return to Korea to gather up the monks and start a new monastery. With the help of U.S. Army chaplains, a new monastery was established at Waegwan, South Korea and became very successful. Meanwhile, St. Paul’s Abbey started to decline as some of the older monks began to die off and no new ones took their places. In the summer of 2000, it was decided that St. Paul’s Abbey would have to close. But the very next year—just two days before Brother Marinus died—the abbot at Waegwan agreed to send monks to St. Paul’s. And in 2002, the Koreans formally took over the operation of the Newton, N.J. abbey. Since their arrival, they have been working very hard to improve the grounds and repair the deteriorating buildings. They all know about the rescue of the Koreans and the role Brother Marinus played—and want to build a monument commemorating that event. The monks have a theme: “Brother Marinus saved the Korean people. Now the Koreans are going to save the monastery.” In addition to planning the monument and seeking contributions, the monks have a book for sale that tells the story of the Meredith Victory. It describes the rescue as well as the suffering of the Korean people and their strong desire for freedom. “Ship of Miracles,” with a foreword written by former Secretary of State Alexander Haig Jr., is for sale ($28.83, which includes tax and shipping). Contributions for the building of the monument, or checks for the purchase of the book, may be sent to St. Paul’s Abbey, P.O. Box 7, Newton, NJ 07860. The telephone number is (973) 383-2470. Be sure to indicate that the contribution is for the building of the monument. In addition, please list the name of the organization to which you belong. May 2004 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:06 PM Page 9 SMPPP Earned 15 Percent Last Year Annual Statements Mailed in March Annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) were mailed to Plan participants during the final week of March, according to SMPPP Administrator Bill Dennis. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite recent and ongoing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2003 was 15 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $22.1 million. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediate- Reminder New Towing Licenses For boatmen seeking to qualify for a license as a mate (pilot) on towing vessels, May 21 is the deadline for completing service or training requirements. After that date, new requirements take effect. The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) in March 2002 issued Policy Letter 07-02, which provided information for license applicants who began serving or training aboard towing vessels before May 21, 2001 and for those who would complete all requirements for license issuance before May 21, 2003. The latter date subsequently was extended to May 21, 2004. According to the policy letter, “A mariner may obtain a license as a mate (pilot) of towing vessels … provided he or she holds documentary evidence demonstrating relevant service or training before 21 May 2001. The applicant must also fully qualify for the license, including completion of all testing requirements, before 21 May 2003. (Editor’s note: Again, the latter deadline was bumped back to May 21, 2004.) To be eligible for the license, a mariner must either: a. Provide proof of at least 18 months service on deck, including at least 12 months on towing vessels, and at least three months of training or duty in the wheelhouse of towing vessels. The sea service must include at least three months of service in each geographic area for which licensure is requested; or b. Provide proof of at least six months of service on towing vessels while holding a merchant mariner’s document endorsed as able seaman unlimited, able seaman limited, or able seaman special. The service must include three months service in the wheelhouse in each particular geographic area for which licensure is requested. In addition, the applicant must provide proof of either two months of training or duty in the wheelhouse or one month of training or duty in the wheelhouse along with completion of an approved course that substitutes for such service.” The policy letter further points out that mariners who provide evidence of the above service “may qualify for a license as mate (pilot) of towing vessels, and may be issued an endorsement as master of towing vessels for a limited local area within the scope of the inland route (inland waters or Western rivers) within the authority of the license. After completion of an additional 18 months of service operating towing vessels, the mate (pilot) of towing vessels license may be upgraded to master of towing vessels. Those mariners with limited service, as determined by the cognizant Officer in Charge Marine Inspection, will receive licenses as mate (pilot) of towing vessels (limited). After an additional 12 months of service, operating towing vessels, the licenses will be upgraded to master of towing vessels (limited).” The old license for operator, uninspected towing vessels (OUTV) is replaced by the new license, for master of towing vessels. Similarly, the old 2nd class OUTV license is replaced by the license for mate (pilot) of towing vessels. For more information on the new towing licenses, contact your nearest U.S. Coast Guard regional exam center (see box, this page), preferably before May 21; or visit the Coast Guard’s licensing and documentation web site at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ (The site also is linked to www.seafarers.org, in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section.) May 2004 ly vested from the first day money is received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. The annual statements include the following information: Member’s name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant’s account number); Statement date; The opening balance for 2003 (which was the year- end 2002 closing balance); Interest earned and administrative expenses charged; Any payouts made to the member in 2003; and The closing balance for 2003 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). Members who have questions about their accounts, or do not receive their year-end statements within a reasonable time, may call 1-800-485-3703. Notice: Sailors’ Snug Harbor The Sailors’ Snug Harbor Mariners Outreach Assistance Program offers assistance paying bills directly to the service provider. If you are retired with 10 years worth of sea time, the program may be able to help. To find out if you qualify, contact: Mariners Outreach Assistance Program P.O. Box 99 Sea Level, NC 28577 Telephone 1-800-257-5456 Email sshoutreach@bizec.rr.com Web www.thesailorssnugharbor.com The program involves completing an application, submitting proof of the required sea time (3,650 days aboard ship) and having a case manager visit in the home. If approved, the financial stipend is paid directly to the vendor for expenses such as electricity, rent, insurance, etc. With Seafarers in Puerto Rico When the Horizon Discovery was in San Juan recently, SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez was on hand to meet with the crew members. From the left are Chief Steward Joseph Laureta, Chief Cook Jorge Salazar, Nuñez and SIU secretary Wildaliz Rivera. Left: Recertified Bosun Joseph Osorio (left) receives a check from his Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan account from SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez. Brother Osorio currently resides in the Domincan Republic. SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez (left) meets with Francisco Merced, a program director at the local Department of Labor, who works closely with maritime labor. Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers 800 E. Diamond Blvd., Suite 3-227 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: (907) 271-6736 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 1001 S. Seaside Avenue, Bldg. 20 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208 Phone: (310) 732-2080 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 720-3250 Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 S.W. 1st Ave., 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 9820 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 240-7300 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 Battery Park Building 1 South Street New York, NY 10004-1466 Phone: (212) 668-7492 6767 N. Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 915 Second Ave., Room 194 Seattle, WA 98174-1067 Phone: (206) 217-6115 Oakland Federal Bldg., North Tower 1301 Clay Street, Room 180N Oakland, CA 94612-5200 Phone: (510) 637-1124 Fax: (510) 637-1126 E-mail: recsfbay@d11.uscg.mil 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 420 Madison Ave., Suite 700 Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 418-6010 Seafarers LOG 9 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:06 PM Page 10 Free Choice Act Gaining Support On paper, America’s workers have the right to form unions, but the laws protecting that right are so shattered that employers routinely block workers from exercising their freedom of association. To resolve this situation, workers and their allies in November joined with congressional legislators to launch an unprecedented effort to provide people in the workforce who want to join unions an adequate chance to do so. The proposed legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), S. 1925 and H.R. 3619—sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.)— ensures that when a majority of employees in a workplace decide to form a union, they can do so without the debilitating obstacles employers now use to block their workers’ free choice. At press time for the Seafarers LOG, 180 U.S. representatives and 30 senators had signed on as co-sponsors of the EFCA. The proposed bills would allow employees to freely choose whether to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation, provide mediation and arbitration for first contract disputes and establish stronger penalties for violations of employee rights when workers seek to form a union. Recent polls show some 45 million workers would join a union tomorrow if they had the chance, but few are able to exer- cise this fundamental freedom because employers routinely create barriers to thwart workers’ choice. To ensure workers who want a union are free to form one, the union movement is mobilizing behind the EFCA to make the freedom to join unions a key issue in the 2004 elections and a top priority for the next Congress and the winner of the presidential election. In summary, the EFCA calls for: Certification on the Basis of Signed Authorizations—Provides for certification of a union as the bargaining representative if the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit has signed authorizations designating the union as its bargaining representative. The certification also requires the NLRB to develop model authorization language and procedures for establishing the authenticity of signed authorizations. First Contract Mediation and Arbitration—Provides that if an employer and a union are engaged in bargaining for their first contract and are unable to reach agreement within 90 days, either party may refer the dispute to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) for mediation. If the FMCS has been unable to bring the parties to agreement after 30 days of mediation, the dispute will be referred to arbitration and the results of the arbitration shall be binding on the parties for two years. Time Seafarers Deliver in OIF2 Continued from page 2 Saddam Hussein. The work continues, and the men and women of the merchant marine remain actively engaged in replenishing equipment and supplies as our troops rotate into and out of Iraq.” Schubert also said that the Iraq missions have “once again shown how invaluable the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is to our national security. We have an opportunity to reinforce support for the merchant marine by demonstrating the economic value of a strong and vibrant U.S.-based maritime industry.” Among the SIU-crewed ships SA Mary Ann, AB John Nelson, OS Howard Vick Cape May OS Ali Mohamed Alnassiry Cape May 10 Seafarers LOG limits may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Stronger Penalties for Violations—Makes the following new provisions applicable to violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) committed by employers against employees during any period while employees are attempting to organize a union or negotiate a first contract with the employer: Mandatory Applications for Injunctions: Provides that sailing in OIF2 are SL-7s operated by AMSEA; Ready Reserve Force vessels operated by Crowley, Keystone, Mormac, Marine Transport Lines, Pacific Gulf Marine, and Patriot Contract Services; and LMSRs operated by Maersk Line, Limited. Editor’s note: Ed McDonnell, third mate aboard the Cape May, provided the photos accompanying this story, including the OIF2 pictures on the front page. Pictured from left to right on the Cape May are AB Tecumseh Williams, AB Clay Brown, AB Billy Ray Hanbury, Bosun Greg White and OS Ali Mohamed Alnassiry. Wiper Allen Hammond Cape May just as the NLRB is required to seek a federal court injunction against a union whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the union has violated the secondary boycott prohibitions in the NLRA, the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against an employer whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the employer has discharged or discriminated against employees, threatened to discharge or discriminate against employees or engaged in conduct that significantly interferes with employee rights during an organizing or first contract drive. Triple Back Pay: Increases the amount an employer is required to pay when an employee is discharged or discriminated against during an organizing campaign or first contract drive to three times back pay. Civil Penalties: Provides for civil fines of up to $20,000 per violation against employers found to have willfully or repeatedly violated employees’ rights during an organizing campaign or first contract drive. A waterspout is visible from the Cape May’s stern. The SIU-crewed roll-on/roll-off vessel Cape May (top) and tanker Mt. Washington earlier this year took part in joint logistics over the shore operations ordered by the U.S. military, which normally involve discharging cargo from vessels anchored off-shore and transporting it to various shore-based sites. The Seafarers-crewed Flickertail State also was mobilized for the operation. AB Billy Ray Hanbury Cape May May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:28 PM Page 11 Left: AB Richard Benoit secures a lifeboat raft aboard the double-hull tanker. Right: Bosun Juan Castillo (left) and AB Mustafa Ahmed pose for a photo in the crew lounge. Aboard the Seabulk Arctic These photos, sent to the LOG by Bosun Juan Castillo, were taken aboard the SIU-crewed Seabulk Arctic in Kenai, Alaska. Owned by Seabulk International, the 46,000-dwt vessel is one of the company’s five new double-hull petroleum and chemical tankers engaged in the domestic Jones Act trade, transporting petroleum products, chemicals and crude oil along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts, and Alaska. Left: Chief Cook Evelina Barnes can attest to the fact that the snow on the vessel’s deck makes great snowballs. AB Robert Duncan knows that there’s always something that needs repair aboard ship. Right: Posing with Frosty the Snowman on the deck of the Seabulk Arctic are (from left) QMED/Pumpman Salome Castro, Bosun Juan Castillo and AB Mike Jalbert. AB Chris Chikwere warms up with a hot cup of coffee. Below: Chief Steward Alan Bartley (left) keeps QMED/ Pumpman Salome Casto company during lunch. Enjoying a nourishing meal on the Seabulk Arctic are (from left) Wiper Fathi Almuraisi, OMU Roger Saxon and GUDE Faissal Alamri. May 2004 Seafarers LOG 11 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 10:32 PM Page 12 Sea DEEP FRE BELOW: Because of icy conditions, McMurdo normally is accessible via ship only two months out of the year. LEFT: The vessel draws interest. tradition by deli Antarctica—the McMurdo is siderations, the ble during Janu “It was a pre way down, roug January), althou in the thirties, b tough, real fast. The Gianella and the Polar S and other stores Gianella Cap Foundation (NS base) “for all th Bosun Bernardino Eda QMED Jason Powell AB Ray Elsner, AB Mike Bay, DEU Mark Juan Abrincia, Bosun Bernardino Eda, AB George Lammers, AB Leroy Williamson SIU members sailing aboard the Gianella during the resupply mission included Bosun Bernardino Eda; ABs Leroy Williamson, George Lammers, Raymond Elsner, Timothy Dunn and Mike Bay; QMEDs Jason Powell, Joseph Stanford and Richard Huffman; DEUs Mark Abrincia and Nasser Kassim; Steward/Baker James Lewis; Chief Cook Gerald Archie; GSUs Brandy Parmer and Abdulnaser Saeed; and Unlicensed Apprentice Nicholas Doffoh. 12 Seafarers LOG May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 10:33 PM Page 13 afarers Help Resupply McMurdo Station EEZE For Seafarers who help resupply the McMurdo scientific research station, going to the end of the Earth is routine. Earlier this year, the SIUcrewed USNS Lawrence Gianella continued the yearly y delivering gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to McMurdo’s U.S. station, located in —the planet’s coldest, driest and windiest place. do is the southernmost ground that’s accessible by ship. Because of weather con, the annual resupply mission—known as Operation Deep Freeze—only is possiJanuary and February. a pretty smooth trip,” said QMED Jason Powell. “We had good weather on the rougher weather on the way back. We were at the base for a week (in late lthough we were actually in Antarctica for three weeks…. The temperatures were ies, but the last couple of days, the wind started to blow quite a bit. It gets real fast.” anella received assistance from two U.S. Coast Guard ice cutters: the Polar Star lar Sea. Another Seafarers-contracted vessel—the American Tern—delivered food tores to McMurdo in mid-February. a Captain John Giacchino credited the Coast Guard and the U.S. National Science n (NSF, which manages the U.S. Antarctic Program and coordinates research at the all their assistance throughout Operation Deep Freeze. It was a pleasure working with all involved in McMurdo and their hospitality and efforts are appreciated,” he noted in a written account of the voyage. SIU members sailing aboard the Gianella during the resupply mission included Bosun Bernardino Eda; ABs Leroy Williamson, George Lammers, Raymond Elsner, Timothy Dunn and Mike Bay; QMEDs Powell, Joseph Stanford and Richard Huffman; DEUs Mark Abrincia and Nasser Kassim; Steward/Baker James Lewis; Chief Cook Gerald Archie; GSUs Brandy Parmer and Abdulnaser Saeed; and Unlicensed Apprentice Nicholas Doffoh. The vessel is operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Powell said that for him and many others aboard the Gianella, this was their first trip to Antarctica. “I absolutely would do it again,” he concluded. McMurdo Station houses anywhere from 1,100 scientists and support personnel (during the austral summer) to approximately 250 people (from February to late October). The station opened in 1955 and is built on volcanic rock at the southern end of Ross Island, which measures 45 miles by 45 miles. According to the NSF, the Antarctic Program’s goals are “to understand the Antarctic and its associated ecosystems; to understand the region’s effects on (and responses to) global processes such as climate; and to use Antarctica’s unique features for scientific research that cannot be done as well elsewhere. Research is done in Antarctica only when it cannot be performed at any other location on Earth.“Among the scientific disciplines encompassed by this broad mandate are astronomy, atmospheric sciences, biology, earth science, environmental science, geology, glaciology, marine biology, oceanography, and geophysics.” CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: AB Mike Bay, QMED Joe Stanford, ABs Tim Dunn and Leroy Williamson The station (left) houses anywhere from 1,100 scientists and support personnel (during the austral summer) to approximately 250 people (from February to late October). The Gianella (above) is one of two SIU-crewed ships that called on McMurdo this year—the American Tern is the other. May 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/23/2004 10:11 AM Page 14 Letters to the Editor (Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Remembering the Old Days at Sea At the February and March meetings of the Merchant Marine Vets, Desert Mariners, we received copies of the Seafarers LOG, and I was very glad to see them as it brought back memories. I was a member of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP) in World War II and for several years after the war ended. I had worked as an electrician ashore, so I applied for and received an electrician’s endorsement to my OS papers. There was inter-district shipping between the SUP and SIU then, and I sailed on several ships owned by Bull Lines, Waterman Steamship Corporation and Isthmian Company. My discharges were lost several years ago, and I can’t remember them all. I was surprised to see that women are now crew members, and that the SIU headquarters is no longer located in New York City...and the recent affiliation with the NMU. AFL and CIO unions were enemies when I was sailing. After I married, I left the sea, but I miss it. I am now a few months from 80 years, and retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. I guess it’s too late for me to go back to sea. Howard Forman Cave Creek, Ariz. Help Needed Locating Lost Family My name is Kathleen Lawrence, and 27 years ago, my mother gave birth to me. I have not seen her since. I am actively searching for my lost family. I know that I was born in September 1976, and at that time, my mother’s brother (my uncle) was 18 years old and had completed the trainee program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. I am writing to see if one of his classmates would remember a friend with a pregnant sister. The sister (my mother) would have had a 3-year-old son with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was not married, and her son was in and out of the hospital, diagnosed as a hydrocephalic. The sister may have been a trained beautician and waitress. I believe that at that time, to have a friend with a nephew that is really ill, a sister with a sick son and another baby on the way would have been something to remember. From the information I have, my uncle’s mother (my grandmother) was a civil service secretary. I also know that my uncle’s father (my grandfather) died at the age of 65 from a stroke and heart attack. This information is a bit confusing, but it may be possible that my uncle will read this and will contact me. I am a happily married mother of three children and wish to embrace my birth family with love and appreciation. I am hoping that someone may even have a remote memory of who my uncle may be and lead me in the right direction. Does anyone still keep in contact with him? When and where was the last place he was known to live? I would be happy and most grateful to talk to anyone with even the smallest piece of information and anyone who graduated in the class of 1975-1976. Kathleen M. Lawrence (301) 884-0314 (daytime) (301) 884-3647 (evenings) e-mail: klawrence@cbs-legal.com Summer + Vacation = Piney Point That’s an equation that can add up to fun for the whole family. As many SIU members already have discovered, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. offers all the ingredients for a memorable summer vacation—and it’s a benefit available only to Seafarers and their families. UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child$10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, three meals a day, lots of activities (including tennis, swimming, boating) and an ideal location from which to make this vacation one to talk about throughout the year. All the historic sights of Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.; and Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are but a short drive away. Take a tour of the FBI Building or the White House, visit the National Zoo or one of the Smithsonian’s many museums, go for an outing at Camden Yards to see the Orioles play. The options are endless. But within Southern Maryland, itself, there are many events planned for the summer months that can be fun for everyone in the group. Craft fairs, family concerts, crab feasts and horse tournaments are just a fraction of the many activities going on this summer. By taking advantage of the vacation package at the Paul Hall Center, you, too, can be right in the center of all the activity. Join the many Seafarers and their families who have discovered the additional benefits of fun and recreation provided by the Paul Hall Center. Simply fill out and mail the application printed below, and you will have taken the first step toward a vacation you and your family will talk about for years. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ______________________________________________________________ Social Security number: _____________________ Book number: ______________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: ____________________________________________________ Number in party / ages of children, if applicable: ____________________________ Date of arrival: 1st choice: ______ 2nd choice: ______ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) 3rd choice: ______ Date of departure: ___________________________ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 14 Seafarers LOG 5/04 May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:29 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 3 3 9 17 27 0 9 16 16 17 1 8 6 13 5 28 25 206 1 1 1 0 17 11 0 5 8 18 8 3 0 0 4 2 14 18 111 1 6 1 7 24 27 0 9 20 16 8 3 2 6 22 0 23 9 184 0 5 1 5 13 18 0 3 4 11 11 0 1 5 15 1 17 8 118 0 1 2 5 14 30 0 3 5 10 15 3 3 2 8 4 14 12 131 1 1 0 1 4 2 0 2 2 6 3 0 0 0 3 1 5 5 36 0 5 0 2 10 16 0 4 2 7 3 1 0 6 11 0 15 3 85 0 3 0 16 11 19 0 3 6 15 11 2 0 2 17 2 17 19 143 2 1 1 8 2 11 0 7 6 8 13 1 2 2 5 0 6 5 80 0 0 0 1 3 6 0 1 1 8 7 1 0 0 1 1 5 4 39 0 2 0 6 12 13 0 1 2 12 6 1 0 2 12 1 14 14 98 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 6 4 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 6 3 28 1 2 5 13 15 14 0 5 6 23 15 0 4 0 10 0 10 5 128 2 2 1 10 11 22 0 0 7 26 14 2 30 1 6 0 26 9 169 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 0 5 1 20 0 1 0 3 7 7 0 4 2 15 12 0 6 0 5 0 16 2 80 Totals All Departments 505 545 355 387 318 Port 0 1 4 4 11 18 0 7 13 6 7 1 10 1 8 3 15 14 123 0 0 3 1 8 6 0 2 1 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 6 6 41 0 0 1 1 10 15 0 4 4 5 6 2 0 0 14 0 13 13 88 1 9 1 11 45 52 0 25 19 45 20 5 2 6 30 2 47 41 361 4 5 3 18 30 46 1 12 17 32 20 2 8 10 16 3 45 36 308 3 3 0 4 30 25 2 8 17 38 9 3 2 1 4 5 31 26 211 0 1 0 4 4 5 0 2 1 3 5 1 1 2 1 0 3 2 35 0 7 1 14 20 32 1 8 10 18 12 1 3 2 17 2 17 12 177 0 3 4 9 16 42 0 5 12 22 28 5 2 3 12 6 28 18 215 2 1 1 1 11 8 0 1 6 15 7 1 0 1 5 2 11 8 81 0 0 0 2 1 8 0 2 1 3 2 1 1 0 6 1 7 9 44 0 4 1 21 23 35 0 8 16 25 12 4 7 0 34 1 34 34 259 2 1 3 8 3 13 0 8 11 16 24 2 3 3 8 0 8 6 119 0 0 0 1 5 13 0 2 3 9 8 1 1 1 1 1 4 7 57 0 1 1 0 2 5 0 0 2 5 9 0 12 0 1 0 10 6 54 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 4 5 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 5 7 0 8 5 50 2 1 7 22 31 26 0 6 9 50 9 0 7 4 18 1 29 9 231 3 3 1 19 29 44 0 3 16 53 18 2 42 4 18 1 41 23 320 125 167 847 873 669 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 5 0 10 26 38 0 13 12 23 13 0 3 2 15 1 27 28 216 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 1 0 1 5 7 13 1 3 3 4 7 1 4 1 2 1 16 7 77 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 9 Piney Point .............Monday: June 7 ................................Tuesday: July 6* ............................................*(change created by Independence Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: June 11, July 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Boston.....................Friday: June 11, July 9 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 Guam ......................Thursday: June 24, July 22 Honolulu .................Friday: June 18, July 16 Houston ..................Monday: June 14, July 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 10, July 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: June 22, July 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 15, July 13 New York................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 9, July 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan..................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis..................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: June 21, July 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 0 0 4 1 10 0 3 1 0 5 0 1 0 3 0 4 6 38 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 3 2 1 2 0 1 0 3 2 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CHIH-HUA CHANG Please contact Linda Yuan at 142-27 Barclay Ave., Apt. 306, Flushing, NY 11355; or call (718) 886-1852. TROY WOOD Please contact your grandmother, Josephine Betz, at 483 Sanborn Road, Newport, WA 99156; or call (509) 447-5770. Celebrating Cesar Chavez Day ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2004 June & July 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters In honor of Cesar Chavez Day in Los Angeles, March 31, crew members aboard the Mokihana passed the hat and contributed more than $4,100 to the working families of the UFCW who were severely affected by their recent long strike in California. Pictured are Captain Jim Hill and crew members representing all unions aboard the vessel: SIU, MMP, MEBA, ARA, SUP and MFU; an official representative from each union; and Shannon D. Donato, director of the Harry Bridges Institute, who accepted the cash donation on behalf of the families. Seafarers LOG 15 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 Seafarers International Union Directory 7:30 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 14 2 6 15 2 0 7 46 0 2 1 3 2 0 0 5 13 0 9 0 1 0 0 1 0 11 0 15 1 2 12 2 0 5 37 0 2 1 2 1 0 0 2 8 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 5 4 7 3 3 6 0 0 1 24 0 19 15 14 48 3 2 15 116 0 2 7 6 6 0 1 8 30 0 24 10 13 0 0 0 2 49 0 2 3 2 5 3 0 0 15 0 11 11 6 11 2 4 15 60 0 5 4 2 2 0 0 7 20 0 19 9 10 0 0 0 0 38 0 2 2 1 3 0 0 1 9 0 5 6 7 11 3 2 10 44 0 1 1 3 12 0 1 5 23 0 19 5 9 0 0 0 2 35 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 4 4 0 1 5 20 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 6 0 1 1 0 0 0 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 3 0 1 6 0 0 2 12 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 3 8 0 0 1 18 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 0 7 Port 0 4 0 1 11 0 1 3 20 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 84 21 26 69 16 11 53 220 73 125 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 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 16 Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Richard E. McAll of Saraland, Ala. It was taken at sea aboard the SS Alcoa Cavalier in the mid-1950s. In the front, kneeling, is the deck steward, Ralph Smith. McAll is directly behind him. Also included in the photo is Bill Lassiter (seated, left). Next to him are Whitey Plumkett, McAll, Quartermaster Bill “Red” Roach, Bill Terry (former New York Giants pitcher, and a passenger on the vessel), Bosun Jimmy Hunt and Jimmy Patterson. Captain Alfred Jump is standing second from right. Others pictured in the snapshot are Morris J. Danzey, Dewey Saxon, George Dean, Armando Salazar, George Gill and James “Fat Boy” Williams. McAll, 75, joined the SIU in the port of Mobile in 1955. He sailed as a chief cook. Brother McAll was on the picket line in the 1946 General Maritime beef. He was a former member of the Boilermakers Union, Local 693 and the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America, Local 18, AFL-CIO. Seafarer McAll was born in Louisiana. He retired from the union in 1986. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/23/2004 10:13 AM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA CAYO C. CEPEDA, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1971 in New Orleans after serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Brother Cepeda first went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Kyska. He worked in the deck department and in 1975 enhanced his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Cepeda last shipped aboard the Horizon Challenger. Born in Central America, he now makes his home in Belle Chase, La. ALBERT COALE JR., 54, hails from Alabama. Brother Coale joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first voyage was on Pan Oceanic Tankers Corp.’s Fairisle. Brother Coale worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1990 when he completed steward recertification training at the union’s school. He last shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Atlantic Forest and currently lives in Mobile. LEON DZIESINSKI, 64, embarked on his seafaring profession in 1958 in Alpena, Mich. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Dziesinski’s first SIU ship was the Mt. Whitney, an American Tramp Shipping & Development Co. vessel. Born in Detroit, he worked in the engine department. Brother Dziesinski most recently sailed on the OMI Charger. He lives in Alpena. HENRY B. EDWARDS, 54, started his SIU career in 1973 in the port of New York. The Louisiana-born mariner first went to sea on Hudson Waterway’s Pecos. Brother Edwards shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Seafarers’ training school in Piney Point, Md. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Edwards is a resident of New Orleans. GARY HANSON, 65, began his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Hanson’s first SIU vessel was the USNS Lynch. He worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the USNS Pathfinder. Brother Hanson makes his home in Grants Pass, Ore. SILVIO J. IGLESIAS, 64, hails from Havana. He joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Houston. Brother Iglesias’ first ship was an Intercontinental Carriers vessel. The engine department member May 2004 enhanced his skills in 1995 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Houston, Brother Iglesias last worked aboard the Horizon Challenger. THOMAS KREIS, 51, began his seafaring career in 1969 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Kreis was born in Montgomery, Ala. and shipped in the steward department. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center, including completion of the steward recertification program in 1999. He last sailed on the Liberty Sea. Sarasota, Fla. is his home. BILLY JOE LOCKHART, 64, started his seafaring career in 1981 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Lockhart initially sailed aboard Bay Tankers’ New York. The Arkansas-born mariner worked in the deck department and last shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Sam Houston. He makes his home in Little Rock, Ark. PAUL MATSOS, 64, hails from Greece. Brother Matsos launched his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of New York. He worked in the deck department as a bosun and enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center where, in 2000, he completed the bosun recertification course. The Baltimore resident last went to sea aboard the Horizon Pacific. DOCK McGUIRE JR., 59, joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother McGuire worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills on a number of occasions at the Seafarers’ training school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Mobile. JOSEPH MOORE, 62, was born in Louisiana. He started his career with the SIU in 1963 in New Orleans. Brother Moore initially sailed aboard the Inger, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a bosun. Brother Moore frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center and completed the bosun recertification course in 1987. He last worked on the Liberty Sun and makes his home in Independence, La. PATRICK B. RANKIN, 55, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Rankin’s first voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Fairport. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the deck department as a bosun. A frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, he completed the bosun recertification course there in 1992. Brother Rankin last went to sea on the Sea-Land Florida. He makes his home in Mobile. SERGIO ROJAS, 67, commenced his profession with the SIU in 1995 in the port of Houston. His first ship was American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. Born in Chile, Brother Rojas shipped in the engine department. He enhanced his skills in 1998 and 2001 at the Seafarers’ training school. Brother Rojas last worked on the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Houston. THOMAS B. SCHROEDER, 70, began his seafaring career in 1982 in the port of Honolulu after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Schroeder’s first voyage was aboard the Independence. The Hawaii-born mariner worked in the deck department and last went to sea on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Schroeder is a resident of Tacoma, Wash. INLAND DARYL DELANEY, 51, joined the SIU in 1976 in New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Boatman DeLaney worked primarily on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. The deck department member resides in his native state in Gretna. AUBREY R. JORDAN, 61, started his seafaring career with the union in 1975 in New Orleans. Born in Alabama, Boatman Jordan shipped in the deck department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. Range, Ala. is his home. WILLIAM S. JUDD JR., 49, joined the SIU in 1972 in New Orleans. The Louisianaborn mariner worked in the deck department, primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels. Boatman Judd is a resident of Metairie, La. LEW N. LaHAYE, 62, hails from Eunice, La. Boatman LaHaye launched his SIU career in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas, working in the engine department. He lives in Nederland, Texas. GREAT LAKES DEAN BROWNING, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1967 in Toledo. Ohio. Born in Michigan, Brother Browning first sailed on American Steamship Co.’s McKee Sons. He shipped in the deck and engine departments and upgraded his skills in 1992 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Browning last worked aboard the H. Lee White. He makes his home in Algonac, Mich. ALBERT L. CROPEK, 61, started his seafaring career in 1970 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Cropek worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Luedtke Engineering Co. He shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills in 1994 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Cropek was born in Westfield, N.Y. and now resides in Girard, Pa. THOMAS S. FORGRAVE, 62, joined the SIU in 1966 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Born in Michigan, the deck department member upgraded his skills in 1992 at the Paul Hall Center. He makes his home in Brimley, Mich. JAMES R. WERDA, 65, began his seafaring career in 1960 in Alpena, Mich. Born in Michigan, he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Werda last sailed aboard Inland Lakes Management Co.’s Alpena. He lives in his native state. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU pension Trust, recently went on pension. FERNANDO L. DAVIS, 55, hails from Newport News, Va. Brother Davis embarked on his NMU career in 1976, initially sailing out of the port of Norfolk, Va. The steward department member’s first ship was the Marine Floridian. Brother Davis last went to sea on the Cape Archway. ARTHUR DIAS, 55, joined the NMU in 1968. He first sailed aboard the P.W. Thirtle. Born in Providence, R.I., Brother Dias worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills on several occasions. His last voyage was on the American Osprey. EDDIE J. FILER, 66, was born in Louisiana. Brother Filer began his NMU career in 1987. His first voyage was aboard the Galveston Bay. Brother Filer shipped as a member of the steward department. He last sailed on the Marine Duval. AURELIO PEREZ, 69, joined the NMU in 1968. He first went to sea out of the port of San Francisco. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Perez worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Ashley Lykes. HERMAN YOUNG JR., 65, started his NMU career in Charleston, S.C. His first ship was the Pioneer Moon. Born in Charleston, Brother Young worked in the steward department. He upgraded his skills on several occasions and last worked on the Cape Ducato. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Cruz, DeJesus Age EDP 61 April 1 Marshall, Vernal 71 April 1 Pruneda, Ramon 57 April 1 Shorte, Herman 70 April 1 Seafarers LOG 17 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/26/2004 7:53 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RAYMOND AGBULOS Pensioner Raymond Agbulos, 76, died Feb. 10. Brother Agbulos embarked on his SIU career in 1970 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first SIU ship was the Sea Ohio. Born in the Philippines, he shipped in the steward department. The Freemont, Calif. resident last worked on the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Agbulos began receiving his pension in 1998. AKE ANDERSON Pensioner Ake Anderson, 86, passed away Feb. 26. Brother Anderson joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and lived in Monmouth, N.J. Brother Anderson started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. ROMEO AZCARATE Brother Romeo Azcarate, 57, died Jan. 23. He began his seafaring career in 1994 in New Orleans. The Philippine-born mariner first shipped aboard the USNS Pollux. Brother Azcarate worked in the deck department and resided in Green Bay, Wis. He last sailed on the Liberty Glory. WILLIAM BRIMHALL Pensioner William Brimhall, 69 passed away Jan. 15. Brother Brimhall began his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The U.S. Army veteran’s maiden voyage was aboard Vancor Steamship’s Van Venture. Brother Brimhall was born in California and shipped in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Brimhall began receiving his pension in 2000. He made his home in Santa Rosa, Calif. JAMES CARTER Brother James Carter, 52, died Jan. 15. He joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of New York. Born in Tennessee, Brother Carter’s first voyage was aboard Hudson Waterways’ Transoregon. He sailed in the deck department as a bosun and last shipped on the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Carter resided in Simi Valley, Calif. ROBERT CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Robert Christensen, 67, passed away Feb. 8. Brother Christensen began his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. Born in Long Island, N.Y., he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Christensen was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Robert E. Lee. Brother Christensen, who lived in Perry, Fla., started receiving his pension in 1995. 17. Brother Davis embarked on his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Grundy, Va., he shipped in the steward department. Brother Davis began receiving retirement income in 1979 and resided in White Plains, N.Y JOSEPH DeCINQUE Pensioner Joseph DeCinque, 79 passed away Feb. 26. Brother DeCinque joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. The Cedarville, N.J.-born mariner’s first voyage was aboard Eagle Carriers’ Bluestar. Brother DeCinque worked in the engine department and last went to sea aboard an Asbury Steamship Co. vessel. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1979 and resided in Vineland, N.J. ISADORE FLAHERTY Pensioner Isadore Flaherty, 84, died Jan. 18. He became a Seafarer in 1947, joining in the port of New York following service in the U.S. Navy. His first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Wild Ranger. A native of Boston, Brother Flaherty worked in the deck department. He lived in New Hampshire and last went to sea on the Point Revere, a Point Resolute Corp. vessel. Brother Flaherty went on pension in 1981. ALPHONSE JOHNSON Pensioner Alphonse Johnson, 79, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Johnson launched his profession with the SIU in 1965 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Johnson’s first vessel was Delta Steamship’s Southwestern Victory. The Alabama-born mariner shipped in the steward department and last sailed on Puerto Rico Marine Management’s Osprey. Brother Johnson lived in Mobile, Ala. and went on pension in 1995. GEORGE MALENDES Pensioner George Malendes, 88, died Feb. 9. Brother Malendes began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Kohali, Hawaii, he worked in the steward department. Brother Malendes started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1959 and resided in Midwest City, Okla. CHARLES MARTIN Pensioner Charles Martin, 83, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Martin joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. The Brownsville, Pa.-born mariner worked in the engine department and sailed on many vessels during his career, including the SS Potomac. Brother Martin made his home in Middlefield, N.Y. He began receiving his pension in 1982. RUFUS DAVIS YOUNG MCMILLIAN Pensioner Rufus Davis, 94, died Jan. Pensioner Young McMillian, 81, 18 Seafarers LOG died Feb. 27. He joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother McMillian’s first voyage was aboard Alcoa Steamship’s Martin Behrman. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Cove Sailor. Brother McMillian began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1985, He lived in his native state. FRANCISCO MOLINA Pensioner Francisco Molina, 92, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Molina beganhis seafaring career in 1973 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Overseas Valdez. Brother Molina worked in all three departments and last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. A resident of the Philippines, he started receiving his pension in 1996. JIMMY MORRIS Pensioner Jimmy Morris, 73, died Feb. 4. Brother Morris joined the SIU in 1949 in Tampa. Fla. Born in Pensacola, Fla., he sailed in the deck department. Brother Morris’ last ship was the OMI Champion. He resided in Jacksonville, Fla. and started receiving his pension in 1986. INLAND JOHNNIE BROWN Pensioner Johnnie Brown, 67, died Feb. 15. Boatman Brown launched his career with the SIU in 1980. Born in Loudon, Tenn., Boatman Brown was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Red Circle Transport Co. and shipped in the steward department. Boatman Brown resided in Interlachen, Fla. and began receiving retirement stipends in 2000. JAMES GILLILAND Pensioner James Gilliland, 77, passed away Feb. 18. Boatman Gilliland joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Okeechobee, Fla., he initially worked on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Gilliland shipped in the deck department as a captain. He was last employed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel in Philadelphia. Boatman Gilliland began collecting retirement stipends in 1983 and called Monroe Township, N.J. home. ROBERT HENNINGER Pensioner Robert Henninger, 70, died March 5. Boatman Henninger joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland-born mariner worked primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. He shipped in the deck department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. Boatman Henninger was a resident of Jarretsville, Md. RALPH HUGHES Pensioner Ralph Hughes, 67, passed away March 14. Boatman Hughes began his seafaring career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He was born in Collenswood, N.J. and worked in the engine department. Boatman Hughes started receiving his retirement pay in 1998. He made his home in Ferresburgh, Vt. ROBERT MELBE Boatman Robert Melbe, 56, died March 8. He joined the SIU in 1988 in the port of Mobile. Boatman Melbe sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions as a member of the deck department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, including the Liberty Island. Boatman Melbe was a resident of Pottsville, Ark. DON P. MORGAN Pensioner Don P. Morgan, 73, passed away Feb. 24. Boatman Morgan began working with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Navy. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing as a member of the deck department. Boatman Morgan, who went on pension in 1992, made his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL BASHORE Brother Michael Bashore, 54, passed away Jan. 16. He joined the SIU in 1996 in St. Louis. The U.S. Coast Guard veteran’s first SIU vessel was the Steel T. Crapo. Born in Shelby, Ohio, Brother Bashore worked in the deck department, last sailing on American Steamship Co.’s Sam Laud. He made his home in Effingham, Ill. JOHN MONACO Pensioner John Monaco, 70, passed away Feb. 5. Brother Monaco launched his seafaring career in 1961 in Cleveland after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Monaco worked in the Great Lakes as well as inland divisions. Born in Ohio, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Monaco last shipped aboard the Lemmerhirt. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1994 and was a resident of Westlake, Ohio. WILLIAM NEWHOUSE Pensioner William Newhouse, 57, died Feb. 20. He launched his seafaring career in 1965 in Alpena, Mich. The Michigan native worked in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Newhouse sailed mainly aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management, Inc. including the Lewis G. Harriman and Paul H. Townsend. He went on pension in 1987 and lived in his native state. RAILROAD MARINE JOHN CALBY Pensioner John Calby, 78, died Feb. 24. Brother Calby joined the Seafarers in the port of New York following service in the U.S. Army. Brother Calby worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1988. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he made his home in Algona, Iowa. HUGO HUETSCH Pensioner Hugo Huetsch, 80, passed away March 14. Brother Huetsch joined the SIU in 1960. Born in West Hoboken, N.J., Brother Huetsch was a member of the deck department and last worked on a Pennsylvania Central Transportation Co. vessel. The Little Ferry,. N.J. resident went on pension in 1984. HOLLIS MAUPIN Pensioner Hollis Maupin, 78, died Jan. 4. Brother Maupin started his career with the Seafarers in 1964. A deck department member, he worked chiefly aboard vessels operated by Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. The Virginia-born mariner began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988. Jersey City, N.J. was his home. In addition to the foregoing Seafarers, the following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, passed away on the dates indicated: NAME AGE Baugh Jr., George Benson, Charles Bronko, Peter Brown, Harry Bruce, Charles Cassen, George Centeno, Panfilio Clark, Solomon DeBrosse, Michael Duncan, Lionel Green, Joseph Hennes, Paul Jules, Henry Lawrynkiewicz, John Marrero, Antonio Regman, Frank Rhinehart, Abraham Riley, Isley Whitehead, Augustus Williams, Robert 77 70 79 79 78 84 89 89 78 83 86 77 86 78 89 86 77 80 91 77 DOD Feb. 2 March 3 March 20 March 9 March 21 March 5 March 20 March 15 March 3 March 3 March 21 Feb. 12 March 17 March 11 March 21 Feb 7 March 3 Feb 24 Feb 1 Feb 22 May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 7:39 PM Page 19 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. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), Feb. 29—Chairman Samuel L. Porchea, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Ronald Celious, Deck Delegate Thomas E. Howell, Steward Delegate Sherman Harper. Chairman stated vessel to anchor in Panama March 4 and transit canal next day. Arrival in Houston scheduled March 10. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping house clean and working well together. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded everyone to check expiration dates on all seamen’s documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question arose as to value of turning on satellite system for 3 days in port (and be charged for whole month). Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. EL MORRO (IUM), Feb. 29— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Engine Delegate Stephanie S Brown, Steward Delegate Theodore Quammie. Chairman announced payoff March 1 in San Juan, P.R. He asked that everyone return to ship before 1800; ship sails at 1900. Secretary thanked crew for leaving quarters and mess hall clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce years of seatime needed for pension benefits. Crew members expressed interest in how money purchase pension plan funds are invested. Steward department given vote of thanks by happy crew for good food. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. ENDURANCE (USSM), Feb. 24 —Chairman Salvatore J. Lagare, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Carlos R. Bonilla, Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski, Steward Delegate Thurman Johnson. Secretary reminded crew members to clean rooms and provide clean linen for next person. Educational director stressed need for everyone to renew expiring documents early and enroll in upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department delegate requested increase in rate for extra meals served in port. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Feb. 29—Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Artis E. Pilgrim, Educational Director John C. Orr, Steward Delegate Wilfred Lambey. Bosun thanked deck department for safe and productive trip. Payoff expected March 5 in New Orleans. He reminded crew of new security measures now in place and that ship will be “locked down” while in port. Educational director encouraged crew members to take full advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported, although chairman requested con- May 2004 tract clarification on opening and closing hatches after cargo has been loaded. Suggestion made to look into restructuring of pension plan. Requests made for new toaster in crew mess hall and additional gym equipment. (Previous toaster caught fire in Haifa, Israel at 2330. Alarm sounded and all hands aboard ship promptly reported to emergency stations. Training paid off.) Vote of thanks given to steward department for job very well done. LTC JOHN U.D. PAGE (Maersk Line), Feb. 29—Chairman William N. Henderson, Educational Director David Watkins. Chairman announced payoff March 6 in Wilmington, Calif. He stated pay raise effective March 1 and thanked deck workers for great job. Educational director talked about upgrading programs available at school in Piney Point. He noted college courses available as well. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new mattresses and fans. Information sought on possibility of increase in pension plan benefits. Thanks given to galley gang for great job. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships), Feb. 29—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Scott Horton, Engine Delegate Jose Irigoyen, Steward Delegate Thomas Gingerich. Chairman announced payoff March 1 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Educational director reminded crew members to renew z-cards several months before expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have third cook on board MSC vessels that carry extra personnel, like 15-man security team aboard Matthiesen. Additional dryer needed in laundry room to accommodate extra persons. Recommendation made to raise SIU benefits and increase vacation days. Vote of thanks given to steward department for top-notch meals. Next ports: Manchester, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Ferndale, Wash.; Pearl Harbor. EL YUNQUE (IUM), March 1— Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Rudolph D. Shields Jr., Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate Douglas A. Hodges, Engine Delegate Edgar B. Young, Steward Delegate Frederick L. Saffo. Chairman reminded crew members not to wait until last minute to renew merchant mariner documents. Do it early since security issues are causing delays. Educational director advised Seafarers to take courses at Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills and ratings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase pension and dental benefits. Special thank you given to steward department. Next port: San Juan, P.R. EXPRESS (USSM), March 14— Chairman George H. Perry Jr., Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director John M. Cronan, Deck Delegate Lorenzo Tifre Jr., Engine Delegate Theodore Wallace, Steward Delegate Rudy A Lopez. Chairman an- nounced payoff March 17 in Port Newark, N.J. Reliefs will be available in Charleston, S.C. Secretary suggested everyone make effort to vote in upcoming elections. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and service. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), March 7—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan. Chairman announced payoff March 13 in Tacoma, Wash. No one allowed ashore until ship clears customs. Room inspections to take place March 10. Steward reminded those getting off to leave clean linen for next crew member. Educational director spoke about April 15 deadline for SIU scholarship program. He also stressed importance of keeping shipping documents up to date, of contributing to SPAD and of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification received from Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell about STCW requirements. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, especially salad bar and barbecue. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER (Pacific Gulf Marine), March 15— Chairman Jeremiah J. Harrington, Secretary Norman S. Bush, Educational Director Earl F. Ebbert, Deck Delegate Robert C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Luis Ruiz, Steward Delegate Rodrigo Jiminez. Chairman announced payoff March 20 in Wilmington, N.C. He said all went well during 90-day trip to Iraq, Portugal and Libya. He advised crew members to read LOG and keep abreast of important issues including MMD renewals, new prescription procedures, tax information, anthrax and smallpox vaccines, etc. Educational director reiterated importance of keeping MMDs, passports, drug cards, TRBs, etc. current. Know when they expire. He also encouraged everyone to take advantage of school’s upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested regarding rest periods for dayworkers, carrying dangerous cargo and day’s pay in lieu of day off. Crew asked for new TV and microwave oven. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Industrial Challenger apparently was first U.S. vessel to call on port of Tripoli, Libya in 23 years since trade and travel restrictions were put into place. Next ports: Wilmington and Houston. INNOVATOR (USSM), March 7—Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Charles A. Medeiros, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Adel B. Irani. Chairman announced payoff March 10 on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. He thanked crew for great camaraderie and job well done keeping ship clean. He also thanked union for two good unlicensed apprentices that joined ship’s crew. Secretary spoke about tax returns due April 15 and suggested everyone read Feb. 2004 LOG article on tax tips for Seafarers. Educational director noted listing of upgrading courses in each issue of LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), March 2—Chairman Richard A. Szabo, Secretary Pedro R. Mena, Educational Director Daniel N. Daligcon, Deck Delegate Hussein Mohamed. Chairman noted all’s well on board ITB Baltimore. Educational director highlighted need to keep shipping documents up to date and encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated VCR recently purchased with ship’s funds. More movies will be bought. No beefs or disputed OT reported. LIBERATOR (USSM), March 14 —Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director David M. Parker, Deck Delegate Edward F. OBrien, Engine Delegate Si Hughes. Chairman announced vessel going in for yard period. Everyone should turn in keys at MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line), March 2—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Kenneth A. Roetzer, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth. Chairman announced change in schedule, and vessel to pay off March 5 in Charleston, S.C. He asked crew to keep rooms clean, make sure all documents are up to date, and upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive new ice machine with stores this trip in Norfolk, Va. New crew will join ship in Elizabeth, N.J. Clarification of contract and money purchase pension plan requested. Suggestion made that large container vessels Thumbs Up to Ewa Steward Department Tom Stapleton, captain aboard the Matson container vessel, SS Ewa, sent the Seafarers LOG this photo of the “tremendous SIU steward department” preparing “another award-winning barbecue” en route to Honolulu. From the left are OBR Kasem Ali, Assistant Cook Philip Desett, Chief Cook Steve Bowmer and Steward/Baker Robert Miller. layoff. After recrewing, vessel heading for Middle East shuttle run. New DVD player and X-box received for crew entertainment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SIU President Michael Sacco visited ship last trip and met with crew members. LYKES DISCOVERER (MTL), March 11—Chairman John E. Pegan III, Secretary Charles H. McField, Educational Director Daniel G. Ramirez Jr. Secretary read communications received and posted on bulletin board. Educational director talked about opportunities available at Piney Point for upgrading skills and urged crew members to take advantage of them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions raised regarding pensions and medical benefits. Next ports: New Orleans, La.; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Houston. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line), March 7—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Mohsin Abdulla, Engine Delegate Rahul Bagchi. Chairman announced payoff March 12 in Charleston, S.C. He reminded everyone to report possible unsafe conditions to department heads at any time. He thanked crew members for smooth and safe trip and reminded them to clean rooms before getting off. Secretary stated 60-day stores to be taken in Portsmouth, Va. He thanked crew for helping keep house and passageways clean. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD and upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. He further advised them to check expiration dates on shot card and all other documents necessary for shipping. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for small refrigerators in each room. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston; Portsmouth; Newark, N.J.; Algeciras, Spain. like Maersk Missouri get additional dayworkers and wiper. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), March 1—Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Detricke Kelly, Steward Delegate Albert Sison. Chairman reminded crew of no-smoking policy in lounge and of company’s aggressive environmental safety policies. Treasurer stated $5,762 in ship’s fund. Suggestions made on items to buy, including DVD players and scale for gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification raised about missing man wages. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), March 14—Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Edward Self. Chairman announced that after Long Beach, Calif., vessel going to shipyard in Singapore and will remain there for about three weeks. Crew will remain on board and receive lodging pay. Before leaving, everyone will sign foreign articles. No word yet if shots are needed, but if they are, doctor will come to ship. Anyone with current shots should take shot card to captain. On way to Singapore, tanks will be cleaned. Steward explained how new prescription coverage works. She asked crew to bring dirty linen to locker before arrival in port. Educational director reminded crew to be ready to answer questions regarding company’s policies and individual job duties when rep from BP comes aboard. Treasurer stated money received from company’s performance contract fund. Bosun bought several movies in Valdez, Alaska. Anyone else who wants to buy movies should give receipts to captain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to improve medical/dental/prescription coverage. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Seafarers LOG 19 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:30 PM Page 20 The Seafarers LOG is bringing back a feature we ran several years ago—The Galley Corner. We invite our members (in any department) to contribute some of their favorite recipes and, perhaps, a story about an unforgettable experience Steward Jack Williams shows off aboard ship. probably the largest loaf of bread We will start ever baked on a tugboat. this month with a submission from Steward Jack Williams. An accomplished chef with 10 years in the maritime industry in addition to many years experience in country clubs and restaurants, Brother Williams currently is working aboard the MV Button. He loves to cook and bake, and he notes that Buffalo Shrimp “every time I go out on a vessel, my lbs peeled and deveined goal is to serve the crew the best food they have ever had on a ship.” shrimp THE GALLEY CORNER The Storm Soup Saga by Steward Jack Williams I have been cooking in the marine industry for the past 11 years. During that time I have worked on tugboats, coastal freighters and research vessels in various oceans and seas of the world. As the cook on a boat, you are at the center of it all. You hear and see everything that goes on: the gossip, the news, the weather—and you are always right in the middle of those fantastic sea stories that everyone likes to tell about their experiences on the water. It was at the galley table that I overheard a discussion between a salty old tugboat captain and a crusty veteran chief engineer about split pea soup. The captain was relating an old superstition that warns that making split pea soup while you are underway will bring up a storm. Of course I had to jump right in and stir the pot by challenging the whole idea. I asked the captain if he had ever seen proof of this first hand. He replied that he had, and he had no desire to see it again. I countered that it sounded like an old wives’ tale to me and told him that one day I would try it out and see for myself. The captain then warned me that if I ever made split pea soup on a boat that he was running, I would end up out on the bow standing a very long watch in the wind and rain. So I left it at that, went about my business and forgot all about it. A year later I was on a tugboat with the same captain and engineer heading across the Gulf of Alaska in the middle July. We were on our way to Bristol Bay, Alaska with a very heavily loaded barge of cargo. One evening I went up to the wheelhouse to chat with the captain and noticed the weather map. Although these can be stormy seas, I couldn’t see anything that even resembled wind or rain on the map. I asked the captain if there was any bad weather heading our way and he confirmed that there wasn’t. Feeling mischievous, I decided that the next day we would have split pea 5 2 2 2 1 2 cups flour cups Louisiana hot sauce cups melted butter cup smokey BBQ sauce tablespoons blackening spice Mix the hot sauce, butter and BBQ sauce together in a bowl and set it aside. Season the shrimp with the blackening spice and toss them around in the flour so they are coated well. Deep fry the shrimp until they are brown and crispy. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl and smother them with the sauce. Put them in a hotel pan and set them on the steam table. soup for lunch. Of course, I didn’t say a word to the captain because I knew what kind of a discussion that would lead to. I just went to bed knowing what I was going to do that next morning. Well, I did it! I made split pea soup when no one was around, and proceeded to serve it for lunch. The captain went ballistic! He told me to take the pot off the stove and throw it over the side. “You’ve done it now,” he said. “Our good luck is over. Get ready for some rough riding!” I laughed. “Come on, captain. It is just an old tall tale like walking under a ladder or something.” He just got up, gave me a stern look and left me standing there with this to ponder. The rest of the day went smoothly, no problems, and nobody mentioned anything else to me about the soup. However, later on that night, I was wakened from a sound sleep, being violently tossed from one side of the bed to the other. I got up, pulled on my jeans and went up to the wheelhouse to see what was going on. I was not a welcome visitor at that moment! The mate at the wheel told me we were getting gale force winds holding at 45 knots, that the seas had picked up to 15 feet, and that it was all my fault we were getting pounded like this. Go figure. There hadn’t been any indication of weather like this on the map. And to tell you the truth, I was dumfounded. It had to have been the split pea soup. Storm soup. The blow lasted only until morning, but we had a terrible ride all night long, and everyone was very upset with me. The next day was picture perfect, and the captain very kindly asked me if I had learned my lesson. Of course I had to admit that I had, and peace was restored between all of us. The rest of the trip was smooth as silk, and to this day I have never made split pea soup at sea again. That should be the end of my story, but storm soup came back to haunt me a little while ago. The research ship I sailed with had a complement of more than 50 people, so there were two cooks on board. We were headed for the Azores in calm waters when the other cook made split pea soup for lunch. I was shocked! “Are you crazy?” I asked. “Do you have any idea what you are doing?” He replied just as I had years before that it was a silly superstition with nothing to back it up. So we served the split pea soup, and as everyone went through the line, I apologized in advance for the probable bad weather. Most everyone just laughed and thought nothing of it. Well, to make a long story short, the next day it blew so hard that we had to cancel work for a day and lay low. Needless to say, that made believers out of everyone. I have no good explanation for this superstition, but if you are ever brave enough to make split pea soup while you are at sea, I hope that you are also smart enough to batten down the hatches when you do. IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2004 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/26/2004 9:56 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the next few months. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 24 July 5 Aug. 16 June 18 July 30 Sept. 10 GMDSS (Simulator) July 19 July 30 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 10 June 21 August 2 May 21 July 2 August 13 Radar May 10 May 21 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) May 31 August 9 June 11 August 20 Course Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* April 19 April 30 Basic Safety Training (BST) May 10 May 24 June 21 July 19 August 2 August 30 May 14 May 28 June 25 July 23 August 6 September 3 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Government Vessels May 17 June 28 May 21 July 2 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* May 17 July 5 May 28 July 16 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning April 26, 2004. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) May 17 July 26 June 11 August 20 FOWT July 12 September 3 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 Course � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:30 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 648 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 648 (in alphabetical order) Benjamin Anderson, Ernest Cannon, Orlando Caro, Kenneth Casteel, Forrest Cornelison, Michelle Garon, Mark Kane, Matthew Locklear, Lon Maduro, Jonathan Miller, David Quade II, Gilberto Quinones-Reyes, Jamar Reed, Nelton Rodriguez, Keith Rost, Cody Stasch, Mario Torrey and Brandon Jones. ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificate March 12 are (from left) Mike Smith (instructor), John Brady, Jawaid Pardesi, Arvid Friberg, Fernando Rigonan, Harlan Hulst, Kenneth Salgado, Boyce Wilson and Brian Miller. AB — Seafarers who successfully completed the AB course March 26 are (in no particular order) Victor Perez, Tavid Lewis, Ed Majesky, Jared Taylor, John Fain, Keith Gibney, James Osborne, Sergio Centeno, Keith Livermon, George Ashbridge, Jan Payne, Erik Borys, Chuck Palmer, John Smith and Guy Traynham. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. GMDSS — Upgrading Seafarers who finished the 70-hour GMDSS course are (in alphabetical order) Victor Antunez, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Denis Kay, Donald Larsen, Sherman Sakatani and John Sparks. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. FOWT — Completing the six-week FOWT course March 12 are (in alphabetical order) Timothy Blakley, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert, Garson Elliott, Bryan Fletcher, Corey Hann, Memphis Herring, Jerrold Maggard, Gregory McKinnon, Degrick McLendon, Antonio Myrick, Antonio Perez, Richard Rowland, Steven Ruppert, John Shea, Sam Vanderbrug, William Wakeman, Brandy White, Ralph Williams and Aaron Wood. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)— Feb. 20 gradu- ates of the tanker familiarirzation/assistant cargo (DL) course are (in alphabetical order) Abdullatif Ahmed, Richard Gathers, Nathan Hollander, Rubin Mitchell, John Nelson, Edgardo Plarisan and Juan Ruiz. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Stewards from NOAA completed a number of courses at the school, including steward department courses, safety classes and computer lab work. The students were (in no specific order) Mickey Gronski, Deana Jennings, Jo Locke, Paul Jarvi, Jesse Stiggins, Larry Phillips, Raul Monillas, Joe Lefstein, Adam Staiger, Rowell Legaspi, Romulo Reynante and Steve Ralson (not all are pictured). Also in the photo are Paul Hall Vice President Don Nolan and instructors Ed White, John Hetmanski and Shannon Twigg. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Class Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of computer classes at the Paul Hall Center are (from left, seated) Hugo Infante, Emmett Wattigny, (standing) Rick Prucha (instructor), Frank Ramones and Albert Bharrat. At right is B.R. Hickman with instructor Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements March 5 are (in alphabetical order) Abdullatif Ahmed, Charles Cambra, Christopher Edyvean, James Fekany, Glenn Gross, Miles Janecka, Roy Logan, Freddie Malbas, Brian McLarnon, Jimmy Orr and Jerome Wong. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far right. May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:31 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Radar — March 3 was completion day for students in the radar class. From the left are Mike Smith (instructor), Harlan Hulst, Jawaid Pardesi, Edgardo Plarisan, Fernando Rigonan, Kenneth Salgado, Boyce Wilson, Brian Miller and Samuel Cox. Junior Engineer — With their instructor, Jay Henderson, are Seafarers who completed the junior engineer course April 2. They are (in alphabetical order) Stephen Bradfute, Kevin Cooper, Milan Dzurek, Steven Haver, Quincy Wilson and Nathan Wirt. Small Arms — Completing the small arms training course March 5 are (from left) Richard Nemanic, Brannon Adams, Raymond Hotchkiss, Christopher Paul, Gregory Scott and Lance McFarland. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW STCW — Feb. 20: Edward Lewis, Ismael Manley, Robert Melendez, Jason Moore, Joseph Morris, Evelyn Nordbrok, Olivia Pabalan, Miguel Pilgrim, Peter Ramos, Ricardo Salazar, William Schropp, Heather Van Benschoten, Brent Varney, Will Walters, Adam Young and Roger Mellen. STCW — Feb. 20: Christine Lemke, Mario Lopes, Jim Mattson, Terry Murphy, Chris Nall, John Niedbalski, Nasser Omar, Katie Piper, Donna Raymond, Fernando Remedios, Harry Rogers, John Stewart, Mary Toledo, Stephen Wehner, Donald Williams, Jerome Wong, Kenneth Yuret and Joseph Schultz. — Feb. 27: (Two groups): Rowena Applestill, Mallory Bannister, Matthew Barry, Charles Bolig, John Brown, Eric Campbell, Chris Collins, Paul Corsentino, Milane Cremeans, Kristen Cruz, Leonard Dawson, Robert Garay, Viviana Gavronski, Wesley Godon, Donald Hagerty Jr., Richard Hernandez, Joshua Hoffman, Calvin Jacobs, Scott Johnston, Kathleen Jones, Shannan Lynn, Shelley Mallow, Scott McCabe, Sarah McLaughlin, Amber Michel, Ross Murphy, Derek Partida, Justin Querubin, Dino Pleho, Dwayne Rouse, Megan Sherman, Elizabeth Smith, Stephen Smith, Samuel Styve, Irene Tassie, Jamil Walli, Kenneth White, Don Wilhite and Gary Johnson Jr. Their instructors, Stan Beck and Larry Malone, are at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival Water Survival — Feb. 27: Otsman Baudin, Stephen Wehner, Jason Moore, Mary Toledo, Dana Hicks, Amber Akana, Olivia Pabalan, David Benito, Barbra Allbritton, Victor Rapez, Tremaine Ferris, Janelle Helg, Eric Calo, Duncan Nishimura, Adrian Tam, Ryan Nitta, Greg Hayama, Jesse Nakamura, Bjorn Ramskog and Alan Schiller. Their instructors were Bernabe Pelingon and Tony Sevilla. Water Survival — Feb. 27: David Chairez, Dori Cook, Thomas Drapil, Robert Melendez, Dominic Carr, Darin Heine, Jim Farmer, Joseph Schultz, Jim Mattson, Joe Morris, Kaleinainoa Asentista, Leo Curry, Keith Cleary, Brent Varney, Patrick Helmuth, Lauren Grice, Donald Williams Sr., Migel Pilgram, Katie Piper and Adam Young. Specially Trained OS — Unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training completed the STOS course Feb 20. They include (back row) Brannon Adams, Chris Paul, Brett Younginger, Kenneth Sharp, David Guthrie, Raymond Hotchkiss, Gregory Scott, Lance McFarland, (kneeling) Robert Patterson, Xavier Rivera, Ramsey Ingram, John Selman, Richard Nemanic and Timothy Ross. May 2004 Specially Trained OS — Upgrading Seafarers who graduated from the STOS course Feb. 20 are Kenneth Click, David Garcia, Richard Jones, Thomas Maillelle, Ronald Merfeld, Hal Owen, Jan Payne, Gill Sickles, John Truss, Joseph Willett and Rick Worthington (not all are pictured). Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:31 PM Page 24 M 2 2 m l o A t l c i s D s AB Gangway Watch Jack Kemp Chief Cook Tommy Kleine ACU Ricky Williams Chief Cook Edyson Chaniago Night Engineer Steve Bvkovies and OMU Curtis Barnett Right: Recertified Steward Allen Terry Thalis Ealy is the chief cook aboard the APL China. Recertified Steward Ben Opaon Left: SIU Rep Romy Lumanlan prepares to make a deposit. Right: AB Kermit Bengtston fills out paperwork for his vacation. RMST John Vierra ACU Moosa Mohamed t � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS DELIVER THE GOODS IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 2 RANK-AND-FILE FINANE COMMITTEE OKAYS UNION’S RECORDS FOR 2003 LAKEN SHIPPING MARINERS VOTE SIU UNION CONTRACT BRINGS MANY GAINS FOR NEWEST SEAFARERS MORE NEW JOBS! TANKER CHARLESTON JOINS SIU FLEET MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT ITF SECURES AID FOR CREWS OF TWO FOC BULK CARRIERS NEGOTIATIONS UNDERWAY AT PUERTO RICO TOWING UNIONS VOICE STRONG OBJECTIONS TO MMD PROVISIONS ALASKA TO OFFER DRILLING LEASES ON SOME STATE-MANAGED WATERS LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT GEARED TOWARD ‘ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT’ COAST GUARD ADMIRAL REMINDS ‘MARITIME PARTNERS’ ABOUT MTSA’S JULY 1 IMPLEMENTATION LIFELONG PASSION FOR SIU DEFINED RETIRED VP LAKE SEAFARERS COMPLETE FITOUT LAKES BOATMEN OKAY PACT ASC BOSUNS ADDRESS KEY ISSUES MEMORIAL PLANNED TO MEREDITH VICTORY CAPTAIN, NMU CREW SMPPP EARNED 15 PERCENT LAST YEAR FREE CHOICE ACT GAINING SUPPORT OPERATION DEEP FREEZE SEAFARERS HELP RESUPPLY MCMURDO STATION SEAFARING SCENES FROM SAN FRANCISCO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2004 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 66, No. 5 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/311eac21c9bedfbbdd6a9befc57603d7.pdf df4a948eb19e6c901ce4d11029201b74 PDF Text Text 27541_Pg1,2,9cx.qxd 4/25/2005 3:34 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 5 May 2005 10 perfect 10 Tankers Ordered! Seafarers Will Sail Aboard New Double-Hulled Ships Photo by Michael Eraña In a major maritime development, SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group last month announced that it will operate 10 tankers scheduled for construction at the Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. A ceremony (pictured above) took place April 14 at the shipyard. The photo illustration at right depicts the new “Veteran Class” tankers. Page 3. Inspectors Bring 7 Ships Under ITF Agreement LMSR Turnover Continues Alaskan Explorer Delivered The SIU-contracted tanker Alaskan Explorer (above) recently was delivered to BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Operated by Alaska Tanker Company, the vessel is the second of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built in San Diego for BP. Page 3. International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspectors from the SIU and the International Longshoremen’s Association recently helped bring seven Panamanian-flag vessels under ITF contract. Above, Inspector Scott Brady (front, leaning forward) is pictured with happy mariners aboard one of those vessels, the containership Sumida. Page 2. Car Carrier Jean Anne Completes 1st Voyage Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) in mid-April began operating two more LMSRs and was scheduled to take control of two others either late in the month or in early May. SIU members climbed aboard the USNS Seay and USNS Mendonca in Philadelphia. Previously, Seafarers crewed up the USNS Shughart (above) in Norfolk, Va. Pictured on the Shughart are Bosun Dave Marks (left) and STOS John Frey. Page 8. Recertified Stewards Speak from the Heart Page 4 Seafarers Participate in Benefits Conferences Page 7 Pages 12-13 �27541_Pg1,2,9cx.qxd 4/23/2005 7:36 AM Page 2 Pride of America Nears Completion President’s Report Future Looks Bright Last month’s announcement that 10 state-of-the-art tankers will be built for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group isn’t just another good story. It is a huge boost to the future of our union and our industry. As you know, I’ve always been an optimist about the SIU and the whole U.S. Merchant Marine, not to mention American shipbuilding. OSG’s commitment to the Jones Act trade is a tremendous signal for our bright future. Michael Sacco In fact, from my view, our future has never looked better. While the order for 10 tankers in the U.S.-flag commercial sector is tremendously important, it’s not the only recent reason for confidence in the SIU. Along the East and Gulf coasts, Seafarers are crewing up newly contracted military support ships operated by AMSEA. Out West, SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company just took delivery of another double-hulled tanker, the second in a series of four new builds. And, Seafarers recently climbed the gangway of a brand new car carrier operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Overseas, final preparations are being made aboard the Pride of America, the second U.S.-flag cruise ship in NCL America’s fleet. The ship will be christened next month in New York—with an SIU crew on board. Later this year, the new Maritime Security Program goes into effect. The new MSP calls for 60 U.S.-flag ships, 13 more than in the old program. It is a legislative mandate that ensures the U.S. flag will fly on deep sea commercial ships for at least the next 10 years. Closer to home, our affiliated school in Piney Point, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, continues providing top-notch instruction for all of its students, whether they are new to our industry or they’re upgrading for the third or fourth time. The Paul Hall Center is every bit as good as advertised—a world-class maritime training facility that helps turn out professional, reliable, dedicated seafarers. My outlook for our future has always been positive. With so much evidence supporting that point of view, I’m more hopeful than ever about the months and years ahead—and more determined than ever to protect and grow the jobs and job security of this membership. There are those who never would have believed that anyone would order 10 new U.S.-flag tankers from an American shipyard. I’m one who believes that the new OSG ships are just the beginning. Maritime Day Our industry observes National Maritime Day this month, and the SIU as always will be active in ceremonies honoring the mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as part of our country’s fourth arm of defense. The tributes and memorials hit close to home—thousands of SIU and NMU members gave their lives in World War II. Thousands more have sailed in harm’s way during Korea and Vietnam, during the Persian Gulf War, during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and any other time we’ve been called upon. The legacy of the U.S. Merchant Marine is one of bravery and reliability. On May 22, or whenever you attend a National Maritime Day ceremony, please remember the courageous souls who gave their all for our freedom. Volume 67, Number 5 Seafarers Report Aboard Ship for Training Seafarers already have reported aboard the Pride of America to begin training on the ship, which currently is undergoing finishing touches in a German shipyard. The NCL America vessel is the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in almost 50 years. (The Pride of Aloha, which began its maiden voyage last summer, was the former Bahamian-flagged Norwegian Sky, which reflagged U.S. on June 7, 2004). Sea trials are scheduled this month, and NCL America will take delivery of the Pride of America on June 6. Christening ceremonies will take place in New York later in the month and then in July the vessel will cruise out of San Francisco to begin year-round, seven-night cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. The new ship will carry a “Best of America” theme inside and out. From bow to stern, the SIU-crewed Pride of America salutes the many regions of the United States. Vibrant artwork of stars and stripes adorns the hull, and every inch of the vessel’s décor is dedicated to the places America loves. An Alaskan Gold Rush Saloon, a New Orleansstyle Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, a French restaurant inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and a Waikiki Bar are just a few of the great choices that include eight restaurants and 10 bars and lounges. The Pride of America is a truly modern ship, offering state-of- The SIU-crewed Pride of America, lying along the outfitting pier at a German shipyard, will begin sea trials on May 22 prior to being delivered to NCL America on June 6. the-art digital technology in each stateroom to allow guests to customize their cruise experience in the comfort and privacy of their own cabins. NCL’s new ship also has the line’s first family suites, each with balcony, living room and a private bedroom. The vessel is 921 feel long with a beam of 106 feet. It features 15 decks and will have a passenger capacity of more than 2,100. Next year, NCL America plans to launch a third SIU-crewed cruise ship—the Pride of Hawaii. Once this third vessel has been added to the fleet, NCL America’s U.S.-flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a study by one of the nation’s leading Inspectors Bring 7 Ships Under ITF Agreement International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspectors from the SIU and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) recently helped bring seven Panamanian-flag vessels under ITF contract. SIU ITF Inspectors Scott Brady and Tony Sacco along with ILA ITF Inspector Hans Saurenmann also secured more than $27,000 in back pay for crew members aboard the containership Sumida, part of the fleet owned by Tokyo-based Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun Co., Ltd. “The ITF had been working for quite a while to get these ships under federation contract, so this is a very welcome development,” said Brady. “It’s obviously good news for the mariners.” The Sumida case began in late March, when Sacco met with Filipino crew members aboard the runaway-flag vessel in Savannah, Ga. He issued the shipowner a warning letter for not having an ITF contract in place and alerted other federation officials. Subsequently, Brady and Saurenmann boarded the Sumida in Miami, where they finalized the contract. At the insistence of Sacco, Brady, Saurenmann and SIU ITF East Coast Coordinator Ricky Esopa, the company agreed to make the pact retroactive to Jan. 1, thereby creating back wages of $27,000, which immediately was paid. “The crew was very happy and grateful,” Brady recalled. The SIU is affiliated with the May 2005 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU ITF inspectors in April helped bring the Sumida and six other vessels under federation contract. economic consultancies. Seafarers who are filling the unlicensed positions aboard the NCL America vessels are being trained at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and at its affiliated Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. These facilities offer a number of curriculums, including fire fighting and safety training. In addition to the on-thejob shipboard training now taking place in Germany, mock passenger cabins have been reproduced in their entirety at the Paul Hall Center. The replica cabins are identical in shape and size—and with the same furniture and amenities—as the ones aboard the cruise liner and are helping train housekeepers on specific job aspects of efficient cleaning. ITF, a federation of more than 600 transport-worker unions in 140 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, which brings together seafaring unions from every continent. It determines ITF policy regarding the campaign to end so-called flags of convenience (FOC) and to eliminate substandard working conditions on such vessels. A flag-of-convenience or runway-flag ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Cheap registration fees, low or no taxes and freedom to employ cheap labor typically are among the main motivating factors behind a shipowner’s decision to flag out. In describing the ITF campaign against runaway flags, the federation noted that it believes there should be a “genuine link between the real owner of a vessel and the flag the vessel flies, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). There is no genuine link in the case of FOC registries…. Some of these registers have poor safety and training standards, and place no restriction on the nationality of the crew. Sometimes, because of language differences, seafarers are not able to communicate effectively with each other, putting safety and the efficient operation of the ship at risk. In many cases these flags are not even run from the country concerned.” May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/22/2005 8:59 PM Page 3 10 Tankers Ordered SIU-Contracted Overseas Shipholding Group to Operate Vessels For the U.S. maritime industry and the SIU in particular, announcements don’t come much bigger than the one made April 14 at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard involving SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). With former President Bill Clinton delivering the keynote address, the unionized shipyard revealed that it has signed a $1 billion agreement to build 10 double-hulled tankers that will be operated by OSG. The contract includes options to build two additional tankers. In the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, Kvaerner Philadelphia’s announcement apparently is without modern precedent. The company said the fiveyear construction plan is “believed to be the largest of its kind in American commercial shipbuilding.” SIU President Michael Sacco said the order for the 10 U.S.flag vessels “is fantastic for our entire industry. This is a huge step toward ensuring a strong future for the SIU and for the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. “It’s also good news for U.S. national and economic security,” he added. “These ships will help ensure that well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen mariners remain available to serve as the fourth arm of defense in support of our troops and our country.” Each of the environmentally sound “Veteran Class” tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. The vessels will have a deadweight tonnage of 46,000 apiece. The first ship tentatively is scheduled for delivery in 2006; the last in 2010. The vessels are expected to operate in the Jones Act trade. Mariners aren’t the only ones who undoubtedly welcomed the announcement. Kvaerner Philadelphia officials estimated that the order will keep 800 shipyard workers employed for at least the next five years. Additionally, the construction is expected to help create 6,000 related jobs in the Philadelphia region. The elaborate shipyard ceremony drew more than 1,000 people including shipyard workers, customers and others. Clinton, a strong supporter of the U.S. maritime industry throughout both his terms as president, was credited by Kvaerner Philadelphia as playing an important role in the successful, bi-partisan, public-private partnership that set the stage for the shipyard’s revitalization. “I never lost faith in the American shipbuilding industry and neither did so many of our public servants, workers and private businesses,” he told the crowd. “I salute the men and women of Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard for showing all of us once again that it is possible to achieve great things even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Today’s announcement is good news for the workers here, for America’s maritime industry and for the environment.” Kjell Rokke, Kvaerner’s owner, credited the unionized shipyard workers with helping make the company successful. “I am proud to be able to show how well the people at the yard have stood up to the challenge of turning this (former) Navy yard into the most competitive yard in the Jones Act market,” he said. Other speakers at the ceremony included Pennsylvania Gov- Photo by Michael Eraña Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of SIU-contracted OSG (seated, left) and Kjell Inge Rokke, main shareholder of Kvaerner ASA perform the ceremonial contract signing April 14 in Philadelphia. Looking on are (standing, from left) Leif-Arne Langoy, president and CEO of Aker ASA; Captain Bob Johnston, OSG; Dave Meehan, president and CEO of KPSI; Edward G. Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania; John Graykowski, legal counsel to KPSI (partially hidden); former President Bill Clinton; and John F. Street, mayor of Philadelphia. ernor Ed Rendell, U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and other local, state, and federal govern- ment officials who came together under a red, white and blue banner that read, “Building the Future.” New Tanker Delivered Alaskan Explorer Boosts SIU Job Growth The SIU-contracted tanker Alaskan Explorer recently was delivered to BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. The vessel is the second of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built in San Diego for BP. The third ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2005 and the fourth ship in 2006. The first in the group, the Alaskan Frontier entered service last year. It is operated by SIUcontracted Alaska Tanker Co., as will be the case with its sister ships. Each vessel is 941 feet long, with a beam of 164 feet and a capacity of 1.3 million barrels of oil. In announcing the Alaskan Explorer’s delivery in midMarch, the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) described the Alaska-class vessels as “the most environmentally friendly oil tankers ever built. Their double-hull construction has been designed for a life of 35 years and their deck structure has a life of 50 years, a robust configuration that will per- The Alaskan Explorer is the newest addition to the SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company fleet. form at peak efficiency for decades in the rigors of the Gulf of Alaska’s waters. The dieselelectric propulsion system, with redundant engines, shafts and screws, significantly increases reliability and reduces air emissions and maintenance downtime. The ships use seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate their propeller shafts, eliminating the possibility of accidental oil leaks. Their cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is run inside the cargo tanks, to reduce the risk This artist’s conception of the Kvaerner Philadelphia tankers reflects the vessels’ 600-foot length and 46,000 deadweight tonnage. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 30, 2005 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. May 2005 Rendell noted, “Kvaerner Philadelphia stands as a model to the rest of America of how you can transform a former military base into a successful major employer and economic engine that benefits not just one region, but an entire nation.” Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group, stated, “The tenship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S. flag shipping business.” The ceremony also included the announcement of the formation of American Shipping, Inc. as part of Kvaerner’s corporate structure. American Shipping will charter the new tankers to domestic customers, including major oil and chemical producers and suppliers. Brad Mulholland, former president of Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, is the CEO of the new subsidiary. He said the new ships will be among the most efficient tankers ever built. Construction continues in San Diego on two more Alaska-class tankers that will be crewed by Seafarers. of small spills.” The new tonnage brings additional benefits besides modern, safe equipment. When the ship was christened late last year, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez pointed out that the Alaska-class tankers “strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet. They help maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, reliable U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail on military support ships for our national defense.” Alaska Tanker Company, based in Beaverton, Ore., began operating in 1999. The company has earned numerous safety awards for its operation of SIUcrewed vessels which primarily sail between Alaska and the West Coast, delivering Alaska North Slope crude oil to refineries. BP is the single, global brand formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco Corporation, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol. Seafarers LOG 3 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 12:48 PM Page 4 Car Carrier Brings More New Jobs SIU-Crewed Jean Anne Makes Maiden Voyage to Hawaii The SIU-crewed car carrier Jean Anne made its maiden voyage in late March, departing from San Diego and heading for stops in Hawaii. Christened March 21 in San Diego, the 579-foot vessel signifies new jobs for Seafarers. It is operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines and will sail regularly between the West Coast and Hawaii. SIU representatives from the union hall in Wilmington, Calif. met with crew members aboard the Jean Anne before and after the initial voyage, and found the Seafarers in good spirits. They described the ship as immaculate. As previously reported, the Jean Anne, with 387,000 square feet of deck space, can carry more than 3,000 vehicles and other rolling stock. The ship can travel at speeds approaching 20 knots, and its stern ramp is capable of handling up to 100 tons as vehicles are driven on and off. Built at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., the vessel has a beam of 102 feet, a 28-foot draft and deadweight metric tonnage of 13,000. It features 10 decks, three of which may be hoisted. The ship’s regular stops will include Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; Hilo; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. According to news reports, From left, OS Kevin Johnson, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and AB Robert Huff celebrate the christening. DaimlerChrysler has inked an agreement with Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines to move approximately 20,000 vehicles per year aboard the Jean Anne. Contracts also reportedly are in place to transport other brands of vehicles, including Honda and Porsche. Media reports further indicated that the company hopes to add a second vessel within three years. On its first trip, the Jean Anne carried more than 2,200 cars along with trucks, boats and more. A Hawaii newspaper described it as the largest single shipment ever of vehicles from the U.S. mainland to Honolulu. SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (third from right) is pictured with Seafarers and officers from the Jean Anne, including AB Robert Huff, AB Bill Cooley, Bosun Dan Davenport, AB Tom Johnson, OS Rick Jones and 2nd Mate Jamie Beadnell. The SIU’s newest contracted car carrier can transport more than 3,000 vehicles. Dozens of Seafarers-Crewed Ships Still Sailing in Support of Troops The SIU-crewed Jean Anne entered service in late March, following its christening in San Diego. Seafarers continue to support U.S. armed forces by delivering an array of goods to servicemen and women in the Middle East for the latest sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom, known as OIF3. SIU members since late last year have been backing the Bosuns’ Meeting Held in Algonac The port of Algonac was the site of a Feb. 16 meeting between American Steamship Company (ASC) representatives and SIU bosuns working aboard ASC vessels. The joint meeting was designed to keep bosuns updated on all issues, including training at the Paul Hall Center and contract questions as well as other items needing clarification. Seated at the conference table in the top photo are (from left) Seafarers Joel Lechel, David Barber Sr., Scott Gallagher, Jeff Eckhart, Al Brzezinski and Michael Keogh, ASC Representatives Mary Banks, Kathy Elinski, Noel Bassett, Jerry Welsch, Kevin McMonagle, Keith Collignon, Tom Anderson and Laurie Montante, and Seafarers William Mulcahy, Ron Bochek, Mike Schaff, Charles Neigebauer and Tim Burke. In the smaller photo are (seated, from left) SIU Representative Don Thornton, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski and Joliet Safety Director Chad Partridge. 4 Seafarers LOG newest phase on the war by trans- Cape Vincent USNS Dahl, USNS porting food, supplies and muni- Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, tions to U.S. troops in the Middle USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, East for OIF3. SIU-crewed ves- USNS Watkins, USNS Watson, sels serving the U.S. Military Cape Domingo, Cape Ducato, Sealift Command (MSC) and Cape Horn, Cape Hudson, Cape docked in ports along the coun- Texas, Cape Trinity, USNS try’s east, west and Gulf coasts in Brittin, USNS Benevidez, USNS late November began mobilizing Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS for this stage of the ongoing mis- Mendonca and the USNS sion. Meanwhile, other SIU- Pililau. crewed ships including preposiThousands of SIU members tioning vessels continued their crewed 100-plus vessels in suprespective involvement. port of U.S. troops during the first As of press time for this edi- phase of OIF. Dozens of SIUtion of the Seafarers LOG, 37 crewed vessels remained active in Seafarers-crewed MSC vessels the massive OIF2 resupply misstill were sailing for OIF3—10 sion that commenced early last fewer vessels than last month at year. MSC reported that U.S.-flag about the same time. More than ships carried heavy volumes of 600 SIU members currently are combat service support gear for crewing these ships. In excess of forces working to steady Iraq. 700 SIU members signed up for Overall, approximately 24 milduty during the initial activations. lion square feet of cargo belongJust as during military support ing to nine units in the U.S. missions before and during the Marine Corps, U.S. Army and all-out combat phase of the war in National Guard was moved by Iraq and OIF2 along with misship during OIF2. sions in Afghanistan, Seafarers again are tasked to deliver materiel to U.S. armed forces in the Middle East. The SIU-crewed vessels currently mobilized in support of OIF3 include: Cape Jacob, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Stockham, Cape Intrepid, Cape Island, Cape Wrath, USNS Chesapeake, USNS SIU-crewed ships have delivered the Petersburg, Westward goods for U.S. troops throughout Venture, Cape Knox, Cape Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Kennedy, Cape Victory, Freedom. May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/22/2005 9:00 PM Page 5 Maersk Wins Contract to Operate 6 Vessels In a move that helps preserve job security for Seafarers, SIUcontracted Maersk Line, Limited recently was awarded an operating agreement from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for six vessels. MSC awarded a one-year agreement with options that could bring the contract’s total length to more than four years. As part of the pact, Maersk will continue to operate and maintain four ocean surveillance ships and two missile range instrumentation ships. The ocean surveillance ships—the USNS Effective, USNS Impeccable, USNS Loyal and USNS Victorious—work directly with the U.S. Navy fleets to listen for undersea threats. The range instrumentation ships—the USNS Invincible and USNS Observation Island—support the U.S. Air Force by serving as seaborne platforms for radar systems. Both types of vessels are part NTSB Report Spotlights Weight Standards In Water Taxi Tragedy The U.S. Coast Guard soon may revise the system it uses to calculate the maximum occupant weight capacity for private water taxis, the result of recent recommendations by the National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB). The suggested modifications stem from a 2004 incident that involved a private water taxi in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, the Lady D, a 36foot, two-ton pontoon boat on March 6 of last year capsized in a fast-moving storm while carrying 25 passengers. Local rescuers quickly pulled most of the passengers to safety but couldn’t find five of them. Ten days later, with assistance from SIU members aboard the Tyco Decisive, the missing bodies were recovered. The remains of the last three victims almost certainly would not have been found and recovered without sophisticated equipment donated by Tyco and another private company for the grim recovery mission. According to the Baltimore Sun, the operators of the Lady D prior to leaving dockside properly had complied with the passenger limit set by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The problem was that the USCG had established the number of passengers too high when granting the Lady D its certificate of inspection. The agency had relied on outdated estimates of average passenger weight, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. It had used a 1960s-era estimate that an average passenger weighs 140 pounds when it certified the boat’s stability. “The Lady D’s certificate of inspection (COI) stipulated a maximum 25-person capacity, based on the results of a simplified stability proof test weight of 3,500 pounds and the 140pound-per-person allowance,” stated a Dec. 20, 2004 NTSB Safety Recommendation package which was sent to the USCG. “The accident voyage carried a total of 25 persons (14 men, 8 women and 3 children), consistent with the COI. However, the Safety Board determined that the average occupant weight (figuring the children’s weight) was actually 168.4 pounds, 28.4 pounds per person above the May 2005 weight standard. This resulted in an actual total occupancy weight of over 4,200 pounds, 700 pounds above the vessel’s stability proof test weight of 3,500 pounds.” According to the NTSB, the USCG Office of Compliance in October 2004 issued a policy letter to the Officers-In-Charge, Marine Inspection, for evaluating the stability and subdivision requirements of small passenger vessels inspected under 46 CFR, Subchapter T. Included in this guidance was a job aid to which USCG inspectors could refer when calculating stability proof tests for pontoon vessels that operate on protected waters. “The job aid reinforced existing weight allowances” according to the NTSB recommendation package, stating that for testing purposes, the weight per passenger equals 160 pounds, “except when passenger loads consists of men, women and children,” in which case a weight per passenger of 140 pounds “may be used.” In the opinion of the NTSB, if the Lady D were operational today and had been certified for carrying passenger loads consisting of men, women and children, the 140 pound weight allowance for passengers would remain unchanged. The NTSB articulated its concern that the USCG is not using a realistic average occupant weight in calculating the number of people that can be safely carried on pontoon vessels. Besides the significantly higher average weights found on the Lady D accident voyage, the NTSB cited government reports which show Americans of all ages are a great deal heavier today than when the complete rewrite of 46 CFR Part 179 (“Subdivision, Damage Stability, and Watertight Integrity”) was distributed in September 1960. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report issued in October 2004 concluded that in the United States “average weight has increased dramatically in the last 40 years with the greatest increase seen in adults.” According to the CDC report, average adult weights have increased by nearly 25 percent in the last 40 years. Based on the CDC report, as well as recently updated operator of MSC’s Special Mission Program. “Special mission ships provide operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military and federal government missions,” the agency noted in announcing the contract award. “These specialized services include oceanographic and hydrographic surveys, underwater surveillance, missile flight data collection and tracking, acoustic survey and submarine support.” weight and balance program guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in which the agency increased its average adult passenger weight from 160 to 170 pounds, the NTSB found the USCG standards suspect. “The Coast Guard’s current 140-pound-per-person weight allowances for operations on protected waters with a mix of men, women, and children does not reflect actual loading conditions,” the NTSB said in its recommendation package to the USCG. “This weight allowance is not supported by recent data from the CDC and is not consistent with the FAA’s 2004 update to its weight and balance guidance. Further the Coast Guard’s weight allowance significantly underestimates the total occupant weight on the accident voyage— using the 140-pound standards, the occupant load (over 4,200 pounds) on the Lady D accident voyage was equivalent to 30 people.” After noting that vessels operated in an overloaded condition are at higher capsize risk, the NTSB pointed out to the USCG that increasing the average weight used to calculate maximum occupant capacity is one avenue through which more accurate vessel loads could be reflected. On the other hand, the board suggested, the weight of persons allowed on board could be limited to the weight resulting from the vessel’s simplified stability proof test. Painting a load reference line on the vessel’s pontoons that could be used to limit the occupant weight, or summing people’s actual weights as they boarded the vessels were suggested as ways to guard against overloads. The NTSB’s final report on the Lady-D incident is expected to be released later this year. The USNS Impeccable will continue to be crewed by Seafarers, along with five other vessels covered in a new contract awarded by MSC to Maersk Line, Limited. Seafarers-Crewed Stockham Commended by U.S. Navy The Seafarers-crewed USNS Stockham, operated by American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA), recently received a citation commending the crew members and officers for their roles in assisting a nuclear submarine after it ran aground south of Guam. The submarine USS San Francisco had been conducting submerged operations and was headed to Australia for a port visit when it grounded in January. One of the San Francisco’s crew members died and 23 others were injured. The Stockham and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter subsequently escorted the submarine to safety. In the commendation to the Stockham, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral A.J. Johnson cited the crew’s “outstanding performance of duties while serving as rescue platform during the emergency response to the grounding … from 8 to 10 January 2005. Demonstrating exceptional readiness, the officers and crew of the USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham prepared the ship to sortie in support of rescue operations in less than four hours. Through meticu- Mariners Included In National Moment Of Remembrance Editor’s note: Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian last month sent the following letter to officials in the maritime industry, including the presidents of the U.S. maritime unions: As Acting Maritime Administrator, I encourage you to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, taking one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, to remember the sacrifices of America’s fallen, from the Revolutionary War to the present. This honors not only members of the Armed Services, but also the U.S. Merchant Marine and other civilians whose devotion has preserved and defended our heritage of freedom. lous attention to detail and unwavering professionalism, the crew safety and expeditiously loaded additional rescue assets to include two 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, a sea, air and land medical team, and while getting underway, two HH-60H helicopters…. “Demonstrating the exceptional engineering readiness of Stockham to respond to the mission at hand, the ship made best speed to rendezvous with San Francisco, arriving just after dawn and covering the 350 nautical miles in less than 14 hours. The crew quickly launched the two helicopters to insert muchneeded medical assistance to the damaged submarine. “Additionally, flight deck personnel professionally supported the numerous attempts to evacuate a critically injured submariner, and the crew effortlessly readied the rigid hull inflatable boats for launching should they be needed. “Your quick response, fast transit and the assets you carried on board provided great comfort to the crew of the submarine....” The observance is sponsored by the White House Commission on Remembrance, a bipartisan, independent executive branch agency. I will be directing the ships of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force to dress ship on that day and to ring eight bells at 3:00 p.m. local time, wherever they are in the world. I will also be encouraging them to send an e-mail to the Commission, with a picture if possible, at commission@remember.gov. I encourage all U.S.-flag ships and all gatherings of members of the maritime industry to take appropriate steps to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. We are grateful to the brave men and women who have served this great country so bravely to ensure the many freedoms we enjoy every day. Sincerely, John Jamian Acting Maritime Administrator Seafarers LOG 5 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/21/2005 8:26 AM Page 6 CIVMARS Mobilize for Earthquake Victims A pair of Seafarers-crewed vessels in late March was ordered to divert from humanitarian relief operations in one overseas location, weigh anchors and steam to another area to perform the same type of mission. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy and MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls were directed to get underway from East Timor to Nias Island, Indonesia, March 30 to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance following the 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra March 28. The vessels are crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division. An additional 175 U.S. Navy medical and support personnel along with 40 non-governmental (NGO) personnel have been requested to augment the ships’ combined crew of 337 U.S. Navy and NGO personnel and 65 MSC civil service mariners. The MSC combat stores ship USNS San Jose, which was en route to Guam after supporting humanitarian assistance operations in the region since Jan. 6, also was directed to Nias Island. Four MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 5 detachments embarked on board the Niagara Falls and San Jose are being used to transport relief sup- plies and patients in need of medical care to and from the Mercy. The MSC oiler USNS Tippecanoe also is on hand to provide supply replenishment support to MSC ships in the area. “The civilian mariners aboard Mercy, as well as those aboard Niagara Falls, San Jose and Tippecanoe, are continuing their support of Mercy’s onboard medical treatment facility and of the medical staff gearing up to treat the patients in Nias that await them,” said the Mercy’s master, Capt. Michael Leahy. The Mercy and Niagara Falls were in East Timor as part of a humanitarian aid mission being conducted as the hospital ship was en route back to its San Diego home when both ships were ordered to move toward Nias. During the Mercy’s two-day visit to East Timor, the ship’s medical staff saw more than 1,800 patients. At a prior fourday stop in Alor, Indonesia, the Mercy’s medical team saw more than 6,200 patients. The Mercy on Jan. 5 sailed from San Diego in response to the Dec. 26 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. Operating off the coast of Banda Aceh from Feb. 6 to March 16, the Mercy’s medical staff treated more than 9,500 patients ashore and afloat, performing 19,512 medical procedures including more than 285 surgical and operating room The USNS Niagara Falls (left) and the USNS Mercy sailed to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance following the recent earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra. cases. “We are returning to Sumatra to help our friends and neighbors in the Pacific in any way that we can.” said Capt. Mark Llewellyn, MC, USN, commanding officer of the Mercy’s medical treatment facility. “From our first time in Sumatra doing tsunami relief, we feel connected to the wonderful people of Indonesia. We learned many things from our first trip here. One is that earthquakes and tsunamis can damage buildings and injure the body, but they cannot destroy the spirit of a community.” The Mercy is one of two hospital ships in the U.S. Navy. The other is the USNS Comfort, also crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. MSC operates more than 120 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces. Alaskans Complete AB Course Citizens from 49th State Find Opportunities at Paul Hall Center Six students from Alaska recently completed the AB course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training, located in Piney Point, Md. Four of those students— Orlando Caro, David F. Osterback, Nelton Rodriguez and Gary Santos—are graduates of the center’s unlicensed apprentice program. The other two, Francis J. Burke and Douglas F. Perry Jr., came to the school via a program for displaced fishermen. The AB course consists of hands-on training and classroom work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, fire fighting, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring, and mooring, and aids to navigation. Additionally, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, 10 more Alaskans were reporting to the Paul Hall Center for STCW Basic Safety Training. As previously reported, both the Paul Hall Center and the state of Alaska, in conjunction with the SIU and its contracted employers, help provide residents of America’s northernmost state with the chance to begin careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. In the late 1990s, the union started working with Alaska’s congressional delegation, the governor’s office and local officials to offer Alaska citizens an avenue to join the unlicensed apprentice program offered at the Paul Hall Center. More recently, the union and school partnered with Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski and his administration to recruit and train dislocated workers from Clockwise from above left: Nelton Rodriguez graduated from the apprentice program and later upgraded to AB; David Osterback takes the wheel, under direction of Instructor Bernabe Pelingon; Douglas Perry Jr. and Francis Burke receive instruction from Bernabe Pelingon. 6 Seafarers LOG Pictured from left to right are Alaskan upgraders Orlando Caro, David F. Osterback, Nelton Rodriguez, Gary Santos, Francis J. Burke and Douglas F. Perry Jr. Alaska for jobs in the merchant marine through a Ketchikanbased nonprofit agency called SEA Link. A separate Anchorage-based program has helped Alaskans gain employment on riding gangs aboard SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company vessels taking North Slope crude to refineries on the West Coast. Student Gary Santos (left) and Instructor Bernabe Pelingon discuss knot-tying. Left: Orlando Caro and Instructor Larry Malone utilize the crane simulator. May 2005 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 12:51 PM Page 7 Stewards Convey Passion About Their Union And Their Work As the newest graduates of the Paul Hall Center’s recertified steward program shared their experiences with fellow Seafarers at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., it became increasingly obvious that each of them has found a home with the SIU. Typically, graduation speeches from recertified stewards and bosuns include personal insights about different aspects of union membership and life as a mariner. Last month was no exception, as the stewards encouraged unlicensed apprentices who attended the meeting and also thanked fellow members and SIU officials for keeping the union strong. Completing the four-week recertification course were Jim Battista, Florencia Farquhar, Fernando Guity, Jose Guzman, Tommy Kleine, Mary Lou Smith, Steve Valencia and Donald Williams. The class is considered the top steward-department curriculum available at the Paul Hall Center. “The thing that keeps us doing our jobs is to do a little more than expected every day and take pride in our work,” noted Battista, who joined the union in Piney Point in 1999. “I always encourage new recruitment and upgrading to all parties with interest. It is a great career and a huge opportunity to be part of a great American tradition.” He added a welcome to new union members who are in training for jobs aboard NCL America cruise ships. “NCL America is part of this growing union, an addition to our family,” Battista stated. “The more ships we have, the more jobs we have.” Guzman was born in Honduras and first shipped in 1979, aboard foreign-flag vessels. “I joined the best maritime union on the globe, which is the SIU, in 1990 in Houston,” he recalled. “Since then, my life has changed for the better. I give thanks to the SIU officers and staff of this school for the good jobs they are doing.” With an unprecedented emphasis throughout the industry on shipboard security, small arms training is more valuable than ever. At right, taking aim on the range are Tommy Kleine and Florencia Farquhar, under the guidance of Instructor Stanley Boothe. Above, Donald Williams does the same. May 2005 Speaking to the apprentices, Guzman said, “Study hard, use the school, work hard and work as a team. When you’re on a ship, listen to your supervisors and we’ll have answers for you.” Williams jokingly told the membership that he was so happy to graduate, he was tempted to break-dance. Turning serious, he said, “I thank our officials and the school—you’ve been great to me and helped me. I don’t know where I’d be without you. I’ve been doing this job for 25 years and loved every year. You can’t find better friends. This is our family.” Farquhar offered similar sentiments, recalling that her introduction to the union in 1990 and subsequent first voyage aboard the Long Lines laid the foundation for “a stable future for my family.” She advised the apprentices to “work hard, achieve your life’s goals and enjoy.” Guity said the SIU “changed my life 180 degrees. I will always thank this organization for making me the person I am today. And in our president’s famous words, it’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs. Well, we’ve got jobs. Thank you, (SIU President) Mike Sacco.” Guity, who joined the union in 1992, also thanked the Paul Hall Center instructors and staff “for helping me and so many others. This is a great school for those who want to get ahead in life.” Smith joined the SIU in 1992 in Honolulu. She said she feels a bond with the union’s officials, symbolized during a mid-1990s rally for the United Farm Workers in California. “We were trying to help them organize strawberry pickers,” Smith remembered. “Midway through the march, I looked up and Mike Sacco was on my left. I was proud to see him do that, and I know our officials are with us all the way.” Kleine said that, like his classmates, he learned a lot during the course and looked forward to “sharing the knowledge acquired with members on ships.” Recertified stewards and SIU officials are pictured at the Paul Hall Center following last month’s membership meeting. Standing left to right are SIU VP Joseph Soresi; Seafarers Jim Battista, Jose Guzman and Fernando Guity; SIU President Michael Sacco; Jessica Farquhar and her mother, Seafarer Florencia Farquhar; Seafarers Tommy Kleine, Steve Valencia and Mary Lou Smith; Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan; Seafarer Donald Williams; and SIU VP Augie Tellez. He took particular interest in the SIU’s political efforts, “learning about the union’s role in Washington and how as union members we can help create a positive image. I now see how much work is involved in putting me on a ship.” Kleine, who signed on with the SIU in 1983 in Honolulu, also urged fellow members to “let your port agent know you’re willing to help when needed, whether it’s a political campaign or a community project. “I have trust in the union and I’m proud to be a member. I loved it from the minute I walked on to the Independence.” Valencia started his maritime career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards, which merged into the SIU in 1978. He expressed “profound appreciation” to Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan and the school’s staff. He encouraged fellow Seafarers to contribute to the union’s voluntary political action fund (SPAD). Lastly, he told President Sacco, “Through your tireless commitment to this membership, you’ve made the SIU Number 1.” Like most Paul Hall Center courses, steward recertification blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. Topics and training components include communications, computer lab, first aid and CPR, fire fighting, small arms training, sanitation, international maritime conventions and more. Students also met with representatives of the union’s contracts and communications departments, respectively, as well as with representatives from the Seafarers Plans. Sampling their work are Jose Guzman (left) and Jim Battista. Steve Valencia (left) and Tommy Kleine both said the recertification course will help them do a better job aboard ship. Florencia Farquhar enjoys participating in the chili cook-off. Mary Lou Smith and Fernando Guity concentrate in the galley. Seafarers LOG 7 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/21/2005 8:47 AM Page 8 LMSR Changeover Continues Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) in mid-April began operating two more LMSRs and was scheduled to take control of two others either late in the month or in early May. SIU members climbed aboard the USNS Seay and USNS Mendonca in Philadelphia. Previously, Seafarers crewed up the USNS Shughart in Norfolk, Va. The USNS Benavidez and USNS Bob Hope were scheduled for changeover in Violet, La. between late April and early this month. The other four ships that are part of this contract award from the U.S. Military Sealift Command—the USNS Yano, USNS Fisher, USNS Brittin and USNS Pililaau—are slated for turnover throughout June. LMSR stands for large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel. The aforementioned ships are among 19 such vessels operated by MSC, including 15 new builds and four converted vessels. MSC’s acquisition of those ships resulted from a federally ordered study by the Joint Chiefs of Staff following the Persian Gulf War. The study pointed out America’s urgent need for greater sealift capacity to carry military equipment and supplies during wartime and other national contingencies. According to MSC, all of the LMSRs “have been prime movers of U.S. military equipment during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.” Chief Steward Earl Castain USNS Shughart Chief Cook Anna Alexander USNS Shughart Right: Bosun Dave Marks (left) and STOS John Frey USNS Shughart AB Michael Proveaux USNS Shughart QMED John Hoskins is part of the crew aboard the USNS Shughart, one of nine LMSRs under contract to AMSEA. Pollution Cases Yield Record Fine, Prison Time One of the world’s largest container shipping lines, along with the chairman and owner of a prominent American-based ocean transportation company recently were disciplined in separate federal cases involving the deliberate dumping of oil pollutants into the ocean from ships. In the first litigation, Evergreen International on April 1 in Los Angeles pleaded guilty to secretly dumping waste oil from one of its container ships. Under the terms of a plea agreement, the company will pay $25 million in fines, the largest-ever amount for a case involving deliberate vessel pollution. Evergreen also pleaded guilty to felony charges brought in Los Angeles; Newark, N.J.; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; and Charleston, S.C. The other case involved Rick Dean Stickle, the chairman and owner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Sabine Transportation Company. Stickle on April 1 was sentenced to 33 months in prison after being found guilty of ordering the illegal dumping of 440 tons of oil-contaminated grain into the ocean from the SS Juneau, a Sabine tanker. He also was found guilty of the obstruction of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Department of Agriculture. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Alan S. Gold in Miami, Fla. Judge Gold also imposed a $60,000 criminal fine on Stickle. Evergreen Pleads Guilty Evergreen pleaded guilty to 24 felony counts and one misdemeanor—five counts from each federal district involved in the case—for concealing the deliberate, illegal discharge of waste oil and for a negligent discharge in the Columbia River. The charges included making false statements, obstruction of USCG inspections, failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, and one negligent violation of the Clean Water Act relating to the discharge in the Columbia River. Following the guilty pleas, U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter, Jr. ordered the company to pay $25 million to be divided equally among the five judicial districts involved. 8 Seafarers LOG Of this amount, $10 million will be directed to environmental community service projects in each district. “The deliberate and purposeful pollution of our oceans and America’s waterways must be met with strict enforcement,” said Deputy Attorney General James Comey. “This penalty has secured justice against Evergreen and provided a victory for all Americans who enjoy and respect our environment.” Engine room operations on board large oceangoing vessels generate large amounts of waste oil. International and U.S. law prohibit the discharge of waste oil without treatment by an oil water separator—a required pollution prevention device. The law also requires all overboard discharges be recorded in an Oil Record Book, a required log which is regularly inspected by the USCG. In May 2001, the USCG discovered Evergreen was using bypass pipes aboard their ships to illegally discharge waste oil into the ocean without treating it in an oil-water separator. The discharge of oil and other toxic petroleum-related wastes can cause significant harm to marine life. The investigation of Evergreen ships and companies began in March 2001 after the discovery of some 500 gallons of oil in the Columbia River near Kalama, Wash. Through vessel traffic reports and oil samples, the USCG traced the spill to the Ever Group, a container vessel managed by Evergreen Marine (Taiwan) Ltd., which had negligently discharged the oil. On May 14, 2001, the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE) discovered a bypass pipe used by crew members on another Evergreen vessel, called the Ever Given, to illegally discharge waste oil into the ocean. The violations on these two vessels led the USCG to conduct “Priority One” inspections of other vessels owned, operated or affiliated with Evergreen in various United States ports. The federal investigation, conducted with the assistance of the WDOE as well as the EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, revealed that at least seven Evergreen ships (Ever Group, Ever Given, Ever Dainty, Ever Refine, Ever Gleeful, Ever Laurel and Ever Reward) regularly and routinely used bypass equipment to discharge oily waste and sludge oil while circumventing required pollution prevention equipment and concealing the discharges in fictitious logs which it knew were inspected regularly by the USCG. In a factual statement filed by the court, Evergreen admitted that it knew the fictitious logs were regularly inspected by the USCG. During a 3½ year period, Evergreen discharged waste oil and sludge through bypass equipment and without the use of required pollution prevention equipment from certain ships, with the knowledge that this pollution violated international law. “Evergreen illegally discharged waste oil and then attempted to conceal its actions, thereby compounding its crimes,” said Thomas V. Skinner, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This guilty plea sends a clear and strong message to shipping companies: they will pay a heavy price if they intentionally violate our nation’s environmental laws.” Four related Evergreen companies—– Evergreen Marine (Taiwan), Evergreen America, Greencompass Marine, S.A., and Evergreen International, S.A.—will be bound by a detailed Environmental Compliance Plan to prevent future violations as a condition of probation. Under the terms of the proposed plan, Evergreen will need to secure every overboard valve and flange with numbered tags and make other hardware changes to make bypassing more difficult. The compliance plan also requires that Evergreen ships visiting the United States be audited by an outside firm which will be reviewed by a special court appointed monitor. Chairman Sentenced A U.S. District Court in Miami on April 1 passed sentence on Sabine Chairman and CEO Stickle, according to the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Stickle received jail time and a criminal fine following a five-week jury trial. The government’s investigation began when the SS Juneau arrived in Portland, Ore., following an overseas voyage. Crew members alerted USCG personnel that a diesel oil leak in one of the Juneau’s main cargo tanks was discovered while the humanitarian shipment of grain was being off-loaded in Bangladesh in December 1998. Approximately 440 metric tons of wheat became saturated with the oil and was rejected by Bengali authorities. During the following month, while the ship was in Singapore, company officials and vessel officers discussed various ways of off-loading the cargo legally, but this option was ultimately rejected by Stickle as too expensive, according to the evidence introduced during the trial. Instead, Stickle and other company officials intentionally misled USCG officers in Singapore and Portland by failing to disclose the true nature of the contaminated residue and seeking authorization to discharge the residue at sea by mischaracterizing the waste’s true nature. Although concealed from the USCG at the time, Stickle and other Sabine executives had decided to retai 15 Bulgarian nationals to board the SS Juneau in Singapore and directly discharge the contaminated wheat into the ocean during the return voyage to the United States. During the first week of February 1999, the crew members of the SS Juneau dumped the 440 tons of diesel-saturated wheat directly into the South China Sea and lied to USCG officials and agents for Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) to hide the illegal dumping. Sabine Transportation previously pleaded guilty to violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and paid a $2 million criminal fine. Stickle was the chairman of Sabine and owner of all of the company’s ships and more than 10 other related companies. Four others have been convicted in related prosecutions, including Michael R. Reeve, a former president of Sabine. May 2005 �27541_Pg1,2,9cx.qxd 4/25/2005 3:38 PM Page 9 At Sea . . . Left: Representatives from the administration, Congress, the military and the labor movement were present at the recent meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board in Las Vegas. With SIU VP Augie Tellez (left) is Lt. Col. Scott Lofreddo, aide-de-camp to the commander, TRANSCOM (Army). Brother Michael Drost made his final voyage Dec. 16, 2004 when his ashes were scattered upon the waters by Chief Mate Daniel Todd. Officers and crew members from the Midnight Sun were in attendance at the burial service, which was conducted by Capt. Dan Severion and SA Thomas Curley and included prayers and a poem. The ship’s whistle sounded three prolonged blasts as the ashes were spread into the ocean at latitude 52-24 north and longitude 123-40 west. Drost, who joined the SIU in 1999 and worked in the engine department, died Nov. 8, 2004 at the age of 37. . . . And Ashore . . . Left: SIU boatmen at Crescent Towing in Alabama recently completed security awareness training provided by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The course was conducted at Crescent facilities in Mobile. Among those taking the class and pictured at left were Deckhand David Bender, Deckhand Patrick McKibbon, Deckhand Steve Woods, Captain Ronnie Walker, Deckhand Paul Roach, Engineer Roy Saranthus Sr. and Captain Chris Walker. . . . With the SIU Recertified Steward Luis Escobar (left) and Samuel Johnson hold the catch of the day aboard the Brenton Reef as the vessel continues on a coastwise run. Aboard the Cleveland, GSU Alfonso Hernandez (right) cuts the cake celebrating his 70th birthday. The vessel was in Monrovia, Liberia on that February day. Sharing in the festivities (below) are some of his shipmates, including Chief Steward Miguel E. Vinca (who sent these photos to the LOG) and GSU Ehab Ghali. March 11 was membership meeting day in the port of Algonac. Houston Patrolman Michael Russo recently visited with crew members on some of the vessels in the area. In the photo at left, he is flanked by Deckhand Gus Leday II and QM Jason Lee aboard the Seabulk tug Goliath. Above, Russo (right) is present at the payoff on the Brenton Reef. In the photo at right, he poses on board the Crowley Mariner with Chief Engineer Gary Avery and AB Darrel Koonce. May 2005 Seafarers LOG 9 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 1:13 PM Page 10 Mealtime Aboard The Seabulk Arctic As the SIU-crewed Seabulk Arctic makes regular calls at refineries along the coasts of Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, mealtimes are always a welcome respite from all the hard work—and Recertified Steward Alan Bartley and Chief Cook Evelina Barnes and their steward department crew do not disappoint. Owned and operated by Seabulk International Inc., the 601-foot double-hull vessel has a capacity of 342,000 barrels of crude oil and other petroleum products. Seven grades of cargo can be loaded or discharged simultaneously, and the system is capable of a complete vessel discharge in 20 hours. Formerly known as the HMI Cape Lookout Shoals, the Seabulk Arctic operates under the Jones Act, the 1920 cabotage law that protects U.S. national and economic security by stipulating that domestic waterborne commerce take place on vessels owned, built, flagged and manned in the U.S. The photos of crew members appearing on this page were sent to the LOG by Chief Pumpman Salome Castro. GVA Rolando Alonzo Chief Pumpman Salome Castro AB Christopher Nichols Right: OMU Ole Olesen AB Victor Kistanov AB Modesto Rabena Recertified Steward Alan Bartley Chief Cook Evelina Barnes AB George Lubialuli AB Toribio Valentin Right: Bosun Juan Castillo (left) and an unidentified person with the catch of the day. Left: Wiper Fathi Almuraisi 10 Seafarers LOG May 2005 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 1:19 PM Page 11 Labor Briefs Bill Would Stop Currency Manipulation The U.S. government must stop China’s illegal currency manipulation, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka said April 7 at a Capitol Hill press conference in support of the Chinese Currency Act of 2005. Chinese currency manipulation has led to record U.S. trade deficits with China and contributes to the loss of millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs, according to the AFL-CIO. The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) with 14 co-sponsors, would define currency manipulation as a violation of existing U.S. trade laws and World Trade Organization rules. For 10 years, China has artificially pegged its currency at about 8.28 yuan to one U.S. dollar rather than letting the international financial markets set the exchange rate, Trumka noted. Such undervaluing of its currency gives China an unfair advantage in the international marketplace and the ability to undercut U.S. manufacturing by exporting, on a large scale, products that previously were produced in America. NJ Law Bans Offshoring By a 68-5 vote, the New Jersey state assembly approved legislation on March 14 banning the offshoring of state jobs, the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech), a Communications Workers local for information technology professionals, reports. The legislation previously passed the state senate. WashTech, which represents some information technology workers in the Garden State, lobbied hard for the legislation after state officials first disclosed, several years ago, that a firm hired to handle communications with low-income aid recipients had offshored the work to India. Under pressure that decision was reversed, with the work being transferred back to New Jersey—but WashTech wanted to make sure it did not happen again. “More successes are possible if we can get more people involved and taking action,” the union said in a prepared statement. “If we have a few hundred people in each state committed to improving the laws for tech workers, bills like the one in New Jersey can pass in other states.” Negotiations Are a Hit Unlicensed Apprentices Train Aboard the Pride of Aloha After their initial 12-week curriculum at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.—in which they focus on maritime organization, basic seamanship, emergency action and social responsibility—unlicensed apprentices then move on to the second phase of their instruction. During this 12week session, they focus their training on ship operations and maintenance while working on an actual vessel. The students serve in each of the different departments aboard ship and maintain a journal of their activities. For some students in unlicensed trainee classes 658 and 659, Phase II found them aboard the SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha as it made its weekly trips around the Hawaiian islands. According to Jon Silveira, a member of class 658, his fellow classmates all did a great job aboard the NCL America cruise ship. Silveira, who is from Taunton, Mass., has since returned to the Paul Hall Center to complete the third phase of the program, which includes specialized department-specific training. He sent the Seafarers LOG the three photos appearing on this page that contain himself and his shipmates. Press Associates recently reported that when it comes to putting one’s union bargaining expertise to good use, Communications Workers District 2 Organizing Coordinator Richard Verlander has a tale to tell. Apparently, talks hit a wall between labor—the player agents for his son, pitcher Justin Verlander—and management, also known as the Detroit Tigers. So the senior Verlander, whose son was the team’s top draft pick in 2004, stepped in, to Tiger management’s surprise. Verlander drew on his negotiating experience, including years as Local 2201 president, to break the logjam. He said that when impasse looms, “It’s time for the parties to reach out personally. If (CWA President) Morty Bahr can call the CEO” in bargaining over a telecommunications contract, then “I can call the Tigers.” So he did. The results: a five-year contract befitting Justin, with a healthy bonus and union membership in the Major League Baseball Players Association. Justin is a right-handed pitcher who played for Old Dominion University in Virginia. He has a 99-mph fastball and was the second overall pick in last year’s draft. New Reports Added to ‘Paywatch’ Site Excessive CEO pay enriches corporate executives at the expense of working families’ retirement savings, according to new reports on the Executive Paywatch website, www.paywatch.org, unveiled last month by the AFL-CIO. As part of a growing movement to reform executive pay, the website provides case studies on companies that rewarded CEOs with huge pay packages last year. It gives visitors tools to pressure companies to reform out-of-control CEO pay. According to The New York Times, average CEO pay increased 12 percent in 2004 while the pay of workers increased 3.6 percent. Last year, the average CEO of a major corporation received $9.84 million in total compensation. “We have seen a tremendous amount of interest among workers in holding CEOs and their boards accountable,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka. “They are rightfully outraged when they learn about jawdropping executive compensation packages. It’s time to put the brakes on runaway CEO pay.” This year, union-sponsored pension plans have submitted over 140 shareholder resolutions on CEO pay reform. Working in the butcher shop requires sharp skills, as Steven Hurden finds out during his rotation in the steward department. Receiving shipboard training aboard the Pride of Aloha are members of unlicensed apprentice class 658. From the left are Calvin Andrews, Anthony Roca, Terry Hester and Jon Silveira. Remembering Maida Springer-K Kemp Longtime civil and human rights activist Maida Springer-Kemp died March 29 in Pittsburgh at age 94. A member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (now UNITE-HERE), she was the first African American woman to represent the U.S. union movement internationally, promoting freedom of association in Asia, Africa and Latin America. She was instrumental in creating an international labor program at Harvard University and establishing needlework training schools in East Africa. In her honor, the Garment Workers established the Maida SpringerKemp Fund, which supports the needlework schools, provides scholarships for workers’ children and gives women financial aid to start home-based enterprises. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund, send a check payable to Solidarity Center Education Fund, to the Solidarity Center, Attn: Lourdes Kistler, 1925 K St., N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006-1105. Write “Maida Springer-Kemp” in the memo line of the check. “Along with A. Phillip Randolph, she was a pioneer in supporting the development of trade unions in Africa,” noted AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “In the 1960s, she helped unite southern black and white workers, and in the 1970s she was vice president of the National Council of Negro Women. As an organizer and activist working for women, civil rights, labor and humanitarian causes, Kemp was a tireless voice for social justice. Working families will greatly miss her.” May 2005 Participating in the weekly lifeboat and safety drills is part of the instruction for crew members and passengers alike. From the left are Kyle Parson, Jon Silveira and Karberto Ramos. Parson and Ramos are unlicensed apprentices from class 659. Seafarers LOG 11 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/23/2005 7:49 AM Page 12 NEW YORK PHILADELPHIA Seafarers John Chapin (left) and Paul Hart attend the conference in Philadelphia. Family members were encouraged to attend the meetings. At the Philadelphia hall, Ellen Murphy (raising hand), wife of member James Murphy (to Ellen’s left, wearing glasses), addresses the panel. SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez Recertified Bosun Greg White asks a question at the Norfolk hall. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the nationwide escalation of health care costs. QMED William Watterson (light shirt, standing with arms folded) is one of approximately 200 people who attended the conference in Norfolk. Seafarer Dave Vega was part of a strong turnout in Piney Point. Steward/Baker Joe Carrello makes a point at the conference in Norfolk. 12 Seafarers LOG At the Norfolk hall, Pensioner Ernest Binkley inquires about retiree benefits. May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/23/2005 7:49 AM Page 13 NORFOLK Hundreds of Seafarers, pensioners and their families last month turned out for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) conferences in Piney Point, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Norfolk. Additional conferences were scheduled for late April (too late for this edition of the LOG) in Wilmington, San Francisco, Tacoma, Houston, New Orleans and Jacksonville. During the meetings, Plans spokespersons announced and reviewed adjustments approved by the trustees to the costs of various SHBP coverages. The details, most prominently including deductibles and co-payments, also are spelled out in a letter that was scheduled to be mailed by May 1 to individual SHBP participants. Unlike for most people with health insurance—not to mention the more than 45 million Americans with no coverage whatsoever—there still is no out-ofpocket cost for Seafarers to simply maintain their coverage through the SHBP. Further, nationwide, eligible Seafarers are in a small minority who don’t have to pay all or part of the premiums for dependent coverage. A sizeable portion of the conferences PINEY POINT Addressing SHBP participants and guests in Piney Point, Md. are (from left) Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans; Matt Castrovinci and Basil Castrovinci, actuaries for the Plans; and Colleen Baker, representative from First Health Network. consisted of question-and-answer sessions between Seafarers, pensioners and their families and the SHBP panelists. The latter group included Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans; Bill Dennis, Plans administrator; Basil Castrovinci and Matt Castrovinci, actuaries for the Plans; and Colleen Baker, representative from First Health Network. SIU officials also participated in the conferences, including President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President John Fay, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. During the early moments of the first conference, which took place April 4 at the Paul Hall Center, Gentile stated that the current challenges faced by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are nothing short of a fight for survival. She also reviewed the Plan’s history, which dates to 1950. Throughout that conference and the others, participants examined the Plan’s current structure and how it operates; discussed the health care crisis from a national perspective; and talked about the importance of being “educated consumers” when it comes to health insurance. One point that resonated with rankand-file members is that the root of the problem is “cost shifting”—health care providers trying to compensate for covering the uninsured. The SHBP, for example, recently has flagged hospital bills that attempted to charge the Plan $14,000 for four bottles of water, and another that attempted to charge $400,000 for a $43,000 pacemaker. Similarly, the SHBP is battling against annual double-digit increases in the cost for health care, including prescription drugs, which are rising by 20 percent each year. The Plan’s costs have increased 65 percent during the current standard contracts. “We also work with other union health plans, and those plans face the same problems,” stated Basil Castrovinci. “The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has fought off the rising costs longer than most.” Pictured from left to right are Pensioner George Thompson (Norfolk), Seafarer Mike Kirby (Piney Point), AB Donald Hood and GUDE Fred Spencer (Norfolk) and Seafarer Nick Conway (Philadelphia). Recertified Steward Bud Marchman, pictured in Norfolk, is among hundreds of Seafarers who participated in last month’s initial conferences. May 2005 Taking part in the Norfolk conference are (from left) Pensioners Lindsey Rhoades and Larry Combs, QMED Taylor Clear and AB/QMED Jim Buckowski. SA Avis Hawkins arrives at the Norfolk conference. Seafarers LOG 13 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/21/2005 8:49 AM Page 14 Statements Sent to SMPPP Participants The mailing of annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) to Plan participants was completed last month, according to SMPPP Administrator Bill Dennis. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite ongoing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2004 was 6.5 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $27.4 million. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. The annual statements include the following information: Member’s name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant’s account number); Statement date; The opening balance for 2004 (which was the year-end 2003 closing balance); Interest earned and administrative expenses charged; Any payouts made to the member in 2004; and The closing balance for 2004 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). NMU PENSION & WELFARE PLAN NMU VACATION PLAN Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2004 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Co-Chairmen NMU Pension & Welfare Plan and NMU Vacation Plan EMPLOYER TRUSTEES UNION TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy, President Marine Personnel & Provisioning Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 René Lioeanjie, Vice President-at-Large Seafarers International Union of N.A. AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-1878 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2004, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Clarified that a full-time officer or employee of the Union after March 31, 1988 is considered to be in Covered Employment, however, such full-time officer or employee is not eligible for the accrual of Pension Credits. 2. Provided the addition of the phrase, “or successor plan,” to the appropriate sections where the NMU Welfare Plan is indicated. 3. Provided an actuarial increase for delayed pensions. 4. Provided the addition of a new subsection (D) to Section 16.7 which states that an Eligible Employee shall be credited with Vesting Service Credit on or after January 1, 2001 for any employment with an employer who is a signatory to a collective bargaining agreement with the Seafarer’s International Union. 5. Provided for a 2 percent increase at December 31, 2004 for Participants active in 2005. 6. Amended the language in Section 18.4, Return to Covered Employment, to read, “Covered by a collective Bargaining agreement with the Union.” NMU Welfare Plan: During 2004, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Amended the amount of time for an eligible Employee who becomes unfit for sea duty to be on Disability. The NMU Welfare Plan merged into the SIU Health and Benefits Plan/Level N effective June 1, 2004. NMU Vacation Plan: There were no changes in plan benefits in 2004. ADMINISTRATOR William J. Dennis NMU Benefit Plans 360 West 31rd Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001-2727 14 Seafarers LOG CIVMAR Briefs CMPI 610 Update The union has received many questions concerning CMPI 610 negotiations. As previously reported, as part of the negotiation process the union submitted extensive questions to MSC at the end of November 2004. Since that time, the union has contacted MSC on several occasions requesting the status of the responses to these questions. Union representatives have been told that MSC is working on these responses. No further information about a response date was provided by MSC representatives. Credit Reports As background checks for merchant mariner documents and jobs aboard military and privately contracted vessels become more detailed and specific, it is important to know what information centralized reporting companies have collected about one’s work, medical and insurance history. This information is also crucial to ensure that one hasn’t become a victim of identity theft. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 everyone is entitled to get a credit report free of charge once a year. Additionally, individuals are entitled to specialty consumer reporting agency reports. These reports are available free of charge once a year. The three major credit reporting companies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Under the law these companies are required to allow individuals through central source to get credit reports. The telephone number to request your reports is 1-877-322-8228. The web site is www.AnnualCreditReport.com. In addition to one’s credit reports, an individual also may obtain information from the MIB Group, which collects medical information. According to the MIB Group web site, their “records include medical conditions represented by one or more of about 230 codes. Conditions most commonly reported include: height and weight, blood pressure, ECG readings, and laboratory test results if, and only if, these facts are considered significant to health or longevity. There are only a few non-medical codes relating to information that could impact health or longevity including: an adverse driving record, participation in hazardous sports, or aviation activity.” The organization also notes that it will not have a person’s record if he or she hasn’t applied for individually underwritten life, health, or disability insurance during the preceding seven years. MIB records may be requested at www.mib.com or by calling 1-866692-6901. For a report containing one’s insurance history, contact ChoicePoint at www.choicetrust.com or call 1-866-312-8076. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/22/2005 8:57 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2005 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals 6 3 6 6 4 18 37 2 10 18 25 17 4 7 6 9 5 32 23 1 3 2 2 1 21 20 2 4 10 14 8 2 1 0 1 4 21 11 0 0 7 0 6 21 18 0 7 18 25 3 3 0 5 17 0 26 15 2 2 4 1 8 19 21 0 2 11 12 8 2 16 4 8 5 27 15 0 0 0 1 1 10 5 0 3 5 5 4 0 1 0 2 0 10 6 1 0 1 0 3 10 16 0 4 6 9 6 1 1 2 10 1 20 16 2 0 10 4 13 46 60 0 15 30 49 24 8 1 9 36 2 52 34 8 7 7 11 6 31 62 2 18 24 42 30 6 8 24 15 5 44 35 1 7 4 3 1 36 34 3 6 25 35 14 5 1 2 7 5 33 18 230 238 128 171 167 53 107 395 385 240 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 2 6 10 13 0 8 5 13 7 2 3 0 12 2 10 11 0 3 6 2 4 12 20 0 5 8 10 12 2 2 6 7 3 19 8 2 1 0 0 1 7 12 1 1 4 10 4 0 2 0 1 0 4 5 1 0 6 1 5 5 15 0 4 8 9 4 1 2 2 7 0 11 3 0 2 1 2 3 8 7 0 3 5 4 10 4 0 0 4 0 16 6 1 0 1 0 0 5 2 0 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 2 1 2 4 0 0 1 0 2 3 8 0 1 7 5 1 2 1 1 4 0 7 2 0 0 3 2 9 17 28 0 16 13 22 16 5 2 3 16 2 10 15 0 2 7 4 10 16 35 1 5 17 23 18 2 3 10 9 3 25 15 3 1 1 0 3 7 19 1 2 6 16 3 0 1 2 2 1 8 7 105 129 55 84 75 26 45 179 205 83 0 0 2 1 13 13 12 0 4 5 18 13 4 5 3 27 2 17 21 1 0 3 0 5 5 15 0 3 4 9 12 2 1 5 5 0 5 8 1 0 0 0 1 4 7 0 0 1 3 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 1 0 2 0 6 6 13 0 3 4 11 8 1 1 2 20 1 11 10 0 0 1 0 4 2 11 0 2 4 3 8 1 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 6 4 3 0 2 5 6 4 1 0 2 9 0 5 8 0 0 5 2 14 31 29 0 4 14 32 16 3 6 2 45 2 29 45 1 0 6 2 10 9 30 1 9 4 13 20 3 3 6 10 0 11 17 1 0 0 0 1 7 8 0 0 4 4 5 0 2 1 1 1 6 8 160 83 28 100 45 10 56 279 155 49 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 4 5 3 0 1 2 5 0 0 0 1 4 0 5 4 3 1 3 2 12 18 15 1 3 9 30 14 1 6 2 13 0 17 6 1 3 3 2 7 20 18 1 1 10 34 18 2 19 2 10 0 20 11 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 2 0 2 4 0 3 4 11 0 3 3 16 7 0 9 0 9 1 10 2 0 3 0 0 2 3 5 0 0 0 5 2 0 13 0 3 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 4 7 0 2 6 11 0 0 0 4 5 0 6 4 3 2 4 6 19 29 27 1 13 14 60 17 1 14 3 18 1 29 13 5 12 5 6 15 35 43 1 3 20 69 28 3 18 3 20 0 36 25 34 156 182 22 84 46 0 61 274 347 529 606 393 377 371 135 208 914 1019 719 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2005 Piney Point .............Monday: June 6 ................................Tuesday: July 5* ............................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) 1 0 6 3 13 24 27 0 10 16 25 18 4 0 6 23 1 29 24 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Algonac ..................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Boston.....................Friday: June 10, July 8 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 Guam ......................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu .................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston ..................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 14, July 12 New York................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 8, July 6 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Juan..................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis..................Friday: June 17, July 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington ...............Monday: June 20, July 18 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CHARLES NEIGEBAUER Please contact your stepson Trevor at: TrevorNeigebauer@aol.com Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers 800 E. Diamond Boulevard Suite 3-227 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: (907) 271-6736 Claude Pepper Federal Bldg. 51 S.W. 1st Ave., 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 9820 Lake Forest Boulevard Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 240-7300 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 Battery Park Building 1 South Street New York, NY 10004-1466 Phone: (212) 668-7492 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 720-3250 433 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 6767 N. Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 915 Second Ave., Room 194 Seattle, WA 98174-1067 Phone: (206) 217-6115 Oakland Federal Building North Tower 1301 Clay Street, Room 180N Oakland, CA 94612-5200 Phone: (510) 637-1124 Fax: (510) 637-1126 E-mail: recsfbay@d11.uscg.mil 1001 S. Seaside Avenue Building. 20 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208 Phone: (310) 732-2080 1222 Spruce Street Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 420 Madison Ave., Suite 700 Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 418-6010 Seafarers LOG 15 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/22/2005 8:31 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 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 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 5 5 2 4 7 0 1 5 29 0 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 8 0 2 0 4 2 1 1 2 12 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 13 4 2 13 0 0 4 39 0 1 2 1 3 0 0 1 8 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 2 8 1 4 2 2 1 0 0 1 11 12 24 12 14 31 6 2 9 110 2 7 3 5 5 1 0 4 27 0 17 0 22 2 0 6 0 47 0 1 2 0 3 0 1 2 9 7 13 6 8 8 2 1 6 51 1 1 7 2 4 0 0 1 16 0 11 2 13 1 1 1 0 29 1 1 3 0 2 1 0 2 10 4 6 9 5 16 2 1 5 48 1 4 4 0 14 0 0 1 24 0 11 2 15 0 1 2 0 31 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 9 5 1 2 4 1 0 2 24 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 2 9 0 1 1 3 4 0 2 0 11 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 8 2 0 7 1 0 4 26 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 4 0 1 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 2 3 1 7 0 0 2 16 1 1 1 0 5 0 0 1 9 0 1 1 0 4 0 2 1 9 Port 0 2 2 2 4 2 0 2 14 1 2 1 1 8 0 0 1 14 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 69 26 32 79 25 24 30 209 67 107 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Emogene B. Schrum of Lincolnton, N.C. She is the widow of Recertified Bosun Ray E. Schrum, who died April 13, 2003 at the age of 74. The pictures were taken in Calcutta, India in 1966. At far right is Schrum with Bob Harwell, who took the opportunity to see the sights of Calcutta during their time in port aboard the SS Transeastern. The other photo is of a shark, caught during that nearly year-long voyage. Brother Schrum started his SIU career in 1947 in Miami, Fla. He initially shipped aboard Moore-McCormack Lines’ Robin Gray. Brother Schrum worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Courier. He began receiving his pension in 1986. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May 2005 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/23/2005 8:24 AM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA SILVESTRE BONGOLAN, 67, joined the SIU in 1981 in Honolulu. Brother Bongolan, who was born in Pennsylvania, sailed in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bongolan’s first voyage was aboard the Independence; his last ship was the USNS Loyal. He makes his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. WILLIAM DOOLING, 64, became a Seafarer in 1963 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He sailed in both the engine and deck departments, most recently aboard the USNS Antares. Brother Dooling calls Starke, Fla. home. NICHOLAS GAINES, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1986 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Gaines first shipped on the USNS Harkness. The steward department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gaines most recently worked on the Mokihana. Born in Colorado, he now lives in Los Angeles. MATIAS GARCIA, 67, was born in Texas. Brother Garcia began his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Houston, initially sailing on the USNS Bellatrix. He shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in 1997 and again in 2000. A resident of Texas City, Texas, Brother Garcia last worked on the Chemical Explorer. ERNESTO GUARIN, 65, joined the SIU in 1979 in New York. Brother Guarin was born in the Philippines. He first sailed on the Panama. In 2001 he upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member’s last ship was the Performance. Brother Guarin makes his home in Makati City, in the Philippines. JAMES HOLLAND, 65, hails from Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Holland joined the union in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. His first voyage was on May 2005 Brother Morgan was born in Baltimore, Md. and last shipped on the Overseas Chicago. He makes his home in Brinnon, Wash. the Independence; his last was aboard the R.J. Pfieffer. Brother Holland upgraded his skills a number of times at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The steward department member lives in Honolulu. HELEN ISHIZAKI, 69, joined the SIU in 1992. Sister Ishizaki was a member of the steward department. Her first ship was the Independence. Sister Ishizaki upgraded her skills in Piney Point, Md. She most recently worked aboard the Manukai. Born in Holland, Sister Ishizaki now resides in Honolulu. LEON LOHMAN, 65, commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in New Orleans. Brother Lohman was born in Louisiana and sailed in the deck department. He completed bosun recertification training in 1990 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lohman initially went to sea on the Manhattan. His final voyage was aboard the LNG Aquarius. Brother Lohman lives in his native state in the city of Violet. RICHARD LOVAAS, 65, joined the SIU in Detroit in 1966. Brother Lovaas shipped in the deck department in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. His first ship was the Detroit Edison. Brother Lovaas improved his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and again in 2002. Prior to retiring, he worked on the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. Brother Lovaas was born in Miami, Fla. He now resides in Ferndale, Wash. LYNN McGIVENS, 66, started his seafaring career in 1962. Brother McGivens was born in Louisiana and worked in the steward department. His first vessel was the Overseas Ulla; his last was the USNS Bellatrix. Brother McGivens makes his home in Marrero, La. SPERO MOCHE JR., 58, hails from North Carolina. Brother Moche joined the Seafarers in 1970 in New Orleans. His first voyage was on the De Soto. Brother Moche, who was a member of the engine department, upgraded his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Prior to retiring, he sailed on the Commitment. Brother Moche lives in Radford, Va. DONALD MORGAN, 62, joined the SIU in 1967, initially shipping in the engine department aboard the Steel Vendor. He upgraded his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center, attending the institution seven times during his career. RICHARD PATUREL, 67, began his seafaring career in 1988 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Paturel’s first ship was the USNS Wilkes, where he worked in the deck department. He attended the union-affiliated school often. Born in Auburn, Maine, Brother Paturel resided in San Francisco. He last worked on the Horizon Trader. VERNER POULSEN, 70, joined the SIU in 1962 in Seattle. Brother Poulsen was born in Denmark and shipped in the deck department. His earliest voyage was aboard the Coeur D Alene. Brother Poulsen enhanced his seafaring skills in 1974 and in 2002 at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Tacoma, Wash. MARTIN QADER, 64, was born Arabia. Brother Qader joined the union in 1979 in Norfolk, Va. The steward department member first sailed on the Point Julie. Brother Qader lives in New York and last went to sea on the Seabulk Challenge. RICARDO SANCHEZ, 65, became a Seafarer in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Sanchez worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Born in Central America, his first ship was the USNS Potomac. Brother Sanchez’s most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Colorado. He is a resident of Humble, Texas. CHRISTOS TSIPLIARELES, 55, started shipping with the SIU in 1968 in New York. Brother Tsipliareles initially worked in the engine department aboard the Galicia Defender. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school numerous times. A native of Greece, Brother Tsipliareles last worked aboard the Sealand Pride. He calls Virginia Beach, Va. home. INLAND JOHN BUNTING III, 56, began his seafaring career in 1989. Boatman Bunting worked for Crowley. Born in Philadelphia, he now calls Franklinville, N.J. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. HAROLD JOHNSON, 66, joined the NMU in 1991 shipping Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 At the instigation of the SIU, representatives of all AFL maritime unions on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts met in New York on May 20. A resolution was adopted calling on the AFL Executive Council to establish a Maritime Trades Department within the American Federation of Labor. The purpose of this move was to ensure that unions allied in the marine industry would have the same kind of representation within the AFL as do the Building Trades Department and the Metal Trades Department. from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Johnson was a member of the steward department. Born in Minnesota, he first sailed aboard the Keystoner. Brother Johnson’s last voyage was aboard the Cape Henry. RUFINO RIVERA, 70, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Rivera began sailing with the NMU in 1966 from the port of New York. He first worked on the Atlantic. Prior to retiring, Brother Rivera shipped aboard the American Lark. ANDREW WASHINGTON, 55, embarked on his NMU career in 1980 in Mobile Ala. Brother Washington’s first ship was the Zoella Lykes. He last sailed on the Green Wave. A member of the steward department, Brother Washington was born in Alabama. NAME AGE EDP Alvarez, Jose 63 March 1 Brown, Herman 64 April 1 Friedman, Mary 65 March 1 Green, George 62 April 1 Hendy, Sydney 72 April 1 Shurtleff, John 65 April 1 Lakes trade and seeking to establish subsidy operations out of the Lakes. Passage of the Landrum-Griffin Act required some modification of the Constitution as to qualifications and elective office, conditions of union membership and similar matters. The Constitution also provides for a monthly membership meeting system. 1993 Although U.S. armed forces have completed their formal withdrawal from Somalia, U.S.-flag merchant vessels— including four contracted with the SIU—still are providing support to U.S. and United Nations troops in the East African nation. Three Ready Reserve Force vessels—the Gopher State, Cape Henry and Rover—as well as the fast sealift vessel USNS Bellatrix continue to provide food, ammunition and other materiel to U.S. soldiers stationed in Somalia as command of all foreign forces in the war-torn nation shifts to the Untied Nations. The five-month U.S. military intervention in Somalia officially came under United Nations control on May 4…. With the changing of the flags, 3,625 U.S. servicemen were left behind in logistics and support roles. The SIU-crewed vessels will remain in support of these American troops until further notice. This Month In SIU History 1960 The revised Constitution of the SIU, Atlantic and Gulf District went into effect on Thursday, May 12 after being ratified by better than 90 percent of all the votes cast. A two-thirds vote was required to pass the amendments but this requirement was far surpassed. During the 30-day vote, 4,178 votes were cast in favor of the amendments and only 322 against. The name of the district union was changed and it is now the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. This change in name was felt necessary by the fact that SIU-manned deep sea ships are participating in the Great Seafarers LOG 17 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 8:02 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA WIN CHAN Brother Win Chan, 87, died Nov. 4. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. Brother Chan was born in China and shipped in the steward department. He made his home in San Francisco and began receiving his retirement pay in 1970. JOHN DAVIS NICHOLAS OPPEDISANO Pensioner Nicholas Oppedisano, 85, died Jan. 7. Brother Oppedisano joined the SIU in 1950 in New York. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Born in Maine, Brother Oppedisano shipped in the deck department. Brother Oppedisano last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Adventure. A resident of Portland, Maine, he started receiving his pension in 1985. Pensioner John Davis, 74, passed away Jan. 13. Brother Davis became a Seafarer in 1967 in the port of San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. He initially sailed aboard the Fanwood, working as a member of the deck department. Brother Davis was born in Cleveland, Ohio and resided in Port Saint Lucie, Fla. Prior to retiring in 1998; he sailed on the LNG Leo. SIXTO RODRIGUEZ ROBERT DAWSON Pensioner James Rogers, 72, died Jan. 17. Born in Bethlehem, Ga., he started his SIU career in 1958 in New York. Brother Rogers worked in the engine department. The U.S. Army veteran last went to sea aboard the Integrity. Brother Rogers retired in 1996 and resided in Shepherd, Texas. Pensioner Robert Dawson, 88, died Dec. 30. Brother Dawson started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born in Texas, the steward department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976. Brother Dawson lived in Oakland, Calif. ANTONIO GUILLEN Pensioner Antonio Guillen, 85, passed away Jan. 12. Brother Guillen was born in Spain and embarked on his SIU career in 1947 in New York. The deck department member first sailed with A.H. Bull Steamship Co. Brother Guillen went on pension in 1984. He called Woodside, N.Y. home. EDDIE HERNANDEZ Pensioner Eddie Hernandez, 80, died Jan. 13. The Puerto Rico-born mariner started his SIU career in 1951 in New York. Brother Hernandez first sailed aboard the Alamar; his last voyage was on the American Heritage. A pensioner since 1985, he worked in the steward department and lived in San Juan, P.R. WALKER LaCLAIR Pensioner Walker LaClair, 83, passed away Feb. 17. Brother LaClair was a native of Wilmington, N.C. He joined the union in 1948 and sailed in the deck department. Before retiring in 1986, Brother LaClair went to sea on the Sugar Islander. He made his home in Galveston, Texas. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Sixto Rodriguez, 92, passed away Jan. 19. He joined the union in 1939 in New York. Brother Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the engine department. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. Brother Rodriguez made his home in Jersey City, N.J. JAMES ROGERS HOWARD SCHNEIDER Pensioner Howard Schneider, 87, passed away Feb. 9. Brother Schneider became a Seafarer in 1967 in Seattle after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Schneider worked in the steward department, first sailing on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Chicago, he called Camano Island, Wash. home. Brother Schneider began collecting his pension in 1984. JAMES SHEETS Pensioner James Sheets, 74, died March 2. Brother Sheets began shipping with the SIU in 1947 in New York. He first sailed on the Mobilian as a member of the deck department. Brother Sheets was born in Virginia and served in the U.S. Army. Before retiring in 1993, he went to sea aboard the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Sheets lived in Norfolk, Va. FRANCISCO TIRADO Pensioner Francisco Tirado, 72, passed away Jan. 25. Brother Tirado joined the SIU in 1962 in New York. His initial trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Ulla. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Tirado shipped in the steward department, most recently sailing on the Motivator. He was a resident of Santa Isabel, P.R. and began receiving his retirement stipends in 1997. CLARENCE WILLIAMS Pensioner Clarence Williams, 77, died Feb. 1. He began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of San Francisco, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Williams, who was born in Louisiana, shipped as a member of the steward department. His last voyage was on the Ewa. Brother Williams began collecting his pension in 2002. He made his home in New Orleans. LOYD ZIMMERMAN Pensioner Loyd Zimmerman, 79, passed away Jan. 3. Brother Zimmerman joined the SIU in 1945 in New York. He was born in Virginia and worked in the steward department. Brother Zimmerman’s first trip to sea was aboard the De Soto; his last was on the Santa Rosa. Brother Zimmerman resided in his native commonwealth and went on pension in 1989. INLAND KENNETH ALEXANDER Pensioner Kenneth Alexander, 55, died Jan. 2. Boatman Alexander started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978 in New Orleans. During his career, he mainly worked on Crescent Towing of New Orleans boats. Boatman Alexander was born in New Orleans, La. and lived in Gretna, La. The deck department member retired in 1997. the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he sailed in the deck department. Boatman Johnson retired in 1996 and resided in his native commonwealth. KEITH LOPER Pensioner Keith Loper, 66, died Feb. 19. Boatman Loper became a Seafarer in 1965, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Army veteran initially worked on a Waterways Transportation vessel in the deck department. Boatman Loper was born in Ohio and lived in Plymouth, N.C. He went on pension in 1990. LEONARD PAUL SR. Pensioner Leonard Paul Sr., 70, passed away Dec. 20. He started his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Beaufort, N.C., Boatman Paul shipped in the engine department. His first trip to sea was aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Boatman Paul was a resident of Belhaven, N.C. He retired in 1995. DEVAIN SARANTHUS Pensioner Devain Saranthus, 63, died Dec. 3. Boatman Saranthus launched his SIU career in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, he sailed as a member of the deck department. A pensioner since 1996, Boatman Saranthus lived in Semmes, Ala. RAYMOND TROSCLAIR Pensioner Robert Haught, 76, passed away Dec. 13. Born in Flora, Ill., Boatman Haught began his SIU career in 1964. The U.S. Army veteran was a member of the deck department. Boatman Haught started receiving his retirement pay in 1993. He called Paragould, Ark. home. Pensioner Raymond Trosclair, 82, passed away July 14. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Trosclair joined the SIU in 1962 after serving in the U.S. Army. He sailed primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessels in the engine department. Boatman Trosclair resided in Houma, La. and began collecting his pension in 1985. WILLIAM HORNER JR STEVE WARFORD ROBERT HAUGHT Boatman William Horner Jr., 59, died Jan. 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1964 from the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Boatman Horner was born in Maryland and shipped primarily on Maritrans vessels. The deck department member lived in Princess Anne, Md. RONNIE JOHNSON Pensioner Ronnie Johnson, 53, passed away Dec. 13. Boatman Johnson joined the ranks of the SIU in 1972 in Pensioner Steve Warford, 75, died Dec. 20. Boatman Warford joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels as a member of the deck department. Boatman Warford started receiving his retirement compensation in 2001. The U.S. Army veteran was born in Arkansas and made San Marcos, Calif. his home. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH BAKER Pensioner Joseph Baker, 76, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Baker hailed from Alpena, Mich. Prior to joining the Seafarers in 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Baker sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He became a pensioner in 1988 and called Michigan home. FRANCIS READ Brother Francis Read, 63, died Nov. 7. He joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of Algonac. Brother Read’s first ship was the Kinsman Enterprise. The deck department member was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Read was a U.S. Navy veteran and last sailed on the American Mariner. He made his home in Echo Township, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. JAMES BISHOP Pensioner James Bishop, 83, passed away Feb. 25. He joined the union in 1955. Brother Bishop first sailed from New York aboard the Chester O. Swain. Born in Providence, R.I., he worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Bishop’s last ship was the Keystone. MANUEL CARDONA Pensioner Manuel Cardona, 89, died Feb. 21. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Cardona became an NMU member in 1934. He sailed in the steward department, first shipping from New Jersey. Brother Cardona started collecting retirement stipends in 1969. RAFAEL DELGADO Pensioner Rafael Delgado, 103, passed away Feb. 10. Brother Delgado joined the NMU in 1957. He sailed primarily aboard the Independence. Brother Delgado was born in Salina, P.R. and went on pension in 1965. JOHN FRUIK Pensioner John Fruik, 63, died Feb. 9. He was born in Michigan and joined the NMU in 1972, sailing in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1994, Brother Fruik worked aboard the Banner. Continued on page 20 May 2005 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/22/2005 8:11 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. CHEMICAL EXPLORER (Marine Transport), Feb. 6— Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Christina A. Mateer, Educational Director Jeffrey T. Fields, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Jackson, Engine Delegate Anjwar D. Brooks. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 8 in Los Angeles and informed crew that two new washers and dryers were on order. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower age requirements for pension benefits and increase vacation days. Discussion held on whether crew fund should be used to pay for satellite TV. Next ports: Long Beach and Richmond, Calif. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), Feb. 26—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director Terry T. Smith, Deck Delegate Travis Stringer, Engine Delegate Scott S. Fuller, Steward Delegate Michael Todman. Chairman reminded crew members not to go through payoff without patrolman present. He also suggested that everyone read Seafarers LOG to be better informed of current maritime and union issues. Educational director talked with captain about having computers in crew lounge for e-mail. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills in Piney Point and check documents for expiration. Renewals take time, so do it early. Steward asked crew to clean rooms and get fresh linen before disembarking. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to reduce retirement age and increase medical benefits. Recommendations also given for contracts department to consider when negotiating new agreement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. EL MORRO (Interocean Ugland Mgmt.), Feb. 27—Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Jay P. Thomas, Engine Delegate Milton L. Israel II. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 28 in San Juan, P.R. Secretary asked everyone to keep noise down in hallways as other crew members may be sleeping. Educational director emphasized importance of keeping all documents current and taking advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested lowering seatime requirements for pension and requested copies of all plans’ financial statements for 2004. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food. HORIZON DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), Feb. 20—Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr., Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director William Payne, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Hector J. Ginel, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. and noted May 2005 ship to stay on same run until July shipyard period. Educational director urged all members to take advantage of upgrading classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to help keep ship clean. Special thanks given to Steward Laureta and Chief Cook Salazar for exotic menus and good food. INTEGRITY (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 26—Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Michael H. Dempster, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Richard F. Oliva. Chairman announced Maersk Line Ltd. to take over from USSM starting March 1. He reported pleasant voyage in all departments. Secretary thanked wiper for keeping SIU crew deck clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding lowering age required for pension benefits and increasing pension amounts. Steward department thanked for exceptional menu and fine food during voyage. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston, Texas. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line Ltd.—formerly USSM’s Explorer), Feb. 20—Chairman Gerald Freeman, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Engine Delegate Lavell Williams. Chairman reported smooth trip en route to payoff Feb. 27 in Balboa, Panama, thanks to great crew. Replacements for three crew members arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $257 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Balboa; San Antonio, Chile. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 27—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh Wildermuth, Educational Director Danilo Cortez, Deck Delegate Timothy D. Girard, Engine Delegate James R. Oling, Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Chairman announced payoff March 6 in Newark, N.J. and thanked deck department for good performance during trip. He reminded everyone to clean rooms and return keys before leaving ship. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised mariners to stay current on union news. Treasurer stated $1,539 in ships fund after purchase of treadmill for gym and movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to lower pension eligibility age and increase pension benefits. Expression of thanks given to Seafarers LOG for good work in keeping membership up to date on union matters. METEOR (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 20—Chairman Steve R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris L. Earnhart, Deck Delegate Ahmed M. Baabbad, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett, Steward Delegate Claudia N. Mauricio. Chairman suggested crews of all Champion-class vessels submit list of recommendations regarding new contract and give to patrolman, who will forward to contracts department. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping ship tidy. Educational director reminded mariners about educational opportunities available in Piney Point and about need to keep all paperwork up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to increase dental and optical benefits and to purchase grill and big refrigerator for crew mess. Vote of thanks to galley crew for excellent food. Next port: Los Angeles. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 27— Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Maurice D. Hetrick, Engine Delegate William P. Stone, Steward Delegate Jorge L. Ellis. Chairman advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG. It is the lifeline to the union while at sea. He also noted letter received regarding recent SAB ruling. Educational director informed crew that it was to their advantage to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for each SIU crew member to have refrigerator in his or her room. Steward asked that no food scraps be put in garbage; galley crew will dispose of scraps properly. Everyone asked to be respectful of shipmates who may be trying to sleep. Suggestion made to lower age and seatime requirements for pension benefits. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans), Feb. 28—Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate Clarence E. Fortt Jr., Engine Delegate Milton L. Israel, Steward Delegate Luis M. Caballero. Chairman announced payoff March 1 upon arrival in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Educational director spoke about taking advantage of educational facilities available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication received from headquarters regarding staying on ship longer than normal due to increasing manning during time of war. Crew received two new washing machines within last month and now waiting for a new dryer. Next ports: Cape Canaveral, Port Everglades and Tampa, Fla. P&O NEDLLOYD BUENOS AIRES (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Feb. 27—Chairman Joseph J. White, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Michael L. Mefferd, Deck Delegate Fritz L. McDuffie. Secretary asked those departing vessel to make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. Treasurer stated $190 in ship’s fund. Suggestions made for pension buy-out and improved medical insurance. Crew requested refrigerator, ice machine, salad bar and microwave for crew mess. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEABULK COURAGE (Seabulk Tankers), Feb. 28—Chairman Mario R. Romero, Secretary Luis A. Escobar, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Steward Delegate Allan M. Melendez. Chairman reported change in run, eliminating Kalama, Wash. and San Francisco. Vessel will now run back and forth from Long Beach to Houston or Corpus Christi for 30-day trips. Secretary urged Seafarers to start renewal process of MMDs early to avoid lastminute delays. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read president’s report from the LOG, which led to discussion on new MSP program, new jobs for SIU, ways to help in tsunami relief and nationwide health care crisis. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. USNS OBSERVATION ISLAND (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 13— Chairman Cholley L. Moses, Secretary Gregory Heseltine, Educational Director Edward J. Krebs, Deck Delegate Travis L. available at Paul Hall Center and about importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to leave room clean for next person. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. CURTISS (American Overseas Marine), March 6—Chairman Stephen Czaple, Secretary Dorray A. Saberon, Educational Director Jürgen G. Gottschlich, Deck Delegate George W. Mazzola. Chairman reported ship being activated. All going well with good crew and great weather. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade at Piney Point Thanks for a Job Well Done Steward department members aboard the Sulphur Enterprise were given a vote of thanks for the great meals and excellent service. From the left are SA Alexander Cordero, Chief Steward William Blees and Chief Cook Jose R. Norales. The Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel is on a coastwise run. Austin, Engine Delegate Jason A. Powell, Steward Delegate Bill Smalley. Chairman brought meeting to order and gave overview of purpose and importance of electing department delegates. He outlined meeting format and projected schedule. He also reminded membership of upcoming paid holiday, Presidents’ Day, Feb. 21. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on investigation into rationing of water. Research being done by chairman on reimbursement and pay for crew members traveling to and from vessel. Inquiry also made about availability and eligibility for 401(k) or other money market fund for unlicensed personnel. Request for new (non-industrial strength) laundry detergent. Members were instructed to go through department heads for hot/cold temperature adjustments in rooms. Crew members note that, weather permitting, aft fan tail of ship periodically set up as beach cookout area. USNS POLLUX (American Overseas Marine), Feb. 7—Chairman Wilfredo C. Rice, Secretary Kelvin R. Burrell, Educational Director Troy Ancar, Deck Delegate Timothy R. Kacer, Engine Delegate Bruce N. Zenon. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 16 in Marrero, La. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Piney Point training center to further career options. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for TV antenna and DVD player for each crew lounge as well as additional washer and dryer. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and service. Next port: Algiers, La. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 13—Chairman Kenneth L. Steiner, Secretary Walter J. Matt, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Deck Delegate David L. Hudgins, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Kimberly A. Strate. Chairman led discussion concerning training, safety and health care plan. Educational director talked about opportunities whenever possible. Engine delegate reminded crew to keep house door closed since AC is on. He also requested help in separating plastic items from regular trash. Steward delegate asked crew to place dirty sheets in linen locker and said he’ll look into getting extra fans if needed. Technicians will come aboard ship North Carolina to fix satellite TV. Next port: Sunny Point, N.C. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), March 2—Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Deck Delegate Stanley E. Howard, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman announced payoff March 3 in Galena, Texas. He noted satellite TV dues up $5 and expressed gratitude to deck department for good job. Educational director told all departments to give themselves a raise by upgrading at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman discussed SAB No. 426 regarding crew rotations. Recommendation made to increase wages in next contract. New mattresses to be ordered in May when vessel goes into shipyard. Next ports: Baytown and Galveston, Texas. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), March 6—Chairman Dennis S. Brown, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Mohamed N. Asinai. Chairman announced payoff March 9 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. and thanked everyone for keeping ship clean. He urged crew to keep dues paid and support SPAD. Educational director encouraged all hands to take advantage of opportunities available in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Following reading of president’s report in LOG, discussion ensued on America’s continuing health care crisis. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOG 19 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 7:02 AM Page 20 Remembering Capt. George Milburn . . . Pensioner George B. Milburn died last June at the age of 80. He joined the SIU in 1967 in Norfolk, Va. and shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions before retiring in 1981. His son, Bruce Milburn, recently was going through some of his father’s papers and came across a 1972 newspaper article from the Washington Star about tugboat activity on the Potomac River that he wanted to share with readers of the Seafarers LOG. The article, by James Norell, featured Milburn and some of his shipmates on the tug Papa Guy during one of their runs from Washington to Piney Point, Md. Milburn was captain aboard the tug, which at the time was pushing an empty barge to exchange for an identical barge loaded with 43,000 barrels of No. 6 heating oil for Washington furnaces. Milburn was extremely proud of his years with the SIU, and his son is equally proud of the accomplishments of his father. Final Departures Continued from page 18 JAMES GONZALES Pensioner James Gonzales, 94, passed away Feb. 8. The engine department member was born in St. Vincent, B.W.I. and began working for the NMU in 1942. Brother Gonzales first sailed on the Frank W. Spencer. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1975. LESTER MAUL Pensioner Lester Maul, 81, died Jan. 26. A native of St. Louis, Brother Maul launched his NMU career in 1942, first sailing on the Parismina in the deck department. He last sailed on the Independence. Brother Maul started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1967. CHARLES STEAD Pensioner Charles Stead, 88, passed away Feb. 12. Brother Stead started his seafaring career in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. His first vessel was the Carleton Ellis; his last was Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. This is the cover page of a 1972 Washington Star feature on George B. Milburn and his crew on the tug Papa Guy. CARLOS VILLAVICENCIO the Chestnut Hill. Brother Stead went on pension in 1984. LEONARD TAYLOR Pensioner Leonard Taylor, 82, died Feb. 20. Born in the Philippines, Brother Taylor joined the NMU in 1966. Before retiring in 1987, he went to sea on the American Veteran. Pensioner Carlos Villavicencio, 84, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Villavicencio joined the NMU in 1945 in Balboa, Panama. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he last went to sea aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Villavicencio began collecting his retirement pay in 1972. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age D.O.D. Andrews, Cornelius 81 02/09/2005 Bates, James 80 02/11/2005 Bush, Ramsey 66 02/09/2005 Chavarria, Eloy 82 02/11/2005 Crespo, Francisco 92 02/05/2005 Gonzales, Emilio Jr. 77 02/14/2005 Halison, Frank 85 02/06/2005 Hall, Oscar 80 01/19/2005 Kelly, Agnes 95 01/19/2005 Lenobel, Karl 85 10/02/2004 McGruder, Sherman 77 02/15/2005 Mente, Clarence 75 02/17/2005 Miller, Ramie 63 02/06/2005 Monroe, Johnnie 76 01/20/2005 Mullins, Charles 80 02/19/2005 Randolph, Harry 98 02/18/2005 Sandies, Isaiah 72 02/17/2005 Sax, Jim 84 02/18/2005 Wynne, Thomas 77 01/11/2005 TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in 20 Seafarers LOG any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2005 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 3:45 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning April 18, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT June 20 September 19 August 11 November 11 QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Welding May 9 August 22 September 19 October 24 October 31 May 27 September 9 October 7 November 11 November 18 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion May 30 July 11 August 22 October 3 November 14 June 24 August 5 September 16 October 28 December 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 20 August 22 October 24 June 24 August 26 October 28 Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) May 9 July 11 September 12 November 14 May 13 July 15 September 16 November 18 Celestial Navigation May 16 July 18 September 19 November 21 June 10 August 11 October 14 December 16 GMDSS (Simulator) June 27 August 29 October 31 July 8 September 9 November 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 16 June 27 August 8 September 19 October 21 May 27 July 8 August 19 September 30 November 11 Navigation Fundamentals October 24 November 4 Radar June 6 August 8 October 10 June 15 August 17 October 19 Radar Renewal (1 day): June 27, August 29, October 31 Course Able Seaman Safety Specialty Courses Date of Completion May 16 July 18 September 19 May 27 July 29 September 30 Fast Boat Rescue June 6 June 10 Government Vessels May 23 July 4 August 8 August 22 September 26 October 31 November 14 May 27 July 8 August 12 August 26 September 30 November 4 November 18 Medical Care Provider May 30 August 1 October 3 June 3 August 5 October 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 6 August 1 September 26 June 17 August 11 October 7 June 27 October 17 July 1 October 21 Advanced Fire Fighting* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Start Date Course Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No Home Port _____________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Yes Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/21/2005 10:01 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 660 — Graduating from the water survival Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending April 1 are (in no specific order) Jerald Martinez, Charles Freeman, Jon Carrico, Jullian Woods, Rigoberto Boggeano, Rosita Livermon, Douglas Perry Jr., Nelton Rodriguez, Joseph Waldera, Francis Burke, David Osterback, Eleazar Lozano Jr., Gary Santos, Orlando Caro, Erick Colon, Hector Serrano, Brian Kimbrough, Nathaniel Miller, Daniel Link and Nathaniel Leachman. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right in the front row. class are unlicensed apprentices from class 660 (in alphabetical order) Remington Aldrete, Jillian Barker, Thomas Brady III, Ian Chin, Christopher Cipres, Steve Concepcion, Sherrod Cutter, Lurex Dela Cruz Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Danny Faidley, Nicole Geideman, Dustin Hennig, Linsey Knight, Louis Kramm, Kenny Potts, Kemer Rojas, Edwin Ruiz Jr., Jennifer Souci, Josh Sypolt, Carlos Vargas Rodriguez, Philander Walton and John Yi. Galley Ops — Working their way up in the galley department are (from left) Robinson Eromosele, Rocky Dupraw, Alfonso Berry, Edward Aguigui Jr., Dave Johnson and their instructor, Ed White. Medical Care Provider — Jr. Engineer — Completing the junior engineer course April 1 are (in no specific order) Jordan Cuddy, Trent Enoch, Walter Rood, Robert Norris, Sharon Gilliam, Alshea Dixon, Husain Ali, Danny Day, Matthew Redlinger, Noel Corrales, Neil Warren, Lisa Harewood and Davon Brown. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Completing the medical care provider course April 1 are (in no specific order) Mike McCourt, Edward Fore, Robert Scott, Craig Burmeister, Shannon Smith, Shelby Rankin, Brian McLarron, Christopher Edyvean, Jerry Sobieraj, Kenneth Lewin and George Ashbridge. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is second from left. Water Survival — March 11 graduates of the water survival class include NCL crew members (in no specific order) Shawn Crowe, Jon Thompson, Troy Larick, Timothy Hall, Shanna Bahr, Marcos Gomez, Carl Collett, Damareo Bailey, Betty Daw, Benny Quintanilla, Marlon Hannigan, Nicanor Dechico, Jason Cruz, Wilma Diaz, Sunshine Gruber, Charlene Street, Raquel Collins, Damien Williams, Bryan Gutierrez and Edwin LaRosa. Their instructors were Stacey Harris (standing far left) and Tony Sevilla (standing far right, front row). Computer Lab Classes Instructor Rick Prucha (standing at far left) congratulates students for their accomplishments in the computer lab. Holding their certificates of completion for various computer courses are (from left, front row) Miguel A. Pizarro, Joselier Itaralde, Eissa Saleh, (back row) Ousmane Ka, Gilbert Johnson and Jess Cooper. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center) are Seafarers who completed the welding course March 4. They are Ousmane Ka (left) and William Rios. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2005 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/21/2005 10:27 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Competing this course March 18 are (in no specific order) Hannah Cain, Audania Bomar, Anthony Roca, Samuel Miller, Lou Kramm, Benny Samosan, Tim Rieman, Steve Hurden, Jon Silveira, Tim Johnson II, Iam Manthey, Timothy Littles, Garfield Persley Jr., Adam Ramey, Brian Joyner, Steven Cedres, Fausto Aranda, Billie Muñoz and Michael Rodriguez. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far left in the back row. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — A second tanker assistant class graduating March 18 included (in no specific order) Wanda Davis, Gabriel Santa, William Sanchez, Brandon Granger, Jermeka Williams, Elliott Del Aguila, William Burdette, Michael Warner, Terry Hester, Nelson Smith, Edgar Reed, Perry Kin, Calvin Andrews, Brad Dize, Patrick Ryan and Karberto Ramos.Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, March 11: Johnny Marino, Jessica Martin, Dorian Meneses, Charles Miller, Stacy Miller, Mark Moore, Joseph Nason, Gisela Neminske, Shari-Ann Pontin-Yamashita, Donald Provance, Ricardo Puaza Jr., Shawn Riley, Brandon Sanborn, Brian Sanchez, Juan Segura, Adante Smith, Jason Smythe, Hector Solis, Taylor Stephens, David Taylor, Roland Terlaje, Andella Toler, Michael Turner, Lindsey Twonbly, Cameron Werry and John Wess Sr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 11: David Aguon, Mark Ambrose, Jon Asis, Jeffer Baguio, Victoria Bejerano, Elena Benavente, James Browne, Griffin Bryant III, Eleanor Cagas, Roger Campo, Celena Carroll, Richard Castro, Vera Christianson, Tyson Cronmiller, Juan Flores, Harold Guillory Jr., Jamel Hatton, Philip Heglmeier, Ray Henderson Jr., Girindhra Henry, Eric Hoffman, Audrey Holmes, Jarret King, Mikki Laster and Sherwin Limos. STCW — March 18: James Collins, Timothy Delapp, Cheryl Grace, Katherine Grove, Ollie Hargrove, Alexander Haymore, Gregory Hidalgo, Rocky Hong, Scott Hooks, Annafay Iokia, Kyle Itani, Maxine Lang, Nichole Lemanski and Grant Haitsuka. STCW — March 18: Christy McCord, Matthew Martin, Jennifer Martinez, Rudy Nucum, Sean Olmo, Leo Pangelinan, Larry Pomerantz, Ulrick Prudent III, Felix Quevedo, David Scharling, Rachael Sherer, Sven Sjoberg, James Smith, Don Thompson, Arthur Valles and Linda Woolley. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 25: Joselito Mata, Aston McKen, Donald McMullen, Yvette Nordquist, John O’Hara, Stephen Parker, Sara Pilgreen, Andrea Raviele, Eric Roth, Annette Salvador, Ysue Samaskhan, Jonathan Savares, Timothy Skeith, Lindsey Waitley and Nathaniel Webb. May 2005 STCW — NCL, March 25: Eduardo Bermudez, Jennifer Blackwell, Zachariah Bunnell, Geronimo Cabulhat Jr., Norma Camacho, Caren Comiska, Dustin Elliott, Christopher Gilbert, Sandra Golden, Talia Golden, David Jolin, Ruth Anne Kick, Linda Kloster-Suero, Claudio Leal Jr. and Brian Manibusan. Seafarers LOG 23 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 3:46 PM Page 24 May 2005 Volume 67, Number 5 A fter the winter freeze, a new season of shipping on the Great Lakes is under way. The Great Lakes are one of the country’s most important waterways and home to the U.S.-flag Lakes fleet. These vessels carry everything from iron ore and limestone for the American steel and construction industries, to coal for power generation, as well as grain, heating oil, cement, sand and gypsum. On the Great Lakes, as on all U.S. waterways, cargo moving between U.S. ports is governed by the Jones Act. Most of the lakers are “self-unloaders,” which means each boat is so equipped that its crew can unload the vessel without any need of shoreside personnel or equipment—and do the job fast. The photos on this page show early activity on three of American Steamship Company’s SIU-crewed vessels: the Buffalo, Sam Laud and H. Lee White. SAM LAUD Aboard the Sam Laud (clockwise from top left): 2nd Cook Walter Wise, DEU Fadel Quraish, DEU Mohamed Mosed, SA Yelan Slyusar and AB/Watchman Mike Larson BUFFALO Senior Bosun David Barber Buffalo AB Security Watch Leonard Thomas Buffalo SA William Agnello Buffalo Left: Conveyorman Andrew Nowak Buffalo H. LEE WHITE Right: AB/Wheelsman Russell Brown and AB/Watchman Mike Lafoille H. Lee White Bosun James Shupert H. Lee White 2nd Cook Penny Pollard H. Lee White � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRIDE OF AMERICA NEARS COMPLETION INSPECTORS BRING 7 SHIPS UNDER ITF AGREEMENT 10 TANKERS ORDERED SIU-CONTRACTED OVERSEAS SHIPHOLDING GROUP TO OPERATE VESSELS NEW TANKER DELIVERED ALASKAN EXPLORER BOOST SIU JOB GROWTH CAR CARRIER BRINGS MORE NEW JOBS SIU-CREWED JEAN ANNE MAKES MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HAWAII DOZENS OF SEAFATERS-CREWED SHIPS STILL SAILING IN SUPPORT OF TROOPS MAERSK WINS CONTRACT TO OPERATE 6 VESSELS NTSB REPORT SPOTLIGHTS WEIGHT STANDARDS IN WATER TAXI TRAGEDY SEAFARERS-CREWED STOCKHAM COMMENDED BY U.S. NAVY MARINERS INCLUDED IN NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE CIVMARS MOBILIZE FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS STEWARDS CONVEY PASSION ABOUT THEIR UNION AND THEIR WORK LMSR CHANGEOVER CONTINUES POLLUTION CASES YIELD RECORD FINE, PRISON TIME SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN A BENEFITS CONFERENCE REMEMBERING CAPT. GEORGE MILBURN… A NEW SEASON BEGINS ON THE GREAT LAKES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2005 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 67, No. 5 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3e470feff7aff8e6e9afb34dc420daf4.pdf 383759d2d4464968c0186dd8592f53fa PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 Pacific Reliance Joins SIU Fleet New ATB Christened In Mobile The SIU participated in ceremonies March 30 in Mobile, Ala. as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the tug Pacific Reliance and its accompanying barge 650-1 (both pictured below). Together the new units form an articulated tug-barge (ATB) with a capacity of 185,000 barrels. The tug is 127 feet long, while the barge is 587 feet. Pictured before the ceremony are (inset, from left) SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, Engineer Joe Kadak, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Deckhand Willie Allen, AB Kevin Schroder and Engineer Wallace “Scooter” Ashwood. Page 3. Union Opening Hall in Oakland Vocational Training Available to Seafarers Upgrading Remains A Key to Advancement The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved upgrading courses to mariners interested in advancing their careers. Courses are available for students in the deck, engine and steward departments, as reflected in these recent handson training photos taken at the Piney Point, Md. facility. For more information (and many more photos), see pages 12-13. The SIU is relocating its San Francisco operations to a roomy, conveniently located building in nearby Oakland, Calif. The new building, pictured above, is being tailored to the union’s needs; a tentative move-in period is set for early July. The Oakland facility has numerous advantages over the old hall on Fremont Street. Page 3. Claims Department Reopens in Piney Point Seafarers Prepare Pride of Hawaii Page 4 Page 6 �President’s Report Great Start, but Work Remains We are barely a third of the way through 2006 and already it has been a great year for the SIU. Near the end of April, there was a lot of excitement at SIU headquarters and at our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as members, officials and employees anticipated the arrival in Baltimore of NCL America’s newest cruise ship, the Pride of Hawaii. This is the third SIU-crewed ship we have welcomed into NCL America’s fleet since 2004, and needless to say, it doesn’t get old. Michael Sacco The Pride of Hawaii is a big headline-grabber, but it’s not the only recent story signifying new and future jobs for Seafarers. This year alone we have crewed up a new ATB on the Gulf Coast and applauded the announcement of an order to build a ninth T-AKE ship that will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. We’ve kept an eye on the ongoing construction in Philadelphia where new tankers are being built, and on the West Coast where the fourth Alaska-class tanker and another Government Services ship are being completed. In case you missed it in last month’s LOG or at the April membership meetings, during the recent conference of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board, Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), announced that his company is primed to invest in 17 new U.S.-flag ships for the Jones Act trades. Brothers and sisters, that is news that’s worth reporting at least twice! Around that same time, SIU-contracted Horizon Lines announced an agreement to charter five new American-flag ships beginning early next year. We’ve made progress this year in other areas, too. On the West Coast, work is being done to help us move from our old hall in San Francisco to a better facility in nearby Oakland. This isn’t a new trend: Since 1988 we have opened or relocated to new halls in Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, Anchorage, Joliet, Tacoma and Guam. We have refurbished several of our other halls. I’m very proud of the recognition Seafarers have received this year for their efforts assisting hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast. Once again, the SIU delivered when called upon. Even though the rebuilding process in the Gulf of course is far from finished, it was fitting that our members and other mariners were acknowledged for pitching in during the critical earliest stages. Those are just some of the highlights from the first four months of this year. We have plenty more to look forward to—and plenty of challenges to meet. No challenge—or responsibility—may be more important than our grassroots participation leading up to Election Day in November. This year, the entire U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. There are a number of state and local elections as well, including those for about three-dozen state governors. It’s no exaggeration to say that most Seafarers understand the great impact that politics has on our livelihoods. SIU members know that our industry was heavily regulated long before September 11 and before the unrelated, amended STCW convention. Since then, you could say, we have to jump through a few more hoops before climbing the gangway. Seafarers also understand that our political efforts never end. There is regular turnover at every level of government. With those changes comes the need to educate newly elected representatives about the tremendous importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Of course, it’s also necessary from time to time to remind even the most seasoned legislators about our role in boosting America’s national and economic security. That’s true not just during election years. Once again, I appreciate SIU members’ support of the voluntary fund known as the Seafarers Political Action Donation. SPAD is nothing short of essential in helping deliver the right message to the right people. At the same time, SPAD isn’t the only way that members can pitch in to help elect pro-maritime representatives. That’s why I’m confident that you will answer the call when your local SIU representatives ask for your time to assist in grassroots campaigning between now and November 7. The greater the success we have in politics, the more good news we’ll report each month. Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Coast Guard Authorization Bill Clears Conference Committee Early last month, House and Senate conferees agreed to an $8.7 billion authorization for the U.S. Coast Guard for fiscal year 2006. The conference report to accompany H.R. 889, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, includes provisions intended to allow the agency to perform its missions involving homeland security, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement. Commenting on the overall conference report, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, stated, “This agreement provides the good men and women of the Coast Guard, who performed so well in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the resources to carry out their vital missions.” Young also chaired the conference committee. The conference report to accompany H.R. 889 includes the following provisions: „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to temporarily extend the expiration of licenses and documents for mariners that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and certificates of inspection and compliance for vessels that are inspected by marine safety offices that are located in the impacted region. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 features components aimed at allowing the agency to perform its missions involving homeland security, among other directives. Above, Coast Guard personnel from Station New York on Staten Island patrol the waters surrounding the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor earlier this year. „ Defines (in the U.S. Code) a riding gang member on a U.S.-flag vessel as a non-U.S. citizen or permanent alien who is used to perform certain limited repair functions on the vessels. A riding gang member also is defined as someone who isn’t part of the crew; doesn’t possess a z-card or license; doesn’t perform watchstanding, automated engine room duty watch or personnel safety functions; doesn’t do longshore work; isn’t a member of the steward department; and doesn’t come from a nation named by the U.S. as a sponsor of terrorism. „ Stipulates that no ship may carry more than 12 riding gang members at once, and that companies employing foreign riding gangs must certify that they first tried to hire U.S. citizens to do the work (and that no U.S. citizens are available for the jobs). „ Provides a $1.6 billion funding level for the Integrated Deepwater Systems (Deepwater) Program, the Coast Guard’s program to replace or modernize the ships and aircraft used in the Coast Guard’s deepwater missions. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to establish Naval Vessel Protection Zones up to 12 nautical miles offshore. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct international training and to provide technical assistance to international navies, coast guards and maritime authorities during regular Coast Guard operations. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to inspect ferries for maritime safety purposes; „ Requires the Coast Guard to detail adequate personnel to assure that Great Lakes pilotage rates are adjusted annually. „ Requires the Coast Guard to develop a long-term plan to recapitalize the service’s polar icebreakers. „ Promotes the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on U.S.-flag vessels; „ Establishes a long-range vessel tracking system pilot project. „ Adjusts oil spill liability limits for tank and nontank vessels to reflect changes in inflation. „ Authorizes the federal government to purchase any property that was the principal residence of a member or related employee of the Coast Guard that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas. „ Requires the Coast Guard to report to Congress on the additional costs associated with the Coast Guard’s response to Hurricane Katrina. Rep. King Pledges Support For U.S. Maritime Industry The House Homeland Security Committee chairman recently told a Washington, D.C. audience that he supports the U.S. maritime industry and that he is committed to protecting U.S. ports without losing jobs, hurting the economy or neglecting labor interests. “I stand by your industry,” said U.S. Rep. Peter King (RN.Y.) during an appearance at the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on March 30. He said it would take cooperation throughout the maritime spectrum to secure ports and U.S.-bound cargo. “Coming from New York, we have many vulnerable areas, but none more so than our ports,” he continued. The congressman reminisced on the friends, acquaintances and constituents he lost on 9/11 and said that for many, the controversy over the Dubai Ports World deal brought home the importance of port security. King was speaking to the audience just after H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE) Act, passed out of the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security by voice vote. The House bill is the companion to the Senate version (S. 2459) introduced by U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). King called for more radiation portal monitors and increased inspections overseas before cargo reaches U.S. ports. He also said he wants to work throughout the maritime industry on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential or TWIC card. The committee chairman told the audience that he believes there should be separate funding for port security grants, and said he believes U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, supports this position as well. Addressing a question from former Congresswoman Helen Bentley, King said he’s taking an active role in reforming processes involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He asserted that the secretary for Homeland U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) Security should co-chair it along with the Treasury Secretary. King also noted that when CFIUS was formed in 1988, it was more concerned with foreign investment than it was about homeland security. He said some level of secrecy still needs to stay in the process, but suggested that Republican and Democratic leadership in the House be kept informed on matters before CFIUS. The congressman also agreed with another questioner who said that not all fixes to port security can be legislative ones, and that the entire supply chain has to be examined. May 2006 �Crowley Christens New ATB Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand March 30 in Mobile, Ala. as Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the first of six new 185,000-barrel articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company plans to take delivery of during the next two-and-ahalf years. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly represented the union along with a number of rank-and-file members. The vessels christened were the 9,280-hp tug Pacific Reliance and barge 650-1. The event took place at the Mobile Convention Center. Constance Crowley Peabody, aunt of Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman, president and CEO, christened the 127-foot Pacific Reliance while Janet Bishop from ConocoPhillips christened the 587-foot barge 650-1. “This is state-of-the-art equipment and it represents a great addition to the SIU-contracted fleet,” noted Corgey. “I’m sure I speak for all of our other officials in saying that we’re completely confident that SIU members will do a fantastic job aboard the new ATB and the ones that follow.” According to the company, Crowley’s Petroleum Services group will charter the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley’s vessel construction and naval architecture subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, and operate it for ConocoPhillips under a three-year agreement. “We are thrilled to be expanding our ATB fleet with these new, larger, state-of-the-art vessels,” said Tom Crowley. “Our existing ATBs have performed extremely well for our petroleum customers, and we’re confident that this new ATB will provide ConocoPhillips with many years of safe, reliable and efficient transportation for their products.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane, in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. Crowley and VT Halter Marine jointly designed the ATB SIU Contract Honored In Delta Queen Sale The Seafarers-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company has been purchased by Ambassadors International, Inc., and the new owners are honoring the SIU collective bargaining agreement. “Effectively there is no change where the membership is concerned,” noted SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “All SIU jobs are maintained and the SIU contract remains in place.” Delta Queen itself apparently will remain as the operator of the Seafarers-crewed paddlewheel steamboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, but the company’s headquarters will be consolidated to Seattle. Bruce Nierenberg, president of Delta Queen, told the Associated Press that Ambassadors probably will move sales and financial operations to Seattle while keeping the marine and hotel operations in New Orleans. Ambassadors, which acquired Delta Queen from the Delaware North Companies, operates the 163-passenger Queen of the West and the 235-passenger Empress of the North in the Pacific Northwest through its subsidiary American West Cruises, based in Seattle. According to Delaware North, Ambassadors will acquire the three Delta Queen vessels and associated operating assets of Delta Queen for $3 million in cash, the assumption of approximately $9 million of customer deposits and the assumption of approximately $35 million of fixed-rate debt payable through 2020. The deal also includes stock considerations. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company operates historical cruise itineraries on many of America’s best known rivers, including the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Arkansas rivers with stops at many of America’s most historic cities, battlegrounds and estates. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company is America’s oldest cruise line, with its history dating back to 1890. The Delta Queen can carry 174 passengers, the Mississippi Queen 416 and the American Queen 436. The American Queen recently completed a special mission under charter to energy companies in support of disaster relief efforts in the Gulf Coast area. Joe Ueberroth, president and CEO of Ambassadors International, Inc., noted that Delta Queen and American West would combine to create “a national, American cruise company.” He also expressed confidence in the fleet’s “dedicated American crews.” The SIU-crewed American Queen, pictured in New Orleans, assisted in hurricane relief missions after Katrina struck last year. May 2006 The new ATB features all the latest equipment and double-hull construction. tank vessel. The barge 650-1 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Pacific Reliance at its shipyard in Moss Point, Miss. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it also can carry heated cargoes and certain chemicals which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings above that normally required for product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges will be 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft will be 30 feet. According to Crowley, there is an electric cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring Seafarers welcome the new tug Pacific Reliance in Mobile, Ala. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) David Lane, William Davis, Willie Allen, David Nimmer, (standing) Leo Venegas, Joe Kadak, Darren Bates, John Quagliano Jr., Wallace Ashwood Sr., Kevin Schroder, Wallace “Scooter” Ashwood, William Palmer, Bob Hoffman, Marc Tomuschat and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly. operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. The ATBs also feature a dual mode inert gas system and vapor collection system for maximum safety. A layer of inert gas covers products in the tanks to make the atmosphere too lean for combustion. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectratype lines on split drums with a high-speed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel-efficient diesel engines; a noise reduction package; and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today, according to Crowley. Union’s San Francisco Operations Moving to New Hall in Oakland Spacious Facility Offers Numerous Improvements The SIU plans to relocate its San Francisco-area operations to a new union hall in nearby Oakland, Calif. this summer. The new building is scheduled for various modifications to suit the membership’s needs. Pending completion of those alterations, the move tentatively is penciled in for early July. Located at 1121 7th Street, the new hall is two stories not including a basement and is approximately 17,000 square feet. It offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building; additional parking is available nearby. The Oakland hall is 9 miles from the union’s San Francisco hall, which is located at 350 Fremont Street. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel said the move will provide several noteworthy improvements. The Oakland hall is based in a generally more attractive area near Jack London Square, a popular community. The new hall is located within easy walking distance of the Matson pier and also is near public transportation. Additionally, the building on 7th Street will offer a “media room” for rank-and-file members that includes a television and high-speed internet hookups. It will contain a classroom for off-site training, a meeting room, a conference room and other amenities. Ample parking is available behind the new hall on 7th Street, scheduled to open this summer. The facility is 60 years old but underwent major refurbishment a few years ago, including various structural reinforcements. The interior as of late April largely was wide open, which should facilitate its upcoming reconfiguration. The union has occupied its hall on Fremont Street since 1980. More details on the upcoming move will be reported in the Seafarers LOG as they become available. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU-Crewed Hauge Honored for Safety The crew and captain of the SIU-contracted CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. on March 24 formally were recognized for their impressive achievements in the area of safe ship operations during 2005. The recognition itself, which came in the form of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Award, originally was bestowed on the Hauge and its crew last summer. It formally was presented to Capt. Paul Zubaly by Jerry Eker, director of maritime operations, Maersk Line Limited during recent ceremonies in Norfolk, Va. Officials from the SIU, including Vice President Government Services Division Kermett Mangram and Jacksonville, Fla. Port Agent Archie Ware were on hand for the ceremony as were representatives from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. As previously reported, in addition to the Maersk-operated Hauge, 10 other SIUcontracted companies along with their top performing vessels last year were cited by the U.S. maritime industry for safe ship operations. Like the Hauge, the other vessels and their crews originally were recognized during the presentation of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Award and the 2005 Ship Safety Achievement Awards. The event took the form the Chamber of Shipping of America’s Annual Safety Awards Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Claims Office Reopens The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s claims office fully reopened April 3. The department is based at the Seafarersaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The claims office also includes a membership services department. More than 40 employees work in the claims office, which is reachable by phone at 800 252-4674. “We’re delighted to bring membership services back to the claims department,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “There is widespread confidence both within the department and the union that this move will result in an improvement in membership services.” Claims Director Pat Benoit stated, “We’re all very happy to be doing the job we know best and giving the members the quality service they deserve.” Employees took part in a brief but spirited re-opening ceremony following the April membership meeting. Oleta Copsey is a membership services representative. Pam Harris (left) and Tammy Smyth are among the 40-plus employees at the claims office. Riverside. The awards recognized individual ships and the women and men who crew them while performing accident-free operations. The prizes also served as incentives to promote safe ship practices aboard all American-flagged vessels. “It’s always great to see Seafarers receive this type of well-deserved recognition, especially when it has to do with safety,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Such awards are SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware (center) met with tributes not only to the indi- Chief Steward Victorino Cruz (left) and Recertified Bosun vidual mariners, but also a James Foley prior to the presentation of the 2005 Jones F. reflection of the tremendous Devlin Award. jobs that the instructors and staff at our affiliated training crews for accident-free operations. school (the Paul Hall Center in Piney Twenty-six vessels representing seven Point, Md.) do in preparing students for companies received the Certificate of their careers.” Honor Award that year. Two years later, The Hauge is a roll-on/roll-off containthe award was renamed the Jones F. ership that is part of MSC’s prepositioning Devlin Award to honor the safety expert program. The vessel is 755 long and has a who thought the credit should go to the beam of 90 feet. It can sail at 16.4 knots. mariners who were achieving these In 1954, American Export Lines had a results. safety-at-sea expert who was in close assoFor more than 40 years, this award has ciation with the American Merchant been given to individual vessels that have Marine Institute. That year, he approached achieved at least two years of injury-free the AMMI board of directors requesting that an award for safety achievement at sea operation. The Chamber of Shipping of America be established. The board agreed to sponrepresents 25 U.S.-based companies that sor such recognition, and the first Ship Safety Achievement Awards were estab- own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships and other merchant lished (and four vessels were honored). In 1958, that same safety officer vessels engaged in both the domestic and approached the AMMI once again regard- international trades and other entities that ing sponsorship of an award that would maintain a commercial interest in the operrecognize individual vessels and their ation of such vessels. Claims office personnel are pictured with officials from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans as the department reopens in Piney Point, Md. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (ninth from left) and Jerry Eker, director of operations, Maersk Line Limited (seventh from left) join the crew and captain of the Hauge shortly after the award presentation. Port Official Edward Smith Dies at 79 “There wasn’t a day that went by where my father didn’t brag about the SIU and how it provided for all of us,” said Edward C. Smith about his father, Edward V. (Smitty) Smith of Severna Park, Md., who passed away March 27 of natural causes. He was 79. Brother Smith was born in Boston but moved to Prince Edward Island at a young age and served in the Canadian merchant navy during World War II. He returned to the U.S. and joined the SIU in 1947. Working in the steward department, Brother Smith served as a cook, chief cook and chief steward. He sailed from New York, New Orleans and then Baltimore. In Baltimore, he headed up the cafeteria in the union hall and later served as a port representative. Some of the SIU ships he worked on were the Boulder VicThis photo of Brother Smith was taken in the Baltimore union hall when he tory, Mankato Victory worked as a port representative there. and Robin Mowbray. 4 Seafarers LOG Brother Smith retired in 1982. “He would tell some great stories about working with Paul Hall and the Sacco brothers,” noted his son, “and he helped with the groundbreaking activities for the school at Piney Point in 1967.” Ben Wilson, who began shipping around the same time, but in the deck department, became good friends with Smith. Now retired from the union as an AB, Baltimore patrolman and port agent— and presently living in North Carolina—Wilson said the two got together whenever they could in recent years. He spoke with Smith just three days before he died. “He was a real good man and a good friend,” said Wilson. “He enjoyed his sea- Edward V. Smith in a photo taken in 1964. faring career and helping the members.” A graveside service celebrating Smith’s life was held March 31 at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie, Md. He is survived by his children Edward C. Smith and Tara Berman, brothers Earle and Fred Smith, and three grandchildren. SA Tiffany Thompson May 2006 �Massachusetts Health Plan Draws Federation’s Ire At a time when some 46 million Americans are uninsured, one state—the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—has unveiled a “universal health plan” which some are touting as a model for the rest of the country while others, including AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, call it bad deal for working families. Lawmakers in the Bay State’s House of Representatives on April 4 approved a health care bill making it the first U.S. state to require nearly all residents to either be insured or face consequences. House members voted 155-2 in favor of the 145-page plan; it unanimously was approved by the Senate. Under the plan, a combination of financial incentives and penalties will be used to expand access to health care over the next three years and extend coverage to the state’s estimated 500,000 uninsured residents. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R), who may run for president in 2008, signed the bill into law April 12. The new regulation includes three key provisions meant to increase coverage. First, it is intended to modestly expand Medicaid eligibility. Second, it will offer subsidies for the purchase of private coverage to lowincome individuals and families, though the size of the subsidies has yet to be determined. Finally, those making more than three Push for ‘Belated Thank You’ Moves to House Subcommittee The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing April 6 on proposed legislation calling for monthly payments to World War II-era merchant mariners. The SIU supports the bill, known as the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. For last month’s hearing, the SIU submitted a joint letter with other U.S. maritime unions calling for its enactment. The legislation has strong bipartisan support in both the House (210 cosponsors as of early April) and Senate (28 cosponsors). Introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), the Belated Thank You bill calls for a monthly payment of $1,000 to World War II mariners or their surviving spouses. In his testimony to the subcommittee (which is part of the House Veterans Affairs Committee), Filner said that the story of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II is one of “patriotism, of youthful exuberance, of dedication to duty, of pride in a job well done, of bravery in the midst of battle, and sadly, of a nation who forgot these heroes for over 40 years after the war’s end.” Filner noted that merchant mariners suffered a high casualty rate (by most measures, second only to that of the Marine Corps) but kept on delivering the goods. “Without them, we would not have been able to win the war. It’s as simple as that,” the congressman said. He also pointed out that in the war’s aftermath, the U.S. Merchant Marine “became the forgotten service.” They not only weren’t covered by the GI Bill, they weren’t formally acknowledged as veterans until 1988. (Even then the recognition was incomplete. It took another decade for the government to match the cutoff date for veterans’ status for mariners with that of the armed services.) “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose that this bill will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits,” Filner added. Ian Allison, who co-chairs the citizens’ group leading the grassroots effort to pass the bill, testified before the subcommittee and also submitted the maritime unions’ letter along with other supportive statements. A merchant marine veteran of World War II, Allison said that his group (the Just Compensation Committee) represents approximately 6,300 individuals. Allison said that passage of the Belated Thank You legislation “would be the final chapter of what has been a ragged response by the government to men who placed their lives in danger as they served their country. There might be some members in Congress who are not historically informed in what happened to some 230,000 seamen, both black and white, from the end of World War II to the present. The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was the only service that was not segregated…. “It has been said that when one dies, so dies one’s influence and power,” he continued. “And so it was that when President Franklin Roosevelt died, his directions to his advisors that the merchant seamen of World War II should be accorded benefits like veterans of other services also died. The influence of dissenting members (of Congress) and some of the animosities left over after the war from competing services and civilian service groups prevented benefits being given to merchant seamen. Many service people who might have dug ditches in Louisiana and never stepped outside the United States got the full GI Bill, GI loans, and much more; but those who sailed the Murmansk Run, were sunk in burning oil or frigid waters of the North Atlantic got nothing. In fact, their pay, which has been reviewed countless times, stopped the moment they went into the water.” Allison told the subcommittee that the youngest of the World War II mariners today are in their late 70s, “many in poor health. The majority are men in their mid-80s. I am 86 years old and dedicating 100 percent of my time to see the record set right by passage of H.R. 23. There is still time for a grateful nation to say ‘Thank You’ to a thinning rank of men. “Sixty years is a long time for any service person to wait for proper recognition. Sixty years is a long time to spend trying to correct history written to denigrate what we thought was service to our country.” Pennsylvania Law Stipulates $500 Bonus For WWII Mariners Pennsylvania-based U.S. Merchant Marine veterans who sailed during World War II applauded last month’s signing of state legislation that calls for a one-time, $500 cash bonus to eligible mariners from that era. The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) had pushed for House Bill 58, which also was supported by the SIU. Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell signed the bill on April 12. Sponsored by Pennsylvania State Rep. John. A. Maher (R- May 2006 Allegheny/Washington), the bill calls for a $500 bonus to any U.S. Merchant Marine veteran who served during World War II and who is also a legal resident of Pennsylvania. According to the governor’s office, eligibility requirements include honorable separation from the U.S. Merchant Marine; having maintained U.S. citizenship during World War II; and not having “refused to be subject to military discipline on conscientious, political, religious or other grounds during World War II.” The adjutant general is charged with administering the act, issuing applications and reviewing applications for the bonus. Also, the adjutant general is to prepare, publish and distribute a pamphlet explaining the benefits under this act. The bonuses will be funded by a U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Veterans’ bonus fund, a restricted receipt account in the general fund. Money for the fund will be appropriated from the General Fund by the General Assembly and any money remaining in the fund on June 30, 2007, will be returned to the General Fund. The bill passed the House 1990 and the Senate, with amendments, 49-0. The House concurred 197-0. This bill becomes effective immediately, but will expire on June 30, 2007. times the poverty income (about $30,000 for a single person) will have to buy their own coverage or pay a fine. The new law is still largely a work in progress as some of its significant details—the exact definition of what it means to be able to afford insurance, as an example—will be finalized when the plan’s regulations actually are drafted. But Sweeney, the head of America’s largest labor organization, has seen enough to form a strong opinion. He and others took particular issue with Romney’s vetoing of one portion of the legislation: a $295 annual fee on businesses that don’t give coverage to their workers. “It is simply ridiculous that Governor Romney would try to solve Massachusetts’ health care problems by dumping them on the backs of working families and already stretched budgets, and then penalize them if they cannot afford it,” Sweeney said. “By vetoing language that would have required employers to pay into the health care system, he protected them from taking on even the slightest iota of responsibility. “An individual mandate to buy insurance can only work if it is paired with a guarantee of affordable, comprehensive coverage, and the language in [this] legislation falls dangerously short of that goal.” Sweeney noted that news sources including the Boston Globe have reported that the average plan cost for a single worker would be $350 a month. For someone earning $28,000 a year (the amount at which state assistance and subsidies become unavailable) that would mean paying 15 percent of his or her pre-tax income toward coverage. “For a working family that’s huge, and it’s a lot more than the meager annual assessment fee of $295 for employers who fail to provide coverage,” Sweeney stated. “But in Romney’s eyes, even that was too much to ask of his business friends. The provisions for families below 300 percent of the poverty level should be commended. But families above that 300 percent level will be forced to buy coverage they cannot afford, or accept cheaper, stripped down policies that provide coverage in name only.” The federation president concluded, “This legislation provides little hope for middle class famiContinued on page 6 Philadelphia’s Healthmark Incorporated Clinic has moved to a new building at the Navy Yard Corporate Center, a few minutes from the SIU hall on South 4th Street. Philadelphia Health Unit Parks in a Better Location The Seafarers-contracted Healthmark Incorporated Clinic has moved from Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia to a newly built facility at the nearby Navy Yard Corporate Center. The new building is located at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The complete address is: Healthmark Incorporated Clinic Navy Yard Corporate Center 1 Crescent Drive Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19112 Telephone (215) 952-9901 SIU members will continue receiving the same comprehensive health services that have been offered by Healthmark since the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan first signed on with the clinic in 1991. Normally, it takes only a few minutes to drive to the new facility from the SIU hall on South 4th Street. Even before stepping inside the Corporate Center, Seafarers likely will notice one major advantage to the relocation. According to Healthmark employees, parking at the old building often proved challenging—patients sometimes ended up as far as six blocks away. The new building features plenty of on-site, free parking. The improvements don’t end there, however. Healthmark has installed a substantial amount of new, state-of-the-art medical equipment. “We offer the same services as before,” said a Healthmark worker, “but this building is brand new, beautiful and spacious. The access is great and there’s no hassle with the parking.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Pride of Hawaii Makes Its 1st Transatlantic Crossing The Pride of Hawaii officially was handed over to NCL America in a ceremony last month in Eemshaven, Holland. As the American flag was raised aboard the SIU-crewed vessel, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Star Cruises (which owns NCL Corp.), was joined by NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch, and Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, the shipyard that constructed the vessel at a cost of more than $500 million. “We are proud to take delivery of this beautiful new ship not only because she is our newest and largest U.S.-flagged vessel, but because she features the innovative design and tremendous consumer appeal,” said Thay. Although the delivery of the ship was initially slowed by an adjustment to its propulsion system, Veitch was pleased to welcome the company’s new addition. “We are thrilled to complete our ambitious plan of bringing three U.S.-flagged ships to Hawaii by 2006,” he said. “The Pride of Hawaii, along with Pride of America and Pride of Aloha and our one international ship, will bring around half a million passengers a year to the Hawaii islands.” Seafarers already are working aboard the Pride of Hawaii, which began its Atlantic crossing after the handover ceremony in Eemshaven. When it reaches Baltimore—its first port in the United States—it will undergo U.S. Coast Guard inspections and increase the number of crew members on board from 400 to 1,000. It then will travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles for a series of inaugural events before setting sail for Hawaii to join its sister ships, the SIU-crewed Pride MarAd Officials Tour Paul Hall Center Officials from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) toured the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education early last month. They are pictured in the left photo with students and SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left). Pictured at right are (from left) President Sacco, MarAd Chief Counsel Julie Nelson, Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian, MarAd Director of Congressional and Public Affairs Shannon Russell, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. The school is based in Piney Point, Md. of America (christened last summer) and the Pride of Aloha (2004) in offering seven-day inter-island cruises. The vessel will leave Honolulu every Monday and will spend a day each in Hilo and Kona and two days each in Kahului and Nawiliwili before heading back to Honolulu. While not the largest ship on the seas, at 93,500 tons and with a passenger capacity of 2,400, the Pride of Hawaii comes close and will enter the history books as the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. The new cruise ship offers many of the same amenities and “freestyle” options as the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America in its choice of restaurants and other shipboard and excursion activities. One of the differences, however, is the expansive suites aboard the newest vessel, each of which includes a private courtyard with pool and whirlpool, concierge service, and much more. Another innovation on the Pride of Hawaii is the library, which is named in honor of the United States. The United States, which entered service in 1952 and is owned by NCL, won the title as the fastest ocean liner when it smashed transatlantic speed records on its first two crossings. With assistance from the SS United States Conservancy, the library features original photographs, vintage advertisements and original lithographs from renowned marine artists, as well as wall-hanging annotations from Conservancy experts to help educate passengers about the vessel’s significance. “As one of the country’s most venerable ships from the glory days of transatlantic sea travel, the SS United States was revolutionary, faster and more technologically advanced than anything else afloat at the time,” said Veitch. The three SIU-crewed ships in the NCL fleet are creating thousands of American jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits to Hawaii and to the United States in general. Additionally, more than 3,000 students have successfully completed the Paul Hall Center’s three-week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of nonmarine positions. With distinctive artwork painted on both sides of its hull (a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other), the SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii was floated out of its dock in Germany Feb. 19 and then underwent sea trials before being handed over to NCL in Holland. The vessel late last month was en route to Hawaii with inaugural stops in Baltimore, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mass. Unveils Health Plan CIVMARS Meet in Norfolk Continued from page 5 Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division met with representatives from the union in Norfolk, Va. earlier this year to discuss several hot topics affecting CIVMARS. The meeting took place Feb. 9 at the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Customer Support Unit East. A number of the attendees are pictured above and below. SIU Government Services Representative Maurice Cokes (center) is flanked by deck department CIVMARS Abdul Rashid Yaquobe (left) and James Jones. Maurice Cokes (right) chats with CIVMARS Benito Lambert (left) and Lewis Hailey. Lambert works in the supply department, while Hailey sails in the engine department. 6 Seafarers LOG lies, choosing instead to penalize them for our nations’ failure to ensure affordable health care. This legislation sends the wrong message to other states looking for answers to their own health care crisis. Universal health care should mean just that—affordable health care for all, not just for the top and the bottom.” Under the plan, expected to take effect in July 2007, everyone who files a state tax return, beginning in 2008, will have to indicate if they have health insurance. The new law requires Medicaid and private insurers to turn over to the state lists of their enrollees each month. Anyone deemed able to buy insurance, but who is still uninsured, will face increasing penalties. During the first year, they will lose their ability to claim a personal exemption on their state tax returns. That would cost an individual about $189 and a couple filing jointly about $378. In the second year, they will be assessed half the annual cost of one of the new low-cost health plans that are supposed to be created by private insurers under the bill—a fine that would easily top $1,000. The poor and uninsured not making enough to afford the lowcost plans will be eligible for subsidies. The poorest—single adults making about $9,800 or less— will get access to insurance with no premiums and no deductibles. Those earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty line (about $48,000 for a family of three) will have access to plans with sliding scale premiums. To help guarantee that the poorest residents of Massachusetts know about the new health care options, the bill also includes $3 million in outreach funds for hospitals, clinics and community groups. A new state agency will connect people with the private insurance plans that sell the coverage, and allow people to use pre-tax dollars to purchase coverage (a tax break that mostly helps affluent tax payers who are in high tax brackets). This new agency is also supposed to help design affordable plans. May 2006 �Service Commemorates Texaco Oklahoma Tragedy A catastrophic day in U.S. maritime history took place slightly more than 35 years ago off the coast of North Carolina. On the fateful day of March 27, 1971, the NMU-crewed tanker SS Texaco Oklahoma— fully loaded with a cargo of 200,000 barrels of oil—broke in two and sank some 120 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The 632-foot vessel, after leaving Texaco Dock 22 in Port Arthur, Texas, as it had on many previous occasions, was en route to Boston. Thirty-one U.S. mariners, including 24 NMU members, lost their lives in the tragedy. Thirteen others survived. A prayer service and luncheon marking the 35th anniversary of the event on March 31 was held at the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center. Jointly hosted by the center and the Apostleship of the SeaDiocese of Beaumont, the event was attended by Father Sinclair Oubre, director, Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont; Pumpman Willie Jacquet, one of 13 crewmen who survived the 1971 tragedy; Shwe Aung, SIU ITF inspector from the port of Houston who represented the National Maritime Union; relatives and friends of some of the Texaco Oklahoma crew who perished; and a host of others who are involved in the U.S. maritime industry. After prayer and the reading of scripture, Father Sinclair recited the names of the 31 seamen who met their fate on the Texaco Oklahoma. Seventy-eight-year- Retired NMU Pumpman Willie Jacquet, left, addresses those in attendance at the memorial service as Father Sinclair Oubre, director, Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont, listens. Jacquet is one of 13 survivors from Texaco-Oklahoma sinking. old Jacquet, who as a young man migrated to Port Arthur from Lafayette, La. to find work, then recounted some specifics of the sinking for those in attendance. Jacquet spent more than 20 years sailing as a member of the NMU “After the ship broke in two, the bow section was smashing up against the stern section,” Jacquet said, according to Port Arthur News staff writer Marilyn Tennissen. “We still had power in the back, so it was backed away. Then the bow began to drift off, there were still men on board. We just lost sight of them.” The official National Transportation Safety Board report on the tragedy was released July 26, 1972. In part, the report said “The ship was en route from Port Arthur Texas, to Boston, Massachusetts, and was proceeding at very slow speed in a severe storm when the casualty occurred. “The ship split in the vicinity of No. 5 tanks and submerged all of the crew asleep in the forward deckhouse. The forward section then reversed direction and drifted down on the stern section, destroying the starboard lifeboat before the stern section was backed safely away.” None of the 13 crew members on the forward section survived. The crew members on the stern section attempted to attract passing ships by firing flares, blinking white and red lights, and sounding the ship’s whistle. One ship responded to the light signals but no distress signals were identified and it departed. The crew also operated the portable lifeboat radio transmitter for at least 12 Ricky Koenig, far right, is the son the late chief engineer of the TexacoOklahoma who perished when the vessel went down. Also pictured are other family members and friends of some of the mariners who lost their lives 35 years ago when the ship sank. hours without knowing that the distress signals were not being received. The stern section sank at about 6 a.m. Sunday, March 28, which was the time the ship was scheduled to arrive in Boston and 27 hours after the vessel broke in two. “The crew members abandoned the stern using one 15-person inflatable raft and two rafts improvised from oil drums. About 10 hours later, a merchant vessel discovered the raft, rescued 11 survivors, and initiated an extensive rescue effort,” the report noted. “Subsequently, two more crew members that had been in the water about 32 hours were rescued. Thirty-one of the 44 crewmembers perished in this casualty.” Trainee Thornton Receives NCL Award Good training, hard work and dedication on Jan. 2 paid off for Unlicensed Apprentice LaWanda Thornton, when she was presented with the Most Valuable Player award by the captain of the SIU-crewed Pride of America. The citation was given to Thornton “in recognition of your special effort and outstanding achievements in implementing the S.T.Y.L.E. philosophy in the workplace” and was signed by the ship’s captain and Colin Veitch, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines. (S.T.Y.L.E. stands for Service, Teamwork and Yes Lead to Excellence.) This was the Holding a copy of her award, Unlicensed first time a most Apprentice LaWanda Thornton poses with the valuable player award captain and staff captain aboard the Pride of has been pre- America. sented to a we told by the cooks, chefs and utility galley staff, much our supervisors that we were the less to an SIU unlicensed best they had had in a long time, apprentice. Thornton gives much of but the captain, himself, even the credit to her training at smiled and thanked the both of the Paul Hall Center and to us when he saw how clean and her cousin, Shawana organized we kept our work Mills, who worked with area.” her at the school and Thornton wholeheartedly aboard ship. believes that without the Paul In a letter to Assistant Hall Center and her instructors Director of Manpower Pat there, none of this recognition Vandegrift, the member of would have been possible. She Unlicensed Apprentice noted that the classes, structured Class #672 wrote, “We environment, attention to detail, worked together as a team, and training in how to work just as you . . . and all of together as a class and a team our teachers at Piney Point contributed to her success. taught us. We took those “My award proves that the LaWanda Thornton (far left) was among teachings and many more many messages that our instrucother employees who won awards for tors were trying to deliver did their performance aboard the SIU- with us on that vessel and we shined. Not only were get through,” she concluded. crewed Pride of America. May 2006 The NMU newsletter reported on the sinking of the Texaco Oklahoma in its May-June issue in 1971. Happy Retirement to MarAd’s Krusa The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently said a bittersweet “farewell” to Christopher Krusa (pictured at right in Baltimore), who retired in late March after 34 years of federal work. Krusa was a maritime training specialist for the U.S. Maritime Administration. He often served as part of U.S. delegations participating in international maritime forums, and in that role he worked closely with SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton. In the early 1970s, Krusa worked as a navigational instructor at the Paul Hall Center. “Chris was totally professional and ‘by the book,’ but there’s no question he also was a true friend to the union and the school,” Heindel stated. “His retirement is a loss for the industry, but obviously I wish him the best.” Eglinton added, “Chris did great work on behalf of all U.S. mariners. He was sharp and reliable and he definitely will be missed.” Krusa received an SIU jacket (among many other mementos) at his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seafarers LOG 7 �John Lane (left) ties up the Gen. Oglethorpe in Jacksonville while (below) Ben Murphy and Heath Parker take on stores aboard the Crescent Towing & Salvage Co., Inc. tug. Seafarers At Sea and Ashore Tim Barnaby (left) and Chris Follmar stop by the Joliet hall to complete some paperwork. Both work aboard tugs operated by Great Lakes Towing. Left: With help from the local Navy League and Northwest Airlines, Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus has established a scholarship to enable students to attend the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. The Navy League provided funding for clothing and documentation, and Northwest Airlines in Guam provided a round-trip ticket for the recipient. The first scholarship award was presented to Paul San Nicolas. Turkus hopes that four or five additional students each year will take advantage of this opportunity. Pictured with the check are (from the left) Tom Ahillen, president of the Navy League Guam; Jennifer Gauyan, sales representative for Northwest Airlines; Paul San Nicolas, the scholarship winner; Marie Lizama, sales manager for Northwest Airlines; SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus; and Larry Butterfield, Navy League board of directors and president of the Citizens Security Bank of Guam. Jacksonville-based Sea Star Line, LLC christened El Faro, the newest addition to its fleet on March 7. Formerly chartered to the Military Sealift Command under the name Northern Lights, the high-speed rollon/container vessel will be deployed as Sea Star’s third ship in the rotation between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Capt. John Sparks (left) met with SIU officials at headquarters April 6 as he filed paperwork for his retirement. Sparks joined the NMU in 1972, then joined the SIU in 1979, sailing in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He also was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. He and his wife, Elizabeth (second from are retiring to right), Greenwood, S.C. His son Michael Freeman is an AB/tankerman with Penn Maritime. Brother Sparks discussed the Jones Act with SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez, as well as recent trends in the inland sector and how they might impact the union and the industry as a Above: The El Faro was docked at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal for the christening ceremony. On hand for the festivities were (from left) Sea Star Senior VP Operations Phillip V. Bates; SIU Port Agent Archie Ware; CEO Magnus Lindeback of Coastal Maritime Stevedoring; and Kathy Wiley, office manager at Coastal Maritime. At left are SIU Patrolman Joe Vincenzo and CEO Lindeback. 8 Seafarers LOG AB Rudy Harjanto (second from left) receives his full book at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. With him are SIU officials (from left) Executive VP Augie Tellez, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Retired SIU member Isaiah Gray (center) visits the Houston hall where he poses with VP Dean Corgey (left) and Assistant VP Jim McGee. Gray, whose nickname is “Tiger,” recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Aboard the Crescent Towing tug Bulldog, Randy Sikes (above) shows his new Training Record Book (TRB) while other crew members (below) stand on the deck. From the left are Hank Page, Jimmy Howe, Charlie Warren and Sean Keith. May 2006 �Agencies Offer Answers, Precautions for Bird Flu SIU-crewed vessels continued sailing in and out of countries where outbreaks of the highly publicized and dreaded avian influenza (bird flu)—especially among birds and domestic fowl—in recent months have become more commonplace. While Seafarers have continued to perform at the same high standard that has become their trademark in the worldwide maritime industry, they of course aren’t impervious to their environment or unscathed by events taking place around them. Public health officials and organizations from around the world—the Geneva, Switzerland-based World Health Organization (WHO) and the Atlanta, Ga.-headquartered Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among them—in recent months went to a state of high alert because of increasing concerns about the prospect of an influenza pandemic. As of press time for this edition of the LOG, bird flu—specifically the H5N1 strain—had been identified as killing 109 people in nine countries, mostly in Asia. Virtually all were infected through contact with poultry, according to the WHO. A 16year-old Egyptian girl became the latest victim April 6. The disease also killed or forced the slaughter of more than 200 million chickens, ducks, turkeys and other domestic fowl in Asia, Europe and Africa, the WHO said. During late 2003 and 2004, the poultry populations in eight Asian Countries (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) were hit especially hard. At that time, more than 100 million birds in the affected countries perished either directly from the disease or were killed in efforts to control the outbreaks. The virus has yet to turn up in the Western Hemisphere, but U.S. scientists and citizens alike are worried that migrating birds could spread it to the birds and domestic fowl of the United States. Their greater concern, however, is that the H5N1 strain could evolve and gain the ability to jump easily from human to human, at which point it could trigger a pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. The following information— extracted primarily from various WHO and the CDC releases—is provided to inform and educate the entire SIU family on bird flu: What is avian influenza (bird flu)? According to the WHO, avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, includ- SMPPP Statements Slated for Mailing The Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan is scheduled to mail annual statements to Plan participants in early May, according to SMPPP Administrator Maggie Bowen. Year-end reports from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP’s investment manager, indicate that the Plan continues doing well in the face of continuing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2005 was approximately 5 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $29.9 million. The SMPPP was founded in 1996 when the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. Since then, the SMPPP has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s de- May 2006 fined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. The annual statements include the following information: member’s name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant’s account number); statement date; opening balance for 2005 (which was the year-end 2004 closing balance); interest earned and administrative expenses charged; any payouts made to the member in 2005; and the closing balance for 2005 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). Participants who don’t receive their year-end statement by the end of May are asked to call 800 485-3703 to verify (and possibly correct) their address. ing chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The low pathogenic form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100 percent, often within 48 hours. How does avian influenza spread among birds? Infected birds shed the influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. Do avian influenza viruses infect humans? Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but more than 190 confirmed cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997. The WHO maintains updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A, also called H5N1. How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses? Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. The spread of avian influenza viruses from an ill person to another person has been reported very rarely, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person. During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have direct or close contact with infected birds or with surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans? Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress syndrome) and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection. How is avian influenza detected in humans? A laboratory test is needed to confirm avian influenza in humans. What are the implications of avian influenza to human health? Two main risks for human health from avian influenza are: the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from the infected bird to humans, sometimes resulting in severe disease; and the risk that the virus, if given enough opportunities, will change into a form that is highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person. How is avian influenza in humans treated? Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines. Does the current seasonal influenza vaccine protect me from avian influenza? No. Influenza vaccine for the 2005-06 season does not provide protection against avian influenza. Should I wear a surgical mask to prevent exposure to avian influenza? Currently, wearing a mask is not recommended for routine use (in public) for preventing influenza exposure. In the United States, disposable surgical and procedure masks have been widely used in health-care settings to prevent exposure to respiratory infections, but the masks have not been used commonly in community settings, such as schools, businesses and public gatherings. Is there a risk for becoming infected with avian influenza by eating poultry? There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses. For more information about avian influenza and food safety issues, visit the WHO website at http://www.who.int/foodsafety/micro/a vian/en/. The U.S. government carefully controls domestic and imported food products, and in 2004 issued a ban on importation of poultry from countries affected by avian influenza viruses, including the H5N1 strain. This ban still is in place. For more Continued on page 11 Admiral Seiberlich Begins Final Voyage The SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine have lost a good friend with the March 24 death of Rear Adm. Carl J. Seiberlich, USN (Ret.), 84. Born in Jenkintown, Pa., Admiral Seiberlich graduated in 1943 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., completing a Bachelor of Science degree in marine transportation. He served on two merchant vessels before being commissioned in the U.S. Navy. Admiral Seiberlich served as a navigator on the USS Mayo during World War II and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese in the Pacific at the end of that conflict. In 1952, he was recognized for his work in the development of the world’s first operational, variable depth, towed sonar. During the Cuban Missile Crisis naval blockade in 1962, he had primary responsibility for surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare. He was the only aviator in the Navy’s history qualified to land blimps, airplanes and helicopters aboard an aircraft carrier and was decorated with the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal, among other commendations. As commanding officer of the USS Hornet in 1969, he directed recovery of the astronauts, command modules and lunar samples for Apollo 11 and 12, the first two lunar landing missions. Admiral Seiberlich was the first Merchant Marine Academy graduate to achieve flag rank. His military record was exemplary. And although he retired from the Navy in 1980, following a career of more than 40 years, he continued to serve his country and its maritime needs in a civilian capacity. In 1983, Admiral Seiberlich joined American President Lines as director of military programs, and in 1994 was awarded the Vincent T. Hirsch Award for Rear Adm. Carl J. Seiberlich, USN (Ret.) Outstanding Leadership by the Navy League for his contribution in meeting the rapid, largescale sealift needs of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He continued to participate in maritime affairs, including his work as a U.S. representative to the International Standards Organization committee, which seeks to improve worldwide security for inter-modal freight transportation. He also was a member of the National Defense Transportation Association Military Sealift Committee, where he was a tireless advocate for Americanflag military sealift capabilities. Seafarers LOG 9 �Seafaring on the West Coast . . . I Ali Saleh (center) is the bosun on board the Horizon Fairbanks. In the above picture, he is flanked by Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and VP Nick Marrone. n late February, following the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in San Diego, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone helped service some of the vessels in nearby Oakland and Alameda. They had a chance to visit with the crews and answer any questions that were on the minds of the members. Piney Point Reunion! Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Nick Marrone meet an old friend, Freddie Reyes. All three were trainees together in 1975 at the Piney Point school. Reyes worked his way up the hawsepipe. He now holds a chief engineer’s license and sails under the AMO banner. Recertified Bosun Robert Trainor (left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez chat aboard the Maersk Lightning, which was docked in Oakland. During a shipboard meeting on the Horizon Fairbanks, Executive VP Augie Tellez responds to questions from the crew. Crew members from vessels in the RRF fleet (Gem State, Keystone State and Grand Canyon State) pose with Executive VP Augie Tellez in Alameda. Aboard the Horizon Trader are (from left) Bosun Jose Gomez, VP Nick Marrone, Executive VP Augie Tellez and QMED Joe Vasquez. Executive VP Augie Tellez poses with the Oakland shoregang while servicing the Maersk Lightning. Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Nick Marrone meet with steward department members on the Horizon Fairbanks—Chief Cook Susano Cortez (second from left) and Chief Steward Kevin Dougherty. . . . and in Puerto Rico Left: Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and AB Jose Canales are on board the El Yunque following a payoff. Right: Bosun Luis Ramirez (left) and Chief Steward Juan Vallejo work aboard the El Yunque. Chief Cook Miguel Barbosa (right) receives his A seniority book at the San Juan hall from Port Agent Amancio Crespo. 10 Seafarers LOG Seated in the San Juan hall are (from left) Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez and Recertified Bosun Eric Perez. AB Carlos Castillo (left) meets with San Juan Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Castillo was in the hall to pick up the necessary paperwork to enable him to fly to Singapore to board his next ship. Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez shows his support for the MDL campaign at the SIU hall in San Juan. During the March payoff meeting, the El Yunque crew stands ready for action. May 2006 �Snapshots from the Tacoma Hall Left: SIU Asst. VP Don Anderson works the service counter at the Tacoma hall. Right: Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner handles many inquiries from the membership. Agencies Offer Answers About Avian Flu Continued from page 9 information, see Embargo of Birds, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm. We have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them? Yes. In the United States there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors potential infection of poultry and poultry products by avian influenza viruses and other infectious disease agents. What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk for infection from wild birds in the United States? As a general rule, the public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects people from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal. Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water. Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife. Contact your state, tribal, or federal natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found. What precautions can hunters take to reduce the risk for infection when hunting birds in the United States? Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game, including wild birds. The National Wildlife Health Center recommends that hunters: „ Do not handle or eat sick game. „ Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. „ Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. „ Cook all game thoroughly. Top: Port Agent Bryan Powell (right) and Administrative Assistant Jim Ott talk about shipping and registration procedures. Middle: Recertified Stewards Muhammed Sani and Veronika Cardenas relax between job calls. Left: Safety Rep Joe Vincenzo prepares for a vessel servicing trip. Canada Cracks Down on Port Security Documentary Tells Port security remains a prominent topic in the United States, but Canada recently has made waves with its enforcement of entry requirements for nonCanadian-flag vessels and their crews. The Canadian regulations have been reexamined and recirculated within parts of the U.S.-flag maritime industry in an effort to comply. Also, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System in mid-March issued a notice to mariners titled “Pre Entry Information Required from Foreign-Flag Vessels” that spells out Canada’s requirements. Essentially, Canada won’t allow anyone with a criminal record (including DUI/DWI convictions) to enter the country. Vessels carrying crew members with criminal records to Canadian ports may be subject to various penalties by the Canadian government. According to Canada’s Consulate General in New York, the following individuals are “inadmissible” to Canada. This information is taken directly from the organization’s web site: “Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of minor offenses (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada. “Those who have received traffic violations (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e., littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have juvenile convictions (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.” The office goes on to report that those who have been convicted of an offense in Canada and who wish to return to that country must first apply for a pardon from the Clemency and Pardons Division of the National Parole Board. Those unable to obtain a May 2006 ‘Story of America’s Seafaring Women’ Canadian authorities are cracking down on port security. Pictured here is part of Deltaport, Vancouver’s largest container terminal. pardon may still apply for a temporary resident permit. More information from the consulate on this subject is available on the internet at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/new_york/ visas/inadmissible-en.asp Additionally, the contact information for the New York office is as follows: Consulate General of Canada 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020-1175 Tel: (212) 596-1628, Fax: (212) 596-1790 e-mail: cngny@international.gc.ca The SIU executive board plans to meet with the SIU of Canada executive board in the near future to more closely study this situation and refine strategies for addressing it, since it impacts Seafarers. Meanwhile, masters on a number of U.S.-flag ships that sail to Canada have been reminded to send a crew list to the Canada Border Services Agency and request that it be reviewed as soon as possible to help prevent problems. Similarly, individual crew members having a criminal record or DUI/DWI conviction should notify the ship’s master prior to sailing to Canada. A new documentary, written and directed by the same person who produced the award-winning film “The Men Who Sailed the Liberty Ships,” looks at life aboard ship for women in the U.S.-flag industry. Maria Brooks’ newest production is an hour-long DVD titled “Shipping Out: The Story of America’s Seafaring Women.” The SIU assisted in the documentary by helping arrange shipboard interviews and also donating to the project. The show was broadcast on various PBS stations in March as part of Women’s History Month, and it has received several very positive reviews. One labor publication described “Shipping Out” as “a comprehensive, spirited look at the women of today who sail the seas for a living. The video documentary opens with striking images of intrepid women on tankers and tugs, climbing on board containerships, piloting through dangerous waters, and yes, even cooking up a gourmet meal in a ship’s galley. “Over the next 56 minutes, the viewer gets to know a dynamic, diverse group of women who have been drawn to the merchant marine, not just in the last 20 years since significant restrictions have been lifted on women’s access to these jobs, but as far back as the late 1800s, when women disguised themselves as men to be able to ship out.” Brooks said she found it “refreshing” to meet her interview subjects. “I was awed by their daunting, their daring. It’s as if they’ve tested themselves and proven something to themselves,” she said. “Shipping Out” is available on DVD for $24.95 plus $4 mailing. Make checks payable to: Waterfront Soundings Productions, 3252 Kempton Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. An accompanying study guide (sporting a union bug) is available for $5.00 or can be downloaded for free at www.shippingoutvideo.com. For more information send email to WFSoundings@aol.com. Seafarers LOG 11 �DECK DEPARTMENT TRAINING SAFETY/SPECIALTY TRAINING 12 Seafarers LOG In an era when training for mariners is more important than ever, the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers cutting-edge courses designed to help students advance their careers. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school features upgrading classes in all three shipboard departments—deck, engine and steward. The Paul Hall Center also conducts safety and specialty courses for all mariners such as basic and advanced fire fighting, STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), oil spill containment and much more. Overall, the school runs more than 40 U.S. Coast Guardapproved classes. Named after an outstanding past president of the SIU, the Paul Hall Center opened in 1967. In addition to the upgrading courses, the school also is known for its unlicensed apprentice program, available to students just entering the industry. The center also provides academic support and boasts programs for a GED and college degrees. In addition, it features a program for military veterans who possess sea time that can help them transition into the U.S. Merchant Marine. For those already sailing, upgrading is the way to go. Combined with Coast Guardrequired sea time, upgrading courses such as AB, QMEDPumpman, Certified Chief Cook and many others help enable mariners to advance their ratings and earn a better living. ENGINE DEPARTMENT TRAINING May 2006 �STEWARD DEPARTMENT TRAINING For More Information on Upgrading „ Visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org for up-to-date course dates and class descriptions. „ Check page 21 of this edition of the LOG for upcoming course dates. Every issue of the LOG includes such a list. „ Contact the admissions office at Paul Hall Center Admissions Office P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or by calling (301) 994-0010, extension 5220 May 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �Letter to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Remembering the Luckenbach I was quite surprised when I saw the picture of the Katrina Luckenbach [February 2006 LOG, page 16] In 1945, I was aboard the J.L. Luckenbach and loading for the South Pacific. For the benefit of the younger brothers and sisters of today’s merchant marine, following are some of the conditions under which we worked: 1. There were nine watchstanders to a room—with one fan. 2. The shower was on the stern—with no door. 3. The showerhead produced lots of steam and very little water. 4. One day out to sea the refrigerator quit. My first thought was: this is going to be a long, hot, hungry trip. 5. Another day at sea, a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew had the fire out in 15 minutes, but damage was done. We bobbed around for two days. During this time, however, there was news that the war with Japan would be over soon. The engineers made some temporary repairs and we limped back to New Orleans on one screw (this was a twin-screw ship with 7 hatches). Upon arriving at the anchorage in New Orleans, a big party was going on in town. You could hear the hollering all the way out to the ship. Know Your Rights But guess what: they did not let us ashore. So the boys found out how to get beer out of the No. 6 hatch—and we had our own party. I would like to mention that I had my 17th birthday on this ship as well. The following day or so, the NMU pulled us off the ship and I thought to myself, good. I walked over to the SIU hall and caught the Waterman ship Antinous. My last ship was the Gopher State in 1991. Gene T. Lachappelle Big Bay, Mich. Above is a copy of Brother Lachappelle’s certificate of discharge from the J. L. Luckenbach, dated Aug. 27, 1945 in New Orleans. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No 14 Seafarers LOG monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2006 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 6 8 2 7 31 36 0 12 11 34 10 3 0 7 17 1 30 26 241 1 0 3 9 2 4 21 25 1 4 7 12 7 1 3 2 5 2 10 10 4 5 7 15 6 5 24 26 2 10 7 18 26 3 6 6 7 7 30 17 231 1 1 3 5 4 7 11 15 0 5 3 14 13 1 2 1 7 2 19 12 1 2 2 9 2 3 19 7 2 1 3 13 4 1 1 3 4 2 11 4 94 1 0 2 2 0 3 5 5 1 1 1 7 4 0 2 1 1 0 4 7 129 126 47 0 0 5 5 2 10 19 11 0 4 4 22 11 2 1 0 25 1 19 23 0 0 0 7 0 6 2 11 0 4 2 10 9 0 2 2 4 1 7 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 164 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 5 0 4 2 71 2 1 10 7 1 6 15 12 0 9 4 34 12 0 4 2 10 1 13 4 18 2 3 2 4 4 7 23 19 0 3 3 21 12 0 24 0 5 0 13 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 5 4 3 10 23 21 0 6 14 19 5 3 0 5 13 1 23 14 169 Trip Reliefs 161 0 3 2 4 1 1 9 3 1 2 2 3 4 0 1 4 3 0 5 4 52 1 1 0 1 0 3 14 18 1 1 7 10 7 2 2 4 11 0 19 7 109 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 3 1 8 11 14 1 5 3 9 6 1 2 0 4 0 8 12 92 1 1 4 4 2 4 4 9 1 3 2 6 3 3 0 4 3 2 13 8 77 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 5 4 27 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 0 4 2 7 4 1 0 1 2 1 7 7 49 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 2 0 8 7 6 0 4 7 13 6 0 0 2 16 0 11 18 101 0 0 0 3 1 2 2 5 0 4 0 3 6 1 2 0 1 0 7 3 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 2 2 3 1 3 11 10 0 2 4 10 4 0 14 1 8 0 8 4 0 2 2 5 0 4 2 7 0 2 0 7 11 0 26 0 2 0 9 7 0 0 1 2 0 6 6 3 0 3 2 4 5 1 2 0 6 0 6 8 0 0 7 19 4 11 71 55 0 19 28 76 20 5 1 9 29 1 59 50 4 10 12 35 12 12 51 45 3 14 14 42 33 6 7 10 15 11 58 37 2 2 2 9 2 4 36 19 1 4 8 23 12 2 1 1 6 4 24 16 464 431 178 0 0 4 13 2 7 23 33 1 7 10 23 12 1 4 6 13 3 23 15 1 0 7 12 6 7 23 32 0 8 6 23 19 6 4 1 15 6 27 12 3 0 2 4 0 7 10 9 1 4 1 11 8 0 3 2 5 0 4 13 200 215 87 1 0 5 6 3 23 38 27 1 6 6 35 14 4 5 1 45 3 32 42 0 0 1 13 4 12 8 24 0 9 6 19 22 0 4 4 7 2 11 12 0 0 1 5 0 1 7 7 1 2 3 5 7 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 55 297 158 52 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 9 4 0 1 3 6 1 0 0 2 8 0 6 3 3 4 10 12 2 15 36 23 0 10 7 68 22 0 12 3 17 2 27 11 5 5 2 17 7 13 39 26 1 5 7 37 23 0 15 1 14 1 21 22 29 147 157 15 87 86 0 47 284 261 563 575 316 377 365 169 213 1,008 1,088 578 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: June 5, July 3 Algonac ..................Friday: June 9, July 7 DECK DEPARTMENT 3 3 3 5 1 7 15 14 1 7 4 12 13 2 12 13 8 4 16 18 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore ................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Boston.....................Friday: June 9, July 7 Guam ......................Thursday: June 22, July 20 Honolulu .................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston ..................Monday: June 12, July 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 8, July 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 15, July 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 13, July 11 New York................Tuesday: June 6 .................................Wednesday: July 5* .................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 7, July 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Juan..................Thursday: June 8, July 6 St. Louis..................Friday: June 16, July 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 23, July 21 Wilmington ...........Monday: June 19, July 18 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ARTIS GILMORE Please get in touch with Diane Murphy at 52 Heath Lane, Bath, Maine 04530. SDRF Contributions The last few editions of the Seafarers LOG included lists of individuals who have contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (DSDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals. Kevin Nolan Joshua McDaniel In addition, a contribution was made by the American Maritime Officers in memory of Brother Stephen Judd. HIPAA Privacy Notice The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a comprehensive federal law which established standards and requirements for the electronic transmission of medical claims and mandated the adoption of privacy rules to protect the confidentiality of personal health information. The purpose of HIPAA’s privacy rules is to safeguard “Protected Health Information” that is shared between hospitals, doctors’ offices, and health plans. The HIPAA Privacy Rules give Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan participants more control over their health information, limit the use and release of health or claim records, and establish appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of health information. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Notice of Privacy Practices is available on the seafarers.org web site or by requesting a copy of the notice from the Plan. If you wish to request a copy of this notice, you may write to: Privacy Officer, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 8 17 1 4 15 0 3 2 50 2 2 0 0 8 2 1 0 15 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 3 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 17 2 5 9 1 3 3 44 0 1 1 0 2 2 2 0 8 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 0 4 1 0 4 2 1 0 12 17 33 2 15 46 0 1 1 115 11 10 2 9 19 0 1 2 54 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 2 1 0 3 0 0 1 7 7 16 2 4 19 0 0 4 52 2 7 0 3 8 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 6 1 1 7 0 0 0 18 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 Port 2 4 1 0 3 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 6 1 1 4 1 0 2 17 0 1 0 1 3 1 1 0 7 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 7 9 16 5 3 11 2 0 0 46 2 7 1 2 9 1 0 0 22 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 5 Totals All Departments 85 26 21 62 15 18 26 213 96 17 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Andrew Messana of Framingham, Mass. The picture at right was taken aboard the SS John Gallup, a Smith & Johnson Steamship vessel, in December 1947. The voyage was from New York to Lisbon, Portugal with a load of grain. In a note accompanying the photo, Messana, who sailed aboard the vessel as an FOWT, noted that the ship and its crew had just spent 18 days in Lisbon and that it was “one of the best crews I ever sailed with.” The John Gallup paid off that voyage in New York in January 1948 and then laid up. The photo at left shows mariners from the SS Steel Advocate, an Isthmian Steamship Co. vessel, in March 1948. This was a 4½month trip from New York to the Far East, the ship’s first trip under an SIU contract. While in Bombay, India (see Bombay’s most famous monument, the Gateway of India, in the background), the crew rented bicycles (complete with monkeys) for the day. It, too, was a good trip with a great crew, according to Messana, who continued to sail as an FOWT on that vessel. The Steel Advocate paid off in Philadelphia in June 1948. Brother Messana was a member of the SIU from 1946 to 1962. May 2006 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA KLAUS AHMELS, 66, joined the union in 1965 in New York. Brother Ahmels sailed in the deck department aboard vessels including the Maiden Creek and the Jacksonville. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Ahmels was born in Germany and makes his home in Neihart, Mont. PETER CZICHOMSKI, 65, became an SIU member in 1998 in New Orleans. Brother Czichomski first sailed on the Maersk Colorado. He was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Achiever. In 1999 and 2000, Brother Czichomski upgraded his skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The German-born mariner now calls Lafayette, La. home. LORIE CHRISTMAS JR., 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1964 in New York. Born in New Orleans, Brother Christmas shipped in the engine department. His first ship was the Los Angeles. Brother Christmas attended the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions. He is a resident of Marietta, Ga. JUAN GONZALEZ JR., 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of Houston. Brother Gonzalez’s first voyage was on the Windjammer Polly. Born in Progreso, Texas, he worked in the steward department. Brother Gonzalez enhanced his seafaring skills in 2001 at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Trinity. Brother Gonzalez is a resident of his native state. NORMAN JOHNSON, 65, joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Johnson first sailed on the Maunalei in the steward department. He upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Johnson was born in California and last worked aboard the Kauai. He lives in his native state. ARVEL JONES JR., 65, joined the SIU in 1991 in Piney Point, May 2006 Md. Brother Jones first sailed on the Equality State in the engine department. He was born in Birmingham, Ala. Brother Jones’ most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Washington. He lives in Cherokee Village, Ark. WILLIAM KRATSAS, 64, became an SIU member in 1959 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Brother Kratsas first sailed on the Dorothy. The deck department member was born in Newport News, Va. Brother Kratsas attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 1982 and 2000. Prior to his retirement, he sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Kratsas resides in LaPlace, La. MOHAMED MUTHANNA, 71, launched his SIU career in 1982 in New York. Brother Muthanna was born in Yemen and shipped in the steward department. His first voyage was on the Aleutian Developer. Brother Muthanna last worked aboard a Bay Ship Management vessel. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Muthanna makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. OREN PARKER, 70, hails from Louisiana. Brother Parker began his seafaring career in 1993 in New Orleans, first shipping on the USNS Regulus. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1995 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Parker last went to sea aboard the Liberty Glory. He makes his home in Mississippi. JAMES ROSE, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1970 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Rose first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The steward department member was born in New York. Brother Rose most recently shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams. He enhanced his skills in 1988, 2000 and again in 2001 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Brother Rose resides in Pittsburgh, Pa. LAWRENCE ROSE, 71, joined the SIU in 1990. Brother Rose upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Cape Horn. Brother Rose is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. Prior to retiring, he worked on the 1st Lt. Harry Martin. Brother Rose now calls Melbourne, Fla. home. MOHAMED SALEH, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. Brother Saleh worked in deck department. Born in Arabia, his most recent voyage was on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Saleh makes his home in San Francisco, Calif. EFSTRATIOS ZOUBANTIS, 69, became an SIU member in 1966 in New Orleans. Brother Zoubantis sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first sailed aboard a Gulf Canal Lines vessel. Brother Zoubantis was a deck department member. Born in Greece, he last shipped on the Sulphur Enterprise. Brother Zoubantis attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in 2000. He makes his home in Slidell, La. INLAND HARRY BRYAN, 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1984. Boatman Bryan shipped primarily on Crowley vessels. The New Jersey native currently resides in Hazleton, Pa. ALBEN WASH, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1980 in New Orleans. Boatman Wash worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels as a member of the steward department. He hails from Kentucky and resides in Natchez, Miss. GREAT LAKES PAUL ALLERS, 67, was born in Michigan. Brother Allers joined the union in 1963. He sailed pri- marily aboard vessels operated by Arnold Transit Company. The deck department member now lives in Mackinaw City, Mich. CICERO DOOLEY, 62, was born in Arkansas. Brother Dooley joined the NMU in 1967, initially sailing from San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Adelphi Victory; his last was the Cape Victory. Brother Dooley shipped as a member of the steward department. CARMEN POWELL, 66, became an SIU member in 1969. His first ship was the Del Valle. Brother Powell shipped as a member of the engine department in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. The Michigan-born mariner last sailed on the Indiana Harbor. Brother Powell calls Manistique, Mich. home. RAYMOND SHAFFER, 67, became an NMU member in 1995. Brother Shaffer’s first voyage was aboard the Cape Henry. He was born in Pennsylvania and worked in the engine department. Brother Shaffer most recently shipped on the Cape Decision. DONALD SAUSMAN, 58, joined the union in 1965 in the port of Duluth, Minn. In 2002, Brother Sausman attended the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. to enhance his seafaring skills. His first journey to sea was aboard the Huron Portland Cement. Brother Sausman shipped in the deck department, most recently on the Presque Isle. He continues to live in his native state of Minnesota. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 The S.S. Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to be sunk by the Germans (May 21). The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats, and were approximately one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the Robin Moor, sinking it. The attack eventually helped lead to all American-flag ships being armed and supplied with gun crews. ARNOLD SMITH, 70, began his employment with the NMU in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Smith first shipped on the Coastal Crusader. His most recent voyage was aboard the Argonaut. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Frazer, Thomas 65 April 1 Linwood, Elwood 64 Mar. 1 Marcelle, Max 68 April 1 Thompson, Charles 65 Mar. 1 Waldron, Basil 70 April 1 Williams, Wilfredo 64 Mar. 1 man per working day. Each Seafarer will collect his vacation pay from the central fund on the prorated basis of the number of days worked during the previous 12-month period. 1961 Danish seamen, whose strike ended May 15, have thanked the SIU for its support. In a cable from Copenhagen to SIUNA President Paul Hall, the Danish seamen’s unions expressed appreciation for “your fraternal cooperation and demonstration of sympathy.” The strike of the Danish Sailors and Firemen’s Unions ended early this month when the Danish transport unions voted to go back to work. The Danish seamen here turned to May 15 after ratifying their new contract. The strike in U.S. ports was supported by American maritime unions including affiliates of the SIUNA and the International Longshoremen’s Association. This Month In SIU History 1951 Another smashing precedent was established in maritime this week when the SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf District won from a majority of its contracted operators agreement to a revolutionary, industry-wide plan which guarantees all Seafarers two weeks of paid vacations for each 12 months of service. Under terms of a memorandum agreement signed on May 15, the operators granted the union’s demand for a vacation plan that will assure Seafarers of an opportunity to collect their vacations on the basis of the time worked, regardless of how many companies they are employed by throughout the year. As a result of the precedent-making agreement, the operators will pay into a central fund an amount—as yet undetermined—for each 1971 The jobs of Seafarers are on the line in the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of laws that demands that all domestic shipping be moved on American-flag vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones Act is being led by the oil industry, which wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields carried in runaway-flag tankers…. The SIU is leading a campaign to muster Congressional support to strengthen the Jones Act. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RESTITUTO BERNADAS Pensioner Restituto Bernadas, 84, passed away Oct. 2. Brother Bernadas joined the union in 1952 in New York. His first ship was the Arizpa, on which he worked in the engine department. Brother Bernadas, who was born in Philadelphia, last sailed aboard the Aurora. He retired in 1985 and lived in New Orleans. ROBERT BLACKWELL Pensioner Robert Blackwell, 74, died Dec. 24. Brother Blackwell began his seafaring career in 1967, first sailing on the Steel Vendor and most recently sailing aboard the Patriot. The engine department member was born in Idaho. Brother Blackwell retired in 1997 and made his home in Yreka, Calif. LEONARD CHING dence and later, when it was renamed the Independence. Brother Gibbons started receiving his pension in 1990. He made his home in Walden, N.Y. sailed on a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Jones was a native of Elizabeth, Pa. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas Arctic. Brother Jones lived in Trinity, Texas. ROBERT GOODSON PABLO LOPEZ Brother Robert Goodson, 58, passed away Jan. 16. He began his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Houston. Brother Goodson first worked aboard Crowley Towing of Texas vessels. He was born in Texas and sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Goodson most recently shipped on the Florida. He settled in Pasadena, Texas. Pensioner Pablo Lopez, 83, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Lopez joined the union in 1951 in Seattle. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. Brother Lopez first sailed on a Bull Steamship vessel. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Overseas Harriette. Brother Lopez resided in King, Wash. MASON HALL ARTHUR MAILLET Pensioner Mason Hall, 83, died Oct. 16. Brother Hall began his SIU career in 1944 in the port of Norfolk. His first ship was the Golden City; his last was the Santa Magdalena. Brother Hall resided in his native California. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1983. Pensioner Arthur Maillet, 82, died Nov. 14. Brother Maillet became a Seafarer in 1951, first sailing aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The engine department member was born in Marksville, La. He last sailed on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Maillet started receiving his retirement stipends in 1984 and made his home in Destrehan, La. Pensioner Leonard Ching, 80, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Ching became a member of the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1960 in the port of San Francisco. He initially shipped aboard a States Steamship vessel. Brother Ching was a native of Hawaii. The U.S. Army veteran retired in 1988 after sailing on the Lurline. He called Honolulu home. Brother Robert Hall, 50, passed away Jan. 20. Born in Oakland, Calif., he joined the union in 1997 in San Francisco. Brother Hall shipped in the engine department, initially aboard the Sumner. His most recent voyage was on the Equality State. Brother Hall made his home in California. TOMMY CUFFEE DOLPH HOLM Brother Tommy Cuffee, 32, died Nov. 9. He joined the SIU in 1997 in Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner sailed as a member of the deck department, primarily on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping, including the Flickertale State and Cornhusker State. Brother Cuffee was a resident of his native state. Pensioner Dolph Holm, 78, died Nov. 7. Brother Holm was born in Iceland and began sailing with the SIU in 1951 in New York. Brother Holm initially shipped with Isbrandtsen Company as a member of the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Houston. Brother Holm retired in 1987. He called Babylon, N.Y. home. JOHN FEDIOW Pensioner John Fediow, 93, passed away Nov. 27. Brother Fediow was born in Plains, Penn. He joined the SIU in 1951 in New York, first sailing aboard the Trinity. He worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1977, Brother Fediow shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He continued to live Pennsylvania. ERNEST GIBBONS Pensioner Ernest Gibbons, 80, died Dec. 7. Brother Gibbons joined the SIU ranks in 1980. He was born in Cornwell, N.Y. and worked in the steward department. Brother Gibbons sailed on the Independence for most of his career, first when it was called the Oceanic Indepen- 18 Seafarers LOG ROBERT HALL CLEO JONES Pensioner Cleo Jones, 70, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Jones became an SIU member in 1957. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department. Brother Jones first sailed on the Alcoa Polaris. Before retiring in 1997, he shipped on the Overseas Valdez. Brother Jones was a resident of Houston. WILLIAM JONES Pensioner William Jones, 89, died Oct. 12. Brother Jones embarked on his seafaring career in 1944. The engine department member first DONALD MORGAN Pensioner Donald Morgan, 63, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Morgan began his SIU career in 1967. He was born in Baltimore and shipped in the engine department. Brother Morgan first sailed on the Steel Vendor; he last sailed on the Overseas Chicago. His home was in Brinnon, Wash. JOHNNIE OPRY Brother Johnnie Opry, 55, died Dec. 2. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and joined the union in 2001 in Houston. Brother Opry shipped aboard the Commitment and the Lawrence Gianella as a member of the deck department. He called Galveston, Texas home. PHILIP PARDOVICH Pensioner Philip Pardovich, 70, passed away Nov. 8. Brother Pardovich became a union member in 1958 in New York. He sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions as a member of the engine department. Brother Pardovich’s final voyage was on the Newark Bay. The New York native was a resident of Florida. FLOYD PAYTON Pensioner Floyd Payton, 78, died Nov. 11. Brother Payton joined the ranks of the SIU in 1966. His first voyage was on the Jefferson City, where he worked in the steward department. Brother Payton was born in North Carolina. Prior to retiring in 1992, he sailed on the Innovation. Brother Payton called Norfolk, Va. home. MICHAEL PIERCE Brother Michael Pierce, 56, passed away Nov. 20. He joined the union in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Pierce’s first voyage was aboard the Diamond State. The engine department member most recently worked on the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Pierce lived in his native state of Louisiana. RICHARD RIGNEY Pensioner Richard Rigney, 77, died Oct. 16. Brother Rigney started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Robin Hood. A member of the deck department, Brother Rigney was born in Maryland. He last went to sea on the Long Island. Brother Rigney, who made his home in Bel Air, Md., retired in 1993. JOHN RODRIQUEZ Pensioner John Rodriquez, 78, passed away Oct. 3. Brother Rodriquez joined the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member, who lived in California, retired in 1978. VINCENTE ROMAN first sailed aboard the Seagarden in the deck department. Brother Spears last worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. He began his retirement in 1996 and was a resident of New Orleans. SENETENARI TAEOTUI Pensioner Senetenari Taeotui, 75, died Dec. 12. Brother Taeotui became a member of the MC&S in 1978 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. The steward department member, who was born in Samoa, last worked aboard the Constitution. Brother Taeotui lived in San Francisco and went on pension in 1983. WILLIAM TALBERT Brother William Talbert, 55, passed away Nov. 11. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1998 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Talbert first sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce in the deck department. He was born in Seattle. Brother Talbert’s last voyage was on the USNS Regulus. He made his home in Yorktown, Va. HEINZ ULRICH Pensioner Vincente Roman, 80, died Dec. 22. Brother Roman began his SIU career in 1966. His first voyage was aboard a Victory Carriers vessel. Born in Ponce, P.R., Brother Roman worked in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Pioneer. Brother Roman, who continued to make his home in Ponce, went on pension in 1990. Pensioner Heinz Ulrich, 85, died Nov. 7. Brother Ulrich joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York. The German-born mariner shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Ulrich first went to sea aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. His last trip was on the LNG Capricorn. Brother Ulrich made his home in New York. He started receiving his pension in 1990. CHARLES SHAW SR. JOSE VIOLANGO Pensioner Charles Shaw Sr., 80, passed away Sept. 26. Brother Shaw commenced his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member was born in Maryland. Brother Shaw first sailed on the Oremar. Before retiring in 1987, he shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Shaw resided in Maurertown, Va. Pensioner Jose Violango, 82, passed away Sept. 6. Brother Violango was born in the Philippines and began his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Violango first sailed on the Eagle Traveler as a member of the deck department. His last vessel was the Horizon Tacoma. Brother Violango was a resident of Seattle. He went on pension in 1993. RUDOLH SHIELDS MAXWELL WADLINGTON Brother Rudolph Shields, 54, died Oct. 9. He started sailing with the union in 1970. Brother Rudolph’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel King. He most recently shipped on the Overseas New Orleans. Born in Bartow, Fla., Brother Shields lived in Jacksonville. RICHARD SPEARS Pensioner Richard Spears, 67, passed away Oct. 19. Born in Louisiana, Brother Spears joined the SIU in 1955 in New Orleans. He Pensioner Maxwell Wadlington, 90, died Sept. 11. Brother Wadlington began his SIU career in 1953, first sailing on the Government Camp. The deck department member, who was a native of Henderson, Ky., last worked aboard the Seattle. He retired in 1981 and made his home in Eustis, Fla. BOBBIE WILLIAMS Pensioner Bobbie Williams, 76, passed away Oct. 13. Brother Williams joined the SIU in 1951. He Continued on page 20 May 2006 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), March 20—Chairman Sherman Hudson, Secretary John G. Reed, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Craig A. Pare, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson, Steward Delegate William Blees Jr. Chairman advised crew members to pay dues on time. Secretary reported previous steward would be returning soon and thanked Seafarers for great trip. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of training available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested satellite radio and TVs for all rooms as well as computer in crew lounge to be used for emailing family and friends. New washer and dryer also needed. Suggestion made to have vacation payments set up for direct deposit. Vote of thanks given to steward department. CALVIN P. TITUS (APL Maritime Ltd.), March 3—Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Adrian M. Reed, Educational Director Richard D. Hannon, Deck Delegate Duane Costello, Steward Delegate Mauricio M. Castro. Chairman informed crew of changes from current run (Singapore to Jakarta) to Red Sea run and noted that future changes are possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read e-mail regarding contract negotiations. Recommendations were made as to vacation pay and overtime wages. Heading to ports in Africa and the Middle East. CAPE DOUGLAS (Marine Transport Lines), March 12— Chairman Felsher Beasly, Secretary John D. Bukowski, Educational Director Rodolfo C. Cunanan, Deck Delegate Michael C. Penkwitz, Engine Delegate Abdallkerim Kassim, Steward Delegate Alfonsa Eligio. Chairman reported safe trip and said ship going into ROS. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean and working together efficiently. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade at Piney Point. He reminded them that the more skills they have, the better their potential for increased earnings. He advised them to fax the form in Seafarers LOG to speed up application process. Treasurer stated $2,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding rotation rule. Crew members requested new furniture in crew lounge and cabins along with some mattresses and refrigerators. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), March 5—Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Howard H. Hendra, Steward Delegate Wiley C. Owens. Chairman noted smooth sailing. Educational director urged all mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at the Piney Point school. He requested copy of the constitution and any letters with suggestions from crew members for next con- May 2006 tract. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated that money in ship’s fund is going toward purchase of cell phone antenna to increase reception. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. EL FARO (IUM), March 5— Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr. Chairman discussed safety equipment and went over ship’s new run (Jacksonville, Puerto Rico, Port Everglades). He asked crew to report any needed repairs or other problems to department heads. He thanked everyone for safe, smooth trip. Secretary welcomed crew members aboard ship. Educational director advised members to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school, so the union can continue to put out good certified mariners and keep SIU strong. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. President’s report was read and discussed. Members expressed gratitude to President Sacco for all his hard work on behalf of the SIU. Crew requested satellite be installed. Recommendation made for union to review steward department needs aboard ship. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), March 29— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Ivan R. Salis, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Janaro N. Jackson, Engine Delegate Rafael Comesana, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman announced March 3 payoff. He requested information on status of contract negotiations and copies of plans’ financial statements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from VP Contracts George Tricker was read and discussed. Suggestions made regarding rotation time and pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent food. Interesting sighting: Seafarers aboard vessel reported spotting whales as they approached Puerto Rico. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), March 19—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He advised crew members to be vigilant with z-cards and passports and to be sure to keep all documents current. He also reminded them to have union books and dues payments ready for boarding patrolman March 24. Secretary reported great voyage and stressed importance of safety at all times. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and to renew documents well before they are due to expire. Captain maintains joint funds and will give report at next crew meeting. No beefs or disputed OT noted. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 7— Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Douglas D. Greiner, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman discussed importance of headquarters being located close to the seat of political power. It gives the SIU access to elected officials who pass legislation that affects our industry. He urged crew members to contribute to SPAD, which supports the union’s lobbying efforts. Educational director asked all mariners to renew all documents in sufficient time to prevent loss of work. Treasurer stated $1,502 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read February 2006 Seafarers LOG concerning retirement of Wilmington’s dispatcher, Jesse Solis. Suggestion made regarding rotary shipping. It was reported that a new deep fryer was installed in galley and a new washer in laundry room. Steward department was thanked for great living conditions they maintain on board vessel. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 19—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Geraldine B. Carter, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria. Chairman announced payoff March 25 in Tacoma, Wash. Port agent will be present. Secretary noted great crew and smooth trip. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. She reminded crew members that document renewal takes a long time, so start early. Treasurer stated $830.98 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was posted on bulletin board. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Tacoma), March 19—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall. Chairman announced payoff to take place Feb. 29 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean and urged them to keep dues paid and support SPAD. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point— it’s never too late to learn something new. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), March 18— Chairman Robert V. Bakeman, Secretary Frances Dvoroznak, Deck Delegate Carl H. Peterson, Engine Delegate Stephen J. Riccobene, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for excellent job during clean-up following inclement weather. Members requested clarification on penalty time restrictions. Treasurer stated $1,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New gym equipment on order due to damage suffered during foul weather. Seafarers were reminded to clean up after themselves and empty lint catchers in dryers. Suggestions made for improving contract. Next ports: New York; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C. CPL LOUIS J. HAUGE (Maersk Line Limited), March 17— Chairman James J. Foley, Secretary David Vega, Educational Director John C. Brantly, Steward Delegate Richard Jefferson. Bosun stressed importance of safety (including wearing of hard hats and using proper walkways or shuttles) especially when downloading cargo and ammunition at the terminal. He also thanked crew for safe trip and recent transit through Panama Canal. Educational director offered assistance to anyone wishing to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), March 12— Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Earl F. Ebbert, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama. Chairman thanked Seafarers for safe, smooth trip. Point, Md. Contact claims department to check status of bills. Piney Point is also the place to upgrade maritime skills. “It is your future.” No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. After reading President’s report in Seafarers LOG regarding sinking of Panamanian-flag ferry, crew members vowed continued commitment to safety. Suggestions made regarding pension benefits. Crew members requested satellite TV in each room. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), March 5—Chairman George J. Diefenbach, Secretary Alexander Galley Gang on the Hauge Two of the steward department members on the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. are (from left) SA Saleh Omar and Chief Cook Richard L. Jefferson. Read more about the Hauge on page 4. Secretary noted 60-day stores to be brought aboard in Virginia and thanked everyone for their help keeping the vessel clean. Educational director suggested members look into classes offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension amounts for all ratings. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Portsmouth, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Algeciras, Spain. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), March 26— Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Phillip R. Ayotte, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel. Chairman announced April 1 payoff in Newark, N.J. He reminded those departing vessel to leave cabins clean and supplied with fresh linen. He also noted the number of days since the last losttie accident: 1,112. Educational director urged members to enhance seafaring skills at Piney Point school. He also reminded them to keep MMDs current and allow plenty of time when renewing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer reported DVD players and TVs to be purchased for all rooms using money from movie fund. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), March 27—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Engine Delegate William P. Stone. Chairman discussed safety while working on deck and said to watch out for yourself and your shipmates. He urged all mariners to read union contract and get clarification from delegates on any questions. Educational director advised crew that medical bills are once again being paid in Piney Banky III, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth. Chairman thanked everyone for doing jobs well and safely. He announced March 13 payoff in Newark, N.J. and suggested Seafarers check out tax tips on pages 12 and 13 of February 2006 Seafarers LOG. Secretary asked all crew members to donate to SPAD. “When you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters.” Treasurer stated $40 in ship’s fund and $800 in satellite fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Suggestions included that showers be fitted for mixing valves. Request made for copy of communications between company and vessel regarding OT for SIU members, and repair or replacement of crew laundry sink faucet. Certificates of recognition were awarded to Steward/Baker Banky and Wiper Carlos Bonefont. No lost-time injuries reported. Next ports: Halifax; Newark; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. SBX-1 (Interocean American Shipping), March 7—Chairman James D. Crate, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Frank G. Guenther, Engine Delegate Eric D. Vieira, Steward Delegate Larry D. Pugh. Bosun talked about state of health care crisis and possible impact on contract negotiations. He urged members to support SPAD and become involved in labor-related issues. Secretary reported lodging claim for all crew members being paid in accordance with agreement. Educational director advised mariners to stay abreast of changes that may affect benefits and earning power. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made pertaining to tour rotation and vacation benefits. Crew requested some form of on board entertainment system. Seafarers LOG 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 first sailed on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Williams was a member of the deck department. Before retiring, he worked on the Star of Texas. Brother Williams lived in his native Texas and began his retirement in 1991. JAMES WILSON Pensioner James Wilson, 66, died Dec. 8. Brother Wilson joined the union in 1968. He was born in Tulsa, Okla. and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Wilson first sailed aboard the Overseas Anchor. His most recent trip to sea was on the USNS Mt. Washington. Brother Wilson, who lived in Port Bolivar, Texas, went on pension in 2003. CARLOS ZAMBRANO Pensioner Carlos Zambrano, 89, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Zambrano launched his seafaring career in 1955 in New York. He initially worked aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Company vessel as a member of the engine department. Brother Zambrano was born in South America. His last voyage was on the Boston. INLAND RICHARD BARALDI operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Dantin began receiving his pension in 1981. He made his home in Harvey, La. a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. Boatman Petrlak retired in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville. JAMES FRAZEE JOSEPH PISCITELLO Pensioner James Frazee, 75, passed away Oct. 27. Boatman Frazee embarked on his seafaring career in 1963. Born in Crowley, La., he sailed mainly aboard vessels operated by Hvide Marine. Boatman Frazee started collecting his retirement pay in 1992. He called Groves, Texas home. Pensioner Joseph Piscitello, 89, passed away Oct. 23. Boatman Piscitello became an SIU member in 1980. He was born in Framingham, Mass. Boatman Piscitello’s last voyage was aboard the American Eagle. He started collecting his pension in 1981 and resided in Massachusetts. THOMAS GUIDRY MELVIN RAINIER Pensioner Thomas Guidry, 58, died Sept. 7. Born in Orange, Texas, he joined the SIU in 1979. Boatman Guidry first shipped aboard the Seabulk Tanker. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2005 and was a resident of Hemphill, Texas. Pensioner Melvin Rainier, 83, died July 15. Boatman Rainier was born in Virginia. He joined the SIU in 1960. Boatman Rainier last worked on a Penn Central Transportation vessel. He retired in 1982 and lived in his native state. FRANCIS HOPE CHARLIE RUPERTI Pensioner Francis Hope, 83, passed away Nov. 16. Boatman Hope joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Cape Charles, Va., he last sailed aboard a Penn Central Transportation vessel. Boatman Hope lived in Marionville, Va. and retired in 1982. Pensioner Charlie Ruperti, 74, passed away July 29. Boatman Ruperti embarked on his seafaring career in 1963. His first trip was aboard a Capital Transportation Corporation vessel. Prior to retiring in 1996, Boatman Ruperti shipped with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He was a resident in his native Virginia. JIMMY JACKSON Boatman Richard Baraldi, 61, died July 26. He joined the union in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Baraldi first went to sea aboard a ship operated by Meyle Towing Company. His last voyage was on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Baraldi, who was born in Pennsylvania, made his home in Sickleville, N.J. Pensioner Jimmy Jackson, 73, died July 16. Boatman Jackson launched his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. He first worked on a P. F. Martin Company vessel in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1987, Boatman Jackson sailed aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He resided in Kingsland, Texas. RICHARD CONNER STANLEY PAUL HARRY SMITH Pensioner Stanley Paul, 86, passed away Nov. 1. Boatman Paul started shipping with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Norfolk, Va. His last voyage was aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Paul made his home in his native Beaufort, N.C. Pensioner Harry Smith, 78, passed away Sept. 19. Boatman Smith joined the SIU in 1962, working primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. He was born in Arkansas and made his home in Texas. Boatman Smith went on pension in 1986. Pensioner Richard Conner, 87, passed away Nov. 20. Boatman Conner began sailing with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was aboard a Meyle Towing Company vessel, and he last worked on a vessel operated by American Towing & Transportation. Boatman Conner is a native of Conestoga, Pa. He retired in 1980 and lived in Boyertown, Pa. ORIS DANTIN Pensioner Oris Dantin, 83, died July 28. Boatman Dantin became an SIU member in 1962. He shipped primarily on vessels 20 Seafarers LOG ROBERT PETRLAK Pensioner Robert Petrlak, 81, died Jan. 3. Boatman Petrlak joined the union in 1981 in Jacksonville, Fla. The steward department member was born in New York. Boatman Petrlak last went to sea on CHARLES SHORES Pensioner Charles Shores, 90, died July 20. Boatman Shores began sailing with the union in 1961, first working on a Meyle Towing Company vessel. Born in Maryland. Boatman Shores last shipped on a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He settled in New Jersey and became a pensioner in 1988. JAMES TODD Pensioner James Todd, 66, passed away Dec. 3. Boatman Todd began sailing with the SIU in 1963. His first ship was operated by Gulf Canal Lines. Boatman Todd was born in Amite, La. Before retiring in 1993, he worked aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Boatman Todd called Livingston, La. home. CALVIN WAGNER JR. Boatman Calvin Wagner Jr. died Sept. 1. He joined the union in 1975. Boatman Wagner began sailing aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company and most recently worked on the Cape Florida. The Texas-born mariner was a member of the engine department. Boatman Wagner made his home in Texas City, Texas. JOHN WARD Pensioner John Ward, 79, passed away Sept. 13. Boatman Ward was born in Missouri. He joined the SIU in 1972. Boatman Ward shipped primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. The deck department member lived in Baltimore, Md. and went on pension in 1988. JOHN WISE Pensioner John Wise, 88, died Oct. 4. Boatman Wise joined the SIU in 1964 and sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. His first voyage was aboard a National Marine Service Inc. vessel. Born in Enterprise, Ala., Boatman Wise’s most recent trip to sea was on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He lived in Pensacola, Fla. and retired in 1979. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. NAME AGE DOD Alindato, Antonio 90 Jan. 20 Banner, Stewart 89 Jan. 16 Coulombe, Gerard 83 Mar. 7 Davis, William 79 Mar. 10 Desiderato, Nicola 80 Mar. 8 Dominguez, Lloyd 74 Mar. 1 Estay, German 76 Mar. 16 Holtz, Anthony 83 Feb. 26 Johnson, Clarence 83 Mar. 24 Johnson, Robbie 75 Mar. 6 Lindsay, Herbert 98 Oct. 25, 2005 Madarang, Felino 95 Feb. 14 Moore, William 63 Feb. 3 Nelson, Joe 71 Feb. 11 Parrilla, Juan 98 Mar. 21 Quiroga, Abilio 92 Feb. 13 Seck, Issakha 85 Feb. 26 Thompson, Isiah 82 Nov. 21, 2005 Valentine, Robert 69 Mar. 16 Varela, Alfredo 77 Mar. 10 Velez, Gilberto 93 Mar. 13 Williams, Levi 62 Feb. 12 Wyatt, Stanley 74 Mar. 7 ATTENTION SEAFARERS: STERLING SPENCER Pensioner Sterling Spencer, 58, died Sept. 14. Boatman Spencer joined the SIU in 1974. He shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Boatman Spencer was a member of the deck department. He was born in New Orleans and lived in Harvey, La. Boatman Spencer started receiving compensation for his retirement in 2003. May 2006 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for May through September 2006. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Courqse Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 29 July 10 August 21 June 23 August 4 September 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 15 June 26 August 7 September 18 May 26 July 7 August 18 September 29 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning May 1, 2006. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Machinist June 5 June 23 Welding May 8 July 17 September 11 May 26 August 4 September 29 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) May 8 June 5 July 10 August 7 September 25 May 12 June 9 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB May 22 July 3 August 14 September 25 May 26 July 7 August 18 September 29 Basic Safety Training - FOWT May 29 July 24 September 18 June 2 July 28 September 22 Government Vessels - FOWT May 15 June 26 July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 May 19 June 30 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 5 July 31 September 18 June 16 August 11 September 29 August 7 August 11 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Recertification Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 22 July 17 September 11 June 16 August 11 October 6 Fast Rescue Boat June 5 July 17 June 9 July 21 May 22 July 17 September 11 July 14 September 8 November 3 FOWT � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward July 10 August 7 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2006 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 672 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 672. They include (in alphabetical order) Scott Bloomfield, Nicholas Bridges, Claytain Carr, Donald Desir, Nicholas Gattuso, Phillip Lowe, Shawana Mills, Derrick Norfleet, Jonathan Rodriguez, Scott Smith, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, LaWanda Thornton, Nicholas Vandergriff and Kevin Wimbley. Receiving certificates for completion of the FOWT course March 24 are (in alphabetical order) Miguel Abad, Anthony Alibah, Anthony Bartley, Robin Bourgeois, Robert Crosby Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Robert Hinkle, Kenneth Johnson, Timothy Johnson Jr., Arthur Kately III, Frank Lewis, Jay McGlone Jr., Christian Oding, Dean Parks, Oscar Pena, William Price Jr., Timothy Rieman, Shawn Sayers, David Spaulding, Abraham Straughter, William Wilson and Robert Young. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at far right. Damage Control — Fast Rescue Boat— Chief Cook— Graduates of a recent chief cook class are (from left) Penny Pollard, Antonio Mendez, Jack Curry Jr., Chef John Dobson (instructor) and Vidal Vallesteros. Marine Electrician — With their instructor, Stan Beck (back row, far right) are seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course March 24. They are (in no specific order) James Kruger, Simon McCarny, Mark Leman, John Frey, Peter Madden, Darrall Rabalais and Patrick Morse. Under the instruction of Jay Henderson (far left) are students who completed the marine electrician course March 10. They are (in alphabetical order) Rahul Bagchi, Jordan Cuddy, Ron Embody, Edward Fore, Samuel Garrett, Ashley Nelson, Francis Quebedeaux, Kenneth Ross and Hector Solis. March 24 was graduation day for those completing the damage control portion of the government vessels course. They are (in no specific order) Vincent Hamm, Kipling Wise II, Miguel Abad, Raymond Jones, Yjohnzail Mack, Nur Hois, Scott Paxton, Margaret Young, Nathaniel Carr, Carlos Gibbons, Natividad Zapata, Christopher Vincenzo, Arthur Kately III, Timothy Hell, Ricky Myers, Kelly Doyle, Eugene Edwards, James Roy, Oscar Catabay, Antonio Arizala and John McIntosh. Marine Refrigeration — Graduates of the marine refrigeration course March 10 are (in alphabetical order) Stephen Bradfute, Davon Brown, Alfonza Davis, Richard Huffman, Daniel Ramirez Jr., Jeffrey Roddy, Charles Sadler and Jome Zerna. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is standing, second from left. Welding — Completing the welding course March 10 are (in alphabetical order) Xavier Alfaro, James Cedeno, Elliott Del Aguila, Geoffrey Hall, Simon McCamy, Abraham Moreira, Eldon Palmer, Kyle Pillsworth and Karberto Ramos. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing, second from right. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two groups of graduates of the tanker assistant class united for a photo March 17. They are (in no specific order) Anthony Berry, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Nicholas Bridges, Steven Blair, Catherine Clark, Wilma-Joy Smith, Gregory Simmons, Reid Bland, Karel Cain, Joseph Bianchi, Sean Fox, Tyrell Blackburn, Ernest Frank III, Ismael Gonzalez, John Davis, MacGregor Davis, Abdmutaali Muhammad, Dallon Garnett, Jesse James, Jeremy Finley, Timothy Hetz, Michael Iverson, Maxine Howard, Lee Patrick, Abner Diaz-Torres, Jayson Cottrille, Richard Guerra Jr., Michael Lais, Derek King, Winston Rankin, Ryan Vandergriff, Timothy Kauble, Lewis Coleman, Raul Morales, Akia Wilcox, Phillip Rhule, Eddie Flood, Dennis Rivard, Shawn Orr, Joseph Ward, David Meacham, Stephan Thompson, Michael Sedita, Pavis Whitley, Eutiquio Flores, Damion Vaughn, Chris Sahagon, Reylan Tendido, Casey O’Brien and Gil Lawrence. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes STCW — NCL, March 10: Gary Albers, Jessica Allen, Nancy Badawy, Kimberly Bascon, Cherie Bessette, Alison Boehm, Jenea Brown, Quentin Collins, Stephen Collins, Garnett Davis, Tanya Dominguez, Crystal Edwards, Carin Eisenmann, Jason Enriquez, John Ferrari and Magdalena Flores. STCW — NCL, March 10: Jesse Friendshuh, Victor Garcia, Alejandro Garcia, Hector Garcia, Andrew Haladay, Jennifer Hastings, Danny Hicks, Brian Horn, Jon James, Albert Jethanamest, Conrad Jones, Amber Lander, Brian Lewis, Virron Libranda, Allison Lippert, Joseph Marodix and Jason Marshall. (Note: not all are pictured.) May 2006 NCL, March 16: Araceli Alvarez, Tierra Arnold, Mike Barkl, Nicole Bennett, Jacqueline Billesbach, Corina Blas, Lloyd Brown, Christina Burton, Michael Cajiao, Sarah Calahan, Zachariah Campbell, Kristin Cannard, Christopher Castilow, Candice Chapin, Violeta Chillous, Leon Cominski, Alin Cordasco, Jennifer Cossette, Jessica Daubenmire and Marites Davidson. STCW — NCL, March 16: Shelly McCarroll, John McMeans, Jamie Mehr, Maria Mercado, Carolyn Michael, Linda Mizuno, Michael Moreno, Patti Morgan, Sean Morris, Sarah Morrow, Amber Myrick, Todd Neelis, Maureen Nelan, Elmer Nieveras, Isaac Osei-Asibey, Ryann Paquette, Michael Perez, James Petrean, Nam Pham and John Pine Jr. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 16: Sharlene Davis, Sarah DeCamp, Maria Ebel, Kekoa Ehia, Shannon Espinosa, Michael Gaydosh, Terrence Hackett, Justin Hornberger, Chrystal Hosler, Kandice Hubbard, Stephanie Johnson, Joseph Kent, Steven Kiefer, Brenda Leggett, Misti Levijoki, Patricia Lewis, Joe Lorenzini, Jacqueline Lovejoy, Treshanna Martin, Mikia McBride and Alan Hemmati. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 10: Natasha Smith, Robert Sousa, Christopher Stack, Laurel Stiles, Apryl Swhear, Jennifer Taft, Stephanie Taylor, Clarissa Tengco, Teah Turner, Michael Valente, Damien Vincent, Kathleen Wilkins, Christopher Williams, Christopher Wilson, Roger Woody, Tiana Wyatt and Danny Zapanta. STCW — STCW — NCL, March 10: Gregg Massey, Paul McClure, Jennifer Mosquedo, Mark Munholland, Tyler Olivier, Brandon Olivier, Andres Oropeza, Diana Pandolfini, Anthony Paproski, Cody Powell, Jovonda Powell, Stephen Richards, Rolando Rivera, Eric Rodriguez, Brian Rosario, Charles Sadler II, Stanley Seale, Jameson Sehl and Shawn Sisson. STCW — NCL, March 16: Arthur Piotrowski, Daymon Plowman, Shauna Rafferty, Kimberly Rhoden, Christopher Saenz, Hiram Santoni Jr., Shay Schofield, Monica Shearer, Brian Smith, Megan Smith, Kevin Snauko, Meredith Stevens, Vanessa VanVorst, Johnnie Whitiker, Todd Williams and Rex York. (Note: not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 National Maritime Day May 22, 2006 In memory of American seafarers who lost their lives in service to their country Seafarers Help Keep Curtiss Ready Prepositioning Ship Supports U.S. Marine Corps T The Curtiss has supported U.S. troops in OIF and Desert Storm. Left: AB Steve Gardner he SIU-crewed SS Curtiss is one of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s two aviation maintenance logistics ships and also one of three dozen vessels in MSC’s prepositioning program. Seafarers sailed aboard the Curtiss in support of U.S. troops during earlier stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, transporting troops and materiel to key locations in the Middle East. They also sailed aboard the Curtiss backing U.S. troops during the Persian Gulf War. A visit to the vessel in late February in San Diego found SIU members among the reduced operating status crew helping ready the Curtiss for a safety inspection by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Bosun David Collins, who sailed on several other MSC ships during OIF and also during Operation Desert Storm, said that the Curtiss crew is very serious about keeping the ship in top condition so that it’s ready for the next activation, whenever that call comes. He also noted the positive interaction between mariners and troops that he has witnessed on various Seafarers-contracted ships. “The United States Marines have a sense of humor,” recalled Collins, whose father (Don) is an SIU retiree and whose two brothers (Donnie and Darren) also sail with the union. “They work hard, but they play hard, too.” Operated by Crowley, the Curtiss is 602 feet long and has beam of about 90 feet. The steam-powered ship can travel at 19 knots and has a five-day activation period. Chief Steward Vern Wilson Bosun David Collins, SIU Port Agent John Cox and GUDE Charles Alford Left: Electrician Gary Dahl The menu is posted daily aboard ship. GUDE Charles Alford Right: U.S. Marines aboard the vessel during earlier stages of OIF creatively logged their journey. Right: Bosun David Collins comes from an SIU family. In the background of this photo is NASSCO—with two more Seafarers-contracted ships (Alaskan Legend, right, and USNS Lewis and Clark) under construction. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION BILL CLEARS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. KING PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY CROWLEY CHRISTENS NEW ATB SIU CONTRACT HONORED IN DELTA QUEEN SALE UNION’S SAN FRANCISCO OPERATIONS MOVING TO NEW HALL IN OAKLAND SIU-CREWED HAUGE HONORED FOR SAFETY CLAIMS OFFICE REOPENS PORT OFFICIAL EDWARD SMITH DIES AT 79 MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH PLAN DRAWS FEDERATION’S IRE PUSH FOR ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ MOVES TO HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE PHILADELPHIA HEALTH UNIT PARKS IN A BETTER LOCATION PENNSYLVANIA LAW STIPULATES $500 BONUS FOR WWII MARINERS PRIDE OF HAWAII MAKES ITS 1ST TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING SERVICE COMMEMORATES TEXACO OKLAHOMA TRAGEDY TRAINEE THORNTON RECEIVES NCL AWARD AGENCIES OFFER ANSWERS, PRECAUTIONS FOR BIRD FLU SMPPP STATEMENTS SLATED FOR MAILING ADMIRAL SEIBERLICH BEGINS FINAL VOYAGE CANADA CRACKS DOWN ON PORT SECURITY DOCUMENTARY TELLS ‘STORY OF AMERICA’S SEAFARING WOMEN’ SEAFARERS HELP KEEP CURTISS READY PREPOSITIONING SHIP SUPPORTS U.S. MARINE CORPS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 68, No. 5 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/96f68f4d143d885afe0e7254ce39e5a1.pdf 7a42d5ac706773743d08a825af34ba03 PDF Text Text 42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 11:23 AM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 5 May 2007 The SIU-contracted Horizon Lines fleet recently added three new ships: the Horizon Hawk, Horizon Hunter and Horizon Eagle. Two more new vessels (the Horizon Falcon and Horizon Tiger) are scheduled to join the fleet this month. n i o et J s e l l e F s s s e e V n i L w e N izon r o H Pictured clockwise from upper left: Part of the Horizon Hawk’s engine room; the Horizon Hawk in Guam; AB Ali Saeed aboard the Horizon Hunter on the West Coast; (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Recertified Bosun Barry Hamm and SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona on the Horizon Hawk; and Retired General John Handy (left), now executive vice president at Horizon Lines, with SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus at a ceremony in Guam for the Horizon Hawk. Page 3. Seafarers-Crewed Ships Load U.S. Army Cargo Vessels Headed for Iraq in Support of U.S. Troops SIU Welcomes Yorktown Express The upgrading of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued last month as the SIU-crewed Yorktown Express joined it. Pictured aboard the vessel are (from left) QEE Niles Jacobsen, DMAC Christopher Zaucha and DMAC Mohammad Kahn. Page 3. Pride of Hawaii News Page 2 Three SIU-crewed ships last month took on U.S. Army cargo in Savannah, Ga. for transport to Iraq. The American Tern (operated by Osprey Ship Management) and the USNS Watson and USNS Charlton (both operated by Maersk Line, Limited) loaded materiel belonging to the Third Infantry Division’s Second Brigade Combat Team and Combat Aviation Brigade of Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., which will deploy to Iraq later this year. At left, the Charlton loads a Bradley fighting vehicle. Above, a Chinook helicopter is lifted aboard the Watson. Page 4. Summary from NMU Plans Page 6 CIVMARS Honored Page 7 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 5/1/2007 11:52 AM Page 2 President’s Report Still Proud—And Still Optimistic There’s a lot to digest with last month’s announcement about the temporary re-flagging of NCL America’s SIUcrewed Pride of Hawaii starting early next year (see story, this page). And while there’s no use in sugarcoating any of it, when I look at the big picture involving the NCL America fleet, I know there is well-founded cause for optimism. If you’re new to our union or for some Michael Sacco other reason are unfamiliar with the NCL America ships, here’s the short version. Our country went from having no deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ships in the wake of September 11, 2001 to adding three new American-flag vessels under the NCL America banner, beginning in 2004. It took a lot of work to make that happen, and it took cooperative efforts from maritime labor, the company, supporters in Congress and others. As expected, there were growing pains, both for the company and its contracted unions, including the SIU. But by early 2006, with the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America in service and the Pride of Hawaii almost ready to sail, we had turned a corner. Customer satisfaction was up. Bookings were solid. Crew turnover on the hotel side was stabilizing. (Turnover generally has never been a problem on the marine side.) The NCL America ships were having a major, positive impact on the economy, particularly in Hawaii. Things changed when the Pride of Hawaii joined the fleet in 2006. An unexpected surge in foreign-flag competition and a general downturn across the entire cruise-ship industry played key parts in the company’s financial losses for last year. In fairness, those weren’t the only issues. While operations were proceeding relatively smoothly with two ships, the jump to three vessels probably spread certain resources a little too thin. Again, we’ve been down this road before, and I know we have what it takes to succeed in the long run. As we learned with the so-called white ships in Hawaii many years ago (the old Independence and Constitution), it takes time to build up a steady manpower pool in this segment of the industry. But it can and will be done. As you can imagine, the decision concerning the Pride of Hawaii led to an intense series of meetings and phone calls, both internally for the SIU and with us and NCL America. What I took from those meetings is this: We all agree that too much work went into this program to simply give up. We all agree that eligible crew members who want to continue working for NCL will be given that opportunity—almost certainly aboard the other Pride ships. And we all agree that it is completely realistic to believe that NCL America will succeed as a two-ship fleet in the short run and then as a larger fleet over the long haul. Speaking for every SIU official, I can promise our membership we’re not going to stand around and do nothing. We’ve already intensified our efforts to continue to keep this fleet a success, and we will exhaust every resource if that’s what it takes. “Aloha” means both hello and goodbye. We said an aloha greeting last year to the Pride of Hawaii, and we’ll say a temporary aloha farewell to the ship early next year. I already look forward to once again saying a great big “Aloha!” when we welcome her back into the U.S.-flag fleet. Volume 69, Number 5 May 2007 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Pride of Hawaii Scheduled for Temporary Move to Europe NCL Emphasizes Ship’s Withdrawal Is Interim Emphasizing long-range optimism about its American-flag component, NCL Corporation—parent company of SIU-contracted NCL America—on April 10 announced the temporary withdrawal of the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Hawaii from the Hawaii market effective February 2008. The ship will be deployed to Europe for the summer of 2008 as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s foreign fleet, in an effort to offset financial losses. While the move is a setback to the U.S. fleet and to NCL America’s contracted unions (the SIU, the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union, and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association), the company stressed its continued commitment to its other American-flag vessels—Pride of Aloha and Pride of America—along with plans to return the Pride of Hawaii to U.S. registry. For crew members, the news certainly wasn’t all bad. During shipboard meetings April 10 in Hawaii conducted by union officials and company executives, Pride of Hawaii mariners were assured that continued employment opportunities will be available aboard the two remaining U.S.-flag ships as well as (for those interested) on the rest of the NCL fleet. They also were informed that the unions and NCL America have agreed to “stay-on bonuses” for crew members aboard the Pride of Hawaii on or before April 10 (and also for eligible mariners on leave or vacation at that time). NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch said of the withdrawal, “We take this action with regret, but sure in the knowledge that a temporary retrenchment is the right thing to do for the good of the business and the good of Hawaii in the long run. We remain committed to building a strong U.S.-flag cruise business home ported in Hawaii, and we need to make sure that our other two ships are able to achieve acceptable profitability before we can confidently reintroduce Pride of Hawaii.” In a news release, the company pointed to its “substantial” monetary losses in 2006 (reported earlier this year) which “have been caused by down- ward pricing pressure in the Hawaii market following the addition of Pride of Hawaii to the fleet last summer, and the steep increase in the amount of foreign-flag competition entering the Hawaii market from the West Coast.” According to Veitch, NCL America has grown very quickly over three years, and its competitors have also surged, starting in 2006. “Clearly we are victims of our own success,” Veitch stated. “We have demonstrated that Hawaii is a highly attractive cruise destination and Hawaii now has four times as much capacity serving it in 2007 as it did in 2004 when we started NCL America. “We are now very hopeful that this latest measure will make the critical difference in ensuring the success of this important venture. We continue to have a vision of a strong domestic cruise industry in Hawaii and firmly believe that the combination of steps we have now taken will result in a strong NCL America delivering the best cruise itinerary anywhere in the world with the very highest standard of service at sea,” Veitch concluded. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), a key figure in the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise industry, said, “I am proud of the great strides made, through the robust growth of a cruise ship sector, to further diversify Hawaii’s tourism industry, making our island state the fastest growing domestic cruise destination in North America. Since NCL America’s entrance into the market in 2004, Hawaii’s cruise capacity has quadrupled. There is no doubt that I am disappointed with NCL’s announcement to temporarily withdraw the Pride of Hawaii from Hawaii waters. It was a very difficult decision that President and CEO Colin Veitch had to make for the good of the overall company as he and his corporate team work to further grow demand in the Hawaii market. I respect his decision and look forward to the day that we will be able to welcome the Pride of Hawaii back to Hawaii’s shores, hopefully in the not too distant future.” Union Submits More Comments About TWIC, MMC Programs The union last month continued gathering information and making its voice heard on both the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program (TWIC) and the Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). The SIU on April 10 hosted a meeting at its headquarters featuring a presentation by representatives from Deloitte & Touche, a Lockheed Martin subcontractor responsible for parts of the TWIC program. An extensive questionand-answer session immediately followed. Representatives from several other U.S. maritime unions and from their respective associated schools also participated in the meeting, as did officials from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center Two days later, the union submitted testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which conducted a hearing on TWIC implementation. Later in the month, the SIU and five other maritime unions jointly submitted comments responding to a supplementary notice of proposed rulemaking covering the MMC—a credential eventually intended to replace the current merchant mariner document/z-card. Seafarers will be required to carry a TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008, but in the meantime may use their Some of the participants are pictured at the April 10 TWIC meeting at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. valid merchant mariner document along with a second form of identification to meet the requirements of the TWIC law (which stem from both the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the SAFE Port Act). It is anticipated that the final rulemaking on the MMC won’t take effect until approximately August 2008. Initial issuance of that credential will continue over a five-year period starting around that same time in 2008. Meanwhile, the initial roll-out of the TWIC program has been plagued by delays and technical problems. At the Senate committee hearing on April 12, lawmakers admonished representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for missed deadlines; it now appears likely that the program’s initial phase won’t be implemented until late summer or fall, when it was supposed to have begun by last month. In its testimony for that same Senate hearing, the SIU reiterated its position that where U.S. seafarers are concerned, a relatively simple modification to the current mariner credential would fulfill federal mandates without any compromise whatsoever to shipboard or port security. “The complicated and burdensome process finalized by the agency is both unnecessary for merchant mariners and may essentially prove disruptive to maritime commerce,” the union stated. “As we have repeatedly advocated, the SIU strongly recommends that the current merchant mariner Continued on page 7 May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:05 PM Page 3 Horizon Lines Adds New Vessels Fleet Revamp Means Net Gain of at Least 1 Ship New tonnage and job security for Seafarers both received a boost recently with the entry of three U.S.-flag vessels into the SIU-contracted Horizon Lines fleet. Two of the vessels, the Horizon Hawk and the Horizon Hunter, called on the port of Tacoma, Wash. March 30 and April 6, respectively, following their voyages from the Far East. The third vessel, the Horizon Eagle, entered service April 10. The remaining two vessels, the Horizon Falcon and the Horizon Tiger, are slated to enter service by the end of this month. Horizon last year chartered the five U.S.-flag vessels for 12-year terms from subsidiaries of Ship Finance International, Ltd in Pictured in the crew mess aboard the Horizon Hunter are (from left) Recertified Bosun Loren Watson, QEE Joseph Egan, QMED Stephen Roberts, Recertified Steward Jennifer Jim, SA Steven Wasch, AB Stephen Czaple and Recertified Bosun Glenn Christianson. New ATB Freeport Welcomed by SIU More employment opportunities for Seafarers recently presented themselves as SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners LP (USS) put its newest articulated tug-barge (ATB)—the Freeport —into operation. The new double-hulled platform will be used in the USS domestic coastwise trade in refined petroleum products and chemicals. The Freeport is the first in a series of four ATBs which USS has committed to building over the next three years. The vessels will be constructed by Manitowoc Marine Group (barge component) of Marinette, Wis. and Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. (tug component) of Panama City, Fla. Upon completion, each ATB will feature a flexible cargo system capable of carrying a broad spectrum of refined petroleum products and chemicals, a fuelefficient main engine and hull design which will allow service speeds generally in excess of standard ATB designs. All four vessels will have carrying capacities of approximately 160,000 barrels, be operated by USS and manned in all unlicensed positions by members of the SIU. Each platform carries a price tag of about $65 million. An ATB consists of a tank vessel (barge) and a large, powerful tug that is positioned in a notch in the stern of the barge. The tug propels and maneuvers the barge. Unlike an integrated tug-barge (ITB) where the tug and barge are locked together in a rigid connection and became one unit for practical purposes, the ATB has an articulated or “hinged” connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. USS also has nine 49,000 dwt double-hulled petroleum product tankers on order at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, Calif. Delivery of the first ship in the series is expected in the second quarter of 2009. The tankers also will be manned in all unlicensed positions by the SIU and be timechartered to U.S. energy firms for periods of three to 10 years, according to USS. The company currently operates the ITBs Baltimore, Groton, Jacksonville, Mobile, New York and Philadelphia. USS also operates the tankers Chemical Pioneer, Charleston, Houston (formerly the USNS Gus Warren Darnell, a T-5 replacement tanker that had operated for many years under Military Sealift Command) and the Sea Venture—all of which are under SIU contract. U.S. Shipping Partners is a leading provider of long-haul marine transportation services, principally for refined petroleum products, in the U.S. domestic coastwise trade. The company is also involved in the coastwise transportation of petrochemical and commodity chemical products. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. May 2007 order to replace and add to the platforms already in its current fleet. All five of the Hunter class vessels are of proven international design and have a service speed of 23 knots. The vessels—each a 2,824 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) containership—were built by South Korea-based Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The maiden voyage of the Hawk in March officially launched Horizon’s enhanced Transpacific-1 (TP1) service between the mainland United States, Guam, Micronesia and Asia. This new tonnage upgraded the carrier’s previous TP1 component that served the lane with five Jones Act-qualified vessels. (The Jones Act covers ocean cargo services to and from Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as cargo moving between other U.S. origin and destination ports, ensuring those cargoes are carried on vessels crewed, built, flagged and owned American.) Redeploying the carrier’s Jones Act vessels from previous TP1 service to trade routes that require the U.S.-built vessels provides additional capacity and adequate ships to meet the future needs of Horizon Lines’ customers well into the future, a company news release said. The introduction of this new tonnage also allows the company’s other Jones Act vessels to be available as reserve capacity to meet seasonal The Horizon Hunter is part of an influx of new vessels. and dry-dock needs, as well as to respond to potential new opportunities such as coastwise container services. Once all of the new tonnage is in place (expected by this July), Horizon Lines will be operating at least 17 Seafarers-crewed vessels—a net gain of one ship, according to a Horizon Lines spokesman. The company added that the possibility exists that they will find This is a ballast water control console business for one or more aboard the Horizon Hawk. ships currently scheduled for Oakland, Hawaii, Guam, Hong lay-up. By July, Horizon Lines’ ships Kong and Kaohsiung); two will are slated to be deployed as fol- sail from California to Hawaii; lows: Two will sail from Tacoma one will sail from Elizabeth, N.J. to Hawaii; four will sail from to San Juan; two will sail from Tacoma to Alaska; five (the Jacksonville to San Juan; and one newest ships) will sail on the will sail from Houston to San Transpacific route (Tacoma, Juan. Yorktown Express Joins U.S. MSP Fleet The modernization of the SIUcrewed U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued on schedule last month as the containership Yorktown Express became part of it. SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny represented the union and joined other industry representatives during the April 9 ceremony in Norfolk, Va. in which the vessel officially took its place in the MSP flotilla. Operated by Seafarers-contracted Marine Personnel and Provisioning for Hapag-Lloyd USA, the Yorktown Express replaced the Livorno Express. It became the fourth of five vessels slated to flag American and enter service under this phase of an MSP modernization program which commenced last year. Previously, the Philadelphia Express, St. Louis Express and Washington Express each flagged U.S. in exchange for older platforms. The Charleston Express next month is slated to join the AB Richard O’Brien is on gangMSC fleet as a replacement for way watch. the aging CP Navigator. The Yorktown Express is 798 feet long with a beam of 105 feet, 8 inches. It was built in 2002, delivered in early 2003 and is equipped with four cargo cranes. Like its sister ships, it can sail at greater than 21 knots, has a TEU capacity of 3,237 Steward/Baker Margie Leite, and boasts a gross Chief Cook John Plakas ABs Michael Weber and Vernon Goddard perform preventive maintenance aboard the Yorktown Express. registered tonnage of 40,146. The MSP has been a key element of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The original 10year program provided limited funding for 47 U.S.-flag commercial vessels, particularly containerships and roll-on/roll-off vessels, which were available to the Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. A 10-year extension of the MSP was signed into law in late 2003 with the expanded program starting as the old one expired in October 2005. Among other enhancements, the current MSP increases the number of participants to 60 ships and provides financial assistance to construct five tankers in the United States that are capable of carrying military petroleum products during a war. Seafarers LOG 3 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:38 PM Page 4 SIU Ships Head for Iraq In Support of U.S. Troops Three SIU-crewed vessels last month loaded U.S. Army cargo in Savannah, Ga. for transport to Iraq. The American Tern (operated by Osprey Ship Management) and the USNS Watson and USNS Charlton (both operated by Maersk Line, Limited) took on materiel from April 3 through April 13. The cargo belongs to the Third Infantry Division’s Second Brigade Combat Team and Combat Aviation Brigade of Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., which will deploy to Iraq later this year. Altogether, the Seafarerscrewed vessels loaded approximately 3,500 pieces of cargo. The containership American Tern, a privately-owned ship under longterm charter to MSC, utilized three shipboard cranes to load 550 items consisting mostly of 20-foot containers. The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships USNS Watson and USNS Charlton loaded helicopters, Humvees, tanks, trucks and more. According to MSC, the ships are moving enough equipment to fill nine football fields. “We are able to load these LMSRs so quickly because we have a precisely coordinated plan for maneuvering tanks, trucks and other rolling stock through the system of internal ramps linking the ships’ seven wide-open cargo decks,” said Tom D’Agostino, the MSC representative who oversees such operations at three major ports on the East Coast. Since Sept. 11, 2001, MSC has transported 95 million square feet The American Tern docks at the ocean terminal in Savannah, Ga. to take on cargo. of dry cargo and 10 billion gallons of fuel—more than 90 percent of all military cargo deployed in support of the global war on terrorism, according to the agency. Much of that materiel has been delivered by Seafarerscrewed ships. Numerous military officers have commended the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Among the most recent such comments were remarks by Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, and Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, head of the Defense Logistics Agency. Addressing the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings in March, Schwartz said that troop support is “all about chartering the direct course to deliver military power in the quickest, most efficient, most businesslike manner wherever and whenever the nation calls on us to serve. I’m taking no chances at all by telling you that we’re going to continue to depend on you—all of you Photos by Tom D’Agostino, MSC A Blackhawk helicopter is loaded onto the USNS Watson. The American Tern’s shipboard cranes were utilized to load containers. —to make that projection of American power possible. The vast majority of how we get things done is through sealift.” Dail said he has seen firsthand the materiel delivered to U.S. troops overseas that moved by ship, and those sights helped reinforce his belief that America’s maritime capabilities “are critical to our national defense and security. I have seen the trust and confidence that is built between our nation and our troops, knowing that wherever they are, we will deliver the goods to them and we will get them there and bring them home.” Bill Introduced to Improve U.S. Mariner Credentialing Legislation aimed at improving the licensing and credentialing process for merchant mariners was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 20 by U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (ROhio), ranking Republican on the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) also immediately sponsored the legislation. The Merchant Mariner Credentials Improvement Act of 2007 includes provisions identified by shippers, merchant mariners and other maritime workers intended to help ensure greater efficiency and eliminate unnecessary and redundant procedures in the existing credentialing process administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. “It is apparent that the evaluation process for mariner credential applications has become unnecessarily elaborate and time-consuming for all involved,” said LaTourette. “This bill will streamline the existing credentialing process to minimize procedural errors that prevent merchant mariners from carrying on with their important work and to allow the Coast Guard to improve its capabilities to manage the program.” The bill contains the following provisions: Remedies the problem of “license creep” by making all renewals effective on the date that the previous license expires. Prohibits the Coast Guard from charging a fee for any credential that is not issued within 30 days after the application is complete. 4 Seafarers LOG Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from fingerprinting an individual separately for both the merchant mariner credential and the Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC). Allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant a one-year extension on credentials to help the Coast Guard address any backlog created by the process of consolidating records at the National Maritime Center and the new requirements for physical examinations. Allows new mariners on offshore supply vessels and towing vessels to work on a temporary basis while approval of a mariner credential application is pending, but only after the DHS determines that the worker does not pose a safety and security risk. Requires a report to: (1) expand a pilot program which helped mariners complete application forms, (2) simplify the application process so that errors occur less frequently, (3) provide mariners with a notice of status of their applications, and (4) require documentation to be stored in electronic format. Requires a report on ways to address the projected future shortage in merchant mariners. Requires a report on altering merchant mariner documents to make them TWIC- and International Labor Organization-compliant, including adding a biometric identifier to the card. With the battleship USS New Jersey in the background, the new SIU-crewed tugboat Duty is shown sailing between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. Express Marine’s Newest Addition Is Tugboat ‘Duty’ Seafarers-contracted Express Marine recently added the new tugboat Duty to its fleet. The boat is crewed by SIU members as well as members of the American Maritime Officers. According to the company, the Duty is a general purpose tug with wide-ranging capabilities. The boat may be used for harbor docking as well as coastal and deep sea towing. The tug also is designed to handle inland and coastal barges “on hip, by wire or notch towing.” It also can go offshore “in notch or wire-tow mode.” The Duty will be based in Philadelphia and will handle tows from the Hampton, Va. area north to New England. Built in Pensacola, Fla., the Duty was delivered to Express Marine in December 2006. The boat is 102 feet long and 32 feet wide, with a depth of 14 feet, 9 inches and a draft of 13 feet. The company lists the boat’s bollard pull at 83,000 pounds and its “free running speed” at 12 knots. Following are some additional specifications on the tug provided by Express Marine: Continued on page 9 May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 5/1/2007 11:59 AM Page 5 Free Choice Act Introduced in Senate Sen. Kennedy Articulates Need to Strengthen, Protect Workers’ Rights Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on March 29 introduced the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) in the U.S. Senate. The bill, S. 1041, is the Senate’s companion to HR 800. Regarded by some as the most important labor law reform legislation to come on the radar in more than 70 years, the legislation on March 1 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 241-185. It then moved to the Senate where it was twice read before committee. As of press time for this edition of the Seafarers LOG, however, the bill has been idle. The Senate on April 16 returned to work from Easter recess but so far has not acted on the measure which would strengthen the middle class by giving workers the freedom to choose union representation. The legislation also would rein in the employer harassment, intimidation and anti-worker tactics that tens of thousands of workers encounter every year when they try to form unions. In introducing the legislation to the full Senate, Senator Kennedy told his colleagues that the EFCA is essential to help working families get their fair share of our economic prosperity. During his opening statement, the senior senator from Massachusetts said in part, “For far too long, we’ve acquiesced in a lopsided economy that benefits wealthy individuals and corporations, but not America’s working families. Tens of millions of our men and women are working harder than ever, but they aren’t receiving their fair share of the economy they helped do so much to create and sustain.” Kennedy told his colleagues that over the past six years, corporate profits have increased 65 percent and productivity is up 18 percent. During the same period, however, he said that household income has declined and the wages of working Americans have been stagnant. “Six million have lost their health insurance,” Kennedy said. “Their retirement is uncertain as well—only one in five workers today has a guaranteed pension. In short, working families are finding that the American dream is beyond their reach. This injustice is worsening each year, and it is time for Congress to deal with it.” The senator suggested that the best way to ensure that employees receive their fair share of America’s prosperity is to give them a stronger voice in the workplace. “Unions were fundamental in building America’s middle class, and they have a vital role today in preserving the American dream for working families,” Kennedy said. “Unions can make all the difference between an economy that’s fair, and an economy where working people are left behind,” he continued. “Union wages are 30 percent higher than non-union wages. Eighty percent of union workers have health insurance, compared to only 49 percent of non-union workers. Union members are four times more likely to have a secure, guaranteed pension.” Senator Kennedy said that in view of the state of affairs, it is small wonder that most American workers want union representation. “The question is why don’t more of them have it?” he said. He told those in the Senate chamber that “the reason is clear. In 2005 alone, more than 30,000 workers were illegally fired or retaliated against for attempting to exercise their right to have a union in their workplace. Every 17 minutes, a worker is fired or punished in some illegal way for supporting a union. Unscrupulous employers routinely break the law to keep unions out—they intimidate employees, harass Shipyard Workers Ratify Contract More than 6,000 members from 15 unions on April 5 started returning to their jobs at the Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. after being on strike for more than three weeks. The work stoppage at the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems yard ended following the workers’ ratification of the terms—by a 3 to 2 margin—of a new three-year agreement. Published reports indicated that metal trades workers approved the contract with a 60 percent vote, while 67 percent of electrical workers voted yes. The workers, many of them still struggling to recover from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, went on strike March 8 after rejecting two previous offers from Northrop Grumman. They were demanding greater wage increases with no hikes in health care premiums. They walked out after twice decisively voting down contract proposals from the company. The last offer shortened the term of the contract from four to three years but still would have raised wages by only $2.50 an hour by 2009 and would have increased health care premiums by 50 percent while still leaving workers without dental or vision coverage. May 2007 them, and discriminate against them. They shut down whole departments—or even entire plants—to avoid negotiating a union contract. It’s illegal and unacceptable, but it happens every day.” The senator told his colleagues that the current system clearly is broken. “It can’t stop these illegal, anti-worker, anti-labor, antiunion tactics that take place every day. The penalties are so minor that employers treat them as just another cost of doing business. “Even when workers succeed in forming a union, they often can’t obtain a first contract because management stonewalls them and refuses to negotiate,” Kennedy said. “Half of all cases alleging that employers refused to bargain are filed during first-contract negotiations—and in most of those cases the National Labor Relations Board finds an unfair labor practice.” The senator said that year after year, Congress has refused to act against these union-busting tactics that now are all too familiar in the workplace. “It’s time to listen to the voice of America’s working men and women, and give them what they want and deserve—a fair voice in the workplace and a fair chance at the American dream,” he said. Concluding his remarks, Kennedy noted, “This essential legislation will strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose union representation. It will restore their democratic right to join together for better wages, better benefits, and better working conditions. It will help millions of working men and women to build a better life for themselves and a better future for their children.” Elsewhere, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said that with the EFCA, the Senate has “a historic chance to make sure that America works the way it should for everyone. “A union card is the straightest ticket into a middle class lifestyle with a decent standard of living and the ability to provide for your family,” stated the labor federation president. “But for too long now, working people have been denied the opportunity to have a union because corporations flagrantly and routinely violate workers’ freedom to form unions, and the law is helpless to stop them.” Meanwhile, support for the legislation is growing among elected officials. According to the AFL-CIO, almost 20 municipalities, counties and state legislative bodies already have approved resolutions supporting the legislation, including state houses in Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia, the Minnesota Senate and the Democratic Non-Partisan League caucuses in both houses of the North Dakota legislature. In addition, supportive resolutions are still pending in 13 states, three counties in Maryland and in Los Angeles, Southfield, Mich., and Albuquerque. Congressional Hearing Examines Dangers on Foreign-Flag Cruises A gigantic number of people—more than 12 million worldwide by some estimates—annually take to the high seas aboard foreign-flag cruise ships in search of carefree vacations. All too often, though, a significant number of these passengers experience serious problems, as detailed in a recent spate of media coverage. Some have endured degrading or otherwise distressing incidents up to and including sexual assault and rape. Others have been involved in accidents which resulted in debilitating injuries. Then there are those who disappeared or became murder victims. Today nearly all the ocean cruise lines employ passenger ships registered under flags of Employees at other Northrop shipyards along the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Miss., and in Avondale and Tallulah, La. approved labor contracts earlier this year. The month-long Pascagoula strike is the longest work stoppage at the plant in more than seven years. “We are proud of the solidarity and commitment that the workers put on the line to bring about the kind of agreement that both the union and the company can be proud of,” said Ron Ault, president of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department. “The workers won additional security against the volatility of the Gulf’s economy. The company will benefit from increased productivity, efficiency and enhanced morale.” “Our members, who are still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, have stood up and refused to be victims any longer,” says IBEW International President Ed Hill. Among the pact’s highlights are base wage increases amounting to $3.78 per hour over the life of the agreement; shift premiums of 80 cents an hour; attendance bonuses with the potential to earn an additional $1,040 annually; cost-of-living allowances in the second and third year; fixed health care premiums in the third year of the contract; increases in pension benefits; and additional vacation and holidays. various foreign countries and fly so-called flags of convenience. Of the more than 125 vessels operating in the lucrative cruise industry, only a few currently fly the U.S. flag. Between the years 2000 and 2005, the FBI investigated more than 300 violent crimes aboard foreign-flag cruise vessels—but less than 15 percent of the cases resulted in successful prosecution, according to the bureau’s data. Criminal convictions were secured in only seven percent of 135 rape cases, 20 percent of 64 non-sexual assault cases, and 16 percent of 25 murder cases investigated by the FBI during the five-year period. No convictions were won in 30 missing person cases. Although the foregoing numbers are far from epidemic, they are considerable enough to potentially generate a sense of uneasiness among potential passengers as well as stakeholders in the multibillion dollar cruise industry. The incidents also have incited hearings in the halls of the U.S. Congress where representatives are considering legislation that would require cruise ships that dock in the United States to immediately notify local law enforcement officials of any crimes that occurred aboard the ship or any instances of passengers going overboard. The latest of the hearings (one also was conducted last year) took place March 27 in Washington, D.C. During those proceedings before the House Transportation maritime subcommittee, Ross Klein, a Canadian university professor of social work who has written extensively on the cruise industry, told those in attendance that one’s risk of being sexually assaulted is as much as 50 percent higher on a cruise ship than in the average American city. In hearings that took place in early 2006, Dr. James Fox told the subcommittee that the rate of sexual assault on cruise ships is 17.6 per 100,000 passengers. Fox was hired by the cruise lines to develop crime rates for the March 7, 2006 Congressional hearings. Klein’s testimony, however, indicated that the actual crime rate for sexual assaults aboard cruise ships nearly triples Fox’s estimates at 48.065 per 100,000. According to Klein’s findings: The annual rate of all sexrelated shipboard incidents (per 100,000) was 161.996. Incidents of sexual assaults (per 100,000) was 48.065 The rate for sexual assaults in U.S. cities (per 100,000) was 32.200. In elaborating on the implications of his findings, Klein told the subcommittee, “The numbers indicate that the cruise industry has a problem and they (cruise line officials) appear either unwilling or unable to deal with it.” The professor’s subsequent testimony provided evidence to support the prevailing belief that foreign-flag cruise ship passengers in fact are ill served, sometimes fatally so, by the current security efforts of some cruise lines. Committee Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) at the outset of the latest hearing told his colleagues that most Americans don’t understand the legal complexities that are connected to prosecuting crimes that happen on cruise ships outside of the U.S. territorial limits. Cummings was alluding to the fact that many crimes are committed on cruises while the ships are traveling outside the 20-kilomeContinued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 5 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:06 PM Page 6 Commendation Given to Participants in Alaska’s Hiring Program The Seafarers International Union was specifically mentioned in a formal certificate of commendation recently issued by the 25th Alaska State Legislature in honor of the 10th anniversary of Alaska’s Jones ActLocal Hire Initiative. Nearly 400 Alaskan residents, including displaced fishermen and veterans, have been able to take advantage of some part of this initiative to provide them with quality training and jobs in the maritime industry. The SIU and its contracted companies in the Jones Act trade—including Alaska Tanker Company, Crowley Marine, Horizon Lines, Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Seabulk, Inc.—have helped provide steady employment opportunities aboard Jones Act and other U.S.-flag vessels to those in Alaska’s Department of Labor training programs. Their success has led to additional initiatives and partnerships focused on providing training grants, college scholarships and apprenticeships to Alaskan natives throughout the state, including the endowment of a $2 million scholarship fund by a Ketchikan resident for Ketchikan high school graduates who wish to pursue a maritime career. As noted in the above commendation, this “public/private/labor partnership that has evolved into the Ketchikan-based SeaLink, Inc. has among the highest placement and graduation rates of any Alaska Department of Labor training program in our state.” NMU PENSION, ANNUITY & 401(K) PLANS AND NMU VACATION PLAN Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2006 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Co-Chairmen EMPLOYER TRUSTEES UNION TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers International Union of N.A. AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2006, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Adds Eligibility of a deferred vested pension to the Reciprocal Agreement with the Seafarers Pension Plan. 2. Provides for the changes in the regulation promulgated by the Department of Treasury. 3. Provided for a change in the name of the Plan to NMU Pension Plan, NMU Annuity Plan and Seafarers 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2007. NMU Vacation Plan: 1. Provides for a change in the entitlement to vacation benefits (i.e. those with thirty days or more of Covered Employment) shall forfeit such benefits unless an application to collect such benefits is made within two years or on December 31, 2008, whichever is later. 2. Provides for the Merger of the NMU Vacation Plan into the Seafarers Vacation Plan as of January 1, 2007. ADMINISTRATOR Miriam Bove NMU Benefit Plans 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 A LOS QUE HABLAN ESPANOL Esta noticia contiene informacion importante sobre sus derechos como marinero bajo los planes del Plan NMU Pension, Annuity, y Vacation Plan. Si tuviera usted dificultades para comprender alguna parte de esta noticia se la explicara la misma en espanol. Esta ayuda podra recibirla en persona en la oficina principal del Plan, ubicada en el numero 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Las cartas en espanol deberan ser dirigidas a la oficina del Plan de Maryland. Las llamadas telefonicas para solicitar ayuda en espanol deberan tambien ser hechas a la oficina del Plan en Maryland, cuyo numero de telefono es: 1301-899-0675. 6 Seafarers LOG Notice/Reminder Anthrax Immunization Program Resumption As previously announced, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), at the direction of the Department of Defense, has resumed the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program for individuals in high-risk areas and performing certain roles. According to the directive signed by the undersecretary of defense, civilian and contract mariners sailing aboard MSC ships in the Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean Peninsula for 15 or more consecutive days are required to resume anthrax immunizations, except as provided under applicable medical and administrative exemption policies. Additionally, according to MSC, “Any mariner not subject to the mandatory program who has received at least one dose of anthrax vaccine in the past will be allowed, if desired, to voluntarily complete the six-shot anthrax vaccination series and receive any boosters as required by the Food and Drug Administration-approved dosing schedule. Individuals will be notified by their chain of command if the shots are required. Navy medical personnel will give the vaccinations either aboard MSC ships, in MSC workspaces or at military medical treatment facilities.” Additional information is available on line at: www.anthrax.mil Among many other items, that site contains a government brochure (in PDF format) covering some of the basics about anthrax, the vaccine, possible side effects, categories of eligibility and more. The link for that brochure is: http://www.anthrax.mil/documents/996AvipTrifold.pdf Copies should be available at all SIU halls. Seafarers may contact their port agent for more information. Also, CIVMARS may contact Navy Ensign Robert Hicke at Robert.hicke@navy.mil or (757) 443-5769. All other mariners may contact MSC Force Surgeon Capt. Dwight C. Fulton at Dwight.fulton@navy.mil or (202) 685-5135. SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD ACTION #435 Effective March 1, 2007, Seafarers Appeals Board Action #435 amended the shipping rules to mandate seamen permanently employed must complete the specialty course for their specific rating in order to retain their permanent position. Specialty courses required for the ratings of Chief Electrician, QMED Electrician, QMED/Electrician relief, Electrician, and Engine Maintenance/Electrician Relief are affected by this Action as follows. 1. The specialty courses required for the ratings of Chief Electrician, QMED Electrician, QMED/Electrician Relief, Electrician, and Engine Maintenance/Electrician Relief shall be defined as Marine Electrical Maintenance and Refrigerator Container Advancement Maintenance Specialty Course. 2. Effective March 1, 2007, seamen awarded any of the above mentioned positions must have successfully completed (at any time) these specialty courses in order to be considered in compliance with this Rule. 3. Seamen currently employed in any of the above mentioned ratings in a permanent capacity shall be required to have successfully completed the specialty courses identified above by July 1, 2009 in order to retain their permanent assignment, provided such courses are offered. Yearly Statements Mailed To SMPPP Participants The mailing of annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) to Plan participants was completed last month, according to SMPPP Administrator Margaret Bowen. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite ongoing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2006 was 10.16 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $49.6 million. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction or via checks sent directly to the Plan. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, members who became participants on or after July 1, 2006 and who have completed at least three years of service have a right to a percentage of their “Employer Contribution Account” as follows: three years of service equals 50 percent; four years of service equals 75 percent; five or more years of service equals 100 percent. Participants are immediately vested for the employee contribution segment of their respective accounts as soon as the first such contribution is made. Those who became participants before July 1, 2006 were vested from the first day money was received on their behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of sea time needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 11:31 AM Page 7 SIU CIVMARS Win Food Service Awards Members of the SIU Government Services Division recently were recognized by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for outstanding work in the steward department. The fleet replenishment oilers USNS Laramie and USNS Yukon received MSC’s Capt. David L. Cook Awards “for exceptional food service,” according to the agency. The awards were presented March 31 during festivities in Kansas City, Mo. CIVMARS and hundreds of military guests attended. The Laramie was selected from MSC’s “large ship East Coast” category while the Yukon was chosen from the “large ship West Coast” field. In announcing the recognition, MSC noted, “The food service award is an important one. The health and morale of MSC’s approximately 5,000 civil service mariners hinges in large part on the quality of the meals prepared for them by their ship’s food service team.” Accepting the awards this year on behalf of their ships were Tyrone Trotman, supply officer aboard the Laramie, and Victorino Damasco, chief steward aboard the Yukon. Damasco, a Seafarer who has sailed with MSC since 1994, had 28 years of prior food service experience in the U.S. Navy. “During all my years in the Navy, none of my ships ever won the Navy’s food service excellence award,” said Damasco. “My first objective when I joined MSC was to win its award—and now we have!” The award is named for the late Navy Capt. David L. Cook, former MSC director of logistics from 1995 to 1998, who was a catalyst in improving all aspects of the food service operations aboard MSC ships. According to Roberta Jio, chief of MSC’s food service policy and procedures, competition for the award was intense. “The problem in selecting the best was compounded by the fact that all of our food service teams are good,” said Jio. “But to be the best means that the winning teams really had to exhibit stellar performance in their food service programs.” To win the annual award, MSC civil service mariner-crewed ships submitted a nomination package describing its food service programs to a Military Sealift Fleet Support Command committee. Once the nominations were reviewed, MSFSC sent five nominations to a team of judges. This year’s judges—Jio, International Food Service Executive Association Executive Chef Nydia Eckstrom and Navy Medical Officer Lt. Mary Graves —then visited the finalists to More Kudos For Ericsson service mariners and a military detachment of 23 active-duty Navy sailors—was cited for its crew’s work in preventing pollution, ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues, conserving resources and complying with environmental regulations. While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, it also ensured that each mariner received special training in environmental management, used environmentally friendly chemicals and conducted monthly spill drills. As a result, in two years, the Ericsson transferred almost 82 million gallons of fuel in 353 separate fuelings at sea without a significant mishap. The Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps individuals, teams, ships and installations for exceptional environmental stewardship. In a congratulatory message to the Ericsson crew, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment B.J. Penn said, “Your accomplishments are outstanding in their own right and exemplify the Department of the Navy’s commitment to environmental stewardship.” The award will be presented at a ceremony in June in Washington, D.C. The Ericsson is one of 14 fleet replenishment oilers that provide fuel to Navy combat ships and jet fuel for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers. Info Gathered on TWIC, MMC mentation of the MMC for at least one year after TWIC implementation. “We also recommend that the MMC as proposed should be redesigned to include a biometric identifier so as to become compliant with all relevant international conventions, especially International Labor Organization Convention No. 180 (ILO C185). Such a modification would allow the MMC to serve as the Seafarers Identity Document under ILO C-185, important to U.S. mariner shore leave in foreign ports and for which the TWIC will not suffice. We agree with the MERPAC (Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee) recommendation of a passport-style MMC with a page dedicated to the Seafarers Identity Document and conforming with ILO requirements.” As previously reported, the SIU will publicize information on the TWIC and MMC as it is released by the various agencies involved, including the firm details of when, where and how to apply for a TWIC. Meanwhile, questions about the TWIC may be emailed to the Coast Guard at uscg-twic-helpdesk@uscg.mil. The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC help desk is 877-6872243, and the TSA’s TWIC web site is located at http:// www.tsa.gov/. The fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, has received the 2006 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Quality Small Ship award, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) announced. The Ericsson earlier this year had earned an environmental award from the Chief of Naval Operations. That honor made the vessel eligible for the more recent award. The 678-foot ship—recently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and crewed by 81 civil Continued from page 2 document be altered or modified to include an encoded biometric, to be used as a biometric transportation security card in lieu of the TWIC, especially since the Coast Guard recognizes the MMD as an identity document. We question the need for yet another document that the merchant mariner must obtain and carry when the current and timetested merchant mariner document may be adapted to encapsulate an encoded biometric. “The SIU believes that with a security vetting process (threat assessment), preferably initiated by the Coast Guard, the biometric MMD would adequately respond to the mandate of the MTSA for a biometric transportation security card, given the fact that the Coast Guard advises that a security assessment is not required for the mariner population who have an MMD issued after Feb. 3, 2003, implying that those mariners have undergone a full security vetting by the Coast Guard and therefore need not undergo a TWIC security assessment. The SIU urges the committee to consider this simplified approach for merchant mariners who are required to hold merchant mariner documents instead of acceding to the TSA May 2007 implementation process as enunciated in its final rule.” In response to the supplementary notice about the MMC, the SIU submitted joint comments along with the American Maritime Officers; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. Those comments read in part, “The Coast Guard should not lose sight of the fact that this rulemaking comes in the context of serious new challenges for mariner recruitment, training and retention. Regulatory changes related to the International Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) have stressed the skilled labor pool, and the future impact of the TWIC and the Coast Guard’s new physical evaluation standards are likely to put further pressure on available supply of qualified mariners. Since the TWIC is a pre-requisite for the MMC, we think SNPRM’s expected August 2008 effective date is too soon. At minimum, it should become effective only after the TWIC implementation is complete in September 2008. But since the full effect of the TWIC on the regulated population might not be felt for many months, we urge the Coast Guard to delay the imple- CIVMARS Victorino Damasco (center) and Tyrone Trotman (right) accept the Capt. David L. Cook Awards for food service excellence on behalf of fellow crew members from the USNS Yukon and USNS Laramie, respectively. Presenting the awards March 31 in Kansas City, Mo. is Navy Capt. William Brown, Fleet Forces Command director of logistics. determine the winner. The judges spent a full day on each of the ships, looking at food preparation, administration, management, safety, facilities, equipment and utensils, training, sanitation and shipboard waste management. In addition to the public recognition received during the awards ceremony, winning food service teams will receive cash bonuses and will have the opportunity to participate in advanced culinary training. Calif. Grocery Negotiations Resume Despite anti-worker tactics by some of its contracted companies in Southern California, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is trying to secure a fair labor agreement for tens of thousands of members employed at California’s big three grocery chains. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, the UFCW was negotiating a new contract with Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons that would govern pay and benefits for 65,000 grocery workers at 785 stores from Bakersfield, Calif. to the Mexican border. The same three chains were involved in the 140-day strike and lockout that idled more than 70,000 union workers from October 2003 to February 2004. The bitter strike was first called against Safeway’s Vons stores, and then Ralphs and Albertsons locked out their union workers. The trouble was triggered mostly by health care issues, which still agitate the industry. Three years ago UFCW union members eventually voted to accept a contract that restructured wages and health benefits for new hires. Now, more than half the local workers at Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons are on the new, lower tier of wages, which tops out at $15.10 an hour, compared to $17.90 an hour for workers on the higher tier. Most of the second-tier workers don’t get health insurance through their employer. This contract expired March 5 but has been extended twice. Negotiations broke down April 4 in the midst of growing tensions over the threat of a strike by the union and an employee lockout by the companies. UCFW members in March voted to strike Albertsons. Labor officials did not set a date for any job action but indicated they wanted to give negotiations more time. The grocery chains countered by signing an anti-labor pact in which they agreed to lock out union employees within 48 hours of a strike against any one of the companies. The anti-worker agreement also called for the chains to provide financial assistance to any of the companies struck by the union. “The supermarkets are up to their old tricks,” said UFCW International Vice President and Region 8 Director Shaun Barclay. “This pact fits the same pattern of their actions three years ago when they forced UFCW members and their families into the streets and disrupted shoppers for nearly five months in a grab to end meaningful health care coverage for employees.” The union pointed out that Stater Bros. and Gelson’s—two smaller Southern California regional chains—and the UFCW have reached model agreements, providing wage increases, the end to second-class status for new workers and a return to providing affordable, quality health coverage for all employees. Supervalu, Kroger and Safeway all enjoy annual sales that are 10 to 20 times bigger than Stater Bros. and Gelson’s, the UFCW noted. The smaller chains don’t have the economies of scale in their warehousing and distribution networks, nor do they have the clout with major manufacturers and vendors that the national chains command, the union reported. And they face the same non-union competition in the Southern California market that is overwhelmingly unionized. “Given that the big grocers say they want to ‘serve the interests of our employees, customers, and companies,’ it’s a no-brainer for these national companies to reach a settlement along the lines of the Stater Bros. and Gelson’s agreements,” said Barclay. “They’re making record profits and hold dominant positions in markets across the country where they operate.” He continued, “But forming this (anti-labor) pact speaks louder than words. It certainly appears that the big grocers have no interest in recognizing UFCW members for their partnership in the impressive success of their companies. It seems they have no interest in the effects their position will have on employees, families, shoppers and communities.” Negotiations resumed April 16. Seafarers LOG 7 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19x:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:01 PM Page 8 Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Reaches More Milestones Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. during the last few months has been in the headlines and making industry news about new builds and agreements for additional construction. That noteworthy trend continued March 28 as the yard announced the signing of another significant pact. The state-of-theart shipyard, through its subsidiary Aker American Shipping, on that date signed an accord with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd., which extended the provisions of an existing agreement. Included in the updated arrangement are not only additional tankers but also possibilities for building containerships. Under an agreement signed in 2004, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) has been providing design and procurement services for a series of ten 46,000 dwt tankers currently being constructed at the shipyard in Philadelphia. The new agreement covers an Hull number 007, which will be the third tanker in the series, is quickly taking shape. additional six tankers, which mirrors an agreement in principle for additional charters with Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) that Aker American Shipping announced in February, as well as exclusive rights for containerships. “With our first product tanker delivered and four more already under construction, our shipyard is planning for the future,” said President and CEO of Aker American Shipping Dave Meehan. “We have agreements in place for a series of up to 16 product tankers and are preparing for the possibility of returning to another arena where we have proven ourselves—container vessels. “As with the product tankers, we will continue to apply flexibility and creativity in vessel ownership,” Meehan added. “Hyundai Mipo Dockyard has been an excellent partner and is a premier provider of vessels in their market. Likewise, Aker American Shipping is determined to become a premier player in the U.S. Jones Act market, and, working together, we are strengthening both the Jones Act U.S.-flag vessels are being built in Philadelphia for Seafarers-contracted OSG. market and shipbuilding expertise in the United States.” Meanwhile, Aker on March 23 announced two other milestones in its tanker program. Hull 006, the second product tanker in the series, has been floated from its berth in the yard’s building dock. The ship is scheduled for completion this summer. Additionally, steel cutting recently began for Hull 009, the fifth vessel in the series, marking start of production on that ship. With two other tankers also in production, the yard now once again has four of the 600-foot long MT 46 Veteran Class tanker vessels under construction. The second tanker in OSG’s Aker Philadelphia series is transferred from the building dock. Pride of Aloha Snapshots Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio sent this collection of pictures from the Pride of Aloha, one of the Seafarerscrewed cruise ships operated by NCL America. “I encourage all SIU members in their work and send regards to everybody in the union,” he wrote. Kudos for Seabulk Challenge Seafarers At right is 1st Asst. Carpenter Jose Dizon (left) and Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio. AMO Captain Kelly Sweeney recently submitted these photos taken aboard the tanker Seabulk Challenge back around the turn of the year. During the voyage, “I was, as always, impressed with the professionalism and hard work of my shipmates,” Sweeney noted. Pictured are (top photo) AB John Yi (several hundred miles from arrival at Barber’s Point, Hawaii); (below left) DEU “MoMo” Mohamed, whom shipmates credited with an excellent job keeping the engine room clean; and Sweeney, who in addition to making a living at sea is scheduled to write a regular column in Professional Mariner magazine starting in August. He concluded: “I hope to keep in contact with all of you through my writing or at captsweeney@professionalmariner.com.” Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio (in photo above and kneeling in the photo at right) helps repair the flooring with some of the assistant carpenters aboard ship. Left: Assistant carpenters gather inside the carpentry shop afer a fire drill. Right: Bosun Renato Govico works with an OS in refinishing the floors. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 11:52 AM Page 9 USNS Stockham Rescues 20 Helicopters Save Aid Workers from Stranded Freighter Helicopters from the Seafarerscrewed prepositioning vessel USNS Fred W. Stockham rescued 20 people from a Taiwaneseflagged vessel that ran aground on a coral reef near the Gizo harbor in the Solomon Islands in the late hours of April 12, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Most of those rescued were New Zealand Red Cross and aid workers who were in the area to provide assistance to victims of the tsunami that struck the region April 2. Earlier in the week, the Stockham was directed to the Solomon Islands to prepare for support operations assisting relief efforts on the ground. The crew received a distress call from the Gizo port authority requesting they provide assistance to a 200foot freighter named Yun Fa. After running aground, the vessel was foundering in nearly 12-foot waves and had become unseawor- The SIU-crewed USNS Stockham, part of MSC’s prepositioning fleet, recently saved 20 people from a stranded vessel in the Solomon Islands. thy. The Gizo port authority requested that Stockham provide helicopter assistance to rescue the aid workers and one severely injured crew member. “When the distress call was made, the ship’s crew and military detachment were quick to respond and well prepared to handle the crisis,” said the Stockham’s civilian master, Capt. Perry Seyler. “I’m very proud of the ship’s surgeon and the members of the helicopter detachment, who put themselves in harm’s way to rescue the aid workers and the crew member.” The Stockham’s surgeon departed on the ship’s seven-passenger HH-60 helicopter within an hour of the distress call, and minutes later arrived in the vicinity of the Yun Fa. He treated injuries, and the 20 people were brought aboard the helicopter using the helicopter’s external hoist. The helicopter then flew to Gizo, where the passengers were met by local police and medical personnel to receive further assistance. Foreign-Flag Cruise Dangers Examined Continued from page 5 ter-wide U.S. territorial limits. Since the vast majority of ships fly under foreign flags—such as the Bahamas or Panama—they are not under U.S. jurisdiction once they leave U.S. waters. To make matters worse, the FBI says that for several reasons, cruise ship crimes are difficult to prosecute. Evidence and testimony is hard to gather in cruise ship crime cases because, while the vessels carry security crew members, they do not have law enforcement professionals and crime scene technicians aboard. An investigation cannot begin until the ship reaches port, and evidence can deteriorate or be compromised in the interim. In addition, the FBI’s jurisdiction is limited because the ships are not registered in the United States. The FBI can investigate if a cruise ship crime involves a U.S. citizen or if the ship is leaving or entering a U.S. port when the incident occurs. When crimes occur on the high seas, however, jurisdiction falls most often to authorities in the nearest foreign port of call. Furthermore, officers and crew members aboard foreignflag cruise ships hail from many foreign countries that often shield them from prosecution by U.S. authorities. “The jurisdiction Tugboat Duty Added to Fleet Continued from page 4 Engines—Two Cat 3512B turbo charged marine diesels, 1,500 hp each @ 1,600 rpm. Propulsion—Two SteerProp Model SP 14 Azimuth Propulsors (Z-Drive) with Model HJ 3-5 Kort Nozzles turning 1.9 meter diameter four-blade nickel/aluminum propellers featuring Centa composite shafting. Towing—At stern, JonRie Series 500 Single Drum Towing Winch with 2,200 feet of two inch tow wire, 82,500 pounds, 60 feet per minute, brake load 275,000 pounds. Electric/ hydraulic winch powered from one of the generator diesels. Tanks—43,700 gallons diesel fuel, 2,400 gallons combined lube and hydraulic oils, 4,900 gallons potable fresh water. Wheelhouse—Conventional wheelhouse equipped with custom-made, closed-circuit TV system for tug security and safety. Also equipped with Sperry May 2007 Navipilot 4000 Autopilot with Navigat X MK1 gyro compass system, two Furuno 25 kW BB radars and MX Marine Model MX420/2 DGPS system. According to the company, great attention was paid to “crew comfort and safety features” including an engine room firesuppression system and emergency tow pin release system designed to prevent deckhands from being exposed to heavy seas if they have to quickly disconnect. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., Express Marine is familyowned and has been in business for more than 100 years. It has a fleet of eight tugs and 30 barges, and specializes in coal tows to power plants along the Northeast Coast. The company also provides ship docking and general towing, both coastal and offshore. Another new tug is being built in Pensacola for Express Marine and is slated for delivery later this year. It is slightly smaller than the Duty but will have many of the same features. issue is very tricky and a tangled web,” Salvador Hernandez, a deputy assistant director at the FBI, told the subcommittee. In acknowledging the difficulties formerly cited, cruise ship operators who appeared during the hearing announced a new voluntary agreement with the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard that would improve and standardize crime reporting. Under the agreement, cruise lines would immediately report violations of U.S. laws taking place outside of U.S. waters. Several lawmakers lauded the effort but suggested that crime reporting should be mandatory, not voluntary. Officials from the FBI and Coast Guard also applauded the new steps but said there are still complex jurisdictional problems to overcome. Cummings said that the subcommittee would give the cruise industry and federal law enforcement agencies six months from the date of the hearing to ascer- U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Meyers A Taiwanese vessel is shown stuck on a reef in the waters around the Solomon Islands, after her crew was rescued the night before by a U.S. Navy helicopter deployed aboard the USNS Stockham. Operated by Seafarers-contracted Keystone Shipping for MSC, the Stockham is a government-owned, roll-on/roll-off and containership crewed by civilian mariners. When the rescue took place, the ship also was carrying more than 100 military personnel. SIU members sailing aboard the Stockham during the rescue were: Bosun Neil Sullivan, ABs Ira Thomas Jr., Frank Guido, Guy Butler Jr., Munassar Ahmad and Robert Butler, Electrician Robert Ott, Chief Storekeeper Bennie McKnight, QMEDs Alan Nelson, Robert Lee, Ernesto Acosta and Philip Zalewski, Chief Steward Robert Easley, Chief Cook Vernon Thibodeaux, Assistant Cooks Robert Brooks Jr. and Saleh Sewileh, SAs Mahmood Monassar, Saleh Omar and Breon Saunders, GVAs Charles Parker, Michael Sivells and Harrison Hawkins and GUDE Towfiek Ahmed. tain the merits of the voluntary agreement. At the conclusion of that time period, another hearing will take place. Besides testimony from experts, cruise industry stakeholders, the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard, members of the subcommittee listened to accounts from cruise ship victims. One victim, 36-year-old Laurie Dishman, a resident of Sacramento, Calif., was overcome by tears time and again as she recounted how she last year was raped by a cruise ship employee while aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Mexican Riviera. “The terror of that experience still overwhelms me,” she said, but the events that later transpired were almost as bad. Dishman testified that the cruise line did virtually nothing to respond to her situation. She was given a garbage bag and told to collect evidence from the scene— including giving herself a “rape kit” exam. According to several sources, even after Dishman identified her attacker as a ship janitor who also was working as a security guard, the man continued to work on the ship. “The feeling was like nobody was helping me. Everything was slow-motion and they were trying to figure out how to protect themselves,” she said. Gary Bald acknowledged problems in the company’s response to Dishman and said the business has improved security and has taken steps to ensure that in the future, victims are given better information and support and crime scenes are secured. Bald is senior vice president of global security for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “It was our intention and desire to assist her in every way we could,” Bald said. “I feel we accomplished that in some respects but in others I feel we came up short.” After the ship docked in Los Angeles, the FBI presented Dishman’s case to the U.S. attorney, who chose not to prosecute for lack of evidence. Dishman is suing Royal Caribbean. Important Notice—SHBP Switching to CIGNA Effective July 1, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) will switch to a new affiliation with CIGNA HealthCare, replacing the current affiliation with First Health Network. The move follows an exhaustive search by the SHBP Trustees to improve network access, enhance access to state-of-the-art programs and ensure that quality service will be provided to Seafarers and their families. Additional details will be published in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG and also will be included in letters scheduled to be mailed beginning in May to all SHBP participants. New enrollment cards also will be mailed to participants in time to make the switch. The new affiliation with CIGNA does not change Seafarers’ benefits and for the most part is expected to be seamless. CIGNA is a larger network than First Health, but many health care providers participate in both networks— meaning the vast majority of Seafarers won’t need to change doctors in order to remain in the SHBP-affiliated network. For example, approximately 90 percent of the SHBP claims processed in 2006 came through medical offices affiliated with CIGNA. “The Plan anticipates that the new affiliation will be the best of both worlds: better and wider coverage for Seafarers and their families, and cost-savings for the SHBP,” said Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “Also, individual savings should be realized because of the larger network and related discounts that might be offered by a particular physician.” Seafarers may check with their respective health care providers to determine if they are in the CIGNA network, or may go on line for that information. A link to CIGNA’s web site with access to a current list of providers may be found at www.seafarers.org/members/. A toll-free phone number with access to provider information is being established and will be included in future communications. The correct CIGNA web address is http://www.cigna.com/SA-PP02 Please note that the second-to-last letter in the CIGNA web address is the capital letter “O” rather than a zero, and also note that the web address is case-sensitive. To avoid confusion, Seafarers are urged to type in the entire web address rather than going to the CIGNA home page, partly because CIGNA has different networks within its organization. Or, they may simply access the link through: www.seafarers.org/members/ Seafarers LOG 9 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 10:51 AM Page 10 Around the Port of Jacksonville Left: Seven Seafarers were sworn in at a recent membership meeting in the port of Jacksonville. SIU Patrolman Randy Senatore (standing left) delivered the oath to GUDEs George Pobee, Anthony Sumlar, Wade Jordan, Stephen Jenkins; and OMUs Florencio Marfa, Nat Lamb and Danilo Martin. Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Centurion Thornton Elliott (left), safety director in the port of Jacksonville, takes an order for additional manpower while Patrolman Randy Senatore ships AB Michael J. Pockat II to the Cleveland. Alfred G. Lane receives his first pension check from Safety Director Thornton Elliott on March 13. Lane, who retired in February, sailed in the engine department. Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Sentry What’s Happening in Philly? A Well-Deserved Retirement Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski (right in both photos) presents Phil Yaros (in photo at left) and Rufus Pritchett with their first pension checks. Yaros sailed as an AB in the deep sea division while Pritchett sailed inland in the deck department. STOS Norman Dize loads stores onto the tug Sentry with a forklift truck. Walking in Solidarity Wearing their union colors (and white caps), Seafarers in the port of Philadelphia joined with other unions March 15 in support of IBEW Local 614’s rally for a fair contract with Exelon/PECO. PECO, a unit of Exelon Energy Delivery, is Pennsylvania’s largest utility operator of electric and natural gas. Frank Kuders, president and business manager for Local 614, stated, “We’ve actually been in negotiations with Exelon/PECO for two years . . . and we feel that it’s been going on for entirely too long.” The employees represented by Local 614 say that Exelon’s business plan is cutting corners for shortterm profits by reducing the payroll (and thereby jeopardizing reliable service and employee safety) and reducing the benefits. Employees currently pay 20 percent of their medical costs and up to 100 percent for other benefits. 10 Seafarers LOG The tugs Sentry and Ensign are tied up alongside each other. Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Ensign May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May May 2007 4/28/2007 11:03 AM Page 11 Seafarers LOG 11 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/29/2007 11:58 AM Page 12 Seafarers Participate in Operation ‘De The SIU-crewed vessels USNS Paul Buck and American Tern, both part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet, recently participated in Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Artarctica. The USNS Paul Buck, a tanker operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., arrived Feb. 1 and pumped off 162,000 barrels of fuel for equipment ranging from generators to helicopters. Once the Paul Buck departed, the American Tern, operated by Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management, docked at McMurdo’s ice pier to deliver 29,000 tons of equipment, food and other supplies—the life-sustaining cargo for McMurdo’s research scientists and residents. This was summer in Antarctica, so there was continuous sunlight for the around-the-clock operations. Phil Corl, the bosun aboard the Buck (who sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG), noted that it was much colder this trip than the previous one in 2005. Both ships encountered severe weather, rough seas, high winds and small icebergs en route to McMurdo, but both made it on time. Two icebreakers, the U.S.Coast Guard’s Polar Sea and Swedish icebreaker Oden had begun work in December to break a channel through 18 miles of ice that separated the open water from the pier. Corl said that the day they left McMurdo, it was -23 degrees F, with a 17-knot wind. “Thank God and Ocean Ships for the insulated suits and little chemical hand warmers that were handed out,” he said. He also noted that it was so cold that one of the main ballast line valves froze in the closed position and had to be replaced. “Not a job for the weak of heart,” he said, “but the operation itself went flawlessly.” MSC has participated in Operation Deep Freeze every year since the station was established in 1955. The icebreaker Polar Sea pulls up alongside the Paul Buck. The men in the engine room (from left) DEU Wally Kassem, QMED Orlando Pajarillo and DEU Dave Ruggirello had to make an impromptu grappling hook (right) to pull big chunks of ice from between the ship and the ice pier before they could dock. It was so cold that one valves froze and h AB Carlos Machado-Gomez AB Adam Riley Chief Cook Wally Saul Jr. helped keep the crew’s morale up with his gourmet meals and positive attitude. 12 Seafarers LOG AB Carlos Machado-Gomez May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/29/2007 11:59 AM Page 13 Deep Freeze’ “We traveled pretty much around the world to deliver the load,” noted Bosun Phil Corl. The map, above, shows the exact route. Posing on the deck of the USNS Paul Buck after completion of a successful mission are (from left) AB Derik Rye, SA Ramon Hernandez, Steward Asha Stryker, AB Carlos Machado-Gomez, QMED Orlando Pajarillo, UA Chris Caporale, DEU Wally Kassem, QMED Jonathan Miller, AB Adam Riley, GVA Al Young, Bosun Phil Corl, AB Al Wambach, DEU Dave Ruggirello, Chief Cook Wally Saul Jr., Pumpman Arthur Hurd and AB Stag Rye. k. The scenery of Antarctica from the ship was spectacular. Nobody can say that QMED Jonathan Miller was never in Antarctica! Here’s the proof. “After all the travel and adventure, we found it heartwarming to see the U.S. Coast Guard ship (icebreaker) and all of the good things that it represented to us,” stated Bosun Philip Corl. one of the main ballast line and had to be replaced. After tying up to the ice pier, the crew put fenders in place to accommodate the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Sea, coming alongside. The USNS Paul Buck is tied up at the ice pier. AB Derik Rye AB Stag Rye May 2007 Seafarers LOG 13 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:40 PM Page 14 Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: The first installment of retired Seafarer Albert Stimac’s experiences in the merchant marine appeared in last month’s Seafarers LOG. He wrote about his training, his first ship and then joining the SIU. Following is a continuation of his experiences, beginning with the job call in the union hall. They are the best recollections of his training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1946, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. Some [of the ships requesting crews at the job call] were old rust buckets, as they were called, from World War I or before—all the way up to high-speed turbines that had 600 pounds dry super-heated steam. The word dry was used because if there was a leak in the line somewhere, you couldn’t see the steam coming out. It could cut off your arm or hand if you extended it to try and feel the hot steam. So a pine stick was used instead, and the sap would boil out of it if it was hit by the steam. Because of the war effort, you had no idea of what type of ship you picked out. Only numbers were allowed on the cargo they carried. They gave us no hint where we were going, either, but somebody usually knew the number codes and designations because they had had the same code on a previous ship. I was in the black gang and always tried to sign on with the highest rating I could. Watertender was lower than an oiler and got paid less. A junior engineer had more responsibility and got still more pay. So one picked what class he could hold. If you were the first one to sign on, and got there first, you got the single bunk. The other side had two bunks—upper and lower. The second guy aboard usually took the bottom bunk, and the third guy got the top bunk. The same went for which watch you worked. A watch was considered a four-hour period of time worked. It was four hours on and eight hours off. The best watch was 8:00 to 12:00. Then 12:00 to 4:00 and 4:00 to 8:00. You worked two, four-hour watches in a 24-hour period. The deckhands slept three in a fo’c’sle (room), and the black gang did likewise. There were three watertenders in one room and three oilers in another. Once in a while, on new ships, they carried a junior engineer. They were classified as officers, so they slept on the main deck area. Anyway, I needed to grab another ship because of lack of money. I could have stayed on the same ship if I wanted to, but I wanted to get a better and newer ship. One just took one’s chances. After I sailed three or four trips, I learned all the tricks employed in getting the better ships to sign up on. The most obvious ones were the Liberty ships built by Kaiser Shipyards. They all had a person’s name, like the SS John Henry, SS William Smith, etc. These were the most simple ships made. It was like a barge with a bow on the front of it. Made of 3⁄4inch steel plate, built in sections and then welded together. Each had a simple triple expansion steam engine for power. On a good day, it could get up to 76 revolutions per minute and go about 6 or 7 knots loaded. That’s with the wind and seas at your back. I threw in my card for the first black gang opening the next day. The best I could get after sitting around all day was as a fireman/watertender. If I thought I was going to improve my lot on my next ship, I was in for a big surprise. This one was worse and older than my first ship. I found out it originally had a teakwood deck, and when it was taken out of storage, they put on a steel deck. It was a very narrow ship, maybe 25 feet or so 14 Seafarers LOG across and 250 to 300 feet long. The engineroom was out of the 1920s with huge double-ended fire-tube boilers. This means that at 10 feet in diameter, the flames of fire went through the tubes and heated the water into steam. The newer boilers had water tubes with the fire cell around them. You had to be careful with these because if the boiler tubes ran dry, you could melt one and blow up your boiler. They also were quick to heat up and raise steam so you could sail in a few hours. The fire-tube ones with all that water in them took at least 24 hours to get 200 pounds of steam up. It got hot in the engineroom! We stood under a 6-foot diameter flue that picked up air from the deck as you went along and was supposed to cool us down. Each boiler had three burners on each end, so you had to change 12 burners every watch (four hours). You took the nozzle off and wire-brushed the carbon deposits and shined them up and then deck crew who usually knew first where they thought we were headed and what we carried for transport. They were topside all the time and had closer contact with the officers, purser, radioman and cooks. All of them had big ears and watchful eyes on everything. We also had “sea lawyers” just like in prison with their “jail-house lawyers.” They gave out lots of information freely. Most of it was just their opinion and half-true at best. Sitting there, doing nothing, I found out just how devious the human mind can be. Somebody had figured out the cargo code of what we were carrying. The most startling was a locked container area that was supposed to have watches and jewelry in it. Then, next thing I knew, I was being offered the opportunity to buy cigarettes —by the gross (144 cartons to the box), Arrow undershirts and shorts as well as socks. I didn’t smoke, so I refused the cigarettes, and none of the underwear fit me. A fireman and watertender aboard a Liberty ship had to adjust numerous valves and watch many gauges, because boilers allowed to run dry would explode. Official training aid photo, U.S. Maritime Service, Sheepshead Bay, NY cleaned out the hole in the nozzle head. The hottest we got was 168 degrees. So you tried to stay under the air vent all the time and drink boiling hot tea, which felt cool. When we went between the boilers to change burners, we really moved! Maximum was about seven minutes to shut off the burner, pull it out, stick in a new one and secure it, then back through the boilers to the air vent. We found out we were going to go to the Panama area to one of the small banana belt countries. We sailed down the East Coast and then into the Caribbean. If I remember correctly, we broke down about 20 or 25 times. Sometimes for just one-half hour or so, and other times for two or three hours. We made it pretty smoothly to the tip of Florida and then really got in trouble sailing toward Cuba. Had bad engine trouble and had to pull into Guantanamo Harbor in Cuba. That was a two-week stay until we got parts from the States. We were not allowed to go ashore, but the captain and officers went ashore every night in the captain’s launch. This made for a lot of hostility with the ordinary seamen. The captain warned us about swimming or going ashore in a makeshift contraption. Said the bay was full of sharks. So to test this out, the deckhands got some meat from the cooks and tied it to a meat hook (usually used to hang quarters of meat or half a pig). They used a winch with a steel cable and dropped the bait. It took about two minutes before the sharks smelled the blood and fresh meat. They got one—about five feet long— and winched it up on deck. The deckhands tried to kill it with a hatchet, to no avail. Finally, an officer who had to stay aboard and watch the crew took out a 45 pistol and shot it. A knife would not cut the skin. Finally, we got a fire axe and chopped it up and had lots of fun feeding it to the other sharks. Nobody ever made an attempt to swim ashore while we were there. But human nature being what it is, some of the crew found other ways to occupy their time. Basically, it was the At the time, I did not know that cigarettes were a chief barter item around the world. We could buy them for 60 cents a carton and sell them overseas for $2 or more per carton. Even a single cigarette was of value. Everybody wanted American cigarettes. They were better than the foreign currency and more stable. Later, I would buy my one carton a week allotted me on the ship, so I always had five or six cartons I could use for barter instead of cash. American money was also better than any foreign monies. Another good item was booze. You could buy name brands in the States from $3 to $5. GIs overseas paid up to $30 per bottle. I didn’t care to get involved in that business. But . . . back to the ship’s activities. In one day, many of the crew had underwear, socks and cigarettes under bunks or stuffed in their lockers. Nobody found any jewelry or watches. The boom came down when the captain found out about the break-in and looting. Had us all on deck and raised Cain, hollering and shouting. Said if it wasn’t all put back by the next morning, the FBI, CIA, Army Intelligence was coming aboard for a search. And if anything was found on us or we were involved in any way, it was BIG TROUBLE. Our papers would be pulled, and we would serve time. The word got out around the ship about the tides—when it would be high tide and when it would be low tide. Nobody was stupid enough to return the goods because they all knew the officers would be on alert. And once they got one guy, he would readily name others to save his own butt. So the word was, toss everything overboard after 10 o’clock when the tide was at its highest. Then, when the tide went out, it would wash all the contraband out of the harbor and into the sea. Everyone went to bed well pleased by getting rid of the evidence. But as things go sometimes, you are misinformed or given poor information. We got both. When we looked over the side, the whole bay was filled with cartons and boxes of cigarettes and Arrow shorts, socks and undershirts. The tide information was just the opposite of what the men were told. And so the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. It was amazing how quickly we got our needed parts for engine repair and sailed out of the harbor. Made it to Panama OK and unloaded our ship. Not having badly needed war materiel, it took about five days. I forget which one of the small countries around Panama we were headed to next. Anyway, they had a revolution going on. Somebody got hold of some army trucks and machine guns and took over. Somebody said they had a revolution every 30 days in this area, and it was no big deal. We made it back to New York with not too many problems. After I got paid, I took a trip home as I hadn't been there for six months. After three weeks at home, I headed back to New York City to grab another ship. Since I had a lot of shore time, I got to pick out a ship right away and signed on as an oiler. We were in port another week or so before sailing out to join up with a small convoy. We knew then we were going to the European war zone as we headed toward Newfoundland. This was a Liberty ship and, besides the holds being full, we carried different trucks up on deck, on the covers of the cargo holds. So we sat pretty low in the water. Being the oiler on a Liberty ship was a pretty easy job. Your biggest responsibility was to see that none of the bearings got hot. The vessel had a triple expansion steam engine. You oiled the top of the crankshafts every 20 minutes. Your oil can was just the ordinary kind that held about a quart of oil and had a long spigot on it. To oil, you held the can in the palm of your hand with the spigot between your fingers. The crankshafts would come up and down at a maximum of 78 times a minute. So you had to get the rhythm to follow up the crank and then squirt the oil into an open wick oil cup. Five or six squirts and on to the next crank. There were three crankshafts with a cup on each side. We cut the nozzle short to about four inches long. Originally, it was eight inches long or so and tapered, the smallest part on the end. The further down we cut it, the more oil came out on each squirt. This was done on the top grate. On the lower grate or deck, you felt the bearings that were connected to the driveshaft. The cranks sat in an open oil pan and contained about 50 gallons of oil. We would mix it half and half with just plain water. As the cranks turned, they made an emulsion that was a good enough lubricant to oil the bearings—and saved a lot of money. To feel the bearings, you waited for the crank to come around. You would put your hand between the crank and the piston rod. Your hand had to remain flat and your arm in rhythm with the crank coming around. After you missed the slot of where to stick your hand a couple times, you learned real quick how to do it properly. The only place one got a little nervous was going down the shaft alley to check the bearings. The driveshaft was about 16 inches or so in diameter and was made up of sections. There were about three or four bearings and they were immersed in oil in a bearing case. The shaft alley wasn’t very big. Just long. From the engineroom to the propeller in the stern, maybe seven feet or so high and six feet wide. With huge bearing cases to hold the shaft, one didn’t have too much to do, and one did not want to be caught in there if an accident happened. Brother Stimac’s wartime recollections will continue in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:43 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2007 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2007 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals Totals Totals All Departments Algonac ................Friday: June 8, July 6 1 1 2 7 5 1 7 2 0 1 1 4 6 2 2 0 0 0 4 5 0 0 5 3 1 4 31 18 1 8 7 31 8 19 2 0 4 2 27 20 1 4 4 5 2 8 21 17 2 5 8 16 8 8 1 13 7 5 18 10 0 0 0 3 0 1 3 2 1 0 0 4 5 2 1 0 0 0 2 4 0 1 5 5 0 0 31 9 0 4 5 22 8 7 3 0 2 2 24 12 7 1 10 18 2 15 83 57 0 23 26 83 24 40 9 1 15 2 63 40 8 11 8 27 9 9 54 40 3 23 16 43 31 22 8 7 14 9 68 33 2 2 3 15 7 2 17 7 1 1 4 10 12 4 1 0 2 1 15 12 283 236 51 191 163 28 140 519 443 118 New York .............Tuesday: June 5, July 3 0 0 9 8 2 5 16 20 0 6 3 16 3 9 2 1 4 2 20 7 1 0 2 7 5 4 10 18 1 5 5 14 6 4 2 4 4 2 14 7 1 0 0 6 2 0 4 4 0 0 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 6 8 0 0 1 4 2 7 10 14 2 6 5 15 7 5 2 2 1 1 7 6 1 1 1 3 2 5 7 9 0 3 2 4 7 6 0 3 2 1 16 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 1 4 0 1 0 2 1 3 12 10 0 1 5 7 10 0 1 0 2 2 8 2 1 0 11 9 1 13 32 36 0 13 8 31 10 15 1 1 5 2 27 15 0 0 7 9 5 4 19 37 3 8 10 22 14 14 2 3 8 6 28 14 2 0 2 7 2 1 6 4 0 0 1 4 5 3 1 0 0 1 9 11 Norfolk .................Thursday: June 7, July 5 133 115 38 97 79 16 67 231 213 59 0 0 5 6 2 8 19 18 0 3 6 19 7 15 1 4 1 2 20 19 0 0 1 12 1 5 6 4 0 3 3 8 8 5 0 1 0 1 7 5 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 155 70 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Baltimore..............Thursday: June 7, July 5 Boston ..................Friday: June 8, July 6 Guam ....................Thursday: June 21, July 19 Honolulu...............Friday: June 15, July 13 Houston ................Monday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: June 7, July 5 Joliet .....................Thursday: June 14, June 12 Mobile ..................Wednesday: June 13, July 11 New Orleans.........Tuesday: June 12, July 10 Oakland ................Thursday: June 14, July 12 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: June 6 ..............................Thursday: July 5* ..............................(*change created due to Independence Day) Port Everglades ....Thursday: June 14, July 12 San Juan ...............Thursday: June 7, July 5 St. Louis ...............Friday: June 15, July 13 Tacoma .................Friday: June 22, July 20 Wilmington...........Monday: June 18, July 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 4 11 11 0 5 4 13 5 17 0 1 0 1 8 16 0 0 0 7 1 3 3 6 0 3 3 2 5 3 0 0 1 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 6 4 0 3 6 11 4 7 1 1 2 0 6 8 0 0 8 16 4 12 42 29 0 9 11 33 9 39 2 5 3 3 31 38 0 0 2 12 3 9 15 22 0 7 9 10 15 5 1 3 3 2 16 13 1 0 1 2 0 0 3 4 0 1 1 7 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 97 45 12 62 294 147 29 Personals NEFDALI COLON Your friends Wilson Garcia and Nefdali Santana would like to hear from you. You may call Wilson at (787) 370-3239 or Nefdali at (787) 836-4449. New Orleans-Area REC Moves to Mandeville The U.S. Coast Guard’s New Orleans regional examination center (REC) recently relocated. The new REC address and phone number follow: ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 4 0 1 1 3 0 5 0 0 1 0 4 2 0 2 4 7 0 6 21 6 0 6 8 37 16 13 2 2 2 0 14 9 0 1 0 7 0 5 11 14 0 3 6 23 15 8 2 26 0 0 5 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 4 1 5 5 16 6 9 0 6 1 0 8 6 0 1 0 1 0 2 6 6 0 1 3 3 11 4 0 26 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 10 8 0 1 4 15 0 9 0 0 1 0 6 2 4 5 7 14 4 14 38 30 0 5 10 71 20 22 2 19 3 1 27 18 7 1 0 18 0 12 17 24 1 8 6 41 18 22 4 14 1 0 13 18 27 155 134 16 77 70 0 59 314 225 598 576 241 401 364 126 269 1,103 1,117 431 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2007 Piney Point ...........Monday: June 4, July 2 1 8 5 11 5 10 27 19 2 14 4 29 14 10 5 4 7 7 36 18 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 0 6 10 2 8 53 29 0 14 14 44 9 21 7 1 9 0 32 20 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C USCG Regional Examination Center 4250 Hwy 22, Suite F Mandeville, LA 70471 Phone: (985) 624-5700 Fax: (985) 624-5757 REC staff email addresses are the same as before. Since Hurricane Katrina destroyed the New Orleans East REC facility, the REC staff worked from temporary locations in Morgan City and Metairie, La.; Houston; and Memphis, Tenn. According to the agency, the new REC is easy to reach from Interstate 12 or Interstate 10 via the Causeway Bridge, Causeway Blvd., US-190 exits. The REC’s hours of operation in Mandeville are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Friday. The office will remain open for limited services during lunch hour. Testing will be conducted during the same hours, but the latest time to start a new exam is 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon on Friday. Seafarers LOG 15 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 12:51 PM Page 16 ‘Belated Thank You’ Legislation Reintroduced in House and Senate U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (DCalif.) on Jan. 4 introduced a bill (H.R. 23) before the House of Representatives in the 110th Congress to amend title 46, United States Code, and title II of the Social Security Act. A similar bill (S.961) was presented to the Senate on March 22 by Senators Ben Nelson (DNeb.), Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) H.R. 23 had been introduced in the 109th Congress as well, but no action was taken before adjourning for the year. Titled the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007,” H.R. 23 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946. This is the same period as all other veterans’ benefits, from which merchant mariners were excluded until 1988. The bill also stipulates that any surviving wife of a qualified veteran also shall be eligible to receive the same benefit as the veteran. When he first brought the bill before the House of Representatives in 2004, Filner noted that World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the secondhighest casualty rate of any of the branches of service while they delivered troops, tanks, amphibious craft, airplanes, jeeps, ammunition, PT boats, gasoline, aviation fuel, trucks, medicines and food rations to every theater of the war from Normandy to Okinawa. Compared to the large number of men and women serving in World War II, the numbers of merchant mariners were small, but their chance of dying during service was extremely high. Enemy forces sank more than 800 ships between 1941 and 1944 alone. Merchant mariners remained in war zones long after the fighting troops came home to enjoy the benefits of the GI Bill, which was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. At that time the president said, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again during the war for the welfare of their country.” But when he died, mariners were denied their benefits, including unemployment, education, Meetings in the Port of Houston GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 Above: SIU Vice President Dean Corgey (standing fourth from left) addresses a December 2006 meeting of the Houston Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) to update them on current affairs in the Merchant Marine and U.S.-flag maritime industry. The group meets monthly at the Port of Houston Seamen’s Center and includes retired WWII merchant marine vets as well as retired licensed and unlicensed mariners. Any retired members interested in joining their local AMMV should contact their port officials for additional information. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 Left: At a recent membership meeting in Houston, VP Dean Corgey is flanked by Bosun Monte Pereira (left) and shoregang Bosun John Cain. NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG home or small business loans, priority for postwar jobs and medicare care for disabilities. Perhaps the most valuable of the denied rights was the free college education, which the U.S. Department of Commerce has valued at $300,000 in increased lifetime earnings. Filner pointed out that when merchant mariners were not included in the GI Bill of Rights, “The merchant marine became the forgotten service.” He said, “The fact that merchant seamen had borne arms during wartime in the defense of their country did not seem to matter.” Many WWII mariners finally received veterans’ recognition in 1988, along with access to what Filner described as a “watered-down” GI Bill. It took another 10 years to extend the cutoff date for recognition of mariners as veterans so it matched the date utilized by the military. The pending bill will try to rectify some of these shortcomings. As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner observed back in 2004—and it still holds true today—“While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose a bill that will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits. The average age of (World War II) merchant marine veterans is now 81. Many have outlived their savings. A monthly benefit to compensate for the loss of nearly a lifetime of ineligibility for the GI Bill would be of comfort and would provide some measure of security for veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” The list of supporters of H.R. 23 continues to grow at a rapid pace. There are now 84 cosponsors of the bill. As chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner held a hearing April 18 to receive additional testimony on this important and long-overdue legislation. Seafarers are encouraged to write to their U.S. senators and representatives asking for their support of H.R. 23 and S.962. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by retired SIU member Robert S. Gordy of Owings Mills, Md. It was taken April 22, 1967 aboard Curtis Bay Towing’s tug Kings Point. From the left are Mate Norman Pokrywka, Capt. Edward Bromwell, Deckhands Robert S. Gordy and John Carr, and Engineer “Reds” Forrester. All of the crew were charter members of the SIU-IBU. The “V” is for victory after a sixmonth strike was settled. The strike was led by Earl “Bull” Shepard, the port agent in Baltimore, and was backed by the entire SIU until victory was declared. The Kings Point, a 2,400 hp tug, was part of Curtis Bay’s Blue Diamond Fleet. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 1:41 PM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JAMES BALL, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1970 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Ball, who was born in Wyoming, worked in the steward department. He first shipped aboard a vessel operated by Michigan Tankers Inc. In 2000 and 2001, Brother Ball upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was on the Grand Canyon State. Brother Ball calls Seattle home. PAUL CHARLEY, 66, began his seafaring career in 1966. Born in Alabama, he first sailed aboard the Del Mar. Brother Charley upgraded his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. Brother Charley makes his home in Mobile, Ala. THOMAS LASATER, 56, joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Lasater first sailed aboard the Mobilian as a member of the deck department. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lasater, who was born in California, most recently worked on the Brenton Reef. He resides in Downington, Pa. ANTONIO MARTES, 65, joined the SIU in 1967. Brother Martes was born in Puerto Rico. He first sailed aboard the Steel Scientist. His most recent voyage was on the Express. Brother Martes was a member of the engine department. He makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ANTONIO RIOS, 50, embarked on his seafaring career in 1982. Brother Rios first sailed aboard the Del Sol. The steward department member attended classes frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Rios, who was born in Puerto Rico, worked aboard the Alliance New York prior to retiring. He is a resident of Carolina, P.R. FREDERICK SHANNON, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998. Brother Shannon first sailed as a member of the deck department aboard the Franklin T. Phillips. He was born in Texas City, Texas and upgrad- May 2007 ed his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Shannon’s most recent voyage was aboard the Sirius. He resides in Dickinson, Texas. Brown’s first voyage was on the Mayo Lykes. He was born in Meridian, Miss. Prior to retiring, Brother Brown shipped aboard the Lykes Liberator. PABLO VAZQUEZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1966. His first ship was the Western Hunter. Brother Vazquez shipped in the engine department. A native of Puerto Rico, he upgraded his skills in 2000 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vazquez most recently worked aboard the Horizon Producer. He continues to live in Puerto Rico. BELL COLOMBO, 71, was born in the Dominican Republic. Brother Colombo began sailing with the NMU in 1969. His first vessel was the American Liberty; his most recent was the Nebraska. PHILLIP YAROS, 65, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1991. The Pennsylvania native first sailed aboard the Cape Nome. He most recently worked on the USNS Mendonca. Brother Yaros attended classes at the Piney Point school on three occasions. He makes his home in Erma, N.J. RIZAL COLON, 68, launched his NMU career in 1963 in San Juan, P.R. Brother Colon first shipped aboard the USNS Mission Santa Ynez. The New York native worked in the engine department. Brother Colon most recently sailed on the Maersk Alabama. INLAND ERNEST BRYAN, 68, joined the SIU ranks in 1996. Boatman Bryan shipped primarily on vessels operated by Crowley Liner Services. Born in New Jersey, he calls Hazelton, Pa. home VIRGINIA MILLER, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 1995. Sister Miller was a member of the steward department. She shipped primarily on board Orgulf Transport Company vessels. Sister Miller calls Paducah, Ky. home. Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. WILLIAM BIONDIE, 64, joined the NMU in 1966. He first shipped from the port of New York as a member of the steward department aboard the Constitution. Brother Biondie is a native of Dayton, Ohio. He most recently sailed on the Endurance. RICHARD BOYD, 67, became an NMU member in 1963. Born in Charleston, S.C., Brother Boyd first worked aboard the Metapan in the steward department. AVELL BROWN, 61, started his seafaring career in 1979 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother DENNIS GAFFNEY, 57, joined the NMU ranks in 1981 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Gaffney was born in Staunton, Brother Gullette most recently shipped on the Intrepid. Va. He first sailed aboard the China Sea. Before retiring, Brother Gaffney worked on the Alaskan Navigator. JESUS GARCIA, 61, embarked on his seafaring career in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother Garcia first worked aboard the Mormac Rio. The Puerto Rico native most recently shipped on the Enterprise. JOHN GEEDMAN, 65, joined the NMU in 1975, initially sailing from the port of New York. Born in Bayonne, N.J., Brother Geedman first worked aboard the Export Bay as a member of the deck department. WILLIAM GULLETTE, 66, donned the NMU colors in 1969 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Gullette’s first voyage was aboard the Leslie Lykes. Born in Alabama, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 NEW YORK, May 14 – Victory in Europe will have no immediate effect on shipping, and any future falling off will be gradual, government authorities said today. The demand for space to move personnel and cargoes will continue, and a natural increase in transport to the Pacific was developing, that will require all the tonnage that can be spared from the Atlantic. It was announced recently that Europe would require some 12 million tons of food alone in the next year. This was more than a third of the total dry cargo export from this country in the last peace year, 1939. Not only will cargo ships be needed, but personnel transport requirements will increase rather than diminish, it was said. The War Department will be depending upon merchant shipping, including SIU-manned vessels, to move millions of men from Europe to the Pacific theatre, to ship out fresh troops, to return home from the battlefields discharged and furloughed servicemen and the wounded. TORBIO MENDOZA, 66, began his NMU career in 1960 in the port of Houston. Brother Mendoza first sailed on the Keystoner. The steward department member, who was born in Texas, most recently worked aboard the Cape Vincent. GEORGIANNA YOUNG, 61, joined the NMU in 1979 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Sister Young sailed as a member of the steward department. She is a native of Alabama. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Antonio Beof 67 Kenneth Bunn 55 Joseph Hirtle 56 Frank Papez 71 EDP March 1 May 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Senators Vance Hartke, Ted Kennedy and Daniel Inouye also called for a stronger American-flag merchant fleet in speeches before the convention. 1977 A new age in American merchant shipping will be born in the weeks ahead at a sprawling shipyard in the old New England town of Quincy, Mass. where SIU members will crew up the first liquefied natural gas carrier ever built in the Western Hemisphere. This incredible ship, named after the zodiac sign Aquarius, marks the advent of a new breed of U.S.-flag sailing vessel and a new trend in merchant shipping that may someday change the entire makeup of the American merchant fleet. The 936-foot Aquarius is the first of 12 U.S.flag LNG tankers scheduled to be built at the General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy. She has a 25-year charter to haul liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Osaka, Japan. This Month In SIU History 1997 1965 The 12th biennial convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America was conducted in Washington from May 26 through June 1. The highlight of the convention’s first day came when AFL-CIO President George Meany pledged that the federation would go “down the line” and support maritime labor’s fight to preserve American ships, manned by American seamen at American wage levels. He laid the responsibility for the decline of U.S. maritime at the door of the Departments of Agriculture, Defense and State, whose policies weaken rather than help American shipping. The SIU’s newest hall officially opened on May 20 when President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President John Fay toured the facility in Anchorage, then attended a shoreside reception to launch the union’s newest initiative in Alaska. “We are opening this hall in Anchorage to show how committed the SIU is to Alaska and its growing maritime industry,” Sacco noted. “With this facility, we can help members and their families who live in this state with any questions they may have concerning their benefits. This hall will also help us in another way—recruiting young Alaskans who want to join the SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Seafarers LOG 17 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:21 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN ASHLEY Pensioner John Ashley, 76, passed away Sept. 10. Brother Ashley launched his seafaring career in 1964. The New York-born mariner initially sailed in the engine department of a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Ashley retired in 1995; he last shipped aboard the Achiever. He called Houston home. ROCCO CARUSO Pensioner Rocco Caruso, 83, died Sept. 10. Brother Caruso joined the union in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the John B. Waterman. Brother Caruso was born in Italy and sailed in the deck department. He last worked aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Caruso went on pension in 1979. He lived in Baltimore. JAMES GARD Pensioner James Gard, 78, passed away Sept. 21. Brother Gard, who was born in Fort Pierce, Fla., began sailing with the SIU in 1946 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Brother Gard’s first voyage was on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The steward department member’s last voyage was aboard the Horizon Crusader. Brother Gard became a pensioner in 1988. He resided in his native state. HARRY JONES Pensioner Harry Jones, 67, died Aug. 21. Brother Jones started sailing with the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Tennessee and worked in the steward department. Brother Jones last worked on the President Roosevelt. He made his home in Randallstown, Md. and began receiving his pension in 1997. TIMOTHY LARUE Brother Timothy Larue, 47, passed away Aug. 3. He joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Larue’s first voyage was aboard the Boston. He worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Larue most recently shipped on the Atlantic. The West Virginiaborn mariner made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. CHARLES MacDONALD Pensioner Charles MacDonald, 79, died July 1. Brother MacDonald joined the SIU in 1953. The Canadian-born mariner initially 18 Seafarers LOG sailed on board a Sprogue Steamship vessel. Brother MacDonald was a member of the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Innovator. Brother MacDonald retired in 1988. He was a resident of Las Vegas. VINCENTE ORTIZ Pensioner Vincente Ortiz, 79, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Ortiz commenced his seafaring career in 1958. His first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Ortiz, who was born in Puerto Rico, worked in the steward department until 1993, when he went on pension. He lived in West Palm Beach, Fla. ANTHONY PALINO Pensioner Anthony Palino, 79, died Aug. 7. Brother Palino was a native of New Jersey. He became a member of the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Palino’s first voyage was on the Steel Navigator. He sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Horizon Trader. Brother Palino called Fort Lauderdale, Fla. home. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1991. HERIBERTO VAZQUEZ Pensioner Heriberto Vazquez, 77, passed away Aug. 19. Brother Vazquez began his seafaring career in 1957. His first trip to sea was on the Banner, where he sailed in the engine department. Brother Vazquez’s last voyage was aboard the Carolina. He was a resident of his native Puerto Rico and became a pensioner in 1994. JOHN WALKEN Pensioner John Walken, 93, died Sept. 8. Brother Walken joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Company vessel in the deck department. Brother Walken, who was born in Germany, last shipped on board the Resource. He lived in Howell, N.J. and went on pension in 1979. 1983, Brother Williams sailed on the Long Island. He lived in Brookhaven, N.Y. KIRBY WRIGHT Pensioner Kirby Wright, 80, died Aug. 23. Brother Wright became an SIU member in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Steel Survey. Brother Wright, who worked in the deck department, last sailed on the Voyager. He resided in his native state of North Carolina and began receiving his retirement pay in 1985. INLAND ROBERT HIEL Pensioner Robert Hiel, 70, passed away Sept. 1. Boatman Hiel started his seafaring career in 1978 in Detroit. He sailed in both the inland and Great Lakes divisions. Boatman Hiel’s first ship was the Niagara. Born in Detroit, he was a member of the steward department. Boatman Hiel most recently shipped on an OLS Transport vessel. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Punta Gorda, Fla. CLAUDIE JONES Pensioner Claudie Jones, 64, died Aug. 3. Boatman Jones donned the SIU colors in 1967. His first trip was on a Dixie Carriers vessel. Boatman Jones was a member of the deck department. He was born in North Carolina and made his home in Leesburg, Ga. Boatman Jones went on pension in 1997. JOHN NOLDE Pensioner John Nolde, 82, passed away Aug. 18. Born in Pennsylvania, Boatman Nolde joined the union in 1943 in the port of New York. He initially shipped on the Southern District. Before retiring in 1982, he worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. Boatman Nolde was a resident of Philadelphia. JOSEPH PULLEN Pensioner Joseph Pullen, 83, died Aug. 2. Boatman Pullen launched his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard the Zane Grey. Boatman Pullen last sailed on a Gulf Canal Lines vessel. Boatman Pullen, who called Westwego, La. home, started collecting his pension in 1989. WILLIAM WILLIAMS Pensioner William Williams, 85, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Williams was born in Virginia. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Williams initially shipped aboard the Sandchief. He was a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring in GREAT LAKES HOMER BUCK Pensioner Homer Buck, 73, died Oct. 8. Brother Buck embarked on his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of Detroit. He was a native of Altoona, Pa. and worked in the deck department. Brother Buck first sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. His last voyage was aboard the Saint Clair. Brother Buck started collecting his pension in 1996. He lived in Cleveland. PAUL CREGUER Pensioner Paul Creguer, 81, passed away Sept. 12. Brother Creguer joined the union in 1965 in the port of Fort Lauderdale. He was born in Elkton, Mich. and worked in the deck department. Brother Creguer first sailed on the Huron Portland Cement. His last voyage was aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Creguer became a pensioner in 1990. He made his home in Oscoda, Mich. STEVEN LUKOWSKI Brother Steven Lukowski, 48, died July 20. He joined the SIU in 2001 in Detroit. Brother Lukowski’s first ship was the Richard J. Reiss. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Lukowski most recently shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. He was a resident of Alpena, Mich. GEORGE MILLER Pensioner George Miller, 78, passed away July 2. Brother Miller was born in Lewistown, Pa. and began sailing with the union in 1963 in the port of Detroit. Brother Miller initially worked aboard a Rockport Steamship Company vessel. The deck department member last shipped on the American Mariner. Brother Miller retired in 1992. He called Mifflin, Mass. home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust have passed away. FRANK THEILER JOSE ALVARADO Pensioner Frank Theiler, 73, passed away Sept. 27. Boatman Theiler was a Texas native. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Boatman Theiler shipped primarily on vessels operated by Galveston Wharves. He retired in 1998 and made his home in Rural, Texas. Pensioner Jose Alvarado, 93, passed away June 18. Brother Alvarado joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of Baltimore, Md. The Puerto Rico-born mariner first sailed on the Lincoln Steffen. Brother Alvarado, who last sailed on a Mormac Isle vessel, became a pensioner in 1967. THOMAS KANE Pensioner Thomas Kane, 81, died June 16. Brother Kane embarked on his seafaring career in 1965, initially sailing from the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the American Contractor. Brother Kane, who was born in Sacramento, Calif., last shipped aboard the Admiralty Bay. He retired in 1987. VINCENT MEDEIROS Pensioner Vincent Medeiros, 84, passed away June 26. Brother Medeiros was born in Hawaii and joined the NMU in 1941, first shipping on the Ivy Harbor. He went on pension in 1978. YU TANG Pensioner Yu Tang, 81, died June 15. Brother Tang donned the NMU colors in 1963, first sailing aboard the Hope. He was born in China. During his seafaring career, Brother Tang worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the American Marketer. Brother Tang began receiving his retirement pay in 1986. ARCHIBALD TROTT Pensioner Archibald Trott, 98, passed away June 28. Brother Trott joined the NMU in 1947 in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was on the Lady Somers. Brother Trott was born in the West Indies and shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1972, he sailed aboard the Mormac Sky. JAMES WHITFIELD Pensioner James Whitfield, 80, died June 16. Brother Whitfield became an NMU member in 1944 in the port of New York. The New Haven, Conn. native worked in the engine department. Brother Whitfield last worked on the Santa Cruz. He began collecting his pension in 1970. May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:30 PM Page 19 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. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Ship Management), March 27— Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Rocel C. Alvarez, Deck Delegate Francis Johnson, Engine Delegate Carlos Ventura, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvill. Chairman announced April 1 payoff in Lake Charles, La. Secretary expressed gratitude for help in keeping mess hall and house clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to contribute to SPAD and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He also discussed new ID cards (TWIC). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter read from Port Everglades patrolman pertaining to vacation policy. Next ports: Tampa, Fla.; Lake Charles. GALENA BAY (OSG Ship Management), March 27— Chairman Al Caulder, Secretary Fausto D. Aranda, Educational Director Mark E. Sawin. Chairman announced arrival in Tampa, Fla. and expected union representative to come aboard. Secretary thanked DEUs for job well done. Educational director requested clarification regarding cost of living increases for pension benefits. He also stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for great food. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Company), March 6—Chairman Timothy B. Fogg, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate David L. Parks, Engine Delegate Gary M. Bartlett, Steward Delegate James M. Callahan. Chairman talked about the upcoming MARS cable installation project. He also read report from headquarters pertaining to sleep deprivation and reminded all Seafarers to get proper amount of rest. Educational director urged Seafarers to check document expiration dates. He noted it is taking 4-6 months to renew documents, sometimes longer. Mariners can renew documents one year in advance. Treasurer stated $3,500 in ship’s fund. Cigarettes will be sold only when ship is at sea (per directive of captain). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications were posted as they were received. Suggestions were made concerning contract and lowering retirement age. Members also requested clarification on manning scale for crew when ship goes out on projects. With such a large crew, members were asked to help keep areas clean, especially laundry room and crew lounge. Next ports: San Francisco; Portland, Ore. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), March 25— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Deck Delegate Sangie Mohamed, Steward Delegate Enrique A. Garrido. Chairman announced March 27 payoff before arrival in Oakland, Calif. He informed crew members that May 2007 ship is due for layup in May. Two new ships have joined the fleet, the Horizon Hawk and Horizon Hunter. Secretary advised crew to have books ready for patrolman upon arrival in Oakland and to read Seafarers LOG to keep informed of union and maritime issues. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and keep all paperwork in order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to chief steward and his galley gang. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), March 26—Chairman Steven L. Bush, Secretary Donald C. Spangler, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett, Steward Delegate Kenneth E. Huddleston. Chairman reported dryer was out of order and there are no spare parts. Electrician is working on problem, and it will be brought to captain’s attention. Secretary welcomed everyone aboard ship’s first crossing and thanked them for working so hard to bring Hawk into service. Educational director advised Seafarers to stay up to date on upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to have option of direct deposit for vacation pay as well as numerous sug- MAERSK NEBRASKA (EShips), March 19—Chairman Frederick L. Gathers, Secretary Luis A. Caballero. Chairman expressed need to retain copy of SIU minutes and standard freighter agreement aboard ship. Educational director urged crew to read Seafarers LOG to find out information about courses offered at Piney Point. Beefs and disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew requested clarification on transportation to and from vessel. Request made for new DVD player in crew lounge and new refrigerator for pantry. MAERSK VERMONT (E-Ships), March 25—Chairman Jim Joyce, Secretary Robert J. Bostick. Chairman encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members expressed concern over the condition of rooms at payoff. Suggestion made to have vacation checks sent home and to increase pension payments. Next port: New York. Aboard the Global Patriot The Seafarers pictured here were aboard the Global Patriot when union representatives from the port of Norfolk serviced the vessel March 14 in Sunny Point, N.C. Oiler Jeffrey Murray Oilers Spencer Reed and Bentley Arrundell ABs Steven Kroner, Rotilio Alvarez and Arnel Resurreccion Bosun John Habib and AB James Ray Crew members were thanked for smooth and safe trip. Next ports: Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), March 18 – Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega-Mercado, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Hadwan, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman thanked everyone for working together as a team and announced April 6 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He asked crew to have union books and dues ready for boarding patrolman and also warned Seafarers to keep MMDs and passports current or chance losing a job. Secretary thanked fellow crew members for smooth, safe voyage and reminded them to “Be alert; don’t get hurt.” Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or gestions for improvements as ship settles into a routine. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 2— Chairman Joseph R. Colangelo, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro. Chairman informed crew payoff would take place after union meeting. Ship has just returned from foreign articles and must clear customs and immigration in San Juan before they can go ashore. Educational director encouraged members to contribute to SPAD and renew documents before they expire. Treasurer stated $6,186.85 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made to increase pension and medical benefits. Request made for new chairs in crew lounge and crew mess as well as box springs in crew rooms. QEE Terry Wilcox OVERSEAS HOUSTON (OSG Ship Management), March 4— Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Paul Hackney, Engine Delegate Anjwar Brooks, Steward Delegate Hayes Johnson. Chairman stated captain will purchase adapters (not converters) for 220 outlets. E-mail will come online March 5 and there is now a proper mailing address. He also let crew know that e-deposits are available and gave steps to follow to initiate it. Mariners were asked to refrain from talking in hall and playing TVs or music at high volume from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Educational director discussed TWIC information from February Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to increase medical benefits, reinstitute penalty meal hours and standardize all contracts. Bosun reminded crew of SIU’s traditional mess room courtesies: no hats, tanks tops or flip flops. Next ports: Texas City, Texas; Port Everglades, Fla.; Charleston, S.C. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), March 30—Chairman William M. Richards, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Rudolph C. Maycock. Chairman announced New Jersey payoff along with a crew change. He thanked all departments for safe trip and for helping keep rooms and main house clean. Secretary reminded departing members to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. He also advised everyone to check expiration dates on all documents. Educational director noted the importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for excellent meals. LIBERTY (Interocean American Shipping), April 1—Chairman Erik P. Penia, Secretary Stephen A. Bird, Deck Delegate Paul M. McDonell, Engine Delegate Bernard Corbett, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman spoke about how ARC and Interocean American Shipping have grown in recent years—a positive sign. Secretary requested information about status of new contract and discussed need for continual upgrading of skills to keep up with ever-changing industry. Treasurer noted arrival of two new pieces of gym equipment. The gym is looking good, and the crew is reaping the rewards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made that laundry machines be fixed or replaced and that transformers be installed in each cabin so crew can use their 110v gear. Bosun thanked galley gang for good food and keeping up morale. Next port: Baltimore, Md. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), April 1—Chairman Felix A. Santiago, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Deck Delegate Paul I. Castillo, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman reported good voyage with good crew and announced April 2 payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Elizabeth; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), April 4—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Allan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Steven E. Dubley, Engine Delegate Melgar D. Daguio, Steward Delegate Enrico S. LaMarca. Chairman discussed new contract, which will be retroactive to Oct. 1, 2006. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean. He also praised Chief Cook LaMarca for great meals and GVA for keeping house so clean. Educational director asked everyone to check document dates and renew early, not when they are just about to expire. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners requested new washer and dryer combo in crew laundry. Members were asked to return DVDs when finished viewing them. Next ports: Port Angeles and Anacortes, Wash.; Valdez, Alaska. Seafarers LOG 19 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:09 PM Page 20 Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Memories from 1943 Voyage The following story (and many others) was told to me by my late husband, Milton Robinson, who was an SIU seaman. He joined the SIU in 1941 and retired in 1969. He was very proud of the SIU because he was “in” on the early days. Of course, during that time, many labor unions were formed for the working men and women of the day. Shipwrecked I signed on to the Liberty ship SS James Withycombe as boatswain in Mobile, Ala. on Nov. 16, 1943 along with other guys making up the crew from Mobile. She was loaded with cargo. We sailed south from Mobile toward the Panama Canal en route to a port in the Far East. Approaching the Canal was a stretch of seas marked “shallow” and “not navigable.” We became too close to these waters during a terrible storm and unfortunately were grounded. We were to be rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The order came: “Abandon ship!” The Coast Guard was standing by very shortly and threw us ropes, buoys and other equipment for the rescue. We could take nothing with us except the clothes on our backs. The last to leave the ship were the captain, first mate and me. There was no thought of anything but getting off the dangerous vessel that was being battered by the wind against the rocks and the treacherous seas. The Coast Guard let us off at the nearest island that was occu- pied by a U.S. Navy base, and they had a clothing store there that furnished clothes for the Navy personnel. So, our “wardrobes” consisted of Navy outfits in various sizes and ranks. We had quite a hilarious time or two when we would be mistaken for Navy officers and get saluted. Later we were flown back to Tampa by the steamship company, paid off and returned to our home port of Mobile. There, we registered at the SIU hall and sailed on another trip out. There was never a time in my life that was fearful of the sea, or regretted my service as a merchant mariner. In fact, even during times of war, I still loved the open seas. The foreign countries and the many interesting people I met were unforgettable. As told by Milton Robinson To his wife of 64 years, Doris Robinson Mobile, Alabama SIU President’s Column Hits Mark Thank you for the wonderful, straightforward article on the condition of America and outsourcing (President’s column, April 2007 issue). After seven years as a reservations agent in a call center specializing in the hospitality industry, the reservations department where I worked was let go due to the outsourcing of our jobs to New Brunswick, Canada. The database department was outsourced to India. As a result, approximately 120 American jobs are gone. The company started to push for outsourcing about five years ago and sent other clients up to Canada for reservations. At that time there were no layoffs but still the jobs are sitting in Canada. We were given a 60-day notice. We were continually being thanked for the great job we had done—in writing and with a catered lunch—and were Know Your Rights even told we were welcome to attend the annual employee appreciation party where the management arranging the outsourcing (and so proud of the job we were doing) attended. We endured people from India wandering around the office while employees were told to teach them their jobs. “Morally bankrupt” is such an appropriate term in describing outsourcing. Meanwhile, the replacements from India just weren’t “getting it” and still needed to be trained. Some database management personnel stayed behind and some of the employees scheduled to be laid off March 9 were asked to stay and help finish the training. It’s one thing when you are told that you must train a replacement and you do it because you don’t want to be let go without that severance package. It’s another thing to smile and go out to lunch with your replacement while they’re stealing your job. The article mentioned America West and U.S. Airways. My concern is this: Why did they really bring reservations back to the U.S.? If it’s the language barrier, what is to prevent management from considering Canada in the future? It’s still cheap labor but now you have people who speak the English language and can be understood. Where do we go from here? Companies are importing foreign labor illegally and American jobs are being exported. I boycott American-based companies that outsource their reservations/customer service departments. The conflict with American-based hotels is that they do employ American workers—union and non-union. All Americans owe a debt to all true, strong and upstanding union members. Fran Codispoti Scottsdale, Arizona Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month—as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices—a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM 5/07 (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ___________________ Other _______________________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 20 Seafarers LOG FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:33 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for most of 2007. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. FOWT June 18 August 13 October 8 July 13 September 7 November 2 Junior Engineer July 16 September 7 Machinist June 18 July 9 July 6 July 27 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Pumpman* July 9 July 20 July 30 August 10 Advanced Refrigerated Container May 21 June 15 Welding May 7 June 11 August 6 October 1 October 29 May 25 June 29 August 24 October 19 November 16 (*must have tankerman familiarization/ assistant cargo (DL) AND machinist) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 28 July 9 August 20 October 1 June 22 August 3 September 14 October 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 18 October 22 June 22 October 26 Celestial Navigation July 9 August 3 GMDSS August 13 August 24 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 14 June 25 August 6 September 17 October 29 May 25 July 6 August 17 September 28 November 9 Radar June 4 October 8 June 15 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) June 25 October 29 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting July 9 July 20 Fast Rescue Boat May 21 June 25 July 23 August 27 May 25 June 29 July 27 August 31 Basic Safety Training Classes are conducted weekly Government Vessels May 14 May 28 June 25 July 16 August 6 September 17 November 5 May 18 June 1 June 29 July 20 August 10 September 21 November 9 Medical Care Provider July 23 July 27 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 4 September 24 November 26 June 15 October 5 December 7 June 4 August 13 June 8 August 17 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Steward Upgrading Courses (*must have basic fire fighting) Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning April 30, 2007. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 21 July 16 September 10 June 15 August 10 October 5 Bosun October 8 November 5 Steward July 9 August 6 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Recertification Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Yes No Home Port _____________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2007 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/30/2007 3:38 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 684 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 684. They include (in alphabetical order) Diego Barbosa, Patrick Brill, Theodore Butler, William Cruz, Felix DeArmas, Dante DeMcCutae, Jarrod Fluitt, Fred Green, Daniel Griffin, Anthony Hill, Joseph Jacobs, Arthur Jones, James Knute, Clarence Lee Jr., Clayton Lupton, Christopher McAfee, Joshue McAtee, David McRoy, Pascal Moise, Travis Moody, Walter Nordora, Vivian Norfleet, Gil Quinones, Ronaldo Quinones, Junior Tanaka, David Weeks and Dominique Wilson. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB course March 30 are (in no specif- ic order) Rolando Salamat, Raul Vargas, Algernon Reed, Dominic Gilmartin, Kevin Stehlik, Jeffery Griffin, Michael Moody, Steven Blair, Maxine Howard, Samuel Thatcher, James Alaniz, Ian Chin, Marvin Herman III, Christen Christensen, Joseph Brown, Nicasio Arzu, Juan Ortiz and Richard Perez. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Cargo Handling — Students in the mates program recently completed FOWT — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the FOWT course March 23 are (in no specific order) Nicholas Bridges, Nicholas Gattuso, Drew Barth, Edwin Feliciano, Derek King, Christina Earhart, Jimmie Williams Jr., Theo Martin, Antoine Best, Jeffery Novak, Mervin Cruzat, Marion Cruzat, Catherine Clark, Lee Patrick, Dallon Garnett, Richard DeLaCruz, Timothy Hetz, Michael Lais, Reginald Miller, LeGarrius Jones, Jamal Ricks, Melvin Ratcliff Jr., David Grasso, Peter McGlow and Peter Garwood. cargo handling as well as coastal navigation. They are (in no specific order) Adam Emanuel, Robert Stone, Philip Wright, David Lane II, Darrel Konce, Clyde McNatt, Joey Lupton, Jay Templet, Scott Chew, Kesse Kesse and James Raney. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is second from left. Z-Drive — Under the direction of Mike Smith (far left) are boatmen from Express Marine who graduated from the Zdrive training March 9. They are (from the left) Doug Covil, Gil Pruitt, Jonathan West, Keith Kirkeide, Jeffrey Fackett and Capt. Greg Brooks (who also instructed the course). STCW — Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (back row,center) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Showing their certificates of achievement are (from left, seated) Paul Amato, Emilia Woodin and Muniru Adam and (from left, standing) Stephen Riccobene and Roger Dillinger Jr. 22 Seafarers LOG Seafarers completing the STCW course March 20 are (in alphabetical order) Yunlay Bridges, Larry Florip, Christopher Follmar, Arthur Horner, Getolio Medallo, Abraham Mills and Jessie Parente. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (fourth from right) are March 2 graduates of the welding class (in alphabetical order) Muniru Adam, Roger Dillinger Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Lawrence Guerrero, Cynthia Harris, Mark Kane, Stephen Riccobene and William Scott. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24x:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:56 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Cook — Students who completed the course for chief cooks in May are (from the left) Abdmutaali Muhammad, Luisa Oben, Robeson Carrier, Benny Samosan, Cynthia Espinda, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Ismael Garayua, Alyxsi Alexander and Javier Delosreyes. Radar — G&H Towing boatmen who completed the radar course March 16 under the instruction of Herb Walling (far right) are (in no specific order) William Riggs, Jonathan Batten, Sean Lafrage, Albert Tircuit III, Matthew Hargrove IV and Lionel Hall. Junior Engineer — Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase II apprentices graduated March 16 from tankerman assistant courses. They are (in no specific order) Gillis Angeron III, Sheldon Brittain, Dante McCutac, Ronaldo Quinones, Charles Naze, Paul San Nicolas, David Weeks, James Knute, Kendra Gardner, Patrick Brill, Destinie LeBlanc, Peter Dudoit III, Hussein Mohsen, Awal SyiaFullah, Travis Moody, Ekedra Turner, Quintonio Walden, Arthur Doherty, Pascal Moise, Jojuan Carey, Jason Devine, Anson John, David McRoy Jr., Junior Tanaka, Clarence Lee Jr., Joseph Jacobs, Christopher McAfee, Quince Harrington, Theodore Butler, Edward Kelly, Jesse Lewis, Fred Green, Bradley Wade, Nick Johnston, Gil Quinones, Walter Nodora, Vivian Norfleet, Joel Marcano, Catherine Jones, William Cotea and SIU upgrader Reynaldo Bangcot. With their instructor Jay Henderson (far left) are Seafarers who completed the junior engineer course March 2. They are (in no specific order) Robert Bruning II, Orlando Herrera, Stephen Riccobene, Antoine Rainey, Brandon Granger, Greg McKinnon, Reginald Glover, James Oling, Muniru Adam, Daryl Thomas, Jim Brown, Jerome Culbreth, Nicholas Collins, Cynthia Harris, Scott Spilman, James McDade, Lon Molnar, Yuriy Khitrenko, Roger Dillinger Jr., Anthony Alibah, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert and Antonio Watson. STCW — STCW — NCL, March 20: Natalie Acosta, Daniel Armendariz, La’Triva Ashe, Brock Aston, Jennifer Baltes, Matthew Bendus, Edward Bersamin, Juan Bishaw, Carly Black, Rikki Bowers, Karen Bowman, Meg Brigowatz, Janine Bryant, Christopher Budding, Justin Bultz, John Casey, Amanda Chedester, Darnita Clonts, Grant Coates, Jay Cole, Cristin Collier and Andreas Corbett. STCW — NCL, March 20: Robin Kent, Kate Krieg, Anthony Kupkowski, Roxie Lara, Joseph Lewis, Karen Limpert, Sherian Lutton, Ryan MacDonald, David McCollum, Peter Medellin, Chaunci Peeples, Brenda Pettit, Kenneth Porter, Reba Repinski, Desirae Rhoads, John Richardson, Shanna Richardson, Christopher Riess, Danny Rios, Stephanie Robinson and Jeffrey Roloff. May 2007 NCL, March 20: Brittney Coursey, Sterling Cuffee, Lee Eliason, Nakethia Evans, William Frazelle, Jacquelyn Fulton, Paul Gerischer, Stefanie Glidden, Heriberto Graniela, Scott Hake, Monica Hanks, Mackenze Harris, Sharnon Harris, Allison Haynes, Andrew Houser, Llamar Jackson, Paul Janusky, Kelly Jendeski, Curtis Johnson, Kenyatta Johnson, Elizabeth Jones and George Kauffman. STCW — NCL, March 20: Nancy Chapman, Abigail Coleman, Whitney Edghill, Darlene Labrador, Joseph Mauro, Kathy Sandrock, Quae Simpson, Dawn South, Brandon Stone, Tiffany Stone, Brandice Sykes, Matthew Toves, Donald Voss and Krystal Walters. Their instructor, Mike Daras, is at far left. Seafarers LOG 23 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24x:2007-May 5/1/2007 1:42 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 5 May 2007 National Maritime Day May 22, 2007 In memory of American seafarers who lost their lives in service to their country. Smooth Sailing Aboard USNS Loyal SIU-Crewed Surveillance Ship Bolsters MSC Special Mission Fleet T he SIU-crewed USNS Loyal is an oceanographic surveillance vessel that is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Special Mission Ships Program. SA John Seibel recently submitted the photos accompanying this story, following a voyage aboard the Loyal, which is operated for MSC by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. He noted that due to the nature of some of the assignments given to surveillance ships, crew members discuss few if any specific details of those missions. However, he did say that during the recent voyage, which included stops in Okinawa and Yokohama, Japan, “we had a very good Bosun Denyse Sineath handles the ship’s crane during a loading operation. and hard-working SIU crew. Everyone did their jobs with the professionalism that’s expected of us. It was smooth sailing all the way.” According to MSC, the Loyal is one of five oceanographic surveillance vessels in the agency’s 23-ship Special Mission Program. Altogether, those ships “provide operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military and federal government missions. Oceanographic and hydrographic surveys, underwater surveillance, missile flight data collection and tracking, acoustic surveys and submarine support are just a few of the specialized services this program supports. Special mission ships work for several different U.S. Navy customers, including The Seafarers-crewed USNS Loyal the Naval Sea Systems Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy.” MSC further notes that ships in the Special Mission Program average 25 days at sea and five days in port each month. Survey ships including the USNS Loyal “study the world’s oceans using multi-beam, wide-angle, precision hydrographic sonar systems to collect bathymetric data” and listen for undersea threats. The Loyal is 235 feet long and has a beam of 93 feet, 6 inches. The ship has a 25-foot draft and a displacement of slightly less than 3,400 long tons. Its speed is listOilers Robert Scott (left) and Noland Earl ed at 9.6 knots. Chief Steward Natalie Nunes whips up a fine breakfast for the hungry crew. Chief Cook Velicia Williams prepares a vegetable dish for the lunch crowd. Oiler Pete Gerber SA John Seibel Taking a quick break are (from left) AB Beverly Williams, Bosun Denyse Sineath and OS Dan Stavron. Seafarers secure the gangway in the port of Naha, Okinawa. Cheerfully waiting in the chow line are Navy Master Chief Johnson (left) and Navy Technician Mica Ingram (right) along with Chief Mate Stephen Reynolds. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRIDE OF HAWAII SCHEDULED FOR TEMPORARY MOVE TO EUROPE UNION SUBMITS MORE COMMENTS ABOUT TWIC, MMC PROGRAMS HORIZON LINES ADDS NEW VESSELS NEW ATB FREEPORT WELCOMED BY SIU YORKTWON EXPRESS JOINS U.S. MSP FLEET SIU SHIPS HEAD FOR IRAQ IN SUPPORT OF U.S. TROOPS BILL INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE U.S. MARINER CREDENTIALING EXPRESS MARINE’S NEWEST ADDITION IS TUGBOAT ‘DUTY’ FREE CHOICE ACT INTRODUCED IN SENATE CONGRESSIONAL HEARING EXAMINES DANGERS ON FOREIGN-FLAG CRUISES SHIPYARD WORKERS RATIFY CONTRACT NOTICE/REMINDER ANTHRAX IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM RESUMPTION YEARLY STATEMENTS MAILED TO SMPPP PARTICIPANTS SIU CIVMARS WIN FOOD SERVICE AWARDS MORE KUDOS FOR ERICSSON CALIF. GROCERY NEGOTIATIONS RESUME AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD REACHES MORE MILESTONES USNS STOCKHAM RESCUES 20 SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ LEGISLATION REINTRODUCED IN HOUSE AND SENATE SMOOTH SAILING ABOARD USNS LOYAL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2007 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 69, No. 5 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c8df30f5998dfbaf9259e3c21a5b0d3a.pdf 662a5338be0dcb00a4ccb570b6430c87 PDF Text Text 47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 5 May 2008 4th OSG Tanker Delivered Additional Construction Continues At Aker Philadelphia Shipyard The Seafarers-contracted tanker Overseas New York (above), built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, was delivered April 11. SIU-contracted OSG America will operate the new tanker as well as the others in the yard’s current build program. Three more tankers are under construction at Aker Philadelphia, including the two pictured at left. Page 3. Government Services Division Welcomes New T-AKE Ship U.S. Navy Photo The dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (left) is launched April 6 during a nighttime christening at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The ship is the sixth vessel in the Navy’s new T-AKE series. It will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division and, like others in the program, will deliver vital cargo to Navy ships at sea, allowing them to remain under way, on station and combat-ready for extended periods. Page 4. Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25 The federally mandated deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is Sept. 25, 2008. At left, Seafarer Marqualis Matthews enrolls for the credential at the designated office in La Plata, Md. For a list of enrollment centers and other information concerning the TWIC program, see pages 12-13. Stewards Reflect on Union, School The SIU’s newest recertified stewards (left) graduated April 7 from their class in Piney Point, Md. During the monthly membership meeting, the Seafarers shared insightful views on the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Pictured from left to right are Roderick Clay, Robert Easley, Grady Ingram, Charles Brooks, James Cameron, Josue Iglesia Jr. and Hazel Johnson Jr. Page 7. Safety Milestone for ATC Page 6 Another Honor for Horizon Falcon Page 9 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 2 President’s Report Honoring U.S. Mariners This month, our industry looks forward to National Maritime Day on May 22. It’s a day of appropriate recognition for the U.S. Merchant Marine, first approved by Congress 75 years ago. Some of the Maritime Day observances in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere at times have focused on the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital, heroic role in World War II. Those ceremonies are deeply appreciated and quite fitting. But, National Maritime Day is about the whole history of the nation’s mariners, right up to present day. After all, the original Michael Sacco Congressional resolution establishing the day was enacted in 1933, some eight years before America entered WWII. The overall sentiment of Maritime Day was captured quite well in the opening lines of the 2007 presidential proclamation: “America has a proud maritime history, and the United States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in helping meet our country’s economic and national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our freedom.” Today’s Seafarers are proudly upholding the traditions of “promoting and protecting” the United States of America. For example, SIU members recently helped our armed forces achieve a milestone with deliveries of MRAPs, a relatively new military vehicle that is literally a lifesaver for our troops who are serving in harm’s way. Seafarers have answered the call from the very first moments of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, just as we did in World War II, when more than 1,200 of our members made the ultimate sacrifice. Away from the spotlight, SIU members steadily continue getting the job done in the commercial sector, sailing aboard tankers, containerships, tugboats and other vessels that contribute to the nation’s economy and economic security. This month also marks the annual convention of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, an organization mostly composed of mariners who sailed in World War II, but one that enthusiastically welcomes today’s mariners, too. The SIU in recent years has supported the AMMV’s push to enact legislation calling for compensation to World War II mariners or their surviving spouses. We will continue supporting the bill, titled The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. To our brothers and sisters in the AMMV, many of whom sailed SIU, I say, “Don’t give up the fight.” As you know, it took more than 40 years to secure veterans’ status for the WWII mariner. The numbers have thinned, but this is a group that’s not easily deterred. The bottom line is that recognizing the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II at National Maritime Day ceremonies is heartwarming and proper. It certainly would be no less appropriate to show our country’s gratitude by enacting the Belated Thank You bill. From the Heart On occasion, Seafarers may have heard me say that in many ways I view the SIU as a big family, rather than just a union. I don’t care if it sounds corny because the sentiment comes straight from the heart. That feeling was reinforced last month when I heard the graduation speeches of the seven SIU members who just completed recertification at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They come from different backgrounds, and their individual stories have unique elements. But, the common thread is that they found a home in the SIU – and they have wisely taken advantage of the career opportunities here to make a good living and provide for their families. In the long run, that’s what the SIU is all about. We are proud to be part of America’s fourth arm of defense. We are proud to represent the world’s best-trained crews. We are proud of our contracts and our productive, respectful relationships with other unions and other entities from throughout the maritime industry, whether we’re talking about labor, management, government or the military. We most definitely are proud of our affiliated school in Piney Point. But first and foremost, we are about jobs and job security – and, by extension, helping SIU members and their families live the American dream. Volume 70, Number 5 SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) presents Maritime Union of Australia General Secretary Paddy Crumlin (left) with an honorary SIU book as well as a ship’s wheel commemorating the 10th anniversary of a key event in MUA history. SIU QMED Mike Fay (center), son of the late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, a close ally of the MUA, takes part in the presentation Secretary-Treasurer Carries Solidarity Message to MUA SIU’s Heindel also Emphasizes Grassroots Political Action SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel last month discussed the importance of solidarity and grassroots political action when he addressed the Maritime Union of Australia’s national conference in Sydney. Heindel, who addressed the approximately 450 delegates, guests and MUA officers attending the week-long event, also presented an honorary SIU book and ship’s wheel to MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin, the union’s top official. Officers from several other international unions also spoke at the convention, including representatives from the International Longshoremen’s Association; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; Britain-based National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT); South African Transport and Allied Workers Union; Australian Workers’ Union; Maritime Union of New Zealand; All Japan Seamen’s Union; and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (based in Australia). Speakers from various labor federations including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) – on which Heindel serves as first vice chair of the Seafarers’ Section – also spoke at the conference, which took place April 7-11. The convention occurred during the 10th anniversary of the Patrick dispute, a difficult but crucial and historic triumph for the MUA. That fight involved the attempted firings and forcible removal from the workplace of some 2,000 union dockworkers. Much of the conference focused on organizing and political action, with emphasis on how unions and labor federations from around the world can best work together in order to promote and protect workers’ rights. During his address on April 8, Heindel commended Crumlin and the entire MUA for the union’s overall practical approach, whatever the task. He noted that although the most effective methods for achieving gains on the waterfront or aboard ship have changed over many decades, unions must remain diligent at all times. “In the maritime industry, whether seagoing or stevedoring, nothing can be taken for granted,” Heindel said. “We have to fight on a daily basis to protect our memberships and their interests. Our unions have always had to fight – we took to the streets for higher wages, the eight-hour work day, health care, and the list goes on and on…. “The bottom line is that in much the same way that national government affects our members, international treaties, international laws and their application at the state level profoundly impacts not only the rank-and-file but the unions themselves. So do the policies and agreements we’re able to forge through the ITF, ILO and the IMO, among others.” He discussed U.S. maritime laws and what it takes to maintain support for those initiatives, including the U.S. Maritime Security Program and Jones Act. Heindel concluded, “Grassroots political action and solidarity are vital to both our organizations, not just locally or even nationally but internationally as well. I believe that our involvement in the ITF is nothing short of critical to our success and future, and just like the SIU needs to be in Washington with our eyes and ears open, our unions had better be in the international arena, too, representing the interests of our memberships. Being there might not assure victory, but being absent would ensure very undesirable results.” May 2008 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Delegates and guests show support for one of the speakers. 2 Seafarers LOG May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 3 Construction continues on Hull 009, another component of the tanker program. The Overseas New York is the fourth in a series of Seafarers-contracted double-hulled tankers delivered by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Tanker Overseas New York Delivered Keel Laying Takes Place for 10th Vessel Built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard The tanker program at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is progressing in timely and efficient fashion, including the delivery last month of the Overseas New York – the fourth Seafarers-contracted ship in a series of 12 scheduled for completion by early 2011. As previously reported, the program also features an “option agreement” for up to 13 additional doublehulled product tankers, meaning the total could reach 25 ships. The 600-foot-long Overseas New York was christened April 7 and delivered four days later. According to the shipyard, the newest ship, like the others in the program, will be leased for charter in the Jones Act market to SIU-contracted OSG America. “The Overseas New York and the other tankers that have already been delivered signify good news not just for the SIU but for the American maritime industry as a whole,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “When you see new, quality tonnage entering the domestic fleet, it represents shipboard and shore-side jobs and a boost to the economy.” Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President Dave Meehan stated, “Completion of this vessel is very significant, and not just because it is delivered on the very day we promised our investors three years ago. We have made the task of successfully building ships here in Philadelphia routine and expected. Still, we can never lose sight of the hard work and challenges overcome by the men and women who built this vessel. The Overseas New York is going to be a valuable addition to Aker American Shipping’s modern fleet of tankers.” A week before the christening, the shipyard conduct- ed a keel-laying ceremony for the sixth Veteran Class MT46 tanker (a ship scheduled for completion next year). As part of the ceremony, coins were placed under the keel block, recreating a longstanding shipbuilding tradition whereby special coins are hidden in the keel section of a vessel as a permanent symbol of good fortune and safe travels. That particular ship is the tenth constructed by the yard since 2000. Besides the other tankers already built (Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas Houston and Overseas Long Beach) or currently under construction, Aker Philadelphia also built four containerships for Seafarerscontracted Matson. Each tanker weights approximately 46,000 deadweight tons and is capable of transporting the equivalent of 14 million gallons of liquid product. NY Waterway Crews Approve 3-Year Pact Seafarers employed by NY Waterway have approved a new three-year contract that boosts wages and includes other gains. Members ratified the agreement while aboard the boat Bravest, with more than 75 percent of the votes in favor of the new contract. More than 100 Seafarers work at NY Waterway, a passenger ferry service that operates in New York and New Jersey. The SIU’s negotiating team consisted of Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi, Patrolman Joseph Baselice, Captain George Sullivan and Deckhand George Schumpp. Negotiations were reasonably smooth and took place over a six-month period. “The process was a great experi- ence,” stated Sullivan. “Members, the union and the company all worked well together in the process.” “It’s clearly a good contract,” Soresi said. “We didn’t lose a single job, and there is no increase in members’ out-of-pocket expenses for health care premiums for all three years. In this day and age, we all know how significant health care costs can be…. This is a mutually beneficial contract for the members and the company.” In addition to wage increases in each year of the agreement, the contract also returns members to the Seafarers Pension and Plan and allows, for the first time, participation in the separate Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. The union also secured an extra holiday (Presidents’ Day) for the crews. Seafarers aboard NY Waterway vessels transport tens of thousands of passengers each day, most of them commuters. The crews perhaps are best known for their heroic roles in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of 160,000 people from Manhattan. A few of the NY Waterway boats operated into the pre-dawn hours of the next day, providing help for emergency crews. Several SIU members rescued people who had fallen from piers into the water, most likely because of terrible visibility. Members of the SIU negotiating team included (from left) Deckhand Delegate George Schumpp, Captain Delegate George Sullivan and SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice. Also serving on the committee was SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. May 2008 U.S. Navy Photo Seafarers have delivered many MRAPs to U.S. troops. In this mid-January photo, the vehicles are ready for offload from the SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau in Kuwait. SIU Crews Contribute To MRAP Milestone The U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) last month announced a milestone in which SIU crews have played a key part. Namely, as of April 5, more than 5,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have been delivered to American troops in harm’s way. Many of the MRAPs have been delivered by SIUcrewed ships. “This is truly an achievement of all the military and commercial partners in this venture,” said Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of TRANSCOM. “These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe.” In announcing the milestone, TRANSCOM reported, “An earlier turning point occurred in late March. The number of vehicles delivered by sea exceeded the number airlifted to the area of operations. U.S. Transportation Command officials project that by the end of June, all MRAP vehicles will be shipped by sea.” The agency further noted, “The Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command scheduled ocean carrier deliveries by sea and handled port operations. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command delivered vehicles with its fast sealift ships and large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll off vessels as well as chartered commercial ships.” Seafarers LOG 3 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 4 Membership Receives President’s Pre-Balloting Report SIU President Michael Sacco has issued the pre-balloting report to the membership announcing general elections for the union’s officers will take place this year. The release of this report is called for in Article X, Section 1(e) of the SIU constitution. The report lists the various offices that will appear on the ballot. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2009 through 2012. A total 25 positions from president to port agent will appear on the ballot. In presenting the report, Sacco noted he has worked with the union’s executive board and port officials to appraise the needs of the SIU for the next four years and beyond, while considering changes that have occurred in the industry. Printed here is the full text of the 2008 pre-balloting report. May 5, 2008 Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my pre-balloting report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2009-2012 will commence on November 1, 2008 and continue through December 31, 2008. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our constitution, as amended and effective December 15, 2006, and such other voting procedures as our secretary-treasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our executive board and port representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the ever-changing demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2008 General Election of Officers for the term 2009-2012: 1 President 1 Executive Vice President 1 Secretary-Treasurer 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) port agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney Point. In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2008 and close August 15, 2008. The foregoing constitutes your president’s pre-balloting report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President Majestic Cruise Boat Evacuated Because of Engine Room Fire SIU President Meets with West Coast Boatmen SIU President Michael Sacco (right) last month had an informal meeting with Crowley boatmen from the West Coast who were upgrading at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Topics covered during the wide-ranging discussion on April 17 included the importance of grassroots political action; the Jones Act’s significance to the maritime industry; and training opportunities and credentialing requirements for mariners. Participants also discussed the U.S. Maritime Security Program and other key maritime initiatives. The Paul Hall Center offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses and has been in operation since 1967. The Majestic America Line passenger vessel Queen of the West was towed ashore and evacuated April 8 in Maryhill, Wash., following an engine room fire, according to newspaper accounts and a U.S. Coast Guard press release. The agency reported that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. In its news release, the Coast Guard noted, “The Queen of the West was beached in a controlled manner in the vicinity of Maryhill State Park, where the passengers were offloaded safely over the vessel’s bow ramp. The 124 passengers were transported by bus to Skamania Lodge, Ore. One crew member became wet while fighting the fire, and was taken to a local hospital after exhibiting signs of hypothermia. Three of the crew members were checked and released on scene for smoke inhalation.” Klickitat County (Wash.) emergency services personnel managed the disembarkation and processing of passengers. The Washington Department of Ecology organized precautionary shoreline protection operations along the river to address the risk of any oil pollution from the disabled vessel. Built in 1995, the Queen of the West is 230 feet long and has a maximum capacity of 142 passengers. The Associated Press described the fire as “the latest in a series of mishaps that have befallen cruise ships. A sister ship, Empress of the North, ran aground in March 2006 and was stuck for two days on a Columbia River sandbar near Washougal, Wash. A year later, the same ship ran aground in Alaska.” The Empress of the North also is operated by Majestic. Sixth T-AKE Joins MSC Fleet, CIVMARS Net More Jobs U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command Christens USNS Amelia Earhart During Ceremony at NASSCO Shipyard New tonnage and additional jobs for Seafarers took center stage April 4 in California when the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) launched the USNS Amelia Earhart. The newest ship in the Navy’s Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKE), the 698-foot vessel was launched during a nighttime ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. According to MSC, the ship slid into the water for the first time with red, white and blue streamers flowing from its bow and fireworks lighting the sky. Owned and operated by MSC, the USNS Earhart now is part of the command’s Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force and will be crewed by civil service mariners from the SIU’s Government Services Division. In addition to Seafarers and licensed mariners, the vessel also will be manned by a military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy sailors to provide supply coordination. Among the nearly 1,000 people present during the christening ceremony 4 Seafarers LOG were U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., and Logistics Group Western Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Nora Tyson. Davis delivered the ceremony’s principal address while Earhart’s niece, Amy Kleppner, served as ship’s sponsor. The launching ceremony included the time-honored Navy tradition of the sponsor breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship. Designated T-AKE 6, USNS Earhart is the sixth ship in the Navy’s new T-AKE class. These ships deliver ammunition, provisions, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s carrier strike groups at sea and other naval forces worldwide, allowing them to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time. The Earhart’s primary mission will be to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships. Like the other ships in the T-AKE class, the Earhart will have a sailing speed of 20 knots. “Being able to refuel at sea is essen- tial to our Navy’s ability to be forward deployed and remain strong in our global endeavors,” said Davis. “Today we bring this ship to life, and I look forward to the day we welcome her to the fleet.” The vessel is named in honor of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who was the first woman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. She received the award after completing a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart disappeared in 1937 over the central Pacific Ocean during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Since May 2005, six vessels—the USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1), USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and now the USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6)— have been delivered to MSC and crewed up by CIVMARS. The seventh ship of the class, the USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), currently is under construction at the San Diego shipyard. Keel laying for USNS Wally Schirra, the eighth dry cargo-ammunition ship in the T-AKE program, took place in San Diego on April 14. Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter recently named the ship in honor of the late Navy captain and original NASA pioneer. The Schirra is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the third quarter of 2009. NASSCO on April 21 began construction of the ninth ship of the Lewis and Clark class. The ship will be named later and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the first quarter of 2010. The T-AKE ship incorporates international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system to minimize operating costs over its projected 40-year service life. NASSCO has contracts to build 11 T-AKE ships. The Navy has options to build three additional ships for a total class of 14 vessels. May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 5 Detained in port for being unseaworthy, the Lady Belinda (above and lower right) also had low stores and a crew which hadn’t been paid for four months. Crew members are happy to receive their back pay, thanks to efforts by the ITF and the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union. SMOU President Robin Foo (toward the left, wearing a light, collared shirt and looking directly at the camera) is pictured with the mariners, standing behind the two who are kneeling. ITF, Singapore Union Assist Stranded Crew Federation Helps Secure $102,000 in Back Pay The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and its affiliated Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) recently secured back wages and assisted with repatriation for mariners who had been stranded aboard a runawayflag ship since early January. According to the federation, a crew of 22 mariners from the Greek-owned, North Korean-flagged MV Lady Belinda received $102,000 in back pay on April 5 in Singapore. Most of the seamen, all Indian nationals, had submitted requests to leave the vessel upon receiving their salaries, citing the ship’s unseaworthy condition. The stricken bulk carrier, fully laden with iron ore, became immobilized on Jan. 5 in the northern stretch of the Malacca Straits and had arrived under tow in Singapore on Jan. 14. The vessel had since been detained by the authorities for not being seaworthy. The crew had sought the help of the SMOU to recover up to four months of wages. SMOU President Capt. Robin Foo said that he was appalled at the condition of the vessel, which had a visible hole at its stern just above the water line, and at the food and water provisions for the crew, which were running low. “It is really distressing to see that seafarers are still being unscrupulously exploited, and the unsafe working conditions on board the unseaworthy vessel is a cause for concern for the industry,” he said. He added, “We are thankful for the assistance by the various seafaring welfare organizations, especially the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), who have helped with the humanitarian welfare of the seafarers and have assisted us with the wage recovery for the crew.” The vessel’s chief officer, G. Ramanamurthy, expressed his relief and thanked the ITF and SMOU. “When food provisions were critical, especially during the Easter weekend, SMOU came on board with food,” he said. “When we needed to contact our families, calling cards were provided and most importantly they helped us get our hard-earned wages. I will now go back to my family and will look out for a better vessel to work on board for my next voyage.” Junior Engineer Sheikh Yakub Umar added, “We never believed we could get our money back, but the ITF and SMOU have made it possible. I’m glad that the ordeal has almost come to an end.” Capt. Foo noted, “We’re very happy for the seafarers and it is very heartwarming as a unionist to see the joy on the faces of the seafarers who have finally received wages that they have been owed for many months and that they have worked very hard for.” He pointed out that there was still some unfinished business. “As the vessel is still unsafe and unseaworthy, we are now working to ensure that the vessel owner and the employers pay for the full repatriation of the seafarers on board and that they will continue to pay all additional wages incurred until the crew sign off the vessel and are repatriated.” The ITF is a global federation of 681 transport trade unions (including the SIU) which collectively represent 4.5 million workers in 148 countries. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel is first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. A runaway-flag or so-called flag-ofconvenience (FOC) ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. According to the ITF, “FOCs provide a means of avoiding labor regulation in the country of ownership, and become a vehicle for paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working conditions. Since FOC Steelmaker Calls for More Lakes Dredging So Nation Can Reinvest in American Jobs America’s largest integrated steelmaker has urged lawmakers to increase dredging on the Great Lakes as a way to reinvest in and retain quality jobs in America. Daniel J. Cornillie, an official at ArcelorMittal USA, Indiana Harbor, noted that because of the dredging crisis, it now takes a vessel that supplies iron ore to Indiana Harbor six trips to deliver what it did in five 20 years ago. “This math is being repeated across the U.S.flag Lakes fleet that delivered over 100 million tons last year. The constraint is the draft available, and the culprit is deferred dredging in the context of low Lake levels. With the current Great Lakes fleet at full utilization, this is forcing cargo to other modes of transportation at a multiple of fuel consumption.” May 2008 Cornillie, speaking before the 13th annual informational briefing for the Great Lakes delegation in Washington hosted by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, stressed that Great Lakes shipping “links the iron ore and stone from the north with the coal to the south. These are steelmaking’s primary inputs. It requires approximately 26 million tons per year of Lake-delivered raw materials to sustain ArcelorMittal’s production and jobs at its U.S. Lakes mills. That is approximately 3,000 tons of material per hour, 24/7. Without Great Lakes shipping to deliver these materials, these mills would not be here.” Decades of inadequate funding for dredging have produced a backlog of 18 million cubic yards of sediment that must be removed system-wide, accord- ing to the task force. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates it will cost more than $230 million to restore the Great Lakes navigation system to project dimensions. Cornillie, manager of marine and raw materials logistics for ArcelorMittal, noted that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which pays for dredging using taxes collected on waterborne commerce, has a surplus of more than $4 billion, and the cost of allowing vessels to again carry full loads “would be less than that recently spent on reconfiguring one freeway intersection south of Chicago.” He also focused on the environmental benefits of Great Lakes shipping. “In the current and future environment of energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the marine mode stands apart. ships have no real nationality, they are beyond the reach of any single national seafarers’ trade union. “The ITF has therefore been obliged to take on internationally the role traditionally exercised by national trade unions – to organize and negotiate on behalf of FOC crews. For 50 years the ITF, through its affiliated seafarers’ and dockers’ unions, has been waging a vigorous campaign against shipowners who abandon the flag of their own country in search of the cheapest possible crews and the lowest possible training and safety standards for their ships.” Lakes ships use only one-third to one-fifth of a horsepower per ton. If this ratio held true on the highway, you could move a semi with a lawnmower engine.” Cornillie further highlighted the employment potential that will result from increased dredging. “After years of industry rationalization, the average age of employees in these mills is in the 50s. Over the next 10 years this workforce will retire, opening jobs for today’s youth. This turnover has already started to a significant degree, and will accelerate – if we reinvest in the Lakes transportation system that enabled this job creation in the first place.” At the briefing, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (to which the SIU is affiliated) also presented its Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio). Rep. Tubbs Jones represents the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. The city is home to an ArcelorMittal mill that is also suffering from the dredging crisis. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force was founded in Toledo, Ohio, in 1992 to promote domestic and international Great Lakes shipping. It is the largest coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes shipping community and draws its membership from both labor and management representing U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, terminal operators, cargo shippers, shipyards and other Great Lakes interests. In addition to restoring adequate funding for dredging of Great Lakes ports and waterways, its goals include construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; preserving the domestic steelmaking infrastructure; and protecting the nation’s cabotage laws. Seafarers LOG 5 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 6 Marine Highway Initiative Shows Waterways’ Importance The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which contains provisions establishing a formal marine highway program within the federal government, was signed into law in December 2007. Under the law, marine highway or “short sea” trans- portation refers to the carriage by vessel of cargo in containers, loaded on the vessel by cranes or by means of wheeled technology. Specifically, the law requires the establishment of a program and the designation of transportation projects to miti- The Seafarers-crewed ATC fleet includes the Alaskan Explorer, pictured in Los Angeles. Alaska Tanker Company Safely Reaches Milestone How’s this for a winning streak? SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently reached what’s believed to be an unsurpassed safety milestone: more than six calendar years and 12 million man hours without a lost-time injury. In a communication dated March 30, ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur noted that the company also has not had “a single drop of crude oil spilled to sea in over five years. Since our inception in 1999, we have transported well over a billion barrels of crude oil out of Valdez, Alaska.” Others have noticed ATC’s outstanding safety record as the years pass. The Alaska State Legislature honored the company in 2006. Two years earlier, the U.S. Coast Guard did the same. ATC’s fleet includes four Seafarers-crewed vessels: the ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur, pictured in 2007 at the Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting, recently credited the SIU for significant contributions to the company’s outstanding safety record. 6 Seafarers LOG Alaska Class tankers Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator. Those ships transport Alaskan North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska, to refineries in Washington State, California and Hawaii. Many of the company’s mariners have undergone safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Mathur, in his recent missive, was characteristically quick in sharing credit for ATC’s latest achievements. “This remarkable performance by the ATC employees, ship and shore, has been enabled by our union leadership (SIU and MEBA), our contractors, our client BP Alaska, our owners, our external stakeholders and our regulators,” he said. “Meaningful and lasting results at this level require a supportive environment. I am very grateful to each of these entities.” He also conveyed a pragmatic view of what lies ahead, even while expressing profound appreciation for the “quality and thought that ATC employees put into their work that produces these extraordinary results.” Recognizing that safe operations are an unending goal, he added, “Each task we perform in ATC presents hazards that must be overcome anew in order to do the job safely, regardless of how many times we’ve completed that same job safely in the past. Overcoming the next challenge does not create a panacea where no other challenges can exist. As we continue to improve our operations and our performance, it is clear to me that our journey towards flawless operations has essentially no finish line.” gate landside congestion. The program will encourage the development and expansion of vessels, shippers, port and landside infrastructure, and marine transportation strategies by state and local governments. Water transportation routes will be designated as extensions of the surface transportation system to focus public and private efforts to use the waterways to relieve landside congestion along coastal corridors. A project may be so designated if it offers a waterborne alternative to available landside transportation services using vessels and provides transportation services for passengers, freight or both. A federal board has been established to identify and seek solutions to impediments hindering effective use of short sea transportation and to promote the marine highway initiative. Members of the board include representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal, state, and local governmental entities as well as private sector entities. The board has one year to provide a report on the initiative. As research continues the U.S. Maritime Administration has released some important statistics about waterways use that highlight the need for support of this vital mode of transportation. They include the following: Waterways Offer Value ■ The inland waterways system includes 12,000 miles of commercially navigable channels and 240 lock sites, moving commerce in 38 states from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, to east and west coasts. ■ About 624 million tons of cargo transits the inland waterways a year. That’s a volume equal to 14 percent of all intercity freight at a value of $70 billion annually. ■ These waterways transport more than 60 percent of the nation’s grain exports, 22 percent of domestic petroleum and petroleum products and 20 percent of the coal used in electrical generation. ■ One 15-barge tow of dry cargo can carry as much as two unit trains and as much as 1,050 tractor trailer trucks. ■ One barge has the liquid cargo capacity of 46 railcars and 144 tractor trailers. ■ Barges can move one ton of cargo 576 miles for the same amount of fuel it takes a rail car to carry the same amount of cargo 413 miles and a truck to haul it 155 miles. Congestion Alleviated The annual traffic on America’s inland waterways carries the equivalent of 58 million truck trips each year. If current waterways traffic was diverted to the roads, heavy truck traffic would nearly double and create severe traffic jams, especially in inner cities. If the current waterways freight was diverted to rail, the tonnage carried by the rail system would increase nearly 25 percent and would heavily burden Eastern U.S. railroads that are already operating to capacity. Good Investment The study shows it would be cheaper and more efficient to invest in the marine cargo transportation system than highways and railroads. Diversion of waterways freight to highways would require the addition of two inches of asphalt to the thickness of the pavement of 126,000 lanemiles of intercity interstates. An example of increased rail infrastructure costs comes from railroad operator CSX. If coal shipments were diverted from the Ohio River onto rail, CSX calculates it would need 156 new locomotives and 5,616 new coal cars at an estimated cost of $581 million. This doesn’t include the cost of other additional equipment and increased rail congestion. Dual Benefits The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that inland towing generates much less airborne emissions than railroads and diesel trucks. Also, safety-related statistics for all modes of freight transportation show, on a rateper-ton-mile basis, that there is one fatality in the inland marine sector for every 22.7 fatalities in the rail sector and 155 fatalities in the rail sector. There is one injury in the inland marine sector for every 125.2 in the rail and 2,171.5 in the highway sector. Moreover, overall spill rates in all sectors are considered low with the inland marine sector the lowest. Spill rates for barges are 3.6 gallons per million ton-miles. Railcars came in with 3.86 gallons per ton-miles and trucks were at 6.06 gallons spilled per tonmile. Union Joins in Honoring Bob Magee SIU officials were on hand April 12 at the Broward County (Fla.) Convention Center to join in honoring Robert P. “Bob” Magee Jr., a highly respected philanthropist who is chairman, president and CEO of American Shipping Group. The event was the annual International Golden Compass Award dinner, benefiting Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades. Pictured from left to right are SIU President Michael Sacco, Magee and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. A former mariner, the honoree has dedicated his entire career to the American maritime industry. Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is a multi-faith endeavor among religious, labor, business and civic leaders with a mission “to improve the lives of seafarers and their families through multi-faith service.” May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/28/2008 6:07 AM Page 7 Stewards Appreciate Big Picture and Fine Details Seven Seafarers Successfully Complete Recertification in Piney Point Sharing heartwarming stories and practical advice, seven SIU members last month addressed fellow Seafarers, unlicensed apprentices and union officials as they graduated from the steward recertification class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The graduates received certificates and gave brief remarks April 7 at the membership meeting which took place at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Completing the three-week course were (in the order in which they spoke at the meeting) Josue Luis Iglesia Jr., Bob Easley, James Cameron, Roderick Clay, Grady Ingram, Charles Brooks and Hazel Johnson Jr. Recertification is the top curriculum available to steward-department mariners at the Paul Hall Center. The course, like most others there, features both practical training and classroom instruction. Topics include detailed refreshers in safety (including fire fighting, first aid and CPR) along with sanitary conditions and computer training. Class members also study communication and nutrition. Also, the training includes meetings with representatives from different departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans as well as a trip to AFLCIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). Without exception, each component is designed to help stewards do the best jobs possible as they sign on aboard their next vessels. In keeping with graduation-day tradition, the stewards touched on different aspects of their experiences in the union and at the school. They also encouraged the trainees to make the most of their maritime career opportunities. The following comments combine parts of the graduation speeches with information specifically provided to the Seafarers LOG by the stewards. Iglesia graduated from the trainee program in 1992 and now sails from Jacksonville, Fla. He credited the SIU with timely and important help not only from a career standpoint but with life in general. “The union and the training school saved my life,” Iglesia noted. “When I was 18 years old I was headed down the wrong path. The SIU saved me from the streets and showed me I could make something of myself and provide a good life for my family.” A frequent upgrader, he added that he always learns new things at the Paul Hall Center, and his most recent course proved no exception. “It’s a great experience every time I come to the school,” Iglesia stated. “This class will help not only me but my staff in the galley when it comes to safety and sanitation.” Graduates from the steward recertification course are pictured along with family members and SIU and school officials after the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Addressing the apprentices, he concluded, “Listen and learn to work together. At sea, work hard and never be afraid to ask questions. You can have a great career.” Easley, who sails from Tacoma, Wash., said the Paul Hall Center instructors are second-to-none and described the class as “packed with lots of good information. This is the finest maritime academy in the United States.” He thanked SIU President Michael Sacco “and others who have sacrificed so much for the betterment of the SIU.” Speaking to the trainees, he said, “Don’t take your opportunities for granted. It’s up to you to use these tools for success.” Cameron has been with the union since joining in 1990 in Norfolk, Va. “I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to be the best chief steward I can be, and to be an asset rather than a liability to this union,” he declared. “I know this course will help me do a better job aboard the ship. It was very interesting and a good learning experience.” He advised the apprentices to “study hard and learn to work together. At sea, listen and do the right thing.” Clay, who sails from both Wilmington, Calif., and Honolulu, commended the school staff and instructors. He said the campus “looks great and makes for a good study environment.” Since joining the SIU 10 years ago, “I’ve been many places and it has been great,” he said. “This union improved my life – enabled me to take care of my family, be a homeowner and put my kids in Refreshers in safety training, including fire fighting, are part of the recertification course. May 2008 good schools. “I’ve worked in other jobs, but this organization has really come through,” he added. “This is a place with integrity and people who care. You don’t see a lot of that elsewhere in the world.” A football fan, Ingram (whose home port is Jacksonville) said that for him, completing recertification felt like the equivalent of “being the number one draft pick in the NFL. This is a lifetime dream.” He said a couple of subjects proved particularly interesting during the course: ServSafe, which focuses on different aspects of safety in the galley, and leadership skills. “ServSafe taught here at the center is very educational, informative and on the cutting edge. The leadership class gives me different insights into where I need to focus in order to be a more complete and effective leader,” he said. Sharing how the SIU helped him achieve success, he noted, “I would like to thank the SIU for giving me an opportunity when no one else would. My career as a seaman has been fruitful. The training center is a beautiful place to achieve goals – it is our thing, our home away from home. “To the trainees, don’t let anyone deter you.” Brooks, who sails from Norfolk, said that in addition to learning more about his profession, “I now have a better understanding of the inner workings of the union and the hard work that goes into keeping union members working. I have a lot of respect for the people working hard for the members and I thank our union leaders, starting with Mike Sacco, the SIU’s heart and soul. Because of the union I am able to work and support my family and have a good life.” He said the apprentices are facing “a beautiful opportunity. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” A 30-year Seafarer who sails from Philadelphia and New York, Johnson wrapped up the presentations with a mix of humor and seriousness. After claiming to have sailed on Noah’s Ark, he thanked a number of officials who recommended him for the class or otherwise have helped him along the way, including Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware, Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, New York Safety Director Jack Sheehan and Philadelphia Patrolman Robert Wisler. Johnson also noted with pride that he comes from a family of Seafarers – his father, uncle, brother, sister, nephew, niece and two cousins all either sailed SIU or still are members of the union. “I’ve been around the world several times,” he stated. “This union helps me provide for my family. There are a lot of people in other industries who are out of work these days. We’re not.” He told the apprentices, “When you go out there on a ship, you’re ‘market ready.’ Ask questions and don’t come aboard thinking you already know everything.” Class members brush up on their computer skills. Seafarers LOG 7 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 8 Seafarer’s Dedication to Safety Leaves Lasting Legacy The U.S. Coast Guard dubbed him a hero for being a man of honor, respect and devotion to duty. His brother said, “Every day, he fought for the guys in the merchant marine, probably because he came up through the hawsepipe like so many mariners. He left us all a legacy that made our lives better.” Domenic Calicchio, once an SIU member, is today considered posthumously one of the Coast Guard’s unsung heroes. That’s because he stuck to the principles he formed during a career that started as an ordinary seaman during World War II when he was 16 years old. Later, Calicchio rose to the rank of captain in the Coast Guard Reserve while also sailing as a ship’s master, including voyages with United States Lines. Recently, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Inspection and Investigation office named one of its top excellence awards after him. “Dom saw me and our brother Michael come up through the hawsepipe,” said Alfred Calicchio, “and he wanted to do the same thing and help our nation in World War II.” Brother Alfred explained that all three brothers eventually rose to ship’s master during their careers. Domenic Calicchio sailed as a merchant mariner for 23 years, some of them with the SIU. He is believed to have been the first merchant mariner to be commissioned as a lieutenant into the Coast Guard through the Public Law 219 officer procurement program. In 1968 he accepted a commission as an active duty lieutenant commander because he believed he could use his seafaring experience in the marine safety field by championing the safety of crews and passengers. Calicchio’s adherence to strict safety requirements brought muchneeded attention to lifeboat capacities and the failure of some cruise ships at the time to have enough lifeboats for all passengers. Championing safety for crews aboard deep sea vessels, Calicchio served on a review board that investigated and led to the indictment of the owner of the M/V Marine Electric, which sank in 1983. The Marine Electric was an NMU-crewed T-2 bulk cargo carrier built for World War II. The T-2s were notorious for splitting hulls due to metal fatigue, especially as the ships got older and began to rust. The Marine Electric saga proved tragic to say the least. On Feb. 12, 1983, 31 crew members aboard the vessel—21 of whom were members of the NMU—paid the ultimate sacrifice when their vessel capsized and sank in frigid waters off the Virginia coast. Only three of the vessel’s 34 crew members escaped with their lives. Drowning resulting from hypothermia was determined to be the cause of death for all who perished. Then a 39-year-old vessel, the Marine Electric was loaded with 27,000 tons of coal. Departing from Norfolk, Va., the ship was en route to the New England Power Plant at Brayton Point, Mass., when it encountered heavy seas, rolled over and was swallowed up by the Atlantic Ocean about 30 miles east of Chincoteague, Va. The case was a landmark event in U. S. marine safety because it led to safety standards for older vessels, such as the T-2s, and led indirectly to the scrapping of about 70 vessels unable to meet those standards. It also spurred regulations requiring the adoption of survival suits on board vessels navigating in cold water climates. Lastly, the tremendous loss of life in the Marine Electric disaster focused attention on Coast Guard rescue swimmers and boosted support for that fledgling program. “Dom helped found the Coast Guard’s swimmer’s program, like what you see in the Kevin Costner Seafarers & International House Salutes AMO President Seafarer Domenic Calicchio is sworn into the Coast Guard as a lieutenant in the late 1960s. movie ‘The Guardian,’ said Alfred. “The modern-day program has saved thousands of lives and that’s what Dom was passionate about – the safety of his fellow seafarers.” Calicchio is also credited for spearheading special training programs for Coast Guard inspectors. “It was Dom rising through the hawsepipe that taught him respect for his fellow seafarers,” concluded Alfred. “He was one of them. He knew what their daily lives were like and he knew about their challenges. He knew safety and conditions had to improve and he did something about it.” Advancing Your Career Via the Paul Hall Center The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and stateof-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; call (301) 994-0010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 21 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. American Maritime Officers President Tom Bethel (center) was honored April 10 in New York by the Seafarers & International House, a faith-based mission for mariners. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) joined in congratulating Bethel as well as fellow honoree Peter Schaerf, who serves as chairman of the trade association New York Maritime, Inc. The event was the eighth annual “Setting the Course” awards banquet. Notice: SCAM ALERT Beware of Phony ‘Sweepstake’ April 9, 2008 The purpose of this notice from the Seafarers International Union is to caution and help protect individuals from being victimized by recent scams designed to steal money. The union’s legal department is working with the FBI and with Canadian authorities to put a stop to these attempted rip-offs, and is very encouraged by the rapid progress to date. SIU members and their families should be assured that the assets of the Seafarers Plans are fully protected – the bank is wise to the scams, as are Plans officials and the union’s legal department. However, that does not help the innocent victims who have fallen for this deception. One of the scams involves someone using altered, bogus checks that supposedly are from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. A letter accompanying the check – purported to come from a Canadian-based company called ORIENT Financial Inc. – tells the recipient that he or she has won a “sweepstake sponsored by a group of multi-national companies in North America.” Individuals are instructed to call a certain telephone number, deposit the check and wire funds to cover taxes. The thievery itself involves the wired funds – no money is taken from the real Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, but individuals who fall for the scam lose their own money. The other scam is an attempt to steal money directly from the Seafarers Pension Plan. In this case, orders for wire transfers are sent to the bank – complete with multiple forged signatures. Again, both the Plan and the bank caught on immediately. This notice was sent to the union halls and posted on the SIU web site in order to help alert both the membership and the general public. The union will continue working with the FBI and Canadian authorities to catch the thieves. Meanwhile, if anyone asks you about a sweepstakes being run by an organization sounding like the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, please ask them contact the SIU legal department at headquarters immediately. Similarly, if you receive a letter like the one described above, please contact the SIU legal department. The headquarters phone number is (301) 899-0675. 8 Seafarers LOG Safety Course Spotlight STCW Basic Safety Training – Applicants completing the school’s 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting the corresponding Paul Hall Center Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center satisfy: (1) the Personal Survival training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1);—AND— (2) the Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(3) the Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);— AND—(4) the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 9 SIU Asst. VP Chester Wheeler (center, in sunglasses) chats with students before one of the shipboard tours. OMU Adam Hansen makes a point as STOS Ryanne Wheeler (left) and a student observe. Seafarers, Officers, Officials Promote Maritime in Calif. Seafarers, officers, officials and students move through a wheelhouse. Students at two California high schools last month went beyond their normal curriculums and learned firsthand about the U.S. Merchant Marine, thanks to the joint efforts of the SIU, the American Maritime Officers (AMO), school administrators and teachers, and two SIU-contracted companies. With indispensable participation from rank-and-file Seafarers and AMO members, 18 students toured the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., and then visited three nearby vessels: the Grand Canyon State, Gem State (both operated by Pacific Gulf Marine) and Cape Mohican (Ocean Ships, Inc.). The students and teachers are from Loconoma Valley High School of Middletown, Calif., and Lower Lake High School of Lower Lake, Calif. Aboard the ships on April 10, mariners conducted department-specific tours and answered plenty of questions from the enthusiastic students. Among those leading tours and supplying information were Chief Steward Sam Harris, STOS Ryanne Wheeler, OMU Adam Hansen, SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chester Wheeler, SIU Representative Kathy Chester, AMO National Executive Board member Capt. Dan Shea, Chief Mate Chris Sharik, 1st Assistant Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Fred Reyes and Port Engineer Dave Coleman. Also contributing to the day’s success were SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Katherine Glenn, secretary at the Oakland hall. SIU of Canada Reports Major Horizon Falcon Receives Organizing Victory at McKeil Additional Recognition The SIU of Canada recently reported that the Canadian Industrial Relations Board has granted union certification to employees on the McKeil vessel Kathryn Spirit. In the March edition of its newspaper, The Canadian Sailor, the SIU of Canada noted, “After a successful organizing drive, which saw the majority of employees sign SIU pledge cards, negotiations for a first collective agreement are set to begin. With word of the unionization of the McKeil vessel Kathryn Spirit spreading among employees, the SIU has received numerous calls from McKeil crews employed on tugs and barges. “These employees are very interested in hearing how joining the SIU can benefit them as seafarers. It seems the ice has been broken with the Kathryn Spirit and McKeil employees are now prepared to join the SIU and be represented by Canada’s largest and strongest maritime union. “SIU organizers will be contacting all employees working for McKeil over the next month and we urge you to follow suit with your fellow seafarers on the Kathryn Spirit and join the ranks of the Seafarers International Union of Canada. Together we are stronger.” In that same issue, SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz reported that another company, Great Lakes Feeder Lines, is now under contract with the union. The company “operates modern multi-purpose vessels crewed by the SIU under the Canadian flag.” SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz Share your ideas for news and feature items for publication in the Seafarers LOG by calling (301) 899-0675. Simply ask the operator for the Communications Department. Emailed items may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2008 The Horizon Falcon and Horizon Lines last month were honored for a rescue involving the SIU-crewed ship that took place last summer. The company, ship and crew on April 2 received the AMVERAssisted Rescue at Sea Award “for the extraordinary courage and seamanship of the Horizon Falcon crew,” according to Horizon Lines. AMVER Program Director Captain Christopher Hall presented the award to Horizon Falcon Captain Tom McDorr at the 2008 Lloyd’s List London Awards. McDorr and the crew of the Horizon Falcon, one of the vessels in the Horizon Lines fleet, courageously assisted in the rescue of Chinese crew members of the Panamanian–flagged ship Hai Tong No. 7 after it sank in typhoon-heavy seas 300 nautical miles northwest of Guam last July. More than 450 guests from the international maritime community attended the London dinner. Kyle Hurst, Market Manager of Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, sponsored the AMVER award. The keynote speaker was former UK Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman, who stressed the importance of public awareness of the maritime industry. “We are honored by this prestigious award and grateful to Captain McDorr and the crew of the Horizon Falcon for their efforts. They responded immediately to U.S. Coast Guard’s distress call and displayed incredible bravery during the rescue,” said Don Watters, Horizon Lines senior superintendent OTS – fleet operations. The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER), sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. Horizon Lines has participated in AMVER since the rescue system’s establishment in 1958, and all 21 of the company’s vessels are enrolled. Earlier this year, crew members and officers from the Horizon Falcon received the American Merchant Marine Seamanship trophy, sponsored by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. SIU members sailing aboard the Horizon Falcon during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Steven Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, John Dacuag, Jennifer Souci, Stanley Parker, Jack Kem, Earl Sparkes and Jerry Gonzaga, Electrician Ursel Barber, QMEDs Husain Ali and Gustavo Osorio, Recertified Steward Philip Lau and SA Milagros Clark. Seafarers LOG 9 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 10 In And Around The Port of Fort Lauderdale As is the case with all SIU ports, a flurry of activity involving rank-and-file members and union-crewed vessels takes place on a daily basis in the Port of Fort Lauderdale. The photos on this page captured some of those occurrences. They were taken and submitted for publication the the LOG by Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand. A number of SIU members and guests recently visited the Ft. Lauderdale union hall for various job-related matters. Included were (clockwise from left) Bosun Moise Ramos, SA Fernando Domenicale and others; the Beckford Brothers (Sammy is above center and Alecy is at right. The third brother at left is not yet an SIU member); AB Edward Sosa and friends surf the web while GUDE Jhon Moreno, former SIU official Jack John and Steward Matry Buck meet for a chat. The Penn tug Tersea is tied up in Port Everglades, Fla. between jobs. Taking advantage of the downtime to pose for a photo are crew members AB Paul Starvish, AB Frank Mahr and Mate Edward Whitfield (right). Port Agent Kenny Moore (left in photo at left), USS Transport Asst. Personnel Manager Lynette Pagean, USST Personnel Manager Jack Kraft and Safety Director Kevin Marchand join for a photo following a recent business meeting while AB Dionsino Batiz takes his oath (photo at right) after receiving his A Book from Port Agent Moore. In photos below and left, union members await their respective opportunities to sign in at a monthly union meeting. Port Agent Moore (seated in photo below, right) completes some paperwork while members sign in. AB Charles Bigham (inset in photo at left) makes repairs and adjustments on equipment aboard the OSG tug Navigator while the vessel is conducting off-loading operations in Port Everglades. In photo at right, crew members from the Seabulk Trader take a pause from their duties to pose for this photo. Pictured are AB Melvin Smalls, QE Eron Hall, Recertified Bosun Bob Coleman, Chief Cook David Coggio and Pumpman Donald McBride. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 11 At Sea And Ashore With the SIU OPERATION DEEP FREEZE – The April LOG featured detailed coverage of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to Antarctica. Here are two more photos from the USNS Lawrence Gianella, one of two SIU-crewed ships involved in the mission. Above (from left), AB James Hall, Third Mate Tim Beaugard and QMED Jimmy Summers all are graduates of the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program (classes 611, 614 and 616, respectively). Below, AB Stag Rye presents the ship’s mascot with his book. No word on whether the bird is current on its dues. NEWS FROM THE USNS ALGOL – Following a recent mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Captain Mike Ryan (above, left) presents QMED Jerome Culbreth with a Maersk Line, Limited safety award for his efforts in extinguishing a feed pump fire. Culbreth, FOWT Junius Williams and 2AE Steve Converse together put out the fire “expeditiously,” the captain noted. The latter two mariners also received safety awards but weren’t present for the photo opportunity. HELPING OTHERS IN PORT ARTHUR – These photos show the new seamen’s center in Port Arthur, Texas (photo directly above), and the Savannah House (inset above, right), a home for seniors, also in Port Arthur. The seamen’s center, with key support from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), is scheduled to open this spring. It is on the same site and is a replica of the railway station that once occupied the space. The Savannah House has 20 apartments, 10 of which are designated for retired mariners. Father Sinclair Oubre (left inset above and right in inset above, with ITF Inspector Shwe Aung) is a vital supporter of both facilities. In addition to sailing with the SIU, Fr. Oubre is president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States. KUDOS ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Captain Mike Ryan (sixth from left, partially crouching) called the mariners aboard the USNS Algol “the best SIU crew that I have ever sailed with.” Those Seafarers recently received the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from the Maritime Administration for their work in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ryan, a former Seafarer and graduate of the Paul Hall Center trainee program, noted, “It was a difficult, high-paced trip with no port time. Everyone acted very professionally. It did not take long for all to join the safety culture that Maersk (the vessel operator) nurtures on board its vessels.” Pictured from left to right aboard the Algol are Badilini Abdallah, Daryl Thomas, Jerome Culbreth, Charles Frisella, Ricardo Alonso, Ryan, Mariano Martinez, Luis Nunez, Byran Fletcher, Paul Riley, Manny Limon, Charles Palmer, Kenny Banks, Earl Kendrick, Chris Paul, Roberto Avila, Sabrina Long, Victor Martinez, Rene Turcios and Terrence Ford. SOLIDARITY IN HONOLULU – SIU members join the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council’s demonstration in support of workers at the Pacific Beach Hotel on April 3 in Honolulu. The workers had voted to join ILWU Local 142, but the employer has fought their free choice by firing rank-and-file union leadership and refusing to bargain with the union, among other ploys. As a result, the AFL-CIO endorsed a boycott of the hotel’s owner, HTH Corporation. The boycott is also being honored by the Japanese labor federation RENGO. Pictured from the left are SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz, QMED Dan Fowers, GUDE Anthony Kpodovia and GUDE Noel Wong. WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION FOR USNS LARAMIE, YUKON, GRASP – Members of the SIU Government Services Division earlier this year won the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Food Service Excellence Award for exceptional efforts in food preparation. The annual award went to the fleet replenishment oilers USNS Laramie and USNS Yukon and the rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp. Some of the recipients are pictured above. An awards presentation was scheduled to take place last month in Denver. In announcing the award, MSC noted, “The exceptional efforts of MSC’s food service personnel are essential in keeping morale, health, and quality of life at peak levels for the more than 5,000 civil service mariners working around the world to ensure MSC’s mission success.” May 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 12 TWIC Enrollment Centers This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-April, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic When visiting that site, there are different ways to access the most recently updated list of enrollment centers. There is a link near the top of the home page; there’s also one within the TWIC “FAQ.” As they become available, additional addresses will be published in the LOG and faxed to the union halls. The TSA is expected to announce the locations of more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. Seafarers should note that while the LOG is publishing an updated list of enrollment centers each month, there are differences from issue to issue besides simply adding new addresses. A number of previously published addresses have been modified or replaced by the TSA, for example (everything from a different suite number in the same building to an outright new facility replacing a previously announced one). Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Alaska Suite 102 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 2970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 Suite 153 1635 W. First Street Granite City, IL 62040 Residence Inn - River Ridge 2101 W. Vineyard Ave. Oxnard, CA 93036 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 12 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Seafarers LOG Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 East James Drive Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Maine 236 Oxford Street, Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St., Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 Mariners Need TWIC The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and has been published in the last few editions of the Seafarers LOG. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. The requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA contact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also periodically appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Seafarers are advised that although pre-enrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. According to a recent report from the Department of Homeland Security, as of April 17: ■ 93 TWIC enrollment centers were operational ■ More than 64,000 TWIC cards had been activated ■ More than 230,000 individuals had enrolled for a TWIC The TSA TWIC web site now includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ■ Pre-Enroll This can save time at the enrollment center itself. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 of do ed TS as tim ap m vid tia wh ho TW oc TW Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Th for (Continued on next page) May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 13 TWIC Enrollment Centers (Continued from Page 12) 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Minnesota Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 New Hampshire 30 Mirona Road Portsmouth, NH 03801 New Jersey Northern New Jersey 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 IC by Sept. 25, 2008 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 Applicants will need to supply basic information including their name, date of birth and country of birth. ■ Gather Documentation As part of the TWIC application process, individual applicants must supply documentation verifying their identity. A list of acceptable documents was printed on page 4 of the January edition of the Seafarers LOG and is available on the TSA’s TWIC web site. A valid merchant mariner document/z-card is acceptable, as is an unexpired passport. ■ Enroll Applicants may enroll at any of the agency’s enrollment centers, at which time they must pay the TWIC fee of $132.50 (or the reduced fee of $105.25, if applying for a TWIC that expires in conjunction with a merchant mariner document). Applicants will provide fingerprints and be photographed as well as provide personal information. ■ Pick up TWIC Applicants must return to the same enrollment center to pick up their credential. They will be notified by email or phone (as specified during enrollment) when the card is ready. The individual TWIC will be activated, and the cardholder will select a corresponding PIN number. Note: Seafarers are urged to check the expiration date on their individual TWIC before leaving the enrollment center. The union has been notified of occasional mistakes concerning the expiration dates. For instance, at least one TWIC was issued with a misprint indicating the card already had expired. The five photos in this spread show Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices enrolling for the TWIC last month in La Plata, Md. May 2008 North Carolina Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 Suite 102 444 W. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Brazos Mall 100 Hwy 332 West Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Suite 103 6000 Broadway Galveston, TX 77551 621 W Main Street LaPorte, TX 77571 Virginia Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Navy Frontier Base, Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00908 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 Suite 427 5959 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 South Beaumont, TX 77705 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77029-3003 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 8327 Summit Park Rd Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd, Huntington WV 25702 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Hotel Green Bay 780 Armed Forces Drive Green Bay, WI 54304 TWIC Briefing in J’Ville During the April membership meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., Don Mooers of the U.S. Coast Guard (standing in photo at left) discussed various credentialing requirements including the TWIC process. More than 100 Seafarers attended the meeting – some are pictured above. Seafarers LOG 13 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 14 Shipboard Memories from WWII Mariner Legere Like most young men during World War II, SIU member Joseph Legere wanted to serve his country. And, like many at his time, he chose to go to sea. The Second World War and the sea beckoned Legere at age 16 when he began his maritime training in St. Petersburg, Fla. Armed with his credentials as an oiler, Legere began his war service on the Liberty ship S.S. Carleton Ellis in January 1945, just months before the ending days of the last great Atlantic convoy push to help end Germany’s hold on Europe. On his first voyage Legere quickly learned to improvise, adapt and overcome. “The Ellis made a coastwise run to Corpus Christi, Texas, loaded with Navy special bunker C,” explained Legere about the fuel oil used at the time. “We would travel unescorted to New York and then connected with a convoy headed to the Mediterranean. Our job was to refuel Navy escort ships underway at sea. “We weren’t equipped to do that,” exclaimed Legere. “Liberty ships were designed to carry cargo, not fuel. The Ellis was fitted with tanks in its cargo holds with small hatches that protruded up deckside. The Navy put gun crews on board and supplied us with many lengths of quick-connect hoses. The bosun had to use deckhands to operate cargo winches to hoist hoses up and cargo booms to hoist the hoses over the side, keeping them out of the water. We had to improvise, but made it work. “The biggest problem,” said Legere, “was the faster Navy escorts had to slow down to our convoy speed and come alongside very close because our booms didn’t extend very far out. But, our guys did a good job and no escort ran out of Legere learned many lessons aboard the African Planet. fuel, nor did any of them come in contact with us. “We came close once, however. We usually refueled in the mornings when the seas were calmer. But, one afternoon, a destroyer came alongside. While our two ships were synchroniz- An early passport photo of Joseph Legere says he still misses going to sea. Joseph Legere ing speed, we’d send over a shot After the war Legere continued as a line and then they’d pull over a hawser and then lengths of hose were connected mariner and says he continued to grow in life. “At 18 I pulled picket duty for the for the ship-to-ship transfer. Everything union in Baltimore,” he explained. “I was going well and we were steadily learned a lot about unions and what we pumping. Then I noticed the destroyer were fighting for.” was falling behind and its stern was Legere commented that he also got moving very close to our stern. All of a an education as an oiler onboard the S.S. sudden I saw light gray smoke pouring African Planet. “I learned about differout of the destroyer’s two stacks and its ent people and cultures on our runs to bow surged up just like I’d seen on Africa and through the Suez Canal.” speed boats on lakes at home. It then Legere later went to work for the hauled out of there, taking hoses and Florida Power and Light Company but leaving our booms swinging and dancsaid all he wanted to do is return to the ing a jig all over the place with hoses sea. So, he shipped out of Baltimore on trailing in the sea gushing Bunker C. the S.S. Edith. Aboard the Edith, on his “Our bosun was shaking his fist at 25th birthday, he received a draft notice the destroyer and yelling ‘blessings’ from the Army to fight in the Korean aplenty, but could you really blame that Navy captain? The destroyer’s stern was War. After his induction he was sent to Germany. “I was there 15 months and loaded with depth charges and moving I’ve never been colder in my life.” in close to our 18-foot-diameter screw.” After his tour in the Army and after Legere explained that the Ellis contraveling around the world Legere came tinued most of it voyages unescorted, but the crew remained dedicated to duty to shore for the last time, working various jobs. Now 80 years old and living despite the dangers. “We were running with a full load unescorted to Liverpool, in Hendersonville, N.C., he says he’d still go back to sea if he could. “It’s England, where we found out the last where I grew up,” explained Legere. American cargo ship was sunk by a “It’s how I’ve been able to see the German submarine off the coast of world and meet so many interesting Rhode Island before the war ended,” he people. It’s how I got to know so many remembered. “The S.S. Black Point was running unescorted and lost 11 seafarers good people in the union. It really is a brotherhood – a brotherhood of the in the attack. The Navy later found the sea.” sub and sank it.” Former SIU Member’s Film Takes Look At Modern Day Piracy in Malacca Straits Former SIU member Michael Rawlins has produced a documentary about modern-day piracy titled “Porampo: Pirates of the Malacca Straits” that is available on DVD via the web site www.porampo.com. In the production, Rawlins travels throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia seeking to contact sources that will lead him to a gang of porampo, the Indonesian word for pirate. Along the way he interviews police, fishing villagers and ship’s crews, all leading to an actual pirate raid attempt at night filmed in infrared light. Rawlins, who currently sails with the American Maritime Officers, describes the film as his personal calling. “At sea we would get these pyreps – piracy reports,” said Rawlins. “They were full of stories SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE about crew members who were robbed, beaten and killed in areas we went to. And, they’re expected to defend themselves with what, a charged fire hose versus an AK-47? So, I said, ‘Someone needs to look into this and it might as well be me.’” Rawlins sailed with the SIU from 1991-2000 and is a graduate of Paul Hall Center trainee class 465. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? To help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives the Seafarers LOG—as well as other important mail—monthly, correct home addresses must be on file with the union. Those who recently have moved or feel that they are not getting their union mail, should use the form at right to update their home addresses. An individual’s home address is his/her permanent address. Unless otherwise specified, this is where all official union documents will be sent. Individuals receiving more than one copy of the LOG, those who have changed their address and those whose names or addresses are misprinted or incomplete, should fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union, Address Correction Dept., 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Corrections via e-mail should be sent to kclements@seafarers.org 14 Seafarers LOG HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Book No.: _________ Active SIU Pensioner Other ________________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 5/08 Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 15 NOTICE Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea PBGC Verifies Compliance In NMU Pension Plan Merger As required by law, the Seafarers Pension Plan submitted mandatory documentation to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) concerning the merger of the National Maritime Union Pension Plan into the Seafarers Pension Plan. In correspondence dated April 9, 2008, the PBGC approved the documentation and verified that the merger complies with the appropriate federal requirements. Specifically, the merger complies with section 4231(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as amended, and with 29 Code of Federation Regulations (CFR) Part 4231 (the PBGC’s regulation on mergers and transfers involving multiemployer plans). The PBGC’s chief insurance program officer noted, “On the basis of the material submitted, the PBGC has determined that the merger complies with the requirements of section 4231 of ERISA and 29 CFR 4231. Therefore, under section 4231(c) of ERISA, the merger is deemed not to constitute a violation of section 406(a) and (b)(2) of ERISA. Furthermore, in accordance with section 4231.8(f) of 29 CFR Part 4231, the PBGC waives the 120-day notice requirement as of the date of this letter.” A notice concerning the merger was mailed to NMU Pension Plan participants in December 2007 and also was published in the January 2008 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Personals John Carr is attempting to locate Tom Taylor who once shipped out of San Francisco. Taylor, as well as any other Seafarer who sailed with Carr, is asked to contact him at (410) 775-0580. Dorothy Byers is the widow of former Seafarer James “Jim” Byers. She would like for anyone who sailed with her husband from 1952-1976 to contact her at (425) 5305944. June & July 2008 Membership Meetings March 15, 2008 — April 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Joliet ........................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 Mobile...................................Wednesday: June 11, July 16 Port Piney Point...................................Monday: June 2, July 7 Algonac .........................................Friday: June 6, July 11 Baltimore...................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 Boston .............................................Friday: June 6, July 11 Guam .......................................Thursday: June 19, July 24 Honolulu.......................................Friday: June 13, July 18 Houston .......................................Monday: June 9, July 14 Jacksonville ...............................Thursday: June 5, July 10 New Orleans..............................Tuesday: June 10, July 15 New York ......................................Tuesday: June 3, July 8 Norfolk ......................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 Oakland ...................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 Philadelphia..............................Wednesday: June 4, July 9 Port Everglades .......................Thursday: June 12, July 17 San Juan ....................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 St. Louis .......................................Friday: June 13, July 18 Tacoma .........................................Friday: June 20, July 25 Wilmington......................................Monday: June 16, July 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. May 2008 Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 5 4 5 12 2 7 42 26 3 8 9 33 22 13 7 21 13 3 33 19 1 1 0 2 4 2 4 3 2 0 1 6 5 1 1 0 2 1 2 4 0 0 3 8 2 7 40 21 1 9 12 38 14 23 6 2 2 0 33 25 3 4 1 4 5 3 34 14 0 9 6 19 10 10 5 17 3 3 19 20 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 26 13 0 5 7 10 6 6 3 0 0 2 20 15 5 2 6 29 3 15 68 57 1 20 28 67 22 35 3 0 15 4 61 52 4 10 10 33 6 17 58 49 5 11 15 56 32 17 5 11 18 10 49 35 5 2 2 7 4 4 7 9 3 3 2 10 9 4 4 0 2 2 9 10 303 287 42 247 189 15 120 494 451 98 1 0 2 12 1 2 19 15 1 6 7 11 8 6 2 2 4 1 14 12 2 2 5 7 6 3 7 19 1 6 4 12 10 11 2 2 4 1 13 7 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 5 127 123 21 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 3 0 6 18 3 8 39 34 2 8 15 48 14 23 4 2 7 1 37 31 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 4 5 2 4 13 13 1 6 3 13 9 7 1 1 2 0 10 9 0 2 0 4 3 3 4 9 1 5 2 5 10 3 1 1 1 3 11 4 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 10 1 1 2 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 8 3 1 0 0 18 0 12 24 22 0 9 12 26 10 12 3 2 6 1 29 23 2 2 7 13 5 4 24 34 2 8 6 21 15 16 6 2 9 3 23 12 1 0 0 3 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 8 5 3 1 0 0 2 4 8 103 72 10 45 210 214 42 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 4 4 10 22 24 1 2 5 28 4 20 1 1 2 4 15 21 2 2 1 3 1 0 7 8 1 3 2 5 9 3 3 1 2 0 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 170 63 6 0 0 0 5 3 7 27 16 2 5 3 21 2 20 1 1 2 1 15 15 2 0 0 4 2 4 2 4 0 1 0 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 6 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 13 6 0 0 1 8 2 6 0 0 1 0 8 4 2 0 1 11 6 22 33 33 0 5 5 40 12 31 2 4 4 3 26 38 1 2 1 9 4 6 16 15 1 8 4 14 16 6 3 1 3 2 10 8 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 146 47 11 54 278 130 17 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 3 0 0 3 12 0 5 0 1 0 0 4 1 3 2 4 4 1 3 20 21 0 6 9 28 17 15 2 8 1 0 18 18 1 0 1 5 0 13 8 17 0 2 2 11 10 12 0 18 1 0 4 12 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 7 0 5 0 0 1 0 4 3 2 1 0 3 2 3 11 10 0 5 2 17 7 8 1 4 0 0 8 4 0 0 0 5 1 1 4 4 0 0 3 1 2 5 1 32 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 10 9 0 0 3 13 0 7 0 1 0 0 6 3 5 6 4 10 4 11 37 34 1 8 12 61 26 27 3 8 4 0 32 30 9 0 1 15 2 25 12 26 2 3 3 22 32 20 1 4 3 2 17 21 Totals 39 180 117 26 88 61 0 58 323 220 639 653 186 522 396 97 229 1040 1118 377 Totals All Departments Seafarers LOG 15 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 Seafarers on MSC Missions Save Lives Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 USNS Seay, USNS Sacagawea Perform Rescues at Sea Seafarers on two U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships recently helped save a total of 14 lives during separate rescues. One rescue involved the USNS Seay, while the other included the USNS Sacagawea, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. On Feb. 9, the Seay (a large, mediumspeed, roll-on/roll off ship, abbreviated as LMSR) was notified by the Tarifa (Spain) Rescue Coordination Center that a small craft in their vicinity had issued a distress signal and needed assistance. With 12-foot seas and winds blowing up to 30 knots, the ship’s crew and officers began the search. Twelve minutes later, they spotted the 25-foot wooden fishing vessel and its four passengers – three adults and one child. For the next hour, the Seay maneuvered to shield the vessel from high winds until a rescue craft from the Tarifa Rescue Coordination Center arrived to pick up the fishing vessel’s passengers. “The crew performed flawlessly,” said Capt. Tom Madden, the ship’s master. “Seay succeeded in the tradition of the sea, aiding fellow seamen in distress.” The following day, the Seay arrived in port in Rota, Spain, to load helicopters and equipment used by the U.S. Army’s 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Afghanistan. The equipment is being redeployed to the United States. More recently, Seafarers aboard the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea rescued 10 Iraqi citizens from a sinking 250-foot coastal tanker in the Central Arabian on Feb. 22. The Navy’s Bahrain-based maritime liaison office issued an alert that the North Korean-flagged vessel MV Nadi was sinking and that her crew needed assistance. The Nadi, which was actively flooding, had been operating without power for a week and its crew members were suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. The Sacagawea, which was conducting logistics operations in the area, arrived to help shortly after the distress call was issued. Aircraft from the USS Truman’s Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 picked up the seamen and delivered them to the Sacagawea, where they were examined by medical officers. “Sacagawea’s crew provided shower facilities, laundered the rescued crew’s clothing and provided meals,” said Sacagawea master Capt. George McCarthy. “Many crew members also generously donated clothing, outerwear and shoes. MV Nadi’s captain thanked the Sacagawea’s crew for ‘giving us back our lives.’” The Iraqi mariners were transferred to the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing dock ship Cardigan Bay and then transferred to the Iraqi Navy for further transport to their country of origin. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Sacagawea (above) and USNS Seay (below) recently upheld the finest traditions of the “Brotherhood of the Sea,” mobilizing for separate rescue operations. PIC-FROM-THE PAST NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG The photo above, taken in 1956 and sent to the LOG by Brien McMahon of Memphis, Tenn., shows a portion of the U.S. Reserve Fleet tied up in the Hudson River at Stony Point which is located in Tompkins Cove, N.Y. Although no Seafarers are shown, the photo does capture more than a few Liberty Ships. Many Seafarers served on these types of vessels while delivering the goods overseas to troops during World War II. McMahon hopes that the photo brings back some memories to any former Seafarers out there that sailed on this class of vessel. Anyone wanting to share their memories may e-mail him at bmon108@aol.com. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 17 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Welcome Ashore Brother John Alberti, 67, was born in New Jersey. He joined the union in 1961 while in the port of New York. Brother Alberti first shipped aboard the COE Victory. The engine department member enhanced his seafaring abilities often at the Piney Point school. Brother Alberti’s last vessel was the Elizabeth. He continues to live in New Jersey. Bluefield, W. Va., and shipped in the deck department. Brother Lewis most recently sailed aboard the Cape Island. He enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Lewis calls Belfair, Wash., home. DAVID CARPENTER CLAUDE LEYCOCK Brother David Carpenter, 65, became an SIU member in 1987. He initially sailed on the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Carpenter was born in California and worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Carpenter’s most recent voyage was aboard the Rhode Island. He makes his home in Mariposa, Calif. Brother Claude Leycock, 69, was born in the Virgin Islands. He began his seafaring career in 1976 in the port of New York. Brother Leycock’s first trip was on the Overseas Joyce. He worked in the deck department. Brother Leycock was last employed aboard the Indian Ocean. He settled in Arverne, N.Y. DEEP SEA JOHN ALBERTI LARRY CROES Brother Larry Croes, 59, signed on with the union in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was on the Overseas Progress, where he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Croes is a native of Long Branch, N.J. His final voyage was aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Brother Croes frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He is a resident of Mineral, Va. ERNEST GIBSON Brother Ernest Gibson, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1964 in the port of Houston. He originally shipped on a Hudson Waterways Corporation vessel. Brother Gibson was born in Livingston, Texas, and worked in the engine department. In 1997 and 2000, Brother Gibson attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Pride. Brother Gibson resides in Moscow, Texas. JAMES LEWIS Brother James Lewis, 62, first went to sea in 1966 on the Sea Georgia. He was born in May 2008 JOSEPH MELE Brother Joseph Mele, 56, joined the union in 1969 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He initially shipped on the Longview Victory. Brother Mele was a member of the deck department. He was born in New Jersey. Brother Mele upgraded often at the Piney Point school. His final trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Mele lives in Santurce, P.R. FRANCISCO MONSIBAIS JR Brother Francisco Monsibais Jr., 72, signed on with the SIU in 1962. He originally sailed with Consolidated Mariners Inc. as a member of the steward department. Brother Monsibais was a frequent upgrader at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He continues to reside in his native state of Texas. JAMES ROBERTS Brother James Roberts, 67, joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Florida native worked in the engine department. Brother Roberts’ first ship was the Monarch of the Sea; his last was the El Yunque. In 2001 and 2004, he took classes at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Roberts makes his home in Jacksonville. GREAT LAKES JOHN CHURCH Brother John Church, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1969. He was originally employed with Bob-Lo Island. Brother Church was born in North Carolina and shipped in the deck department. His most recent trip to sea was on the St. Clair. Brother Church visited the Piney Point school in 2002 to upgrade his skills. He is a resident of Lenoir, N.C. JOHN CLARK JR. Brother John Clark Jr., 58, joined the union in 1971. His earliest trip to sea was aboard a Great Lakes Associates vessel. Brother Clark was born in Minnesota. He last worked in the deck department of the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Clark calls Duluth, Minn., home. Reprinted from Seafarers Log. past ANTHONY KOWALSKI Brother Anthony Kowalski, 62, joined the union in 1970 in Detroit. He mainly shipped on vessels operated by American Steamship Company such as the Ben Calvin and the Sam Laud. Brother Kowalski was a member of the deck department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities in 2002 at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Kowalski continues to live in his native state of Michigan. JERRY NOWAK Brother Jerry Nowak, 60, was born in Neillsville, Wis. He became an SIU member in 1967. Brother Nowak first sailed on the American Sea Ocean. In 2003, he attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Before his retirement, Brother Nowak last shipped aboard the John Boland. He resides in Lafollette, Tenn. issues of the 1946 At the instigation of the SIU, representatives of all AFL maritime unions on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts met in New York on May 20. A resolution was adopted calling on the AFL Executive Council to establish a Maritime Trades Department within the American Federation of Labor. The purpose of this move was to ensure that unions allied in the marine industry would have the same kind of representation within the AFL as do the Building Trades Department and the Metal Trades Department. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust recently went on pension. JUAN MAMARIL Brother Juan Mamaril, 65, joined the NMU in 1991. His first voyage was on the Green Wave. Brother Mamaril was born in the Philippines and worked as a member of the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Edmont. EDWARD PERRY Brother Edward Perry, 66, became an NMU member in 1980 initially shipping from the port of Philadelphia. The steward department member’s first ship was the Texaco New York; his last was the Sea Isle City. Brother Perry was born in Trinidad, W.I. industry-wide plan that guarantees all Seafarers two weeks of paid leave for each 12 months of service. The agreement will assure Seafarers the opportunity to collect their vacations on the basis of the time worked regardless of how many companies they are employed by throughout the year. 1963 The SIU-manned New Yorker was on a regular run to San Juan when it came across a floundering sailboat piled with 24 men, women and children, all refugees from Cuba. Crew members quickly went aft and got a line to the small boat to pull it amidships. A pilot ladder and safety line were then dropped to the refugees. All passengers were safely brought on board; were treated for minor injuries; and were fed, clothed and escorted to San Juan where they were turned over to a Cuban refugee relief organization. This Month In SIU His tor y 1950 The resourcefulness of SIU crew members aboard the SS Puerto Rico helped save the life of a passenger stricken at sea with acute appendicitis. Four hundred miles into a voyage from New York to San Juan, it was deemed a passenger needed emergency surgery, but the SS Puerto Rico’s medical department did not have the surgical instruments or operating facilities to conduct the procedure. That’s when the crew swung into action, fashioning an operating room on board and contacting the Coast Guard which in turn air-dropped the necessary equipment. The ship’s surgeon conducted the operation and the passenger lived to tell a lifelong tale that was no sea story. 1951 Another precedent was established in maritime when the SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf District won from a majority of its contracted operators an agreement to a revolutionary, 1982 The SIU-contracted Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. of New Orleans recently christened a completely rebuilt and refurbished 4,000 hp tugboat, the John G. Amato. The 112-foot by 26.5-foot wide repowered tug brings the Crescent Towing fleet up to 24 boats. The John G. Amato is capable of moving large ocean-going vessels when the Mississippi River at the port is dredged to a 55-foot depth. She was originally built for the U.S. Coast Guard and named the Ojibway, and was decommissioned in October 1981. Seafarers LOG 17 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA pension in 2004 and resided in Seattle. HOWARD ALBERSON Pensioner Howard Alberson, 65, passed away Dec. 23. Brother Alberson joined the union in 1961. He originally worked with CSX Lines aboard the Fairland. Brother Alberson was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Long Lines. In 1997, Brother Alberson started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in Sahuarita, Ariz. ROBERT ALEXANDER Brother Robert Alexander, 71, died Aug. 2. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 from the port of New York. Brother Alexander initially shipped aboard the USNS Bold. He was born in Bronx, N.Y., and worked in the deck department. Brother Alexander’s last trip to sea was on the Equality State. He was a resident of Nyack, N.Y. WILLIAM GUERNSEY Pensioner William Guernsey, 81, passed away Nov. 4. Brother Guernsey joined the union in 1948 in New York. He initially shipped aboard the Yorkmar as a member of the deck department. Brother Guernsey was born in Michigan. His final trip to sea was on the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Guernsey settled in Canada and began receiving his retirement compensation in 1991. IVAN INGRAM Brother Ivan Ingram, 53, died Oct. 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Ingram’s first voyage was aboard the USNS Worthy. He was born in Memphis, Tenn., and sailed in the deck department. Brother Ingram was last employed on the Constellation. He made his home in Mentone, Calif. LAURO CLARK Brother Lauro Clark, 61, passed away Oct. 25. He donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Clark first sailed on the USNS Harkness; his last vessel was the USNS Chesapeake. He was born in Alabama and worked in the deck department. Brother Clark lived in Berkeley, Calif. CLARENCE DAWSON Pensioner Clarence Dawson, 86, died Dec. 4. Brother Dawson was born in Chicago. He launched his career with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1961 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Dawson became a pensioner in 1979 and made his home in Queens Village, N.Y. MICHAEL DELANY Pensioner Michael Delany, 68, passed away Dec. 31. Brother Delany joined the SIU in 1962. He originally shipped aboard the Antinous as a member of the deck department. Brother Delany was born in New York but called Tampa, Fla., home. Before retiring in 1998, he sailed on the Performance. CHARLES GOOCH Pensioner Charles Gooch, 72, died Nov. 29. Brother Gooch became an SIU member in 1978. His first voyage was aboard the Delta Peru. Brother Gooch was born in the Philippines. The steward department member most recently worked on the Horizon Tacoma. Brother Gooch went on 18 Seafarers LOG DEMTRIOS KYRIAKOS Pensioner Demtrios Kyriakos, 77, died Dec. 8. Brother Kyriakos donned the SIU colors in 1951 while in the port of New York. He originally shipped aboard a Mayflower Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Kyriakos was born in Greece. The deck department member most recently sailed on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Kyriakos retired in 1991 and lived in New Orleans. TIMOTHY LOGAN Brother Timothy Logan, 51, passed away Dec. 13. He became a Seafarer in 1998 while in the port of Baltimore. Brother Logan was born in Darby, Pa., and worked in the engine department. He initially shipped aboard a Crowley Liner Services vessel. Brother Logan last sailed on the USNS Altair. He was a resident of Atlantic City, N.J. LLOYD MARSH Brother Lloyd Marsh, 64, died Nov. 19. He was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Marsh launched his SIU career in 1971 in the port of Detroit. He first sailed in the engine department of an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Marsh most recently worked aboard the USNS Watkins. He resided in Onaway, Mich. ROBERT O’ROURKE Pensioner Robert O’Rourke, 78, passed away Nov. 21. Brother O’Rourke began shipping with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. The deck department member was born in California. Brother O’Rourke originally sailed on a Waterman Steamship vessel. His final trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother O’Rourke became a pensioner in 1996 and settled in Salem, Ore. WILLIAM ROCHE Pensioner William Roche, 84, died Oct. 10. Brother Roche joined the union in 1949 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Cape Saunders. Brother Roche was born in Newfoundland, Canada. He last worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Roche retired in 1983. He called Mobile, Ala., home. LUIS SANTIAGO Pensioner Luis Santiago, 70, passed away Nov. 25. Brother Santiago became an SIU member in 1956, initially sailing on the Del Sud. The Puerto Rican-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Brother Santiago most recently worked aboard the Horizon Producer. He went on pension in 2005 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. Williams donned the SIU colors in 1968. His first ship was the Steel Navigator; his last the Overseas Alice. Brother Williams was born in Virginia and sailed in the engine department. He retired in 2002. Brother Williams called Brooklyn, N.Y., home. THEODORE WILLIAMS Pensioner Theodore Williams, 77, died Dec. 6. Brother Williams became a Seafarer in 1959. He was originally employed aboard the Seagarden. Brother Williams sailed in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Patriot. Brother Williams went on pension in 1992 and lived in Silver Springs, Nev. SHINICHI YOICHI Pensioner Shinichi Yoichi, 74, passed away Nov. 18. Brother Yoichi joined the union in 1971. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Ulla. He was born in the Philippines and worked as a member of the deck department. Before his retirement in 2005, Brother Yoichi shipped on the Falcon Lady. He resided in Portland, Ore. INLAND KWAN SIU Pensioner Kwan Siu, 70, died Dec. 29. Brother Siu was born in China. He started his seafaring profession in 1974 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Siu’s earliest trip to sea was on the Santa Mercedes. He worked in the steward department. Brother Siu’s final journey was aboard the Oakland. He went on pension in 2000 and made his home in San Francisco. JAMES TUTWILER Pensioner James Tutwiler, 79, died Dec. 10. Brother Tutwiler joined the union in 1944. Among others, he sailed on vessels operated by Waterman, Alcoa, Calmar Steamship, and A.H. Bull Line. He was born in Asheville, N.C., and shipped in the deck department. Brother Tutwiler most recently worked on the Liberty Sun. He became a pensioner in 1988. Brother Tutwiler was a resident of Shrewsbury, Pa. GEORGE WILLIAMS Pensioner George Williams, 70, passed away Oct. 5. Brother TERRY LAPCZYNSKI Brother Terry Lapczynski, 49, died Oct. 8. He joined the union in 1977 while in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Lapczynski’s first ship was the Steel T. Crapo; his last the Paul H. Townsend. He was born in Michigan and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Lapczynski resided in Alpena, Mich. JAMES MCHARG Pensioner James McHarg, 84, passed away Dec. 16. Brother McHarg started his seafaring career in 1957 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He mainly shipped with Inland Lakes Management Inc. His most recent trip took place on the Steel Crapo. Brother McHarg worked in the engine department. He retired in 1986 and lived in his native state of Michigan. JERRY BOYCE Pensioner Jerry Boyce, 71, died Nov. 19. Boatman Boyce initially sailed with the SIU in 1953 in the deep sea division. His first trip to sea was aboard the Southern States. Boatman Boyce was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He most recently shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Boatman Boyce retired in 1998 and made his home in Wilmington, Calif. WILLIE SMITH Pensioner Willie Smith, 82, passed away Dec. 13. Brother Smith began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966. His original voyage was on the Vantage Progress. Brother Smith shipped as a member of the steward department. His last ship was the Stuyvesant. Brother Smith was born in Alabama but called Los Angeles home. He started collecting his pension in 1990. became an SIU member in 1966 while in Detroit. Brother Erickson’s earliest trip to sea was on the Reiss Brothers. The deck department member last worked aboard an Inland Lakes Management vessel. Brother Erickson began receiving his pension in 1996. He continued to call Michigan home. EMERITO RIVERA Pensioner Emerito Rivera, 71, passed away Oct. 5. Boatman Rivera donned the SIU colors in 1976. The Puerto Rico native primarily shipped on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of San Juan. Boatman Rivera started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1998. He continued to live in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM STEVENS Pensioner William Stevens, 72, died Nov. 3. Boatman Stevens joined the Seafarers in 1962 while in Mobile, Ala. He originally worked with Dravo Basic Materials Company. Boatman Stevens was born in Mississippi. His final journey was aboard the Martin Marietta. Boatman Stevens was a resident of Franklin, La. He went on pension in 1997. GREAT LAKES ANTHONY ERICKSON Pensioner Anthony Erickson, 73, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Erickson was born in Alpena, Mich. He DAVID SAXON Brother David Saxon, 64, died Oct. 14. He began sailing with the SIU in 1990 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Saxon originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Kane. He was born in Michigan and worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Saxon’s final voyage was on the American Mariner. ALVIN WOBSER Pensioner Alvin Wobser, 94, passed away Oct. 30. Brother Wobser was born in Venice, Ohio. He joined the SIU in 1960. Brother Wobser primarily sailed aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Company. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Wobser went on pension in 1978 and called Castalia, Ohio, home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust have passed away. Name Age DOD Bozek, Edward Castro, John Ciula, Kenneth Dorcich, John Finn, Hilka Henry, George Jackson, Edgar Legore, Franklin Leonard, Robert Love, William Lovelle, Arthur Marshall, Byron Mathews, Joseph Mixon, Millard Nicholson, Lloyd Odegard, Richard Pechuekonis, Frank Ritchey, Donald Simpson, Claibon Templeton, James 80 88 60 84 86 80 88 74 81 84 86 89 96 83 86 69 80 80 76 82 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 7 Nov. 13 Nov. 11 Nov. 19 Nov. 4 Nov. 7 Nov. 30 Nov. 5 Nov. 24 Nov. 13 Nov. 8 Nov 1 Nov. 30 Nov. 14 Nov. 24 Nov. 18 Nov. 2 Nov. 24 May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings Aboard the ITB New York 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. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Personnel & Provision), Feb. 28 – Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Francis C. Johnson, Engine Delegate Wilbert J. Miles, Steward Delegate Jimmy Cordova. Chairman announced payoff March 1 in Lake Charles, La. He explained that without the TWIC card you will not be able to sail after Sept. 25. It was suggested that members go online to preenroll. Secretary thanked all aboard vessel for their help straightening up before meals. Educational director advised crewmembers to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $900 in the ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked the steward department for always preparing good food and keeping messhall clean. Next ports: Lake Charles, La., and Tampa, Fla. FREEPORT (USS Transport), Feb. 16 – Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Bruce D. Mesger, Educational Director Gerry Davis, Deck Delegate Ed Guerrero. Bosun led a discussion on the 401(k) plan and procedures for obtaining a TWIC card. Patrolman is expected to come aboard in Philadelphia. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase health benefits. Next ports: Philadelphia, Pa., Groton, Conn., Providence, R.I. HARRIETTE (Sealift Inc.), Feb. 24 – Chairman Sean M. Ryan, Secretary George Quinn, Deck Delegate Melecio A. Sison, Engine Delegate Spencer L. Reed, Steward Delegate Jabr A. Matari. Chairman reported that the vessel would be going to Tampa, Fla., shipyard for repair work and that payoff would take place on March 5. Secretary encouraged mariners to read the January Seafarers LOG to get information on TWIC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New 401(k) plan was discussed. Crew asked for company to install juice machines in both messhalls. Vote of thanks to the galley gang. Next port: Houston. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), April 9 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director John Conn, Deck Delegate Matthew J. Jenness, Engine Delegate Gebar Ogbe, Steward Delegate Mercurian Abuan. Chairman reported smooth voyage and said payoff is scheduled for April 10. He reminded crew to separate plastics and also asked them not to delete someone else’s files from the computer. Secretary thanked crew for cooperative efforts in keeping ship clean. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point. He May 2008 reminded everyone that mariner deadline for TWIC is Sept. 25. He noted the Seafarers 401(k) Plan is now available. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported need for heaters. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 23 – Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Exxl C. Ronquillo, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Luis Roebuck, Engine Delegate Cleofe B. Castro. Bosun announced payoff March 23 and reminded crew to clean rooms before departing vessel. Secretary urged all members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and upgrade whenever possible at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Educational director encouraged mariners to keep up-to-date on the latest TWIC information and get their cards ASAP. Treasurer reported $3,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new printer in crew lounge. Steward department was thanked for excellent meals. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 24 – Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Michael W. Peck, Deck Delegate James E. Murphy. Chairman thanked members for a safe trip and informed them payoff would take place in Tacoma, Wash., on Feb. 29. He said results from the water testing had come back and the water was fine. Secretary reported they would no longer be ordering bottled water, however it will be available from the slop chest. Gym equipment to arrive in Oakland, Calif. Educational director advised Seafarers to apply for TWIC cards soon and informed them there is an office close to the Oakland terminal. Treasurer noted $500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to separate trash before taking it to the garbage room. Thanks given to steward department for their hard work during voyage. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), March 26 – Chairman Amante Gumiran, Secretary K. Dougherty, Educational Director R. Frett, Deck Delegate L. Alvarez, Engine Delegate V. Sapp, Steward Delegate L. Griffin. It was reported that problem with room keys has been resolved. Also, satellite will be installed. Chairman said ship is due to arrive in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 28 and that payoff will take place at sea prior to arrival. He stated one crew member had a concern about noise but it will be addressed by port agent or patrolman. Educational director recommended upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He advised members to allow plenty of time for document renewal and noted predictions that The SIU-crewed ITB New York (above) performs a docking manuever in Port Everglades, Fla. Crew members (top inset, from left to right) Recertified Steward Milton Yournett, Recertified Bosun Calvin Miles, AB Victor Cooper and AB Jose Castillio pause from their duties for a group photo in the vessel galley while Pumpman Ronald Day (second inset) does the same on the vessel’s deck. ACU Alfrancis Bauzon (photo at left) checks to make sure that a deep fryer in the galley is in proper working order. the wait time for TWIC issuance will only become longer as the deadline approaches. Vessel has $985 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite TV fund. No disputed OT reported. Crew discussed issues with long-term parking in Jacksonville and related transportation concerns. They requested water fountains/dispensers for the main deck and engine room. New dryer is on order. Crew requested new computer so they can check email. Crew thanked Unlicensed Apprentices McNeil and Boyd for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. HOUSTON (USCS Transport), March 5 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Thaddeus L. Kilgore, Steward Delegate Marco Gueara. Chairman asked crew members to be conscience of their work and take care of ship’s equipment and tools. He reminded deck gang to be aware of line tension in port. Secretary expressed gratitude to fellow shipmates for helping keep pantry and messhall clean. He asked crew to clean lint filters on the dryer to prevent fires and so the dryer will work more efficiently. Steward expressed concern about food budget and noted costs are up, including higher delivery fees. Educational director urged members to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. He recommended pre-enrolling for TWIC card to save time and urged crew to check out upgrading opportunities at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners would like to look into getting a computer with e-mail access in the crew lounge. It was also reported that TV in crew lounge needed to be replaced. Thanks to steward department for a job well done. Next port: St. Charles, La. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), March 9 – Chairman James L. Joyce, Secretary Kristin L. Kruse. Chairman stressed the importance of applying for TWIC cards early and reminded crew that the dead line is September 25. He also encouraged everyone to donate to SPAD, which in turn helps defend Seafarers’ jobs. Secretary asked mariners to separate trash. Educational director urged crew to vote in the presidential election in November; ask for an absentee ballot if at sea. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to lower out-of-pocket expenses for medical benefits. Clarification was requested on payment of transportation costs while going to and from doctors and/or dentists in the U.S. Seafarers would like new washers and dryers. Next port: New York. MAERSK NEVADA (Maersk Line Limited), March 2 – Chairman Scott E. Snodgrass, Secretary Franco A. Pizzuto, Educational Director Glenn A. Snow, Deck Delegate Mark Butler, Engine Delegate Edwin Feliciano, Steward Delegate Pedro R. Castillo. Chairman reported room inspections will take place on March 3. Reliefs will be given a ship tour March 8. Secretary thanked everybody for their cooperation during trip. Educational director stated bosun will post memo explaining how to apply for TWIC document. Beef reported in deck department; it will be discussed with patrolman in Houston. No disputed OT. Members were reminded that new contract went into effect January 26. They were also advised to check pay stubs before signing off. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line Limited), March 7 – Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Army J. Leake, Educational Director Christopher J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Morgan E. Piper, Engine Delegate Matthew D. Wright, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman reported a smooth safe voyage and thanked all aboard vessel for their help making it that way. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance their seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Osan, Korea. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk), March 28 – Chairman Juan Tizon Jr., Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Jonathan E. Driggers, Deck Delegate Cristopher Sanchez, Engine Delegate Majed O. Alsharif, Steward Delegate Manuel Daguio. Chairman noted vessel will discharge cargo in Port Angeles, Wash., and then proceed to Point Wells. He gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean. Educational director reminded everyone to check expiration dates on documents, renew early, and apply for TWIC. He encouraged upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Deck and steward delegates reported disputed OT. Crew reported new washer/dryer combo is needed. Next port: Anacortes, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 20 Letters to the Editor Editor’s Note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis. Remembering Man’s Best Friend “Shadow” (pictured below), friend and companion for many years to the mariners at the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center, passed away March 4, 2008, after a brief illness. She’ll be remembered for the love and happiness she brought to everyone. SARC Staff Valley Lee, Maryland in the NMU Pilot and wanted to share them with the membership and my fellow retirees. Here is one from 1986: The Bosun He threw the line Then snapped it tight And a bowline knot appeared His eyes shot sparks that didn’t burn And his smile looked like a sneer With a leap he landed far away (It was then I rubbed my eyes) And what I thought was just a man Had grown beyond that size I looked again, and he was gone To heights I dare not say For if I did who would believe me So let us leave it lay He painted the mast All by himself Before I could blink twice Then lowered his tools And followed them down And still his clothes looked nice He gathered us all Who’d seen him work And said while looking stern “If you should want this bosun’s job, Step up and take your turn.” Retired AB Harold Brown Orlando, Florida ‘World’s Best-Kept Secret’ Sharing Poems from the Past I recently came across a number of my old poems that were published years ago The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was the world’s best-kept secret. What most people didn’t know was that not one person was drafted into the ser- vice of the U.S. Merchant Marine. There were many who could not meet the physical requirements to enter the armed forces. There were many who were too young or too old for the military. Any of those mariners could have left the sea at any time to return home to the safe and good life instead of choosing to sail in the war zones for their country. Many people also don’t know that the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II lost more men, percentage-wise, as a result of enemy attacks than any of the armed services with the exception of the U.S. Marine Corps. The War Shipping Administration records substantiate 731 American merchant ships were sunk; more than 6,700 mariners died or went missing in action; and untold thousands were wounded or permanently crippled. More than 6,000 U.S. mariners were taken prisoner by the enemy. People also may not realize that the supposedly high pay merchant seamen received was prorated according to the type of cargo being carried and the degree of danger of the war zone they sailed in. Their pay stopped if their ship was sunk and didn’t resume until they signed aboard another vessel. Seamen also had to purchase their own clothing and supplies. When the war was over, mariners returned home without any of the benefits enjoyed by their counterparts from the armed services. It wasn’t until 1988 that the merchant marine became eligible for a limited amount of veterans’ benefits. But by that time, the average age of mariners who’d sailed during the war was such that the only viable benefit was the grave marker. A grief-stricken mother or wife who is heartbroken weeps just as hard over the death of their merchant marine son or husband as if he had been killed serving his country in one of the armed forces. Author Felix Riesenberg in his book “Sea War” writes, “Into the seaports came exhausted unnerved men, oilsmeared and half-naked. Many wore dirty bandages over horrible burns. All showed the strain of a wretched experience. But old men with a lifetime of sea service, together with teenage boys on their first trips, showed a common defiance…. Their answer to the stock reporter’s question was, ‘Hell yes, I’m shipping out again!’” Another writer described the merchant marine as the silent service during WWII, with no banner headlines of glorious victories, and no combat awards to speak of. But the lives of the GIs in the foxhole and the pilots in the cockpit depended on the food, equipment and munitions and gasoline the merchant marine carried through the submarineand raider-infested waters, he noted. U.S. Merchant Seamen were marked men in thankless jobs. But their heroic service contributed significantly to America’s victory at sea. General Douglas MacArthur said, “I hold no branch in higher esteem than the merchant marine services.” I spent three years in the merchant marine. I made 10 trips overseas. Three of the trips were on the tanker Lake Erie. We carried 130 octane gasoline to England. Do you know what it is to be hit by a torpedo? All hell breaks loose. Milam Herchek, age 83 Yoakum, Texas Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 20 Seafarers LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2008. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting/STCW June 23 June 27 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) May 19 June 23 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider May 19 May 23 Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) June 2 (must have basic fire fighting) June 13 Steward Upgrading Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Able Seaman May 26 June 20 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began April 28. Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) June 16 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 12 June 23 May 23 July 4 Radar June 2 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) June 23 June 23 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Steward Recertification Course July 14 Aug. 18 August 4 Sept. 8 May 16 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Online “Distance Learning” Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) June 2 June 27 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 19 June 13 FOWT June 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Welding May 5 June 2 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) May 5 June 30 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW May 12 May 26 June 16 May 16 May 30 June 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No Important Notice To Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so that arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: In addition to the foregoing courses, the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education currently is offering the following internet-based courses: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application located on the bottom left portion of this page, and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail. They are therefore urged to provide their e-mail addresses in the space provided on the application. Applicants should also include the word “online” when listing the courses they wish to take. Home Port _____________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Yes Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2008 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/28/2008 6:13 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 700 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 700 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Stephen Amthauer, Dwayne Ahkvaluk, Joseph Bankhead, Virgil Beasley, Keithan Bland, Tyesha Boyd, Adam Brubeck-Galloway, Ashley Carmichael, Vanessa Catron, William Hood, Kenneth LeDeoux, Larry Locke Jr., Jasper McNeil, Mark Merenda, John Monaco, Jimmie Moore Jr., James Norman, Robert Orloff III, Thomas Quinlan Jr., Rondell Richardson, Enrique Rodriguez, Walker Rose, John Saling, and William Wickerd. (Note: Not all are pictured) Government Vessels – The above Phase III unlicensed apprentices on March 17 graduated from this course. Completing their respective requirements (in alphabetical order) were Robert Brackbill, Chad Bruch, Satchel Caffy, Jacqueline Calhoun, Kevin Copeland, Robert Day, Brooke English, Sean Fitzgerald, Jason Fountaine, Nicholas Gustafson, Ryan Kinser, Jose Layz, Demetrius Madison, Jonathan McNeil, Steven Pyle, Scott Rosseel, Patrick Shaw, Anthony Snoeyebos, Caleb Swanson and Jacob Zitnick. Stan Beck, their instructor, is not pictured. Radar Observer - The following individuals (above in alphabetical order) recently completed this five-day course: John Frey, Mark Kane, Keveon Kidd, Tyson Little, WIlliam Ray, Chris Vincenzo and Regina Ewing. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG Six students recently completed a series of computer training classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. After receiving their certificates for completion of their respective classes—which among others included Excel 2002 and Windows XP Operating System—they posed with their instructor Rick Prucha for these photos. Students completing the various courses were (photo above, from left) Christian Cordova, Doug Lowry, Travis Moody and Rodney Martin-Payne. Other graduates included Roger Dillinger Jr. (photo at left) and Paa Kwakye, who is pictured at right in the photograph below. Prucha is third from left in the photo above, right in the photo at left and left in the photo below. In addition to conducting classes in computer training, Prucha also teaches academic courses. Important Notice Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so that arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Welding - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 21: Lawrence Cormier, Daniel Gaffney, Ted Gonzales, Nat Lamb and Dennis Rivard. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far left. May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on March 21 completed this course: Heaven Bautista, Christopher Caporale, Christian Cordova, William Cotea, Dante DeMcCutac, Tyrone Ellis, Vincent Figuenick, Timothy Foster, Fred Green, Dwight Hunt, Tom Loughead, Billie Marshall, Wilbert Martinez, Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Cameron Newberry Jeffrey Nicholson, Rodney Payne, Ronaldo Quinones, Enrique Velez, Martin Watson and Robbie Wills. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing far left in the second row. Medical Care Provider – Ten individuals on March 28 completed this course. They were (above in alphabetical order) Jeffrey Fields, John Frey, Kevin Gailing, Adam Hansen, Kevin Johnson, Keyon Kidd, Joseph Krajnik, W. Tyson Little, Spencer Reed and Jome Zerna. Class instructor Mark Cates is standing at far left. Advanced Container Maintenance – The above upgraders on March 28 completed requirements for graduation from this course. Completing the course (in alphabetical order) were Wendell Brown, James Meyers, Sammy Montana, John Osburn and Franic Quebedeaux. Their instructor, Calvin Beale, is third from left. Basic Firefighting – The above upgraders on March 21 completed this course. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were William Coronacion, Cirico Geonanga Jr., Emilio Gonzales, Russell Hayden, Matthew Hogan, Arnedo Paredes, Michael Proveaux, Roberto Silva, Neil Sullivan, Wilson Trayvilla and Tecumseh Williams. The class instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. Machinist — Two individuals on April 4 completed this course. They are (above in alphabetical order) Michael Brown and Alfonzo Davis. Steve Harver, their instructor, is pictured at far left. Holiday Observance Everyone should be advised that SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., and all union hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 26 for the observance of Memorial Day. Unless an emergency arises, normal business hours will resume Tuesday, May 27. May 2008 Able Seaman – The upgraders in the photo above (in alphabetical order) on March 28 completed this course: Ali Ahmed, Adiener Alfaro, Paul Amato, Larry Bradley, Pedro DeJesus, Quince Harrington, Daniel Irizarry, Nick Johnston, Randolph Knipfer, James Knute, David McRoy Jr., Gil Quinones, Howard Randle, Pedro Rivers-Riestra, Iker Urruchi, Ryanne Wheeler and Benjamin Wright. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is second from left. Seafarers LOG 23 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 5 May 2008 TWIC Updates, Enrollment Centers & Much More - Pages 12-13 SA Sisto Arturo Deanda UA Chad Bruch grinds a padeye for welding. Working in the engine room QMED Al Hickman Phase II Aboard the Liberty Sun Segment of Apprentice Program May be Ultimate Hands-On Training Recertified Steward Joe Birke Editor’s note: Thanks to Unlicensed Apprentice Chad Bruch for supplying the photos accompanying this story. The photos were taken last fall and winter aboard the Liberty Sun during a voyage overseas. One of the most favorably reviewed components of the unlicensed apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is “Phase II,” a 90-day shipboard stint in which each trainee rotates through the three shipboard departments aboard a U.S.-flag vessel. AB E. Castro, UA Marcos Ramos (above) work on the deck of the Liberty Sun while at sea. The photo below was taken from aboard the vessel while she was docked in Haifa, Israel. Phase II provides both a true test and true taste of shipboard life. Graduates and Paul Hall Center instructors have pointed to Phase II as a big factor in boosting retention rates among unlicensed mariners. According to the latest statistics compiled by the school, more than 75 percent of students who graduate from the program still are sailing four years later – a significant improvement compared to the years before 1997, when the trainee program was restructured. A number of SIU-contracted companies participate in Phase II of the unlicensed apprentice program. They include: Sealift, Inc., 3PSC, Alaska Tanker Company, Allied Towing, AMSEA, American Steamship, Crowley, E-Ships, Hannah Marine, Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping, Keystone, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, NCL America, Ocean Ships, Overseas Shipholding Group and Pacific Gulf Marine. The overall program entirely consists of U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses, many of them blending classroom instruction with practical training. The first and third phases take place at the Paul Hall Center campus in Piney Point, Md. While the shipboard training has proven successful, Phase I, at the school itself, lays the foundation for becoming a mariner. This phase also lasts three months and includes the following training: vessel familiarization; STCW basic safety training (BST); basic fire fighting; first aid; water Sign near grain elevator at Gate 5 survival; vessel operations; and social responsibilities. During Phase III, students begin to specialize their training. Deck personnel head to courses titled (respectively) specially trained ordinary seaman and tankship familiarization/dangerous liquids, while engine department mariners enroll in the basic auxiliary plant operations class. Those who choose the steward department take four weeks of upgrader-level galley operations. Completion of Phase III is considered official graduation, but the school doesn’t abandon students after that point. What is considered Phase IV consists of an additional four months’ sea service, followed by the appropriate upgrading course (able seaman, for instance). For additional information about the program, call tollfree at 1-877-235-3275 or visit the Paul Hall Center section of the web site www.seafarers.org. AB Cliff Favorite (front) and GUDE Modesto Ordonez prepare to open hatches. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SECRETARY-TREASURER CARRIES SOLIDARITY MESSAGE TO MUA SIU’S HEINDEL ALSO EMPHASIZES GRASSROOTS POLITICAL ACTION TANKER OVERSEAS NEW YORK DELIVERED NY WATERWAY CREWS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT SIU CREWS CONTRIBUTE TO MRAP MILESTONE MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT MAJESTIC CRUISE BOAT EVACUATED BECAUSE OF ENGINE ROOM FIRE SIXTH T-AKE JOINS MSC FLEET, CIVMARS NET MORE JOBS U.S. NAVY’S MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND CHRISTENS USNS AMELIA EARHART DURING CEREMONY AT NASSCO SHIPYARD ITF, SINGAPORE UNION ASSIST STRANDED CREW STEELMAKER CALLS FOR MORE LAKES DREDGING SO NATION CAN REINVEST IN AMERICAN JOBS MARINE HIGHWAY INITIATIVE SHOWS WATERWAYS’ IMPORTANCE ALASKA TANKER COMPANY SAFELY REACHES MILESTONE SEAFARERS DEDICATION TO SAFETY LEAVES LASTING LEGACY SEAFARERS, OFFICERS, OFFICIALS PROMOTE MARITIME IN CALIF. SIU OF CANADA REPORTS MAJOR ORGANIZING VICTORY AT MCKEIL HORIZON FALCON RECEIVES ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION SHIPBOARD MEMORIES FROM WWII MARINER LEGERE FORMER SIU MEMBER’S FILM TAKES LOOK AT MODERN DAY PIRACY IN MALACCA STRAITS SEAFARERS ON MSC MISSIONS SAVE LIVES USNS SEAY, USNS SACAGAWEA PERFORM RESCUES AT SEA PHASE II ABOARD THE LIBERTY SUN Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/08 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 70, No. 5 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/54b31ff6056bf49404d0d4a12152eb6e.PDF b582055a2930bc2a7a54002435092b9a PDF Text Text 54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 2:00 AM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 5 May 2009 U.S. Mariners Fight Back Hailed as Heroes, Maersk Alabama Crew Returns Home Safely Second SIU Ship, Liberty Sun, Attacked Administration, Military, Industry Focus On Pirate Menace In a piracy saga that played out as the nation’s lead story for days, the captain and crew of the SIU-contracted Maersk Alabama reached safety and a happy ending, but not before enduring more than enough harrowing moments. Separately, the SIUcrewed Liberty Sun also came under attack by Somali pirates, with all hands reported safe. Pictured clockwise, beginning with top photo, the Alabama, which was boarded by pirates on April 8 in the Indian Ocean, docks in Mombasa, Kenya, carrying humanitarian aid cargo (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo); Maersk Line Limited President and CEO John Reinhart (right) helps welcome the crew back to the U.S.; crew members from the Alabama celebrate after learning their captain had been freed by U.S. Navy SEALS (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim); SIU President Michael Sacco (left) congratulates AB ATM Reza shortly after the crew arrived at Andrews Air Force Base; and Bosun William Rios hugs his wife and son seconds after stepping off the airplane. Pages 2, 3, 11, 12, 13. Union Welcomes New Tonnage Grateful Passenger Thanks NY Waterway Page 8 Page 4 �54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 2:15 AM Page 2 President’s Repor t Our Crews Must be Protected There’s a lot to cover this month, but let me start with the absolute most important item: Thank heaven our crews from the Maersk Alabama and the Liberty Sun are safe! The piracy incidents involving those two SIU-crewed ships may have taken place half a world away, but they certainly hit home. By now, I’m sure you know the details. The Maersk Alabama received far more media coverage, because the ship was boarded and because its captain, Richard Phillips, was held hostage aboard a lifeboat for five days. The Liberty Sun incident basically was finished by the time it hit the press, but it was plenty disturbing in its own right, with weapons fired at and damaging the vessel. Understandably, the Liberty Sun didn’t get Michael Sacco as much attention, but those crew members are, of course, every bit as important to the SIU family as any other members. There are plenty of organizations and individuals to thank for the happy endings, and you can read some of those sentiments elsewhere in this newspaper. I’ll get to some others in a minute. But what cannot be overlooked – and what will not be overlooked – is the immediate need to protect our crews from the all-too-real danger of piracy. As this edition of the LOG went to press, the SIU was taking part in high-level meetings with the military, the government and others from the maritime industry to tackle this issue. I’m optimistic that these meetings were an important step towards timely, effective solutions. Our crews must be protected. Period. For now, I am open-minded about how that protection unfolds. The obvious possibilities include arming the crews, or having the ship operating companies hire professional security personnel, or having the military supply armed guards. Maybe the answer is some combination of those things. Maybe not. But there’s got to be an answer besides hoping we can outrun the pirates or knock them down with hoses. Even though the media only recently woke up to the issue of piracy, it’s not new to this union. As recently as December, I took part in a meeting that included very highranking U.S. military officers focusing on piracy. Also, through the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the International Maritime Organization, we’ve been sounding the alarm for decades. The industry’s combined efforts have at least resulted in some progress, even though it hasn’t been enough. Naval ships like the U.S. vessels that sailed to aid the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun have increased their presence near the hotspots around Somalia. There is an electronic reporting system for every ship that enters the potentially hazardous areas, geared toward helping mobilize help when needed. Passage of a United Nations resolution late last year helped set up the legal means for prosecuting pirates. Again, it’s a start but it’s not enough. We all understand that if the perfect solutions were easy to implement, piracy wouldn’t exist. With that said, long-term, the best way to end this mess is by addressing the root causes – namely, the instability in Somalia itself. Concerning the short-term, this is our top priority. We will be writing about it with updates here and on our web site. We will be communicating with members at the monthly meetings and aboard the ships in port. We will be part of the solution, because our SIU crews must be protected. As for the story that completely dominated the news for several days beginning April 8, I’ve never been more proud of an SIU crew. And I’ve never felt more relieved than when I learned of their safety as well as that of the officers from MEBA and MM&P, including Captain Phillips. Captain Phillips has quite a story to share, and it’s definitely not a sea story. His presence would have been the only thing that could have added to the joy felt by everyone who welcomed home the crew when they landed at Andrews Air Force Base on April 16, some time after midnight. That was a long night when it came to looking at the clock, but the time spent with Seafarers and their families was priceless. Personally, I consider it among the most rewarding moments of my years with this union. I’ve said from time to time that we’re more like a family than a union. When the Maersk Alabama crew came home, we truly were all family. Finally, although I’ve expressed these sentiments in separate correspondence, I want to take this opportunity to once again thank President Obama for his concern and decisive action that led to the safe transit of the Maersk Alabama and her crew as well as the rescue of Captain Phillips. My gratitude also goes to Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, and to the Navy SEALS, FBI negotiators and others who helped deliver the mariners safely. I’m truly thankful to all who performed so bravely and valiantly in this operation. Shipowner Maersk Line, Limited and operator Waterman Steamship deserve recognition, too. From the moment the story broke, they went into “24/7” mode to keep in touch with the mariners’ families and with their unions. The companies set up a tollfree hotline for family members, offering various forms of assistance. They provided a heroes’ welcome for the crew and they made sure the families not only were able to attend, but were provided with comfortable accommodations – away from the media horde, to the extent possible. On that note, I have personally thanked Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz for making it possible for the crews to arrive at Andrews. The setting allowed for a proper homecoming, and it made all the difference. For the SIU’s part, we also stayed in touch with the families in addition to having nearly constant contact with the companies and the military, offering them whatever support we could give. We posted timely communications on our web site. Without taking undue advantage of the circumstances, we let it be known that union-affiliated schools such as the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education help prepare mariners for all types of shipboard emergencies. We went to great lengths to protect the privacy of our members and their families despite a tidal wave of press calls. This entire experience, both with the Maersk Alabama and the Liberty Sun, has been a roller-coaster of emotions. It started with terrible concern, followed by immense relief, followed by the sobering reminders that piracy is still front and center. We’ve got the pirates in the spotlight now. It’s time to take aim at real solutions. TWIC Tip: ‘Self Identify’ as Merchant Mariner April 15 wasn’t just the last day to file income tax paperwork. For the maritime industry, it also marked the deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the start of a five-year phase-in period for the new merchant mariner qualification credential, which slowly will replace current merchant mariner documents/z-cards. The new merchant mariner qualification credential also will replace 1995 STCW certificates and licenses, combining all documentation into one passport-style credential. The deadline for the TWIC and the advent of the new qualification credential led to somewhat of an information blitz, but one particular point that mariners would be well-advised to consider is whether, in the words of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC), they “self-identi- fied” as merchant mariners when enrolling for a TWIC. This would have been a verbal identification upon original application for a TWIC, or a follow-up identification via contact by the mariner to an enrollment center. As previously reported, for those who already received a TWIC and did not selfidentify as a mariner, or for those who don’t remember whether or not they self-identified, the NMC (issuer of the new merchant mariner qualification credential) is working with the Transportation Security Administration (issuer of the TWIC) to automatically change your occupation field. The NMC anticipates that this will cover the vast majority of current mariners. In a recent communication, however, the NMC further noted, “It is, unfortunately, inevitable that there will not be matching data for every mariner due to variances in the data contained in either system (such as using slightly different name spellings to apply for your TWIC and your mariner credential). Therefore, TSA is setting up a help desk number that you will be able to call in order to manually switch your occupation field. This should only impact a small percentage of mariners and only when applying for their next Coast Guard-issued credential. At that point, if the NMC does not have matching data from TSA regarding a valid TWIC you will be asked to call the TSA help desk.” That phone number is 1866-DHS-TWIC (347-8942). “If an individual isn’t sure whether or not they self-identified as a mariner, it’s worth it to call the toll-free number and verify, particularly before renewing or upgrading their document,” noted Priscilla Senatore, admissions director at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. “If someone isn’t identified as a mariner, it can cause a significant delay in processing their paperwork through the National Maritime Center.” As for the new qualification credential, abbreviated as MMC, mariners do not need to rush to get one. The rationale for the fiveyear phase-in period is that, starting April 15 (last month), when mariners renew or upgrade their z-card, or when mariners new to the industry apply for a credential, they will receive the MMC. The MMC program does not affect the legitimacy of currently valid z-cards/merchant mariner documents. It also eliminates the need for mariners to appear in person at a Coast Guard regional exam center (REC), provided they have applied for a TWIC. Mariners do still have the option to go to an REC. Remember the SS Mayaguez Volume 71, Number 5 May 2009 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2009 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG April 2009 may have been the first time in more than a century that pirates boarded an American-flag ship, but SIU members dealt with armed shipboard intruders much more recently – for three days beginning May 12, 1975 to be exact. That’s when Cambodian rebels kidnapped the Seafarers-crewed SS Mayaguez off that country’s coast. Nine rebels armed with automatic weapons, rocket launchers and grenades boarded the Mayaguez as the ship was en route from Hong Kong to Sattahip, Thailand. Within hours, several more Cambodian gunboats showed up and roughly 40 more Cambodians boarded the ship. President Gerald Ford ordered a military response to retake the vessel and its crew. The 39-person crew of the Mayaguez (includ- ing 28 SIU members) survived the ordeal without permanent injury, as U.S. military personnel completed their rescue some 65 hours after the mariners were taken captive. However, according to media reports from that era, 16 U.S. servicemen were killed and others were wounded because of heavy fire from the rebels, known as Khmer Rouge. The fatalities took place when Cambodians shot down a U.S. helicopter and also attacked Marines who were attempting a rescue. More than 100 Cambodians soldiers were killed. The reason for the seizure never became clear. Some thought the rebels misidentified the SeaLand containership as transporting weapons and ammunition, surveillance equipment or other materiel. The vessel in fact was carrying non-military cargo. May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 10:59 AM Page 3 AB ATM Reza (right), SIU hawsepiper/3rd Engineer John Cronan (with hand raised) and the rest of the mariners step off the airplane at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Crew members of the Maersk Alabama are seen during a press briefing at the Mombasa port in Kenya on April 13. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo) Maersk Alabama Saga has Happy Ending Somali Piracy Acts Continue As Liberty Sun also Attacked Earlier this year, SIU members from NY Waterway were part of the nation’s lead news story as they rescued airplane passengers and crew in what quickly became known as the Miracle on the Hudson. Last month, 12 Seafarers aboard the Maersk Alabama played a central role in another episode that kept the world transfixed for days. In a story that proved seemingly impossible to miss, the union crew of the Maerskowned, Waterman-operated containership fought off armed Somali pirates who boarded the vessel April 8, hundreds of miles from Somalia’s northern coast. The pirates were sent away from the American-flag ship within about 12 hours, but Captain Richard Phillips of the Alabama was taken hostage aboard a lifeboat and remained there until Easter Sunday, when U.S. Navy snipers eliminated Phillips’ captors. By then, the Alabama – carrying humanitarian cargo – had arrived at its originally scheduled port of Mombasa, Kenya. (For safety reasons, the U.S. military wanted the ship to leave the area where the captain was being held.) As the story played out, the scourge of Somali piracy finally received the attention long called for by the international maritime community. Additionally, anyone who thought the first such attack in modern times on a U.S. ship was a fluke, quickly learned otherwise as the SIUcrewed Liberty Sun was fired upon near the Gulf of Aden. That attack took place April 15 and didn’t result in injuries, though it damaged the vessel. Once again, the U.S. Navy quickly came to the assistance of the U.S. mer- been transported to nearby Washington, D.C., by SIUchant ship. contracted Maersk Line, Limited for the reunion. Ironically, Phillips was aboard the Navy vessel disMembers also were obviously happy to see SIU patched to aid the Liberty Sun – an assignment that tem- President Michael Sacco and SIU Executive Vice porarily prevented him from reuniting with his own crew, President Augie Tellez, who eagerly welcomed them after which was still in Mombasa, preparing to fly home. the Seafarers had said their initial hellos to family. (Sacco (More details about the Liberty Sun incident will be and Tellez already knew many of the crew members.) SIU included in the next issue of the LOG.) members and officials visited at the base and again back The immediate aftermath of the Maersk Alabama con- at the local hotel arranged by Maersk. Hours later, the frontation saw the mariners – represented, respectively, three union presidents along with Tellez and SIU Vice by the SIU; the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial President Contracts George Tricker met with most of the Association; and the Masters, Mates & Pilots – hailed as mariners to more formally thank them and to discuss heroes all across the country. some options for combating Editorials praised their courage, piracy. and some writers not normally Even before reaching the “What kept us alive was the fond of unions compared them to training, the discipline and the United States, crew members the heroic American passengers and officers alike – once they of Flight 93 on September 11. knowledge we learned from the had been assured of Capt. Union-affiliated training schools SIU.” — Maersk Alabama Bosun William Rios Phillips’ safety – emphasized including the Paul Hall Center that the media erred in saying for Maritime Training and that they had regained control of Education were credited for their work in preparing the Maersk Alabama shortly after the pirates boarded the mariners for emergencies at sea. vessel. “We never lost control of the ship,” was perhaps Meanwhile, some Somalis used the media to convey their most common refrain, made politely but firmly. threats of more violence against American crews. Crew members also said that they were purposely holding back some details of how they overcame the Joyful Reunion attack, because their techniques may prove useful for However complex the issue of piracy, there was noth- other mariners. What is known is that they outran the ing ambiguous about the emotions that poured out when pirates for hours, were fired upon and were boarded, then the plane carrying the Maersk Alabama mariners touched outmaneuvered them below decks while intentionally down at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., around 1 a.m. on (and temporarily) disabling the ship. The Americans capApril 16. Seafarers walked down a portable staircase and tured and injured one of the pirates, which gave them into the waiting arms of relieved family members who’d vital leverage. Eventually, the frustrated pirates simply wanted to leave – quite a change in demeanor from when they initially climbed aboard and expressed glee at an anticipatContinued on Pages 12-13 The Maersk Alabama (photo at left) prepares to dock in Mombasa on April 11, 2009. Guarded by Navy personnel, the crew included a dozen SIU members. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo). In photo above, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) welcomes AB Clifford Lacon shortly after the crew arrived in the U.S. May 2009 Seafarers LOG 3 �54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 2:19 AM Page 4 Operated by Sealift Inc., the MV John A. Chapman, left, will preposition materiel for the U.S. Air Force. The most recent tanker constructed at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, photo above, formally will be christened the Overseas Nikiski. APL Adds Four U.S.-Flag Vessels Crowley, OSG Welcome New Tonnage; Sealift Inc. to Operate MV Chapman The SIU last month reported that American President Lines is bringing four ships into its U.S.-flag fleet, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to meet U.S. government needs. Seafarers will fill all of the unlicensed slots aboard the APL Pearl and APL Cyprine, and will fill the steward department positions aboard the APL Agate and APL Japan. The Pearl and the Cyprine were scheduled to reflag under the Stars and Stripes at press time. Built by Samsung Shipbuilding in 1997, each of those two containerships is approximately 900 feet long, with a beam of 131 feet. The ships can sail at 24 knots. In his April report to the membership, SIU Vice President Contracts George 4 Seafarers LOG Tricker noted that the Agate (also a containership built in 1997) was slated to reflag April 20 in Charleston, S.C., while the Japan (constructed in 1995) is scheduled to reflag May 18. The four APL ships will sail on a 56day “Suez Express” run, delivering cargo to the Middle East and the ports of New York, Charleston, S.C., Norfolk, Va. and Savannah, Ga. That wasn’t the only recent good news concerning new or newly contracted tonnage. Earlier this year, Sealift Inc. earned an operating contract from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) covering the MV John A. Chapman, a prepositioning ship. Depending on if options are exercised, the contract could cover five years. In any case, the Seafarers-contract- ed Chapman is expected to carry materiel for the U.S. Air Force while mainly operating in or near Saipan. Back in the U.S., SIU-contracted Crowley on April 2 took delivery of its newest articulated tug barge (ATB) – the tug Commitment and barge 650-6, in Pascagoula, Miss. The 185,000-barrel ATB, the 10th in Crowley’s fleet, has been chartered by a major energy company to transport petroleum products on the U.S. West Coast beginning last month. “New vessel design, construction and deployment is essential to serving the needs of our customers,” said Tom Crowley, company chairman, president and CEO. “We are committed to designing, building and operating the most technologically advanced and environmentally sound vessels in the industry.” The Commitment/650-6 was jointly designed by Crowley’s marine technical services group and VT Halter Marine. The tug Commitment, left, and barge 6506, form Crowley’s newest ATB. As seen in this view from the Commitment’s wheelhouse, above, the company’s ATBs feature all the latest equipment. Seafarers-contracted APL is bringing four more ships into its U.S.-flag fleet, including the APL Agate, below, and the APL Pearl, above. The tank barge was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the tug Commitment at its shipyard, in Moss Point, Miss. The Seafarers-crewed Crowley ATB fleet is scheduled to grow to 17 by mid2013. Included in the total are four 155,000 barrel units already deployed; ten 185,000-barrel units, six of which are in operation; and three yet-to-be-built 330,000-barrel units – the largest in the company’s history and the fastest in their class. Additionally, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard on April 20 launched Hull 011, the seventh in a series of at least 12 product tankers to be completed by 2011. The vessel will be named the Overseas Nikiski and will be operated by SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group. Like the others in its class, the tanker is 600 feet long and will sail in the Jones Act trades. It is scheduled for delivery in the current quarter of 2009. May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 10:59 AM Page 5 Top Economists Say ‘Yes’ To EFCA’s Majority Sign-Up Noted economists across the country have affirmed the nation needs the Employee Free Choice Act to restore balance in the labor market and to put the economy back on its feet, according to a recent statement by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The EPI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. The statement is endorsed by acclaimed economists and explains that the financial sector isn’t the only sector in trouble. It points out that average wages for American workers have stagnated even as their productivity soars. The EPI notes that from 2000 to 2007, the income of the median working-age household fell by $2,000 – an unprecedented decline. In that time, virtually all of the nation’s economic growth went to a small number of wealthy Americans. An important reason for the shift from broadly shared prosperity to growing inequality is the erosion of workers’ ability to form unions and bargain collectively, according to the economists. Among other issues, the election process overseen by the National Labor Relations Board has become prolonged and hostile. “The problem is that the [union] election process overseen by the National Labor Relations Board has become drawn out and acrimonious, with management campaigning fiercely to deter unionization, sometimes to the extent of violating labor laws,” says the EPI. “Union sympa- thizers are routinely threatened or even fired, and they have little effective recourse under the law. Even when workers overcome this pressure and vote for a union, they are unable to obtain contracts one-third of the time due to management resistance.” The EPI and economists explain the remedy to the situation is the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as majority sign-up legislation (which has been introduced in both the House and Senate during the current session of Congress). They say the act would accomplish three things: It would give workers the choice of using majority sign-up – a simple, established procedure in which workers sign cards to indicate their support for a union – or staging an NLRB election; would triple damages for employers who fire union supporters or break other labor laws; and would created a process to ensure that newly unionized employees have a fair shot at obtaining a first contract by calling for arbitration after 120 days of unsuccessful bargaining. They say the Employee Free Choice Act will better reflect workers’ desires than the current “war over representation.” The bill will also lower the level of acrimony and distrust that often accompanies union elections in the current system. “As economists, we believe this is a critically important step in rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy by enhancing the voice of working people in the work- Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) speaks during a recent EFCA rally in Washington, D.C. Miller initially introduced the EFCA before the 109th Congress in April 2005. place,” said the statement’s endorsers. “A rising tide lifts all boats only when labor and management bargain on relatively equal terms. In recent decades, most bargaining power has resided with management. The current recession will further weaken the ability of workers to bargain individually. More than ever, workers will need to act together.” The list of economists looks like a “who’s who” of experts coming from a range of Ivy League and other noted colleges and universities and other well-known institutions. The AFL-CIO continues to push for enactment of the legislation, and the SIU has supported those efforts from the start. President Obama has pledged to sign the bill if given the chance. No Surprise: Unions are Good for Business The Economic Policy Institute recently said its new study “Still Open for Business” debunks the myth that the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) will hurt businesses and costs jobs. The EPI said the historical research and data in the study compared unionized and similar non-union firms, with results clearly showing that unionized companies are no more likely to fail than non-union firms. In fact, the study shows workers in unionized firms normally earn higher wages and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts, but the union workforce also consistently is more productive. On balance, that productivity increases the respective bottom lines of union shops. “In the debate over legislation to expand employees’ right to choose union representation in the workplace, the organized business lobby has been drumming up fears that enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act would kill jobs by forcing more employers out of business. That claim is not borne out by historical data or existing credible research,” the EPI noted. More information on the study is available at www.epi.org. ‘Belated Thank You’ Bill Re-introduced In U.S. House, Senate A bill to assist the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II has been re-introduced in both houses of the 111th Congress. Called the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009,” the bill (H.R. 23) on Jan. 6 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif). Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) on March 19 brought companion legislation (S. 663) before the U.S. Senate. The bill’s purpose is: “To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II.” If adopted and signed into law, the act would establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund in the U.S. Treasury. This fund would facilitate payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a $1,000 monthly benefit to each individual who – between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946 – was a documented member of the U.S. Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service). Such individuals during World War II must have served as crew members aboard vessels that were operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. As reported in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG, Filner formerly introduced very similar legislation dating back to the 108th Congress when he introduced H.R. 3729, which carried the same title. In remarks to fellow members of Congress in 2004 while reflecting on the contributions of mariners, Filner in part noted, “World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the second-highest casualty rate of any of the branches of services while they delivered troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of the war. Compared to the large number of men and women serving in World War II, the numbers of merchant mariners were small, but their chance of dying during service was extremely high. Enemy forces sank over 800 ships between 1941 and 1944 alone.” Taking his case further when offering H.R.23 before the present Congress, Filner said “The Merchants Mariners were dealt a grave injustice at the close of World War II when they were denied veteran status and benefits. This bill helps rectify that wrong, and shows the Merchant Mariners that their bravery is still appreciated. “Throughout World War II the Merchant Mariners played an essential role…. Merchant Mariners courageously transported goods, materials and personnel to various theaters of war.” He added, “I am truly grateful for the services that these individuals provided during World War II and I will fight to have this bill passed into law. Our entire nation needs to give them the thanks they deserve.” As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, 90 members of the House had signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation while 18 senators had pledged their support. Pro-Maritime Congressman Skelton Receives Honors U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Missouri), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, is the recipient of the International Propeller Club of the United States’ prestigious Salute to Congress Award for 2009. A passionate and outspoken friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Skelton was scheduled to receive the award April 28 (shortly after the LOG went to press) during the 25th annual Salute to Congress Dinner at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. The SIU was slated to be well-represented at the ceremony, as President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Vice President Contracts George Tricker planned to attend on behalf of the union. Overall, an estimated 400 guests were anticipated to be in the audience, including a number of U.S. senators and congressmen. In a news release announcing the 2009 award, the Propeller Club noted that Skelton was being honored for his consistent and strong support of the United States maritime industry and his recognition of the importance of it to our economy and national defense. May 2009 Skelton has represented Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1976. Prior to his election to Congress, Skelton served as Lafayette County Prosecuting Attorney and as a Missouri State Senator from 1971 to 1976. The congressman’s district includes Missouri’s state capital, Jefferson City and much of the Ozark region of the state. The northernmost part of the Fourth District includes Ray County, located north of the Missouri River. The southernmost point of the district is Webster County, only 30 miles from the Arkansas border. A native of Lexington, Skelton is a graduate of Wentworth Military Academy and the University of Missouri at Columbia where he received A.B. and L.L.B. degrees. He was named as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Law Review. A leader in the House on defense issues, Skelton’s district is home to Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman Air Force Base, and the Missouri National Guard Training Center. The congressman was instrumental in bringing the Army Engineer School to Fort Leonard Wood and the B-2 Stealth bomber to Whiteman. From 1999 to 2006, Skelton served as ranking minority member of the Armed Services Committee and assumed the Chairmanship in 2007. As chairman, the congressman serves ex officio on all the Committee subcommittees. The first Salute to Congress Award was presented to Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill in 1984. Recent recipients have included Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), then Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), then Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee; Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee; and Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska), former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Congressman Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) was the 2008 honoree. The International Propeller Club of the United States is a grassroots, non-profit organization, whose membership resides throughout the United States and the world. It is dedicated to the enhancement and wellbeing of all interests of the maritime community on a national and international basis. The Propeller Club aggressively promotes the maritime industry through many of its programs and partnering with other similar organizations. U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Missouri) Chairman, Armed Services Committee Seafarers LOG 5 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 10:59 AM Page 6 More than 200 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles sit pier-side in Charleston, S.C., where Army personnel loaded them onto the SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau. (U.S. Navy photo by Tom D’Agostino) SIU-Crewed Ship Establishes MRAP Milestone The “fourth arm of defense” made history in defense of our nation when the Seafarers-crewed MV Alliance New York recently took on board what was expected to be the 10,000th mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle transported by sea to the U.S. Central Command. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union at a ceremony March 23 in Charleston, S.C., commemorating the occasion. Liberty Maritime’s Alliance New York and many other Seafarers-crewed ships have transported a significant number of the MRAPS to our troops overseas since the program’s inception in 2007. Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, and commander of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Army Maj. Gen. James Hodge, also attended the event with other military and civic dignitaries. The 841st Transportation Battalion commanding officer, Army Lt. Col. Randy Haufe, in his remarks, acknowledged the team effort responsible for this milestone. He recognized his civilian and military workforce as dedicated and superior in accomplishing this and other vital operations. In other remarks, Hodge saluted the efforts of all those involved in the shipment of the MRAPs, which he described as “the best equipment our service men and women could have available as they serve in harm’s way.” McNabb recognized the professionalism and dedication involved on everyone’s part in the safe, secure and efficient shipment of 10,000 MRAPs. “These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe,” he stated. A soldier newly assigned to the 841st shared his personal experience of the importance of MRAPs. Army Capt. Lonnie Nipper recently returned from a 12-month tour in Iraq. While there, Nipper worked as part of a military transition team of approximately a dozen soldiers who were responsible for mentoring and advising Iraqi forces. He spoke of several instances of improvised explosive devices hitting his convoy of MRAPs. Although some MRAPs at times were The Seafarers-crewed Alliance New York sails to Kuwait with a load of MRAPs. delayed by flat tires, vehicle damage, and on one occasion being flipped over, his team suffered no casualties. “If it wasn’t for the people working diligently here getting these vehicles ready and shipped over to us, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our mission,” Summary Annual Report For NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan Editor’s note: Data in this summary annual report reflects the outcome of plans mergers that were previously reported both in the LOG and at monthly membership meetings. This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan (Employer Identification No. 13-6592643, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $12,284,461. These expenses included $1,173,960 in administrative expenses and $11,110,501 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. There were no participants or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the period. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $0 as of June 30, 2008 compared to $275,648,407 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $275,648,407. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $(13,729,067), including losses of $(1,890,179) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $(11,838,888). Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. 6 Seafarers LOG Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: ■ An accountant’s report; ■ Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 10312 investment entities in which the plan participates; and ■ Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Maggie Bowen, who is Plan Administrator, at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.70 for the full report, or $0.15 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. These portions of the report are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Nipper said to his audience. “So, thank you.” The ship carrying the 10,000th MRAP, the MV Alliance New York, is the same ship which delivered the first MRAP carried by surface to the USCENTCOM theater of operations in November 2007. U.S. Economy Takes Another Hit, Loses 663,000 Jobs in March The nation’s economic slump continued in March, with unemployment growing to 8.5 percent – the highest percentage since 1983, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to government data, during the month of March, unemployment rose by another 663,000 Americans. That figure reflects a net loss of 5.1 million jobs nationwide since the start of the recession in 2007. Overall, 13.2 million Americans are out of work. These numbers do not factor in the millions of Americans who have faced furloughs and pay cuts since the beginning of the recession. For those remaining employed, the BLS reports an increase in average hourly earnings of 0.3 percent for March. However that gain was outstripped by a 0.4 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the prices consumers pay for goods. The BLS reports the jump in the CPI compared to February’s data was due to the increasing price of petroleum and related products. Meanwhile, the number of temporary workers grew to 547,000, which is its highest total since 1962 and double compared to figures from a year ago. The hardest-hit industries for employment remain the manufacturing and construction trades, according to the BLS. May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 10:59 AM Page 7 Six Stewards Complete Recertification Mariners Note Career Opportunities Available through SIU, School Six Seafarers recently graduated from the steward recertification course offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Successfully completing the course were Hernegildo Batiz, Jioia DeLeon, Lonnie Jones, Donald Mann, John Reid, Jr. and Basil Waldron. Each of the graduates received a certificate during the April 6 union membership meeting at the school in Piney Point, Md. In keeping with tradition, the stewards addressed their fellow members, SIU officials, school employees and guests at the meeting. Batiz, who sails from the Port of Houston, has been in the SIU for 35 years and encouraged trainees to keep upgrading throughout their careers. “If it wasn’t for upgrading and the school, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he stated. He also stressed the importance of staying up to date with what’s going on in the industry, including activities on Capitol Hill that affect the U.S. Merchant Marine. To do this, Batiz stressed reading the SIU newspaper and contributing to the voluntary Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD) fund. DeLeon hails from the Port of Tacoma, Wash., and has been sailing with the SIU since 1989. She stated that like so many of her brother and sister Seafarers, if it weren’t for her maritime career, she never would have seen so much of the world. Upon completing the top steward-department curriculum offered at the Paul Hall Center, she noted, “I have studied and worked and have dedicated my seafaring life for this occasion, but my efforts wouldn’t have been successful if not for the tools the SIU offers each of us, and if not for the top-notch education offered by the Paul Hall Center. This school is our heartbeat and we are the best trained mariners in the world!” The elder statesman of the group, Jones, from the Port of Algonac, Mich., joined the SIU in 1968 after serving in the Navy during Vietnam. “I have sailed on oceans, the Lakes and rivers and been to 44 different countries on many kinds of ships and boats,” he noted. “In fact, my whole family has sailed – my wife on the Great Lakes and my son and daughter on the oceans, and all of us have had great lives. Throughout their sailing careers, I’ve told them the same thing I’m passing on to today’s young mariners: Have a good attitude, give every job 100 percent and listen to your supervisor. There is a reason that person is your supervisor. They have experience and you Pictured last month at the school following graduation ceremonies are (left to right) SREC Donald Mann, SREC John Reid, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SREC Jioia DeLeon, SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SREC Hernegildo Batiz, SREC Basil Waldron, SREC Lonnie Jones and SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram. might be able to learn from them. That’s free education!” Jacksonville, Fla.,-based Mann told those attending the meeting that his life “was pretty rough until I joined the SIU in 1982. I couldn’t take care of myself then but the union turned my life around. It’s like how family should be.” Concerning his experiences at the Piney Point, Md., school, Mann said, “The staff is well-trained, and what I learned about sanitation and the ServSafe program is invaluable knowledge that I’m going to stress on board to galley staff. I also learned a lot about the industry and think I’m ready to go on board and spread the word about what’s going on in the industry and our careers.” “I owe the SIU a debt of gratitude because it has shaped my life for 21 years since high school,” explained Reid. The Seafarer from Norfolk, Va., credits the union for experience he never thought he’d have. “The SIU has taught me things and taken me places I As reflected in the photo above and the three below, the stewards brushed up on their fire-fighting and CPR skills in addition to honing other lifesaving techniques. May 2009 thought I’d never know or see. It has also allowed me to provide for my family for two decades. The school really helps us become more competent in performing our daily duties and becoming more instrumental to the safe operations of our ships.” “I consider the steward department the hub of the ship,” said Waldron, who sails from the Port of New York. “A well-fed crew is a happy crew. Crucial to this is ensuring sanitary conditions are maintained. That’s where this recertification program is vital. It teaches and reinforces the safe methods of preparing and serving food. It also teaches proper cleaning and sanitizing – everything to help ward off food-borne illnesses. If you have a chance to recertify, take it; there’s no experience like it.” The three-week recertification class blends practical training with classroom instruction. Students also meet with representatives of various departments from throughout the SIU and the Seafarers Plans. SIU President Michael Sacco (center), joined by VP Contracts George Tricker (left), discusses current maritime events with the stewards at SIU headquarters. Seafarers LOG 7 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 10:59 AM Page 8 With Seafarers in New York Stevenson snapped this photo of the downed airplane and some of the rescue boats. Grateful Airplane Passenger Thanks NY Waterway For Unscheduled Ferry Ride Maersk Line, Limited continues to bring newer tonnage into its fleet. Pictured aboard one of the newly reflagged vessels – the Champion – are (standing, from left) ABs A. Karim, Maher Omar and Josan Contantine, and (seated, from left) Chief Cook Robert Arana, OMU Knolly Wiltshire and Recertified Steward Stephanie Sizemore. Recertified Steward Luis Caballero (left) and Chief Cook Carlos Nunez pause for the camera aboard the Alliance Norfolk. Pictured at the union hall in Brooklyn, N.Y., are Recertified Bosuns Conrad Burke (left) and Cecil Yearwood. By the time he arrived home, Eric Stevenson was very far-removed from the scene of his most memorable airplane trip. That didn’t stop the French citizen from writing to the head of SIU-contracted NY Waterway, Arthur Imperatore, to convey his thanks for being rescued during what quickly became known as the Miracle on the Hudson. Stevenson was a passenger aboard U.S. Airways Flight 1549, which crash-landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 15. All of the plane’s passengers and crew were rescued, the vast majority via SIU-crewed ferries operated by NY Waterway. “NY Waterway crews and boats heroically came French passenger Eric Stevenson to the rescue of many passengers like me,” thanked NY Waterway crews for Stevenson wrote, “in an amazing example of New saving him and other passengers during the Miracle on the Hudson. York’s ability to quickly respond to and professionally handle a major emergency.” He continued, “Your crew took me to the ferry terminal in Weehawken (N.J.) where I was provided with a blanket, shirt and pants to warm up from the frigid waters of the Hudson. I wish to express my enormous appreciation and gratitude for the services NY Waterway provided to my fellow passengers and me.” Paul Hall Center Course Spotlight The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md., offers a wide variety of vocational and academic courses. Classes are available to upgraders and entry-level students. The following is a brief description of an unlicensed apprentice program course offered at the school, which opened in 1967. Turn to page 21 for a list of upcoming course dates. Additional course descriptions were published in the January 2009 edition of the Seafarers LOG; they also are available on the web at www.seafarers.org/phc Physical Education The six-week course consists of daily training (one hour per day) and includes indoor and outdoor activities. Students participate in calisthenics (stretching, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.), cardiovascular training and strength training. Their assessment includes a 1.5-mile run and other exercises as well as knowing the gym rules. Body-weight monitoring is available. The gym at the Paul Hall Center is well-equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights and machine weights. Upgraders also may use the gym, which is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 10:59 AM Page 9 In & Around the Port of Norfolk, Va. National Glory Calls on Port of Norfolk - The SIU-contrated National Glory (above, left) recently tied up in the Port of Norfolk, Va., following a voyage abroad. Union officials serviced the vessel and visited with members of the crew. Aboard the vessel at the time (clockwise from above) were Recertified Bosun Don Rezendes, STOS Ken Summerford, STOS Nelson Velez, OMUs Robert Young (left) and Curtis Richardson, Chief Steward Jeanette Bosworth and Chief Cook David Parker. Operated by Crowley Ship Management, the National Glory in 2007 underwent upgrades and a refurbishment prior to joining the union-contracted fleet. The 575-TEU containership is owned by National Shipping of America. Changing of the Guard -A flurry of activity involving retirees as well as rank-and-file members is the norm in the port of Norfolk, Va. Clockwise from above, VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (right) presents Pensioner Aaron Mann with his first retirement check as his spouse, Hydea, looks on. Safety Director Sam Spain (right) does the same for Retired Bosun Mike Borders while Port Agent Georg Kenny (left in both photos) hands over initial pension checks to ABG Dave Hudgins and AB Tankerman James Goodwin. Taking their respective oaths after receiving their books are (from left) AB Anthony Clements, QMEDs Hugh Haynes, Jome Zernn and SA Algie Mayfield. Kenny administers oaths to SA Shelita Wright, GUDE Young Fan Haloski and (photo at immediate right) AB Mauricio Elopre. May 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:00 AM Page 10 WITH NEW ORLEANS BOATMEN – SIU New Orleans Safety Director James Brown (right in photo above ) recently sent in this photo and the one below of boatmen employed by West Bank Riverboat. ‘FAMILY MEETING’ – A membership meeting at the Jacksonville, Fla., hall last year also was a family meeting of sorts for SIU members JK Mansfield Borden (left) and Janan Driggers (holding infant), both of whom sail as ABs. They are pictured with their newborn son, Charles, and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. Snapshots From Around the SIU RECALLING MARITIME HISTORY – Retired mariner Robert U. Burch of WEST COAST CIVMARS – Working in the Suisun Bay (Calif.) Reserve Fleet are SIU Government Services Division members (from left) Tommy Johansen, Kent Book and Travis Hosea. The fleet is managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Beatty, Ore., submitted this photo of him with a burner from the SS America, which was built in the late 1930s in Newport News, Va. Burch noted he spent most of his 30-year maritime career as a fireman and watertender, and he is proud of his maritime service. GOOD FEEDER – Steward department Seafarers aboard the Sealand Quality when this photo was snapped earlier this year at sea included Recertified Steward R. Gary Griswold, Chief Cook Greg Blaylock and SA Mohammad Khan. BOSUN AND ‘CREW’ – The family of Bosun LBJ B. Tanoa gave him a warm send-off HAPPY RETIREMENT – SIU Capt. Garnett Leary (center) came ashore late last year as the Cape Intrepid activated in Tacoma, Wash. Pictured from left to right are the Seafarer’s wife, Fa’amanu Saili Tanoa, niece Nafanua Saili, camera-shy son Lyndon Saili Tanoa and the bosun himself. after sailing for 20 years with Express Marine, Inc. This photo was taken in March, during a retirement lunch for Captain Leary and his family that took place in Camden, N.J. Pictured with him are his wife, Joan, and Express Marine owner Dick Walling. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:00 AM Page 11 STATEMENT OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS AND THE MARINE ENGINEERS’ BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION ON THE MAERSK ALABAMA PIRACY INCIDENT This statement was issued April 15, 2009 The presidents of the three American maritime labor unions that represent the officers and crew working aboard the Maersk Alabama (SIU President Michael Sacco, MM&P President Tim Brown and MEBA President Don Keefe) have released the following statement after the successful return of Captain Richard Phillips: “On behalf of all the officers and members of our three labor unions, we wish to express our deepest appreciation to all those involved in bringing about the safe return of Captain Richard Phillips and in bringing this act of piracy against a United States-flag cargo vessel to an end. We are especially grateful to President Barack Obama and his Administration for their deliberate and effective handling of this entire situation and, of course, to the Department of the Navy and the naval personnel who, despite the unique and difficult circumstances, did their job to end the hostage situation with great skill. They truly represent the best of America. “We are also grateful to Maersk CEO John Reinhart along with Waterman Steamship Corporation/International Shipholding Corporation President Eric L. Johnson and their entire operations for the manner in which they communicated and worked with our Unions. They made every effort to ensure that we had the most up-to-date and accurate information available so that we in turn could provide comfort and assistance to the families of the officers and crew aboard the Maersk Alabama. “We are extremely proud of Captain Phillips and the entire American crew who were working aboard the Maersk Alabama for their response when these pirates – these international criminals - attempted to seize control of an American ship. Their performance under great pressure when facing the ultimate threat to their own personal safety exemplifies the valor and devotion to duty that American merchant mariners have demonstrated throughout our nation’s history. The seafarers of the Maersk Alabama, led by Captain Phillips, had no hesitation in putting themselves at risk in order to secure the integrity of their United States-flag vessel and its cargo. Once again our nation is able to see firsthand that the civilian American merchant marine officers and crew who sail aboard American vessels will act quickly and decisively to protect the United States flag, and by extension, the United States, whenever and wherever attacked. “All too often the role that our organizations and United States Merchant Mariners play in protecting the economic security of our nation and supporting the Department of Defense and our troops overseas is overlooked. Without a United States-flag merchant fleet and without the American-citizen mariners who sail aboard these vessels, our armed forces overseas would be dependent on others for the supplies, equipment and other cargo they need to do their job in support of America’s international interests. In the case at hand, this vessel and its crew were engaged in a mission of mercy, carrying food to some of the world’s neediest people. The Maersk Alabama was proudly flying the American flag to help demonstrate that we are a compassionate people and that American-flag ships and their crews will put themselves at risk to make sure that the less fortunate of the world who need our aid will in fact receive our aid, and that those whose interests run counter to our nation’s will be thwarted in their efforts. “The training provided to American merchant marine officers and crew at the institutions jointly operated by America’s labor unions and our contracted United States-flag shipping companies, including Maersk, are among the finest in the world. The quality of the training, the experience and expertise of the instructors, and the modern, state-of-the-art facilities and curricula ensure that American mariners will have the best possible information and training available so that when a situation such as this arises, they can respond efficiently and effectively. “Notwithstanding the end of the Maersk Alabama incident and the safe return of Captain Phillips and his crew, it is important for all Americans to understand that international piracy is a fact of life for American mariners and for seafarers around the world. The men and women we represent and who sail aboard United States-flag merchant vessels are prepared to put themselves at risk so that America’s economic, foreign policy and security interests are protected. We stand ready to work with President Obama and his Administration and with the international maritime community to stop the rise of piracy so that vessels operating on the world’s sealanes no longer face this threat. “We again wish to express our deep appreciation to all those involved in successfully ending this situation. We are pleased to welcome the officers and crew of the Maersk Alabama home, and we look forward to greeting Captain Richard Phillips when he too returns home within the next few days.” Unions of Maritime Trades and AFL-CIO Salute Heroic Efforts of Maersk Alabama Crew The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO issued this statement last month: The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO salutes the courageous efforts of the all-union crew aboard the Maersk Alabama for maintaining control of their vessel as well as the heroic efforts of the U.S. Navy in rescuing Captain Richard Phillips from his Somali captors. The eight licensed officers and engineers aboard the U.S.-flag vessel are members of either the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots or the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, while the 12 unlicensed crew members are represented by the Seafarers International Union. MTD President Michael Sacco, speaking on behalf of the maritime unions involved, said, “We are extremely proud of the efforts shown by the crew of the Maersk Alabama. These welltrained American merchant mariners exemplify the very best in our industry. “We also cannot say enough about the sacrifice of Captain Phillips to ensure his crew’s and his ship’s safety. Without his selfless act, we may have seen a tragic outcome.” “The crew and Captain Phillips personify the hero- ism that working Americans bring to their jobs every day,” added John Sweeney, president of the 11 million-member AFL-CIO. “In saluting and honoring them, we honor the skills, commitment and bravery that make our country strong.” The MTD president thanked President Obama and his administration for staying on top of the developing situation and authorizing the use of decisive action. “American merchant mariners have served as the nation’s fourth arm of defense since the American Revolution,” noted President Sacco. “The crew of the Maersk Alabama fully understood the rally cry of ‘Don’t give up the ship!’ “The union members aboard the Maersk Alabama have shown the American merchant marine’s resolve to deliver the goods anywhere, any time no matter the conditions. We are very proud of them.” Concerning the latest attack on a U.S.-flag ship, the union-crewed Liberty Sun, President Sacco added all Americans are grateful the crew and the ship are safe and appreciate the U.S. Navy again responding to protect American interests. The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO is composed of 23 international unions representing working men and women at sea, in port facilities, in shipyards and other maritime-related fields. Letter from SIU President To Maersk Alabama SIU President Michael Sacco sent individually addressed copies of the following letter to homes of the SIU members who were aboard the Maersk Alabama during the pirate attack. The letter was written one day after Capt. Phillips was rescued and before the crew had flown home. First and foremost, the entire SIU family is overjoyed to know that all of the mariners from the Maersk Alabama are now safe. On behalf of your union, welcome home! May 2009 Already, you have received many accolades from all across the nation and around the world, including comparisons to the American heroes aboard Flight 93 on September 11. Those tributes are welldeserved and completely appropriate. You risked your lives to stand up for yourselves, for your shipmates, for your vessel and for the American flag. You stood tall under harrowing circumstances which only may be fully understood by those who’ve experienced them. You showed the whole world what the U.S. Merchant Marine is all about. At this time, I’m also in the process of conveying my thanks and appreciation to the Navy, the F.B.I. and our brothers and sisters at the MM&P and MEBA. This saga was, to say the least, a team effort. AP Photo/Sayyid Azim Naturally, I include a special acknowledgement for Captain Phillips, whose strength and selflessness are truly remarkable. There is much more I’d like to say, but I’m sure you’ve got a lot of catching up to do with family and friends. For now, please know that I couldn’t be more pleased to see that you’re safe, and I couldn’t be more inspired by your patriotic spirit. You have written a remarkable chapter in the history of a union whose background features many examples of bravery and sacrifice. Your story takes a back seat to none of them. Fraternally Michael Sacco President Seafarers LOG 11 �54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 3:06 AM Page 12 All’s Well, Maersk Alabama Crew Continued from Page 3 ed large ransom since they’d seemingly captured a U.S.-flag ship. Unfortunately, they managed to grab Phillips, though the SEALS aboard the Navy destroyer USS Bainbridge made them pay for that mistake. ‘We had no Choice’ The story made big headlines not just because it involved a U.S. vessel but because of how the Maersk Alabama mariners fought back. Piracy has become a multi-million dollar industry in Somalia, with highjacked crews typically offering little or no resistance and companies paying ransoms. The idea of giving in to the pirates never occurred to the seamen on the Alabama. “We had no choice but to fight back,” Bosun William Rios told the Seafarers LOG. “That’s how we’re born. What kept us alive was the training, the discipline and the knowledge we learned from the SIU.” Rios credited the captain and crew and thanked the Navy personnel who boarded the Alabama as well as those from the Bainbridge. Like his shipmates, he also said he had no idea that as the story unfolded it literally was a round-the-clock lead item. “We thought it was just another day at sea, because piracy has been going on for so long,” Rios noted. “It wasn’t until we got to Mombasa that we said, ‘Wow, this is a big story.’” He concluded, “I feel great now, but there’s a lot of work we’ve got to do to prevent future incidents.” Electrician John White stated, “You couldn’t find a braver crew than this one. If we hadn’t stuck together, we’d probably be dead.” White added that shipboard safety drills led by Phillips paid off during the incident. “I’d sail with him any time.” 12 Seafarers LOG AB Hector Sanchez said he appreciated the affect ing, especially after the harrowing time aboard ship. “We just tried to save people’s lives,” Sanchez stat For a while we didn’t have any water or food, but late water. It was difficult, but we’re here, you know? We AB ATM Reza, who helped disarm and disable on said, “I feel great. I’m so happy to be with my family Of course, it was tough for the families, to say the After Capt. Phillips had been rescued, but before th home, Sherry Rios, the bosun’s wife, said, “It has bee ordeal but I’m glad it has a great ending. I still didn’t was okay until I spoke to [William] on Saturday…. T Maersk were great, making my family feel like we ha us, someone I could talk to. I saw for myself it’s more a union.” During that same period, Nelida Navarro, wife of A “Of course I was very worried about him and all the c my church has been praying. I tried to stay calm, but time. Everybody’s keeping a watch on the TV. He has now, so that makes it easier on everybody.” Longtime SIU member AB Abdul Gharama, who aboard the Maersk Carolina, is related to Chief Cook and happened to be staying at his home while his own undergoing work. “I was feeling like everybody else, worried about t of course for Husain,” he said. “I was jumping from s and received a couple of calls from the company, with when the ship was released, we were worried about th As a seaman, I understand. The lifeboat is very small thinking about him.” May 2009 �54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 3:07 AM Page 13 ew Returns Home Safely affectionate homecomhip. z stated. “It was hot. ut later on we got some ? We made it.” ble one of the pirates, amily.” y the least. fore the crew returned s been a horrifying idn’t believe everything …. The union and we had someone helping more like a family than e of AB Sanchez, said, the crew. Everyone at but it’s been a difficult e has called a few times who recently sailed Cook Husain Salah – s own residence was bout the whole crew and rom station to station , with updates. Even out the captain himself. mall inside. I was The SIU crew of the Maersk Alabama consisted of Bosun Rios, ABs Sanchez, Reza, Andrew Brzezinski, Clifford Lacon and Mohamed Abdelwahab; Electrician White; QMED Jimmy Sabga; GUDE Miguel Ruiz; Chief Steward Richard Hicks; Chief Cook Salah; and SA Mario Clotter. Nine of the 12 SIU members on the Maersk Alabama have been to the Paul Hall Center, and one of the others took shipboard safety training (chemical, biological and radiological defense) from a Paul Hall Center instructor aboard ship. Throughout the recent ordeal, SIU officials kept in touch with the families and stayed in constant contact with company and military officials. In a letter to the crew, President Sacco wrote, “The entire SIU family is overjoyed to know that all of the mariners from the Maersk Alabama are now safe…. You risked your lives to stand up for yourselves, for your shipmates, for your vessel and for the American flag…. You showed the whole world what the U.S. Merchant Marine is all about.” He continued, “At this time, I’m also in the process of conveying my thanks and appreciation to the Navy, the F.B.I. and our brothers and sisters at the MM&P and MEBA. This saga was, to say the least, a team effort. Naturally, I include a special acknowledgement for Captain Phillips, whose strength and selflessness are truly remarkable.” The SIU president concluded, “You have written a remarkable chapter in the history of a union whose background features many examples of bravery and sacrifice. Your story takes a back seat to none of them.” Last month’s pricacy incident involving thye SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama made international headlines. The photos on these pages capture some of the events taking place during that episode. Clockwise from the lower left of page 12, the Maersk Alabama arrives in Mombasa, Kenya, carrying humanitarian aid cargo. The security team that boarded the Maersk Alabama included this individual, shown aboard the ship in Mombasa. AB Mohamed Abdelwahab is seen on the ship at the port of Mombasa. (AP Photos/Karel Prinsloo). The guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge tows the lifeboat from the Maersk Alabama to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (in background), to be processed for evidence after the successful rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips. Phillips was held captive by Somali pirates in the lifeboat in the Indian Ocean for five days after a failed hijacking attempt off the Somali coast. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Megan E. Sindelar). Maersk Alabama Captain Phillips (right, in photo inset) stands with Lt. Cmdr. David Fowler, executive officer of the USS Bainbridge, after being rescued by U.S Navy forces (Official U.S. Navy photo). Mariners react to reporters during a press briefing in port in Mombasa. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo). AB Mohamed Abdelwahab (second from right in photo below) and his family happily reunite at Andrews Air Force Base. Pictured from left to right are his wife, Sarah, daughter Rewan, Brother Abdelwahab and son, Muhab. SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at left) greets Bosun William Rios and family after the Seafarer had time to embrace and talk with his wife and son. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right in photo above) also welcomed Rios home and shared a laugh with him and his wife, Sherry. In photo at above right, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) meets with Rios. May 2009 Seafarers LOG 13 �54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 3:21 AM Page 14 Report Points Out Benefits of Union Membership After decades of disappointing wage growth for many American workers, a new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) shows that unionization significantly boosts the wages of service-sector workers. The report, “Unions and Upward Mobility for Service-Sector Employees,” finds that unionization raises the wages of the average service-sector worker by 10.1 percent, which translates to about $2 per hour. On average, unionization increases the likelihood that the average service-sector worker will have employer-provided health insurance by 19 percentage points. Unionized service-sector workers were also 25 percentage points more likely to have a pension than their non-union peers. “The vast majority of jobs in this country are now in the service sector,” said John Schmitt, a senior economist at CEPR and the author of the study. “The data show that workers in service jobs benefit as much from unionization as workers in manufacturing do.” The impact of unions on service-sector employees in low-wage occupations was even more substantial. For workers in the 15 lowest-paying occupations, unioniza- Notice: COBRA Continuation Coverage The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan would like to remind Seafarers of their right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if they lose coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if a person is an employee, he or she will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if that person lost coverage because he or she did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If someone is the family member of a covered employee, he or she may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time if that person loses coverage due to a divorce; the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, that child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits,” which members should have received in the mail or at a union hall. The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits and Resources.” The Plan would also like to inform members of a recent federal law which provides a government subsidy towards the cost of the monthly COBRA premium in certain circumstances. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) created a federal subsidy to help pay the cost of continuation health coverage for individuals who lose coverage due to an involuntary termination of employment. This subsidy is available to certain individuals who lose health coverage during the period beginning September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. Individuals who qualify are only required to pay 35 percent of the COBRA premium, and may receive the subsidy for a period up to nine months. The subsidy will end sooner if an individual receives other health coverage either through a new job, through a government program such as Medicare or Medicaid, or if that person’s COBRA period ends. The subsidy is not available to individuals who lose coverage due to age, divorce, death of the employee, illness or injury, or because of a reduction in hours. In order to qualify for the subsidy, a person must certify that he or she lost coverage because of an involuntary termination of employment. This means that the individual would only qualify for the subsidy if he or she lost their job because the employer goes out of business; or because the employer lays up a vessel or sells a vessel and reduces the number of employees; or in some cases if the individual is fired (as long as the employee did not engage in gross misconduct) and the member loses health coverage because he or she is unable to find another job. In certain very limited circumstances, quitting a job may also be considered to be an involuntary termination. If an employee qualifies, his or her family members are also eligible for the subsidy in most circumstances. Individuals must apply to the Plan to receive the subsidy. If the Plan denies a request for the subsidy, the individual has the right to appeal to the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information about the COBRA subsidy and who may qualify, visit the web site of the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration at www.dol.gov/cobra, or call them at 1-866-444-3272. If the Plan is notified that an individual no longer is eligible for health coverage, it will send that person an election package that explains COBRA rights, including information about the COBRA subsidy. If an individual has not received this package but thinks he or she may qualify for the subsidy and wishes to apply, contact the Plan at: 1-800-CLAIMS4. tion raised wages by 15.5 percent. The likelihood of having health insurance increased by about 26 percentage points and the likelihood of having an employersponsored pension increased by about 23 percentage points. “Unions give the biggest boost to workers in low-paying occupations because these are the workers that have the least bargaining power in the labor market,” Schmitt said. “Unionization can turn what would otherwise be low-paying jobs with no benefits into middle-class jobs.” Over the period covered in the report, 13.3 percent of service-sector workers were either members of a union or covered by a union contract at their workplace. The report analyzed data on workers from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS) for the years 2004 through 2007. Founded by economists in 1999, the CEPR is self-described as having been established “to promote democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people’s lives.” Unlicensed Apprentice Earns Diploma Nicholas Byers (center), an unlicensed apprentice at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, recently earned his high school diploma through the program available at the union-affiliated school. He received the diploma at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where he was congratulated by SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Around the clock, around the neighborhood, SIU Union Plus benefits help you save every day. Union members like you are saving thousands a year with valuable Union Plus® savings programs and benefits. You can wake up in the morning and use a Union Plus discount at the vet, then go online and save on flowers and movie tickets. Before the day is done, you can save on major purchases like computers and vacations. There are even programs to help with important things like out-of-pocket medical expenses and legal consultations. The Union Plus Credit Card is a big part of these savings. It’s the only unionendorsed credit card and offers competitive APRs, no annual fee and a safety net in case of layoffs or extreme hardship. You’re not tied to just one store or even one type of product. Union Plus helps you save on all kinds of things you use every day, from clothes to tires; and on big things, like helping your kids get to college. Find out more about all your benefits at www.UnionPlus.org. To apply for the Union Plus Credit Card go to www.UnionPlusCard.com. Memorial Day Closure Please be advised that-unless an emergency arises-SIU Headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 25 for the observance of Memorial Day. Normal business hours will resume at all affected locations the following workday after the holiday. 14 Seafarers LOG Credit Card: 1-800-757-9882 Education Services: 1-877-881-1022 Legal Services: 1-888-993-8886 SIU-CLKV-A 040 May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:02 AM Page 15 Personal Tyrone “Pat” Patrick would like to hear from anyone else who was on the Christopher Lykes during a trip to Vietnam in 1967 and from anyone else who sailed on the American Chieftain to Vietnam in 1968. He may be reached at (850) 9367015 or tdpat69@hotmail.com June & July 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: June 8, July 6 Algonac ..............................................Friday: June 12, July 10 Baltimore.........................................Thursday: June 11, July 9 Guam.............................................Thursday: June 25, July 23 Honolulu ........................................... Friday: June 19, July 17 Houston...........................................Monday: June 15, July 13 Jacksonville.....................................Thursday: June 11, July 9 Joliet..............................................Thursday: June 18, July 16 Mobile........................................Wednesday: June 17, July 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Please note that, due to temporary conditions stemming from a transition to a new database, the shipping report on this page covers fewer days than normal. The usual 30-day reports will resume in the next edition. March 16, 2009 — April 20, 2009 Total Registered Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington New Orleans..........................................Tuesday: June 16, July 14 Totals New York............................................Tuesday: June 9, July 7 Port Norfolk............................................Thursday: June 11, July 9 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Oakland .........................................Thursday: June 18, July 16 Philadelphia..................................Wednesday: June 10, July 8 Port Everglades .............................Thursday: June 18, July 16 San Juan ..........................................Thursday: June 11, July 9 St. Louis .............................................Friday: June 19, July 17 Tacoma...............................................Friday: June 26, July 24 Wilmington...........................................Monday: June 22, July 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention Seafarers It Takes A 4-Letter Word To Be Heard Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 5 1 3 15 0 10 25 29 10 4 9 25 16 9 5 8 2 3 13 9 2 0 0 3 0 1 2 4 0 1 3 6 6 1 0 8 0 0 5 1 16 0 6 5 0 7 29 17 5 6 5 27 4 17 5 0 4 0 17 12 6 0 4 11 0 12 17 17 7 3 2 12 9 8 0 4 1 1 13 9 7 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 4 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 9 1 7 20 1 12 93 46 1 24 28 76 28 47 4 3 13 2 69 53 9 5 4 24 7 15 63 53 5 9 15 48 34 17 11 6 15 9 45 36 12 0 0 8 1 1 7 8 0 3 7 11 9 3 2 2 1 0 11 9 232 201 43 182 136 28 537 430 95 9 0 2 8 0 9 13 11 3 6 7 11 6 11 3 1 2 3 16 8 3 0 4 11 0 10 10 16 2 5 2 7 5 9 5 2 5 3 12 10 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 129 112 14 ENGINE DEPARTMENT May 2009 8 0 4 6 0 4 10 12 3 8 4 8 3 7 3 0 0 0 12 6 3 0 3 5 0 3 5 8 1 2 0 6 6 4 0 0 3 1 10 5 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 17 0 11 31 32 0 9 14 26 17 22 5 2 4 4 22 20 2 2 6 16 2 5 30 32 1 9 3 20 26 15 6 5 14 9 22 25 4 0 0 1 0 2 3 6 2 0 0 5 3 2 0 0 0 1 3 3 98 65 10 240 250 35 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 1 5 0 11 16 13 1 5 12 19 8 15 0 2 2 1 9 21 1 0 2 6 0 2 7 3 2 2 2 3 11 4 1 2 3 1 4 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 145 58 12 Port CONTRIBUTE TO SPAD Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C 18 0 9 12 0 4 32 18 4 11 10 29 10 25 2 2 4 0 25 17 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Total Shipped Class A Class B Class C 3 0 0 4 0 6 11 4 1 2 6 13 8 9 1 2 4 0 6 15 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 5 1 0 0 4 9 8 0 0 0 1 5 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 10 2 19 47 30 0 10 12 44 13 34 2 4 1 1 29 40 2 1 2 12 2 6 13 9 2 5 2 10 15 7 2 3 4 1 10 9 2 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 5 95 41 5 304 117 20 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 3 10 1 1 0 0 10 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 2 7 0 3 9 0 5 15 18 2 8 6 25 9 10 2 9 1 1 12 14 7 0 2 3 0 6 6 7 1 2 12 4 8 3 5 43 0 0 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 0 0 3 0 3 7 7 2 5 1 8 7 6 1 10 1 1 6 11 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 4 1 1 45 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 5 17 2 0 1 0 14 1 10 0 0 1 0 8 5 7 2 5 16 3 16 41 30 0 15 12 49 17 28 1 3 4 0 35 26 13 0 0 12 0 14 21 19 2 7 3 18 22 15 3 17 3 0 8 11 Totals 35 156 108 16 79 62 68 310 188 541 527 177 391 321 105 1149 1107 338 Totals All Departments Seafarers LOG 15 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:03 AM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Inquir ing Seaf arer Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was posed to rankand-file members at the Port of Fort Lauderdale union hall. Question: What are your thoughts about the Maersk Alabama situation, and did you follow it as the news was unfolding? Randolph Scott, Chief Pumpman We know the pirates are out there and we have to be vigilant. I like the fact that the crew is safe and they took care of business. I heard about it before anyone saw it on the news – I was in Honduras when it happened. Eventually it happened to us (an SIU-crewed vessel). I like the fact that the captain took action, we took action, the government took action. And I feel good everybody is safe. Arnaldo Fernandez, AB I was following it all the time. It’s kind of dangerous over there. The government’s got to do something about it. We’ve got to stop those pirates. I was worried about our brothers on the ship. After I found out they were safe and sound, they still had the captain and I was worried about him, too. Those pirates are crazy – that’s why we’ve got to stop them. I’m very, very, very happy that everyone is back home and the captain will be back home soon, also. Very happy. Rudy Lopez, Chief Steward I had just left that area – I was on the Maersk Arkansas, the sister ship. It got me concerned. It’s dangerous. We should be able to protect ourselves on that ship or at least have someone on board who can use a gun without being afraid they’d have to go to court. I’m very happy everybody got out of there safely. I was glued to the TV, trying to find out what was going on every minute. I know the electrician and the steward – I sail with both those guys. I was very concerned. I’m just happy everybody came home okay. Donald Hutchens, Bosun I feel that the companies are going to have to start implementing on-board security in that area. I saw it on the internet and read about it for the next few days. The day the captain was abducted, somebody told me. It gives me a little apprehension but you also think about … the preparation for taking action always being part of your shipboard routine. You rehearse and you go through what you know. You feel a great deal of empathy for the guys. As one guy said at the end, the captain’s weekly drills probably saved them, because presence of mind is a key in that situation. From my years of sailing on government ships, I’m 100 percent vigilant, even at home. The drills do it. It’s not that you’d forget otherwise, but it has to be done routinely…. That’s a hell of a situation to be in – it’s just not good. Now that the pirates have made malicious statements, (the industry’s response) is going to require more than just talking about it. Pic-From-The-Past MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 George McCartney (standing right), the late SIU VP West Coast, addressed delegates during the May 1977 Port Agents Conference at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Agents and guests from each of the union’s ports attended the two-day symposium. At the time of the forum, McCartney was serving as port agent in Seattle, Wash. He moved into the same post in the Port of San Francisco in 1978 and remained there until 1981 when he assumed duties as VP, West Coast. McCartney began sailing with the SIU in 1948, joining at the age of 17. He retired in 1998 and passed away March 19, 2004. Pictured in the background, center, is the late SIU Executive VP Joe Sacco. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:03 AM Page 17 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Welcome Ashore DEEP SEA ABRAHAM ALFARO Brother Abraham Alfaro, 62, became an SIU member in 1967. The Puerto Rico native shipped in the engine department. Brother Alfaro first went to sea aboard an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Alfaro most recently sailed on the Elizabeth. He lives in Bricktown, N.J. MANN AROON Brother Mann Aroon, 67, joined the union in 1977. He initially sailed aboard the Adventure. Brother Aroon attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Maryland. He was born in Singapore. Brother Aroon shipped in the engine department. His final ship was the Flickertail State. Brother Aroon resides in Williamsburg, Va. RODOLFO ASOPARDO Brother Rodolfo Asopardo, 69, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 while in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was on the Coastal California. Brother Asopardo, who sailed in the deck department, was born in the Philippines. In 2000, he visited the Piney Point school to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Asopardo was last employed aboard the Horizon Hawk. He calls San Francisco home. EDUARDO MALABAD Brother Eduardo Malabad, 65, was born in the Philippines. He began sailing with the union in 1980. Brother Malabad originally sailed on the Manhattan as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Malabad most recently worked aboard the Meteor. He is a resident of West Covina, Calif. JULIO MATOS Brother Julio Matos, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1966 while in the port of New York. He initially sailed on the Wacosta. Brother Matos was born in Fajardo, P.R. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Matos attended classes often at the union-affiliated school. He was last employed aboard the El Morro. Brother Matos settled in Carolina, P.R. May 2009 KAREL SUMILAT Brother Karel Sumilat, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1990 while in the port of San Francisco. His first vessel was the Independence; his last was the Commitment. Brother Sumilat upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. The deck department member was born in Indonesia. Brother Sumilat resides in Elmhurst, N.Y. MICHAEL SUTTON Brother Michael Sutton, 56, became a Seafarer in 1981 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His earliest trip was with Allied Transportation Company. Brother Sutton visited the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions. His most recent voyage was on the Delta Mariner, where he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Sutton continues to live in his native state of Florida. HERWOOD WALTERS Brother Herwood Walters, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1966. He originally shipped aboard the Raphael Semmes. In 1977 and 1982, Brother Walters upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. The deck department member was born in Jamaica. Brother Walters’ final trip was on a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. He lives in Palm Bay, Fla. INLAND ARNOLD ELAM Brother Arnold Elam, 62, started shipping with the union in 1970. He primarily sailed with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company during his seafaring career. Brother Elam is a resident of Newport News, Va. WILLIAM FREITAS Brother William Freitas, 59, joined the SIU in 1980 while in the port of New Orleans. His earliest trip was aboard a Delta Queen Steamboat Company vessel. On two occasions, Brother Freitas took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in California and sailed in the deck department. Brother Freitas last sailed on the Delta Queen. He makes his home in Davenport, Iowa. JAMES GODWIN Brother James Godwin, 67, began his seafaring career in 1981. He mainly shipped aboard vessels operated by Allied Transportation Company. In 1997, Brother Godwin attended classes at the Piney Point school. He calls Portsmouth, Va., home. KENNETH GRIGGS Brother Kenneth Griggs, 50, was born in Virginia. He signed on with the SIU in 1979 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Griggs originally sailed with Inland Tugs as a member of the deck department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Griggs most recently shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. He settled in Clyde, N.C. WAYNE LAMOND Brother Wayne Lamond, 62, first donned the SIU colors in 1996 while in the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member primarily shipped with Crowley Liner Services. Brother Lamond was born in Harrisburg, Pa., and makes his home in Norwood, Pa. BERNARD MOOD, JR. Brother Bernard Mood, Jr., 61, became a union member in 1979 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He initially sailed aboard the Sugar Island. Brother Mood was born in Georgia. He enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Mood’s final trip was aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Docks survey boat. He is a resident of Meadville, Pa. WILLIAM MORRIS Brother William Morris, 64, started his SIU career in 1960 in the port of New York. His earliest trip was aboard the Sampan Knot. Brother Morris worked in the deck department. He upgraded at the Seafarers-affiliated school on three occasions. Brother Morris was last employed on a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. He lives in Galveston, Texas. JACK PARKINS Brother Jack Parkins, 63, was born in Ohio. He joined the union in 2000 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Parkins shipped in both the steward and deck depart- Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1941 The SIU negotiated a bonus increase from $50 to $60 per month on the African and Far Eastern war zones with Waterman Steamship, Robin Line and Bernstein Shipping Company. In addition, the agreements called for additional pay if a ship touched the ports of Suez and any other port in the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf. The bonus agreements were reopened when the president declared the Red Sea open to American shipping and after the Germans had declared they would consider the Red Sea a war zone. ments, mostly aboard Allied Towing vessels. In 2002, he took classes at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Parkins calls McGuffey, Ohio, home. ROGER ROTHSCHILD Brother Roger Rothschild, 55, signed on with the SIU in 1979 while in the port of Philadelphia. He worked with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville for the duration of his career. Brother Rothschild was born in New York and sailed in the deck department. He visited the maritime training center on numerous occasions to upgrade his skills. Brother Rothschild resides in New York. DAVID VERSCHOOR Brother David Verschoor, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1987 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He is a native of Waseca, Minn. Brother Verschoor mainly shipped aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Verschoor makes his home in Waterville, Minn. provides that 100 percent of cargoes financed by a lending agency of the U.S. government must be shipped in American bottoms. The SIU urged MarAd to reject an Italian request asking that P.R. 17 be waived and that Italian-flagged vessels be permitted to carry $50 million worth of cargoes for which credit has been extended by the export-import bank. Union officials rejected the practice as issuing so-called “general waivers” which effectively result in the circumvention of cargo preference laws. This Month In SIU History 1946 At the instigation of the SIU, representatives of all AFL maritime unions on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts met in New York on May 20. A resolution was adopted calling on the AFL Executive Council to establish a Maritime Trades Department within the American Federation of Labor. The purpose of the move was to ensure unions allied in the marine industry would have the same kind of representation within the AFL as do the Building Trades Department and the Metal Trades Department. 1964 The SIU has informed the Maritime Administrator of its insistence on strict adherence to the terms of Public Resolution 17, which 1993 Although U.S. armed forces have completed their formal withdrawal from Somalia, U.S.-flag merchant vessels – including four contracted with the SIU – still are providing support to U.S. and United Nations troops in the East African nation. Three Ready Reserve Force vessels – the Gopher State, Cape Henry and Rover – as well as the fast sealift vessel USNS Bellatrix continue to provide food, ammunition and other materiel to U.S. soldiers stationed in Somalia as command of all foreign forces in the war-torn nation shifts to the Untied Nations. The five-month U.S. military intervention in Somalia officially came under United Nations control on May 4. With the changing of the flags, 3,625 U.S. servicemen were left behind in logistics and support roles. The SIU-crewed vessels will remain in support of these American troops until further notice. Seafarers LOG 17 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:04 AM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA ROBERT AUMILLER Pensioner Robert Aumiller, 85, passed away Dec. 27. Brother Aumiller joined the SIU in 1943 while in the port of New York. He originally worked with Waterman Steamship Company as a member of the steward department. Brother Aumiller was born in Allen, Ind. Prior to his retirement in 1982, he sailed aboard the Point Susan. Brother Aumiller settled in Sea Level, N.C. PAT COLONNA Pensioner Pat Colonna, 85, died Nov. 24. Brother Colonna became a Seafarer in 1951 in the port of New York. The New Jersey native shipped in the engine department. Brother Colonna’s first ship was the Steel Worker; his last was the Nuevo San Juan. He went on pension in 1989 and called South Windsor, Conn., home. ALFRED FABRE Pensioner Alfred Fabre, 68, passed away Dec. 9. Brother Fabre started sailing with the union in 1964. He was born in Louisiana. Brother Fabre’s earliest trip was on the Steel Direct. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Fabre most recently worked aboard the Robert E. Lee. He retired in 2001 and lived in Ely, Nev. JAMES HARRIS Pensioner James Harris, 72, died Dec. 15. Brother Harris signed on with the SIU in 1966. He initially shipped on the City of Alma in the deck department. Brother Harris’s final voyage was aboard the Tyco’s Long Lines. He became a pensioner in 2002. Brother Harris was a resident of Wilmington, N.C. 18 Seafarers LOG JON HUMASON Pensioner Jon Humason, 56, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Humason, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971. His first trip was on the Yukon. Brother Humason was born in Virginia. He was last employed aboard the USNS Capella. Brother Humason started collecting his retirement compensation in 1999. He continued to reside in his native commonwealth. LUIS ITURRINO Pensioner Luis Iturrino, 81, died Feb. 18. Brother Iturrino joined the SIU ranks in 1954 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Kainalu. Brother Iturrino was a member of the steward department. He was born in San Juan, P.R. Before retiring in 1992, he sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. Brother Iturrino made his home in Carolina, P.R. HALSTEAD JACKSON Pensioner Halstead Jackson, 76, passed away Nov. 23. Brother Jackson began his SIU sailing career in 1965. He originally shipped on the Topa Topa. Brother Jackson worked in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Performance. Brother Jackson was born in Savannah, Ga., but called Nederland, Texas, home. He started receiving his pension in 1994. HORACE JONES Pensioner Horace Jones, 73, died Dec. 4. Brother Jones first donned the SIU colors in 1968. His earliest trip to sea was on the Over Rose. Brother Jones was born in Wisconsin and sailed in the engine department. His final voyage took place aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Jones retired in 2002 and settled in Sunrise, Fla. ERNEST LECKRONE Pensioner Ernest Leckrone, 100, passed away Nov. 24. Brother Leckrone was born in Michigan. He joined the union in 1955. Brother Leckrone worked with Michigan Interstate Railway on the Ann Arbor for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1976 and lived in Lancaster, Pa. ROBERT MAHONE Pensioner Robert Mahone, 86, died Nov. 22. Brother Mahone became a Seafarer in 1943 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His earliest trip was aboard the Rob Good. Brother Mahone was a Virginia native. He most recently sailed on the Sam Houston as a member of the deck department. Brother Mahone started collecting his retirement compensation in 1986. He was a resident of Newport News, Va. JAMES MCGUIRE Pensioner James McGuire, 78, passed away Oct. 1. Brother McGuire began his SIU career in 1979 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He initially shipped aboard the TransColumbia. Brother McGuire worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Motivator. Brother McGuire retired in 1995 and resided in Norfolk, Va. WALTER NAPPER Brother Walter Napper, 54, died Dec. 16. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1989. Brother Napper’s first ship was the Independence; his last was the Green Cove. The deck department member was born in New York. Brother Napper made his home in Oakland, Calif. GASPER NOTO Pensioner Gasper Noto, 91, passed away Oct. 7. Brother Noto started sailing with the SIU in 1951. He originally worked aboard the Morning Light. Brother Noto was a member of the steward department. His final ship was the Del Norte. In 1982, Brother Noto became a pensioner and settled in Covington, La. LNG Virgo. Brother Urti made his home in Hammond, La. BONIFACIO PALMA Pensioner Bonifacio Palma, 86, died Dec. 12. Brother Palma was born in the Philippines. He joined the union in 1966. Brother Palma’s first voyage was on the Caton Victory. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he was employed aboard the Oversea Alice. Brother Palma shipped in the steward department. He continued to live in the Philippines. INLAND YUSEF SALAHI Pensioner Yusef Salahi, 79, passed away Sept. 5. Brother Salahi first donned the SIU colors in 1970 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip was on the Noon Day. Brother Salahi sailed in the steward department. His most recent ship was the USNS Watson. Brother Salahi was born in Yemen but called Lackawanna, N.Y., home. He went on pension in 2000. GREAT LAKES JOHN THOMMEN Pensioner John Thommen, 84, died Nov. 20. Brother Thommen began sailing with the union in 1946 from the port of Baltimore. He initially worked aboard the Alcoa Partner as a deck department member. Brother Thommen was born in Maryland. His last trip to sea was on a Bay Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Thommen was a resident of Las Vegas, Nev. He started receiving his pension in 1987. ANGEL URTI Pensioner Angel Urti, 87, passed away Nov. 19. Brother Urti became a Seafarer in 1951 while in the port of New York. He first shipped with Eagle Carriers Inc. Brother Urti was a member of the deck department. Before retiring in 1984, he worked aboard the MICHAEL MCGUIRE Brother Michael McGuire, 54, died Feb. 24. He joined the union in 1994, initially working on American Marine Corporation vessels. Brother McGuire most recently sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. He lived in his native state, California. DEAN BROWNING Pensioner Dean Browning, 68, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Browning was born in Michigan. He started his SIU career in 1967. Brother Browning shipped aboard American Steamship Company vessels for the duration of his career. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Browning retired in 2004 and settled in Algonac. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. Name Age DOD Alexander, Cloue 77 Feb. 21 Benson, Hugard 84 March 5 Clue, Norman 90 March 7 Donnatien, George 91 March 10 Felipa, Prudencio 80 March 9 Guarnelo, Philipe 70 March 12 Guidry, Victor 80 March 25 Hermann, John 74 Feb. 25 Irizarry, Dionisio 82 March 10 Jackson, Emanuel 81 March 16 Jones, Willie 86 March 1 Jordan, Theophilus 88 Jan. 23 Laspakis, Steve 94 Jan. 31 Loechner, James 88 March 7 Lugo, Jose 96 March 19 Martinez, Encarnacion 91 Jan. 1 Merced, Raul 75 March 13 Neco, Salustiano 88 March 10 Ryberg, David 79 Feb. 2 Soucy, Roger 83 Feb. 10 Ventresca, Donato 82 March 2 Yarber, Perry 59 Feb. 27 Zachmann, Steven 64 March 12 Zebron, Mitchell 84 Feb. 24 May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:04 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 7 – Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Rene V. Rafer, Steward Delegate Dante F. Cruz. Chairman announced payoff on Feb. 12 in Long Beach, Calif. and read president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Captain reminded crew to keep ship clean, especially crew dining room. Educational director urged Seafarers to visit the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., and reminded them to apply for TWIC cards ASAP. Treasurer stated $665.19 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested clarification regarding contract item. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Honolulu, Hawaii. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), March 30 – Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Mary Cabasag, Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Deck Delegate Robert L. Richardson, Engine Delegate Michael S. Kirby, Steward Delegate Nasser Ahmed. Chairman thanked everyone for a safe voyage and went over ship’s itinerary. Secretary reported great crew and reminded them to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director encouraged eligible mariners to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for the company to provide Chinese visas for members. Members praised the steward department for excellent meals. The steward department thanked electrician for installing new oven. GALENA BAY (OSG Ship HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), March 15 – Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Vladimir Babenko, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Bosun announced payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash., on March 21. Updated TWIC information has been posted for crew members to read. Secretary asked departing mariners to leave cabins neat for arriving crew. Importance of physical fitness and good nutrition was discussed. Educational director urged all mariners to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. He also reiterated the need to keep all necessary shipping documents current and noted TWIC deadline coming soon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that a grill had been installed and the ice machine was fixed. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif. and Honolulu, Hawaii. Management), March 15 – Chairman Albert L. Caulder, Secretary Fausto D. Aranda, Educational Director Jason Flesner, Steward Delegate Frederick L. Saffo. Chairman talked about contract negotiations and asked for more information if possible. Secretary thanked God for fellow seamen and sent his prayerful support to those training at the Piney Point school. Educational director encouraged members to check out what the union-affiliated school has to offer and apply for TWIC card early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for good meals and keeping ship clean. Next port: Tampa, Fla. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), March 22 – Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Shawn L. Clark, Deck Delegate Sandy R. Killian, Steward Delegate Khaled Taffi. Chairman reported payoff to take place March 24 at sea. He discussed the need for crew members to keep documents up-to-date. Secretary recommended that seamen have TWIC cards with them at all ports when leaving ship. Educational director asked members to keep outside doors closed in cold weather. Mariners were encouraged to enhance their skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude for fine meals prepared by the steward department. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska and Kodiak, Alaska. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), March 22 – Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Abraham Mills, Educational Director Robert N. Jones, Deck Delegate Adams Mohammed, Engine Delegate Antonio Martinez, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 27. He thanked crew for smooth voyage and advised all mariners to get TWIC card ASAP. Secretary expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for their cooperation in maintaining ship cleanliness during voyage. Educational director recom- 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. CIVMARS Deliver In this March 24 image taken in the Persian Gulf, an SA-330 Puma helicopter flies from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) to deliver mail to the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57). The Lewis and Clark is crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker) mended Seafarers upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new ice machine and new dryers in crew laundry room. Next port: Corpus Christi. SEABULK ARTIC (Seabulk Tankers), March 15 – Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Carlos Castillo, Engine Delegate Cesar Bugtai II, Steward Delegate Keesah D. Smith. Chairman went over ship itinerary. Secretary praised seamen for their help keeping ship clean. He asked everyone to please read instructions on laundry soap and follow them. Educational director urged mariners to keep all necessary seafaring documents current and discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to medical and death benefits. Crew would like a new washer and dryer in laundry room for when riders are on board. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. Next ports: San Francisco, Valdez, Alaska and Kenai, Alaska. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships Inc.), March 29 – Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Alponso Dizon, Educational Director Ramon J. Corretjer, Deck Delegate Robert Morrison, Engine Delegate Donald W. Lumpkins, Steward Delegate Ceazar R. Mercado. Chairman announced payoff in Manchester, Wash., on April 3; SIU patrolman will be present. Secretary stated that 90-day stores will be in when ship arrives in Manchester. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of Piney Point school to enhance their skills. Treasurer reported satellite TV to be installed after Manchester. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate noted that apprentice is doing an excellent job. Bosun read and discussed communications received from union, covering topics including TWIC, dental-care providers, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship program and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. Next ports: Manchester, Anchorage, Alaska, Kodiac, Alaska and Cherry Point, Wash. USNS SISLER (Ocean Ships Inc.), March 7 – Chairman Kenneth L. Steiner, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director James W. Demouy III, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Littles, Engine Delegate James W. Demouy, Steward Delegate Teresito O. Reyes. Chairman noted all departments worked well together during voyage. Educational director informed crew members that Piney Point upgrading schedule and union forms are on the computer, listed under “union.” Treasurer stated $1,350 in ship’s fund (safety fund also included in that amount). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to change name of vacation check to earned wages or deferred payment. Steward department was thanked for great barbecues. Crew noted that despite a very full work schedule, they were able to enjoy the beauty of Diego Garcia during off time. Maersk Iowa Docks in New York Aboard the USNS Watkins in Norfolk, Va. The SIU-contracted Maersk Iowa recently paid a visit to the port of New York. After a payoff, members of the crew agreed to pose for the photo above before returning to their duties. The union-crewed USNS Watkins recently was serviced in the port of Norfolk, Va. Union officials visited and discussed various issues with members of the crew while the vessel was in port. If the demeanor of SA Wayne Schindler, above, offers any indication of how things were going aboard the Watkins, it’s safe to assume that all was “shipshape.” May 2009 Seafarers LOG 19 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:04 AM Page 20 Letters To The Editor Remembering A Proud Seafarer Let me thank you and your staff for faithfully mailing me the Seafarers LOG. It keeps me informed about the past, the present and the future, and also about our friends who retired or crossed the bar. Thank you also for the story in the November 2008 LOG, “This Month in SIU History,” about James Oliver. My husband always was, and remains, my hero. Enclosed is an original photo of James near the Del Mar, sister ship of the Del Sud and the Del Norte. My husband was a proud 61-year SIU member who sailed the world over, and was one of G&H Towing Company’s best and most knowledgeable tug captains. He was from the “greatest generation” – a generation that is fast fading now, including me. Please say a big hello to SIU President Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mailed to webmaster@seafarers.org Michael Sacco and my friends in Houston, including SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Assistant Vice President Jim McGee. Georgette Oliver Timpson, Texas Editor’s note: Here is the brief about Brother Oliver, which originally was published in 1972: At approximately 10 a.m., the Steel Designer’s fire alarm sounded. The ship was transporting a load of sodium hydrochlorite to Panama that was now being threatened by fire. The chemical creates highly toxic and flammable sulphur dioxide when burned. After the ship’s CO2 had been exhausted, the only option was to secure the ship’s vents to control the blaze. This could only be done by a crew member making a hazardous climb up the king posts through heavy smoke and breath-defying fumes. That’s when Wiper James Oliver volunteered without hesitation. High above the ship’s waterline and hardly visible through the smoke, the SIU member worked quickly to secure the vents, one after another, and reduced the fire’s air supply. After spending several anxious minutes aloft, Oliver completed the task and returned to the deck to help his shipmates extinguished the now oxygenstarved blaze. Retiree Recommends Snug Harbor The late Seafarer James Oliver is pictured near the Del Mar. Here’s a question to all the retired guys: Do you want a good place to live – lots better than any ship you were on? A Former deck-department Seafarer Horace Wiltshire submitted the photos above and below of some of the grounds at Snug Harbor. He enthusiastically recommends the facility to fellow retirees. place with nice private rooms, your own patio, a view of lots of pine trees and the waters of Nelson Bay? Here at Snug Harbor there’s no night lunch, but with all the great food at three meals per day included in rent, who needs it? We have a lot of retirees from the SIU, NMU, MM&P, MEBA and the other maritime unions. Come sit and bull(bleep) or check out all the other things here to keep you on the go, or just sit in your nice room, watch TV or look out the patio door. There is also a great woodworking/hobby shop, a library, a greenhouse, and a lounge by the fireplace. They even have a “happy hour” for all of us on Fridays! I’m one of many lifelong mariners who chose to retire at Snug Harbor, which is located in Sea Level, North Carolina. To qualify for benefits, you must have a certain minimum amount of sea time. They’ve got independent living apartments, assisted living, and skilled nursing for those who need it. Call ’em up at (252) 225-4411, or go to their web site: www.snugharborhome.com. Come on and enjoy your good days, here with other seamen you can relate to. Horace Wiltshire Retired SIU deck department Sea Level, North Carolina Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the May 4 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2008 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts 20 Seafarers LOG between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:04 AM Page 21 Seafarers Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2009. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Refrigeration Technician May 4 June 12 Machinist June 1 June 19 Pumpman June 22 July 3 Welding June 1 June 19 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June 22 August 17 July 17 September 11 ARPA June 8 July 20 October 13 June 12 July 24 November 2 June 15 July 6 July 27 June 26 July 17 August 7 Government Vessels June 1 July 27 June 5 July 31 Lifeboat June 8 June 19 Radar May 25 July 6 June 5 July 17 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 24 September 4 Tanker Asistant May 18 July 27 May 29 August 7 Tank Pic Barge September 21 September 25 Tank Ship Familiarization/Assistant Cargo DL May 18 May 29 Tank PIC Barge DL May 11 May 15 Bosun Recertification GMDSS Advanced Firefighting Safety Specialty Courses August 17 August 28 Basic Firefighting/STCW May 11 May 25 July 20 May 15 May 29 July 24 Fast Rescue Boat June 29 August 17 July 3 August 21 Medical Care Provider August 31 September 4 MSC Small Arms (Company designees) May 18 May 22 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began May 4. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed at the Paul Hall Center. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. The following opportunities are currently available: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), a College Program and a Preparatory Course. When applying for preparatory courses, students should list the name of the course desired on upgrading application. An introduction to computers course, a self-study module, is also available. Online Distance Learning Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Refrigerated Container June 22 October 5 July 17 October 30 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) May 25 July 20 June 19 August 14 FOWT June 22 July 1 Junior Engineer August 31 October 23 Marine Electrician May 11 July 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Five new online “distance learning” (DL) courses now are available to students who plan to enroll in classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The online courses are not mandatory, but they are structured to benefit students who eventually attend other classes at the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. The new online courses are: Communications, First Aid Preparation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Basic Culinary Skills, and Basic Math Refresher. Also available in the DL program are Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Protection, Heat Stress Management, Environmental Awareness, Shipboard Pest Management, and Shipboard Water Sanitation (for a total of 12 courses). Students MUST have access to the internet with an e-mail address in order to take the foregoing classes. Each must be taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. E-mail addresses should be provided on applications (printed neatly) when applying. Applicants should include the letters DL when listing any online course on the form below. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. Street Address _________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State _______________ Zip Code ___________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes No Home Port _____________________________ COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Yes Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2009 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:04 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Two groups of unlicensed apprentices recently completed requirements for graduation in Class 716 for this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Immad Alhag, Ali Alhamyari, Anthony Aviles, Jacob Diefenbach, Kevin Gebhard, Carlo Gentile, Devin Gordon, Chad Gregory, Justin Hammons, Christopher Hickey, Andrew Hufana, James Johner, Sharon Joyner, Kevin Kelly, Michael Kelly, Patrick Lindauer, John McElhaney, Forrest Melvin, Ali Mohamed, Jonmark Newman, Jessie Peed, Julio Perez, Justin Pierce, Guiomar Rancel-Mercado, Patricia Ricks, Santiago Rodriguez, Nathan Shuford, Elijah Steward-Eastman, Zachary Stout and Adrian Wilson. Medical Care Provider (Express Marine) – Eight individuals from Express Marine on March 20 completed their training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: David Callis, Russell Cowell, Albert Keech, Edward Parks, Brian Pruitt, Jerod Register, Arthu Schwendeman and Jason Thomas. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. Able Seaman – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 27: Jeffrey Amestoy, Antonio Baskins, Joselito Beof, Jack Forde, Robert Hardesty, Austen Hess, Enchantress Johnson, Tony Martin, John Monaco, Frank Smith, Caroline Thomas, Cade Vaussine, Lamar Walton and Sean Wilson. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Ten upgraders on March 27 graduated from this course. Completing their requirements and earning certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Boyer, James Cedeno, Ernest Frank III, Bobby Jones, Stephen McGruder, George Murphy Jr., Gregory Smith, Charles Sneed, John Stewart and Peggy Wilson. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at far right. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Tank Ship Familiarization (Phase III) – Twenty-six Phase III apprentices on March 20 completed this 63-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Walid Ahmed, Jason Albertson, Wayne Bell, Thomas Braillard, Nicolas Byers, Donnel Cherry, Sean Clodfelter, Alexandra DeJesus, Tyler Egan, Romer Garrido, Abdulkarim Ghaleb, Mohamed Ghaleb, Lorenzo Hal Jr., Steven Hamilton, Brandon Hess, Lusian Lepadatu, Xavier Normil, Maurice Reine, Michael Ringwood, Chenequa Rodriguez, Brittany Ruffin, Corey Stanley, Justin Spodoni, Ternillia Thomas, Leticia Vazgues and Mykael Willis. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2009 �54210_p01_24:54210 4/27/2009 11:05 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – Nineteen upgraders on March 27 finished their requirements for graduation from this course. Completing the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: George Box, Tyesha Boyd, Tristan Brand, David Bustos, Ashley Carmichael, Angel Cintron Colon, Donnell Criswell, Louise Digman, Kabir Garcia, Abraham Goldberg, Spencer Hiruko, Jahmal Jones, Theodore Lampke, Claude Lettis, Michael Maldonado, Zachary Miano, Steven Myrick, Terry Taylor and Randy Wallace. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Ten upgraders on March 20 completed training in this 103-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Haeven Bautista, Jerome Culbreth, Oscar Garcia, Larry Locke, Roy Logan, Mark Merenda, Patrick Milton, Frederick Nyarko, Robert Orloff and Algernon Ramseur. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Seventeen upgraders on March 20 completed this 41-hour course. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Boyer, James Brown, James Cedeno, Abner Diaz-Torres, Ernest Frank III, Michael Garcia, Shending Hu, Bobby Jones, Eric Kjeilberg, Stephen McGruder, John Reid, John Shank, Christopher Sheppard, Gregory Smith, Charles Sneed, James Tyson and Peggy Wilson. Vessel Security Officer (Crowley) - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on March 24 completed this course: Conrado Abinuman, Joel Anderson, Dominic Bailey, Randall Brinza, John Carraway, Douglas Crawford, Jeremiah Dougherty, Jay Heichelheim, Scott Mitchell, Daniel Smith, Roger Stanusm, Kyle Swavely, Mark Tilley, and Philip Wright. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley is third from right. Also pictured (from left) are Crowley representatives Mike Golonka, Ira Douglas, Charlie Nalen and (far right) John Ara . BST/STCW (Hawaii) – The following individuals (photo at right, in no particular order) on March 21 completed training in this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: James Bissell, Tracy Blake, Dennis Couture, Amanda Garrison, Bozidar Globarevic, Andrew Hu, Irvan Kapush, Lucky Khov, Katelyn Kramsky, Jayson Larrabee, Jay Lawless, Sharie Lawless, Nadia Mack, Daniel Rodriquez, Dana Schumann, Michael Soash, Helen Stewart, Alder Sueki and Eric Lederle. BST/STCW (Hawaii) – Eighteen individuals on Feb. 28 completed traiing in this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii. Those graduating (photo below, in no particular order) were: Hector Rodriguez, Claraan Schroder, Micah Gallegos, Ricardo Lucero, Kristen Lynn Voegele, Bebekah Angres, Summer Fosdick, Lisa Calderoni, Krystaial Cebe, Kami Myers, Edward Vollmer II, Mamil Almonte, Carlos Olvera, Gabrielle Rawson, Jullian Reed, Angel Otero, Quevin Singh and Miguel Barreto Reyes Basic & Advanced Firefighting (Hawaii) – The following upgraders (above, in no particular order) on March 6 completed training in this 41-hour course at Barbers Point: Jaysen Cummings, Robert Schultz, Christy Fernando, Ryan Adric, Herman Tisalona, Herbert Waa, Keola Milbourne, Sam Pedro, Joseph Barnes and David Blue. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is standing at left, second row. May 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �54210_p01_24X:54210 4/28/2009 3:31 AM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 5 May 2009 COBRA News - Page 14 Snapshots from the MV Resolve SIU-Crewed Ship Delivers Materiel for U.S. Troops The photos on this page were taken during a recent voyage aboard the MV Resolve and submitted by SA John Seibel. The Resolve is an Interocean American Shipping Corp. Ro/Ro that delivers military equipment for the U.S. Department of Defense, mainly to ports in the Middle East. Formerly named the Tanabata, the vessel is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Enacted in 1996 and extended earlier this decade, the MSP helps keep militarily useful, Americancrewed ships under the U.S. flag. From left, OS Danny, OS Arnolfo Bada and QMED Lamont enjoy lunch. Galley gang members (left to right) SA Charlie Collier, CC Robert Maschmeier and Chief Steward Robert Evans appreciatively were known aboard ship as the Three Musketeers. Pictured from left to right are AB Jimmy Copeland, OS Arnolfo Bada and OS Mark Ward while the Resolve is somewhere in the Mediterranean. Chief Mate John Salvadore (left) and Bosun William Rios inspect lifeboats. Chief Cook Angel Bernardez whips up lunch for the crew. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TWIC TIP: ‘SELF IDENTIFY’ AS MERCHANT MARINER MAERSK ALABAMA SAGA HAS HAPPY ENDING APL ADDS FOUR U.S.-FLAG VESSELS TOP ECONOMISTS SAY ‘YES’ TO EFCA’S MAJORITY SIGN-UP ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ BILL RE-INTRODUCED IN U.S. HOUSE, SENATE NO SURPRISE: UNIONS ARE GOOD FOR BUSINESS PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN SKELTON RECEIVES HONORS SIU-CREWED SHIP ESTABLISHES MRAP MILESTONE U.S. ECONOMY TAKES ANOTHER HIT, LOSES 663,000 JOBS IN MARCH GRATEFUL AIRPLANE PASSENGER THANKS NY WATERWAY FOR UNSCHEDULED FERRY RIDE UNIONS OF MARITIME TRADES AND AFL-CIO SALUTE HEROIC EFFORTS OF MAERSK ALABAMA CREW LETTER TO FROM SIU PRESIDENT TO MAERSK ALABAMA ALLS WELL MAERSK ALABAMA CREW RETURNS HOME SAFELY REPORT POINTS OUT BENEFITS OF UNION MEMBERSHIP NOTICE: COBRA CONTINUATION COVERAGE SIU-CREWED SHIPS DELIVERS MATERIEL FOR U.S. TROOPS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2009 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 71, No. 5 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/66e96e3cf381a7565bb8ea3d4891056a.pdf d20b97ae270f40b3dd9a4d4eb2b6787b PDF Text Text 59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:30 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 5 May 2010 Crowley Expands ATB Fleet Tug Achievement, Barge 650-8 Are Newest Additions SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation recently christened the articulated tug-barge tank vessel Achievement/650-8. The barge is pictured at left while the tug is at right. Some of the Seafarers who attended the ceremony, which took place in Tampa, are shown below. The state-of-the-art ATB is part of a series of new builds for Crowley – it is the eighth of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATBs that the company is scheduled to launch by 2011. Also being built for Crowley (with delivery expected by the end of 2012) are three other ATBs with capacities of 330,000 barrels. Page 3. SIU Delivers For Deep Freeze Seafarers aboard the USNS Paul Buck and the American Tern earlier this year helped deliver vital cargo to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The voyages were part of an annual resupply mission known as Operation Deep Freeze. Pictured below, U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus (second from right) meets with SIU members (from left) Chief Cook Sherman Harper, Chief Steward Gregory Broyles and SA Wilma Martinez aboard the American Tern. In the other photo, the Paul Buck (left) gets a scheduled assist from the Swedish icebreaker Oden (photo by Chris Demarest, National Science Foundation). Pages 12, 13, 24. More About Health Care Page 2 Transportation Command Honored Page 5 Seafarers Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 11 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:50 PM Page 2 President’s Report Job Safety in Focus One month before the tragic loss of life at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, the AFL-CIO Executive Council, of which I am a member, approved a statement supporting passage of legislation aimed at improving workplace safety. If that statement seemed earnest but perhaps somewhat routine in March, it took on a much more urgent appearance after what happened in the mine, where 29 workers died. In our resolution, the council pointed out that while progress has been made since the Occupational Safety and Health Act passed in 1970, the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities remains enormous. For instance, in 2008, more than 5,000 workers across the United States died on the job. Tens of thousands died from occupational diseases and millions more were injured. Last month’s disaster in West Virginia specifically called attention to mine safety, which of course was Michael Sacco appropriate. People were shocked to learn that this latest incident was the fourth fatal accident in 12 years at the mine, which is overseen by a non-union company. They were further stunned when it was reported that the Upper Big Branch Mine has been cited for more than 1,300 safety violations in the last five years alone. I’m always cautious when reading statistics, but there’s no underestimating the significance of any of those numbers – starting with the most important and sobering ones, which count the dead. Unfortunately, the challenge and responsibility of workplace safety goes far beyond mining or any other single occupation. As noted above, it is a nationwide task. The facts are that millions of workers still lack basic OSHA protections and rights. Even in some cases where workers are covered, the penalties for severe, intentional violations can be weak. So are the protections for employees who report hazards. That’s only a snapshot, but it captures why the AFL-CIO supports the Protecting America’s Workers Act. Introduced both in the House and the Senate, the legislation would boost OSHA in several ways, including by expanding worker and union rights in OSHA inspections and enforcement cases. In the wake of Upper Big Branch as well as the annual Workers Memorial Day on April 28, it is time for passage of the Protecting America’s Workers Act. The moment is right, and the stakes simply couldn’t be any higher. I also should mention that as Seafarers know, our union and our affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., constantly emphasize safety in the training received by entry-level students and upgraders. The same is true aboard SIU-crewed vessels, where safety drills are a welcome part of the shipboard culture. Like mine workers, SIU members know they depend on their mates to do their jobs safely and efficiently, so that they will come home safely. New Tonnage Our union continues to welcome new tonnage into the SIU fleet, both in the Government Services Division and in the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU. This month, we are reporting on the christening of a new Crowley ATB, the naming of a new Jones Act tanker built for Overseas Shipholding Group, and the keel-laying for what will be the Navy’s next Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ship, to be named USNS Medgar Evers. In May, two additional vessels are scheduled to enter the SIUcrewed fleet. More new jobs are on the horizon. Also in May, we are planning to dedicate the new training vessel at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, in memory of our friend and union brother, the late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay. That will be an emotional day, but a fitting tribute to one of the most effective, loyal officials our union ever knew. Volume 72, Number 5 May 2010 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2010 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG President Barack Obama signs the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Va. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) President: Health Care Bill Means Security for Americans AFL-CIO President Calls Measure ‘Good First Step’ When President Obama signed into law the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, he pointed out that the measure preserves the core principle that everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care. “The bill I’m signing will set in motion reforms that generations of Americans have fought for and marched for and hungered to see,” he said March 30 at the Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Va. “Today we are affirming that essential truth, a truth every generation is called to rediscover for itself, that we are not a nation that scales back its aspirations.” The new law, which ended some 14 months of oftentimes bitter debate on Capitol Hill and around the country, will extend health insurance to 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured. It carries a price tag of $940 billion over 10 years but is projected to reduce the country’s soaring budget deficit by $143 billion by 2019 and by another $1.2 trillion by 2029, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Labor leaders including AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka have stated that although the bill isn’t perfect, it contains a number of important provisions backed by unions. The legislation is “a good first step” Trumka said. “This health care bill is good for working families—now and even more in the future.” Although many of the new measure’s provisions will take effect over several years, some became effective immediately and others will go into effect within roughly six months. Among the provisions falling into the latter two categories are: ■ Provides $250 rebate for Medicare beneficiaries who fall in the doughnut hole (a gap in prescription drug coverage that makes it harder for millions of Medicare beneficiaries to pay for the medication they need) in 2010. A 50 percent discount on drugs goes into effect in 2011 for individuals in the doughnut hole. ■ In 2011, seniors in Medicare will receive free annual check-ups and will not have to pay a co-payment for mammograms, colonoscopies and other preventive screenings ■ Creates a $5 billion reinsurance fund to help employers who provide health benefits to early retirees ages 55 to 64 (goes into effect 90 days following the day President Obama signed the bill). ■ Eliminates denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions for non-dependent children up to age 26 ■ Prohibits insurers from placing lifetime limits on coverage ■ Restricts new plan’s use of annual limits on coverage ■ Prohibits rescission or dropping coverage when individuals become sick ■ Provides $5 billion to states to create a high-risk insurance pool for individuals denied insurance due to pre-existing condition and for those who have been without insurance for six months (goes into effect in 90 days) ■ Creates a public health and wellness fund and requires new private insurance plans to offer preventive services without co-payments ■ Provides up to a 35 percent tax credit to small businesses that offer health care coverage to their employees ■ Creates new and independent appeal process by which consumers can appeal decisions by their health insurance plans ■ By 2011, requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent ■ Requires payment to primary care physicians under Medicaid to be 100 percent of Medicare rates (begins in 2013) Effective in 2014, the following provisions will take effect: ■ Prohibits annual limits on coverage on all plans ■ Provides up to a 50 percent tax credit to small businesses that provide insurance to their employees through the exchange. Exchanges are organized marketplaces that offer anyone the choice of public or private insurance plans, and provide oversight of insurers beyond current insurance regulations. ■ Creates state insurance exchange where uninsured individuals and small employers can purchase insurance ■ Provides subsidies for individuals with incomes up to 400 percent of federal poverty level ($88,000 for a family of four) to purchase insurance ■ Expands Medicaid to cover individuals under 65 up to 133 percent of federal poverty level ($29,326 for family of four) Officials at the AFL-CIO strongly have suggested that, given the magnitude of misinformation that purposely has been circulated about the new health care package, working Americans should take every opportunity to familiarize themselves with the act’s true provisions. Further, they urged union members to remember the following two important points: ■ Individuals will continue to have the employer-sponsored health coverage they secure at the bargaining table, and ■ The proposed excise tax on so-called “Cadillac” high-end insurance plans worth more than $27,500 for families ($10,200 for individuals) has been put off until 2018 and the dollar impact will be reduced to 85 percent. May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 10:34 PM Page 3 Crowley Maritime Christens New ATB Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation recently continued adding to its fleet of state-of-the-art articulated tugbarge tank vessels (ATB) when it christened the tug Achievement and barge 6508 in Tampa. The ceremony took place March 26. The Achievement/650-8 is the eighth of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATBs that the company is scheduled to launch by 2011. Crowley reported that the newest ATB is “sure to be no stranger to the Tampa waterfront,” as it is slated to visit the port weekly, carrying petroleum products for Marathon Oil Corporation. The vessel joins other SIU-crewed, Crowley-owned and/or managed vessels – ATB Pride/6507 and tankers Coast Range, Blue Ridge, and Pelican State – in calling on Tampa with loads of ethanol, gasoline or diesel. The vessels, starting with the Coast Range and Blue Ridge, have regularly provided safe and reliable petroleum transportation to the area since 2003. During the recent christening ceremonies, which took place at the Tampa Port Authority, Cruise terminal No. 3, Maryann Douglass, wife of Crowley Senior Vice President and General Manager Puerto Rico/Caribbean John Douglass, christened the 10,728-horsepower tug Achievement, while Angela Ice, wife of Brent Ice, manager of marine logistics and commercial, Marathon Oil Corporation, christened the barge 650-8. SIU members were on hand for the event, as was SIU Houston Port Agent Mike Russo. The newest ATB was designed by Crowley’s vessel construction and naval architecture subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, and built by VT Halter Marine in Mississippi. It joins a Crowley Jones Act fleet featuring (among other vessels) seven other ATBs with capacities of 185,000 barrels and four others with capacities of 155,000 barrels. Additionally, the company is having three ATBs with capacities of 330,000 barrels built for delivery by the end of 2012. “With the introduction of this ATB to the market, we can claim over two million barrels of capacity in the Jones Act ATB trade,” said Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum transportation. “We have added 12 vessels since the inception of this program in 2002 and have five more under construction, solidifying our commitment to customers of providing them with safe and reliable petroleum transportation for years to come.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. According to the company – which consistently credits well-trained SIU members for playing a vital role in helping maintain Crowley’s outstanding safety record – the new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only do the units have the capability of transporting refined products, they also can carry heated cargoes and “easy” chemicals, which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings above those normally required for product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the American Bureau of Shipping SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel’s build. The 650-Class barges are 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft is 30 feet. When coupled for operation the tug and tank vessel measure 689 feet. Maryann Douglass christens the tugboat Achievement. The new barge (left) is 587 feet long and has a capacity of 185,000 barrels. Among the SIU group (photo at right) at the ceremony were Houston Port Agent Mike Russo (fourth from right), Seafarers Vincent Mull, Christopher Remm, David Coggio, Kenneth Grabyill, Monte Cross, Travis Stringer II, Andrew Hook, Phil Wright, Charlie Tuck and others. Company Sadly Announces Death of Molly M. Crowley Two days before the christening of its newest ATB, Crowley Maritime Corporation regretfully reported the death of Molly Murphy Crowley, 71, a company board member, philanthropist and the wife of the late Thomas Crowley Sr. She passed away March 21 in Indian Wells, Calif., Molly Murphy Crowley 1938-2010 May 2010 following an illness. SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez paid their respects at memorial services March 26-27 in Oakland, Calif. In announcing Mrs. Murphy’s death, the company described her as a former Portland, Ore., real estate mogul, licensed pilot and competitive amateur golfer. “She was a longtime member of Crowley’s board of directors and oversaw the growth of the 118year old maritime and logistics services company into nearly a $2 billion a year powerhouse,” the company noted. “Her stepson, Tom Crowley Jr., is the chairman, president and CEO today.” She was also a successful businesswoman early in her career, founding a residential real estate company in the 1960s in Portland with Wilma Caplan. Named Cronin and Caplan, the firm grew to be the largest residential real estate company in Oregon. It was later sold to Windermere Real Estate Company. Her philanthropic efforts included serving on the respective boards of trustees at Manhattanville College, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco. Ceremony for Overseas Martinez The new double-hulled tanker Overseas Martinez (above) formally was named during an April 8 ceremony at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice represented the union at the event. The 600-foot ship will be operated by SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group. Seafarers LOG 3 �59125_p01_24x:January 08 4/26/2010 6:41 PM Page 4 Construction Begins On 13th T-AKE Ship Union-contracted General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard on April 15 began construction of the future USNS Medgar Evers, the thirteenth ship of the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. The Medgar Evers is named in honor of the U.S. Army veteran and civil rights pioneer from Mississippi. The ship, which will be crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division, is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the second quarter of 2012. When it joins the fleet, the Medgar Evers will be used primarily to stage U.S. Marine Corps equipment abroad by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. Other ships in the class include the USNS Lewis and Clark, USNS Sacagawea, USNS Alan Shepard, USNS Richard Byrd, USNS Robert Peary, USNS Amelia Earhart, USNS Carl Brashear, USNS Wally Schirra, USNS Matthew Perry, USNS Washington Chambers, USNS William McLean and USNS Charles Drew. Each vessel in this class of dry cargo/ammunition ships is 689 feet long and 106 feet wide. Each vessel can sail at 20 knots. The first ship in the series, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was delivered in 2006. The SIU-crewed Pride of America offers inter-island cruises to Hawaii’s four main islands. Pride of America Helps Buoy NCL The SIU-crewed Pride of America played a key role in helping NCL America parent company Norwegian Cruise Line turn a profit in 2009 following a loss in 2008. The Miami-based parent company recently reported that it earned $67.2 million on revenue of $1.9 billion last year. Despite overall tough economic times, business remains good for the Pride of America, which is the only deep-sea U.S.-flag cruise ship. The vessel is booked through the summer, according to a company spokeswoman. Recent reviews by passengers and evaluations from company supervisors point to jobs well done by SIU members and by other shipboard employees who are members of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). Across the entire fleet, Seafarers are rated at or near the top. From the passengers’ perspective, the internet is abuzz with positive comments about the crews. One web site that accepts reviews from passengers, “Cruise Critic,” contained comments such as, “This was one of my favorite cruises. I would do it again in a heartbeat and would very highly recommend the Pride of America to anyone, anytime. We loved the cruise.” Another patron who posted a comment to the web site said, “Everyone on the staff that we encountered or interacted with was friendly, outgoing, and a real pleasure.” Another passenger wrote, “Everyone on the ship was really nice. The ship was clean, the food was really good.” SIU and SEATU Vice President Tom Orzechowski said he recently attended a labor-management meeting aboard the ship. “I commended the captain, the crew and the entire staff on their success,” Orzechowski stated. “They are one of NCL’s best customer-service boats. They are proving to the critics that this can be done with an American crew.” The Pride of America joined the SIUcrewed fleet in June 2005. It is 921 feet long, has 15 decks and can carry more than 2,100 passengers. In this U.S. Navy photo from 2009, taken at Jackson State University, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (right) speaks with Myrlie Evers-Williams, wife of the late civil rights activist Medgar Evers, and brother Charles Evers. Mabus officially announced the future T-AKE ship USNS Medgar Evers. Another of the dry cargo/ammunition ships, the USNS Charles Drew (pictured while under construction at NASSCO), was christened in February. MSC Recognizes Three Vessels for Culinary Excellence SIU Govt Service Division Ships Receive Awards Members of the SIU Government Services Division recently helped earn recognition from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for outstanding culinary efforts. In mid-April, the agency presented its annual David M. Cook Food Service Excellence Awards to three vessels from the SIU-crewed CIVMAR fleet: the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea, the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe and the fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba. The presentations took place at the International Food Service Executives Association’s (IFSEA) annual Joint Military Awards Ceremony April 17 in Reno, Nev. According to MSC, the awards are presented in three categories: East Coast large ship (Sacagawea), West Coast large ship (Guadalupe) and overall small ship (Catawba). Representing their respective vessels at the ceremony were Supply Officer Kenton Gooden and Chief Steward Orlando Josafat (both repeat winners) from the Guadalupe, Supply Officer Juan Negron and Chief Steward Clifford Liferidge from the Sacagawea, and Steward/Cook Robert Prades from the Catawba. “All of MSC’s food service competitors provide out- 4 Seafarers LOG standing cuisine and customer care, which made selecting a winner very, very difficult,” said Roberta Jio, chief of MSC’s food service policy and procedures division and the person in charge of the awards. Gooden, who won the award previously aboard the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon, said he is honored to be part of a winning team on another ship, this time the Guadalupe. “As I walked around the Guadalupe and saw the food service awards from previous years, I said to myself, ‘One day my name will be among them,’” recalled Gooden. “What a dream come true to be part of another team to win this award.” Capt. Charles Rodriguez, the Catawba’s civil service master, said he is proud of the food service team aboard his ship, particularly the steward/cook, Robert Prades. “Robert has been praised not only by Catawba’s crew, but also by riders from the British Royal Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Rodriguez. “To top it off, his leadership and administrative skills are top-notch.” The Sacagawea’s civil service master, Capt. George McCarthy, also has high praise for his food service personnel. “Supply Officer Juan Negron, Chief Steward Cliff Liferidge and their team have worked extraordinarily hard over the past year to win this award and I am very proud of them,” said McCarthy. He added, “I knew Capt. David Cook. He was devoted and dedicated to the welfare of civil service mariners at sea and worked hard to improve the life of mariners in any way he could. It is quite fitting and well-deserved that we have an award in his name.” The award is named for the late Capt. David M. Cook, who was MSC’s director of logistics from 1995 to 1998. During that time he launched a focused effort to improve all aspects of the food service operations aboard MSC ships. In announcing the awards, MSC reported that since 1992, the agency “has singled out several of its East and West Coast ships annually for excellence in their food service operations. For the last 12 years, honors for the winning ships have been part of the IFSEA program. Contributing food service personnel aboard each winning ship will receive a performance award and a oneweek shipboard culinary training session provided by a certified executive chef to further recognize each of the winning food service organizations for their contributions in providing quality meals and service.” May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 10:35 PM Page 5 Marine Highway Program Moves Ahead Sec. LaHood: ‘Moving Goods On Water Has Many Advantages’ Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on April 7 unveiled an initiative to move more cargo on the water rather than on crowded U.S. highways. Under the “America’s Marine Highway” program, the Department’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) will help identify rivers and coastal routes that could carry cargo efficiently, bypassing congested roads around busy ports and reducing greenhouse gases. The newly published final rule could bolster jobs in the maritime industry. “For too long, we’ve overlooked the economic and environmental benefits that our waterways and domestic seaports offer as a means of moving freight in this country,” said Secretary LaHood, speaking to transportation professionals at a conference in Baltimore. “Moving goods on the water has many advantages. It reduces air pollution. It can help reduce gridlock by getting trucks off our busy surface corridors.” Under the new regulation, regional transportation officials may apply to have specific transportation corridors – and individual projects – designated by the Department of Transportation as a marine highway if they meet certain criteria. Once designated, these projects will receive preferential treatment for any future federal assistance from the department or MarAd, according to a recent announcement by both the department and the agency. “There are many places in our country where expanded use of marine transportation just makes sense,” said David Matsuda, acting administrator of the Maritime Administration. “It has so much potential to help our nation in many ways: reduced gridlock and greenhouse gases and more jobs for skilled mariners and shipbuilders.” The Marine Highway initiative stems from a 2007 law requiring the secretary of transportation to “establish a short sea transportation program and designate short sea transportation projects to mitigate surface congestion.” Earlier this year, Secretary LaHood announced $58 million in grants for projects to support the start-up or expansion of Marine Highways services, awarded through the Department’s TIGER grants program. Congress has also set aside an additional $7 million in grants which MarAd is expected to award later this year. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda is pictured above. The SIU-contracted Overseas Nikiski is pictured at left. Jones Act vessels like the Nikiski may play a large role as the Marine Highway initiative progresses. TRANSCOM Earns Prestigious Award Report: Jones Act Has The U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) on April 1 received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates presented the award. He was joined by Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), who oversees American military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander USTRANSCOM, presided over the ceremony and introduced Petraeus to those in attendance which included U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Belleville, Ill.), several local mayors and community leaders, members of the command, and other honored guests. “Mr. Secretary, I want to thank you for personally flying out to Scott Air Force Base today to recognize the great transportation nation,” Petraeus said. “Nobody deserves this honor more. And thanks as well Mr. Secretary, for the opportunity to be part of this ceremony and to relay to TRANSCOM a heartfelt congratulations and well done from the more than 210,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen deployed to the CENTCOM [area of responsibility]. May 2010 Troopers who know they’re shipmates, fellow soldiers, Marines, Coastguardsmen and airmen at TRANSCOM always come through when needed. “This award is exceedingly welldeserved,” Petraeus continued. “This is your day. And I’m here to say thanks for all that you do for your fellow troopers around the world. Thanks for all that you do for our nation. And above all, congratulations on the well-deserved recognition you are receiving today.” Gates echoed Petreaus’ congratulations as he prepared to present the award, stating, “I am glad to get the chance to be here today, to have the opportunity to present the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to the men and women of the United States Transportation Command. You should know that this award is the first and only award that I have personally issued in my three-plus years as Secretary of Defense.” In part, the citation accompanying the award read, “Headquarters, United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious achievement from 1 March 2007 to 28 February 2010. During this period, the Command consistently displayed exceptional collaborative leadership and execution of wartime missions for United States forces engaged in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. “The Command’s three components – Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command, and Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command – carried over 5 million passengers, 25 thousand patients, and 7.5 million short tons in support of United States Central Command’s two main operations,” the citation continued. “USTRANSCOM expedited the delivery of thousands of sets of individual body armor, armored vehicles, and supplemental armor kits, in addition to supporting troop surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan.” Authorized by the Secretary of Defense on June 10, 1981, this award was originally called the Department of Defense Meritorious Unit Award. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to joint activities for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, for actions in the following situations: combat with an armed enemy of the United States, a declared national emergency or under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests. Hugely Positive Effect In its report covering 2009, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF) cites several noteworthy statistics about the Jones Act – a law that boosts America’s national and economic security. The MCTF is a broad-based coalition with more than 400 members (including the SIU) from throughout the U.S. maritime industry. Its newly issued report calls attention to a study prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers which found the following: ■ The Jones Act accounts for almost a half-million jobs in the U.S. ■ The law generates more than $100 billion in total annual economic output ■ It generates $11 billion in U.S. taxes ■ An estimated $29 billion in Jones Act-related U.S. labor compensation is paid annually The Jones Act stipulates that waterborne cargo moving between U.S. ports must be carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. “The Jones Act provides this nation with economic and national security while delivering goods and cargo in an efficient, reliable and cost-effective manner,” the MCTF report states. “We would like to thank the Obama administration and Congress for their unwavering support for the Jones Act and other U.S. maritime cabotage laws and statutes. Knowing that the Jones Act will remain the foundation of U.S. domestic maritime policy allows our industry to persevere during recessionary times like these and to grow as the economy rebounds.” Seafarers LOG 5 �59125_p01_24x:January 08 4/26/2010 6:47 PM Page 6 Mariners Honor Memory of Chief Cook Scipio Seafarers and officers on the Seabulk Trader recently conducted a burial at sea for Chief Cook Cecil Scipio. Brother Scipio died Jan. 8 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 58 years old and just a few weeks short of his birthday. A Seafarer for approximately 10 years, his most recent vessel was the APL Balboa. Capt. Thomas M. Liebsch of the Seabulk Trader described the at-sea memorial in a letter to Brother Scipio’s family – a message that also included deepest sympathies. According to the letter, the service was performed March 6 while the vessel was underway from Port Everglades, Fla., to Galveston, Texas. “At 1830 EST, shortly before sunset in the Gulf of Mexico, the vessel was stopped under clear skies, light north-northeasterly winds and slight seas,” the captain wrote. “We had waited for the weather to improve and could not have asked for more ideal conditions.” Liebsch said that 18 mariners gathered in attendance on the vessel’s stern. Brother Scipio’s cremated remains “were placed in a small box on a board extending off the stern, covered by an American flag. The Ensign was at half mast…. I read a brief statement followed by the Catholic Prayer for Burial at Sea. Our chief cook, Ms. Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds, impressed everyone with a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Mr. Scipio’s ashes were then scattered into the water off the stern at 1840 EST. The American flag was folded by Bosun Robert Coleman and Third Mate Stjuart Bicaj, concluding the ceremony. Afterwards, the bosun and AB Cristopher Sanchez rang the ship’s bell on the bow three times.” The captain added that although he and his crew did not know Brother Scipio, “as sailors we felt a connection and a strong desire to see his wishes fulfilled. I was impressed by and grateful to the SIU crew members for their preparation in the ceremony. Their efforts and professionalism made for a dignified and respectful service.” The following SIU members attended the ceremony: Bosun Coleman, ABs Sanchez, Melvin Smalls, Carlos Colon, Leroyal Hester and Virgilio Rosalas, Chief Pumpman Eron Hall, Second Pumpman Donald McBride Jr., OMU Steve Tate, DEU Natividad Martinez-Rivas, Recertified Steward Abraham Martinez, Chief Cook MitchellReynolds and SA Julio Bernardez. Also participating were the following members of the Seafarers- affiliated American Maritime Officers: Capt. Liebsch, Chief Engineer Rex Kelley, Chief Mate Yan Durafourt, 2nd Engineer Robert Hinkle and 3rd Mate Bicaj. Clockwise starting with the photo at left, Capt. Thomas M. Liebsch starts the service aboard the Seabulk Trader. Chief Cook Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds (right) sings “Amazing Grace” as part of the service. Brother Scipio’s cremated remains are scattered in the Gulf of Mexico. AB Cristopher Sanchez helps conclude the ceremony by ringing the ship’s bell. Snapshots from the Maersk Rhode Island Recertified Steward Tony Spain sent along these images from the Maersk Rhode Island. The ship is a tanker – it is 562 feet long and 90 feet wide. The Rhode Island’s crane is shown in photo at left. Above is the vessel’s lifeboat. Clockwise starting with photo at left, Seafarers take a short break for coffee time in the crew mess. Pictured from left to right are Recertified Steward Tony Spain, GVA Mohamed Alomari and Chief Cook Terry Fowler. AB Dennis Byrne takes his turn at the wheel.The deck gang includes AB Elmer Marko. Recertified Bosun Daniel Laitinen and AB Victor Frazier lower the gangway while AB Yakan Israel enjoys breakfast aboard the vessel. 6 Seafarers LOG May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:51 PM Page 7 A large delegation of Philadelphia-area Seafarers participated in a jobs rally recently in downtown Philadelphia. Those taking part in the event (above, in alphabetical order) were: Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Eddie Brown, Dave Christinzio, William Cruz, Marvin Davis, Gabriel DeJesus, Doug Duvak, Chris Eason, Joe Endres, Jeremy Farlow, Richard Jefferson, Joshua Milton, Dante Mungioli, Sean Mungioli, Dom Mallace, Sean Noonan, Joe Orandinetti, Robert Ott, Dennis Saggese, Scott Smith, UIW National Director John Spadaro, Ben Stanley, Jared Taylor, Charles Wisler, Patrick Wisler, Robert Wisler, Robert Weinhardt, and William Young. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Philly-Area Seafarers Join Jobs Rally Seafarers, along with members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, on March 19 rallied with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in Philadelphia to tell Bank of America that the time is at Richard Trumka President, AFL-CIO hand to pay up and restore the jobs which Wall Street destroyed. Carrying demonstration signs and decked out in their trademark Lundeberg Stetsons, the 27-person strong SIU-contingent mustered at the Philadelphia union hall. They later made their way downtown and converged on Paine Plaza. It was there that they joined forces with Trumka, Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO President Bill George, Philadelphia Labor Council President Patrick J. Eiding and more than 1,000 other Pennsylvania union members, laid-off workers and community allies to deliver three demands to the Big 6 Wall Street Banks (Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo/Wachovia): ■ Stop refusing to pay your fair share to restore the jobs you destroyed, ■ Stop fighting financial reform and, ■ Start lending to your communities, small businesses and others starved for credit. Trumka told those in attendance that it’s time to create good jobs now and that the big Wall Street banks that wiped out jobs should pay to restore them. The Big Banks and Wall Street specu- Somali Piracy in Spotlight On Initial Anniversary Of Maersk Alabama Attack On April 8, 2009, the American public was reintroduced to the problem of piracy on the high seas as the news media was fixated with the pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama and the capture of its captain, Richard Phillips. The episode had a successful ending as the U.S. Navy was credited with shooting the pirates who held the captain captive, and all the mariners on board – including SIU members – were hailed as heroes for resisting the pirates. The event refocused public attention to a problem seafarers who travel through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea have had to endure for decades – the possibility of being hijacked and harmed by marauding Somali pirates. A year later, NBC’s “Dateline” news program interviewed Captain Phillips to get his take on how he and his crew fought against the attack. During the program last month, Phillips praised the crew for its professionalism under fire. He also discussed some of the effective training he and the crew had practiced. The U.S. Navy has encouraged sharing of many of these best practices, such as crews hiding on board and the use of fire hoses and high-pressure water to discourage pirates from boarding ships. May 2010 lators “played Russian roulette with our economy,” he said. “And while Wall Street cashed in, they left Main Street holding the bag. They peddled meaningless junk-derivatives, credit default swaps, overpriced mortgages—and none of it was real. None of it created a job or gave a loan to small business.” In addition to participating in the rally on the plaza, hundreds of the demonstrators streamed through the bank lobby to drive their point home. They followed a delegation carrying a mock-up of a $145 billion check. Shouting, “No jobs, no future,” they demanded that Bank of America endorse the check and help finance the creation of the 11 million jobs Wall Street gambled away. The Philadelphia event was one of 200 “Good Jobs Now: Make Wall Street Pay” actions that took place from March 15-26 across the country at the Big 6 Wall Street banks. The campaign was an AFL-CIO nationwide grassroots movement to create good jobs by appealing to the big Wall Street banks to: ■ Pay for a major jobs plan to rebuild crumbling infrastructure and invest in green technology, ■ Increase aid to state and local gov- But, one year after the attack and despite ramped-up efforts to fight it, progress is mixed. According to an April 2010 U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics report titled “International Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea,” the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea region have experienced an increase in pirate attacks of 123 percent compared to the previous year. With the number of pirate attacks increasing, pirates have become more brazen by attacking ships farther from their home base of Somalia. Pirates have even unsuccessfully attacked military ships such as a U.S. Navy frigate, and pirates have used hijacked ships as “mother ships” to stage more attacks. Additionally, pirates hold in ransom numerous ships and their crews, waiting until shipping companies pay their ransom demands. Somali pirates have also seized ships carrying humanitarian cargoes intended to help the impoverished in their own nation. Despite efforts by European Union navies and the U.S. Navy to patrol the thousands of square miles of shipping channels in this part of the world, pirates continue to ply their financially lucrative trade. The international community, including the U.N., the International Maritime Organization and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (to which the SIU is affiliated) finds the biggest problem in the region is the impoverishment and instability in Somalia. In a motion sponsored by the SIU and supported unanimously by delegates attending the ITF Seafarers’ Section meetings in Berlin, seafaring organizations recognized the hub of the piracy problem stems from the ernments to save critical services and jobs, ■ Increase funding for neglected communities to match people who need jobs with work that needs to be done, and ■ Use TARP money to get credit flowing to small businesses for job creation. According to the federation, Wall Street’s actions are credited with plunging the U.S. into the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, destroying jobs and livelihoods. Despite receiving taxpayer bailouts, leading banks have not resumed lending to their communities and have refused to modify home mortgages. The AFL-CIO supports four proposals for banks to pay a fair share to restore the economy: ■ Fees on Wall Street banks to pay back the cost of the bank bailout, ■ A special levy on Wall Street bonuses, as proposed in the United Kingdom, ■ A tax on the income of hedge fund and private equity managers, the wealthiest people in the country, at ordinary income rates, by closing the carried interest loophole and, ■ A financial speculation tax that would be internationally adopted by the world’s major financial market countries. failing government and economy of Somalia. The resolution said that the ITF and its affiliates sympathize with the plight of innocent Somalis; it also acknowledged that the maritime industry alone, including shippers, shipowners and seafaring unions, cannot solve the problems faced by the Somalia people. The motion clearly states that more must be done to protect mariners carrying out their duties serving on merchant ships. It also notes the continuing attacks are having adverse effects on the retention and recruitment of seafarers. To this end, the motion calls on governments to take further steps to protect mariners and their vessels operating in these dangerous waters and provide direct support to hasten the release of the numerous ships and crews currently held. The motion’s bottom line is that if governments fail to act, there’s a strong possibility that seafarers, individually or collectively, could refuse to enter dangerous waters. During those same sessions in Berlin, union representatives voted to launch a new campaign to persuade all governments to commit the resources necessary to end the increasing problem of Somalia-based piracy. Delegates authorized the ITF to build a campaign that is hoped to deliver half a million signatures to governments by World Maritime Day, September 23rd. The campaign will call on them to close the circle on protection of ships, and for those states now ducking their responsibilities to stand up and follow the example of those which are actively involved in combating the threat. Seafarers LOG 7 �59125_p01_24x:January 08 4/26/2010 6:49 PM Page 8 PAYOFF ABOARD HORIZON SPIRIT – In mid-February, SIU Wilmington, Calif., Safety Director Abdul Al-Omari met with crew members aboard the Horizon Spirit. He subsequently submitted these photos from the payoff. Pictured from left to right in photo at left are SA Michael Zoabi, Recertified Steward Roderick Clay and Chief Cook Freddie Castro. OMU Leonard Viles is shown in photo in the center above while the following individuals are included in the other photo (from left): 2nd Engineer Eric Linderholm, Chief Cook Castro, GUDE Hassan Mohamed, QEE Roy Frett, AB Abdo Ali and Oiler Thomas Humphrey. At Sea And Ashore With the SIU AT THE HALL IN PUERTO RICO – In photo at left above, Bosun Tony Mercado (left) meets Junior Engineer Armando Garayua at the union hall in San Juan, P.R. The other photo, also taken at the hall, shows Chief Cook Argelio Perez with his son, Jonathan. ON THE JOB AT LUEDTKE – SIU Algonac, Mich., Patrolman Don Thornton sent along this image from late March showing SIU members employed by Luedtke Engineering. The photo was taken in Frankfort, Mich. Standing left to right are Jason Crawford, John Plesha, Kevin Niemiec, Mark Gilbert, Caleb Gilbert, Jack Smith (yard foreman), Todd Gleason, Don Marshall, Sam Fitzhugh and Jon Arleth. DONATING TO A GOOD CAUSE – During their March meeting aboard the Horizon Kodiak, Seafarers unanimously agreed to donate all of their VHS movies to the Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage, Alaska. These photos show GSU Pat Conlon (above left), who came up with the idea to donate the tapes, and (from left in photo at above right) Recertified Steward Brian Burchett and Chief Cook Manny Basas packing up some of the more than 200 movies. THANKING OUR MILITARY – On behalf of the entire crew of the USNS Samuel L. Cobb, DEU/GUDE Rickey Yancey (kneeling, third from left) submitted this photo and a note thanking personnel from Maritime Expeditionary Security Detachment 43, USN, “for protecting the crew, ship and cargo” during a voyage in late 2009 near the north African coast. Yancey said the security team members did a great job throughout the two weeks they were aboard the vessel, which is operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. “Again, my thanks to these brave, fine men,” he wrote. SMOOTH SAILING ABOARD PRIDE OF AMERICA – The SIU- crewed Pride of America, a cruise ship, is getting rave reviews these days. Seafarers are doing their part to help keep the NCL America vessel operating swimmingly. Among those pictured in the group photo at left during a late 2009 voyage are SIU members (front, from left) James Crosby, Renato Govico, Joseph Garnett, Gary Hunt, (middle row) Rodante Niebres, Luis Ramirez, Ronnel Sugui, Mauricio Elopre, Limneo Bation, Sure Anitak, Florito Alegado, Marie Acosta, (back row) Arnold Castro, Ruziell Bautista, Clarence Wilson, William Hazzard, Peter Hamm, Rolando Dinong and Billy Duenas. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 ACU Terry Fowler 10:39 PM Page 9 AB Harry Brown AB Ray Oglesby Unlicensed Apprentice Tom Hely With Seafarers Aboard the MV Houston Steward Robert Wilcox recently submitted these photos of members aboard U.S. Shipping’s MV Houston. A tanker, the vessel is 615 feet long and has a beam of 90 feet. GUDE Fabian Palacios AB Jerry Rogers (left), AB Saidu Sesay Recertified Bosun John Lamprecht Steward/Cook Robert Wilcox Pumpman Scott Fuller (standing), GUDE Brian Deans Seafarers Health And Benefits Plan Notice Of Privacy Practices This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. Use And Disclosure Of Health Information The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (“Plan”) may use your health information, defined as “protected health information” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), for purposes of treatment, making or obtaining payment for your care, and conducting health care operations. The Plan has established a policy to guard against unnecessary disclosure of your health information effective April 14, 2003. This policy has been updated effective February 17, 2010. The following is a summary of the circumstances under which and purposes for which your health information may be used and disclosed: To Make or Obtain Payment. The Plan may use or disclose your health information to make payment to doctors, hospitals or other health care providers, or coordinate payment with third parties, such as other health plans. For example, the Plan may provide information regarding your coverage or treatment to your spouse’s health plan to coordinate payment of benefits. However, upon your request, the Plan will not share your health information with another health plan if the information relates to a service that you have already paid for out of pocket in full. The Plan may disclose your health information to the legal representative of or agent for a provider. The Plan may use or disclose your health information to facilitate the recovery of payments from a third party that is responsible for such payments. The Plan may disclose your health information to the Seafarers Vacation Plan if you assign payment from your vacation benefits for certain health care services you receive. The Plan may disclose your health information to the Seafarers Pension Plan to establish your eligibility for benefits. To Conduct Health Care Operations. The Plan may use or disclose health information for its own operations to facilitate the administration of the Plan and as necessary to provide coverage and services to all of the Plan’s participants. Health care operations include such activities as: ■ Quality assessment and improvement activities. ■ Activities designed to improve health or reduce health care costs. ■ Monitoring occupational injury and disease including exposure to benzene. ■ Facilitating post-employment physical examinations and substance abuse screening. ■ Providing residential substance abuse treatment at the Plan’s facility. ■ Providing information to the Plan’s actuary to evaluate the Plan’s benefits and contribution rates. ■ Review and auditing, including compliance reviews and medical reviews. ■ General administrative activities of the Plan, including customer service and complaint resolution. For Disclosure to the Plan’s Board of Trustees. The Plan may disclose your health information to the Plan’s Board of Trustees for plan administration functions. The Plan also may provide summary health information to the Board of Trustees so that they may modify, amend or terminate benefits, or obtain reinsurance. To Conduct Health Oversight Activities. The Plan may disclose your health information to a health oversight agency for authorized activities including audits, civil, administrative or criminal investigations, inspections, licensure or disciplinary action. However, the Plan may not disclose your health information if you are the subject of an investigation and the investigation does not arise out of, or is not directly related to, your receipt of health care or public benefits. In Connection With Judicial and Administrative Proceedings. As permitted or required by state law, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan may disclose your health information in the course of any judicial or administrative proceeding in response to an order of a court or administrative tribunal as expressly authorized by such order or in response to a subpoena, discovery request or other lawful process. However, the requesting party must make reasonable efforts to either notify you about the request, or to obtain an order protecting your health information. For Law Enforcement Purposes. As permitted or required by state law, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan may disclose your health information to a law enforcement official for certain law enforcement purposes. In the Event of a Serious Threat to Health or Safety. The Plan may disclose your health information if the Plan, in good faith, believes that such disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to your health or safety, or to the health and safety of the public. For Compliance. The Plan may disclose your health information to the Department of Health & Human Services when requested for the purpose of monitoring whether the Plan is in compliance with HIPAA. Authorization To Use Or Disclose Health Information Unless previously noted, the Plan will not disclose your health information without your written authorization. If you authorize the Plan to use or disclose your health information, you may revoke that authorization in writing at any time. Your Rights With Respect To Your Health Information With respect to your protected health information maintained by the Plan, you have the following rights: May 2010 Right to Request Restrictions. You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your protected health information. You may request that the Plan restrict uses and disclosures to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations, or to restrict uses and disclosures to family members, relatives, friends, or other persons identified by you who are involved in your care, or payment for your care. However, the Plan is not required to agree to your request. Your request for restrictions on uses and disclosures must be made in writing. Right to Receive Confidential Communications. You have the right to request that the Plan communicate with you by alternate means, or at an alternate location, if you believe the disclosure of your health information could endanger you. You may ask that the Plan communicate with you at a certain telephone number or address. For example, when a claim is processed, the Plan sends an Explanation of Benefits (“EOB”) to the employee rather than the patient. The EOB includes certain protected health information about the patient. If you are the spouse or adult child of an employee, you may request that the Plan send the EOB directly to you as the patient. The Plan will attempt to accommodate all reasonable requests for confidential communications. Your request to receive confidential communications must be made in writing. Right to Inspect and Copy Your Health Information. You have the right to inspect and copy records maintained by the Plan, which contain your protected health information. In meeting your request for access, the Plan may charge a fee for photocopying and postage. Your request to inspect and copy your health information must be made in writing. Right to Amend Your Health Information. If you believe that records containing your protected health information are inaccurate or incomplete, you may request that the Plan amend your records. The Plan may deny the request if after considering your request, it still believes that the records are correct. The request also may be denied if the records were not created by the Plan, or if the health information you are requesting to amend is not part of the Plan’s records. Your request to amend your health information must be made in writing. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You have the right to request a list of disclosures of your protected health information made by the Plan for any reason other than for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Your request must specify the time period for which you are requesting the information. However, accounting requests may not be made for periods of more than six (6) years. In addition, the Plan cannot provide you with an accounting of disclosures which took place before April 14, 2003. The Plan will provide the first accounting you request during any 12-month period without charge. Additional accounting requests may be subject to a reasonable cost-based fee. The Plan will inform you in advance of this fee. Your request for an accounting of disclosures must be made in writing. Right to a Paper Copy of this Notice. You have the right to request and receive a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have received this Notice previously or agreed to receive the Notice electronically. To obtain a paper copy of this Notice, you can contact the Plan’s Privacy Officer. You also may obtain a copy of the current version of the Plan’s Notice at its web site, www.seafarers.org. Special Protections for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Records. In general, the Plan will not disclose records related to your treatment for alcohol or drug abuse including whether or not you attended the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (“SARC”), unless at least one of the following conditions apply: (1) you have specifically consented to the disclosure in writing; (2) the disclosure is made to medical personnel as necessary in a medical emergency; (3) the disclosure is made for scientific research purposes and certain privacy and security protections have been met; (4) the disclosure is made to persons who are authorized to conduct audits or evaluations and who have agreed to certain confidentiality protections; (5) the disclosure is made under State law involving incidents of suspected child abuse of neglect or (6) the disclosure is made pursuant to a valid Court Order specifically mandating the disclosure. Duties Of The Plan The Plan is required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information as set forth in this Notice. The Plan also is obligated to follow the terms of this Notice. The Plan is required to notify you within 60 days of discovery of any unauthorized access, acquisition, use or disclosure of your health information that could be harmful to you. The Plan will never use your genetic information for any purpose. The Plan reserves the right to change the terms of this Notice and to make the new provisions effective for all protected health information that it maintains. If the Plan changes its policies and procedures, it will revise the Notice and will provide a copy of the revised Notice to you within 60 days of the change. Complaints You have the right to express complaints to the Plan and to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services if you believe that your privacy rights have been violated. Complaints to the Plan should be made in writing to the Plan’s Privacy Officer. The Plan encourages you to express any concerns you may have regarding the privacy of your information. You will not suffer retaliation for filing a complaint. Contact Person The Plan has designated the Privacy Officer as its contact person for all issues regarding patient privacy and your privacy rights. You may contact the Privacy Officer at the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. Seafarers LOG 9 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 10:40 PM Page 10 Letters To The Editor Member Says Health Care Bill is Reform We Needed Congratulations to the representatives who showed courage in passing the recent health care reform bill. In my opinion, this is the first step towards reigning in the out-of-control rise in premiums, which has resulted in less coverage and higher co-pays. Reform and sensible regulation in the health care industry are long overdue, and unions have been at the forefront in supporting this overhaul. Affordable health care for workers and for Americans in general has been part of the very essence of unionism. As a union member with good health benefits, I would wish for all Americans the opportunity for the same affordable health care benefits I enjoy. I urge all fellow members to support this administration’s future reforms to provide quality health care at affordable prices. We cannot allow this unique opportunity at reform to pass us by. Mike Duggan SIU Book No. D1478 Harrison, Tennessee Note to Mariners Who Sailed On Cleveland’s Last Voyage I have been an SIU member since 1979 and an American Maritime Officers (AMO) member since 1991. I wanted to let fellow mariners know that the U.S. Maritime Administration has authorized Letters may be edited for concisness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or emailed to webmaster@seafarers.org. the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal for crew members from the SS Cleveland who transported MRAP vehicles to Kuwait in March 2009. To receive the medal, please send the following: your name, rating, name of ship and a copy of your discharge to Patricia Thomas, Maritime Administration, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20590. Be sure to include your contact information. Douglas A. Craft SIU Book No. C1662 Palm Harbor, Florida Appeal for VFW Post I am writing to let my SIU brothers and sisters know that the local VFW Post 4777 here in Idabel, Oklahoma, has been struggling to stay open for the past couple of years. It may very well close by next year unless we get some financial relief. This chapter is very supportive of the U.S. Merchant Marine. If you can find it in your heart to help support the chapter, please donate to the following address: Veterans of Foreign Wars, P.O. Box 41, Idabel, OK 74745. The person to contact at the chapter is Joe Privette, administrator, and he may be reached at the P.O. Box or via email at cakiejoe@sbcglobal.net Thanks for your consideration. Chris Maye SIU Book No. M2941 Haworth, Oklahoma SIU Planning Participation In Rolling Thunder 2010 For the second straight year, Seafarers, SIU officials and family members are planning to participate in the annual “Rolling Thunder” event in Washington, D.C. This year’s demonstration is scheduled for May 30 in the nation’s capital. Rank-and-file Seafarers, SIU retirees, union employees and family members who may be interested in riding their motorcycles during the May 30 event as part of an SIU contingent are asked to email their contact information to the following address as soon as possible: pvandegrift@seafarers.org Rolling Thunder is both an event and an incorporated, nonprofit organization. The yearly demonstration, mostly by motorcycle riders, is designed to call attention to POW/MIAs and veterans’ issues. Upwards of a halfmillion individuals rode on May 24, 2009. That total included a small but enthusiastic SIU group on hand to honor all veterans but particularly to increase awareness about those who served our country on merchant vessels during times of war. “We really enjoyed participating last year,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who headed the union’s 2009 group. “It’s for a good cause and it’s also a way for the SIU to raise awareness of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s efforts dating back all the way to the founding of our nation. Our hope is to have a greater number of participants this year.” The exact route to be taken by the SIU group is still being determined, but the plan is to meet at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., and proceed to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. More information is available on the web at w w w. r o l l i n g t h u n d e r 1 . c o m (that’s a number “1” rather than a letter L in the address). 10 Seafarers LOG AB Abdul Suwaileh helps ready the Presque Isle for fit out. Pictured on the American Mariner are (from left) GUDE Ahmed Algalham, AB Joe Hance and Recertified Bosun Al Brzezinski. Lakes Coal Trade Picks Up Steam in March The pace of coal shipments on the Great Lakes in March point to a strengthening economy, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). Coal loadings for the month at U.S. and Canadian ports approached 500,000 tons, more than triple the volume moved a year ago. SIU-crewed vessels did their part as more and more ships fit out for the 2010 sailing season. In the coal trade alone, loadings at Superior, Wisc., quadrupled their level of a year ago. Shipments from Toledo, Ohio, were triple that of the prior year. Sandusky, Ohio, loaded no coal in March 2009, but shipped almost 150,000 tons this March. Comparisons with previous years make clear the recession is not over, the LCA pointed out. However, it is reported that coal shipments on most major railroads are below a year ago, so the marine mode is outperforming a land-based mode of transportation. As is typical, no coal was loaded in February, but through the first quarter (as of mid-April), the Lakes coal trade stands at 1.1 million tons, an increase of 19.6 percent compared to a year ago. The trade is Working aboard the Presque Isle are GUDEs Yahia Saleh (left) and Mohamed Ghaleb. down 57.7 percent when compared to the 5-year average for the January-March timeframe. The LCA represents 18 American companies that operate 55 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes and carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, limestone and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation and more. Collectively, these vessels can transport more than 115 million tons of cargo per year when high water offsets lack of adequate dredging. Bringing safety equipment aboard the Presque Isle are ABs Jaber Jaber (left) and Seddik Ali. May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 10:41 PM Page 11 ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2009 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and 2 preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2009 January 1, 2009 106.1% $798,341,351 $752,536,506 2008 January 1, 2008 121.7% $700,766,846 $575,915,644 2007 January 1, 2007 116.8% $676,381,358 $578,933,983 Fair Market Value of Assets As of December 31, 2009 the fair market value of the Plan’s assets are estimated to be $912,000,000, subject to audit. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 22,365. Of this number, 8,741 were active participants, 9,431 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 4,193 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Districts and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Seafarers Pension Plan is primarily a balanced portfolio of equity, fixed income, and cash equivalent securities. Equities consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, and convertible securities. The total equity exposure for the total managed account should not exceed 55% for a prolonged period of time. The portfolios are diversified into 10 or 15 industry sectors and hold in excess of 50 individual issues. No issue exceeds 3.5% of the portfolio at cost. The fixed income portion of the portfolio consists of: ■ U.S. Government and Agency Securities ■ Commercial Paper ■ Corporate Bonds ■ Traditional Non-High Leverage ■ Mortgage and Asset backed Securities These securities must be rated Investment Grade at time of purchase. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Interest-bearing cash 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 0 26 21 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property 7. Loans (other than to participants 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 38 0 2 0 0 6 1 0 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 6 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities 0 Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Board of Trustees or: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-4007242). SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS’ MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2009. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $(138,607) as of June 30, 2009, compared to $(24,014) as of July 1, 2008. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $114,593. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $463,938 including employer contributions of $441,101, earnings from investments of $96 and other income of $22,741. Plan expenses were $578,531. These expenses included $495,068 in administrative expenses and $83,463 in benefits paid to or for participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: May 2010 ■ An accountant’s report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and ■ Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the Plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the Plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U. S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20210. ■ Seafarers LOG 11 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/24/2010 3:03 PM Page 12 Operation Deep F Seafarers in late January added another chapter to their decadeslong tradition of delivering life-sustaining cargo to residents of McMurdo Station, Antarctica. As part of Operation Deep Freeze 2009-2010, the SIU crew and officers aboard the USNS Paul Buck transported and discharged more than 5.5 million gallons of diesel, gas and jet fuel at the station which is the hub of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Deep Freeze is the Department of Defense’s support mission of the USAP Program and National Science Foundation. (A second SIU-crewed vessel, the American Tern, also delivered cargo to McMurdo during Operation Deep Freeze 2010. See related story on Page 24.) The Buck’s voyage to McMurdo originated in Port Angeles, Washington, and included stops in Korea, Guam and Australia. Operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the vessel arrived at the entrance of the ice channel leading to McMurdo during the morning hours of Jan. 22, some two months following her departure from the United States. At that point, the Paul Buck followed the Swedish icebreaker Oden through the seven and one-half-mile channel. She docked at McMurdo’s ice pier later that afternoon after skillfully confronting and negotiating several hazards posed by drifting ice. The crew commenced cargo discharge operations at 6 a.m. Jan. 23. The final container of the Buck’s fuel shipment reached its storage destination Jan. 24 at 9:36 p.m. and cargo discharge operation was complete. Larry Larson, MSC cargo operations officer, Sealift Logistics Command, Pacific; and Col. Paul Sheppard, commander 13th Air Expeditionary Group, Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica visited the Buck the following day. Among other items, their itinerary included the presentation of Antarctica Service Medals to members of the Buck’s crew. The medal is issued to individuals who have served 10 days or more on the Antarctic continent in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program. Three SIU members, Bosun Juan MachadoGomez, Pumpman Craig Croft and AB Albert Wambach were among six mariners who received medals. Machado-Gomez and Croft were honored for having 16 days’ service while Wambach was recognized for having served 14 days. Each of the recognized Seafarers had three trips to the continent to their credit. Aside from encounters with foul weather, turbulent seas and freedrifting icebergs, the Buck’s mission went off without a hitch. The vessel arrived at her destination safely and discharged its life-sustaining cargo without incident – a tribute to the professionalism, skill and training of the crew. Seafarers R R ‘Deliver thhe Clockwise from the left, the USNS Paul Buck cuts through heavy seas en rrou Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station on Antarctica. Once near its destinna lowed the Swedish icebreaker Oden through the ice channel before finna McMurdo’s ice pier. Members of the unlicensed crew-all Seafarers-includded order) Bosun Juan Machado-Gomez, ABs Robert Morrison, Joseph Broow Randy Pasquarella and Albert Wambach, DEUs Henry Gonzalez an and Pumpman Craig Croft, QMEDs Endang Abidin and Jonathan Miller, SB RRo Cook Linda McPhetridge and GSUs Crista Ali and Charles Mitchell. Crewining licensed positions (in no particular order) were American Maritime Office cer Patrick Rathbun, Chief Mate Michael Lamb, 2nd Mate Alexander Fyodorovy vyk Jordan and Matthew Gibson, Chief Engineer Gregg Daley, 1st. AE Patrickk C AE Reid Brown. Also aboard the vessel were Ice Pilot Robert Lee, Deck Ca Cad and Engine Cadet Timothy Burke. (Lee is not pictured.) Once docking ma man completed, crew members commenced the business at hand-pumping offff m lion gallons of fuel for use by equipment on the station ranging from genera rat Having safely transported, delivered and discharged its cargo, the Buck deepa heads to the open sea. 12 Seafarers LOG May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/24/2010 3:04 PM Page 13 FFreeze 2010 R Remain True to Form, hhe Goods’ to McMurdo n rroute to the National stinnation, the Buck folfinnally docking up at udded (in no particular Broown, Rhett Morgan, and Forrest Melvin, an B RRoger Mosley, Chief wining the vessel in the cers members Capt. fice vykh, 3rd Mates John ovy ickk Coyle Jr., and 2nd Cadet Donald Heffem Ca maneuvers had been ma offff more than 5.5 milrators to helicopters. era deeparts McMurdo and May 2010 Seafarers LOG 13 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 10:42 PM Page 14 SIU Ad 5/10 14 Seafarers LOG May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/24/2010 12:03 AM Page 15 Attention Seafarers: Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Shipping Documents, Records Should Always Be Kept Current It is extremely important for all Seafarers to help make sure their records are up-to-date in the new Seafarers Management Information System (SMIS), which is used for shipping and registration. Failure to do so may result in delays or other hang-ups when members are ready to ship out. Specifically, members are urged to bring the following items to the union hall as soon as possible after any of the items are renewed or otherwise modified: ■ Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC); ■ Merchant Mariner Document/Z-card (MMD); ■ Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC); ■ Passport; ■ 1995 STCW certificate, if applicable. Also, it is critical that members help ensure SMIS reflects your compliance with each of the four elements of STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). If you completed BST somewhere other than either Piney Point or the SIU-affiliated school in Hawaii, you may need to bring both your original STCW Basic Safety Training certificate and your training record book to the union hall as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to inform the union halls of any changes to your documents/credentials. Do bring all shipping documents – including TRB – to the hall when you’re ready to register or ship out. Questions about SMIS may be directed to port agents or to the admissions office in Piney Point. May & June 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: May 3, June 7 Algonac ...................................................Friday: May 7, June 11 Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Guam................................................Thursday: May 20, June 24 Honolulu ..............................................Friday: May 14, June 18 Houston...............................................Monday: May 10, June 14 Jacksonville........................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Joliet.................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 March 16, 2010 – April 15, 2010 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 10 1 6 14 5 10 52 37 0 10 9 30 22 34 7 0 4 34 1 29 315 9 6 8 9 5 12 26 31 7 3 4 25 28 10 9 4 11 25 10 18 260 3 0 0 4 0 0 3 5 1 1 2 3 6 1 1 10 1 3 0 3 47 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 7 12 1 2 15 22 2 8 8 20 9 16 3 1 3 14 1 12 161 3 2 4 4 4 6 15 19 0 5 5 16 13 10 6 3 7 15 4 11 152 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 6 8 0 10 19 17 0 9 7 24 13 22 3 0 2 20 0 26 188 3 0 0 7 3 4 10 6 1 4 3 9 9 4 0 1 3 5 1 8 81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 2 0 0 3 2 4 2 0 1 8 0 6 0 0 1 9 0 4 43 7 0 7 6 1 8 29 21 1 5 4 35 19 19 4 10 0 7 0 18 201 2 0 2 6 0 8 5 6 1 2 4 8 22 3 4 35 0 5 0 4 117 GRAND TOTALS: 707 694 186 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: May 12, June 16 New Orleans..............................................Tuesday: May 11, June 15 New York...............................................Tuesday: May 4, June 8 Norfolk...............................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Oakland ............................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 Philadelphia.......................................Wednesday: May 5, June 9 Port Everglades ................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 San Juan .............................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 St. Louis ................................................Friday: May 14, June 18 Tacoma ..................................................Friday: May 21, June 25 Wilmington................................................Monday: May 17, June 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. ATTENTION: SEAFARERS Be Sure To Make Yourself A Note... Contribute To The Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) May 2010 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Deck Department 7 7 1 3 6 5 11 11 1 2 7 6 42 30 22 14 1 6 8 4 11 2 47 14 24 13 23 7 5 8 0 1 5 3 33 14 2 2 17 7 273 159 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 1 1 12 1 0 0 2 25 2 3 3 7 0 2 18 9 0 2 5 14 5 11 1 1 2 12 0 8 105 8 0 9 23 9 17 89 62 4 26 22 65 23 45 6 0 17 72 2 47 546 22 7 8 23 9 18 53 46 11 10 11 37 47 17 13 5 23 45 11 55 471 5 0 1 9 0 2 6 11 1 2 4 6 16 1 0 8 6 4 0 11 93 Engine Department 2 0 0 1 3 3 6 3 2 1 6 6 14 4 14 9 2 3 7 0 7 1 12 10 8 17 3 4 6 3 0 3 0 5 11 12 0 1 6 5 109 91 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 9 0 0 2 4 0 0 9 8 1 2 3 9 2 2 4 1 4 6 0 3 60 3 1 7 20 3 7 25 36 2 11 9 28 14 19 2 3 9 28 1 26 254 4 4 5 8 7 6 27 34 1 7 7 19 29 15 5 3 14 22 7 25 249 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 4 0 0 1 0 1 3 21 Steward Department 1 3 0 0 3 0 7 1 1 2 2 5 14 6 5 3 0 1 4 1 1 0 19 6 16 5 19 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 16 4 2 1 22 3 133 46 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 7 0 1 0 12 4 4 1 0 2 7 0 3 47 4 0 8 11 2 31 32 29 0 11 11 37 14 29 4 2 4 29 1 45 304 2 0 0 9 1 8 10 16 2 5 4 12 15 11 0 1 8 7 1 13 125 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 11 0 0 0 2 0 1 10 5 0 0 0 7 6 2 1 38 0 2 0 3 77 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 10 3 0 1 0 0 5 5 3 3 0 1 13 0 7 0 0 1 19 0 6 67 18 1 5 13 1 8 38 42 1 9 8 50 33 29 4 5 1 21 0 30 317 7 1 5 13 0 10 11 11 2 5 6 14 36 7 3 8 1 8 1 25 174 114 222 1,171 1,162 299 Entry Department 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 1 3 3 11 3 11 3 2 0 2 0 1 4 25 0 11 2 11 0 3 0 8 0 0 6 9 0 0 3 9 27 113 542 409 Seafarers LOG 15 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:54 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Inquiring Seafarer Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was asked of students in the recertified steward class in Piney Point, Md. What do you recall about either your first SIU ship or another memorable voyage? Edd Banks My first ship was the USNS Assurance in 1990. There are a couple of things that stand out. The voyage took me to an area where I saw no sun or land for about three or four months. The other thing is the captain ate six BLTs for lunch. Needless to say, no one has broken his record to this day. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Daniel Herrera The CSX Hawaii was my first SIU ship, and that was in 2001. When the ship docked in Puerto Rico, I got on board. My dad is a Longshoreman and he walked to the ship with me. The bosun and the ABs were kind of laughing, saying dad had to bring him to his first ship. But other than that, it was a good trip. I got seasick but that was part of being my first ship. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Leonard Benton It has always been my desire to travel and see the world, something I’d only GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 dreamed of until I became a seaman. One of my most exciting ships was the Eric Gibson, running from Korea to Japan in 2009. That was a fantastic as well as stress-free ship. To be able to see and know the world in which we live is a better education than any history book can ever teach. France. What made the ship great was we had a team of professional officers and SIU unlicensed merchant mariners. Each member did an outstanding job. During my time aboard the Maersk Rhode Island, we had zero accidents. Our safety record was superb. Jack Allen Hart Jr. My first SIU ship was the Sealand Producer and the voyage took place in 1981. I got on in New Orleans and went to Holland, Germany and Spain. It was a good crew and I had a good time in Europe. In some ways it was a scary trip over, but I got used to it. Coming back was much easier – I knew the ship was safe. I met nice seamen on there and learned a lot from them. It was one of my best trips to see and I’ll always remember it. Kimberly Strate The first vessel was the USNS Sisler and the year was 2002. Second-guessing my late-in-life career choice, I climbed, reaching the deck. Lugging my gear over cables and between hard-hatted yard workers, I must say my determination was waning. But the warm welcome of Captain Todd Datsis and Steward Walter Matt quickly dashed any doubts. The crew had its hands full, bringing the ship out of the yard, loading up and getting to Diego Garcia in a very few weeks. Every day brought plenty of challenges and new adventures, and as a brand new SA I not only was queen of the seagoing salad bar, but also become a shellback. By the time we reached Diego Garcia, I had no doubt I had made the right career choice. I also knew that the SIU offered the support and training to help become the best den mother, er, I mean, the best steward I could become. Army Joe Leake I had a memorable tour of duty as chief steward/baker aboard the Maersk Rhode Island for about five-plus years in Europe, starting in 2003. The Mediterranean is a great place to work during the winter months. The Maersk Rhode Island was an MSC-contracted tanker. We carried military cargo all over Europe, from Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, England and Pic-From-The-Past NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 The above photo shows Seafarers awaiting the start of a special meeting in the Philadelphia Hall. The mariners came together to conduct the business of electing delegates to represent them during an upcoming crews conference. The photo was taken in April 1975. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. Highresolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/24/2010 2:25 PM Page 17 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Welcome Ashore DEEP SEA DANNY DAVIS Brother Danny Davis, 59, became an SIU member in 1972 while in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Overseas Progress; his last was the Pride. Brother Davis worked in all departments during his seafaring career but primarily in the deck department. He continues to reside in his native state of Georgia. JOHN DAVIS Brother John Davis, 68, joined the union in 1997. He initially sailed on the Overseas Boston. Brother Davis attended classes in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member most recently shipped aboard the Racer. Brother Davis is a resident of Seattle. KATHLEEN HOLDEN Sister Kathleen Holden, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2000 while in the port of New York. Her earliest voyage was on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. That same year, Sister Holden visited the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade her skills. She was a member of the deck department. Sister Holden’s final trip to sea was aboard the Maersk Georgia. She lives in Rocky Hill, Conn. JAMES INSKEEP Brother James Inskeep, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1991 while in the port of San Francisco. He originally shipped on the USNS Wilkes. Brother Inskeep frequently upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Inskeep’s last ship was the Horizon Pacific. He makes his home in Reno, Nev. AHMED ISHAQ Brother Ahmed Ishaq, 71, began sailing with the union in 1966. Brother Ishaq first sailed on the May 2010 Burbank Victory. He was born in Arabia and worked in the steward department. Brother Ishaq’s final trip was aboard the Freedom. He now calls Dearborn, Mich., home. primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing of Jacksonville, Fla. In 1996, Brother Cochran enhanced his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He lives in Gibsonton, Fla. FELIX SANTIAGO Brother Felix Santiago, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1970 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Arizpa. Brother Santiago frequently visited the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The Puerto Rico-born mariner was a member of the deck department. Brother Santiago’s most recent trip was aboard the Maersk Idaho. He continues to reside in Puerto Rico. SHERWOOD LEWIS Brother Sherwood Lewis, 73, signed on with the union in 1975. He upgraded in 1984 at the Seafarersaffiliated training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lewis originally sailed with Express Marine Inc. He was born in North Carolina. Brother Lewis’ last trip to sea was aboard an OSG Ship Management vessel. He calls Beaufort, N.C., home. MARK TREPP Brother Mark Trepp, 58, joined the union in 1977, initially working on the Saginaw Bay. During his seafaring career, Brother Trepp shipped in the deck department of both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Trepp’s last ship was the Cape Ducato. He is a resident of Port Orange, Fla. RICHARD WOROBEY Brother Richard Worobey, 58, was born in New York. He began sailing with the union in 1976. Brother Worobey, a member of the steward department, was originally employed on the Pisces. He upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Worobey’s final voyage was aboard the Maersk California. He settled in Palm Bay, Fla. EDGAR YOUNG Brother Edgar Young, 63, became an SIU member in 1968. He first sailed with South Atlantic Caribbean. Brother Young was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. The engine department member was born in Georgia. He most recently sailed aboard the El Yunque. Brother Young makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. INLAND JAMES COCHRAN JR. Brother James Cochran, 62, joined the SIU ranks 1991 while in the port of Houston. He sailed WILLIE PETTWAY Brother Willie Pettway, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1972. He worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Pettway’s earliest trip to sea was with Bethlehem Steel Corporation. In 2001 and 2004, he took advantage of educational opportunities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Pettway most recently shipped with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville, Fla. He continues to live in his native state of Florida. WILSON REX III Brother Wilson Rex III, 81, started his seafaring profession in 1981. He initially sailed with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Rex’s last voyage was aboard an OSG Ship Management vessel. He resides in Lakewood, N.J. WILLIAM RUSHON Brother William Rushon, 61, joined the SIU in 1996 while in the port of Philadelphia. He shipped mostly on Crowley Liner Service vessels. Brother Rushon is a resident of Bear, Del. FRANK SMITHWICK Brother Frank Smithwick, 77, was born in North Carolina. He joined the union in 1975 and primarily sailed aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Smithwick makes his home in Deptford Township, N.J. ALLEN STILES Brother Allen Stiles, 67, became an SIU member in 1972. His earliest trip to sea was with Gellenthin Barge Lines. Brother Stiles is a New Jersey native. His last ship was operated by Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Stiles calls Kenneth City, Fla., home. GREAT LAKES DONALD DANDREA Brother Donald Dandrea, 65, signed on with the union in 1987. The engine department member was born in Duluth, Minn. Brother Dandrea’s first ship was the Indiana Harbor; his last was the Walter J. McCarthy. He enhanced his skills in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dandrea continues to reside in Minnesota. This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG The ship’s surgeon conducted the operation and the passenger lived to tell a lifelong tale. 1941 1960 The SIU negotiated a bonus increase from $50 to $60 per month on the African and Far Eastern war zones with Waterman Steamship Company, Robin Line and Bernstein Shipping Company. In addition the agreements called for additional pay if a ship touched the ports of Suez and any other port in the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf. The bonus agreements were reopened when the President declared the Red Sea open to American shipping and after the Germans had declared they would consider the Red Sea a war zone. The revised Constitution of the SIU, Atlantic and Gulf District went into effect on May 12 after being ratified by better than 90 percent of all votes cast. A two-thirds vote was required to change the name of the district union to Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. 1950 The resourcefulness of SIU crewmembers aboard the SS Puerto Rico helped save the life of a passenger stricken at sea with acute appendicitis. Four hundred miles into a voyage from New York to San Juan, it was deemed a passenger needed emergency surgery but the SS Puerto Rico’s medical department did not have the surgical instruments or operating facilities to conduct the procedure. That’s when the crew swung into action, fashioning an operating room on board and contacting the Coast Guard, which air-dropped the necessary equipment. 1972 SIU Vice President Earl Shepard in May participated in meetings of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) held in London, England. The safety committee session was the first of several planned to discuss all aspects of ship safety including minimum manning of watches, minimum qualifications for watch standers both licensed and unlicensed, training requirements for various kinds of vessels and international standards for officers and crews. Shepard was an advisor to the U.S. delegation and participated in the drafting of documents on basic principles of a safe navigational watch. Seafarers LOG 17 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:11 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSEPH ADAMS Pensioner Joseph Adams, 85, passed away Nov. 27. Brother Adams became a Seafarer in 1951 while in the port of New York. His first trip was with Delta Steamship Lines Inc. He was born in New Orleans and worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1986, Brother Adams shipped on the Economy. He settled in Louisiana. LOUISE BACON Pensioner Louise Bacon, 77, died Dec. 8. Sister Bacon began shipping with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1951 while in the port of San Francisco. She was born in North Dakota and sailed in the steward department. Sister Bacon’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Santa Mercedes; her last was on the President Madison. She started collecting her retirement pay in 1985 and made her home in Benicia, Calif. MANUEL CALDAS Pensioner Manuel Caldas, 83, passed away Dec. 21. Brother Caldas joined the SIU ranks in 1952. He initially sailed with Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Caldas, a member of the steward department, was born in New Bedford, Mass. His final voyage took place on the Leader. Brother Caldas became a pensioner in 1986 and continued to reside in Massachusetts. JUAN CAMARA Pensioner Juan Camara, 89, died Dec. 22. He was born in Key West, Fla. Brother Camara started shipping with the union in 1942. His first voyage was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Camara sailed in the steward department. His final trip was on the Senator. Brother Camara went on pension in 1985 and called Tampa, Fla., home. MANUEL FARIA Pensioner Manuel Faria, 68, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Faria signed on with the SIU in 1983. He first sailed aboard the Robert D. Conrad. Brother Faria 18 Seafarers LOG was born in New Bedford, Mass., and worked in the steward department. He was last employed on the Dewayne T. Williams. Brother Faria lived in his native Massachusetts. He retired in 2006. VERNON FERGUSON Pensioner Vernon Ferguson, 85, died Dec. 12. Brother Ferguson joined the union in 1956 while in the port of Baltimore. He originally shipped with Ore Navigation Corporation as a member of the steward department. He was last employed on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Ferguson was a resident of Baltimore. He became a pensioner in 1989. FERDINAND GABUTEN Brother Ferdinand Gabuten, 45, passed away Dec. 24. He first donned the SIU colors in 1996. Brother Gabuten initially sailed aboard the Independence. The deck department member most recently worked on the Horizon Spirit. He was born in the Philippines but made his home in Carson, Calif. JOSE LOPEZ Pensioner Jose Lopez, 92, died Dec. 26. Brother Lopez was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1939. The Puerto Rico native shipped in the engine department. Brother Lopez’s first vessel was operated by AH Bull Steamship Company. His final trip was aboard the San Juan. Brother Lopez went on pension in 1978 and continued to call Puerto Rico home. THOMAS LYNCH Brother Thomas Lynch, 65, passed away Dec. 7. He was born in New York. Brother Lynch began sailing with the SIU in 1962 from the port of New York. His earliest trip was on an AH Bull Steamship Company vessel. Brother Lynch was a deck department member. His final ship was the Horizon Challenger. Brother Lynch lived in Las Vegas. RAMLI MOHAMED Pensioner Ramli Mohamed, 77, died Nov. 19. Brother Mohamed, a member of the deck department, began sailing with the union in 1966. His first ship was the Montpelier Victory; his last was the Taurus. Brother Mohamed was born in Singapore. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2006. Brother Mohamed resided in Palmdale, Calif. EDWARD SLINTAK Pensioner Edward Slintak, 87, passed away Dec. 2. Brother Slintak signed on with the Seafarers in 1953 while in the port of Baltimore. He originally worked with Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Slintak was born in Czech Republic and sailed in the deck department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Slintak became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Toms River, N.J. ment member went on pension in 2000. Brother Powell lived in Huntington Beach, Calif. of Austin, Texas. JIMMIE SMITH Pensioner Joseph Harley, 95, died Oct. 28. Brother Harley was a Virginia native. He went on pension in 1980. Brother Harley lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. Pensioner Jimmie Smith, 72, passed away Dec. 3. Brother Smith signed on with the SIU in 1973. He was employed with Allied Transportation Company for the duration of his career. Brother Smith was resident of his native state, North Carolina. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 2003. ROBERT WARREN Brother Robert Warren, 66, died Nov. 16. He joined the union in 1990, initially sailing on the USNS Capella. Brother Warren was born in Alabama and shipped in the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Allegiance. Brother Warren was a resident of Mobile. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. INLAND Pensioner Leroy Austin, 91, passed away Oct. 16. The Alabama native went on pension in 1967. Brother Austin made his home in Mobile, Ala. DIXIE DANIELS Pensioner Dixie Daniels, 68, passed away Dec. 2. Brother Daniels began sailing with the SIU in 1961. He first worked with Marine Oil Service Inc. Brother Daniels was a North Carolina native. His final trip was with Interstate Oil Company. Brother Daniels made his home in Wanchese, N.C. He started collecting his retirement pay in 2003. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION LEROY AUSTIN JOHN BENNETT Pensioner John Bennett, 88, died Oct. 31. Brother Bennett was a native of Virginia. He retired in 1986. Brother Bennett lived in Chester, Va. JOHN BODDEN Pensioner John Bodden, 78, passed away Oct. 6. Brother Bodden was born in the Cayman Islands. He became a pensioner in 1968 and continued to reside in the Cayman Islands. LAMAR NELMS JOSEPH CIBOROWSKI Pensioner Lamar Nelms, 54, died Dec. 9. Brother Nelms was born in Tampa. He started his SIU career in 1977, originally shipping with Z Tug Management Corporation. Brother Nelms’ last trip was on a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. He retired in 2009 and called San Mateo, Fla., home. Pensioner Joseph Ciborowski, 95, died Nov. 19. Brother Ciborowski, a native of Maspeth, N.Y., went on pension in 1974. He made his home in Warrington, Pa. DONALD POWELL Pensioner Donald Powell, 71, died Dec. 28. Brother Powell became a union member in 1979. He primarily worked aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessels. Brother Powell was born in Georgia. The deck depart- DAMAIN DE JESUS Pensioner Damain De Jesus, 84, passed away Nov. 24. Brother De Jesus was born in Fajardo, P.R. He retired in 1984. Brother De Jesus continued to call Puerto Rico home. WILLIAM GILLIS Pensioner William Gillis, 88, died Oct. 13. Brother Gillis was born in Hopewell, Va. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1986 and settled in Beloit, Ohio. JOHN GRIFFIN Pensioner John Griffin, 84, passed away Nov. 4. The New York-born mariner became a pensioner in 1967. Brother Griffin was a resident JOSEPH HARLEY JOHN HERBERT Pensioner John Herbert, 79, passed away Oct. 13. Brother Herbert was born in Texas. He retired in 1984. Brother Herbert called Houston home. WADE JONES Pensioner Wade Jones, 85, died Nov. 17. Brother Jones was a native of Wake County, N.C. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1971. Brother Jones made his home in Savannah, Ga. ALVIN JOSEPH Pensioner Alvin Joseph, 70, passed away Oct. 16. Brother Joseph, a native of Louisiana, became a pensioner in 1994. He settled in Port Arthur, Texas. GEORGE LETT Pensioner George Lett, 83, died Oct. 25. Brother Lett was born in Alabama. He went on pension in 1989 and continued to reside in Mobile, Ala. BENJAMIN MUNK Pensioner Benjamin Munk, 81, passed away Nov. 16. Born in Israel, he retired in 1987. Brother Munk was a resident of Clermont, Fla. WILLIAM OLSEN Pensioner William Olsen, 81, died Oct. 3. Brother Olsen was a native of Dearborn, Mich. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Brother Olsen lived in Crown Point, Ind. JACK POST Pensioner Jack Post, 82, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Post was born in Texas. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987. Brother Post continued to make his home in Texas. MARVIN WILLENBURG Pensioner Marvin Willenburg, 84, died Oct. 1. Brother Willenburg, a native of Minnesota, retired in 1970. He called Westwood, Kan., home. ERNEST ZANETTIS Pensioner Ernest Zanettis, 85, passed away Oct. 25. Brother Zanettis was born in Greece. He went on pension in 1988. Brother Zanettis made his home in Texas City, Texas. Name Age Roberts, John 81 Saldana, Roberto 83 Schwartz, Martin 85 Shumchenia, John 84 Smith, Joseph 83 Thompson, Andrew 85 Williams, John 83 DOD Nov. 21 Nov. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 17 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Nov. 28 May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:12 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings GREEN BAY (Waterman Steamship Company), Feb. 21 – Chairman Anthony Smith, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Omar Izquierdo, Steward Delegate Ronald Bryd. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary, stating that they were en route to the U.S. West Coast then on to Texas for cargo discharge. He urged members to keep credentials in good order and support SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Secretary requested patrolman deliver more union forms and applications to keep on hand. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade and stay abreast of issues reported in the Seafarers LOG. He asked everyone to read posted safety bulletins. Requests were made for a new pilot ladder with tag line, juice machine in messroom and to have the ice machine fixed. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Port Hueneme, Calif. and Beaumont, Texas. bers would like food budget to be raised. Next ports: Oakland, Calif., Dutch Harbor, Alaska. EL YUNQUE (Sea Star), March 28 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. Sailing Aboard Liberty Grace Second Mate Kevin Corwin submitted these photos of Seafarers aboard Liberty Maritime’s Liberty Grace. – Chairman Luis Ramirez, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Deck Delegate Michael Cruz, Engine Delegate Alfred Norris, Steward Delegate Adalberto Colonrosa. Bosun thanked everyone for observing safety guidelines. He stated payoff would take place at sea on March 31. All members were asked to help keep laundry areas clean. Educational director advised mariners to verify TWIC cards’ date and PIN number. He informed those who don’t remember their PIN number to call the posted phone number to arrange an appointment to get a new one. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude for great meals by the steward department. Next port: San Juan, P.R. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 21 – Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Jennifer Jim, Educational Director Jeff Morris, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Chairman announced scheduled arrival in Long Beach, Calif., on February 22. Crew members were advised to check sailing board prior to leaving vessel. Secretary read and discussed communication concerning trip tour scenarios aboard PEX run vessels. Educational director reminded mariners about memorizing or otherwise keeping track of the PIN for their Transportation Worker Identification Credentials. He also talked about the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed suggestions for next standard contract and ideas for possible modifications to pension plan. Bosun commended crew for job well done in keeping safe with no injuries during the heavy storm en route to Hawaii. Steward department was thanked for good meals and service provided. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14 – Chairman Shawn Evans, Secretary George Farala, Educational Director Andrew Linares, Deck Delegate Dennis Hurley, Engine Delegate Eeric L. White, Steward Delegate Nathalie Norie. Chairman thanked crew members for a safe, smooth voyage. He reminded them to separate trash and leave rooms clean when departing vessel. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs; disputed OT reported in the deck department. Suggestion was made to reduce sea-time required to qualify for retirement benefits. Crew mem- May 2010 March 7 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Rolando Lopez, Educational Director David M. Parker, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman reported smooth sailing and announced payoff March 13 upon arrival in Long Beach, Calif. He asked those departing the ship to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next seamen. Secretary noted that the sanitation inspection went well and thanked fellow crew members for help maintaining ship’s cleanliness. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for a job well done. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 21 – Chairman Tar Ahmed, Secretary Paul Sullivan, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Julius Udan, Engine Delegate David Hamilton, Steward Delegate Frank Iverson. Chairman read and discussed president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary expressed his gratitude for help keeping ship clean. Educational director reiterated the need for mariners to make sure all shipping-related documents are up-todate. He also advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members thanked steward department for their hard work. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Honolulu. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line, Limited), March 13 – Chairman Romeo Lugtu, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Arthur Kately, Deck Delegate Hussein Mohamed, Steward Delegate Thalis Ealy. Chairman stated that this was one of the best trips of his career. Crew was a pleasure to work with. Educational director urged sea- AB Irving Rochez AB Silvino Masalta men to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. Treasurer reported $1,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Kudos were given to the steward department for great food and a clean ship. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS HOUSTON (OSG Ship Management), March 21 – Chairman Lawrence Zepeda, Secretary William Burdette, Educational Director Michael Williams, Deck Delegate Napoleon San Martin, Steward Delegate Alejandro Mejia. Chairman discussed ship’s itinerary and asked departing members to leave cabins clean and in an orderly state. Members were informed that the satellite boxes are not interchangeable and should remain in the cabin that they were issued to. Educational director advised mariners to GUDE Dennis Pangan attend classes at the Piney Point school to enhance seafaring abilities. Treasurer noted $220 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Crowley), March 14 – Chairman Winston Thompson, Secretary Exxl Ronquillo, Educational Director David Carter, Deck Delegate Paul Altenor, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles, Steward Delegate Jose Constantino. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Houston on March 24. He thanked the steward department for a job well done and expressed his gratitude to all crew members for smooth sailing. Secretary reported that captain was very pleased with ship’s cleanliness. Educational director urged crew to upgrade whenever possible to improve seafaring skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to raise base-pay wages for the next contract. RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 7 – Chairman Roberto Contreras, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Paul M. Titus, Engine Delegate Nat Lamb. Bosun announced payoff on March 9 in Newark, N.J. He stressed the importance of working hard and staying safe. Everyone was thanked for working well together. Educational director advised members to upgrade, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Need was expressed for a new dryer, chairs for crew lounge and new pillows. Steward department was thanked for great food. Members leaving the ship were reminded to straighten up rooms and leave clean linen for arriving crew. Next port: Newark, N.J. Seafarers LOG 19 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:12 PM Page 20 ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2009 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and 2 preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2009 January 1, 2009 143.43% $7,140,845 $4,978,794 2008 January 1, 2008 151.11% $7,954,211 $5,263,805 2007 January 1, 2007 142.17% $7,977,823 $5,611,333 Asset Allocations 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage .00 33.45 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Transition Data Annual Funding Notices for plan years prior to 2008 contained a Funded Percentage based on the applicable law at that time. The funded percentage for plan years prior to 2008 was called the “funded current liability percentage”. The Plan is providing you with comparable information that reflects the funding status of the Plan under the law in effect prior to 2008. For 2007, the Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” was 134.9%, the Plan’s assets were $7,977,823, and Plan liabilities were $5,914,126. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Fair Market Value of Assets Asset values in the chart above are actuarial values, not market values. Market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of a given point in time. However, because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values for funding purposes. While actuarial values fluctuate less than market values, they are estimates. As of December 31, 2009, the unaudited fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $6,998,418. As of December 31, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,035,140. As of December 31, 2007, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $8,143,400. The December 31, 2009 fair value of assets disclosed above is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 894. Of this number, 282 were active participants, 518 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 94 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 40% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1.Interest-bearing cash 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 7.87 24.81 .00 11.72 .00 .00 22.15 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Board of Trustees or: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242). Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by 20 Seafarers LOG certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:57 PM Page 21 Seafarers Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2010. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Steward Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Chief Steward July 19 August 27 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began April 19. Deck Department Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June 21 July 16 Bosun Recertification October 18 November 8 Celestial Navigation May 24 June 18 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 May 7 June 21 June 25 Online Distance Learning Courses Lifeboatman June 7 June 18 Radar Recertification June 21 June 21 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman May 10 May 21 “Distance learning” (DL) courses are available to students who plan to enroll in classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The online courses are not mandatory, but they are structured to benefit students who eventually attend other classes at the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. The online courses are: DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training, MSC Environmental Awareness, First Aid Preparation, Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Heat Stress Management, Bloodborne Pathogens, Shipboard Pest Management, Respiratory Protection, Back Safety, Fixed Fire Fighting Systems, Shipboard Firefighting, Portable Fire Extinguishers, Fire Fighting Equipment, Shipboard Water Sanitation, Crew Endurance Management, Basic Math Refresher, Intermediate Math Refresher, Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation, Introduction to Navigational Math, Basic Culinary Skills, and Chief Cook Preparation. Students MUST have access to the internet and an e-mail address in order to take the aforementioned classes. Each course must be taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. E-mail addresses should be provided on applications (printed neatly) when applying. Applicants should include the letters DL when listing any online course on the upgrading application form below. Engine Department Upgrading Courses Basic Auxilliary Plant Operations May 24 June 18 FOWT June 21 July 16 Welding May 10 June 7 May 28 June 25 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic & Advanced Firefighting May 31 June 11 BST/Basic Firefighting May 24 June 21 May 28 June 25 Medical Care Provider June 14 June 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ General education and college courses are available as needed at the Paul Hall Center. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. The following opportunities are currently available: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), a College Program and a Preparatory Course. When applying for preparatory courses, students should list the name of the course desired on upgrading application. An introduction to computers course, a self-study module, is also available. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. _________________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ Deep Sea Member ____________________________ _______________ _______________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Social Security #_______________________ Book # ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Lakes Member Seniority_____________________________ Inland Waters Member COURSE DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ Department______________________ Home Port_____________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________ SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________ _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No If yes, class # ______________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ May 2010 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:14 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 728 – Sixteen unlicensed apprentices on Feb. 5 completed training in this 60-hour course. Those graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Richard Blackmon, Allan Bombita, Timothy Bradstreet, Corey Chandler, Timothy Christopher, Joseph Dursse, Brandon Fore, John Ingold Jr., Joshua Marshall, Joseph Piper, Michael Prater, William Ruiz, Salah Saleh, Stephen Valentine, Ricardo Vazquez Jr., and Joseph Wattam. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover —for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Computer Classes Welding – Eight upgraders completed this 103-hour course March 26. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Robert Bell. Daryl Corbett, Corey Downing, Farhan Elmathil, Daniel McFarland, Dewayne Patterson, Tijani Rashid and Bernard Smalls. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is at left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Firefighting (Maersk) – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed training in this course: Richard Burkhart, Bryan Burns, Cory Gardner, Ralph Garner, John Immerfall, Gary Longmire, John Phillips and Dave Shellock. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at left. 22 Seafarers LOG Four Seafarers completed various computer courses recently while undergoing upgrade training in Piney Point. Graduating from the classes (left to right in photo above) were Jason Cummings and Annie Walker. Also completing courses were Nicasio Arzu (left in top photo at right) and Larry Middleton (right in photo at right). Rich Prucha (right in photo above and right and left in other two photos, respectively) was their instructor. Machinist – Ten upgraders finished their requirements in this 102-hour course March 12. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Anthony Bartley, Arkadv Bichevsky, Clinton Cephas, Cynthia Harris, Nathan Hollander, Yuriy Khitrensko, Joseph Krajnik, Eric Mentzer, Dean Miller and Frank Strong, Their instructor, Steve Haver, is kneeling at right. May 2010 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/23/2010 11:14 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Vessel Security Officer – Fourteen individuals completed their requirements in this course March 2. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Michael Daniels, Jefferey Fackett, Mark Faust, Edward Garner, David Goodwin, Philip Inman, Riley Johnson, Steven Jones, Ronald Meadows, Byron O’Neal, Guy Pruitt Sr., Oswald Smithwick, Jason Thomas and Brian Willis. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Nine upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 26. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Duane Akers, Davon Brown, John Crawford, Abner Diaz Torres, Antwan Legare, Neil Sullivan, Charles Tison, Lua Tran and Ray Truong. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at right. STOS – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on March 19 graduated BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) on Feb. 6 grad- BST (Hawaii) – Nine individuals on March 27 completed their requirements in this course at the Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Eric Sturgis, Elliot Knox, Vincent Castrillo, Kyle Davis, Gladys Alvarado, Robert Snively, Brianna Peterson, Megan Wolney and Bobbie Moreland. uated from this course at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Candice Aragon, Cherif Ben Ali, Nedelko Corria, Amber Finley, Rachel Thomas, Nichoel Uecke, Shane Brubaker, Katherine Carter and Kyle Wenger. May 2010 from this 70-hour course: Prymus Buckholtz, William Dobbins, Terry Franklin, Peter Hamm, John Jasinski, Eric Johnson, Michael Julien, Demetrius Madison, MaMarilynda Nance, Christopher Patzer and Rey Ramos. Seafarers LOG 23 �59125_p01_24:January 08 4/24/2010 5:13 PM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 5 May 2010 SMIS Notice - Page 15 The icebreaker Oden leads the way to the station. The Seafarers-crewed American Tern docks at McMurdo Station. American Tern Sails in ‘Deep Freeze’ SIU-Crewed Vessel Delivers For Yearly Antarctica Mission The Seafarers-crewed American Tern capably did its part in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2010, the latest installment of the yearly resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Operated by Osprey Ship Management for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the American Tern U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus (right) samples the chow aboard the vessel. At left is Chief Cook Sherman Harper. arrived at McMurdo on Feb. 1. The vessel then offloaded 734,907 cubic feet of cargo including frozen and dry food stores, building supplies, vehicles, and electronic equipment and parts. Days earlier, another Seafarers-crewed ship – the USNS Paul Buck – unloaded diesel, gas and jet fuel at the ice pier (see pages 12-13 for photos and more information on the Buck). According to MSC, each Antarctic summer since McMurdo Station was established in 1955, an MSC tanker and dry cargo ship—with assistance from an icebreaker–have arrived to deliver the vast majority of the fuel and dry cargo required to sustain personnel on the continent for a year. After the deliveries by sea, the Air Force has then distributed some that cargo by air from McMurdo Station to other remote research locations across the continent. (Seafarers-crewed MSC ships have also transported cargo – ranging from precious ice core samples for research to trash and recyclable materials for disposal – off of the continent.) Although the annual operation has become distinctively routine, the American Tern’s most recent voyage included a couple of special moments. U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus met with mariners aboard the ship, and a number of crew members received the Antarctica Service Medal from Air Force Col. Paul Sheppard, commander, 13th Air Expeditionary Group, Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. The medal is given to people who have served at least 10 days on the Antarctic continent in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program. SIU crew members aboard the American Tern for Operation Deep Freeze 2010 included Bosun Hernando Bansuelo, ABs Chris Wilson, Ben Skuban, Vincent Hamm, Melody White and David Weeks, GUDEs Osburn Wyche Jr. and Patrick Sapp, OMUs Claude Letts, Peter Dadzie and Randy Wurr, Chief Steward Gregory Broyles, Chief Cook Sherman Harper and SAs Wilma Martinez and Brandy Griffin. Clockwise from upper left, Air Force Col. Paul Sheppard (right in each photo) presents the Antarctica Service Medal to Bosun Hernando Bansuelo, Chief Steward Gregory Broyles, AB David Weeks, AB Chris Wilson, AB Vincent Hamm and OMU Randy Wurr. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CROWLEY EXPANDS ATB FLEET TUG ACHIEVEMENT, BARGE 650-8 ARE NEWEST ADDITIONS SIU DELIVERS FOR DEEP FREEZE PRESIDENT: HEALTH CARE BILL MEANS SECURITY FOR AMERICANS CROWLEY MARITIME CHRISTENS NEW ATB COMPANY SADLY ANNOUNCES DEATH OF MOLLY M. CROWLEY CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON 13TH T-AKE SHIP PRIDE OF AMERICA HELPS BUOY NCL SIU GOVT SERVICE DIVISION SHIPS RECEIVE AWARDS MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM MOVES AHEAD TRANSCOM EARNS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD REPORT: JONES ACT HAS HUGELY POSITIVE EFFECT MARINERS HONOR MEMORY OF CHIEF COOK SCIPIO PHILLY-AREA SEAFARERS JOIN JOBS RALLY SOMALI PIRACY IN SPOTLIGHT ON INITIAL ANNIVERSARY OF MAERSK ALABAMA ATTACK LAKES COAL TRADE PICKS UP STEAM IN MARCH OPERATION DEEP FREEZE 2010 AMERICAN TERN SAILS IN ‘DEEP FREEZE’ Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2010 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 72, No. 5 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8defaa05055df325dd0abef179d98ec3.pdf 8d745b55c8dc9576522f4c17f89c3d5e PDF Text Text 64199_Log_May11_X:May 2011 4/24/2011 10:56 PM Page 1 Volume 73, Number 5 May 2011 ‘We Are One’ Union Members Nationwide Mobilize for Workers’ Rights SIU members and officials mobilized for numerous events across the country that were part of the AFLCIO’s “We Are One” campaign – a grassroots effort aimed at protecting the rights of America’s working families. From late March through mid-April, Seafarers joined hundreds of thousands of fellow trade unionists and other supporters at demonstrations in Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania (photo at left below), Virginia (second photo below, right), Washington State (left) California (immediately below) and elsewhere. Pages 2, 5. (Pictured from left to right in the Virginia photo are AB Julius Morala, SA Chris Carter and SA Merly Ford. Pennsylvania image is an AP photo by Keith Srakocic.) USNS McLean Christened The U.S. Navy’s newest dry cargo/ammunition ship, the USNS William McLean (photo at right), was christened and launched April 16 in San Diego. The vessel’s unlicensed slots will be filled by members of the SIU Government Services Division. In photo at near right, guests attending the christening ceremony render honors as the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Color Guard parades the colors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg) Page 4. Maersk to Operate Stockham, Wheat Government Services Division News Pages 4, 10, 13 Page 2 Seafarers Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 11 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 6:36 PM Page 2 P re s i d e n t ’ s R e p o r t More on State-Level Fights Much has been written and said about the state-level attacks on workers’ rights that started earlier this year in Wisconsin and then spread like a fungus to Indiana, Ohio and elsewhere. But, as hundreds of thousands of union members rallied all across the country, it didn’t take long to expose the supposed deficit hawks behind those attacks as hypocrites. Their tactics boil down to nothing more than attempts to cripple public-sector unions. We know these schemes well. Many of the same pundits promoting these new attacks were the same ones calling to eliminate the Jones Act last year, after the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Wisconsin is an appallingly representative example. As more than one commentator pointed out, that state’s governor proposed to fix financial problems Michael Sacco that were not caused by workers or their unions, by harshly cutting public employees’ pay and killing their collecting bargaining rights. If that particular legislative approach initially didn’t seem to make sense, things became clearer after the unions agreed to accept pay cuts if they could retain their collective bargaining rights – but the governor was unmoved. As one political writer put it, the way to break the impasse was to “drop the pretense that this was about the budget. They stripped out all the actual fiscal items from the law and hastily passed a bill that simply went after the unions. This was just the final step in removing any doubt about the true nature of this fight.” That point was backed up – unintentionally, I assume – by the Wisconsin State Senate president, who basically said this was an effort to defund unions and their political and lobbying operations. Yep, it’s all about balancing the budget. Where the actual financial shortfalls exist, union workers throughout modern history repeatedly have demonstrated a strong willingness to pitch in, to bear some of the burden even though they weren’t necessarily to blame in the first place. Along those lines, nowadays we often hear that “everything must be on the table” and “everyone has to sacrifice” if we are to bring down the deficit. But not everything is on the table and not everyone is being asked to sacrifice. Workers’ rights, their unions, and time-tested social safety nets are front-and-center in the crosshairs. At the same time, we get a steady diet of commentary claiming that tax cuts for the rich would be the best way to stimulate job growth. Never mind the fact that there is no credible evidence whatsoever that such cuts lead to job creation. Elected representatives carry on touting this approach as if it would be a nationwide cure-all. Yet the New York Times wrote last month in a front-page article that major American companies – in particular General Electric – reported billions in profits, but didn’t pay anything – not even a cent – in 2009 income taxes. The American public has caught on to the latest anti-worker charades, but these fights are far from finished. I commend the Seafarers who’ve participated in demonstrations all over the country and I urge you to continue answering the call to help stand up for our union brothers and sisters, including our own CIVMARS from the Government Services Division. I’d also remind everyone that there are still plenty of politicians who understand the true nature and value of organized labor. As Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said in a recent letter to state employees there, “Unions are good – and they can be part of the solution. Our public-sector unions have demonstrated over and over again their and your willingness to work with us to build a stronger Commonwealth. From pension reform to transportation and education reform to wage concessions to help us close the budget gap, you and your union leadership have been our partners….” Those comments hit the mark for unions as a whole. They also underscore the value of electing people who – quite accurately – see us that way. Volume 73, Number 5 May 2011 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers-crewed USNS Stockham is part of a program described by MSC as “an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy.” SIU Retains Jobs on USNS Stockham, USNS Wheat as Maersk Wins Contract SIU jobs are secure aboard the prepositioning vessels USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat and USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham following an April 1 announcement by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) that Maersk Line, Limited won contracts to operate and maintain those vessels. If all options are exercised, the contract periods for the USNS Wheat and the USNS Stockham will extend into 2015. According to communications from MSC, the Wheat is expected to transfer to Maersk around early October, while the Stockham is slated to change hands in early July. Both ships already carry SIU crews. “Maersk Line, Limited’s (MLL) support of maritime prepositioning ships goes back to 1983 when we converted five commercial vessels and operated them for 25 years. We’re pleased that MSC has recognized the value of our service and has entrusted us with these ships,” said Scott Cimring, MLL’s senior director of government ship management. “We’re ready and excited by the opportunity to continue serving the nation.” Maersk won contracts for these ships and others in May 2010, but a protest was filed shortly thereafter. MSC rebid a total of 10 prepositioning vessels; at press time, the agency hadn’t announced the awards for the remaining eight ships (the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, USNS Sgt. William R. Button, USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, USNS PFC Dewayne T. SIU members will continue sailing aboard the prepositioning ship USNS Wheat. Williams, USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, USNS Sgt. Matej Kocak, PFC Eugene A. Obregon and USNS Maj. Stephen W. Pless). According to MSC, the prepositioning program “is an essential element in the U.S. military’s readiness strategy. Afloat prepositioning strategically places military equipment and supplies aboard ships located in key ocean areas to ensure rapid availability during a major theater war, a humanitarian operation or other contingency. MSC’s 31 prepositioning ships support the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency.” Exclusively civilian-crewed, prepositioning vessels “provide quick and efficient movement of military gear between operating areas without reliance on other nations’ transportation networks,” MSC pointed out. “These ships give U.S. regional combatant commanders the assurance that they will have what they need to quickly respond in a crisis – anywhere, anytime.” Horizon Lines Attempting to Navigate Financial Struggles SIU-contracted Horizon Lines is in the midst of financial turbulence, but the company is working to not only stay afloat but also strongly rebound, according to repeated communications from Horizon executives to the union. “As far as we are concerned, when it comes to the day-to-day operations aboard Horizon ships, it’s still business as usual,” stated SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “We are in nearly constant contact with the company and they have made it quite clear that they’re committed to working through their issues.” Besides feeling the effects of the recession, Horizon Lines (which has a fleet of 20 U.S.-flag ships) recently agreed to pay a $45 million fine under the Sherman Act related to certain operations that took place from 2002-2008. As for the rough economy, Horizon Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian W. Taylor stated, “The fourth-quarter (of 2010) turned out to be very challenging, due to lower-than-anticipated volumes in Hawaii, particularly in the latter months of the quarter, increased fuel prices, continuing rate pressures in Puerto Rico and anticipated start-up costs related to our new China service.” Michael T. Avara, executive vice president and chief financial officer, added, “We expect the seasonal weakness typical in the first quarter to be exaggerated by start-up costs associated with our new China service and the corresponding loss of steady monthto-month revenue from our previous TP1 agreement with Maersk, but we also anticipate improving growth as the year progresses. Our progress in 2011 will continue to be influenced by the pace and breadth of economic recovery in our trade lanes, the success of our start-up in China, and the continued high fuel costs and ongoing pricing pressures in Puerto Rico.” The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Paddy Lehane; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2011 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. In addition to operating U.S.-flag containerships, the company runs five port terminals linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and Puerto Rico. 2 Seafarers LOG May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 3 UN Backs Piracy Courts; SOS Campaign Continues Recognizing the need for further steps to boost anti-piracy efforts, the United Nations Security Council on April 11 supported the idea of special courts to try suspected pirates both in Somalia and elsewhere in the region. In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member council, meeting in New York, stressed the need for “a comprehensive response to tackle piracy and its underlying causes by the international community.” The group outlined a wide array of measures to more effectively counter what it described as “the scourge of piracy.” Meanwhile, the SIU and its rank-andfile membership continued actively supporting the recently launched “Save Our Seafarers” (SOS) campaign – a global effort backed by major maritime organizations from all segments of the industry. Among other components, the campaign includes prominent advertising and a regularly updated web site (www.saverourseafarers.com) featuring the latest piracy news a user-friendly form facilitating contact with politicians whose attention is needed to help fight piracy. As reported when the movement kicked off in early March, the campaign has six specific goals: reducing the effectiveness of the easily identifiable pirate mother ships; authorizing naval forces to detain pirates and deliver them for prosecution and punishment; fully criminalizing all acts of piracy and intent to commit piracy under national laws in accordance with their mandatory duty to cooperate to suppress piracy under international conventions; increasing naval assets available to fight piracy; providing greater protection and support for seafarers; and tracing and criminalizing the organizers and financiers behind the criminal networks. Campaign sponsors include the following organizations, which collectively represent virtually every part of the global maritime industry: International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated); Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO); International Chamber of Shipping (ICS); International Shipping Federation (ISF); International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo); and International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO). The aforementioned UN Security Council resolution asked UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon to report back within two months on the most effective ways to prosecute suspected pirates. Currently, most of the ones who are captured eventually are released because there isn’t a viable way to put them on trial. The six-page document said the council “decides to urgently consider the establishment of specialized Somali courts to try suspected pirates both in Somalia and in the region, including an extraterritorial Somali specialized antipiracy court.” The resolution also called on nations to cooperate on combating hostage-taking and to criminalize piracy under their respective domestic laws. The statement further asked for cooperation from member States to act upon “the need to investigate and prosecute those who illicitly finance, plan, organize, or unlawfully profit from pirate attacks off UN Security Council members unanimously adopt a resolution calling for stronger steps against piracy. the Somali coast.” In its previous resolutions, the council has authorized States and regional organizations to enter Somalia’s territorial waters and use “all necessary means” to fight piracy, such as deploying naval vessels and military aircraft, as well as seizing and disposing of boats, vessels, arms and related equipment used for piracy. In the text adopted last month, it recognized that the ongoing instability in Somalia is one of the underlying causes of the problem of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of the Horn of Africa nation. “Somalia – which has not had a functioning central government since 1991 – has been torn apart by decades of conflict and factional strife, more recently with alShabaab Islamic militants,” the UN reported when it announced its most recent antipiracy declaration. “The country is also facing a dire humanitarian crisis in which 2.4 million people are in need of assistance.” During a single day in April, 77 members at the hall in Jacksonville, Fla., (photo above) completed the online form at the Save Our Seafarers site. In the photo at right, SIU members at the hall in Honolulu, Hawaii, line up to utilize the SOS web site. Pictured from left to right are Vicente Molina, Ernest Dumont, Elizabeth Tizon, Debra Cannella and Shawn Canon. Lantz Gets Nod as U.S. Nominee for IMO Post Jeffrey Lantz tells the MTD executive board the Coast Guard “is committed to working with labor and we appreciate the help you’ve given us.” May 2011 Both the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Coast Guard in late March reported that Jeffrey Lantz is the United States nominee for secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO in June is scheduled to elect a new secretary-general to succeed Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, who has held the position since 2003. Lantz, the Coast Guard’s director for commercial regulations and standards, recently addressed the executive board of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. In its announcement, the State Department described the U.S. as having “been a key participant in and supporter of the IMO since its establishment in 1948.” Lantz is “uniquely qualified” to serve as secretary-general, according to the department. The Coast Guard also offered strong support for his nomination, which is backed by American maritime labor. “Jeff is one of the Coast Guard’s best senior leaders who has superbly managed commercial maritime regulation with the care and precision it requires,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp. “He is a skilled engineer, effective manager and strong negotiator who has demonstrated a keen ability to lead and overcome budgetary and technical challenges over his 36-year career. These strong regulatory and supervisory abilities have enabled him to greatly improve the quality of U.S. commercial shipping. I am absolutely certain he will deliver the same quality and competency if elected as secretarygeneral of the International Maritime Organization.” Lantz’s Coast Guard background includes more than 25 years of active duty. Currently, he is responsible for helping develop U.S. national maritime safety and environmental protection regulations and policies. He also has long been engaged with IMO issues, and currently serves as head of the U.S. delegation to the organization’s principal technical bodies, the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee. Lantz also chairs the IMO Council, the organization’s second-highest governing body. The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, responsible for measures aimed at boosting the safety and security of international shipping and preventing marine pollution from vessels. It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. It currently has 169 member states, including the U.S. Seafarers LOG 3 �64199_Log_May11_X:May 2011 4/24/2011 10:56 PM Page 4 USNS William McLean Launched in San Diego Newest T-AKE Vesssel Will Join Government Services Division Fleet The U.S. Navy launched its newest Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class ship, the USNS William McLean, on April 16 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The William McLean is the 12th of 14 T-AKE dry cargo/ammunition supply ships that are an important component of the SIU-manned Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet. The new vessel will be crewed in the unlicensed slots by members of the SIU Government Services Division. “I am honored to represent then 9,000 men and women of MSC tonight as we christen the 12th dry cargo/ammunition ship to join MSC’s fleet,” said Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, MSC, who delivered the keynote address at the vessel launch. “USNS William McLean and her MSC mariners will be indispensible.” The ship’s namesake, William Burdette McLean, was a physicist with the Navy who is credited with developing the Sidewinder missile. The Sidewinder missile is one of the most iconic and significant weapons in the Navy’s arsenal. It set the standard for heat-seeking, air-to-air missiles, and upgraded and alternative models are still in use today. McLean started his career testing ordnance equipment at the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C. After the end of World War II, he moved on to the Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, Calif., where he led the project team developing the Sidewinder missile. In 1954, he was appointed technical director of the station and held that position until 1967. He then was promoted to technical director for the U.S. Navy’s submarine-warfare research center in San Diego until 1974. McLean passed away in 1976. More than 1,000 people gathered at the NASSCO shipyard (a union-contracted facility) to witness the nighttime launching of the 689-foot ship. Margaret Taylor, McLean’s eldest niece, served as the ship’s sponsor and continued a longstanding Navy tradition of christening a vessel by breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow. The USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) slides into the water for the first time during the ship’s launch and christening ceremony April 16 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. (Photo by Sarah E. Burford, Military Sealift Command Pacific) Construction started on the William McLean on March 26, 2010. The vessel is designed for long-range, independent sea travel and has the capacity to carry two helicopters and their crews. The ship can move more than Members Vote on Extension For Standard Agreements At the union halls and aboard ships, Seafarers are voting on a proposal to extend the standard freightship and tanker agreements by one year. Voting began at special membership meetings conducted at the halls on April 14 and is continuing on vessels. Companies covered by the standard contracts include Alaska Tanker Co., Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping, OSG Tankers, and Maersk Line, Limited. Collectively, they form the American Maritime Association. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said that the initial voting was overwhelmingly in favor of extending the standard agreements to June 30, 2012. Originally, the pacts were set to expire June 30 of this year. However, due to the rocky economy and also in part because of uncertain expenses related to compliance with new health-care regulations, the union recommended the extension. The tentative memorandum of understanding between the union and the association stipulates that if any company signatory to the standard contracts should, during the course of the proposed extension, agree to any newly negotiated increases in wages, wage-related items or fringe benefits with any other maritime union, then that company agrees to meet with the SIU to negotiate the wages and/or benefit payments made to and on behalf of its unlicensed crew. 10,000 tons of food, fuel, ammunition, and other supplies and has the ability to reach speeds of 20 knots. Following its launch, the William McLean is set to undergo sea trials and is expected to be delivered to the Navy for use at full capacity later this year. According to MSC, T-AKE class ships play various important roles in the agency’s mission. Overall, 11 of the 14 vessels are designated to serve as Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships. CLF vessels play an integral part in the Navy’s mission by providing necessary supplies to U.S. ships stationed at sea around the world. The remaining ships will serve in the Maritime Prepositioning Force. “We at NASSCO are proud of the role the USNS William McLean will play in support of the U.S. Navy,” said Fred Harris, president of NASSCO and former union mariner. “This ship joins a distinguished tradition of NASSCO-built or modified ships bound for service under the direction of the Navy’s Military Sealift Command.” Besides the McLean, the current T-AKE ships are the USNS Lewis and Clark, USNS Sacagawea, USNS Alan Shepard, USNS Richard E. Byrd, USNS Robert E. Peary, USNS Amelia Earhart, USNS Carl Brashear, USNS Wally Schirra, USNS Matthew Perry, USNS Charles Drew, and USNS Washington Chambers. According to MSC, the vessels are “designed and constructed to commercial specifications and standards and certified/classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, United States Coast Guard, and other regulatory bodies.” U.S. Maritime Industry Rallies to Prevent Larger Cuts to Food Aid The maritime industry made its presence known in the federal budget fight this past month. As Congress has grappled with how to cut spending and reduce the deficit, one of maritime’s key programs – the PL-480 Food for Peace program – came under attack, with opponents proposing an almost $800 million cut. After a lot of hard work by the SIU and the other seafaring unions, along with SIU-contracted operators and trade associations, the industry was able to halt – at least temporarily – the proposed cuts to the program. H.R. 1, the first proposed funding bill for the rest of 2011, included a 42 percent cut to the PL-480 program. Because the U.S. currently is in the middle of the funding year, that 42 percent cut would have effectively ended the PL-480 program for the rest of 2011, and would have made it significantly harder to ensure the program was properly funded in next year’s federal budget. Thanks to the effective work of representatives from the SIU, the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO), a number of Seafarers-contracted com- 4 Seafarers LOG panies and industry trade groups, the final spending bill for 2011 passed with most of the cuts to PL-480 restored. Instead of a proposed 42 percent cut, the program received the same cut as other non-Defense government programs, 11.6 percent. Given the current climate on Capitol Hill, this was no small achievement, according to SIU Legislative Director Brian W. Schoeneman. He added that while next year’s budget has yet to be decided, the battle over Food Aid demonstrates that the SIU and others from the maritime community have the ears of members of Congress who need to know the importance of a U.S.-flag fleet. Food Aid programs like PL-480 that support the maritime industry are tied directly to merchant mariners and American-flag shipping through cargo preference laws. Cargo preference is a key federal support mechanism for the maritime industry, ensuring that government cargo is moved on American ships with American crews. It’s also vital to U.S. economic and national security, by ensuring that American ships have the cargo they need to support American jobs in peacetime. The various cargo preference laws have created and maintained thousands of middleclass jobs for American workers for more than 100 years. The PL-480 program is one of the oldest and most widely supported foreign aid programs. Since 1954, it has provided needed food to millions of starving people in Africa and across the globe. Commodities are purchased from American farmers and sent overseas on U.S.-flag ships with American crews, where the grain is distributed to needy people. PL-480 provides jobs at home and goodwill abroad. While SIU and the rest of the maritime industry were able to hold off substantial cuts to PL-480 in this year’s funding bill, Congress will soon be taking up the FY2012 budget and the annual appropriations bills, where the union expects another fight over PL-480. As always, the SIU will remain vigilant in protecting members’ job security and the maritime industry in general, and will work with Congress to ensure the maintenance of a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 5 Dozens of Seafarers including those pictured above marched on the Washington State Capitol grounds in Olympia. Labor boasted a strong turnout for the We Are One event in Olympia, Wash. Union Members Mobilize for ‘We Are One’ Seafarers Join Rallies to Defend Workers’ Rights Seafarers from around the country recently participated in an AFL-CIO campaign aimed at drawing attention to the assault on middle class workers and their rights. The “We Are One” campaign brought hundreds of thousands of working people and their supporters together at rallies, teach-ins, speeches and other events throughout the United States and abroad. The “We Are One” events were based around the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King, who was gunned down April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn., was supporting sanitation workers in that city who were striking for better pay and working conditions. Evoking the memory of Dr. King and his efforts on behalf of workers’ rights, Seafarers mobilized and called for a halt on the attacks on workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, Indiana and elsewhere. Many of the demonstrations took place April 4, but there were related rallies in late March and later in April. On March 26, Seafarers in Los Angeles joined fellow trade unionists and other backers to demand good jobs and to stand with workers in Wisconsin who are suffering from vicious anti-working-family attacks. More than 20,000 people attended the rally, which was called one of the largest in recent memory in the Los Angeles area. “This is an emergency we have in Wisconsin and across the U.S.,” said Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, who travelled to Los Angeles to gather support from workers in California. “This is about an attack on the middle class. We need to reclaim our moral outrage ... because we are in the battle of a lifetime.” SIU members from the Norfolk, Va., area joined rallies conducted by fellow union workers as well. On March 26, workers met in front of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 613 in Thousands gather in Los Angeles to stand up for fellow workers from Wisconsin and elsewhere. May 2011 Norfolk to voice their opposition to the dangerous attacks on public-sector workers and to stand up for the American middle class. Maritime workers were represented at an April 1 rally in Waynesburg, Pa., that had more than 5,000 in attendance. The rally, organized by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and supported by the SIU and other labor and community groups, commemorated the life and work of Dr. King and also the lives of mine workers lost on the job. The moment of silence observed for fallen mine workers hit close to home at this rally. April 5 marked the first anniversary of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. The disaster took the lives of 29 nonunion workers in what has since been deemed an accident that could have been prevented with proper enforcement of safety regulations by the company, Massey Energy. The speakers reminded the attendees that what’s happening to public-sector workers in Wisconsin has lasting and dangerous implications for workers everywhere and in all sectors. “I got news for you,” said Cecil Roberts, president of the UMWA. “Today it’s the public employees, tomorrow it’s the steelworkers. Tomorrow it’s the autoworkers. Tomorrow it’s the coal miners. Now is the time to stand up and fight back.” On April 8, some three-dozen Seafarers marched on the grounds of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash., along with an estimated 12,000 fellow union members and other supporters. It was believed to have been the largest rally in that state in at least a decade. “Seafarers understand the slogan, ‘An injury to one is an injury to all.’ They understand that the plight of the publicsector employees is not separate from their own,” said SIU Tacoma Port Agent Holding signs promoting workers’ rights, SIU members from the Tacoma, Wash., hall team up with fellow trade unionists. Joe Vincenzo. “They further understand that the political agenda set to bust unions is not simply ideological but all too real. It’s about bread and butter.” Before the We Are One campaign had been announced, Seafarers in Wisconsin and Texas also took part in demonstrations for public-sector workers. Collectively, the events have created an atmosphere of excitement and hope for the future, despite the gravity of the situation in Wisconsin and elsewhere, according to the AFL-CIO. Richard Trumka, president of the labor Port Agent Georg Kenny (holding Equality For All sign) and Recertified Steward John Reid (first white cap on the right) help carry the union message in Norfolk, Va. federation, believes that leaders in Washington will begin to take notice of the power of the working class united in solidarity and will take a pro-working family stance on issues now and in the years to come. “This is a spontaneous, bottom-up, grassroots movement, and it is truly a wonder,” Trumka said. “Anybody who has been to any of these states can tell you that the energy of the protesters is infectious and their solidarity and commitment are inspiring. This has all the makings of a powerful, lasting political movement.” Besides Seafarers, members from the IBEW, ILA, UA and other unions took part in the rally in Norfolk, Va. Seafarers LOG 5 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 6 New GMDSS Equipment Provides Enhanced Training The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., has obtained some new and exciting equipment designed to keep students up to speed with ever-changing maritime safety technology. The equipment is utilized in the Global Marine Distress Safety System (GMDSS) course. The new gear is the latest and the best available, according to school officials, and will help provide mariners who take the GMDSS course at the school with an enhanced opportunity to learn. The equipment, procured from the Transas Group, is the same used at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. It’s a requirement for any navigational watch officer operating vessels over 300 gross tons on international voyages or passenger vessels with more than six passengers to be GMDSS certified, as stipulated by the International Maritime Organization. GMDSS certification is a must for many mariners looking to advance their careers, and also is important because of its potential use in case of an emergency. “It’s an essential and useful tool,” says AB Sam Lloyd. “ABs that are trained in GMDSS could help save lives. More people trained in GMDSS and the better it’s operated can only help get out a distress SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Texas State Rep. Ana Hernandez took part in the parade March 26. signal if necessary.” The equipment provides students with an opportunity to diversify their knowledge of many different brands of GMDSS systems. Because of the advanced technology, students can simulate making distress calls on virtually any brand of GMDSS system. This knowledge presents definite benefits, not only for unlicensed crew members looking to advance their careers, but also for all aboard a vessel because of the related increased safety. The GMDSS certification class is a two-week, 70-hour course and is described by many as one of the more challenging and rewarding classes available at the Paul Hall Center. Lloyd quickly learned that passing would be no easy feat. “The instructor was very knowledgeable in training us, but it was a very intense class,” said Lloyd, who is trying to become a mate. “You need to study and work hard if you want to pass.” The importance of GMDSS certification for career advancement cannot be stated enough, according to class instructor Brad Wheeler. “Officers in charge of navigational watch need to know this,” Wheeler said. “They (Seafarers) are not going to be able to sail on any of our ships as a mate with- Students in the Paul Hall Center’s GMDSS class take advantage of the school’s modern equipment. out being GMDSS certified.” Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman added, “With this and other state-of-the-art equipment here at the school and some of the best instructors in U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) (eighth from left) is pictured with SIU participants in the parade honoring Cesar Chavez, including VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Port Agent Mike Russo and members Manuel Pena, Oscar Lacayo, Tino Guity, German Guevarra, Manuel Martinez, Donald Clotter, Alfrancis Bauzon, Andy Beach, Juan Marin, Mario Romero, Ismael Castillo, Luis Ruiz and Felipe Nunez. the business, upgraders taking GMDSS have opportunities in front of them to continue living up to their reputation as the hardest-working and best-trained merchant mariner in the world.” Joining the festivities in memory of Cesar Chavez were SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) and Texas State Rep. Armando Walle. Active in the Port of Houston Seafarers and SIU officials recently participated in a parade honoring the legacy of the late United Farm Workers President and civil-rights activist Cesar Chavez. Days later, Seafarers demonstrated in support of local janitors who are members of the Service Employees International Union. Seafarer Earns Horizon Safety Award Port Agent Mike Russo (right in photo above) shows his support for fellow union members. In photo above at right, Safety Director Brian Kinard (center) helps drum up support for union workers, as did SIU ITF Representative Shwe Aung and Seafarer Joe Zavala. 6 Seafarers LOG SA Mohamed N. Omar (left, with Chief Mate Doug Nemeth) recently was recognized as the “Safety Sailor” of the month, as part of an ongoing Horizon Lines program. He received a $50 gift card for his safety contributions aboard the Horizon Enterprise, according to Ron Radicali, the vessel’s master. Radicali said Omar, who has completed safety classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., was nominated by Recertified Steward Bill Bryley “for his outstanding work ethic and diligence towards maintaining a safe work environment. He was observed on more than one occasion taking the initiative to remedy potentially unsafe hazards before others noticed, and before being instructed to do so. This proactive approach and his positive disposition truly make him a role model.” May 2011 �64199_Log_May11_X:May 2011 4/24/2011 10:56 PM Page 7 Stewards Capitalize on Upgrading Opportunities Six Seafarers Complete Recertification Course at Paul Hall Center Six SIU members, each of whom sails in the steward department, recently realized the most significant upgrading achievement to date in their respective careers when they graduated from the steward recertification course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Considered the highest training available to union steward department personnel, the three-week steward recertification curriculum encompasses hands-on training, classroom instruction and meetings with representatives from different departments of the SIU and the Seafarers Plans. Among the course’s components are ServSafe, which focuses on safe and sanitary galley operations; first aid and CPR; galley fire fighting; leadership and management skills; computer training; nutrition; and communications. Graduating from the most recent class and receiving their credentials April 4 during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point were Stewards Samuel Harris, John Huyett, Roslyn Johnson, Kenneth McHellen, Osvaldo Ramos and Ahmed Sharif. In keeping with a longstanding custom, each of the new recertified stewards addressed union officials, fellow upgraders, unlicensed apprentices and guests who attended the meeting. Johnson was the first to address the audience. A Seafarer since 1989, she sails out of the port of Norfolk, Va., and has upgraded at the Southern Maryland-based campus on five previous occasions. Johnson told those in attendance that her experiences at Piney Point have provided her a wonderful past and present and a future that she will always embrace and be eternally grateful for. “I think that the SIU saved my life,” Johnson said as she reflected back on a very difficult period of her life before joining the union. “I had gone through a horrible divorce, had lost everything, was flat broke, had no home … no money … and no husband. I was hurt, lost and very confused.” At that point, Johnson said, she discovered the union and the myriad of opportunities it offered. Not long thereafter she made her life-altering decision to join the SIU. And from that point on, her life began changing for the better. “I love myself some SIU,” she said. “I have learned that there is a bigger picture behind the picture that most of us Roslyn Johnson delivered a highly emotional speech to the membership. Johnson was the first of the union’s newest recertified stewards to address the audience. May 2011 SIU officials joined the recertified stewards in the Paul Hall Center’s auditorium following the membership meeting for the photo above. Kneeling from left to right are John Huyett, Ahmed Sharif and Recertified Bosun Rafael Clemente (husband of Roslyn Johnson). Standing are VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, Kenneth McHellen, Osvaldo Ramos, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Samuel Harris, Roslyn Johnson, President Michael Sacco, VP Contracts George Tricker and SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. see when we think about the union,” she said. “The SIU is constantly growing, moving forward and doing everything possible to provide quality jobs for its membership. All of our leadership here on the dais— President Sacco and the remainder of our team—are doing a wonderful job on our behalf and we owe them our thanks and continued support.” Johnson then expressed her appreciation to a number of individuals who in her words never lost faith and confidence in her throughout the years. Singled out were union officials and staff members at the port of Norfolk, Va., including SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Port Agent Georg Kenny and Safety Director Sam Spain. “They always believed in me as a person and provided me with encouragement,” Johnson said. She also articulated her gratitude to members of the steward department at the school and the Piney Point staff for the tremendous learning experience she had during her recertification training. “I learned a great deal while here thanks to our instructors and staff,’ she said. “I look forward to taking it back to the ships and using it to help my fellow brothers and sisters.” Addressing the trainees and upgraders, Johnson championed perseverance. “Whatever your future is in this business, don’t ever give up because it will pay off,” she said. “This (the school) is the best opportunity that you could possibly have. I encourage each of you to take full advantage of it and allow it to help you develop and realize your goals. And if you do that, there’s no doubt that you will be successful.” Sharif was next to take the podium. He hails from the port of Seattle and joined the SIU in 1982. After greeting members of the dais and his rank-and-file brothers and sisters, Sharif talked about the road he traveled en route to becoming an SIU member. “I was with the United Auto Workers in 1970 and after being laid off went to California and worked on the farms,” he said. “I worked there for a couple of days and met some of the United Farm Workers organizers who offered me a position as a translator. “There were a lot of Arab workers there at the time and very few spoke English,” Sharif continued. “At the time, I was young and had few real responsibilities, so I accepted the work.” Sharif said he remained in California for a significant period of time, all the while learning more about the labor movement, meeting prominent organizers including United Farm Workers founder the late Cesar Chavez, and organizing workers himself. It was all very gratifying to him, yet Sharif felt he was missing something. “So I joined the SIU in 1982,” he said. “I am a second-generation sailor and I got my start as crew messman. Two years later I came to Piney Point for the first time to upgrade to third cook, second cook and baker.” Several years later, Sharif again returned to the school to enhance his skills as a chief cook, certified chief cook and steward. “This is my fifth time here,” he told the audience, “and now I am finally a recertified steward.” Reflecting on his latest upgrading experience, Sharif said that some of the recertification course’s most useful instruction involved the ServSafe module. “The ServSafe training was very helpful to me,” he said. “It helped me gain a better understanding of my job on the ship and how to do it in a safe way. I recommend that this course be taken by everyone who sails in the steward department. “I would like to thank everyone who made this possible for me, especially President Sacco, Executive Vice President (Augie) Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer (David) Heindel and Vice President Contracts (George) Tricker,” Sharif continued. “I am also grateful to the all of the instructors as well as the ladies at headquarters for all of the information they presented. The staff here at the school also worked very hard to keep things running smoothly.” Sharif concluded his remarks by telling the trainees to work hard and strive to be good role models for the union when they graduate and go aboard ships. McHellen, whose home port is Jacksonville, Fla., signed on with the SIU in 1985. Since becoming a union member, he has upgraded his skills on one previous occasion at Piney Point. He described the steward recertification class as “a very good and informative experience.” Prior to coming back to the union-affiliated maritime training facility, McHellen said he had mixed feelings about the See Stewards, Page 20 VP George Tricker (right) spent time with the stewards during the days leading up to their graduation. In photo above Tricker speaks to (from left to right) to Samuel Harris, John Huyett, Roslyn Johnson and Osvaldo Ramos. Seafarers LOG 7 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 8 Longtime MTD/SIU Official Pecquex Retires N.Y. Native ‘Devoted His Entire Life to the Labor Movement’ Frank Pecquex, executive secretary-treasurer for the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and longtime SIU employee, has announced his retirement after decades of service to workers in the maritime industry. Pecquex has held his position since 1993 and has worked with the MTD (a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO) and the SIU since the late 1960s. “Frank devoted his entire life to the labor movement,” said SIU President Michael Sacco, who is also the MTD president. “He developed better implementation of MTD policy through state federations, port councils, and the AFL-CIO at large. He’s had a long and truly distinguished career with both the SIU and the MTD. We owe him a lot. Frank will be sorely missed and I wish him the very best in his retirement.” Pecquex, a New York native, began his life in the labor movement as a Greyhound ticket-taker at the World’s Fair grounds in 1964. He joined the Amalgamated Transit Union that year. He also worked at an A&P bakery during his teenage years and was a member of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union. Pecquex went on to graduate from St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y. with a master’s degree in history. His career with the SIU began in October 1967 at the thenheadquarters building in Brooklyn, N.Y. It was there that he met his wife, Linda, a secretary for former SIU President Paul Hall. They married in 1973. He started his career as a researcher, then moved on to administrative work, and then to organizing. Pecquex also worked in the manpower department, where he formulated a plan to encourage and facilitate continuing education and upgrading for Seafarers. Under Pecquex’s plan, Seafarers with sufficient seatime were now able to upgrade and to sail in different departments. In addition, many others were encouraged and able to get their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) at the Paul Hall Center (then known as the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School) in Piney Point, Md. In 1980, Pecquex was asked to join the SIU and MTD legislative teams in Washington, D.C., where he worked on boosting awareness and spreading the message of the importance of the U.S.-flag fleet. In 1985, Pecquex was named legislative director of the MTD, in addition to holding the same position at the SIU. In 1991, he was promoted again, this time as the MTD administrator. Two years later, Pecquex was named to the executive secretary-treasurer’s office, where he remained until this year. “In retrospect, I’m amazed that at whatever level I toiled over the years, the union’s leadership had a singular purpose: to protect and expand its members’ job security,” said Pecquex. “Whether promoting vocational training courses, lobbying the White House and the Congress, or developing a strong partnership with military leaders, the SIU was second to none in advancing the message that the American maritime industry, in all of its component parts, remains vital to the nation’s economic health and strategic security.” Pecquex is credited with revamping the MTD and bringing its operations into a new, progressive age. In addition to strengthening the MTD’s internal relations, such as increased communication and collective action between the port councils and affiliates, Pecquex also helped amplify the MTD’s profile within the AFL-CIO as well as on Capitol Hill. “Under Frank’s guidance, the MTD has not only grown significantly in membership but also on the political level,” said Michel Desjardins, president of the Seafarers International Union of Canada and a member of the MTD Executive Board. “Governors, members of Congress, and others trust and support Frank’s ideas. He is a force to be reckoned with.” Pecquex was also behind the transition of communications mediums from print-based to web-based. This type of ingenuity is one of many examples of Pecquex’s contributions to the progress of the labor movement, the maritime industry, and its workers, according to those who worked most closely with him. Pecquex noted that things have changed throughout the years in the political realm for America’s maritime industry, but that the future remains bright. “Over the last two decades, things have changed significantly,” he observed. “Few legislators have military experience and, thus, have little personal connection to the industry’s logistical role in providing materiel for American troops deployed around the world. Today, the domestic industry has developed a strong relationship with those who understand the need for a viable U.S.-flag merchant fleet: America’s military leaders. Working hand-in-hand with the armed forces logistics commands, we have successfully advanced support within the White House and Congress for essential maritime operations, like the Maritime Security Program.” Pecquex is succeeded as executive secretary-treasurer by Daniel Duncan, a longtime SIU and MTD employee in his own right. Duncan had this to say about his predecessor: “Frank is truly one of those wonderful people you get to meet in the union movement. He is a wealth of information about labor and the maritime industry. I have had the honor of knowing him and working with him starting in 1989 when I was transferred to SIU headquarters. He was the union’s legislative director and I got to watch him fight for our members in the halls of Congress Frank Pecquex addresses delegates and guests at the most recent MTD convention, which took place in September 2009 in Pittsburgh. when I was working for the LOG. After coming to the MTD in 2000, I got to know him better by working with him daily.” Duncan continued, “He is known and respected within the maritime industry – not just in Washington, but throughout the country. Frank is a Seafarer through-and-through, and he has a heart bigger than any thousand-footer we crew on the Lakes. In becoming the new MTD executive secretary-treasurer, I know I won’t replace Frank. I just hope to live up to his ideals.” Coming as no surprise to those who know him, Pecquex plans to keep busy. He wants to pursue his interest in photography and anticipates adding to his collection of vinyl records. “I also plan on traveling with Linda, my wife of 37 years, and spoiling my granddaughters, Katherine and Victoria,” said Pecquex. Maritime Community Conducts 40th Anniversary Observance Of Texaco Oklahoma Sinking NMU Tanker Sank in Atlantic in 1971, Claiming 31 Lives The 40th anniversary observance of the sinking of the National Maritime Union crewed SS Texaco Oklahoma took place March 25 in Port Arthur, Texas. Thirty-one mariners perished aboard the U.S.-flag vessel during the early morning Fr. Sinclair Oubre, SIU AB and Catholic port chaplain for Port Arthur and Beaumont, leads family members and friends in prayer during the 40th Anniversary Observance of the Sinking of the SS Texaco Oklahoma. The sundial memorial, where the service was held, was constructed as a perpetual memorial to the Texaco Oklahoma. 8 Seafarers LOG hours of March 27, 1971 when she unexpectedly was struck by a massive wave some 120 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The Texaco Oklahoma at the time was laden with a full load of fuel oil and steaming from Port Arthur to Boston. She broke up and sank as a result of the wave’s impact, carrying 31 of the 44 person crew down with her to a watery grave. Co-hosted by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS)-Diocese of Beaumont and the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center, the observance had a threefold purpose, according to Father Sinclair Oubre, AOS Diocesan director (and SIU member): ■ To honor the 44 crew members—many from the southwest Texas area—who were part of the vessel’s ill-fated voyage ■ Recall the incident that brought about the disaster, and ■ Reflect on how the loss of the Texaco Oklahoma changed safety requirements in maritime transportation. The event consisted of two segments and attracted survivors, family members, representatives from the maritime community and citizens from the local area. The opening portion featured a somber memorial tribute at the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial which among other components included the reading of the names of the 31 mariners who perished during the sinking, the names of those who survived the disaster but have since passed away and a wreath-laying ceremony. Segment two was a maritime safety symposium which featured two groups of speakers. Those appearing in the first group were survivors and family members of survivors who recounted their personal struggles and shared stories about their now departed loved Participants in the first panel of speakers during the maritime safety memorial included the last three survivors from the SS Texaco Oklahoma, the son of the vessel’s chief engineer, and the permanent first mate who was on vacation at the time when the tanker sank. From left to right in the photo above are: 3rd Pumpman Willie Jacquet, Wiper Estes Toson, 3rd Assistant Engineer Clyde Michael Bandy, Rick Koenig (son of late Chief Engineer Joseph Koeing), and Capt. Roland Respess, Texaco Oklahoma Permanent Chief Mate. ones during those fateful hours in the Atlantic. Estes Toson, Willie Jacquet, Clyde Bandy, Capt. Roland Respess and Rick Koeing were featured on this panel. Toson, Jacquet and Bandy were aboard the Texaco Oklahoma’s stern section when she went down; Respess was the permanent chief mate, and was on vacation when the vessel sank; and Koeing is the son of the late Joseph Koeing, who was Chief Engineer aboard the Oklahoma when she sank. The second panel, composed of representatives from the U.S. Maritime Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and Texaco Maritime, discussed how the industry and government responded to the tragedy. This group also elaborated on the lessons learned during the disaster that would make the shipping industry safer for future mariners. The panel included Capt. James Gaffney, former president and chief operating officer of Texaco Marine Services Inc. in Port Arthur; and U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Kyle Carter. The lieutenant serves as marine inspector and Outer Continental Shelf inspections branch chief for the Marine Safety Unit, Port of Port Arthur. The observance concluded with a keynote address by John Cullather, who formerly headed the Democratic Staff Committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. During his tenure in that position, Cullather helped develop and compose a host of modern U.S. maritime laws. Included in this list are the Coast Guard Authorization Acts of 1981, ’91, ’96, ’98, 2004, 2006, and 2010, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 9 Snapshots from Oakland OMU Si Hughes (center) and AB Manuel Davis (right) are sworn in to full B-book seniority by SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona. Helping keep fellow mariners well-fed aboard the Mahimahi are ACU Hilario David (left) and Chief Cook Mercurion Abuan. AB Arnie Borja (right) is congratulated by Patrolman Nick Marrone II upon receiving his full A-seniority book. SIU members aboard the Horizon Falcon during a recent voyage included (from left) Bosun Gerry Gianan, AB Roberto Flauta, Steward/Baker Tamara Houston and Chief Cook Subagio Wibisono. Oiler David Bustos (right) receives his full B-seniority book as SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona administers the union oath. Chief Steward Marvin James (left) and Chief Cook James Watson are pictured aboard the MV TSGT John A. Chapman March 21 in Concord, Calif. With Seafarers in Baltimore Pictured aboard the APL Korea are (from left) Recertified Steward Thomas Barrett, Chief Cook James Boss and ACU Joel Ababa. Among the members of the unlicensed crew aboard the MV TSGT John A. Chapman are (left to right) AB John McCormick, AB Albert Bharrat, GSTU Nagi Obad, AB Michael Nee, GUDE Osamah Saleh, Bosun Fareed Khan, Chief Cook James Watson, AB Donald Lucas and Chief Steward Marvin James. Bosun John Mendez (left), Port Agent Elizabeth Brown and Bosun Tom Moore pause for this snapshot aboard the SS Wright. May 2011 Patrolman Nick Marrone II (right) greets AB Jeffrey Amestoy, who recently picked up his full B-seniority book. Chief Steward Sean Noel Richard works on lunch for the crew aboard the USNS Fisher. Seafarers LOG 9 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 10 MSC Recognizes CIVMARS for Food Service Excellence CIVMARS from three SIU Government Services Division vessels recently were recognized by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for helping keep fellow mariners happily well-fed. The agency in early April presented its annual David M. Cook Food Service Excellence awards to the dry cargo/ammunition ships USNS Wally Schirra and USNS Richard E. Byrd and the fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba at the International Food Service Executives Association’s Joint Military Awards Ceremony in Schaumburg, Ill. MSC Commander Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby attended the event and presented the awards during a ceremony with more than 600 attendees, including mariners, commanding officers, food service directors, command representatives and food management team members from the U.S. Army, Military Sealift Command and other components of the U.S. Navy. MSC’s food service excellence awards are presented in three categories: East Coast large ship (Schirra), West Coast large ship (Byrd) and overall small ship (Catawba). Representing their vessels at the ceremony were Chief Steward Wojciech Wiatrowski from the Schirra and Supply Officer Christopher Jenkins and Chief Steward Tito Farrales from the Byrd. According to the agency, due to critical mission requirements, the Catawba (also a winner in 2010) was unable to send a representative. “When I told the crew [that we won], all I could hear were shouts of joy,” said Wiatrowski. “Each one of us was just a link in a chain. It was a team effort.” The Byrd’s food service team was equally excited to receive the honor. “The staff worked hard for the award and were jubilant when I told them they won,” said Jenkins. “It was a great team effort with everyone pitching in.” Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (center), MSC commander, presents a food service award to Chief Steward Wojciech Wiatrowski (right), from the USNS Wally Schirra. Jim Thomas (left), MSFSC logistics director, was on hand to assist with the presentation. (U.S. Navy Photos by Bill Cook, Military Sealift Fleet Support Command) Buzby said he “commends all of the food service personnel who participated in this year’s awards program. Your exceptional efforts keep morale and quality of life at peak levels and contribute to our daily mission success around the world.” According to Roberta Jio, chief of MSC’s food service policy and procedures and the person in charge of the awards, “All of MSC’s ships provide outstanding cuisine and customer care. Rear Adm. Buzby (center) recognizes two of the mariners from the USNS Richard E. Byrd, who represented fellow steward-department crew members at the ceremony. Supply Officer Christopher Jenkins is pictured at left, joined by Chief Steward Tito Farrales. But among those that competed for the award this year, these three winners are the cream of the crop and worthy of this recognition.” The award is named for the late Capt. David M. Cook, MSC’s director of logistics from 1995 to 1998. He launched a focused effort to improve all aspects of the food service operations aboard MSC vessels, according to the agency. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2010 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and 2 preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. 2010 Valuation Date January 1, 2010 Funded Percentage 142.91% Value of Assets $6,813,528 Value of Liabilities $4,767,618 2009 January 1, 2009 143.43% $7,140,845 $4,978,794 2008 January 1, 2008 151.11% $7,954,211 $5,263,805 Fair Market Value of Assets Asset values in the chart above are actuarial values, not market values. Market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of a given point in time. However, because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values for funding purposes. While actuarial values fluctuate less than market values, they are estimates. As of December 31, 2010, the unaudited fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,015,411. As of December 31, 2009, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,048,783. As of December 31, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,035,140. The December 31, 2010 fair value of assets disclosed above is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 850. Of this number, 262 were active participants, 478 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 110 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 40% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Interest-bearing cash 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities 10 Seafarers LOG 3.41% 20.48% 16.21% 0 0 24.72% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35.04 0 16. 17. Employer real property Buildings and other property used in plan operation Other 0 0 .14% Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or nonpension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:36 PM Page 11 Annual Funding Notice - Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your pension plan (“the Plan”) and general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2010 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan Under federal law, the plan must report how well it is funded by using a measure called the “funded percentage.” This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. Your Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2010 2009 2008 Valuation Date January 1, 2010 January 1, 2009 January 1, 2008 Funded Percentage 110.1 106.1 121.7 Value of Assets $910,293,605 $798,341,351 $700,766,846 Value of Liabilities $826,992,528 $752,536,506 $575,915,644 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date for the plan year and are actuarial values. Because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values that are designed to smooth out those fluctuations for funding purposes. The asset values below are market values and are measured as of the last day of the plan year, rather than as of the Valuation Date. Substituting the market value of assets for the actuarial value used in the above chart would show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of the Valuation Date. The fair market value of the Plan’s assets as of the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the following table (2010 is not audited): December 31, 2010 Fair Market Value of Assets $1,010,000,000 December 31, 2009 $910,293,605 December 31, 2008 $798,341,351 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants in the Plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 22,329. Of this number, 8,250 were active participants, 9,128 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 4,951 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of assets needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Districts and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries, who make specific investments in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries that are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Seafarers Pension Plan is primarily a balanced portfolio of equity, fixed income, and cash equivalent securities. Equities consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, and convertible securities. The total equity exposure for the total managed account should not exceed 55% for a prolonged period of time. The portfolios are diversified into 10 or 15 industry sectors and hold in excess of 50 individual issues. No issue exceeds 3.5% of the portfolio at cost. The fixed income portion of the portfolio consists of: ■ U.S. Government and Agency Securities ■ Commercial Paper ■ Corporate Bonds ■ Traditional Non-High Leverage ■ Mortgage and Asset backed Securities These securities must be rated Investment Grade at time of purchase. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred Common Percentage 6 26 16 0 0 39 5.Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the US Department of Labor an annual report called the Form 5500 that contains financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. For 2009 and subsequent plan years, you may obtain an electronic copy of the plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the Form 5500 search function. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Individual information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit under the plan, is not contained in the annual report. If you are seeking information regarding your benefits under the plan, contact the plan administrator identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The plan is required to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite these special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see “Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC”, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that can not be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10).The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified preretirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Board of Trustees, or: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to:Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329 for Seafarers Pension Plan. For more information about the PBGC, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov. IMPORTANT NOTE - YOUR BENEFITS HAVE NOT CHANGED Funding Relief Notice to Participants Name of Plan: Seafarers Pension Plan Taxpayer Identification Number: 13-6100329 Plan Number: 001 Plan Sponsor: Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO The Pension Relief Act of 2010 was passed by Congress to alleviate some of the funding obligations imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Most pension plans experienced financial difficulty due to the recent economic recession. The Pension Relief Act provides several funding May 2011 options that a plan can implement to ease the losses experienced during calendar years 2008 and/or 2009. After due consideration, the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Pension Plan have elected to take advantage of the special amortization rule. This rule will allow the Plan to extend the amortization period up to 29 years to spread out the net investment losses experienced by the Plan during 2008. (Normally, the amortization period is 15 years). Applying this rule will decrease the statutory minimum funding requirement that is taken into consideration when negotiating employer contributions. This may also have an effect on the Plan’s zone status under the Pension Protection Act in future years. In order to take advantage of this extended amortization period, the Plan will not be permitted to increase benefits during the next two plan years unless the increase is funded by additional contributions and the current funded percentage and projected funding reserve (credit balance) is maintained after the benefit increase. The Plan is allowed to opt-out of this relief in the future. If you need any additional information, contact Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md., 207460-4275. Seafarers LOG 11 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:37 PM Page 12 The MV Freedom docks in Jacksonville. Chief Engineer Bruce Carter Asst. VP Archie Ware AB Charles Booher Asst. VP Archie Ware Around the Port Of Jacksonville These recent photos were submitted by SIU officials who are based at the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla. They show Seafarers aboard the American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier vessel Freedom and the Sea Star Line ship El Faro; several newly retired members; and a cookout hosted at the hall. SA Emmanuel Matias, Safety Director Ashley Nelson, Chief Cook Manuel Daguio, STOS Vicente Mansilungan Asst. VP Archie Ware AB Rodney Roberson, El Faro Chief Electrician Frank Bakun Patrolman Brian Guiry 12 Seafarers LOG AB Benny Bess Safety Director Ashley Nelson Patrolman Brian Guiry Chief Engineer Steven Williams Recertified Bosun Arthur Cross MV Freedom STOS Rudy Jackson MV Freedom AB Carson Jordan, Patrolman Brian Guiry May 2011 �64199_Log_May11_X:May 2011 4/24/2011 10:56 PM Page 13 Steady Progress Continues in CMPI Talks CIVMARS Assist in Key Government Services Division Negotiations The SIU Government Services Division, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC) are continuing negotiations on the Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 610. The negotiations started in January 2010 and most recently continued in early April in Washington, D.C. The January 2011 negotiating session took place at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Having finished the general provisions in the previous session, the parties turned their attention to the deck department work rules. The negotiating teams made great progress in January as several deck department work rules were streamlined and clarified. The parties also were able to satisfy their goal of drafting several concise work rules that apply equally to both coasts such as port security/safety watches, fleet support vessels and authorization of premium pay. The February negotiating session was conducted at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Washington, D.C. The parties addressed the remaining deck department work rules for both coasts and drafted a number of comprehensive provisions that apply to all CIVMARS. The new provisions cover various premium pay topics such as “dirty work” and tank cleaning. The negotiating teams also revisited and updated some previously drafted provisions to ensure consistency and clarity with other new provisions. The March session was devoted entire- SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, MSC commander, take part in the second meeting conducted under the Obama Administration’s executive order titled “Creating Labor-Management Forums To Improve Delivery of Government Services.” (This was a separate meeting from the recent CMPI talks.) ly to the premium pay provisions and work rules related to the engine department. The parties were assisted by two unlicensed CIVMARS who are both experienced members of the engine department: West Coast CIVMAR Floyd Fullilove and East Coast CIVMAR Greg Woods. These subject-matter experts provided support and valuable technical expertise throughout the week. Union negotiators for the March session were SIU Government Services Division Assistant Vice President Chet Wheeler, SIU Counsel Deborah Kleinberg and SIU Associate Counsel Jon Madden. Among the topics discussed and negotiated during the March session were movement of ships’ stores as it relates to the engine department, welding and lathe work, engine department painting, installing or removing equipment, sanitary work while on watch, and refrigeration engineers. The parties also revised previous general provisions to add language applicable to engine department personnel. Fullilove described his participation at the negotiations as “eye-opening.” He said that attendance at the negotiations provided him with an education about the negotiation process and the large amount of work that goes into this type of bargaining project. He added, “Seeing the amount of passion that the union officials showed at the meetings to make sure the interests the unlicensed CIVMARS were protected inspired me to get more involved with the union, and to be better-educated about shipboard conditions and CIVMAR rights.” Woods said he enjoyed his time at SIU headquarters and that working at the negotiations was very informative. He noted that the interest-based bargaining process was a helpful and effective method to ensure that “everyone in the room negotiated from an equal basis.” Woods said he felt comfortable “speaking up” about the issues which were discussed at the table. He further stated that he learned in these negotiations and in other areas the union fights hard to make sure that CIVMARS get what they deserve under the work rules and in other aspects of their careers as MSC employees. He is interested in learning more about the union’s work and passing along what he has learned to other CIVMARS. Wheeler and Kleinberg agreed that the union and all engine department CIVMARS benefited greatly from the presence and contributions of Fullilove and Woods. The members’ expertise was extremely helpful to the negotiation process, they stated, and the mariners effectively represented the interests and concerns about the engine room working conditions. Their input made it easier for negotiators to understand the demands on the unlicensed CIVMARS aboard vessels throughout MSC’s fleet and develop premium pay work rules which will be more easily and effectively used on all ships, Wheeler and Kleinberg said. The April meeting conducted from April 11-14 focused on the supply department. A full article regarding the April session will appear in a future issue of the LOG. As previously reported, these negotiations are intended to ensure that the new CMPI 610 will be as clearly written as possible and, as a result, will be applied consistently on all vessels throughout the fleet. Along with uniformity and clarity in the revised document, the union is focused on ensuring that as work rules are modified, the overtime and penalty wages of CIVMARS are protected to the greatest possible extent. All consensus agreements will be reviewed at the end of the negotiations to determine if, as a result of any changes, CIVMARS have experienced more than a minor negative impact. The rules will also be reviewed to ensure that CIVMARS have not experienced an unintended gain. The parties have also agreed to conduct an economic modeling after the new CMPI 610 has been completed to make sure that MSC meets its goal of staying within or very close to its current premium pay budget and to ensure that CIVMARS will not experience a significant change in their current rate of premium pay compensation. The SIU on April 7 hosted the latest installment of the twice-yearly meeting of U.S. maritime union officials and MSC officers and representatives. Many of the participants are pictured in the photo at left. They discussed a wide range of topics affecting MSC and CIVMARS. Separately, among those negotiating on the union’s behalf (photo above) during the March CMPI session were (from left) Associate Counsel Jon Madden, CIVMAR Floyd Fullilove, Asst. VP Chet Wheeler and CIVMAR Greg Woods. CIVMARS On USNS Byrd Deliver These U.S. Navy photos were taken in mid-April in the Pacific Ocean. In image at far right, a CIVMAR assigned to the Seafarers-crewed dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) connects pallets to an SA-330 Puma helicopter during a replenishment at sea with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. In the other photo, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile cruiser USS Preble approaches the Byrd’s port side during the replenishment. (Photo at far right by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawn J. Stewart; other image by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Jackson) May 2011 Seafarers LOG 13 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:37 PM Page 14 Editor’s note: This is the sixth installment in a series written by Edward T. Woods, a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran of World War II who sailed in the engine and steward departments. Previous entries were published off and on beginning with the September 2010 edition of the LOG. Approximately three more chapters will follow in upcoming issues. Now 83 years old, Woods was 16 when he shipped out aboard the S/S Horseshoe in 1944. The most recent installment of his story (published in the March edition) ended in late December 1945, after Woods had returned to New York following a voyage to Okinawa. C hristmas week 1945, I went down to the offices of War Emergency Tankers, Inc. (Its acronym was pronounced WET INK.) I had worked for WET INK during the war, when it was under the control of the U.S. Navy. I was able to get a berth on another tanker, the SS Wheeler Hills, and on New Year’s Eve, I sailed out of New York and continued to go to sea for three more years. I added more ports of calls to the list of countries I have visited. While aboard the Wheeler Hills I made trips to Texas, Massachusetts and the ABC islands. One day, I went ashore in Port Aransas, Texas, with a friend, and stopped at a Mom and Pop store at the end of the pier. We bought a few postcards and some candy and paid an old woman sitting by a cash drawer for the items. As we were leaving, we heard the old woman call out, “You all come back.” The two of us were startled by what we took to be a command. We went back and asked her what was wrong. The poor old lady had no idea what we were talking about. It was then that I learned the expression was used widely and often in the South and was a friendly way of saying goodbye, see you again. It was the first time I had heard the expression. The next day, we decided to take a walk into town. There were no buses or streetcars in these small Texas towns and walking was second nature to us. On our way, a small car pulled alongside and the driver asked if we were heading for town and, if so, would we like a ride. Well, we thought, what a nice, friendly gesture, and climbed into the car. A few minutes later when we arrived in the little town the driver said, “That will be two dollars each.” We asked in amazement, “What for?” We were told that taxis cost money and we shouldn’t expect to ride free. The town probably had one policeman and he was standing nearby watching us get out of the car. We paid the man the money. Later that afternoon, we hired a cab to take us back after asking the cost. It was about the same, four dollars. However, on the way to the pier, the driver stopped at a signpost and blew his horn. Out came an old man who looked inside the car and said that will be fifteen cents each. We painfully asked, “What for?” The reply came quickly, “This is a private road and I’m entitled to charge a passenger toll.” Since that time, I have had other unusual experiences while traveling and each time that I thought I was being made a dupe, I would think of the many occasions that I heard someone say that New Yorkers were a bunch of crooks, etc. “Those New Yorkers, they’ll try to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.” Maybe so, but New Yorkers can learn a lot about shakedowns from some of our more rural folks. My last port of call with the Wheeler Hills was Mobile, Alabama, where our ship was added to the mothball fleet. These ships, especially the tankers that were taken out of service, were soon sold to foreign businessmen. They registered the ships under foreign flags and manned then with foreign crews. A savings to them, but a big loss to the United States, as the number of ships in our merchant fleet was reduced considerably. Investors such as the Greek, Aristotle Onassis, and his family bought many of the tankers. Onassis became one of the wealthiest men in the world. His money from buying, selling and transporting oil enabled him to court and wed President Kennedy’s widow, Jackie. I flew home to New York from Mobile on May 8, 1946, my first ride in an airplane. It was a surplus Air Force plane and had not been fitted to carry passengers. It still had the bucket seats that provided space for a parachute when I tried to sit down. In addition, the passenger areas were not heated and there were no snacks or beverages available. We stopped to refuel in Charlotte, North Carolina, where most of the cold and nauseous passengers got off and stayed. It was a most uncomfortable flight. These surplus planes had been purchased by former Air Force pilots and, while they didn’t offer any of the conveniences we enjoy on today’s planes, they did offer cheap fares. They were called non- scheduled airlines and were eventually put out of business by the government for safety reasons. I was satisfied with my first flight – it only cost fifty dollars and I was home in New York the following day. Hey, I was only 18 years old, optimistic and easily pleased. In June 1946, I obtained a berth on the United States Army Transport (USAT) General Richardson, an Army troop carrier. We departed New York, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and entered the fabled Mediterranean Sea. It was a beautiful, calm afternoon as we passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and I could clearly see Spain and the British Colony of Gibraltar off our port side and Morocco on the continent of Africa off the starboard. It was a wish come true. Our port of call was Leghorn, Italy, on the famous Arno River. I was pleased when one of my mates, who was fluent in Italian and had lived in Italy as a boy, invited me to go ashore with him to enjoy the sights. The first item on our agenda was a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We hitchhiked a ride on a U.S. Army truck from Leghorn to Pisa and upon our arrival at the historical site, found ourselves to be 14 Seafarers LOG the only visitors. As we climbed the spiral staircase leading to the top, I was almost overcome by the stench of urine. I could never understand how anyone would use the famous site as a latrine. On the top of the Tower is a set of huge bells. It took a few minutes for the two of us to get one of the heavy bells to ring. Eventually, however, we got a number of the big bells to sound off. Very soon, two Italian policemen appeared and reprimanded us. My buddy, doing the translation, said the police told him the bells were only to be rung in times of emergency. Since we were Americans, they were obliged to ignore the infraction, especially after we gave them some good old American cigarettes. On the ground, we located a small café and I had my first local spaghetti. The pasta was brown and did not look appealing with the red tomato sauce on top of it. I then learned that flour is naturally brown and is bleached to make The Ed Woods Story – A Teenager In World War II Woods is pictured in Bremen, Germany, in early 1946. it white, such as we use it in the USA. Hostilities had ended and a cease-fire had been signed but World War II would not be officially over until December 1946. In Leghorn, there was a German Prisoner of War camp filled with hundreds of German SS soldiers. Inside the camp, all activity was supervised by German officers. I went to view the entrance to it and talked with the American soldiers guarding the camp. I was told that no one in his right mind would enter the camp as the SS troops were considered diehards, having sworn to die for Hitler and the Fatherland. Food and other necessary supplies were left at the entrance gate for distribution to the prisoners by the German officers. I was given to understand that the prisoners would not be released and returned home until a formal peace treaty was signed. Near the camp was an American PX, a service store. We stopped in for a Coke and saw that it had a barbershop operated by elderly German prisoners. We took advantage of an offer to have a haircut and a shave for about 25 cents. The barber was about 60 years old and told me he had been drafted in Germany near the end of the war and sent here to Italy. The allies didn’t consider him or the other older prisoners to be a threat, and certainly not in the same dangerous category as the SS troops. The older prisoners were used for menial tasks around the American bases. As he was shaving me with a straight razor, I kept thinking that it was only a short time ago that he and his comrades would have been pleased to blow me and my ship out of the water and slice my neck open if given the chance. I paid him for his service with a few cigarettes. At the end of the war in Europe, few people wanted cash! There was little to buy with paper money, whether it was the local currency or the script used by the occupying forces. Cigarettes were used extensively in the black market and bartered for food and other necessities. To this day, I regret not going further up the Arno River to the city of Florence. Regrettably, at 18 I had little interest in the arts and no one to encourage me to appreciate the educational value of visiting world-famous museums. My Italian-American buddy only wanted to see how many local Italian clubs we could visit and pass ourselves off as Italians. He told me just to nod my head when questioned or spoken to and he would handle the conversation. We achieved entry to what appeared to be a first-class “Italian only” club and were soon enjoying glasses of the local wine. Alas, it didn’t last; Americans look American. Our haircuts, our clothes and our mannerisms gave us away and we were politely escorted out. We tried to enter a few other clubs without success. One morning while in Leghorn, I took a leisurely walk by myself into town and stopped at a typical piazza. I overheard and saw a young American soldier arguing with a group of very young Italian kids. I went over to the group and listened to what was taking place. It seems the soldier was trying to sell the kids a carton of American cigarettes and was asking far more than they could afford. I was in civilian clothes so he had no idea who I was or what I represented. The soldier did not know any Italian and the kids understood only a few English words. In broken English and with a phony Italian accent, I asked what was going on. The GI understood my broken English but the kids were at a loss as to what I was saying, but I could see that they knew I was not an Italian. I told the young soldier that he was in serious trouble for attempting to deal in the black market so brazenly with children. I said that I would need to do something about this illegal activity. I was still talking in what I considered made-up broken Italian, as the kids just stared at me without an inking of what I was saying. The soldier became alarmed at what I told him and offered to give the kids a free carton of cigarettes if I would forget what had taken place. I agreed and never saw such a happy group of kids as they walked away with their treasure. My Italian-American shipmate came back to the ship one day and said he had arranged for us to dine in what had been the very best restaurant in all Italy. He added, “Well anyway, the best in Leghorn.” It would cost each of us a full carton of cigarettes, the equivalent of about $1,000 in Italian Lire. This was not a problem, as we had plenty of cigarettes. At sea, I could buy all the cigarettes I wanted for 60 cents a carton in the ship’s slop chest. My friend said we were scheduled to meet a local guide who would lead us to the fabled restaurant. A group of about eight of us decided to participate in this novel adventure. The guide led us through bombed-out buildings, back alleys and cellar doors until we reached a building with a beautiful ornate doorway. Our guide knocked on the door and it was opened by an elaborately dressed doorman who greeted and invited us inside. As I entered, I could see that the premises had not been subject to the ravages of war such as had most of the buildings in the city. The restaurant was luxuriously decorated. In addition, the furnishings appeared to be of the highest quality. My Italian friend ordered the food for our party and we enjoyed numerous courses of delicious and wellprepared food together with a variety of wines. The dessert was brought to our table on carts for us to consider and select. This cart service was a first for me, although today it is routine in many restaurants. From there, it was back to New York with a full passenger load of U.S. Army soldiers returning home following their victory in Europe. As we entered New York Bay and neared the Statue of Liberty, two soldiers actually jumped overboard. The harbor tugs that were standing nearby to take us to our disembarking pier managed to pluck them out of the water. We heard the two of them had been in every invasion from North Africa to Sicily to Italy. It was said they were gamblers, had amassed a lot of money and expected to come back to the States very rich men. However, they were involved in some heavy card and dice games during this voyage home and had lost all of their money and now, broke and seeing the famous statue, they went berserk. My next trip on the Richardson took me to Bremerhaven, Germany. The port was not damaged as much as I expected, but when I visited nearby Bremen, a much bigger city, the destruction of the buildings appeared to be total. Allied bombing had done its job! I was surprised then and again later at my next visit to Germany at the cleanliness of the roadways and remaining sidewalks. The roads had been swept clean and were in stark contrast to the piles of rubble where buildings had once stood. Movement about town and sightseeing were at a minimum due to the limitations enforced by the occupying powers, both British and American. I did manage to see some Uboats in their pens and I later wrote a short story about this visit. My son Warren is the collections manager at the Historic New Orleans Collection. He is also our selfappointed family historian and a dedicated collector of memorabilia. He asked me to put in writing whatever information I could remember about the Nazi flag I brought home from Germany in early 1946. The flag is now in his possession after being stored away with other souvenirs for the past 65 years. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:37 PM Page 15 D is p at c h e r s ’ R e p o r t f o r D e e p S e a Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Notice of Privacy Practices Available The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information. The Plan will only disclose protected health information when it is necessary for medical treatment, payment of claims or normal health care operations. Aside from these necessary disclosures, the Plan will not provide your health information to another person (including a member of your family) unless you specifically authorize the Plan to do so, or the Plan is required to disclose the information by law. The Plan will disclose your information if it receives a subpoena which specifically requests health information. If you would like a copy of the Plan’s Notice of Privacy Practices, which provides detailed information about the Plan’s policies concerning protected health information, you may request a copy by writing to: Privacy Officer, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 P e rs o n a l Peter McGurgan wants to locate anyone who sailed with his late brother, Stephen McGurgan, from the late 1970s to the mid 1980s. If you sailed with Brother McGurgan during this period (or know of someone who did), please contact Peter at 860-276-0209. June & July 2011 Membership Meetings Piney Point...............................Monday: June 6, Tuesday: *July 5 Algonac ......................................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore.................................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Guam....................................................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu ..................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston....................................................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville.............................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet....................................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Mobile...............................................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans.................................................Tuesday: June 14, July 12 New York..................................................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk....................................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Oakland ...............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Philadelphia..........................................Wednesday: June 8, July 6 Port Everglades ...................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Juan..................................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis ...................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Tacoma.....................................................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington..................................................Monday: June 20, July 18 * Piney Point change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. ATTENTION: SEAFARERS Be Sure To Make Yourself A Note... Contribute To The Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) May 2011 March 16, 2011 - April 15, 2011 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 12 0 6 19 5 6 43 25 6 8 10 40 15 31 6 1 9 43 3 31 319 5 4 6 8 5 3 23 20 4 6 6 29 24 18 7 2 12 19 3 19 223 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 5 6 4 7 8 19 1 13 6 12 10 10 3 0 4 12 2 9 134 3 0 7 8 3 6 18 23 0 4 3 14 19 8 3 4 8 14 2 9 156 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 5 9 0 10 24 24 1 4 5 18 9 30 1 3 5 22 1 21 194 2 0 2 2 3 2 6 9 3 5 2 2 9 2 0 0 0 3 1 3 56 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 1 0 0 3 2 4 0 0 1 8 0 5 0 0 0 8 0 6 40 3 1 4 8 1 7 18 17 5 3 3 41 19 10 0 8 1 9 4 19 181 GRAND TOTAL: 687 616 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 3 7 1 1 9 1 4 0 6 40 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 3 0 2 0 2 17 0 3 2 6 0 0 19 5 0 1 3 16 7 15 5 0 3 16 0 13 114 13 2 7 30 7 17 92 58 5 17 21 69 30 57 7 1 13 69 4 60 579 14 7 14 18 8 10 41 45 7 13 13 39 42 26 7 1 19 36 5 45 410 3 1 1 4 0 1 4 4 2 2 2 5 7 3 0 4 2 8 0 9 62 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 5 5 0 0 0 4 0 3 2 0 1 4 0 5 32 3 1 9 16 4 20 30 37 2 18 12 28 13 21 5 1 5 18 2 17 262 5 1 12 10 1 6 28 38 1 7 6 26 39 17 3 3 15 26 3 25 272 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 3 0 5 2 4 0 2 1 7 2 6 2 1 0 9 0 6 53 5 0 7 12 0 13 34 32 1 7 7 40 26 43 3 4 6 30 1 41 312 4 0 2 7 4 4 11 8 3 3 3 7 17 6 0 2 1 9 2 4 97 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 3 0 1 3 0 3 1 10 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 22 0 3 0 4 60 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 0 5 0 2 20 2 0 1 0 0 7 8 4 0 1 2 10 0 4 0 0 2 6 0 14 61 18 2 3 13 3 13 34 38 1 8 8 85 35 25 1 4 2 21 4 48 366 25 1 4 10 1 7 10 23 3 7 9 10 41 16 4 9 0 9 0 15 204 Deck Department 18 6 1 2 7 2 15 8 2 4 2 2 35 18 15 9 7 3 6 5 12 4 37 12 13 20 24 7 8 8 2 0 7 2 28 12 0 2 20 15 259 141 Engine Department 1 6 4 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 2 3 0 3 1 1 6 3 0 12 9 0 10 8 0 2 0 1 5 1 2 4 2 1 7 4 1 7 6 0 6 5 0 5 1 0 2 3 0 2 4 0 11 9 1 2 1 2 8 7 10 103 75 Steward Department 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 9 3 1 1 1 1 11 4 0 14 3 0 12 6 0 1 2 0 8 4 0 4 1 0 16 2 3 6 11 0 13 2 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 19 3 0 0 1 0 15 1 7 139 51 Entry Department 6 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 2 0 7 0 0 2 1 2 3 2 3 9 16 2 7 3 0 4 2 1 1 6 0 0 4 2 22 16 0 17 5 4 6 1 0 0 28 0 8 0 1 0 6 6 8 0 0 3 8 1 10 107 23 112 164 524 379 82 219 Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 1,214 1,145 Seafarers LOG 291 15 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:37 PM Page 16 S ea f a r e r s I n t e r n a t i o n a l U n i o n D i r e c t or y Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 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 Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. What are some of the things you enjoy about your job? Inq uiring Seaf are r Juan F. Poblete SA There are a lot of things I like about my job. I like the money, the vacation time, and I like the opportunities. You have the opportunity to go to school for free, which is great. I’m very proud to be an SIU member. Roy Saranthus Engineer There’s always something different to do. I’m always working on different stuff. My days are never routine. It’s also exciting working on the river, docking ships, getting boats back out without any damage. It’s hardly ever boring. And I also like the time off. Ray Adams AB I just like the job in general, and Crowley is a good place to work. I’ve been in the SIU almost four years and in the industry for almost seven years. Being where I’m from (Lake Charles, La.), I see the difference a union makes. I’ve seen non-union people get laid off for what seems like no reason. A union means job security that can’t be taken from you. P i c - F r o m - T h e -P a s t You have a contract to back you up, and that’s what I like the most. Johney August AB I get to see the world and meet different people, explore their cultures and how they live, which helps me get a better view. And I make a good living doing it. I’ve been doing this for 23 years, and the experiences I’ve had with fellow shipmates – the camaraderie – also sticks out to me. try to make the best of it. We work seven (days) on and seven off. I’ve stuck with it for the money. Marguerite Diggs SA I like travelling, and this is a very good way to make a living. I’ve been in the industry for about five years and I’ve stayed because you can have a job any time you’re ready to work. We have job security. Danny Mayfield Engineer I’ve been sailing for seven years with Crescent Towing and I really like the people. We NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 This photo was published in the Dec. 12, 1952 edition of the LOG. It shows Waterman Port Steward Matt Brown (second from right) checking off a list of items for the freighter La Salle that were delivered in New York by Sea Chest representatives John Cole (right) and Pete Bush. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:37 PM Page 17 W e l c o me A sh ore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA DAREN FABEL Brother Daren Fabel, 65, started sailing with the NMU in 1993. He worked as a member of the steward department. In 2007, Brother Fabel upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently shipped aboard the Cape Diamond. Brother Fabel calls Goldsboro, N.C., home. MARK FLORES Brother Mark Flores, 63, began sailing with the union in 1978, originally on the Mount Explorer. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Flores was a member of the steward department. He last worked aboard the Coast Range. Brother Flores resides in Houston. HECTOR FREDERICK Brother Hector Frederick, 66, became an SIU member in 1986. His initial voyage was on the Sugar Islander; his last was aboard the Overseas Luxmar. Brother Frederick sailed in the engine department. He enhanced his skills on two occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Frederick lives in Houston. CARLOS GONZALES Brother Carlos Gonzales, 63, signed on with the NMU in 1994. He was born in Nicaragua and worked in the steward department. Brother Gonzales’s final trip to sea was on the Maersk Arkansas. He went to the Paul Hall Center in 2000 to upgrade his seafaring abilities. Brother Gonzales is a resident of Jackson Heights, N.Y. May 2011 ALTHALO HENTON Brother Althalo Henton, 63, joined the NMU in 1993. He was born in Houston. In 2000 and 2003, Brother Henton took advantage of educational opportunities available at the SIU-affiliated school in Maryland. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Henton most recently worked aboard the Charleston Express. He continues to make his home in his native state. CLIFFORD LACON Brother Clifford Lacon, 72, started sailing with the union in 2001. The deck department member last shipped on the Maersk Kentucky. Brother Lacon calls Mechanicsville, Va., home. CHRISTOPHER POPE Brother Christopher Pope, 59, donned the NMU colors in 1993. He sailed with Keystone Shipping for the duration of his career aboard vessels such as the Fredericksburg and the Keystone Texas. Brother Pope was a member of the deck department. He resides in Grafton, N.H. JEFFERY SAXON Brother Jeffery Saxon, 65, became a Seafarer in 1964 while in the port of Mobile. His first ship was the Monticello. Brother Saxon was born in Alabama and worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard a Sulphur Carriers Inc. vessel. Brother Saxon lives in Theodore, Ala. MUCKBIL SHAIBI Brother Muckbil Shaibi, 68, was born in Yemen. He started his career with the SIU in 1978. Brother Shaibi was originally employed on the Del Uruguay. The steward department member enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Shaibi’s final voyage was aboard the Horizon Eagle. He settled in San Francisco. INLAND DANNIE CARD Brother Dannie Card, 65, joined the union in 1972. He initially worked with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Card was born in Delaware. He last went to sea on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Brother Card is a resident of Millsboro, Del. JOSEPH EVERETT Brother Joseph Everett, 62, is a Virginia native. He began shipping with the SIU in 1973 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Everett first sailed aboard an Allied Transportation Company vessel. His final trip was with McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Everett now makes his home in South Mills, N.C. ASHBY FURLOUGH Transportation Company vessel. Brother Furlough worked in both the engine and deck departments. He attended classes often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Furlough most recently shipped with Penn Maritime Inc. He calls Washington, N.C., home. STEPHEN HACKNEY Brother Stephen Hackney, 56, was born in Philadelphia. He signed on with the union in 1976 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hackney was originally employed with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. The deck department member enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hackney last sailed aboard a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. He continues to reside in Philadelphia. GERALD SIMPSON of the engine department. His final trip was on a vessel operated by Crowley Towing of Jacksonville. Brother Simpson lives in Panama City Beach, Fla. GREAT LAKES RICHARD BELLANT Brother Richard Bellant, 65, joined the union in 1970. He sailed primarily aboard American Steamship Company vessels including the Buffalo, Nicolet and Indiana Harbor. Brother Bellant worked in the steward department. He is a resident of Lakeland, Fla. Brother Gerald Simpson, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He first worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services Inc. Brother Simpson was a member T h is M o nt h I n S I U H i s t o r y Brother Ashby Furlough, 63, became an SIU member in 1969. He first sailed on a Steuart Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted fro previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 At the instigation of SIU, representatives of all AFL maritime unions on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts met in New York on May 20. A resolution was adopted calling on the AFL Executive Council to establish a Maritime Trades Department within the American Federation of Labor. The purpose of this move was to ensure that unions allied in the marine industry would have the same kind of representation within the AFL as do the Building Trades Department and Metal Trades Department. 1955 A bill to strip maritime unions of their right to negotiate contracts through free collective bargaining was proposed by Congressman Herbert Bonner. The proposal, called the Maritime Labor Stabilization Act, would set up a U.S. Board for the Settlement of Maritime Labor Disputes to force compulsory arbitration of all contractual disputes between seamen and their employers. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall described the bill as “a built-in set of blights for seamen’s unions that would deliberately foul up every attempt to negotiate with the shipowner on any contractual matter. More important, the very freedom of our union would be threatened. We must, therefore, oppose this legislation to the limit.” 1960 The revised constitution of the SIU, Atlantic and Gulf District went into effect on Thursday, May 12 after being ratified by better than 90 percent of all the votes cast. A two-thirds vote was required to pass the amendments but this requirement was far surpassed. During the 30-day vote, 4,178 votes were cast in favor and only 322 against. The name of the district union was changed and it is now the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes, and Inland Waters District. The constitution also provides for a monthly membership meeting system. 1993 Seafarers aboard the OMI Charger endured up to eight-foot swells to rescue seven Cuban refugees while the tanker was steaming toward Port Everglades, Fla. on May 6. Bosun Eugene Beverly reported that AB Oscar Hammond was standing watch when he spotted an unknown number of people aboard a small raft in the distance waving frantically. The vessel reached the raft and found six adults and one child. The group had left Cuba for America four days earlier. They were completely out of food and nearly out of water. The entire rescue effort took under an hour from start to finish. The refugees travelled with the crew to port, where they were taken into the custody of the Coast Guard. Seafarers LOG 17 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:38 PM Page 18 Fina l De pa r tu r e s DEEP SEA TIMOTHY ELLIS Brother Timothy Ellis, 49, passed away January 6. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1979. Brother Ellis, a member of the steward department, first sailed on a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. He was born in Baltimore. Brother Ellis’s final ship was the President Adams. He resided in Seattle. JOHN JOHNSON Pensioner John Johnson, 90, died January 9. Brother Johnson first donned the SIU colors in 1963. He initially shipped aboard a vessel operated by Ambrose Transport Company. Brother Johnson, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Colorado. Prior to his retirement in 1985, he worked on the Philadelphia. Brother Johnson made his home in Seattle. HERBERT JOHNSON Brother Herbert Johnson, 66, passed away January 4. He started sailing with the union in 1967. Brother Johnson’s earliest trip was aboard the Steel Voyager. The steward department member’s last ship was the USNS Capella. Brother Johnson was a resident of Sicklerville, N.J. MUSTARI LALONG Brother Mustari Lalong, 63, died December 9. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. Brother Lalong was born in Indonesia. His first ship was the Boston; his last was the Taurus. Brother Lalong sailed in the deck department. He settled in Woodside, N.Y. KEITH O’BRYAN Pensioner Keith O’Bryan, 56, passed away December 4. Brother O’Bryan joined the union in 1973. The deck department member originally worked aboard the Market. Brother O’Bryan was a native of Richland, Wash. Before his retirement in 2005, he sailed on the Atlantic. Brother O’Bryan resided in St. Petersburg, Fla. LARRIE PROFFITT Pensioner Larrie Proffitt, 99, died December 6. Brother Proffitt 18 Seafarers LOG became an SIU member in 1955. His first trip was with Ore Navigation Corporation. Brother Proffitt was born in Hawaii and sailed in the engine department. Brother Proffitt’s final ship was the Newark. He called Baltimore home. REYNALDO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Reynaldo Rodriguez, 83, passed away September 9. Brother Rodriguez joined the Seafarers in 1973. He was initially employed on the Overseas Alice. Brother Rodriguez was a member of the steward department. He was born in the Philippines. Brother Rodriguez’s most recent voyage was with OSG Tanker Corporation. He went on pension in 1992 and lived in California. CHARLIE STANFORD Pensioner Charlie Stanford, 77, died September 29. Brother Stanford signed on with the SIU in 1971 in the port of New York. His earliest trip was aboard the Overseas Alaska. Brother Stanford, who sailed in the steward department, last worked aboard the OMI Champion. He began receiving his pension in 1998 and settled in Louisiana. CARL TREITLER Pensioner Carl Treitler, 83, passed away January 6. Brother Treitler was born in New Orleans. He started sailing with the union in 1953. A member of the steward department, his first ship was the Del Monte. Prior to retiring in 1984, Brother Treitler made a last trip aboard the Del Monte. He was a resident of Arabi, La. ROBERTO ZARAGOZA Pensioner Roberto Zaragoza, 88, died January 11. He first donned the SIU colors in 1941 while in the port of New York. Brother Zaragoza’s earliest trip was aboard the Elizabeth. He was born in the Dominican Republic and sailed in the deck department. Brother Zaragoza’s final voyage was on the Arecibo. He made his home in Huntington, N.Y. INLAND JOHN FITZGERALD Pensioner John Fitzgerald, 92, passed away December 1. Brother Fitzgerald started his seafaring career in 1961 while in Norfolk, Va. He initially sailed in the deck department aboard a vessel operated by Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Fitzgerald last shipped with Atlantic Towing Company. He went on pension in 1989 and lived in Virginia Beach, Va. ELIAS ROMERO Pensioner Elias Romero, 82, died January 16. Brother Romero joined the union in 1964. He mostly shipped aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. Brother Romero was born in Mermentau, La. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987. Brother Romero was a resident of Lake Arthur, La. JAMES SISTARE Pensioner James Sistare, 94, passed away November 5. Brother Sistare was born in South Carolina. He began shipping with the SIU in 1976 while in Houston. Brother Sistare primarily sailed with Marine Contracting & Towing Company. He retired in 1983. Brother Sistare made his home in Ravenel, S.C. GREAT LAKES MERLE DICKENS Pensioner Merle Dickens, 72, died October 28. Brother Dickens signed on with the SIU in 1962. He shipped aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Company for the duration of his career. Brother Dickens became a pensioner in 2000. He called Ohio home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION FRANCIS BAILEY Pensioner Francis Bailey, 84, passed away December 21. Brother Bailey was born in South Carolina. He retired in 1969 and resided in Prince George, Va. FREDERICK BAUER Pensioner Frederick Bauer, 85, died December 24. Brother Bauer, a native of Minnesota, became a pensioner in 1985. He called Texas City, Texas, home. FRED BLACKMON Pensioner Fred Blackmon, 92, passed away December 7. Brother Blackmon was born in Alabama. He went on pension in 1985. Brother Blackmon settled in Upper Marlboro, Md. RUDOPH CAMPOS Pensioner Rudolph Campos, 85, died December 17. The Texasborn mariner became a pensioner in 1967. Brother Campos was a resident of Houston. MIGUEL FERREIRA Pensioner Miguel Ferreira, 90, passed away December 17. Brother Ferreira was a native of Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1984. Brother Ferreira lived in Bronx, N.Y. VIVIAN GARCIA Pensioner Vivian Garcia, 94, died December 23. Sister Garcia was born in North Carolina. She went on pension in 1988 and called Rocky Mount, N.C., home. WILSON HALL Pensioner Wilson Hall, 93, passed away December 24. Brother Hall was a native of Dallas. He retired in 1966. Brother Hall made his home in New York. WALTER HARRISON Pensioner Walter Harrison, 86, died December 4. Brother Harrison was born in Whippany, N.J. He became a pensioner in 1968. Brother Harrison settled in Brandon, Fla. CHARLES HENDERSON Pensioner Charles Henderson, 85, passed away December 6. Brother Henderson was a Wisconsin native. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1980. Brother Henderson lived in Waupaca, Wisc. MATTHEW IDZIK Pensioner Matthew Idzik, 86, died December 17. Brother Idzik, a native of Rhode Island, went on pension in 1984. He called Reno, Nev., home. THOMAS LANTRY Pensioner Thomas Lantry, 91, passed away December 11. Brother Lantry was born in Union City, N.J. He began receiving his pension in 1973. Brother Lantry continued to live in New Jersey. JUAN MARTINEZ Pensioner Juan Martinez, 90, died December 4. Born in Puerto Rico, he became a pensioner in 2001. Brother Martinez was a resident of Ponce, P.R. FRANCIS McCLAIN Pensioner Francis McClain, 83, passed away November 26. Brother McClain was a Pennsylvania native. He retired in 1966. Brother McClain made his home in Portage, Pa. PEDRO PAGAN Pensioner Pedro Pagan, 74, died October 2. Brother Pagan was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1992. Brother Pagan settled in New York. CHARLIE ROBINSON Pensioner Charlie Robinson, 84, passed away November 21. Brother Robinson, a native of Alabama, started collecting his retirement compensation in 1988. He called Gwynn Oak, Md., home. JUAN ROSARIO Pensioner Juan Rosario, 80, died December 3. Brother Juan Rosario was born in Puerto Rico. He began receiving his pension in 1996. Brother Rosario resided in Long Beach, Calif. EDWARD ROURKE Pensioner Edward Rourke, 93, passed away December 11. Brother Rourke was a Louisiana native. He became a pensioner in 1974. Brother Rourke was a resident of Thibodaux, La. HERMAN SYKES Pensioner Herman Sykes, 83, died November 24. Brother Sykes was born in Jacksonville, Fla. He retired in 1971. Brother Sykes continued to live in Florida. FEDERICO THOMPSON Pensioner Federico Thompson, 84, passed away December 4. The Honduras native went on pension in 1981. Brother Thompson settled in Algiers, La. WALLACE THORNTON Pensioner Wallace Thornton, 78, died December 28. Brother Thornton was born in Port Arthur, Texas. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1971. Brother Thornton continued to make his home in Texas. CARMELO VELEZ Pensioner Carmelo Velez, 87, passed away December 25. Brother Velez, a native of Puerto Rico, went on pension in 1988. He called New York home. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:38 PM Page 19 D i g es t o f S h ip b oa r d U n io n M e et i ng s ALLIANCE BEAUMONT (Maersk Line, Limited), February 5 – Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Michael H. Watts, Educational Director Joseph C. Grandinetti, Deck Delegate Idowu Jonathan, Engine Delegate Johnny Swinson, Steward Delegate Carlos Diaz. Bosun expressed gratitude to Seafarers for keeping ship clean and separating plastic from trash. He asked them to make sure cabins were clean when they are turned over to arriving reliefs. Steward department was praised for keeping crew “looking forward to each and every meal.” Secretary reminded those departing the vessel to leave dirty linen in laundry bag located in passageway. He thanked fellow crew members for keeping messhall clean. Deck department was thanked for help with trash. Educational director urged members to enhance their skills, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. He also reminded them to keep documents current and contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to increase pension and medical benefits. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., Charleston, S.C., Baltimore, Md., Wilmington, Del. and Beaumont, Texas. DEPENDABLE (Transoceanic Cable Ship Company), February 28 – Chairman Sanyboy Whiting, Secretary Emmanuel Laureta, Educational Director Ely Cuaresma, Deck Delegate Jose Bautista, Engine Delegate Cecilio Banga. Chairman reported a smooth, safe voyage and discussed ship’s itinerary. Secretary suggested that all Seafarers become familiar with the contract and informed them that copies were available at the port. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md., and make sure they stay up-todate on their TWIC and MMD/MMC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated that ship fund money was used to purchase a ping-pong table. GREAT LAND (Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc.), February 20 – Chairman Stanley Gurney, Secretary Dadang B. Rashidi, Educational Director Jerome D. Chief Cook Recognized for Shipboard Safety Vessel Master Bill Dutour alerted the LOG that Chief Cook David Moses (sixth from left in group photo at right, with the captain and other mariners) in early April earned a safety award for his actions aboard the Maersk Wyoming. The award is part of a continuing program sponsored by Maersk Line, Limited. According to Dutour, “David’s prompt action during a fire in the freeze box allowed the ship to respond in a timely fashion and avoid any damage or injuries.” The chief cook, who has completed a number of upgrading courses at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, also is pictured with AB Mohamed S. Soliman (left in bottom right photo) during a cookout. Shown in the remaining photo are QEE Carl Montoya, AB Koksal Demir, GUDE Magdy Elkeik and AB Arsenio Omabao. Culbreth, Deck Delegate Ali Saleh, Steward Delegate Rudy D. Olivas. Chairman reported members did a great job maintaining SIU standards aboard ship. He informed everyone that vessel will lay up around February 28. Secretary expressed his appreciation for crew’s help keeping ship clean. Educational director reminded mariners to take every opportunity to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers would like to have access to wireless internet while in port. Suggestion was made to increase health benefits for members and dependents. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. Champion Docks in Port Elizabeth This photo of the Sealand Champion galley gang was taken in mid-March after the vessel arrived in Port Elizabeth, N.J. Standing left to right are Chief Cook Jose P. Constantino, Recertified Steward Willie Massaline and SA Scott Accardi. May 2011 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. HARRIETTE (Sealift, Inc.), February 20 – Chairman Andrew C. Jones, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Demond J. Lindsey, Deck Delegate Amos A. Idris, Engine Delegate Aranda Fausto, Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Bosun thanked crew for a safe trip and for their hard work. He announced that the Harriette is ending 33 years of service in May 2011. Educational director encouraged seamen to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read and discussed president’s report from the January 2011 Seafarers LOG. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), February 21 – Chairman Rufino J. Giray, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo, Educational Director David M. Parker, Deck Delegate Peter Koucky, Steward Delegate Yahya Ali. Chairman announced payoff on February 27 in San Pedro, Calif. He also urged crew to check expiration dates on documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested regarding call-back policy. Mariners expressed appreciation for Chief Cook Ali and Steward Assistant Ahmed Mussa for great service and going above and beyond their duties. Next ports: San Pedro, Calif., Oakland, Calif. and Guam. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), February 6 – Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Larry Ewing, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Hector Barnes, Steward Delegate Juan Vallejo. Chairman announced pay- off, reminded crew to clean rooms before departing, and thanked steward department for great food. Secretary urged members to contribute to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, and recommended upgrading at the Paul Hall Center to facilitate career advancement. Educational director reminded fellow members to keep TWIC and other credentials up-todate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reiterated bosun’s appreciation of steward department. Mariners mentioned that they rescued two fishermen at sea. (Editor’s note: See page 4 of the April LOG for related article, also available at www.seafarers.org.) Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), February 27 – Chairman Tony Mercado, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Xavier Alfaro, Engine Delegate Jermaine Love, Steward Delegate Charles Davis. Chairman said payoff would take place at sea, before ship’s scheduled March 4 arrival in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked steward department for good barbecues and fine food, and also thanked deck gang for their good work. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade and also to make sure they stay up-todate on their TWIC and merchant mariner credential. Treasurer reported roughly $2,500 in ship’s fund. Crew purchased new TV to watch safety movies as a group. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for option to have direct deposit for vacation checks. They discussed contractual issue specific to Horizon and said they would ask patrolman for clarification. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; and Elizabeth, N.J. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Crowley), February 14 – Chairman Timothy J. Jackson, Secretary Charles E. Curley, Educational Director Fidel C. Blanco, Deck Delegate Michael Brisco, Steward Delegate Henry Richardson. Chairman said the voyage to northern Europe went well, and he thanked steward department for good work. Secretary conveyed steward department’s thanks to STOS and wiper for keeping house clean. Also thanked SA and cook for jobs well done. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of courses offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew gave vote of thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco for his successful efforts to preserve shipboard jobs. Crew expressed desire to schedule upgrading courses well in advance. Next port: Houston. USNS BUTTON (AMSEA), February 7 – Chairman Jo C. Postell, Secretary Dennis Redding, Educational Director Efren Villerosa, Deck Delegate Gregory L. Jackson, Steward Delegate Edward Ellis. Crew talked about deck-department security watches and suggested a potential procedural improvement. They suggested changing the name of vacation benefits, at least where the actual checks are concerned. Educational director recommended upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new DVD player and clarification about different levels of health benefits. Seafarers LOG 19 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:38 PM Page 20 Stewards Complete Highest Level of Training Available Continued from Page 7 union’s health and benefits plan. “All of that was because of bad or misinformation that I had received from the wrong sources,” he said. “Now that I have the correct information, I don’t feel the same way because I now know how the health and benefit plan works,” he said. “The same holds true for SPAD. I now understand why it is necessary and how it helps protect all of our interests.” McHellen credited the instructors for doing a great job in all aspects of the curriculum. “This class was very valuable to me in so many ways,” he said. “I learned how the union works from top to bottom, how our leadership works so hard to protect our current jobs and secure new ones. “I just want to thank everyone for this opportunity,” he concluded. Ramos, whose home port is New York, has worn the SIU colors for more than 10 years. After attending and graduating from the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice course in 1991, the New York-born mariner returned to the school on several occasion to augment his skills. Ramos told the audience that he loved all aspects of the recertification course and was particularly impressed with the segment dealing with union education. “The union education portion of the training provided very good information,” he said. “I look forward to passing it on to fellow brothers and sisters aboard ship. Knowledge is power.” He credited the instructors for doing a great job and had high praise for the varied accomplishments headquarters officials have achieved on behalf of the membership. Ramos also noted that several changes have taken place at the school since he was last on campus. “All of it is still perfect,” he said. “This is the only place that I would say always welcomes you with open arms. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper 20 Seafarers LOG “Don’t let anyone discourage you in the pursuit of your goals,” Ramos told the trainees. “Keep up the good work in your current studies, and when you finish come back and upgrade often. If you do these things, you can go far.” He concluded by expressing his gratitude to all concerned for the opportunities the SIU has afforded him thus far in his maritime career. “The union has taken me a long way,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who played a role in making it all possible.” A Seafarer since 1989, Huyett told the audience that he thoroughly was impressed with the quality and scope of the training he received during the recertification course. “The instructors were very professional, and the classes were pertinent and always to the point,” he said. “The course length was good, not overly long and students did not feel rushed.” The recertification class marked the fifth time Huyett has been at the school for training. “I was a member of unlicensed apprentice Class 439 and returned here in 1991, 1995 and again in 2003 for third cook, chief cook and BST,” he said. Like a couple of his classmates, Huyett particularly enjoyed the ServSafe portion of the curriculum. In his view, this is “a must for anyone in the industry who is involved in food service.” He also found his visit to SIU Headquarters and downtown Washington, D.C., to be very informative. “Perhaps now I can answer questions about the union and be certain that the answers given are correct,” he said. “I now have a better appreciation and understanding of how the union works, what is expected of us as members and what we should be doing.” Huyett offered encouragement to the trainees and told them to take full advantage of the opportunities they are being afforded through the union. “There’s noth- John Huyett (left) and Samuel Harris practice their skills during the CPR module of their recertification training. ing out there that gives you the level of training and types of opportunities that the union does,” he said. “This school is unique to the industry and is an excellent tool…. I urge you all to take advantage of it.” Huyett then thanked union officials for their leadership, support and the lifestyle that being a Seafarer has afforded him. “It’s been a good ride so far,” he said. “I’m still here and I thank everyone who made it possible.” Harris was the final speaker to address the audience. He joined the SIU in 1990 in San Francisco and sails out of Oakland. Prior to the recertification course, Harris had twice spent time upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. While he enjoyed the entire steward recertification curriculum, Harris said he was most impressed by the segments on union education and ServSafe. “The union education part was the most important for me,” he said. “Just gaining some working knowledge on how the union works at getting jobs and keeping them for the membership made me look at it (the union) in a new light. The ServSafe class also was very helpful to me because it made me take a look at myself, the way I do things aboard ship and how we run our entire operation.” Evaluating his overall experience at the school during recertification training, Harris said that “things could not have been better. Everyone and everything— including the instructors, staff and also my union shipmates—was outstanding.” Turning to the trainees, Harris told them to work hard, ask questions and to upgrade their skills whenever possible. “Thanks to the union and this school, you don’t have to have a college degree to earn a good living,” he concluded. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. Kn ow Y o u r R i gh t s address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 10:00 PM Page 21 P a u l H a ll C e nt e r U p g ra d ing C o u rs e Sc he d u le The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion May 30 July 18 June 24 August 12 May 2 May 6 Deck Department AB ECDIS May 23 July 18 Fast Rescue Boats GMDSS June 13 Radar Observer (Unlimited) June 24 August 8 Radar Recertification (1 day) August 19 May 16 STOS May 16 May 16 Tank Ship Familiarization August 5 May 16 May 20 May 16 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 27 Engine Department FOWT May 30 July 25 June 24 August 19 May 9 July 1 June 27 Junior Engineer Machinist July 22 August 1 Marine Electrician August 19 May 9 July 18 Welding July 1 September 9 May 9 May 27 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 Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? ❏ Yes ❏ No If yes, class # ______________________________________________________________ If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ May 2011 Start Date Welding June 6 July 11 BST/Basic Fire Fighting MSC Readiness Refresher May 13 July 22 May 16 May 20 June 24 May 16 June 13 August 1 Vessel Security Officer Certified Chief Steward May 9 July 18 June 20 Medical Care Provider Date of Completion June 24 July 29 Safety Upgrading Courses Government Vessels May 20 June 17 August 5 May 9 July 11 May 10 July 12 Steward Department July 9 September 23 Chief Cook These modules start every other week. The most recent class began May 2. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday May 27 July 25 Tank PIC Barge DL Water Survival May 27 July 22 Title of Course Important Notice Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________ SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/11 Seafarers LOG 21 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:38 PM Page 22 P a u l H a l l C en t er C l a s s es Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 741 – Eleven Phase I unlicensed apprentices completed their training in this 60-hour course Dec. 23. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Juan Bautista, Sean Branch, Ryan Brown, James Cronk III, Bannacke Figueroa, Timothy Heffernan, Victor Milian, Kyle Silva, Jarvis Stanley, Geoffrey Stevens, and Kevin Sykes. Welding – Nine upgraders finished this 103-hour course March 25. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Rigoberto Beata, Kenneth Bricker, Claytain Carr, Todd Favaza, Braden Horne, Welsey Hughes, Keith McIntosh, Lawrence Todd, and Kareim Wright. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from the right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 742 – Eighteen Phase I unlicensed apprentices completed their requirements in this class Jan. 21. Graduating from the 60-hour course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mike Adorno, Kyle Bennett, Richard Brockway, Sean Callahan, Autumn Cole, Ryan Dapello, Jonathan Essen, Dustin Hutchins, Tyrell Jones, Brian Lanata, Theresa Lattimore, Keith Marion, Edward Martinez, David Mason, Diani Melendez, William Mercer Jr., Angela Porter and Matthew Timson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Twenty Seafarers completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 1. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were:Tousif Ahmed, James Anderson, Jason Bimle, John Cooper, Randy Corey, Jason Greene, Andrew Gronotte, Joshua Harris, Patrick Kirkland, Anthony Kpodovia, Devin Nesbitt, Xavier Normil, Valentine Okei, Lamar Pinckney, Lionel Rivera, Hipoita Roches, Robert Scrivens, Marcel Soares, Sutthipong Ticer and Florian Turcios. Class instructor Tim Achorn is at the far right. GMDSS – Six upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 11. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Steven Corachan, Adel Irani, Timothy Littles, Samuel Lloyd, Larry Rawlins and Christopher Ruggiero. Class instructor Brad Wheeler is at the far right. Tankship Familiarization DL – Two classes of Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed their training in this 63-hour course of study March 25. Graduating and receiving certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abdullah Alamri, Jeremy Boyd, Christopher Brown, Adam Bucalo, John Burris, Robert Costa Jr., Anthony Dell Aquila, Michael Fertl, Joseph Griggs, Howard Guilliams, Ross Halsted, Joshua Hammons, Abobakr Hasan, David Kabasinskas, Matthew Maynard, Ronilo Monares, Zeyad Muthala, Michael Page, Joseph Panella, Dhahabi Quraish, Michael Reed, Johnny Sawyer, Samuel Shuebrooks, Daniel Stepnik, Zachrey Stevenson, Lear Surcedo, Samir Tarsha and Demilton Wheat. 22 Seafarers LOG Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. May 2011 �64199_Log_May11:May 2011 4/20/2011 5:38 PM Page 23 Pa u l H a l l C e n t e r C l a s s e s Government Vessels – The following Seafarers (left, in alphabetical order) completed their training in this course March 4: Raymond Alexander, Harold Borden, Deloris Brown, William Carney, Gorden Cherup, Virgilio Demegillo, Antonio Donald, Sabba Ghaleb, Derrick Martin, Michael Mendoza, Hipolita Roches, Florian Turcios, and Wayne Wilson. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at the far right. Junior Engineer – Twenty-four upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 4. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Noli Aguirre, Wendell Brown, Claytain Carr, Richard Digman, DeMorris Duggins, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Vorden Ferguson, Marcus Gramby, Tsawang Gyurme, Chad Hess, Braden Horne, Wesley Hughes, Michael Kelly, Damien Law, Bobby Maharaj, Freddie Malbas, Nakesha Miller, Alex Oliva, Elmer Rochez, Cornelius Smith, Lawrence Todd, Elaine Watts and Kareim Wright. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ECDIS (Crowley) – Six individuals completed their requirements in this course Dec. 16, 2010. Graduating and receiving certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jonas Bognar, Bradley Burkart, Monte Cross Jr., Jeremiah Dougherty, Christopher Gross and Leo Venegas. Brad Wheeler, the class instructor, is at the far right. BST (Hawaii) - Seventeen individuals completed their requirements in this course March 12 at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Facility. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Michale Truncale, Gretchen Nixon, Dominque Coles, Jennifer Edmonds, Douglas Helms, Steven Murray, Bobby Baker, Omar Finnikin, David Compton, Elaine McLemore, Jessica Creeks, Ronald Herndon, Maury Sails II, Mark Scarinci, Jarrod Douglas, Scott Olsen and Danny Winrow. May 2011 Electronic Navigation – Six Seafarers completed their training in this course March 18. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ray Adams Jr., Ronnie Boatwright Sr., Dominique Calvy, Samuel Lloyd, Dustin Marks and Hector Ortiz. Class Instructor Brad Wheeler is fourth from the left. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) graduated from this class at the Seafarers Training Facility in Barbers Point, Hawaii Jan. 29: Souphaphone Chanthathirath, Christopher Correa, Daniel Freed, Thien Ly Bui, Rhonda Goodwin, Joshua Souza, Jose Borrero, Jacob Dube, Elizabeth Hill, Tillie Morrison, Teresa Norris, Said Nuriyev, Jessica Taylor, Elaine King, Meagon Lefkakis, Brentton Stevens and John Ung. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) graduated from this class in Barbers Point, Hawaii, March 19: Max Borges, Michael Domagala, Joan Jontilano, Phillip Meade, Keneith Deal, Jeremy Nilsson, Erin Pandy, Eric Smith, Denis Alberga, Florante Abitong, Elonie Oliverio, Brandie Robinson, Anthony Scachetti, Ulyssis Ochoa, James Bass, Leigh Petterson, Codi Plourde, Phillip Beavides and Marcus Gonzalez. Seafarers LOG 23 �64199_Log_May11_X:May 2011 4/24/2011 10:57 PM Page 24 Volume 73, Number 5 May 2011 Annual Funding Notices Pages 10, 11 H e a v y L i f t i n g A l l I n a D a y ’ s W or k F o r U n i o n - C r e w e d B B C H o u st o n The SIU-crewed and AMSE A-opera ted BB C Houston in la te Marc h loade d a 450-ton t ugboat i n Tacom a, Wash. The tug, bui lt in Tac oma, was bound for J a p a n . P h o t o s o f t h e o p e r a t i o n a n d so m e o f t h e S I U cr ew ap p ea r o n th i s p a g e. The B BC Houst on refla gge d under t he St ars and Stri pes last fa ll. The 393-foot heavy-li ft ship was built in 2005. It is o u t f i t t e d w i t h t wo c r a n e s , h a s a b e a m o f 66 feet and c an sail at 16.5 knots. SIU members sailing aboard the BBC Houston during its recent voyage to Japan included (from left) Chief Steward Marcus Rowe, ACU Leroy Jenkins, QMED Gebar Ogbe, QMED Jasper McGirt, AB Loukas Frangias, QMED Mohammad Khan and AB John Springer. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2011 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ‘WE ARE ONE’ UNION MEMBERS NATIONWIDE MOBILIZE FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS USNS MCLEAN CHRISTENED SIU RETAINS JOBS ON USNS STOCKHAM USNS WHEAT AS MAERSK WINS CONTRACT HORIZON LINES ATTEMPTING TO NAVIGATE FINANCIAL STRUGGLES UN BACKS PIRACY COURTS; SOS CAMPAIGN CONTINUES LANTZ GETS NOD AS U.S. NOMINEE FOR IMO POST USNS WILLIAM MCLEAN LAUNCHED IN SAN DIEGO NEWEST T-AKE VESSEL WILL JOIN GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION FLEET MEMBERS VOTE ON EXTENSION FOR STANDARD AGREEMENTS U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY RALLIES TO PREVENT LARGER CUTS TO FOOD AID UNION MEMBERS MOBILIZE FOR ‘WE ARE ONE’ SEAFARERS JOIN RALLIES TO DEFEND WORKERS’ RIGHTS NEW GMDSS EQUIPMENT PROVIDES ENHANCED TRAINING ACTIVE IN PORT OF HOUSTON STEWARDS CAPITALIZE ON UPGRADING OPPORTUNITIES LONGTIME MTD/SIIU OFFICIAL PECQUEX RETIRES N.Y. NATIVE ‘DEVOTED HIS ENTIRE LIFE TO THE LABOR MOVEMENT’ MARITIME COMMUNITY CONDUCTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE OF TEXACO OKLAHOMA SINKING MSC RECOGNIZES CIVMARS FOR FOOD SERVICE EXCELLENCE AROUND THE PORT OF JACKSONVILLE STEADY PROGRESS CONTINUES IN CMPI TALKS CIVMARS ASSIST IN KEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION NEGOTIATIONS THE ED WOODS STORY- A TEENAGER IN WORLD WAR II HEAVY LIFTING ALL IN A DAY’S WORK FOR UNION-CREWED BBC HOUSTON Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2011 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 73, No. 5 2011 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/42ec0f2435cbae6322c1ec651aa32830.pdf 69f50498730243eb04a2fbfce85d8c19 PDF Text Text Volume 74, Number 5 May 2012 Green Cove to the Rescue The SIU-crewed Green Cove saved four men (pictured in large photo at right) whose boat capsized approximately 200 miles off the coast of Colombia. Bosun Brad Brunette provided a recap and additional photos of the rescue. Page 3. Union Mourns René Lioeanjie The SIU sadly reports the passing of retired official René Lioeanjie (pictured above), who died April 10 at age 89. Lioeanjie was president of the National Maritime Union when that organization merged into the SIU in 2001. He subsequently served as an SIU vice president at large before retiring in 2009. Page 3. Alaska Tanker Company Crews Hone Safety Skills in Piney Point SIU members who sail with Alaska Tanker Company recently completed safety and leadership training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. A few of those Seafarers are pictured below. The mid-March gathering blended practical training and classroom instruction. It also featured a safetycentered discussion jointly hosted by SIU President Michael Sacco (middle in group photo) and ATC President Anil Mathur (second from right). That session included Seafarers and school personnel. Also pictured in the group photo are (from left) ATC Port Manager Mike Meadors, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and ATC Labor Relation Director Bill Cole. Pages 12-13. Navy League Backs Jones Act Page 2 11757_May_Log_X.indd 1 Finance Committee, Pre-Balloting Reports Issued Page 4 Annual Funding Notices Pages 9-10 4/27/2012 6:43:07 PM �President’s Report TRANSCOM Leader Visits SIU Ships Workers Memorial Day Around the world on April 28, which is Workers Memorial Day, people remember those who were hurt or killed on the job, and those of us in the labor movement renew our struggle for safe workplaces. In town squares and union halls, at worksites and memorials, in community after community, we gather to remember our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives and those who fight for a safe work environment. Perhaps more than most, SIU members have a deep appreciation for on-the-job safety. It’s a constant focal point for Seafarers because of the nature of the maritime industry. There is no ambulance available to drive up when someone is injured aboard a vessel. Individual wellbeing is the most important reason for that focus; realistically, potential liabilities are a factor, too. When it comes to workplace safety, the SIU has a lot to be proud of, including our cooperative efforts with Seafarers-contracted companies and, of Michael Sacco course, with our affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Check out this month’s LOG feature on recent Alaska Tanker Company safety training for just one example of these efforts. Our struggle for safer workplaces at sea goes back almost a century, to Andrew Furuseth and the Seamen’s Act of 1915. Through our affiliation with the AFL-CIO, we are also part of a larger endeavor that involves all industries. It was the American labor movement four decades ago that secured enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act along with mine-safety laws that promised workers in this country a right to a safe job. Since then, we’ve made great progress in improving safety and protecting workers. Workplace fatalities and injuries have significantly declined. Exposures to job hazards and toxic chemicals have been reduced. This progress didn’t just happen because the OSHA law and mine safety laws were passed. It happened because workers and their unions organized and then demanded action from employers and their government. Just about every safety and health protection on the books today exists because of working men and women and their unions. Through this work, we’ve made jobs safer and saved lives – not just for union members, but for all workers. Still, much more work remains to be done. We all remember – and still feel the consequences of – the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, which claimed 11 lives. We all remember the horrific explosion at the Massey Upper Big Branch coal mine in West Virginia that killed 29 miners – the worst coal mine disaster in four decades. Those incidents made headlines around the world, but in that regard they were exceptions. Outside of local news coverage, how many of us hear about the thousands of workers who die in this country every year? The average for workplace fatalities is startling: 12 workers die on the job each day in the U.S. as a result of work-related injuries. Thousands more die each year from occupational diseases. On Workers Memorial Day (still a few days away at press time), the SIU will remember all of the victims, and we will renew our commitment to help prevent more tragedies. Much of that commitment involves political action, because, just like we have to constantly fight to maintain the Jones Act, cargo-preference laws and other statutes that are vital to maritime, we also have to defend workplace protections and job-safety measures. On that note, it’s only fair to credit the Obama administration for remaining committed to worker safety and health. Make no mistake, they have been our ally all the way, and that’s vitally important at a time when certain business groups and anti-worker legislators want to block new protections and roll back existing ones. On this Workers Memorial Day, we remember and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives on the job or have been injured or made sick. And on this day, we commit to work together to fight the assault on workers’ rights to bargain for fairer workplaces, safer job sites, a better life and a brighter future. The commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, Gen. William M. Fraser III (fourth from left), visited SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force ships in Alameda, Calif., early last month. Pictured aboard the USNS Algol are (from left) Kevin Tokarski, associate administrator for national security, U.S. Maritime Administration; Command Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base; SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone; Gen. Fraser; SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona; Bosun Charles Frisella; Bosun Ralph White; and Hank Ryan, ship operations and maintenance officer, Maritime Administration. TRANSCOM is in charge of global transportation for the Department of Defense. The Algol is operated by Ocean Shipholdings. American-Flag Ships Ready To Transport Fuel to Northeast With potential refinery closures in the Northeast looming as another unwelcome development in the already dire gas crisis, a major American maritime industry coalition has let the government know that plenty of U.S.-flag tonnage is ready to transport fuel to that part of the country from the Gulf of Mexico. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), composed of 400 member organizations including the SIU, contacted the Department of Energy in late March to reiterate that U.S. ships can handle the job of carrying gas, heating oil and other important petroleumbased products wherever needed. The coalition also explained that using American-flag ships won’t affect the price of gas at the pump. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), part of the Department of Energy, three oil refineries located in and serving the American Northeast are scheduled to close in the coming months. Consumers in that region, and particularly New England, may suffer from supply shortages and severe price hikes at a time when gas prices are already upwards of $4 per gallon in many places. Since late 2011, two refineries in Pennsylvania have closed and another facility in the U.S. Virgin Islands shut its doors. In its communications to the government, AMP explained in detail how the Jones Act fleet has the ves- sel capacity and the workforce to transport the needed amount of oil and gas from the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere to ports in the Northeast. Last February, the EIA released a report that erroneously stated Jones Act ships may be in “short supply” to move oil from the Gulf. This report was quickly discredited by AMP. “In an error of omission, the EIA’s analysis understated the American tank vessel capacity by approximately 50 percent,” AMP said in a letter. “Once all American tank vessel capacity is considered, there is ample capacity to address changes in petroleum product markets as a result of Northeast refinery closures.” The letter noted that the group is working with EIA to update its information and correct its report. Another rumor that apparently has been fed to the media by Jones Act opponents is that shipping American would increase the price of gas. This idea was also shot down by AMP, who pointed out that 90 percent of gas prices come from taxes and crude oil prices, neither of which have anything to do with shipping. The bottom line, according to AMP and other allies of the U.S.-flag fleet, is that American workers aboard American ships are ready to do their part in the oil crisis. Claims to the contrary, and requests for Jones Act waivers and other anti-U.S. worker agendas, are not only untrue but will be detrimental to continued economic growth. Navy League: Jones Act Vital to National Security Volume 74, Number 5 May 2012 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Paddy Lehane; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2012 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 2 A recently released annual policy statement from the Navy League of the United States, Maritime Primacy & Economic Security, says the Jones Act is critical to U.S. economic, homeland and national security – serving the nation by maintaining a skilled merchant marine, shipbuilding capacity and sealift capability. Announced in late March, the policy statement says the Navy League supports “the Jones Act and Passenger Vessel Services Act, which are important to economic and national security because they protect critical national infrastructure and provide added sealift capacity through the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), an expanded pool of trained and experienced mariners to crew U.S. government-owned sealift assets and help sustain the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industrial base that is vital to the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.” The Jones Act mandates the use of vessels that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American to move cargo between domestic U.S. ports. Similar laws and statutes apply the same ground rules to the movement of passengers, towing, dredging and marine salvage. The law boosts security by adding a sealift capacity as well as an expanded pool of trained and experienced mariners to crew U.S. governmentowned sealift assets. It also prevents foreign-owned, foreign-crewed tonnage from having unfettered access to U.S. waterways. “We are pleased that the Navy League supports the Jones Act and understands the essential role the law plays in creating jobs and protecting our homeland,” said James Henry, president of the Transportation Institute and chairman of the board of directors of the American Maritime Partnership, a major coalition of American maritime industry members including the SIU. “The Jones Act makes America more secure economically and militarily by maintaining a skilled merchant marine that supports our military while providing nearly 500,000 American jobs.” The policy statement says the Jones Act is critical to the long-term sustainability of the U.S. fleet, noting that without commercial capability, the U.S. government would be required to provide significantly more funds to build a replacement fleet and infrastructure (at an estimated costs of many billions of dollars) while losing the pool of highly qualified mariners needed to sail these vessels. In addition, the Navy League says the Jones Act has a positive impact on the U.S. economy. May 2012 4/26/2012 7:02:59 PM �Lioeanjie, Last NMU President, Dies at 89 Rene Lioeanjie, who as president of the old National Maritime Union helped implement its merger into the SIU more than a decade ago, died April 10 in Panama. He was 89 and had been in poor health. Among other accomplishments, Lioeanjie will be remembered for organizing Panama Canal workers and for important efforts in the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s flag-of-convenience campaign. But his most significant achievement, according to several people who worked closely with him, was helping finalize a merger that had been attempted on and off for decades. “He saved the NMU by merging with the SIU,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “Rene stepped forward and knew what had to be done to save his members’ jobs. He was a man of his word.” Charlie Stewart, a former NMU official and retired Seafarers vice president at large who knew Lioeanjie since 1962, said his departed colleague “did an outstanding job and steered the ship right. He did the right thing in leading us to the merger and asking the SIU to accept us. Without that move, we’d probably be out on the street…. He’s to be congratulated, and I hope his family and friends recognize what he’s done for us.” Lioeanjie was the NMU’s fourth president, and he held that post from 1997 until the merger took place in 2001. From then until his retirement in 2009, he was a vice president at large for the Seafarers. A native of Dutch Guyana, Lioeanjie went to the United States in 1945 after sailing on Dutch-flag ships and immediately started sailing aboard American-flag vessels. He sailed as an ordinary seaman, deck storekeeper, quartermaster and bosun until he went ashore in 1955 as chief, master of Rene Lioeanjie (left) shakes hands with the late SIU Exec. VP John Fay as merger documents are signed in 2001. arms at the New York headquarters of the NMU. He became a U.S. citizen that year. Moving up within the union, Lioeanjie was responsible for some groundbreaking activities and frequently represented the NMU on innovative projects—always aimed at improving the working conditions of all mariners. He tackled the job of working with crews on runaway-flag vessels and later was appointed organizer for the International Maritime Workers Union, an orga- nization formed by the NMU and the SIU to organize FOC ships. Lioeanjie then went to organize seamen on public-sector vessels and federal employees in the Panama Canal Zone. Working his way up through the ranks, he served as patrolman, agent, vice president, secretary-treasurer and president. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said Lioeanjie “was very courageous in taking the step that he took for his membership regarding the merger. In difficult times, he made the right decisions for his members.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel remembered Lioeanjie as “a very humble individual who was pleasant to work with. He worked diligently for mariners from all nations to better their lives.” ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said, “Both in his NMU and, later, SIU roles, he played a leading role in ITF policy. The whole family will miss him.” Green Cove Crew Rescues Four Editor’s note: Bosun Brad Brunette wrote the following account and provided the accompanying photos from a recent rescue by the Central Gulf Lines vessel Green Cove. On Dec. 8, 2011 at 1400, the captain of the Green Cove received a call from an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) plane. The pilot reported a capsized vessel and asked for our assistance. This happened approximately 200 miles off the coast of Colombia. The captain proceeded to the location the pilot provided. Once we were there, the AWACS stayed on station until the men were safely aboard our ship. Bosun Brad Brunette and ABs Edward Ayres and Dhindo Faulve lashed two cargo nets together and lowered them alongside the pilot ladder. It turned out the men in the disabled boat were too weak to use the ladder, so we rigged the gangway to get them aboard. Once aboard our ship, the men were treated for exposure and dehydration by AB Fred Martinez and the chief mate. The rescued men received the best Christmas present ever: being able to return to their families. They told us they had been adrift for nine days, and were out of water and food. They were very lucky to have survived. Once rehydrated and fed, they felt much better and were transferred later that night to a Brazilian naval vessel. In addition to those already mentioned, SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue included AB Larry Byrd, AB Louis Holder, AB Kelvin Johnson, OMU Dale Graham, OMU Davon McMillan, Steward/Baker Wayne Howard, Chief Cook Leslie McGirt and SA Diana House. The U.S. Navy plane above contacted the Green Cove and remained on site through the rescue’s completion. In the photo at right, the men from the capsized boat safely climb aboard the Green Cove. May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 3 Seafarers LOG 3 4/26/2012 7:03:01 PM �Membership Receives Pre-Balloting Report SIU President Michael Sacco has issued the pre-balloting report to the membership announcing general elections for the union’s officers will take place this year. The release of this report is called for in Article X, Section 1(e) of the SIU constitution. The report lists the various offices that will appear on the ballot. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2013 through 2016. A total 25 positions from president to port agent will appear on the ballot. In presenting the report, Sacco noted he has worked with the union’s executive board and port officials to appraise the needs of the SIU for the next four years and beyond, while considering changes that have occurred in the industry. Printed here is the full text of the 2012 pre-balloting report. May 7, 2012 Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my Pre-Balloting Report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2013-2016 will commence on November 1, 2012 and continue through December 31, 2012. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective March 13, 2009, and such other voting procedures as our Secretary-Treasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the everchanging demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2012 General Election of Officers for the term 2013-2016: n 1 President n 1 Executive Vice President n 1 Secretary-Treasurer n 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement n 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast n 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast n 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters n 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast n 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries n 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) Port Agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney Point. In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2012 and close August 15, 2012. The foregoing constitutes your President’s Pre-Balloting Report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President ITF Seafarers’ Trust Celebrates 30th Anniversary The International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Trust recently celebrated its 30th anniversary during a formal gathering in London. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, chair of the trustees for the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, was a featured speaker at the March 22 event. Also addressing the audience were ITF President Paddy Crumlin, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft and Tom Holmer, the Trust’s administrative officer. Established by the ITF’s Executive Board, the Trust is a charitable body “dedicated to the spiritual, moral and physical welfare of seafarers irrespective of nationality, race or creed.” It is funded by investment income from the parent organization, which itself is a federation of transportation-related unions from around the world. The ITF’s 690 affiliates (including the SIU) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right), who also serves in multiple capacities with the ITF, presents a memento to Conrad Oca, son of the late AMOSUP leader whose life was devoted to promoting mariner welfare. The presentation was part of an event celebrating the ITF Seafarers’ Trust. represent more than 4.5 million workers in 153 countries. During the ceremony in London, Heindel said that in his 10 years of involvement with the Trust, he has been “amazed and proud to see the amount of work which we have managed to do to benefit seafarers. We have issued many grants worth millions of pounds. We view this as seafarers’ money, and as such, we believe the funds should be put to work to benefit the world’s seafarers.” He recalled that in the 1980s and 1990s, most of the Trust’s expenditures were for new or renovated buildings that help provide mariners “a home away from home” in ports around world. Both during those decades and more recently, other monies were spent on things including vehicles that help mariners safely go ashore and equipment that helps them keep in touch with their families. After describing some of the changes in shipboard life in the last 10 years as well as some of the most significant modern challenges, Heindel, who also serves the ITF in another capacity (as chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section) said that outreach to mariners “has had to become more mobile.” He also emphasized that the Trust’s work is meant to be compassionate, but not a form of pity. “I am a seafarer as are a number of you here tonight,” Heindel said. “We know the life, and we know the advantages and the disadvantages of working at sea. One thing that all of us in the Trust understand is that seafarers are not helpless members of society who need charity in order to be able to function. As a trade unionist acting on behalf of seafarers, I know we are working with professionals, all of whom want to do better for themselves and their families. I believe it is up to us to make their lives a little easier and help them feel welcome when they come ashore.” He then credited the cooperative work of ITF-affiliated unions, inspectors, shipowners and operators. Individual efforts have made a difference, too, and Heindel said one of the unions that has been quite active in promoting mariner welfare – both through the ITF and on their own – is the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP). He praised the groundbreaking work of AMOSUP’s late leader, Capt. Greg Oca, who “was considered a visionary – a man of action, known to both the maritime industry and labor sector, who had consistently championed the rights of seafarers and other workers alike through the continuing welfare programs that he has established. These include four modern hospitals, a shelter institution program, dormitory facilities, a commissary for Filipino seafarers, a modern training center, a licensure facility affiliated with the Professional Regulation Commission, a worldclass maritime school and an institution for higher maritime studies, to name a few.” In recognition of Capt. Oca’s work, the Trust then announced that a scholarship to the World Maritime University has been named in his honor. Comprehensive information about the Trust is available online at www.seafarerstrust.org. Rank-and-File Committee Okays Union’s Financial Records for 2011 The union’s financial records for 2011 have been reviewed and approved by a committee of rank-and-file Seafarers who were elected by fellow SIU members at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. This annual review is mandated by the union’s constitution, which also calls for the financial committee’s report to be read in all ports at the SIU’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. The report also has been submitted to the SIU secretary-treasurer. The following Seafarers served on the committee following their election: Kevin Moore (chairman), Antuan Barnes, Ion Boros, Willie Marsh, Frank Messick, Timothy Pillsworth, and Jerry Stillman. They met at SIU headquarters in Camp 4 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log_X.indd 4 Springs, Md., the first week of April, where they studied all of the appropriate records and found them in good order. In its report, the committee noted, “All records used in connection with the union’s financial operations were reviewed fully…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the committee. Seafarers and two SIU officials are pictured at headquarters right after the financial committee finished its report. Seated left to right are Timothy Pillsworth, Antuan Barnes, Ion Boros and Frank Messick. Standing (from left) are Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Jerry Stillman, Willie Marsh, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Kevin Moore, the committee chairman. May 2012 4/27/2012 6:43:09 PM �NY Waterway Crew Plucks Shipping Industry Giant Three People from Harbor Maersk McKinney-Moller Seafarers working for NY Waterway were part of a rescue in the New York Harbor near Liberty Island on April 6. Captain Mohamed Gouda and Deckhand Marquis Mainor responded to an overturned tugboat that left three people in the frigid waters. After doing a scheduled drop-off on Wall Street, the NY Waterway vessel was returning to New Jersey. Shortly after departing, Gouda noticed a capsized tugboat (the Katherine G.) turned on its side, and three people floating in the water. Gouda and Mainor quickly jumped into action and lowered a rescue device into the water which was used to pull the stranded victims aboard the vessel. “I approached them and my deckhand (Mainor) lowered the Jason’s Cradle,” said Gouda in an interview with a local radio station, 1010 WINS. “We were able to pick them up safely and bring them to safety.” The three people pulled from the water were sent to area hospitals for evaluation. None of the three suffered life-threatening injuries and all are expected to make a full recovery, according to news sources. This isn’t the first time Gouda has par- ticipated in a rescue in New York Harbor. He was one of the first responders to the Flight 1549 crash landing known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” On Jan. 15, 2009, a passenger jet that just took off from nearby LaGuardia Airport crossed paths with a flock of geese, resulting in engine failure. The plane landed safely in the water, but also stranded 155 people in the middle of the freezing cold river. Gouda and his fellow Seafarers are credited with saving 143 people that day. In addition to the Miracle on the Hudson, NY Waterway vessels and their SIU crews took part in the evacuation of lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks. Mainor credits his quick-thinking and lifesaving actions in this most recent rescue to the training he’s received over the years. “We prepare for things like this to happen,” said Mainor in an interview with CBS New York. “We didn’t know it was going to happen today, but it happens.” Gouda agrees that the unpredictability is all in a day’s work for Seafarers. “Another day, another adventure,” Gouda told 1010 WINS. Maritime Trades Department, U.S.-Flag Coalition Set Newspaper Straight On Ex-Im Bank Shipping Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco and a coalition of maritime unions and U.S.-flag shipping companies recently set the record straight about legislation in Congress to reauthorize the U.S. ExportImport (Ex-Im) Bank until 2015. Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, challenged a Washington Post editorial of April 9 that sought to end U.S.-flag shipping requirements for American export cargo generated by Ex-Im Bank loans. The newspaper went so far as to call the action “protectionist.” (Since its 1934 creation, Ex-Im Bank-generated cargo has been carried aboard U.S.-flag vessels.)  “In an industry where foreign competitors are heavily subsidized by their governments, we must ensure American mariners move American goods financed by American tax dollars,” Sacco stated. “The Post’s call for not expanding the portfolio of the Export-Import Bank should not be placed on the backs of yet more American workers who simply perform their jobs day-in and day-out in a safe, world-class manner.” The measure before the Senate at press time has bipartisan support and White House backing as the bank’s work produces U.S. jobs. Yet, the newspaper’s editorial board calls for a reduction of the bank’s portfolio in order to save money and “phase out marketdistorting practices.” In a separate response to the Post, Jim Henry, chairman of USA Maritime, which is composed of U.S.-flag carriers and maritime unions (including the SIU and several other MTD affiliates), wrote: “The cargo vessels financed by Ex-Im Bank are vital to U.S. national security. They are among those vessels that meet critical Department of Defense national security sealift requirements and, as a result, transported over 90 percent of the equipment and supplies to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The use of these fleets is extremely cost-effective; it would cost at least $13 billion just for the capital costs of duplicating a portion of U.S.-flag sealift capability if purchased directly by the government. “And finally, the operation of U.S.-flag ships provides Americans much-needed jobs; jobs that are critical to the U.S. industrial base.” The bottom line, according to Henry, is, “By eliminating Ex-Im support, we will increase the cost of shipping, eliminate American jobs and weaken our national defense. This is a great investment in America and in our U.S. maritime fleet.” Passes Away at Age 98 Legacy Includes Strong Support of America The maritime industry recently lost a man widely considered as one of its greatest leaders of all time: Maersk McKinney-Moller, the former chairman of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, parent organization of Maersk Line, Limited. He died on April 16, at age 98. McKinney-Moller is credited with growing the Maersk Group into one of the largest and most prolific shipping companies in the world. The company was the first to build ships that catered exclusively to standardized containers in the 1950s. Today, its container vessels transport an estimated 15 percent of the world’s manufactured goods. Maersk also operates a major tanker fleet and manages container terminals around the globe, owns a prominent oil and gas exploration company in the North Sea, and is one of Denmark’s top retailers through a collection of supermarket brands. A native of Copenhagen, McKinneyMoller started in the shipping business in the 1930s, took over as chairman of the company in 1965 and proceeded to expand it. His work made him Denmark’s wealthiest man and one of the richest in the world. McKinney-Moller was also a good friend to American workers and the American government in times of need. His mother was American, and he was temporarily relocated to the U.S. during World War II. Examples of McKinney-Moller’s close ties to the U.S. were plentiful. His ships sailed under U.S. and British flags during World War II; during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s, he diverted vessels from his fleet, at no charge, to carry troops and materiel to the area, according to an obituary in The New York Times. He was also the first non-American member of IBM’s Board of Directors. “He truly did a lot for the U.S. Merchant Marine,” said SIU President Michael Sacco, who added that he was very impressed when he met McKinneyMoller. “He treasured his experience in the United States and was a great patriot. He also was really one of the giants of his time.” Also known for his philanthropy, Maersk McKinney-Moller owned the world’s largest publicly held container shipping group and was a respected backer of the U.S. McKinney-Moller officially retired from the board of his family’s company in 2003. However, he continued to work and is credited with having remained a key figure for years after his retirement. In a statement released by his family, McKinney-Moller is remembered as an influential and appreciative man. “We are grateful that our father lived a long and eventful life. In his never-failing wish to do good, together with many and great initiatives, he has left a significant mark on our time,” said the statement, written by McKinney-Moller’s daughter Ane Maersk-McKinney Uggla. “On this day, I am compelled to give thanks to all current and previous employees of the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group for the loyalty which has been shown to our father throughout the years.” Labor Movement Stunned By Death of Mark Ayers The SIU has joined with the rest of the American labor movement in mourning the death of AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD) President Mark Ayers, who passed away unexpectedly April 8 at age 63. Ayers led the BCTD since 2007. Previously, he served for nine years as an official with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He also was a member of IBEW Local 34 in his native Illinois since 1973, which he headed as business manager for nine years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy who most recently resided in Alexandria, Va., Ayers was remembered as an effective, likeable leader. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka called him an “extraordinary leader and friend.” U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis stated, “Whether it was fighting for in- May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 5 vestments in infrastructure and good construction jobs, securing decent wages and safe workplaces or protecting health benefits and pension plans, Mark stood proudly on the side of working people. And I was proud to stand with him.” IBEW President Edwin Hill said, “I can’t think of anyone who worked harder to build our common movement. His steady hand and activist spirit steered the IBEW and the Building Trades through some of the toughest times we’ve ever faced. But more than that: Mark was my friend.” A statement from the BCTD announcing Ayers’ passing read in part, “President Ayers was a labor leader of vision, innovation, passion and integrity, and it was through his leadership that North America’s Building Trade Unions were on the path to success and increased market share for the union construction industry. Although our hearts are heavy today, our spirits are lifted by virtue of the unsullied legacy of a working man who was grounded and guided to his core through the values that were instilled in him during this upbringing in Peoria, Illinois. Mark Ayers was a true trade unionist in every sense of the word, and it was through that commitment to bettering the lives of working families that he was able to offer so much to his country, his family, and the labor movement.” SIU President Michael Sacco paid respects at Ayers’ funeral, which took place April 18 at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Ayers’ survivors include his wife, mother, brother, two daughters and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mark Ayers served as BCTD president since 2007. Seafarers LOG 5 4/26/2012 7:03:05 PM �Ocean Crescent Carries Last Army Vehicle from Kuwait Rugged MRAP Hitches Ride Aboard Union-Crewed Vessel Earlier this year, the SIU-crewed Alliance St. Louis transported what is believed to have been the last shipment of war materiel coming directly from an Iraqi port to the U.S. More recently, Seafarers on the Ocean Crescent contributed to another milestone when they helped carry the last U.S. Army vehicle from the port of Shuaiba, Kuwait. According to communications from vessel master Capt. Jeff Fischer and from the Army, the final U.S. vehicle to drive out of Iraq was loaded onto the Ocean Crescent on March 24. The mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) was slated for delivery to Fort Hood, Texas, in April. According to an Army spokesman, “The last vehicle in Iraq represents our nation’s efforts over the past nine years to bring freedom to the Iraqi people.” The Army further reported that the MRAP will be preserved for historical value at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum at Fort Hood. The Ocean Crescent, operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine, is manned by SIU members and officers from the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. Pictured from left to right are AB Albert Bharrat, ACU Edward English, Chief Steward Emie Aguinaldo, AB Jovan Williams, Bosun Joseph Casalino, Electrician David Brewster and GUDE Justino Riascos-Sanchez. At Great Lakes Dredge and Dock As reported in the April LOG, SIU members employed by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock (GLDD) recently approved a three-year contract calling for wage increases while maintaining benefits. A few of the 100 or so Seafarers who sail in the GLDD fleet are pictured here along with a shot of the hopper dredge Liberty Island. Chief Engineer Michael Las Dulce Maritime Briefs Important Note about Vacation Applications and Beneficiaries Recently, the Seafarers Vacation Plan slightly modified the wording in the beneficiary section of the printed application for benefits. This change was done in order to better serve the membership and to eliminate potential confusion. The new text specifies that the beneficiary named on a Seafarers Vacation Plan application will be used by the Plan “in the event of your death before payment of your vacation benefit. It will also be used for the payment of death benefit from an affiliated plan(s) only in the event that you do not have a valid beneficiary on file with the particular plan or if the beneficiary on the file has predeceased you….” Seafarers are encouraged to check the membersonly section of www.seafarers.org to confirm whether they have current beneficiaries on file. Seafarers also may call the membership assistance line at 1-800-2524674. MSC Praises Performance Of SIU-Crewed USNS Wheat The commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently lauded the efforts of crew members aboard the Maersk-operated USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat. In a message to the vessel, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby said he “noted with extreme pleasure the professional mariners of LCPL Roy M. Wheat have done an exceptional job of ensuring a safe working environment. Your superb efforts to mitigate safety-related mishaps including comprehensive and professional internal safety reporting continue to set a high standard for the Military Sealift fleet. Your attention to detail has been crucial to providing continuity of safe operations across the globe.” The Wheat is part of MSC’s prepositioning fleet. Capt. Dick Roel Mate Todd Schaefer AB Dave Ling Agency Publicizes Additional Logbook and Entry Requirements The U.S. Coast Guard recently called attention to a new section of the U.S. Code titled “Additional Logbook and Entry Requirements” (46 U.S.C. Chapter 113). The new section stems from amendments to the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. According to the agency’s announcement, “The new section is comprised of paragraphs (a) and (b) with the latter broken down into three specific subrequirements. U.S. vessels subject to inspection must have an official logbook, which shall be kept available for review by the Secretary (i.e., Coast Guard) upon request. Entries must now include: (1) officer/seaman watch change outs, (2) hours of service for officers/ seamen, and (3) documentation of accidents, illnesses, and injuries that occur during watch.” The announcement continued, “Congress did not direct specific tasking or an implementation period 6 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 6 for these new additions to the U.S. Code. Currently, Commandant, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-522) is conducting an analysis to determine if new regulations are required. In the meantime, OCMIs should immediately notify local vessel operators that are impacted, so they can take proactive measures to be in compliance. Coast Guard marine inspectors should be checking to ensure these new logbook entry requirements are being complied with at each inspection. To ensure vessel operators have adequate time to come into compliance, initial enforcement actions should focus on educating mariners vice initiating civil penalty actions.” Questions concerning the notice may be directed to the Office of Vessel Activities, Domestic Compliance Division at 202-372-1224 or CG5431@uscg.mil. Mariner Exams at MU Guam Scheduled via Honolulu REC The National Maritime Center in mid-March reported that all mariners “who wish to take examinations at Monitoring Unit (MU) located in Guam will be scheduled through the Regional Examination Center Honolulu.” The REC in Honolulu is located at 433 Ala Moana Blvd., ZIP Code 96813, telephone (808) 522-8258. The home web page for that particular center is www.uscg. mil/nmc/recs/hon.asp. The NMC further noted that mariners “wanting to submit their application at MU Guam should submit their complete application package to any of the 17 Regional Examination Centers (REC). The most efficient way to submit an application is by e-mail. Instructions can be found on our website under the REC Information menu. For questions about the use of the new forms, please contact the NMC by email at iasknmc@ uscg.mil or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC.” Coast Guard Announces Final Rule for Ballast Water Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard announced its final rule concerning living organisms in ships’ ballast water discharged into the waters of the United States. The agency is amending its regulations on ballast water management by establishing a standard for the allowable concentration of living organisms in ballast water discharged from vessels in American waters. Also, the Coast Guard is amending its regulations for engineering equipment by establishing an approval process for ballast water management systems. Jeffery Lantz, director of the agency’s Office of Commercial Regulations and Standards, who is a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, said the new regulations are aimed at helping control the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species. He added that the final rule is consistent with the discharge standard adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2004. May 2012 4/26/2012 7:03:08 PM �OVERSEAS SERVICINGS – Earlier this year, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Guam Port Agent John Hoskins met with SIU members on several vessels in Saipan and Diego Garcia. In the photo above, Marrone (front, left) is pictured with Seafarers aboard the Maersk-operated USNS Pfc. Dewayne T. Williams. Hoskins is standing third from right in the other photo, taken aboard the Central Gulf Lines ship Green Lake. At Sea And Ashore With the SIU ABOARD ALASKAN EXPLORER – Patrolman Nick Marrone II (third from left in the photo above) found the crew of the Alaskan Explorer in good spirits when he serviced the Alaska Tanker Company vessel March 16 in Benicia, Calif. Standing left to right in the group photo are Chief Cook David Vaughn, AB Rasheen Breathwaite, Marrone, Bosun Frank Sena and Chief Steward John Huyett. SA Eusebio Avila is pictured in the photo at right above. HEADED FOR JORDAN – Capt. Kimberly Borges (behind the lens) sent along this photo of Seafarers, officers and security team members aboard the MV Patriot in late March. The ship, owned by Crowley and operated by American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier, was sailing for Aqaba, Jordan. SIU members in the photo include Bosun Erik Penia, AB Santos Baltazar, AB Joel Eay, AB David Kennedy, OS Terence Brennan, OS Dannal Williams, OMU James Anderson, OMU Anthony Dellorusso, OMU Arthur Sanders, Chief Steward Thomas Allen, Chief Cook Bruce Johnson and SA Bannacke Figueroa-Diaz. May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 7 WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – QMED Wilbur Ensminger (right) receives his first pension check and a word of congratulations from Asst. VP Archie Ware in Jacksonville, Fla. Ensminger recently retired following an SIU career that dated back to 1990. Seafarers LOG 7 4/26/2012 7:03:13 PM �Bosun Francisco Bonilla AB Peter Westropp AB Glen Rogers Holiday Spirit and Pigskin Talk Prevalent on Alliance Beaumont Early in the New Year, AB Lisa Sottile mailed the photos appearing on this page to the LOG, along with notes describing lots of holiday spirit and pro football banter aboard the Alliance Beaumont. The pigskin loyalties were decidedly mixed on the Maersk Line, Limited ship (rooting interests included the Saints, Ravens, Vikings and Texans), but good cheer prevailed aboard the roll-on/rolloff vessel. OMU Charlie Walker, SA Johnny Sawyer, Third Mate Thomas Delamater AB Tyrone Benjamin admires Corvo, the northernmost island of the Azores. Electrician Paul Pagano lights the holiday tree. AB Richard Wittwer 8 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 8 QMED Vorden “Chip” Ferguson Chief Cook Tony Rutland (right) and Chief Mate Bob Haradon show that the giftgiving spirit is alive and well aboard ship. May 2012 4/26/2012 7:03:20 PM �ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and 2 preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2011 January 1, 2011 153.87% $7,049,456 $4,581,505 2010 January 1, 2010 142.91% $6,813,528 $4,767,618 2009 January 1, 2009 143.43% $7,140,845 $4,987,794 Fair Market Value of Assets Asset values in the chart above are actuarial values, not market values. Market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of a given point in time. However, because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values for funding purposes. While actuarial values fluctuate less than market values, they are estimates. As of December 31, 2011, the unaudited fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $6,811,370. As of December 31, 2010, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,049,456. As of December 31, 2009, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,048,783. The December 31, 2011 fair value of assets disclosed above is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 819. Of this number, 257 were active participants, 452 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 110 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6 percent. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 40 percent of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Employer Securities 0 Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Percentage Asset Allocations Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual 3 1. Interest-bearing cash rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount 21 2. U.S. Government securities for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): 0 participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early rePreferred 17 tirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit All other 0 increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termina4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): tion or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination Preferred 0 or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or All other 24 beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan termi5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 nates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 0 0 7. Loans (other than to participants) benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. 8. Participant loans 0 Where to Get More Information 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 0 For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identifi13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 0 cation number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 35 go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov. 15. Employer-related investments: Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2011. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the Plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(270,015) as of July 31, 2011, compared to $94,919 as of August 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $364,934. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $8,520,451, which included employer contributions of $8,509,377, realized losses of $1,810 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $12,844. Plan expenses were $8,885,385. These expenses included $408,878 in administrative expenses and $8,476,507 in benefits paid to participants. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report; May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 9 n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; and n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U. S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U. S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Notice COBRA Continuation Coverage The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) would like to notify you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/ or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org, under “Member BenefitsSeafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 1 (800) 252-4674. Seafarers LOG 9 4/26/2012 7:03:20 PM �ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE - - SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN 1. Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your pension plan (“the Plan”) and general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011 (“Plan Year”). 2. How Well-Funded Is Your Plan Under federal law, the plan must report how well it is funded by using a measure called the “funded percentage.” This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. Your Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2011 2010 2009 January 1, 2011 January 1, 2010 January 1, 2009 Valuation Date Funded Percentage 121.2%1 110.1% 106.1% $1,013,288,083 $910,293,605 $798,341,351 Value of Assets Value of Liabilities $836,014,907 $826,992,528 $752,536,506 3. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date for the plan year and are market values. Because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values that are designed to smooth out those fluctuations for funding purposes. The asset values below are market values and are measured as of the last day of the plan year, rather than as of the Valuation Date. Use of the market value of assets for the actuarial value used in the above chart shows a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of the Valuation Date. The fair market value of the Plan’s assets as of the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the following table (2011 is not audited): December 31,2011 December 31, 2010 December 31, 2009 $1,050,000,000 $1,013,288,083 $910,293,605 Fair Market Value of Assets 4. Critical or endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. 5. Participation Information The total number of participants in the Plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 21,677. Of this number, 8,016 were active participants, 8,741 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 4,920 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. 6. Funding & Investment Policies (a) Every pension plan must have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of assets needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. (b) Investment Policies Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: Each Investment Manager shall be a bank (trust company), insurance company, or a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Investment Managers shall acknowledge in writing that it is a fiduciary of the Plan within the meaning of Section 3(21)(A) of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) and an “investment manager” within the meaning of Section 3(38) of ERISA. Full discretion is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions, provided that such discretion shall always be exercised in accordance with each Investment Manager’s fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA. (c) Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries, who make specific investments in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries that are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Seafarers Pension Plan is primarily a balanced portfolio of equity, fixed income, and cash equivalent securities. Equities consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, and convertible securities. The total equity exposure for the total managed account should not exceed 55 percent for a prolonged period of time. The portfolios are diversified into 10 or 15 industry sectors and hold in excess of 50 individual issues. No issue exceeds 3.5 percent of the portfolio at cost. The fixed income portion of the portfolio consists of: n U.S. Government and Agency Securities n Commercial Paper n Corporate Bonds n Traditional Non-High Leverage n Mortgage and Asset backed Securities These securities must be rated Investment Grade at time of purchase. Summary Annual Report For SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2011. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(78,131) as of June 30, 2011, compared to $(124,844) as of July 01, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $46,713. During the plan year, the 10 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 10 (d) Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 1 2. U.S. Government securities 22 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred 26 All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred 0 Common 26 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 1 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 0 8. Participants loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 6 0 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 18 0 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities 0 Employer real property 0 0 16. Buildings and other property 17. Other 0 (e) For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 7. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the US Department of Labor an annual report called the Form 5500 that contains financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. For 2009 and subsequent plan years, you may obtain an electronic copy of the plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the Form 5500 search function. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Individual information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit under the plan, is not contained in the annual report. If you are seeking information regarding your benefits under the plan, contact the plan administrator identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” 8. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. Under socalled “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months).  If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The plan is required to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite these special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see “Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC”, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. 9. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. 10. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, or for a statement of your estimated monthly pension benefit payable at retirement, you may contact the Board of Trustees, or the Administrator, at 301-899-0675 or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329 for Seafarers Pension Plan. For more information about the PBGC, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov. plan had total income of $586,299, including employer contributions of $581,925, earnings from investments of $191 and other income of $4,183. Plan expenses were $539,586. These expenses included $133,477 in administrative expenses, and $406,109 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and n Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. May 2012 4/26/2012 7:03:21 PM �5/12 May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 4/26/2012 7:03:24 PM �ATC Attends Safety Training at Paul Hall Center Nineteen Seafarers (many of whom are shown in the pictures appearing on these two pages) from the SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently participated in a five-day Safety Leadership and Training Conference at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Conducted March 19-23, the seminar featured classroom as well as hands-on refresher instruction in basic safety training (BST), Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, and culinary preparation. Included in the BST module were: fire prevention and firefighting, personal safety and responsibilities, first aid and personal survival. In addition to the foregoing elements, the symposium also featured a joint ATC/SIU safety discussion. Hosted by SIU President Michael Sacco and ATC President Anil Mathur, this segment of the conference was four hours in duration 12 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 12 and provided participants the opportunity to discuss the hazards and risks of their profession and measures that could be implemented to minimize and eliminate them. “Overall, I thought the training was great,” said Bosun Anthony Sabatini, who sails aboard ATC’s Explorer. “I had not been to the school in about 10 years, so the instruction provided me with a fresh taste of some of the things that I had learned before. “I think the other people who attended the conference felt the same way,” he continued. “It was a wonderful experience and I definitely benefitted from it.” ATC President Mathur stated, “I was very pleased with the quality of the training, the facilities at Piney Point, and the SIU’s systems and processes. The course attendees have very positive feedback from the training they received. This is testimony of the excellent leadership the SIU provides.” Bill Cole, ATC’s director of labor relations, said the school is an important tool that helps the company’s marine keep up with the industry’s ever-changing training requirements. “It’s great to have the Paul Hall Center available to help us maintain the best-trained crews in the world,” he noted. Those who took part in the training represented each of the three shipboard departments and hailed from four ATCoperated vessels: the Explorer, Legend, Frontier and Navigator. In addition to Sabatini, participants included: Bosun Mike Moore; ABs Brendan O’Brien, Ramiro Rubio, Cod Russell, Domingo Cazon, Kevin Kellum, Gavin Scott, Ste ven Blair, Manuel Enrico and Timothy Vaefaga; QMEDs Tristan Brand, Odilio Evora, AlJohn Fernandez and Leland Peterson; DEU Alvin Alcasid; Stewards Jeff Smith and Just Self; and Cook Craig Lundberg. May 2012 4/26/2012 7:03:29 PM �enter ions, said the company’s mariners training requirenter available to the world,” he resented each of d from four ATCrontier and Naviincluded: Bosun miro Rubio, Coda , Gavin Scott, SteVaefaga; QMEDs ernandez and Leards Jeff Smith . May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 13 Seafarers LOG 13 4/26/2012 7:03:38 PM �Recollections from the Murmansk Run Editor’s note: The October and November 2011 and March 2012 editions of the Seafarers LOG featured the first three installments of an occasional series written by retired mariner Ed Woods, who first shipped out at age 16, during World War II. LOG readers were introduced to Woods’ writing when he shared a separate story that was published off and on from September 2010 to July 2011. “Recollections from the Murmansk Run” is a combination of Woods relaying the accounts of an old shipmate and filling in the blanks “with what I think could have taken place, based on my own war-time experiences at sea. For this reason, I call this narrative a non-fiction novel.” The names of the main character (Johnny Johnston) and his vessels are fictional. The World War II convoys to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel were dangerous and often deadly. Dozens of Americanflag ships were sunk on the Murmansk Run, including many SIU-crewed vessels. Altogether, it is believed that 57 Allied ships were lost in convoys to north Russia. The most recent installment ended in 1944 as Johnston and his shipmates aboard the S/S John Henry were preparing to attempt to sail from an icy group of islands called Franz Josef Land. The John Henry crew spent the next two days preparing for our voyage to Spitsbergen. A stronger shed was built around the emergency steering wheel area, giving the helmsman better protection from the weather. We knew that the German navy patrolled much of the Barents Sea and we would be in dangerous waters for the entire voyage. The lookouts were doubled and went on a four-on and a four-off schedule. The guns were at the ready at all times. We weighed anchor and began our push through the ice, stopping twice to allow the big guns to blast a path to open water. Within a few hours, we were in the open seas and on our way. It took us five full days of sailing in rough seas to reach our destination, the main island of Spitsbergen. The lookouts were pleased to report that two small boats, one with the Norwegian flag and one with the British Union Jack, were heading out to greet us. Captain Behlmer had two American flags on view. He didn’t want anyone to mistake us for an enemy. The British boat reached us first and an officer called out asking, “Who are you and what are you doing here?” Captain Behlmer identified our ship and said we were in need of repairs and fresh supplies. The officer, who identified himself as Major Woodrow, said for us to follow the Norwegian boat that would lead us to a safe anchorage. Captain Olsen, a Norwegian who was in charge of governing the island, came aboard and introduced himself. He also managed the coal and whaling operations and was the Allies’ liaison with a large group of Russian coal miners who lived and worked on the other side of the island. That night we had our first good meal in many weeks. A lighter came along side and sent up boxes and baskets full of fresh vegetables. Fresh in the sense that they weren’t frozen: potatoes, carrots, and cabbages. They also sent up two frozen reindeer carcasses and the following day we had venison steaks. A most welcome meal and a change from the seal meat and fish diet we had lived on at Franz Josef. Captain Behlmer and our chief engineer went ashore and asked to speak with Nels Johnson, the head shipwright. Like many of the Norwegians they were to meet, Johnson spoke reasonably good English. They explained to Johnson what was needed to get the John Henry repaired. He offered to return with them to our ship and see for himself what was needed and what he could provide in the way of repairs. “We have a small but efficient ship repair yard on our island.” The dry dock they used for maintaining their fishing and whaling boats was not large enough to accommodate Liberty-size ships, such as the John Henry. The next day, however, a large barge came along side loaded with all types of machinery: drill presses, lathes, saws, assorted pieces of wood, metal stock and a gang of workers. The group started the repair work immediately. Later, the British officer, Major Woodrow, whom we had first met when we entered the harbor, came aboard. He wanted to discuss our cargo. He told Captain Behlmer that he knew 14 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log_X.indd 14 that we were loaded with bombs, grenades, assorted ammunition and various weapons, both small and big, and asked what we intended to do with it. Captain Behlmer said it was not for him to decide. The John Henry was in service to the United States military and only someone with clear-cut authority could order how and where it was to be offloaded. He told Major Woodrow that the cargo had been assigned to the Russian government and was originally destined to be taken to Murmansk. The major replied, “Well now, sir, that is all well and good; however, you are now in Spitsbergen without an armed escort; short of fuel and other necessary supplies. Please tell me how do you expect to reach Murmansk?” “I’ll be completely honest with you, major. I don’t know. You are correct. We are very low on food and our fuel tanks are almost empty. If the good people here in Spitsbergen are able to repair my ship, I hope to be able to obtain sufficient fuel from the supply here on the island and make my way back to England. I would never consider going on to Murmansk alone without naval escorts. However, I want you to know something. If I was to ask my crew to sail with me unescorted in order to bring these vital supplies to our Russian allies, they would agree to the voyage without question.” “The reason I asked you about your cargo, captain, is that we could put it to good use here if or when the Germans decide to continue their conquest of Norway by occupying these northern islands. Up to now, they have stayed away due to the rather large British naval presence in the nearby waters. However, our intelligence sources tell us that much of our naval force has left the area to be put to better use elsewhere. The Germans know this and would like nothing better than to use tain Behlmer had us stand lookout watches with them. I must say, though, that our captain was more than fair in keeping the crew up to date with his plans. He was right; the crew would willingly do whatever was asked of them. I was a history buff and when I heard that that Roald Amundsen’s nephew was here on the island, I wanted to meet him. The nephew of one of the greatest explorers of the 20th century. The very man who was first to reach the South Pole and plant the Norwegian flag there and who later became the first to fly over the North Pole in a dirigible. I had to get ashore and meet Ron Amundsen. As good fortune would have it, the next day, our entire crew was invited to a buffet and movie show that evening at the Lutheran Church Hall in town. Nels Johnson sent a barge out to carry us ashore. A few of the older men volunteered to stay aboard and stand watch. I found it hard to believe that less than a year ago, I was in high school in New York City without any idea of ever being in a place like Spitsbergen in the Barents Sea. Now I was about to meet the nephew of the most famous explorer of the century. Upon our arrival at the meeting hall, we were treated to a delicious Scandinavian buffet prepared by the Christian Ladies’ Club. It was the best meal I had in a long time. I never knew so many dishes made from fish could taste so good. Almost all the Norwegians, both the men and women, spoke a limited amount of English when talking with us but subtly changed to Norwegian when talking to each other. Major Woodrow was there and using a microphone asked for our attention and then introduced us to our hosts and their families. They SIU-crewed ships delivered cargo to the Russian port of Murmansk during WWII. This AP photo shows war supplies being unloaded there in June 1942. Spitsbergen’s air strip, as small as it is, to patrol these northern routes to Russia and also to get their hands on our valuable coal deposits. Therefore, I would like to invite you and your officers to a dinner at my home tonight, next to my headquarters. I will also invite Nels Johnson and Ron Amundsen, our chief intelligence officer. After dinner, we can have a conference, exchange ideas, make suggestions and decide what actions we should next take. The John Henry sitting here in the harbor is not doing anyone any good. It is certainly not helping the war effort. By the way, you will enjoy meeting Ron Amundsen; he’s Roald Amundsen’s nephew. Ron lives here yearround on the island, it’s his home. He was here in 1926, when his Uncle Roald took off from here in a dirigible with two other explorers and flew over the North Pole and landed in Alaska. You’ll enjoy Ron’s conversation and I’m confident he will have some good suggestions as to our next step.” I was getting more news than usual about what was taking place on the John Henry. Being an engine room wiper, a low man in the pecking order on most ships, meant that I would be one of the last guys to know what was going on. However, the conversations between the men from the island and Behlmer with his officers took place on the bridge. There was always at least one able-bodied seaman standing watch in the area and he was privy to all that was discussed. It didn’t take him long to pass on the latest news to the crew in the mess hall. Larry and I had also become good friends with the deckhands when Cap- invited us to sit down and watch a movie. It was an old American Western starring John Wayne. The characters spoke in English with Norwegian captions on the bottom of the screen. When the movie ended, we were invited back to the main hall for dessert and coffee. It was then that I met Ron Amundsen and got him to talk about his famous uncle. He told me things that I had never heard before. For one, his uncle did not get along with one of the other explorers, the Italian Umberto Nobile. Nobile was an engineer and had himself built the dirigible under the auspices of his Italian government. Yet, two years later in 1928, Nobile on another flight in the same airship became lost and crashed in the northern wilderness. Amundsen obtained a plane and was among the first to volunteer to search for him. Nobile was eventually found alive but Amundsen’s plane crashed and he lost his life. Amundsen’s list of accomplishments as an explorer of both the northern and southern polar areas has never been equaled, more so when one considers the technological advances since his time. None of the crew could learn what took place at the previous night’s conference between our captain and the local authorities. In the past, we had pretty much known what was going on. This time it was different, as there were no rumors or any reports. What we did hear was that all of those present at the conference were sworn to secrecy. Two days later, a barge came along side and the deckhands were ordered to help the barge crew unload cargo. Nobody liked working with high explosives, especially the crew members who were not familiar with the correct procedures for handling it. When it was put on board in New York, the work was carried out by a special loading crew supplied by the United States Army. However, orders were orders and had to be obeyed. The deckhands did as they were told. I could see that they were uncomfortable with the assignment. It was then that we learned that Captain Behlmer had traded part of our cargo for fuel and food supplies. Later, we heard that he had been in touch by radio with the U.S. Navy offices in London and, after explaining his situation, was given permission to trade cargo for supplies. The word was out, once the repair work was finished and the bridge back in good order, we were to return to Scapa Flow, Scotland, to be reassigned. I heard that Captain Behlmer wanted to ask permission from the American authorities in England to unload the remainder of his cargo anywhere in the British Isles and then return to the States, to refit the John Henry, give the crew a well-earned leave to rest and load up with fresh cargo and start sailing again. It took another two weeks to complete the repair work to our bridge. Major Woodrow had arranged with the local Norwegian government to supply us with enough fuel and food for our return to Scapa Flow in exchange for the armament and ammunition we had given them. We weighed anchor and sailed out of the harbor on a dark moonless night. It was estimated that it would take about four days of good weather to reach Scapa Flow. We were alert to the serious U-boat menace in these waters. The Germans wanted to stop all deliveries of war supplies to Russia and knew that the Allies used these northern routes to reach Murmansk. Extra lookouts were maintained 24 hours a day. It was our second day out to sea; the weather was crisp but sunny and clear. We were in the mess hall having lunch when we heard shouting: “Torpedo! Torpedo!” The warning came too late, the tin fish hit us dead center and the John Henry immediately began to list. The ship appeared to jump into the air and trembled. I was thrown to the deck and hit my head on a table leg. I ignored the bleeding from the bruise, as it was obvious the good old John Henry was going down. The alarms kept sounding and there were cries of abandon ship. I raced to my lifeboat station where the deckhands were already in the process of swinging the lifeboat out on its davits. Someone called out, “Did you check the drain plug?” I immediately volunteered to check it and climbed into the boat. The bilge was dry and I quickly found and secured the plug. The chief mate, Mr. Smith, who was in charge of the boat station, told me to stay in the boat. Larry was also assigned to this station but was nowhere in sight. I asked in a loud voice, “Do any of you guys know where Larry is?” Nobody answered. The rest of crew climbed in the boat and we began lowering away. We had the oars out as soon as we hit the water and began to row away from the sinking ship as fast as possible. An oiler, who was along side of me, said, “Let’s get out of here as fast as we can. This thing still might blow up. Remember it’s full of ammo and all kinds of stuff like that.” Mr. Smith answered, “So far we have been lucky, the torpedo hit the empty cargo hold. If it had hit any of the other holds, we would be all in small pieces right now.” With that, the bosun, a real tough old guy, said, “Let us all say a prayer for deliverance from this tribulation,” and he began to pray aloud. He certainly surprised me. I had seen and heard him giving orders to the deckhands and never expected him to be religious and believe in prayer. I had heard, though, there were no atheists in lifeboats, especially in cold unknown waters. We watched as the John Henry disappeared beneath a field of debris and then, suddenly a submarine surfaced almost on top of us. A man called out in heavy accented English. “Identify yourself and answer my question or you will suffer the consequences.” I had no idea what he meant by “suffer the consequences.” How worse off could we be? The chief said, “It will best for me to answer him, they have their deck gun pointed right Continued on next page May 2012 4/27/2012 6:43:14 PM �Mariner Recalls WW II Events Continued from Page 14 at us.” He shouted, “We’re the steamship John Henry out of New York. We were bound out from Scotland when we met up with you. Our holds were filled with food and other living necessities to be delivered to Spitsbergen.” The German officer replied, “Sorry we had to do what we did, but you know, that’s war, isn’t it? I have nothing to offer you other than to say try to sail south. You will soon hit land and find the ocean water a little warmer. Good luck.” Mr. Smith called out to the other boats and suggested that we attempt to stay together. The weather, however, suddenly changed and a storm came up. When it finally cleared, the other boats were nowhere in sight. We were alone, north of the Arctic Circle, on the vast empty Norwegian Sea. There were 10 cold, frightened but determined men in the boat. “I know we’ll get out of this,” was my first thought. Under the direction of the chief and the bosun, we rigged a sail out of the canvas we located in the lifeboat’s small hatch. The chief said that the last time he was in the wheelhouse and looked over the charts, we were about 100 miles north of an island called Jan Mayen. He figured that if we kept a southern course we might be lucky and hit the little bit of land head on. In the meantime, we would ration our water and food supply. In our lifeboat, there were two tanks of drinking water and an assortment of canned food. There was also a supply of a pemmican-like mix that proved to be a saving factor. The lifeboat also had an emergency kit full of useful items. For one, there was a small but well-made compass that the chief immediately put to use. He told the bosun to take the rudder and four of us to man the oars. We had a spray curtain mounted at the bow and we began to take turns sitting under it. It wasn’t much but it did keep us dry and out of the wind. None of us had enough clothes with us and we all regretted not taking the time to get heavy winter gear out of our lockers before abandoning the ship. The chief heard our comments and asked, “Are you crazy? Do you realize how fast the John Henry went down? If any of you had taken the time to go down to your lockers, you could well be aboard the ship right now, this very moment, at the bottom of the ocean. No, we’re cold but alive and if we stick together, we’ll get through this safely.” With this, the bosun cried out, “The good Lord put us here and the good Lord will get us out. Amen.” A few of the sailors replied, “Amen to that.” Personal Charles O’Brien, my uncle, joined the U.S. Merchant Marine in the 1920s. He passed away in Galveston, Texas in 1960. I’d appreciate any information anyone could provide regarding his life from 1920-1960; especially about his career and any known family members. Please feel free to contact me at fanmm28@comcast.net. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point.....................................Monday: June 4, July 2 Algonac.............................................Friday: June 8, July 6 Baltimore......................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 Guam........................................Thursday: June 21, July 19 Honolulu........................................Friday: June 15, July 13 Houston.........................................Monday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville..................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 Joliet........................................ Thursday: June 14, July 12 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March 16, 2012 - April 15, 2012 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 9 2 0 12 7 0 0 10 10 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 4 7 1 2 6 0 1 10 11 2 15 14 1 16 9 1 6 25 28 1 5 5 0 2 2 0 0 5 6 0 7 3 4 9 1 0 4 15 11 6 46 15 3 33 7 0 18 96 34 11 29 26 1 17 15 0 12 53 53 5 3 5 0 4 5 1 1 1 7 0 7 6 1 3 0 0 0 17 11 1 15 5 2 7 1 0 6 28 12 3 49 19 3 42 12 0 19 69 37 6 15 24 2 12 16 0 3 26 35 5 18 10 0 13 4 0 6 42 19 1 4 5 0 3 2 0 3 10 13 0 2 4 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 5 9 0 6 6 0 7 13 11 1 31 17 2 22 9 3 9 65 31 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 7 5 0 21 16 3 23 12 1 8 50 52 7 289 196 23 227 116 6 104 548 390 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Total Shipped All Groups Trip A B C Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Engine Department 3 1 3 3 1 2 0 1 4 3 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 5 0 0 4 0 1 5 8 0 7 4 0 2 3 0 3 14 8 0 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 5 0 0 7 4 0 5 3 1 1 19 2 0 18 12 0 8 5 0 6 29 24 2 16 22 1 10 10 0 3 32 44 2 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 7 2 0 2 1 0 1 15 4 1 4 2 1 3 0 0 1 11 5 1 15 11 0 10 6 0 6 28 25 2 13 13 2 13 13 1 3 20 32 2 8 13 0 6 5 0 2 20 17 0 4 1 0 2 1 0 1 7 4 0 1 3 0 1 3 0 0 2 4 0 1 7 0 0 3 0 1 4 13 0 12 12 0 9 10 0 2 22 16 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 4 0 8 17 1 5 9 0 5 17 22 1 131 136 11 81 82 5 36 255 240 15 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 0 2 4 4 2 2 0 5 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 0 3 1 0 0 6 0 0 11 6 0 7 2 0 0 26 8 2 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 6 2 0 4 1 0 1 22 5 0 19 7 0 14 4 0 5 29 12 1 17 2 1 13 4 0 3 28 10 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 8 4 0 4 3 0 0 9 4 0 8 2 0 2 2 0 2 13 3 2 14 6 0 11 3 0 7 32 10 0 10 12 1 8 8 0 5 14 23 2 25 1 0 12 0 0 4 35 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 13 2 1 13 4 1 4 26 5 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 22 4 1 16 1 0 7 43 11 2 160 57 8 118 38 3 40 297 106 15 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 3 8 11 0 5 3 1 4 14 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 3 3 0 10 0 0 4 0 1 0 20 4 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 1 1 7 6 5 5 7 2 8 12 6 2 15 1 2 3 1 0 2 28 5 4 15 10 2 4 6 1 5 29 18 0 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 9 8 13 12 3 12 4 2 14 50 43 1 15 16 0 12 7 0 1 32 30 0 12 5 2 5 1 0 3 24 11 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 0 9 35 0 9 27 0 0 12 22 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 7 2 9 7 3 5 3 2 6 21 7 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 16 9 1 6 2 1 12 34 39 26 145 116 21 79 62 10 57 301 236 GRAND TOTALS: 606 534 158 447 315 76 190 1,157 1,037 317 Mobile.................................. Wednesday: June 13, July 11 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: June 12, July 10 New York.......................................Tuesday: June 5, July 3 Norfolk.........................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 Oakland.....................................Thursday: June 14, July 12 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: June 6, *Thursday: July 5 Port Everglades.........................Thursday: June 14, July 12 San Juan........................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 St. Louis.........................................Friday: June 15, July 13 Tacoma..........................................Friday: June 22, July 20 Wilmington.....................................Monday: June 18, July 16 * Philadelphia change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 15 Seafarers LOG 15 4/26/2012 7:03:41 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Editor’s note: This month’s question was asked of port agents. What steps can SIU members take that would help you serve them most efficiently? Georg Kenny Norfolk, Va. Write legibly and correctly when completing documents or forms; fill in every blank! Addresses and phone numbers should be kept current, and members shouldn’t use the union hall as their address. Also, pay attention to the expiration dates of clinic cards, documents, physicals, etc. We’ve also requested at the membership meetings for the past several years, when you first come to the hall, check with the counter personnel as to the status of your drug clearance. It’s disappointing having to inform any member that the clearance has expired, thus rendering them ineligible for employment opportunities. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 Jeff Turkus Wilmington, Calif. First, members should make sure that all of their documents are up-to-date and scanned in the system. Also, make sure their clinic cards and drug tests haven’t expired. On another note, patience is a virtue, and it’s always appreciated when members are patient when they come to the counter. There are times when the people working behind the counter are extremely busy. Lastly, members need to have up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on file. That should do it. Hazel Galbiso Honolulu Members who are expecting to reclaim their jobs but have not received any confirmation about their job order from the union hall should immediately let us know in an effort to follow up with the company to avoid any delays from being shipped. When members renew their shipping credentials (MMC, BST, TWIC, passport, clinic card), they should come into the hall for us to make copies  immediately in an effort to update the system and to avoid any delays from being dispatched to ship and/or reclaim their jobs. When members are seeking to be registered, dispatched to ship, file vacation, file for a membership book, apply for upgrading courses, etc., make sure all the proper documents and credentials are provided to prevent delays in processing their application. Communicate with us on any unresolved matters or concerns they may have. Jimmy White Mobile, Ala. One thing members can do is always be aware of their credential circumstances, starting with expiration dates. Whether it’s your clinic card, z-card, TWIC, basic safety training, be in tune with what his or her status is. Even at the time of shipping, guys are throwing in for jobs not realizing that something may have expired. We stress this at our meetings but sometimes it still falls through the cracks. Stay on top of anything that has an expiration date. Mike Russo Houston What the members can do to help us service them better is keep an eye on their documents. Make sure that they’ve gone and upgraded at the school if they have the sea time and are eligible to upgrade. Check all your documents. Help keep the hall clean, too. This is a place of business and we don’t want anyone to look negatively at the hall. Pic-From-The-Past NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 In this 1952 photo from the LOG’s archives, members aboard the Robin Gray show their support for an organizing campaign at Atlantic Refining. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log_X.indd 16 May 2012 4/27/2012 6:43:18 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA KENNETH CAFFEY Brother Kenneth Caffey, 65, joined the SIU in 2000. He initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Caffey was born in Norfolk, Va., and shipped in the steward department. In 2001, he took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, Brother Caffey worked sailed aboard the Wright. He lives in Virginia Beach, Va. ROBERT CRAPO Brother Robert Crapo, 65, became an SIU member in 1994 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He originally sailed aboard the Sealift Pacific. Brother Crapo worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Pfc. William Baugh. Brother Crapo calls Jacksonville Beach, Fla., home. RUBEN FIEL Brother Ruben Fiel, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 while in San Francisco. The steward department member’s first trip was with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Fiel attended classes on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked aboard the Horizon Eagle. Brother Fiel resides in San Francisco. GEORGE GAUGGEL THURMAN JOHNSON Brother George Gauggel, 65, began sailing with the union in 1986. His first trip was on the USNS Contender. Brother Gauggel was born in Iowa and worked in the steward department. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gauggel’s most recent voyage was aboard the Paul Buck. He settled in Tacoma, Wash. Brother Thurman Johnson, 62, signed on with the union in 1974 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest ship was the President Kennedy. Brother Johnson was born in St. Louis. The steward department member upgraded often at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Johnson last sailed aboard the Alaskan Legend. He settled in Moreno Valley, Calif. MELCHOR GOROSPE SAM KASSEM MARY OLIVAS Brother Melchor Gorospe, 68, became an SIU member in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. Brother Gorospe sailed in the deck department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities in 2001 at that unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gorospe’s most recent trip was on the Horizon Pacific. He resides in California. Brother Sam Kassem, 67, became a Seafarer in 1975 in Seattle. His first ship was the Trader. Brother Kassem was born in Yemen. He attended classes in 1998 at the Piney Point school. The steward department member’s final trip was on the Horizon Tacoma. Brother Kassem is a resident of Tacoma, Wash. Sister Mary Olivas, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2000. She originally shipped on the Global Sentinel. Sister Olivas was born in Los Angeles and sailed in the steward department. Her most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Dahl. She lives in Tampa, Fla. LUIS LIMA PATRICK HELTON Brother Patrick Helton, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1988 while in San Francisco. His first vessel was the Maj. Stephen W. Pless; his last, the Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Helton was a member of the steward department. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Helton calls Reno, Nev., home. ANGEL FIGUEROA Brother Angel Figueroa, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1994 in Houston. He originally sailed aboard the Nedlloyd Holland. Brother Figueroa worked in the engine department. In 1998 and 2010, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Brother Figueroa’s most recent voyage was on the Horizon Challenger. He is a resident of Houston. EDMOND FRANCOIS Brother Edmond Francois, 72, started his SIU career in 2001 as the NMU was merging into the Seafarers. The same year, Brother Francois visited the Paul Hall Center to upgrade his skills. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Francois’ last trip was aboard the Charleston Express. He makes his home in Houston. May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 17 DONALD HOOD Brother Donald Hood, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1968 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He initially sailed with Hudson Waterways Corporation. Brother Hood worked in the deck department. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Hood most recently shipped aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He lives in Norfolk. JAMES HORNBY Brother James Hornby, 71, was born in Glenoma, Wash. He began his SIU career in 1961 in Seattle. The deck department member’s first voyage was on the Madaket. Prior to his retirement, Brother Hornby sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. He continues to reside in Washington. Brother Luis Lima, 58, began his SIU career in 2001 as the NMU was merging into the Seafarers. He was a native of Cape Verde Island and sailed in the steward department. Brother Lima upgraded on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was aboard the APL Agate. Brother Lima makes his home in Providence, R.I. CAMERON MILLER Brother Cameron Miller, 68, was born in Barbados. He joined the SIU in 2001 during the SIU/ NMU merger. The steward department member enhanced his skills often at the Piney Point school. Brother Miller last sailed on the Cape Rise. He calls Flushing, N.Y., home. MOUSID OMAR Brother Mousid Omar, 62, began his SIU career in 1976. His first voyage was on the Philadelphia. Brother Omar, a native of Yemen, upgraded twice at the Paul Hall Center. Before retiring, the deck department member was employed aboard the Horizon Eagle. Brother Omar resides in Detroit. GILBERTO PADILLA Brother Gilberto Padilla, 69, signed on with the union in 2003. He initially sailed on the Lib- erator. The Puerto Rico native attended classes in 2003 at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Padilla, who sailed in the deck department, last worked aboard the Resolve. He makes his home in Ensenada, Mexico. PHILIP REYNOLDS Brother Philip Reynolds, 75, became an SIU member in 1994 while in the port of Houston. He sailed on vessels including the USNS Capella and the Maersk Georgia. Brother Reynolds shipped in the deck department. He upgraded on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Reynolds is a resident of Flat Rock, N.C THOMAS SORESI Brother Thomas Soresi, 70, donned the SIU colors in 1961 in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was on the Beaugard. Brother Soresi was a deck department member. He most recently worked as chief bosun of the shore gang in Elizabeth, N.J. Brother Soresi calls Pocono Lake, Pa., home. Continued on Page 20 This Month In SIU History Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 After a strike of less than one week’s duration, the SIU reached an agreement with the Peninsula and Occidental Steamship Company. The agreement provided for a complete closed shop and all hiring to be done through the union hall. In addition to wage increases, the agreement established the payment of overtime for all work performed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays, both at sea and in port, including the standing of regular watches. 1941 The SIU negotiated a bonus increase from $50 to $60 per month on the African and Far Eastern war zones with Waterman Steamship Company, Robin Line, and Bernstein Shipping Company. In addition, the agreements called for additional pay if a ship touched the ports of Suez and any other port in the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf. The bonus agreements were reopened when the President declared the Red Sea open to American shipping and after the Germans had declared that they would consider the Red Sea a war zone. 1962 Protesting Moore McCormack-Robin Line’s violations of its contract with the SIU, the union began picketing the company’s vessels on May 15 in Brooklyn. Within a few days, picketing had been extended to Manhattan, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Jacksonville and was tying up 10 vessels. The SIU also filed unfair labor practice charges against the company with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the management was refusing to bargain in good faith. The SIU charged that the line was planning to sell seven ships, in violation of the contract. 1970 The SIU has opened a vacation center at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at Piney Point, Maryland. This is a new and unique union program to make available to SIU members and their families first-class vacations at the lowest possible cost. Seafarers are often away from their families for months at a time and theirs is a hard life. The vacation center at Piney Point will give our members and their families a chance to enjoy themselves in comfort. Fishing, swimming, tennis, and sailing, soaking up the sun and exploring the lands that form the coast of the Chesapeake Bay area – all including good food and large, clean rooms – are some of the things that are now available at the SIU summer vacation center. Seafarers LOG 17 4/26/2012 7:03:47 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA SAM BROOKS Pensioner Sam Brooks, 79, died Jan. 2. Brother Brooks, a Georgia native, joined the union in 1963 while in the port of New York. The deck department member initially shipped on the Steel Survey. Brother Brooks’ final trip was aboard the Virgo. He went on pension in 1994 and resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. EDGARDO CASTRO Brother Edgardo Castro, 47, passed away Oct. 15. He became a Seafarer in 1999 while in New York. Brother Castro first sailed on the Maj. Bernard Fisher. The deck department member last shipped aboard the El Faro. Brother Castro was born in Honduras but called New York home. HENRY CONNOLLY Pensioner Henry Connolly, 85, died Dec. 24. Brother Connolly first donned the SIU colors in 1944 in New York. He originally sailed with States Marine Lines. Brother Connolly, who worked in the steward department, was born in Harrison, N.J. He last shipped on the Inspiration. Brother Connolly retired in 1988 and lived in New Jersey. CHARLES DAVIS Pensioner Charles Davis, 77, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Davis was a native of Ohio. He began sailing with the union in 1966. Brother Davis’ first ship was the Ocean Cloud. He worked in the deck department. Brother Davis last shipped aboard the Maersk Alaska. He went on pension in 1999 and called Jacksonville, Fla., home. JOHN DUDA Pensioner John Duda, 86, died Dec. 31. Brother Duda was born in New Haven, Conn. He joined the SIU in 1959. The engine department member’s earliest trip to sea was on the Steel Scientist. His last voyage was aboard the OMI Wabash. Brother Duda became a pensioner in 1989. He made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. KEVIN FARRELL Brother Kevin Farrell, 56, passed away Jan. 16. He first donned the SIU colors in 1993 while in Puerto Rico. Brother Farrell’s earliest trip was with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. The deck department member most recently worked on the USNS Stockham. Brother Farrell was a resident of Puerto Rico. 18 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 18 JOSEPH FRUGE Pensioner Joseph Fruge, 77, died Dec. 20. Brother Fruge joined the union in 1953. He initially shipped aboard Pan Shipping Corporation vessels. Brother Fruge was born in Louisiana and sailed in the deck department. His final ship was the Liberty Sun. Brother Fruge retired in 1995 and settled in Sulphur, La. RICHARD GLAZE Pensioner Richard Glaze, 81, passed away Dec. 4. Brother Glaze was born in Maryland. He started sailing with the SIU in 1951. Brother Glaze was first employed aboard the Edith. He was an engine department member. Brother Glaze’s last voyage was on the Global Link. He became a pensioner in 1993. Brother Glaze was a resident of Towson, Md. FELTON GREEN Brother Felton Green, 85, has passed away. He became an SIU member in 1978 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Green was born in Panama and sailed in the steward department. He called New York home. HAYWOOD GREEN Pensioner Haywood Green, 84, died Dec. 17. Brother Green was born in Georgia. He began his seafaring career in 1952. Brother Green originally shipped on the Steel Inventor as a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1992, he worked aboard the Sealift Arctic. Brother Green resided in Mobile, Ala. ROBERT HOMMEL Pensioner Robert Hommel, 83, passed away Jan. 7. Brother Hommel joined the SIU in 1950 while in New York. His first voyage was with Pan Shipping Corporation. Brother Hommel was a native of Tacoma, Wash., and worked in the deck department. His last ship was the Tacoma. Brother Hommel started collecting his retirement compensation in 1988. He lived in Naples, Fla. ROBERT LANG Pensioner Robert Lang, 77, died Nov. 27. Brother Lang was born in Connecticut. He began sailing with the union in 1977 while in Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Lang’s earliest trip was on the Columbia. The steward department member’s final trip was aboard the Carolina. Brother Lang went on pension in 1999 and made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. JERRY POW Pensioner Jerry Pow, 87, passed away Dec. 30. Brother Pow joined the SIU ranks in 1951. He was born in Shanghai, China. Brother Pow sailed in the steward department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He initially worked with AH Bull Steamship Company. Brother Pow last shipped on the Manhattan Island. He became a pensioner in 1990 and called New York home. JOHN RISBECK Pensioner John Risbeck, 90, died Dec. 9. Brother Risbeck, a native of Yugoslavia, began shipping with the union in 1943. He sailed in the engine department of the Jefferson City and the Tacoma (among other vessels) during his seafaring career. Brother Risbeck retired in 1980 and settled in Colville, Wash. EUELLE SCROGGINS Pensioner Euelle Scroggins, 84, passed away Dec. 30. Brother Scroggins became an SIU member in 1947. He sailed with various companies including Eagle Carries Inc. and CSX Lines. Brother Scroggins, a member of the deck department, was born in Thorsby, Ala. He began receiving his pension in 1993 and called Houston home. PABLO VASQUEZ Pensioner Pablo Vasquez, 70, died Nov. 16. Brother Vasquez first donned the SIU colors in 1966. He initially shipped aboard the Western Hunter. Brother Vasquez was a native of Puerto Rico. The engine department member’s final voyage was on the Horizon Producer. Brother Vasquez went on pension in 2006 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. DONALD WHITE Pensioner Donald White, 83, passed away Oct. 18. Brother White joined the union in 1947 while in the port of New York. His earliest trip was aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. Brother White was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. His last vessel was the Philadelphia. Brother White became a pensioner in 1993. He was a resident of the state of Washington. WILLIAM YORK Pensioner William York, 85, died Dec. 6. Brother York began his seafaring career in 1948. He originally sailed with Bloomfield Steamship Company. Brother York was born in Lincoln, Mo., and worked in the engine department. Before his retirement in 1987, he shipped on the Robert E. Lee. Brother York called Covington, La., home. INLAND ROBERT DUNN Pensioner Robert Dunn, 84, passed away Jan. 2. Brother Dunn joined the SIU in 1970. He sailed with McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. Brother Dunn was a Portsmouth, Va., native. The engine department member retired in 1993 and settled in Swannanoa, N.C. ELLIOTT GORDON Pensioner Elliott Gordon, 93, died Nov. 12. Brother Gordon was born in Frankfort, Ky. He donned the SIU colors in 1962. Brother Gordon first worked with Bernhardt Brothers. Prior to retiring in 1980, he shipped with American Barge Lines Company. Brother Gordon resided in Lexington, Ky. VICTOR LOZINAK Pensioner Victor Lozinak, 79, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Lozinak became a union member in 1957 while in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native first sailed with Taylor Marine Towing Company. His last boat was operated by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Lozinak started collecting his retirement compensation in 1988 and lived in Audubon, Pa. ANGEL SANCHEZ Pensioner Angel Sanchez, 71, died Nov. 29. Brother Sanchez joined the SIU ranks in 1977. He worked aboard vessels operated by Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Sanchez was a native of Puerto Rico and sailed in the deck department. He went on pension in 1998 and continued to make his home in Puerto Rico. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. RAYMOND AIKMAN Pensioner Raymond Aikman, 89, passed away Nov. 7. Brother Aikman, a native of Belize, became a pensioner in 1988. He called Georgia home. JOSE DEL ROSARIO Pensioner Jose Del Rosario, 90, died Oct 6. Brother Del Rosario was born in Tampa, Fla. He went on pension in 1970. Brother Del Rosario settled in Smyrna, Tenn. EDWARD GARCIA Pensioner Edward Garcia, 86, passed away Nov. 20. The New York-born mariner started collecting his pension in 2001. Brother Garcia was a resident of Gretna, Tenn. JOSEPH GUTIERREZ Pensioner Joseph Gutierrez, 83, died Dec. 16. Brother Gutierrez joined the NMU in 1973. The engine department member was born in New Orleans. Brother Gutierrez last sailed on the Cyprine. He made his home in Hollywood, Fla. Brother Gutierrez retired in 1999. RAY GUZMAN Pensioner Ray Guzman, 89, passed away Nov. 6. Brother Guzman was born in Colombia. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1987. Brother Guzman lived in Naples, Fla. GEORGE HENDERSON Pensioner George Henderson, 85, died Nov. 9. Brother Henderson, a native of Alabama, went on pension in 1984. He continued to reside in Alabama. HENRY LOSS Pensioner Henry Loss, 86, passed away Nov. 11. Brother Loss was a Maryland native. He became a pensioner in 1987 and called Middle River, Md., home. JOSE MARTINEZ Pensioner Jose Martinez, 92, died Nov. 15. Brother Martinez was born in Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1985. Brother Martinez settled in Port Charlotte, Fla. MARTIN WATSON Pensioner Martin Watson, 85, passed away Oct. 16. The Georgiaborn mariner retired in 1972. Brother Watson continued to make his home in Georgia. Name Allen, Habe Boswell, Lieutenant Briseno, Manuel Chladek, Clarence Cruz, Candelario Fears, Ernest Gouge, William Hernandez, Enrique Jones, John Mattei, Geran Mercadel, Joseph Reyna, Reinaldo Tolar, Webster Tulley, Louis Weeks, James Age DOD 73 87 92 69 95 85 84 86 88 88 87 86 88 87 99 Dec. 12 Oct. 18 Dec. 10 Nov. 30 Nov. 10 Dec. 22 Nov. 21 Dec. 27 Aug. 29 Dec. 13 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 28 Dec. 29 Dec. 5 May 2012 4/26/2012 7:03:53 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), February 26 – Chairman Anthony Sabatini, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director David Watkins, Deck Delegate Rene Rafer, Engine Delegate Adel Irani, Steward Delegate Abdulla Baabbad. Chairman announced upcoming payoff at sea. He recommended reading the LOG for news on STCW. Secretary reminded fellow mariners to help keep lounge clean and keep laundry room supplied. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade their skills at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point. He also encouraged them not to wait until the last minute for document renewals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Crew would like increased pension benefits. Next ports: Los Angeles and Honolulu. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), February 19 – Chairman Willie Marsh, Secretary Donna Saling, Educational Director Jerome Dooms, Steward Delegate Gerald Joseph. Crew lounge AC has been repaired. Chairman announced ship’s scheduled arrival in Houston. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded everyone to keep all documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed overtime in each department. They requested additional vacation days and better dental benefits. Crew thanked galley gang for all the great meals, fresh-baked bread and desserts. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line, Limited), February 25 – Chairman Samuel Lampshire, Secretary Christina Mateer, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Engine Delegate Sergio Ayala, Steward Delegate Patricia Geras. Chairman reminded crew members 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. Burial at Sea for Brother Taranto Mariners aboard the Horizon Enterprise solemnly gathered on Feb. 22 to remember Bosun James Taranto and to commit his last remaining ashes to the sea. The shipboard memorial service (parts of which are pictured here) took place while the vessel sailed between Honolulu and Tacoma, Wash. Brother Taranto died Jan. 11 at age 61. He sailed with the SIU for more than 20 years, most recently aboard the Grand Canyon State in December 2011. (Thanks to vessel master Capt. Ron Radicali for passing along the photos.) to make sure rooms are clean and new linens are available for arriving mariners. Educational director recommended upgrading in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted that Seafarers LOG is available on the union’s website. Crew expressed need for new dryer. They said bosun, steward and electrician should have their own computers for work, with internet access, in their respective rooms. Crew thanked steward department for excellent food including superb salad bar. Next port: Los Angeles. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG), February 13 – Chairman Raymond Nowak, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Carlos Sanchez, Deck Delegate Ricardo Guevara. New dryer is on order and should be delivered when ship arrives in Corpus Christi. Chairman reminded departing crew to leave clean sets of linens and towels for those arriving. He thanked everyone for an enjoyable trip and commended crew for good seamanship. Also thanked steward for “all the extras she does with the pastries, breads and nice night lunches.” He also urged members to make sure their documents are up-to-date and to get a copy of the contract so they know what to expect aboard ship. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping common areas clean and thanked bosun for leadership. Educational director “wanted everyone to know that the union now has a great website” that includes a members-only portal with individual information such as sea time and medical records, plus current news about the union and industry. He said it’s a good idea to check the sea time listed and if potential inaccuracies are found, contract headquarters. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew Supporting Operation Enduring Freedom discussed rotary shipping. They talked about various shipboard procedures and schedules, and stressed the importance of courtesy and working together. PELICAN STATE (Crowley), February 29 – Chairman Raymond Tate, Secretary Exxl Ronquillo, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate James Hall, Engine Delegate Emanuel Paul, Steward Delegate Mauricio Fernandez. Chairman discussed upcoming payoff and need for safety at all times. Secretary said room inspection went great. He thanked crew for keeping vessel clean. Educational director encouraged fellow members to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 16 – Chairman Mathew Bevak, Secretary Gregory Broyles, Educational Director Andrew Linares. Chairman thanked everyone for a good trip. He encouraged Seafarers to donate to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Secretary urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Educational director thanked steward department for excellent job and reiterated encouragement to all members concerning upgrading in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed vacation benefits. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty The Seafarers-crewed USNS Charles Drew (left) is pictured April 5 in the Gulf of Oman while sailing in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approaching from the right is the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George, ready for an at-sea replenishment. The Drew is manned in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson) May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 19 Maritime), March 18 – Chairman Amante Gumiran, Secretary James Harris. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in New Orleans. Secretary reminded everyone to clean rooms before leaving the vessel. Educational director encouraged fellow members to upgrade in Piney Point and reminded everyone to keep documents current. Disputed OT in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT in others. Crew talked about not overloading washer or dryer. They thanked galley gang for great meals. OVERSEAS ANACORTES (OSG), March 12 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director Cary Pratts, Engine Delegate Carlos Castillo, Steward Delegate Alfrancis Bauzon. Chairman reported ship running well. President’s report from LOG was read and discussed. Secretary noted forms are available and crew can see steward for them any time. Educational director reminded everyone to keep documents up-to-date and upgrade in Piney Point whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New dryer expected to arrive tomorrow. Crew wants heavy bag for gym. Next ports: Port Everglades, Fla., and Pascagoula, Miss. RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 10 – Chairman Thomas Flanagan, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Paul Titus, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Engine Delegate Davon Brown, Steward Delegate Norma West. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Newark, N.J. He reported another good, safe trip and thanked entire crew for excellent efforts and good fellowship. Secretary reminding departing crew to put dirty linen in C-deck crew locker room. Educational director advised fellow members to protect their futures by taking advantage of the school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Upcoming ports in addition to Newark include Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., Mobile, Ala., and Houston. Seafarers LOG 19 4/26/2012 7:03:56 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Brother Robert Stevens, 66, started his seafaring career in 1963. His first voyage was on an Isco Inc. vessel and his most recent ship was the Elizabeth. Brother Stevens sailed in the deck department. He lives in Santa Rosa, Calif. while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His earliest trip was aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessel. Brother Austin was born in North Carolina. He was last employed on the Mariner Towing. Brother Austin is a resident of Frisco, N.C. JAMES WADSWORTH HUGH GIBBS Brother James Wadsworth, 56, was born in Florida. He joined the union in 1973 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wadsworth originally worked on the Overseas Aleutian. The steward department member’s final ship was the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Brother Wadsworth makes his home in Wilmington, N.C. Brother Hugh Gibbs, 60, became a union member in 1990. In 1993 and 2001, he upgraded his skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gibbs sailed in the engine department of vessels operated by Allied Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Engelhard, N.C. Continued from Page 17 ROBERT STEVENS INLAND MEDFORD AUSTIN Brother Medford Austin, 72, signed on with the SIU in 1968 ville. Brother Harrington was a member of the deck department. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the Piney Point school. Brother Harrington continues to live in his native state, Texas. OLIVER STEINER THOMAS HORTON Brother Thomas Horton, 54, began his seafaring career in 1984. The steward department member upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Horton first sailed with Allied Towing. His final trip was with Express Marine Inc. Brother Horton calls North Carolina home. Brother Ronnie Harrington, 61, joined the SIU ranks in 1989. He primarily worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jackson- Brother Oliver Steiner, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1994 while in New Orleans. He was primarily employed with Westbank Riverboat Services. Brother Steiner was a member of the engine department. He is a resident of Coden, Ala. GREAT LAKES LONNEE AAKEBERG WALTER JARVIS RONNIE HARRINGTON Allied Towing. He shipped in the engine department and attended classes at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Jarvis makes his home in Wakefield, Va. Brother Walter Jarvis, 58, was born in Virginia. He signed on with the union in 1970 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Jarvis mainly worked on vessels operated by Brother Lonnee Aakeberg, 62, was born in Superior, Wisc. He worked aboard Great Lakes Towing Company vessels. In 1993, Brother Aakeberg enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. He continues to reside in Wisconsin. ALAN CHAPIN Brother Alan Chapin, 62, started sailing with the union in 1992 in Detroit. The deck department member sailed mainly with Upper Lakes Towing Company. Brother Chapin went to the Paul Hall Center in 1995 to upgrade. He lives in Gladstone, Mich. ALI ZAWKARI Brother Ali Zawkari, 61, joined the SIU in 1972. His first vessel was the George D. Goble; his last, the Sam Laud. Brother Zawkari worked in the steward department and in 2008 completed training at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He calls Detroit home. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board 20 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 20 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­ farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. 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 including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2012 4/26/2012 7:03:58 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Marine Electrician October 20 December 14 FOWT August 18 September 14 October 13 November 9 Junior Engineer May 12 July 6 August 25 October 19 Machinist July 28 August 17 August 18 September 7 Pumpman September 8 September 21 Deck Department Able Seaman May 12 June 8 August 4 August 31 October 13 November 9 ARPA June 2 June 8 July 28 August 3 October 27 November 2 Welding June 2 June 22 July 7 July 27 September 15 October 5 October 20 November 9 November 24 December 14 Bosun Recertification July 14 August 6 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Chief Steward July 7 August 17 October 13 November 23 ECDIS September 29 October 5 December 8 December 14 Serve Safe July 7 July 13 September 29 October 5 Fast Rescue Boat June 23 June 29 July 28 August 3 Chief Cook These modules start every other week. The next class begins May 18. GMDSS June 9 June 22 November 24 December 7 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 26 June 8 June 23 July 6 July 21 August 3 August 18 August 31 September 15 September 28 October 13 October 26 November 11 November 23 December 8 December 21 May 19 June 1 Radar Observer July 14 July 27 October 13 October 26 Radar Renewal (One day) June 25 June 25 August 13 August 13 November 16 November 16 STOS July 14 July 27 September 15 September 28 Engine Department Adv. Refer Containers July 14 August 10 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) May 26 June 22 July 21 August 17 September 15 October 12 November 10 December 7 FOWT June 23 July 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class #___________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. May 2012 11757_May_Log.indd 21 These modules start every Monday. The next classes will begin May 7. Safety Upgrading Courses Advanced Firefighting June 2 June 8 July 21 July 27 July 28 August 3 September 15 September 21 September 22 September 28 Basic Firefighting/STCW May 12 May 18 June 23 June 29 July 7 July 13 August 11 August 17 September 15 September 21 October 13 October 19 Government Vessels June 16 June 22 August 18 August 24 September 29 October 5 November 24 November 30 May 12 May 18 Medical Care Provider June 9 June 15 July 28 August 3 August 4 August 10 September 22 September 28 Tank PIC Barge December 8 December 14 Tanker Asst. Cargo DL July 14 July 27 COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/12 Seafarers LOG 21 4/26/2012 7:03:58 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class #757 – Eighteen Phase I unlicensed apprentices completed this course March 16. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Julio Bernardez, Richard Brockway, Crowder Carson, Jayson Cruz, Olympia Harley, Rene Hernandez Ramos,Tristan Jones, Sean McCarthy, Peter Mertz, Keith Miller, Kyle Nielsen, Juan Norales, Christopher Sanicola, Christopher Sears, Derrick Siefke, Grant Simonson, Joseph Spencer and Anthony Thomas. Class Instructor Ben Cusic is in the back row at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Radar Observer – Seven upgraders completed the enhancement of their skills in this course March 23. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Timothy Culwell, Daniel Deneau, Kevin Johnson, Russell Macomber, Kevin Moore, Juan Negron and Perry Schroff. Welding – Eight upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 23. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Marie Acosta, Ashley Carmichael, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert, Dwight Gordon, Reginald Hunter, Fidel Pascua and Cornelius Smith. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back row at the far right. FOWT – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements and graduated from this course March 30: Abdullah Alamri, Major Brooks, Rommel Crespo, Romeo Cruda, Daniel Cunningham, Nathan Graddick, Lucion Liles, James Ross, Samuel Shuebrooks, Michael Souza, Steven Supplee, Mony Williams and Dhahabi Quraish. Class Instructor Tim Achorn is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course March16: Joel Bell, George Box, Tristan Brand, Matthew Bryant, Ernest Bullock Jr., Robert Crosby, Ordilio Evora, Alijohn Fernandez, Abdulkarim Ghaleb, Jason Greene, Leparte Jasper, Latanya Johnson, Allen Newgen, Phillip Nies, Joseph Noach, Antonio Perez, Lionel Rivera, Reinaldo Roman, Grayson Ross, Zachary Ross, Antonio Simon, Robert Stafford, Jonathan Tucker and Todd Williams. Automatic Radar Plotting Aids – Six upgraders graduated from this course March 30. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Timothy Culwell, Kevin Johnson, Henry Kenric, Russell Macomber, Kevin Moore and Perry Schroff. Tankship Familiarization DL – Two classes of Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed this course March 23. Graduating (photo at right, in alphabetical order) were: Ali Kassem Ali, Jason Allen, Matthew Bailer, Khoury Bethea, Tania Carson, Matt Dalgetty, Joseph Dasteel, Sage Embleton, Terry Frazier, Andre Graham, Sean Hernandez, Robert Hofferth, Christopher Hughes, Jade Keller, Magare Kidane, Christopher King, Joseph Longuidice, Kaleb McGill, Yancey Mitchell, Angela Puchalsky, Adolph Romero, Brandon Simken, Justin Smith, John Sorsdal, Slawomir Tlalka and Burton Uys. 22 Seafarers LOG 11757_May_Log.indd 22 May 2012 4/26/2012 7:04:06 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes BST – The following Seafarers (photo at left, in alphabetical order) finished their requirements in this course March 9: Xavier Alfaro, Sonny Austria, Mario Batiz, Gabriel Bello, David Bennett, James DeMouy, Willie Doud, Jack Gainers, Artemia Gandeza, Ernesto Gonzaga, Ruben Haynes, Gil Lawrence, Eileen Mendiola, Larry Middleton, Raul Napoles, Penny Pollard, Luis Ramos-Rosa, James Stimage, Gemini Tacang, Kirk Willis and Kevin Wimbley. Mike Roberts, the class instructor, is at the far right. Important Notice Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Tank Barge DL – Eighteen upgraders improved their skills by completing this course March 12. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Carlo Balajadia, Mario Batiz, Wayne Bell, David Bennett, Dan Carman, Amancio Crespo, John Daunoras, Alfred Drake, Jack Gainers, Xavier Mercado, Brent Midgetts, Bryan Page, Morgan Piper, Keith Reeder, Derik Rye, James Stimmage, Richard Weaver and Kirk Willis. Mitch Oakley, their instructor, is kneeling in the front row at the far left. Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting – Nine individuals completed this course March 9. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mohamed Ahmed, Roy Carey, Daniel Deneau, Rafael Lanila, Bryan Page, Derik Rye, Gerry Schroff, Jon Silveira and Scott Thompson. Class Instructor Wayne Johnson is in the back row at the far right. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) completed this course March 10 at the Seafarers Training Facility in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Darlene Dominguez, Souleymane Sall, Janalee Adams, Rebecca Addison, Daniel Eiden, Adriano Girangaya Jr., Katia Pogarchenka, Neil Shyte, Ndeye Fall, Mark Henderson, McKenzie Neuman, Heather Schwartz, Joseph Staples, Rosetta Hurst, Tonique Newell, Joseph Ritchey, Amareca Thompson, Rebecca Kotte, Daniel Minzer and Wilford Simmons. May 2012 11757_May_Log_X.indd 23 Medical Care Provider – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 9: Carlo Balajadia, Amancio Crespo, Milan Dzurek, Carlo Johnson, Steven Jones, M’Barek Nouhairi, Morgan Piper, Louis Santoago, Jeremy Scheil and Jonathan Stratton. Medical Care Provider – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) finished their requirements and graduated from this course March 16: Mohamed Ahmed Elsawi, Rafael Lanila, Bruce Morris, Stephen Morris III, Gil Pruitt, Scott Thompson and Allen Ward. Class Instructor Mark Cates is standing at the far right. BST (Hawaii) – Sixteen individuals finished this course March 24 at the Seafarers’ Hawaiibased training facility. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Craig Cady, Allison Boyd, Chad Collins, Julian Fernandez, Arianna Keever, Lance Vallis, Joseph Almeida, Michele Borchew,  Brian Straub, Peter Fu, Jasmine Pierce, Amanda Stuart, Jeffrey Drown, Elpidio Ramos, Scott Mikelonis and George Solomon. Seafarers LOG 23 4/27/2012 6:43:27 PM �Volume 74, Number 5 May 2012 Paul Hall Center Course Dates Page 21 School Offers Comprehensive Steward Training Paul Hall Center’s Upgrading Courses Help Mariners Advance In the eyes of many Seafarers, the backbone of a ship is the steward department. After a hard day’s work in the engine room or on deck, everyone looks forward to a delicious meal. Members of the steward department have ample opportunities to maintain and upgrade their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The steward department typically is composed of three different ratings. The entry-level position is Steward Assistant (SA), followed by Chief Cook, and then Chief Steward. “What’s important for prospective upgraders to remember is that working your way up is a process,” said Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski. “The program is by-design, meaning that we have stewards completing the course and then going out to sea for more seatime for a reason. We need Seafarers to have the opportunity to practice the specifics of what they’ve learned at sea before they can continue with their education.” The first course that a Seafarer with the required seatime can take is Galley Operations. To be eligible for the course, a student must have successfully completed the Unlicensed Apprentice (UA) program (prior to Oct. 17, 2009) and have six months of seatime sailing as SA or have one year seatime sailing as SA. The four-week course covers basic safety and equipment training and also teaches attendees basic sanitation skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to make simple baked goods like breads and cookies and other dishes. The next step in the upgrading process is the Certified Chief Cook course. This 12-week course is done in six two-week modules and is designed to increase skills in cooking, sanitation, and safety. For Seafarers to be eligible for this course, they must either have successfully completed the UA program (after Oct. 17, 2009) and have six months seatime as an SA or, if they completed the UA program prior to Oct. 17, 2009, then they must take Galley Operations and then have six months seatime as an SA. Another prerequisite option is to complete Galley Operations and sail for one year as SA. The Chief Cook course not only teaches students many fundamentals of cooking fish, meat, vegetables, and soups, but also teaches the complexities of menu planning and recipe development. Another important component of the course is ServSafe certification. ServSafe is a widely used program that specializes in food service management. The classes include classroom instruction and a practicum where potential Chief Cooks try out their skills in a real-life setting at the school. Advancing to a Chief Steward rating initially involves taking the Advanced Galley Operations course, which takes place over four weeks. The course reinforces skills that steward department members learned in other classes and also introduces some international recipes and computer training. This course has a six-month seatime prerequisite sailing as a Chief Cook and completing the aforementioned Certified Chief Cook course. The final step in becoming a Chief Steward requires an additional six months Gov’t Services Galley Gangs Earn MSC Excellence Awards Four Seafarers-crewed ships have been honored by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) for food service excellence. The four vessels, the USNS Sacagewea, USNS Richard Byrd, USNS Kanawha, and USNS Guadalupe are crewed by members of the SIU Government Service Division. MSC presented the 2012 David M. Cook Food Service Excellence awards to representatives of the ships at the International Food Service Executives Association’s Joint Military Awards Ceremony in San Diego, Calif., March 31. More than 600 people were on hand for the awards, ranging from rank-and-filers to military 11757_May_Log.indd 24 Upgraders in the photo above, as well as those shown in the other two photos below, sharpen their skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. of seatime as a Chief Cook after taking the Advanced Galley Operations course and then completing the Chief Steward upgrading course. The Chief Steward course is six weeks long; it covers topics in various areas that a person in control of a galley will need to succeed. A Chief Steward candidate will take basic supervision, computer application or information technology, food production, menu planning, and inventory management. The course, overall, emphasizes effective management of a galley, including menu planning and being able to manage inventory by computer. In addition, instruction in leadership and conflict resolution is included. leadership, food service executives, and others. “I take great pleasure in commanding all of the food service personnel who participated in this year’s awards program,” said Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander of MSC. “Your exceptional efforts keep morale and quality of life at peak levels. Congratulations and Bravo Zulu for a job well done.” The awards were given in four separate categories: East Coast large ship, West Coast large ship, East Coast small ship, and West Coast small ship. The Sacagawea won for East Coast large ship; the Byrd won for West Coast large ship; the Kanawha won for East Coast small ship; and the Guadalupe took home the award for West Coast small ship. Seafarers who sail in the steward department are known industry-wide as being excellent cooks but these With top-notch instructors and state-ofthe-art training facilities available at the Paul Hall Center, members of the Steward Department have all the tools they need at the ready for not only upgrading their careers, but for continuing to provide nutritious and great-tasting meals for fellow mariners. Steward Dept. Courses At the Paul Hall Center Galley Operations (4 weeks) – Must have successfully completed UA program (prior to Oct. 17, 2009) and have six months’ seatime sailing as SA or one year’s seatime as SA. Certified Chief Cook (12 weeks) – Must have successfully completed the UA program (after Oct. 17, 2009) and have six months’ seatime as SA or successfully finished UA program (prior to Oct. 17, 2009), Galley Operations, and six months’ seatime as SA or must have successfully completed Galley Operations and one year’s seatime as SA. Advanced Galley Operations (4 weeks) – Requires taking all the above courses and having six months’ seatime sailing as a Chief Cook. Chief Steward (6 weeks) – Requires taking all of the above courses and having six months’ additional seatime sailing as a Chief Cook. awards really put the icing on the cake, according to some of the winners. “We’re already looking toward next year,” said Chief Cook Frank Porter of the Sacagawea. “We’re really focusing on the ‘Healthy Heart’ program and continuing to decrease the amount of fat and salt in our menu items. We’re looking at what restaurants do and trying to incorporate those practices into how we prepare and serve our food. We’re really going to have to step up our game if we want to win again next year. This is a very competitive award and there are some really good cooks out there on our ships.” In addition to the award, the winning galley gangs also receive a week of shipboard culinary training with a certified executive chef to help continue the pattern of excellence shown by the Seafarers. 4/26/2012 7:04:17 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2012 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES GREEN COVE TO THE RESCUE UNION MOURNS RENE LIOEANJIE ALASKA TANKER COMPANY CREWS HONE SAFETY SKILLS IN PINEY POINT AMERICAN-FLAG SHIPS READY TO TRANSPORT FUEL TO NORTHEAST NAVY LEAGUE: JONES ACT VITAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY LIOEANJIE, LAST NMU PRESIDENT, DIES AT 89 GREEN COVE CREW RESCUES FOUR MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRE-BALLOTING REPORT ITF SEAFARERS’ TRUST CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY RANK-AND-FILE COMMITTEE OKAYS UNION’S FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR 2011 NY WATERWAY CREW PLUCKS THREE PEOPLE FROM HARBOR MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT, U.S.-FLAG COALITION SET NEWSPAPER STRAIGHT ON EX-IM BANK SHIPPING SHIPPING INDUSTRY GIANT MAERSK MCKINNEY-MOLLER PASSES AWAY AT AGE 98 LABOR MOVEMENT STUNNED BY DEATH OF MARK AYERS OCEAN CRESCENT CARRIES LAST ARMY VEHICLE FROM KUWAIT IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT VACATION APPLICATIONS AND BENEFICIARIES MSC PRAISES PERFORMANCE OF SIU-CREWED USNS WHEAT AGENCY PUBLICIZES ADDITIONAL LOGBOOK AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS MARINER EXAMS AT MU GUAM SCHEDULED VIA HONOLULU REC COAST GUARD ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE FOR BALLAST WATER HOLIDAY SPIRIT AND PIGSKIN TALK PREVALENT ON ALLIANCE BEAUMONT ATC ATTENDS SAFETY TRAINING AT PAUL HALL CENTER RECOLLECTIONS FROM THE MURMANSK RUN SCHOOL OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE STEWARD TRAINING PAUL HALL CENTER’S UPGRADING COURSES HELP MARINERS ADVANCE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2012 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 74, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f9bdd69c038241c8432c7017fd5555c0.pdf 8526b75dbb81beec3fe150f817dcfcff PDF Text Text Volume 75, Number 5 May 2013 Training With Our Military SIU members and officers from the West Coast RRF ships Grand Canyon State, Keystone State and Gem State are pictured with Navy personnel following cargo-handling training that took place in March. SIU members in the photo (front row) include Bosuns Mike Carvalho, Gheorghe Savencu and John Young, and ABs Greg Tojong and Artis Williams. Also pictured are Chief Mate Adena Kenny Grundy and Chief Mate Alex Butler. The training took place in Alameda, Calif., on both the Grand Canyon State and Keystone State, and it was conducted by U.S. Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 5. The ships are operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine. Waterfront Park Project Progresses At Piney Point, Md.-based School Engraved Bricks Constitute a Key Component The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month announced a special brick-donation program that’s part of the waterfront restoration project at the school in Piney Point, Md. Bricks come in different sizes and may be engraved with text and/or logos (see samples at right and below). See the back page for more details. Seafarers Play Key Roles In Great Lakes Fit-Out SIU members including Chief Cook Terri Sales (aboard the Sam Laud) helped kick off this year’s sailing season on the Great Lakes. Vessels operating on the Lakes play important roles in boosting America’s economy. Pages 12-13. Lawmakers Back Food for Peace Page 3 15045_May_LOG_X.indd 1 More on New Clinic System Page 4 Annual Funding Notices Pages 9, 10 4/26/2013 3:10:56 PM �President’s Report Standing up for American Maritime Jobs I’m sure no one in the SIU needed the reminder, but if anyone ever questioned why our union is so politically active, the current fight to save America’s Food for Peace program reinforces that reasoning. Also known as PL-480, Food for Peace is one of the pillars of the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. The program has served our nation well – and benefited countless individuals around the globe – going back to its inception in 1954. Throughout all those decades, it has enjoyed solid bipartisan support. But at a moment when every budgetary dollar is being fought for in Washington, even though this would be an absolutely awful time to ship American jobs overseas, the program is under attack. (Not that there’s ever a good time to export our jobs, but given the ongoing economic problems and high unemployment here at home, let’s just say there’s bad Michael Sacco timing and then there’s bad timing.) And this comes on the heels of a big cut last year. As I said last month, we are treating this matter with utmost urgency and literally working on it seven days a week. Any time jobs are at stake, it’s a front-and-center issue for us. That’s also why we’ve teamed up with the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department for a grassroots campaign, launched in mid-April, to further let Congress and the administration know why full support of Food for Peace is so vital. You can bet it will also be a prime topic at this year’s maritime industry congressional “sail-in,” scheduled to take place May 8 on Capitol Hill. The details are important. One proposal from the administration calls for additional reductions in the use of American-flag ships in the PL-480 program, with monies going directly to foreign governments and nongovernmental operations. If this were to happen, more than half of the U.S.-flag vessels used to move Food for Peace cargo – and their American crews – would be left at the docks. American farmers and dockworkers would suffer, too. And, as we have seen over the years, money has a way of disappearing while people continue to go hungry. For 60 years, there has been no doubt the food sent overseas by American farmers aboard American vessels has reached its destinations to help those in need. And, there is no doubt who is supplying this vital aid. This battle couldn’t be more serious, but we do have a lot of support, as evidenced by recent letters to the White House from members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate (see page 3). We can only get that kind of support by remaining politically active – not just during election cycles, but all the time. Educating senators and congressional representatives about our industry is a year-round job. Candidly, we still have some catching up to do on that front, given the retirements and other departures in recent years of some our industry’s biggest backers. I’ve often said that our grassroots activities and SPAD contributions and other outreach like the annual sail-in won’t guarantee success, but if we stayed on the sidelines, we’d be guaranteed to fail. Our odds are much better than if we were collectively buying a lottery ticket, but like the old commercial says, you’ve got to play to win. As our members know all too well, we work in a very heavily regulated industry. That includes not only rules governing training requirements and shipboard safety, but also federal maritime laws and programs that maintain the very core of the U.S. Merchant Marine: Food for Peace, the Jones Act, and the Maritime Security Program foremost among them. Heck, that’s why we moved our headquarters from New York to near Washington more than 30 years ago. We have to protect our livelihoods, and much of that work takes place in the nation’s capital. In our current fight to preserve Food for Peace, your help is critical. Let your senators and congressional reps know that American jobs and American sealift capabilities are at stake. Check with your port agent for sample letters that can be used to convey our message. We have faced these attacks before and beaten them back. We will succeed again with your help. Wage Increases Highlight Reopeners In Several Great Lakes Contracts The first quarter of the year proved busy and productive for Great Lakes-area Seafarers and union officials who negotiated several reopeners covering wages and benefits. Reopener agreements were reached with Erie Sand and Gravel; Champion Auto Ferry; Upper Lakes Towing; and VanEnkevort Tug and Barge. Following are summaries of the negotiations: Erie Sand and Gravel The SIU secured wage and vacation pay increases effective April 1, 2013 and again on April 1, 2014. The union also ensured that health benefits are maintained. SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak negotiated on behalf of the SIU. The company, based in Erie, Pa., operates the sand-sucking dredge MV St. John on Lake Erie. Champion Auto Ferry The union negotiated a wage increase effective in the first pay period of April 2013. Brdak, SIU Representative Don Thornton and Pilots Ed Hotchkiss and Paul McGeachy bargained on behalf of the union. The company is based in Algonac and operates three auto ferries between there and Harsens Island, Mich. Upper Lakes Towing Both for licensed and unlicensed Seafarers, the union obtained annual wage increases for the remaining term of the contract, which runs through March 2019. The SIU also secured increases in vacation benefits this year and in 2015 and 2017, and maintained contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) and the union-affiliated Paul Seafarers gather at the hall in Algonac, Mich., for the March membership meeting. Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Additionally, health benefits will be maintained. Orzechowski and Brdak negotiated for the SIU. The company is based in Escanaba, Mich., and operates the articulated tug-barge (ATB) Joseph H. Thompson Jr. VanEnkevort Tug and Barge Annual wage increases were secured for the remainder of the contract, which expires at the end of March 2019. The union also negotiated for increased vacation benefits this year and in 2015 and 2017, plus maintained contributions to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Health benefits and contributions to the SMPPP also will be maintained. Handling negotiations for the SIU were Orzechowski and Brdak. The company, based in Escanaba, operates the ATB Joyce L. VanEnkevort/Great Lakes Trader on the Great Lakes. In the photo above, Seafarers and two SIU officials are pictured at headquarters as the financial committee finishes its report. Seated left to right are George Mazzola, Malcolm Holmes, Rodger Taylor and Timothy Pillsworth. Standing (from left) are Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Lauren Oram, Michael Harris (committee chairman), Marychris Littel and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The photo at left below shows the committee working earlier in the week. Committee Approves Financial Records Volume 75, Number 5 May 2013 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Brian Ahern; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2013 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 2 Rank-and-File Group Completes Review of Union’s 2012 Paperwork The union’s financial records for 2012 have been reviewed and approved by a committee of rank-and-file Seafarers who were elected by fellow SIU members at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. This annual review is mandated by the union’s constitution, which also calls for the financial committee’s report to be read in all ports at the SIU’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. The report also has been submitted to the SIU secretary-treasurer. The following Seafarers served on the committee following their election: Michael Harris (chairman), Malcolm Holmes, Marychris Littel, George Mazzola, Lauren Oram, Timothy Pillsworth and Rodger Taylor. They met at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., the first week of April, where they studied all of the appropriate records and found them in good order. In its report, the committee noted, “All records used in connection with the union’s financial operations were reviewed fully…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the committee. May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:10 PM �Congressmen to White House: Food for Peace ‘Critical’ Key Coalition Urges Administration Not to Ship American Jobs Overseas A bipartisan group of 30 United States Congressional representatives on April 5 wrote to President Obama urging his support of America’s Food for Peace program created by Public Law (PL) 480. Days later, the industry coalition USA Maritime blasted the administration’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014, which included a recommendation to severely alter the program in part by diverting almost half its funding. The program is widely acknowledged not only as a proven success, but also a key factor in the nation’s capacity to maintain a viable U.S. Merchant Marine. In their letter, the representatives pointed out, “Since 1954, Food for Peace has enabled the United States to play a leading role in responding to international food assistance needs and ensuring global food security. In recent years, Title II of Food for Peace, which i s administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, has become the largest vehicle for U.S. international food aid shipments. Under Title II, U.S. agricultural commodities are shipped to developing countries to provide emergency relief to those facing food shortages and to support broader development objectives. In fiscal year 2011, Food for Peace donated approximately 1.5 million metric tons of U.S.-grown Title II emergency and development food aid to more than 46 million food-insecure people in 48 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. “Food for Peace is also critical to supporting employment among U.S. farmers and merchant mariners. The purchase of food from U.S. farmers and its subsequent shipment on U.S.-flagged vessels has helped support U.S. farm production and preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine. Reductions in funding for this program – or changes in how it operates – would significantly reduce the amount of U.S. farm products our nation could provide to those in need around the world. It would also threaten our national security preparedness by reducing the domestic sealift capacity on which our U.S. military depends.” Signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Nick J. Rahall II (D-W.Va.), Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), Charles W. Boustany Jr. (R-La.), Janice Hahn (D-Calif.), Gary G. Miller (R-Calif.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Michael M. Honda (D-Calif.), Frank A. LoBiondo (R-N.J.), Renee L. Ellmers (R-N.C.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), David P. Joyce (R-Ohio), Tom Latham (R-Iowa), Alan S. Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), Stephen Lee Fincher (R-Tenn.), Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio), Michael G. Grimm (R-N.Y.), Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (DMd.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Richard M. Nolan (D-Minn.), Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Cheri Congress Conducts Piracy Hearing Bustos (D-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas). Meanwhile, USA Maritime – whose affiliates include the SIU, several other maritime unions, shipowners, operators and other maritime trade associations – criticized the budget proposal as “an unnecessary and harmful change to our flagship international aid program. We continue to view this proposal as shortsighted and seriously damaging to both national security and merchant mariner jobs.” The group further pointed out that the program has benefited more than 3 billion people in 150 countries and is an important symbol of America’s goodwill. “Unlike other foreign aid programs, this time-tested program does more than just send aid overseas,” the statement read. “Food for Peace is a point of pride for the 44,000 American farmers, shippers, processors, longshoremen, and merchant mariners whose jobs depend upon the program. Food for Peace leverages private and public resources to make a meaningful difference for millions of people in a way that Government cash handouts simply cannot. “Food for Peace is not only one of our premier diplomatic tools, but it is also an important component of our national security. By ensuring a steady flow of American cargo shipped by Americans on U.S.-flag ships, PL-480 helps maintain our U.S. Merchant Marine, which is critical for our ability to support our troops and first responders in time of war or national emergency. In fact, American mariners on commercial U.S.-flag vessels delivered more than 90 percent of defense cargo to military posts in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, without the base of food aid cargoes to help sustain the commercial U.S.-flag fleet, we will not be able to sustain the national defense sealift capability our military needs without significant additional Federal expenditures. “The administration’s proposals to shift funding to a system of global food stampvouchers, or to shift to purchases of food aid from allegedly cheaper foreign suppliers instead of donating wholesome commodities grown by American farmers will be harmful to our U.S. Merchant Marine, harmful to our national defense sealift capability, harmful to our farmers and millers, and bad for our economy. USA Maritime strongly encourages Congress to reject the administration’s misguided proposal, maintain the current program and sustain PL 480 Food for Peace funding. Doing so will ensure that this program continues to focus on the reliable export of safe and nutritious U.S.-grown commodities to those in need overseas.” The coalition concluded that during a time when “unemployment remains a major obstacle to economic growth, shipping American jobs overseas is the last thing any administration should be proposing.” E-Board Addresses Sequestration Officials Hope to Build on Recent Successes Piracy on the world’s seas may be falling in prevalence, but officials testified in a recent congressional hearing on the matter that more work would be needed to build on recent successes and battle piracy where it remains. Chaired by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation heard from a variety of officials about the battle against piracy and strategies for ensuring ongoing progress. Hunter discussed the advancement against piracy in his opening remarks, adding efforts by the maritime industry, including maritime labor and others made all the difference. “Since the subcommittee’s last hearing on this topic, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of attacks off the Horn of Africa,” Hunter said. “I commend industry, labor, the federal government, and the international community for working together and taking strong actions to improve the safety and security of the crews, vessels, and cargoes transiting those strategically important waters.” The hearing followed a recent report released by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) showing that maritime piracy had reached a five-year low. While the report revealed there was a significant reduction in Somali piracy on the East Africa coast, it indicated the battle was far from over. Hunter said that could be seen in the number of attacks off the West African coast. “Unfortunately, although the situation has improved on the East Coast of Africa, it has deteriorated on the West Coast,” he said. “Attacks on vessels and mariners in the Gulf Coast of Guinea have risen nearly 20 percent from 2011 to 2012. Pirates are venturing further and further from shore and using more violent attacks.” In his testimony to the subcommittee, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Joseph Kuzmick pointed to proactive measures taken by May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 3 both the shipping industry and the military. Those actions helped ward off attacks in the past, he added, and they would be able to prevent more in the future. From the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and the employment of armed security personnel, to an increase in naval deployments, Kuzmick said fighting piracy has been a team effort. “BMPs include the use of concertina, razor wire and water hoses; transiting at speeds above 16 knots; use of ship citadels; and avoiding high-risk seas,” he said, adding that armed security also helps. “If the pirates identify armed security on a vessel, they will normally leave the area and search for a more vulnerable target.” The battle against piracy also needs inter-agency, multi-national cooperation, added Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio, assistant commandant for prevention policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. “The threats piracy pose to the United States, our international partners, the maritime industry and mariners are multifaceted,” he said. “The response to these threats requires a broad array of legal authorities, operational capabilities, skills and competencies and the support and expertise of numerous U.S. governments, international and commercial entities. The Coast Guard has an important role to play and remains committed to working with our military, government, maritime industry and international partners to reduce acts of piracy, bring these criminals to justice and forge long-term solutions for regional maritime safety and security.” While he commended the gains that had been made, David Matsuda, administrator of the Maritime Administration (MarAd), said piracy in the Gulf of Guinea remained a problem, adding the agency would continue to give operational advice to counter piracy and raise awareness. The union’s executive board met April 8 in Piney Point, Md., to further discuss potential effects of sequestration on the maritime industry and to hone strategies for protecting SIU jobs. Pictured from left to right in each photo, starting above, are VP Contracts George Tricker, VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, President Michael Sacco, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, (center photo) Chief Counsel Leslie Tarantola, Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, (bottom) VP West Coast Nick Marrone, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, UIW National Director John Spadaro and VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. Seafarers LOG 3 4/25/2013 3:25:12 PM �Clinic System Has Growing Pains, But Members See Key Advantages The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) new Health Clinic System has been online and fully operational for only about a month, but early indicators suggest that the new arrangement is promising to be popular among rank-and-file members. As of press time for this edition of the Seafarers LOG, a significant number of active Seafarers had utilized the system in and around the union’s 20 constitutionally established ports. As expected, a few hiccups and growing pains have surfaced, but union officials are optimistic that these anomalies will soon be rectified. “Whenever a huge project is taken on, it is inevitable that you will encounter glitches and obstacles along the way that can be frustrating,” said Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “However, we are confident that once these initial challenges are overcome, the membership will benefit from these new services and will enjoy the flexibility that exams provided close to home afford them.” The recent experiences of two mariners appear to bolster Tricker’s expectations. AB Jimmy Orr, who works aboard the ATB Resolve, described his first time using the new clinic system as “an awesome experience.” Orr lives in Savannah, Ga., and it used to take him two and onehalf hours to drive to an authorized health clinic (five-hour round trip) for his exams. Now, he’s just minutes away from one of Comprehensive Health Services’ (CHSi) more than 2,000 participating facilities in the contiguous United States. “This is a big time-saver,” he said. “Let it be known, at least from my perspective, a great job was done by everybody involved in the decision to go with the new system.” Echoing Orr’s sentiments was FOWT Justin Machuga, who said his first experience with the new clinic system “went pretty well overall.” The clinic he visited is “a lot closer to home and everyone was cooperative and made sure that I knew what was happening,” Machuga said at the SIU hall in Jacksonville, Fla. “All in all, I think it (the new health clinic system) will help things move more smoothly.” Machuga lives in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Under the old system, he had to drive two hours each way—not including trips for follow-ups—for a physical. He underwent his most recent physical at a CHSi Clinic in Daytona, Fla., just 15 minutes away from his residence. Machuga credited CHSi for working well with his local doctor’s office and vice versa. “I also saved time driving and money on fuel,” he concluded. As was reported in the February, March and April editions Seafarers LOG, the SIU and SHBP earlier this year contracted CHSi to provide active members with a more extensive network for clinic services. CHSi’s larger network almost always offers members access to clinics closer to their homes for annual exams, functional capacity evaluations and interval exams. Utilizing the new clinic system allows mariners to schedule the exams they need by following an eight-step process. Medical exams are of two types (automated and approval required by the SHBP Medical Department) and are required at various frequencies. The medical exams are as follows: Automated Exams n Annual Physical Examination – required no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the previous exam n New Member Physical Exam – this is a onetime requirement and is necessary only upon entry into the system n U.S. Coast Guard Exam – required once every two years unless the mariner is upgrading n Interval Exam – needed once every six months for deep sea members n DOT/U.S. Coast Guard Drug Test – needed once every 6 months (unless otherwise authorized by the SHBP Medical Department) n Benzene Clearance – mandatory no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to the expiration date of previous annual exam n Steward Department Certification – compulsory no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the mariner’s previous annual exam n Unlicensed Apprentice Physical Exam – Will become automated after initial HLSS notification of acceptance. This exam, which must be requested at a local port office, is required one time only upon entry into the system n Functional Capacity Evaluation – required no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to expiration date of previous annual exam Approval Required Exams nReturn to Duty Exam – (repatriation, interval illness or injury, etc.) Required upon demand by SHBP Medical Department n MSC Physical Exam – required by job order and approved as necessary by the SHBP Medical Department n MSC Shots only– required by job order and approved as necessary by the SHBP Medical Department n Commercial Non-MSC Shots only– required by job order and approved as necessary by the SHBP Medical Department n ARC Exam – approval required by ARC and SHBP Medical Department n TB Screening only – needed upon demand by SHBP Medical Department n Members should take following the steps in order to schedule exams: Step 1 – Ports (and eventually all mariners) order the exam type they need Step 2 – CHSi receives exam request and contacts mariners within 24 hours Step 3 – CHSi schedules exams and notifies mariner of appointment date. All paperwork/lab kits are sent to the local clinics Step 4 – CHSi network clinic performs exams and completes all associated paperwork Step 5 – CHSi network clinic sends completed paperwork to CHSi and lab specimens to lab Step 6 – CHSi conducts quality assurance of all paperwork for completeness Step 7 – CHSi Medical Review Officer reviews record and makes preliminary recommendation of fitness determination Step 8 – CHSi sends completed medical record to SHBP Medical Department Plans Department Sends Message to SIU Members We have been utilizing the new medical system with CHSi for approximately six to eight weeks. During this time we have experienced positive feedback as well as identified some system difficulties. The following are some suggestions to make the process flow easier. Start the process early. You are able to request services 60 days prior to the expiration of your current clinic card. You can initiate the services by contacting your local port. In the near future you will be able to start the process by ordering the services through your Member Portal account. You no longer need paperwork issued by the port to take to the clinic, so you don’t have to be onsite to start the process. Allow the process to work. After requesting services please wait 24 hours for CHSi to contact you. Seafarers have been contacting CHSi directly right away, which means that the CHSi schedulers have to stop the normal order of things and put you ahead of Seafarers that have been waiting to be contacted. This causes the whole system to back up. CHSi had 4 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 4 been experiencing a delay of three days in scheduling exams. In response they have added staff and are current in these communications. Try to stick with your scheduled appointment. The flexibility that is offered by the expanded network allows for you to have services in a variety of locations. Please plan accordingly, keeping in mind that the entire process of scheduling exams through the return of your medical clearance takes between one to two weeks. Expedited exams should be rare. The system as it is designed provides a larger network as well as consistency and quality of exams. In order to achieve these goals it requires central routing of requests and medical records. If you truly have a need for an expedited exam it is best to work with your port official and our medical department to get your needs met. We will continue to monitor and adjust the process as we move along to make it work as efficiently and effectively as possible. In the meantime we ask for your continued patience and support. Coast Guard Issues Reminder, Instructions For Obtaining STCW Security Endorsements As previously reported, the most recent amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) led the U.S. Coast Guard to issue a policy letter outlining new security training and endorsement requirements for all vessel personnel. According to that policy letter (No. 12-06), as of Jan. 1, 2014 all mariners must have an STCW security endorsement as part of their merchant mariner credential (MMC) in line with their respective assigned duties. Detailed information is available in a March 28 post in the News section of the SIU website at: www.seafarers.org/news/2013/Q1/STCWSecurityEndorsementInfo.htm The same information should be available at all SIU halls. Included with the March 28 post are links to the policy letter; a related, two-page FAQ (which also covers information from a separate policy letter); a related sample letter (which also is included at the end of this article); and a link to Coast Guard forms 719B and 719K. Questions may be directed to the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SIU members who currently have a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) endorsement already comply with the new requirement. Other members will need to secure a letter from their employer (company) or vessel master confirming sea time or performance of security functions equivalent to designated security duties for six months in the previous three years that satisfy the requirements for the new endorsements and then send it to the NMC, or they’ll need to show proof of having completed an approved course that meets the requirements. If demonstrating completion of an approved course, the certificate of completion should be attached to Coast Guard form 719B as an application for an endorsement. If the mariner is also seeking a renewal of an existing document, form 719K (Medical Evaluation Report) would also have to be filed. Alternatively, mariners who commenced sea service prior to Jan. 1, 2012 may apply for the VPDSD endorsement by providing documentation attesting to seagoing service with designated security duties for a period of six months in the preceding three years. These duties may include, but are not limited to, duties specified in the vessel security plan or as assigned on a station bill. Documentation of this service can be a letter or certificate signed by a company official, including a vessel master. This letter is to be presented to the NMC as an attachment to a form 719B. Another method of satisfying the requirement is to secure a letter signed by a company official attesting to performance of security functions considered to be equivalent in scope to shipboard designated duties for a period of six months in the previous three years. The three STCW security endorsements are: n SA – VI/6 – Security Awareness n VPDSD – VI/6 – Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties n VSO – VI/5 – Vessel Security Officer Unless VSO has already been placed on the STCW page of a mariner’s MMC, he or she will need to obtain one of the endorsements listed above. Both the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., believe that most mariners will require the VPDSD endorsement. According to the policy letter, mariners will not be charged for adding an STCW endorsement if they apply before Jan. 1, 2014 unless they’re seeking a renewal or a raise in grade of their MMCs, nor will the expiration dates change. Sample Letter for those with Sea Time Prior to January 1, 2012: Commanding Officer U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center 100 Forbes Drive Martinsburg, WV 25404 Dear Sir: This letter is to provide documentation that NAME has seagoing service with designated security duties for a period of at least six months during the preceding three years and meets the STCW qualifications for Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties. Sincerely, NAME OF MASTER OR COMPANY OFFICIAL May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:12 PM �SHBP Introduces SIU Official Explains Importance Innovative Benefits Of Seafarers ‘Bill of Rights’ Eligible Seafarers and their dependents have access to new benefits, according to a recent communication from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). An early April letter from Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen to SHBP participants described “new rehabilitation benefits for Seafarers and their dependents at the Core and Core-Plus benefit levels. The benefits will provide coverage for inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for Seafarers and their dependents who are recovering from a catastrophic illness or injury. The Trustees have approved this benefit as a one-year pilot program, retroactive to January 1, 2013. At the end of the year, the Trustees will evaluate the benefits, and make a determination about rehabilitation benefits for 2014 and any subsequent years.” In addition to the regular mailing, a PDF copy of the letter is posted in the SHBP section of the SIU website. To access it online, click on the headline that reads, “SHBP Letter Concerning Rehabilitation Benefits (April 2013).” The letter specifies that in order to be eligible, the member or his or her dependent “must be recovering from a catastrophic illness or injury, which the Plan defines as: the acute onset of a medical condition resulting from an illness or injury, which will require extensive rehabilitation services. Some examples of a catastrophic illness or injury are: a stroke, a severe accident, or a heart attack. In order to be eligible for this benefit, the patient must be expected to improve to a certain level of recovery and must require rehabilitative therapy or skilled nursing care on a daily basis. The Plan still does not provide benefits for custodial care.” During the pilot program, the SHBP will pay for inpatient rehabilitation for eligible Seafarers for up to 180 days or $1 million per inpatient stay, or until the member “reaches maximum medical improvement … when the Seafarer is confined at a skilled nursing facility or acute rehabilitation facility.” Coverage amounts vary depending on whether facilities are in or out of network. Also, the benefit covers charges for physical, occupational, speech, pulmonary and cognitive therapy while the employee is an inpatient. Outpatient rehabilitation services for members following a catastrophic illness or injury also are covered. This is separate from the physical therapy benefit that members already receive for non-catastrophic illness or injury. For eligible dependents of members at the Core or CorePlus levels, the SHBP also will pay for inpatient rehab for up to 180 days or $1 million per inpatient stay, or until the dependent “reaches maximum medical improvement … when a dependent is confined at a skilled nursing facility or acute rehabilitation facility.” Here again, coverage amounts differ based on network status, and the benefit covers charges for physical, occupational, speech, pulmonary and cognitive therapy while the dependent is an inpatient. Detailed information about other components of the new coverage is available in the letter. This includes outpatient rehab services for dependents, cardiac rehabilitation, and rental or purchase of durable medical equipment that is required in rehab. “These new benefits are subject to the same limitations on the payments of benefits, as well as the deductible amounts, copayments and co-insurance that apply to other Plan benefits,” Bowen noted in the letter. Questions may be directed to the SHBP at (800) 252-4674. Push Continues for U.S. Ratification of Maritime Labor Convention 2006 about fairness: fairness to the legitimate shipowner and, more importantly, fairness to the seafarers employed by them.” The MLC incorporates principles found in many International Labor Organization conventions and combines the standards Describing it as one of the most im- of 68 conventions into one document. portant pieces of international maritime Once implemented, Heindel said, mariners legislation in modern history, SIU Secre- around the world would reap the benefits tary-Treasurer David Heindel told a recent of the MLC. shipping industry gathering that the Mari“This new super-convention, if you time Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC) will will, is truly the Magna Carta of the modundoubtedly change international shipping ern merchant marine and is arguably the for the better. most important conven“When asked to give tion covering migratory a seafarer perspective on workers which has ever the subject of the Maribeen adopted,” Heindel time Labor Convention, said. “The convention I jumped at the opportuaims to achieve both denity,” said Heindel, who cent employment rights also serves as chairman for seafarers while seof the Seafarers’ Section curing the economic of the SIU-affiliated Ininterests and fair comternational Transport petition for quality shipWorkers’ Federation owners.” (ITF). “That’s primarThe MLC has been ily because the MLC ratified by 35 countries may be one of, if not the representing nearly 70 most important piece of percent of gross world international legislation ship tonnage, though on behalf of seafarers Heindel said the conenacted in maritime hisvention will still impact tory in nearly 100 years. countries – including As important as the the United States – that David Heindel Jones Act is to U.S. seahave yet to ratify it. SIU Secretary-Treasurer farers and our domestic Ships from non-ratifycarriers, the Maritime ing countries may be Labor Convention is subject to inspection just as significant to international seafar- when docking in countries that have ratiers and their shipowners.” fied the MLC. Speaking to a gathering of more than While U.S. laws and regulations, cou2,400 maritime industry leaders at the pled with collective bargaining agreeConnecticut Maritime Association’s CMA ments, ensure U.S.-flag ships exceed the Shipping 2013 event, Heindel reviewed the provisions of the MLC, Heindel said only history of international shipping and how U.S. ratification of the convention would so-called flag-of-convenience registries guarantee American ships are not detained. have allowed some shipowners to avoid “With regard to the U.S. ratification, providing seafarers with adequate pay and we have been working with the U.S. Coast safe working conditions. He added the Guard and Department of Labor and our MLC – which is set to begin implementa- social partners (shipowners) to bring it fortion in August – will do much to remedy ward and are quite happy to say we hope that problem. to have the U.S. Senate vote on ratification “The [MLC] provides comprehensive before year’s end,” Heindel said. “We owe rights and protections at work for the it to the world’s seafarers and look forward world’s more than 1.5 million seafarers,” to a speedy U.S. ratification and enforcehe said. “In my mind, the convention is all ment.” ITF Warns of Flags-of-Convenience in Aviation Report Outlines Rising Prevalence, Damage to Workers, Security The SIU-affiliated International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is warning that the damaging flags-ofconvenience practice seen in maritime is spreading to the aviation industry. In a presentation to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Air Transport Conference in Montreal, ITF Civil Aviation Section Secretary Gabriel Mocho issued a report outlining the growth of so-called flags-of-convenience in aviation and urged ICAO to take steps against the system. ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that sets standards and regulations for aviation safety, security efficiency and regularity. “This event brings together stakeholders from across the world of aviation. Its core purpose is to develop the regulation necessary for a sustainable aviation industry – a matter of burning importance to us all,” Mocho said in his presentation of the ITF’s report. “The ITF is deeply supportive of this aim.” May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 5 Also known as runaway flags, flags-of-convenience scenarios traditionally involve shipowners registering their vessels with foreign countries that offer tax avoidance, low safety and labor standards and inadequate inspection procedures. Companies register with these countries in an attempt to save costs, while those working on the ships often endure low pay and substandard working conditions. In its report, the ITF said a similar practice is being seen in the aviation industry. “The ITF will be bringing its 65 years of experience in fighting the worst excesses of flags-of-convenience in shipping to the debate about the rise of flags-ofconvenience in aviation,” Mocho said. “These have become increasingly visible and potentially risk undermining transparency, accountability and even safety.” According to the report, “The growing number of parallels in today’s civil aviation to traditional maritime ‘flagging out’ scenarios is striking. Offshore registries for civil aviation aircraft exist and are growing in Aruba, Bermuda, Ireland, Malta, George and Lithuania. Offshore registries for private aircraft also exist in the Cayman Islands, the Isle of Man and San Marino.” The ITF added that aviation workers have felt the effects of this growing problem. Some companies turn to the runaway flag practice as a way of avoiding regulation and offering less to employees. “Air transport workers have been used repeatedly and increasingly since 2000 as the primary shock absorbers for managing the effects of deregulation, liberalization, the periodic business cycles and external shocks in the industry, often with devastating social consequences,” the report read. “There is growing evidence that airlines under liberalization are increasingly restructuring their operations to reflect classic maritime flags-of-convenience scenarios.” Aside from outlining the problem, the ITF also called on the conference to take action. The ITF urged ICAO to develop future work programs with the explicit recognition that airline workers’ interests should be considered when evaluating any proposed recommendations or guidelines. It also called on the organization to work closely with the United Nations agencies – particularly with the ILO in developing follow-up strategies on the ILO’s recent study on the aviation industry. Seafarers LOG 5 4/25/2013 3:25:13 PM �At Sea And . . . BOSUN EARNS AWARD – Aboard the USNS Henson, Bosun Joseph Gierbolini recently earned a Maersk Line, Limited monthly safety award. The cash awards are part of an ongoing safety program. ABOARD ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS – Chief Cook Vincent Chavez and SA Lea Ramos help keep fellow mariners well-fed aboard Maersk Line, Limited’s Alliance St. Louis. KUDOS TO CHIEF COOK – Chief Steward Tom Klein recently commended the work of Chief Cook Bannacke Figueroa (left), pictured aboard Crowley’s Integrity with SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown. Klein said Figueroa is “the best of the best.” NEW TONNAGE – Seafarers joined in celebrating the christening of the new Crowley tanker Pennsylvania late last year in Corpus Christi, Texas. Crew members and officers are pictured aboard the vessel with company President and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. (front, sixth from right) and sponsors. The Pennsylvania sails in the Jones Act trade. AT THE READY – Bosun James Crate (left) recently welcomed SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right) and Patrolman Nick Marrone II (behind the lens) aboard the USNS Petersburg. The TOTEoperated vessel is part of America’s Ready Reserve Force. ABOARD OCEAN ATLAS – SIU Houston Patrolman Joe Zavala recently submitted these photos of AB Caroline Lawrence (photo at left above) and Electrician Tomas Merel aboard the Ocean Atlas. The ship is operated by Crowley for Intermarine. ON WATCH – AB Derick Glenn stands watch aboard Liberty Maritime’s Liberty Grace. CALLING IT A CAREER – Fellow Seafarers recently offered a hearty welcome ashore to Chief Cook James Boss (center), pictured aboard his last ship, Matson’s Maunalei. Thanks to Recertified Steward Barry Alviso (right) for sending the pic. Also pictured (left) is ACU Larry Ballard. 6 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 6 May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:18 PM �. . . Ashore With The SIU HONORING THE DREAM – Houston-area Seafarers including those pictured here with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (third from right) participated in this year’s parade honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The SIU contingent included Orakwue Daniel Ikegwu, Diani Rosana Melendez Castillo, Allan Tadle Oculam, Angel Bernardez, Donaldo Ezequiel Clotter, Charles Joiner Hill, Sirio Milmor Centino, and Christopher Lyons. A-BOOK IN ANCHORAGE – Earlier this year, QE4 Jared Latta (left) received his A-seniority book from SIU Port Agent Tracey Mayhew at the hall in Anchorage, Alaska. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Stopping by the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla., to pick up their first retirement checks, respectively, were Capt. Michael Gates (right in photo at left above, with Patrolman Brian Guiry) and Chief Engineer Albert Mercer (left in photo at right above, with Asst. VP Archie Ware). WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – AB Russell Haynes (left) picks up his first pension check at the union hall in Houston. Presenting the check is Port Agent Mike Russo. SWAPPING SEA STORIES – Retired Patrolman Tony Aronica submitted the snapshot directly above of “two old-timers.” Retired Pumpman John Quinter is at left, with former deck gang member Gunder Hansen. LEARNING ABOUT UNION PLUS – Members (photo at left) gathered at the hall in Norfolk, Va., earlier this year to learn more about benefits available to them through Union Plus, an AFL-CIO organization. Some of the SIU attendees are pictured showing their Rosie the Riveter spirit. Visit unionplus.org for information about the various programs available to Seafarers because of the SIU’s participation in Union Plus. BOOKS PRESENTED IN OAKLAND – During the February membership meeting in Oakland, Calif., SAs Aurora Kirkwood (right in photo at right, with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) and Abraham Dominguez (center in other photo, with Marrone and Asst. VP Nick Celona) took the union oath and picked up their respective full books. May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 4/25/2013 3:25:22 PM �Six Stewards Complete Recertification Six Stewards Ascend to Apex of Culinary Hierarchy Six Seafarers reached the top of their respective careers in the steward department recently when they graduated from the steward recertification course at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md. In recognition of their ascent to the summit of the culinary hierarchy, each received certificates April 8 during the union’s membership at the PHC. The graduates—Stewards Shirley Bellamy, John Greubel, Cleto Lindong, Karl Meyer, Sean Richard and Anthony Jacobson—also addressed union officials, fellow upgraders, trainees and guests who attended the meeting. Collectively, they expressed their gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families, and become better shipmates to their brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. In addition, each thanked the union leadership for its continued support, and the PHC vocational and hotel staffs for their excellent instruction and accommodations, respectively. Finally, they acknowledged a host of other individuals who played key roles in their successes. Shirley Bellamy Bellamy was the first to take the podium. She sails out of the Port of Jacksonville and is a native of Federalsburg, Md. Prior to joining the union, she worked in cosmetology. She has upgraded on several previous occasions at the PHC. Bellamy told the audience she has been sailing since 1997 and that her transition to the maritime industry from her previous line of work was both challenging and rewarding. “I’ve always wanted to see the world,” she said. “I dreamed about visiting places such as Africa, Japan, Greece, Spain and the Middle East. All of that has become a reality thanks to the SIU and the wonderful career it has given me.” As a result of the recertification training, Bellamy said, she gained a broader awareness of sanitation. In addition, she became more aware of the behind-the-scenes workings of the union. “I’ll now be better able to answer questions about the union for my shipmates and point them in the right directions when they encounter problems,” she said. Bellamy told the trainees the school represents a tremendous opportunity for them. “I encourage each of you to take advantage of everything the Paul Hall Center has to offer,” she said. “You are the future of the SIU and your endurance will pay off. “Once you to go to sea, pay attention, keep a positive attitude and always work hard,” she said in closing. “It’s also important that you be professional and always strive to do your best.” Sean Richard Richard was next to address the audience. He ships out of the Port of New Orleans and has been an SIU member for 21 years. A frequent upgrader, he has attended the PHC on four previous occasions. “Each time I attended this school, I learned more and more to enhance my skills,” he said. “And this time was no different.” In addition to areas covered by the recertification curriculum such as sanitation, safety, and first aid, Richard was excited about the knowledge he acquired about the union. “I improved my management skills and gained important insights on how the union actually operates,” he said. “I was also given a firsthand look at how hard our union leaders work to protect and keep our jobs and maintain our benefits. “My career with the SIU gave me the opportunity to travel the world, work, meet some wonderful people, and earn some good money Recertified Steward Shirley Bellamy 8 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 8 Members of the steward recertification class joined union officials for the photo above following the April membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Standing from left to right are VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, John Greubel, Cleto Lindong, Sean Richard, VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Karl Meyer, SIU President Michael Sacco, VP Contracts George Tricker, Shirley Bellamy, UIW National Director John Spadaro, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Anthony Jacobson, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. in the process,” he said. “I must say that I would not trade it for anything in the world.” Richard advised the trainees to “not focus on how much money you will make, instead focus on how much you can save. When you go to sea, respect your shipmates regardless of their race, religion or gender. When on a ship crossing the ocean, we must all depend on and work with each other. We are one big family. “In the area of job performance, be sure that you’re on time for work,” Richard continued. “Be productive, practice safety first and always follow orders given to you from your immediate supervisor. “Finally, look, listen and learn” he concluded. “Upgrade often and contribute to SPAD.” Cleto Lindong Lindong hails from the Philippines and signed on with the union in 2001. He sails out of the Port of Wilmington “This recertification program was very educational,” he told those in attendance. “It provided me with further insight into the inner workings of this great organization. I learned a great deal about how it is managed and run.” Lindong said his life as a seafarer started years ago when he was sailing aboard foreignflag vessels. “Had it not been for the SIU, I wouldn’t be standing before you today,” he said. “The union gave me the opportunity to improve and better myself through various training and upgrading courses here at the Paul Hall Center. “That enabled me to me get better jobs,” he continued. “Now I am here, proud and happy to have achieved my goal of graduating from this recertification program. “I consider you as a core part of the SIU,” Lindong told the trainees. “Study hard and learn as much as you can because in doing so you are laying a positive foundation for your future. Always keep a positive outlook on your job, pay attention to your mentors and learn to adapt and work together as a team.” Anthony Jacobson “The past three weeks have been an eyeopening experience for me,” said Jacobson, who is home-ported in Wilmington. He first donned the union colors in 1993. A native of Chicago, Jacobson told the audience that during their training, he and his classmates “were afforded the opportunity to see the inner workings of this great organization. I always knew that a number of things were done behind the scenes on behalf of the union membership, but I had no idea about the extent to which our leadership went to accom- Recertified Steward Sean Richard Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong plish them. “For example, I learned all about what our union officials and affiliated organizations such as the MTD do to help keep us all working,” he continued. “And that’s where our SPAD contributions come in.” He urged everyone to contribute to SPAD generously and often. Reflecting on his career, Jacobson said he sat in the PHC auditorium in 1993 as a trainee in Lifeboat Class 513. “That was my first union meeting and I never imagined that 20 years later I’d be up here on this stage receiving this honor,” he said. “I have been all over the world, worked on some really great ships and made quite a few friends over the years. “Learn all you can while you are here,” Jacobson told the trainees. “When you go out on the ships, keep an open mind and be teachable. Remember, a number of our brothers and sisters on the ships have been doing this for a long time; they just may know a thing or two about shipping and shipboard life, so take advantage of our knowledge and experience.” He ended his remarks by encouraging the trainees to come back to the school as often as they could to upgrade their skills. “This school has earned a place in my heart over the years,” he said. “Where else in the world could we get such an education at so little personal cost and then go out and use the skills we learned to make more money? “But it is not free,” he concluded. “It is our responsibility to go out there and represent the union and what it stands for by working hard and doing a good job.” John Greubel Greubel sails out of the Port of Jacksonville. Born in St. Louis, he has been a proud member of the SIU since 1999. After congratulating his fellow classmates for their accomplishments and wishing them well in their careers, Greubel told those present that completing his recertification training was a real honor and that he would always remember his graduation day. “In 1980 when I finished my three-year apprenticeship at St. Louis Community College, I decided to move to Las Vegas with my culinary degree and get a good job there, maybe work in a hotel/casino or a restaurant,” he said. “Well, I did this for 18 years, but could never save any money. “I finally got fed up with Las Vegas and a guy who worked for me told me that I could make some good money on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico,” he continued. “I tried it but didn’t like it much. It was a non-union job and they played a lot of favorites there.” Recertified Steward John Greubel Then one day Greubel noticed an ad for cruise ship jobs and decided to apply, mainly because it was located in Hawaii and he had never been there before. “After completing my mandatory training here at the school for getting the job, I left for the ship, did my required time and headed out to sea.” Greubel said he has returned to the PHC on three previous occasions to enhance his skills and “each time I have learned more and landed better jobs. They provided me with the skills I needed for these jobs, especially with computers,” he said. The recertification course continued the enhancement of his skills, he said. “It taught me more about how the union works, especially regarding contracts, shipping rules, the political process and the importance of SPAD. I also sharpened my leadership skills, gained a better understanding of our benefits, pension and 401K plans. I will carry all of this knowledge back to my ship and share it with all of my shipmates. Hopefully, I can answer their questions and help clear up any misconceptions they may have about how the union works.” Greubel encouraged the trainees to use the union’s pension and 401K plans or a combination of both to start saving. “You’ll be surprised how much you can save by just putting a small amount into it every week. Start early and you will have more than you need when it’s time to retire. “This union has done so much for me,” he concluded. “It’s not just about money and travel, but also about friendships and experiences that I will never forget.” Karl Meyer Philadelphia native Karl Meyer joined the SIU in 1993, but began sailing a year earlier aboard the cruise ship SS Independence. He currently sails out of the Port of Guam. “My first job was cleaning ash trays and emptying garbage cans,” he recalled. “From that time on, the sea and the SIU became an inseparable part of my life.” Meyer told members of the audience that in cooking, stewards use the term “Mise en place,” which means to put in place. “It’s not just about having your ingredients together before proceeding with a recipe; it’s about having your life together as well. These principles have guided me throughout my career.” Reflecting on his recertification training, Meyer said, “The last three weeks have opened my eyes once again. The program was very well rounded and included safety training, BST renewal, as well as sanitation and nutrition which is ever so important in our industry.” He said he especially enjoyed the tours to SIU Headquarters, the Maritime Trades Department and the AFL-CIO in Washington, D.C. “If you’re just going about your job while sailing the seas, you really don’t realize what’s going on behind the scenes,” he said. “This is why I came away from my training with a new appreciation of how the union works and how important it is for all of us to support our leadership. I learned what President (Mike) Sacco and other union officials do on a daily basis for us. “They work tirelessly on our behalf to protect our jobs, benefits and the American shipping industry as a whole,” he said. “That’s why it’s important now more than ever for everyone to support SPAD. Our donations give our leadership the capital they need to fight for our interests by educating and supporting our friends in Congress.” Addressing the trainees—especially those who are preparing to enter Phase II of their training—Meyer said, “You are the future of this industry. Keep your eyes and ears open, ask questions and learn from your shipmates.” Recertified Steward Karl Meyer Recertified Steward Anthony Jacobson May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:26 PM �With Seafarers Aboard The Overseas Los Angeles Patrolman Nick Marrone II submitted these photos from an early-April servicing of OSG’s Overseas Los Angeles on the West Coast. Chief Cook Roberto Martinez, SA Hayel Omer, Chief Steward Oswald Stoiber Bosun Teodulfo Alanano, AB James Moore QEP Clarence Verdun, AB John Mensah, STOS Rodolfo Nuno GUDE Mohsin Mohamed Annual Funding Notice – MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and two preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets 2012 January 1, 2012 155.24% $6,911,490 2011 January 1, 2011 153.87% $7,049,456 2010 January 1, 2010 142.91% $6,813,528 Value of Liabilities $4,452,173 $4,581,505 $4,767,618 Fair Market Value of Assets Asset values in the chart above are actuarial values, not market values. Market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of a given point in time. However, because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values for funding purposes. While actuarial values fluctuate less than market values, they are estimates. As of December 31, 2012, the unaudited fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $6,806,499. As of December 31, 2011, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $6,791,092. As of December 31, 2010, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,049,456. The December 31, 2012 fair value of assets disclosed above is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 795. Of this number, 250 were active participants, 429 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 116 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 40% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Interest-bearing cash 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 9 Percentage 1.26 12.15 19.61 0 0 27.36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39.62 0 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other 0 0 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or nonpension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/ TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242). Seafarers LOG 9 4/25/2013 4:11:22 PM �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) would like to notify you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 1 (800) 252-4674. Annual Funding Notice – Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your pension plan (“the Plan”) and general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2012 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan Under federal law, the plan must report how well it is funded by using a measure called the “funded percentage.” This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. Your Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2012 2011 January 1, 2012 January 1, 2011 123.1% 121.2% $1,048,823,188 $1,013,288,083 $851,770,088 $836,014,907 2010 January 1, 2010 110.1% $910,293,605 $826,992,528 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date for the plan year and are market values. Because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values that are designed to smooth out those fluctuations for funding purposes. The asset values below are market values and are measured as of the last day of the plan year, rather than as of the Valuation Date. Use of the market value of assets for the actuarial value used in the above chart shows a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of the Valuation Date. The fair market value of the Plan’s assets as of the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the following table (final year is not audited): Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2012 $1,170,000,000 December 31, 2011 $1,048,823,188 December 31, 2010 $1,013,288,083 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants in the Plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 20,533. Of this number, 7,795 were active participants, 8,377 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 4,361 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies (a) Every pension plan must have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of assets needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. (b) Investment Policies Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees to manage as Plan Asset Manager, such Plan Asset Manager will discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Plan’s assets in accordance with the fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA and all regulations thereunder and shall not violate any of ERISA’s “prohibited transaction” rules. The Plan Asset Manager shall be a bank (trust company), insurance company, or a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Plan Asset Manager shall acknowledge in writing that it is a fiduciary of the Plan within the meaning of Section 3(21)(A) of ERISA and an “investment manager” within the meaning of Section 3(38) of ERISA. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income Target 50% 50% Range 35% - 60% 40% - 65% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. 10 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 10 (c) Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 1 22 26 0 0 26 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 (d) For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 10312 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the US Department of Labor an annual report called the Form 5500 that contains financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. For 2009 and subsequent plan years, you may obtain an electronic copy of the plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the Form 5500 search function. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Individual information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit under the plan, is not contained in the annual report. If you are seeking information regarding your benefits under the plan, contact the plan administrator identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The plan is required to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite these special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see “Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC”, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, or for a statement of your estimated monthly pension benefit payable at retirement, you may contact the Board of Trustees, or the Administrator, at 301-899-0675 or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329 for Seafarers Pension Plan. For more information about the PBGC, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov. May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:29 PM �A Souvenir Of Nazi Germany Editor’s note: Beginning in September 2010, the LOG regularly has featured articles by retired mariner Ed Woods, who first shipped out during World War II, as a teenager. Most of the earlier stories were run in two series, concluding in the September 2012 edition. A stand-alone article was published in the November 2012 LOG. Brother Woods recently submitted the following article. M y son Warren called me tonight. He is on the staff at the Historical New Orleans Collection (collections manager/exhibition coordinator). He is also the self-appointed family historian and a dedicated collector of memorabilia. He asked me to put in writing whatever information I could remember about a Nazi flag that I had brought home from Germany in 1946. It is now in his possession after being stored away with some other souvenirs for the past 67 years. I first went to Germany as a merchant seaman in October 1945, a short time after it had surrendered to the Allied Forces. Hostilities had ended the previous August 15, 1945. World War II, however, was not scheduled to officially end until the last day of the year, December 31, 1946. The fighting may have been over but it was still not a pleasant time to be in Germany. The country was under martial law, so the citizens and the occupying personnel were subject to many restrictions imposed by the military government. For one, there was no fraternizing. A heavy fine was levied on anyone found socializing with the former enemy. In addition to this, the people were living just a little above the starvation level. For the latter reason, a “black market” existed. The Germans wanted food and cigarettes, and they were willing to part with their family heirlooms and other prized possessions to obtain these scarce items. When I say black market, I don’t mean any big money-making scheme. The Americans wanted souvenirs and the Germans wanted food and cigarettes. It was simply a matter of trading. No money changed hands. I heard there were some big-time “black market operators” in Germany at that time. However, I never knew or met any of them. I was working on an U.S. Army Transport, the General W.P. Richardson. We carried troops back and forth between New York City and Bremerhaven. I don’t recall staying more than a week in either port. I had no food to barter, but I did have cigarettes. Trading with cigarettes was also against the military laws of occupation. However, the law was seldom if ever enforced inside the fenced-in port area. Access to the road leading into the city of Bremerhaven was limited to two gates, one for the occupying forces and the other for the Germans workers. When passing through the gates, everyone was searched for contraband. We were only allowed to take two packs of cigarettes ashore with us each day. Anything more was immediately confiscated by the military guards on duty. We soon discovered we could do more and better trading inside the fenced-in sector. The German work- May 2013 15045_May_LOG_X.indd 11 ers seemed able to carry anything they wanted in and out of the gated port area. Bremerhaven was and still is an important European seaport. Inside the enclosed sector were huge cranes for moving and lifting machinery, some of the biggest dry docks in Europe, miles of docking space, extensive repair shops, and close by to all of this were submarine pens. German U-boats were there and I wanted to see them. I had sailed on oil tankers for over a year during the war and the very thought of these undersea monsters had often kept me awake at night. Memories of attempting to sleep in my bunk while in convoys crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans were still with me. I would never forget being awakened by the noise of the horns and whistles of our naval escorts as they chased after an echo or a sighting picked up with their sophisticated locating devices. You don’t get much sleep when you are aboard an oil tanker full of high-octane aviation gasoline and there’s a possibility of a German U-boat in the area getting ready to send your ship closer look at my former adversary. I was with a buddy, a shipmate who was as anxious as I was to see the forbidden area. There was no sign of any guards, only a few German workers in the area who didn’t seem to take any notice of us. I had seen pictures of German U-boats but I had never seen one up close. There were about five or six of them tied together in a row alongside a pier. My first thoughts as I looked at them were of their size. They seemed small and not seaworthy. I asked myself, were these cigar-shaped pieces of metal really the underwater weapons of war that caused so much havoc and death in what Winston Churchill called the Battle of the Atlantic? A German sailor, who appeared to be in charge of the U-boats, greeted us. Following an exchange of words and an offer of a cigarette, he agreed to give us a tour of a boat. Later, as we were climbing out of the hatch, he asked if I was interested in any souvenirs. He then brought out a German Nazi swastika flag. I made every attempt to conceal my excitement in a desperate desire to keep the expected high price down. I wanted this Nazi flag. He wanted two cartons of cigarettes – an unheard-of sum! A carton of cigarettes in town and out of the port area would buy the whole submarine. I was not to be deterred. I convinced him to agree to one carton of cigarettes, which I didn’t have with me. The German sailor, however, promised to hold Ed Woods down to Davy Jones’ Locker and you with it. Signs both in German and English were at the entrance to the submarine pens warning all unauthorized personnel to keep out. There is something very ominous about the German word “Verboten”. It seems to mean so much more in German than it does in English. However, whether one could read German or not, it was quite clear the area was offlimits and sightseers were not welcome. I was 18 years old. I had sailed through mine- and submarine-infested waters during the war. I was not about to let a few signs stop me from getting a this hated but much-desired symbol of the Third Reich until my return that afternoon with the cigarettes. Fortunately, my ship and the U-boat pens were inside the fenced-in port area. Therefore, I could expect to go back and forth between the two sites without any interference. On the walk back to our ship, my buddy reminded me to be aware of counterfeit souvenirs. We had heard that once the Germans learned they could trade wartime souvenirs with the Americans for food and cigarettes, they began to manufacture flags, medals and parts of German military uniforms. A lot of the manufactured items were obviously bogus and were turned down. The ever-ingenious German, however, would explain, “Yes, these goods do not appear to be genuine but with good reason. They were made during the height of the war when material was in short supply – nothing was wasted.” “I was 18 years old. I had sailed through mine- and submarine-infested waters during the war. I was not about to let a few signs stop me from getting a closer look at my former adversary.” - - - Ed Woods My buddy and I had sailed in the Pacific Ocean during the war and we could recall the many Japanese flags offered for sale or trade by the U.S. Navy Seabees. Some friendly Seabees admitted to us that they had made the flags right there in their camp. They were able to do a most profitable business with U.S. Army Air Corps personnel when they stopped on the island. One flag could be worth a bottle of scotch whiskey or a whole bunch of American money. They showed us how they added a look of authenticity to their bogus product by burring holes in it and rubbing it in the dirt. They would tell the potential buyers the flag had been taken from a nearby Japanese fort following a fierce and bloody battle. When I returned to the U-boat with the carton of cigarettes, I gave the flag a good going over and decided it was genuine. I now owned a souvenir swastika flag from the German Nazi era. For a very good reason, I will always recall the day I bought the flag. On the way back to our ship, after making the trade, we had to pass within a few hundred feet of the gate used by the German port workers. It was manned by a combination of German police officers and United States Navy personnel. One of the Navy enlisted men at the gate called out to us. We didn’t know what he was saying and decided to ignore him. We were out of the restricted area and felt free to walk about without interference from the guards. I also did not want to get involved with any of the military since I was carrying a Nazi flag under my jacket. The two of us felt completely within our rights to continue walking. However, we stopped walking and turned around very quickly when we heard two shots fired and realized they had been aimed in our direction. We saw it was one of the Navy enlisted men who had fired the shots and who was now ordering us to come closer. As we began to walk toward him a number of other U.S. Navy enlisted men rushed out of the guardhouse and shouted at the man who had fired his gun. They called him all sort of foul names including stupid and asked if he wanted to get all of them courtmartialed. They told him we were obviously Americans and his actions were completely uncalled for. For once in my young life, I was speechless. I had just been fired at and I was carrying a Nazi flag. I was in no position to argue with anybody. One of the enlisted men, a petty officer, apologized for the gun shots, and asked if we would please forget the entire incident. We readily agreed and, still quite shaken, continued on our walk. As we left the gate, we heard the petty officer tell the guard that he was relieved of duty and to report to him inside the guardhouse.---Ed Woods Seafarers LOG 11 4/26/2013 3:10:57 PM �Lakes vessels including the SIU-crewed H. Lee White play a key role in the nation’s economy. Bosun Amin Quraish, GUDE Rajeh Ahmed Sam Laud Bosun Jeffery Eckhart Great Republic Great Lakes Fit-Out 2013 AB Foaad Saleh H. Lee White GUDE Ali Alwaqedi Sam Laud Seafarers Help Keep America’s Economy Moving QE4 Ali Musa Great Republic QE4 Adrian Schubert H. Lee White The 2013 Great Lakes shipping season began in early March, and SIU members were among the first to kick off the year. Over the next several weeks, more than 50 American-flag lakers – many with SIU crews – returned to service for another 10-month stint hauling the raw materials that are the foundation of the industrial heartland: primarily iron ore, limestone and coal. According to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA), the U.S.flag Great Lakes fleet “is unique in the world in that virtually every vessel is a self-unloader, which means the ship or barge can discharge cargo without any assistance from shore-side personnel or equipment. The largest vessels can unload 70,000 tons of cargo in 12 hours or less. Prior to self-unloading, it would have taken days to empty a vessel of a cargo that size. “The self-unloading vessel was invented and perfected on the Great Lakes and is one reason waterborne commerce on the inland seas is so efficient. A recent study by the U.S. Maritime Administration states that on average, transportation cost savings from $10 to more than $20 per ton are associated with the use of lakers compared to the next most competitive transportation mode. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that Great Lakes shipping annually saves its customers $3.6 billion compared to the next least costly mode of transportation.” U.S.-flag lakers are built in the United States, crewed by American citizens and owned by American corporations. This holds the vessels and crews to the world’s highest safety and operational standards. The LCA, whose members include several SIU-contracted companies, further points out, “The environment benefits when the Lakes fleet returns to service. Vessels use less fuel to move a ton of cargo than trains or trucks and produce significantly fewer emissions in the process. A number of lakers have been repowered in recent years with state-of-the-art engines and generators that have further reduced the industry’s carbon footprint. “Iron ore for steel production is the primary cargo moved by U.S.-flag lakers. In 2012, the fleet moved more than 45 million tons of taconite pellets. Limestone for the construction industry and steelmaking approached 22 million tons. Coal for power generation totaled more than 17 million tons. Other cargos included cement, salt, sand and grain and collectively totaled 5 million tons.” Thanks to SIU Algonac Patrolman Don Thornton for the crew member photos on these two pages, taken aboard American Steamship’s Sam Laud and H. Lee White and on Key Lakes’ Great Republic Pictured above are 2nd Cook David Warner (left) from the Great Republic and Chief Cook Terri Sales of the Sam Laud. In the large group photo, members gather aboard the Great Republic. GUDE Janah Ahmed is in the near foreground, with QMED Abdullah Alamri near his left shoulder. Also pictured, left to right starting at far left, are AB Ali Al dhahi, QE4 Ali Musa, QE4 Allen Ludlow, AB Lawrence Cormier, Bosun Jeffery Eckhart, GUDE Hussein Jinah, AB Salahuddin Saleh, AB Ali Ali and GUDE Muafa Musad. 12 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 12-13 May 2013 May 2013 Pictured abover are GUDES Haidarah Ahmed (left) and Ahmed Ganah. In the photo at left are AB Raymond Hotchkiss (front) and Bosun William Mulcahy. All four Seafarers work aboard the H. Lee White. The Sam Laud is part of American Steamship Company’s fleet. Seafarers LOG 13 4/25/2013 3:56:54 PM �Save 15%* on SIU Members Call, Text and Tweet for Less! wireless costs while supporting union workers. Take the coupon below with you to the nearest AT&T store to take advantage of the Union Plus AT&T Discount for SIU members. You’ll also be supporting union workers and their families. AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier (over 40,000 union-represented employees!). Discount Coupon 15 % on wireless serDISCOUNT vices from AT&T Two ways to start saving on AT&T calling and data plans: 1. Online 2. Visit an AT&T store Visit UnionPlus.org/ATT Take this coupon and a union ID to your local AT&T store and tell them you’d like your 15% Union Plus discount. *Credit approval and new two-year service agreement required. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts. The 15% Union Plus AT&T wireless discount is not available on the iPad, additional lines for family plans, unlimited plans and Unity plans. Data services: Only the 5GB data plan and the shared minutes and data for AT&T Mobile share plans are discounted. All other individual data plans, data plans on secondary lines, and text plans are not discounted. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Offer available to union members, retired union members, and Union Plus Credit Card holders only. For more information, visit UnionPlus.org/ATT. AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T Intellectual property. Union Plus is a registered trademark of Union Privilege. AT&T Retailer: The Union Member FAN# is 3508840 5/13 SIU-ATT-03/13 14 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 14 May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:40 PM �3 Log-A-Rhythms Lest We Forget Author Unknown Sometimes when the bands are playing And the uniforms march by You will find a seaman watching With a wistful-looking eye And you know just what he’s thinking As he hears the cheering crowd As the soldiers and the sailors Swing along, erect and proud He is thinking that his country Saves its honor once again For the uniforms, forgetting All the seas’ forgotten men He is thinking of the armies And the food and fighting tanks That for every safe arrival To the seamen owe their thanks He is thinking of those buddies Who have paid the final score Not in khaki or in the Navy But the working clothes they wore And we’d like to tell him something That we think he may not know A reminder he can stow away Wherever he may go All your countrymen are proud of you And though there’s no brass band Not a bugle or a banner When the merchant seamen land We know just the job you’re So be sure to keep your chin up When the uniforms parade What a man wears doesn’t matter It’s the stuff of which he’s made My Heart Belongs to the Sea By R.G. Haller, H13915 Long ago I was a seaman I sailed the seven seas I knew the bars in Subic Bay The coastline of Pusan I knew well the sting of salt spray The taste of Spanish wine The beauty of the Orient Yes, these were things of mine But I wear a different hat now No tie and jacket too My sailing days were long ago With that life I am through But somewhere deep inside me The sailor lives there too He longs to go to sea again But knows he never will My love, my life, at home And I will leave here never Though mind and body stay ashore My heart is at sea forevermore Personals Penny Albert Jersey would love to hear from her childhood friend, Bosun Steven Kastel. Jersey hopes all is well with Bosun Kastel and wants him to contact her at 530-823-8110. Retired Seafarer Matt Carroll would like to hear from other retired or active mariners in the El Paso, Texas, area. Matt may be reached at: 1011 N. St. Vrain Street, El Paso, TX 79902. June & July 2013 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: June 3, July 8 Algonac...................................................Friday: June 7, July 12 Baltimore..............................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 Guam.............................................Thursday: June 20, July 25 Honolulu...............................................Friday: June 14, July 19 Houston...............................................Monday: June 10, July 15 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 Joliet................................................Thursday: June 13, July 18 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: June 12, July 17 New Orleans...........................................Tuesday: June 11, July16 New York.......................................Tuesday: June 4, July 9 Norfolk...............................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 Oakland...........................................Thursday: June 13, July 18 Philadelphia...................................Wednesday: June 5, July 10 Port Everglades................................Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 St. Louis.................................................Friday: June 14, July 19 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 21, July 26 Wilmington..............................................Monday: June 17, July 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea doing In your worn-out work clothes On the seas where death is lurking And a fellow’s courage shows March 16, 2013 - April 15, 2013 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups A B Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 7 0 7 14 3 12 48 28 1 12 8 32 13 19 1 1 5 33 4 33 281 5 1 4 12 1 1 16 17 6 2 2 14 18 9 6 3 4 9 2 22 154 1 2 1 4 0 0 3 4 0 1 1 2 7 1 0 0 2 2 1 2 34 Deck Department 15 4 0 2 3 2 14 7 4 3 4 4 26 10 18 6 5 3 5 3 5 3 31 17 7 10 10 3 5 5 1 1 4 6 26 5 3 0 25 9 211 103 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 1 2 7 0 2 16 7 1 1 3 21 3 6 3 0 3 9 1 13 99 12 3 7 22 4 27 85 71 1 18 20 70 29 45 7 0 12 57 4 72 566 10 2 6 17 3 6 25 43 7 5 3 31 48 14 4 4 13 27 4 38 310 2 3 1 7 2 0 5 2 3 1 3 5 12 3 1 0 3 4 2 6 65 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 3 7 0 7 16 15 1 8 3 17 10 9 1 2 0 6 2 6 115 1 0 4 6 0 6 13 28 6 3 3 10 12 9 4 2 3 7 1 16 134 2 0 5 0 0 2 0 3 1 1 0 1 6 1 4 0 0 2 1 3 32 Engine Department 4 3 1 0 0 2 6 0 1 1 4 1 13 3 17 13 1 2 1 0 1 2 10 9 7 13 6 4 2 3 2 0 1 1 11 2 0 0 9 9 97 68 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 4 0 2 6 8 0 1 1 8 1 4 1 0 0 5 0 4 45 0 0 5 12 0 27 27 42 0 12 5 31 20 14 6 1 4 25 4 22 257 5 1 5 11 0 12 21 30 4 3 2 17 26 14 3 2 14 18 1 33 222 4 0 3 2 0 2 2 6 1 1 0 3 4 3 4 0 1 3 1 7 47 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 7 2 10 19 10 1 2 3 16 10 5 3 3 3 15 3 23 135 0 0 3 2 0 2 6 9 3 1 1 7 9 4 1 0 3 4 0 1 56 Steward Department 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 9 1 1 1 0 0 12 1 3 9 5 0 7 9 1 2 2 1 3 0 1 3 0 0 13 4 3 3 5 1 7 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 10 3 0 1 0 4 16 0 20 102 33 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 9 0 0 1 7 0 4 5 5 0 0 3 2 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 5 38 5 0 7 15 3 19 33 35 1 7 6 30 19 22 5 4 4 29 5 51 300 1 1 2 6 2 5 9 12 1 3 2 14 16 7 1 2 4 7 1 7 103 0 0 0 3 1 0 2 1 2 3 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 0 4 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 1 1 0 1 3 4 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 5 0 2 24 6 0 1 6 0 7 8 4 1 3 0 16 14 11 2 4 0 9 0 19 111 8 0 2 3 0 4 5 8 2 2 4 16 9 5 2 1 1 1 0 8 81 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 7 1 0 1 8 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 4 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 4 13 2 0 1 1 0 4 7 5 1 1 3 5 2 6 1 0 0 17 0 5 61 12 2 1 11 0 14 17 16 0 1 3 41 26 21 2 4 0 14 0 39 224 18 0 1 7 0 13 10 25 4 3 5 35 41 13 2 1 4 14 0 34 230 GRAND TOTAL: 555 455 167 70 195 1,184 859 365 Entry Department 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 2 8 2 4 0 2 0 2 0 2 3 15 0 9 2 5 0 1 0 2 1 0 5 5 0 1 3 8 21 70 431 274 C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Seafarers LOG 15 4/25/2013 3:25:41 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Editor’s note:This month’s question was asked of members at the union hall in Wilmington, Calif. Question: If you could speak to a member of Congress, what would you tell him or her about your job? HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Louis Nicoud Recertified Steward The career we’ve chosen is a vital link to international commerce. We are a vital part of the security of the country. We take vital cargo to where it is needed. We are welltrained and the fourth arm of defense. Steve Bowmer Chief Cook Protect it. Protect the Jones Act. Without the Jones Act, all U.S. trade would disappear. Then anybody from around the world could transport our goods around America. We need to protect all forms of domestic transportation. Jervona Vorise Electrician It is exciting and fun. You get to travel to a lot of places, visit different cultures and see how other people live. Hussein Mohamed Bosun Rezk Mohamed DEU I’m a sailor. I’m happy to be a member of the SIU. This has been a good life. Give us (opportunities for) more jobs. I am happy with the SIU. Keep us working. Pics-From-The-Past HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Retired QMED/Electrician Jose A. Vazquez (back row, far left) submitted this photo of his welding class from 1974. It was taken at the union-affiliated Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. The other pic is an undated file photo, believed to be from the late 1960s, showing the training boats Simmons and Zimmerman, also at Piney Point. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG_X.indd 16 May 2013 4/26/2013 3:11:02 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA CRAIG AMISON Brother Craig Amison, 65, became an SIU member in 1967. He initially worked with Valentine Chemical Carriers. Brother Amison was born in Beckley, W.Va. He attended classes in 1967 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Amison sailed in the deck department. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the Prestige New York. Brother Amison makes his home in Harrisonburg, Va. EARL BOSTROM Brother Earl Bostrom, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1995. He was originally employed with Bay Ship Management. Brother Bostrom was a deck department member. In 2001, he upgraded at the SIUaffiliated school. Brother Bostrom’s last ship was the Achiever. He is a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. DELFINO CASTRO Brother Delfino Castro, 67, joined the union in 1995 in the port of New York. The steward department member was born in the Honduras. Brother Castro first sailed on the Independence. He upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Castro most recently shipped aboard the Chemical Pioneer. He calls Houston home. EDWARD ELLIS Brother Edward Ellis, 56, joined the SIU ranks in 1978. His first ship was the Leader; his most recent, the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Ellis worked in the steward department. On three occasions, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Maryland. Brother Ellis continues to reside in his native state, Alabama. HYDEN ELWIN Brother Hyden Elwin, 65, was born in Honduras. He began sailing with the union in 1968. Brother Elwin’s first ship was the Steel Flyer; his last was the Overseas Arctic. The engine department member lives in Petal, Miss. TIMOTHY FITZGERALD Brother Timothy Fitzgerald, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1978 May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 17 while in St. Louis. The Kansas City-born mariner initially shipped on the Erna Elizabeth as a member of the deck department. Brother Fitzgerald enhanced his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Freedom. Brother Fitzgerald settled in Tacoma, Wash. PETER FULCHER Brother Peter Fulcher, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the USNS Vindicator. Brother Fulcher shipped in the deck department. In 1996, 2008 and 2010, he upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fulcher’s most recent trip was on the USNS Impeccable. He resides in Williston, N.C. ALBERT GUTIERREZ Brother Albert Gutierrez, 61, began sailing with the union in 1978 while in New York. He initially shipped aboard the Borinquen. Brother Gutierrez sailed in the engine department. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gutierrez most recently sailed on the Horizon Challenger. He is a resident of Houston. worked in the deck department. He most recently shipped on the Prestige New York. Brother Mortiz lives in Jacksonville, Fla. ANDREA NUNEZ Sister Andrea Nunez, 66, started shipping with the union in 2000. She sailed aboard vessels including the Richard G. Matthieson and the Rhode Island. Sister Nunez was a steward department member. She upgraded in 2000 and 2002 at the Piney Point school. Sister Nunez resides in Bronx, N.Y. WILLIAM PARKER Brother William Parker, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1966. His first voyage was aboard the Steel Flyer. Brother Parker was an engine department member. He enhanced his skills frequently at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Parker’s most recent ship was the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. JUAN RIVAS Brother Juan Rivas, 56, was born in Honduras. He became an SIU member in 1970, initially sailing on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Rivas worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Liberty Eagle. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Rivas lives in Highlands, Texas. EDWARD SELF Brother Edward Self, 65, first donned the SIU colors in 1965. His earliest trip was with Manhattan Tanker Corporation. Brother Self was born in Germany and sailed in the engine department. He attended classes often at the Seafarersaffiliated school. Brother Self last shipped on the Overseas Houston. He calls Franklin, La., home. DAVID WEST Brother David West, 65, began his seafaring career in 1972. He was originally employed aboard the Ft. Hoskins. Brother West worked in the steward department. He upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother West’s final trip was on the President Jackson. He lives in Lake Charles, La. sailed on the Producer. Brother Whitaker enhanced his skills often at the Piney Point school. He is a resident of Rocky Mount, Va. GREAT LAKES DAVID BEAUDRE Brother David Beaudre, 65, became an SIU member in 1966 while in Detroit. He was employed with American Steamship Company for the duration on his career. Brother Beaudre shipped in the deck department. He resides in Manistique, Mich. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION AL WALTERS Brother Al Walters, 58, sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the Seafarers International Union. Brother Walters calls Newport News, Va., home. SIDNEY WHITAKER Brother Sidney Whitaker, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1988. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Whitaker originally shipped aboard the USNS Harkness. He most recently JOHN LEVASSEUR Brother John Levasseur, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1969. The deck department member enhanced his skills frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Levasseur’s most recent ship was the USNS Yano. He makes his home in Maryland. DONALD LUCAS Brother Donald Lucas, 70, became an SIU member in 1975. He initially worked in the inland division with Dixie Carriers. Brother Lucas was born in Maryland. He attended classes in 1980 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lucas sailed in the deck department. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the Sgt. John Chapman. Brother Lucas calls Smithsburg, Md., home. JEFFERY MORITZ Brother Jeffery Moritz, 57, joined the union in 1977. His earliest trip was aboard the Capricorn. Brother Moritz This Month In SIU History Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. 1942 This week there was signed in Washington a “Statement of Policy” which bound the War Shipping Administration (WSA) to the recognition of the collective bargaining rights and contracts of maritime labor for the duration of the war. Thus was defeated the union-busting drive which burst into full fury when the WSA requisitioned the entire merchant fleet on April 11. The fighting response of the unlicensed unions forced the abandonment of the WSA’s anti-union rules and the board’s capitulation to the union demands that existing contracts between labor and shipowners be underwritten by the government for the duration of the war. 1944 Two members of the SIU who gave their lives during the war that others might live, are to be honored by having ships named for them, the Merchant Commission announced, while praising their heroism in high tribute. The vessels are to be launched Maritime Day, May 22, in connection with the observance of ceremonies for those who have given their lives at sea while plying war-torn and submarine-infested waters. The launching ceremonies will include the presentation of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to the nearest of kin. 1964 The SIU-contracted Ames Victory rescued five persons from Chesapeake Bay recently when a $150,000 yacht on her maiden voyage burned to the waterline. The rescue of the survivors took less than 30 minutes from the lowering of the lifeboat to the time it was hoisted up again, crewmembers told the LOG. During the rescue operation the Seafarer-manned lifeboat was constantly in danger when the blazing yacht, with no one at the helm, kept circling around the lifeboat and survivors. Meanwhile, the lifeboat crewmembers feared the yacht might blow sky-high at any minute. 1975 Ending nearly 72 hours of uncertain captivity by the new Communist Cambodian regime, the entire 39-man crew, 28 of them SIU members, of the seized containership, Mayaguez, was safely rescued May 14 by the naval destroyer USS Wilson shortly after military action was carried out by combined U.S. Marine and Air Force units against the Cambodians. Latest reports say that five U.S. Marines were killed, 13 are missing and 80 wounded during the military assaults. The Mayaguez was en route from Hong Kong to Thailand when it was seized in international waters off the coast of Cambodia. President Gerald Ford immediately denounced the vessel’s seizure as “an act of piracy,” and demanded the release of the ship. He added, “Failure to do so would have the most serious consequences.” Seafarers LOG 17 4/25/2013 3:25:48 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA PAUL BABBIN Pensioner Paul Babbin, 75, passed away Nov. 17. Brother Babbin signed on with the SIU in 1962. His earliest trip was with Trans Western Associates. Brother Babbin was born in Boston. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Babbin most recently shipped aboard the Mayaguez. He retired in 2000 and called Jacksonville, Fla., home. GEORGE CALLARD JR Pensioner George Callard Jr., 75, died Nov. 5. He was born in Maryland. Brother Callard joined the union in 1960 while in New York. He initially sailed with Interocean American Shipping Corporation. The deck department member last sailed on the Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Callard went on pension in 2002. He was a resident of San Jose, Costa Rica. ALFRED CASE Pensioner Alfred Case, 81, passed away Oct. 22. Brother Case was a Brooklyn, N.Y., native. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Case started collecting his retirement pay in 1987 and lived in Fair Oaks, Calif. HARRY FOSTER Pensioner Harry Foster, 74, died Oct. 26. Brother Foster became an SIU member in 1960 in Mobile, Ala. He first shipped with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Foster, a member of the engine department, last sailed aboard the OMI Rover. He went on pension in 1997 and resided in his native state, Alabama. GUADALUPE GARZA Pensioner Guadalupe Garza, 79, passed away Oct. 1. Brother Garza began sailing with the union in 1960. He originally worked on the Del Santos. Brother Garza was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1998, he sailed on the USNS Mt. Washington. Brother Garza was born in Houston; he continued to make his home in Texas. away Nov. 9. Brother Howell donned the SIU colors in 1951 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. He initially sailed with Mayflower Steamship Corporation. Brother Howell was born in Mississippi and shipped in the steward department. He most recently worked aboard the Paul Buck. Brother Howell was a resident of Leakesville, Miss. passed away Oct. 3. Brother Trotman began sailing with the SIU in 1951 while in New York. He was originally employed with Delta Steamship Lines as a member of the steward department. Brother Trotman was born in St. James, Barbados. His last trip was on the Boston. Brother Trotman started receiving his pension in 1974. He was a resident of Bronx, N.Y. WALTER KRUSZEWSKI ORIE WILSON Pensioner Walter Kruszewski, 94, died Nov. 13. Brother Kruszewski joined the union in 1951 while in the port of New York. He initially shipped aboard a Sprogue Steamship Company vessel. Brother Kruszewski worked in the deck department. His final ship was the Gallaway. Brother Kruszewski retired in the 1981 and lived in Uncasville, Conn. Pensioner Orie Wilson, 89, died Oct. 6. Brother Wilson first donned the SIU colors in 1951 while in New York. His first voyage was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Wilson, an Alabama native, was a member of the deck department. His final trip was on the Economy. Brother Wilson went on pension in 1988 and made his home in Mobile. MANUEL MARTINEZ Brother Manuel Martinez, 57, passed away Nov. 17. Brother Martinez signed on with the SIU in 1988. He originally worked on the Economy. Brother Martinez was a native of Honduras. The engine department member most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Freedom. Brother Martinez made his home in Houston. PETER MISTRETTA Pensioner Peter Mistretta, 91, died Jan. 4. Brother Mistretta was born in Baltimore. He started his SIU career in 1946. Brother Mistretta was a deck department member. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he sailed on the Pioneer. Brother Mistretta was a resident of Cockeysville, Md. ANGELO ROMERO Pensioner Angelo Romero, 86, passed away Dec. 30. Brother Romero became a union member in 1951. His first ship was the Stathport; his last was the Elizabeth. Brother Romero was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and sailed in the steward department. He went on pension in 1993 and resided in New Jersey. PAUL THOMAS Pensioner William Holbrook, 86, died Oct. 7. Brother Holbrook was born in West Virginia. He started receiving his pension in 1972 and called Sissonville, W.Va., home. Pensioner Paul Thomas, 83, died Oct. 16. Brother Thomas was born in Alabama. He joined the Seafarers in 1953, initially shipping with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Thomas sailed in the engine department. His final trip was on the Performance. Brother Thomas became a pensioner in 1991 and called Mobile home. MARVIN HOWELL MILTON TROTMAN WILLIAM HOLBROOK Pensioner Marvin Howell, 89, passed 18 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 18 Pensioner Milton Trotman, 107, INLAND PETER BENOIT Pensioner Peter Benoit, 73, passed away Oct. 2. Brother Benoit started shipping with the SIU in 1984. He primarily sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Brother Benoit was born in Louisiana. He was a deck department member. Brother Benoit retired in 2003 and lived in Fort Mill, S.C. LOWELL BROXSON Pensioner Lowell Broxson, 79, died Oct. 30. Brother Broxson joined the union in 1963. He was a native of Wright, Fla. Brother Broxson shipped with Hvide Marine for the duration of his career. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Broxson became a pensioner in 1991. He was a resident of Vidor, Texas. CHARLES CAPPELLO Pensioner Charles Cappello, 86, passed away Oct. 31. Brother Cappello began sailing with the union in 1973. He was initially employed aboard McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessels. Brother Cappello was born in Philadelphia. The steward department member’s final trip was on a Taylor Marine Towing Company vessel. Brother Cappello started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. He settled in New Jersey. GERARD CIFARELLI Pensioner Gerard Cifarelli, 73, died Nov. 20. Brother Cifarelli was born in Newark, N.J. He started sailing with the SIU in 1970. Brother Cifarelli first shipped with OSG Ship Management and was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessel before going on pension in 1998. Brother Cifarelli called Maryland home. ARDALE CRIM Brother Ardale Crim, 58, passed away Sept. 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1998. Brother Crim’s earliest trip was with Penn Maritime Inc. He last sailed on the Pride. Brother Crim was born in Arkansas and made his home in Grenada, Miss. NORMAN POKRYWKA Pensioner Norman Pokrywka, 82, died Oct. 25. Brother Pokrywka started sailing with the union in 1957 while in the port of Baltimore. He mainly sailed aboard Moran Towing of Maryland vessels. Brother Pokrywka was born in Michigan. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. Brother Pokrywka settled in Baltimore. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM MACDONALD Pensioner William MacDonald, 78, passed away Oct. 13. Brother MacDonald was born in Scotland. He joined the union in 1960, initially shipping with American Steamship Company. Brother MacDonald sailed in the deck department. His final trip was on the Sam Laud. Brother MacDonald became a pensioner in 1995 and resided in Hamburg, N.Y. Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. ALCIBIADES COUTIN Pensioner Alcibiades Coutin, 88, died Oct. 2. Brother Coutin was born in Cuba. He went on pension in 1981. Brother Coutin made his home in Puerto Rico. GEORGE DEARBORN Pensioner George Dearborn, 84, passed away Oct. 21. Brother Dearborn, a native of Bushnell, Fla., started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. He lived in Webster, Texas. LUIS DIMAS Pensioner Luis Dimas, 85, died Nov. 4. Born in San Marcos, Texas, Brother Dimas became a pensioner in 1966. He called Houston home. FRANCISCA DOMINGUEZ Pensioner Francisca Dominguez, 93, passed away Nov. 10. Sister Dominguez was born in Puerto Rico. She retired in 1979 and resided in Ormond Beach, Fla. AHMED FADL Pensioner Ahmed Fadl, 91, died Nov. 8. Brother Fadl was a native of Egypt. He began receiving his pension in 1987. Brother Fadl lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. home in Kingston, Pa. ROBERT HARRIS Pensioner Robert Harris, 86, died Nov. 18. Born in New York, Brother Harris started receiving his retirement compensation in 1970. He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. MANUEL HARRISON Pensioner Manuel Harrison, 72, passed away Nov. 23. Brother Harrison was born in Texas. He retired in 1995 and settled in Tyler, Texas. FRANK HUNT Pensioner Frank Hunt, 91, died Nov. 3. Brother Hunt was a native of Missouri. He became a pensioner in 1966 and called Seattle home. DAVID HUNTER Pensioner David Hunter, 85, passed away Nov. 18. Brother Hunter, a native of North Carolina, began collecting his pension in 1968. He resided in Portsmouth, Va. EUGENE JAPNGIE Pensioner Eugene Japngie, 82, died Oct. 24. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Japngie went on pension in 1972. He lived in Peoria, Ariz. PAUL MARTINEZ Pensioner Raul Martinez, 84, passed away Nov. 2. Brother Martinez was born in Fajardo, P.R. He retired in 1966 and was a resident of Orlando, Fla. JOHN MCCARTHY Pensioner John McCarthy, 81, died Nov. 2. Brother McCarthy was a New York native. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1993. Brother McCarthy made his home in Las Vegas, Nev. FELIX MUNOZ Pensioner Felix Munoz, 67, passed away Oct. 15. The Puerto Rican-born mariner became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Munoz settled in Bronx, N.Y. ROBERT O’BANNON Pensioner Robert O’Bannon, 82, died Oct. 4. Brother O’Bannon, a Vicksburg, Miss., native, went on pension in 1972. He called Baton Rouge, La., home. THEODORE PADDOCK Pensioner Theodore Paddock, 88, passed away Nov. 14. Brother Paddock was born in Pompton Lakes, N.J. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1967. Brother Paddock made his home in Lake Dallas, Texas. WILLIAM PARIS Pensioner William Paris, 73, died Nov. 4. Born in New Jersey, Brother Paris started receiving his pension in 1999. He lived in Chesapeake, Va. HERMAN GUILLORY DANIEL PIEYNS Pensioner Herman Guillory, 87, passed away Nov. 14. Brother Guillory, a native of Lake Charles, La., went on pension in 1987. He made his Pensioner Daniel Pieyns, 94, passed away Nov. 24. Brother Pieyns was a native of Wisconsin. He retired in 1985 and resided in New Mexico. May 2013 4/25/2013 3:25:51 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), February 19 – Chairman Anton T. Sulic, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Lee A. Weygandt, Deck Delegate Jose Calong, Steward Delegate Justo Reyes. Chairman discussed procedures for renewing TWIC cards and talked about new TOTE ship. Secretary went over features of SIU website and told members how to create their own log in. Educational director encouraged fellow Seafarers to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. It was reported that ship received an award for no injuries during a series of voyages. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for making great food on movie nights. Mariners were reminded to leave rooms clean for reliefs. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. 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. Remembering Brother Brock Seafarers and officers aboard the Seabulk Challenge joined in a memorial service March 14, honoring the late AB Thomas Garfield Brock, who passed away on New Year’s Eve at age 63. Chief Steward Timothy Dowd submitted these photos from the service and noted it “was performed by Captain Stewart Potter with the crew in attendance, during the vessel’s voyage between Lake Charles, La., and Port Everglades, Fla.” Following a religious reading, Brother Brock’s ashes were released and a moment of silence was observed aboard the Seabulk Tankers, Inc. vessel. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), February 27 – Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Rafael A. Cardenas, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Steward Delegate Isaac Newsome. Chairman reminded fellow members about importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point and urged everyone to keep all paperwork and shipping documents up-to-date: clinic card, medical forms, TWIC, passport, etc. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members stated steward department and UAs are doing a great job. ENDURANCE (Crowley), February 10 – Chairman Pablo O. Borja, Secretary Sedell M. Reynolds, Educational Director Tracy L. Hanson, Deck Delegate Lawrence Richardson, Engine Delegate Lucian Lepadatu, Steward Delegate Melvin Cooper. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and urged mariners to read president’s report in the Seafarers LOG. Secretary requested OT sheets. Educational director encouraged seafarers to enhance skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs; disputed OT reported in the steward department. Clarification was requested regarding new contract. Messhall wellmaintained and clean thanks to the steward department. Captain thanked entire crew for good job on sanitary inspection. Next ports: Baltimore, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), February 4 – Chairman Timothy B. Fogg, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Deck Delegate Justin S. Beal, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty, Engine Delegate Johnny W. Carson. Bosun thanked everyone for keeping the ship clean and over 800 days accident-free. He reminded members to keep union dues current. Educational director recommended upgrading at Piney Point and checking expiration dates May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 19 on all documents. Treasurer stated $3,530 in crew fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for doing a good job. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), February 3 – Chairman Glenn R. Christenson, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director John A. Osburn, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Deck Delegate James E. Murphy, Steward Delegate Freddie C. Castro. Chairman announced payoff in Los Angeles February 3. He stressed the need to maintain a safe pace while working. Crew members were asked to keep noise down while others are sleeping and clean rooms before departing vessel. Secretary reminded crew to keep documents current and urged fellow members to contribute to SPAD. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer reported $170.87 in cookout fund. Crew members thanked Honolulu union representative for coming aboard and giving them lots of information. Vote of thanks given to President Sacco and his staff for a job well done. Suggestion was made regarding vacation applications. Steward department was thanked for good food and clean house. Members were asked to keep laundry room door closed at all times. Next ports: Los Angeles and Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), February 10 – Chairman Issac Vega Mercado, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Marcos Santos, Engine Delegate Mark Morris, Steward Delegate Michael Henry. Chairman stated payoff to take place upon arrival in Jacksonville, Fla., February 14. Secretary reported improvements to SIU website. Easy access to useful information is appreciated. Educational director noted that despite long phone wait times for service from TWIC, the renewal process at TWIC centers goes much faster. Treasurer reported $5,332 in ship’s fund; a portion of the money was used to repair TV satellite. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like better internet service aboard vessel. Recommendations were made pertaining to vacation and pension benefits. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R. and Elizabeth, N.J. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line, Limited), February 23 – Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Terry Allen, Educational Director Vladimir Babenko, Steward Delegate Robin D. Ballard. Chairman thanked crew for smooth trip. He urged them to keep track of document expiration dates. Educational director asked that broken items be reported to department heads. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested lowering sea time requirements for full pension. A big thanks was given to steward department for great food. Next port: Oakland, Calif. MAERSK COMET (Maersk Line, Limited), February 16 – Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary Mark S. Scardino, Educational Director Jonathan D. Tucker, Engine Delegate Lonnie I. Carter, Steward Delegate Teresito O. Reyes. Chairman reminded mariners to keep seafaring documents current and be courteous to one another. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments for keeping equipment working properly. Educational director discussed opportunities available at the Piney Point school and reminded crew that about STCW amendments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners would like new coffee grinder, table covers, dart board and stationary bike. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., Oakland, and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), February 24 – Chairman Wilson M. Trayvilla, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Nicholas W. Collins, Deck Delegate Michael D. Sedita, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleneny. Chairman reported good voyage and thanked crew for working hard. Secretary asked seafarers to leave cabins clean for reliefs. Educational director suggested crew upgrade whenever possible and keep documents up-to-date. Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks extended to steward department for a job well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Norfolk, Va. and Newark, N.J. OVERSEAS TAMPA (OSG), February 17 – Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Educational Director Ashley Carmichael, Deck Delegate Johnie Chavis, Steward Delegate Kenneth Kelly. Chairman reported smooth trip with respectful crew members. Secretary reminded them to contribute to SPAD, because when you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters. Educational director encouraged all mariners to enhance skills at the unionaffiliated school. No beefs; disputed OT reported in the engine department. Request was made f or new mattresses, and refrigerators in rooms. Crew discussed complaints concerning company physicals. They recommended increasing pension benefits, and also commended galley gang for job well done. Seafarers LOG 19 4/25/2013 3:25:54 PM �Letters To The Editor Union Changed My Life I was in the AB to Mate program and just left school a few weeks ago. Throughout my stay I had known that when I passed the Coast Guard examination, I would share how I became acquainted with SIU and how it changed my life. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Mich., I became a cook at family restaurants and eventually dropped out of high school. I got in with the wrong crowd. I became addicted to drugs and alcohol and continued to do so when I moved to Seward, which is a small town in Alaska, before the turn of the millennium. The minimal law enforcement and other factors were enough to continue my alcoholism. Most mornings began with booze. Then, in the fall of 2004 I hit a tree while driving my pickup on Salmon Creek Road. After the Seward Providence Hospital determined they did not have the equipment for my situation, I was driven to Anchorage, 120 miles north, where I was unconscious The writer credits the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., for helping him get on the right track. Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mailed to webmaster@seafarers.org. for a month. My mother moved to Alaska to become my guardian in the rehabilitation process, as I could not function on my own or in society because I suffered a head trauma. I had to relearn how to walk, talk, read and write. It took more than six months after the accident to be able to function again. Since my body had gone through the detox process when I was unconscious, I felt it would not benefit me to start either drinking alcohol or using drugs again. I became affiliated with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) where I was placed in a kitchen where I realized that being a cook just didn’t bring me the same satisfaction as before my accident. My counselor, Pat, told me many things; one was about his friend who was a seaman. I tried to get accepted into a nonprofit organization called Sealink, based in Juneau, and, with help from DVR, I was on my way. Sealink put me into the Paul Hall Center and its Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. I found it very beneficial for me to be in this military-style environment after what had happened to me less than a year before. It was here at the school in Piney Point that I learned about the SIU. I chose the deck department after phase two of the entry program. Then, after graduating, the first five months was work, work, work; I truly felt at home on the sea. I stayed back in Grand Rapids again for some time between voyages, repaying my debt from the accident and building the down payment on where I would live. Eventually I was able to purchase a residence in Anchorage, which is where I now call home. The SIU has given me something to look forward to and a goal to work for. Honestly, I have gone back and forth about my decision to become a licensed officer by the U.S. Coast Guard as a merchant mariner, but in the end it was just a matter of knowing I wanted to better myself as an individual – and the SIU has made this all possible. This union has helped me in more ways than one. Nicholas Kempker Active, Retired Mariners Invited to Join AMMV This is an open letter to all active and retired U.S. Merchant Mariners. As president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, Inc. (AMMV), I invite you to join our efforts to move past our current World War II membership era. Many of our members believe there is a place for the AMMV beyond our WWII base membership. The AMMV was organized in 1984 by primarily WWII mariners who had become outraged by government denial of their WWII contributions. During the formation the founders included purposes which supported current and future U.S. Merchant Marine issues. Progress has been made and we need to continue these efforts. To name just a few: n AMMV members donated significant labor and financial assets to support the WWII legacy ships. n AMMV chapters and members have gained recognition of U.S. Merchant Marine contributions at the National WWII Memorial and on the local level in many parks and memorials. n Publicity for historical recognition is being sought at many levels including public functions. n Historical literature and verbal information has been widely distributed on a national level to Congress, schools, newspapers and elsewhere to perpetuate this public recognition. n Members support the Jones Act, American-flag fleet, MSC, personnel training and maritime schools. n AMMV members continue to fight for further recognition of WWII Mariners who were not fully recognized and compensated for their service, i.e. HR-23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. n Efforts with the Air Force and Congress for other post-WWII veterans’ recognition are ongoing. Applications for Korea and Vietnam are scheduled for submittal around April 2013. I invite you to be the next generation who will make the AMMV an effective partner with existing maritime organizations in support of U.S. Merchant Mariner recognition and support efforts to make the U.S. Merchant Marine an ongoing effective force in national security, national economic success, and homeland security. Most of our members now exceed 85 years of age. It will only be a few years before we must close our doors as some WWII organizations have already done. Current membership is about 3,200 – of this about 800 are members at large, with the remainder belonging to 65 chapters located across the country. Currently, the AMMV is a registered 501(c) 19 veterans organization, which could be converted to a 501(c) 3 based on our official veteran membership composition. The plan is to keep the 501(c) 19 veterans organization active as long as we can keep the IRS happy. Recently, we opened full membership to wives and widows plus associate membership to family members, making it possible for families to join and support their mariners. Sindy Raymond maintains our national corporate office, P.O. Box 186, Ferndale, CA 95536, (707) 786-4554 or saaren@ frontiernet.net. Join us, become active, participate and help move the AMMV into the 21st century. I look forward to welcoming you as a member in the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Yours in Service, Morris Harvey, National President AMMV, Inc. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 20 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG_X.indd 20 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2013 4/26/2013 3:11:04 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the national security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician July 27 September 20 Marine Refer Tech September 28 November 8 Advanced Refer Containers June 29 July 26 Pumpman November 30 December 13 Welding June 1 June 29 July 27 September 14 October 26 November 30 June 21 July 19 August 16 October 4 November 15 December 20 Deck Department Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 25 June 22 July 20 June 7 July 5 August 2 STOS (RFPNW) July 20 September 14 November 9 August 16 October 11 December 6 Able Seaman May 11 July 6 August 24 June 7 August 2 September 20 Radar Renewal (One day) May 28 May 28 Radar Observer September 7 September 20 ARPA May 18 September 21 May 24 September 27 Bosun Recertification July 13 August 5 Fast Rescue Boat June 15 August 3 June 21 August 9 Safety Upgrading Courses Advanced Firefighting July 13 August 17 September 14 July 19 August 23 September 20 Basic Firefighting/STCW May 11 June 15 August 10 September 7 May 17 June 21 August 16 September 13 Government Vessels June 1 July 20 June 7 July 26 Medical Care Provider July 20 August 24 July 26 August 30 Tanker Assistant (DL) June 1 July 27 June 14 August 9 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Engine Department Designated Duty Engineer Prep June 15 July 6 July 27 June 28 July 19 August 9 May 18 July 20 September 14 November 9 June 14 August 16 October 11 December 6 FOWT June 15 August 17 October 12 July 12 September 13 November 8 Junior Engineer August 24 October 26 October 18 December 20 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # _________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 21 Chief Steward July 6 October 5 August 16 November 15 Serve Safe June 8 August 31 November 23 June 14 September 6 November 29 Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Chief Cook These modules start every other week. The next class will begin May 11. Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4 /13 Seafarers LOG 21 4/25/2013 3:25:56 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class #770 – The following individuals (above in alphabetical order), graduated from this 60-hour course March 15: Nasser Ahmed, Matthew Brown, Wesley Bryant, Alkeshia Calbourne, Sean Cavanaugh, Dustin Crutchfield, Andrew DeVine, Jarrett Ford, David Gentsch, Donte Harris, Carlos Mohler Vega, Michael Montanez, Peter Morrison Jr., Michael Pinnisi, Jory Vachon, Philip Valentine, Ryan Walker and William White III. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Nine upgraders completed their requirements in this four-week course March 29. Graduating (above in alphabetical order) were: Tousif Ahmed, Damien Bautista, Valerio Bellezze, Dennis Blake, Herman Castro, Christopher Hughes, Joselier Itaralde, Patrick Sullivan and Keith White. Class Instructor Buzzy Andrews is at the far right in the back row. BST (SIU) – The following Seafarers (above in alphabetical order) completed the enhancement of their skills in this course March 29: Jason Babbitt, Geoffrey Bell, Jose Burgos, Roger Dillinger Jr., Ernest Dumont, Warner James, Doug McLaughlin, Rickey Pettaway, Jason Smooke, Jamal Taleb and Isaiah Washington. Mike Roberts, their instructor, is at the far right. Junior Engineer – Twenty-four upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 22. Those graduating (above in alphabetical order) were: Tousif Ahmed, Jason Babbitt, Russell Bravo, Angel Cintron-Colon, Craig Croft, Ricardo Ducay, Melvin George, Joshua Hammons, Cort Hansen, Kevin Hunt, Boyko Kovatchev, Lon Maduro, Donnetta McLee, Lawrence Miller, Rickey Pettaway, Omar Rodgers, Salah Saleh, Robert Scrivens, Daunteley Signal, Marcel Soares, Adam Soto, Bernard Wade II, Don Williams and Ricardo Vazquez Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Water Survival Class #770 – Two upgraders graduated from this 60-hour course March 15. Finishing their requirements were: Yung-fan Michael Haloski (left in photo above) and Donald Bishop. Government Vessels – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order ) graduated from this course March 15: Gloria Baker, Tyesha Boyd, Maili Cabrera, Christopher D’Andrea, Bernel Davis, Ernest Dumont Sr., Michael Fincannon, Gerardo Frederick, Michael Harris Jr., Kayle Hower, Darryl Jackson, Charles Kent, James Minckler, Rodante Niebres, Francisco Ocado, and Kareim Wright. Mark Cates, their instructor, is second from right in the back row. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Twenty-four upgraders completed this course March 22. Graduating (photo at right, in alphabetical order) were: Randy Baggs, John Bielamowicz, Justin Biggerstaff, Justin Bly, Christian Bryant, Jared Cabasug, Alexander Capellan, Dwight Cherry, Matt Dalgetty, Earl Dimmick, Scott Doxey, Cody Fox, Evan Hansen, Sean Hernandez, Eser Kaptan, Jade Kellar, Mahare Kidane, Do Q. Luong, Yancey Mitchell, Robert Neff, Ryan Papa, Davon Peterson, Justin Smith and Frederick Wright. Class Instructor Tim Achorn, is at the far right in the front row. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 15045_May_LOG.indd 22 May 2013 4/25/2013 3:26:02 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization – Twenty-three Phase III unlicensed apprentices graduated from this course March 15. Completing their requirements (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Baker, Aaron Ellis, Noel Fedee, Adrian Fraccarolli, Bernard Hall, Shari Hinton, Omari Holt, Michael Hulse, Michael Hunnicutt, Chase Knisley, Richard Lawson, Unis Malahi, William McCrory, Derek Minnix, Ammar Mohamed, Ali Musid, Paul Nelson, Edward Seelig, Ahmed Sennain, Mark Stagovic, Joseph Turcketta, Christopher Wing and Claude Young. Notice to Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. BST (NCL) – Nineteen individuals finished this course March 29. Graduating (above in alphabetical order) were: Andrew Brewer, Trey Cash, Nicole D’Arienzo, Christopher DeRosa, Joseph Ghee, Danielle Heaton, Marc Heitzman, Jesse Jones, Chase Kamata, Cali LaSpina, Jessie Lawyer, Corey Masklee, Carissa Massaro, Glen North, Matthew Reminton, Matthew Ranaudo, Delaney Thompson, Valerie Williams and Kelli Youngman. Class Instructor Mike Roberts is at the far right in the front row. Designated Duty Engineer – Two individuals competed the enhancement of their skills in this course March 8. Graduating were Brian Lockley (left in photo above) and Marc Rice. Their instructor, Scott Ciatto, is at the right. Marine Electrician – Eleven Seafarers finished their requirements in this course March 22. Those graduating (above in alphabetical order) were: Jose Bonita, Ruben Haynes, Gregory Holsey Jr., Douglas McLaughlin, Patrick Milton, M’Barek Nouhairi, Christian Oding, Lionel Rivera, Zachary Ross, Cornelius Smith and Jimmie Williams Jr. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at the far left in the back row. Certified Chief Cook – Several individuals recently completed the enhancement of their skills in this steward department course. Those graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Maccine Bell, Dan Kane, Mario LaCayo, David Moses, Richard Torres, Jennifer Ramirez, Chris Cross and Marcelo Alicea. Instructor John Dobson is fifth from the right. Steward Department Classes – Three individuals recently finished courses in the steward department. Those graduating and the courses they completed (above, in no particular order) were: Richard Torres, certified chief cook; Tony Morris, advanced galley operations, and Noel Segovia, galley operations. May 2013 15045_May_LOG.indd 23 Certified Chief Cook – Two Seafarers recently graduated from this steward department course. Graduating were Antonio Hernandez (above, left) and Marcel Alicea. Seafarers LOG 23 4/25/2013 3:26:09 PM �Volume 75, Number 5 May 2013 Paul Hall Center Course Dates Page 21 Donations Come in for Piney Point Walkway Engraved Bricks to Commemorate Seafarers, Family, Others Spots have begun filling up as people from around the country donate the engraved bricks that will line a walkway commemorating Seafarers and their loved ones. Offered as a way to honor individuals, groups and organizations within the maritime community, the bricks will fill a waterfront park at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Seafarers, their loved ones and the companies that employ them have the chance to donate the bricks and engrave them with text or logos of their choosing. The donation of a brick also comes with an entry in the project’s name-thepark contest. The possibilities are practically limitless when it comes to what the bricks can be used to commemorate. Bricks can be engraved to honor any person, group or organization – regardless of any affiliation to the SIU or Piney Point school – and will have a permanent place within the maritime community. They could be used to celebrate everything from a beloved Seafarer or a memorable crew, to a remarkable instructor or a heroic rescue. Bill Eglinton, a retired director of vocational training at the Paul Hall Center, said he wanted to commemorate his late friend, Recertified Steward Luis Escobar. “It will be a memorial for us,” Eglin- These samples show the sizes and styles of bricks available. ton said. “I’m at the school regularly, so I’ll get to go often and reminisce.” Aside from helping to commemorate loved ones, the brick donations will also help the school in its waterfront restoration project. The park and walkway are part of a large, multi-stage restoration of the school. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, who is helping oversee the project, said the engraved bricks “offer a chance to honor our heritage and keep it alive. This is a great opportunity not only to preserve SIU and school history, but also to acknowledge individuals and organizations. In fact, that’s true even if they have no direct tie to Piney Point or the Seafarers – a brick can be donated for anyone.” The bricks come in two sizes and may be ordered online at: http://seafarers.org/SIUBricks.htm. The sizes include a traditional-sized brick (4 x 8 inches x 2.25) with three lines of engraving for a donation of $125 and a larger brick (8 x 8 inches x 2.25) with six lines of engraving for a donation of $250. The larger version also may be ordered with a corporate logo and up to three lines of text (subject to space limitations based on the logo) for a donation of $300. If submitting a logo, please note that it cannot be sent through the online order form. Logos (either in EPS, AI, PDF or highresolution JPG, BMP or TIF format) should be emailed to siubricks@seafarers.org. Please include your contact information. The photo above shows the area at the school where the engraved bricks will be placed. At left is an artist’s rendering of the waterfront park 15045_May_LOG_X.indd 24 4/26/2013 3:11:15 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2013 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TRAINING WITH OUR MILITARY WAGE INCREASES HIGHLIGHT REOPENERS IN SEVERAL GREAT LAKES CONTRACTS WATERFRONT PARK PROJECT PROGRESSES AT PINEY POINT, MAD.- BASED SCHOOL COMMITTEE APPROVES FINANCIAL RECORDS CONGRESSMAN TO WHITE HOUSE: FOOD FOR PEACE ‘CRITICAL’ KEY COALITION URGES ADMINISTRATION NOT TO SHIP AMERICAN JOBS OVERSEAS CONGRESS CONDUCTS PIRACY MEETING CLINIC SYSTEM HAS GROWING PAINS BUT MEMBERS SEE KEY ADVANTAGES PLANS DEPARTMENT SENDS MESSAGES TO SIU MEMBERS SHBP INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE BENEFITS SAIU OFFICIAL EXPLAINS IMPORTANCE OF ‘SEAFARER BILL OF RIGHTS’ ITF WARNS OF FLAGS-OF-CONVENIENCES IN AVIATION A SOUVENIR OF NAZI GERMANY GREAT FIT-OUT 2013 DONATIONS COME IN FOR PINEY POINT WALKWAY ENGRAVED BRICKS COME IN OR PINEY POINT WALKWAY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2013 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 75, No. 5 2013 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2db4f2ec656d7189c761190813c6bda0.pdf 6a4f2ad57117228ac17aefbac8fe168c PDF Text Text MAY F E B2014 RUARY 2014 VOLUME VOLUME 7 6 o 76 N NO. O . 52 Congress, Administration Vow Jones Act Support Bipartisan Backing Buoys Maritime Industry - Page 3 SIU Members Make Big Contributions In Military Exercise Freedom Banner SIU members from the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (background, in South Korea) and the USNS Sacagawea recently worked with American military personnel for part of an annual exercise that tests U.S. sealift capability. Pages 12-13. Cape Ray Mission Continues The SIU-crewed Cape Ray is ready to advance to the next phase of its mission to help destroy chemical weapons from Syria. In this U.S. Navy photo, the vessel arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain, in mid-February. Page 2. Stewards Complete Recertification Six Seafarers in early April successfully finished the steward recertification class at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center. The graduates included (from left) Charles Washington, Benjamin Ines and Earl Castain, pictured during one of the course’s hands-on components. Page 8. Federation Pushes Wage Boost Page 5 SIU Snapshots Pages 8-9 Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 11 �Cape Ray Continues with Syrian Mission President’s Report Positive Signs in Washington The recent outpouring of bipartisan support for our industry by members of Congress and the administration is great news for the SIU and all of U.S.-flag maritime. When U.S. senators, congressional representatives and a cabinet secretary go out of their ways to speak up for the U.S. Merchant Marine, it means we’re doing something right. It also reinforces my optimism for our union – I know we’ll have a bright future as long as we keep working to make it happen. In case you missed it, from late March to early April there were several instances where legislators from both sides of the aisle offered detailed statements and remarks backing the Jones Act along with other specific components of our industry. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Michael Sacco Foxx did the same. Highlights of those comments appear elsewhere in this edition of the LOG, and I encourage all of our members to read them. They’re posted in more detail on our website, too. As Seafarers know, without political support, our industry wouldn’t survive. The laws and programs that keep us afloat – primarily the Jones Act, cargo preference (including Food for Peace), and the Maritime Security Program – clearly depend on continued backing in the nation’s capital. That’s why we relocated the union’s headquarters from New York to near Washington back in 1982. That’s why we constantly stress the importance of SPAD, our union’s voluntary political action fund. That’s why we mobilize with grassroots support for pro-maritime political candidates, no matter the party (at every level of government). And that’s why we take our message to Capitol Hill practically every day. We’re obviously not alone in promoting the industry. The sustainment and growth of U.S. crews, American shipbuilding and the U.S.flag fleet requires ongoing cooperation from every segment. That includes labor, management, government and the military. Over the years, the SIU has done our part to foster that cooperation, and I’m proud of those efforts. We’re on the same page more often than not. I am also particularly encouraged by this recent wave of support because the speeches and press releases zeroed in on exactly what our industry brings to the table: American jobs, national security, and economic security. These are not opinions – they are facts, backed up by research and by practical experience in all segments of maritime. Enemies of the U.S. Merchant Marine try to blame us for just about everything from bad weather to bubblegum on the sidewalk. The legislators who are speaking up for us are the ones truly telling it like it is. Just taking one example, the Jones Act helps keep our country secure in so many ways. It helps sustain our nation’s shipbuilding capability. It helps maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail aboard military support ships in times of war or emergency. Overall, it contributes billions of dollars each year to the U.S. economy while maintaining nearly half a million American jobs. As the legislators put it, the Jones Act is a jobs program that protects our country. It should be hailed as a public policy success. I think the same is true of the MSP and cargo preference. They are proven winners, just like the Jones Act – and just like the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine, who have supported this country from the beginning. Our struggle never ends, but it’s always good to see that our work is appreciated and our value is understood. With allies like the ones recently speaking out for our industry, and with the continued support from and excellent work by our SIU rank-and-file membership, I know we will remain on course to succeed. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 76 Number 5 o NO. 2 May 2014 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Brian Ahern; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2014 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG After traveling across the Atlantic on a ship outfitted with millions of dollars’ worth of state-of-the-art equipment, the Seafarers aboard the MV Cape Ray spent April in Europe preparing to receive and destroy Syrian chemical weapons. Docked in Rota, Spain, since February, the Cape Ray was set to travel to the Italian port of Gioia Tauro to receive the chemical weapons from Danish and Norwegian cargo ships. From there, the vessel will take the weapons to international waters in the Mediterranean for destruction. According to news reports, destruction of the weapons could begin as early as this month (May). As previously reported, the Keystone-operated, SIUcrewed containership left Portsmouth, Va., in January. Its crew includes 36 civilian mariners, more than 60 U.S. Army chemical weapons specialists, a security team and representatives from U.S. European command. Members of the Machinists union were on board, too. The Cape Ray’s deployment followed an international agreement in August to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons. That agreement came about after the Syrian government allegedly used the weapons against its own people last year. Following the deployment, the crew of the Cape Ray received praise from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and other high-ranking Defense Department (DOD) officials. Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities in April, a pair of top defense representatives commended the job being done by the crew of the Cape Ray. “When the international community failed to identify a nation willing to host destruction operations for the most dangerous chemicals, a full-court press was employed to develop a ship-based destruction option only 60 days from the word ‘go,’” said Kenneth Myers, director of the DOD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency. “I am proud to say that the Motor Vessel Cape Ray, the ship that houses two field-deployable hydrolysis systems, stands ready to begin destruction of a large portion of these chemical weapons once they are taken out of Syria.” Rebecca Hersman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for countering weapons of mass destruction, also touted the Cape Ray’s importance when addressing the subcommittee. “This maritime Ready Reserve Force vessel … is manned by the finest experts from our operational and technical communities,” she said. “This unprecedented international effort demonstrates the ability of DOD, other U.S. departments and agencies, and our international partners to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.” Those statements followed a press release from Hagel praising the crew of the Cape Ray for “accomplish(ing) something no one has tried” and helping to make the world safer.” According to the United Nations, Syria faced an April 27 deadline to remove all chemical agents from the country. The deadline to have those weapons destroyed is June 30. The SIU crew aboard the Cape Ray as of mid-April included: Bosun William Lima, ABs Walter Ott, Jonathan Davis, George Phillips, Mark Brownell and Jerry Sobieraj, QEEs Kevin Quinlan and Mark Maduro, QE4 Jason Billingsley, Oiler Andre Mitchell, GVA Dionta Winstead, Steward/ Baker Edward Banks, Chief Cooks Mike Adorno, Helen Mitchell, Emanuel Spain and Sandra Vann, and SAs Cornelius Taylor, Arica Shaw, Kevin Arroyo and Emanuel Spain. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (front row, center, with hands folded) led the ILO delegation that approved key amendments protecting mariners. ILO Moves to Protect World’s Mariners, Authorizes Amendments to MLC 2006 Mariners around the world should enjoy stronger protections following international efforts to tackle crew abandonment. During meetings last month in Geneva, the International Labor Organization (ILO) approved amendments adding mechanisms to the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (MLC) to safeguard crews. More than 300 maritime representatives examined a joint proposal by unions and shipowners to address abandonment and to ensure that flag states have in place a financial security system providing abandoned mariners with outstanding wages, repatriation and other reasonable costs until they arrive home. There were 8,890 votes in favor of the proposal, none against, and 143 abstentions, according to the ILO. Another set of amendments was also approved, regarding shipowners’ ability to ensure financial security is provided, certified and inspected in order to expeditiously deal with contractual claims. The amendments need another approval, which is expected to take place at the next session of the ILO conference this month (May). SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel participated in the Geneva meeting in April and served as spokesperson for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). He chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section. Following the vote on April 11, he said that the MLC, known as a bill of rights for the world’s mariners, “has entered a new generation today. We have always known that abandonment would be the priority for this stage two of the MLC, but to see that problem so widely recognized and marked for action has been inspiring.” Also speaking at the meeting, ITF President Paddy Crumlin said, “Today’s vote represents a genuine turning point for the convention. It proves that seafarers, shipowners and governments are committed to continuously reviewing the implementation of the MLC in order to ensure that it is a truly global and living instrument for the protection and benefit of all seafarers. Abandonment is a particularly dark stain on the industry and the new amendments are real and concrete relief for seafarers facing that dire predicament.” The amendments were developed over nearly a decade by a joint working group established by the ILO and the International Maritime Organization. They establish mandatory requirements that shipowners have financial security to cover abandonment, as well as death or long-term disability of seafarers due to occupational injury and hazard. Under the new provisions, ships will be required to carry certificates or other documents to establish that financial security exists to protect seafarers working on board. Failure to provide this protection may mean that a ship can be detained in a port. As of March 2014, the ILO’s Abandonment of Seafarers Database listed 159 abandoned merchant ships, some dating back to 2006 and still unresolved. “These legal standards will provide relief and peace of mind to abandoned seafarers and their families wherever they may be,” said Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, director of the ILO Labor Standards Department. “In addition, by adopting these amendments to the Convention, shipowners and governments are also strengthening its provisions aimed at ensuring a level-playing field for quality shipping around the world.” The MLC took effect last August. To date, 57 ILO member states representing more than 80 percent of the world’s global shipping tonnage have ratified it. May 2014 �House Passes Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, potentially resulting in some big gains for the SIU and maritime industry as a whole. At press time, the legislation had been received in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The bill, which primarily focused on funding the Coast Guard over the next two years, also includes key SIU-backed provisions. Those components support U.S. cargo preference laws, call for the development of a national maritime strategy, make it easier for military veterans with sea time to qualify for civilian mariner jobs, and study how the export of liquefied natural gas may create jobs in the maritime industry. SIU ally Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), who serves as ranking member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee, released a statement praising the bill’s passage. “These past few years, the maritime sector has faced troubled waters – irrational budget cuts coupled with uncertainty, policy neglect, and an economic downturn. This bipartisan legislation signifies an important step toward getting us back on course,” Garamendi said. “As this legislation moves forward, I will continue to advocate for additional measures to create more American jobs. This includes requiring that liquefied natural gas is exported on U.S.-flagged ships that are built in Amer- ica and sailed by American crews.” The SIU will continue to support the bill as it makes its way through Congress. In addition to the aforementioned highlights, the legislation also supports military pay raises for Coast Guard service members consistent with service members of the other armed forces; expands resources available to build housing for service members and their families; reauthorizes the small shipyard competitive grant program; grants the Coast Guard greater flexibility to augment active duty forces; and provides explicit cooperative agreement authority to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to develop beneficial partnerships with other maritime stakeholders. Coast Guard and Maritime Transporta- tion Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), another SIU ally, stated, “The Coast Guard is a first line of defense against threats to our shores and this legislation reauthorizes the Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission in a responsible manner that reflects the current budget environment while ensuring these agencies have the resources they need to successfully conduct their missions. This bill improves the effectiveness of Coast Guard missions by reducing inefficient operations and enhancing oversight, places the Coast Guard’s major systems acquisition program on a sustainable track, and encourages job growth in the U.S. maritime industry by cutting regulatory burdens on job creation.” Strong Bipartisan Commitment Pledged for Jones Act, Mariners In a flurry of recent communications, legislators from both sides of the aisle as well as a cabinet leader left no doubt about their strong support of the American maritime industry, including the U.S. Merchant Marine. Those communications included opeds, press conferences, news releases and speeches from senators, congressional representatives and Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. Many of the remarks focused on the Jones Act, a vital maritime law that pumps billions of dollars into the U.S. economy while helping sustain nearly 500,000 American jobs. In addition to Foxx, those stepping up and reaffirming their backing of the industry included Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Rep. Steve Scalise (RLa.), Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.), Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Rep. Steve Palazzo (R-Miss.), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii), and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.). ‘On the Record’ Foxx addressed the annual convention of the national trade association American Waterways Operators (AWO) on April 3 in Washington, D.C. He wasted no time reiterating President Obama’s and his support of the Jones Act, which requires that cargo moving from one domestic port to another be carried on ships that are crewed, flagged, built and owned American. “My boss is on the record supporting the Jones Act and so am I,” Foxx told the convention attendees. “I will do everything in my power to defend the Jones Act.” Louisiana is Tops Less than a week later, Louisiana legislators and officials from U.S. maritime coalitions conducted a press conference in the Senate where they highlighted data showing that Louisiana ranks first in the nation in economic impact from America’s domestic maritime industry. A study by Pricewaterhouse-Coopers (PwC) shows the state’s 54,850 maritime jobs contribute more than $11.3 billion annually into the Louisiana economy. The same study concludes Louisiana ranks first in the country in maritime jobs per capita and third in the nation in shipbuilding. “Maritime is one of the largest industries in Louisiana, behind oil and gas and agriculture. But we wouldn’t be standing here today to tout this economic prowess of the maritime industry in Louisiana if it weren’t for the Jones Act,” Landrieu said. “The Jones Act is a jobs act – pure and simple. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure the Jones Act is properly enforced and Louisiana maritime jobs are protected.” “Louisiana’s maritime jobs aren’t just important to our state’s economy – they May 2014 play an incredibly vital role in our national economy,” Vitter said. “Our position in the maritime industry makes Louisiana a true point of economic strength. I support the Jones Act because it protects those jobs here in Louisiana, as well as our national security.” “The American maritime industry is leading an economic recovery and investing in America’s waterways infrastructure,” said Scalise. “Waterborne commerce and our nation’s maritime base are vital to America’s economy, security and quality of life. I’m proud to stand in support of the Jones Act, which is critical to our national security and a public policy success story.” “Louisiana shipyards build every kind of seagoing vessel from giant cryogenic ships used to transport liquefied natural gas to some of the largest offshore oil and gas exploration rigs in the world,” said Boustany. “Louisiana also builds merchant vessels, Coast Guard cutters, barges, tugs, supply boats, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and river patrol boats. The shipbuilding industry provides stability throughout the state, in the form of jobs, development, investment, and community support. I’ll continue to support the Jones Act and stand with my congressional colleagues, determined to protect and develop the domestic maritime industry.” “The maritime industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, and the Jones Act is essential in sustaining that vitality,” Richmond said. “(A total of) 478,440 jobs across the country and 54,850 in Louisiana are a direct result of the maritime industry, and the Jones Act ensures that these jobs remain American jobs. I am a strong supporter of maritime commerce and will continue to advocate for an equal playing field in the industry so that it has the best opportunity to thrive here at home.” ‘Vital to Our Nation’ In an op-ed picked up by many news outlets in late March, Hunter and Scalise wrote in part, “Those searching for signs of hope in the U.S. economy need look no further than an industry too often taken for granted — the American maritime industry. In the midst of a renaissance that is creating jobs and leading an American economic recovery, the men and women who work on U.S. vessels and in U.S. shipyards collectively contribute billions to our national economy…. “American companies and workers are applying American ingenuity — and investing billions of dollars — to meet the nation’s transportation needs. Whether through new vessel construction, innovative technology or rigorous safety training, at a time when other industries are suffering from uncertainty, the domestic maritime industry is investing in its future and safeguarding its resilience. All Americans will reap the benefits. “This growth would not be possible without the Merchant Marine Act passed The Jones Act’s tangible benefits include ships like the SIU-crewed Crowley tanker Florida, pictured before its christening at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard early last year. by Congress in 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act,” they continued. They also pointed to the national security benefits of the Jones Act, noting that without the law, “vessels and crews from foreign nations could move freely on U.S. waters, creating a more porous border, increasing possible security threats and introducing vessels and mariners who do not adhere to U.S. standards into the bloodstream of our nation. We are blessed to have fellow Americans operating U.S. vessels between our ports and on our waterways. Our mariners are best in class in their training, safety and commitment to this great land. Waterborne commerce and our nation’s maritime base are vital to our nation’s economy, security and quality of life.” Safety and Security Hunter also co-signed an April 1 letter with Palazzo, Hanabusa, Larsen and Garamendi to President Obama, urging him to honor commitments to the U.S. maritime industry when considering trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). In part, the letter reads, “We have built a maritime industry that not only focuses on efficiency, but also places the utmost importance on the safety and security of our country. Today, the United States continues to rely upon the commercial U.S.-flag ships, American shipyards and American Merchant Mariners for its military sealift strategy. Current trade agreements protect the United States’ rights to maintain and promote a U.S. maritime industry. Future trade agreements must do the same.” Delivering the Goods In an April 4 post on his website, Byrne described the Jones Act as “vitally important to our national security, which is why every modern administration has supported it. American shipyards, vessels and sailors provide for secure domestic commerce on our waterways and provide our Navy with a reserve component in times of war. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (2002-2008), U.S.-flag commercial vessels, including ships drawn from the domestic trades, transported 57 percent of all military cargoes moved to Afghanistan and Iraq. As important, the American domestic fleet also provided fully half of the mariners used to crew U.S. government-owned sealift vessels activated from reserve status, which carried an additional 40 percent of the total cargoes delivered. Use U.S.-Flag Ships, Crews Garamendi penned an opinion piece posted on CNN’s website in late March. He asserted that the crisis in Crimea, “though potentially destabilizing to the global economy, may present a silver lining to the U.S. economy: an opportunity to reinvigorate the American shipbuilding industry and U.S. Merchant Marine. Even though Russia supplies 30 percent of Europe’s natural gas, President Vladimir Putin’s territorial aggression is causing Europe to look elsewhere for its energy needs. “The U.S. should be prudent in exporting this natural resource, which has led to resurgence in domestic manufacturing, but I believe that the liquefied natural gas we do send overseas should be shipped on U.S.-flagged tankers and crewed by U.S. mariners,” Garamendi continued. “I am pursuing this policy, as the ranking member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, because it will boost the domestic maritime industry and strengthen our national defense and economic security.” Seafarers LOG 3 �Manila Amendments Bring New Endorsements The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) and the SIU are helping mariners navigate the endorsement changes established through the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Manila amendments. In December, the NMC published a 200-plus page final rule on the amendments, which primarily covered what mariners need to do in order to remain in compliance when sailing abroad. Since then, the NMC has issued several guidance documents. Among the changes are the establishment of new endorsements for Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D) and Able SeafarerEngine (AS-E). While qualifying members will be grandfathered into these ratings as long as they meet the requirements prior to Jan. 1 2017, those who are new to the industry must take additional steps to obtain them. According to the NMC, mariners may qualify for the STCW AS-D endorsement if they: n Until Jan. 1 2017 – served as a watch- standing Able Seaman, or as a Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) for at least 12 months in the previous five years. n Until Jan. 1, 2017 – held any national endorsements as Able Seaman, and an STCW endorsement as RFPNW, and completed approved training for Proficiency in Survival Craft. When it comes to qualifying for the AS-E endorsement, the NMC requires mariners: n Until Jan. 1, 2017 – served as a watchstanding (QMED) Junior Engineer, Oiler, Fireman/Watertender, Deck-Engine Mechanic, or Engineman, or as a rating forming part of an engineering watch for at least 12 months in the previous five years. n Until Jan. 1, 2017 – Held a national endorsement as QMED Junior Engineer Electrician or Electrician/Refrigeration Engineer, Pumpman or Pumpman/Machinist, Refrigeration Engineer, or Machinist and an STCW endorsement as Rating Forming part of Engineering Watch (RFPEW). According to the regulations, on or after Jan. 1, 2017, all mariners must SIU Executive VP Saluted meet the training, service, and/or assessment requirements for AS-D or AS-E. They must also qualify as a RFPNW or RFPEW in order to qualify for AS-D or AS-E, as well. It is not necessary to hold the RFPNW or RFPEW endorsement, but, under these sections, mariners must demonstrate they are qualified for the endorsement(s). Newcomers to maritime and those whose endorsements have expired will undertake a revised curriculum at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md. Last year, the school became the first to receive NMC approval for courses that meet the requirements for the new AS-D and AS-E endorsements. PHC Director of Training J.C. Wiegman said recently that without the new courses, it would be much more difficult to acquire those two new ratings. “The benefits are really for newcomers at this point,” Wiegman said. “Most current mariners will be grandfathered to meet the requirements for sailing on international voyages as they renew their docu- NMC Issues STCW-Related Notices Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) on March 19 issued the following notices. Electronic versions are available on the NMC website and also are linked in a March 20 news post on the SIU website, www.seafarers.org Postdating of Merchant Mariner Credentials The recently published rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements” (78 FR 77796) authorizes the Coast Guard to postdate a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) up to 8 months. This rule becomes effective March 24, 2014. The implementation plan for postdating MMCs and the impact on the current delayed issuance process are listed below. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (center) recently was recognized for his service on the U.S. Transportation Department’s Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). Pictured with him at an April 1 MTSNAC workshop at DOT headquarters in Washington, D.C., are Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx (right) and Acting Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen. Tellez has served on the council since July 2011; his tenure there is winding down due to term limits. The group advises and makes recommendations to the DOT secretary via the Maritime Administration on a wide range of maritime industry issues. Guam Port Expansion Continues The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) reported in mid-April that the final stage of a modernization project at the Port of Guam had begun. Acting Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen joined local Guam officials and port representatives for a groundbreaking ceremony April 14. According to the agency, the $50 million project – administered by MARAD for the Department of Defense – will double the facility’s capacity and improve freight efficiency. When complete, according to MARAD, the Port of Guam expansion project “will create a new area for shipping containers, improve existing container and bulk cargo 4 Seafarers LOG facilities, essentially double the capacity of the port and improve the entry/exit gate area which will increase the efficiency and speed of cargo moving through the port. The first stage of the project, completed in January, added upgrades to an existing building, including a secure cargo storage area, new large rollup doors and the construction of additional space. The port project is on budget and on schedule to be completed in 2015.” “Modernizing the port to meet the island’s future needs is vital to the people of Guam,” Jaenichen said. “Virtually all goods coming to and leaving Guam move through the port.” The SIU operates a hall in Guam, a U.S. territory in the central Pacific. ments and they have until the year 2017 to comply anyway. That’s part of the transitional provisions of the Manila amendments. But if you’re just getting started, going through our apprentice program is the way to go.” In order to help meet the requirements for the new ratings, the PHC modified parts of several classes, including RFPNW, tanker-dangerous liquids, AB-limited, social responsibilities, and others. Hands-on training, already a staple of most classes at the southern Maryland campus, becomes an even bigger priority. The endorsement changes are only one part of the new requirements that come with the Manila amendments. Earlier this year, the NMC began issuing medical certificates to mariners to bring them into compliance while sailing abroad. The Seafarers LOG will continue to provide updates on the amendments and instructions for mariners. Check future issues for more information. Comprehensive information about the final rule is available at http://www.uscg. mil/nmc/ Postdating: n Postdating of an MMC is defined as placing an issue date on the MMC that is in the future. n Postdating of MMCs will only apply to applications for renewal of a credential where no other credential activity is requested or results from the transaction. n Except upon receipt of written request documenting the need for immediate issuance, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will automatically postdate credentials with the appropriate future date. n The issue date of the MMC will be the day following the date of expiration of the current MMC, but no more than 8 months in the future. The expiration date and period of validity of the credential will be 5 years from the date of issuance. n If the expiration date of the mariner’s current credential is beyond 8 months from the date that the Coast Guard accepts a complete application, the new credential issue date will be 8 months from the date of application acceptance, at which time the current active credential will become invalid. n Any transactions initiated after a postdated MMC has been approved and mailed will result in endorsement labels being printed and mailed for both the mariner’s active MMC and the postdated MMC. Mariners must ensure that the endorsement labels are properly placed in the appropriate MMC. n To ensure consistency of service, the Coast Guard will implement postdating of renewal credentials beginning with applications processed on or after March 24, 2014. n The new credential will not be valid until the issue date listed on the new MMC. Mariners must continue to carry their current credential until that date. n In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mariners are required to return expired or otherwise invalid credentials to the NMC. When the current credential expires, it should be mailed to the NMC. n It is the responsibility of the mariner to maintain control of the postdated credential. If a credential is lost, mariners must follow the procedures to apply for a duplicate, found in 46 CFR Part 10.231. Delayed Issuance: n The Coast Guard will no longer accept requests for delayed issuance beginning March 24, 2014. n Those applications that have been approved for production with delayed issuance on or before March 23, 2014, will be processed using the current delayed issuance procedures. Mariners and other providers should contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@ uscg.mil or 1-888- IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions or feedback. Change in Appeal Process The recently published rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements” (78 FR 77796), that goes into effect on March 24, 2014, indicates that mariners may submit an appeal of a National Maritime Center (NMC) reconsideration decision directly to the Director of Inspections and Compliance (CG-5PC). Currently, appeals are sent via the NMC. Beginning on March 24, 2014, appeals may be emailed to MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or mailed to: U.S. Coast Guard Director of Inspections and Compliance (CG5PC) 2703 Martin Luther King JR Ave, SE STOP 7501 ATTN: CG-CVC-4 Washington, DC 20593-7501 In accordance with 46 Code of Federal Regulations 1.03, the appeal must be submitted in writing not more than 30 days after the decision or action being appealed. The appeal must contain a description of the decision or action being appealed, and the appellant’s reason(s) why the decision or action should be set aside or revised. While an appeal is pending, the original decision or action remains in effect unless otherwise stayed by the Commandant. The process for requesting reconsideration of a NMC decision or action remains the same. Mariners and other providers should contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions or feedback. May 2014 �Labor Leads Push To Increase Minimum Wage The U.S. House of Representatives continues to balk on hiking the federal minimum wage, but the AFLCIO, its affiliated organizations and working families throughout America are making sure that the issue does not go away without a fight. In recent months, considerable activity has taken place across the country designed to ratchet up the pressure on radical Capitol Hill lawmakers to pass legislation to increase the minimum wage – a move that would benefit millions of the nation’s low-wage workers. Trumka Challenges DeMint AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on March 11 (via official correspondence) challenged Heritage Foundation President Jim DeMint to a debate on the issue. “On behalf of the twelve-and-a-half-million hardworking men and women of the AFL-CIO, I would like to invite you to join me to participate in a public forum on the minimum wage,” Trumka wrote in his letter to DeMint. “It is clear that the AFL-CIO and the Heritage Foundation have starkly contrasting opinions on this crucial issue. “I think that the public would find an in-depth conversation between the two of us to be illuminating about what is at stake for our nation,” the federation leader said. The Heritage Foundation passed on the debate invitation on DeMint’s behalf, instead offering up James Sherk, its senior labor policy analyst, as a stand-in. AFL-CIO spokesman Josh Goldstein dismissed this proposed arrangement as unsatisfactory. “Jim DeMint is the face of the Heritage Foundation and conservative ideology to lower the minimum wage,” Goldstein told the Washington Examiner. “If he thinks his position is what’s best for the country, he shouldn’t be afraid to make the case publicly.” Trumka, along with the 12.5 million member-strong labor federation which he leads (and whose affiliates include the SIU), strongly support the Democrats’ plan to increase the current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to $10.10 by 2016. DeMint and his colleagues at the Heritage Foundation; however, hold an opposing view. Collectively, they are against any legislation that would raise the minimum wage, asserting that doing so would eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs and do little to elevate minimum-wage earners out of poverty. DeMint, while serving in the U.S. Senate, actually proposed an amendment that effectively would have eliminated the federal minimum wage altogether. In the wake of DeMint’s decline, Trumka, during a March 25 appearance on MSNBC’s Politics Nation said that DeMint’s refusal to debate him could be for any number of reasons. “Maybe he does not feel comfortable defending his position on repealing the minimum wage,” Trumka said. “Maybe he does not want to talk about what America would look like with no minimum wage at all. “Maybe it’s because it’s a no-win situation for DeMint and Heritage,” Trumka continued, “because their claim that raising the minimum wage would kill jobs just isn’t supported by the facts…. We’ve done it 37 times before (raise the minimum wage), we haven’t lost jobs yet. So we believe … that we ought to have an honest debate so that the American public can benefit from it and decide, and we’re ready to have that debate.” Virginia a Prime Example Of Shipbuilding’s Positive Economic Effects in U.S. A bipartisan effort highlighting shipbuilding in Virginia also serves as proof of how the industry can (and does) benefit other states as well as the nation as a whole. In late March, the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) and the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) joined with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (DVa.) to underscore new data showing Virginia ranks first among all U.S. states in shipbuilding with 63,650 jobs, far above any other state. These jobs pump more than $5.5 billion into Virginia’s economy every year. In a joint news release, AMP (to which the SIU is affiliated) and the SCA noted, “The U.S. shipyard industrial base in Virginia and across the nation is vital to America’s national and economic security. Private U.S. May 2014 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Rally at Heritage Foundation Dozens of union members – underscoring how raising the minimum wage would help women workers in particular – rallied at the Heritage Foundation March 31. Led by AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, the group picketed the foundation’s headquarters on Capitol Hill, challenging its president to publicly debate the issue with Trumka. “Hey, hey, ho, ho, poverty wages have got to go!” and “No, you can’t survive on $7.25!” were among the chants voiced by the unionists. Many of the signs featured side-by-side pictures of Trumka and DeMint topped by the question: “Mr. DeMint, afraid to debate?” While the marchers crusaded outside, DeMint and his colleagues hosted a program inside the building, purportedly honoring women’s history month. “There are people sitting in there debating about not lifting up women from poverty wages,” Gebre told the group while gesturing towards the Heritage building. “We’re right when we say raise the minimum wage, because if the minimum wage had kept up with inflation, it would be at $15.30” an hour, Gebre said. Heritage’s corporate sponsors “are fighting workers on a daily basis” on that issue and others, he concluded. Minimum-Wage Bus Tour Meanwhile, Americans United for Change, it its bid to continue raising the political stakes for lawmakers from the radical right who oppose any increases to the federal minimum wage, recently took to the road with its “Give America a Raise” Minimum-Wage Bus Tour, which supported the president’s plan to raise the federal minimum wage. Kicking off in Maine March 24, the excursion covshipyards build, repair, maintain and modernize the largest and most sophisticated Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the world and do the same for the nation’s 40,000 commercial vessels. Across the country, the domestic maritime industry, supported by the Jones Act, sustains more than 478,000 jobs and has an annual economic impact of $92.5 billion according to a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for the Transportation Institute. The industry also accounts for approximately $29 billion in annual wages and $10 billion in tax revenue each year.” “Ensuring national security and a strong economy means providing budget certainty and stability for the shipbuilding and ship repair industry,” said Kaine. “From Newport News Shipbuilding, to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and private shipyards across Virginia, the shipbuilding industry helps develop a highly skilled workforce, provides thousands of jobs, and benefits the Commonwealth’s economy.” “Virginia has always been proud of its shipbuilding heritage. Our vibrant and robust shipbuilding industry builds and repairs the greatest Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial fleet in the world,” Wittman said. “Virginians skilled and trained in shipbuilding and repair are an ered some 3,500 miles. Armed with a 45-foot long, 16-ton anti-poverty billboard on wheels (a bus), tour organizers and their colleagues traveled to 10 key states and the District of Columbia where they stopped in 18 cities. Each stop featured local lawmakers, labor leaders, advocates and low-wage workers who voiced their opinions and shared their perspectives on the minimum-wage issue. The tour ended April 3 in Washington, D.C., with an event outside the U.S. Capitol. Several of the tour stops took place outside the offices of lawmakers who seem more interested in helping big corporations avoid paying taxes than helping hard-working Americans climb out of poverty and one rung closer to the middle class. Many of the stops featured high-profile speakers including U.S. senators, candidates in Senate and gubernatorial races, administration officials including U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, and Trumka as well as other elected officials and labor leaders. Members of Congress were confronted at each stop with stories from low-wage workers pressing the need to raise the minimum wage. “Raising the minimum wage would provide a needed boost not just for the millions of struggling low-wage American workers that can barely survive on $7.25, but for the U.S. economy as a whole,” said Brad Woodhouse, president, Americans United for Change. “It will create jobs because it puts more money in the pockets of workers who will quickly inject it back into the economy. “Millions of people with more money to spend on goods and services means businesses will need to hire more workers to meet the demand,” Woodhouse continued. “Decades’ worth of research done after previous minimum-wage increases shows nothing but net economic benefits as a result, which is why so many successful business leaders and over 600 economists including seven Nobel Laureates are calling on Congress to raise it again now. “It’s been more than five years since these workers have gotten a raise – workers that include child-care providers, janitors, and nursing assistants and who are 35 years old on average,” Woodhouse concluded. “It was hard enough to live on $15,000 a year in 2009, and it’s near impossible in 2014.” The bus tour included stops in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and the nation’s capital. Additional Wage-Hike Efforts In addition to the growing effort to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, working families across the country have been leading movements to raise wages at the state and local levels. According to the AFL-CIO, workers, often led by local labor movements, are moving ahead with their own efforts to increase the minimum wage in several states, even where the state minimum wage is higher than the national. Coalitions across the country are working to raise wages in a variety of forms; some examples of local movements to raise wages are as follows: Alaska – More than 43,000 signatures were collected in support of a ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage to $9.75 over two years, with an annual Continued on Page 6 important part of our Commonwealth’s history and they will continue to be a vital part of our nation’s future. The impact these men and women have on Virginia and on this nation cannot be understated. I am proud to represent so many shipbuilders and I am honored that they are my fellow Virginians.” “I am proud that the Commonwealth leads the nation in U.S. shipbuilding jobs. Hampton Roads is home to generations of highly skilled shipbuilders, who build and maintain the most advanced ships in the world,” said Scott. “They are an important part of the shipbuilding industrial base and they make critical contributions to our economic security and national defense.” “It is no surprise that Virginia leads the nation in U.S. Shipbuilding, because one in every 90 jobs in the state is directly related to the industry,” said Shipbuilders Council of America president Matt Paxton. “Each of those jobs in turn supports nearly three other jobs. This robust shipyard workforce and industrial base, as well as the national security and economic benefits that this industry provides, are just a few of the reasons why the president, the Navy and every Congress and Administration in modern history has supported the Jones Act.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Federation Tags NAFTA as a Loser for Workers The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada, and Mexico (NAFTA) entered into force Jan. 1, 1994 – slightly more than 20 years ago. The trade agreement created the world’s largest free trade area, which now links 450 million people producing $17 trillion worth of goods and services. But the AFL-CIO cautions that if those figures initially seem impressive, they don’t hold up to scrutiny. According to the labor federation, since NAFTA took effect, nearly 700,000 U.S. jobs have been lost or displaced, union density in the United States, Mexico and Canada fell and income inequality has increased. The federation’s new report, NAFTA at 20, discusses how current U.S. trade policy has failed to raise wages, improve social standards or address inequality—and what needs to change to make certain that future trade agreements actually work for working people. “There is no success story for workers to be found in North America 20 years after NAFTA,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “The NAFTA model focuses on lifting corporations out of reach of democratic governance, rather than solely reducing tariffs.  This report should serve as a cautionary tale to the Obama Administration and Congress as they consider negotiating and implementing new trade deals.” The trade pact was sold to the American public as a way to promote equitable growth, but as the report details, NAFTA-style trade deals benefit corporations at the expense of workers, consumers and communities. Wages today in all three countries are stagnant, the AFL-CIO asserted. Productivity has increased, but the share going to workers has decreased. Union density has declined and hazardous work without stable hours or benefits is on the rise. The overall volume of trade between the three countries undeniably has grown, but those gains are concentrated at the top, not distributed across society. Instead, inequality has skyrocketed. Additionally, the federation reported, flat wages and an eroding middle class did not happen by accident but instead are the partly the result of the NAFTA model. That guideline deals with broad economic governance issues, including investment, intellectual property, consumer and environmental protections and labor rights – issues not inherently trade-related. NAFTA made it easier and less risky for companies to move operations to locations where the cost of labor was cheapest but contained no effective mecha- nism to ensure labor rights or environmental protections were enforced. Additionally, the model’s deregulatory agenda limits government’s ability to act in the public interest. For example, procurement provisions prevent governments from including requirements that companies contribute to local development or respect fundamental human rights in contracts; limit equitable access to public services; and raise the price of medicines through stringent intellectual property protections. Meanwhile, investors were given unprecedented privileges and protections, which have been duplicated in later trade agreements. Multinational corporations obtained various deregulatory guarantees, sweeping property rights and a unique—uniquely dangerous—way of enforcing them: Investor to State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). This arrangement allows foreign investors to directly sue national governments over policies they think threaten their bottom line. Instead of domestic courts, claims go before secretive international tribunals that can award unlimited taxpayer money but are unaccountable to the public. Multinationals have used these quasi-courts, which are usually composed of the same trade lawyers that bring the claims on behalf of companies, to challenge numerous regulations in the public interest. The report highlights the need for a trade model that promotes shared prosperity. Unfortunately, current U.S. trade negotiations on two agreements – the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which involve 39 countries in Asia, the Americas and Europe – seem to only offer more of the same. The lack of transparency around the negotiations means the actual content of the proposed agreements remains unknown, preventing public debate and scrutiny. But leaked documents indicate that the agreements contain the same flawed provisions, and then some. Draft text expands areas such as intellectual property rights and opens up new sectors, including financial regulation, which could endanger the government’s ability to react to and prevent economic crises. (The SIU has been aggressive in insisting that maritime be left out of trade talks.) As the federation concluded, workers live in a globalized economy, which means now more than ever global rules to protect people and the planet are necessary. The NAFTA model does not deliver on the things people need: quality employment, enhanced social mobility and shared prosperity. Labor Movement Takes Battle To Increase Minimum Wage To Streets of America’s Cities Continued from Page 5 Pomerlane (right) greets former Rep. Helen Bentley at a 1995 gathering in Baltimore. Longtime Baltimore Official Pomerlane Passes Away at 87 Robert “Bobby” Pomerlane, retired SIU assistant vice president, passed away April 9 in Baltimore. He was 87. Known for his full dedication to both the SIU and the trade union movement, Pomerlane, like others from his generation, stayed involved even after retiring in 1996. He particularly remained active with the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s (MTD) Baltimore Port Maritime Council, and still served as its secretary-treasurer at the time of his death. The MTD remembered Pomerlane as “part of a committed coalition of local politicians, trade unionists, business people and community activists who pushed for policies that have enabled Baltimore to remain a top-tier port at a time when other historic facilities failed to keep pace.” He sailed as a merchant mariner during World War II, and his days at sea with the SIU included voyages on ships operated by (respectively) Waterman, Bull Line, Calmar Steamship, Sinclair Oil, and Ore Navigation. Pomerlane, an accomplished boxer, came ashore in 1954 and subsequently served the SIU in many capacities, including those of representative, patrolman, headquarters representative, safety direc- 6 Seafarers LOG tor, and assistant vice president. “With Bobby covering the waterfront, the union didn’t have anything to worry about,” said SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco. “When they made him, they broke the mold.” Pomerlane was “SIU all the way,” recalled SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “He also lived and breathed the Port of Baltimore.” “Bobby was a hard-nosed guy, but he had a heart as big as he is,” remembered Baltimore Port Maritime Council President Dion Guthrie. “There was no middle of the road with Bobby. He either liked you or he didn’t. And if he liked you, there wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for you.” The MTD account of Pomerlane’s life credited him with “giving maritime labor a highly visible presence in one of the nation’s most important port cities. He was a force of nature who was involved with Baltimore politics. Whether it was the late Maryland Governor and Mayor of Baltimore William Donald Schaeffer or Rep. Helen Delich Bentley, the president of a local union or a community activist, Pomerlane was known as a ‘go-to guy’ for maritime in Charm City.” He is survived by his wife, Nichole, and a brother, Toby Valmas. adjustment for inflation. Alaskans will vote on the initiative in August. Arkansas – A coalition including labor and community groups are campaigning for a ballot measure that would eventually raise the minimum wage from $6.25 to $8.50 in steps over the next three years. Connecticut – Labor groups applauded Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s proposal to increase the state minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Student and community groups have testified in support of the bill as it makes its way through the legislative process. The bill would include tipped workers. Iowa – Sen. Tom Harkin is the author of the federal legislation, and workers in his home state are also pushing for a bill to increase the state minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Community members have adopted the cry, “We can’t survive on $7.25!” Idaho – Labor and community groups have joined together to spearhead a push to raise the minimum wage through the legislature in Idaho. The state has the highest percentage of minimum-wage workers in the country. Los Angeles – The Raise L.A. campaign is focusing on raising the wages of hotel workers to $15 an hour. The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has invited Pope Francis to come to L.A. to help champion economic equality for low-wage workers. Massachusetts – Last year, workers and community members joined together as the Raise Up Massachusetts coalition to collect 275,000 signatures to put a minimum-wage increase on the 2014 ballot. This spring, they are organizing community meetings and lobby days to ask legislators to pass a minimum-wage increase in addition to earned sick time. Minnesota – An active coalition of faith, labor, and community organizations is working to pass a bill to raise the state minimum wage to $9.50 by 2015 with future increases indexed to inflation. In February, Working Amer- ica held their Minimum Wage Challenge Week, in which five lawmakers struggled to live on minimum wage for a week. Missouri – A bill to increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour is currently active in the state senate. Lowwage and tipped workers organized to turn out and testify at a critical hearing, helping the bill pass out of committee. New Hampshire – In New Hampshire, the local labor movement has named raising the minimum wage one of their top priorities for 2014. They are actively working with community allies to push a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $9 an hour. Pennsylvania – A coalition of labor unions, clergy, community and women’s organizations gathered at the state capitol recently to launch the campaign to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Bills are currently pending in the state legislature. The coalition plans an aggressive grassroots mobilization to make minimum wage a center issue in the fall elections. Seattle – Workers and community members in Seattle are aiming to replicate the success of neighboring SeaTac with an effort to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour across the city. Washington State has the highest minimum wage in the country at $9.19 an hour. Hundreds have turned out to rallies and city council meetings to show their support for the measure. South Dakota – The South Dakota AFL-CIO along with working families succeeded in getting a minimum-wage increase on the ballot that will be voted on in November. The measure would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 and increase annually based on cost of living – it would also include an increase for tipped workers. West Virginia – The West Virginia AFL-CIO led a successful campaign to increase the state minimum wage. The bill has been passed by the legislature and sent to the governor and would increase the state minimum wage to $8 and eventually to $8.75. The bill will also include an increase in the minimum wage for tipped workers. May 2014 �Earl Castain Benjamin Ines Zlatko Lucic Christina Mateer Derrick Moore Charles Washington Stewards Ascend to Apex of Maritime Careers Six individuals recently arrived at the summits of their respective maritime careers to date when they graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s (PHC) Steward Recertification Course. A three-week in-residence curriculum at the center’s Piney Point, Md.,-based campus, the class is billed as highest level of training available to SIU members who sail in the steward department. It encompasses hands-on training, classroom instruction and orientation meetings with representatives from different departments of the SIU and Seafarers Plans. Course modules include ServeSafe, which focuses on safe and sanitary galley operations; first aid and CPR; galley operations; firefighting; leadership and management skills; computer training; nutrition; and communications. Graduating from the class and receiving their recertification credentials April 7 during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point were Earl Castain, Benjamin Ines, Zlatko Lucic, Christina Mateer, Derrick Moore and Charles Washington. In keeping with a long-standing tradition, each of the new recertified stewards addressed union officials, fellow upgraders, apprentices and guests who attended the meeting. Collectively, the new recertified stewards expressed their gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families, and become better shipmates to their brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. In addition, each thanked the union leadership for its continued support, and the PHC vocational and hotel staffs for their excellent instruction and accommodations, respectively. Finally, they acknowledged a host of other individuals who played key roles in their successes. Zlatko Lucic Lucic was the first to address the audience. A Seafarer since 2004, he sails out of the port of Wilmington, Calif., and has upgraded his skills at the Southern Maryland campus on four previous occasions. “I’ve been sailing now for almost 12 years and it’s been a great time,” Lucic told those in attendance. “I ship out of the port of Los Angeles as a chief steward … and when I get back, I’ll be sailing as a recertified chief steward.” Reflecting on the impact the SIU has had on his life since he came aboard, he said it had been extremely noteworthy. “The union has been very important to me because it has enabled me to realize my lifelong dream that I have had since I was a kid,” he noted. “That dream was to travel the world.” After expressing his appreciation to the union leadership and the school’s instructors for his steward recertification experience, Lucic sent out a special thanks to Chef Paul Gilrod. “He has been very instrumental in my development … without him, I wouldn’t be here today.” Lucic ended his remarks by urging the trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity that each of them has been afforded to be successful. “Work hard, study harder and one day you will be standing where I am now,” he said. Earl Castain Castain, who sails out of the port of Piney Point, was the next to take the podium. A native of New Orleans, he was a member of PHC Apprentice Class 422. Over the years, he has returned to the maritime training center on numerous occasions to enhance his skills. “I’ve been part of the SIU for 26 years,” said Castain, who donned the union colors in 1987 when he was 23 years of age. “It’s been a great career to date” he continued. “I have traveled all over the world and had the opportunity to meet a lot of good people.” Castain then congratulated his classmates on their respective achievements and thanked May 2014 union officials for “all that they do behind the scenes” on behalf of the rank-and-file membership. “I want to give a special thanks to President (Mike) Sacco and other officials at headquarters for everything they do for us,” he said. Castain concluded by urging the trainees to always do their best when they are at sea. “I encourage you to work hard, ask questions and remember safety first,” he said. Benjamin Ines “I’m very happy and grateful to the SIU for this opportunity,” said Ines. “Being selected for this recertification class is a big honor for me and my family. “It ensures my continuing professional development and expands my qualifications to handle greater responsibilities,” continued the Philippines-born mariner, who sails out of the port of Oakland, Calif. “This means I can live up to the expectations of my employer, and I owe it all to the SIU.” Ines told the audience he joined the union in 1995. “Since then, the SIU has provided me the opportunity to perform various duties and participate in many training programs,” said Ines, who has upgraded at Piney Point four times. “These programs have been responsible for my professional growth. Because of them, I was able to qualify for and handle various duties and responsibilities aboard ship. These programs have also ensured my continuous employment … and at the same time enabled me to provide for my family needs.” Ines said he became a chief steward because the SIU supported him all the way. “It (the SIU) kept opening doors for further professional development and I became a chief steward because of those opportunities,” he said. “Now I am in the recertification class …. I am very proud that I am one of the few who gained admission. “It took five years, but the wait was well worth it,” he said. “I’m sure that the training I received will allow me to be of service for years to come.” Ines advised the trainees to study hard while they were undergoing their training and to learn from their instructors. “Always work as a team,” he concluded. Derrick Moore Moore hails from Norfolk, Va., and is home-ported in Jacksonville, Fla. “I started shipping with the SIU in 1988 out of the port of Norfolk as a wiper,” he told union officials, his brothers and sisters and guests. “That lasted for one year.… The following year, I switched over to the steward department and the rest is history.” After finding his niche working in the steward department, Moore said it was full steam ahead preparing for a productive career. “After I got off of my first ship as an SA, I came here to Piney Point to upgrade my skills,” he said. That initial visit to the maritime training center was followed by a host of others since. On each occasion, Moore was preparing himself to negotiate the steward department’s ultimate hurdle: recertification. “The steward recertification course has been very informative for me,” Moore said. “It has given me the knowledge I need to go on a ship and effectively represent my fellow shipmates as well as the union.” After reminding those present about the importance of the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD), he urged them to continue supporting it. “We need contributions to SPAD so our officials can continue fighting for us,” he said. Moore then thanked the union’s leadership for being afforded the opportunity to attend the recertification class. He sent special recognition to Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift, and PHC Chefs John Hetmanski and John Dobson for the knowledge they collectively imparted on him. Moore also gave shout outs to officials and staffers at the ports of Norfolk and Jacksonville for the support and guidance they rendered him throughout his career. “The best advice I can give to the trainees and anyone else coming into this industry is to learn your jobs inside out,” Moore said in his concluding remarks. “Also, if you plan on living long, put some money aside for your pensions and your 401Ks … you will need it.” Charles Washington “I’ve been sailing since 1990,” said Washington upon taking the podium. The Houstonborn mariner, who sails out of the port of Mobile, started his seafaring career aboard vessels in the cruise industry. “I started out dumping trash on Saturdays aboard the Independence and Constitution,” Washington told those in attendance. “I slowly worked my way up the ladder to get where I am today. “I was not in a training program so it took me longer to get where I wanted to go,” he continued. “I worked on cruise ships until 1999 and then came to Piney Point to upgrade my skills.” His initial trip to Piney Point would pave the way for things to come; his current stint at the school marked the seventh time he has upgraded at the maritime institution. Washington’s career has been anything but monotonous. “I’ve been all over the world during my career,” he said. “It would be easier to tell you where I haven’t been rather than tell you where I have been. “I’ve been aboard vessels that were boarded by pirates in Bangladesh and Angola,” he continued. “It’s been an exciting career to say the least and the union has been good to me … it has kept me employed.” Turning his attention to his union brothers and sisters, Washington said they already were versed on what working in the maritime industry entails. “You upgraders already know what this career is all about,” he said, “so to the trainees, it’s all in your hands for the taking. Work hard and leave your attitudes at home. Be good shipmates and learn, learn, learn.” Washington concluded by thanking the union leadership and the school’s vocational staff for making his upgrade training a positive experience which will remain with him. Christina Mateer Mateer was the final speaker to address the audience. She sails out of the port of Wilmington, Calif., and donned the union colors in 1988. “I am very grateful to the union for allowing me this opportunity to finally become a recertified chief steward,” Mateer said. “The class was a very rewarding and excellent experience for me.” She said she learned a great deal about union contracts and how they are negotiated; about new mariner credentialing requirements; and the political activities of the union and how they affect the entire membership. A native of Philadelphia, Mateer has upgraded at the PHC on four previous occasions. “This is my 16th year in the union,” she said. “And during those 16 years, I have traveled all over the world, met some amazing people and explored many intriguing places along the way.” Addressing the trainees, Mateer said, “When you go out on the ship, remember to keep an open mind, have a good attitude, work hard and try to learn as much as you can from your union brothers and sisters.” She offered similar advice to all members of the steward department, suggesting “always try to educate yourselves both on and off the ships. Try to learn new recipes, especially healthy ones. Always remember, you are never too old to learn something new.” Mateer concluded by thanking the union, her family members and friends for “always supporting me along my journey to get where I am today.” Union officials joined the recertified stewards in the Paul Hall Center auditorium following the membership meeting for the photo above. Pictured from left to right are: Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Charles Washington, Benjamin Ines, Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny, Christina Mateer, VP Contracts George Tricker, Zlatko Lucic, Derrick Moore, Earl Castain, Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, and Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift. Seafarers LOG 7 �MEETING WITH PRO-MARITIME SENATOR – SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) is pictured with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) (center) and Maritime Trades Department VP Scott Winter. The photo was taken March 18 at a U.S.-flag maritime roundtable meeting with the senator, who’s a strong supporter of the American maritime industry. BACKING PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSWOMAN – U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) (second from right in group photo directly above) recently met with Seafarers at the union hall in Honolulu. Members thanked her for backing laws and programs that help enable the U.S. Merchant Marine to continue supporting our troops and our economy. Gabbard is running for reelection this year. Pictured with her are (from left) Shureen Yatchmenoff, secretary at the hall; Amber Akana, patrolman; and Hazel Galbiso, port agent. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS BUTTON – In March, Captain Lloyd Dorricott (left in photo at left) presented polo shirts to (continuing from left) Third Mate John Greaves, Bosun Greg Jackson and AB Steve Heinz for efforts related to the compass rose painted on the vessel’s stern. The shirts are part of a safety program run by the ship’s operator, Maersk Line, Limited. Among those pictured aboard the ship in the two group photos above are Jackson, AB Kevin Gebhard, OS Karleen Grenier, OS Tim Dougherty, Chief Electrician Deralle Watson, Pumpman Ashley Carmichael, QMED Jared Latta, QMED Mike Deren, GUDE Ariston Ora, Chief Steward Edwin Bonefont, Chief Cook Joshua Weiner, SA Lonnie Jordan, SA Torrika Devine, SA Juan Oliva and SA Kipp Worthy. ARTISTIC FLAIR ABOARD TANKER – Recertified Bosun John Lamprecht (second from left) holds the painting of the Crowley tanker Florida that he recently created. Joining him for the photo opportunity aboard ship are AB Randy Powell, Recertified Steward Hazel Johnson, AB Judith Chatelain, Chief Pumpman Troy Banks and AB Marvyn Chester. B-BOOK IN BALTIMORE – Chief Cook Chris King (center) recently picked up his B-seniority book at the hall in Baltimore. Pictured with him at the hall are Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (left) and Representative Chelsea Heindel. 8 Seafarers LOG TALKING UNION IN ANNAPOLIS – Representatives from the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education went to Annapolis, Md., March 24 to take part in an annual gathering organized by the Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO Unions. The event provides a chance for (among others) politicians and individuals from the labor movement to exchange ideas. Some of the SIU and Paul Hall Center contingent is pictured above, including Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (far right) and Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (second from right in front). B-BOOK IN JACKSONVILLE – Taking the union oath and picking up his B-seniority book at the hall in Jacksonville, Fla., is QE4 Randy Corey (right). Safety Director Ashley Nelson is at left. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Picking up his first pension check at the hall in Tacoma, Wash., is AB Mark Pesola (left), a longtime Seafarer who most recently sailed on the Horizon Kodiak. Presenting the check and offering best wishes on a wellearned retirement is Safety Director Ben Anderson. May 2014 �AT THE HALL IN SAN JUAN – Pictured from left to right in photo directly above are Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Capt. John Nicoll, AB Efrain Alavarez and AB Luis Ramos. In photo at left, taking a coffee break are QMEDs Armando Garayua (left) and Jorge Santi. In the remaining photo at right above, having lunch are AB Peter Rivera (center) and his wife, Cristina, along with Electrician Boyko Kovatchev (right). ON THE JOB WITH CROWLEY – SIU members pause for a snapshot during operations at the Crowley terminal in San Juan, P.R. Pictured are Bosun Luis Perez, AB Jonathan Chaparro and AB Angel Gomez. CIVMARS IN ACTION – In this mid-March photo from somewhere in the Pacific, the Seafarers-crewed dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear has supplies lifted by a Navy helicopter which then headed back to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. The Brashear is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Nelson) May 2014 ABOARD MATSON’S MANOA – Chief Cook Jabr Matari (above) is pictured in the galley while Recertified Steward Gerald Figg (right in photo at right) is greeted by SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona. SUPPORTING WATERFRONT CLASSIC – The United Labor Bank recently stepped up to support the second annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic fishing tournament, scheduled for April 29 in Piney Point, Md. Presenting a donation for the tournament to SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right) is Ricka Lucia, VP at the bank. The event benefits the Wounded Warrior Anglers and the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. B-BOOK IN OAKLAND – GUDE Peter Gonda (right) earlier this year got his B-seniority book at the hall in Oakland, Calif. His recent vessels include the Overseas Tampa and the Stephen W. Pless. Congratulating Gonda is Patrolman Nick Marrone II. Seafarers LOG 9 �Bosun Sees Great Progress at Union-Affiliated School Longtime Seafarer Encourages Fellow Members to Upgrade Recertified Bosun Terry Murphy has a message for any Seafarers who are hesitant to attend the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. “Don’t be afraid to go to the school,” said Murphy, a frequent upgrader who completed the trainee program in 1971. “From the time you’re picked up at the airport until you’re dropped off afterward, it’s like a well-oiled machine. I just can’t say enough about all the help you get there.” He refers to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Founded in 1967, the center offers comprehensive vocational training including an apprentice program, upgrading courses for people from all three shipboard departments, and firefighting and safety classes. Overall more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses are available. The school also offers academic support and certified programs through which students may earn high school diplomas or two-year college degrees. But it wasn’t always the thorough, “well-oiled machine” Murphy described. The school began modestly, on what had been a torpedo-testing facility run by the Navy. In those early years, both the curriculums and the campus were quite basic. Murphy has seen much of the school’s progress since then firsthand. He’s been back at least a dozen times, most recently for safety and security refreshers earlier this year. Along the way, he observed as courses were added, new buildings were constructed, and top-notch training equipment was installed. Those milestones included the opening of a world-class marine firefighting and safety school in 1999 located on a nearby satellite campus (and named for Joey Sacco, a popular and effective SIU executive vice president who passed away in 1996). “It’s just been phenomenal every time I come back here,” Murphy said while at the southern Maryland campus in March. “It’s very modern and the curriculums are made to order. They’ve gone through so many changes – so much growth and improvement. There’s tutoring available and a great library system…. I remember having classes on barges. We’ve come a long way.” Murphy, 63, added, “I also have nothing but good things to say about the union. I owe the SIU so much for letting me live this life, this career.” He sees the Paul Hall Center as a crucial component of that career, and believes the school offers the same opportunities for advancement to all Seafarers willing to take advantage of them. “I always tell people to upgrade, keep advancing, don’t get stuck in an entry rating,” added Murphy, who completed recertification in 1987. “You can go from wiper to engineer, ordinary to master, messman to steward. “People should take advantage of the school. It’s built for you, it’s there for you.” Seafarer’s Skills Save Cape Kennedy Voyage When a high-pressure fuel line burst aboard the Cape Kennedy, stalling the ship’s voyage from Philadelphia to New Orleans, SIU member Rodolfo “Rudy” de la Cruz came to the rescue. Sailing as a GVA, de la Cruz in late March used his welding skills to make repairs that enabled the vessel to resume sailing. He performed a second repair the next day, and the ship safely arrived in New Orleans early last month. For his efforts, the Seafarer received a letter of commendation from everyone else aboard that reads, “Your efforts and skills during our voyage from Philadelphia are greatly appreciated! Your welding got us safely back to NOLA!” An SIU member since 1995, de la Cruz sounded matter-of- fact when recalling the experience. “We were stuck in the middle of nowhere, past Florida, and I tried my best,” he said. “They needed my help.” He added that he worked for many years in the engine rooms of Tyco cable ships, and those experiences helped during the recent Cape Kennedy saga. He has also taken several classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. AB Jimmy Hargrove, who was on the Keystone-operated Cape Kennedy with de la Cruz, said his fellow Seafarer “deserves the recognition. He got us up and running again and got us to New Orleans safe and sound. It was something to see, for sure.” Recertified Bosun Terry Murphy Hands-On Training in Piney Point Practical training has always been an important part of most classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. These recent snapshots show students engaged in hands-on training during classes for each of the three shipboard departments. Seafarer Rudy de la Cruz (left) receives thanks from vessel master Capt. David Scott. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2014 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) would like to notify you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the em- ployee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 1 (800) 252-4674. Annual Funding Notice – Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your pension plan (“the Plan”) and general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2013 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan Under federal law, the plan must report how well it is funded by using a measure called the “funded percentage.” This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. Your Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2013 2012 2011 Valuation Date January 1, 2013 January 1, 2012 January 1, 2011 Funded Percentage 126.5% 123.1% 121.1% Value of Assets $1,161,019,565 $1,048,823,188 $1,013,288,083 Value of Liabilities $917,691,730 $851,770,088 $836,014,907 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date for the plan year and are market values. Because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values that are designed to smooth out those fluctuations for funding purposes. The asset values below are market values and are measured as of the last day of the plan year, rather than as of the Valuation Date. Use of the market value of assets for the actuarial value used in the above chart shows a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of the Valuation Date. The fair market value of the Plan’s assets as of the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the following table (final year is not audited): December 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 December 31, 2011 Fair Market Value of Assets $1,320,000,000 $1,161,019,565 $1,048,823,188 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants in the Plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 20,249. Of this number, 7,781 were active participants, 8,076 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 4,392 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies (a) Every pension plan must have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of assets needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. (b) Investment Policies Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees to manage as Plan Asset Manager, such Plan Asset Manager will discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Plan’s assets in accordance with the fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA and all regulations thereunder and shall not violate any of ERISA’s “prohibited transaction” rules. The Plan Asset Manager shall be a bank (trust company), insurance company, or a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Plan Asset Manager shall acknowledge in writing that it is a fiduciary of the Plan within the meaning of Section 3(21)(A) of ERISA and an “investment manager” within the meaning of Section 3(38) of ERISA. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income Real Estate Target 50% 45% 5% Range 40% - 60% 35% - 55% 0% - 10% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. May 2014 (c) Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2 2. U.S. Government securities 30 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred 15 All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred 0 Common 37 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 1 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 2 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 13 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities 0 Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 (d) For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the US Department of Labor an annual report called the Form 5500 that contains financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. For 2009 and subsequent plan years, you may obtain an electronic copy of the plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the Form 5500 search function. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Individual information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit under the plan, is not contained in the annual report. If you are seeking information regarding your benefits under the plan, contact the plan administrator identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months).  If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The plan is required to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite these special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see “Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC”, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, or for a statement of your estimated monthly pension benefit payable at retirement, you may contact the Board of Trustees, or the Administrator, at 301-899-0675 or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329 for Seafarers Pension Plan. For more information about the PBGC, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov Seafarers LOG 11 �Operated by Maersk Line, Limited for MSC, the Bobo offloads cargo during Freedom Banner 2014. The Bobo continues on to Australia after its stop in Korea, carrying more U.S. military cargo. (Photo by Cpl. James Gulliver) U.S. Marines track and record equipment being offloaded from the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby J. Cooper) The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo is docked in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea, as a Marine amphibious assault vehicle rolls off the stern ramp. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Tracey Miller) SIU Delivers in Freedom Banner 2014 Fourth Arm of Defense Teams with Military for Yearly Exercise Practice isn’t just for athletes or musicians – it’s also important for the merchant mariners who serve as America’s fourth arm of defense. SIU members aboard the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo recently demonstrated the value of dress rehearsals as they teamed with military personnel for part of Freedom Banner 2014, a yearly exercise that tests U.S. sealift capability. Operated by Maersk Line, Limited for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Bobo arrived at the South Korean port of Gwangyang March 9 carrying Marines, Navy Sailors and approximately 1,000 tons of materiel. During the next few days, hundreds of pieces of cargo were offloaded, including containers and military vehicles. Bosun Brian Guiry commended the work of his fellow Seafarers during the operation, which focused on honing prepositioning ship offloading capabilities in support of an amphibious assault exercise. “This definitely shows that the vessel is militarily useful and more costeffective for the government than other options,” Guiry added. According to MSC, this year, Freedom Banner “provided the military hardware for a III Marine Expeditionary Force exercise to be held at various sites throughout the Republic of Korea.” The operation was scheduled to end around mid-April. “All exercises are defensive in nature and provide opportunity for strengthening relationships and interoperability between Republic of Korea and U.S. forces,” the agency added. Members of the SIU Government Services Division also supported Freedom Banner 2014. The dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea carried an advance team of Marines and Sailors to Gwangyang in addition to deliv- AB Jason Baker 12 Seafarers LOG ering wheeled vehicles. “The way we’ve designed Freedom Banner 14 is to simulate how we would come to support the Republic of Korea during a time of crisis,” said Col. Walter T. Anderson, the G-4 assistant chief of staff for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Command Element. “We’ve [brought] in elements that would prepare the camp to receive the ship, its personnel and equipment which will be used in follow-on exercises.” He added, “The process of the offload is classified as reception, staging, onward movement and integration. The vessel comes into port and begins discharging all its assets which are then matched with their respective units. After that, the supplies are moved forward into arrival and assembly areas before they are finally integrated into … exercises.” “The offload went smoothly and I think it was a good opportunity to flex our maritime prepositioning force muscles and prove to the nation and our partners that together we have a solid standing presence,” noted Navy Capt. Leonard Remias, commander of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron Three, MSC Far East. SIU members aboard the Bobo during the exercise included Guiry, Bosun Paul Johnson, ABs Glenard Chaney, Jason Baker, Mikhail Pinchevskiy, Raymond Garcia-Maldonado and Hector Regalado, OSs Anders Bland, Harrison Hawkins, Anthony Heck and Lawton Sholes, QEE Danilo Martin, QE4 Billie Marshall, QEP Troy Ancar, QE4 Steven Supplee, Storekeeper Sheree Brown, GUDE James May, Chief Steward Alice Kwasnjuk, Chief Cook Kenneth Smith, and SAs Emelene Lopez, Shelby Curtis, Randy Soriano, Jasmine Garrett, Hazza Hussein and Ashley Lee. OS Lawton Sholes Military personnel enjoy a meal aboard the SIU-crewed Bobo. OS Anthony Heck May 2014 Chief Cook Kenneth Smith Members of the SIU Government Services Division, sailing aboard the USNS Sacagawea, also played important roles in the annual exercise. This photo from April 1 in the East China Sea shows the Seafarers-crewed vessel participating in the drill with a Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lance Burleson) May 2014 Seafarers LOG 13 �5/2014 14 Seafarers LOG May 2014 �May & June 2014 Membership Meetings Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March 16, 2014 - April 15, 2014 Piney Point..................................................Monday: May 5, June 2 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups Trip A B C Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Algonac.........................................................Friday: May 9, June 6 Baltimore..................................................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Guam....................................................Thursday: May 22, June 19 Honolulu....................................................Friday: May 16, June 13 Houston.......................................................Monday: May 12, June 9 Jacksonville..............................................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Joliet......................................................Thursday: May 15, June 12 Mobile...............................................Wednesday: May 14, June 11 New Orleans...................................................Tuesday: May 13, June 10 New York....................................................Tuesday: May 6, June 3 Norfolk.....................................................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Oakland.................................................Thursday: May 15, June 12 Philadelphia...........................................Wednesday: May 7, June 4 Port Everglades......................................Thursday: May 15, June 12 San Juan.....................................................Thursday: May 8, June 5 St. Louis.....................................................Friday: May 16, June 13 Tacoma......................................................Friday: May 23, June 20 Wilmington...................................................Monday: May 19, June 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention SEAFARERS Help Keep America’s Maritime Industry Strong! Contribute to SPAD (The Seafarers Political Activity Donation) May 2014 Deck Department Algonac 12 4 0 22 13 1 4 16 10 2 Anchorage 2 4 2 3 3 1 1 0 4 2 Baltimore 4 2 0 5 1 0 0 4 10 0 Fort Lauderdale 14 16 6 6 2 1 2 24 30 9 Guam 3 4 0 4 2 0 0 5 4 1 Honolulu 9 3 0 4 3 0 2 17 9 1 Houston 41 14 2 39 9 1 19 84 21 3 Jacksonville 47 18 5 32 14 1 19 83 37 5 Joliet 10 2 2 10 6 3 5 3 2 0 Mobile 11 4 1 4 4 0 4 15 1 2 New Orleans 8 3 1 10 1 1 4 16 4 1 New York 41 23 2 38 13 1 22 87 32 3 Norfolk 14 18 3 14 9 2 6 22 32 6 Oakland 19 10 0 16 4 0 7 48 14 0 Philadelphia 2 6 1 5 5 1 3 4 5 2 Piney Point 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 5 1 Puerto Rico 6 5 1 4 2 0 1 9 16 1 Tacoma 37 9 4 29 9 2 13 67 20 2 St. Louis 3 1 0 2 2 0 0 6 1 1 Wilmington 34 18 2 13 13 0 16 71 56 2 TOTALS 318 168 33 260 115 15 128 583 313 44 Engine Department Algonac 0 3 2 2 6 0 0 3 4 2 Anchorage 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 Baltimore 7 3 1 5 3 0 3 8 9 2 Fort Lauderdale 7 3 1 3 4 0 3 13 8 2 Guam 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 Honolulu 4 0 4 2 5 1 1 16 10 4 Houston 17 8 0 9 8 0 5 25 14 0 Jacksonville 17 10 3 17 8 2 3 52 35 5 Joliet 2 2 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 Mobile 4 3 1 1 1 0 0 12 4 1 New Orleans 4 1 0 2 1 1 1 8 2 0 New York 21 13 1 12 8 0 7 35 18 2 Norfolk 9 15 0 6 9 0 1 20 25 0 Oakland 8 1 4 5 3 2 0 24 4 3 Philadelphia 4 1 0 3 1 1 0 7 1 0 Piney Point 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 Puerto Rico 1 5 0 0 4 0 3 2 12 4 Tacoma 11 6 0 11 6 0 5 28 8 2 St. Louis 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 Wilmington 13 10 1 10 4 0 4 21 21 1 TOTALS 133 90 19 93 73 7 37 282 187 29 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 1 0 0 5 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 2 3 1 0 7 2 1 10 3 1 2 13 4 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 10 2 0 8 1 0 2 18 3 0 19 7 0 19 3 0 6 35 8 2 17 8 1 15 5 1 10 29 11 3 0 2 1 1 3 0 0 2 0 1 3 2 0 2 0 0 2 10 2 0 6 2 2 2 1 1 2 11 3 1 11 4 1 8 5 1 7 32 8 3 8 9 4 7 5 1 7 25 20 5 11 6 1 15 6 0 1 34 7 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 5 0 0 2 3 0 0 4 3 1 4 5 0 2 3 0 2 4 5 0 10 2 0 9 0 0 3 25 3 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 23 1 2 16 2 0 5 46 8 3 143 56 14 126 42 6 51 304 90 25 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 3 10 5 1 7 1 2 2 16 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 6 2 0 2 0 0 0 11 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 7 4 2 4 3 2 3 8 11 5 12 1 1 6 2 2 8 24 3 2 6 12 1 8 3 2 3 18 27 0 4 1 0 5 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 6 1 4 20 10 2 11 3 0 14 36 23 0 15 22 1 7 11 0 0 18 39 0 8 2 0 8 2 3 4 23 7 1 5 2 1 3 0 0 0 4 2 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 2 3 13 5 0 7 3 1 7 24 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 4 8 2 9 11 3 5 21 49 28 118 80 12 81 39 16 53 222 191 GRAND TOTAL: 622 432 146 491 311 67 232 1,222 812 289 Seafarers LOG 15 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by SIU members in Houston. Question: What do you like most about seafaring? Franklin Akins AB Billy Watson AB The union gives you an education. They help get you a job, too. They allow you to upgrade and they make it really easy to do. You can be whatever you want to be in the Seafarers Union. They are willing to help you in all aspects, including with your family…. At sea, I like to use email and keep in touch with my family. I like being able to do that. The union deals with the captain and everyone else to make sure we get everything we want. My family has been really well taken care of. I love this job. I really like traveling and meeting all sorts of people. I think I’ve been around the world now at least three times. I’ve been everywhere. My favorite place is Spain. The people there are really friendly and you can walk around and go anywhere. You feel really safe there. When I’m at sea, my favorite things to do are exercise and listen to music. As for the job itself, it’s pretty challenging and I really enjoy a challenge. Being able to operate the cranes and move a ship – I enjoy that. The union is truly the best thing that’s ever happened to me. their cultures. I also enjoy the peace and quiet that I experience while at sea as opposed to being shore-side. When you’re at sea, you don’t have to worry about hearing sirens, ambulances and the like. You really get to disconnect from the world for a while. The great pay and wonderful lifestyle are also terrific, but that comes hand in hand with being a Seafarer. I’ve travelled all over the world and met good people on the ships. You find good company in this industry. I’ve been doing this for 14 years. Willie Clemmons Wiper Cirilo Centeno Chief Cook Trent Sterling QMED/Electrician The thing I like most about being a Seafarer is being able to travel the world, meet new people and explore Herman Cordova AB It’s a good job. 23 years and I’m proud of our members. Making everybody happy and meeting nice brothers and sisters. I also love the trips when we go to Africa and Europe. I’ve been in the industry about The travel – seeing places that most people only read about. It’s not for everybody but if you want a career, want to see the world and make pretty good money…. I was with the old NMU but stayed with the union after the merger. It pays the bills. Pic-From-The-Past MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Four members of the union’s old Railroad Marine division are pictured in early 1958 on a dock in Baltimore, awaiting arrival of a loaded barge. From left: Dave Underwood, Steve Brostek, Bill Jachimowicz and Mike Zyla Jr. The SIU-crewed Liberty ship Omar E. Chapman is in the background. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2014 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ALI AMRAN Brother Ali Amran, 69, became an SIU member in 1980. He initially worked aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Amran was born in Indonesia. He attended classes on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Amran sailed in both the engine and steward departments. His most recent trip to sea was on the President Jackson. Brother Amran makes his home in New York. LEE GILLAIN Brother Lee Gillain, 71, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1960. He was originally employed on the Twin Falls. Brother Gillain was born in Florida and shipped in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Point Judy. He is a resident of Keystone Heights, Fla. CALVIN McFIELD Brother Calvin McField, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 2000 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the USNS Bold. Brother McField worked in the engine department. His last ship was the American Spirit. He upgraded in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McField resides in Rialto, Calif. WILLIAM PINKHAM Brother William Pinkham, 50, signed on with the SIU in 1987. He initially shipped on the Gus W. Darnell as a member of the engine department. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently sailed on the Tacoma. Brother Pinkham settled in Puyallup, Wash. ARTHUR REEVES Brother Arthur Reeves, 65, began sailing with the union in 1984. His first ship was the Delta Queen; his most recent was the Cleveland. Brother Reeves worked in all three departments during his SIU career. In 1997, he attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Reeves lives in Mobile, Ala. ROY ROBINSON Brother Roy Robinson, 65, May 2014 donned the SIU colors in 1993. He originally sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Robinson shipped in the engine department. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Robinson’s most recent trip was on the Paul Buck. He resides in Pawcatuck, Conn. MAHMOUD SELIM Brother Mahmoud Selim, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1989. The deck department member’s earliest trip was on the Falcon Princess. Brother Selim’s most recent ship was the Cyprine. He was born in Egypt and now makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. Piney Point school. Brother Batten’s final vessel was the Vision. He was born in North Carolina and now resides in Dickinson, Texas. LANCE RIGGS Brother Lance Riggs, 59, started sailing with the union in 1974 in Piney Point, Md. His earliest trip was with Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Riggs often attended classes at the union-affiliated school. His most recent vessel was operated by Allied Towing. Brother Riggs was born in Virginia and now makes his home in Shiloh, N.C. CHARLES THOMAS REYNALDO TELMO Brother Reynaldo Telmo, 66, began sailing with the union in 1981. He initially shipped aboard the Portland. On numerous occasions, Brother Telmo attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in Maryland. The steward department member was last employed on the Maui. He is a resident of Seattle. ALBERT WAMBACH Brother Albert Wambach, 65, joined the SIU in 1971. His first trip was aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Wambach upgraded in 1980 and 2002 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Wambach last worked on the USNS Watson. He calls Nassau, N.Y., home. INLAND TERRANCE BADER Brother Terrance Bader, 59, became an SIU member in 1973. His earliest trip was with National Marine Services. Brother Bader enhanced his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent ship was the Dodge Island. Brother Bader sailed in the deck department. He lives in Laurel, Md. MICHAEL BATTEN Brother Michael Batten, 58, signed on with the Seafarers in 1989 in Houston. A member of the engine department, Brother Batten was first employed aboard a G&H Towing vessel. He upgraded on two occasions at the Brother Charles Thomas, 64, began shipping with the SIU in 2003. He primarily sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Thomas was a deck department member. He calls West Union, Ohio, home. ELGIN THOMPSON Brother Elgin Thompson, 65, joined the union 1979. The Virginia native’s first trip was with W.P. Hunt Company. Brother Thompson last worked with Piney Point Transportation. He is a resident of Norfolk, Va. GREAT LAKES TERRANCE PYRLIK Brother Terrance Pyrlik, 65, began sailing with SIU in 1990 in Duluth, Minn. Brother Pyrlik originally worked on the Presque Isle. In 1997 and 2007, the deck department member took advantage of educational opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Pyrlik’s most recent trip was aboard the Sam Laud. He settled in Brookston, Minn. HAROLD RODRIGUEZ 2001. He mostly worked with Great Lakes Towing Company. Brother Rodriguez continues to live in his native state, Indiana. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION LUCIEN LAVALLAIS Brother Lucien Lavallais, 67, joined the NMU before the SIU/ NMU merger of 2001. He is a resident of Mobile, Ala. JAMES SEPANARA Brother James Sepanara, 65, was an NMU member prior to the 2001 merger with the Seafarers International Union. He was born in New York and now makes his home in Vineyard Haven, Mass. Brother Harold Rodriguez, 62, signed on with the union in This Month In SIU History Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 Four SIU members, homeward-bound after a ship payoff, were among the dead when a twin-engine air transport with motor trouble, unable to make a return landing at the fog-covered Byrd Airport, crashed and burned in a pine forest six miles south of Richmond, Va. All 27 occupants, including the pilot and co-pilot, were killed. The plane, a Douglas DC-3, which is the same as the Army’s C-47 all-purpose transport, plummeted into the Henrico County woods after unsuccessfully attempting a landing at the airfield a few minutes earlier. The dead Seafarers are: William Helvie., a chief cook, of Lucedale, Ala.; Fred Landrum, a messman, of Whistler, Ala.; Hilton Tipton a messman, of Falco, Ala.; and David May, a fireman, address unknown. The men sailed from Mobile on the Mayo Brothers, a Waterman Steamship Co. vessel, on March 30, bound for Antwerp, Belgium, with a cargo of coal, and returned to New York on May 13. They were paid off on May 15 and boarded the plane, which was making a chartered run from Newark, N. J., to Atlanta, Ga., the next day. 1954 For the first time, a top government official has gone on record as opposing ship runaways. Labor Secretary James P. Mitchell has thrown his support behind Sen. Warren G. Magnuson’s bill to restrict ship transfers. Mitchell said the proposed legislation would strengthen the competitive position of American-flag shipping and guarantee a pool of trained seamen for defense needs. The labor secretary’s views flatly contradicted those of the Defense Department, which opened the door last week to unrestricted ship transfers. The Defense Department told the House Merchant Marine Subcommittee in effect that it didn’t care how many American ships were transferred, or what types, so long as the foreign corpora- tions owning the vessels are American controlled. 1968 Hearings on a Congressionally-sponsored program to revitalize the rapidly-deteriorating U.S.-flag merchant marine continued during the last two weeks before the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. Among witnesses testifying at the non-consecutive sessions conducted by the Committee chairman, Rep. Edward A. Garmatz (D-Md.), were spokesmen for the American Maritime Association, the Lake Carriers’ Association and various shipping company representatives. The legislation being considered (H.R. 13940), introduced in the House by Garmatz last November, calls generally for a five-year, $300-million-a-year program to subsidize construction of 35 to 40 ships annually in U.S. shipyards, tax-free construction reserve funds for all U.S.-flag operators and extension of operating subsidies to presently unsubsidized bulk carriers. Appearing briefly at one of the sessions, Sen. Warren G. Magnuson (D-Wash.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said that hearings on a companion bill to the House measure (S.2650) will begin before a Senate merchant marine subcommittee on May 20. 1978 By an overwhelming majority the SIU, AGLIWD District membership has approved a merger with the Marine Cooks and Stewards Union. Balloting for MC&S members will continue until June 9. The SIU vote was counted on May 23 by a unionelected tallying committee. Out of a total 3,520 ballots cast, 3,338 were in favor of the merger and 170 were opposed. Nine ballots were voided and three registered “no vote.” Events leading up to the merger referendum began in February 1977 when the SIU’s Executive Board proposed mergers to the SIUNA’s three affiliated Pacific District Unions…. Voting for SIU members ran from April 17 through May 16. MC&S members began casting ballots on April 10. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RANDOLPH ARCHER Pensioner Randolph Archer, 77, died Oct. 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1954 while in Norfolk, Va. Brother Archer initially sailed with AH Bull Steamship Company. He was born in Virginia and sailed in the engine department. Brother Archer was last employed aboard the USNS Altair. He retired in 1996 and called Norfolk home. JAMES FOLEY Brother James Foley, 56, passed away Aug. 22. Born in Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the union in 1974. Brother Foley first sailed on the Overseas Valdez. He was a deck department member. Brother Foley’s final trip was aboard the USNS Regulus. He was a resident of Gloucester Township, N.J. JAMES HOLLAND Pensioner James Holland, 73, died Nov. 20. Brother Holland originally shipped on the Independence. He worked in the steward department. Brother Holland most recently sailed aboard the R.J. Pfeiffer. He went on pension in 2005 and made his home in Honolulu. ROBERT LASTRAP Pensioner Robert LaStrap, 71, passed away June 27. He was born in Beaumont, Texas. Brother LaStrap retired from the Military Sealift Command as a chief steward in 2007. He was a resident of Merritt Island, Fla. FRANCISCO RIVERA Pensioner Francisco Rivera, 66, died Oct. 25. Brother Rivera was born in Puerto Rico. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1964. Brother Rivera’s first vessel was the Fairland; his last, the National Glory. He shipped in all three departments. Brother Rivera became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Newhall, Calif. PETER SCHULZ Pensioner Peter Schulz, 75, passed away Oct. 29. He began sailing with the union in 1970. Brother Schulz was originally employed on the JT Hutchinson. The 18 Seafarers LOG steward department member last shipped on the Developer. Brother Schulz was a native of Germany. He began collecting his retirement compensation in 2001. Brother Schulz was a resident of Holland, Ohio. INLAND RICHARD AXELSSON Brother Richard Axelsson, 67, died Sept. 27. He signed on with the union in 2005 in Philadelphia. Brother Axelsson sailed in both the steward and deck departments. He was employed with Allied Transportation Company for the duration of his career. Brother Axelsson was born in Wildwood, N.J. He called Lower Township, N.J., home. JAMES BISHOP Pensioner James Bishop, 87, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Bishop first donned the SIU colors in 1963. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Bishop was a Michigan native. His first trip was on a Mackinac Transportation Company vessel. Brother Bishop last sailed with Tampa Tugs. He went on pension in 1991 and lived in St. Ignace, Mich. ENRIQUE CLEMENTE Pensioner Enrique Clemente, 64, died Nov. 6. Born in New York, he started sailing with the union in 1979. Brother Clemente was a member of the deck department. He worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Clemente became a pensioner in 1998 and made his home in Puerto Rico. MELVIN SZAREK Pensioner Melvin Szarek, 86, passed away Nov. 10. Brother Szarek joined the union in 1956 in Baltimore. He primarily worked with Moran Towing of Maryland. Brother Szarek started collecting his retirement pay in 1986. He was a resident of Brooklyn Park, Md. GREAT LAKES JOHN ATKINSON Pensioner John Atkinson, 73, died Oct. 25. Born in Ontario, Brother Atkinson signed on with the SIU in 1984. His earliest trip was with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Atkinson worked in the deck department. He was last employed aboard the John Boland. Brother Atkinson became a pensioner in 2005. He called Port Huron, Mich., home. DANIEL DALY Pensioner Daniel Daly, 79, passed away July 20. Brother Daly began shipping with the union in 1963. He originally worked for H&M Lake Transport. Brother Daly was a member of the deck department. His final trip was on the Kinsman Enterprise. Brother Daly retired in 1996 and made his home in Spring Hill, Fla. JOSEPH SURWILLA Pensioner Joseph Surwilla, 82, died Sept. 13. Brother Surwilla signed on with the SIU in 1950 while in Duluth, Minn. He was first employed with Buckeye Steamship Company. Brother Surwilla sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 2003, he shipped with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Surwilla was a resident of Trucksville, Pa. JOSPEH VIEIRA Pensioner Joseph Vieira, 92, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Vieira was born in Ohio. He started working with Erie Sand Steamship in 1966 and sailed with them until his retirement in 1986. Brother Vieira settled in Erie, Pa. Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. WILLIAM BECK Pensioner William Beck, 92, died Sept. 17. Brother Beck was born in Germany. He became a pensioner in 1989 and called New Jersey home. CLAYTON BENNEKIN Pensioner Clayton Bennekin, 63, passed away Sept. 3. Brother Bennekin, a native of South Carolina, began collecting his pension in 2009. He resided in Charleston, S.C. EDWARD COE Pensioner Edward Coe, 92, died Sept. 2. Brother Coe was born in Cuba. He went on pension in 1979. Brother Coe lived in Philadelphia. SAMUEL CORDERO Pensioner Samuel Cordero, 91, passed away Sept. 21. Brother Cordero was born in Puerto Rico. He retired in 1987 and con- tinued to reside in Puerto Rico. JOHN EBANKS Pensioner John Ebanks, 77, died Sept. 10. Born in Honduras, Brother Ebanks became a pensioner in 1999. He was a resident of LaPlace, La. JOSEPH GALLI Pensioner Joseph Galli, 85, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Galli was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He retired in 1995 and settled in Greenacres, Fla. JUAN GARCIA Pensioner Juan Garcia, 89, died Sept. 24. Brother Garcia was a native of Puerto Rico. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1984. Brother Garcia made his home in Marrero, La. JUAN HERNANDEZ Pensioner Juan Hernandez, 90, passed away July 25. Brother Hernandez began receiving his pension in 1966. He lived in Mexico. CLEVELAND HUNTER Pensioner Cleveland Hunter, 83, died Sept. 10. Brother Hunter, a native of Virginia, started collecting his retirement compensation in 1986. He resided in Norfolk, Va. LEONARD JOHNSON Pensioner Leonard Johnson, 73, passed away Sept. 29. Born in Alabama, Brother Johnson went on pension in 2006. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. WILLIAM LOCKHART Pensioner William Lockhart, 76, died Sept. 22. The Arkansas native became a pensioner in 2003. Brother Lockhart settled in Oakland, Calif. WILLIAM NOBLE Pensioner William Noble, 85, passed away Aug. 22. Born in Wewoka, Okla., Brother Noble started receiving his retirement compensation in 1979. He lived in Portland, Ore. DORIS PERRY Pensioner Doris Perry, 83, died Sept. 26. Sister Perry was born in Lafayette, Ga. She began collecting compensation for her retirement in 2001 and made her home in Port Arthur, Texas. WILLIAM PERRY Pensioner William Perry, 87, passed away Sept. 4. He started receiving his pension in 1969. Brother Perry called Franklyn Township, N.J., home. INOCENCIO QUINONES Pensioner Inocencio Quinones, 91, died Aug. 17. Brother Quinones, a native of Mexico, began collecting his pension in 1984. He made his home in Greenfield, Calif. EDMUNDO ROMERO Pensioner Edmundo Romero, 85, passed away Aug. 14. Brother Romero was born in Texas. He went on pension in 1995. Brother Romero made his home in Houston. ARNULFO SANTOS Pensioner Arnulfo Santos, 86, died Sept. 10. Born in Honduras, Brother Santos retired in 1984. He resided in Kenner, La. LESTER SCOTT Pensioner Lester Scott, 91, passed away Sept. 19. Brother Scott, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., started collecting his retirement compensation in 1968. He continued to live in Pennsylvania. ANSEN SEPTIMO Pensioner Ansen Septimo, 88, died Aug. 25. Brother Septimo was born in Hawaii. He became a pensioner in 1971. Brother Septimo called Wilmington, Calif., home. JOAQUIN SERRANO Pensioner Joaquin Serrano, 85, passed away Aug. 31. Born in Spain, Brother Serrano retired in 1990. He made his home in Tampa, Fla. EARNEST SIMPSON Pensioner Earnest Simpson, 85, died July 31. Brother Simpson was born in Pender County, N.C. He went on pension in 1989 and settled in Burgaw, N.C. LUIS SOTO Pensioner Luis Soto, 91, passed away Sept. 1. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Soto became a pensioner in 1980. He continued to reside in Puerto Rico. VICTORIANO VIROLA Pensioner Victoriano Virola, 90, died Sept. 3. Brother Virola was a native of Puerto Rico. He began receiving his pension in 1987. Brother Virola lived in New York. CARLTON WHITE Pensioner Carlton White, 88, passed away Sept. 20. Brother White, a native of Clinton, Md., went on pension in 1993. He made his home in Waldorf, Md. Name Carlson, Edmund Crawford, Robert Gonzalez, Ramon Rivera, Manuel Ryan, Alfred Vandyck, Hector Villoda, Jose Williams, Isaiah Age DOD 81 Aug. 19 82 July 24 91 Oct. 26 87 Oct. 27 92 Oct. 9 93 Sept. 9 87 Sept. 14 59 Sept. 6 May 2014 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ENERGY ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Lines), March 9 – Chairman Tim Koebel, Secretary Mike Hammock, Deck Delegate Americo Monteiro, Engine Delegate Domingos Ferreira, Steward Delegate Wilfredo Perez. Chairman discussed new eligibility requirements for medical benefits and physicals. Also discussed the political donations that support the union’s pro-maritime lobbying efforts in Congress. Those efforts help maintain the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act, etc. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested changing terminology for vacation pay. They said lack of linens needs to be addressed: pillow cases, towels, etc. Kudos to steward department for fine cuisine. Next ports: Newport News, Va., and Fall River, Mass. Aboard USNS Button Bosun Greg Jackson emailed these photos of fellow Seafarers aboard the USNS SGT. William R. Button, operated by Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). In photo below, AB Steve Garrett (left) receives a safety award for the month of April from Third Mate Jose Villalobos. Garrett was recognized for his consistently safe work; MLL offers the awards as part of a long-running program throughout the fleet. The photo at right shows QMED Mike Deren (left) and Chief Electrician Deralle Watson. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), February 16 – Chairman George Khan, Secretary Raymond Garcia, Steward Delegate Mercurion Abuan. Chairman announced payoff and discussed deck repairs. Secretary reminded fellow mariners to keep track of all documents and make sure they’re up-todate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded to be considerate when using laundry dryer and washing machine. Steward department was thanked for excellent food. Next ports: Oakland, Calif., and Tacoma, Wash. Seafarers LOG, the union’s official publication. Educational director reminded everyone to keep paperwork updated. He also encouraged Seafarers to upgrade at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. Next ports: Martinez, Calif., Anacortes, Wash., and Valdez, Alaska. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (OSG), February 28 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Richard Sanderson, Educational Director Anthony Hulsey, Deck Delegate Jefferson Julian, Engine Delegate Dionesio Monteclaro, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman led discussion about new medical certificates being mailed by Coast Guard. He reminded fellow mariners to keep all documents current and also encouraged donations to SPAD and the Maritime Defense League (MDL). Secretary encouraged members to read HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), February 16 – Chairman Garry Walker, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Vladimir Babenko, Deck Delegate Dan Lovely. Chairman reported possibility of 50-knot winds in a couple of days. He encouraged everyone to pay dues on time and contribute to SPAD. He reminded crew to clean out the metal container with the vacuum hose each time the dryers are used. Secretary noted members can sign up for SIU text alerts through the website or by texting the word “join” Checking in from Alaska ABs Jonathan Anderson (left) and Terry Beilsmith are pictured aboard the AMSEA-operated USNS Mendonca recently in Anchorage, Alaska. May 2014 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. to 97779. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew said that, once registered in person, they would like to be able to reregister by phone. They also said they are taking too many physical exams, with one every six months, and offered an example of how it takes too much time. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska, and Kodiak, Alaska. and also talked about the union’s website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is grateful for presence of security team. Deck and engine departments both were thanked for jobs well done, as were steward-department personnel. They discussed possible improvements to medical and pension benefits as well as entrylevel testing for mariners. Next port: Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS ANACORTES (OSG), March 5 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director Cary Pratts, Engine Delegate Marco Oliva, Steward Delegate Julito Crodua. Under old business, crew discussed ongoing beef in steward department. Chairman mentioned SIU’s new mobile website. Secretary said union forms are available. Educational director encouraged everyone to keep documents upto-date. No additional beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested new wording to account for vessels sailing short. Ship needs a new dryer. Next ports: Honolulu, Hawaii, and Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), February 28 – Chairman Arsenio Obenza, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Sixin Peter Ling, Deck Delegate John O’Shaughnessy, Engine Delegate Ricardo Ducay, Steward Delegate Nagi Alzaim. Chairman reported good voyage and thanked crew for hard work. Secretary also said it was a good voyage and asked crew to leave cabins clean for reliefs. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade in Piney Point and keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks extended to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., and Houston. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), February 9 – Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Darryl Goggins, Educational Director Eric Bain, Engine Delegate William Harrison, Steward Delegate Brian McEleney. Crew still awaiting clarification on question about engine-department rating. Chairman thanked crew for safe voyage. Secretary reminded departing crew members to leave clean rooms and fresh linens. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade in Piney Point, Md. He discussed how to verify sea time MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), February 19 – Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Philip Paquette, Educational Director Ron Pheneuf, Deck Delegate Emilio Abreu, Engine Delegate Robert Noble, Steward Delegate Alonzo Belcher. Chairman reminded everyone to promptly meet with patrolman at payoff and stay current on dues. He congratulated everyone for being courteous and professional, and also thanked steward department. He reported one AB was injured in Spain and taken off ship for emergency care. Educa- tional director reminded everyone to keep documents current, and also suggested upgrading at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for additional clarification concerning benefits and also advocated for rotary shipping. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. OVERSEAS BOSTON (OSG), February 1 – Chairman Chris Kicey, Secretary Carl Poggioli, Educational Director Jorge Lawrence, Deck Delegate Walter Wilde, Steward Delegate John Van Teodosio. Chairman thanked everyone for work in shipyard. “All worked hard and together like a brotherhood should.” He discussed new medical certificates being issued by Coast Guard to reflect compliance with Maritime Labor Convention. He reminded everyone about new eligibility requirements for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan; check your union hall or the SIU website for details. Lastly, he thanked everyone for keeping the house clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Small refrigerators requested for rooms. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. NOBLE STAR (Sealift), February 23 – Chairman German Nunez, Secretary Debbie Randall, Deck Delegate Cleveland West, Steward Delegate Janet Jourdan. Several questions and concerns were raised, including ones related to restriction to vessel, fumes from cargo holds, and engine-department manning level. Chairman thanked steward department and entire crew for working hard, performing professionally and pulling together. Seafarers LOG 19 �Brick Donation Program Going Strong Launched last year, the brick donation program at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has proven popular with active and retired Seafarers, their families, and employees of the school and the SIU. Others have joined in supporting the program, too, including SIU-contracted companies and former members. Commemorative bricks (a few of which are pictured below) highlight the waterfront renovation project at the school, located in Piney Point, Md. With a donation, bricks can be engraved with text and graphics designed to honor groups and individuals. The waterfront park’s scenic addition to the campus ensures those being honored will have a permanent and fitting place of remembrance within the maritime community. The donation of a brick also comes with an entry in the program’s name-the-park contest, offering donors yet another chance to leave their mark. The bricks come in two sizes and may be ordered online at: http://seafarers.org/SIUBricks.htm. Questions may be emailed to siubricks@seafarers.org Notice from Trustees Of Sailors’ Snug Harbor In the City of New York Editor’s note: The SIU is not formally affiliated with the Sailors’ Snug Harbor. This notice is being printed in the LOG as a courtesy and for general interest. We Are Looking for Retired Merchant Mariners History The Trustees of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor (SSH) was incorporated in 1806 as the result of a bequest made by Captain Robert Richard Randall, a wealthy New York merchant and sea captain. It was Captain Randall’s desire to have his estate utilized to assist “aged, decrepit and worn-out seamen…” upon his death. SSH is the oldest secular charity in the country. Who We Are SSH is a non-profit organization whose mission is to aid retired career mariners in need of assistance. SSH no longer owns or operates a retirement facility for mariners in Sea Level, N.C., Staten Island, N.Y., or anywhere else. Today, we assist mariners in their home communities where they are familiar and more likely to be near family and friends. Whom we assist We offer support to career mariners who can demonstrate they have a need for financial assistance and meet the following requirements: n 3,650 days of deep sea time proven through discharge papers (at least 50 percent on U.S.-flagged ships) n 65 years of age or older (exceptions may be made in rare cases) n A proven need for financial assistance n Assets may not exceed $50,000 (primary residence excluded) n All public benefits available to an eligible mariner must be accessed before any subsidy from SSH is approved (e.g. VA benefits, Medicaid) Each interested Mariner must complete an application that requires detailed information about present living arrangements, financial history, etc. Contact Sailors’ Snug Harbor If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please call our mariner counselor at 1-888-257-5456. The website www. thesailorssnugharbor.org includes our application. If you do not have access to a computer, please call and we will send you an application. We look forward to hearing from you. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board 20 Seafarers LOG by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 May 2014 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—national security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion BST Renewal/VPDSD May 24 May 30 Government Vessels June 21 June 27 Medical Care Provider June 7 June 13 Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Able Seafarer (Deck) May 24 June 20 Bosun Recertification July 12 August 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 May 9 May 17 May 23 ECDIS June 7 June 13 July 12 July 18 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 24 June 6 June 21 July 4 Radar Renewal (One day) June 3 Engine Department June 3 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) May 24 June 20 FOWT (Able Seafarer Engine) July 18 June 21 Junior Engineer May 17 July 11 Machinist May 17 June 6 Marine Electrician June 21 August 15 Marine Refer Technician May 3 June 13 Pumpman June 7 June 20 Welding May 3 May 23 Safety Upgrading Courses Advanced Firefighting May 31 June 6 Basic Firefighting/STCW May 10 May 16 May 31 June 6 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations May 24 June 20 June 21 July 18 July 19 August 15 August 15 September 12 September 13 October 10 October 11 November 7 Certified Chief Cook These modules begin every other week. The most recent class started April 26. The next class will commence May 10. Chief Steward May 17 June 27 Advanced Galley Operations June 7 July 4 July 5 August 1 August 2 August 29 August 30 September 26 September 27 October 24 October 25 November 21 November 22 December 19 ServeSafe April 12 April 18 May 10 May 16 June 23 June 27 August 2 August 8 September 13 September 19 Notice: NMC Website Provides Useful Mariner Resources The National Maritime Center (NMC), the licensing authority for the U.S. Coast Guard, offers a comprehensive website covering mariner credentialing, medical guidelines and much more. The site features a wide range of applications and forms, deck- and engine-department exam information, lists of Coast Guard-approved courses and more. Seafarers are encour- Important Notice to Students aged to check out the site at: www.uscg. mil/nmc/ Mariners may call the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662). Operational hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. (The NMC is closed for all federal holidays.) Various email forms also are available through the NMC website. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class #___________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/14 May 2014 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #783 – Seventeen Phase I apprentices completed their requirements in this course March 14. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Carlos Amaya, Edward Copeland, Liam Daly, Brian Dillon, Christopher Edwards, Chad Fiore, Cortney Gantt, Ronald Johnson, Richard Kaser, Brandon Mackie, Sutton McDaniel, Joseph Parsons III, John Peterson, Luis Rojas, Cameron Siele, Joseph Toth and Rossitza Zahariev. Class instructor Ben Cusic is kneeling in the front row at the far right. Welding – The following upgraders (above) completed their requirements in this course March 28: Mahare Kidane (second from left) and Antonio Simon (second from right). Their instructors, Chris Railey and Buzzy Andrews, are at the far left and far right, respectively. Water Survival Class – Three Phase III apprentices and one upgrader finished this course March 14. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Allan Bombita, Guy Delyea, Alexander Rodrigues, and Benjamin Rodrigues III. Their instructor, Ben Cusic, is at the far right. ARPA – Six upgraders finished the enhancement of their skills in this course March 7. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Charles Brown Jr., Michael Cousin, John Curran, Ronel Guerzon, Jared Smith and Jerry Wilder. BST (SIU) – Sixteen Seafarers completed their requirements in this course March 21. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Steven Benavides, Allan Bombita, Guy Delyea, Kelly Doyle, Jason Hardy, Darrion Ingram, Vincent Ippolitos, Isaka Koanda, Joseph Martin, Michael Ratigan, Benjamin Rodrigues III, Michael Ross, Elaine Watts, Peter Williams, Jullian Woods and James Wynegar. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is in the front row, far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BST (Phase III) – The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements in this course March 21: Allan Bombita, Guy Delyea and Benjamin Rodrigues III. Able Seafarer (Deck) – Sixteen Phase III apprentices graduated from this course March 21. Those graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Ali Alhadad, Auston Billiot, Lars Edvardsen, Kenneth Hardy Jr., Mark Jones Jr., Sterling McCosh, Fredrick Murray, Michael Nardella, Roy Patterson, John Reyes, Jakeem Simmons, Ryan Snow, Charles Thurmer, Sergio Valentin, Brock Wilbur and James Wilder. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2014 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seafarer (Engine) – The following Phase III apprentices (left, in alphabetical order) finished this course March 21: Mahdi Ali, Zachary Blake, Daniels Boye, Danielle Brown, Rodney Carr, Buzz Engelke, Lorenzo Finley, Nicholas Garcia, Frank Harris III, Terrance Jackson, George Johnson, Jaquel Nesmith, Mohmed Obaid, David Sanchez Flores, Anne Scott and Eric Waters. Important Notice to Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Galley Operations – Fifteen Phase III apprentices graduated from this course March 21. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Demario Barganier, Nancy Bestwick, Kierra Burton, Tiffany Davis, Ryan Gallano, Jabrei Gill, Sarah Gray, Markese Haynes, Steven Horta, Abdou Jose, Joshua Lee, Edick Lopez Cruz, Joseph Reich, Grazyna Tomaszewska and William White. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course March 21: Charles Brown, Michael Cousin, John Curran, Ernest Frank III, Ronel Guerzon, Jared Smith, and Fred Green. Class instructors Wayne Johnson Jr., and Wayne Johnson Sr., are at the far left and second from the right, respectively. Norwegian Operations – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 11: Sophia Aguayo, Alyssa Bright, Kevin Bryan, Matthew Burden, Alex Childers, Trevor Fick, Brittany Green, Paula Hodge, Michael Jacoby, Kelsey Kennedy, Megan McCardel, Nicanor Padilla, Artea Sedai, Kim Sufian, Victoria Wingfield and David Yates. Their instructor, Daniel Burnett, is second from the left. May 2014 Steward Department Classes – Three Seafarers recently completed steward department courses at the Paul Hall Center. Those graduating and the classes the completed (above, in alphabetical order) were: Prasert Mastrototaro, certified chief cook; Ziyad Omar, galley operations; and Claude Young, certified chief cook. FOWT – Fourteen Seafarers finished this course March 28. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Austin Anderson, Mario Batiz, Tyler Burton, Alvin Cabahit, Ely Desingano, Jacob Gaskill, Walden Galacgac, John Greggs, Jon Mahannah, Clinton Perrett, James Rodweller, Chase Smith, Nicole Stephenson and Christopher VanHoose. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at the far right. BST – Fourteen individuals completed this course April 18. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jordan Adams, Wilfredo Bonzato, Damon Bruce, Grant Hansen, Robert Harris, Reynold Hawkins, Ginger Jacob, Edgardino Page, David Porter, Rodney Sims, Jessie Streff, Shay Taylor, Spenser Tenhagen and Tierra Whisnant. Their instructors, Joe Zienda and John Thomas, are at the far left and far right, respectively. Seafarers LOG 23 �F E B R 2014 UARY 2014 MAY VO L U M E 7 76 6 o NO. N O .52 VOLUME Text the Word “Join” To 97779 to Sign Up For Alerts from the SIU USNS Soderman Commemorates World War II Battle U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Doria Rosen tries her hand at the Soderman’s helm following a World War II commemoration. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy) The Soderman is part of MSC’s prepositioning fleet. SIU-Crewed Vessel Hosts Dignitaries in Micronesia SIU members aboard the USNS Soderman did their parts to help ensure the success of a recent ceremony and diplomatic gathering in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The prepositioning vessel visited the Pacific island of Chuuk, FSM, Feb. 16-20 and helped commemorate a key World War II naval battle. Shipboard personnel also engaged with local officials, community leaders and students. On Feb. 17, Soderman crew members joined FSM President Emanuel Mori, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Doria Rosen and Japanese Ambassador to the FSM Eiichi Suzuki in a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of Operation Hailstone, fought between U.S. and Japanese forces at Chuuk Lagoon from Feb. 16-17, 1944. Representatives from the governor’s office, chief of police and the Chuuk Senate also attended the shore-side gathering. “The ceremony was not only to recognize those who lost their lives, but also to reaffirm both the U.S. and Japan’s commitment to security in the region,” noted Chief Steward Richard Wythe. “Your support of this important milestone occasion for FSM is greatly appreciated,” said Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne, U.S. Defense representative to Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, FSM and Republic of Palau, speaking to all attendees. “It’s a significant historical occasion and your engagement goes a long way in building relationships among our compact nation partners.” Following the ceremony, the U.S. and Japanese ambassadors and other officials boarded the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel for a reception and tour. U.S. naval surface and air forces destroyed a vital logistics hub in Operation Hailstone, which had supplied Japanese garrisons located on islands and atolls throughout the central and south Pacific. Fifteen Japanese warships and 270 aircraft were destroyed during the battle. During the recent port call, Soderman crew members also visited Chuuk High School, where they met with faculty and staff and discussed possible career options for their students in the U.S. Merchant Marine or U.S. Navy. Next, a group of 13 local high school students boarded the Soderman, at anchor just outside Chuuk lagoon, where they toured the ship and stayed aboard for a lunch prepared by the SIU steward department. At the wreath-laying event, Chuuk State Acting Gov. Tesime Kafot said, “More than 5,000 residents of our Federated States of Micronesia died during the Pacific war. Two countries were at war and most of our people knew nothing about this war that would change our lives forever. “Today, those two countries, Japan and the United States, are very strong allies,” Kafot continued. “Now our young nation, the FSM, has established a strong relationship with these countries.” FSM President Mori stated, “Today we celebrate not the victory of war, but the true victory of peace and our strong alliance. One of our greatest achievements is our young nation’s development of a democratic form of government. Our FSM residents serve in the American armed forces. Together our nations, having known war, hope for peace.” Visitors (photo above as well as the one at right) enjoy a meal aboard the SIUcrewed ship. From left, Chief Steward Richard Wythe, Chief Cook Efren Matias, SA Jerry Solangon and SA Robert Goren helped make the visits from local dignitaries and students successful. SIU steward department personnel put out a nice spread for the guests. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2014 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CAPE RAY CONTINUES WITH SYRIAN MISSION ILO MOVES TO PROTECT WORLD’S MARINERS, AUTHORIZES AMENDMENTS TO MLC 2006 HOUSE PASSES COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT STRONG BIPARTISAN COMMITMENT PLEDGED FOR JONES ACT, MARINERS MANILA AMENDMENTS BRING NEW ENDORSEMENTS NMC ISSUES STCW-RELATED NOTICES GUAM PORT EXPANSION CONTINUES LABOR LEADS PUSH TO INCREASE MINIMUM WAGE VIRGINIA A PRIME EXAMPLE OF SHIPBUILDING’S POSITIVE ECONOMIC EFFECTS IN U.S. FEDERATION TAGS NAFTA AS A LOSER FOR WORKERS LONGTIME BALTIMORE OFFICIAL POMERLANE PASSES AWAY AT 87 STEWARDS ASCEND TO APEX OF MARITIME CAREERS BOSUN SEES GREAT PROGRESS AT UNION-AFFILIATED SCHOOL SEAFARER’S SKILLS SAVE CAPE KENNEDY VOYAGE SHBP OFFERS COBRA CONTINUATION COVERAGE TO UNION MEMBERS SIU DELIVERS IN FREEDOM BANNER 2014 BRICK DONATION PROGRAM GOING STRONG USNS SODERMAN COMMEMORATES WORLD WAR II BATTLE SIU-CREWED VESSEL HOSTS DIGNITARIES IN MICRONESIA Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 76, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/10338d970c7984fd719fd601aaa603ef.pdf 21e2952bbcbbba37155a074ce52e7e74 PDF Text Text MAY F E B2015 RUARY 2014 77O NO. 5 V O L U M EVOLUME 76 o N . 2 TOTE Launches 1st LNG-Powered Containership Historic Christening at General Dynamics NASSCO Signals New SIU Jobs The SIU took part in the historic christening of the world’s first LNG-powered containership: TOTE’s Isla Bella (photo at rar right), launched April 18 at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Sophie Sacco, wife of SIU President Michael Sacco, served as the vessel sponsor. She and the SIU president are shown in photo at immediate right; General Dynamics NASSCO President Fred Harris is also in the top photo as Sophie breaks the ceremonial bottle of champagne. Page 3. More New Jobs for Seafarers on the Way The first of four Crowley Maritime Corporation product tankers – the Ohio – recently was launched at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Delivery of the SIU-contracted vessel is scheduled for August. The vessels are being constructed with consideration for the use of LNG for propulsion in the future. Finance Committee Meets Page 2 Seafarers Showcase Skills Page 4 ‘Sail-In’ a Success Pages 12-13 �General Dynamics NASSCO Starts Construction on Jones Act Tanker President’s Report Christening Reflects Success, Hope The christening of TOTE’s first LNG-powered containership last month in San Diego truly was a spectacular event. The sights and sounds of the busy shipyard and new vessel, the enthusiasm of the big crowd, and the powerful remarks from guest speakers during the ceremony all made for a memorable night. New-tonnage stories are always my favorite, but I had an extra interest in this one. My wife, Sophie, served as the vessel’s sponsor, and she did a great job with her remarks and with breaking the ceremonial bottle. (Really, aside from a winning locker room, how many chances do we have to drench people with champagne and get complimented for it?) The choice of a maritime union president’s wife as a ship sponsor is a big deal. It reflects the true partnership that exists with the SIU and our vessel operators – in this case, TOTE, whom we’ve worked with since Michael Sacco the company’s founding back in the 1970s. I also think the varied backgrounds of the guest speakers as well as others in attendance underscore the collective, industry-wide effort to revitalize every component of maritime. When labor and management, the military and our government are all pushing for the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. shipbuilding, we’re a formidable team. That’s what was on display at the christening, which took place at a union shipyard: General Dynamics NASSCO. And we had a lot to celebrate together – first and foremost (for me) the jobs created and sustained by this new-build program. The environmentally friendly technology is important, too, as is the fact that these Marlin Class vessels will sail in the Jones Act trade. Seafarers know how important the Jones Act is to America’s national and economic security. This new ship is further proof that the Jones Act works, and it helps keep America working. It helps sustain the manpower pool of shipbuilders and seafarers who are so critical to our national security. It brings state-of-the-art tonnage into the American-flag fleet. And it gives everyone in our industry greater hopes for a bright future and a true revitalization of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Something that wasn’t widely reported after the launch, but that’s also noteworthy, is that the vessel and her sister ship are being financed through the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program. As the U.S. Maritime Administration puts it, the agency’s Title XI program “promotes the growth and modernization of U.S. shipyards and the U.S. Merchant Marine by ensuring that American vessels are manufactured in American shipyards by American workers.” That’s a winning formula, especially when considering the fact that the program guarantees the repayment of loans. Again, it was a great night and a clear example that our industry not only can survive, it can flourish. Annual Sail-In Nearly a month before the christening, our industry was out in force for the annual Congressional Maritime Sail-In, as we delivered our message on Capitol Hill. Although our friends in Congress already know how critical our industry is to national and economic security, the Sail-In gives our people a chance to reinforce support while also presenting our issues to newly elected members on both sides of the aisle. One key topic this time was the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The bottom line is, unless Congress acts to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank, the 80-year-old program will disappear. Congress’ indecision about Ex-Im may be brought about from misinformation they’ve been led to believe. The facts are, first of all, the Ex-Im Bank is not a uniquely American institution. At least 60 other countries have similar programs, though not all are self-sustaining like ours. Another common misconception is that Ex-Im loans only help big companies. That argument couldn’t be more wrong. Nearly 90 percent of Ex-Im transactions in 2014 were in support of small businesses. Lastly, and this point can’t be made enough, the Ex-Im Bank is not a drain on the economy. It is self-sustaining, costing taxpayers nothing, and has contributed nearly $2 billion dollars towards paying down the national debt. As I mentioned last month, the SIU and our allies are fighting for this program, which is good for the country. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 77 Number 5 o NO. 2 May 2015 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org ‘ECO’ Ships Mean New Jobs for Seafarers, Boost Environmental Safety General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard, on April 2 signaled the start of construction of a third “ECO” tanker to be built for an affiliate of American Petroleum Tankers (APT) during a steel-cutting ceremony at the San Diego facility. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, this vessel (to be named Garden State), along with its two predecessors and still-to-come pair of sister ships will be managed by Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime when completed and will sail in the Jones Act trade. Deliveries are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2015 and continue through 2016. The new tankers have been described as innovate and energy-efficient. Each of the five 50,000 deadweight-ton product carriers to be constructed by NASSCO will be LNG-conver- sion ready, with a cargo capacity of 330,000 barrels. Each will be 610 feet long. According to the shipyard, the ECO design also incorporates environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system. “This is an exciting time in the U.S. maritime industry,” said Parker Larson, director of commercial programs for NASSCO. “These Jones Act product tankers demonstrate implementation of state-of-the-art design technologies that achieve world-leading fuel efficiencies and also represent new jobs in our shipyard.” The five-tanker contract is instrumental in helping to sustain and grow NASSCO’s workforce of nearly 3,800. NASSCO began construction on the first tanker under the current contract in September 2014. “We are very pleased to be commencing construction of our third ECO Class tanker at NASSCO,” said Rob Kurz, APT president. “These world class vessels will be a welcome addition to the APT fleet as we continue to strive toward providing our customers with the highest level of service.” The Jones Act requires that waterborne cargo moving between domestic ports be carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. On the books since 1920, the law traditionally has enjoyed strong bipartisan support while boosting U.S. national and economic security. Additionally, the Jones Act is responsible for maintaining nearly 500,000 American jobs while pumping billions of dollars into the economy. Finance Committee Approves 2014 Records A group of rank-and-file Seafarers in early April reviewed and approved the union’s financial records for 2014. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. This year’s committee was elected at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. That same week, they travelled to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, where they reviewed the union’s financial records for the previous calendar year. After closely examining that paperwork, the committee completed a report that will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. The report also has been submitted to the secretary-treasurer’s office. Serving on the committee were John Wells (chairman), Archie Eldridge Jr., Sherman Hudson, Donald Lumpkins, Daniel Marcus, Robert Ott, Timothy Pillsworth and (sitting in as an alternate) Thomas Cyrus. In its report, the committee stated, “We do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” Committee members fill out some preliminary paperwork (photo above) before digging into the financial records, and then gather for a group photo (below) as they finish their work. Pictured from left in the posed shot are (seated) Daniel Marcus, Thomas Cyrus, Timothy Pillsworth, Robert Ott, (standing) John Wells, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Sherman Hudson, Donald Lumpkins, Archie Eldridge Jr. and Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2015 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Reversed to White Reversed to White May 2015 �SIU Participates in Historic Christening SIU officials were on hand April 18 for the historic christening of TOTE’s LNG-powered, Seafarers-contracted containership Isla Bella in San Diego – and Sophie Sacco, the wife of SIU President Michael Sacco, served as the vessel’s sponsor. Among the SIU officials who attended the ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO were President Sacco and Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. More than 3,400 gathered to watch the launch of the 764-foot-long ship. Vessel owner TOTE, in partnership with General Dynamics NASSCO, celebrated the completion of the first of two Marlin Class containerships headed to Puerto Rico later this year. According to TOTE, the use of LNG as a marine fuel in the U.S. defines a major shift for the industry. That use is expected to prove very beneficial for the environment. In his remarks at the ceremony, Anthony Chiarello, president and CEO of TOTE noted, “Building the Marlins has been about change as well as bold and innovative thinking. NASSCO and our other partners have enabled us to build these ships that reflect our commitment to the environment and doing what is right.” U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California), chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, provided the keynote address. “America’s maritime industry is critical not just for the economic benefits, but for national security purposes as well,” he said. “With the launch of the world’s first natural gas-powered containership, NASSCO and TOTE prove that American shipbuilders and American ships can lead the industry in innovation, and it is my hope that American shipbuilders and oper- Guests gather for the vessel launch. (Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) ators can continue to build upon this success.” Gen. Paul Selva, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, also spoke. “This first Marlin Class ship exemplifies the technology and innovation that the United States is known for,” he said. “It also highlights the commitment of companies like TOTE to supporting the U.S. military and maritime sector that is vitally important to our national defense.” “The launch of the Isla Bella signals a very significant milestone for the thousands of men and women at NASSCO,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO (a union shipyard). “Not only does it commemorate NASSCO’s 100th ship launch, it validates NASSCO’s capability to break new ground in green ship technology and lead in the design, construction, and conversion of ships to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of LNG.” The chairman of Saltchuk, TOTE’s parent company, Mark Tabbutt thanked the many partners who worked on the new generation of containership: “We especially want to thank the hundreds of men and women that did the real work – the welding, the piping, the lifting, the planning, the electrical, the designing, the logistics, the painting, and all the other work that went into making these ships a reality.” He went on to recognize the support of the U.S. Maritime Administration and NASSCO for their long-term partnership. The ship’s name, Isla Bella, was selected from a contest hosted in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico. Isla Bella translates to beautiful island in English and will serve as a reminder of the cultural and economic significance of the SIU President Michael Sacco speaks during a social gathering following the historic containership christening. ships for future generations. The Isla Bella will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2015 between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The second Marlin Class vessel will be launched in the third quarter of 2015 and will enter service in the first quarter of 2016. Visit our Facebook page and the image gallery section of the SIU website for additional photos from the christening. Maersk Line, Limited Continues Fleet Upgrade AB Eddie Ebanks Recertified Bosun Rafael Pereira GUDE Joaquin Martinez May 2015 SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited continues to replace some of its older vessels with newer tonnage – including the Maersk Kensington, which recently reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. The Kensington replaced the Sealand Intrepid, and is expected to sail in the Middle East container line trade. These photos were taken March 17 while the Kensington was in Houston. AB Desta Gebrai, SA Diana House, AB Pascal Masanilo, Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong, Chief Cook Cezar Avila Seafarers LOG 3 �USTRANSCOM Commander Backs Mariners, Jones Act Gen. Paul Selva Commander, USTRANSCOM The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) recently reiterated his strong support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for a key maritime law named the Jones Act. Gen. Paul Selva spoke at an April 14 forum just outside the nation’s capital, hosted by U.S. Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen. The gathering featured leaders from the military, Congress and various components of the maritime industry. Participants included U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-California) and Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut); Crowley Maritime Corporation CEO Tom Crowley and Maersk Line, Limited CEO/ President Russell Bruner. During a discussion about implementing a national maritime strategy, Selva – who as head of USTRANSCOM oversees a vast network of aircraft, ships, vehicles and trains that move weapons and other materiel both Seafarers Showcase Superb Training, Grit During Massive At-Sea Refurishment Project Seafarers are the best-trained mariners in the world. This often-referenced fact was affirmed once again in mid March by SIU crew members aboard the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus when they beat the odds to accomplish a highly problematic mission. With the Lummus (operated by Maersk Line, Limited) in open-sea anchorage in the waters off of Saipan, vessel Master David Hagner requested that members of his crew perform a daunting task: overhaul the vessel’s six-sheave assemblies of four separate 39-ton Hagglund cargo crane jibs. In terms of size, these assemblies are about the dimension of four large stacked/spaced semitruck tires, but with the weight of high tensile steel, according to Hagner. Put succinctly, the assemblies were extremely heavy and potentially harmful. As part of the overhaul, each assembly had to be delicately lowered from and hoisted to a tight enclosure as an assembled unit on a pitching/rolling ship. The task as a whole involved several crucial elements: extensive chain fall rigging, skillful support crane operation, constant attention to safety and strong spot leadership. “Rather than grumble that the project was traditionally suited for a ship repair workforce in a harbor-protected facility, our SIU crew threw themselves into the job as an opportunity to experience something different and valuable,” wrote Hagner in a letter describing the open-sea refurbishment to John Hoskins, SIU port agent in Guam. “They listened to and shared our concern for the bigger picture: how the project affected the ship’s mission readiness and customer expectations, how visible its success or failure would be and how critical it was to see the job though promptly without any injuries or equipment damage.” The overhaul project was successfully concluded April 2 when the final crane was stowed and the Lummus immediately went to 4 Seafarers LOG standby engines for an overnight transit to Guam. The Lummus entered Apra Harbor the following morning where it raised the cranes and took on fuel and other provisions. On April 4, proof weight tests were successfully performed on the last two cranes that were overhauled and the vessel was readied for its scheduled departure for a 30-day sea transit and participation in Exercise African Lion 2015 in Agadir, Morocco. During the work phase of the undertaking, crew members “shared our frustration at the inevitable parts and weather delays and they shared our satisfaction watching the reassembled cranes lift off of their dunnage supports under the pull of their own wires,” Hagner said in his letter. “They (members of the crew) endured random call-outs and late hours to meet repair milestones and provided fire watch while our welders renewed the structural steel supporting the shaves. “We are immensely proud of our SIU crew here on the Lummus,” Captain Hagner concluded, “and this project made them even better.” Hagner lauded the following crew members for a job well done: Bosun Victor Sahagon, AB/Relief Bosun Jerald Martinez, ABs Hector Regaldo, Matthes Bailer, Bryan Howell, Renee Cannady, Lloyd “Barry” La Beach, Julio Martinez and Sterling MCosh. Also cited were Ordinary Seamen Roger “Alex” Attanasio, Clifford Christopher and Edward Copeland Jr.; QMED/Electrician Jonathan Tucker, QMED/Pumpman Richard Digman, QMEDS Randy Corey, Keith McIntosh, and Brian Jackson; and GUDEs Carlos Arzua-Flores and Rodney Carr. The captain also commended Storekeepers Renee Clayton and Fred Rufo for their logistical support; and Steward/Baker Harlan Alonzo, Chief Cook Erik Loret, and SAs Mario Siclot, Casey Pearson, Rey Baluyot and Ferdinand Charite for keeping his entire “Dream Team” well fed. in times of peace and war – was asked about his support of the Jones Act. He replied, “I am an ardent supporter of the Jones Act. [It] supports a viable shipbuilding industry, cuts costs and produces 2,500 qualified mariners. Why would we tamper with that?” The Jones Act requires domestic cargo to be moved on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. Although the Jones Act fleet consists of privately owned vessels, many are militarily useful, and the law also helps sustain a pool of reliable, welltrained, U.S. citizen mariners. Many of those individuals also sail aboard ships that mobilize in support of our troops. At the forum, Selva also talked about how maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine helps protect American independence. “When we get to the issue of national sovereignty [and] the capacity to use the national defense capabili- ties of the nation to impose our will as necessary on an enemy, that demands that we have access to a viable pool of merchant mariners who can crew those ships, who will make us successful,” he stated. “So finding a way to a strategy that says we value what the merchant mariners bring to the nation ... if we can find a congressional solution to build that manpower, I am all for it. “My concern is that we still need to meet the requirements of an economically viable, militarily useful pool of ships and experienced mariners who are proven,” he continued. “That will make us successful in wartime. So as we commit as a nation to put our forces into harm’s way, we better be ready to deploy and sustain them with the tools of war that will make them successful. The men and women that do that are largely the men and women who volunteer to be part of our merchant marine.” SIU Active in ‘Military2Maritime’ Event Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (at podium) kicks off the event in Norfolk, Virginia. The union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education helped ensure the success of the latest “Military2Maritime” job fair, which took place March 31 in Norfolk, Virginia. Representatives of the SIU and the school participated in the popular event, which attracted more than 500 guests. It was the latest in an ongoing series of gatherings across the country aimed at helping U.S. military veterans find work in the maritime industry. Representatives from all segments of the industry were on hand for the American Maritime Partnership-sponsored day. Paul Hall Center Instructor Mike Mason, SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram SIU Representative Sam Spain (left) and VP Kermett Mangram (second from left) chat with some of the guests. May 2015 �SIU of Canada Continues Push to Preserve Jobs AFL-CIO, Canadian Labor Congress Promote Trade Deals that Work for All A recent oil spill in Vancouver’s English Bay has become a real-life example of what the Seafarers International Union of Canada has been saying since the first discussions about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): It only takes one mistake to cause irreversible damage to the environment. On April 8, the Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier Marathassa began leaking bunker oil into the waters of Vancouver, requiring emergency crews to attempt to contain and clean the spill. While the majority of the oil was recovered, the incident reflects what the SIU of Canada, Canadian Maritime & Supply Chain Coalition (CMSCC), and Canadian Labor Congress (CLC) warned the Canadian government could happen if they allowed exceptions to Canadian cabotage laws. “The SIU of Canada is outraged that the Conservative Government is risking the St. Lawrence River’s and Great Lakes’ fragile ecosystem in the name of trade,” said SIU of Canada President Jim Given, who also chairs the CMSCC. He also pointed out that within CETA’s maritime provisions, exploited and overworked foreign crew, unfamiliar with Canada’s fragile ecosystem, would be allowed to operate between two Canadian ports – trade previously reserved for Canadian-flagged, Canadian-crewed vessels. CETA not only threatens Canadian cabotage laws, and therefore thousands of good-paying middle class jobs, but also the safety and security of Canadian wa- terways, Given said. “Foreign crews often lack the skills needed to operate in Canada’s confined waterways and struggle to meet our rigid safety standards. The government of Canada is taking a huge chance with the pristine waters of the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes,” continued Given. “Foreign vessels and crew have no vested interest in the protection of our waterways. They do not live or raise their families here, nor do they rely on these waters exclusively like Canadian seafarers do.” “This is exactly why domestic shipping must remain a Canadian industry,” said Peter Lahay, Vancouver-based national coordinator for the International Transport Workers’ Federation. “In our hands, such a catastrophic event is unlikely to occur, and if it did, the owner of the ship is right down the street. They have a stake in their community. Most importantly, we know who they are. They’re not some slipperynumbered company in the Cayman Islands, Panama or Cyprus.” Less than two weeks prior to the spill in Vancouver, the CLC and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) issued a joint statement calling for modification of potential rules in three pending trade deals involving the United States, Canada or both: CETA, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The statement called on governments to put citizens first when discussing potential trade agree- U.S. Representative Garamendi Supports America’s Shipbuilders U.S. Congressman John Garamendi (DCalifornia), an ardent backer of the American maritime industry, recently called for expansion of U.S. shipbuilding. Garamendi, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, spoke April 9 at the Bay Planning Coalition’s 2015 Decision Makers Conference in Oakland, California. He primarily focused on shipbuilding – a key component of U.S. national and economic security – but also touched on other maritime topics. “We’re not building big ships in the United States except for the U.S. Navy. These are strategic national assets,” he said. In addition, he voiced his support for the Jones Act and the Surface Transportation SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (left) is pictured with U.S. Rep. John Garamendi at a recent transportation forum. May 2015 Act, which he said should be modeled after President Barack Obama’s GROW America Act. The representative also explained that he is always urging Congress to better support the U.S. Merchant Marine, through introducing new legislation and defending existing laws. He then spoke about the role in emerging export markets that the American-flag fleet should play. “What if we recognized that the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), when and where deemed appropriate, provides us with a unique opportunity to rebuild the American shipbuilding industry and strengthen our U.S. Merchant Marine,” he said. “When we export LNG, we need to make sure that the export of this natural asset is being conducted by American sailors on American ships. In doing so, we will revitalize America’s shipbuilding industry in a big way.” Garamendi in December co-authored the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, which was signed into law. Within the legislation were requirements that the Department of Transportation encourage the maximum amount of LNG exporting on ships that are built, crewed and flagged American. During his remarks in Oakland, the congressmen intimated that the road to revitalization undoubtedly would involve plenty of challenges. But, he stated, “We have an opportunity to make sure that a very significant part of the American economy has an opportunity to blossom and grow – not just the shipyards – but the entire supply chain: electronics, engines, and more.” He concluded with a call for support of U.S. shipbuilding: “We’re going to build in America and make it in America....What I need from all of you is your interest and support in building the American shipbuilding industry. If any of you would like to join me in this effort, let me know.” ments, ahead of profits. It read in part, “[We] support and welcome trade and economic policies that create good, family-wage jobs, strengthen protection for internationally recognized labor rights (including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining), protect our environment, and promote shared prosperity and a virtuous cycle of rising wages and rising demand. “Having lived through NAFTA and its progeny for 20 years, we also know the danger of destructive economic rules that expand the rights and privileges of multinational corporations at the expense of working families, communities, and the environment. Neoliberal economic policies, including many of the rules enshrined in NAFTA and the World Trade Organization, have promoted a race to the bottom in terms of wages, labor rights, environmental protection, and public interest regulation…. “Of the rules tilted against labor and for global capital in these proposed agreements, one of the most egregious is investor-to-state dispute settlement, or ISDS. ISDS provides extraordinary legal rights to foreign investors so that they can seek taxpayer reimbursement for losses to expected profits from laws, regulations, administrative decisions or virtually any other government measure. The rights protected go far beyond traditional property rights and its private tribunals are staffed not by professional jurists sworn to promote the public interest, but by for-profit attorneys, many of whom represent investors when they are not sitting in judgment.  The U.S. and Canada first incorporated this separate but unequal system into a comprehensive trade deal in NAFTA, Jim Given President, SIU of Canada and today, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico are each in the top 11 most-challenged nations under the ISDS system. Such extreme rights to challenge democracy are not good for domestic businesses (which cannot use this private justice mechanism), not good for citizens (who may see popular policies withdrawn by governments in order to avoid adverse judgments), and not good for rule of law (which is undermined by the separate parallel system for foreign investors only).” Remembering Senator Inouye SIU President Michael Sacco (right in photo above, left in photo below) recently was interviewed at the union’s headquarters for an extensive project honoring the legacy of the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, a decades-long friend of the SIU who passed away in 2012. Dr. Brien Williams (also shown in both photos) conducted the interview on behalf of the Daniel K. Inouye Institute. More information is available online at http://danielkinouyeinstitute.org/ Seafarers LOG 5 �Belize residents await surgery aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Tomarius Roberts) USNS Comfort on Global Mission of Assistance Seafarers and U.S. military personnel aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort have mobilized for a global humanitarian mission that’s expected to last six months. Operation Continuing Promise 15 (CP15) includes members of the SIU Government Services Division along with units from every branch of the armed forces. It began April 1 when the vessel left Miami; a ceremony took place April 10 when the Comfort made its first stop, in Belize City. According to the U.S. Navy, CP-15 will “focus on the efforts of the United States and our partner nations to improve our collective capacity with regards to medical, engineering, veterinary and humanitarian assistance activities.” The schedule includes 11 mission stops in Latin American and Caribbean nations – among them Belize, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Panama. The ship also will visit Dominica and Honduras for the first time. In announcing the kickoff, the Navy reported this is the first Continuing Promise since 2011. The primary focus will be medi- Lt. Cmdr. Gabe Hillgrass, an anesthesiologist, prepares a patient for surgery aboard the vessel on April 11. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lance Hartung) Health Insurance Lapses May be Costly Individuals who lost their health insurance coverage in 2014, or didn’t have insurance, may have been in for a surprise when filing taxes. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are potential monetary penalties for people without health insurance. Even if a person had coverage through part of the year, if it lapsed at any point for more than two months, he or she may be assessed a fee based on income level and number of dependents. However, a person may be exempt from the coverage requirements if any of the following are true: n The individual is part of a religion which is opposed to acceptance of benefits from a health insurance policy. 6 Seafarers LOG n The person is incarcerated. n He or she is a member of a Native American tribe. n The individual’s income is below the threshold for filing a tax return ($10,000 for an individual, $20,000 for a family) n The person has to pay more than 8 percent of his or her income for health insurance, after taking into account any employer contributions or tax credits. n The person is not legally present in the U.S. As part of the initiative to make sure everyone gets health insurance, the penalties will increase each year. For 2014 taxes, according to the White House, the penalty is either one percent of a person’s cal, dental, veterinary and engineering missions ashore. Teams will provide a variety of services in each country visited. “We expect to serve over 133,000 patients, performing over 1,000 surgeries aboard USNS Comfort and over 800 subject matter expert exchanges,” the Navy noted. The Comfort features specialized medical equipment and is staffed by military and civilian health care providers. CP-15 will allow for sharing of the best practices between subject matter experts, making available the most effective, economical treatments to regional medical teams. Working with the crew of the Comfort will be a 50-person volunteer medical team from the group Operation Smile. The team includes plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, dentists and speech therapist, who will work side-by-side with the Navy to pro- vide free cleft surgery to 400 patients during the mission. “Just as in previous years’ missions, the goal is to increase unity, security and stability by fostering strong partnerships and working as a team to improve the lives of thousands of men, women and children from these countries,” said Rear Adm. George Ballance, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet. At the ceremony, Capt. Sam Hancock, CP-15 mission commander, stated, “On behalf of the over 1,000 crew members aboard Comfort, I would like to thank everyone for welcoming us to Belize. We are excited to meet, interact and provide medical, dental, veterinary and engineering services to the people of Belize while working alongside our Belizean counterparts.” The Seafarers-crewed USNS Comfort prepares to depart Miami for its sixth-month mission. (Photo by Raymond Sarracino, U.S. Southern Command) yearly household income, or $95 per person ($47.50 per child under 18), whichever is higher. As calculated by the IRS, the maximum penalty amount is $2,448 per individual, or $12,240 for a family with five or more children. This year, if a person still doesn’t have coverage, the penalties will be either two percent of yearly income, or $325 per person (162.50 per child under 18), whichever is higher. The maximum penalty will be the 2015 national average premium for a “bronze plan” as calculated by the government. To avoid these penalties next year, a person must apply for and maintain health insurance coverage throughout the year. This insurance can come from a variety of sources, including coverage provided by an employer, a plan that is purchased independently, Medicare or Medicaid, TRICARE, or the veterans’ health plan. There is no penalty for a short lapse in coverage of two months or less. For Seafarers, another option is con- tinuation coverage purchased through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). COBRA allows employees (in this case, Seafarers) who have experienced what the act calls a “qualifying event,” (such as a change in employment status, divorce, death or reaching age 26) to temporarily extend their health coverage until they reestablish eligibility under the SHBP.  According to the ACA, “COBRA continuation coverage qualifies as minimum essential coverage. This means if you have COBRA coverage you don’t have the pay the fee that people without coverage must pay.” Seafarers can get more information about COBRA by contacting the SHBP at 1-800-252-4674 or online at www.seafarers.org. Look for the Summary Plan Description Guides that are posted in the SHBP area of the Member Benefits and Resources section. May 2015 �The photo at left and the one above were circulated along with correspondence from international maritime groups to world heads of state. They depict the overcrowded conditions aboard the often unseaworthy vessels migrants and refugees use to take to the seas. The photo above shows a large scale rescue at sea being conducted by a merchant marine vessel. (Photo at left by TORM A/S; photo above by Stolt Tankers B.V.) Maritime Groups Advocate Humanitarian Efforts Four major international maritime groups are calling on world heads of state (including heads of government of the European Union and European Economic Area) to ramp up efforts to formulate solutions that will rectify the rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean Sea. In a correspondence dated March 31, 2015, officials from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated; the European Community Ship owners’ Associations; the European Transport Workers’ Federation; and the International Chamber of Shipping urged world governments to do more to help prevent the loss of life to hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees who routinely cross the Mediterranean from North Africa and the Middle East to Europe. According to the four organizations – which are supported by global shipping organizations BIMCO, Intercargo, Interferry, InterManager, Intertanko and the World Shipping Council – more than 3,500 people have lost their lives since 2014 while attempting the crossing in overcrowded boats that are not fit for the journey. The organizations asserted that there is a terrible risk of further catastrophic loss of life as ever-more-desperate people attempt this deadly sea crossing. The groups credited the navies and coast guards of EU member states on the front lines for making impressive efforts to respond to the predicament, but voiced the position that all EU and EEA member states have a collective responsibility to prevent the loss of thousands more lives. They described the need for action on the situation as urgent. In 2014, merchant ships rescued some 40,000 people who were attempting the crossing, according to the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Unless the political situation in Africa and the Middle East improves, how- ever, this number is expected to increase in 2015, UNHCR predicts. Already the situation is so dire that all member states need to become far more engaged, the four international maritime groups said in their letter. “In short, we believe it is unacceptable that the international community is increasingly relying on merchant ships and seafarers to undertake more and more large-scale rescues, with single ships having to rescue as many as 500 people at a time,” the maritime groups said in their communication. “Commercial ships are not equipped to undertake such large-scale rescues, which also create serious risks to the safety, health and welfare of ships’ crews who should not be expected to deal with such situations.” The groups’ dispatch pointed out that while all EU and EEA member states have search and rescue (SAR) obligations under international law, state-funded resources for carrying out these responsibilities should in- crease proportionally as the crisis escalates. In addition to increasing SAR resources, the groups pointed out that there is also a need for a political solution while citing the lawless situations that exist in both Libya and Syria. “As suggested by UNHCR and other UN agencies including the International Maritime Organization,” the correspondence said, “the shipping industry believes that the EU and the international community need to provide refugees and migrants with alternative means of finding safety without risking their lives by crossing the Mediterranean in unseaworthy boats.” The groups also requested that—as a matter of urgency—the humanitarian crisis issue be added to the agenda of the European Council and to that of the next relevant meetings of the EU council of Ministers, including Foreign Affairs, Justice and Home Affairs and Transport. Horizon Pacific Crew Honors Brother Tidwell With Burial at Sea Seafarers and officers aboard the Horizon Pacific gathered solemnly on her deck Feb. 24 to bid farewell to OMU George Tidwell and to commit his ashes to the sea. Brother Tidwell died Jan.10 in Hawaii at age 75. Vessel Capt. Walter Graf conducted the shipboard memorial service which, among other elements, included prayers, the reading of scripture and the delivery of a eulogy. Crew members present were afforded the opportunity to offer OMU George Tidwell September 1939 - January 2015 May 2015 reflections on the life and times of their late brother and Graf read tributes provided by some of Tidwell’s friends. During a moment of silence and with the Horizon Pacific positioned approximately 23 miles northeast of Makapuu Point, Oahu, Hawaii (Latitude 39 degrees, 12.3 minutes North, Longitude 124 degrees, 17.7 minutes West) Graf committed Brother Tidwell’s ashes to the deep. “May you rest in peace, George, as your ashes travel the world, carried by the oceans’ currents on your final journey,” the captain said during the at-sea burial. Flowers of Aloha—distributed by Graf, Chief Steward Robert Mosley and Steward Assistant Jennifer Reid— accompanied Tidwell’s ashes during their decent into the deep. Born in Newton, Mississippi, Brother Tidwell was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served from 1957 to 1963 and later attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Brother Tidwell joined the SIU in 1968, first going to sea aboard the Steel Executive. Following a 40 year career, he retired in 2008 and called Honolulu home. His final voyage was aboard the Horizon Pacific. Brother Tidwell is survived by his nieces Cynthia Tidwell Nelson and Haley Tidwell Risser, both of whom reside in Texas. He is fondly remembered by George Monroe, a childhood and lifetime friend who regarded him as a brother. Horizon Pacific Capt. Walter Graf (above) conducts memorial services for OMU George Tidwell. At the conclusion of services (photo at right), the captain scatters the ashes of Brother Tidwell at sea. Chief Steward Robert Mosley (left in photo below) and SA Jennifer Reid distribute Flowers of Aloha over the burial site of Brother Tidwell. Seafarers LOG 7 �WITH SEAFARERS ON THE WEST COAST – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is pictured with Seafarers during a couple of recent service visits. In the photo above in the center, Marrone (right) stands with Chief Cook Frank Ramones aboard Matson’s Mahi Mahi. The other photos were taken on the Horizon Enterprise. Pictured from left in the larger group shot above at right are Chief Cook Tashara Newton, Recertified Steward Joseph Gallo, Marrone and SA Julito Crodua. The remaining pic features the VP with Recertified Bosun George Khan. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WHATEVER IT TAKES – Electrician Eddie Almodovar (foreground in larger photo, also inset) makes repairs aboard the Maersk Montana as the ship transits the Suez Canal. STANDING UP FOR WORKERS – SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (center) in late March attended an address by U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Maryland) (left) during which the congressman told area labor leaders he would push to protect workers’ rights in trade deals. Also pictured is Fred Mason, president of the Maryland and D.C. AFL-CIO. THUMBS UP FOR NEW CONTRACT – During recent meetings aboard the Crowley ATBs Vision and Commitment, respectively, members voiced strong approval of a new contract featuring wage increases and other gains. In photo above, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is pictured with Seafarers on the Vision in Rodeo, California, on April 4. From left are Marrone, Captain Robert Albe, AB/Tankerman Matthew Jenness, Second Mate Thomas Crawley and Assistant Engineer Eddison Lalin. The photo below features Seafarers on the Commitment March 5 in Richmond, California. WELCOME ASHORE IN GUAM – Steward/Baker John Neal (left) picks up his first pension check at the SIU hall in Guam. Presenting it and congratulating Neal on his career is Port Agent John Hoskins. SEEMED IT WOULD NEVER END – A student walks to class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, following the last snow of winter. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2015 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU SALUTING OUR TROOPS – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona in early March joined members of the 4th Marine Division 23rd Regiment in California for an observance of the 70th anniversary of the landing at Iwo Jima, one of the most iconic battles of World War II. Celona is standing in front (center), wearing a dark jacket and white shirt. NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENT – At the union hall in San Juan, Seafarer Mayra Gines proudly displays the certificate she earned by completing chief steward training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. “The SIU has blessed me and my family since the first say I stepped into the hall,” said Gines. A-BOOK IN HOUSTON – QEP Gilbert Johnson (right) picks up his A-seniority book at the Houston hall. Congratulating him is SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – QE1 Dasril Panko (right) receives his first pension check from Patrolman Joseph Koncul at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. CIVMARS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – Members if the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the dry cargo-ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (right) deliver cargo to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry March 31 in the Arabian Gulf. The Fort McHenry is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, according to the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Austin) May 2015 A-BOOK IN JERSEY CITY – Early last month, AB Wilson Trayvilla (left) picks up his A-seniority book at the union hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Presenting the book is Patrolman Ray Henderson. A-BOOK IN PHILLY – QMED Steve Roseberry receives his A-seniority book along with a congratulatory handshake from administrative assistant Pat Malone at the Philadelphia hall. “I stand on the shoulders of giants and am very proud to be a member of this fine union,” Roseberry noted. Seafarers LOG 9 �The vessel described in this installment essentially was identical to this one (photo at left): the T2 tanker Hat Creek. (Image licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) The photo above shows currency from Curacao, circa 1942 Editor’s note: Beginning in September 2010, the LOG periodically has featured articles by retired mariner Ed Woods, who first shipped out during World War II, as a teenager. Most of the earlier stories were run in two series, concluding in the September 2012 edition. Stand-alone articles were published in the November 2012, May 2013 and August 2013 issues, and a two-part missive ran in March and April 2014. Most recently, the March 2015 LOG featured the first installment of Brother Woods’ latest submission. That piece left off following a return trip from Liverpool to New York in 1944 aboard the oil tanker SS Horseshoe. Here’s the next segment: B ack in New York, Vinnie and I hurried down to the War Emergence Tanker Office (WET INK) hoping to be reassigned to the engine room. “Of course, no problem,” the good man told us. “But first, please do this for me, I need two men to make this next trip and, as soon as you return, I’ll see that you get the engine room endorsement.” Not having a choice, we agreed. The round trip between Liverpool and New York had taken less than 30 days. What was another month in our young lives? We signed on to another tanker, the S/S Brandy Station, at dock at the oil refinery in Bayway, New Jersey. The next day we moved to midstream Hudson River and took on deck cargo. From there it was down to New York Bay and through the submarine nets off Brooklyn and within a few hours we joined a convoy off Montauk, Long Island. Alas, that was the last we saw of the good old United States for the next 14 months. We were at sea a week when we learned our destination was Casablanca, French Morocco. The crossing was without any confrontation with enemy U-boats or planes, although almost every day and night there would be the sounds of our navy escorts’ whistles and horns reverberating across the waters. If the noise was to alert the convoy that there were unidentified crafts, submarines or airplanes in the immediate area, it did its job. At night, the alarms were frightening. It’s difficult to sleep in your bunk with alarms filling the air, more so when your ship is carrying highly volatile gasoline. We laid off shore at anchor the night we arrived at Casablanca. An unpleasant odor drifted out across the open water – an odor Woods (left) is pictured with new friend and shipmate Peter in November 1944. 10 Seafarers LOG Coins, Paper Money, Sea Ports – Small and Big Things I Remember I had never smelled. Later, every time we opened a souvenir, mostly made from some sort of leather, that we had purchased in Casablanca the odor would fill the air. The next day, we weighed anchor and headed for shore. The first thing I noticed was a huge ship with a big hole in its prow. It was the French battleship Jean Bart. It had been engaged in a gun battle with the USS Massachusetts during the initial invasion of November 1942, Operation Torch. (This was done in order to appease Joseph Stalin, the Russian dictator and prime minister, who was demanding that the Allies open up a second front, preferably an invasion of France that would take some of the pressure off his armies who were fighting the Germans on Russian soil. However, the United States and Great Britain were not prepared for a major invasion of the Europe’s mainland and decided to invade North Africa. The invasion was successful, and it opened up the Mediterranean Sea to allied shipping and prevented the Germans from reaching the Suez Canal.) I was anxious to get ashore and see the city made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the film Casablanca. I wasn’t disappointed; every café and bar had something to say about Bogart (Rick’s Café, Bogart drank here, etc.). The native quarter of Casablanca was called the Medina. We were cautioned against visiting the area and were told that the only non-Moroccans permitted to enter the Medina were French sailors, many of whom had Moroccan wives or girlfriends living there. At night, outside of the native quarter, a group of the most undesirable, filthy-dressed females would offer their services to one and all by calling out, “Fiancé fifty Francs.” We were told it was not safe to drink water while ashore and that wine was safer for one’s health. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find and buy any decent-tasting wine. There was an unending supply of a cheap red wine that the locals called champagne. It had nothing to do with real champagne. It neither sparkled nor was it white. I believe some of the natives thought they could fool the Americans because there were also bottles of an unidentified liquor available with handwritten labels stating, Real Fine Old Whiskey. There was a shortage of glass bottles. An empty bottle cost 100 Francs or two dollars and the wine cost 50 Francs-one dollar. In the week we were in Morocco, much to the chief steward’s vexation, glass bottles began to disappear from our ship. White cloth was also in great demand, especially sheets and pillowcases. Alas, these white items also began to disappear from the ship. The natives would pay 5,000 Francs ($100) for a white sheet and 2,500 ($50) for a white pillowcase. Our base pay was $80 a month. The Francs could be used at the U.S. Army Post Office (APO) to buy money orders redeemable in the States. Our bosun, a former U.S. Marine sergeant and a big, well-built man, was observed standing on the pier by the steward trading a can of fruit for a bottle of wine. The steward reported the incident to the captain, who reprimanded the bosun. The next day, when the steward passed by the bosun, the bosun gave him a wallop and blackened his eye. This latest incident was too much for our captain to tolerate and he had the bosun discharged and flown home. Neither the wine nor the old disheveled women appealed to Vinnie and me; we looked for other things to see and do. We located a Red Cross building with a huge Lister bag hanging from a tree in its courtyard. It looked inviting, as if it held cool drinking water. We had been sightseeing and were hot and thirsty. The water had been treated with chemicals and had a strong chlorine taste. One would need to be very thirsty to drink it. We continued our tour of Casablanca by visiting an apartment complex at the outskirts of the city. The residents were European Jewish refugees from all parts of Europe, many of whom spoke a reasonable amount of English. They were waiting for and hoping to get visas to travel to North or South America. They were obviously more affluent and better educated than the native Moroccans. It was fortunate that we had stayed together with two or three other crew members when walking through the city, as we began to hear horror stories of robbery and mayhem each time we returned to the ship. For one, the pumpman on the tanker next to us was mugged and had his ring finger cut off. Others strolling alone about the city had been attacked and robbed by youthful gangs. The kids were constantly following us and could be annoying. A crew member who knew a little French said to tell the kids Allez vous en! It meant “go away.” I gave it a try. A bunch of kids were being real pests and hounding us for cigarettes and candy. I shouted Allez vous en! Much to my surprise, one of the kids answered in English, “No, (expletive), you go from here. I live here.” Our cargo tanks were empty; however, we had barrels of special lubricants stored on our open deck that had not been delivered. We were ordered to nearby Fedala (now Mohammedia) to offload the barrels of lubricants. While in Fedala, I wanted to visit Rabat, Morocco’s capital, but it was not to be. Like most of the wartime ports and cities where I called, traveling was restricted. I was able to go ashore for a few hours and buy some leather goods at a local bazaar. The leather goods, mostly wallets and ladies’ pocketbooks, rotted away over the next year in my locker. I don’t know if it was the manner in which the items were made or the result of the hot, humid climate we later experienced in the South Pacific. I never had the opportunity to return to Morocco, although I would like to see what Casablanca looks like today. It’s just Morocco now; the French left the country in 1956. We left Morocco and joined a convoy and, as usual, did not know where we were headed. The ship was full of rumors: Baltimore, Norfolk, and, to our delight, New York City. Within a few days, however, we broke off from the convoy and, unescorted, were ordered to Curacao in the Netherlands, West Indies. We were alone for the first time at sea in the Atlantic Ocean. The Navy gunners on lookout were constantly reporting various objects in the nearby waters. One report claimed to have seen the wake of a submarine’s telescope. The Armed Guard sailors were immediately put on a four-hours-on and fourhours-off watch. Our captain ordered extra lookouts on the bow, stern and to the port and starboard of the bridge. My copy of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard Officer’s report for the following day, November 15, 1944 reads: “Sighted a disturbance in the water, thought to be wake of submarine nearly awash. Range approximately 6 to 7 miles.... Location: 61 degree 02-W, 29 degrees 39-N”.” Until we were safely in port in Curacao, there was little sleep and more men than customary would be found in the mess hall during the late hours of the night. You would hear, “I felt like having a cup of coffee.” Curacao, Dutch West Indies In 1944, Curacao was not the beautiful vacation island we know today. We arrived in the early evening and the first thing I noted was the longshoremen and other dock workers were speaking a language I had never heard before. I did recognize some Spanish and English words but other than that the language was but gibberish to me. I asked one of the local longshoremen about it and learned that the native-born islanders spoke Papiamento, a mixture of many languages: Spanish, Portuguese, African, Dutch and English, a patois developed throughout the years. Before going ashore, we were told, “You can go anywhere you want except out to the farming area where most of the white Dutch families live, and you are definitely not welcome at the Shell Oil Company’s compound where there are armed guards to prevent unauthorized persons from entering.” These restrictions left us to the mercy of the ladies of the evening who, day and night, would call out, “Beachy, beachy,” to any nearby seaman. It was an offer to take a taxi cab to the sandy beach for what was called “a good time.” I soon learned that these women were visiting from Venezuela and Columbia. However, there were many cheap bars to visit and we did enjoy a cold beer or two. I was disappointed with what I found in Curacao and at the end of my first day ashore, I thought if one could put a roof over this Island, it would be the biggest brothel and bar in the Western Hemisphere. Sadly, that is all Curacao appeared to have to offer in 1944. We were pleased when we heard our ship’s cargo tanks were filled and we would be on our way to Panama. I do regret not having more to tell you about my 1944 visit to Curacao. In early 1946, I called there once again and marveled at its improvement. Many of the bars had been upgraded to nightclubs. The streets were cleaner and the street women had disappeared or, at least, were out of sight. It was obvious the local government wanted to attract more tourists and more Yankee dollars. To Be Continued In 1944, a Franc equaled two cents in American money. According to Woods, only Franc notes issued by the Bank of Morocco and the Bank of Algiers were in circulation. “Bank notes issued by France were considered worthless, due to mainland France being occupied by the Germans,” he wrote. May 2015 �AB Martha Owens, Bosun Dune Frosburg AB Rosalind Sparrow, OS Letwan Jackson, QE4 Tyesha Boyd, AB Martha Owens, QEE Mario Delacruz, QEP Lamont Robinson, AB Ricky Langley Around the Port of Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso submitted these photos from NCL’s Pride of America, the Keystone-operated USNS Kocak, and a rally outside the union hall. 3rd Mate/SIU Hawsepiper David Blue AB Dexter Ferrer AB Walter Lichota Apprentice Asadullah Khan OS Frince Alegado, AB LBJ Tanoa, OS Joseph Evans AB Jaroslav Dvorak, OS Edmar Guanzon and OS Sosiua Peau. In photo at right is QMED Henry Cacal. May 2015 U.S. Rep. Mark Takai (D-Hawaii), Hawaii Ports Maritime Council President Randy Swindell, Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) Seafarers LOG 11 �‘Sail-In’ Carries Crucial Message To Capitol Hill SIU Strongly Promotes U.S. Merchant Marine During Annual Outreach I t didn’t make for the most visually appealing backdrop, but the ongoing U.S. Capitol Dome restoration project may have served as a roundabout reminder that the American maritime industry’s work in the nation’s capital never ends. SIU officials and other participants at this year’s Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In couldn’t miss seeing the scaffolding around the Capitol as they deployed for a day-long series of meetings March 24 in the various House and Senate office buildings. This marked the event’s sixth year; it has become a cornerstone for delivering the maritime industry’s message in Washington, and it also is recognized as a powerful demonstration of the high level of cooperation between maritime labor and management. More than 100 maritime industry representatives, typically working in small groups of four or five people, conducted in excess of 100 meetings throughout the day. Roughly a third of those gatherings involved senators and congressional representatives, while the rest were with staff. The small groups included representatives from all segments of the industry. Representing the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. In past years, the Sail-In was scheduled to loosely coincide with National Maritime Day ceremonies in May. This year’s Sail-In was bumped up in part because of the turnover in Congress, where there are 58 new House members and 13 new Senators following last year’s elections. The primary issues addressed during the Sail-In meetings this year were: n The Jones Act, which requires that waterborne cargo moving between domestic ports is carried on vessels that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. n Funding for the Maritime Security Program, which comprises the 60-ship fleet of privately owned, militarily useful U.S.-flagged commercial vessels used to provide the U.S. Department of Defense with sealift capability. The program’s related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, abbreviated as VISA, also gives our military access to the private shipping companies’ global intermodal and logistics systems, which in conjunction with reliable U.S. mariners help support American troops and protect America’s security interests overseas. n Reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which helps finance the export of American goods and services from companies throughout the United States. The authorization for the Export-Import Bank expires in June. n U.S. flag cargo preference shipping requirements, which help to ensure the continued availability of the privately owned, U.S.flag commercial fleet along with its associated American maritime manpower. These requirements mean that a percentage of U.S. government-impelled cargoes must be transported on privately owned, U.S.-flagged commercial vessels available at fair and reasonable rates. All indications are that the Sail-In was a success, both in terms of reinforcing support from longtime industry backers and in making solid introductions with new members and their staffs. Pictured in the photo at left (from left)) are MM&P President Don Marcus, Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia), Darrell Connor of K&L Gates, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and APL President/ CEO Eric Mensing. In the photo directly below are American Maritime Officers Service President/ Chairman Tony Naccarato, Brenda Otterson of AMO, Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio), SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram and Pacific-Gulf Marine President Todd Johnson American Waterways Operators VP Craig Montesano, AMO member Capt. Robert Lansden, Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), Denise Krepp, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Rick Hegg American Waterways Operators VP Craig Montesano, AMO member Capt. Robert Lansden, Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), Denise Krepp, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Rick Hegg APL President/CEO Eric Mensing, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Kelsey Keegan of Sen. Kelly Ayotte’s (R-New Hampshire) staff, MM&P President Don Marcus, Darrell Connor of K&L Gates SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier GM Charles Diorio, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Montana), Navy League VP Sara Fuentes, Transportation Institute Chairman Jim Henry, Hapag Lloyd VP Jared Henry SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, American Maritime Officers Service President/Chairman Tony Naccarato, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Georgia), Brenda Otterson of AMO, Pacific-Gulf Marine President Todd Johnson Rep. Evan Jenkins (RWest Virginia) (standing) talks to members of a Sail-In group that includes SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (rear, fourth from right) and Transportation Institute Chairman Jim Henry (left). Pacific-Gulf Marine President Todd Johnson, American Maritime Officers Service President/Chairman Tony Naccarato, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Illinois), Brenda Otterson of AMO, SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram Transportation Institute Chairman Jim Henry, Navy League VP Sara Fuentes, Rep. Steve Palazzo (R-Mississippi), Hapag Lloyd VP Jared Henry, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone 12 Seafarers LOG 26504_MAY2K15LOG.indd 12-13 Dave DeBoer of American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier, Legislative Assistant Michael Sinacore of Rep. Bruce Poliquin’s (R-Maine) office, Hapag Lloyd USA CFO Craig Thaxton, MEBA Exec. VP Adam Vokac, SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Hampton Cokeley of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-West Virginia) staff, AMO National VP Mike Murphy, Crowley Senior VP Mike Reports, MTD Exec. SecretaryTreasurer Daniel Duncan SIU VP Great Lakes/Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley, Military Legislative Assistant Sam Fletcher of Rep. Jackie Walorski’s (R-Indiana) office, Jim Sartucci of K&L Gates. Hapag Lloyd USA CFO Craig Thaxton, Dave DeBoer of American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier, SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-New Jersey), MEBA Exec. VP Adam Vokac Dave DeBoer of American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier, SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, MEBA Exec. VP Adam Vokac, Hapag Lloyd USA CFO Craig Thaxton, Legislative Assistant Michael Horder of Rep. Michael Conaway’s (R-Texas) office May 2015 May 2015 Pacific-Gulf Marine President Todd Johnson, SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, Brenda Otterson of AMO, Legislative Director Jonathan Blyth of Rep. Kay Granger’s (R-Texas) office, American Maritime Officers Service President/Chairman Tony Naccarato Seafarers LOG 13 4/24/15 9:45 AM �5/15 14 Seafarers LOG May 2015 �May & June 2015 Membership Meetings Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March 16, 2015 - April 15, 2015 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 15 7 2 38 13 2 2 21 10 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 6 3 0 3 2 2 0 7 3 1 15 10 6 7 7 2 5 28 18 5 2 5 0 0 2 0 0 4 4 0 12 3 0 10 1 0 3 13 4 0 9 7 3 7 3 0 3 17 17 3 47 13 4 40 7 0 15 99 26 7 35 19 3 28 11 0 12 84 38 3 48 18 1 36 12 1 16 69 23 1 6 6 0 10 6 0 0 6 2 0 10 4 0 7 2 0 3 17 6 1 21 23 2 10 10 2 3 28 34 1 22 6 0 12 1 0 3 33 12 0 7 5 1 5 3 0 5 9 4 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 8 2 1 5 1 0 1 12 8 1 25 13 2 24 12 1 8 56 26 6 2 2 0 3 3 0 1 4 4 0 28 16 0 20 10 0 7 55 36 4 320 163 25 266 108 10 87 566 276 40 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 4 1 2 12 6 2 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 8 0 9 4 1 3 4 0 0 18 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 2 0 1 2 0 2 2 5 0 5 2 0 10 2 0 2 22 6 1 16 9 1 10 3 0 7 32 14 1 22 17 0 14 12 0 8 39 23 3 15 15 2 8 11 0 7 33 15 4 0 3 0 6 3 0 0 2 4 1 4 3 1 3 0 0 1 8 6 1 16 13 0 10 5 0 2 22 23 0 13 6 2 6 5 0 4 22 9 2 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 1 3 0 2 1 0 0 4 6 1 10 3 0 14 3 1 3 20 4 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 13 7 1 10 7 0 4 30 14 1 138 97 10 112 67 3 40 270 158 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 0 1 0 4 3 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 7 3 0 2 0 0 1 6 3 0 10 3 1 9 1 0 1 13 3 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 0 7 2 0 1 1 1 0 10 3 0 14 2 0 6 4 0 5 24 9 0 20 2 1 17 2 0 8 36 5 2 20 8 3 13 6 1 7 27 14 3 10 4 0 19 2 1 4 20 4 2 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 2 0 3 2 1 3 0 0 0 6 3 1 14 13 4 9 4 2 6 27 21 4 15 5 1 12 3 2 9 29 6 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 5 2 0 4 1 0 1 4 1 1 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 3 8 0 11 2 0 9 1 0 2 21 4 3 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 1 0 22 6 4 21 3 0 7 41 6 5 168 60 16 132 38 9 54 285 94 25 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 4 7 8 7 18 1 0 4 15 16 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 4 3 0 3 0 0 1 6 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 4 0 5 5 0 1 3 1 1 12 12 4 18 2 5 11 3 1 6 26 5 2 9 9 2 6 2 0 3 20 14 5 15 1 2 18 0 3 7 29 8 0 5 1 0 7 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 4 3 1 25 15 0 12 4 1 3 41 33 4 10 7 1 10 2 2 3 15 6 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 10 8 1 9 3 2 6 11 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 8 9 3 12 2 5 9 29 23 30 128 76 25 115 22 16 45 215 142 GRAND TOTAL: 656 448 127 535 328 44 197 1,166 743 224 Piney Point.......................................Monday: May 4, June 8 Algonac...............................................Friday: May 8, June 12 Baltimore........................................Thursday: May 7, June 11 Guam..........................................Thursday: May 21, June 25 Honolulu.........................................Friday: May 15, June 19 Houston...........................................Monday: May 11, June 15 Jacksonville....................................Thursday: May 7, June 11 Joliet...........................................Thursday: May 14, June 18 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: May 13, June 17 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 12, June 16 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 5, June 9 Norfolk...........................................Thursday: May 7, June 11 Oakland......................................Thursday: May 14, June 18 Philadelphia.............................Wednesday: May 6, June 10 Port Everglades............................Thursday: May 14, June 18 San Juan.........................................Thursday: May 7, June 11 St. Louis......................................Friday: May 15, June 19 Tacoma............................................Friday: May 22, June 26 Wilmington..............................................Monday: May 18, June 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. May 2015 Total Shipped All Groups Trip A B C Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1730 Jefferson St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 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 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was posed to Seafarers attending courses at the Paul Hall Center. Question: What do you like most about being a merchant mariner? Steve Haver Third Engineer There are a number of things I enjoy about being a merchant mariner. First there’s the travel; you get to go to a lot of interesting places and experience different cultures. Then there’s the pay and benefits which are both excellent. Finally, you get to learn a great deal about different vessels while at the same time meeting and working with your brothers and sisters. I’ve been sailing for 12 years and am home-ported in Algonac, Michigan. Fakhruddin Malahi Chief Steward I love being a Seafarer because it’s a great living. You get to travel the world and see different places almost every day. Being a Seafarer is in my family background. My uncles shipped back in the 60s and got me involved. I sail out of Oakland, California, and now have been sailing for 20 years. During this time, I never thought about having or looking for another job. The SIU has been a great union and shipping has been awesome. Frank Sambula QMED What I like the most is the opportunity to advance and improve your quality of life. The sky is the limit. That’s the short version. I have a passion for electricity, so to do a job and get paid for something you love to do is priceless. Avis Hawkins Chief Steward I sail out of the port of Norfolk, Virginia, and have been going to sea since 1997. Being a Seafarer enables me to see the world, meet different people and experience many different cultures. Being at sea gives me peace of mind because it takes me away from the rat race of being ashore. I don’t have to worry about having to be someplace at a particular time, putting up with traffic jams or answering phone calls. When you are at sea, you still have to deal with a lot of people, but you learn a great deal about yourself in the process – especially how to become a better person. Enrique Velez QMED The first thing that comes to mind is the freedom that I have. Finally being financially secure and being able to have a better future, being able to provide for my family. It’s definitely a weight lifted off of my shoulders. Archie Eldridge QMED I can do four months on and two months off, so I have time at home with my family. I stick with this career because it’s helped me to do better in life. You can continue your education and move up from the ground floor – from wiper to the position I have now, electrician. Pic From The Past JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Former Seafarer H. Duke Reistein (fourth from right) submitted this 1944 photo with a note that reads in part: “The name of the ship was SS Oliver Wolcott – it was a Liberty ship heading for India loaded with 2-ton bombs in the holds and tanks on the deck. I was one of the Navy gunners on the ship. We loaded the bombs in California, and then went to Virginia to catch the convoy. I won’t go through the whole story, but we were very lucky. We reached India…. I joined the SIU around 1950, sailed about five years and enjoyed it very much. I’ve been on the beach ever since.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2015 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ALAN BARNETT Brother Alan Barnett, 65, joined the SIU in 1973. His first trip was aboard the Steel Advocate. Brother Barnett upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Barnett last worked on the Cape Wrath. He calls Baltimore home. CARLOS BONILLA-RODRIGUEZ Brother Carlos Bonilla-Rodriguez, 67, became a union member in 1968. He initially worked with Texas City Refining Inc. Brother BonillaRodriguez attended classes in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Bonilla-Rodriguez’s most recent voyage was on the Overseas Los Angeles. He makes his home in Ponce, Puerto Rico. WALTER CAGLE Brother Walter Cagle, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1997 in the port of Jacksonville, Florida. He originally sailed aboard the USNS Kane. The deck department member’s most recent trip was on the Westward Venture. He was born in Paris and now resides in Kingman, Arizona. KENNETH COUTURE Brother Kenneth Couture, 59, started sailing with the union in 1974. His first trip was in the Great Lakes division aboard the Consumers Power. Brother Couture attended classes frequently at the union-affiliated school in Maryland. The engine department member’s most recent vessel was the Green Cove. Brother Couture makes his home in Kyle, Texas. RICHARD FLEMING Brother Richard Fleming, 65, became an SIU member in 1978 in Seattle. He initially worked aboard the Newark. Brother Fleming sailed in all three departments and most recently shipped on the Independence. Brother Fleming lives in Bow, Washington. THOMAS GALKA Brother Thomas Galka, 65, May 2015 joined the SIU ranks in 1971. He initially sailed on the Brooklyn. Brother Galka attended classes on three occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent ship was the Ambassador. Brother Galka sailed in the engine department. He calls Philadelphia home. ABDUL GHARAMA Brother Abdul Gharama, 65, started shipping with the SIU in 1977. He originally worked aboard the Allegiance. Brother Gharama was born in Yemen and shipped in all three departments. He upgraded in 1984 and 1995 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Gharama last sailed on the Maersk Wisconsin. He settled in Hoboken, New Jersey. MELVIN GRAYSON Brother Melvin Grayson, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1990. A native of Washington, D.C., he upgraded numerous times at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Grayson’s first ship was the Paul Buck; his most recent, the Courage. He sailed in the engine department and is a resident of Baltimore. LLOYD HALL Brother Lloyd Hall, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1999 in the port of Norfolk, Virginia. His first trip was on the USNS Prevail as a member of the steward department. On three occasions, Brother Hall took advantage of educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He most recently sailed aboard the USNS Able. Brother Hall settled in Chesapeake, Virginia. GLENN JOHNSON Brother Glenn Johnson, 65, joined the union in 1968. The deck department member’s first ship was the Elizabeth. Brother Johnson upgraded in 2002 at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He last worked on the Edward A. Carter. Brother Johnson calls Evergreen, Alabama, home. ARNOLD LOPEZ Brother Arnold Lopez, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1971 in the port of New York. He was originally employed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. Brother Lopez shipped in the deck department. His most recent ship was the Gem Stone. Brother Lopez is a resident of Oakland, California. GERALD LUNT Brother Gerald Lunt, 65, signed on with the union in 1980. His first ship was the Santa Maria; his most recent was the Horizon Tiger. In 2001, Brother Lunt took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Lunt was born in Massachusetts and now lives in San Francisco. DIONESIO MOREIRA Brother Dionesio Moreira, 71, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1997. His earliest trip was on the Independence. Brother Moreira sailed in the steward department. A native of Honduras, Brother Moreira enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent voyage was aboard the Liberty Eagle. He is a resident of Houston. FRANCO PIZZUTO Brother Franco Pizzuto, 65, became a union member in 1989. He initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Pizzuto was born in Italy and shipped in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Pizzuto last sailed on the Moku Pahu. He lives in Las Vegas. tended classes in 2013 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. A native of Detroit, Brother Rogers shipped as a member of the medical department and last sailed on the SBX1. He resides in Cantonment, Florida. ARTHUR SAELI Brother Arthur Saeli, 68, began shipping with the SIU in 1967. Brother Saeli originally sailed in the Great Lakes division with Buckeye Steamship Company. He was born in Ohio. Brother Saeli’s most recent vessel was the Philadelphia Express. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 2006 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Saeli now makes his home in Houston. JAMIE SERRANO Brother Jamie Serrano, 67, started his seafaring career in 2003. He initially worked on the Cleveland. Brother Serrano is a native of Manila, Philippines. The steward department member upgraded in 2005 and 2010 at the Piney Point school. Brother Serrano’s final trip was aboard the Comet. He has retired to Hoquiam, Washington. MOSES SHAIBI Brother Moses Shaibi, 61, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He was first employed with CSX Lines as a member of the deck department. Brother Shaibi attended classes in 2001 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He last shipped on the Cape Island. Brother Shaibi is a resident of Tacoma, Washington. JOHN REID MICHAEL SILVA SAMPAIO Brother John Reid, 61, started sailing with the SIU in 1979. His first trip was on the El Paso Howard Boyd. A member of the steward department, Brother Reid enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Memphis. Brother Reid settled in Norfolk, Virginia. Brother Michael Silva Sampaio, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1988. His first voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Silva Sampaio was born in Honolulu and sailed in the deck department. In 1992, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Silva Sampaio’s most recent ship was the Cape Bon. He resides in Ceres, California. NORMAN ROGERS Brother Norman Rogers, 67, became a union member in 1996. His earliest ship was aboard the Little Hales. Brother Rogers at- CONRAD TAYLOR Brother Conrad Taylor, 65, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1967. He originally sailed on the Longview Victory. Brother Taylor shipped in both the engine & steward departments during his career. He enhanced his skills in 1981 at the Piney Point school. Brother Taylor last worked aboard the OMI Platte. He lives in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. CURTIS WILLIAMS Brother Curtis Williams, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1990. He initially worked on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. Brother Williams sailed in the deck department. He upgraded in 2001 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Williams’ most recent ship was the Energy Enterprise. He calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. INLAND RONALD AINSLEY Brother Ronald Ainsley, 74, became a union member in 1962 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was first employed with Allied Transportation Company, and sailed in the deck department. Brother Ainsley last worked with Moran Towing of Virginia. He makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. JAMES ANDERSON Brother James Anderson, 65, first donned the SIU colors in 1969. He originally shipped with Inland Tugs as a member of the deck department. Brother Anderson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. His final vessel was operated by Seabulk Tankers Inc. Brother Anderson lives in Groves, Texas. GREGORY GREENE Brother Gregory Greene, 60, signed on with the union in 1990. He first worked with Red Circle Transport Company. Brother Greene was born in Mobile, Alabama. The deck department member’s most recent vessel was operated by Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Greene calls Eight Mile, Alabama, home. GREAT LAKES PAUL KIEFER Brother Paul Kiefer, 65, began his seafaring career in 2006. He initially sailed aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Kiefer worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Laud. He makes his home in Omro, Wisconsin. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA OMAR ASWAD Brother Omar Aswad, 32, died October 31. He originally shipped on the Pride of America in 2007. Brother Aswad was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. A member of the deck department, he last sailed aboard the Seabulk Challenge. Brother Aswad made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. JOEL CROW Pensioner Joel Crow, 70, passed away October 12. He started sailing with the union in 1972. Brother Crow’s first ship was the President Johnson; his last was the Horizon Anchorage. He worked in steward department. Brother Crow went on pension in 2007 and called Tacoma, Washington, home. ROBERT GOODRUM Pensioner Robert Goodrum, 83, died October 22. Brother Goodrum became an SIU member in 1953. He initially shipped on the Alcoa Roamer. Brother Goodrum was an engine department member. His last voyage was aboard the Paul Buck. Brother Goodrum retired in 1993 and resided in Abbeville, Alabama. TRACY HANSON Brother Tracy Hanson, 60, passed away September 9. He joined the SIU in 2005 in Seattle. Brother Hanson first shipped on the Richard G. Matthiesen. The Oregon native was an engine department member. Brother Hanson’s final ship was the Horizon Consumer. He continued to live in Oregon. BERTRAM HICKMAN Pensioner Bertram Hickman, 68, died October 28. Brother Hickman started shipping with the Seafarers in 1990. His first vessel was the Independence. Brother Hickman last sailed aboard the Maersk Peary. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Hickman became a pensioner in 2013 and was a resident of Perkasie, Pennsylvania. RONALD ZUREK Pensioner Ronald Zurek, 70, passed away October 29. Brother Zurek began sailing with the SIU in 1969. He initially shipped in the 18 Seafarers LOG Great Lakes division on an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Zurek sailed in the deck department. His final voyage was on the El Yunque. Brother Zurek went on pension in 2014 and called Hallandale Beach, Florida, home. INLAND HAROLD CHAMPAGNE Pensioner Harold Champagne, 82, died September 18. He donned the SIU colors in 1962. Brother Champagne mainly shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He was an engine department member. Brother Champagne became a pensioner in 1996 and made his home in Winnie, Texas. CHESTER CIESIELSKI Pensioner Chester Ciesielski, 93, passed away October 16. He first donned the SIU colors in 1962. Brother Ciesielski was employed with Charles H. Harper & Associates for the duration of his career. The Maryland native sailed in the engine department. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1982 and lived in Abingdon, Maryland. RAYMOND COLLINS Pensioner Raymond Collins, 86, died September 28. He signed on with the union in 1961. Brother Collins sailed in the deck department of vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transportation Company. He retired in 1988 and was a resident of Princess Anne, Maryland. DAVID GREEN Pensioner David Green, 68, passed away September 26. Brother Green joined the SIU in 1969. He was initially employed aboard the OMI Sacramento. Brother Green was born in Austin, Texas, and worked in the deck department. He last shipped with G&H Towing. Brother Green went on pension in 1998. He called Texas City, Texas, home. ROBERT HOPKINS Pensioner Robert Hopkins, 81, died October 20. Brother Hopkins became a union member in 1976. His first trip was with Mariner Towing. Brother Hopkins sailed in the deck department. He most recently worked with OSG Ship Management. Brother Hopkins started receiving his pension in 1997. He settled in his native state, Virginia. JUNE HUGHES Pensioner June Hughes, 80, passed away October 23. She began shipping with the union in 1980. Sister Hughes primarily worked aboard Orgulf Transport Company vessels. She was born in Texas and worked in both the steward and deck departments. Sister Hughes made her home in Alabama. She went on pension in 2001. DONNIE MARTIN Pensioner Donnie Martin, 75, died October 16. Brother Martin joined the SIU in 1962. He was initially employed with Dravo Basic Materials Company. Brother Martin last shipped with Martin Marietta. He retired in 2003 and resided in Mobile, Alabama. DONACIANO SANTIAGO Pensioner Donaciano Santiago, 76, passed away October 29. Brother Santiago started shipping with the SIU in 1961. His first vessel was the Losmar. Brother Santiago worked in both the deck and engine departments. The Puerto Rico native last sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Santiago began receiving his pension in 1991 and lived in Philadelphia. RAYMOND SERGENT Brother Raymond Sergent, 70, died October 22. He signed on with the union in 1966. Brother Sergent first shipped on an Ellis Towing & Transport Company vessel. The Ohio native was a deck department member. Brother Sergent’s final vessel was operated by Higman Barge Lines. He was a resident of Missouri City, Texas. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE CASEY Pensioner Clarence Casey, 77, passed away October 20. He began his union career in 1962. Brother Casey worked with Dunbart & Sullivan for the duration of his career. He was born in Fulton, Kentucky. Brother Casey went on pension in 2000 and settled in Michigan. MARK GILBERT Brother Mark Gilbert, 56, died September 27. Born in Frankfort, Michigan, he joined the union in 2009 in Detroit. Brother Gilbert mainly worked with Luedtke Engineering Company. He was a member of the engine and deck departments. Brother Gilbert resided in Lake Ann, Michigan. JOSEPH VIOLANTI Pensioner Joseph Violanti, 78, passed away September 1. He first donned the SIU colors in 1963. Brother Violanti was employed with American Steamship Company for the duration of his career. The deck department member was a native of Pennsylvania. Brother Violanti lived in Northwood, Ohio. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have also passed away. EULOGIO ABLE Pensioner Eulogio Able, 97, died October 20. Brother Able was born in the Philippines. He became a pensioner in 1966 and called West Babylon, New York, home. CLAUDE BIDDY Pensioner Claude Biddy, 93, passed away October 28. Brother Biddy, a native of the West Indies, began collecting his pension in 1971. He resided in Mobile, Alabama. ROBERT BRITT Pensioner Robert Britt, 90, died October 6. Brother Britt was born in Greene County, North Carolina. He went on pension in 1967. Brother Britt lived in Snow Hill, North Carolina. DEAN CAMPBELL Pensioner Dean Campbell, 76, passed away October 18. Born in Alabama, Brother Campbell retired in 1993. He was a resident of Mobile. CLARK DANIELS Pensioner Clark Daniels, 68, died October 20. He was a Kentucky native and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Daniels settled in Baxter, Kentucky. JOSEPH DANIELS Pensioner Joseph Daniels, 87, passed away September 20. Born in New Orleans, Brother Daniels started receiving his retirement compensation in 1972. He continued to live Louisiana. was born in Woodsboro, Texas. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1973 and made his home in Allen, Texas. VENTURA GONZALEZ Pensioner Ventura Gonzalez, 82, passed away October 12. The Puerto Rico native retired in 1994. Brother Gonzalez called Philadelphia home. RUDOLPH LYONS Pensioner Rudolph Lyons, 91, died October 28. Born in New Jersey, Brother Lyons started receiving his pension in 1987. He lived in Baltimore. CARLYLE MCLAUGHLIN Pensioner Carlyle McLaughlin, 90, passed away September 11. He was born in the Cayman Islands and became a pensioner in 1969. Brother McLaughlin continued to reside in the Cayman Islands. JEROME MILLER Pensioner Jerome Miller, 85, died September 28. Brother Miller, a native of Minnesota, began collecting his retirement pay in 1971. He settled in Columbus, Mississippi. WALTER MORGAN Pensioner Walter Morgan, 92, passed away October 27. Born in Canada, Brother Morgan went on pension in 1969. He lived in Winder, Georgia. MELVIN WILLIAMS Pensioner Melvin Williams, 86, died October 24. Brother Williams was born in Alabama. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1980 and made his home in Mobile, Alabama. ROBERT WILSON Pensioner Robert Wilson, 86, passed away October 6. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Wilson called Little Rock, Arkansas, home. Name Beard, Charles Clark, George Delfish, Alstan Rodriguez, Nelson Age 83 85 101 90 DOD Sept. 1 Sept. 29 Oct. 19 Aug. 25 CHANO DE LUNA Pensioner Chano De Luna, 94, died October 17. Brother De Luna May 2015 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CHARLESTON (USS Transport), February 23 – Chairman Reginald A. Watkins, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Deck Delegate Eddie Major, Engine Delegate Daniel Tapley. Bosun discussed ship’s schedule and thanked crew members for their hard work. He stressed importance of looking out for each other and following proper channels when handling beefs. Educational director encouraged all members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Mariners were advised to keep necessary seafaring documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked President Sacco for a job well done. Suggestions were made regarding pension benefits. Next port: Houston. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. With Seafarers Aboard USNS Red Cloud Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan forwarded these photos of Seafarers aboard the Patriot-operated USNS Red Cloud. The vessel is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet. (Ship photo courtesy U.S. Navy) CORAL (American President Lines), February 22 – Chairman Lauren J. Oram, Secretary Mary Chris Little, Steward Delegate Ricardo Ellis. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary. Secretary asked crew to clean rooms for reliefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested pertaining to payoff procedures. Next port: Savannah, Georgia. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), February 22 – Chairman Lawrence Richardson, Secretary Susan K. Bowman, Educational Director Melvin George, Engine Delegate Kevin Haymer, Steward Delegate Alberto Insong. Chairman announced payoff at sea on February 26. He expressed gratitude for members working well together and reminded them to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Secretary reported new pillows were issued to all crew members. Request was made for new TVs for crew. Educational director urged everyone to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated $173 in ship’s SIU fund. Next port: Los Angeles. JEAN ANNE (TOTE Services), February 24 – Chairman Thomas L. Johnson, Secretary Ingra L. Maddox, Educational Director Matthew Bryant, Deck Delegate Mohamed Saleh, Engine Delegate William Gibson. Chairman discussed upcoming crew change. Members were urged to keep up with changes to requirements for their USCG medical certificate and attend classes at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made regarding vacation benefits. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 22 – Chairman Clarence L. Poore, Secretary James A. Kingsley, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Engine Delegate Arthur Shaw, Steward May 2015 Chief Steward Caezar Mercado Delegate Edward English. Chairman reported a smooth trip and encouraged Seafarers to keep all paperwork up-todate. Educational director advised members to check vacation payments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun went over proper procedures for handling problems aboard vessel. Suggestions were made pertaining to pension and vacation benefits, as well physical exam requirements. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Robert S. Vazquez, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Steward Delegate Nathaniel Simmons. Crew was thanked for working safely and cooperating with riding crews. Educational director reminded mariners to upgrade at their earliest convenience and watch document expiration dates. Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made regarding medical benefits. Request was made for new mattresses. Steward department was thanked for doing a great job during voyage. Maersk Hartford (Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Scott Chief Cook Emmanuel Matias A. Heginbotham, Educational Director David J. James, Deck Delegate Jerzy Marciniak, Engine Delegate Lawrence Todd, Steward Delegate Paula Minton. Bosun reminded crew to clear customs ASAP and gave kudos to chief cook for her efforts. Crew was warned of inclement weather and advised to dress accordingly. Educational director urged members to enhance skills at union-affiliated school and keep documents current. Two thousand dollars reported in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested pertaining to STCW medical requirements. Crew discussed obstacles related to qualifying to sail. Next ports: Newark, New Jersey; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Houston. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), March 6 – Chairman Bill Barrett, Secretary Larry Ewing, Educational Director Dennis Baker. Chairman thanked crew for safe voyage and reminded them to read president’s report in Seafarers LOG. Educational director encouraged all members to check their documents for expiration dates, and also to save money for hard SA Edison Inuman times. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increased pension and medical benefits. Next port: Elizabeth, New Jersey. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), March 1 – Chairman John O’ Shaughnessy, Secretary Glenn Bamman, Educational Director Paul Pagano, Deck Delegate Travis Long, Engine Delegate James Fells, Steward Delegate Husain Salah. Chairman reported good voyage and thanked crew for hard work. Secretary also said it was a good voyage. He reminded crew to leave cabins clean for reliefs. Educational director recommended upgrading in Piney Point and keeping all documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Elizabeth, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; and Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK MEMPHIS (Maersk Line, Limited), March 21 – Chairman Keller Gilyard, Secretary Kenneth Hagan, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Deck Delegate Aristotle Bone, Engine Delegate Charles Toliver, Steward Delegate Mohammad Abdou. Chairman noted his report has SA Emily De Dios Lepley been posted on vessel bulletin board. Secretary reviewed various documentation requirements and encouraged everyone to keep all papers updated. Educational director also mentioned importance of keeping all shipping documents updated, and he reminded crew to get ship’s stamp and captain’s signature on tourof-duty paperwork. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Crew thanked all concerned for recent decision to enhance eligibility under Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Crew discussed (in detail) concerns involving house ventilation. They also discussed ideas for increasing pension benefits, and setting up direct deposit for vacation checks. There was lengthy discussion about the length of time it is taking for CHS to arrange and schedule physicals, and to get the results approved and into the union’s computer system. Despite the various concerns, crew reported a smooth and accident-free voyage. Vote of thanks was given to all for safe operations, and a separate vote of thanks went to the steward department for good food including barbecues. Next port: Elizabeth, New Jersey. Seafarers LOG 19 �NMC Posts Updates on Gap-Closing Requirements Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) on March 24 issued the following communication addressing some regulatory changes stemming from the most recent amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers. This information also is available on the NMC website: www.uscg.mil/nmc The regulatory changes that became effective March 24, 2014, require additional training and/or assessments for certain Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) endorsements. These “gap-closing” requirements must be met by mariners who hold STCW endorsements issued under the previous regulatory requirements. Mariners who submit applications without evidence of meeting gap- closing may have their STCW endorsements limited to “Not valid after 31 Dec 2016”. STCW gap-closing requirements do not affect limitation or retention of national endorsements. The National Maritime Center (NMC) will process complete applications submitted ON or BEFORE December 31, 2016, without gap-closing requirements for the STCW endorsement in the following manner: Transaction Type Where MMC Expires On or Before 31 Dec 2016 Where MMC Expires After 31Dec 2016 Renewal Limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016 Limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016 Raise of Grade Modification of limitation/scope Limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016 Those STCW endorsements not already existing on MMC will be limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016. New Endorsement Limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016 Duplicate Limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016 Those STCW endorsements not already existing on MMC will be limited to not valid after 31 Dec 2016. STCW endorsements will be issued with no new date limitation but with new endorsement wording. The NMC will process complete applications submitted AFTER December 31, 2016, without gap-closing requirements for the STCW endorsement in the following manner: Transaction Type Where MMC Expires On or Before 31 Dec 2016 Where MMC Expires After 31Dec 2016 Renewal Endorsement will not be issued. Endorsement will not be issued. Transaction Type Where MMC Expires On or Before 31 Dec 2016 Where MMC Expires After 31Dec 2016 Raise of Grade Modification of limitation/scope Endorsement will not be issued. Endorsement will not be issued. Existing STCW endorsements will be retained with no new date limitation. New Endorsement Endorsement will not be issued. Endorsement will not be issued. Existing STCW endorsements will be retained with no new date limitation. Duplicate Endorsement requiring gapclosing will not be issued. STCW endorsements will be issued with no new date limitation but with new endorsement wording. The STCW endorsements with gap-closing requirements are listed below. Requirements for these endorsements are contained in 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 11, Subpart C. Leadership and Teamwork Skills can be satisfied through demonstration of competence either onboard ship or in approved training. Management Level (Master, Chief Mate - II/2, II/3) n Leadership and Managerial Skills n ECDIS (To be valid on vessels equipped with ECDIS) Management Level (Chief Engineer, Second Engineer Officer - III/2, III/3) n Engine Resource Management (ERM) if not completed at the operational level n Leadership and Managerial Skills n Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment Operational Level (OICNW - II/1, II/3) n Leadership and Teamwork Skills n ECDIS (To be valid on vessels equipped with ECDIS) Operational Level (OICEW - III/1) n ERM n Leadership and Teamwork Skills Mariners who have STCW endorsements removed or date-limited because gap-closing requirements were not completed, may have those STCW endorsements restored or the date removed at any time by submitting a new application with evidence of meeting all gap-closing requirements. Questions may be directed to the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) or IASKNMC@ uscg.mil, or to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (admissions office) at (301) 9940010. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/ NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political pur- 20 Seafarers LOG poses of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights: Union members have equal rights to participate in union activities; freedom of speech and assembly; a voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments; protection of the right to sue; and safeguards against improper discipline. Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to nominate candidates for office; run for office; cast a secret ballot; and protest the conduct of an election. Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/ or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS; and retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years; conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year; mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election; comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material; not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used); permit candidates to have election observers; and allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. (Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov.) SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 May 2015 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and - in times of conflict - national security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Students who have registered for classes, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses ARPA June 13 June 19 August 8 August 14 Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion FOWT August 15 September 11 October 10 November 6 Junior Engineer May 30 July 24 October 17 December 11 Machinist September 26 October 16 Marine Refrigeration Technician May 16 June 26 Pumpman October 17 October 30 Welding June 6 June 26 August 1 August 21 September 19 October 9 October 24 November 13 Safety Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck June 20 July 17 August 15 September 11 October 10 November 6 Advanced Firefighting June 13 June 19 August 22 August 28 November 7 November 13 ECDIS May 30 June 5 July 18 July 24 Fast Rescue Boat May 30 June 5 July 25 July 31 August 15 August 21 Basic Firefighting/STCW May 9 May 15 July 18 July 24 August 15 August 21 September 5 September 11 September 26 October 2 October 31 November 6 Government Vessels #1 June 20 June 26 August 8 August 14 September 12 September 18 October 24 October 30 November 28 December 4 GMDSS May 16 May 29 August 8 August 21 October 24 November 16 Lifeboat May 23 June 5 June 20 July 3 July 18 July 31 August 15 August 28 Radar May 30 June 12 July 25 August 7 RFPNW May 23 June 19 September 12 October 9 Tanker Familiarization DL/LG September 12 September 25 Tanker Familiarization LG July 25 July 31 August 8 August 14 October 3 October 9 December 12 December 18 Tank Pic Barge October 3 October 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses BAPO May 23 June 19 September 12 October 9 FOWT June 20 July 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class #___________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. May 2015 Medical Care Provider June 20 June 26 August 29 September 4 November 14 November 20 Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Ops May 9 June 5 June 6 July 3 July 4 July 31 August 1 August 28 August 29 September 25 Chief Steward May 9 June 19 June 20 July 31 September 12 October 23 Galley Ops May 23 June 19 June 20 July 17 July 18 August 14 August 15 September 11 September 12 October 9 Serve Safe July 4 July 10 September 26 October 2 COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/15 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #796 – Instructor Cliff Evans (left) with, in alphabetical order: Clayton Black, Charlie English III, Michael Flynn, Noah Hughes, Melvin Hunter Jr., Mark Menton, Cameron Peake, Russell Pilchard IV, Josh Saldana, Marquisha Simmons, Marijan Strk, Jesus Velez Colon, and Joshua Welcome. Welding – Instructor Chris Raley (far right) with, in alphabetical order: James Cronk III, Matthew Dalgetty, Aaron Ellis, Jeremy Jendrusiak, Unis Abdullah Malahi, Steven Miller, Fatim Naser Kasim Rashed and Richard Striverson. GMDSS – Instructor Brad Wheeler (right) with, in alphabetical order: Seth Davis, Cory Gardner, Kenneth Graybill IV, Kenneth Kuehne, Stephen Morris III, Raymond Olgesby, Morgan Piper, Ernesto Rios Pratt and Joseph Tucker. FOWT – Instructor Tim Achorn (left) with, in alphabetical order: Nasser Saleh Ahmed, Mahdi Fedhel Mahdi Ali, Zachary Blake, Daniel Boye, Mark Cabasag II, Rodney Carr, Buzz Engelke, Jarret Ford, Matthew Gilliland, Frank Harris III, Terrance Jackson, David Myrick and Eric Waters. FOWT – Instructor Tim Achorn (left) with, in alphabetical order: Liam Daly, Brandon Mackie, Joseph Parsons, John Peterson and Cameron Siele. Junior Engineer – Instructor Jay Henderson (left) with, in alphabetical order: Eric Arnoldi, Landon Clemons, James Cronk III, Matthew Dalgetty, Aaron Ellis, Hector Jose Ginel, Jason Horn, Jeremy Jendrusiak, Jahmal Jones, Unis Abdullah Malahi, Jesus Manuel Martinez, Steven Miller, Fatim Naser Kasim Rashed, Danielle Smith, Lamont Stewart II and Samir Khalil Tarsha. UA to AS (Deck) – In alphabetical order: Smymo Desir, Nicole Donald, Kenneth Hardy Jr., Steven Horta Jr., Samuel Angeles Javier, Tristian Johnson, Mark Jones Jr., David Lane III, Robert Mack, Fredrick Murray, J. Michael Nardella, Jakeem Simmons, Christoher Torres, Sergio Valentin and Brock Wilbur. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2015 �Paul Hall Center Classes BST (Great Lakes) – Instructor Wayne Johnson Jr., (right) with, in alphabetical order: Eric Arnoldi, Richard Cole, Brian DeMeritt, Richardo Frederick, Joseph Hance, Daniel Kane, Mark Kotajarvi, Michael Kruse, Darren Lahaie, Gary Lapczynski, Floyd Larson, Michael Lau, Mark MacRury, Jesus Martinez, Ali Saeed Musa, Charles Richardson, Adeeb Minasar Saleh, Saleh Mohsin Saleh, Walter Sipper Jr., Amy Shunkwiler, Richard Vigor and Henry Wilmarth. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Firefighting – In alphabetical order: Ragab Mossad Ayed, Laurentis Colbert, Michael Cruz, James Fells, Kevin Haymer, Randy King, Loreto Labajo Jr., Bennie McKnight Jr., Andrzej Marek Mikosz, Helen Mitchell, James Muldowney, Nagi Ali Musaid, Lamar Pinckney, Mohamed Lamin Sheriff and Wilfredo Velez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Instructor Wayne Johnson Jr., (right) with, in alphabetical order: Seth Davis, Oleg Derun, Cory Gardner, Kenneth Graybill IV, Kenneth Kuehne, Stephen Morris III, Raymond Oglesby, Morgan Piper and Joseph Tucker. Tankship Familiarization (Phase Three, Engine Department) – In alphabetical order: Ryan Aaron, Travis Abbott, James Bleckley III, Bailey Chandler, Joshua Claffey, Jeremiah Cobb, Michael Cox, Michael Cross, Radar Observer – In alphabetical order: Cory Gardner, Kenneth Gray- Joseph Dickinson, Zackary Felton, Alexander Fisher, Jonathon Foulks, Allen Haynes, Anthony Henry, Trent bill IV, Kenneth Kuehne, Stephen Morris III, Raymond Oglesby, Morgan Jacobsen, Patrick Montgomery, Charles Packer, Ryan Ramos, James Rushin, Mitchell Rylander, Ethan Schoenbucher, Philip Sharp, William Sharp and Hermano Sillon. Piper and Joseph Tucker. Tankship Familiarization (Phase Three, Deck Department) – In alphabetical order: Ahmed Mosad Al-Arashi, John Consiglio, Wesley Head, Joseph Herman Jr., Caliph Johnson II, Waddah Ali Kaid, Kyle Knickerbocker, Miles Mitchell, Stevie Palmer, William Pappas, Christian Reyes Herencia, Mohamed Ali Saleh, John Schmidt, Jake Tierney, Brandon Urich and Pomaikai Velasquez. Chief Steward – In alphabetical order: Mayra Gines, Avis Hawkins, Michael Ingram, Fakhruddin Abdullah Malahi, Clifton Medley III, Moses Scott IV and Gerald Toledo. May 2015 Tankship Familiarization (Phase Three, Steward Department) – In alphabetical order: Ryan Agosto Collazo, Alejandro Cintron Perez, Kacey Hare, Unta Mattox, Rommel Reston, and Assiel Elias Roedan Santana. Advanced Galley Ops – Arthur Peoples (left) and Obadi Sam Yehia Kassem. Certified Chief Cook - Joel Ababa (left) and Randall Campbell. Seafarers LOG 23 . �MAY F E B R2015 UARY 2014 V O LVOLUME U M E 7 677o NO. N O5 . 2 More From World War II Mariner Ed Woods Page 10 SIU Mariners Assist Military Training Operations Fourth Arm of Defense Participates In Multinational Maritime Exercises SIU members aboard four different vessels recently honed their respective skills in three separate military support operations: Exercise Obangame Express, Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 and Exercise Foal Eagle. The international drills included Seafarers from the USNS Pililaau (operated by AMSEA) and USNS Obregon (Keystone) as well as SIU Government Services Division members aboard the USNS Spearhead and USNS Salvor. The Spearhead sailed during Obangame Express, while the Pililaau mobilized for Cobra Gold. The Obregon and Salvor participated in Foal Eagle. During these missions, Seafarers worked side-by-side with U.S. service members and foreign defense personnel as part of a larger objective to encourage cooperation and communication between nations. According to the U.S. Navy, Exercise Obangame Express organizes a dozen countries around the Gulf of Guinea, as well as European and South American partners, to practice anti-piracy, anti-trafficking and anti-illicit fishing scenarios that the Gulf countries regularly face. Now in its fifth year, Obangame, which means togetherness in the language of the Fang people of southern Cameroon, serves as an example of international maritime cooperation. Participating nations in Obangame Express 2015 include Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Spain, Togo, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States. The SIU-crewed joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead served as a training platform for the embarked detachment of U.S. Navy sailors, American, British and Spanish Marines, as well as Cameroonian military personnel. While on board the SIU vessel, the Cameroonian military performed four maritime interdiction boarding exercises. During those drills, training ob- jectives included takedowns in the bridge and engineering spaces, the recovery of a fictional illegal-weapons cache, and the professional handling of non-compliant role players. According to Captain James Regan, USNS Spearhead’s master, “The USNS Spearhead was a proud participant in Obangame Express 2015. Through its role as a training platform in the Gulf of Guinea, Spearhead helped improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of all partner nations involved.” U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Petrasanta, Obangame’s leader and planner, said he’s seen the exercise grow significantly since he came to 6th Fleet in 2012. “When I took over three years ago, it was a very basic tactical exercise — just a few countries in a centralized location,” he stated. This year, 24 countries participated in the exercises. While in the Gulf of Guinea, the Spearhead made a delivery of wheelchairs that were donated to Ghanaian charities as part of the U.S. Navy’s Project Handclasp program. This mission accepts humanitarian, educational and goodwill donations that have been contributed by the American private sector, and transports them to foreign nations on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy vessels. In total, the Spearhead delivered 168 wheelchairs, which will be delivered to the people of Ghana through non-governmental organizations. Cobra Gold Cobra Gold is a U.S.-Thai co-sponsored multinational and joint theater security cooperation exercise, conducted annually in the Kingdom of Thailand, with 24 nations participating. This year marked the 34th iteration of this exercise. The USNS Pililaau was a critical component to the various drills and exercises conducted within Exercise Cobra Gold. Mariners aboard the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR) received the order to activate and support Cobra Gold 15 on Jan. 24. Seven days later, they had Helicopters are positioned aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Obregon for use in the international joint exercise Foal Eagle, at the port of Busan, South Korea. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher R. Baker) The SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau transports equipment to support Cobra Gold. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch) left their home port in Saipan and arrived in Guam, where they fully stocked the ship with provisions and were standing ready for the Marines coming aboard. On the morning of Feb. 8, the first amphibious assault vehicle left the lower deck of the ship and was staged on the pier in Laem Chebang, Thailand – nearly 3,000 miles from where they started. For their fast, efficient response, the entire crew received a personal message of thanks from Capt. Paul Harvey, Commodore, Military Sealift Command Far East. Commodore Harvey said, “I wanted to express my absolute appreciation for your short-notice, yet flawless, execution of Exercise Cobra Gold. Your ship was called upon at the last minute for this mission and you adapted and performed marvelously. Your superb management of cargo operations was unsurpassed and I am especially grateful for your time and dedication to host and provide valuable shipboard cargo training to a number of U.S. Marines. Your efforts directly and significantly contributed to the overall success of the exercise. You are true professionals who perfectly demonstrate the motto of MSC: We Deliver. Bravo Zulu on a job exceptionally well done.” The master of the Pililaau, Captain Don Pigott, echoed these sentiments, and specifically mentioned two crew members in his message. Captain Pigott said, “Bosun Andrew Barrows and Chief Steward Dennis Redding did an excellent job in support of the exercise, as did all the SIU seafarers onboard.” Foal Eagle Exercise Foal Eagle is actually a group of annual drills; the naval portion takes place in international waters around South Korea and includes many different maritime components. More than 75,000 U.S. troops and other personnel participated in a variety of drills and simulated beach landings, alongside more than 200,000 Republic of Korea (ROK) armed forces members. SIU members from the combination RO/RO-containership Obregon, a prepositioning ship, delivered critical supplies and support during Operation Foal Eagle, including helicopters for use in the exercises. Additionally, the USNS Salvor carried out a series of advanced combined salvage operations, both at sea and in port. Nigerian and Cameroonian forces prepare to board the Seafarers-crewed Military Sealift Command joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead during Exercise Obangame Express. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Davies) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2015 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES GENERAL DYNAMICS NASSCO STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON JONES ACT TANKER FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES 2014 RECORDS SIU PARTICIPATES IN HISTORIC CHRISTENING USTRANSCOM COMMANDER BACKS MARINERS, JONES ACT SEAFARERS SHOWCASES SUPERB TRAINING, GRIT DURING MASSIVE AT-SEA REFURBISHMENT PROJECT SIU OF CANADA CONTINUES PUSH TO PRESERVE JOBS U.S. REPRESENTATIVE GARAMENDI SUPPORTS AMERICA’S SHIPBUILDERS USNS COMFORT ON GLOBAL MISSION OF ASSISTANCE MARITIME GROUPS ADVOCATE HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS HORIZON PACIFIC CREW HONORS BROTHER TIDWELL WITH BURIAL AT SEA ‘SAIL-IN’ CARRIES CRUCIAL MESSAGE TO CAPITOL HILL SIU STRONGLY PROMOTES U.S. MERCHANT MARINE DURING ANNUAL OUTREACH SIU MARINERS ASSIST MILITARY TRAINING OPERATIONS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2015 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 77, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/614a30aee5470cf2cc49787a8e90f52b.pdf bdb14178c4708c09efe0d0040755203a PDF Text Text MAY F E B2016 RUARY 2014 V O L U M E VOLUME 7 6 o N78ONO. . 25 New Tanker, RO/RO Signal More Jobs The SIU-crewed fleet got a boost with the mid-April delivery of the new Crowley tanker Louisiana (top photo) as well as the late-March reflagging of the car carrier Aida (right). The latter vessel is being operated by Tote Services, Inc. for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier and is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet. The Louisiana will sail in the Jones Act trade. Page 3. SIU Crews Support Multinational Exercise Dental Benefits Improve Page 2 Seafarers-crewed ships including the USNS Montford Point (foreground) and USNS Stockham (alongside) recently participated in a biennial exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army. Page 24. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madailein Abbott) Pre-Balloting Report Page 6 Stewards Graduate Page 7 �SHBP Announces Boost to Dental Benefits President’s Report Seafarers See Crucial Need for Political Action One of my favorite parts of this job is getting to spend time with Seafarers at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. If I’m not travelling, I make it a point to chat with rank-and-file members there practically every day. Even in an informal setting like the Paul Hall Center’s cafeteria or lobby, it’s good to have opportunities to discuss the latest news about our union and our industry. (Depending on the time of year, we’ve been known to talk about football every once in a while, too.) In the same way I enjoy those interactions, it’s refreshing to hear the graduation speeches from our recertified stewards and bosuns whenever those classes roll around. It’s invigorating to feel their energy and to share in the insights of Seafarers who’ve seen the inner workings of the union, the school, and the Seafarers Plans. I’m also always interested to hear the advice they give to the trainees. Without exception, Michael Sacco it’s valuable guidance. What really jumped out at me during the April membership meeting, where six members graduated from the recertified steward class, was how adamant they all were about the need for our entire organization to be politically active. I know this is a subject I also bring up a lot, but that’s because our union and, really, our entire industry would be sunk without a strong presence on Capitol Hill. As the stewards emphasized, a big key to our success is SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. If you’re new to the SIU or otherwise somehow haven’t heard about SPAD, the best way I can describe it is, it’s a resource that provides us with a chance to carry our message to the politicians and elected officials who have opportunities to help strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet – and thus sustain and provide new jobs for Seafarers. We have very strong participation in SPAD, and that’s not something I take for granted. But if you’re not already contributing, or you’re on board but may be able to give a little more, please consider doing so. And please take the time to read this month’s article about the newly recertified stewards – their quotes (on many subjects, not just politics) are perceptive and worth checking out. As we first said long ago about SPAD, politics is pork chops. More recently, as one member put it, it takes a four-letter word (SPAD) to be heard. The bottom line is that under the current political system, we have to have a strong fund in order to even get in the door to promote things like the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference laws. I’m not saying it’s all about money, but believe me when I say the requests for campaign contributions never stop. That’s why we won’t stop, either, and why it’s more important than ever to maintain and even build upon the strong rank-and-file participation we’ve enjoyed for many years. This month, the SIU will join with other unions, U.S.-flag operators, military leaders, political allies and other supporters in observing National Maritime Day. First recognized by Congress in 1933, National Maritime Day (May 22) is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of our great country’s civilian mariners. It’s also a time when we take stock of the current state of the American-flag fleet and the U.S. crews who are available to mobilize the vessels in times of crisis. I do not want to overshadow the acknowledgments of our World War II mariners or any other seamen who’ve climbed the gangway when our nation called, but I hope that this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony in Washington, D.C., in particular, addresses the reality that we have reached a critical point with our resources. The new commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command, General Darren McDew, has been very strong in bringing this concern to Congress’ attention and in saying we’ve got to do something about it – not tomorrow or next week or next month, but right now. We in the SIU are taking that challenge very seriously and are working every day to ensure the ongoing viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 78 Number 5 o NO. 2 May 2016 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2016 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. ward the annual $2,000 maximum). Significant improvements are lined up at the Core level, too. As noted in the letter, employees and their dependents covered at this level have been eligible for a maximum of $350 in dental benefits each year. Those benefits were paid according to the SHBP dental schedule, and there also was a lifetime maximum of $1,000 for orthodontia. “Beginning on May 1, the dental benefit is being increased to $1,000 per calendar year for each eligible person at the Core benefit level,” Bowen wrote. “The Plan will pay 100 percent of the first $500 of dental services. After that, if you use an in-network provider, the Plan will pay 60 percent of the network-allowed amount for remaining services, up to the annual maximum of $1,000. If you use an out-of-network provider, the Plan will pay 50 percent of the allowed amount for the remaining services, up to the $1,000 annual maximum. “There is no longer a dental schedule, which means that you can use this benefit for any necessary procedures and you will be reimbursed as indicated above,” she continued. “The lifetime maximum for orthodontia is being increased to $2,000 per person; however, orthodontic services will count toward the annual maximum of $1000.” Additional points covered in the letter include: n The Plan has no dollar limit on preventive dental care for children under age 19. The Plan classifies the following services as preventive: periodic oral examinations, prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), Maggie Bowen Seafarers Plans Administrator topical fluoride treatment, fluoride supplementation and oral health education. Any claims paid for these preventive dental procedures will be deducted from the applicable annual allowable amounts for that particular dependent. n If a participant has already received dental services this year, the amounts that the Plan has paid will count toward his or her 2016 annual maximum for dental benefits. n As with all health benefits, participants will save money by using in-network providers. To locate an in-network provider, visit www.cignadentalsa.com. n Participants should send all dental claims to the Plan directly at the following address: Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, P.O. Box 380, Piney Point, MD 20674 Highlights of Improved Dental Benefits National Maritime Day 2 Seafarers LOG The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) last month announced significant increases in dental benefits for SIU members and their dependents who are covered at the Core-Plus and Core benefit levels. In her report for the April membership meetings and also in a recent participant letter, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen said the improved coverage takes effect May 1. The letter read in part, “Previously, the maximum dental benefit for employees and their dependents at the Core-Plus benefit level was $750 per calendar year, and the Plan had a schedule which specified the amount it would pay for each service. In addition, there was a $1,000 lifetime maximum for orthodontia. “Beginning on May 1, the CorePlus dental benefit is being increased to $2,000 per calendar year for each eligible person,” the letter continued. “The Plan will pay 100 percent of the first $500 of dental services. After that, if you use an in-Network provider, the Plan will pay 60 percent of the network-allowed amount for remaining services, up to the $2,000 annual maximum. If you use an out-of-network provider, the Plan will pay 50 percent of the allowed amount for remaining services, up to the $2,000 annual maximum.” Additionally, there is no longer a dental schedule, which means participants can use this benefit for any necessary procedures and they will be reimbursed as described in the previous paragraph. And, the lifetime maximum for orthodontia is being increased to $4,000 per person (orthodontic services count to- Old Coverage New Coverage Core-Plus $750 annual maximum for employee and dependents $2,000 annual maximum per person Schedule specified amount paid for each service SHBP pays 100 percent of first $500 of dental services Lifetime maximum of $1,000 for orthodontia Lifetime max of $4,000 per person for orthodontia Core $350 annual maximum employee and dependents $1,000 annual maximum per person Schedule specified amount paid for each service SHBP pays 100 percent of first $500 of dental services Lifetime maximum of $1,000 for orthodontia Lifetime max of $2,000 per person for orthodontia TRANSCOM Boss Backs MSP, U.S. Mariners The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) recently reiterated his strong support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Appearing March 15 before the House Armed Services Committee’s Readiness Subcommittee, Gen. Darren McDew made it clear his command depends on civilian mariners and American-flag ships to deliver the goods for our troops. The MSP is an indispensable component of maintaining that capability, he said. During hearing, chaired by U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia), Gen. McDew stated, “The nation is still a maritime nation…. I can deliver an immediate force anywhere on the planet tonight. But to deliver a decisive force it takes a fully-fledged, competent maritime fleet. And that’s what the MSP provides us.” Gen. McDew described the privately operated, U.S.-flag international fleet as “vital to moving military goods and hardware.” Turning to the subject of American crews, the general Gen. Darren McDew Commander, USTRANSCOM stated, “Without mariners we don’t have a capability.” This wasn’t the only time the general spoke up for the U.S. Merchant Marine since he succeeded Gen. Paul Selva at USTRANSCOM. In a widely hailed op-ed earlier this year first published and posted by The VirginianPilot newspaper, McDew wrote in part, “As a country, we have collectively worked to maintain a strong maritime industry that supports our needs. From enacting the Cargo Preference Acts of 1904 and 1954 to the Jones Act of 1920, and from a 1989 National Security Directive to the Maritime Security Act of 1996, we have sought to delay the day when U.S. national security interests could no longer be supported by a U.S. mariner base springing from our commercial sealift industry. “In the 1950s, there were more than 1,000 U.S. ships engaged in international trade,” he continued. “Each of these vessels employed and trained a pool of U.S. mariners we could rely on in a time of war to sail our forces to the fight. Today, there are only 78.” There has been a corresponding decline in the number of American civilian mariners, he pointed out. This puts the nation at risk, the general stated, because “the mariners who move international trade and those who transport wartime cargo come from the same dwindling pool of U.S. mariners. If that U.S. mariner base gets too small, we will have to rely on other countries to deploy our combat power.” May 2016 �Deck department Seafarers are pictured aboard the vessel in late March in New York. Standing in the front row are (from left) Recertified Bosun Robert Vazquez, AB Roberto Maranon and AB Henry Marchant. In the back are STOS Jeromy Furnas (left) and STOS Sterling Kirk. The steward department includes (from left) SA Joseph Hernandez, Chief Cook Elizabeth Byrd and Recertified Steward Jerome Davis. The tanker Louisiana means new jobs for SIU members. Crowley Maritime Takes Car Carrier M/V Aida Joins SIU Fleet Delivery of Third of Four LNG-Ready Product Tankers Pictured at the reflagging ceremony are vessel masters Craig Langford (left) and Jan Erikson. The SIU welcomed a new addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet when the car carrier M/V Aida reflagged under the Stars and Stripes March 30 in New York. The vessel is being operated for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) by Tote Services, Inc. Previously sailing under the flag of Sweden, the Aida was built in 2005 and delivered in 2006. It is 653 feet long and has a beam of 106 feet. In announcing the reflagging, ARC noted that the Aida is replacing the M/V Courage in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and also is enrolling in the related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). The Aida will be renamed at a later date. According to the company, “The vessel will be among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked vehicles, helicopters, trucks and other military and high and heavy project cargoes.” Enacted in 1996 and later renewed on two different occasions, the MSP provides for a fleet of militarily useful, U.S.-flag commercial vessels – crewed by U.S. citizens – that are readily available to the Defense Department during times of crisis or contingencies. The original MSP called for a fleet of up to 47 ships; the current program includes 60 vessels. As noted by the Transportation Institute, a trade association of American-flag vessel operators, “The program demonstrates the United States’ continued recognition of the vital role the U.S. maritime industry assumes in our nation’s national defense infrastructure. During times of peace, these vessels ply our deep-sea international trades, generating jobs for U.S. citizens while generating income for maritime carriers and tax revenue for the government. When called upon by the government, participating vessel operators are required to make their ships and other commercial transportation resources available to the Department of Defense.” One reason the program has enjoyed strong bipartisan support as well as consistently outspoken backing from top military leaders is that it provides the nation with an indispensable security asset at a tiny fraction of what it would cost to replicate. Studies and congressional testimonies have estimated the Defense Department would need more than $10 million in capital costs and $1 billion in annual operating expenses to duplicate what the MSP provides. Similarly, the VISA provides the government with access to participating companies’ global infrastructure in times of need. Crowley Maritime Corp., an SIU-contracted operator, recently took delivery of the Louisiana, the third of four new, Jones Act product tankers being built for the company by Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI), a union facility. The mid-April delivery signaled new jobs for Seafarers and also marked another highlight for Crowley’s petroleum services group as its tankers are at the forefront of the industry for their potential future conversion to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion. The Louisiana, which is 50,000 dead-weight-tons (dwt) and capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of product, is scheduled to be christened in New Orleans on May 5. Crowley’s fourth product tanker in this order is under construction at PSI, and delivery is planned for the third quarter 2016. All four tankers will sail in the Jones Act trade, crewed by SIU mariners. The Louisiana joins sister ships Ohio and Texas, which were received by Crowley in 2015 as the first-ever tankers to receive the American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) LNG-Ready Level 1 approval. The approval allows Crowley to convert the tankers to LNG propulsion in the future. “This is a great milestone for the SIU and for Crowley,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s also a reminder of how the Jones Act enhances America’s national, economic and homeland security.” “The Louisiana’s delivery continues to enhance the services we are able to provide to our petroleum customers,” said Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services. “We celebrate new tonnage and the advanced technology, but most important to us and to our customers are the highly trained men and women of Crowley who are committed to transporting their fuel in the safest, most reliable way possible. “Milestones like today show we can deliver solutions that reinforce the value of the Jones Act vessels and American-built and Americancrewed trade,” Grune added. The new tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features and flexible cargo capability while meeting the latest regulatory requirements. Each vessel in the class is 600 feet long and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products, as well as various chemical cargoes. “We are proud to deliver another Philly-born tanker, the shipyard’s fifth tanker for Crowley and 23rd vessel in total,” remarked Philly Shipyard’s President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. “On behalf of the men and women who built her, we are honored knowing that the Louisiana will be another safe and quality addition to Crowley’s fleet that will serve its mariners and our nation’s waterways for decades to follow.” Institute: Jones Act Helps Protect America From ‘Terrorist Infiltration’ A new paper by the respected think tank Lexington Institute calls the Jones Act “an important barrier to terrorist infiltration of the homeland.” The lateMarch article was written by Daniel Gouré, Ph.D. One of the pillars of the U.S.-flag maritime industry, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. The nearly centuryold law always has enjoyed strong bipartisan support but also regularly still comes under attack by foreign-flag shipowners and their allies. Known as America’s freight cabotage law, the Jones Act helps maintain nearly 500,000 American jobs while pumping billions of dollars into the economy each year. Gouré wrote in part, “The debate of enhancing U.S. border security has focused almost exclusively on illegal movement of people and drugs into The recently reflagged M/V Aida (above) will replace the M/V Courage in the Maritime Security Program. (Photo Courtesy of Lester Hunt) May 2016 Continued on Page 19 Seafarers LOG 3 �U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski Visits Paul Hall Center U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and friend of the SIU, toured the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on April 4. The senator is pictured with union and school officials at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus, where she also visited with apprentices and upgraders. SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right) greets Sen. Barbara Mikulski at the school. Also pictured are Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (second from left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right). The senator (photo above) checks out one of the school’s new simulators. Prior to the tour (photo at right) SIU President Michael Sacco (foreground, next to Sen. Mikulski) touches on some issues affecting the maritime industry. Among those also pictured are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far right at table) and VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (third from right on back side of table). Maritime Labor Community Mourns Passing Of MM&P President Emeritus Tim Brown Retired Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) President Tim Brown passed away April 10 at the age of 73. The Cleveland native joined the MM&P in 1965. He worked his way up the ladder, becoming a master in 1983 on the SeaLand Consumer. He was elected president of his union in 1991 and served six terms before retiring January 1, 2013. Capt. Tim Brown 4 Seafarers LOG He received the Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) Award in 2002. Capt. Brown was a regular at Seafarers International Union of North America conventions and Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings during his tenure as the head of the MM&P. “Tim worked hard for his members,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “We will miss his leadership and friendship.” Don Marcus, current president of the MM&P, stated, “Tim had a great and generous heart and it was always with our brothers and sisters who were working aboard ship. He preserved the livelihoods, working conditions and benefits for our members, pensioners and their families. He worked with particular dedication to enhance health care benefits for everyone covered under the MM&P Health & Benefit plans. “Tim brought stability and respect to our organization,” Marcus added. “His achievements have laid a foundation of unity and professionalism on which the membership of our union can build going forward. We are so proud of what Tim gave to our brothers and our sisters, proud of what he achieved for the industry.” The union described Brown as “a mentor to younger mariners and a father figure to MM&P and Plan Office staff,” adding that he “never forgot to send greetings and sometimes a gift on holidays and birthdays.” Union Distributes Contributions From Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund to Late Members’ Families As reported at the April membership meetings, monies collected by the Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund are being distributed to families of the vessel’s final crew. The union started the fund last October, within days of the search ending. The fund was closed in early April. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel noted that the fund accumulated more than $364,500, which included $101,000 from the union itself. The SIU’s contribution included $51,000 for a donation and $50,000 to erect a memorial near the union hall in Jacksonville, Florida, which was the home port of many of the crew members. “Based on the pressing financial concerns of most of the families, the fund’s trustees have concluded that the most equitable method of distributing the money is to split the donations evenly among the spouses and the dependent children under the age of 26,” Heindel reported last month, adding that PayPal and bank fees were approximately $1,400. “There are 37 individuals who fall into those categories. Therefore, the individual distributions will be approximately $8,500.” He added, “I extend my personal thanks to everyone who has contributed to the fund. When you divide it by 37 recipients, it may seem like a modest amount of money, but I think in this case the heartfelt display of support is more important than the dollars and cents. And I think it’s a significant accomplishment for the fund to have attracted more than a quarter-million dollars from outside donations. Those donations came from other unions and labor organizations, vessel operators and individuals and other organizations.” In individual letters to the families, Heindel and fund co-chairman Tony Naccarato said, “While we’re hopeful that the money itself will be useful, please know that the contributions to the fund were made with the utmost concern and respect. The donations came from all over the world, usually accompanied by messages of heartfelt sympathy. Those donations are the embodiment of genuine caring from individuals and organizations across the globe…. “In addition to the memorial in Jacksonville, we are dedicating the Lighthouse at the Seafarers Memorial Park in Piney Point in their honor,” they continued. “These two monuments will help ensure that your loved ones are never forgotten. Please know that you will always be part of the SIU family.” May 2016 �SCOTUS Friedrichs Verdict Upholds Worker Protections In a 4-4 tie, the Supreme Court recently handed down their official verdict in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, a case of the highest importance to union members across the country. The case questioned the practicality of charging agency fees to government workers who are not members of a union, but still benefit from the union’s influence on a workplace. “The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court,” the justices wrote in a brief, unsigned ruling. The deadlock means that the Ninth Circuit’s ruling in favor of the teachers’ union will stand. That leaves the precedent’s ultimate fate in the hands of the next justice who serves on the Court, replacing Antonin Scalia after his death in February. Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association was best summarized by the AFL-CIO: “Greedy CEOs and wealthy special interest groups want to manipulate economic rules in their favor and make it even harder for our public servants – our teachers, firefighters and nurses – to speak up together and fight for what’s good for our families. A bad decision from the Supreme Court could limit working people’s ability to negotiate better wages, benefits and working conditions.” After the verdict, U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. made a strong statement for union educators, saying: “Labor unions have helped to build our nation’s middle class, playing a critical role in increasing workers’ wages and ensuring there are workplace protections. Today’s announcement that the appeals court ruling in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association will stand means educators will continue to be able to focus on what is most important—helping students learn and prepare for success in school and in life.” House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), a longtime friend of the maritime industry whose district includes Piney Point, said, “The Supreme Court decision Richard Trumka President, AFL-CIO affirming the legality of agency fees for collective bargaining is a victory for teachers and for all public workers seeking to organize for better pay and benefits. By upholding precedent, the Court is ensuring that everyone who benefits from collective bargaining ought to contribute to that effort. The victories of the workers’ rights movement throughout our history were made possible by strong unions standing up for their members’ access to the opportunities that open doors to our middle class.” Hoyer continued, “This decision also demonstrates the importance of the Senate confirming Judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. Today’s four-four split among the justices shows how critical it is for the Court to operate at full strength and how doing so is in the interest of every American, regardless of political affiliation or ideology.” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka stated, “Today, working people have persevered in the face of another attack on our rights. All over the country, working people are showing that we won’t allow wealthy special interests or their politicians to stand in our way to join collectively and make workplaces better all across America. In the face of these attacks we are more committed than ever to en- suring that everyone has the right to speak up together for a better life.” While a 4-4 tie was a likely outcome, it does not set the tone for all rulings in the immediate future. “On eight-person courts the justices reach far fewer 4-4 decisions than we would expect,” said Lee Epstein, a law professor and political scientist at Washington University in St. Louis. “They seem to work hard to minimize them because they’re so inefficient. They can hold over cases, cast strategic votes to avoid a decision down the road that may be even worse ideologically, write narrowly and dump cases on procedural grounds.” Eric C. Heins, the president of the California Teachers Association, praised the decision of the court. “The Supreme Court today rejected a political ploy by the wealthy corporate special interests backing this case,” he said. “Now it’s time for senators to do their job and appoint a successor justice to the highest court in our land.” “The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected a political ploy to silence public employees like teachers, school-bus drivers, cafeteria workers, higher-education faculty and other educators to work together to shape their profession,” said National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen García. “In Friedrichs, the court saw through the political attacks on the workplace rights of teachers, educators and other public employees. This decision recognizes that stripping public employees of their voices in the workplace is not what our country needs.” According to the Supreme Court’s blog, “Under the Court’s rules, a rehearing request in the Friedrichs case would have to be filed within 25 days following Tuesday’s ruling. It would require the votes of five Justices to order such a reconsideration, and one of the five must have been one who had joined in the decision. It is unclear how that rule would work when the judgment had been reached by an evenly divided Court.” New Department of Labor Rule Boosts Transparency During Union Elections A new rule issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) should make it easier for employees get the facts when deciding whether to choose union representation. In announcing the rule, the DOL noted, “Many characterize union organizing campaigns as debates between management and labor over the impact of unionization on businesses and workers. Today, employers commonly engage third-party consultants in crafting and delivering anti-union messages to workers. Workers often do not know when employers engage consultants behind the scenes to influence their decisions.” To address this lack of transparency, the new rule will require reporting of employer-consultant, or “persuader” agreements, to complement the information that unions already report on their organizing expenditures, resulting in clearer information for workers making decisions on whether or not to form a union or bargain collectively. “Workers should know who is behind an antiunion message. It’s a matter of basic fairness,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “This new rule will allow workers to know whether the messages they’re hearing are coming directly from their employer or from a paid, third-party consultant. Full disclosure of persuader agreements gives workers the information they need to make informed choices about how they pursue their rights to organize Thomas Perez U.S. Secretary of Labor and bargain collectively. As in all elections, more information means better decisions.” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka weighed in on the new rule: “It takes great courage for working people to come together to form a union. Working men and women deserve to know who their employer is hiring and exactly how much they are spending to discourage workers from forming a union.” The new rule interprets Section 203 of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. The law requires labor organizations, consultants, and employers to file reports and disclose expenditures on labor-management activities. The law intends to prevent abuse, corruption, and improper practices by labor organizations, employers, and labor relations consultants alike. The Federal Register has published the new rule, and the change will be applicable July 1, 2016. Senator Hirono Earns Prestigious Maritime Award The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a powerful coalition representing all segments of the domestic maritime industry, recently recognized U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) with the 2016 Champion of Maritime Award. In announcing the award March 29, AMP (to which the SIU is affiliated) noted, “Sen. Hirono is honored for her longstanding support and commitment to the men and women of American maritime in her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee and as a Ranking Member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Energy. Sen. Hirono understands the critical role the domestic maritime industry plays not just in Hawaii, but also in the nation’s economic, national and homeland security.” The senator stated, “America’s maritime industry is vital to our island state, accounting for thousands of jobs and infusing $1.8 billion into Hawaii’s economy each year. A strong domestic May 2016 maritime industry is critical to accessing the goods local families need to lead productive, healthy lives, and that’s why I will continue to advocate for the Jones Act and other measures that support this vital segment of our economy and national security. Mahalo to the American Maritime Partnership for this distinguished award, and for its work in ensuring that our maritime industry continues to be a source of prosperity for our nation.” “Senator Hirono’s unwavering support for the domestic American maritime industry and unwavering leadership in the Senate underlines what a champion of maritime should be,” said AMP Chairman Tom Allegretti. “As Ranking Member of the Armed Services Subcommittee, Sen. Hirono understands the value of sustaining a strong maritime industry and because of her hard work in the Senate, it is our pleasure to honor her with the Champion of Maritime Award.” Sen. Mazie Hirono (center, holding award) is pictured with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (right) and MEBA Representative Luke Kaili. Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU President Issues Election Year Pre-Balloting Report May 2, 2016 Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my Pre-Balloting Report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2017 - 2020 will commence on November 1, 2016 and continue through December 31, 2016. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective March 15, 2013, and such other voting procedures as our SecretaryTreasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the ever-changing demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2016 General Election of Officers for the term 2017 – 2020: n 1 President n 1 Executive Vice President n 1 Secretary-Treasurer n 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement n 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast n 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast n 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast n 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters LNE S H O N EL S W Brushing Up for Good Cause W AT C n 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters n 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries n 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) Port Agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney Point. In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2016 and close August 15, 2016. The foregoing constitutes your President’s Pre-Balloting Report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President Spotlight on Mariner Health Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes SIU members recently donated their time and efforts to help spruce up the Lions Club building in Dania, Florida. The project was sponsored by the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council, which is part of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Some of the participants are shown here. Pictured in the group photo above are (from left) AB Michael Bowen, AB Pedro Valdez, Dania Lions Club President Jim Silvernale, ACU Mauricio Fernandez, OS Rosey Zahariev, AB Slavi Zahariev and Port Agent Kris Hopkins Remember that Type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset diabetes) results when the body is unable to produce the amount of insulin from the pancreas that is needed to convert food into energy, or when the body is not able to use that insulin that is secreted appropriately. Sometimes, the body may be producing more insulin than is needed by the person to keep blood glucose in a normal range. Yet, the blood glucose still remains elevated. This happens because the body’s cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. Doctors believe that Type 2 diabetes is caused by numerous factors, including the decreased production of insulin by the pancreas and due to insulin resistance. It is important to understand your medications that have been prescribed by your doctor. There are many diabetic medications that help to keep blood glucose down. Here is a look at different types of diabetic pills: Biguanides: Metformin (Glucophage) – This medication is usually taken once or twice a day with breakfast or the evening meal. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose that is released from the liver. It can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, upset stomach and possibly loss of appetite. You will need to stop this medication if you are going to have surgery or a study/procedure that involves injecting dye into your veins. Your doctor will tell you when to restart it and possibly do lab work to be sure the kidneys are functioning properly. Sulfonylureas: Glimepiride (Amaryl), Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), Glipizide (Glucotrol), Micronized Glyburide (Glynase) – This is taken with meals once a day or twice a day. It helps to stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin right after a meal and then several hours later. This medication can cause low blood glucose levels and upset stomach. Make sure you take it with a meal. Meglitinides: Repaglinide (Prandin), Nateglinide (Starlix) – These meds must also be taken with meals. If you skip a meal, do not take this medication. It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin and if you have not eaten, it will drop your glucose levels. Thiaolidinediones: Pioglitazone (TZDs) – Actos – This is usually taken once a day at the same time each day. It makes the body more sensitive to the effects of insulin. It can cause side effects including swelling of the feet and hands, and fluid retention. It does not cause low blood sugar. There is an increased risk of congestive heart failure in those at risk due to the fluid retention with this medication. DPP-4 Inhibitors: Sitagliptin (Januvia), Sazagliptin (Onglyza), Unagliptin (Tradjenta) – Take this medication once a day at the same time each day. This med improves insulin levels after a meal and lowers the amount of glucose made by the body. It can cause stom- ach discomfort, diarrhea, sore throat, stuffy nose. It does not cause a drop in glucose levels. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Acarbose (Precose) and Miglitol (Glyset) – Take this medication with the first bite of food. If not eating, do not take this medication. It can cause gas, diarrhea, upset stomach and abdominal pain. Bild Acid Sequestrants: Colesevelam (Welchol) – Take this once or twice a day with a meal and with fluids. It works with other diabetic medications to lower blood glucose levels. It can cause constipation, nausea, diarrhea, gas, heartburn and headache. This medication can interact with Glyburide, Levothyroxine, and contraceptives. There are numerous combinations of medications also: Pioglitazone & Metformin (Actoplus Met), Glyburide and Metformin (Glucovance), Glipizide and Metformin (Metaglip), Sitagliptin and Metformin (Janmet), Saxagliptin and Metformin (Kombiglyze), Repaglinide and Metformin (Prandmet), and Pioglitazone and Glimepride (Duetact). All the side effects are the same but more so because of the pill combinations. Make sure that you take the medication as instructed by your doctor and report any side effects to him or her. You may find that your doctor changes the medications several times before he/she gets the one that works well for you. Check your blood sugars often and take all meds as instructed by your physician. Healthy Recipe AB Pedro Valdez AB Slavi Zahariev Courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Greek Lamb Stew Servings: 10 OS Rosey Zahariev 6 Seafarers LOG 3 pounds lamb leg, fat trimmed & cubed 1½ quarts low sodium beef broth ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon oregano 1 each bouquet garni 1 bay leaf 1 clove garlic 12 ounces onions, medium dice 12 ounces potatoes, medium dice 8 ounces celery, medium dice 8 ounces carrots, medium dice 1 cup tomato, medium dice 16 fluid ounces water ½ teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon white pepper, freshly ground 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon cornstarch, to thicken sauce ¼ cup cold water n Combine the lamb, stock, and seasonings then bring to a simmer and continue to cook over low heat for 40 minutes. n Add the bouquet garni, bay leaf, and vegetables, add water and cover. Simmer slowly for 30-40 minutes, or until all ingredients are tender. n Remove the bouquet garni. Season with salt and pepper. Cornstarch slurry slowly to reach desired thickness. Garnish with the chopped parsley. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 249 Calories; 10g Fat (37.4% calories from fat); 24g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 57mg Cholesterol; 309mg Sodium. Exchanges: ½ Grain (Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; ½ Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. May 2016 �Recertified Steward Gregory Broyles Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz Recertified Steward Larry Jolla Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado Recertified Steward Thalis Ealy Recertified Steward Ismael Garayua Six Achieve Recertified Steward Status Six individuals recently arrived at the summits of their respective maritime careers when they graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s (PHC) Steward Recertification Course. In keeping with tradition, the graduates – Gregory Broyles, Thalis Ealy, Ismael Garayua, Larry Jolla, Antonio Mendez Cruz and Caezar Mercado – capped off their coursework April 4 by addressing fellow members, union officials, apprentices and guests during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Their previous three weeks had been spent navigating the top steward department curriculum available at the SIU-affiliated maritime training facility. The in-residence program encompasses hands-on training, classroom instruction and orientation meetings with representatives from different departments of the SIU, PHC and Seafarers Plans. Course modules include ServeSafe, which focuses on safe and sanitary galley operations; first aid and CPR; galley operations; firefighting; leadership and management skills; computer training; nutrition; and communications. While most of the class takes place in Piney Point, it also includes day trips to SIU headquarters (located in Camp Springs, Maryland) and the AFL-CIO building across from the White House. All content is aimed at bolstering shipboard performance and strengthening the American maritime industry. During their respective speeches, the new recertified stewards consistently described the SIU and the school as attractive avenues for career stability and advancement. Each expressed their gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families, and become better shipmates to their brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. In addition, each thanked the union leadership for its continued support, and the PHC vocational and hotel staffs for their excellent instruction and accommodations, respectively. Gregory Broyles Broyles was the first to address the audience. A Seafarer since 1989, he was born in California. Brother Broyles sails out of the port of Honolulu and over the years has been a frequent upgrader at the PHC. He began by reflecting on his past and people who were a part of it. Many of them, he said, had limited life experiences; they had never seen the ocean. Their world, according to him, was confined to the neighborhood, city, county or state in which they lived. Some of these individuals viewed success as reaching the Mississippi River or crossing it and going either east or west, he said. Thanks to the SIU, however, his frame of reference was quite different. “In my career as a Seafarer, my life changed when the world became my world,” he said. “I learned to think and act differently … to embrace and appreciate cultural diversity … to know and understand that people across the globe laugh and cry and feel as I do. “They have thoughts and feelings that are just as important (to them) as mine,” he added. Brother Broyles came to appreciate the fact that, like his brothers and sisters of the sea, people of the world, regardless of where they come from, are bound together by a shared characteristic. May 2016 “I discovered along the way we are all bound together by the thread of humanity,” he said. “In my travels, I became an ambassador for the union and a representative of the American Merchant Marine.” Such a lifestyle brought new demands on the West Coast native – requisites he gladly accepted. “As a leader, my shipboard behavior and work ethic had to be the best” he shared. “I have to live and work as an example to others.” Reflecting back on his early days as a Seafarer, he told the audience that he took full advantage of the upgrading courses available to him at the PHC. “I improved my skills whenever the opportunity presented itself,” he said. “I needed to be the best because I know that your character is defined by who you are when no one is watching. Consistency, discipline, hard work, and perseverance are common characteristics that I share with my brothers on stage today.” During the course of his career, Broyles said he has consistently taken advantage of opportunities to improve himself as a merchant mariner. “I took advice from all of my brothers, I listened to my body; when I was tired, I rested. I listened to my banker; it’s not what you make, it’s what you save,” he said. “I learned that every job is a good job because someone has fought to negotiate that job and to make that contract possible so that you and I can feed our families and have the quality of life we deserve,” he continued. “Any income is better than no income.” Turning his focus to the trainees, Broyles said their careers are essential to the protection of our nation in support for the armed services. “We are the fourth arm of defense to the United States of America,” he said. “We are vital to the U.S. economy and to international trade.” Broyles advised them to be good shipmates, considerate of others and to treat everyone as they would want to be treated. “Remember that the same guy you might argue with is the same guy who one day might have to pull you out of a smokefilled space,” he said. “Be quick to resolve, forget and move on.” Commenting specifically on his overall takeaway from his steward recertification training, he said: “These past three weeks have been incredible. From the VIP treatment that we received on arrival, to the behind the scenes meetings and presentations that spelled out the intricate workings of those (union officials) who are the faces of our brand, everything was wonderful. “Never has their commitment to the union been so evident,” he continued. “Not in print, not in legend, not in lore. Seeing firsthand how hard everyone works gave me a stronger appreciation for and lifelong commitment to our union.” Reflecting on SPAD, Broyles said his training brought its overall importance into clear focus. “Our jobs are in danger of being taken away by attacks on the Jones Act,” he said. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. Brothers and sisters, these are desperate times. “Giving the minimum to SPAD with the attitude, ‘here you go, see you next vacation check’ is the same as leaving your brothers and sisters in a burning building,” he said. “It’s time to put yourself in a little discomfort to save yourself and others. “We must act now and step up to be the hero in this situation,” he concluded. “Give more than the minimum (to SPAD) and do it knowing that those dollars are vital to keeping everything that we have as Seafarers.” Antonio Mendez Cruz Mendez Cruz, who sails out of Puerto Rico, was the next to take the podium. A member of Paul Hall Center Apprentice Class 624, the Puerto Rico native over the years has upgraded his skills at the PHC on five previous occasions. “I have sailed through the Panama Canal several times during my career,” he said. “Although we were going south, east and west during many of these voyages, in a real sense we were always going true north (straight up) where the maritime industry was concerned.” Mendez Cruz told the audience that the SIU has been a game changer for him ever since he donned the union colors, but that as a group, mariners should always be vigilant be- cause forces outside the industry consistently threaten the job security mariners presently enjoy. “Since joining the SIU, my life has changed for the better,” he said. “But right now as I speak, the Jones Act is under constant attack and it is our job to help protect it. “We can do this easily by supporting SPAD,” he said, adding that through SPAD, union officials can continue their crusade to protect not only the Jones Act, but also other important maritime interests such as Food for Peace and the Maritime Security Program. “It’s important for all of us to continue supporting SPAD because it helps our leadership protect our jobs and our maritime laws,” he said. Nearing the end of his remarks, Mendez Cruz extended his thanks to several individuals who have made a notable difference in his career. “I would like to thank the union leadership and instructors at the school for all that they do,” he said. “I am very grateful to Port Agents Amancio Crespo (Puerto Rico) and Pat Vandegrift (Piney Point) for all that they did to help me along my way. I am indebted to Chef John Dobson, Peggy Densford, and Gail Dobson for all of the extra time they spent helping me during my apprentice training.” Addressing the trainees, he said that all of their dreams could be realized if they remained resolute. “I was seated in the same place you are many years ago,” he said. “And look where I am standing now. Let you dreams come true—you can do it. Study hard, work together and upgrade as often as you can.” Larry Jolla A union member since 1994, Jolla sails out of the port of New Orleans. Prior to his enrolment in the steward recertification course, the Louisiana native previously had enhanced his skills at the Southern Maryland school on six occasions. Borrowing a phrase from SIU President Michael Sacco’s repertoire and to a rousing round of applause from the audience, Jolla said: “If there’s one saying that I believe in, it’s jobs, jobs, and more jobs. Continued on Page 8 The newly recertified stewards pose with union officials following the membership meeting. Seafarers LOG 7 �Coast Guard Approves 2 New STCW Courses at PHC Classes Designed to Help Mariners Meet Basic Training, Other Requirements In order to help mariners stay up-todate with the latest U.S. Coast Guard requirements stemming from the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) has added two new courses to the 2016 schedule. Both classes, explained below, are designed with the intention of helping mariners meet STCW requirements as quickly and hassle-free as possible. Both have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. According to PHC Director of Training Priscilla Labanowski, “These courses allow mariners to complete the required training needed under the STCW Final Rule, and in a short time frame. Basic Training (BT) Revalidation, as long as members continuously sail and maintain their one year of sea time in the past five years, takes a five-day class and reduces it to be completed in one day to revalidate. The BT/Advanced Firefighting Revalidation course cuts three weeks off original training and revalidates it in one week. In other words, without our newly approved BT/Advanced Firefighting Revalidation class, it would take four weeks to complete all the components separately (BT, Proficient in the use of Survival Craft, and Advanced Firefighting).” BT Revalidation (SHLSOS-718) is a one-day class and transportation is reimbursable upon successful completion. The class is designed for mariners who possess a current U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed with Basic Training (VI/1). Applicants must provide proof of one year of sea service within the last five years. This course revalidates the STCW requirement for Basic Training and Basic Fire Fighting every five years and can be used in lieu of the full one-week BT course. Those enrolled will have to complete pool assessments, so a swimsuit is required. BT/Advanced Firefighting Revalidation (SHLSOS-823) is a five day course, and transportation will be reimbursed upon successful completion. The course has been designed for mariners who: n Successfully completed a USCG- Newly Recertified Stewards Credit Union for Making Ascension to Top Possible Continued from Page 7 “I’m a country boy from Louisiana with a high school diploma,” he continued, “and I make from $85,000 to $90,000 per year. Who protects that? Our president, his staff and the Jones Act, that’s who. And that’s why it’s imperative that we all contribute to SPAD. “To all the trainees out there, if you hang in there, a bright future is yours for the taking,” he said. “I can promise you that if you continue to study hard and take advantage of your opportunities, it’s all going to get better. “Financially, the world is yours,” he concluded. “By sailing, you’ll get the chance to see all kinds of things that you otherwise would not get the chance to see if you were not a part of this great union that we have.” Caezar Mercado Mercado joined the union in 1996 in the port of Honolulu, his present day home port. Born in the Philippines, he has upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the PHC. “My life as a Seafarer started way back in 1996 when I sailed as a steward utility on board the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises’ vessel,” he told the audience. “I never felt so proud; it was my first job on a ship and I was my own boss. They made me in charge of cleaning and washing pots and pans.” Illustrating the fact the SIU positively impacts its members’ lives, Mercado said: “Like most mariners who are in pursuit a better life and bright future for their families, I remained a Seafarer. It enabled me to further experience the adventures of travel and seeing the world while providing for my family. “After many years, I came to realize that the SIU has played most of the many important roles and influences in my life and that of my family,” he said. “The jobs continuously give me financial security, a way to earn a living to support my family and a way to meet my needs of putting food on the table and getting the children the education they deserved and needed. Had it not been for the SIU, I would not be here standing be- 8 Seafarers LOG fore you today. Thank you, SIU.” Mercado continued by telling those present that the SIU has always given him the opportunity to improve his skills and better himself through various training programs and upgrading courses. “In return, that training afforded me better paying jobs,” he said. “Now I am here, proud and happy to have achieved this Chief Steward Recertification Program. “I would like to thank our union leadership for giving me the opportunity to get recertified,” Mercado continued. “But most of all (I thank them) for their continuing efforts and support … making sure that we have the jobs to secure and sustain the needs of its members. “The same goes to the Paul Hall Center staff and instructors here at the school,” he said. “I know that you get words of appreciation and recognition for a job well done most of the time, but I personally would like to do just that once again. So today, from the bottom of my heart, I extend my gratitude and thanks to each and every one of you.” He then recognized Vice President Tommy Orzechowski, his fellow recertified stewards, all union stewards, engine and deck brothers and sisters, the PHC academic department staff, instructors, hotel manager Howard Thompson, the training recreation center staff, Vandegrift, Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso and her staff as well as his friends. “Last but not least, I want to recognize Brother Bernie Pelingon whom I’ve known since he taught lifeboat/water survival onboard the SS Independence,” Mercado said. “In 1999, he gave me inspiration and motivation by some words of wisdom he shared with me: Life is how you make it. Hence, to him and his family, I also express my gratitude.” He told the trainees that he regarded them as a core part of the SIU’s future. “Study hard and learn as much as you can,” he said. “Make a positive outlook on the job your bottom-line foundation towards success. Our union officials that you see up here started where you are now.” Once aboard vessels, he advised the apprentices to “listen and pay attention to your mentors and always take pride in what you are doing. Learn, adapt and practice to work and function as a team – a valuable, efficient approved STCW Basic Training course n Successfully completed a USCGapproved Advanced Firefighting course n Successfully completed a USCGapproved Proficient in the Use of Survival Craft (PSC) course n Can provide evidence of at least one year of sea service in the last five years n Possess a current U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Advanced Firefighting, Basic Training and Lifeboatman/Proficient in the use of Survival Craft (PSC) endorsements. The class meets the STCW revalidation requirement for Basic Training and Advanced Firefighting every five years. It also meets the continued competence requirement for Proficient in the Use of Survival Crafts (PSC) every five years. This course will be required at the first MMC renewal after January 1, 2017, for anyone holding the previously listed endorsements. Students will have to complete pool assessments, so a swimsuit is required. On a related note, and as previously reported in the LOG, on the international and effective team member, that is. He admonished them to “always remember that safety comes first, so make ‘Safety Is Number 1’ your creed. If you don’t know, or if you are not sure, ask questions or (seek) guidance. There is always someone who is willing to help you. Find out for yourselves the facts by asking the most knowledgeable individuals you could possibly meet and talk to our union officials.” Shifting his focus to the importance of political activity, Mercado said: “To quote our SIU president, ‘Politics is pork chops.’ We need to get politically involved and SPAD is one way we can connect with our political leadership.” Mercado then reminded his brothers and sisters about the upcoming general elections and how important it was to cast their ballots. “This is an election year and as always we need to support and cast our vote for those who support our causes as Seafarers and labor in general,” he said. “Get your families, friends and neighbors to get out, register and vote. Most of all let your conscience be your guide. Ask yourself: Who amongst them (people running for office) is on your side and willing to help merchant mariners?” He concluded by thanking everyone for their roles in his accomplishments. “Once again, I extend my gratitude to the leadership and appreciation to the brotherhood for giving me the opportunity to be what and who I am now: a Recertified Chief Steward,” he said. “May God bless us all and the United States of America.” Thalis Ealy Ealy is home ported in Oakland. He joined the SIU in 1994 and previously has upgraded his skills at the PHC on six occasions. After recognizing union officials seated on the dais, he told members of the audience that the union and the PHC have always given him a feeling of family. “They have always been there for me and they’ll always be there for you,” he said. “I would like to thank the faculty and culinary instructors, especially for the extreme help and motivation and family-like atmosphere they promote. “To say I reached this point in my career without any on-the-job training would not be correct,” he continued. “For that I would like to thank Charles Autrey, John Bulawan, George Borromeo, Franklin Robertson, Suhermadhy Ghani, John Gibbons and Robert Mosely. “To my fellow seamen who taught me the ropes, and to the trainees coming up, this career is all about creation and evolution,” Ealy said. “Evolve into a new, educated, professional sailor.” He also advised the apprentices to make the most of their time in Piney Point and then work safely and effectively once they got jobs aboard ships. page of one’s MMC, (normally page 4), if a mariner has the Basic Safety Training/Basic Training endorsement there will be Roman numerals. VI/1 means the MMC is endorsed with Basic Training. Some MMCs only contain the Roman numeral while others show VI/1 and the wording Basic Training. (The wording was added beginning in October 2012, initially saying Basic Safety Training and now Basic Training). Beginning in January 2017, in order to renew a merchant mariner credential with an STCW Basic Training endorsement (VI/1), an applicant must show proof of having completed a Coast Guard-approved BT class within the last five years. It is important for Seafarers to make sure their Basic Training endorsement in their MMC is up-to-date, in order to help ensure that they are eligible to ship after January 1, 2017. More information about STCW requirements is available from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (admissions office) and on the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center website: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ Giving a shout-out to Cliff Medley, his cousin, he said: “Stay focused and let’s continue to learn from each other and make positive changes to our industry.” Like the speakers who preceded him, Ealy emphasized the importance of SPAD, and pointed out that the union’s voluntary political action fund is a vital tool that helps the SIU promote the U.S. Merchant Marine. “Thank you all for the opportunity of reaching the highest rating in our union,” he concluded, “and please support SPAD.” Ismael Garayua Garayua was a member of PHC Apprentice Class 664. He joined the SIU in 2003 and sails out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. “I have been sailing in the SIU for the last 12 years,” he said upon taking the podium. “In the beginning I was not sure that I wanted to be a merchant seaman. When I asked my counselor in high school about the merchant marine, she said there is a bunch of savages there; you are too smart for that, Ismael.” Heeding his counselor’s advice, Garayua headed off to college. “I realized that it wasn’t my cup of tea,” he said. “Thank God I did, because otherwise I would have ended up like a few of my friends with PhDs and a $200,000 loan to Sallie Mae. Well, they might have a nice title but the reality is that I actually make more money than them. “My point is that it is almost impossible to find an institution that gives you an education and you can pay back your initial investment with less than what you make in your first paycheck,” he said. Reminding members of the audience of the role the union plays in each of their lives, Garayua told them that they all owed the SIU a high degree of allegiance. “If you look up the definition of loyalty, you’d find that it is devotion and faithfulness to a cause, country, group or person,” he said. “By all means, we have to devote our lives and faithfully fight for our jobs in this country. And by doing that we will be loyal not only to our union but to ourselves as individuals. “I will always be more than thankful and loyal to the SIU and all of my brothers and sisters,” he continued. “Especially my Brother Armando Garayua and to my Port Agent Amancio Crespo.” He told the apprentices to study hard and to be good shipmates once they complete their training and land jobs aboard American-flag vessels. He also told them about the importance of political activity and their support of SPAD. “I really believe that when my counselor said to me ‘Ismael, you are too smart for that’ (merchant marine), I made the smartest decision,” Garayua concluded. “That’s why I chose the SIU.” May 2016 �Seafarer Pens El Faro Tribute Editor’s note: This tribute (known as an “Epic”) was written by Stephen Barry, whose ties to the SIU date back 30 years, to his time as a trainee in Piney Point lifeboat class 407 (1986). Stephen upgraded to Third Mate through the Piney Point system and later worked as an instructor for the SIU-affiliated school as well as serving as a union official for a few years in San Francisco. He returned to sailing in 1997 and rose to Master Unlimited before becoming permanently beached. He currently resides in California and is working on a Master’s degree in American Literature/Creative Writing. He would like to thank the writers of The Creekside Collective for many late nights of editing, and fights ... polishing the brass. The LOG acquired one-time publishing rights for this piece. In ’06 now named El Faro, The Lighthouse, back on the ‘rum run’ she went, onto much friendlier seas. Air thick with spice, salt crisp on her gunwales, bringing groceries and wares to the, how you say? “Puertorriqueños.” Puerto Rico means Rich Port; the harbor of San Juan, once also was known. The Taíno natives said, “Borikén” means, “land of the great lords,” they left only scant artifacts; before given Spanish words . . . “Let’s stroll down to old town; we won’t get too far, Claim Ordinary Seamen, ever the clowns, “take some seats on the sidewalk, a lean at the bar. Get a plate of mofongo10 and an ice cold Schaeffer. The whistle blows an hour before the gangway goes up; We’ll grab a taxi when we see the stack smoke puff.”   Back to Jacksonville, with livestock and rum; home port for most. Check in at the Union Hall, then the pub for one, it’s probably been like a ghost. Moments of reunion are always intense, (No wives near docks makes pretty good sense.) Always a big thing getting home; children, dogs, off the wall rings the phone. After a week or a month though you’re checking the fence; sniffing the air for that waterfront stench. For some, with no family, the ship is their home, on the beach, just haunts, and temptations, they randomly roam. Each and every one of us, pulled towards the Hall looking for familiar conversation . . . “It’s your sea story, tell it how you want . . .”, . . . job on the board cut short your vacation. The Sinking of El Faro The keel was laid in ’75, for 15 years she kept the Coastal-Island trade bustling. Named the Puerto Rico first, grand she was, hauling it all: beans, bullets, rum, fruits, shoes, bananas, cars, boats. Tractors, rigs, construction fare. Livestock, rail, exotic wares . . . Heading out from the East Coast, her life would flow. Her blood from the men and women who sailed her; a Brotherhood of the Sea, brave, valiant members: AMO1, SIU2 , MMP3 and MEBA4, too. “In Peace and War,” the Merchant Marine few.   We were taught from the ‘get-go’ to work together: yellow, black, brown, red, white, blue. Leave your pettiness at home; your prejudice too, bring only your best work, as well as respect through and through. Be more tolerant of others, along with human weaknesses. Look out for your brotherhood; someday you’ll need them. All jobs onboard are important, vital, necessary. Don’t look down on Magdalena’s of the world. Realize that morals are often only a matter of economics. For one time or another, there goes each of us. If at first my tale seems chaotic, long winded and hazy, take black heart. Subsequently, things will appear to be only too clear. We all share the task, while stung to our souls; to sorrow and rage, for our sister, the crew, the sacrifice they gave. Underway that mournful October twilight brothers and sisters, Delphinus11 cried tears of sadness, forever to leeward. The North Atlantic Gyre12 is a terrible liar and a cruel and crazy mistress, her dead she doesn’t give up. When green water swallows, from the blue that it follows, when it stutters and stammers, when it pounds like a hammer, you believe in God.   Fifty foot Sargasso seas13 do what they please, and 100-knot winds whistle songs of the sirens. The crew was well trained for the trough and the rains, for generations’ some seafaring folk. Might have made it too, if not for the lost engines and the scuttle breach; staring down a category 4 more than a little too close. No matter her age if looked after well a lady can sail straight into her golden days and this ship, I’m told no exception.   F rom Piney Point to New York, Massachusetts, and Maine; to schools like Cali, Texas, the Great Lakes, and Plains. Their blood stood bridge watch, rattled gauges, blew tubes. The Chief Steward kept everyone fed all the while, “she’s a feeder,” (and night lunch too!) They took on the challenges; the rust, the knots, all of that mopping, the cooks, their pots. Red right returning, steam boiler burning . . .   “Not oxtail soup again?!”   The ‘Mad Mate’s’ stars, the black gangs’ scars, taking the watch, changing the clocks, clearing our minds, stowing the lines. Transfer the fuel; “Seconds and Thirds, to school!”, The Chief Engineer never sleeps . . . We had all gone to sea with copious desires, each one of us different, stares full of fire. Nothing greater than some brackish brine in your hair, some fins in your hip-sack, if the payoff was fair.                                                    You can’t put your finger on what sent us this way, that gave  us the  budge; dodging some time, the ribs of a dime . . . Who’s to say, maybe just needing that little nudge. This thirst for adventure, the self-imposed indenture . . . The world’s wanderers; not vicarious at all. Some just too smart for a nine to five day, some just plain brutish. Peripheral, some choose not to fit in at all; some just too gruff, others, screwball. “It’s my home out here, keeps me off the stuff,” Says crooked John the Oiler. Through salt stained portholes; the sun rises, rubs the white caps from her eyes and stretches, on forever . . . What we get, no one can say; callous, bejeweled, depends on the day. It’s something we don’t need to discuss. All of us with that mischievous twinkle in the eye, a million stars by and bye . . .   The Chief Mate, and First Engineer, always say, “Too much time at sea, always another brow to go down. Too long on the beach, always another gangway to go up, that’s part of it, pup.” In ’91 Northern Lights now was her name, onto the Tacoma-Anchorage run her game. Brought the three ring circus to town. Weathered howling storms, frozen lines, fierce gales, beating back and forth icy seas, sub-zero temps; spitting out steam, and ale. In 2003, Enduring Freedom, she lent Uncle Sam a hand. Twenty-five runs into the belly of the beast, and a mouthful of sand. Got rocked by a SCUD but it didn’t raise a hair. Persian moon rising like a cat’s eye, “It’s a red sky tonight with a scrimshaw tusk,” the Bosun pipes orders at nautical dusk, “sailors delight night, wake up someplace strange, be back on board by civil dawn.”   Me? I’ll be ever ready, up on the bridge, reading the rag. “Hold fast the mid-watch, Mate!” I got it covered; now get ashore. Over easy, bacon, fresh fruit at eight. Gold Souk5, on Dubai time.   The Old Man won’t come down for coffee till nine!  Hey Sparky, get me the latest weather. Cadet too, shoot me a fix; Jupiter, Mars and Ursa Majors’ two stars6 . . . A.B.7 get me a bearing off the wharf, next that pier with the spars . . . Then take the long way round, check the swing of the anchor; mess with that new Wiper, who thinks he’s a prankster. Send him for a bucket of steam.   They called the cook ‘Doctor,’ and you should want to be in his favor, should you need to dry your boots, lite your pipe or get a little extra scouse8 on your plate. The Doctor taught superstitions of the sea, to Steward Assistants, to Trainee. Of stories and dreams, and the unusual behavior  of men before death. Plaguy, vexatious things and events that were bothersome to him.  He had a special affection for Old Bess the ship’s pig. Felt that Finnish sailors were wizards with power over wind and storm. There was NO reasoning with him, for he had experience and age on his side and was not to be moved. He called upon the QMED9 to back his story,  and he did, regaling his own wizardly tales of Finnish ghost ships and the like.   “Dar,” said the cook, “what you tink o’ dat?”  May 2016 Surely ‘All Hands’ stood tall when they took waves on the beam. She went down fast, though, or so it would seem. No lives can last when Neptune comes calling, when Joaquin reared his claws on that dreary young morning. No sunrise on that day, one lifeboat smashed one survival suit cashed. Medusa; they got NOTHING for you, they stared him right in the eye. Forty years old, the Puerto Rico, Northern Lights, El Faro; thirty-three bells toll— thirty-three bells . . .   “Aye Calypso, we sing to your spirit, the men who have served you so long and so well,” “Your garden grows thick and wild and hidden/your hair blows long as you sing into the wind,” on your Island Ogygia14, crooning as you do, moving to and fro, weaving on your loom with a golden shuttle. You let him go; the waves will take him in. List fifteen to port Edmund and Poet, cast out for your cousin. Fasten your ghost look-outs to the rail, get a brigade going of ghost buckets and bails. El Faro now rest, sleep deep, deep on your mother’s floor. She has called for you. Brothers, sisters, there is salt in my tears. From the sea, to the sky, grace of God go I. Fiddlers Green awaits for when you adorn heaven’s shore. My heart is heavy today . . .   thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Clark, Crawford [Jr.], Hargrove, and Hatch, thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Davidson, Holland, Jackson and Jones [Jr.], thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Jordan, Davis, Kuflik, and Wright, thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Lightfoot, Mathias, Meklin, and Riehm, thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Porter, Pusatere, Quammie, and Rivera, thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Randolph, Schoenly, Solar-Cortes and Shultz, thirty-three bells toll — thirty-three bells; Champa, Griffin, Thomas and Hamm, trzydzieści-trzy dzwony bija — trzydzieści-trzy dzwony;Krause, Nita, Podgorski, Truszkowski, and Zdobych, trzydzieści-trzy dzwony bija — thirty-three bells; The Poles call out this dirge: “Mieliśmy dziś na sobie ciężki krzyż.” [We wore a heavy cross today.] Forevermore thirty-three bells toll— thirty-three bells. The storm is in my heart today. The salt is in my tears . . . Thirty-three souls . . . Thirty-Three souls. Seafarers International Union American Maritime Officers 3 International Organization of Master Mates and Pilots 4 Marine Engineers Beneficial Association 5 a traditional gold market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 6 The stars Merak and Dubhe, part of the Big Dipper, of the Great Bear, are known as pointer stars, locating Polaris; the North Star 7 Able Bodied Seaman 8 Lamb Stew 9 Qualified Man in the Engine Department 10 Mashed plantains, pork crackling, olive oil and garlic 11 A Constellation in the northern sky, close to the equator, its name means dolphin in Latin 12 Any large system of rotating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements 13 The Sargasso Sea is a region in the gyre in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the only sea on Earth which has no coastline 13 An Island mentioned in Homers Odyssey book V as the home of the nymph Calypso. She kept Odysseus imprisoned there for 7 yrs., finally, reluctantly, she let him build a small raft, gave him food and wine and let him leave the Island 1 2 Works Cited: Unknown. “Lure of the seas keep Merchant Seaman on the Job.” Essay Denver, John. “Calypso.” Greatest Hits. By John Denver. 1975. Vinyl . Vega, Suzanne. “Calypso.” Solitude Standing. By Suzanne Vega. 1987. Compact Disc. COPYRIGHT © 2016 STEPHEN BARRy. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. stephendbarry@yahoo.com Seafarers LOG 9 �SUPPORTING CLINTON CAMPAIGN – Seafarers turned out for rallies supporting Hillary Clinton in late March in Tacoma, Washington, and again in mid-April in Baltimore. The March event took place at the SIU hall where Chelsea Clinton (center in group photo immediately below, with Seafarers and SIU officials) addressed the crowd (photo above). In Baltimore, SIU Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (left in photo at right, below) grabbed a selfie with Secretary Clinton, who thanked the SIU during her speech. Check out the February LOG for the text of Secretary Clinton’s letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, or check it out on the SIU website (navigate to the February LOG or just search for “Hillary Clinton”). At Sea And Ashore With the SIU ABOARD HORIZON CONSUMER – Pictured aboard the ship in late March in Tacoma, Washington, are (from left) Recertified Bosuns Greg Agren and Darryl Smith, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and AB Pete Hokenson. A-BOOK IN NEW JERSEY – QMED Robert Orloff (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he is pictured with Patrolman Ray Henderson. WELCOME ASHORE IN MOBILE – Two longtime members of the union’s inland division recently picked up their first pension checks, respectively, at the hall in Mobile, Alabama. Both Johnny Johnston (left in photo at left, above) and Mike Yarbrough (left in other photo) sailed for more than 30 years with Crescent Towing, most recently as captains. They’re pictured with Port Agent Jimmy White. 10 Seafarers LOG ABOARD TYCO DEPENDABLE – Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos (center) is pictured with ABs Jonathan Rivera Rodriguez (left) and William Rackley in mid-March. The vessel was in New Hampshire. May 2016 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Eric Williams (right) recently picked up his A-seniority book at the hall in Oakland, California. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona. REMEMBERING BROTHER CHARLES – The ashes of the late Recertified Bosun Herbert Charles were committed to the sea during a remembrance aboard the Perla Del Caribe, while the TOTE-operated vessel was sailing between Jacksonville, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Brother Charles passed away late last year. Preparing to scatter his ashes (photo at right, above, from left) are ABs James Walker and Kemer Rojas. ABOARD SHIPS IN HONOLULU – The group photo directly above shows members on the Marjorie C, operated by TOTE Services. The other two snapshots are from the Matson ships Manoa (photo at left) and Maui. Pictured from left on the Manoa are Chief Cook Frank Ramones, Recertified Steward Gerald Figg and ACU David Hilario. Pictured on the Maui, also from left, are Chief Cook Benjamin Feria, OBS Rene Caballero and Chief Steward Raul Napoles TAKING THE OATH IN TACOMA – Electrician Nicolae Marinescu (left) takes the union oath at the hall in Tacoma, Washington. Port Agent Joe Vincenzo is behind the counter. A-BOOK IN BALTIMORE – QMED Archie Eldridge (left) displays his newly acquired Aseniority book at the hall in Baltimore. That’s Port Agent Elizabeth Brown at right. May 2016 TALKING MARITIME IN ALASKA – SIU Port Agent Joe Vincenzo (right in both photos) spoke at a maritime roundtable event March 30 in Anchorage, Alaska. Among those participating were U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) (center in photo at left above with Vincenzo and IBU President Allen Cote) and AMMV Alaska Greatlands Chapter President Eldon Gallear (center in photo at right above, with his wife, Rose). SOLIDARITY IN VIRGINIA – At the onset of a strike against Verizon, Maritime Trades Department Executive SecretaryTreasurer Daniel Duncan (right) demonstrates in solidarity with (from left) CWA Local 2222 President Carolyn Greenfield and CWA President Chris Shelton in Falls Church, Virginia. The strike by the CWA and IBEW, involving about 36,000 workers, began after the company refused for nearly a year to negotiate a fair contract. ON THE MOVE IN PUERTO RICO – The union remains on schedule to soon move to a new hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Among those getting a look at the new digs earlier this year were SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from left) and Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left). Seafarers LOG 11 �Stirring Exhibit Honors WWII Mariners American Merchant Marine Veterans Group Visits Museum in New Orleans A score of merchant marine veterans and their spouses gathered at the National World War II Museum last month to view an exhibit honoring the vital contributions made by seamen to the war effort. The museum visit culminated the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) 30th National Convention (SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel was a featured speaker), conducted March 29 through April 2 in New Orleans, where the museum is also located. It was an emotional experience for many of the attendees, who have too often received long-delayed recognition for their service – or none at all. For most convention attendees, the event was their first opportunity to see the Ralph E. Crump U.S. Merchant Marine Gallery, which opened to the public in December 2015. However, according to AMMV President Chris Edyvean (a former SIU member), many members of the veteran organization had visited the museum before the exhibit debuted – and their reviews were not altogether positive. “When I announced that we’d be visiting the World War II museum at our last meeting, I was nearly booed off the stage,” said Edyvean. “Some of the guys who had toured the museum before left in tears because the sacrifices made by the merchant marine weren’t fully acknowledged.” As soon as the AMMV contingent (including a number of retired SIU members) began their tour of the facility April 1, it was clear that the museum and its staff had rectified any slighted feelings. Mu- seum docents guided the veterans onto a stage in the museum lobby and introduced the group to onlookers waiting in line for tickets. Upon hearing that merchant seamen suffered a higher casualty rate in World War II than any other branch of service except the Marine Corps, the crowd offered a solemn, respectful round of applause for the veterans. A museum spokesperson closed the remarks to museum-goers with a quote from General Douglas MacArthur: “[World War II seamen] brought us our lifeblood and they paid for it with some of their own.” Once the conventioneers entered the exhibit hall, any remaining criticisms of the museum’s commitment to the merchant marine seemed to vanish. They were treated to a stirring, state-of-the art gallery complete with video displays and artifacts from World War II-era vessels. No expense was spared on the 940-square-foot exhibit space, built as part of a multi-year, $370 million capital expansion project. Housed within a glass-walled corridor overlooking the museum courtyard, the gallery presented the wartime merchant marine experience with a decidedly modern edge. Kiosks detailed personal stories of particularly gallant merchant seamen such as OS Kyle Vaughn Johnson, who sailed aboard the SS Lafayette. His convoy had set out on one of the infamous Murmansk runs, carrying supplies through the Arctic Ocean to Russia. To defend the convoy from a German ambush, Johnson manned an antiaircraft gun and downed three enemy planes. Narratives like Johnson’s highlighted the bravery of wartime sailors, as well as the dangers they faced. Those dangers are part of SIU history: More than 1,200 Seafarers lost their lives in World War II. For the AMMV members in attendance, such stories were not just matters of historical record but a part of an experience they all once shared. Memories of the war came flooding back to AMMV National Vice President Morris Harvey, who sailed with the SIU in the Mediterranean Theatre. Harvey recalled joining the merchant marine after being medically disqualified for active military service. When faced with the decision to sail or go into civilian service stateside, he felt that going out to sea was his best option. “I wanted to go where the war was,” Harvey said. Before long, he was shipping out of Norfolk, Virginia, as an oiler and then, later, an OS. An aspect of the exhibit that particularly resonated with the AMMV group was the acknowledgement that the important role merchant seamen played in the war has not always been properly or promptly recognized, especially regarding veteran status. It was not until 1988 that World War II mariners began receiving veteran benefits, a gratitude many believe came far too late. It took another decade before the cutoff date for veterans’ status for mariners was changed to match the one used for the armed services. One exhibit display indicated that withholding veteran status was used as a strategy during the war to coerce seamen into joining the Navy and losing their union representation. Beyond the merchant marine exhibit, the AMMV group was impressed with the level of care and detail present in the rest of the facility. The same capital expansion project that made the Crump Merchant Marine Gallery possible has allowed the museum to quadruple its original size, adding more exhibit space, restoration and conservation facilities, a 4-D movie theater, and restaurants. Returning visitors were keen to note how far the museum had come since 2000, when it opened as the D-Day Museum. The Crump Gallery is but the latest of several permanent exhibits housed in the National World War II Museum, including galleries dedicated to the European and Pacific Theatres, and collections of restored aircraft and vehicles. The facility has been designated by Congress as the United States’ official museum on the conflict, and the thoroughness of each exhibit demonstrates how seriously the museum takes this role. Its collection, including items in storage, exceeds 100,000 artifacts, in addition to archives rich with veteran memoirs and oral histories. The merchant marine experience is now represented in the museum as comprehensively as other aspects of the war effort. The veterans touring the museum that day felt as if the mere presence of the exhibit made great progress toward spreading awareness of what these men lived through. “What impresses me most is that we’re here,” added Harvey. “Recognition is the biggest step.” Want to Learn More? The National World War II Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. General admission starts at $24, with reduced admission for students, seniors and military visitors. All World War II veterans may enter the museum free of charge. Website: http://www.nationalww2museum.org/ Phone: 504-528-1944 Email: info@nationalww2museum.org In photo at left, AMMV National President Chris Edyvean (left) and National Vice President Morris Harvey (right) accompany SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel before Heindel’s remarks for the AMMV’s 30th National Convention. In the photo above, AMMV members who served in World War II gather onstage to be thanked for their service in the National World War II Museum lobby. 12 Seafarers LOG May 2016 May 2016 Seafarers LOG 13 �5/16 14 Seafarers LOG May 2016 �May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point........................................Monday: May 2, June 6 Algonac..............................................Friday: May 6, June 10 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Guam............................................Thursday: May 19, June 23 Honolulu............................................Friday: May 13, June 17 Houston...............................................Monday: May 9, June 13 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Joliet..............................................Thursday: May 12, June 16 Mobile.......................................Wednesday: May 11, June 15 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 10, June 14 Jersey City..........................................Tuesday: May 3, June 7 Norfolk..............................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Oakland.........................................Thursday: May 12, June 16 Philadelphia..................................Wednesday: May 4, June 8 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 12, June 16 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March 16, 2016 - April 15, 2016 Tacoma...............................................Friday: May 20, June 24 Wilmington...........................................Monday: May 16, June 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personal Derrick Crummy wants Suzanne Vanschoor to contact him at (206) 679-6208. Total Shipped Registered on Beach Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS All Groups Trip All Groups A B C Reliefs A B C Deck Department 12 6 0 32 9 0 7 18 10 2 3 0 1 2 1 2 0 3 1 0 5 5 1 4 4 1 1 6 7 0 17 12 3 15 8 1 9 23 21 4 2 3 0 2 0 0 0 4 5 0 8 0 0 15 2 0 7 13 0 0 13 4 0 10 2 1 1 25 6 0 52 11 5 52 4 1 23 122 18 8 32 16 3 25 12 5 9 86 29 5 35 18 2 35 10 2 15 75 27 1 1 2 0 6 1 1 0 6 3 1 13 5 0 5 5 0 1 17 2 1 9 11 4 24 9 1 10 25 26 2 23 5 3 16 4 1 4 27 9 3 4 5 1 5 3 1 1 7 9 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 4 0 8 7 1 7 1 1 4 11 7 0 35 10 2 26 11 2 20 87 19 2 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 3 3 1 21 13 2 20 7 3 5 52 20 8 296 135 28 303 94 25 118 613 226 38 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 2 3 0 7 2 0 0 2 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 2 5 5 3 0 5 5 1 10 2 0 7 3 0 4 17 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 3 1 1 1 0 0 6 2 1 8 2 1 5 1 1 0 15 6 0 16 4 1 17 5 1 9 29 16 1 16 8 1 19 10 2 9 38 21 4 17 4 0 7 4 1 3 32 7 2 1 0 0 5 3 0 1 1 2 0 9 3 0 9 4 0 5 6 4 0 10 8 1 8 3 1 1 20 21 0 8 2 1 6 4 0 5 16 10 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 1 0 4 1 1 3 1 2 1 4 0 5 2 0 2 2 0 1 5 9 0 9 5 1 8 8 0 6 29 13 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 9 9 1 12 8 2 9 9 16 0 133 68 11 121 67 13 55 237 152 15 Port San Juan...........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 St. Louis............................................Friday: May 13, June 17 Total Registered A All Groups B C Steward Department Algonac 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 3 2 0 Anchorage 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 Baltimore 4 1 0 3 0 0 1 2 1 0 Fort Lauderdale 12 2 0 9 3 1 2 16 5 0 Guam 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 Harvey 3 2 0 3 1 0 1 8 2 0 Honolulu 14 0 0 9 0 0 5 20 1 0 Houston 21 4 0 17 7 0 7 34 3 0 Jacksonville 26 9 3 16 7 2 12 30 9 2 Jersey City 11 3 0 9 2 0 1 24 7 0 Joliet 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 Mobile 5 3 3 1 1 0 0 6 3 1 Norfolk 15 13 2 11 6 2 5 24 19 3 Oakland 15 3 3 19 9 0 5 20 5 3 Philadelphia 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 1 Piney Point 2 4 0 3 2 0 0 2 3 0 Puerto Rico 3 4 0 3 3 0 0 3 6 0 Tacoma 17 2 1 13 0 1 5 30 5 0 St. Louis 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 Wilmington 26 5 1 17 5 0 13 39 4 2 TOTALS 183 59 13 141 50 7 60 271 78 12 Entry Department Algonac 2 6 2 1 6 0 1 4 15 2 Anchorage 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Baltimore 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 2 Fort Lauderdale 1 3 3 0 2 2 0 1 6 4 Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harvey 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 Honolulu 1 9 5 0 3 7 1 2 13 8 Houston 3 9 1 2 6 3 3 8 25 8 Jacksonville 4 9 7 0 5 9 0 6 19 32 Jersey City 1 14 3 3 8 1 0 5 31 5 Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 Mobile 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 Norfolk 1 19 11 0 14 7 1 1 26 12 Oakland 2 8 1 3 4 5 0 3 25 5 Philadelphia 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 4 Piney Point 0 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 0 Puerto Rico 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 Tacoma 2 5 8 4 7 5 2 5 22 7 St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Wilmington 3 12 14 2 9 7 3 12 35 29 TOTALS 23 104 57 16 69 49 11 53 230 121 GRAND TOTAL: May 2016 635 366 109 581 280 94 244 1,174 686 186 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1730 Jefferson St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by members attending upgrade training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why did you enter the maritime industry and why have you stuck with it? Kyle Knickerbocker OS (Upgrading to AB) I saw it as a challenge. I’d heard good things about it, and I’m not looking back – only looking forward. Before joining the SIU, I worked as a deckhand. That was seasonal work, and it wasn’t as secure as here. Clifford Christopher OS (Upgrading to AB) It’s a good profession and there’s always something new to learn. It helps take care of you and your family and it’s also good for the country. I had a cousin who was sailing, and he explained how he got to travel, see the world and meet different people. I wanted to do the same. Donald Lumpkins QMED/Electrician/Pumpman At first I wanted to see the world, and then the money takes over. I wouldn’t have anything without this career. It keeps me out of trouble. But the main thing was to see the world. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward It’s a good job, good for my family. I love sailing. I started on a cruise ship in Hawaii, and from the beginning this has always been the right job for me. I’ve been doing it for almost 29 years and it’s a really good fit. Rafael Borja Chief Cook (Upgrading to Steward) I used to work for a college, and we were laid off more than working. There were (academic calendar) breaks all the time. My aunt worked for Princess Cruises as a singer. She gave my résumé to someone at American Hawaii Cruises and I started there in 1999. I like to travel and the money is good. I can work year-round if I want to. Felicia Lampasas SA (Upgrading to Chief Cook) A friend got me into it, and I enjoy it. The best parts are getting to see different parts of the world and working with great crews. It has met my expectations and I’m happy with it. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Originally published in the October 1987 LOG, this snapshot of Seafarers aboard the M/V 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman was taken in Bayonne, New Jersey. The family of Second Mate John Denton visited the vessel in port, and the SIU galley gang surprised his young daughter with a birthday cake. Denton said the dessert “could not have been equaled by the finest bakers ashore.” Showing off the culinary confection are (from left) Messman Walter Johnson, Third Cook Mohamed Abdelfattah, Saloon Mess Patricia Port, Chief Cook John Hanrahan and Chief Steward Brian Gross. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2016 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA UELI ALATAUA Brother Ueli Alataua, 57, joined the SIU in 1990. His first trip was aboard the Independence. Brother Alataua sailed in the deck department. He last worked on the Oakland. Brother Alataua calls Richmond, California, home. ERIC BAIN BRIAN GROSS Brother Brian Gross, 59, joined the SIU ranks in 1969. He originally sailed in the inland division with Virginia Pilot Corporation. Brother Gross was born in Pennsylvania and shipped in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the Seafarers-affiliated school in southern Maryland. Brother Gross’ most recent ship was the TYCO Dependable. He is a resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Brother Eric Bain, 58, became a union member in 1976. He initially worked on the Long Lines. Brother Bain attended classes often at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Bain’s most recent voyage was aboard the El Yunque. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. RAMONT JACKSON ALEXANDER DODOO JAMES DUDLEY Brother Alexander Dodoo, 70, first donned the SIU colors in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He was a deck department member. Brother Dodoo was born in Ghana. He upgraded in 2001 at the Piney Point school. Brother Dodoo last worked on the Philadelphia Express. He lives in Houston. Brother James Dudley, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1992. His first trip was on the Independence. Brother Dudley often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Dudley last sailed aboard the Maersk Kentucky. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. DANIEL ECKERT Brother Daniel Eckert, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978. His first trip was aboard the Overseas Aleutian. Brother Eckert attended classes twice at the SIUaffiliated school in Maryland. The deck department member’s most recent vessel was the Achiever. Brother Eckert is a native of Japan and now calls Webster, Texas, home. SUHERMADHY GHANI Brother Suhermadhy Ghani, 68, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1981. He initially worked aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Ghani enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. He was born in Indonesia and sailed in the steward department. Brother Ghani’s most recent ship was the APL China. He resides in San Francisco. May 2016 Brother Ramont Jackson, 65, began sailing with the union in 1979. He was first employed on the Humaco. In 2003, Brother Jackson enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. The steward department member most recently worked aboard the American Tern. Brother Jackson makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. PAULA KALEIKINI Sister Paula Kaleikini, 66, joined the union in 1992. Her first ship was the USNS Adventurous; her most recent, the North Star. Sister Kaleikini worked in the steward department. She upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. Sister Kaleikini is a resident of Kapolei, Hawaii. EDWARD MCLEAN Brother Edward McLean, 62, became an SIU member in 2001 during the SIU/ NMU merger. The deck department member’s most recent ship was the American Phoenix. Brother McLean calls St. Petersburg, Florida, home. FIDELIS OLIVEIRA Brother Fidelis Oliveira, 64, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He upgraded twice at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. A member of the steward department, Brother Oliveira last shipped aboard the Maersk Ohio. He lives in North Providence, Rhode Island. JOHN PLATTS Brother John Platts, 65, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1969. His first vessel was the Producer. Brother Platts, who sailed in the steward department, enhanced his skills on three occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Platts calls Jacksonville, Florida, home. PHILIP ROBINSON Brother Philip Robinson, 68, became a Seafarer in 2001 when the NMU merged into the SIU. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Maersk Iowa. Brother Robinson was born in Guyana, South America, and makes his home in Covington, Georgia. JOSE ROSS Brother Jose Ross, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980. His first trip was on the San Pedro. Brother Ross attended classes in 1980 at the Paul Hall Center. He worked in the deck department, most recently on the ITB Baltimore. Brother Ross resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. on the Newark. A member of the steward department, Sister Washington most recently worked aboard the Cornhusker State. She was born in Emporia, Virginia, and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. INLAND HAROLD ACORD Brother Harold Acord, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1977 in the port of Philadelphia. His first trip was with Mariner Towing. Brother Acord enhanced his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on an OSG Ship Management vessel. The deck department member is a resident of Mays Landing, New Jersey. ROBERT ALBERS Brother Robert Albers, 66, became a union member in 2000. He was primarily employed with Penn Maritime Inc. and sailed in the engine department. Brother Albers frequently upgraded in Piney Point, Maryland. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. KENNETH BAYLE Sister Barbara Toomey, 65, joined the union in 1991. She first shipped on the Global Link. Sister Toomey was born in Baltimore and worked in the steward department. She upgraded numerous times at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Sister Toomey last sailed with TYCO. She is a resident of Middle River, Maryland. Brother Kenneth Bayle, 61, started his seafaring career in 1981. He initially worked with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Bayle was born in New York and sailed as a member of the deck department. On three occasions, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school. Brother Bayle’s most recent trip was on a Moran Towing of Texas vessel. He has retired to Corpus Christi, Texas. FRANCIS WASHINGTON GERALD FILKINS Brother Francis Washington, 65, first donned the SIU colors in 1995. He initially sailed aboard the Cape Lobos. Brother Washington enhanced his skills frequently at the Piney Point school. The steward department member last shipped aboard the Maersk Hartford. Brother Washington makes his home in Chesapeake, Virginia. Brother Gerald Filkins, 73, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He was first employed with Allied Transportation Company. Brother Filkins was a member of both the steward and deck departments. In 2009, he attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Filkins last shipped aboard an OSG Ship Management vessel. He resides in New Lothrop, Michigan. BARBARA TOOMEY RACHEL WASHINGTON Sister Rachel Washington, 67, became a union member in 1996. She was first employed RAYMOND JANKOWIAK Brother Raymond Jankowiak, 63, started shipping with the union in 1970. He mainly sailed aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Brother Jankowiak worked in the deck department. He makes his home in Bel Air, Maryland. STEPHAN RUSIN Brother Stephan Rusin, 71, joined the SIU in 1994. He originally shipped on the Independence. Brother Rusin was a member of the deck department. He most recently worked with Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Rusin calls Spring Hill, Florida, home. MICHAEL SISTARE Brother Michael Sistare, 62, began shipping with the union in 1977 in Houston. He mostly worked with Marine Contracting & Towing Company. Brother Sistare was born in South Carolina and sailed in the deck department. He settled in Ravenel, South Carolina. CRAIG SMITH Brother Craig Smith, 64, signed on with the union in 1973. He first worked with Allied Transportation Company. Brother Smith upgraded his skills in 1982 at the Paul Hall Center. A member of the deck department, he most recently sailed with Crowley Towing of Wilmington. Brother Smith makes his home in Salem, Oregon. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION HAROLD BROWN Brother Harold Brown, 65, was born in Newark, New Jersey. He was a member of the NMU prior to the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Brown is now a resident of Deltona, Florida. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA home in Moreno Valley, California. SALEH ALI EDWARD FULLER Pensioner Saleh Ali, 72, died December 9. Born in Yemen, Brother Ali initially worked on the Santa Maria in 1983. He shipped as a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 2008, Brother Ali sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. He made his home in Dearborn, Michigan. Pensioner Edward Fuller, 72, died December 25. Born in Georgia, he donned the SIU colors in 1978. Brother Fuller originally worked aboard the Neches. He was a steward department member. Prior to his retirement in 2007, Brother Fuller worked on the Horizon Crusader. He called Jacksonville, Florida, home. JOHN BEKIARIS Pensioner John Bekiaris, 88, passed away October 20. He joined the SIU in 1960, originally sailing on the Steel Survey. Brother Bekiaris shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Falcon Champion. Brother Bekiaris went on pension in 1988 and called Greece home. BENJAMIN CORPUS Pensioner Benjamin Corpus, 87, died December 14. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1969 in Norfolk, Virginia. Brother Corpus initially worked on the Rob Good; his final ship was the Sam Houston. He was born in the Philippines and sailed in the steward department. Brother Corpus became a pensioner in 1995 and lived in Norfolk. ALFREDO DAIZ DEL VALLE Pensioner Alfredo Daiz Del Valle, 87, passed away December 12. He began his SIU career in 1960. Brother Daiz Del Valle first sailed aboard the Titan. The Honduras native was an engine department member. Brother Daiz Del Valle’s final ship was operated by Waterman. He went on pension in 1991 and settled in Lafayette, Louisiana. FRANCISCO DELGADO Pensioner Francis Delgado, 73, died December 3. He joined the SIU during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Delgado was born in Cape Verde. He last sailed on the Energy Enterprise. A member of the steward department, he started collecting his retirement compensation in 2014. Brother Delgado was a resident of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. MILE FIAMENGO Pensioner Mile Fiamengo, 65, passed away December 4. He began sailing with the union in 2004. Brother Fiamengo first shipped on the Mokihana. He was born in Croatia and worked in the steward department. Brother Fiamengo’s final voyage was on the Alaskan Legend. He retired in 2015 and made his 18 Seafarers LOG the USNS Denebola. The engine department member most recently worked on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Schoenly was born in Hempstead, New York, and made his home in East Rockaway, New York. his union career in 1980. Brother Chianciola first worked with the Gloucester Fishermen. He last shipped on a Serafina II Inc. vessel. Brother Chianciola went on pension in 1988 and settled in Dedham, Massachusetts. SIMON SHARGABIAN SALVADOR MACALUSO Pensioner Simon Shargabian, 89, died December 22. Brother Shargabian signed on with the SIU in 1979. He mainly sailed with American Ship Management. Brother Shargabian was a steward department member. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1990. Brother Shargabian was a resident of Boston. Brother Salvador MacAluso, 78, passed away December 7. He donned the SIU colors in 1981. Born in New Orleans, Brother MacAluso primarily sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage Company. He worked in both the engine and deck departments. Brother MacAluso became a pensioner in 2003. He was a resident of Gretna, Louisiana. JOHN KARONIS MANUEL SILVA Pensioner John Karonis, 87, passed away December 14. He signed on with the union in 1970. Brother Karonis’ first ship was the Sea Carol; his last was the Pacer. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Karonis began collecting his pension in 1993. He lived in Greece. Pensioner Manuel Silva, 81, passed away November 16. He joined the SIU in 1963. Brother Silva first worked aboard the Waterman ship Hurricane. His final trip was on the Cape Edmont. The deck department member began receiving his pension in 1994. Brother Silva lived in Portugal. JAMES KIM Pensioner James Kim, 81, died December 23. Brother Kim started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 2002. He was originally employed aboard USNS Pollux. Brother Kim was born in South Korea and sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the APL Pearl. Brother Kim retired in 2008 and resided in College Point, New York. ANGEL O’NEILL Pensioner Angel O’Neill, 77, passed away November 20. He became a Seafarer in 1958. Brother O’Neill’s first trip was with Suwannee Steamship Company. He sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the Mayaguez. Brother O’Neill continued to reside in his native Commonwealth, Puerto Rico. ARTHUR REEVES Pensioner Arthur Reeves, 67, died December 26. Brother Reeves began shipping with the SIU in 1984. He initially sailed in the inland division aboard a Delta Queen Steamship Company vessel. Brother Reeves worked in the deck department. He last worked on the Cleveland. Brother Reeves became a pensioner in 2013 and lived in Mobile, Alabama. HOWARD SCHOENLY Brother Howard Schoenly, 50, passed away October 1. He signed on with the union in 1989. Brother Schoenly originally shipped aboard RUDY TJONG Pensioner Rudy Tjong, 91, died November 29. He started shipping with the union in 1960. Brother Tjong’s first vessel was operated by Ore Navigation Corporation. The Indonesia native and engine department member last worked on the Sea-Land shore gang. Brother Tjong retired in 1988 and called Pleasant Hill, California, home. INLAND RICHARD AVERY Pensioner Richard Avery, 89, passed away November 10. He began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of Norfolk, Virginia. Brother Avery primarily worked with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. He went on pension in 1989 and settled in Hampton, Virginia. ROY BISHOP Pensioner Roy Bishop, 79, died November 24. Brother Bishop became an SIU member in 1960. He was employed with National Marine Service Inc. for the duration of his career. Brother Bishop, a deck department member, started collecting his retirement compensation in 1998. He was a resident of Florida. BOBBY BROGLEN Pensioner Bobby Broglen, 83, passed away January 25. He joined the union in 1972. Brother Broglen mainly shipped with Dravo Basic Materials Company in the deck department. He was born in Arkansas. Brother Broglen began collecting his pension in 1995 and made his home in Theodore, Alabama. BENJAMIN CHIANCIOLA Pensioner Benjamin Chianciola, 92, died November 27. He began ROBERT MASON Pensioner Robert Mason, 87, died December 28. Born in Maryland, Brother Mason began sailing with the union in 1961. He was mainly employed with Interstate Oil Transport Company. Brother Mason worked in the deck department. He started receiving his pension in 1990 and lived in Fruitland, Maryland. BUSTER NICHOLS Pensioner Buster Nichols, 87, passed away November 23. He started his union career in 1962. Brother Nichols originally worked with Tug Management Corporation as a member of the deck department. He was born in Baltimore. Brother Nichols last shipped with Sheridan Transportation Company. He went on pension in 1993 and settled in Green Gove Springs, Florida. MAURO OLAES Pensioner Mauro Olaes, 91, died October 24. Brother Olaes joined the union in 1974. He worked with the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Olaes became a pensioner in 1989. He was a resident of the Philippines. EUGENE PARKER Pensioner Eugene Parker, 81, passed away December 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1994. Brother Parker primarily sailed with Westbank Riverboat Service. He was a deck department member. Brother Parker started receiving his pension in 1999 and called Slidell, Louisiana, home. JORGE RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Jorge Rodriguez, 95, died November 30. Brother Rodriguez signed on with the SIU in 1959. He worked primarily with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Brother Rodriguez retired in 1990 and made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GREAT LAKES HAROLD NEAL Pensioner Harold Neal, 75, passed away November 29. He started shipping with the union in 1963. Brother Neal first sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. He was a deck department member. Brother Neal’s final ship was the St. Clair. He went on pension in 2005 and lived in Tennessee. ROBERT RODZICZAK Pensioner Robert Rodziczak, 81, died December 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1961. Brother Rodziczak initially sailed with Edward G. Gillen Company. A Wisconsin native, Brother Rodziczak last worked with Great Lakes Towing Company. He made his home in Pelican, Wisconsin. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION ROBERT EAGAN Pensioner Robert Eagan, 89, passed away November 29. He was a native of Honduras. Brother Eagan began receiving his pension in 1981. He was a resident of Bronx, New York. ALFONSO FLORES Pensioner Alfonso Flores, 94, passed away December 27. The Arizona native retired in 1968. Brother Flores called Pearland, Texas, home. SALFUS KELLY Pensioner Salfus Kelly, 65, died November 16. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Brother Kelly started receiving his pension in 2005. He settled in Port Arthur, Texas. BENEDETTO SOSSA Pensioner Benedetto Sossa, 93, died December 12. Brother Sossa was born in Rovigno, Italy. He went on pension in 1986 and resided in New Haven, Connecticut. Name Age Colla, Joseph 86 Flemming, Livingstone 90 Helaire, Oprise 81 Jefferson, Ellis 88 Mathews, Moses 90 Minster, James 84 Peniza, Jose 92 Poole, Ralph 85 Roche, Jay 72 Solis, Gustavo 82 DOD Dec. 7 Dec. 26 Dec. 2 Nov. 19 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Dec. 21 Dec. 9 Dec. 16 Dec. 15 May 2016 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON SPIRT (Horizon Lines), February 29 – Chairman Joshua A. Mensah, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Mark D. Campbell, Deck Delegate David M. Fridstrom, Engine Delegate Jared Latta, Steward Delegate Erni P. Lizada. Chairman reminded crew to leave room keys with chief officer and make sure rooms are tidy for reliefs. He also stressed importance of keeping lint traps clean. Mariners were thanked for helping keep common areas and laundry room clean. Secretary reminded members that companies can decline you if your physical expires during your tour so keep USCG medical certificates current. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Treasurer stated $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was encouraged to document any safety concerns and report them at safety meetings. Discussion was held about procedure to get reimbursement for safety shoes. HOUSTON (USS Transport), February 28 – Chairman Carlos A. Arauz, Secretary Lionell P. Packnett, Educational Director William A. Mercer, Deck Delegate Theophilus K. Essien, Steward Delegate Vidal Vallesteros. Chairman requested computers and Wi-Fi for crew use. Secretary urged mariners to keep an eye on expiration dates of necessary seafaring documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was reported that new washers have been received. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. Next port: St. James, Louisiana. MARJORIE C (TOTE Services), February 27 – Chairman Daniel Davenport, Secretary Samuel P. Sinclair, Educational Director Mark S. Santoli, Deck Delegate Bill Cooley, Engine Delegate Dale Graham, Steward Delegate Isaac Newsome. Chairman urged crew to allow ample time to obtain renewals before documents, passport and TWIC expire. Educational director recommended training at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from Port Agent Hazel Galbiso pertaining to safety training and vacation checks was read. Crew would like to register via portal. OCEAN GIANT (Crowley), February 21 – Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Artis E. Pilgrim, Educational Director Carlos Marcial, Deck Delegate David A. McRoy Jr., Engine Delegate Joseph R. Noach, Steward Delegate Joselito Eulatriz. Bosun thanked crew members for being safe, keeping garbage organized and cleaning up after themselves. He reminded anyone flying that certain airlines waive baggage fees when z-card or MMC is shown at counter before boarding. Educational director advised mariners to enhance skills at maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland, and pay attention to expiration dates of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests were made for new microwave and water fountain. Recommendation was made regarding pension benefits. Next ports: Beaumont, Texas, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Port Hueneme, California. SAFMARINE NGAMI (Maersk Line, Limited), February 28 – Chairman Mathew J. Bevak, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Rene R. Rosario, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Chairman talked about importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Secretary advised crew to watch expiration dates of necessary seafaring documents. Educational director recommended training at the Piney Point school; check Seafarers LOG for upcoming course dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for keeping ship clean and for excellent food. Next ports: Qasim, Jebel Ali and Salalah. USNS PILILAAU (AMSEA), February 25 – Chairman Christopher D. Janics, Secretary Nina M. McFall, Educational Director Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Deck Delegate Nagi Obad, Engine Delegate Bruce Zenon. Chairman reported successful voyage with no accidents. He also discussed need for internet and email to communicate with family. Educational director encouraged everyone to keep all necessary seafaring documents current espe- Seafarers Prep for Military Exercise The SIU-crewed, Crowley-operated USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus is pictured March 29 in Olongapo, Philippines, where a vehicle rolls off of its ramp at Subic Bay in preparation for exercise Balikatan 16. The exercise, in its 32nd iteration, is scheduled to take place on the Philippine islands of Luzon, Palawan, and Panay. It’s an annual endeavor involving military personnel from the U.S. and the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Grady T. Fontana) May 2016 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. Jones Act Plays Role in National Security Continued from Page 3 the southern United States from Mexico. Yet, the southern border is actually the smallest at 1,989 miles. The U.S. border with Canada is almost three times longer at 5,525 miles. “All of this country’s land borders are dwarfed by the 95,000 miles of national shoreline,” he continued. “This includes the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts as well as the Great Lakes separating the United States from Canada. Along this shoreline are many of America’s greatest cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, Savannah, Miami and Tampa. Virtually all of these are associated with ports through which pass millions of cargo containers and hundreds of thousands of passengers.” He then pointed out that the U.S. “is a nation of rivers. A ship entering the homeland through a coastal port such as New Orleans will have access to the deep interior. The inland waterways of the United States encompass over 25,000 miles of navigable waters, including the Intracoastal Waterway, a 3,000-mile waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. This liquid highway touches most of America’s major eastern cities including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, New Orleans and Mobile. Inland and intracoastal waterways directly serve 38 states from the nation’s heartland to the Atlantic seaboard, Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest.” He explained that “a significant portion of the movement of ships in U.S. waters” is governed by the Jones Act, which is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. The law “was meant to pursue a number of national objectives,” Gouré noted. “The most obvious was to support a robust U.S. shipbuilding industry and merchant marine. In addition, Jones Act ships provided an important logistics support capability for the U.S. Navy. “A less well-appreciated but ever more important service provided by the Jones Act is in the area of homeland security,” he continued. “Since 2011, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security along with domestic law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels are expending enormous amounts of manpower and resources to secure the nation’s ports and waterways. Foreign owned and operated ships routinely enter U.S. ports. But their movements and those of their crews are subject to a variety of controls and restrictions. cially STCW. He also suggested members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew looked into the possibility of buying phone cards to talk to family. CAPE TEXAS (Crowley), March 28 – Chairman Emanuel Gazzier, Secretary David For example, without valid passports, foreign sailors are restricted to their ships and the immediate port area. “It is particularly important that those vessels and crews which routinely travel between U.S. ports and especially the inland waterways through America’s heartland pose no threat to the homeland,” he added. “It is for this reason that the higher standards with respect to ownership and manning requirements for Jones Act ships are so significant.” Gouré concluded that the work involved in securing U.S. ports and foreign cargoes already is significantly challenging. He said it would make “no sense” and would increase “the burden facing domestic security agencies” if foreign-owned, foreign-crewed vessels were permitted to move freely on the nation’s rivers, lakes and waterways. Crewing requirements stipulated by the Jones Act “go a long way to reducing the risk that terrorists could get on board or execute an attack on a U.S. target,” Gouré said. “In effect, there is a system of self-policing that reduces the requirement for law enforcement and homeland security organizations to expend time and effort to ensure that these vessels and crews are safe to traverse U.S. waters. Were the Jones Act not in existence, the Department of Homeland Security would be confronted by the difficult and very costly requirement of monitoring, regulating and overseeing foreigncontrolled, foreign crewed vessels in coastal and internal U.S. waters.” Based in Arlington, Virginia, the Lexington Institute’s stated goals are “to inform, educate, and shape the public debate of national priorities in those areas that are of surpassing importance to the future success of democracy, such as national security, education reform, tax reform, immigration and federal policy concerning science and technology. By promoting America’s ability to project power around the globe we not only defend the homeland of democracy, but also sustain the international stability in which other free-market democracies can thrive. The Lexington Institute believes in limiting the role of the federal government to those functions explicitly stated or implicitly defined by the Constitution. The Institute therefore actively opposes the unnecessary intrusion of the federal government into the commerce and culture of the nation, and strives to find nongovernmental, market-based solutions to public-policy challenges. We believe a dynamic private sector is the greatest engine for social progress and economic prosperity.” Parker, Educational Director Bruce M. Korte, Deck Delegate Nicholas P. Smithling. Chairman expressed his gratitude to fellow crew members for working well together. Educational director urged everyone to keep documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for new washing machine and mattresses for crew. JEAN ANNE (TOTE Services), March 20 – Chairman Noel R. Camacho, Secretary Ingra L. Maddox, Educational Director Matthew Bryant. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and welcomed new Chief Cook Adele Williams. Educational director reminded members to get their STCW Basic Training if they must renew credentials after 2017. Mariners were encouraged to visit Piney Point school whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SIU president’s message pertaining to SIU endorsing Hillary Clinton was read and discussed. Information was given about MMC renewals. It was noted that $145 from recycling to be used for movies. MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 20 – Chairman Abdul A. Hassan, Secretary Breon A. Lucas, Educational Director Eddie Almodovar, Steward Delegate Bernard Butts. Bosun reported smooth sailing with no injuries. Secretary advised crew to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Educational director suggested that mariners upgrade to advance in their field. Treasurer reported $8,661 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed need for new pillows, bed sheets and towels. Recommendations were made to increase pension benefits and lower requirements. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES (OSG), April 1 – Chairman Teodulfo A. Alanano, Secretary Jeffery J. Badua, Educational Director Criseldo E. Espinosa, Deck Delegate Adel Shaibi, Engine Delegate Dexter Hastings. Chairman thanked all departments for great work. Secretary urged mariners to keep an eye on expiration dates of documents. Educational director urged members to enhance their skills at the Paul Hall Center to excel in their positions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is very happy meals provided by steward department. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor Appreciation for Rescue Editor’s note: The writer of the following letter is chronicling her rescue and related events, and is interested in hearing from anyone who was aboard the SIUcrewed LNG Virgo during the operation, which also involved the USNS Sealift Antarctic. She may be reached by email at lauren.vuong@gmail.com and by phone at (415) 603-1025 My Name is Lauren Vuong (birth name Vuong, Ngoc Lan). I was rescued by the LNG Virgo and Captain Hartmann Schonn in June 1980. I believe we were in the Subic Bay at the time. I’ve spent the better part of my adult years searching for Captain Schonn and the crew who saved my family. I want nothing more than to be able to tell you how grateful we are. Every time I look at my parents or my children, I am reminded of your generosity. I could spend the rest of my life saying thank you and it would still not be an adequate rendering of A few of the refugees (above) are pictured aboard the LNG Virgo in 1980, and aboard one of the boats (below) prior to the rescue. Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mailed to webmaster@seafarers.org. my heart’s gratitude to you and everyone on the Virgo. My sole purpose is to find the people who rescued my family in June 1980 and express the gratitude that has been 35 years felt but unspoken. I was 8 years old in 1980. I didn’t speak English yet so I could not tell you how grateful we all were for the chance at life that you, Hartmann Schonn and all the others gave us. I started thinking about finding the Virgo crew as early as 1991 when I turned 18. It wasn’t until 2007 and with the help of the internet that I found George Overstreet, Don McLendon and several others. I’m still humbled every day by the lengths to which they will go to help me now.  Lauren Vuong San Francisco Why not Recognition for Vietnam-Era Mariners? I was a United States Merchant Mariner on the SS Cornell Victory, out of the National Defense Reserve Fleet, in October 1966. I shipped as an AB and watchman. We sailed from San Francisco to Oakland, where we loaded for Saigon, Vietnam. Then we sailed to Seattle, where we took on small arms, ammunition and barrels of herbicides. On deck were trucks and tanks. We then sailed for Vietnam with a stopover in the Philippines for fuel. We laid off the shore of the Republic of Vietnam at night in sub nets and in the China Sea at daylight. We sailed up the river on December 12, 1966. During the particularly hazardous 35-mile river transit to Saigon, my duty was to be on deck to keep everything secure and stand by the anchor winch to drop the anchors if needed. When we were on the river we saw planes that were spraying herbicides on the banks. We took on fire from small arms and I got paint chips in my eyes. I was taken to a hospital in Saigon where they removed the chips from my eyes, and I was then transported back to my ship the next day. We were up and down the river two times, then went to Bangkok, Thailand, for repairs, and then to the Philippines before returning to the United States in early 1967. My feet and legs at times were numb but I didn’t think it was anything. I started truck driving in 1968 and as time passed my feet and legs gradually went numb more often. I had a truck accident; my doctor said I had peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremity. I have been disabled since 1979. As more time passed, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity. In 2004 I went into the VA medical service and the doctors said that my neuropathy could be caused by exposure to herbicides used in Vietnam! My disability claim was denied because I didn’t have a military service connection, even though I was sailing in support of the U.S. Military Sea Transportation Service (forerunner to today’s Military Sealift Command). In the Vietnam era, U.S. Merchant Mariners were subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. We had an average of 75 ships and more than 3,000 mariners in Vietnamese ports at any given time. We delivered materiel and brought home many of those named on the Vietnam Memorial wall. Civilian mariners died in Vietnam. They paid the supreme sacrifice while serving their country and should be recognized as veterans, too. Gerald Tulgetske Glennie, Michigan Union Encourages Seafarers to Register, Vote Seafarers are strongly encouraged to vote on Election Day (or by absentee ballot during the election period). Detailed information about voter registration is available online at: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote Via that website, depending on one’s state of residence, a visitor can either register directly online (23 states offer online registration) or complete the National Mail Voter Registration Form and then print, sign and mail it to the address listed under the user’s state in the individual “State Instructions.” The website also includes information about voter eligibility, voting by absentee ballot, finding local election offices and much more. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: 20 Seafarers LOG Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­ farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­q uently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION. If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 May 2016 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Gap Closing Courses Engineroom Resource Management May 14 May 20 June 4 June 10 June 18 June 24 Leadership and Managerial Skills June 25 July 1 MEECE May 21 May 27 June 11 June 17 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck June 18 July 15 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Stu- dents will be advised of dates once accepted. Advanced Meteorology June 11 June 17 Advanced Shiphandling May 14 May 27 Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Refer Containers July 9 August 5 BAPO May 21 June 17 July 16 August 12 FOWT June 18 July 15 August 13 September 10 Junior Engineer April 23 June 17 Machinist July 2 July 22 Marine Electrician September 10 November 4 Marine Refer Tech November 5 December 16 Pumpman July 23 August 5 Welding April 30 May 20 June 11 July 1 Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Ops June 18 July 15 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. Most recent class started May 5. Advanced Stability May 28 June 3 Chief Steward May 21 July 1 July 2 August 12 ARPA June 18 June 24 December 3 December 9 Galley Ops May 21 June 17 July 16 August 12 Bosun Recertification July 16 August 8 ServSafe June 4 June 10 ECDIS June 4 June 10 July 16 July 22 Septembet 24 September 30 Fast Rescue Boat May 28 June 3 July 16 July 22 August 13 August 19 GMDSS May 21 June 3 November 5 November 18 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Low Flash Point Fuel Ops April 30 May 6 Basic Training w/16hr FF May 14 May 20 June 11 June 17 Basic Training Revalidation July 29 July 29 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation July 9 July 15 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 4 June 10 Lifeboat June 4 June 17 July 2 July 15 Government Vessels May 21 May 27 June 18 June 24 Radar Observer June 4 June 17 November 19 December 2 Medical Care Provider May 14 May 20 June 11 June 17 RFPNW May 21 June 17 July 16 August 12 Tank Barge - DL June 18 June 24 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Tank Ship Familiarization - DL/LG May 21 June 3 Advanced Refer Containers May 28 June 24 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG September 3 September 9 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. May 2016 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, 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. 5/16 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival Class #809 – Eleven Phase I apprentices completed this course March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Raibonne Charles, Ashley Codrington, Justin D’Angelo, Alexander Dominguez, Benjamin Dorries, Ryan Howard, Omiles Johnson, Andrew King, Jesse Sigurdson, Craig Wooten and Brandon Yednoroz. Class instructor Stan Beck is second from the right. Welding – Four Seafarers completed this course March 25. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Todd Lander, Yuri Oliveros, Brian Sengelaub and Danielle Smith. Chris Raley, their instructor, is at the far right. Welding – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 4: Robert Crosby Jr., Clint Flora, Marc Gerrie, Karl Guenterberg, Daniel Lind, Saber Ali Mosleh, Gerald Scott, Tyrone Simmons, Paul Smetana and Clark Vipond, Chris Raley, their instructor, is at the far left. GMDSS – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) finished this course March 11: Joseph Bowen, Roy Carey, Jonathan Omar Chaparro Lorenzo, Adolf Lopez Floresca, Clayton Lupton, Julio Enrigue Perez, Dexter Turija, and Ikler Emanuel Urruchi Lugo. Class instructor Brad Wheeler is at the far right. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 1: Jose Angel Alicea-Sanchez, Gilberto Tito Allende Jr., Efrain Alvarez, Ragab Mossad Ayed, Ramon Borrero, Crystal Cooper, Melgar Dadivas Daguio, Charles Franks, Samuel Garrett, Kenneth Greenidge, Letwan Jackson, David James, Thomas Johnson, Enrique Eduardo Medri, Juan Carlos Negron Miro, Yuri Oliveros, Robert Ott, Paublito Nmi Ramos-Ortiz, Mark Rivers, Frank Sambula, Daunteley Jose Signal, Wilson Trayvilla, Danilo Garcia Valencia and Robert Valentine Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization DL/LG – The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) finished this course March 18: Abraham Arias, Jarvis Carter, Eric Castle, Partick Dean, Korrey Green, Gajatri Normatova, Douglas Pentecost Jr., James Rightnour, Richard Stone and Keshawn Webster. Upon the completion of their training, each hopes to sail aboard American-flag vessels in the engine department. Tank Ship Familiarization DL/LG – Nine Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course March 18: James Blackburn III, Chastenay Dickerson, Austin Duckworth, Tiffani Hernandez, Jasen Lapointe, Joseph Nicodemus, Trevor Patterson, Kyle Seibel and Peter Dongkyu Suh. Each hopes to sail in the deck department aboard American-flag vessels upon the completion of their training. Tankship Familiarization DL/LG – Three Phase III apprentices, each of whom aspires to sail in the steward department, completed this course March 18. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Yoaquin Antonio Gonzales DeJesus, Ammr Ahmed Shariff and Natasha Staton. Water Survival – Two upgraders improved their skills by completing this course March 25. Graduating (above, from the left) were Rudy Lopez and Sterling Kirk. Basic Low Flash Point Fuel Operations - The following upgraders (photo at right, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 25: David Bernstein, Landon Clemons, Adalberto Colon Rosa, Manuel Dadivas Daguio, Jose Roberto Encarnacion, Charles Franks, Mayra Gines, Juan Guanill, Letwan Jackson, Fernando Javier Marques Ortiz, Juan Carlos Negron Miro, Darnell O’Hara, Ronaldo Jose Quinones Perez, Mark Rivers and Joseph White. Class instructors Brad Wheeler and Alan Tupper are at the far left and far right (back row) respectively. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2016 �Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – Twenty-one Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 11: Abdulaziz Mohamed Nagi Alsinai, James Bleckley III, Kem Ysidro Burton, Nicholas Craddock, Michael Flynn, Matthew Gilliland, Andrew Gronotte, Joshua Hicks, Cody Higgs, Noah Hughes, Gary Longmire Jr., Sutton McDaniel, Mark Menton, Patrick Montgomery, Russell Pilchard IV, James Rushin, William Sharp, Marijan Strk, Miguel White, Edward Williams and Matthew Yowell. John Wiegman III, their instructor, is second from the right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Electronic Navigation – Six individuals finished their requirements in this course March 25. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Lindsey Austin, Ryan Landers, Noel Lau, Ryan McElroy, Sunnil Motley and Mykola Smirnov. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far left. Marine Electrician – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 1: Derrick Clark, Elliot Duncan, William Gibson, Darrell Goggins, Nathan Graddick and Steven Miller. Class instructor Jay Henderson is seated, fourth from the left. UA to AS-D – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course March 18: Marcus Carrasquillo, Clifford Christopher, John Consiglio, Luis Oscar Cordero-Fuentes, Bakari Dickerson, Waddah Ali Kaid, Kyle Knickerbocker, Reisa Marie Martinez-Serrano, Ryan Melvin, Miles Mitchell Jr., William Pappas, Mohamed Ali Saleh, Brandon Urich, Pomaikai Velasquez and Damon Zschoche. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Twenty-one upgraders completed this course March 18. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: John Alicea, Gilbert Tito Allende Jr., Alphonzo Berry, Davon Brown, Crystal Cooper, Charles Franks, Kevin Haymer, David James, Thomas Johnson, Ronmel Lopez, Michael Mendoza, Michael Murphy, Bryan Page, George Phillips, Chenequa Rodriguez, Anita Santos, Danilo Garcia Valencia, Robert Valentine Jr., Timothy Van Weezel, Howard Vick and Wayne Webb. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – Seven upgraders completed this course March 25. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Andrew Beach, Samuel Garrett, Larry Locke Jr., Montree Nakwichet, Kyle Pardun, George Steube III and Jimmie Williams Jr. Wayne Johnson Jr., their instructor, is at the far left. Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 18: Andrew Beach, Samuel Garrett, Larry Locke Jr., Kyle Pardun, George Steube III, Justin Strout, Peter Van Enkevort and Jimmie Williams Jr. Their instructor Wayne Johnson Jr., is at the far left. BT-Basic Firefighting – Two upgraders finished this course March 4. Graduating were Sterling Kirk (left) and Ajee Smith (center). Posing with the duo is their instructor, John Thomas. BT-Basic Firefighting – Twenty-three upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course March 25: Gilberto Tito Allende Jr., Efrain Alvarez, Colin Anderson, Gregory Broyles, Melgar Dadivas Daguio, Thalis Ealy, Ismael Armando Garayua, Kenneth Greenidge, Kevin Haymer, Pete Hernandez, Larry Jolla, Antonio Mendez Cruz, Caezar Rivera Mercado, Robert Ott, Bryan Page, George Phillips, Paublito Nmi RamosOrtiz, Anita Zamora Santos, Daunteley Jose Signal, Wilson Matbagon Trayvilla, Danilo Garcia Valencia, Peter Van Enkevort and Howard Vick. Class instructor John Thomas is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BT-Basic Firefighting - The following individuals (photo at left, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 18: Gil Acapulco, Alonzo Belcher, David Bernstein, Carlos Rene Bonilla, James Cameron, Landon Clemons, Adalberto Colon Rosa, Manuel Dadivas Daguio, Solomon Darku, Kashmir Singh Dhillon, Jose Roberto Encarnacion, Mayra Gines, Andrea Hargrove, Pete Hernandez, Letwan Jackson, Rick James, Alvin Martin, Juan Carlos Negron Miro, Darnell O’Hara, Ronaldo Jose Quinones Perez, Michelle Taylor and Joseph White. Instructor Joe Zienda is standing at the far right, second row. May 2016 Seafarers LOG 23 �MAY F E B R2016 UARY 2014 V OVOLUME L U M E 7 678o NO. N O5. 2 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 22-23 The SIU-crewed vessels USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham (left in both photos with crane operating) and USNS Montford Point perform a skin-to-skin maneuver. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madailein Abbott) SIU Mariners Participate in Exercise Ssang Yong 16 SIU crews aboard the USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham, USNS Montford Point, USNS Vadm K.R. Wheeler and USNS Wally Schirra, among others, participated in Exercise Ssang Yong 16 (SY 16), which took place in March immediately following Freedom Banner 16 (which was covered in last month’s Seafarers LOG). The Stockham is operated by Crowley, while the Montford Point is operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. and the Wheeler is operated by TOTE, Inc. The Wally Schirra is crewed by SIU Govern- ment Services mariners. SY 16 is a biennial, combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations. Ssang Yong, or “Twin Dragons” in Korean, represents the alliance and commitment to self-defense between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, according to coverage by the U.S. Navy. A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) attached to Naval Beach Unit 7 embarks the SIUcrewed USNS Montford Point to conduct a seabasing demonstration in support of Exercise Ssang Yong 2016. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy M. Atkins Ricks) The offshore petroleum distribution system on the USNS Vadm K.R. Wheeler (above) discharges water through pipes aft of the ship as part of the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madailein Abbott) During the exercise, the Montford Point and the Stockham performed a “skin-toskin” maneuver, which enabled the two ships to test capabilities as well as practice transferring large cargo, such as vehicles, while at sea. The maneuver is conducted by the two ships connecting side-by-side while the Montford Point acts as a floating pier for a simulated offload. The Stockham can discharge equipment onto the Montford Point through a connecting ramp. The equipment can then be loaded into landing craft air cushion (LCAC) for transfer to shore, further enhancing Marine Corps and naval integration. “This kind of operation enables us to bring people, equipment, (and) ammunition to sea and assemble it as necessary to bring it to shore as a full combat power,” said Navy Capt. Robert A. Rochford, commodore, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three (MPSRON-3). The Montford Point and Stockham are both part of MPSRON-3. “We get closer to that ultimate goal when we have other ships involved and when we successfully execute operations like these,” he added. According to the Navy, the Montford Point is categorized as an expeditionary floating pier-at-sea. The ship is assigned to the Marine Corps “to provide a pier-at-sea to move and transfer from large, mediumspeed, roll-on/roll-off ships onto LCACs to provide seabasing capabilities for the Navy and the Marine Corps.” As Rochford explained, a strong advantage for the pier-at-sea concept includes being able to move at will so as to not become a possible target to unfriendly forces. The makeshift pier can operate 25 miles off shore and still provide support for our military. Additionally, the dry cargo and ammunition ship Wally Schirra participated in a vertical replenishment with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Boxer. The supplies were transferred from the deck of the Wally Schirra by an SA330-J Puma helicopter and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter to the nearby Boxer, the flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. In a separate component, the Wheeler performed a demonstration a procedure involving pipes aft of the ship transferring water. The hose can be used to send water to other ships or to land-based containers. “They hook up a tanker to the ship and the water is pumped through the bow discharge unit,” said Rochford. “They demonstrated the volume of water they can send through the pipes to be transferred. It’s unique for ships to have that capability and it’s what makes the Wheeler stand out.” As stated by the Navy, the vessel holds one million gallons of its own fuel, which would enable the ship to be able to go around the world 1.5 times without having to refuel. The Wheeler creates its own water, making up to 60 tons of water a day. The ship can also transfer fuel from a tanker to depots ashore from up to eight miles off the coast. “I think everyone was very interested to come see this Offshore Petroleum Discharge System,” added Rochford. “Being able to see the capabilities the ship can bring to the table is critical. The Wheeler is unique to the fleet, she’s a strategic asset and nothing else can take her place.” A helicopter prepares to transfer supplies from the flight deck of the SIU-crewed Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra as the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans transits during a vertical replenishment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Monford) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2016 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SHBP ANNOUNCES BOOST TO DENTAL BENEFITS TRANSCOM BOSS BACKS MSP, U.S. MARINERS CAR CARRIERS M/V AIDA JOINS SIU FLEET CROWLEY MARITIME TAKES DELIVERY OF THIRD OF FOUR LNG-READY PRODUCT TANKERS INSTITUTE: JONES ACT HELPS PROTECT AMERICA FROM ‘TERRORIST INFILTRATION’ U.S. SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI VISITS PAUL HALL CENTER MARITIME LABOR COMMUNITY MOURNS PASSING OF MM&P PRESIDENT EMERITUS TIM BROWN UNION DISTRIBUTES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SEAFARERS EL FARO ASSISTANCE FUND TO LATE MEMBERS’ FAMILIES SCOTUS FRIEDRICHS VERDICT UPHOLDS WORKER PROTECTIONS NEW DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RULE BOOSTS TRANSPARENCY DURING UNION ELECTIONS SENATOR HIRONO EARNS PRESTIGIOUS MARITIME AWARD SIU PRESIDENT ISSUES ELECTION YEAR PRE-BALLOTING REPORT COAST GUARD APPROVES 2 NEW STCW COURSES AT PHC SEAFARER PENS EL FARO TRIBUTE STIRRING EXHIBIT HONORS WWII MARINERS AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS GROUP VISITS MUSEUM IN NEW ORLEANS SIU MARINERS PARTICIPATE IN EXERCISE SSANG YONG 16 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2016 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 78, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/aed6fe01a2efa975b8564eabebafb78a.pdf 26172a7625f12377c28d6b0214751437 PDF Text Text MAY 2017 VOLUME 79 NO. 5 Three Jones Act Ships Launched As March wound down, three new SIU-contracted vessels were in the news following launch ceremonies at various shipyards across the country. Those ships, which will sail in the Jones Act trade, are the Palmetto State (photo at right), the El Coqui (second photo below) and the American Freedom (immediately below). Featured in the group photo at the bottom of the page are American Freedom crew members (standing, from left) OMU Harlan Ouellette, SA Abdulla Quraish, Chief Cook David Dingman, AB Dennis Saggese, Pumpman Felix Garcia, Chief Steward Stephen Avallone, AB Brandon Albro, Bosun Joshua Mensah, AB Arsenio Malunes, (kneeling, from left) AB Julius Thomas, Oiler Benjamin Stanley and AB John McElhaney. Page 3. (Ship photos, as listed above, courtesy of General Dynamics NASSCO, Crowley, and Philly Shipyard, respectively) SIU President Featured at DOT Event Page 2 Port Agent Selzer Retires Page 4 ‘Turtle Ops’ Page 6 �President’s Report Jones Act Remains Vital Look no further than the front page of this month’s LOG to see some of the continuing positive effects of the Jones Act. As reported there and elsewhere in this edition, three new SIU-contracted vessels recently were launched at shipyards on all three sea coasts. There’s no way companies would make those kinds of investments in domestic American-flag shipping without the Jones Act – a law that has served our nation extremely well for nearly a century. Old salts probably know the essentials of America’s freight cabotage law, but for any newcomers, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. One of the oddities about this law is that while it has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support, it also regularly comes under attack, normally by individuals and organizations with Michael Sacco no regard for the U.S. Merchant Marine or for America’s security. Those attacks range from calling for outright elimination to chipping away at isolated components such as the U.S.-build requirement or the application of the law in Puerto Rico. Fortunately, the facts are on our side. And those facts include that the Jones Act helps account for almost 500,000 American jobs. It helps maintain a pool of U.S. mariners who are available to sail on American military support ships in times of need. It pours billions of dollars per year into the domestic economy. It is nothing short of critical in helping our nation maintain its shipbuilding capability. In summary, the Jones Act is essential to America’s national, economic and homeland security. It’s also worth noting that most other industrialized nations maintain cabotage laws. (Our brothers and sisters in Canada have been successfully fighting efforts to weaken that nation’s cabotage laws.) Basically, it’s just sound policy and good common sense. For us, cabotage is an investment in America. Although the vessels shown on our front page this month are deep sea ships, we shouldn’t overlook the point that the Jones Act ensures that vessels plying America’s inland waterways are truly domestic. Crews are carefully screened before receiving their credentials, and vessel owners work with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal law enforcement agencies. Another way to look at it was illustrated earlier this year during the Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting. One of the guest speakers, Michael Hebert, is in charge of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Jones Act Division of Enforcement. He described the law as “critical” and added: “Without the Jones Act, we would have issues in our inland river systems with national security. Our national security is a layered approach…. There’s no way that we could enforce our national security laws without the Jones Act. We have 95,000 miles of coastline in the United States. When we look at the southern border, that’s 1,900 (miles), and we’re really concerned about the southern border. But we (also) need to be concerned about our coastline and our river systems. Without the Jones Act, we would be inundated with foreign-flag vessels and non-coastwise-qualified vessels doing business at our critical infrastructures. They would have unfettered access to our refineries and more, and that’s an issue to me. Along with the vessels, the foreign crew that are on these vessels….” Those are wise words from someone outside the labor movement who is very well-informed on the subject, and they reflect even more reasons why the Jones Act is good for America. Volume 79 Number 5 May 2017 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2017 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. SIU President Michael Sacco addresses the crowd as Secretary Chao looks on. SIU President Speaks at DOT Event Outing Welcomes Sec. Chao, Acclaims Agency’s 50th Year Even in a town with no shortage of recognizable names, the speaker lineup for the March 29 event at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters was noteworthy. The list included SIU President Michael Sacco, one of seven speakers featured at a gathering in the nation’s capital that served as both a formal welcoming of DOT Secretary Elaine Chao and an observance of the department’s 50th anniversary. In addition to Sacco and Chao, the other speakers were (in order) Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota), former DOT Secretary Elizabeth Dole, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (RKentucky), who is married to Chao. CNBC reporter Ylan Mui served as master of ceremonies. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman were among those in attendance. Crowd estimates varied, but were as high as 400-plus. Sacco told the audience that although the SIU has worked with Chao since the mid-1980s (starting during her time at the Maritime Administration), their friendship blossomed when she took over as Secretary of Continued on Page 8 Trumka: Time to Change Economy That is Rigged Against Workers “The future is truly ours to shape.” With these words, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on April 4 that the national labor federation would be active in pushing its agenda for working people and their families. “Everybody deserves (an opportunity for) a good job,” he declared, adding that the AFL-CIO would fight for all workers whether they belong to a union or not. He said the federation holds its fidelity to working people and not to a particular political party. In discussing the 2016 election, he said people were “crying out for new economic rules” that work for them, which is something that applied to both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton union voters. Trumka stated the union movement would stand with President Trump if what he proposes is good for workers, but if the White House “pulls the bait-and-switch, you are going to fail.” He addressed the administration’s $1 billion infrastructure idea as a good start but asked how the money will be spent. He acknowledged he is worried when presidential executive orders roll back actions whose original intentions were to help workers at their job sites and at their banks. Trumka told the audience of several hundred that the AFL-CIO would be watching what the president does if legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives eliminating project labor agreements on federal projects clears the Senate and reaches the Oval Office. “Will he sign or will he veto? Our job will be to get the facts out.” He talked about being a thirdgeneration coal miner, growing up in southwestern Pennsylvania with good public schooling and affordable college “because of union contracts. Now mineworkers are lobbying Congress for their health care and pensions. “Unionism gave us the ladder to the middle class,” he continued. “For too many people, that ladder’s gone. We have to rebuild it rung by rung.” To emphasize his point, he introduced Michael Smith, who lost his union job at the Chicago Nabisco factory last year when the company’s owner, Mondelez, moved production to Mexico. “These (U.S.) factories should not be a thing of the past,” Trumka avowed. In his opening, Trumka pointed out that April 4 is Equal Pay Day – and that, on average, women have to work an extra 100 days to get the AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka outlines the fight to bring the nation’s economy closer to the values of workers during an address at the National Press Club. same salary as men. He called this wrong and said the “economy is out of balance, tilted toward the corporations.” “Bring the jobs home and invest in America,” he proclaimed. “When we stand together, we win.” The AFL-CIO has 55 affiliates (including the SIU) which represent 12.5 million workers. SIU President Michael Sacco is the federation’s longest-serving executive council member. Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG May 2017 �SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left in photo at left, with NASSCO VP/General Manager Kevin Graney) represented the union at the launch. In photo directly above, Graney and ship sponsor Mrs. Linda Rankine are pictured before the ceremony. Employees at General Dynamics NASSCO (above) – a union shipyard – pose under the tanker’s bow. (Second and third photos courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) Three New Vessels Entering Jones Act Service Two Tankers, One ConRo Signal New Jobs for SIU Members The month of March ended with a flurry of news about tonnage entering the American-flag domestic fleet. Three vessel launches – for the El Coqui, the Palmetto State and the American Freedom – mean new jobs for SIU members as well as state-of-the-art additions to the Jones Act fleet. The El Coqui is a combination container and roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) ship built for Crowley Maritime at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi. It was launched March 21. The Palmetto State and American Freedom are tankers constructed for American Petroleum Tankers (APT). The Palmetto State, built at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, was celebrated in a March 25 ceremony, while the American Freedom was welcomed March 29 at Philly Shipyard. The LNG-powered El Coqui, slated to enter service in the second half of 2017, will now proceed through the final topside construction and testing phase, Crowley reported. “This was a special day for Crowley, VT Halter Marine and all of the men and women who designed, and who are constructing, this world-class ship,” said Tom Crowley, company chairman and CEO. “We are extremely appreciative of all the work that has been accomplished so far and look forward to the successful delivery of El Coquí later this year and her sister ship, Taíno, in the first half of next year.” The ships will be 720 feet long and 106 feet wide, and each able to transport up to 2,400 twenty-foot-equivalent container units (TEUs) and a mix of nearly 400 cars The American Freedom is a new addition to the SIU-crewed fleet. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard) and larger vehicles in the enclosed, ventilated and weather-tight Ro/Ro decks. A wide range of container sizes and types can be accommodated, ranging from 20foot standard, to 53-foot by 102-inch-wide, high-capacity units, as well as up to 300 refrigerated containers, Crowley noted. They will be able to travel at 22 knots and are planned for service between Puerto Rico and Jacksonville, Florida. Meanwhile, the 610-foot-long Palmetto State is the final ship in an eight-vessel class built by NASSCO for APT. U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-California) served as the principal speaker for the christening and launch. As the ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Linda Rankine christened the vessel with the traditional break of a champagne bottle on the tanker’s hull. She is the wife of Bill Rankine, manager of marine chartering and operations for CITGO. Thousands of shipbuilders, their family and friends, and members of the community attended the celebration. The 50,000-dwt product carrier is LNGconversion ready and will carry 330,000 barrels of cargo. With a specialized ECO design, the tankers are quite energy efficient and incorporate environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system, NASSCO reported. Finally, Philly Shipyard (PSI) delivered the American Freedom, the second of four next-generation 50,000 dwt product tankers that it is building for APT. It’s the twentysixth vessel built by PSI. Philly Shipyard, formerly Aker Philadelphia, is a union facility that has produced 26 vessels. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard) May 2017 “We are proud to deliver another vessel to our partners at American Petroleum Tankers,” remarked Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard’s president and CEO. “This vessel, like its predecessor, is delivered [on time], and with the same resolute focus on quality and safety that our customers depend on. On the cusp of the shipyard’s 20year anniversary, we are proud of each and every one of our deliveries and honored to serve some of the very best owners in the U.S. maritime industry.” The American Freedom is based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that also incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features and flexible cargo capability while meeting the latest regulatory requirements, the shipyard reported. The vessel has received “LNG Ready Level 1” approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The 600-foot tanker has a carrying capacity of 14.5 million gallons of crude oil or refined products. American’s freight cabotage law, the Jones Act, requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to be carried on vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Stipulations such as these are not unique in the world, nor are they new to the United States (the Jones Act has been the law of the land for nearly a century). Cabotage principles in part are designed to guarantee the participation of a country’s citizens in its own domestic trade. These laws foster the development of a merchant marine and give preference to local labor and industry. More importantly, they support national security and protect the domestic economy. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Jones Act helps maintain nearly 500,000 American jobs (both shipboard and related shore-side positions) while contributing billions of dollars each year to the domestic economy. The law has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support, though it also regularly comes under attack, usually by foreign-flag interests. Seafarers LOG 3 �Port Agent Bobby Selzer is pictured in 2014 (photo at right) at the Jersey City hall and in an older, undated file photo (above) taken in Brooklyn. Accomplished Port Agent Bobby Selzer Retires A longtime SIU fixture and dedicated union employee has called it a career. Bobby Selzer most recently served as the port agent in Jersey City, New Jersey, but his SIU tenure spanned 56 years. He was, at different times, an employee of the Seafarers LOG and the creator and supervisor of an SIU print shop, though most remember him fondly as the port agent in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn is still home for Selzer, 78, who retired late last year. “He is a dear friend,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez, “who introduced me to fine wine. He yelled at everybody – but that was just his way. If he didn’t yell at you, that meant he didn’t like you. But he has a big heart, a very generous soul, and a bellowing laugh. He is a loyal friend.” Selzer joined the union in 1960, and thenSIU President Paul Hall told him to start an in-house print shop. This was just the first of many tasks he would dutifully perform over his career. Selzer recalled, “Paul Hall asked me to start up a print shop in the old days, the LOG Press, before I worked the counter at the Brooklyn hall as a patrolman. I worked in three different locations, including the Jersey hall after the move. I went wherever they needed me, even working in the LOG office with Herb Brand for a time.” Selzer became the port agent in Brooklyn in 1984, and it’s a job title he held until his retirement. Reflecting on his years of service, he said the maritime industry has undergone many modifications. “The government involvement is probably the biggest change,” he said. “As far as union, I’d say the changes in shipping rules and regulations are very different than they used to be. But all the changes are for the best, of course.” SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone fondly remembered working with Selzer: “Bobby was a mentor to me very early on in my career as a patrolman in Brooklyn. He was very articulate on how our dispatching duties were to be handled. He was always available and very helpful and patient through my learning process and always had you look into his eyes when he was explaining things to you so he would know you were understanding everything he said. I thought it was silly back then, but now, almost 40 years later I have come to understand how beneficial that is when communicating directly with someone. “I appreciate Bobby for all he has done for me and all his dedication in maintaining and supporting our union objectives,” Marrone added. “I will always appreciate him and I am sending my warmest regards to him in his retirement.” SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram also wished Selzer well in his retirement and added, “I’ve known Bobby for 36 years; he was one of my closest friends. He’s a great guy to be around with a great sense of humor.” Good-naturedly, Mangram added, “Until I met him, I never knew one person could eat a whole chicken.” “Bobby Selzer was truly one of the major building blocks of the SIU. If you doubt it, just ask him,” said Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. “He would remind you daily of his part in the no-nonsense days in New York, which shaped what the SIU is today. But underneath his brash exterior, Bobby has a heart of gold. He loves the membership, and cares about not only their livelihood but their personal lives. He was a great teacher and friend to me, and I owe him a ton more gratitude than I could ever give him. He’s a great man and will be missed by all of the SIU.” Jersey City Port Agent Mark von Siegel remembered, “They broke the mold when they made Bobby. When I came to work for the SIU as a patrolman in Brooklyn, he was my port agent and my mentor, and he would do anything for the membership. He would always quote (the late SIU Vice President Contracts) Red Campbell, saying, ‘The rules are there for a reason.’ He instilled those values in everyone, to follow the rules and contracts to the letter. “I wish him well in his retirement – he certainly earned it,” von Siegel concluded. “And I’d thank him for teaching me as well as he did, in the hopes that I could try and fill his shoes.” Union Financial Committee OKs SIU’s 2016 Records Each year, in accordance with the union’s constitution, a group of rankand-file members (elected by fellow Seafarers) reviews the SIU’s financial records for the prior calendar year. This process most recently took place in early April, and the committee of seven SIU members reported that the union’s financial records for 2016 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello (chairman), Recertified Bosun Brian Fountain, QMED Jason Eric Young, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo, Recertified Bosun Adrian Jones, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and QMED Riley Donahue. They were elected April 3 at the monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. They finished their work later in the week at the union’s headquarters building, which is located in Camp Springs, Maryland, near the nation’s capital. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the 4 Seafarers LOG annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. The report reads in part, “We have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Pictured from left to right in the photo above are (seated) Recertified Bosun Adrian Jones, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo, QMED Jason Eric Young, Recertified Bosun Brian Fountain, (standing) QMED Riley Donahue, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta. In the photo below, committee members wrap up their work. May 2017 �General, Congressmen Support Merchant Marine Widespread support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and American-flag shipping was voiced in a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Seapower and the Projection Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee on March 30. General Darren McDew, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), testified before members of the House of Representatives including: Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina); Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Rob Wittman (RVirginia); Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Joe Courtney (DConnecticut); John Garamendi (D-California); Austin Scott (R-Georgia); Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii); Bradley Byrne (RAlabama); A. Donald McEachin (D-Virginia); Duncan Hunter (R-California); Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey); Martha McSally (R-Arizona); Vicky Hartzler (RMissouri) and Elise Stefanik (RNew York). Chairman Wilson opened the hearing, which focused on the current state of TRANSCOM, by saying, “This hearing follows a series of hearings and briefings highlighting the individual readiness challenges of each military service, which further confirms that our services are indeed in a readiness crisis. The cornerstone of the U.S. military is its service members; underpinning their success is the ability of our soldiers, military assets and commercial partners makes a powerful combination that must be carefully managed and sustained,” he stated. “And while I believe that TRANSCOM remains ready today to fulfill its important mission, I’m concerned about some of the longer-term challenges it will face without action by Congress. For example, while the emerging build-up of our Navy fleet has received significant attention in recent months, the state of our sealift capabilities is just as important.” “Our nation cannot presume that a foreign-owned maritime sealift component will be available during times of conflict to deploy into contested waters. Our nation needs U.S. mariners on U.S.-flagged ships.” - Congressman Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) sailors, airmen and Marines to go where they are needed and have fully operational equipment ready to be used. “While I firmly believe the United States military remains the world’s best, I’m concerned about shortfalls in readiness and the trend lines that we see,” he continued. “U.S. Transportation Command enables our military to deliver an immediate and powerful force against U.S. adversaries anywhere in the globe, through airlift, air refueling and our strategic sealift.” Ranking Member Courtney echoed those concerns. “Under TRANSCOM, the mix of organic He continued, “America’s Ready Reserve Fleet and the vessels within the Maritime Security Program are strategic and irreplaceable national assets. And like other strategic assets, we must ensure that we do all we can to maintain, support, and replace the ships that comprise them. I’m deeply concerned, however, that we have not paid enough attention as a nation to the health and viability of our pool of vessels or the mariner pipeline needed to crew them. As we look at addressing some of the more urgent near needs facing our sealift capability, it is important as well to have a clear and long-term path towards fully recapitalizing our sealift fleet and the mariners needed to man them. In the near term, I believe we need to take action to ensure that the MSP has the resources and support it needs.” Wittman noted his concern over the availability of trained U.S. mariners, saying, “The Maritime Administration has indicated that our commercial sector does not have sufficient mariners to sustain a prolonged mobilization of our Ready Reserve forces. Our nation cannot presume that a foreign-owned maritime sealift component will be available during times of conflict to deploy into contested waters. Our nation needs U.S. mariners on U.S.flagged ships.” In his opening statement, Gen. McDew said in part, “I wanted to emphasize the vital role that you mentioned, that our commercial industry, who I call our fourth component, plays in our success.” U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman “I’m deeply concerned that we have not paid enough attention as a nation to the health and viability of our pool of vessels or the mariner pipeline needed to crew them.” Congressman Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) May 2017 He went on to express his alarm about the current states of U.S. airlift and sealift capabilities, citing a recent war game in which planners were forced to account for transportation’s vital role – and potential loss. “I’m concerned about our national strategic sealift capability,” he stated. “A delay in recapitalizing our military sealift fleet creates risk in our ability to deploy forces across the globe. These concerns are compounded further by merchant mariner shortages and the reduction of U.S.-flagged vessels. Today, our resources make us capable of meeting today’s logistics needs. However, if we don’t take action soon, many of our Military Sealift Command vessels will begin to age out by 2026. A significant portion of the DOD’s wartime cargo capability moves on these ships.” In his testimony, McDew further explained TRASCOM’s view of commercial sealift: “Historically, nearly 90 percent of wartime transportation requirements are delivered through strategic organic and U.S.flagged commercial sealift. In fact, our strategic sealift fleet provides the ability to deliver a decisive force over great distances. Our U.S. Navy component, the Military Sealift Command (MSC), provides sealift capabilities through ship chartering, prepositioning, and sustainment operations while also executing operational command over the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force ships during contingencies. Without a healthy and viable U.S. commercial sealift fleet, MSC surge fleet, and MARAD’s Ready Reserve Force, our nation’s military may not be able to deploy as quickly and efficiently as it can today.” He then explained the great value of the Voluntary Intermo- Gen. Darren McDew Commander, U.S. Transportation Command of trained merchant mariners and sealift capacity. It does this, and contributes to national defense, by [supporting] a robust, domestic maritime industry including U.S. industrial shipyard infrastructure for building, repairing, and overhauling U.S. vessels.” When asked by Courtney about a diminished merchant mariner pool, McDew responded, “As you know, the merchant mariner force is the bedrock to how we move the force in our country. It makes the difference between and the capacity of the mariners.” After asking McDew about the status of the RRF vessels, Garamendi used his time to speak to his fellow members, saying, “We can expand the American commercial maritime fleet by requiring that the export of oil and gas be on American-built ships. And we can start at 10 percent, 15 percent, and then ramp it up. That would give us an opportunity for mariners to be trained and ready for the [RRF] or the MSP.” Among his questions for the “If we don’t take action soon, many of our Military Sealift Command vessels will begin to age out by 2026. A significant portion of the DOD’s wartime cargo capability moves on these ships.” - Gen. Darren McDew, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command dal Sealift Agreement (VISA) and the related Maritime Security Program (MSP). “Over time, MSP has provided access to required commercial U.S.-flag shipping assets, while also supporting the pool of merchant mariners needed to operate MSC’s surge and Ready Reserve Fleet,” McDew said. “In this way, the MSP significantly contributes to the supply of merchant mariners available to serve on U.S. vessels in time of war while mitigating future risk to our national commercial capacity. Along with MSP, The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, provides an additional pool us being the most powerful military in the world and us not being the most powerful military in the world. There are nations around the world that wish they had the power projection ability we have. The mariner force we have today is insufficient to go to war for an extended period of time.” Wittman asked about the RRF and whether the nation could sustain an activation. McDew replied, “We believe we have the numbers of ships to be able to start the initial deployment and maybe the second round of deployments. But maybe beyond that we’re starting to be hurt by how available these ships will be general, Hunter asked about the importance of the Jones Act for the maritime industrial base. McDew replied, “There are several pieces of U.S. law that are part of the industrial base and it’s not just one. The Jones Act is probably the anchor for it, but without the Jones Act, without the Maritime Security Program, without cargo preference, our maritime industry is in jeopardy and our ability project the force is in jeopardy. If we think we need to project our force with U.S.-flagged vessels, with U.S. mariners on board, we need all of those things right now to secure that.” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney U.S. Rep. John Garamendi U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter Seafarers LOG 5 �With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan ‘Turtle Ops’ Result In Reptilian Freedom Editor’s note: Many thanks to USNS Invincible vessel master Capt. Bradford Collins for the photos and write-up that follows. The Invincible is operated by Crowley. On March 29, the USNS Invincible’s bridge team spotted a turtle in trouble. A large turtle was badly entangled in nets and fishing line. With no pending operations, we immediately commenced “Turtle Ops.” – rescue that turtle! The bow thruster was brought online and the ship was maneuvered to bring the turtle alongside and on board. The Invincible’s personnel – from Crowley, U.S. Navy Security, USAF and Raytheon – responded and carried out this rescue. With the turtle aboard, via the side port, the nets and fishing lines were cut away. The no-longer-distressed turtle was released back overboard. The quick response of the ship’s crew to a life in distress, and the maneuvering of the vessel to facilitate the safe shipboard recovery of a life, albeit a turtle, is indeed a demonstration of an unannounced “man overboard” rescue. The Invincible’s diligent crew and teams responded beautifully as a cohesive unit. The photo above was captured by Captain Pham while the vessel was docked at Port Fujairah, UAE. Pictured from left to right are QMED Jason Young, Steward Devalence Smiley, QMED Ted Gonzales, AB Kareem Baxter, AB Tomas Robinson, AB Osei Baffoe (wearing protective gear due to wind and high temperatures), AB Greg Baker, GVA Alex Domadigo, AB Jose Argueta and Chief Cook Cecil Husted. Governor Reappoints SIU Port Agent To Position on Louisana Authority SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook leum products, and containers. The recently was reappointed by the 2,238-acre site, with depths up to governor to serve another term as a 108 feet, is owned by the State of commissioner on the Louisiana InLouisiana.” ternational Deep Water Gulf TransWestbrook came up through the fer Authority (LIGTT). ranks, sailing on vessels operating Westbrook, based at the SIU hall in the Mississippi River and in the in Harvey, Louisiana, has worked on Gulf of Mexico. He worked his the commission since 2008. He was way up to chief engineer during a nominated for reappointment by the five-year shipboard career. Louisiana State AFL-CIO, where Both as a rank-and-file marihe serves on the executive board as ner and as a union official, he has special assistant to the president on completed numerous maritime maritime. safety courses. He graduated from The LIGTT is working to facilia number of those classes at the tate construction of what some have Maryland-based Paul Hall Center described as an “offshore megafor Maritime Training and Educaport.” The organization describes tion, a highly regarded facility that the project as “envisioned to be is affiliated with the SIU. America’s first deep water transfer Westbrook is the president of terminal designed to accommodate the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Dethe demands of Post-Panamax and SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook partment’s Port Council of Greater larger Cape Size vessels…. The New Orleans and Vicinity. He is a centerpiece of the system is a deep member of the nominating comwater transfer terminal to be located just east of the mittee for the Port of New Orleans, Jefferson and St mouth of the Mississippi River where the Southwest Bernard Parish board of commissioners. AdditionPass meets the Gulf of Mexico. It is anticipated the ally, he has served on the U.S. Coast Guard’s New terminal will be equipped to handle bulk cargo, petro- Orleans Area Maritime Security Committee. New SHBP Documents Available on SIU Website The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) recently updated its Guide to Your Benefits for Participants at the Core-Plus and Core Benefit Levels. The new version, dated February 2017, contains the most current information about health benefits for employees and their dependents who are eligible for Core-Plus or Core health benefits. It is available online at www.seafarers.org, under the Member Benefits tab, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The SHBP and the other Seafarers Plans post all information about changes in benefits and general notices about the Plans on www.seafarers.org in order to keep participants informed about their ben- 6 Seafarers LOG efits. Currently, the SHBP and the other Plans also mail these documents to participants. The Seafarers Plans will soon send participants a letter requesting consent to receive these, and other non-confidential Plan documents electronically only. Since the electronic versions are always available regardless of an individual’s location, it is generally more convenient to view the electronic documents. It also avoids using resources on printing and mailing thousands of copies of documents. The Seafarers Plans encourages participants to read this consent form, and send it back to the Plans as soon as possible. These images show the tangled turtle, the mess it was caught in, and the glorious moment of initial freedom. May 2017 �Maersk Honors Recertified Steward Juan Hernandez An enthusiastic Seafarer recently received recognition for his consistently excellent work. Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo Hernandez earned a letter of commendation and a chef’s knife set from Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). The letter cited the mariner’s “consistently top-notch performance and dedication to duty while aboard the Maersk Kinloss and other Maersk vessels. Your professional skills, dedication to those you serve and department leadership is an inspiration to all.” Signed by MLL Vice President of Labor Relations Ed Hanley and MLL Port Steward Rich Fellone, the letter (presented March 29 in Norfolk, Virginia) also credited Vallejo Hernandez for helping generate “the highest crew satisfaction scores in food service” for two consecutive years in the company’s employee engagement survey. “As a true professional, you manage to balance quality, quantity, wellness and creative menu planning while remaining within budget,” the letter continued. “[Even though] you make it look easy, we know it is not.” In a separate communication, Hanley described the recertified steward as “a skilled and dedicated professional whose pride and passion for his craft is uplifting and inspiring.” Vallejo Hernandez joined the union in 2001, and he completed the Paul Hall Center’s steward recertification course in 2012. At that time, he stated, “The SIU has been a true blessing not only for me, but also for everyone else who has stepped forward and accepted the challenge of becoming a highly trained maritime professional…. The SIU provides job security for its members and secures a future in the maritime industry for generations to come.” Seafarer Juan Vallejo Hernandez (left) accepts a chef’s knife set from MLL Port Steward Rich Fellone. Important Notices Avoid Mishaps When Enrolling for Direct Deposit SIU members are encouraged to be meticulous when signing up for direct deposit of vacation checks. As previously reported in the LOG and elsewhere, Seafarers can sign up for direct deposit by entering the appropriate banking information through the member portal account (linked on the union’s home page). However, a recent development prompted Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen to note, “Please keep in mind that we do not see your banking information, so you need to verify that you have entered the correct information. We send a test file to the bank the first time; however, if you enter a valid bank account number, even if it is not yours, the bank will not notify us of an error. We recently had this problem occur and are working with the bank to fix it, but it takes a long time. So, double check your information before submitting your application, and (monitor) your account afterwards if you are expecting a deposit.” The case in question involved inadvertent entry of the wrong account number – and it happened to be another person’s account, so that’s where the deposit went. Drug Testing for MMC Renewal National Maritime Center Issues Release Which Outlines Options for Mariner Credential Applications Editor’s note: The National Maritime Center issued the following news release on March 22. 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 10 requires that all applicants for the original issuance or renewal of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and applicants seeking certain raises in grade or new endorsements must provide evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or meet the requirements for an exemption from testing in accordance with 46 CFR 16.220. If an applicant fails to meet this requirement, the Coast Guard will not issue the MMC. To meet this requirement, applicants may submit one of the following: (1) A completed drug test form (Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form or CG-719P) signed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) showing the applicant has passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs. Passing a chemical test for dangerous drugs means that the result of a chemical test conducted according to 49 CFR part 40 was reported as ‘‘negative’’ by an MRO. The National Maritime Center will not accept any other chemical test result including “negative – dilute”. (2) A letter on company or consortium stationery signed by an authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that the applicant passed a test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months with no subsequent positive drug tests during the remainder of the six-month period. May 2017 (3) A letter on company or consortium stationary signed by an authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that the applicant has been subject to random drug testing for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days, has not failed any tests, and has not refused to participate in any required test. (4) Active duty or reserve military members may provide a letter from their command stating that they have passed a required chemical test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months. Active duty military members may also provide a letter from their command stating that they have been subject to random drug testing for the past six months and have not failed any tests. Random testing letters are not accepted for reserve military members. (5) Civilian government mariners with the Military Sealift Command, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may provide a letter from their command or headquarters as proof that they have been enrolled in a bona fide drug testing program and have been subject to random drug testing for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days. The letter must also certify that the mariner has not failed or refused participation in a chemical test for dangerous drugs. Have questions or comments? Contact the NMC by using our Online Chat or Ticketing System, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-I-ASK-NMC (427-5662). ITF, AMP Praise Jones Act The Jones Act recently was defended by domestic and international allies, as both the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) made strong statements in support of America’s freight cabotage law. The SIU is affiliated with both organizations. On April 4, during a panel discussion at the U.S. Navy League’s SeaAir-Space Exposition near the nation’s capital, Thomas A. Allegretti, chairman of AMP, called the industry’s relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Customs and Border Protection “one of our most important partnerships” because of the role they play in U.S. homeland security. The event brought together the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector U.S. companies and key military decision makers. Allegretti was joined by current and former officials from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the panel: “Maritime Transportation: Partnerships in Preserving U.S. Commerce.” The panel presented an opportunity for Allegretti and fellow participants, including RADM Paul F. Thomas of the USCG, Jim Caponiti of the American Maritime Congress, and Anthony Fisher of MARAD, to discuss the importance of working together in the U.S. marine transportation system. Allegretti’s remarks focused on the collaboration between and among America’s commercial maritime industry, the Coast Guard and CBP to strengthen economic, national and homeland security and provide critical training and safety programs to support the U.S. Merchant Marine. “The absence of a Jones Act would leave a huge, gaping security hole in American homeland security,” said Allegretti. “This partnership between our American companies, crews, and government is valuable almost beyond measure. It is a partnership that is smart, efficient and, most important, makes our nation more secure.” He added, “Today there is an array of maritime training institutions and programs that produce American mariners – the best mariners in the world. The symphony of training programs is interconnected and coordinated under the oversight of our primary federal partner, the U.S. Coast Guard, along with the Maritime Administration. This partnership is the reason American mariners are the most competent, the most proficient and the best trained in the world.” Fisher noted, “Beyond the tactical concerns that inland waterway access would provide, without the Jones Act … there is a strategic concern over the potential loss of control of U.S. commerce to a foreign economy.” During his keynote remarks at the event, Admiral Paul Zukunft, USCG commandant, succinctly stated, “I do not advocate for the repeal of the Jones Act. We will lose our mariners. We will lose our shipyards.” Earlier that week, while speaking on the “Sea Services Update” panel discussion, Joel Szabat, executive director of MARAD, highlighted the importance of the Jones Act to maintaining military shipbuilding capacity and sustaining a qualified U.S. Merchant Marine base. “The Jones Act ensures a U.S.flagged fleet and domestic trade, including large tankers that employ the qualified mariners we need,” said Szabat. “[It] supports a peacetime shipbuilding industry so our shipyards and superbly trained workforce stay in business during lulls in military shipbuilding.” A few days later, on April 6, while the ITF Cabotage Task Force was meeting in Oslo, Norway, they applauded the United States Department of Justice’s announcement that the company Furie Operating Alaska LLC has agreed to pay $10 million “to satisfy a civil penalty originally assessed against it by US Customs and Border Protection for violating the Jones Act.” As reported by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the company was penalized for transporting a jack-up drill rig from the Gulf of Mexico to Alaska in 2011 using a foreign-flag vessel without acquiring a Jones Act waiver. This is believed to be the largest Jones Act penalty in the nearly century-long existence of the law. While the task force’s preference is for proper adherence to individual nations’ respective cabotage laws, it’s critical that when regulations are violated, those breaking the rules are held accountable, they said. Speaking from the Oslo meeting, the task force’s chair and SIU of Canada President James Given said, “This is a really momentous decision. The size of the fine, the decisiveness and resolution of the decision and commitment to future action are the strongest possible markers of the importance and value of the Jones Act.” David Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ section and SIU secretary-treasurer, added, “Once again the Jones Act has been rightly used to defend safe and lawful maritime operations in American waters. This is the right decision at the right time.” Seafarers LOG 7 �U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) Elaine Chao U.S. Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole Former U.S. Senator/ Transportation Secretary U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) Sacco Addresses Audience During DOT’s 50th Anniversary Event Continued from Page 2 Labor during the George W. Bush administration beginning in 2001. “During those years,” Sacco stated, “whether we were meeting here in the nation’s capital, or at a ship christening, or at our affiliated school in Maryland for a convention or a graduation, I got to know not only Secretary Chao the leader, but also Elaine the person. That’s when I realized she’s so compassionate and caring. That’s when I really got a taste of how energetic she is. That’s when I heard her speak to our students at the school, and to our crew members on our ships. I saw how much she wanted them to succeed.” He also described the widespread, positive reaction in the SIU when Chao was nominated to her current post last November. “At that time, I heard from so many people in my organization, I couldn’t believe it,” Sacco recalled. “The calls and messages were nonstop. The reason for all those messages was because everyone in my organization was excited…. A big reason for that reaction is because we know Elaine is not only a tremendous leader, but also someone we respect; someone we admire; and someone we trust.” He continued, “She has valuable experience with our industry, and she always pushes to come up with positive solutions to the challenges we face. I know that her door is always open, and that’s all anyone can ask…. There is simply no one better qualified for this job.” Chao focused her remarks on emerging technology, safety, and the evolution of related American jobs. “When I first came to the department so many years ago, smart phones and drones were part of the Star-Trek universe,” she said. “Well, they’re not science fiction anymore! Today, we are seeing a technological revolution that will change the way we work, live, travel, and conduct commerce. And this department has an unprecedented opportunity to help shape that future for our country.” The secretary said that technology like what’s being used for self-driving cars “has the potential to change our lives in ways we can’t imagine. The trend of ownership of personal vehicles is evolving. Many people may choose ride sharing in self-driving cars over personal ownership. Design and construction of future buildings, therefore, will not need as much parking space as they do today. “Self-driving cars and trucks will talk to each other – vehicle to vehicle communication – and keep a safe distance, reducing the number of highway fatalities,” she continued. “Our infrastructure will be ‘smart’ – like our phones – so it can talk to and direct all the vehicles around it. Around the world, drones are already in the air inspecting agriculture, delivering packages and improving railway, pipeline and shipping safety. And new, satellite-based guidance systems will make aviation more reliable and safer. Long delays at the airport will become the exception rather than the rule.” New challenges accompany change, she pointed out: “And the Department of Transportation will be at the forefront of shaping this change, by focusing on the three priorities at the heart of our mission: enhancing safety, refurbishing infrastructure and preparing for the future.” Chao also said, “As the former Secretary of Labor, I am concerned about the impact of technology on workers and jobs. Smart technology will still require human interaction to function at its best. But the new jobs being created will require higher skills and digital literacy. So, education and skills training will be more important than ever before. We need to help ease the transition. The changes and challenges we face today are opportunities to work together.” Among those pictured on the dais during the National Anthem are (from left, starting second from left) CNBC reporter Ylan Mui, former U.S. Sen./Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Sen. John Thune. 8 Seafarers LOG U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-Virginia) May 2017 �WWII Mariner Highlights Heroic History Legislation Would Honor Remaining Seafarers from ‘Greatest Generation’ Editor’s note: The following message and the accompanying sidebar were written by Dave Yoho, a member of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) who - as a member of the NMU - served on a T/2 tanker during World War II. He now works as a public speaker, and was inspired to write the letter by the introduction of H.R. 154, the Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2017. Yoho submitted the letter to Christopher Edyvean, the president of the AMMV, who passed it along to the Seafarers LOG. As stated in the organization’s constitution, “The American Merchant Marine Veterans is a not-for-profit pro-American organization established to gain recognition for what the men of the American Merchant Marine have accomplished for our country in war and peace.” More than 1,200 SIU members gave their lives during World War II. The union fought for decades to secure veterans’ status for WWII mariners; the recognition finally came in 1988, though it wasn’t until 1996 that the cutoff date for seamen was extended to match the one used for the armed services. We are like grains of sand on the vast seashore of life. We are part of a rapidly eroding station of life. We are old and Veterans of World War II. There were 16 million U.S. service men in uniform – from a population of about 130 million. Our special group represented 250,000 of those Veterans. Now, less than 2,500 of us remain. We were called to service by a great president (Franklin D. Roosevelt), and legislation was enacted for the creation of this special group. We were issued and required to wear uniforms, trained and marched in a military manner; we had to go through guards to get in to our base and we could not leave without special documentation. We were taught wartime techniques, the use of anti-aircraft guns, and each day our regimentation was supervised in a military manner with penalties for the violation of good-conduct rules or military dress. We were all volunteers; we were present on all five continents on which that war was fought. We were wherever allied fighting forces were called upon, at every invasion, on every sea and ocean. The Coast Guard administered our records and training and the U.S. Navy controlled the scheduling, departure and destination for those ships on which we served. In the seven months which followed our entry into war, many of us served on ships which sailed through hostile waters Facts & Fables Fact: Our war ended 72 years ago. Our life began anew. We licked our wounds. We bound our emotional hurts and moved our lives forward. Today, in our twilight years, we experience the continuing loss of our comrades, the dimming of our senses and the discomfort that comes from disappointment. We’ve read and heard the rumors and the misinformation. Only we, or those who faced World War II in like circumstances, can cause reflection on these implications. So, we look to you and pray that you will support our plea. Give us hearing and an opportunity to dispel misinformation. Let your actions speak to our plea. Let us be remembered for what we did and how we fulfilled our oath. Fable: The U.S. Merchant Marine was a harbor for those trying to avoid the draft. Fact: The original wartime draft was for those 18 years or older. Some volunteers might have opted out of the U.S. Army. That was also probably true of some Navy and Coast Guard volunteers. May 2017 Located at the main entrance to the Paul Hall Memorial Library in Piney Point, Maryland, this monument honors the more than 1,200 SIU members who gave their lives during World War II. off our eastern seaboard. From Nova Scotia down to Florida and further, these ships traveled without special armament, guns or ammunition and without convoy – following the routes and going to ports mandated by the U.S. Navy. In those first seven months of World War II, 300 ships were sunk and 3,000 seamen died right off that eastern coastline of the United States. In a distant place called Murmansk, Russia, American and allied ships were called upon to deliver the goods of war. These ships, laden with tanks, trucks, planes, ammunition, fuel, clothing and food, sailed through ice and seas so cold that those who were forced to abandon ship survived for less than 10 minutes before going to their watery grave. No ships were permitted to stop or slow down to rescue survivors. On one occasion, supporting combat ships were withdrawn from merchant ships and their crews were left to face German ships and The highest percentage of maritime service recruits were under 19 years of age. Some were unable to meet the physical requirements of the other services. Some over the age of 35 were draft exempt and still volunteered to do their part. African-American recruits may have opted in because we were the only totally integrated service. Fable: The U.S. Merchant Marine received inordinate benefits when in combat zone. Fact: There were bonuses if the ship were bombed or sunk and limited bonuses if your ship was in a combat zone. In my earlier example, the coastline of the eastern United States and a vast part of the Pacific Ocean were not considered combat zones (no bonus). Fable: The U.S. Merchant Mariner was well rewarded for all his risk. Fact: If the ship was sunk, disabled or if a mariner was taken as a prisoner of war (approximately 800 were) their pay stopped and no benefits were extended prior to or during captivity. submarines, which rapidly diminished their numbers. The beautiful World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., pays tribute to Murmansk as a critical battlefield of that war. Yet, this is but of one of those bloody, life-destroying encounters in which we participated and for which we paid dearly with our lives. The majority of us were very young when we enlisted; many under the age of 18; some were 16 or 17 years of age. We were trained in a military environment and put on ships at graduation. When the war ended, we had the highest casualty rate of any of the services. Even then, President Harry Truman implored us to remain in service to bring home the troops from five continents, to transport and bring supplies, machinery and other equipment of peace to the needy world. At war’s ending, we were eager to return to our homes and families, yet most of us re- Fable: Once in the U.S. Merchant Marine, you could no longer be drafted. Fact: If after a hazardous voyage or otherwise, you waited for another ship for more than 30 days, you could be drafted. sponded to the call to continually serve our country. On June 22, 1944, President Roosevelt signed into law the “G.I. Bill,” which was presented to him by both houses. On that date, and for the record, he stated: “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to the members of the Merchant Marines who have risked their lives time and time again during the war for the welfare of their country.” Unfortunately, President Roosevelt died in April of 1945 and his desires and intent were not fulfilled. It took 43 years (till 1988) of struggle through our own medical bills, getting further education or buying a home. These rights were finally given to us in 1988 when we were in our mid 60s; some over 70. We served as we were called upon to do. We were volunteers who pledged our lives and service for this great country. We gave up our youth and our maturing years. Three-and-a-half percent of us died in that service. Many thousands more carried their injuries both physical and psychological through their post war lives. Ever proud of our country, we stand as able when our national anthem is played and when our flag is presented. At functions where the military services are honored we applaud as each service hears their music played. Ours (heave ho) is seldom, if ever rendered. We support our country, yet in our pain and remembrance, we hear that our earnings far exceeded those in the other services, which was not true. A boatswain mate in the Navy made approximately $2,250 per year and received tax exemption of $1,500. A Merchant Marine equivalent (an able seaman) was paid approximately $2,600 per year all subject to income tax. If perchance, his ship was sunk or he became a prisoner of war, his pay stopped while the Army or Navy veteran received full pay, medical attention for dependents and medical benefits post-war. We received $1 per day if taken prisoner and no access to the benefits afforded to Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. We suffered post-war injuries to both mind and body including but not limited to malaria, ulcers, H-Pylori and post-traumatic stress. For 43 years (until 1988) we were denied those health care benefits, which were made available to all other Veterans. We waited patiently as others affected by World War II were acknowledged and were given both kudos and compensation. We mourn our brother Mariners who have “passed” and their families who cry out for recognition and ask you to support HR.154. since passed. U.S. Merchant Mariners were, and still are in many cases, denied burial in military cemeteries. In many cases, the American Legion and the VFW do not permit membership. Fable: An injured U.S. Merchant Mariner had the right to sue and require the owners of the ship to compensate for medical bills and loss of income. Fact: In many cases, the ships were owned by the U.S. government. One example would be W.E.T. (War Emergency Tankers) built by the government, sometimes leased but always regulated in terms of usage by the U.S. Navy. The concept of suing for justifiable injuries, lingering diseases or loss of compensation is complicated and largely unmanageable. Fable: Granting U.S. Merchant Mariners access to the G.I. Bill (in 1988) compensated them for any inequities they might have experienced. Fact: Forty-three years after the war ended the average mariner was over 60, sometimes 70 years of age. Any need for a mortgage or college education had long The author of both of the foregoing pieces is Dave Yoho. The photo above of him was taken during World War II. Seafarers LOG 9 �WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Tugboat Captain Jack Hays (right) of G&H Towing picks up his first pension check at the new hall. He is pictured with SIU VP Dean Corgey, who described Hays as “a well-respected tug captain, family man and standup SIU guy.” Hays joined the union in 1987. ABOARD THE GREEN COVE – ABs Anak Raja (left) and Jonas Libang are pictured aboard the Central Gulf Lines vessel in Livorno, Italy. At Sea and Ashore With the SIU ATC SHIP’S FINAL FRONTIER – Port Agent Jeff Turkus submitted these photos from Alaska Tanker Company’s Alaskan Frontier just before the vessel went into a deep lay-up. Pictured from left to right (photo at lower right) are Capt. Kevin Trivitt, Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro and ATC Marine Superintendent Capt. Bill Gould. Pictured from left in the galley (photo at upper right) are SA Leroy Jenkins, Chief Cook Justo Reyes and Chief Steward Jeffrey Badua. Pictured in the large group photo above are (seated) GUDE Ramzi Jinah and (standing) Loureiro, QE4 Marion Collins, Reyes, Badua, GUDE Enrique Ampil, Bosun Chris Rosado, AB Saleem Mohamed, QE4 Cory Hann and AB Augusto Barbareno. The Alaskan Frontier is pictured below. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2017 �FULL BOOKS IN PINEY POINT – Picking up their respective full membership books from Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (right in each photo) are Chief Cook Israel Coronel photo at immediate left ) OMU Wilfredo Lopez (above, center) and QEP Oscar Cordero (above, right). At Sea and Ashore With the SIU ABOARD GREEN LAKE – Chief Cook Jesus Pacheco (left) greats longtime friend Capt. Bill Joyce aboard the Central Gulf vessel. They previously sailed together on Horizon Lines ships. ABOARD M/V NORFOLK – Pictured aboard the vessel during a recent passage from Saguenay, Quebec, to Charleston, South Carolina are Steward/Baker Mark Brooks (left) and ACU Edwin Sebastian. A cargo superintendent on board the Argent Marine ship during the voyage noted the following: “It has been my pleasure to have been a working guest aboard the ship for a period of about two weeks; in that time, these two men not only impressed me with their individual dedication to high standards and the conscientious accomplishment of their duties, but they’re fine shipmates who work together to form a cooperative, harmonious, and coactive team. Mark and Ed are a credit to their ship and their union.” JOB WELL DONE – Houston-area SIU personnel recently received an award from the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation (ALF) for dedication to phone banking and other support of pro-worker candidates in last year’s elections. Pictured at the labor event are (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Zavala, Linda Morales of the ALF and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes. WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILADELPHIA – Longtime Seafarer Don Perry (left) picks up his first pension check at the union hall. Congratulating him is Patrolman Andre MacCray. FULL BOOK IN FLORIDA – AB Rosy Zahariev (left) picks up her full book at the hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She’s pictured with Port Agent Kris Hopkins. ABOARD CABLE SHIP DECISIVE – Deck department Seafarers are pictured March 23 aboard the Tyco vessel just before arrival at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Up top is Splicer-Joiner Keithan Bland, while in front are (from left) Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, AB Thomas Flores, AB Eric Collier, AB Alex Reyes, Splicer-Joiner Justice Agha-Kuofie, Bosun Victor Nunez, Splicer-Joiner Emilio Abreu, (rear) AB Santos Contreras, and Splicer-Joiner Alan Lumansoc. Thanks to Chief Officer Tim McDonald for the photo. ABOARD PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS – QEE Lionel Rivera submitted this photo (at immediate right) of the entire SIU crew aboard the Marine Personnel and Provisioning vessel. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Sharing a laugh during a coffee break aboard the Tote-operated vessel are Bosun John Cedeno (left) and AB Jorge Corrales Barrantes. May 2017 Seafarers LOG 11 �Opportunity Found Recertified Stewards Reflect on SIU Career Advancement They come from different backgrounds and various parts of the country, but for the union’s newest class of recertified stewards, one unmistakable commonality involves capitalizing on the career opportunities they’ve found via the SIU and its affiliated school in Maryland. In keeping with tradition, those eight class members recently described their respective journeys and also offered insights to the apprentices in the audience during the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland – home of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). Graduating from the three-week recertification program April 3 were Verleshia Robinson, Richard Jones, Sedell Mitchell Reynolds, Arturo Rodriguez, Gilbert Louis, Joseph Welle, Lionel Packnett and Ernest Carlos. The course is considered the school’s top steward department curriculum. It covers a wide range of topics including computer technology, social responsibilities, leadership, Coast Guard updates, baking skills and other department-specific workshops on sanitation, nutrition and more. The course also offers insights to collective bargaining agreements, functions of the various departments within both the SIU and the Seafarers Plans, and the union’s affiliations with the Maritime Trades Department and its parent group, the AFL-CIO. Following are highlights of the graduation speeches (in chronological order), supplemented in some cases by written comments submitted to the LOG. Verleshia Robinson A Seafarer since 2005 but a mariner for the last 28 years, Robinson said the union “has been important in my life because it has helped me improve my learning abilities, financially support and invest in my family members’ education at some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, and because of continuous employment.” She thanked the union’s headquarters officials (“President Mike Sacco, you are the best”) along with PHC instructors and staff for their hard work and encouragement. Like her classmates, she also came away from the course with a renewed appreciation for why the SIU is politically active, and she pointed out the corresponding need for strong participation in SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. A frequent upgrader who ships from the Houston hall, she noted, “Each time I return to Piney Point, the school is continuously improving all throughout the campus. The school is always building on educational programs for all members in all departments to help ensure that we continue to be the best.” Richard Jones Jones is a 1999 graduate of the apprentice program who now sails from Jacksonville, Florida. He cited steady employment and schedule flexibility as two of the main reasons he’s glad to be an SIU member. “I’d also like to thank the instructors and staff here at the school for all they do,” he continued. “And I thank the union leadership for all their hard work in protecting and securing our jobs. It’s a different ballgame behind the curtain at headquarters – our union leadership is always at work protecting our jobs. Now I can finally say I understand the importance of SPAD and why it’s so important for all of us to donate.” Another frequent upgrader, Jones said, “I’ve always appreciate the opportunity to attend the school, and needless to say, it has always worked to my advantage. My overall experience at Piney Point was great, as usual.” Sedell Mitchell Reynolds Kicking off her speech on a spiritual note, Reynolds went on to say she joined the union in 2005 and currently ships from a few different halls. She thanked union and school of officials as well as her family for being supportive. “I’ve seen the world three times and made outstanding money through the years,” she continued. “I was (previously) a bartender for 27 years. I went from the tail and made the head – I stand before you today a recertified steward.” Reynolds said she found the computer lab especially useful. She also thanked SIU officials for “fighting to protect our jobs.” Arturo Rodriguez “I started sailing in 1987, and the SIU changed my life,” stated Rodriguez, who ships from Houston. “It took a lot of work, courage, purpose and faith, but I have humbly reached the last stage of my professional career. I am so blessed to be in an institution like the SIU to give me purpose and so many opportunities.” He thanked the instructors not only for their guidance but also for their friendship. Rodriguez also said that he previously had upgraded nine different times at the PHC, “but this class was the best experience in all my time with the SIU, partly because I learned about every aspect of the union. This class definitely will help us when we return to the ships.” Gilbert Louis Louis described joining the union in 2001 as “one of the best decisions I ever made.” He said he has earned a good living, supported his family, travelled and “experienced things most people only dream about.” Louis also initially drew good-natured laughs when he cited “time off” as one of the benefits of his career, but the chuckles quickly gave way to nods of agreement as he explained that extended breaks allow for “quality time” with family and friends. Currently sailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Louis said he enjoyed learning about the union’s structure “and what it takes to keep the industry in the United States. It is vital to keep our coalitions and reach out to our congressional representatives to support us…. I thank our union officials. I saw firsthand their work on our behalf.” Joseph Welle For Welle, who graduated from the apprentice program in 1996, the union not only has offered a career path but also helped him recover from a tragedy, he said. “I stand before you today to testify how great this union is to me and my family,” said Welle, who sails from Wilmington, California. “When I lost my son six years ago, this union helped me stand back on my feet to provide for my family, and I will be forever thankful.” As for the recertification course, he thanked the school instructors and staff and added, “If there is one thing I’ve learned in this industry, it’s that in order to be relevant and competitive, you need to arm yourself with knowledge and skills that only school can provide. “I would like to give my personal thanks to the union’s leadership for all their hard work on our behalf to promote the common interest of this union in protecting our industry and our jobs,” he continued. “In return, our officials need our help.” Lionel Packnett “I have been part of the SIU since 1989 and I’m still going strong,” Packnett said as he began his graduation speech. “The union has been an important part of my life because it has helped me to be a strong provider for my family and gave Pictured from left to right following the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, are SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Joseph Welle, Arturo Rodriguez, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Verleshia Robinson, Port Agent Georg Kenny, Richard Jones, Sedell Mitchell Reynolds, (rear) VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco, Ernest Carlos, Gilbert Louis and Lionel Packnett. Ernest Carlos me a career opportunity.” He thanked all the chefs and academic instructors at the school for their help both during the class and throughout his career. Packnett concluded, “We need to continue to donate to SPAD and participate in union activities. I would like to thank the union leadership for their hard work protecting our jobs and keeping us working.” Stewards Share Words of Wisdom With Paul Hall Center Apprentices Here’s a sampling of advice given to Paul Hall Center apprentices by the union’s newest class of recertified stewards. The comments were made during graduation speeches at the school. Ernest Carlos Wrapping up the graduations, Carlos, who sails from Jersey City, New Jersey, said he has “sailed to many ports all over the world” since joining the union in 2000. “I’ve been to Beijing, China, where I visited the Great Wall,” he stated. “I also went to Japan, to Hiroshima, and the list goes on. There aren’t many places I haven’t been to, and that is just part of what this job has done for my life.” Similarly, Carlos said his time in Piney Point “has been wonderful to say the least. The instructors here are the best.” Recalling a challenging upbringing, he continued, “If it weren’t for this union, I don’t know where my life would be. I used to work for corporations like the American Bureau of Shipping, Samsung Electronics, and Avis just to name a few, but we had layoffs at all of those companies. I can tell you this: I have never worried about finding a job since I joined this union.” “Study hard and learn from your instructors. Work together with your classmates. Have a positive attitude and stay focused. When you go to sea, work hard, be responsible, enjoy your work and do it with style and class. Never be afraid to ask questions, and always remember, where there is unity there is strength.” Verleshia Robinson “Do what you’re told and work diligently, always as a team.” Richard Jones “Study, work hard, keep your faith and hang onto the promise. At the end, it will be an exciting, rewarding experience. Donate to SPAD and don’t forget to upgrade.” Sedell Mitchell Reynolds Gilbert Louis 12 Seafarers LOG Sedell Mitchell Reynolds Verleshia Robinson Students brush up on their computer skills for use in menu planning, inventory tracking, recipe filing and more. May 2017 May 2017 “Work hard and put effort in all that you do. When I started, I spoke only a few words of English. I had to work hard in the kitchen and at my language, and now I am able to communicate easily with my crew. Anything can be accomplished through clear goals and hard work.” Arturo Rodriguez “Upgrade regularly and you will give yourself the best chance for advancement. Also remember you are ambassadors for our industry and our union.” Gilbert Louis “Study hard while you are here. Learn from your instructors and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Always have a positive attitude and a willing heart to learn. When you get out to sea, work hard, carry your load, enjoy every moment and most of all, MYUP – make your union proud!” Joseph Welle “When you go out to the ships, have some confidence in what you were trained to do by your instructors. Work hard and do your best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Lionel Packnett “You have a great opportunity here at Piney Point. You are here to become a United States Merchant Mariner, and that is something to be proud of…. You will make good money, you will see the world and you will make new friends all over the world. This career will take you far.” Ernest Carlos Seafarers LOG 13 �Spotlight on Mariner Health Information Regarding Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias) An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) has to do with rate and rhythm. In an arrhythmia, the problems are with the rate of the rhythm (either too fast or too slow) and the regularity of that rhythm. We’ve all had times where we have felt our heart skip a beat, or a fluttery feeling in our chest. Usually this is not something to be concerned about. Most arrhythmias are not harmful. However, if it continues to happen, or if you start to feel fatigued, dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain, check with your doctor. When the irregular heartbeat happens, it can affect the pumping ability of the heart and how much blood is ejected with each contraction of the heart muscle. The heart has an electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. The heartbeat originates in the upper part of the heart muscle, and the signal to contract the heart muscle runs down the inside of the heart itself. The problem arises when the heart Healthy Recipe Hawaiian Shrimp (Servings: 25) 10 pounds shrimp, 31-40 count peeled and deveined 6 cups fresh pineapple, chopped 3 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups red peppers, chopped 1 cup cilantro leaves, whole, chopped Sauce Recipe 1 quart apple juice beat becomes irregular, such as in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Whenever there is an interruption of the electrical pathway of the heart, blood will not be ejected into the circulation for proper cardiac output. Your body must have enough circulation blood to carry oxygen in order for cells to survive. If you do see your doctor for a problem like this, the physician will do an EKG to check the status of your heart. He or she may even want 1 quart pineapple juice, frozen concentrate 1 quart water 5 tablespoons honey 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup cold water 4. Grill the shrimp in batches with the red peppers. Add the grilled pineapples evenly to each 2” hotel pan. 1. Season the shrimp with the Mrs. Dash and let marinade overnight. Nutrition Information - Per serving (excluding unknown items): 346 calories; 4g Fat (11.7 percent calories from fat); 38g protein; 37g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 276 mg cholesterol; 274mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 vegetable; 2 fruit; 0 fat; 0 other carbohydrates. 5. Add the chopped cilantro and some of the prepared sauce to each pan of shrimp evenly. 2. To make the sauce heat all the liquids together with the honey in a large pot. Bring to a low boil and then add a cornstarch surrey slowly, until desired thickness is reached. Set aside; keep warm. 3. Grill the pineapples, keep warm, set aside. Millions of Americans Have Diabetes; 1 in 4 Are Totally Unaware They Have it More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, up from the previous estimate of 26 million in 2010, according to a 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report released to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in four people with diabetes doesn’t know he or she has it. Another 86 million adults – more than one in three U.S. adults – have prediabetes, where their blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15 percent to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Key findings from the report (based on health data from 2012), include: n 29 million people in the United States (9.3 percent) have diabetes. n 1.7 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2012. n Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults are about twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic white adults. n 208,000 people younger than 20 years have been diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2). n 86 million adults aged 20 years and older have prediabetes. n The percentage of U.S. adults with prediabetes is similar for nonHispanic whites (35 percent), nonHispanic blacks (39 percent), and Hispanics (38 percent). Diabetes is a serious disease that can be managed through physical activity, diet, and appropriate use of insulin and oral medications to lower blood sugar levels. Another important part of diabetes management is reducing other cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and tobacco use. For more information about diabetes and CDC’s diabetes prevention efforts, visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes. Attention Seafarers Another New Ship! to do a stress test and echocardiogram to be sure the pumping action of the heart is okay, and that you have good cardiac output. When a Seafarer goes into a clinic for exams, the doctor will listen to the heartbeat for just this reason. If it is very irregular, too fast or too slow, the doctor will have the Seafarer follow up with his cardiac physician. Remember that arrhythmias are extremely common and do occur as a person gets older. 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The MasterCard Brand Mark is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. 5/17 SIU-FP-04-18-17 May 2017 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May & June Membership Meetings March 16, 2017 - April 15, 2017 Total Registered Piney Point...........................................Monday: May 8, June 5 Algonac................................................Friday: May 12, June 9 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Guam.............................................Thursday: May 25, June 22 Honolulu............................................Friday: May 19, June 16 Houston...............................................Monday: May 15, June 12 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Joliet...............................................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Mobile........................................Wednesday: May 17, June 14 New Orleans.....................................Tuesday: May 16, June 13 Jersey City...........................................Tuesday: May 9, June 6 Norfolk.............................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Oakland.........................................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 10, June 7 Port Everglades...............................Thursday: May 18, June 15 All Groups B Total Shipped 2 0 2 4 0 6 1 11 9 3 2 3 1 4 1 0 0 3 0 4 56 Deck Department 23 11 2 3 4 3 14 3 2 0 11 2 7 3 32 6 30 10 24 8 4 1 14 2 16 15 10 3 4 5 1 1 1 3 27 6 0 0 20 6 246 91 C 0 0 2 2 0 3 1 4 8 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 29 4 0 5 4 1 2 6 5 11 13 1 4 12 4 2 12 3 5 0 6 100 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 1 4 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 17 Engine Department 4 3 0 0 1 3 6 2 0 1 2 2 7 4 17 4 20 9 7 5 2 1 3 0 7 8 7 3 1 2 0 2 2 0 8 3 1 0 13 5 108 57 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 3 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 5 0 4 25 2 1 3 6 0 1 5 8 6 17 1 0 16 7 1 0 0 1 0 5 80 3 1 3 3 0 1 5 6 30 6 0 1 12 10 1 3 0 8 0 15 108 Entry Department 2 9 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 4 4 2 7 1 6 0 1 1 1 2 11 1 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 8 0 0 1 5 20 65 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 8 0 3 11 15 24 6 1 4 14 12 0 3 2 13 1 14 133 1 1 1 5 1 1 0 3 7 2 1 1 11 3 1 1 1 2 0 5 48 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 5 12 GRAND TOTAL: 599 330 193 A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 9 1 6 17 4 15 10 45 44 43 1 10 18 15 2 1 6 40 2 26 315 5 1 5 10 2 1 3 6 12 7 0 3 15 4 6 0 3 9 1 9 102 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 2 6 0 2 6 15 24 12 1 7 8 11 2 1 1 15 3 10 126 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS C San Juan..........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 St. Louis.............................................Friday: May 19, June 16 Tacoma...............................................Friday: May 26, June 23 Wilmington...........................................Monday: May 22, June 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Personal Dennis Ahearn would like to have his old friend Terry McGauven contact him at (757) 678-7466 or denmara@outdrs.net. They both lived in Long Island in the 1980s. Dennis taught scuba diving and Terry was in his class. Contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation) May 2017 Registered on Beach Trip Reliefs Port All Groups A B Steward Department 2 2 0 0 1 1 15 3 0 0 4 0 3 0 19 2 13 2 4 2 1 1 1 0 9 9 9 5 3 1 5 2 0 3 11 0 2 0 9 2 111 35 485 248 A All Groups B C 3 1 4 8 0 6 2 13 15 13 0 8 9 0 1 1 2 13 0 3 102 13 3 6 28 4 22 20 106 69 64 1 16 24 34 7 2 13 63 3 40 538 12 1 4 26 2 0 7 21 24 20 2 3 26 9 10 0 12 16 5 16 216 1 1 1 7 0 8 3 23 20 3 1 4 3 3 3 0 0 8 2 4 95 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 10 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 8 5 4 1 2 4 3 1 0 0 4 0 3 42 2 0 3 16 1 3 16 34 35 21 0 7 16 17 4 0 5 29 3 17 229 6 0 5 2 2 3 7 9 18 13 1 5 16 6 1 12 8 14 1 29 158 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 3 1 1 0 1 5 1 0 1 6 1 0 5 31 2 1 2 4 0 0 1 1 23 4 0 0 14 4 0 1 0 5 0 9 71 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 5 0 0 20 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 4 5 6 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 4 0 8 36 10 1 2 11 2 3 7 25 16 28 0 1 17 15 2 2 0 20 1 20 183 6 2 1 6 0 2 9 8 51 13 0 4 17 11 1 2 2 17 0 57 209 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 0 7 0 2 1 9 6 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 2 3 0 6 46 7 1 3 17 2 8 20 36 32 14 2 6 28 32 2 2 2 20 4 28 266 2 1 0 2 1 1 0 6 16 5 1 2 17 3 0 0 5 4 0 9 75 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 1 2 0 8 21 114 210 1,069 632 356 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some parts of the world you hope to see in your work-related travels and why? Devin DelVecchio Phase 1 I really want to visit Barcelona to see the Gothic architecture, France for the food, and Dubai to take in the culture. I’d also love to go to Scotland, for the landscapes and scenery. Kevin Franklin Phase III Italy is pretty high on my list of places I want to visit, right up there with Ecuador. I’ve previously been to Belgium, Germany and the UK, and I’d love to go back to those places as well. Scott Forrer Phase 1 I’d like to see Thailand, and really experience the different culture. I’d also love to visit New Zealand someday. I’ve been to Mexico, Japan and South Korea, and I would revisit those countries any day. I actually have family in South Korea, and it would be nice to visit them. Kyle Savage Phase III Australia is my number one, followed by Singapore and Italy – anywhere I can meet interesting people and experience new cultures. I was on the Pride of America in Hawaii, and that was great, but I’d love to see more of the world. Dion Cheeseborough Phase III I really want to visit Dubai. It’s such an exciting place, with a vibrant, opulent culture. I’ve previously visited Egypt through working on a ship, and I’d gladly go back. Austin Bobo Phase I Off the top of my head, Italy, Australia and New Zealand are my top choices. I want to experience the food and cultures of those places, as well as the scenery and to visit the Great Barrier Reef. I’ve been to the Caribbean, and I’d love to go back. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 In this photo from Nov. 3, 1968 in New Orleans, crew members from the SIU-contracted New Yorker receive a plaque for winning that year’s “Safest Ship” award for Sea-Land fleet. Pictured from left to right are Chief Engineer James Prendergast, Chief Mate Fred Boer, SIU Patrolman Tom Gould, Sea-Land Safety Engineer Bob Snow, vessel master Capt. Adam Torres, and Seafarers Ramon Benitez (BR) and Isadore Henry (messman). If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2017 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA HAROLD BRYAN Brother Harold Bryan, 69, became a Seafarer in 2004. The engine department member initially sailed with Maersk Line, Limited. In 2002, Brother Bryan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped aboard the USNS Watson. Brother Bryan was born in Seattle and now calls Poulsbo, Washington, home. JOHNNY CARSON Brother Johnny Carson, 65, joined the union in 1998. He first shipped aboard the USNS Invincible. Brother Carson attended classes in 2001 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in the engine department. Brother Carson concluded his career on the Global Sentinel. He settled in Bellingham, Washington. RONALD CHARLES Brother Ronald Charles, 61, began sailing with the SIU in 1979. He originally was employed by Cove Shipping Company. Brother Charles enhanced his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He was born in New Orleans and sailed in the deck department. Brother Charles’ last vessel was the Resolve. He lives in Harvey, Louisiana. ALPHONSO DIXON Brother Alphonso Dixon, 60, joined the union in 1986. He was initially employed on the USNS Dutton. Brother Dixon worked in the steward department. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Dixon’s most recent trip was aboard the Maui. He is a resident of San Leandro, California. MARK LANCE Brother Mark Lance, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1974. He originally worked on a vessel operated by Hudson Waterways Corporation. Brother Lance upgraded twice at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Lance’s last trip was on the Liberty Glory. He makes his home in Chico, California. PAUL LIGON Brother Paul Ligon, 65, donned the union colors in 1973. His first ship was the Overseas Evelyn; his most recent, the OMI Columbia. May 2017 Brother Ligon enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. He worked in the engine department and resides in Seattle. RUBIN MITCHELL Brother Rubin Mitchell, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1973. He first shipped with Transeastern Shipping. Brother Mitchell attended classes on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Mitchell’s final trip to sea was on the Maersk Chicago. He continues to live in his native state, Florida. GEBAR OGBE Brother Gebar Ogbe, 65, began his seafaring career in 1982. He initially sailed aboard the Overseas Boston. Brother Ogbe upgraded frequently at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in the engine department. Brother Ogbe’s last ship was the USNS Mendonca. He is a resident of Seattle. FRANK OVERSTREET Brother Frank Overstreet, 67, became a union member in 1968. He started his career working aboard the Dauntless. Brother Overstreet sailed in the engine department. In 1968, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Brother Overstreet’s most recent trip was on the Consumer. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. RODULFO PARDILLA Brother Rodulfo Pardilla, 66, joined the SIU ranks in 2000. His first ship was the Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus; his last, the USNS Curtiss. Brother Pardilla, a native of the Philippines, was a member of the steward department. He attended classes often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Pardilla lives in National City, California. WAGNER PELLERIN Pensioner Wagner Pellerin, 67, began shipping with the union in 1982. He originally worked aboard the Independence. Brother Pellerin upgraded frequently at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He sailed in the steward department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Pellerin shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. He calls Pearl City, Hawaii, home. JAMIE QUINONES Brother Jamie Quinones, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1973. He enhanced his skills numerous times at the Piney Point school. A member of the steward department, Brother Quinones initially worked aboard the John B. Waterman. He was born in Puerto Rico. Before his retirement, Brother Quinones sailed on the Panama. He makes his home in Bronx, New York. OSMAN RAJI Brother Osman Raji, 69, signed on with the SIU in 1978. His first ship was the Cove Engineer; his last, the Ltc. John U.D. Page. Brother Raji was a member of the deck department. He attended classes twice at the Piney Point school. Brother Raji resides in New York. JIMMIE REDDICK Brother Jimmie Reddick, 65, became an SIU member in 1992. His first trip was aboard the USNS Capella. A member of the steward department, Brother Reddick upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Observation Island. Brother Reddick is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. PETER SCHMITT Brother Peter Schmitt, 63, started shipping with the union in 1985. Brother Schmitt initially worked in the inland division with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. He sailed in the steward department and enhanced his seafaring skills frequently at the SIUaffiliated school. Brother Schmitt last shipped aboard the Maersk Denver. He lives in Paradise, California. DAVID WERDA Brother David Werda, 57, joined the Seafarers in 1978. He first shipped on the USNS Potomac. Brother Werda attended classes in 2007 at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in the engine department. Brother Werda concluded his career aboard the Buffalo. He continues to reside in his native state, Michigan. ROGELIO YBARRA Brother Rogelio Ybarra, 58, began his seafaring career in 1978. He initially sailed with Connecticut Transport Inc. Brother Ybarra upgraded numerous times at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in the engine department. Brother Ybarra’s final ship was the Overseas Chinook. He is a resident of Texas City, Texas. INLAND DAVID ANDRISEK Brother David Andrisek, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1994. He was primarily employed with G&H Towing. Brother Andrisek sailed in the deck department. He makes his home in Texas City, Texas. ALBERT BURNS Brother Albert Burns, 62, signed on with the union in 1973. He mostly shipped with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Burns worked in the deck department. In 1976, he attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Burns lives in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania. HENRY GAMP Brother Henry Gamp, 67, joined the SIU in 1974. He initially sailed with Delaware River Barge. Brother Gamp worked in the deck department. He upgraded often at the Seafarers-affiliated school. Brother Gamp’s final trip was aboard a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. He calls Harrison, Tennessee, home. EDWIN GARCIA NEGRON Brother Edwin Garcia Negron, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1976. He was mainly employed with Crowley Puerto Rico. Brother Garcia Negron sailed in the deck department. He is a resident of Kissimmee, Florida. DONALD JEROLLEMAN Brother Donald Jerolleman, 66, started shipping with the union in 1980. He primarily sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Brother Jerolleman worked in both the engine and deck departments. He lives in his native state, Louisiana. BOBBY KIRK Brother Bobby Kirk, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1974. He spent most of his career aboard G&H Towing vessels. Brother Kirk was a deck department member. He makes his home in Montgomery, Texas. GREGORY LEBEL Brother Gregory Lebel, 63, signed on with the union in 1979. He first sailed with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Lebel was a deck department member; he upgraded on two occasions in Piney Point, Maryland. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard a Penn Maritime vessel. Brother Lebel resides in Phippsburg, Maine. MICHAEL MAIN Brother Michael Main, 62, began his SIU career in 1978. He initially shipped in the deepsea division on the Del Oro. Brother Main attended classes twice at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on a Crowley Towing and Transportation of Wilmington vessel. Brother Main was a member of the engine department. He lives in San Pedro, California. JOHN SARTOR Brother John Sartor, 53, became an SIU member in 1986. He originally worked with Dixie Carriers. Brother Sartor shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed on the Innovation. Brother Sartor calls Nederland, Texas, home. GREAT LAKES FLOYD LARSON Brother Floyd Larson, 56, signed on with the SIU in 1979. One of his first ships was the Delta Venezuela. Brother Larson attended numerous classes at the Paul Hall Center. The engine department member finished his career on the Burns Harbor. Brother Larson is a resident of Superior, Wisconsin. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JONES ARD Pensioner Jones Ard, 77, died February 20. Born in Michigan, he became a union member in 1996. Brother Ard’s first trip was aboard the Del Mundo. He finished his career working on the Ambassador. Brother Ard began collecting his pension in 1996. The deck department member called Nancy, Kentucky, home. aboard the Point Judy. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. AUDLEY GREEN Pensioner Audley Green, 78, died January 29. He began his seafaring career in 1980. Brother Green’s first ship was the Cove Ranger; his last was the Consumer. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Green started receiving his pension in 2003. He resided in Honduras. EUGENIO CABRAL Brother Eugenio Cabral, 64, passed away November 16. Born in the Philippines, he joined the SIU in 1994. Brother Cabral shipped as a member of the steward department. His first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Midnight Sun. Brother Cabral made his home in Bellevue, Washington. SANTOS GUITY Pensioner Santos Guity, 72, passed away December 29. He started sailing with the union in 1998. Brother Guity initially sailed on the USNS Wright. The Honduras native worked in the steward department. Brother Guity’s final vessel was the Green Cove. He retired in 2015 and settled in New York. HECTOR DUARTE Pensioner Hector Duarte, 94, died November 10. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1951. Brother Duarte initially worked with Cabin Tanker Industries. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Duarte last shipped aboard the Bayamon. He became a pensioner in 1984 and lived in Jarrettsville, Maryland. LEE HARMASON Pensioner Lee Harmason, 84, died December 23. Brother Harmason became an SIU member in 1994. His first trip was aboard the USNS Potomac. Brother Harmason concluded his seafaring career working on the Sealift Atlantic. He began collecting his pension in 1997. The steward department member made his home in Port Arthur, Texas. PETER FRIGOLETTI Brother Peter Frigoletti, 68, passed away September 7. He joined the SIU in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. Brother Frigoletti was born in New York. He was a deck department member. Brother Frigoletti’s final ship was the Courage. He settled in Richmond Hill, New York. JOSEPH GIARDINA Pensioner Joseph Giardina, 89, died December 9. Brother Giardina was born in Italy. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Giardina retired in 1970 and continued to reside in Italy. LEE GILLAIN Pensioner Lee Gillain, 74, passed away December 28. Brother Gillain signed on with the SIU in 1960, when he sailed on the Twin Falls. He worked in the engine department and was a native of Florida. Prior to Brother Gillain’s retirement in 2013, he sailed 18 Seafarers LOG WILLIAM HAWKINS Pensioner William Hawkins, 93, passed away January 5. He joined the union in 1979. Brother Hawkins was born in Missouri and first sailed on the Del Oro. Brother Hawkins concluded his seafaring career aboard the Spirit. A member of the steward department, he started collecting his retirement compensation in 1992. Brother Hawkins called San Francisco home. JOHN HIGGINS Pensioner John Higgins, 89, died February 1. Brother Higgins signed on with the SIU in 1952, initially working in the inland division with Blidberg Rothchild Company. He sailed in the deck department and was a native of Massachusetts. Prior to Brother Higgins’ retirement in 1987, he sailed aboard the Economy. He was a resident of Stoneham, Massachusetts. JOHN KNOX Pensioner John Knox, 69, passed away January 20. Brother Knox first donned the SIU colors in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He was born in Galveston, Texas, and shipped in the deck department. Brother Knox last worked on the Seakay Spirit. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Channelview, Texas. JOHN MORRIS Pensioner John Morris, 84, died November 20. He began sailing with the SIU in 1986. Brother Morris initially sailed aboard the USNS Assurance. The New York native worked in the deck department. Brother Morris’s final vessel was the USNS Assertive. He retired in 1997 and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. OMER OMER Pensioner Omer Omer, 76, passed away December 29. Brother Omer became a Seafarer in 1968. He originally worked on the Alcoa Explorer. Brother Omer was a Yemen native and shipped in the engine department. His last ship was the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Omer went on pension in 2004 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. MURRAY ROBERSON Pensioner Murray Roberson, 64, died December 10. Brother Roberson joined the SIU in 1972. He originally sailed on the Walter Rice. Brother Roberson concluded his seafaring career aboard the APL Pearl. A member of the engine department, he started receiving his retirement compensation in 2015. Brother Roberson called Washington, North Carolina, home. HUGH WELLS Pensioner Hugh Wells, 90, passed away January 2. He signed on with the union in 1951. Brother Wells initially worked with Sprogue Steamship Company. He was born in Gulf Gulfport, Mississippi, and shipped in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1988, Brother Wells sailed aboard the Newark. He was a resident of Little Elm, Texas. INLAND NELSON BREAUX Pensioner Nelson Breaux, 79, died January 29. He began his SIU career in 1962, originally sailing with Coyle Lines Inc. Brother Breaux was an engine department member and a native of Rayne, Louisiana. He most recently shipped on a G&H Towing company vessel. Brother Breaux starting collecting his pension in 1997. He lived in Houston. ALEJO COLLAZO Pensioner Alejo Collazo, 84, passed away January 29. He became a union member in 1976. Brother Collazo primarily sailed in the steward department with Crowley Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico-born mariner went on pension in 1994. Brother Collazo resided in Coconut Creek, Florida. MICHAEL DOWNEY Pensioner Michael Downey, 73, died December 7. Brother Downey started sailing with the SIU in 1979. He was initially employed with Mariner Towing. Brother Downey sailed in the deck department. He last worked with Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Downey became a pensioner in 2005 and made his home in St. Petersburg, Florida. LEROY DURRANCE Pensioner Leroy Durrance, 81, passed away January 5. He joined the union in 1981. Brother Durrance mainly shipped with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock as a member of the steward department. The Floridaborn mariner retired in 1998. Brother Durrance called Ellabell, Georgia, home. JOHN HYSLOP Pensioner John Hyslop, 93, died January 24. Born in Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1961. Brother Hyslop worked as a member of the engine department. He initially was employed with Pennsylvania Railroad Port of Norfolk. Brother Hyslop was last employed with Penn Central Transportation. He began receiving his in pension in 1984 and was a resident of Exmore, Virginia. GREAT LAKES ROBERT HAMMER Pensioner Robert Hammer, 75, passed away December 26. Brother Hammer signed on with the SIU in 1962 and primarily worked with Great Lakes Towing Company. He was an engine department member. Brother Hammer started collecting his retirement pay in 2008. He lived in Tonawanda, New York. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION STEPHEN BOHNE Pensioner Stephen Bohne, 74, passed away December 14. Brother Bohne was born in Los Angeles. He went on pension in 2007 and called Florida home. JUAN CABREJA Pensioner Juan Cabreja, 82, died December 13. Born in the Dominican Republic, Brother Cabreja became a pensioner in 1993. He settled in Islip, New York. EARL CHAPITAL Pensioner Earl Chapital, 92, passed away December 21. Brother Chapital was a native of Louisiana. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1986. Brother Chapital resided in Atlanta. ESTEBAN CLEMENTE Pensioner Esteban Clemente, 91, died December 27. He was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Clemente started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1967. He was a resident of Arverne, New York. JOSEPH LAWRENCE Pensioner Joseph Lawrence, 91, passed away December 1. The Iota, Louisiana, native went on pension in 1968. Brother Lawrence made his home in Beaumont, Texas. PHELIX SIMS Pensioner Phelix Sims, 84, died December 10. He was a native of Nebraska. Brother Sims began collecting his pension in 1984. He lived in Long Beach, California. Name Alvarado, Daniel Chevere, Jose Cruz, Purification Georgopoulos, Peter Harris, Hanson Henriquez, Elias Lowery, Ernest Montgomery, Austin Navilio, Anthony Rigsby, Rufus Washington, Fred Age 90 84 85 91 76 78 89 88 93 90 92 DOD Oct. 16 Nov. 15 Dec. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 18 Nov. 22 Nov. 28 Sept. 26 Nov. 6 Nov. 21 Nov. 12 May 2017 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings EVERGREEN STATE (Crowley), February 19 – Chairman Robert Pagan, Secretary Robert M. Mensching, Educational Director Marcus Gramby. Steward Delegate Nathalie Norie. Chairman reminded crew members that everyone is responsible for vessel sanitation. Educational director urged mariners to check expiration dates of all documents. Members were encouraged to enhance their skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, to excel in their positions. Treasurer reported $500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that small drier was not working properly. Request was made for internet aboard vessel. Steward department was thanked for great food. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska and Nikiski, Alaska. HOUSTON (USS Transport), February 17 – Chairman Carlos A. Arauz, Secretary Velicia D. Williams, Educational Director Jorge A. Lawrence, Deck Delegate Octavio Ruiz, Steward Delegate Abdulla Gobah. Bosun reiterated need for members to keep an eye on document expiration dates and upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from Seafarers LOG was read and posted. Crew members were reminded to help keep vessel clean. SBX-1 (TOTE), February 19 – Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Larry D. Pugh, Educational Director David L. Garrett, Deck Delegate Nathan C. Shuford, Engine Delegate Crescenico Gonzalez, Steward Delegate Regie Ignacio. Chairman reminded crew that SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) was voluntary. He discussed upcoming crew change and what needed to be done before- 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. hand. He also talked about STCW requirements, and use of member portal for direct deposit, medical information and more. Secretary encouraged mariners to update beneficiary cards and pay dues at union halls. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Correspondence from George Tricker, vp of contracts, was read and discussed. Suggestion was made to increase pension benefits. Chairman went over safety protocols involving x-band radiation. New TV and sofas are in crew lounge. Next port: Honolulu. HORIZON KODIAK (Matson), March 21 – Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Lovie L. Perez, Educational Director Donald D. Williams, Deck Delegate Shawn M. Strand, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir. Chairman urged members to pay union dues on time and contribute to SPAD. Secretary talked about SIU portal and reminded Seafarers that vacation checks can now be direct deposited. Educational director advised mariners to enhance skills at union-affiliated maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from Seafarers LOG was read. Recommendations were made to increase wages and pension benefits. Request was made for internet service for all crew members. Next ports: Tacoma, Washington; Anchorage, Alaska; and Kodiak, Alaska. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), March 5 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Teresito Reyes, Deck Delegate Albert Konning, Engine Delegate Roldan Dela Rosa, Steward Delegate Henry Commager. Chairman announced expected arrival in port March 7. He reminded members to prep rooms and leave keys. Secretary noted smooth operations in depart- ment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made suggestions for next contract and also discussed protocols for informing people about time off. With Seafarers Aboard the Isla Bella OVERSEAS ANACORTES (OSG), March 3 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director Cary Pratts, Engine Delegate Julio Zapata. Chairman noted new tonnage due out soon and also mentioned Paul Hall Center upgrading courses are listed in LOG. He reiterated importance of shipboard safety and complimented crew for doing a good job in that regard. Secretary noted availability of various forms. Educational director reminded everyone to keep up with STCW requirements as well as expiration dates on documents. He also encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vessel needs new mattresses. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. OVERSEAS CHINOOK (OSG), March 1 – Chairman Allan Oculam, Secretary Jack Hart, Educational Director Rickey Yancey, Deck Delegate George Godiciu, Engine Delegate Darwin Pike, Steward Delegate Wilfred Lambey. Chairman announced payoff at sea. He thanked everyone for job well done and keeping ship safe. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep house and rooms clean. Educational director reminded everyone to keep up with expiration dates on documents, and also go to Piney Point to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reacted positively to SIU President Michael Sacco’s LOG column reporting new tonnage entering American-flag fleet. Still need coffee machines in both mess halls. OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES (OSG), March 8 – Chairman Ken- Pictured in mid-April aboard the Tote-operated Isla Bella are (from left) QEE Angel Hernandez, SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware and Bosun John Cedeno. neth Abrahamson, Secretary Glenn Toledo, Educational Director Criseldo Espinosa, Deck Delegate Adel Shaibi, Engine Delegate Sebastian Krowicki, Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman talked about various document renewals and availability of one-day BT revalidation class that’s available. He emphasized importance of shipboard safety. Secretary noted plentiful job opportunities and also stressed need to keep paperwork updated. Educational director recommended upgrading in Piney Point for job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Washing machine has been repaired. Crew thanked steward department and OS for good work. They made suggestions for improving medical benefits and reducing co-pays and deductibles. Next port: Richmond, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: May 2017 Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an of official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION. If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 22 August 4 BAPO May 20 July 15 June 16 August 11 FOWT June 17 August 12 July 14 September 8 Engineroom Resource Management June 3 June 9 Junior Engineer July 15 October 7 September 8\ December 1 Leadership and Managerial Skills June 10 October 28 June 16 November 3 Machinist September 9 September 29 Marine Electrician August 5 September 29 Marine Refer Tech September 30 November 10 Pumpman September 30 October 6 Welding June 10 August 19 June 30 September 8 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck AB to Mate Modules June 17 August 12 October 7 July 14 September 8 November 3 Module dates vary throughout the year. Students will be advised of dates once accepted. Steward Department Courses Advanced Meteorology August 26 September 1 Advanced Galley Ops June 19 Advanced Shiphandling August 5 August 18 Certified Chief Cook Advanced Stability August 19 August 25 Modules run every other week. The next class will start May 15. ARPA June 3 September 30 June 9 October 6 Chief Steward July 15 September 8 Galley Operations May 20 June 16 Bosun Recertification July 15 August 7 Galley Assessment Program (GAP) May 27 June 23 Crane Familiarization August 26 October 21 September 1 October 27 ServSafe June 3 June 9 ECDIS July 1 August 26 October 14 July 7 September 1 October 20 Basic Training w/16hr FF May 27 June 10 June 2 June 16 Fast Rescue Boat May 20 June 24 May 26 June 30 Basic Training Revalidation June 2 June 2 GMDSS September 2 September 15 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 24 June 30 Lifeboat June 3 July 1 July 29 June 16 July 14 August 11 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 10 June 16 Government Vessels May 13 May 20 May 19 May 26 Radar Observer May 20 September 16 June 2 September 29 Medical Care Provider June 17 June 23 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office Tank Barge - DL October 21 October 27 RFPNW May 20 July 15 September 9 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL/LG June 3 June 16 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG June 17 June 23 June 16 August 11 October 6 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. 20 Seafarers LOG July 14 Safety Upgrading Courses COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, 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. 5/17 May 2017 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival Class #822 – The following Phase I apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 24: Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez, Melvin Cousin, Paul Hudgins, Dave Paler, Marcus Reed, Dontrell Riddick, Deroyce Roquemore, Isaiah Thomas and Renita Walker. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at the far left. Tank Ship Familiarization – Five Phase III apprentices completed their requirements in this course March 17. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Neil Donegan, Kevin Franklin, Morgan Hayes, Victor Manuel Rios Rodriguez, and Jose Javier Santos Montalvo. Upon the completion of their apprentice training, each plans to work in the deck department of union-contrated vessels. Tank Ship Familiarization – Two Phase III apprentices, who hope to work in the steward department aboard SIU-contracted vessels when they complete their training, graduated from this course March 1 and February 1 respectively. They are Andres Brown (above) and VanNessa Curd (below). Welding – Three upgraders finished their requirements in this course March 17. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Derek Chestnut, Roy Porfiro Martinez and Charles Toliver. Their instructor, Chris Raley, is at the far right. Tank Ship Familiarization – The following Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 17: Adam Brundage, William Cannon, Dion Cheeseborough, Micah Ferreira, Arsenio Jenkins, Kyle Savage, Arlen Vernimo Jr., Hayden Vogt and Kyle Williamson. Each plans to work in the engine department of SIU-contracted vessels once they complete apprentice training. Tank Ship Familiarization – Thirteen Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 1: Eduardo Yesier Centeno-Rosario, Timothy Chestnut, Nestor Antonio Costas Lugo, Kaila Foster, Madigan Gilligan, Frank McCracken, Christian Pagan-Villanuava, Joseph Parr, Ryan Raynor, Randy Shaw Jr., Edward Voskamp, Derek Willis and Mehdi Youssaf. Each plans to work in the deck department aboard union-contracted vessels once their training is completed. Tank Ship Familiarization – The following Phase III apprentices (photo at left, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 1: Francois Doucet III, Tarrell Jones, Clarence Kinson Jr., Gavin Kuehn Jr., Ross Morgan, Robert Thomas, and Jason Upshaw. Each plans to work in the engine department aboard SIUcontracted vessels after they complete their training. May 2017 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes GMDSS – Five upgraders enhanced their skills by completing this course Feb 2. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Joshua Jayson Gonzalez, Edward Melvin Jr., Kirk Pegan, Harry Phillip and George Steube III. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far right. Government Vessels – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) improved their skills when they graduated from this course Feb. 24: Kingdom Chiadikaobi Alozie, Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Randy Corey, Fernando Ibuyat Harber, Joel Harris, Brice Castillo Ilao, David Johnson Jr., Donald Lumpkins, Thomas McNeal, Steven Riley, Michael Robinson, Ricardo Flores Salazar, Derrick Siefke, Stephon Thompson and Marilou Toledo. Instructor Stan Beck is at the far right. (Note : Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels (SUA) – Four individuals finished their requirements in this course Feb. 24. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Aulezus Zaundrya Andrews, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Taylor Owings and Deja Watson. BT Revalidation – Fourteen individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 17: Patrick Coppola, John Diaz-Hernandez Jr., Felix Arce Garcia, Diego Hatch, Mark Hoffman, Norman Hook, Arthur Marshall III, Marcel Motley, Rang Van Nguyen, Michael Nicolosi, Ricardo Flores Salazar, Grazyna Tomaszewska, Dexter Madrona Turija and Pedro Pablo Vega Caraballo. Wayne Johnson Jr., their instructor, is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BT (UP Basic Firefighting) – Twenty-one upgraders finished this class March 17. Graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Sheki Bradley, Bridget Burkhalter, Jose Juan Calix, Alexander Capellan, Rafael Angel Cardenas Jr., Mauricio Castro, Michael Cushman, Rudolph Daniels, James Davison, Ricardo Ellis, Edward English, Roberto Tremor Flauta, Leonard Garretti, Darryl Jackson, Randell Cuares ParePare des, Lazaro Salvador Rivera Rodriguez, Walter Schoppe, Mohammed Lamin Sheriff, Devalence Smiley, Richard Salazar Torres and Daniel Zapata. Instructors John Thomas and Joe Zienda are at the far left and far right, respectively. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BT (UP Basic Firefighting) – The following Seafarers completed this course Feb. 24. Graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Katherine Anderson, Kent Arroyo, Susan Beach, Matthew Brown, Bridget Burkhalter, Cirilo Suazo Centeno, Vincent Chavez, Curtis Church, Brian Corp, Gerard Cox, Rudolph Daniels, Abdullah Falah, Kevin Harvey, Supattara Inthapanti, Algie Mayfield Jr., Deeanne Merriman, Rudy Danilo Oliva, Liliana Oliveros, Michael Poblete, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado, Mary Slade, Thomas Smith and Amin Ali Zain. Instructor Wayne Jonson Jr. is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG May 2017 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to AS-D – Twelve individuals finished their requirements in this course March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Zachary Ballard, Phillip Best, Auston Kekoa Billiot, Blake Braye, Tamara Cherry, Michael Dibelardino, Chastenay Dickerson, Tiffani Hernandez, Jasen Lapointe, Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus, Hiten Chinukumar Shrimankar and Peter Dongkyu Suh. Instructor Tom Truitt is at the far left. Advanced Self Unloading – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 17: Chris Ceyzyk, Fred Ellefsen, Clint Flora, Mark Getzmeyer, Peter Morrison Jr., Gregory Shaughnessy and Ismail Salim Yahya. Don Jaegle, their instructor, is at the far right. Ship Construction & Basic Stability – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) finished this course Feb. 10: J.K Mansfield Borden, Matthew Botterbusch, Kelly Doyle, Jason Hardy and Saleh Mohamed Mothana. Alan Tupper, their instructor, is at the far right. Engine Room Resource Management – Five individuals completed this course Feb. 24. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ernest Bullock Jr., Scott Hanson, David Quade II, Zachary Ross and Floyd Sanderson III. Instructor Freddie Toedtemeier is at the far left. Basic Self Unloading – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course Feb. 24: Ali Qaid Ahmed Alwaqedi, Douglas Bellmore, Justin Bellmore, Kyle Boos, Daniel Boye, Mark Feldhaus, Karl Guenterberg, Bradley Hanson, Isaac Johnson, Wisam Mohsen-Ahmed Mesleh, Jerry Semper Jr. and Abdulla Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh. Don Jaegle, their instructor, is at the far right. Magnetic & Gyro Compasses – Four individuals completed their requirements in this course March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: J.K. Mansfield, Kelly Doyle, Jason Hardy and Saleh Mohamed Mothana. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far right. May 2017 Chief Steward – A pair of Seafarers who sail in the steward department upgraded their skills when they graduated from this course March 24. Completing their requirements were Benny Samosan (above, left) and Olivia Mabuti Fisher-Macafe. Leadership & Management Skills – Five upgraders improved their skills by completing this course March 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Terrance Bader, Jermaine Crandell, Scott Hanson, David Quade II and Zachary Ross. Their instructor, Freddie Toedtemeier, is at the far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �MAY 2017 VOLUME 79 NO.5 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 SIU CIVMARS Help Ensure Success Of ‘Comfort Exercise’ The Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort transits the Atlantic Ocean. (All photos by U.S. Navy photographer Bill Mesta) M embers of the SIU Government Services Division recently teamed up with other shipboard personnel to successfully complete a quarterly exercise aboard the Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Comfort. According to the U.S. Navy, the Comfort arrived back at Naval Station Norfolk (Virginia) after completing Comfort Exercise (COMFEX) 17, on Feb. 24. COMFEX 17 “was an advanced-phase training exercise designed to prepare the crew for another exercise, Bold Alligator 17, which will take place later this year,” the Navy reported. COMFEX 17 was based on a multi-day scenario that simulated the ship’s response to service members being wounded in combat during a U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault. The Seafarers-crewed Comfort was required to receive casualties and provide acute medical care. Some of the simulated trauma the crew was faced with included amputations, severe burns, and extensive internal wounds. “Our COMFEX was our last dress rehearsal in preparation for the world’s largest amphibious war game, BA 17,” said Capt. Lanny Boswell, commanding officer of the Comfort’s medical treatment facility. “The Comfort conducts a COMFEX quarterly and each is a training battery designed to keep the medical personnel, support staff, and civil service mariners who serve aboard USNS Comfort sharp. It is important for us to conduct this quarterly training program to be ready to respond wherever and whenever the Navy needs us.” “We have built on the lessons the crew has learned from previous COMFEXs,” added Boswell. “This exercise was the culmination of turning those training experiences into a highly successful COMFEX 17.” When the hospital ship is called into action, it carries approximately 1,200 crew members and other personnel. Most of the medical professionals on board spend much of their time at other Navy medical facilities. “As such, when the bell rings, we have five days to bring everyone we need aboard and respond to a crisis,” Boswell explained. The exercise included the use of “human casualty simulators,” sophisticated mannequins which help offer medical professionals and support personnel a realistic setting. “The simulators have proven to be very valuable training aids for simulating medical emergencies,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Patrick Gravel of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s Healthcare Simulation Center. “These mannequins are more effective than traditional advanced medical training methods. The simulators are anatomically correct when compared to human subjects, and have advanced to a level which leads to very accurate and efficient training.” According to the Navy, the Comfort has three primary missions: at-sea mobile medical support to warfighters, providing medical services to support U.S. disaster relief, and assist humanitarian operations worldwide. “The Comfort is the largest Role III medical facility afloat and its primary mission is to support the warfighter,” said Capt. Paul Arp, head of the Comfort’s nursing department. “We are an agile ship and crew with tremendous capabilities and professionals who are ready to meet all of the Navy’s requirements. The crew threw itself into the COMFEX 17 scenario and brought a very diverse skill set to bear. For a large percent of the crew, this was their first COMFEX An HS-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Seven lands aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort. so there was a steep learning curve. But the crew got ‘on plane’ very rapidly and performed wonderfully.” The five-day COMFEX 17 included two mass casualty drills, helicopter flight operations, and an abandon ship drill. “Even though COMFEX 17 was a training scenario, it highlighted how capable our team really is,” said Cmdr. Shawn Brown, a nurse anesthetist aboard Comfort. The crew of the Comfort also performed a man overboard drill, fire response training, and a full medical inventory. During the exercise, the vessel was crewed by approximately 400 U.S. Navy medical professionals, support enablers, and civilian mariners (CIVMARs). USNS Comfort crew members perform a wide variety of critical ships tasks including navigation, propulsion, water and electrical services. “The service members and civilians who crew the Comfort are the best of the best,” concluded Boswell. “Our people excelled during COMFEX 17 and we are ready for Bold Alligator 17.” A mooring winch is utilized to bring in lines as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk (Virginia). Crew members lower a rigged hulled inflatable boat (above) during a man-overboard drill. In photo at immediate left, mariners secure a lifeboat after an abandon ship drill. CIVMARS aboard the Comfort guide the vessel’s tender (photo at right) back to the ship on Feb. 23. The tender was used to successfully test the platform’s ability to recover at-sea casualties, which was a critical component of the exercise.. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2017 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU PRESIDENT SPEAKS OUT AT DOT EVENT OUTING WELCOMES SEC. CHAO, ACCLAIMS AGENCY’S 50TH YEAR TRUMKA: TIME TO CHANGE ECONOMY THAT IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS THREE NEW VESSELS ENTERING JONES ACT SERVICE TWO TANKERS, ONE CONRO SIGNAL NEW JOBS FOR SIU MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHED PORT AGENT BOBBY SELZER RETIRES UNION FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKS SIU’S 2016 RECORDS GENERAL, CONGRESSMEN SUPPORT MERCHANT MARINE ‘TURTLE OPS’ RESULT IN REPTILIAN FREEDOM GOVERNOR REAPPOINTS SIU PORT AGENT TO POSITION ON LOUSIANA AUTHORITY MAERSK HONORS RECERTIFIED STEWARD JUAN HERNANDEZ ITF, AMP PRAISE JONES ACT AVOID MISHAPS WHEN ENROLLING FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER ISSUES RELEASE WHICH OUTLINES OPTIONS FOR MARINER CREDENTIAL APPLICATIONS SACCO ADDRESS AUDIENCE DURING DOT’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT WWII MARINER HIGHLIGHTS HEROIC HISTORY LEGISLATION WOULD HONOR REMAINING SEAFARERS FROM ‘GREATEST GENERATION’ SIU CIVMARS HELP ENSURE SUCCESS OF ‘COMFORT EXERCISE’ Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2017 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 79, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/95068cb95d372d5a8f97670ad776160c.pdf 8f7f1a81fc42999600f149bdf769ce63 PDF Text Text MAY F E B2018 RUARY 2014 VOLUME VOLUME 7 6 o 80, N ONO. . 25 Production Begins On 2nd Matson Ship General Dynamics NASSCO recently conducted a ceremony marking the start of construction on Seafarerscontracted Matson Navigation’s Matsonia, a combination container and roll-on/roll-off ship. The snapshot at right shows shipyard employees and dignitaries in San Diego preparing to cut the first piece of steel for the new vessel. The image below is an artist’s rendering of the new Con-Ro ship. Page 3. (Images courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO). Piney Point-Based Paul Hall Center Emphasizes Hands-On Instruction Founded in 1967, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education always has put a premium on practical instruction. Hands-on training is included in virtually every one of the school’s 70-plus U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. These recent snapshots show students in various classes at the Piney Point, Maryland school. For more information and photos, turn to pages 12-13. For updates on the school’s college program and its new steward department curriculums, see the back page. Seafarers Support ‘Continuing Promise’ The SIU-crewed USNS Spearhead is playing a key role in Continuing Promise 2018, a multinational humanitarian mission. In photo at right, U.S. Navy medical personnel embark on the expeditionary fast transport vessel in Mayport, Florida, in early March. The ship is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Page 8. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kayla Cosby) The photo below shows a patient waiting for a tooth removal in the oral surgery room of the medical unit at the Izabal Sports Complex during Continuing Promise 2018 in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Brianna K. Green) Gen. McDew Backs U.S. Maritime Page 3 Members Ratify Contract Page 4 SIU Active at Sail-In Pages 6-7 �MSP, Other Maritime Programs Funded by Omnibus Spending Bill President’s Report More Support for Jones Act It’s always encouraging to hear about support for our nation’s freight cabotage law, so I was pleased to read several recent comments from maritime and national security leaders who attended a Navy League of the United States event in the nation’s capital. The gathering is an annual one known as the Sea-Air-Space Exposition. It’s run by one of our industry’s biggest backers, the Navy League, and it brings together key officials and executives from the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector U.S. companies and the American military. During a panel on April 11, subject-matter experts got together to discuss the importance of the Jones Act in ensuring sealift capacity, supporting a strong defense industrial base, and for maintaining homeland and economic security. Participants included Anthony Fisher, Deputy Associate Administrator for Commercial Sealift of the Maritime Administration; Michael Herbert, Chief of the Customs and Border Protection Jones Act Division of Enforcement; Rear Admiral John P. Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy for the United Michael Sacco States Coast Guard; and Matt Woodruff, Chairman of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a major coalition representing the domestic maritime industry. (You may have previously read Jones Act-related comments from Herbert and Fisher, respectively, in our coverage of Maritime Trades Department meetings.) Fisher asserted that the Jones Act was the essential component to ensuring that crucial supplies including food, water and medicine were quickly delivered to the Puerto Rico as soon as ports reopened after Hurricane Maria. As he put it, “The Jones Act did not hamper the response. The Jones Act made the response possible.” Herbert used a term that should hit home when it comes to securing the homeland: “We use the Jones Act as a virtual wall,” he said. “Without the Jones Act in place, our inland waterways would be inundated with foreign-flagged vessels.” Rear Adm. Nadeau, answering a question about the consequences of a hypothetical repeal of the law, said, “The Coast Guard is responsible for the safety and stability of the marine transportation system, and [if you repeal the Jones Act] you just made our jobs a whole lot harder.” Recognizing the stringent requirements met by U.S. Merchant Mariners, Woodruff noted, “Our mariners are U.S. Citizens and are credentialed by the U.S. Coast Guard. They undergo extensive background checks. Our mariners are the neighborhood watch of the waterways of America.” Those weren’t the only insightful comments from the Navy League event. During a different panel discussion earlier the same week, Rear Adm. (USN, Ret.) Mark Buzby, currently serving as Maritime Administrator, said, “Take away the Jones Act, you have taken away the majority of jobs for our U.S. mariners in peacetime, that we need in wartime. Getting rid of the Jones Act does not think through all of the ramifications it has on our war fighting ability – and to sustain the Navy and to sustain the Marine Corps. That is why our flag says in peace and war.” And on still another panel – one covering shipbuilding – Matt Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council of America, explained that the Jones Act’s U.S.-build requirement ultimately helps ensure that our troops can depend on reliable deliveries of materiel so they can achieve their missions. Some of you may wonder why we are involved in coalitions. Take another look at the list of people I just quoted. None of them are from a union, but they all understand the importance of the Jones Act and the work you do. I’m sure you’ve noticed, but efforts to maintain support for the Jones Act do not end. Similarly, as we report elsewhere in this edition, no sooner had the SIU and many other pro-maritime allies helped secure full funding for the U.S. Maritime Security Program than we shifted our focus toward getting proper monies for it for the next fiscal year. It’s the same thing with cargo preference – our work is constant, because that’s what it takes to keep these laws and programs in place, and thereby maintain SIU members’ jobs. Election Day isn’t all that far off, and as we get closer to November, it’s important to continue supporting candidates who back our industry. America’s national, economic and homeland security depend on the U.S. Merchant Marine and American-flag shipping. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 80 Number 5 o NO. 2 May 2018 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org As reported at last month’s SIU membership meetings, the recently approved federal spending bill includes several important pro-maritime provisions. The overall measure funds the federal government for the 2018 fiscal year, which began in October. Signed into law on March 23, the omnibus bill calls for $1.3 trillion in expenditures. The legislation is 2,232 pages long. A highlight of the package is full funding for the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), something the SIU and its allies persistently pushed for. The president’s budget request for the fiscal year recommended funding the program at $214 million, a significant cut, but Congress rejected that recommendation. (Even though Congress approved a 10-year extension of the program through fiscal year 2025, legislators must approve its funding annually.) The spending bill also contains funding of $1.7 billion for the Food for Peace program, which allows U.S.-flag ships to take the lead in delivering this important cargo to the impoverished world. Food for Peace helps feed starving Third World nations while providing critical support to U.S. shipping and American farmers. Since its enactment in 1954, it has been considered one of America’s most successful foreign aid programs. Additionally, the bill includes an extra $341.4 million in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers budget which is designated for harbor dredging and other operation and maintenance activities. The Corps will develop a work plan to nationally distribute these funds, with specific amounts to be announced in the near future. Significantly, no Jones Act waivers or amendments were contained in the bill. Meanwhile, to help ensure that the MSP receives the funding necessary to support the Department of Defense in 2019, 90 members of the House have sent a letter to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Re- lated Agencies Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida) and to Congressman David Price (D-North Lundeberg), ranking member on the subcommittee. “We are writing to request $300,000,000 for MSP when you develop your FY 2019 appropriations bill,” they wrote. “$300,000,000 is the amount authorized by Congress for FY 2019 for the program.... Unfortunately, the administration only requested $214,000,000 for FY 2019. This amount is well below the required amount to maintain a viable U.S.flag commercial merchant fleet.” The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has pointed out that MSP ship crews “are a major source for the DOD surge fleet.” The DOT also described the program as “a vital element of our military’s strategic sealift and global response capability. Without the MSP fleet, the United States would have assured access to very few U.S.-flag commercial vessels to support Department of Defense operations.” Financial Committee Approves 2017 Records A group of Seafarers has given a collective thumbs-up to the union’s financial records for 2017. Every year, in accordance with the union’s constitution, a group of rank-and-file SIU members (elected by fellow Seafarers) reviews the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Most recently, this process happened in early April – first with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the ensuing days when they examined the paperwork at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2017 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus (chairman), Bosun Ali Alhamyari, QMED Riley Donahue, Electrician Michael Kelly, Electrician Archie Eldridge, Bosun Neftali Erausquin and Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo. They were elected April 2 at the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Committee members (photo above) finish their work. Pictured from left to right in the posed photo below are (seated) QMED Riley Donahue, Electrician Archie Eldridge, Electrician Michael Kelly, Bosun Neftali Erausquin, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, (standing) Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Bosun Ali Alhamyari. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2018 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG May 2018 �USTRANSCOM Leader Backs Merchant Marine General McDew Underscores Need for U.S. Crews, Pro-Maritime Laws The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) once again has forcefully spoken out about the crucial need to maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Darren McDew testified April 10 during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was the lone panelist for the session titled, “Posture of the United States Transportation Command.” A consistently outspoken advocate of the American maritime industry, McDew told the committee that the nation depends on strong, reliable, U.S.-flag sealift capability and U.S. crews. He described the need to maintain a modern American-flag fleet and emphasized concerns about the gradual reduction that has taken place with the shipboard manpower pool. “When the United States goes to war, USTRANSCOM moves 90 percent of its cargo requirements with the strategic sealift fleet, which consists of governmentowned ships augmented by the commercial U.S.-flagged fleet,” McDew stated. “The ability to deploy a decisive force is foundational to the National Defense Strategy, as the size and lethality of the force is of little consequence if we are unable to project power in the pursuit of national objectives. Therefore, the readiness of the entire strategic sealift portfolio, both organic and commercial, remains the top priority for USTRANSCOM.” He continued, “USTRANSCOM’s Navy component, Military Sealift Command (MSC), controls the organic strategic sealift ships that deliver logistics and humanitarian relief, move military equip- ment, supply combat forces, and forwardposition combat cargo around the world. MSC also assumes operational command of the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships during periods of activation. However, our organic sealift capabilities will degrade rapidly over the coming years if we fail to pursue a responsible recapitalization strategy.… USTRANSCOM is working with the Navy on a comprehensive recapitalization plan which includes acquiring used vessels, extending the service life of able vessels, and building new ships – all three of which are required to stabilize the fleet.” The general said that the aging fleet, coupled with a reduction in U.S.-flag vessels and a corresponding decrease of available mariners “threatens our ability to meet national security requirements.” He added that if those trends continue, the U.S. could eventually be forced to rely on foreign-flag vessels for sustainment in a mission on the scale of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. McDew further pointed out that during Desert Storm, 13 foreign-flag ships that were hired to carry materiel to American troops “declined to enter the area of operations, while U.S.-flagged vessels provided steadfast support.” The general then spoke in support of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and explained how the Jones Act and cargo preference laws “are intended to ensure a baseline of ongoing business to support our inter-coastal shipping capacity and maintain a market for U.S. industrial shipyard infrastructure to build, repair, and overhaul U.S. vessels.” He described the U.S.-flag commercial fleet as “vital to the Joint Force’s ability to accomplish its mission.” Moreover, the general pointed out that the MSP and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) “has proven a cost-effective means to assure access to sealift capability, capacity, and worldwide networks…. The MSP provides an intermodal and logistics capability outside of the [Defense Department] portfolio that would be cost prohibitive to replicate. MSP assures access to 60 militarily useful vessels, the mariners who crew those ships, and commercial carriers’ global networks and infrastructure. Without this program, DOD’s asymmetric advantage in logistics would be put at significant risk as many of the vessels currently in the program would reflag under foreign flags and no longer participate in VISA. In this scenario, DOD would be forced to augment organic capacity with foreign-flagged vessels to deploy and sustain the Joint Force.” Turning to the area of manpower, McDew said USTRANSCOM is “concerned” about a decline in numbers. Further reduction would “put at risk our ability to surge forces overseas and sustain a protracted conflict with U.S. Mariners. Although the qualified mariner labor pool industry-wide is adequate to support a surge requirement today, a protracted need for mariners would stress the labor pool beyond acceptable risk.” He said the Defense Department and Transportation Department “must seek Gen. Darren McDew Commander, USTRANSCOM innovative ways to recruit and retain sufficient mariners to sustain sealift operations across the full spectrum of conflict. A healthy and viable U.S.-flagged fleet remains the foundation for a suitable U.S. Merchant Mariner pool.” Construction Starts on Second Jacksonville Congressman Stands Up in Support for the Jones Act Matson Con-Ro at NASSCO Union shipyard workers in San Diego have started construction on a Jones Act vessel that eventually will feature SIU crew members. General Dynamics NASSCO in early April began production of the second ship in a two-vessel order for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company. Construction of the Matsonia began with a ceremonial first cut of steel at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard, where the first ship in the series (Lurline) is 15 percent complete. Both ships will transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock between the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii. The vessels are combination container and rollon/roll-off ships, abbreviated as Con-Ro. They’re being built to allow for future conversion to LNG propulsion. They will be 870 feet long, with beams of 114 feet and sailing speeds up to 23 knots. Both will be able to carry approximately 3,500 containers and up to 800 vehicles each. “Matson’s customers in the Hawaii trade rely on us for dependable delivery of their goods, and these new Kanaloa-class vessels designed specifically for serving Hawaii will ensure we meet the highest standards of efficiency and reliability,” said Ron Forest, president of Matson. “Designing and building these vessels brings pride to every member of our team,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “It’s an honor to add the Kanaloa-class vessels to NASSCO’s decades-long history in Jones Act ship production.” Construction of the Lurline is scheduled to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2019. The Matsonia is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2020. In a news release announcing the recent ceremony, the shipyard noted, “NASSCO partnered with DSEC Co., Ltd., to provide Matson with state-of-the-art ship design and shipbuilding technologies. For more than a decade, this partnership has produced premium ships for five separate Jones Act owners.” In an earlier announcement, Matson noted the company “is calling these vessels the Kanaloa class in honor of the ocean deity revered in the native Hawaiian culture and will name each of the new vessels after predecessor ships from its 134-year history. The first vessel will be named Lurline, the sixth Matson vessel to carry that name, while the second vessel will be its fifth named Matsonia.” Matson further reported that the new vessels will have state-of-the-art green technology features, including a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and dual-fuel engines The two Kanaloa-class ships will replace three diesel-powered vessels in active service, which will be moved to reserve status. Eventually, Matson will operate nine ships in its Hawaii service. This artist’s rendering shows the look of the new Con-Ro ships being built for Matson and General Dynamics NASSCO. May 2018 First-term U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Florida) stood up for the Jones Act during a March 15 hearing conducted by the House Homeland Security Committee. The hearing’s main topic was “Preparedness, Response, and Rebuilding: Lessons from the 2017 Disasters.” During his time to question Federal Emergency Management Administrator Brock Long, the Jacksonville congressman said the Jones Act – the nation’s freight cabotage law – did not stand in the way of relief coming to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He recalled to the administrator news broadcasts containing false information “about the Jones Act and the cost of goods and services [in Puerto Rico]. And folks were actually improperly describing how the Jones Act even works, talking about – I heard an individual in Jacksonville on the news talking about the reason it costs so much is because foreign vessels have to sail into an American port, drop those goods off and then reload those goods onto an American-flagged ship and sail it down to San Juan. Wrong. “Those foreign ships can sail directly into San Juan, and they do all the time,” Rutherford added. Later in the hearing, Rutherford challenged a written statement offered by Jose Melendez-Ortiz, vice chairman for the Committee on Federal and International Relations, and Status for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In the document presented to the committee, Melendez-Ortiz called for adjustments his organization believed are needed for emergency preparedness and recovery in the wake of future natural disasters. U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Florida) Rutherford noted that first on the proposed list was waiving the Jones Act, something President Trump did for a 10-day period after Hurricane Maria. “And fact of the matter is after waiving the Jones Act exactly one – one foreign vessel sailed from an American port into Puerto Rico,” he told Melendez-Ortiz. “I take great pride in the fact that the American maritime industry, particularly our Jones Act vessels under TOTE and Crowley in Jacksonville are really – I look at them as the first responders for Puerto Rico,” added the former three-term sheriff of Duval County, Florida. “They have that built-in efficiency and effectiveness. And they had actually prepositioned goods at our port so that they could get them to San Juan more quickly,” Rutherford remarked. Seafarers LOG 3 �Members Ink Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Contract SIU crews have ratified a new five-year contract with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. The agreement includes wage increases, maintains all benefits and covers approximately 120 Seafarers. Negotiating on behalf of the union were SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Archie Ware, Chief Engineer Edward Mancke, AB/Dragtender Charles Troutwine and AB/ Dragtender Billy Born. Tricker stated, “Even though the company is experiencing some tough times and restructuring its corporate model, our relationship moving forward remains positive, with new faces in place. I commend the rankand-file members of our bargaining committee, whose professionalism and knowledge helped us secure the best possible contract at this time.” Ware noted that it took two bargaining sessions before the union and company reached a tentative pact. “It was a tough negotiation but all in all, I think it went well,” he said. The contract maintains medical coverage at the Core-Plus level, which is the top one available under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. It also maintains Seafarers Pension Plan benefits and vacation pay. Mancke, a Seafarer since 1991, called the contract “a decent agreement. I wouldn’t have presented it (to other members) if I thought it wasn’t fair. You can’t please everybody all the time, but the majority of us understand the company needs a hand.” He said that maintaining all benefits and not losing any holidays were among the contract’s highlights. Mancke added that against the backdrop of financial difficulties faced by the company, securing annual wage increases in the last four years of the pact seems “very fair.” Members of the negotiating committees are pictured at the conclusion of the most recent bargaining session. From left: GLDD VP Paul LaMourie, SIU delegates Billy Born, Charles Troutwine and Edward Mancke, GLDD Labor Relations Director Tony Zezovski, SIU VP George Tricker, GLDD Dredge Operations Manager George Strawn and SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware. Similarly, Troutwine pointed out, “We didn’t lose anything in this contract, and that was the main thing. I think it’s a fair contract for everybody. The company has a restructure plan and a rebuilding plan.” Troutwine had previously served on one other negotiating committee. He has sailed with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for 20plus years, and has been a Seafarer since 1988, when he completed the trainee pro- gram at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He said that although the most recent sets of negotiations were more contentious than in years past, “I’m happy with the wages, plus we kept our medical benefits and we kept our pension.” A Seafarer since 2002 and a Great Lakes Dredge and Dock mariner since 2005, Born said, “I think it’s a fair contract on all sides. There were a lot of things brought to the table that were unsettling at first, but in the end, we kept everything we had in prior contracts.” Great Lakes Dredge and Dock is the self-described “largest provider of dredging services in the United States and the only U.S. dredging company with significant international operations.” Its areas of operation include New York; Miami; Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia, and more. Senior TOTE Executive Seafarer’s Quick Actions Announces Retirement Extinguish Shipboard Fire Anthony Chiarello, president and CEO of SIU-contracted TOTE Inc., has announced he will retire this summer. Chiarello has nearly 39 years of exemplary service in the maritime industry in a number of leadership roles. “As I look ahead to my sixty-third birthday later this year, it is time for me to spend more time with my family and loved ones. I am blessed with a large family and many beautiful grandchildren, and I look forward to adjusting the priorities in my life,” noted Chiarello. In a late-March news release, the company said that its “leadership team has a proven track record of success and will carry on the with the strong core values of safety, commitment and integrity that Chiarello instilled over the past eight years at the helm. The company’s parent, Saltchuk, will make an announcement regarding Chiarello’s Anthony Chiarello 4 Seafarers LOG successor in due course.” “We thank Anthony for his many years at the helm of TOTE,” said Mark Tabbutt, chairman of Saltchuk. “Anthony has had a distinguished maritime career and under his capable leadership, TOTE Maritime has grown to be one of the best shipping companies in the industry. Anthony leaves a team of highly talented leaders who are well equipped to contribute to TOTE’s continued success. We wish Anthony much happiness in his retirement.” Chiarello started his career in stevedoring at ITO, now part of Ports America, in the Port of New York and soon relocated to Baltimore where he later served as deputy administrator of the Maryland Port Administration. He then spent 16 years with the Maersk organization in varying roles including president of Maersk Logistics USA. Prior to joining TOTE, Chiarello was chief operating officer and executive vice president of NYK Logistics (Americas). He has always been very involved in education, having served on the board of visitors of the Business School at Northeastern University. He currently serves on the board of directors at the Center for Global Leadership at his alma mater, Villanova University. Chiarello is the recipient of many formal honors including the prestigious AOTOS award as well as being named a White House Champion of Change during the Obama presidency for his work involving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the maritime industry. In an address last year to the executive board of the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department, Chiarello discussed the company’s newest ships, safety efforts and consistently cooperative endeavors with its crews and their respective unions. Chiarello described TOTE’s crews as “the best-trained mariners in the world,” and he also thanked all concerned for the unified effort in response to the El Faro tragedy. Quick thinking and safety training recently paid off for a first-on-the-scene SIU member and his shipmates. AB Leo Onofrio extinguished a small fire aboard the M/V Patriot on March 29 while the vessel was docked in Manzanillo, Panama. Other crew members quickly followed up to help ensure the fire indeed was out and the damage contained. The Patriot is operated by TOTE Services for vessel owner American Roll-On/RollOff Carrier (ARC). A communication from an ARC executive credited Onofrio’s “quick thinking and decisive action extinguishing the fire, (which) prevented a small fire from possibly spreading to other cargo.” That same message indicated the problem began with an electric short in a recently loaded new vehicle. Onofrio graduated from the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in 2012. He said the safety training he received at the Piney Point, Maryland-based school “absolutely” helped him during the Patriot incident. “I followed the steps I learned from my training,” he said. Onofrio said he was walking on deck 13 “when I noticed a vehicle making a hissing sound, followed by a popping noise. The vehicle then began to smoke and ignited. “I immediately notified the mate on watch about the fire and proceeded to approach the flaming vehicle with a fire extinguisher,” he continued. “I utilized the extinguisher on the flames by spraying the hood of the vehicle and noticed fire coming from under the engine. I began to spray from below and through the wheel well to extinguish the fire. As soon as it was out, I began to back out of the space that had filled with smoke. The chief mate arrived followed by the fire team. I exited the space and got some much-needed fresh air.” Onofrio’s main takeaway from the experience is that “anything can happen at any moment. We always have to be prepared,” he noted. AB Leo Onofrio The Galloway, New Jersey, native also was quick to credit his fellow Seafarers and the AMO members aboard the Patriot. “My shipmates responded immediately and everyone worked together to assure the ship’s safety,” he concluded. Chief Mate Pieter Sheridan stated, “Leo responded in an unparalleled act of focus and clarity. He immediately notified the Officer on Watch and attacked the car fire with a local fire extinguisher. I entered the space within two minutes of Leo’s report and the cargo hold was already filling with smoke. I am confident without Leo’s quick decision making, this fire could have been much worse. I think I speak for all onboard the Patriot – we are grateful for Leo’s actions and training.” May 2018 �Clergy Backs Bakery Workers’ Crusade for New Pact Religious Leaders Urge Nabisco to Negotiate in Good Faith, Avoid Outsourcing Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Press Associates Union News Service. The SIU and the Bakery Workers are affiliated through the AFL-CIO and through the Maritime Trades Department. Faith leaders from around the country are joining the “Bakery 600,” the Bakery Workers’ long-running campaign against Nabisco for shutting the Oreo cookie line at its South Side Chicago plant and moving the 600 jobs to Mexico almost two years ago. In a recent letter, the leaders urged Dirk Van der Put, the new CEO of Mondelez International, Nabisco’s parent firm, to negotiate in good faith and reach a new and fair contract with the BCTGM, which represents the 2,000 remaining unionized Nabisco workers at six plants in the U.S. The letter came weeks after Mondelez held an unintentionally ironic “National Cookie Day” promotion in early March, and also after the firm’s chief financial officer was quoted, in a report on the Chicago-to-Mexico move, as forecasting even more production of their top snack and cookie lines in the new Mexican plant, in the desert a mile outside Monterrey. There, the Mexican workers toil behind a barbed wire fence, are bused to and from a residential compound and earn a dollar a day, Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) says in a recent report. Mondelez claims they’re unionized, but IWJ reports the contract is with the “President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines National Union.” That “sounds suspiciously like a company union,” IWJ says. The clergy’s letter is the latest marker in the BCTGM campaign, which began even before Mondelez shut the Oreo cookie production line in Chicago, dumping 600 workers, many of whom had been employed at the plant for years. “Based on the social teachings of our faith groups, we believe Mondelez has a moral responsibility to treat its workers with dignity and respect,” the clergy said in their public letter, asking for further clerical support nationwide. Instead, the clergy said, Mondelez demanded $46 million in concessions from the Chicago Oreo workers, even though their production line was profitable. It would have been a 60 percent cut in wages and benefits. When the workers rejected that, Mondelez closed the line and sent their jobs to Monterrey, at a time when its then-CEO was earning over $20 million annually in pay and benefits. “We call on Mondelez to negotiate a new contract with BCTGM that maintains health care benefits and a pension plan that would maintain retirement security for the workers. Furthermore, jobs should not be outsourced to Mexico as a way to evade the promises made by your company to workers in the U.S.,” the letter concludes. “The appeal for economic justice at Mondelez/Nabisco by faith leaders will send a powerful message … as it addresses the need for business practices that affirm workers, families, and their communities. We call upon the company to recognize the social and economic welfare of people with as much importance as it does its drive for greater profits,” the letter’s signers told their clergy colleagues in seeking more support. Ten faith leaders, including a rabbi, an imam and two who are also BCTGM members – Pastor Lamar Kennedy, a Local 364 member from Portland, Oregon, and Pastor Palmer Sweeney, a Local 358 retiree – signed the appeal to other clergy. Both pastors worked for Nabisco. BCTGM Secretary-Treasurer Steve Bertelli addresses the Maritime Trades Department earlier this year. SHBP Medical Department Finalizes Policy Governing Opioids, Other Meds Burial at Sea Aboard the Perla Del Caribe These photos were taken March 19 aboard the TOTE-operated Perla Del Caribe during a burial at sea for SIU pensioner Barry Carrano. During the solemn remembrance, vessel master Capt. Joseph Zayac read a short prayer, and one of Carrano’s prior shipmates, AB Jose Canales, said a few words. A recertified bosun, Carrano sailed with the SIU from 1982 to 2017. He passed away earlier this year at age 66. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) medical department recently finalized a policy on prescription opioids and other medications that’s aimed at helping SIU members remain eligible to ship. As announced during the April membership meetings, the policy covers the use of prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or sedative hypnotics aboard ship as they relate to a fitness-for-duty determination. During the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen noted, “Essentially, the department’s policy is consistent with new Department of Transportation (DOT) drugtesting regulations and aims to provide Seafarers with an extra layer of protection so they are not caught off-guard by a positive test. These new DOT regulations have been covered in prior membership meetings, in the January edition of the Seafarers LOG, and in multiple posts on the SIU website. “Whereas the Coast Guard only would find out about such prescriptions either through a drug-test result or if a mariner presented a legally valid prescription to a medical review officer, the SHBP medical department also may learn about them through a review of prescription records,” she continued. “As you know, the Coast Guard’s medical certificate determines fitness for certification, which can be less than the standards for fitness for duty. However, because the agency does not permit a mariner to ship if he or she is taking opioids – except in very rare circumstances when a waiver is issued – the SHBP medical department policy attempts to help prevent anyone from being declared unfit.” She concluded, “Put simply, if you’ve got a valid prescription for an opioid, you’ll need to work with your doctor to identify a different drug that does not make you medically unqualified or unfit for duty. And again, the root of this change is the new DOT regulations that took effect at the start of this year.” The policy should not affect members of the SIU Government Services Division, because the Military Sealift Command medical department does not issue waivers for any opioids. SIU members may direct questions to the SHBP medical department at (301) 994-0010. Upgrades Resume on Puerto Rico Hall Following a months-long delay caused by Hurricane Maria, refurbishment operations have resumed at the SIU’s soon-to-be new hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico (above). The facility is located at 659 Hillside Street. It previously had been used as an office building. Significant progress was being made at press time; updates will be provided at membership meetings and in upcoming LOG issues. May 2018 Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU Helps Ensure Success of ‘Sail-In’ Annual Event Promotes U.S. Maritime Industry on Capitol Hill The SIU made another strong showing at a yearly event that has become a staple of the American maritime industry. On March 20, the ninth annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In saw a record 115 individuals – including officials and representatives from the SIU, other unions, U.S.-flag operators and other organizations – visit 169 Congressional members and their staffs in order to discuss the importance of the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the Jones Act and other programs that are critical to the U.S. Merchant Marine. Representing the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Assistant Vice Presidents Nick Celona and Bryan Powell, Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Port Agents Joe Baselice, Todd Brdak, John Hoskins, Mark von Siegel, Pat Vandegrift and Chris Westbrook, and Patrolman Ray Henderson. The SIU contingent was joined by representatives from every major seafaring union, the Navy League of the United States, various Jones Act companies and organizations, state maritime academies and other allies of the U.S.-flag fleet. Together, these individuals sat down with members of both the House and the Senate – on both sides of the aisle – and explained how the MSP works in conjunction with programs such as Food for Peace and Food for Progress to help maintain the Ameri- From left to right: Legal Counsel Steve Wines; SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez; Senator Ed Markey’s (D-Massachusetts) Legislative Assistant Daniel Greene; and TOTE Maritime’s Vice President of Marine Operations Jeff Dixon From left to right: SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak; AMO President Paul Doell; Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-New York); AMO Member Captain Kevin Stith; American Maritime Officers Service’s Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson; and Liberty Global Logistics LLC President Robert Wellner From left to right: Maritime Lawyer R. Christian Johnsen; Intermarine President and CEO Will Terrill; Congressman Joaquin Castro’s (D-Texas) Legal Assistant Sid Ravishankar; SIU Patrolman Ray Henderson; and AMO member Steve Urwiller 6 Seafarers LOG can merchant fleet, the merchant mariner pool and national security. As was explained by the maritime industry representative’s during the Sail-In, the MSP and its 60-ship fleet of U.S.-flag vessels provides the Department of Defense with militarily useful tonnage, the global intermodal and logistics systems of trusted private shipping companies, and access to the invaluable U.S. civilian mariner pool. All of these benefits come at a fraction of the price it would take to fund them outright. Sail-In groups pointed out that the MSP has proven its military value since the program’s inception in 1996. For example, since 2009, U.S-flag commercial vessels and their civilian crews have carried more than 90 percent of the cargo needed to support U.S. military operations and rebuilding programs in Afghanistan and Iraq, and vessels enrolled in the MSP carried 99 percent of those cargoes. Thankfully, the MSP has been fully funded at the recommended $300 million level through Fiscal Year 2018, as part of the newly enacted federal budget. After the visits, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) addressed participants at a nearby reception. The congressman reiterated his ongoing, unwavering support of the U.S. Merchant Marine and American-flag shipping. From left to right: American Maritime Officers Service’s Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson; AMO President Paul Doell; Congressman Brian Mast (R-Florida); AMO Member Captain Kevin Stith; and SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak From left to right: IBU Regional Director Robert Estrada; MM&P Vice President, Pacific Ports Lars Turner; SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg; Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-District of Columbia); SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona; and Jeff Pavlek from the Transportation Trades Department From left to right: APL Senior Director, Government Trade Lars Magnusson; Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-Louisiana); Maersk Line, Limited General Manager, Communications and Marketing Amy Hauser; Maersk Line, Limited Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs Jay Bonitt; AMO National Vice President Mike Murphy; and SIU Port Agent Pat Vandergrift May 2018 �From left to right: SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker; Congressman Bradley Byrne’s Legislative Assistant Hannah Strub; Transportation Institute Vice President, Government Relations Andrew Strosahl; and Maine Maritime Academy President Dr. William Brennan From left to right: Liberty Maritime’s Vice President of Operations William Campbell; John Flynn of Squire Patton Boggs; Council of American Master Mariners’ National President Jeff Cowan; SIU Port Agent John Hoskins; Senator Maggie Hassan’s (D- New Hampshire) Legislative Assistant Jackson Cosko; and AMO’s National Assistant Vice President Christian Spain From left to right: SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell; K&L Gates’ Government Affairs Counselor James Sartucci; Senator Christopher Murphy’s (D-Connecticut) Legislative Assistant Emily Smith; MM&P Vice President Tom Bell; and Lake Carriers’ Association Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Tom Rayburn From left to right: AMO Member Captain Kristen Mangold; SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Congressman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio); APL’s Director of Humanitarian Aid Ladia Jakubec; and SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice From left to right: AMO National Vice President Mike Murphy; Maersk Line, Limited General Manager, Communications and Marketing Amy Hauser; Maersk Line, Limited Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs Jay Bonitt; Congressman Paul Cook (R-California); SIU Port Agent Pat Vandergrift; and APL Senior Director, Government Trade Lars Magnusson From left to right: Legal Consultant Sebastian O’Kelly; SIU Port Agent Mark von Siegel; Congressman Jason Smith’s (R-Missouri) Legislative Assistant Hilary Pinegar; APL Business Analysis and Marketing Manager Hyo Jin Lee; and SUNY Maritime Executive Director of External Affairs Mary Muecke From left to right: SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook; Crowley Logistics Director of Transportation Operations Colfield Hilburn; Congressman Clay Higgins (R-Louisiana); Dredging Contractors of America President William Doyle; AMO Member Andrew Nelson; and K&L Gates’ Government Affairs Counselor Darrell Connor From left to right: AMO National Vice President Mike Murphy; Maersk Line, Limited General Manager, Communications and Marketing Amy Hauser; Congressman Adam Smith (D-Washington); Maersk Line, Limited Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs Jay Bonitt; SIU Port Agent Pat Vandergrift; and APL Senior Director, Government Trade Lars Magnusson May 2018 Seafarers LOG 7 �SIU Members Support Continuing Promise 2018 Once again, SIU Government Services members answered the call and are supporting one of the U.S. Navy’s annual humanitarian training missions: Continuing Promise 2018. Continuing Promise is a U.S. Southern Command training mission, first introduced in 2007. The purpose of Continuing Promise, according to the U.S. Navy, “... is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian civil assistance, medical, dental, veterinary, and disaster response with partner nations and to show U.S. support and commitment to Central America, South America and the Caribbean.” On April 5, the Military Sealift Command’s Seafarers-crewed expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Spearhead arrived in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, for the second stop in the mission. While the vessel is in Guatemala, the team of Army and Navy service members will provide medical, dental, environmental and veterinary care, which will include preventive treatments, optometry screenings, and women’s health services. Civil military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, will also be a part of the mission. “This is the eighth time that Continuing Promise has visited Guatemala,” said Capt. Angel Cruz, the designated commander, Task Force 48 for the Continuing Promise mission. “We are here to show our commitment to a great ally and friend, the Guatemalan people. Together, working alongside government, military and non-governmental organizations, we hope to reach as many people as possible.” The first stop of Continuing Promise 2018, in Honduras, saw a record 7,000 patients treated, with more than 40 surgeries performed. Additionally, Citizens of Puerto Cortes, Honduras, wait to be seen by medical personnel at the Franklin D. Roosevelt School during Continuing Promise 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kayla Cosby) multiple trainings occurred between the Honduran general surgeons, gynecologists and anesthesiologists and the Continuing Promise surgical team at the Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas North-Western National Hospital. The subject matter expert exchanges included observing surgical procedures in the operating rooms and the clinical pre-operative areas. “Many lives were changed during our time here in Honduras,” said Cruz. “The impact goes both ways, as my life and the lives of my Sailors and Soldiers have changed for the better. We hope these friendships will continue to grow and bear much fruit that will benefit both our countries.” Continuing Promise 2018 is scheduled to be completed in May, with the mission’s final stop in Columbia. Spotlight on Mariner Health Not Blowing Smoke: Quitting is Worthwhile Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. It accounts for more than 438,000 deaths each year, according to government data. One in two smokers will die from smokingrelated diseases. Secondhand smoke also is a serious health hazard for non-smokers, especially children. Smoking can cause numerous complications for your body. When you smoke, the poisonous chemicals released from the tar in cigarettes enters your bloodstream and makes your blood thicker, increases clot formation, increases your blood pressure and heart rate, narrows your arteries, and reduces the amount of circulating oxygen to your organs. Smoking increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Carbon monoxide from the smoke and nicotine both put a strain on the heart by making it beat faster. Smoking doubles the risk of having a heart attack and doubles the risk of dying from coronary heart disease compared to a non­smoker. If you quit smoking for a year, your risk is reduced by half. After stopping for 15 years, your risk is the same as a non-smoker. Smoking can also increase the chances of getting stomach cancer or ulcers. Smoking weakens the muscles of the lower part of the esophagus and allows acid to run back up into that area. This is called reflux. Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing kidney cancer. The poisonous chemicals inhaled go through the entire body and especially the kidneys. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your skin. As a result, the skin can age more quickly and look grey and dull. Smoking prema- 8 Seafarers LOG turely ages the skin between 10 to 20 years and makes you more likely to get facial wrinkling. Smoking can cause your bones to become weak and brittle. Women need to be especially careful of this due to the potential development of osteoporosis. Moreover, smoking has many undesirable side effects on the brain. A smoker is 50 percent more likely to have a stroke than someone who does not smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of developing a brain aneurysm. This is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. This can rupture at any time and cause a condition called, subarachnoid hemorrhage. If you stop smoking, within two years your risk of stroke is reduced by half. Predictably, the lungs are adversely affected by smoke. Smoking can cause coughing, colds, wheezing, asthma and numerous other symptoms and conditions. It can cause fatal diseases such as pneumonias, emphysema, and lung cancer. Smoking causes 84 percent of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive and debilitating condition. People with COPD have difficulties breathing, primarily due to the narrowing of their airways and the destruction of lung tissue. Smoking can cause bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, mouth and oral cancers. More than 93 percent of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by smoking. Remember there are more than 5,000 chemical components found in cigarette smoke and many of them are harmful to the human body. Being aware of the side effects of smoking may help you quit and bring your body back to that of a non-smoker in time. Healthful Recipe Seafood Stir Fry Servings: 25 6 ¼ pounds shrimp, 30/36 count, drained 2 ½ pounds scallops, sea scallops med., drained 2 2/3 tablespoons olive oil 1 quart carrot, julienned 1-2” hotel pan full 1 quart onion, julienned 1-2” hotel pan full 1 quart celery, julienned 1-2” hotel pan full 2 2/3 cups cabbage, diced 1-2” ½ hotel pan full 1 1/3 tablespoons garlic pepper seasoning 2 2/3 tablespoons garlic, minced fine Sauce 2 ½ cups pineapple juice 3 2/3 tablespoons oyster sauce 3 2/3 tablespoons honey 1 1/3 tablespoons granulated garlic n Sauté and season the shrimp and scallops with the garlic pepper seasoning in small batches. Cook until just done and set aside. n Mix together all the sauce ingredients in a large stock pot or kettle. Bring to a boil then turn heat off and set aside. n Sauté the vegetables a few minutes but leave them crisp. Cook in batches and set aside. n Add the seafood to the vegetables. Mix together and add the sauce. Mix together well. n Pan the stir fry in 2” hotel pans. Make sure to cook the stir fry in batches to order as needed. Garnish with chopped green onions. Nutrition Information - Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 225 Calories; 4g Fat (15.7% calories from fat); 32g Protein; 14g Carbohydrates; 2g Dietary Fiber; 188mg Cholesterol; 419ms Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 ½ Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbs. Provided by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship May 2018 �Photo Courtesy Walter P. Reuter Library, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan Demonstrators from St. Louis express solidarity with Memphis Local 1733 sanitation workers during the April 8, 1968 memorial march for Martin Luther King, SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the MTD, reflects on the Memphis sanitation workers strike while studying a 1968 photo showing MTD solidarity in the fight. SIU, MTD Backed Historic Strike in 1968 Organizations Participate in 2018 Rally for Workers’ Rights Many Seafarers probably know that the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated April 4, 1968 while supporting striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. What they perhaps don’t know, however, is that the AFL-CIO and a number of its affiliated unions and departments – including the SIU and the Maritime Trades Department – not only backed the sanitation workers’ walkout, they also supported their cause financially and joined them on the picket lines as well. According to Michael Honey, author of “Going Down Jericho Road” (published 2007) about the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers strike, the SIU was among the first unions to show solidarity by sending a weekly donation in support of the strikers. SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the MTD, verified Honey’s account, noting: “Paul Hall (who headed the SIU and MTD in 1968) was a big supporter of the strikers. The MTD and the Seafarers (Union) committed a lot of resources to help those workers.” Some 50 years following King’s death and the strike’s culmination, the same spirit of solidarity and support for their respective goals continues. MTD Executive SecretaryTreasurer Daniel Duncan, who also is a dues-paying member of the SIU, on April 4, 2018 participated in the Memphis, Tennessee I AM Rally for Justice. This event was part of a weeklong commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the strike and the assassination of Dr. King. “The three days in Memphis were energizing,” said Duncan. “No matter where you were in Memphis, you saw buttons, shirts, billboards and even buses noting the 50th anniversary of the ‘I AM A MAN’ struggle. “It was a moment of reflection and remembrance, as well MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, a dues-paying member of the SIU, poses while undergoing training to be a marshal at the I AM Rally for Justice In Memphis, Tennessee. May 2018 The crowd gathers in anticipation of the start of the April 4, 2018 I AM Rally for Justice in Memphis, Tennessee. as a time to look ahead to see what goals of Dr. King and the sanitation workers still must be addressed,” he continued. “The spirit surrounding the march on Wednesday was contagious. Folks were celebrating past achievements while calling out for stronger worker rights.” MTD affiliate AFSCME and the Church of God in Christ organized the week’s events. They received a wealth of assistance from hundreds of officers and rank-and-file members from other labor organizations. “Union members worked with support groups like the NAACP and religious organizations to make sure the 10,000 marchers on April 4 were safe as well as understanding why it was necessary for all of us to gather under the ‘I AM 2018’ banner,” Duncan said. “Having grown up in Tennessee, I was honored to represent the Seafarers and the Maritime Trades Department at this commemoration,” he concluded. The original strike, which began in February 1968, followed years of segregation, unfair working conditions, and a history of poor race and labor relations in the city. The spark that set off the strike was the deaths of two sanitation workers, Robert Walker and Echol Cole, who were crushed by a garbage compactor while seeking shelter from a rain storm. Striking workers carried signs with the iconic statement, “I AM A MAN,” which became a rallying cry for their plea for recognition of their human dignity. The city government would not recognize the union they created, AFSCME Local 1733. Picket lines and daily marches continued for several months, gaining national attention when King joined them. He was killed in Memphis during a trip to support the workers. Shortly after King’s assassination, the city of Memphis recognized AFSCME Local 1733 as the sanitation workers’ union representative. In reaction to Dr. King’s death, labor leaders from across the nation, including AFL-CIO President George Meany and SIU President Paul Hall, joined government officials and leading figures from all areas of American life in grief and shock. From Washington, Meany issued a statement that “the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King is an American tragedy. He was killed while aiding striking members of an AFL-CIO union in their struggle for human dignity. “That is how Dr. King spent his entire life at the side of the most oppressed in this nation,” the federation president declared. “He died in that struggle and all who cherish human dignity mourn tonight.” Hall, on behalf of the SIU, sent the following telegram to the Reverend Ralph D. Abernathy, Dr. King’s successor as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference: “Americans everywhere join you on this day in mourning the tragic loss in Memphis of a great leader in the struggle for human rights and dignity. The death of Dr. Martin Luther King symbolizes the urgency to continue his life’s work and we wish to assure you of our continued support and dedication in this vital struggle. Please convey to Mrs. King, to her family and to all of your associates our sympathy and sorrow on the loss and untimely passing of this great American.” Thomas Gleason, head of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), said of the fallen civil rights icon, “He was a man of peace and dignity, completely dedicated to God and the brotherhood of man. It is fitting and proper, then, that we devote this time to pray that the principles that guided this great, great man continue to guide others in the movement for brotherhood to which he devoted his energies.” The night before his assassination, King gave his famous “I have been to the mountaintop” speech where he also said, “We’ve got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end. Nothing would be more tragic than to stop at this point in Memphis. We’ve got to see it through.” For two days following his death – April 5 and 6, 1968 – longshoremen and others at ports across the county shut down work in honor of King. This included passenger ships and boats carrying supplies to soldiers in Vietnam. Unions for the workers had been integrated for years, with up to 50 percent of their membership non-white, and the presidents for the National Maritime Union (which merged with the SIU in 2001) and the ILA issued statements calling for the shutdown. Seafarers LOG 9 �CONGRESSMAN VISITS OAKLAND HALL – Pro-maritime U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) (standing, eighth from right) stopped by the SIU hall in Oakland, California, in late March and spoke with Seafarers, officials and staff. He reiterated his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – Congratulations to ACU Edison Inuman (left) on receiving his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the SIU hall in Oakland, California, with Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. Brother Inuman most recently sailed aboard Matson’s Maui. ABOARD MAHIMAHI – Pictured aboard the Matson ship on the West Coast in late March are Chief Steward Michael Curtis (left) ACU Walter Harris. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY – Congratulations and welcome ashore to Recertified Bosun Konstantinos Prokovas (right), pictured at the Jersey City hall with Patrolman Ray Henderson. Brother Prokovas first sailed with the SIU in 1992, aboard the Global Link. He is shown picking up his first pension check. 10 Seafarers LOG SURPRISE REUNION – A couple of Seafarers were happy to bump into each other outside the Houston hall before the March membership meeting. Some 18 years ago, Fr. Sinclair Oubre (right), through his work with both the Apostleship of the Sea and the Port Arthur (Texas) International Seafarers Center, actively promoted the maritime industry to youth in St. Mary’s Parish. Edmund Livings (left) took his words to heart and joined the SIU; he’s still a member, sailing as an AB. Livings also stopped at Fr. Oubre’s office to show him his documents and thank him for his mentorship. A-BOOK IN NORFOLK – AB Aretta Jones (left) is sworn in for her A-seniority book at the hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Pictured at right is Port Agent Georg Kenny. May 2018 �FULL BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Two Seafarers recently picked up their respective full membership books at the hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They are AB Mark Bolin (left in photo at left) and AB Ryan Morton (left in photo at right). Both members are pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. FULL BOOK IN PHILLY – Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) administers the oath to Seafarer David Hain-Mendez during the April membership meeting. Hain-Mendez got his full union book. ABOARD MATSONIA – Pictured from left aboard the Matson vessel are ACU Jose Ayon-Ayon, Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, vessel master Capt. Michael Knull, Port Agent Nick Marrone II and Chief Cook Lito Acosta. The photo was taken April 4 on the West Coast. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU HONORING NMU CHARTER MEMBER – Charles A. Mills (second from right, with family members) recently was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) national convection in St. Louis. Mills was a charter member of the National Maritime Union (NMU, which merged into the SIU in 2001), signing on his first ship (SS Carlton) in 1937; he attended the first NMU convention in the same timeframe. Mills sailed throughout WWII, then embarked on a four-decade career as an NMU official. He retired in the late 1980s but continued to advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine and especially his fellow WWII U.S. Merchant Marine veterans. Mills was part of an AMMV-based team that visited Congress in 2015 and 2017. At 97-years of age, Mills shows no signs of slowing down. (Thanks to AMMV National President Chris Edyvean for the photo and information.) SAINT PATRICK’S DAY SPIRIT – Chief Cook Sharray Turner (left) and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz embraced the holiday mood during a recent voyage aboard the TOTE-operated Integrity. Green pancakes, green (but safe) burgers and green cake were all on the menu. (For the fullcolor effect, look up this snapshot on the Seafarers LOG Facebook page.) DISCUSSING CABOTAGE IN FLORIDA – During the April membership meeting at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida, Safety Director Joseph Koncul (standing) explains the importance of the Jones Act and how SIU-crewed Jones Act ships led the way with hurricane relief cargoes for Puerto Rico. Partially visible at left is Port Agent Ashley Nelson. Patrolman Adam Bucalo is at right. HOSTING STUDENTS IN HOUSTON – The SIU in early April welcomed students and teachers from Hallettsville High School to the union hall during a multistop, labor-oriented field trip. SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes (standing at right in photo at left) explains the apprentice program available at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Students and teachers are also pictured in photo at right. FORMER SEAFARER VISITS PINEY POINT – The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center hosted author David Madden for a multifaceted visit in early April. Madden (pictured at right in photo at left, with Paul Hall Center Acting VP Tom Orzechowski, and also pictured near the center in the photo at right, with apprentices) sailed with the SIU from 1951-53. He remains an avid reader of the Seafarers LOG and a supporter of both the U.S. Merchant Marine and the labor movement. An accomplished author, Madden, 84, signed copies of his new book and also read an excerpt to students in the auditorium. For more information about the book and Madden’s wide-ranging background, visit www.davidmadden.net (the book was reviewed in the March 2018 issue of the LOG). May 2018 Seafarers LOG 11 �Hands-On Training Remains Vital, Prevalent in Piney Point SIU-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Emphasizes Practical Coursework For experienced mariners and entry-level students alike, a state-of-the-art vocational school in southern Maryland serves as a gateway to rewarding careers. The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, opened as a bare-bones facility in 1967. It has enjoyed more than a half-century of steady growth and has developed into a cutting-edge school with wide-ranging curriculums. One thing that hasn’t changed from the start is the center’s emphasis on practical training. Hands-on instruction is featured in virtually every one of the school’s 73 12 Seafarers LOG U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. Many classes are department-specific (deck, engine, or steward), while numerous others provide comprehensive safety training for the entire crew. Similarly, the Paul Hall Center offers entry-level instruction for those just embarking on their respective maritime careers, plus upgrading coursework for experienced Seafarers. Some hands-on segments take place aboard the modern training vessel Freedom Star, one of the most visible parts of the campus’ waterfront. Many also happen at the nearby Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a satellite campus just a few miles from the main base. While the Paul Hall Center mainly is known for vocational training – including its highly regarded apprentice program, which is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor – it also offers academic support along with separate programs for earning a high school degree and a twoyear college degree. The photos on these two pages show a small sample of practical coursework in Piney Point, plus the campus itself. Complete information about the school is available in the Paul Hall Center section of the SIU website: www. seafarers.org. May 2018 May 2018 Seafarers LOG 13 �Free College Benefit The Union Plus Free College Benefit offers an accessible, debt-free and convenient higher education opportunity. Members and their spouses, children, financial dependents and grandchildren can earn an Associate Degree — completely online, for FREE! 1 APPLY 32 SUBMIT 2 COMPLETE 42 ENROLL TO EASTERN GATEWAY THE FREE FAFSA YOUR TRANSCRIPTS IN CLASSES 1-888-590-9009 unionplusfreecollege.org The Higher Education Benefit covers the cost of tuition fees and books after any PELL or other federal grant or employer reimbursement is applied. The remaining amount wll be cleared with the Free College scholarship. As long as your financial aid file is complete, there is no cost to the student and students are never asked to take out any loans. 5/18 14 Seafarers LOG May 2018 �NMC Notice Homeport Course Completion Uploads The National Maritime Center issued the following news item on March 30. It’s also available on both the NMC and SIU websites. It has come to the attention of the National Maritime Center (NMC) that training provider course completion data uploaded using the Homeport application may not be processing properly. The cause is under investigation. While we await resolution, mariners and training providers are encouraged to do the following: n Training providers should provide all graduating students with a course completion certificate. n Training providers using the data upload feature are encouraged to contact the NMC Customer Service Center 48 to 72 hours after uploading data and request a spot check of the data submitted. Providers will need to supply the mariner reference numbers and last names of one or two graduates per class, and the call center agent will check the computer record to see if the data has populated. n Mariners are encouraged to provide copies of their training certificates with their applications. n Mariners who receive a request for documentation of course completion from the NMC should either fax their course completion certificate to the NMC using the number on the letter or, if they do not have a certificate, contact their training provider for assistance in obtaining documentation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause mariners and training providers, and we will make every effort to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. The NMC will provide further updates as they become available. If you have any questions or concerns, visit the NMC website or contact the NMC Customer Service Center by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, by using the NMC online chat system, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). May & June 2018 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: May 7, June 4 Algonac..................................................Friday: May 11, June 8 Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 10, June 7 Guam................................................Thursday: May 24, June 21 Honolulu..............................................Friday: May 18, June 15 Houston.................................................Monday: May 14, June 11 Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: May 10, June 7 Joliet...................................................Thursday: May17, June 14 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: May 16, June 13 New Orleans........................................Tuesday: May 15, June 12 Jersey City..............................................Tuesday: May 8, June 5 Norfolk................................................Thursday: May10, June 7 Oakland............................................Thursday: May 17, June 14 Philadelphia.....................................Wednesday: May 9, June 6 Port Everglades.................................Thursday: May 17, June 14 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March 16, 2018 - April 15, 2018 Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C C Trip Reliefs 2 1 0 4 0 1 1 9 5 1 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 2 5 37 8 2 2 8 0 1 2 22 14 18 0 1 6 6 3 1 2 9 0 13 118 19 5 8 27 4 21 18 77 63 68 2 21 41 30 5 3 11 49 4 44 520 14 2 6 14 1 4 11 22 26 17 7 6 32 11 7 3 10 17 1 16 227 3 1 1 10 0 12 1 31 19 8 1 12 14 4 1 0 1 9 1 14 143 Tacoma..................................................Friday: May 25, June 22 Wilmington............................................ Monday: May 21, June 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute to the Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD Works For You! 2018 May 2018 A All Groups B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 8 1 2 15 3 12 11 45 38 36 2 10 26 19 4 2 7 29 4 17 291 5 2 6 7 1 2 8 9 14 13 5 2 17 10 3 2 3 10 2 10 131 2 1 0 4 0 4 1 12 8 5 0 3 8 3 1 1 1 6 2 8 70 Deck Department 27 8 0 2 4 2 14 5 2 2 6 1 3 2 40 11 24 12 29 7 6 1 5 1 15 9 8 3 2 3 2 3 4 0 17 3 2 1 25 5 235 81 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 7 1 3 3 10 24 12 2 5 12 5 0 0 4 12 0 9 109 2 0 4 3 0 2 6 6 11 6 1 2 10 6 0 4 3 2 0 13 81 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 3 3 1 0 4 6 3 0 0 0 1 1 5 33 Engine Department 4 4 2 0 1 1 6 2 1 0 2 1 2 3 5 7 11 7 7 4 2 2 3 2 9 8 1 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 9 1 0 1 8 7 74 55 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 14 1 0 1 2 0 1 4 8 4 5 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 3 2 5 42 0 0 3 18 1 4 14 27 30 21 4 9 22 13 1 0 9 31 5 16 228 2 0 3 4 0 3 6 11 22 13 2 3 19 8 1 4 4 6 0 23 134 1 0 1 4 1 0 0 5 5 3 0 4 10 4 0 1 1 4 0 3 47 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 1 9 0 10 10 11 23 9 1 6 9 17 2 6 2 14 4 19 154 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 4 6 2 0 4 6 4 0 2 5 1 0 6 44 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 1 13 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 1 1 13 5 1 0 2 0 9 0 10 2 9 6 8 3 0 0 2 1 10 5 9 0 1 0 3 0 1 3 10 1 1 0 12 3 103 30 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 3 5 5 0 2 6 2 1 0 0 7 0 5 43 3 0 1 22 2 9 20 41 34 17 1 6 22 25 2 8 3 23 4 41 284 2 0 0 3 1 1 2 9 13 4 1 3 11 8 0 3 8 2 1 9 81 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 3 1 0 1 2 2 1 0 2 3 0 2 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 13 6 0 2 5 1 0 5 8 16 14 0 0 18 10 1 1 0 8 0 6 101 7 3 0 4 0 3 4 14 30 12 0 1 27 14 0 2 1 8 1 15 146 Entry Department 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 1 11 4 8 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 6 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 0 0 1 8 15 59 6 1 2 3 1 2 5 6 13 0 1 0 6 3 0 1 0 6 0 15 71 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 13 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 4 4 0 2 3 2 0 0 1 7 0 11 46 13 0 1 10 1 0 12 14 33 24 0 1 22 20 2 1 1 21 0 25 201 23 7 0 7 0 5 6 41 77 27 1 2 61 27 0 4 2 21 1 40 352 GRAND TOTAL: 567 357 262 129 216 1,078 643 565 San Juan.............................................Thursday: May 10, June 7 St. Louis...............................................Friday: May 18, June 15 Registered on Beach All Groups A B 427 225 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Stop 16 1/2 Santurce, PR 00907-4601 (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 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by SIU members at the union hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Question: What would you want the general public to know about the U.S. Merchant Marine, and why do you think the American maritime industry is important? James Joyce Recertified Bosun I’d like the public to know that there still is a U.S.-flag merchant marine. When I tell people what I do for a living, they don’t even realize there is one. Secondly, I’d explain that 90 percent of all cargo worldwide is moved on ships. That’s always been a point of interest to people when I do engage them in a conversation about what the merchant marine does – the commercial end of it. The general public is extremely misinformed about the merchant marine. Roy Payne AB The merchant marine is really important to the safety and security of the United States – for example, supporting our troops or taking relief supplies to Puerto Rico. I try to spread the word wherever I go, and I try to get people involved in the industry. I’ve been in it all my life, and we need people to continue this U.S. Merchant Marine system. Eduardo Barlas AB We support the military and we deliver for the military. That’s very, very important. They can call us and we’ll answer. We cannot rely on foreign-flag ships; we really need our own availability and readiness. I also encourage people to get into the industry. It’s not for everybody, but it’s in my blood. Once you’re in, it’s hard to leave. ATM Reza AB I would tell them about the freedom in the industry. This job has flexibility, freedom and we travel all over the world and see a bunch of countries. The money is good. I chose this career in 1989 and started on a foreign-flag ship. I came to this country and joined the SIU in 2004. Financially, it’s a very good job. I enjoy it, especially the travelling. It means a lot to me. Alex Amarra QMED I don’t think a lot of people know about it. When someone asks you what you do for a living and you tell them, they say, “What’s that?” They think you’re in the military. I want them to know what we do and how important the job is to the nation. It helps the economy and helps with national security, too. We deliver the goods in times of peace and war. We help our military. Arkady Bichevsky QEE I do try to explain the industry to people, and the advantages of this kind of career. I started sailing a long time ago, 1977. I sailed on flag-of-convenience ships, and that work is not safe. There’s much more safety for American workers…. I try to bring people to our union. I’ve stuck around because the money is good, and I can decide how long I stay ashore. Most important, it’s my profession. Pic From The Past This photo originally ran in the May 1970 edition of the LOG, with a short article headlined “Last of the Sidewheelers.” Today, the boat is preserved at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The full text of the 1970 piece: “An epic 9,000-mile journey ended last month when a 56-year-old sidewheeler tugboat paddled under the Golden Gate to dock at her new home here. The restored tugboat, the Eppleton Hall, is thought to be the last of her kind. She completed a voyage from Newcastle, England, to a berth at the San Francisco Maritime Museum. During the six-month journey that took the 10-man crew to Africa, across the Atlantic and through the Panama Canal at a top speed of 5 knots, the 105foot tugboat was battered by three Atlantic storms. The vessel was discovered on a mudflat on the Tyne River by Scott Newhall, executive editor of the San Francisco Chronicle and founding director of the Maritime Museum. She was burned out and scheduled for destruction. Newhall bought the sidewheeler and restored her at a cost of $150,000, including conversion of the original coal-burning engines to diesel and replacement of woodwork.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2018 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA PRESCILLANO GAMBOA KONSTANTINOS PROKOVAS Brother Vladimir Babenko, 67, joined the SIU in 1996 and first sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. A member of the engine department, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Babenko last sailed on the Horizon Tacoma. He lives in Wauna, Washington. Brother Prescillano Gamboa, 70, joined the SIU in 2001, first sailing aboard the Patriot. The steward department member upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point. Brother Gamboa most recently shipped aboard the Green Bay and settled in Orlando, Florida. DAVID BODAH Brother Konstantinos Prokovas, 65, joined the SIU in 1992, initially working aboard the Global Link. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Prokovas last sailed on the Maersk Pittsburgh before settling in Brooklyn, New York. RAPHAEL JAMES VLADIMIR BABENKO Brother David Bodah, 65, signed on with the union in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Shahnaz Bay. He worked in the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bodah last sailed on the Alliance St. Louis. He resides in Sparks, Nevada. KIM BUCHMAN Brother Kim Buchman, 72, began his career with the Seafarers in 2012 when he sailed on the USNS Invincible. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the American Phoenix. Brother Buchman calls Oroville, Washington, home. JAIME CAYONTE Brother Raphael James, 72, donned the SIU colors in 2002, initially shipping on the CP Liberator. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2007. Brother James last shipped on the Safmarine Ngami. He calls Brooklyn, New York, home. ROBERT JOHNSON Brother Robert Johnson, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He first worked aboard the Delta Venezuela and was a member of the engine department. He upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school and last sailed aboard the Achiever. Brother Johnson resides in Houston. JAMES KEITH Brother Jaime Cayonte, 71, joined the union in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Sea Wolf. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. Brother Cayonte last sailed aboard the Golden State and resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother James Keith, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Ohio. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point. Brother Keith most recently sailed on the USNS Bellatrix and makes his home in New Orleans. ANDREW DONALDSON ERNESTO LOMBOY Brother Andrew Donaldson, 71, signed on with the union in 2001. The deck department member’s first SIU ship was the Seabulk Challenge. Brother Donaldson upgraded his skills in 2001 at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Horizon Anchorage and settled in Federal Way, Washington. GERALD GADBOIS Brother Gerald Gadbois, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1974, when he sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1983. Brother Gadbois most recently sailed on the OMI Williamette. He makes his home in Fairplay, Colorado. May 2018 Brother Ernesto Lomboy, 69, joined the SIU in 2003, initially sailing aboard a Matson vessel. He worked in the deck department and in 2006 upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point. Brother Lomboy most recently sailed on the Pacific Collector. He lives in Pearl City, Hawaii. JASPER MCGIRT Brother Jasper McGirt, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1999 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was an engine department member and upgraded in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McGirt most recently worked aboard the USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler. He lives in San Diego. ROBERT SCRIVENS Brother Robert Scrivens, 60, signed on with the union in 1976, when he worked aboard the Eagle Traveler. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point. Brother Scrivens last sailed aboard the USNS Curtiss and lives in Mohave Valley, Arizona. DIMARKO SHOULDERS Brother Dimarko Shoulders, 56, became an SIU member in 1991, when he sailed aboard an AMSEA ship. A member of the engine department, he upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center. Brother Shoulders most recently sailed on the Charger. He resides in Mansfield, Ohio. MARUF SYARIFUDIN Brother Maruf Syarifudin, 70, signed on with the SIU in 2003. He first shipped on the Black Eagle and was a deck department member. Brother Syarifudin last sailed on the Maersk Pittsburgh. He calls Elmhurst, New York, home. WINSTON THOMPSON Brother Winston Thompson, 58, donned the SIU colors in 1993, initially working aboard the Long Lines. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Thompson most recently sailed on the Overseas Chinook and settled in Houston. GREAT LAKES DAVID ANDREWS Brother David Andrews, 53, started shipping with the SIU in 1994. He initially sailed on the J.A.W. Iglehart and worked as an engine department member. Brother Andrews upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions before last working aboard the John Boland. He makes his home in Lexington, Michigan. his career. Brother Rogers lives in Louisville, Kentucky. INLAND Brother Elizer Saintvil, 65, joined the SIU in 2000, when he shipped on the Eric G. Gibson. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the SIU-affiliated maritime training center in Maryland and was a member of the steward department. Brother Saintvil last sailed on the Liberty Island before settling in Port Charlotte, Florida. CRAIG BURMEISTER Brother Craig Burmeister, 62, signed on with the union in 1980. He first worked for Dixie Carriers and was a member of the deck department. Brother Burmeister upgraded his skills on several occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point. He most recently worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation, and resides in Dover, Florida. FELIX JOHNFINN Brother Felix Johnfinn, 65, joined the SIU in 2000, when he sailed aboard the USNS Prevail. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in 2006. Brother Johnfinn last worked for G&H Towing and makes his home in Houston. JOSEPH MERAVY Brother Joseph Meravy, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1990, initially working for McAllister of Virginia. A member of the deck department, Brother Meravy upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He last sailed with Allied Towing and lives in Pasadena, Texas. COSMO MEZZINA Brother Cosmo Mezzina, 70, signed on with the union in 2002, when he sailed aboard the George Washington. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 2003 when he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mezzina last worked for Port Imperial Ferry and resides in Hoboken, New Jersey. NICHOLAS PICCINICH Brother Nicholas Piccinich, 62, signed on with the union in 1989, initially working with Crowley. A member of the deck department, Brother Piccinich remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. JAMES ROGERS Brother James Rogers, 70, started shipping with the SIU in 2007, when he worked for Harley Marine. He was a deck department member and worked for the same company for the duration of ELIZER SAINTVIL MARK SCHULTZ Brother Mark Schultz, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989, initially working for Red Circle Transportation. The deck department member enhanced his skills on multiple occasions when he upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Brother Schultz most recently sailed with Allied Transportation. He resides in Chula Vista, California. TIMOTHY THOMAS Brother Timothy Thomas, 65, became an SIU member in 1971. Initially working in the deep-sea division, he first sailed aboard the Houston. Brother Thomas upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1985. A member of the deck department, he last worked for Hvide Marine before settling in East Nassau, New York. MARK TILLY Brother Mark Tilly, 57, joined the union in 1994, when he worked for Allied Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point. Brother Tilly last worked aboard the Legacy and calls Dunedin, Florida, home. WILLIAM WHITE Brother William White, 65, joined the SIU in 2003 and first sailed with Allied Towing. After remaining with the same company for the duration of his career, he settled in Venice, Florida. RORY WIX Brother Rory Wix, 61, signed on with the union in 1979, when he worked for G&H Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions in Piney Point. Brother Wix remained with the same company for the duration of his career and resides in Aransas Pass, Texas. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOACHIM BUETZER Pensioner Joachim Buetzer, 76, passed away January 15. He joined the union in 1995 and first sailed on the SS Independence. Brother Buetzer was a member of the steward department and last worked aboard the LNG Gemini. He retired in 2007 and settled in Lahaina, Hawaii. HAYWOOD BUTLER Pensioner Haywood Butler, 92, died April 6. He joined the union in 1965 when he shipped aboard the Eagle Voyager. An engine department member, he last worked aboard the Overseas Washington. Brother Butler retired in 1991 and lived in Orlando, Florida. JUAN CASTILLO Pensioner Juan Castillo, 68, passed away February 2. He signed on with the SIU in 1970, initially sailing on the Andrew Jackson. Working in the deck department, Brother Castillo last sailed on the Seabulk Arctic. He became a pensioner in 2009 and was a resident of Houston. ANTONIO COLON RIOS Pensioner Antonio Colon Rios, 61, died March 15. He signed on with the union in 1982 and first sailed on the Del Sol. Brother Colon Rios was a steward department member. He last sailed on the Prestige New York. He retired in 2007 and lived in Carolina, Puerto Rico. WILLIAM FARMER Pensioner William Farmer, 78, passed away March 31. He became a member of the SIU in 1997 and first sailed on the USNS Able. A member of the steward department, Brother Farmer last sailed on the Observation Island. He became a pensioner in 2006 and called Charleston, South Carolina, home. EDWARD HIEL Pensioner Edward Hiel, 79, died April 10. He signed on with the union in 1969, first sailing on the Reiss Brothers in the Great Lakes division. The steward department member later worked in the deep sea division, last sailing on the 18 Seafarers LOG USNS Sisler. Brother Hiel retired in 2000 and resided in Punta Gorda, Florida. JAMES KEEVAN Pensioner James Keevan, 69, passed away February 16. He joined the union in 1991 and first shipped aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Keevan sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Maersk Georgia. He became a pensioner in 2013 and called Grand Haven, Michigan, home. IBARRA MANGAYA Pensioner Ibarra Mangaya, 65, passed away February 26. He signed on with the SIU in 1996, first sailing aboard the USNS Altair. Brother Mangaya worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Jack Lummus. He retired in 2018 and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ Pensioner Alejandro Martinez, 77, died March 2. He joined the SIU in 1968, initially sailing aboard the Trans Huron. A member of the engine department, Brother Martinez most recently sailed on the Overseas Harriet. He began collecting his pension in 2005 and made his home in Houston. JOHN MCNELLAGE Pensioner John McNellage, 91, passed away March 13. He joined the union in 1951 and first sailed aboard the Alcoa Polaris. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Overseas Alaska before his retirement in 1985. Brother McNellage lived in Mobile, Alabama. MOSLEH MOSLEH Brother Mosleh Mosleh, 63, died March 9. He signed on with the union in 1980, initially sailing on the Panama. He was a steward department member and last shipped on the Integrity. Brother Mosleh was a resident of Syracuse, New York. ANTONIO OCTAVIANO Pensioner Antonio Octaviano, 66, died February 24. He became an SIU member in 2003, initially sailing on the Paul Buck. Born in the Philippines, Brother Octaviano worked in the engine department. He most recently shipped aboard the Resolve, and retired in 2018. He made his home in Daly City, California. EARNEST OXENDINE Pensioner Earnest Oxendine, 81, died March 20. He joined the union in 1966 and first shipped on the Bienville. The deck department member last sailed on the Global Mariner. Brother Oxendine became a pensioner in 2001 and resided in Pembroke, North Carolina. STANLEY PARTYKA Pensioner Stanley Partyka, 88, passed away March 16. He joined the union in 1951. Brother Partyka sailed in the deck department. He retired in 1986 and resided in Chicago. BELTRAN PINO Pensioner Beltran Pino, 96, passed away March 15. He joined the SIU in 1943 and first sailed aboard the Pan Atlantic. Brother Pino was a deck department member. His last ship was the Robert E. Lee. He began collecting his pension in 1977 and made his home in Honolulu. JOHN SHANK Brother John Shank, 55, died March 7. He signed on with the union in 2003 and first sailed on the Overseas Joyce. A member of the deck department, Brother Shank last worked aboard the Liberty Promise. He called Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home. JAMES SOUCI Pensioner James Souci, 73, passed away March 18. He signed on with the union in 1990 and first sailed aboard the USNS Harkness. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Sea-Land Express. Brother Souci retired in 2016 and settled in Paradise, California. GREAT LAKES LEE HOWARD Pensioner Lee Howard, 77, passed away February 5. He joined the SIU in 1963 and first worked with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Howard was a deck department member and most recently sailed on the J.A.W. Iglehart. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and made his home in Benzonia, Michigan. INLAND GEORGE BUCHANAN Pensioner George Buchanan, 89, passed away March 6. He signed on with the SIU in 1959, working for Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. He continued to work for the same company until his retirement in 1990. Brother Buchanan lived in Smithfield, Virginia. MIRA GNOINSKA Pensioner Mira Gnoinska, 83, died March 2. She joined the union in 1981 and spent her entire career with Delta Queen Steamboat Co., primarily sailing in the steward department. Sister Gnoinska became a pensioner in 1997 and settled in Metairie, Louisiana. RUSSELL JEWETT Pensioner Russell Jewett, 74, died March 2. He became a member of the SIU in 1973, initially working for Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Jewett was an engine department member and last worked aboard the Sugar Island. He began collecting his pension in 2008 and lived in Hart, Michigan. DOMENIC OTTOFARO Pensioner Domenic Ottofaro, 86, passed away March 7. He donned the SIU colors in 1963 when he worked for Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Brother Ottofaro worked for the same company up until the last month of his career, when he sailed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He retired in 1990 and resided in Hickory, North Carolina. IGNACIO FLORES Pensioner Ignacio Flores, 73, died February 18. He signed on with the union in 1971 as a crane maintenance electrician in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Brother Flores was an engine department member and last worked for NPR. He became a pensioner in 1998 and lived in Carolina, Puerto Rico. NMU SAMUEL COX Pensioner Samuel Cox, 82, passed away February 24. Born in Guyana, he worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Cox began collecting pension in 2007 and resided in Bronx, New York. SAEED FARAH Pensioner Saeed Farah, 90, died March 16. He was born in Somalia and was a deck department member. He sailed for 26 years, most recently aboard a tanker, and then retired in 1989. Brother Farah made his home in Killeen, Texas. FRANK JACKSON Pensioner Frank Jackson, 90, passed away February 28. Born in Louisiana, he retired in 1988 and resided in Los Angeles. JAMES LENNA Pensioner James Lenna, 89, died March 12. He was born in New York and became a pensioner in 1965. He called Weatherford, Texas, home. MELFORD MCRAE Pensioner Melford McRae, 86, died March 18. He began his career with Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal in 1970. Brother McRae briefly worked as a member of the SIUaffiliated United Industrial Workers before joining the NMU. He retired in 2000 and settled in East Orange, New Jersey. TIM THOMPSON Pensioner Tim Thompson, 65, passed away January 2. Born in Wauseon, Ohio, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Thompson last worked aboard the Maersk Maine and began collecting his pension in 2008. He made his home in New Orleans. Name Age Alexis, Eddie 92 Alves, Joseph 90 Barone, Angelo 91 Balow, William 89 Collins, Albert 86 Galvin, Charles 89 Girau, Mario 79 Grason, Patricia 77 Lopes, Quintino 98 Mendez, Santiago 98 Merren, Luis 90 Morales, Augusto 97 Pineda, Terencio 91 Purse, Arthur 92 Roque, Cyrilo 101 Scott, Ottley 93 Simon, George 95 Soares, Antonio 87 Straigis, Thomas 92 Trevino, Manuel 89 Wojs, Alexandra 95 DOD 04/01/2018 04/05/2018 02/15/2018 03/30/2018 03/28/2018 03/03/2018 04/06/2018 03/09/2018 02/14/2018 03/24/2018 03/21/2018 03/04/2018 12/16/2017 03/17/2018 03/05/2018 03/23/2018 03/31/2018 01/23/2018 03/28/2018 03/29/2018 03/23/2018 May 2018 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), January 20 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Herman Castro, Deck Delegate Saleh Mothana, Steward Delegate Medardo Thomas. Crew awaiting update on Wi-Fi router installation on each deck. Chairman discussed president’s report in Seafarers LOG and informed members of expected late arrival to the port of Newark, New Jersey. He gave special thanks to steward department for excellent meals, including during holiday. Secretary urged members to keep credentials up to date and reminded galley gang about new culinary course requirement for upcoming years. Educational director encouraged crew to secure a good future by upgrading. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new movies, new mattresses and new computer monitor. New pillows and blankets have already been ordered. Next ports: Newark, New Jersey; Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), February 3 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Richard Hicks. Chairman thanked crew for safe trip and announced USCG will board in Norfolk, Virginia. New mattresses will arrive soon. Secretary informed crew of stores arriving in Houston. Educational director advised members to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members had several requests including, Wi-Fi in stateroom, new washer and dryer, new coffee maker, new vacuum cleaner and new 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. satellite phone. PHILADELPHIA (Crowley) February 11 – Chairman Jesse Natividad, Secretary Wilma Jackson, Educational Director Christopher Eason. Chairman advised crew to renew documents on time. Secretary thanked shipmates for a smooth voyage. Educational director encouraged members to take time to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated school in Maryland whenever possible. He reminded them to always have a valid Coast Guard physical prior to applying to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked crew for keeping up morale aboard ship as well as keeping common areas in good shape. Members were encouraged to attend union meetings. Crew requested TV in rooms and larger TV for the lounge. MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 12 – Chairman Videlio Roman, Secretary Charles Brooks, Educational Director Donald Christian. Chairman encouraged members to read the LOG. Steward department and engine department were thanked for their good work. Educational director reported good, safe trip and recommended members upgrade when possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed desired increase of vacation and retirement benefits. Members also requested TV in each room and Wi-Fi on ship. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), February 14 – Chairman Bernard Baker, Engine Delegate Abad Martinez, Steward Delegate Pete Hernandez. Educational director advised members, particularly engineers, to utilize Piney Point school by upgrading. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed hold-cleaning operations and procedures. Members requested rain gear be provided by company when washing holds. Steward department praised for outstanding job providing timely, nutritious meals. Members noted possible discrepancy with travel rates and expressed need for updates. Crew hopeful to regain internet access upon arrival to the States, after losing it January 4. MOHAWK (Pacific Gulf Marine), February 20 – Chairman Kevin Stehlik, Secretary Allen Bartley, Educational Director Kevin Chenault. Chairman announced arrival and payoff February 25, in Concoard, California. Repairs to boiler in engine room to be made in Richmond, California, approximately one week following arrival. Crew plans to return to Concord and load cargo for Korea and Japan. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess hall clean. Steward reported low inventory and apologized for lack of menu choices. Educational director advised members to check documents for renewal dates. He urged crew to renew documents early and reminded them to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew continues to await installation of new coffee maker and cited need for plumbing parts on order to complete the job. Members discussed concerns regarding QMEDs apparently not receiving penalty pay for doing jobs outside of normal routine. Chairman gave vote of thanks to steward department for a job well done. USNS MENDOCA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 21 – Chairman Roberto Flores Monge, Educational Director Frank Sambula. Old business addressed with captain to be handled by company. Crew still waiting on answers regarding new mattresses and linens. Chairman reminded members to be safe and mindful of slippery ramps. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed ongoing support of Jones Act after reading SIU President Michael Sacco’s column in Seafarers LOG. Crew requested designated computer for member use. SAFMARINE NGAMI (Maersk Line, Limited), March 2 – Chairman Mathew Bevak, Secretary Cleto Lindong, Educational Director Allan Bombita, Deck Delegate Andre Skevnick, Steward Delegate Noel Segovia. Crew discussed importance of safety. Chairman reminded members to look out for each other and thanked them for their hard work and professionalism. Steward department thanked for making visually appealing and tasty food. Secretary commended crew for keeping ship clean and being good shipmates. Educational director advised members to take every opportunity to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. Crew discussed ship fund and possibility of using money for new movies and router wires for each department. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested extra washing machine and dryer as well as bigger ice machine. New mattresses received. Next Port: Salalah. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings), March 4 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Shirley Jenkins, Educational Director Latanya Jackson Johnson, Deck Delegate Brian Robison, Engine Delegate Randy Corey. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. He urged crew to always be on the lookout for upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Unlicensed crew members in need of computer access. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), March 7 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Yolanda Martinez. Members requested additional copies of current contract. Chairman suggested members read and get familiar with the collective bargaining agreement. Educational director urged members to go to SIU-affiliated school and take advantage of courses offered by upgrading. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested change in eligibility requirements for filing for vacation benefits. Members request ATC hold next conference at Piney Point. If applicable, members needing to renew BST can do so during that time. Members requested new recliners for staterooms and to bring back Wi-Fi on the ship. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt May 2018 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Machinist June 16 July 6 September 1 September 21 Gap Closing Courses Engineroom Resource Management October 6 Leadership & Manageral Skills October 13 FOWT August 25 September 21 Junior Engineer June 9 August 3 August 11 October 5 Marine Electrician August 11 October 5 October 12 October 19 Marine Refer Tech October 6 November 16 MEECE July 21 August 3 Pumpman May 19 May 25 Able Seafarer Deck August 25 September 21 October 20 November 16 Welding June 9 June 29 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Steward Department Courses Students will be advised of dates once accepted. Advanced Galley Ops June 9 July 6 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Meteorology June 9 June 15 Advanced Shiphandling June 23 July 6 Advanced Stability June 2 June 8 ARPA May 12 May 18 June 30 July 6 Bosun Recertification July 21 August 6 Crane Familiarization July 14 July 20 ECDIS October 20 October 26 Fast Rescue Boat June 16 June 22 August 11 August 17 GMDSS June 2 June 15 September 22 October 5 Lifeboat June 2 June 15 June 30 July 13 Radar Observer June 16 June 29 October 6 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office RFPNW June 2 June 29 July 28 August 24 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers June 2 June 15 BAPO June 2 June 29 July 28 August 24 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. 20 Seafarers LOG Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next class will startMay 14. Chief Steward July 7 August 24 Galley Operations July 14 August 10 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 May 12 May 18 June 2 June 8 June 23 June 29 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 May 19 May 25 June 9 June 15 June 16 June 22 Serve Safe July 14 July 20 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training w/16hr FF May 19 May 25 June 16 June 22 Basic Training Revalidation May 18 May 18 June 8 June 8 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 9 June 15 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting May 26 June 1 Government Vessels May 12 May 18 May 26 June 1 Medical Care Provider May 19 May 25 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL June 9 June 15 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG June 2 June 8 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, 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. 5/18 May 2018 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class # 833 – Graduated January 26 (in alphabetical order): Jamel Akia Anders, Timothy Behnke, Vincent Hall, Rahsean Lillard, Robert Murphy, Draven Nolan, Brandon Reed, Pedro Antonio Rivera-Hernandez, Nicholas Simoneaux, Lucas Tiderman, Assael Valencia and John Wattam. Instructor Bernabe Pelingon is at the far right. Vessel Security Officer – Graduated January 31: Bryan Page. Class instructor Brian Moore is at right. Welding – Graduated February 16 (in alphabetical order): Omar Naji Ahmed Al Asaadi, Daniel Bynum, Jeffrey Eckhart, Bradley Hanson and Mathew McClintock. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. Small Arms – Graduated January 19 (in alphabetical order): Volodymyr Olexandrovych Bendus, Orin King and Joshua Lopez. Class instructor John Thomas is at the far right. Advanced Self Unloading – Graduated February 23 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Omar Naji Ahmed Al Asaadi, Zakarya Almalhani, Daniel Bynum, Marc Gerrie, Bradley Hanson, Mathew McClintock, Scott Norlander and Dean Parks. Instructor Don Jaegle is at the far left. UA to AS-D – Graduated February 2 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Timothy Chestnut, Kevin Coughlin, Neil Donegan, Morgan Hayes, Will Jordan, June Kirk Bondoc Margaja, Christian Joel Pagan-Villanueva, Victor Manuel Rios Rodriguez and Randy Shaw Jr. Instructor Welton Grooms is fourth from left. Notice to All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. May 2018 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Magnetic & Gyro Compasses – Graduated February 16: James Wunder (left) and Bryan Page. Medical Care Provider – Graduated March 2 (in alphabetical order): Servando Jesus Canales Jr., Scott Gilleland, Charles Hosea Jr., Shoal Nervo and Richard Vega Villafane. Instructor Mike Roberts is at the far left. Basic Self Unloading – Graduated February 16 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Zakarya Almalhani, Hameed A. Almathil, Lee Javier Eludo Jr., Nasser Saleh Mohsen Muthana, Scott Norlander and Tyrone Simmons. Instructor Don Jaegle is at the far left. Government Vessels – Graduated March 3 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Nassr Hassan Ahmed, Jarvis Atkins, Jeffrey Beasley Jr., Tyesha Boyd, Gerard Costello, David Dunklin, Adam Soliman Moh Elemam, Tyrone Ellis, Ibrahim Abdelrauf Elsayed, Joseph Evans, Marcus Hugee, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, Tina Knox, William Mulcahy, Angel Alfredo Nunez, Eduardo Osorio, Miles Partridge, Scott Thompson, Andrezej Tlalka, Andrew Paul Van Bourg, Jayson Velez-Cruz and Lee Weygandt. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated February 9 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Gerardo Evangelio Arroyo, Ragab Mossad Ayed, Clinton Crowden, Cesar Cera Dela Cruz, Johnny Dozier III, Brad Alan Fester, Larry Manuel Genetiano, Antonio Hamilton, Maurice Henry Jr., Quentin Hood, Jared Johnson, Antrell Dominique Jordan, James Luttrell Jr., Jerald Quitugua Martinez, Dionesio Bacsibio Monteclaro Jr., Orlando Vallangca Pajarillo Jr., Cortney Smith, Troy Smith, Michael Wees and Fernandez Lacpta Wilcox Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG May 2018 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training Revalidation – Graduated January 5 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Mohsen Munassar Alamri, Amin Hussein Ali Q., Santiago Amaya, Damien Bautista, Volodymyr Olexandrovych Bendus, Brian Cushing, Buzz Tyler Sean Engelke, Dennis Faron, Thomas Johnson, Mohamed Sam Kassem, Richard Lawson, Kenneth Ledeoux, Fayez Mohamed Mussa, Arsenio Icoy Obenza, Steven Ramos, Virgilio Enrique Rosales, Jose Luis Sanchez-Lopez, Marcos Tulio Santos Gamboa, Adrian Schubert, Terrance Shinn, Ken Mirador Tan and Jeffery Thomas. Basic Training Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated January 26 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Roderick Austin, Jose Luis Burgos, Larry Manuel Genetiano, Joseph Gibbens, Kevin Jenkins, Edmund Livings, Thomas MacGregor, Sterling McCosh, Priscilla McKnight, Mamie Porter, Kevin Quinlan, Norman Robinson, Jeff Rowe, Curtis Spencer, Joseph Spencer and Richard Vega Villafane. Basic Training/Advanced Firefighting Revalidation – Graduated January 12 (in alphabetical order): Benigno G. Gonzales Jr., Alexandre Racine, James Vincent Romeo, Kevin Samuels and Liberato Zacarias Viray. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated February 2 (in alphabetical order): Melany Gonzalez, Joseph Michael Hernandez, Quentin Hood and Paula Minton. (Note: Not all are pictured.) May 2018 Galley Ops (SUA) – Graduated January 12 (in alphabetical order): Gilma David, Victoria James, Young Moo Kim and Travis Lunsford. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduating February 16 (in alphabetical order): Martin Buck, Cesar Cera Dela Cruz, Gerald Lovell Hyman, Grady Ingram III and Tina Knox. Instructor Robert Johnson is second from the right. Seafarers LOG 23 �MAY F E B R2018 UARY 2014 o VVOLUME O L U M E 80 7 6 NO N. 5 O. 2 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Recertified Steward James Cameron (photo at left) prepares a dish as part of Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0. while Chief Steward Cayetano Terria Toledo (above) pauses for a photo during the same course. New Steward Department Classes a Hit in Piney Point Culinary 2.0 Gets Strong Start at Union-Affiliated Paul Hall Center As part of its mission to provide the most modern and upto-date classes, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has redesigned the courses and curriculums offered for steward department mariners. The SIU-affiliated school has created two classes to introduce the new methodology: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. During these one week, 35-hour courses, instructors at the Piney Point, Maryland-based school teach and test current chief cooks and chief stewards on the most modern galley training ever offered by the school. The new curriculum was developed in partnership with union-contracted vessel operators, in order to provide the closest analogue to real-life conditions aboard a vessel. Every aspect of the new training has been redesigned with quality and efficiency in mind, while also using the latest methods for inventory management and galley safety. “Being a former certified chief steward and now as an instructor, I think this course is a good thing for our industry,” said Chef Robert Johnson. “These 2.0 students are the present and future stewards of a better shipboard culinary experience for SIU members. I am happy to see that so many recertified chief stewards are coming to take this course. This class and its students should serve as an inspiration to the rest of the fleet. An educated mariner is a better and more qualified one.” Johnson continued, “This course is the brainchild of many people. It took a lot of time and effort from many individuals to make it happen. It started with the school’s leadership, but went all the way down to myself, as the course instructor. I’m glad that we took the time, and the students are as well.” For those already sailing, all steward department personnel (unless they recieved training after January 1, 2017) must attend one of the revalidation courses within 24 months of implementation in order to exercise preference and priority in accordance with Shipping Rule 5.A.(6). That rule, which will go into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department, priority shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I, Steward Department.” (The Lundeberg School is part of the Paul Hall Center.) Members who have taken the new classes have praised both courses, through anonymous comments left on their evaluation forms. “This steward course 2.0 has really helped me a lot in all aspects of the galley, including how to become a better listener and better manager,” said one student, while another remarked, “It helped me to realize that our industry is changing, and me being an old-timer, I need to change with the times.” As class size is limited for both Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0, mariners are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible. Classes are expected to fill up quickly as the January 1, 2020 deadline approaches for Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), so chief cooks and chief stewards should plan accordingly. “It seems to be a new day here in Piney Point for education,” Johnson concluded. “We are moving forward with the times. Our classes and curriculum, in my opinion, have never been better. I am proud to be here for this exciting time.” EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE THROUGH THE PAUL HALL CENTER ! The Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) has partnered with the College of Southern Resident courses at Piney Point begin July 9, 2018 Maryland (CSM) to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Maritime Operations Technology with a concentration in either • Nautical Science (Deck department) -or- • Marine Engineering (Engine dept.) Students must complete a combination of academic general education courses and technical education courses in order to earn February 26, 2018 • Associate of Applied Science Degree • UA courses apply toward the degree • Fully accredited • Some courses held at SHLSS the degree. Courses completed during the Unlicensed Apprentice program apply toward the • Online classes degree. Students can complete English, Math and • Scholarships available Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining general education courses can be completed online. The following classes will convene at SHLSS: July 9, 2018 through July 27, 2018 English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric Math 1011 – Math for Technologies Enrollment Information Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch (301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -or- Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson conducts a classroom lecture for 2.0 Orientation Assessment upgraders. drausch@seafarers.org 7 Credit Hours Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and board plus one hour of tutoring following each daily class session � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2018 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MSP, OTHER MARITIME PROGRAMS FUNDED BY OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES 2017 RECORDS USTRANSCOM LEADER BACKS MERCHANT MARINE GENERAL MCDEW UNDERSCORES NEED FOR U.S. CREWS, PRO-MARITIME LAWS CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON SECOND MATSON CON-RO AT NASSCO JACKSONVILLE CONGRESSMAN STANDS UP IN SUPPORT FOR THE JONES ACT MEMBERS INK GREAT LAKES DREDGE AND DOCK CONTRACT SENIOR TOTE EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT SEAFARER’S QUICK ACTIONS EXTINGUISH SHIPBOARD FIRE CLERGY BACKS BAKERY WORKERS’ CRUSADE FOR NEW PACT RELIGIOUS LEADERS URGE NABISCO TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH, AVOID OUTSOURCING SHBP MEDICAL DEPARTMENT FINALIZES POLICY GOVERNING OPIOIDS, OTHER MEDS BURIAL AT SEA ABOARD THE PERLA DEL CARIBE SIU HELPS ENSURE SUCCESS OF ‘SAIL-IN’ ANNUAL EVENT PROMOTES U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY ON CAPITOL HILL SIU MEMBERS SUPPORT CONTINUING PROMISE 2018 SIU, MTD BACKED HISTORIC STRIKE IN 1968 ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATE IN 2018 RALLY FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS HANDS-ON TRAINING REMAINS VITAL, PREVALENT IN PINEY POINT SIU-AFFILIATED PAUL HALL CENTER EMPHASIZES PRACTICAL COURSEWORK NEW STEWARD DEPARTMENT CLASSES A HIT IN PINEY POINT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2018 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 80, No. 5 2018 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9060c7e846ecb7bfc9853d2121f423e0.pdf 3d721f300f6606e3d2e3785aae322abb PDF Text Text MAY 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Jones Act Ship Delivered to Matson SIU-contracted Matson recently took delivery of the new containership Kaimana Hila, built by union members at Philly Shipyard. Page 4. (Photo courtesy of Matson) Jones Act Support Abounds A wave of Jones Act support has been evident throughout the first months of 2019, including during a recent event in Jacksonville, Florida. U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Florida) is pictured at the podium March 22 as the Sunshine State celebrates how the nation’s freight cabotage law boosts its economy and security. Various Jones Act coverage appears on Pages 2, 3, 4 and 5. Marine Society Honors SIU President Sacco SIU President Michael Sacco (left) received a prestigious honor from the Marine Society of the City of New York for his lifetime of dedication to both the U.S. Merchant Marine and the American labor movement. He’s pictured at the awards ceremony with Capt. Bob Johnston (center), longtime executive at OSG, and Marine Society President Capt. Tim Ferrie. Page 7. White House Experience Page 6 Rule on Shore Access Page 12 Snapshots of NOAA Crews Page 24 �President’s Report Solidarity Prevails Again At press time, some 31,000 unionized grocery workers were reviewing a tentative new contract on the heels of an 11-day strike in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The agreement between the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and Stop & Shop’s parent company, Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, preserves health care and retirement benefits, provides wage increases, and maintains time-and-a-half pay on Sunday for current members, the union reported. Strikes are always an absolute last resort, but in this case, workers had little choice. The company had proposed unreasonable cuts to workers’ take-home pay, health care and pension benefits. That’s despite management taking in more than $2 billion in 2018 and authorizing over $4 billion in stock buybacks from 2017 to 2019, the UFCW noted. In fact, Ahold Delhaize (which also owns the viciously anti-union Food Lion chain) sought to Michael Sacco cut pension benefits by more than 70 percent, raise health care premiums by nearly 90 percent and exclude spouses from health coverage. But the real story here is the workers’ solidarity and the outpouring of community support that buoyed members and their families from the five UFCW locals. Like the unionized teachers who’ve also stood up and stood together in recent years in numerous states, the grocery workers said enough is enough and proved grassroots action works. They demonstrated that unions very clearly still have power and relevance. The SIU supported this job action at rallies and with other assistance, and we’ll be there for our union brothers and sisters with money, marbles and chalk wherever and whenever needed. Autonomous Vessels Much has already been written about the possible use of autonomous ships, and several European-based firms currently are testing crewless vessels. Considering the news we often see about massive, global-scale hacking and data breaches, ransomware and more, hey, what could possibly go wrong on 1,000-foot ships totally controlled by computers? On a more serious note, fatalities in some of the early usage of driverless automobiles are the ultimate signal that caution is in order. Listen, we’ve never tried to stand in the way of progress. In our industry, the norm 30 years ago provided crews on containerships and tankers somewhere in the range of 35 to 40 mariners top to bottom. Today, as technology develops into automated systems, crew sizes for vessels three to four times larger are in the 18-22 range. But automation should be a tool to assist workers in making their jobs safer and more efficient – not a means to replace them. Very simply, workers and the need for jobs must be part of the discussion regarding automation. As systems and technology evolve, so must workers and their unions. We will identify the new opportunities that present themselves in the years ahead. We’ll develop and provide training and education to prepare our members for these new avenues. The SIU and the labor movement as a whole will make sure people are prominently considered as changes continue affecting everyday life. We’ll ensure that new technologies being introduced into our industry are done with safety in the forefront of planning, and we’ll stand up for our members and other workers to make sure they reap the benefits of such change and are not cast overboard. Even though autonomous ships on any sort of significant scale are many, many years away, our bottom line is that the human element must be as important as financial factors and convenience when change is considered and implemented. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 81 Number 5 May 2019 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Piney Point Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Legislators Pronounce Bipartisan Backing of Jones Act to President Attacks on America’s freight cabotage law – and the hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs that go with it – are nothing new, but neither is solid bipartisan support for the century-strong statute. The latter point again came into focus March 13, in the form of a bipartisan letter sent by members of Congress to President Trump. U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) led a group of his House colleagues on the letter expressing strong opposition to temporarily waiving the Jones Act for the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. The Jones Act requires ships moving between domestic ports to be American-crewed, Americanowned, American-built, and American-flagged. The act helps ensure thousands of shipboard and shipbuilding jobs aren’t lost to unfair overseas competition, while protecting U.S. national defense interests. A new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (released earlier this year) found that the Jones Act supports nearly 650,000 American jobs and contributes $154 billion to the nation’s economy annually. Palazzo’s office said the letter “follows a short-sighted Congressional proposal to permanently repeal the Jones Act.” “Protecting our national defense is a sworn responsibility of every member in our legislative body,” the congressman said. “I believe that there are very few industries that are as important to the economic health and security of our nation as those who comprise our maritime industries. Understanding the potential ramifications associated with waiving the Jones Act and allowing foreign imports of any sort could seriously harm our national security. From both an economic perspective and a national security perspective, we cannot sit idly by as uninformed individuals in Congress attempt to erode our American maritime industry.” The full text of the letter is as follows: “We are writing in strong support of the Jones Act and to voice our opposition to waiving the Jones Act for Puerto Rico. The Jones Act has been the law of the land for nearly a century supporting our economy and protecting our national security. As Members of Congress that represent the maritime and shipbuilding industry, we are concerned that any consideration by your Administration for a long-term Jones Act waiver to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Puerto Rico could severely damage our domestic maritime industry. The Jones Act provides that ships moving between American ports are U.S.-crewed, U.S.-owned, U.S.-built, and U.S.flagged. It sustains thousands of high-paying jobs and ensures the military has access to U.S. flagged ships for the delivery of vital military assets. Waiving the Jones Act would help foreign entities, harm our American maritime base, and risk our military readiness. A waiver for Puerto Rico is unnecessary and in direct conflict with existing law. For the next four years, Puerto Rico’s infrastructure lacks the capacity to receive large scale LNG deliveries. Instead of a waiver, we should look toward recapitalizing an American-built LNG carrier fleet. This option is consistent with your “Buy American, Hire American” agenda. Furthermore, the Jones Act may only be waived in the interests of national defense. Puerto Rico has no known national security justification for the waiver. Senior members of the military have consistently expressed the importance of the Jones Act to our national defense and sealift capacity. Vice Chairman of your Joint Chiefs of Staff, General (Paul) Selva has said, “I am an ardent supporter of the Jones Act,” and that it “supports a viable shipbuilding industry. “Thank you for your consideration of our perspective on the importance of the Jones Act. We look forward to working with you on this issue.” Signing the document were Palazzo and fellow Republicans Don Young (Alaska), Peter King (New York), Garret Graves (Louisiana), Duncan Hunter (California), Ralph Abraham (Louisiana), Clay Higgins (Louisiana), Michael Guest (Mississippi), David McKinley (West Virginia), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), Brian Babin (Texas), Tom Graves (Georgia), Lee Zeldin (New York), Mike Bost (Illinois) and Bradley Byrne (Alabama). Democrat signees were John Garamendi (California), Joe Courtney (Connecticut), Alan Lowenthal (California) and Donald Norcross (New Jersey). SIU Members Examine 2018 Files Financial Committee Approves Records Seven Seafarers have signed off on the SIU’s 2018 financial records. As mandated by the union’s constitution, a group of rank-andfile Seafarers (elected by fellow members) each year examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Most recently, this process happened in early April – first with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the ensuing days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2018 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (chairman), QMED Riley Donahue, QMED Donald Lumpkins, QMED Ann Mensch, QMED Timothy Pillsworth, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo and Recertified Steward Glenn Williams. They were elected April 8 at the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-today efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Pictured from left to right in the photo at left are (seated) QMED Donald Lumpkins, Recertified Steward Glenn Williams, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, (standing) SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, QMED Riley Donahue, Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, QMED Timothy Pillsworth and QMED Ann Mensch. In the other photo, committee members begin their work. May 2019 �U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (foreground) reaffirms his backing of the maritime industry. SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (at podium) addresses the Jacksonville crowd. Sunshine State Celebrates Jones Act Domestic Maritime Industry Creates 65,990 Jobs in Florida The SIU recently participated in a bipartisan celebration of the domestic maritime industry’s hugely positive effects on Florida. Members of both major political parties from around the state also joined the Florida Maritime Partnership (FMP) and the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) in Jacksonville and Tampa on March 22 to announce the 25 percent growth of domestic maritime industry jobs in Florida. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey was a featured speaker at the Jacksonville event, which took place next to the SIU-crewed, Crowley-owned El Coqui. Corgey shared a story about his grandfather’s Navy ship being refueled by the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. “We have a merchant marine because of the Jones Act,” Corgey said. “God bless America, God bless my grandfather, and God bless the Jones Act.” According to the findings of a new report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation Institute, Florida ranks second in the nation for the number of domestic maritime jobs, employing at least 65,990 individuals and generating more than $3.73 billion in worker income. The industry produces $14.6 billion annually for the Florida economy. “The importance of the maritime industry to both Florida and the United States cannot be overstated. A robust maritime industry means a strong economy, good jobs, and enhanced national security. I’m proud to support the work of the Florida and American Maritime Partnerships, and today’s effort to highlight the industry’s vital role to our nation,” said U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Florida). “The strength of Northeast Florida’s domestic maritime industry helps position our region as the logistics hub on the eastern seaboard. Our vessel-operating companies, shipyards, and maritime professionals create thousands of jobs each year and propel our economy forward. In Congress, I am proud to support pro-maritime policy such as protecting the Jones Act and investing in our seaports,” said U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Florida). “Ports play a vital role in Florida’s economy and produce stable jobs for our workforce,” said U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (DFlorida). “This recent study is evident that Jacksonville’s maritime industry is essential to the state’s overall economic growth. Our hard-working men and women who crew the vessels work in this critical sector to ensure our national security, stimulate trade and promote economic prosperity.” “This is good news for Florida and the greater Tampa Bay area and demonstrates the impact the maritime industry has on our economy,” said U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Florida). “With 15 deep-water ports, including Port Manatee, Florida has an in- The SIU-crewed El Coqui served as a backdrop at the Jacksonville gathering, as did containers from Seafarers-contracted TOTE Maritime. May 2019 SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (standing third from left) and Port Agent Ashley Nelson (standing second from right) pose with SIU members Recertified Bosun Abel Vazquez Torres, AB Victor Cortes, AB Christian Reyes Herencia, AB Manuel Rodriguez Maldonado, Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo Hernandez, Chief Cook Bryan Alvarez and SA La’Sonia Randolph. credible opportunity to grow its maritime industry to help diversify our economy, create jobs and move goods and services.” “The impact of the domestic maritime industry in the state is undeniable – delivering over 65,000 jobs and generating nearly $4 billion in income across Florida. The Jones Act ensures these jobs go to American workers, living and working in our communities. It is essential that we continue to uphold the law for these very real economic reasons,” said Florida State Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson (D-Duval). “Across Florida and the country, the hard-working men and women of the domestic maritime industry are delivering for a better tomorrow,” said Florida State Rep. Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa). “With nearly 65,000 jobs, over $14.6 billion in economic impact, and $3.73 billion in worker income, the domestic maritime industry is vital in building and expanding Florida’s thriving economy.” “The state of Florida is a leader in the domestic maritime industry,” said James L. Henry, chairman and president of the Transportation Institute. “The findings in our most recent study demonstrate the strength and necessity of the Jones Act, which serves as the backbone of the American maritime industry, the U.S. industrial base, and job creation for the hard-working men and women that crew the vessels delivering both in times of war and peace.” “Quite simply, the Jones Act is American security,” said Matt Woodruff, president of the American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated. “In addition to the job creation benefits detailed in this study, our American mariners are relied on by defense leaders to project American force overseas in a national emergency. Alongside our waterfront workers, they are the eyes and ears of homeland security on our nation’s coasts and waterways. Our American-controlled fleet provides economic security, ensuring that our nation’s internal freight transportation system, including fuel deliveries from American refineries to Florida, is not subject to foreign interference. American maritime jobs, guaranteed by the Jones Act, make this possible.” Thanks to the Jones Act, the domestic maritime industry now employs approximately 650,0000 Americans across all 50 states, creates $41 billion in labor income for American workers and adds more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output each year. Nationally, there are more than 40,000 American vessels – built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies – that operate in U.S. waters daily. Seafarers LOG 3 �Matson Takes Delivery of Kaimana Hila SIU-contracted Matson took delivery of the second of two Aloha Class containerships, the Kaimana Hila, on March 28. The Jones Act vessel was built by union members at Philly Shipyard. Kaimana Hila is a Hawaiian transliteration for “Diamond Head,” the name of Hawaii’s iconic landmark crater near Waikiki Beach. The new vessel is the sister ship to the Daniel K. Inouye, which was christened in June 2018 and went into service in November 2018. The two vessels, at 850 feet long and 50,794 DWT, are the largest containerships ever built in a U.S. shipyard. Though bigger, the ships are also designed to accommodate future needs by being able to navigate safely into some of Hawaii’s smaller ports. Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard president and CEO, stated, “Matson is a firstclass customer and on behalf of all of the men and women of the shipyard, we thank them for their trust and confidence in us. By all measures, Kaimana Hila will be another wonderful addition to Matson’s fleet, servicing the containership trade between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii.” The two ships are the first of four new vessels that Matson will put into its Hawaii service during the next 18 months. Kaimana Hila is the 30th vessel built at Philly Shipyard in the company’s 20-year history. “This is a proud day for everyone at Matson,” said Matt Cox, the company’s chairman and CEO, during a ceremony at the shipyard. “Daniel K. Inouye has performed well in its first four months of service, and we are excited to have Kaimana Hila joining it soon. These new vessels herald the beginning of a new era in our Hawaii service and will allow us to serve our customers better than ever for decades to come.” U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) officially christened the vessel by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne against the ship’s navigation bridge superstructure on March 9. The ceremony was attended by approximately 70 representatives of Matson and PSI. When the first vessel in the class was christened, Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby spoke at the ceremony, saying, “America has a proud maritime history, but it has never been just about ships and ports. To me it’s more about the American mariner; the men and women who have advanced the American way of life by serving at sea, and the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. They are always among the first called to action to support and sustain our armed forces in national and international crises. Those same mariners will breathe life into this new ship and sail her confidently and competently for years to come.” The new vessels incorporate a number of “green ship technology” features that The union-built ship will carry an SIU crew. (Photo courtesy of Matson) help protect the environment, including a more fuel-efficient hull design, dual-fuel engines that can be adapted to use lique- Workmen Continue to Make Progress On Jones Act Containership in Texas Pasha Hawaii’s LNG-Powered MV George III Navigates Through Crucial Main Engine Test Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii on March 5 announced factory-acceptance testing of the main engine has been completed for the MV George III, the first of two liquefied natural gas (LNG)fueled containerships being built in Brownsville, Texas. The two Ohana Class vessels will join the company’s fleet in providing service between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. The Jones Act ships are scheduled for delivery in 2020. According to Pasha, “Both the main and auxiliary engines for the MV George III were tested on LNG and diesel fuel, as the two new 774-foot containerships will operate fully on LNG from day one in service. Each vessel will carry 2,525 TEUs, with a sailing speed of 23 knots.” Pasha Hawaii, an independent operating subsidiary of The Pasha Group, operates a fleet of six Jones Act-qualified vessels out of multiple port terminals. The Jones Act guarantees that the transportation of merchandise between two U.S. points is carried out by vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Supported by broad bipartisan majorities in Congress and top U.S. national security officials, the freight cabotage law promotes the maintenance of the nation’s vitally important maritime industrial base, ensuring that American jobs are not shipped overseas and that defense capabilities and readiness not outsourced to foreign nations. One day before Pasha’s announcement, the Transportation Institute reported that the domestic maritime industry now em- ploys almost 650,000 Americans across all 50 states and contributes $154 billion to the nation’s economic growth annually. That data comes from an extensive study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The graphic directly above is an artist’s rendering of the new ship. The photo at right, above shows the dualfueled main engine of the MV George III will meet Tier III emission standards. (Graphic and Photo courtesy Pasha Hawaii) 4 Seafarers LOG fied natural gas (LNG), environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems. Coast Guard Commandant: ‘The Jones Act is Important To the Security of the Nation’ The commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard recently left no doubt about his strong support of the nation’s freight cabotage law. During a March 26 budget hearing conducted by the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) asked Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz: “The Jones Act, why is it important to our economic and national security?” Shultz replied, “The Jones Act is important to the security of the nation, the merchant fleet here, and our ability to move military supplies and military out loads. Let’s say we had a large-theater war in the Pacific and that part of the world – that (The Jones Act) is important. I think economically, folks have invested in that. The Jones Act gets attacked that there’s cheaper ways to do business. “The Jones Act has been in place here for about 100 years, sir, and it serves a very important – continually important – service,” Schultz continued. “I think before there’s any meddling with the Jones Act, people should really step back and have an informed conversation about all the puts and takes and the impacts to national security.” The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Last September, Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI), an independent center for mariner advocacy and research, released a report titled “Cabotage Laws of the World.” The findings of their global cabotage study provided the first independent analysis of maritime cabotage laws since the early 1990s. Based on extensive research involving 140 countries, the SRI report revealed Adm. Karl Schultz Commandant U.S. Coast Guard that 91 countries representing 80 percent of the world’s coastal United Nations Maritime States have cabotage laws restricting foreign maritime activity in their domestic coastal trades. Merriam-Webster defines cabotage as “trade or transport in coastal waters or airspace or between two points within a country.” May 2019 �Allies Testify on Future of Maritime Industry USCG Commandant, Maritime Administrator, FMC Chair Support Mariners During a recent hearing on “Federal Maritime Agencies: Ensuring a Safe, Secure, and Competitive Future,” the importance of the Jones Act and the U.S.-flag fleet remained at the forefront of the discussion. Providing testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Security were Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark Buzby, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz and Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Michael Khouri. All three men provided a written testimony, then answered questions posed by the senators seated on the committee. Buzby said in his written statement, “Congress recognized long ago that a U.S. Merchant Marine composed of the best-equipped, safest, and most suitable types of vessels, constructed in the United States, and crewed by trained and efficient citizen mariners is critical to national defense and robust domestic and foreign commerce. MARAD’s mission is to foster, promote, and develop our maritime industry to meet the Nation’s economic and security needs. “The U.S. Merchant Marine is a fundamental component of our national defense strategy. Our strategic sealift relies on a Government-owned fleet and assured access to commercially operated U.S.-flag vessels, and the intermodal networks that these vessel operators maintain, to transport equipment and supplies to deploy and sustain our military forces anywhere in the world. Critical to both Governmentowned and commercial U.S.-flag vessels is an adequate supply of qualified U.S. mariners to crew them. Currently, we face readiness challenges because of aging Government-owned vessels, historically low numbers of U.S.-flag vessels operating in international trade, and ensuring we have a sufficient number of qualified U.S. mariners that would be needed in the event of a long-term national emergency,” he wrote. Schultz also addressed the importance of mariners, saying, “Service readiness starts with our most valuable asset – our people. We must continue to recruit, train, support, and retain a mission-ready total workforce that not only positions the Service to excel across the full spectrum of Coast Guard missions, but is representative of the diverse Nation we serve.... Adequate increases to depot maintenance funding, coupled with strategic human capital investments, are critical to addressing these readiness challenges.” In a brief summary, Khouri explained the Federal Maritime Commission’s relationship with the shipping industry: “The FMC is an independent agency with specialized experience in the international ocean transportation industry. We administer a focused antitrust regulatory regime tailored to the particular factors affecting the ocean liner trade.... While the Federal Maritime Commission is not charged with a national security role in the same sense as the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Maritime Administration, America’s economic security very much depends on a competitive and efficient ocean transportation system. That is the Commission’s mission.” He also elaborated on cabotage laws, saying, “What economists call the ‘invisible hand’ is not the only force that guides the global shipping industry. Many nations throughout the world go to great lengths to support national ocean transportation companies, including use of indirect subsidies and direct capital infusion to maintain the national company’s solvency.... For the moment, such links between governments and national carriers hold the potential to provide lower freight costs and greater service choices for imports and exports. Some economists argue that such foreign state support tends to distort otherwise competitive markets.” In his testimony, Buzby also mentioned the state of the U.S.-flag fleet, saying, “As I stated earlier, the number of vessels in the U.S.-flag, oceangoing fleet has reached a low point. I am concerned that the current fleet size could impact our ability to quickly assemble an adequate number of qualified mariners with the proficiency to operate large ships (unlimited horsepower and unlimited tonnage) Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) Congressman John Garamendi (D-California) During the last Congress, Wicker and Garamendi introduced the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act. This legislation would guarantee that fixed percentages of all exported LNG and crude oil would travel on ships that are built, crewed and flagged American starting in 2025. If enacted, the proposal would grow the U.S.-flag fleet and support thousands of new jobs for American mariners, shipyards, and the domestic maritime industry. Wicker and Garamendi plan to reintroduce the bill this Congress. Continued on Page 7 Rep. Garamendi, Sen. Wicker Urge Support of American Maritime Bipartisan backing of the U.S. maritime industry remains evident in the nation’s capital. In one recent example, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) on March 26 sent a letter urging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to ensure that U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed vessels play a key role in the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to China. Recent reports indicate that an agreement to end the retaliatory tariffs between the U.S. and China will include substantial commitments by the Chinese to purchase U.S. LNG exports. Wicker’s and Garamendi’s letter urges the administration to use this opportunity to create new jobs in America and reinvigorate the U.S.-flag international fleet. “America is on pace to be the thirdlargest producer of LNG exports by 2020. If we don’t use these trade negotiations to require our LNG exports to ship on U.S. vessels, the United States will continue exporting its LNG on foreignflagged ships manned by foreign crews,” said Garamendi. “The U.S.-flag international fleet has declined 60 percent since 1991 to just 80 vessels. These negotiations give us the opportunity to reenergize American shipyards and rebuild our nation’s dwindling merchant fleet, which provides a vital economic stimulus and critical sealift capacity for our military. I look forward to establishing a dialogue with the administration on this matter, and I thank Senator Wicker for leading the effort in the Senate to grow the U.S.flag fleet.” “The United States should seize every opportunity to bolster our domestic maritime industry,” Wicker said. “As we pursue stronger trade agreements with China and other nations, I urge the administration to consider supporting the American merchant marine fleet by requiring liquid natural gas and crude oil exports be transported by U.S.-flagged and -crewed vessels.” Apostleship of the Sea Backs Jones Act, WWII Mariners The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States (AOS-USA) recently passed separate resolutions supporting the Jones Act and active U.S. Merchant Mariners, plus U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II. During its annual conference last month in Dania, Florida, the organization emphasized that the Jones Act is vital to America. The AOS-USA also said it’s time to deliver on long-overdue recognition for the civilian mariners who were instrumental to Allied victory in the war. In its statement titled “A Resolution in Support of the United States Merchant Marine & the Jones Act,” the organization noted: “Whereas Catholic maritime ministry is called to focus on the needs of all seafarers, their families, and cadets. May 2019 “Whereas, United States Merchant mariners, their families and cadets are important members of our United States Catholic community. “Whereas the Jones Act is the law which requires that any cargo transported between two points in the U.S. by water move on American vessels crewed by American workers. “Whereas, the Jones Act helps support nearly 650,000 jobs across America, “Whereas, the Jones Act provides important national, homeland, and economic security benefits. “Be it resolved that the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America at its 18th Annual National Conference, joining together with The American Maritime Partnership, The Navy League, The Transportation Institute, United States maritime unions, and maritime shipping companies, expresses its continued support of the Jones Act.” The AOS-USA was no less compelling in its support of World War II merchant crews. That statement read in part: “Whereas Catholic maritime ministry is called to bring pastoral care to retired merchant mariners. “Whereas United States Merchant Marine Veterans from World War II are members of our community of maritime. “Whereas the World War II Merchant Mariner Veteran played a critical role in victory over Fascism. “Whereas unlike other veterans of the Greatest Generation, these veterans never received the wartime benefits that President Franklin Roosevelt promised for their service and sacrifice. “Whereas H.R. 154 would complete the long-overdue promise and properly recognize Merchant Mariner World War II service. The legislation would provide a one-time lump sum of $25,000 to each of surviving WWII Merchant Marines. “Whereas H.R. 550 would present the Editor’s note: The full letter is linked in a March 26 post in the Labor/Maritime News section of the SIU website. Congressional Gold Medal to World War II United States Merchant Marine veterans, and would be an appropriate way to shed further light on the service of the merchant mariners in World War II and the instrumental role they played in winning that war. “Whereas many of these veterans are now well into their 90s, and fewer than five thousand World War II United States Merchant Mariners still are living. “Be it resolved that the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America, at its 18th Annual Conference in Dania, Florida, calls on Congress to pass of H.R. 154 & H.R. 550, and endorses the efforts of the American Merchant Marine Veterans to gain these long-delayed benefits for these veterans.” The AOS-USA is self-described as “the professional association of Catholic Maritime Ministers, Cruise Ship Priests, Mariners and all those who support the ministry to the People of the Sea. AOS-USA provides mutual support, continuing education, and intercommunication for Catholic Maritime Ministers.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Paul Hall Center Apprentice Recalls Oval Office Experience Corey Daniel Reseburg’s first trip to the nation’s capital will be tough to top. An apprentice at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Reseburg on March 4 participated in an Oval Office ceremony where President Trump signed an executive order aimed at facilitating military veterans’ entry to the U.S. maritime industry. A U.S. Army veteran, Reseburg was one of 18 people standing behind the president as he signed the order. Attendees also included Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, Deputy Maritime Administrator Richard Balzano, and other mariners. Reseburg, 32, appreciated the experience but wasn’t overwhelmed by it. “I’d never been to D.C. before,” he recalled. “Just to be able to go the Oval Office and meet the president was quite the opportunity. Standing there in the office, there’s a lot of history. I felt honored, and it felt like the president was happy to sign the order and support veterans coming into the industry.” Reseburg said that although his time at the White House was “short and sweet, probably 15 to 20 minutes,” he got to meet “quite a few people.” That list included Chao, a longtime friend of the SIU and supporter of American maritime. “I got to speak with her, which was pretty cool,” Reseburg noted. “I also got to meet Admiral Buzby and got to see some colleagues from the Great Lakes.” Asked about his nerves, the Jacksonville, Florida, native replied, “I was a little nervous to speak to everybody and meet them for the first time, but not really very much. Being with a group of people, it wasn’t so bad.” He said Trump handed out markers Paul Hall Center Apprentice Corey Daniel Reseburg (second from right in photo above) joined other White House attendees for an impromptu news conference after the executive order’s signing. In photo below, Reseburg is pictured on the campus in Piney Point, Maryland. from his desk that he uses to sign bills, and Buzby got a signed copy of the executive order (one supported by the SIU). As for his post-Army career choice, Reseburg is optimistic. He separated from the service in 2008 and then “had been working dead-end jobs for a while,” Reseburg said. “I met a guy and asked him what he did for a living. He gave me the number to the SIU and the rest is history.” The connection wasn’t purely luck, though. Reseburg said that, living in a port city, “I had always had an interest” in the maritime industry. “I guess living in Jacksonville, seeing those big ships, I wondered, how do I get there?” His training at the school in Piney Point, Maryland, is “moving right along,” he said. He’s unsure which department he’ll choose but is “leaning engine.” Spotlight on Mariner Health People With Sickle Cell Disease Inherit Condition from Parents Editor’s note: The following article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Sickle cell disease is a group of genetic blood disorders that are manifested when an individual inherits two abnormal copies of the hemoglobin gene, one from each parent. This gene occurs in chromosome 11. The most common type of Sickle cell disease is called, Sickle Cell Anemia. It results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin which is found in the red blood cell. Under certain incidences, this irregularity leads to a rigid, sickle-like shape in the cells. Under normal circumstances, red blood cells are flexible, round in shape and move easily through the blood vessels. In the case of sickle cell anemia, however, red blood cells become rigid, sticky and are shaped like a sickle or a half moon. These irregular-shaped cells can get stuck in the small blood vessels, and thereby slow down blood flow and oxygen to vital organs. Symptoms associated with sickle cell disease usually are seen during the infancy stages of an individual’s development, around five to six months of age. A number of health problems can arise during this period including pain, sickle cell crisis, anemia, edema of the hands and feet, bacterial infections, delayed growth, vision problems, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension and organ damage. A stroke is also possible. With respect to timing, sickle cell attacks can happen during periods when infected indi- 6 Seafarers LOG viduals are experiencing high levels of stress; are in environments with frequent temperature changes; or are experiencing dehydration. High altitudes are also regarded as triggering mechanisms. Once a sickle cell crisis has surfaced, it could last from five to seven days. Most individuals are hospitalized at this stage. People having only one copy of the previously cited abnormal gene usually don’t have any of the symptoms mentioned above. These individuals are said to have Sickle Cell Trait and are referred to as carriers. You must have both abnormal copies of the gene to have Sickle Cell Disease. Currently, there is no cure for this disease and, as a consequence, the more than 4.4 million people who have the disease must rely on preventative measures and treatment for relief. An estimated 43 million have the sickle cell trait. The care of people with Sickle Cell Disease normally will consist of the prevention of infections with vaccines, antibiotics, high fluid intake, folic acid, and pain medications. Other treatments may include blood transfusions and medications such as hydroxyurea. Sickle Cell Disease diagnosis is done by a blood test. Those who carry the sickle cell trait should see a genetic counselor before trying to have children. It is advised that both partners be tested. It’s always good practice to do the following: eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, take medications as directed, avoid stress as much as possible, and see your doctor at the first signs of a problem. Healthful Recipe Baked Chili Lime Rockfish Servings: 25 Ingredients 6 2/3 pounds rockfish fillets Marinade recipe: 2/3 cup lime juice 2/3 cup lemon juice 2/3 cup water 1/3 cup olive oil ½ cup cilantro, chopped 2 2/3 tablespoons garlic clove, minced fine 2 2/3 tablespoons chili powder, ground 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon white pepper, ground Fresh parsley, chopped Lime cut into twists Preparation Place all of the marinade ingredients into a large bowl or container and whisk together to combine. Marinate the fish for at least 3 hr prior to cooking. Discard used marinate. Grill the fish on an oiled grill or flat top grill, on med-high heat 3-5 minutes on each side until done. Place in 2” hotel pans. (Fish can also be par-cooked on grill then finished in the oven) Cover and serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and lime or lemon twists. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 150 Calories; 5g fat (30.3% calories from fat); 23g protein; 3g carbohydrate; trace dietary fiber; 42 mg cholesterol; 308 mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 3 lean meat; 0 vegetable; 0 fruit; ½ fat. Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship May 2019 �SIU President Michael Sacco (right) addresses the audience. (Photo by Howard Hill) Marine Society Honors SIU President Group Lauds Sacco’s Career Achievements A prestigious maritime organization recently saluted the outstanding career of the SIU’s top official. SIU President Michael Sacco on April 8 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Marine Society of the City of New York for his years of dedication to the U.S. Merchant Marine. Marine Society President Capt. Tim Ferrie described Sacco’s accomplishments as “second to none.” The yearly event took place in New York City. In part, the award itself cited Sacco’s “distinguished service in the field of labor relations representing merchant mariners, industrial and government workers over a 50-year career…. Michael Sacco is a tireless supporter of Seafarers and their families, advocating for improved medical, education and retirement benefits…. Michael has given selflessly to benefit the merchant mariner through the years, quietly and without fanfare, as becomes a seafarer.” The framed certificate also noted some of the numerous gains that have occurred both within the SIU and at its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, thanks to Sacco’s leadership. Capt. Robert Johnston, retired Overseas Shipholding Group executive, introduced Sacco and pointed out they have known each other for nearly 40 years. “Mike has led the SIU to new heights in jobs and benefit plans and is the unquestioned heavyweight of maritime labor,” Johnston said. “Mike works and fights hard for his sailors – for their jobs, their working conditions, their benefits, their pensions. Don’t ever get in the way of Mike fighting for his sailors.” Addressing the crowd of more than 200, Sacco stated, “My hat is off both to the Marine Society of New York and to Snug Harbor, which I know is a separate but closely aligned organization. Snug Harbor in particular has done so much great work to help retired mariners, including a lot of our old NMU retirees. And the Marine Society has helped people throughout our industry, largely through providing educational opportunities. “In that way, my union has a lot in common with you,” he continued. “We put a premium on training and education, because nothing is more important to the rank-and-file member. I’m sure the crew of the Green Lake would tell you that they couldn’t have saved those people without their safety training, much of it provided by union-affiliated schools. In fact, I’m proud to point out that every single SIU member on that ship when the rescue took place has trained at our school in Maryland.” (Editor’s note: The SIU-crewed Green Lake also was honored by the Marine Society for a rescue its crew executed Dec. 31, 2018, as reported in the February LOG.) He added, “I’m proud to have spent my life in this industry. The U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to America’s national, economic and homeland security. Who wouldn’t be excited to be part of it? And I’m grateful to have found a home with the SIU many years ago. Our union has been a source of good, family-wage jobs almost since our founding in 1938. We deliver the goods for our country, for our troops when needed, and for our own members.” Sacco concluded, “You’ve given me a lifetime achievement award – and my lifetime of experience tells me that we’ve still got many great days ahead in the American maritime industry. I can see it in the new members joining the SIU. I can see it in the new vessels being built in union yards across the country. We have tremendous potential for growth in the international trade, and we’ve got solid, bipartisan support on the domestic side as well. Our future is bright as long as we’re willing to work for it. And I can tell you for sure, the SIU is willing to work for it.” Jones Act, U.S.-Flag Fleet Receive Strong Backing During Senate Hearing Continued from Page 5 needed for surge and sustainment sealift operations during a mobilization that lasts more than six months. We may be short of the number of mariners needed to meet crewing requirements beyond those first six months. While, historically, the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine have voluntarily shipped out in times of need, and even extended their time at sea beyond normal tours when called upon to do so, it is important to note that commercial mariners are under no legal obligation to do so. “MARAD is conducting a survey of mariners to as- May 2019 Marine Society President Capt. Tim Ferrie (right) congratulates SIU President Michael Sacco. certain with more certainty their potential availability and willingness to ‘answer the call.’ The results will help clarify the size of the pool of qualified mariners upon which our Nation could potentially rely in times of need,” he said. When asked by Subcommittee Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) about the prevalence of cabotage laws around the world, Buzby replied, “Over 98 countries that have their version of cabotage law, similar to the Jones Act.… A recent study revealed that. There are so many aspects where the Jones Act impacts our both economic security and national security. I would offer just one and that is that the operators of our Jones Act fleet that ply the waters every single day of this nation, inland waters, coastal waters, they are invested in our country. They are our countrymen. They know what normal looks like. They know when something doesn’t look quite right and it’s out of sorts. They will say something if they see something. You cannot say that about a foreign operator in our waters. They have no equity. They have no reason to want to report. Our people ply those waters every day. They make their living there. They are members of our community. If they see something, they will say something. That is a bona fide layer of our national security.” Khouri followed up on the administrator’s points: “I grew up in the U.S.-flag fleet inland, as the admiral knows. I had the opportunity after law school to work in this precise area, worked on trying to put together cabotage trades and trying to remember France, Germany, Venezuela, throughout the river system, Indonesia, and last, one of the most interesting, to move coal on the Grand Canal in China. And so, I have some hands-on experience in dealing with those cabotage rules with various countries as you mentioned, and they’re tough. They are not receptive to foreigners coming into their area. And so I agree with everything Admiral Buzby said.... I never have understood just the simplest fundamental point that with the thousands of miles of U.S. coastline and all the business that we have here, why would we unilaterally disarm ourselves to all of these other countries. That never made any sense to me.” Seafarers LOG 7 �MEMBERS WELCOME HQ OFFICIALS – Pictured recently at the New Orleans hall are (photo above, from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SA Abraham Pena, SIU President Michael Sacco, SA James St. Amand, Recertified Bosun Stanley Daranda, QMED Grant Simonson, AB Aurelio Ortiz, AB Arthur Price and AB Harold Christopher. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CELEBRATING SAFETY – Recertified Bosun Oliver Balico (standing third from left) recently earned a monthly safety award from Maersk Line, Limited aboard the Safmarine Kuramo. He received it in front of the whole crew and was commended for continuous contributions and long-standing commitment to safety. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – Pictured on the TOTE Maritime vessel in Puerto Rico are ABs Victor Velez-Perez, Ricky Rivera-Martinez, and John Diaz-Hernandez, all Puerto Rico natives and residents of the island. 8 Seafarers LOG HAPPY REUNION – AB James Osei Bonsu (left) recently reconnected with his brother, Charles (right), in Bremerhaven, Germany, while the Seafarer was working aboard the Charleston Express (Marine Personnel and Provisioning). They hadn’t seen each other in 20 years. Charles lives in Hanover, roughly a two-hour drive from where the vessel docked. ABOARD ATB LIBERTY – Aboard the Crowley vessel in Texas City, Texas, are (from left) SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, Capt. Kenny Graybill, Chief Mate Caleb Buckley, AB/Utility Filmore Solomon and AB/Cook Robert Leslie. May 2019 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU MILESTONES IN HAWAII – AB Rolando Pangan (right in photo at left, with administrative assistant Shureen Yatchmenoff) recently received his A-seniority book at the Honolulu hall, while SA Shana Zeidenberg (left in photo at right, with Safety Director Amber Akana) picked up her full B-book. SLNC GOODWILL CREW – Seafarers and officers are pictured in front of the Chesapeake Crewing vessel at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore. The SIU crew includes Bosun Wilson Trayvilla, AB Wallace William, AB Celso Gutierrez, AB Mario Loria, STOW Tommy Benton, Oiler Phil Leger, Oiler Mason McGowan, Steward/Baker Janelle Harper, ACU Nicoll Rodriguez, SA Fahd Saleh, Apprentice Samuel Reyes and Apprentice Robert Mason. ABOARD CAPE HORN – Pictured aboard the Matson-operated vessel in San Francisco are (photo at left, from left) Chief Steward Ali Munsar and SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Receiving their respective full books at the hiring hall are AB Juan Bermudez (left in photo at left, with Patrolman J.B. Niday) and AB Simon Valerio (center in photo at right, with VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, right, and Asst. VP Mike Russo). WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Electrician Kashmir Dhillon (left) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Oakland, California. Congratulating him on retirement is Asst. VP Nick Celona. May 2019 LICENSE EARNED – Former Seafarer Carlos Sanchez displays his newly earned chief engineer’s license aboard the Crowley tanker Magnolia State. WELCOME ASHORE IN JAX – Picking up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall are Chief Mate Conrado Abinuman (left in photo at left) and AB Jared Blavat (right in photo at right). Each is pictured with Safety Director Joseph Koncul. PROMOTING MARITIME IN JERSEY – Pictured at a recent fundraiser are (from left) NY Waterway Chairman Armand Pohan, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey), Port Agent Mark von Siegel and Patrolman Ray Henderson. FULL BOOK IN PINEY – AB Will Jordan (right) receives his full membership book in Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured with Port Agent Victor Nunez. Seafarers LOG 9 �NATIONAL GLORY SAFETY MILESTONE – The vessel recently celebrated seven years without a lost-time injury. The ship carries an SIU crew and AMO officers. It sails between Houston and Puerto Rico for National Shipping and is managed by Crowley Global Ship Management. Standing from left are Chief Cook Claudia Mauricio-Brice, Electrician Oswald Bermeo, AB Jose Bermudez, Recertified Bosun Robert Natividad, Oiler Abraham Moreira-Mejia, OS Nassor James and OS Stalyn Mena Avila. Kneeling from left are AB Paul Dooley, AB Gerardo Arroyo, Oiler Francisco Martinez and Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett. ABOARD MAERSK KENTUCKY – Thanks to vessel master Capt. Bill Imken for this snapshot of Seafarers during the last full day aboard the ship, which recently completed its final voyage. (The vessel is being replaced by a newer one, the Safmarine Mafadi, which will sail under the Stars and Stripes.) Pictured from left are GUDE Gil Lawrence, SA Rodrigo Cother, Bosun George Steube, AB Gremar Rio, QMED Antonio Watson, AB Thyron Dy, AB Walter Ott, Steward/Baker Jerome Jordan, QEE Monroe Monseur, Chief Cook Ricardo Arauz Rochez, AB William Kovacs and AB Timothy Heil. SPAD SUPPORT – SIU boatmen continue signing up for SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. This photo was taken March 20 in Freeport, Texas, aboard the G&H tug Zeus. Pictured from left are SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, Chief Engineer Shawn Atkinson, Capt. Jarrad Williams, Oiler Michael Diggs and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes. The members had just signed up for SPAD checkoff. ARTISTIC SEND-OFF – Recertified Steward Christina Mateer (right in photo at left) received a unique gift from a friend’s daughter shortly before returning to work aboard the Maersk Ohio in late March. The daughter, Ava (left), “thinks my job is really cool,” Mateer reports. With that in mind, Ava drew a likeness of the vessel and presented it to Mateer. MARINERS HONORED – Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson was pleasantly surprised to see the U.S. Merchant Marine included in the City of Semmes (Alabama) Honor Park. Greg sent these photos (at left and above) from his recent stop there. More info on the park is available at: https://cityofsemmesal.gov/our-community/honor-park/ 10 Seafarers LOG May 2019 �Snapshots from Puerto Rico CONGRESSMEN, MAYOR DISCUSS CABOTAGE – Gathering for a photo after a hearing in San Juan that included discussions about FEMA and the Jones Act are (from left) SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo,U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), U.S. Rep. Jesus Garcia (DIllinois), San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee. MEETING WITH MAYOR – Jose Sanchez (right), mayor of Manati, is a longtime backer of the maritime industry. He met recently with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) to discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Jones Act, including how the law helps provide good jobs for Puerto Rico residents. CONGRESSMAN ATTENDS ENERGY SUMMIT – U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Florida) (second from right) toured Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority facilities as part of a recent discussion concerning new energy sources for the island. He’s pictured with (from left) TOTE Services VP Ben Christian, SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo and TOTE Maritime VP Eduardo Pagan. MARITIME COMMUNITY MEETS WITH SENATOR – U.S. maritime advocates on April 8 conducted a meeting with the Hon. Nelson V. Cruz Santiago (second from left), a member of the Puerto Rico Senate. They discussed the vital role the Jones Act has played in the territory’s economy. Pictured with him (from left) are SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, TOTE Maritime VP Eduardo Pagan, Jose Nazario and A. Rivera of Crowley, Teamsters Local 901 President Carlos J. Marrero and Josue Montijo of the Puerto Rico AFL-CIO. TALKING JONES ACT WITH SENATOR – SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (right) meets with the Hon. Angel Chayanne Martinez, a member of the Puerto Rico Senate, to discuss the numerous ways the Jones Act benefits the territory and its citizens. RECRUITING TRAIL – Seafarers helped promote the union and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, during a mid-March job fair in Carolina. Pictured from left are Recertified Steward Ismael Garayua, Chief Cook Christian Borroto and Chief Cook Jacob Parrilla. ENTHUSIASTIC DONATION – AB Leroy Sierra displays a dramatic photo of a sailboat that he donated to the new hiring hall in San Juan. A-BOOK AWARDED – AB Julio Perez (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hall. He’s pictured with Port Agent Amancio Crespo. May 2019 FAMILIES WELCOME – One of the improvements cited by Seafarers regarding the new hiring hall is its family-friendly location. Third Asst. Engineer Jose R. Encarnacion (right) brought his wife, Moraima (left) and their daughter, Leah, to the building in early April. Seafarers LOG 11 �SIU-Backed Final Rule Boosts Mariner Access A years-long effort strongly assisted by the SIU has resulted in new regulations aimed at benefiting mariners. The U.S. Coast Guard on April 1 issued a final rule titled “Seafarers’ Access to Maritime Facilities.” Published in the Federal Register, the rule requires “each owner or operator of a maritime facility regulated by the Coast Guard to implement a system providing seafarers, pilots, and representatives of seamen’s welfare and labor organizations access between vessels moored at the facility and the facility gate, in a timely manner and at no cost to the seafarer or other individuals. These access procedures must be documented in the Facility Security Plan for each facility, and approved by the local Captain of the Port. This final rule, which implements a congressional mandate, ensures that no facility owner or operator denies or makes it impractical for seafarers or other individuals to transit through the facility.” Compliance is required by June 1, 2020 (the rule’s “effective date” is May 1, 2019). Organizations and individuals from many sectors of the industry teamed up to push for this regulation. When the rule initially was proposed, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel testified on behalf of both the union and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (where he chairs the Seafarers’ Section) during a U.S. Department of Transportation public meeting in early 2015. At that time, Heindel said that shore leave and terminal access aren’t just matters of convenience – they’re crucial to maritime safety and the general wellbeing of mariners. They should also be consid- ered part of the cost of doing business as a maritime terminal, he stated. Additionally, Heindel thanked the agency for proposing the rule, and said it is imperative that if any additional costs arise for making it easier for mariners to go ashore, those costs must not be passed on to seafarers, either directly or indirectly. He noted that although that sentiment is consistent with the proposal’s stated intent, unions and other mariner advocates were on guard to make sure that’s how it is implemented. “The concern we have on the labor side and also with the ministry side is that the seafarers have access to shore in a timely manner and at no cost to the seafarer,” Heindel stated. “We think the terminal operators have a responsibility here. They have an obligation to make sure people have access through their terminals.” Heindel said foreign mariners in particular have “a very, very tough time getting ashore at a lot of different terminals,” and that a balance can be reached between proper security measures and reasonable treatment of seafarers. The SIU also submitted formal comments soon after the meeting. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard noted in the final rule, “Another benefit … is that it will conform to international conventions, which in turn benefits seafarers…. We believe this is a benefit to seafarers because if the U.S. does not adhere to these international conventions and denies shore leave to these individuals, other countries may engage in an act of reciprocity and deny shore leave to U.S. seafarers abroad.” According to the agency, 2,469 port facilities governed by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 will update their respective facility security plans, while an additional 420 MTSA-regulated facilities will update both their respective plans and “facility operations.” The Coast Guard described some of the benefits of the final rule as enhancing “the safety, health, and welfare of seafarers, and the overall quality of life by allowing seafarers access to fundamental human services.” The last page of the rule spells out different considerations and options pertaining to mariner access. That page includes the following: C. Timely access. The facility owner or operator must provide the access described in this section without unreasonable delay, subject to review by the Captain of the Port (COTP). The facility owner or operator must consider the following when establishing timely access without unreasonable delay: n Length of time the vessel is in port. n Distance of egress/ingress between the vessel and facility gate. n The vessel watch schedules. n The facility’s safety and security procedures as required by law. n Any other factors specific to the vessel or facility that could affect access to and from the vessel. D. Access methods. The facility owner or operator must ensure that the access described in this section is provided through one or more of the following methods: (1) Regularly scheduled escort between the vessel and the facility gate that conforms to the vessel’s watch schedule as agreed upon between the vessel and facility. (2) An on-call escort between the vessel and the facility gate. (3) Arrangements with taxi services or other transportation services, ensuring that any costs for providing the access described in this section, above the service’s standard fees charged to any customer, are not charged to the individual to whom such access is provided. If a facility provides arrangements with taxi services or other transportation services as the only method for providing the access described in this section, the facility is responsible to pay any fees for transit within the facility. (4) Arrangements with seafarers’ welfare organizations to facilitate the access described in this section. (5) Monitored pedestrian access routes between the vessel and facility gate. A method, other than those in paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section, approved by the COTP. If an access method relies on a third party, a back-up access method that will be used if the third party is unable to or does not provide the required access in any instance. An owner or operator must ensure that the access required in paragraph (a) of this section is actually provided in all instances. (e) No cost to individuals. The facility owner or operator must provide the access described in this section at no cost to the individual to whom such access is provided. The complete rule is linked on the SIU website, in the news archive (look under April 2019). Airlines Dub Luggage With Non-Removable Battery a ‘Big No-No’ People who own high-tech “smart luggage” and wish to travel with it aboard aircraft potentially could encounter problems. According to several sources, three airlines (American, Delta and Alaska) in early 2018 announced that passengers owning smart luggage with a non-removable battery built into it would not be able to take the baggage onto the aircraft. United and Southwest Airlines joined the three inaugural carriers in the ban shortly thereafter. “Customers who travel with a smart bag must be able to remove the battery in case the bag has to be checked at any point in the customer’s journey,” according to a statement issued by American Airlines. “If the battery cannot be removed, the bag will not be allowed.” The policy change applies to checked as well as carry-on bags that require lithium batteries to power features such as a USB charging station and a location tracker. The policy’s origin is the result of safety concerns surrounding lithium batteries. Lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer batteries are susceptible to emitting smoke, catching fire and even exploding. Between March 1991 and May 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documented 160 incidents involving lithium batteries that were being transported as cargo or baggage. The agency already prohibits passengers from checking spare lithium batteries used for personal electronic devices and portable rechargers, as well as several lithium-powered items such as e-cigarettes and vape pens. The FAA permits the items inside the cabin. For information on flying with hazardous materials, see the FAA’s Pack Safe guidelines at www.faa.gov/hazmat/ packagesafe/ 12 Seafarers LOG Students participate in the new course at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland. New Course Joins Piney Point Lineup School Rolls Out MSC Ship Reaction Force Class A new addition to the course schedule at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is designed for those serving on government vessels. The MSC Ship Reaction Force class is a hands-on training course, and draws from the knowledge and expertise of Military Sealift Command and other military advisors. Acting Vice President of the Paul Hall Center Tom Orzechowski said, “Approved by the agency, this course is the latest in continuing improvements and additions to the curriculum here at the school. We’re confident that the skills learned in this course will prove invaluable to SIU mariners out at sea.” “This course provides tailored training and techniques for Military Sealift Command civilian personnel who may serve as a member of the security reaction team,” said instructor Wayne Johnson Jr. “To be enrolled in this class, students are required to have successfully completed Basic Watch Stander, Advanced Watch Stander, hold a current small arms qualification for 9mm pistol and/or M500 12gauge shotgun.” “I enjoyed the hands-on training,” said STOS Eric Reich. “The simulations teach you how to actually react and respond to an emergency. They did great!” Johnson Jr. described the course: “Students will learn to respond, move, and communicate tactfully and efficiently as a member of the vessel’s security reaction team. Classroom and practical exercises include, but are not limited to: non-verbal communication, tactical movements, room clearing, target acquisition, threat recognition, tactical response, hostage situations, bomb searches, and simulated force on force exercises. “Unfortunately, piracy is an issue in our industry,” he added. “What better way to thwart it than to have a better understanding of how to respond? This type of training is focused on the protection of one’s self, fellow crew members and the ship, which in my opinion is invaluable.” May 2019 �U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick speaks with Capt. Randy Van Rossum, Pacific Partnership 2019 mission commander, during a tour of the CIVMARcrewed USNS Fall River following the ship’s arrival at the Port of Dili, Timor Leste. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathan Carpenter) The CIVMAR-crewed expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River arrives at the Port of Kuching for Pacific Partnership 2019. (Photo courtesy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Burgains) SIU CIVMARS Support Pacific Partnership 2019 SIU Government Services Division members once again are answering the call, sailing aboard the Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ships (EPF) USNS Brunswick and USNS Fall River in support of this year’s ongoing Operation Pacific Partnership. The annual multinational exercise began March 4; both CIVMAR-crewed ships will host the operation’s commanders at various times. According to the Navy, “Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific.” “Pacific Partnership brings nations together to prepare in calm to respond in crisis,” Capt. Randy Van Rossum, the commander for Pacific Partnership 2019 and commodore of Destroyer Squadron 1, said in a statement. “Our mission team, made up of servicemembers and volunteers from around the world, reflects this enduring commitment to the region.” This year’s mission began with stops in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Philippines, Malaysia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and Thailand. “The impact of disaster emergencies transcends borders and requires comprehensive preparation and coordination among nations for an effective disaster response,” said Capt. Rossum during the Kuching, Malaysia, mission stop. “I am confident that the planning and hard work we’ve invested thus far will show in our successful collaborative efforts for a longlasting impact here in Kuching.” “Pacific Partnership is about building trust and sharing knowledge,” said Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander, Task Force 73, the executive agent for Pacific Partnership 2019. “This mission shows that the U.S., our partners and hosts are working together to making this region better prepared for disaster response.” Experts in the fields of engineering, medicine and disaster response partner with each host nation to conduct civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, and disaster response training activities. The U.S., partner nation military members, and non-governmental organization volunteers are scheduled to take part in a variety of events including first aid training, preventive medicine training, various health care conferences, engineering projects, disaster response seminars, and community outreach engagements with the goal of improving the overall humanitarian and disaster preparedness in the region. “Malaysia and the United States have a comprehensive partnership, which is building every day on the things that we can do together to make the region safer and to enable our people in a more effective regional crisis response,” said U.S. Embassy Malaysia Deputy Chief of Mission Dean Thompson. Pacific Partnership began in response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters, the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia. The mission has evolved over the years from emphasis on direct care to an operation focused on enhancing partnerships through host nation subject matter expert and civil-military exchanges. Working at the invitation of each host nation, Pacific Partnership is joined by partner nations that include Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom to strengthen disaster response preparedness around the IndoPacific region. U.S. Navy Sailors conducting small boat operations approach the CIVMAR-crewed USNS Brunswick during Pacific Partnership 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyrell K. Morris) Aboard Seabulk ATB These photos were taken last month in Port Everglades, Florida, aboard (and near) the Sea Power, an articulated tug-barge that was instrumental in delivering fuel to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. AB Doug Crawford May 2019 Chief Cook Roxanne Fike, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins Seafarers LOG 13 �Free College The Union Plus Free College Benefit offers working families an accessible, debt-free and convenient higher education opportunity. You, your spouse, children, financial dependents and grandchildren, can all benefit from this exciting program. Find out more about this and other great Union Plus programs by visiting unionplus.org. Learn more at unionplus.org 14 Seafarers LOG CREDIT CARDS WIRELESS DISCOUNTS MORTGAGE PROGRAM CAR RENTAL 5/19 May 2019 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March 14, 2019 - April 15, 2019 Upgraders hone their culinary techniques at the Paul Hall Center. Notice/Reminder Culinary 2.0 Training Still Available at Paul Hall Center As previously reported, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help students boost their skills while complying with a new rule that takes effect next year. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities. Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which will go into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department, priority shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I, Steward Department.” While every new member of the steward department who completes their apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship will have successfully passed Culinary 2.0, it’s important to remember that those already sail- ing as chief cooks and chief stewards must also take the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority beginning next year (unless they have received training after January 1, 2017 at the Piney Point, Maryland-based campus). For those seamen currently employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary 2.0 in order to maintain their current employment status. For those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/ Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are being offered regularly, but spaces are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll as soon as possible. For more information, contact your port agent and/ or the school’s admissions office. May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................................Monday: May 6, June 3 Algonac.................................................Friday: May 10, June 7 Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 9, June 6 Guam..............................................Thursday: May 23, June 20 Honolulu.............................................Friday: May 17, June 14 Houston..............................................Monday: May 13, June 10 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 15, June 12 New Orleans........................................Tuesday: May 14, June 11 Jersey City............................................Tuesday: May 7, June 4 Norfolk................................................Thursday: May 9, June 6 Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 16, June 13 Philadelphia.....................................Wednesday: May 8, June 5 Port Everglades...............................Thursday: May 16, June 13 San Juan.............................................Thursday: May 9, June 6 St. Louis...............................................Friday: May 17, June 14 Tacoma.................................................Friday: May 24, June 21 Wilmington............................................Monday: May 20, June 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m May 2019 Total Shipped All Groups A B Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu 1 Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 15 8 2 33 7 1 5 17 9 2 5 1 3 1 1 2 1 4 1 5 1 1 0 4 1 0 2 2 1 2 22 17 6 18 6 2 12 31 21 4 6 2 0 5 1 1 0 3 1 0 9 3 2 7 2 3 3 13 6 7 2 4 1 8 7 0 5 17 9 1 52 22 7 40 11 7 24 98 36 20 39 22 3 28 14 4 19 67 39 6 36 9 6 33 8 5 20 65 18 6 5 2 3 5 2 2 0 4 3 2 9 2 3 9 5 2 2 12 7 3 22 19 8 11 8 7 9 25 27 12 14 4 2 13 4 2 5 20 9 5 2 3 3 2 1 3 0 2 6 1 5 4 0 2 3 0 2 5 4 0 6 7 1 6 1 1 2 9 7 4 34 8 2 17 7 1 11 52 16 10 2 2 3 6 0 1 1 4 4 4 29 16 6 27 8 4 16 59 26 14 325 156 61 275 97 48 139 509 250 108 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 3 0 1 3 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 5 1 0 1 2 0 0 6 2 0 11 5 1 8 8 1 6 14 9 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 2 2 1 2 5 4 0 10 3 1 5 2 1 3 20 3 1 11 7 2 8 4 2 7 20 16 5 25 13 1 9 12 0 6 32 29 2 14 7 1 11 3 1 4 17 11 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 0 0 0 9 7 2 13 13 7 6 7 8 7 21 21 6 9 3 2 2 3 2 1 13 6 2 2 5 0 1 2 0 0 7 5 0 1 3 1 2 3 0 0 3 3 1 2 1 0 3 1 0 3 7 3 0 12 2 3 10 2 2 2 25 9 4 0 4 1 0 1 0 0 3 4 1 11 4 2 9 4 0 5 20 22 3 136 77 25 83 59 20 46 226 157 31 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 3 2 0 2 2 0 1 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 13 4 0 4 2 1 3 25 10 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 7 2 1 2 3 0 2 8 1 2 10 0 0 8 2 0 4 13 5 0 17 6 3 13 3 2 7 28 10 3 18 14 1 14 8 3 8 29 21 2 16 4 2 12 2 0 5 17 4 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 4 1 0 1 4 0 1 5 0 0 16 6 1 13 7 0 8 26 17 1 17 8 0 10 5 1 4 25 9 1 4 0 0 4 0 0 3 2 0 1 1 4 3 5 3 3 2 2 3 1 5 7 0 2 5 0 1 5 8 0 10 3 2 13 3 2 7 17 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 1 20 13 1 12 7 0 11 36 15 2 165 77 15 117 57 12 67 259 110 20 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 1 5 14 0 4 4 5 3 13 15 0 4 1 0 2 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 7 5 0 1 1 2 2 8 4 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 3 2 0 1 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 3 1 3 3 1 6 3 1 2 6 4 5 15 13 0 9 8 6 9 20 19 1 19 16 0 18 16 6 3 43 56 0 17 14 1 9 6 3 3 30 22 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 19 21 0 10 14 5 0 29 38 3 8 9 0 5 8 3 5 14 15 1 5 0 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 7 12 11 1 5 3 3 9 18 19 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 6 22 9 2 11 8 6 9 35 32 29 139 130 6 86 78 45 48 226 245 GRAND TOTAL: 655 449 231 481 299 158 297 1,042 743 404 C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Jacksonville........................................Thursday: May 9, June 6 Joliet................................................Thursday: May 16, June 13 Total Registered A All Groups B C Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by SIU members at the hiring hall in New Orleans. Question: What was your favorite port and why? Stanley Daranda Recertified Bosun West coast of Africa. I was on a run for all the African ports. I got to try to figure out what the world was all about. I lucked out – right place, right time. I learned about African culture. Grant Simonson QMED I had fun in Singapore – great city, very clean. It is a whole bunch of little communities, so clean and safe. Lots of great experiences – pretty awesome. Harold Christopher AB I’m in my first year and only sailed along the East Coast. I like warm places, and if I could ship to Africa, that would be perfect. Shawn D. Jefferson Storekeeper Greece and Dubai. Spain was beautiful. The Mediterranean countries with the warm weather are nice. Aurelio Ortiz AB I like to learn. Africa, because it is something different over there than here. Adolfo Figueroa AB Got to be New Orleans. Very friendly here. And I live here. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Pic From The Past NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 This photo originally was published in the May 1977 LOG. It features SIU boatmen aboard the G&H Towing tug Tarpon in Houston. From left are Oiler Harold Moore, Deckhand Tony McDuffy, Deckhand Ervin Jeffery, Capt. Harris “Toots” Morgan and Chief Engineer Fred Hickman. (There’s also an unidentified member in the background, mostly obscured.) If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG May 2019 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ROBERT BORRO Brother Robert Borro, 65, joined the SIU in 2001, initially sailing on the Patriot. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Borro most recently sailed on the Endurance. He makes his home in Barstow, California. DONALD BOUSSON Brother Donald Bousson, 65, signed on with the union in 1977. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Overseas Aleutian. Brother Bousson upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career on the Leader. He calls Merritt Island, Florida, home. FAROOK ESSA Brother Farook Essa, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1973 when he shipped on the Transuper. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Essa’s last vessel was the American Pride. He resides in Houston. MARIO FERNANDEZ Brother Mario Fernandez, 69, joined the union in 2001. His first vessel was the Atlantic and he was a member of the steward department. Brother Fernandez last sailed on the Overseas Houston. He lives in Miami. ments, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lee concluded his career on the Overseas Cascade and resides in Aventura, Florida. MICHAEL LOCKHART Brother Michael Lockhart, 67, joined the union in 1999 when he sailed on the Global Mariner. The deck department member upgraded on multiple occasions at the maritime training center located in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Lockhart most recently sailed on the Pride of America. He calls Southfield, Michigan, home. BOGUSLAW MIKULA Brother Boguslaw Mikula, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2005. He was a deck department member and initially shipped on the Energy Enterprise. Brother Mikula’s last vessel was the Maersk Idaho. He is a resident of Phoenix. MICHAEL PERRY Brother Michael Perry, 58, joined the SIU in 1977 when he shipped on the Columbia. Brother Perry upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed on the Yorktown Express, and settled in Port Orange, Florida. RODNEY ROBERSON Brother John Jaradat, 65, joined the union in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Maersk Maryland. Brother Jaradat upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center within his first year. He last shipped on the Buffalo and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Brother Rodney Roberson, 59, donned the SIU colors in 1989, initially sailing on the USNS Assurance. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Roberson’s last ship was the American Pride. He makes his home in Claymont, Delaware. NATHANIEL LAMB CHARLES RUMBLE Brother Nathaniel Lamb, 61, became an SIU member in 1977 when he sailed on Waterman’s A Middleton. He shipped in all three departments and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lamb’s final vessel was the Green Ridge. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Charles Rumble, 65, embarked on his career with the union in 2006 when he shipped on the Philadelphia Express. He upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the steward department. Brother Rumble’s last vessel was the Maersk Pittsburgh. He resides in Portsmouth, Virginia. JOHN JARADAT May 2019 RICHARD LEE GILL SICKLES Brother Richard Lee, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 1998, initially sailing aboard the USNS Henson. Shipping in both the deck and steward depart- Brother Gill Sickles, 71, signed on with the Seafarers in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Noble Star. The deck department member upgraded on multiple occa- sions at the maritime training center located in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Sickles most recently sailed on the Cape Mohican. He calls Anchorage, Alaska, home. Transportation for the duration of his career. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. SAMUEL UYATEDE Brother Richard Anderson, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1997, initially working for Crowley Towing and Transportation. Shipping in the deck department, he was employed with the same company for his entire career. He calls Pensacola, Florida, home. Brother Samuel Uyatede, 69, joined the union in 2002. His first vessel was the Developer; his last, the Houston. A deck department member, Brother Uyatede upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He is a resident of Houston. EDDIE WASHINGTON Brother Eddie Washington, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 1968, initially aboard the Steel Architect. In 1981, the deck department member enhanced his skills by upgrading at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Washington last sailed on the Falcon Champion. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. GREAT LAKES EDWARD CARLSON Brother Edward Carlson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989 when he worked for Luedtke Engineering. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Carlson continued his employment with the same company for the majority of his career. He is a resident of Bear Lake, Michigan. RICHARD LALONDE Brother Richard Lalonde, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1974. He was a steward department member, first sailing with Inland Lakes Management. Brother Lalonde concluded his career on the Alpena and resides in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND CONRADO ABINUMAN Brother Conrado Abinuman, 72, joined the SIU in 2003. He was a deck department member and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Abinuman worked for Crowley Towing and RICHARD ANDERSON BRIAN BOWMAN Brother Brian Bowman, 65, joined the SIU in 1991 when he worked for Piney Point Transportation. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school and was a deck department member. Brother Bowman last sailed with Penn Maritime. He resides in Jennings, Louisiana. JOHN COYLE Brother John Coyle, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Columbia. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1980. Brother Coyle last worked for OSG Ship Management. He resides in Audubon, New Jersey. WILLIAM HARVELL Brother William Harvell, 67, joined the union in 1989, first working with Interstate Oil. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and was a deck department member. Brother Harvell most recently sailed aboard the Courage and settled in Mollusk, Virginia. ANTHONY HUGHES Brother Anthony Hughes, 62, became an SIU member in 1977 when he worked for Meyle Towing. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and last worked for Taylor Marine. Brother Hughes resides in Marmora, New Jersey. TIMOTHY HURST Brother Timothy Hurst, 62, began his career with the union in 1989, initially working for OSG Ship Management. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Hurst most recently sailed on the Honor. He lives in Athens, Tennessee. DAVID JORDEN Brother David Jorden, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage. The deck department member upgraded in 1980 at the maritime training center located in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Jorden continued working for the same company for his entire career. He calls Hammond, Louisiana, home. RANDY LEDET Brother Randy Ledet, 62, joined the union in 1976 when he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center the following year and shipped in the deck department. Brother Ledet remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He calls Covington, Louisiana, home. JAMES MCCLURE Brother James McClure, 66, became an SIU member in 1989 when he sailed on the Manhattan Island. Brother McClure was a deck department member. He concluded his career working for Alabama Pilot Inc. and lives in Dauphin Island, Alabama. JOSEPH RAVARY Brother Joseph Ravary, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1976, first sailing with Inland Tugs. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills in 1976 at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Ravary concluded his career working with OLS Transport. He is a resident of Erie, Michigan. PAUL RIGGS Brother Paul Riggs, 69, donned the SIU colors in 2005. He first was employed with Penn Maritime and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. A member of the deck department, Brother Riggs remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in Brenham, Texas. JAMES STEWART Brother James Stewart, 64, joined the union in 1976 when he worked for G&H Towing. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1995. Brother Stewart remained with the same company for his entire career. He lives in Ingleside, Texas. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RUBEN ACEVEDO Brother Ruben Acevedo, 95, passed away December 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Acevedo shipped in the steward department and sailed last aboard the Defender. He resided in Torrance, California. DAVID BECKER Pensioner David Becker, 70, died March 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1992, initially sailing on the USNS Vindicator. Brother Becker was an engine department member and concluded his career on the Pathfinder. He retired in 2014 and settled in North Point, Alabama. ARMANDO BUSTAMANTE Pensioner Armando Bustamante, 81, passed away January 31. He became an SIU member in 1990, first sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Bustamante primarily sailed in the steward department. His last vessel was the Maersk Arizona. He went on pension in 2003 and lived in San Leandro, California. MICHAEL CASANUEVA Pensioner Michael Casanueva, 94, died April 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1951 when he shipped aboard the Alcoa Ranger. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Casanueva concluded his career on the Willamette. He became a pensioner in 1981 and was a resident of Pelzer, South Carolina. STEPHEN CASTLE Pensioner Stephen Castle, 70, passed away March 29. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1967, initially shipping aboard the Inger. Brother Castle was a deck department member and last sailed on the Horizon Tacoma. He retired in 2010 and resided in Suquamish, Washington. JOHN COLEMAN Pensioner John Coleman, 69, died February 3. He joined the union in 1967 when he shipped on the Neva West. Brother Coleman was a member of the engine department, and last sailed aboard the Cape Hudson. He became a 18 Seafarers LOG pensioner in 2016 and lived in Berkeley, California. JOSAN CONSTANTIN Pensioner Josan Constantin, 66, passed away February 3. He began shipping with the Seafarers in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. The deck department member’s first SIU vessel was the USNS Heezen. Brother Constantin last shipped aboard the Maersk Kensington before going on pension in 2018. He resided in Ridgewood, New York. DAVID DUNKLIN Brother David Dunklin, 65, died December 16. He started his SIU career in 1977, initially shipping aboard the Overseas Natalie. An engine department member, Brother Dunklin last sailed on the Shughart. He was a resident of Metairie, Louisiana. MICHAEL DUNN Pensioner Michael Dunn, 65, passed away March 12. He joined the union in 1973, when he shipped aboard the Overseas Aleutian. Brother Dunn sailed in the deck department. His last vessel was the Liberty Spirit before his retirement in 2007. Brother Dunn called San Francisco home. RALPH GOSNELL Brother Ralph Gosnell, 62, died November 10. He donned the SIU colors in 1982, initially sailing aboard the LNG Taurus. An engine department member, Brother Gosnell last shipped aboard the Cape Wrath. He lived in Westminster, Maryland. JUSTO GONZALEZ Pensioner Justo Gonzalez, 89, passed away March 29. He began shipping with the SIU in 1963 when he sailed on the Petrochem. Brother Gonzalez primarily sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Overseas Harriette before retiring in 1998. Brother Gonzalez was a resident of Blythewood, South Carolina. KARL HERMANSEN Pensioner Karl Hermansen, 81, died February 5. He embarked on his SIU career in 1966 when he shipped on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Hermansen was a deck department member. He last sailed on the Beaver State before becoming a pensioner in 2002. Brother Hermansen lived in Norway. IDOWU JONATHAN Brother Idowu Jonathan, 60, passed away February 9. He joined the SIU in 1992, first sailing on the USNS Denebola. Brother Jonathan sailed in the deck department. He most recently shipped on the Santorini and resided in Houston. JAMES MASTROKALOS Pensioner James Mastrokalos, 84, died February 1. He signed on with the SIU in 1961 when he shipped on the Arizpa. Brother Mastrokalos was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 1990 and settled in Jackson, New Jersey. LINWOOD PRICE Pensioner Linwood Price, 84, passed away March 8. He joined the union in 1954, first working for Sprogue Steamship. Brother Price shipped in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston. He began collecting his pension in 1994 and made his home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. WAYNE SHINDLER Pensioner Wayne Shindler, 81, died March 3. He became a member of the union in 2001 when he sailed on the USNS Dahl. Brother Shindler shipped in the steward department and concluded his career on the USNS Watkins. He became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Albany, Oregon. JOE SMOLER Pensioner Joe Smoler, 68, passed away February 1. He started his career with the SIU in 1991, first sailing on the Sealift Antarctic. Brother Smoler was a deck department member and last sailed on the Prentiss Brown. He retired in 2015 and lived in North Las Vegas, Nevada. PAUL STUBBLEFIELD Pensioner Paul Stubblefield, 83, died March 11. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1968 when he worked on the Bradford Island. Sailing in the steward department, Brother Stubblefield concluded his career aboard the Liberty Spirit. He retired in 2000 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. PAUL TITUS Pensioner Paul Titus, 60, passed away March 22. Upon joining the SIU in 1981, his first vessel was the Cove Engineer. Brother Titus shipped in the engine department and concluded his career on the Maersk Chicago. He became a pensioner in 2015 and called Delmar, Maryland, home. FEDERICO VIDAL Brother Federico Vidal, 80, died January 28. The steward department member began shipping with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed on the Santa Mariana. Brother Vidal’s last vessel was the President Kennedy. He resided in Walnut Creek, California. EDWARD WINNE Pensioner Edward Winne, 79, passed away March 3. He embarked on his SIU career in 1979, initially sailing on the Santa Mercedes. A member of the steward department, Brother Winne last sailed aboard the Maersk Arkansas. He went on pension in 2006 and made his home in New York City. GREAT LAKES TERRANCE PYRLIK Pensioner Terrance Pyrlik, 70, died January 31. He joined the SIU in 1990 and first shipped on the Presque Isle. Brother Pyrlik was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Sam Laud. He went on pension in 2013 and settled in Brookston, Minnesota. INLAND ANDRES BRITO Pensioner Andres Brito, 77, passed away February 6. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1980 when he worked for Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Brito was a steward department member and last shipped on the USNS Denebola. He retired in 2011 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. EDWIN CARTER Pensioner Edwin Carter, 90, died March 6. He signed on with the SIU in 1962, initially working for Gulf Atlantic Transport. A deck department member, Brother Carter sailed last with Mariner Towing. He became a pensioner in 1992 and lived in Moyock, North Carolina. 79, passed away March 3. He became an SIU member in 1996 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Dougherty was employed with Crowley until his retirement in 2003. He was a resident of Glenolden, Pennsylvania. JOHN MICKLOS Pensioner John Micklos, 64, died January 29. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he shipped on the Long Lines. Brother Micklos primarily worked in the deck department, sailing last with Allied Transportation. He retired in 2016 and made his home in Beverly Hills, Florida. PAUL ROACH Pensioner Paul Roach, 86, passed away February 15. He signed on with the union in 1988, first working for Energy Ammonia Transportation. Brother Roach sailed in the deck department, most recently with Crescent Towing and Salvage. He retired in 2004 and called Mobile, Alabama, home. GERALD STONE Pensioner Gerald Stone, 67, died March 9. He joined the SIU in 1990 when he worked for OLS Transport. A deck department member, Brother Stone was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. He started collecting his pension in 2013 and lived in South Fulton, Tennessee. NMU DONALD TYLER Pensioner Donald Tyler, 78, passed away February 2. He was an NMU member before the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. Brother Tyler was an engine department member and sailed last aboard the Liberator. He began collecting his pension in 2004 and was a resident of North Port, Florida. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. Name Arana, Alejandro Banks, Carlos Beckles, Aubrey Carrasquillo, Pedro Chavis, Sylvester Cristello, Nicholas Dones, Jose Feurtado, Clord Hinds, Sandy Jackson, George Manifold, Robert Martinez, Ruben McCoy, James Moreira, Julian Stalf, Johann Age 94 100 87 92 101 96 93 87 80 85 80 96 94 92 83 DOD 01/28/2019 02/06/2019 03/05/2019 02/07/2019 03/21/2019 03/26/2019 03/17/2019 03/10/2019 03/10/2019 01/20/2019 03/08/2019 03/17/2019 03/06/2019 02/07/2019 11/09/2018 WILLIAM DOUGHERTY Pensioner William Dougherty, May 2019 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Overseas Ship Management), January 17 – Chairman David Graves, Secretary Thomas Smith, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey. Crew discussed upcoming arrival in Tampa. Educational director urged members to stay up to date on documents and upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members seek verification regarding vacation accrual for 60-day rotation as well as information on union benefits. Crew requests a patrolman at first available time and requests a new refrigerator. JEAN ANNE (Pasha), January 31 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Ismael Garayua, Educational Director Joseph Letang, Engine Delegate Servando Canales. Ship sailing smoothly. Secretary noted government shutdown and reminded members to keep documents and Piney Point classes up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman discussed new union hall in Puerto Rico and new SIU-contracted vessels. He encouraged members to support Jones Act and went over the president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Members request increasing pension benefits while decreasing time needed in order to retire. HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise Operations), February 3 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Rene Guity, Educational Director David Watkins. Chairman advised crew to stay safe. Educational director reminded crew that union halls are closed 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. on Saturdays and recommended members upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Honolulu. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), February 4 – Chairman Albert Konning, Secretary Gerald Joseph, Deck Delegate Washington Williams, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Members reviewed old business including Wi-Fi access, monthly pay vouchers and requests for new washer and dryer. Educational director reiterated importance of keeping shipping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed benefits relating to both maternity leave and pension. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), February 12 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Marlon Battad, Educational Director Anthony Hulsey, Deck Delegate Michael Ross, Engine Delegate Alfredo Nieto, Steward Delegate Mauricio Castro. Crew waiting for new pillows, new DVDs and Wi-Fi access on board. Chairman reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and to stay current on all paperwork. Secretary asked crew to put all linen in appropriate white bags for departing crew members and that all galley plates and cups be returned. Chairman encouraged crew to attend upgrading courses at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members went over reimbursement policy for steel-toe boots and discussed resolutions for pension benefits. Crew requested new furniture for lounge and new TVs for staterooms. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done during long voyage overseas. Next Port: Texas City, Texas. WEST VIRGINIA (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), February 27 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Wilma Jackson, Educational Director Scott Fuller, Deck Delegate Christopher Dickens, Steward Delegate Amelia La Beur. Crew reviewed announcements including 10year charter of Jones Act tanker Oregon Voyager. Ship to be renamed to Overseas Key West. Also discussed new Crowley and Matson ships entering SIU fleet. They noted the union has launched a revamped, mobilefriendly member portal as part of overall website redesign. Secretary reminded members to keep rooms clean for oncoming crew. Educational director urged members to check all documents and credentials. He recommended upgrading at the maritime training center in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Due to interior wear and tear, microwave removed from crew mess. Members requested new refrigerator and freezer appliances, new pillows/pillow cases as well as hypoallergenic covers. Crew requested a match to 401K as well as an increase to vacation time. Steward department was thanked for positive attitudes during meal hours. Next Port: Garyville, Louisiana. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 27 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Steward Delegate Bob Tuilaepa. Chairman encouraged crew to keep documents up to date. He directed members to the SIU website for benefit information. Chairman reminded crew to keep rooms clean and to pay dues on time. Secretary recommended members upgrade at Piney Point and renew documents ahead of their expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like an increase to vacation time while decreasing working time needed to accrue. Next Port: Valdez, Alaska. EL COQUI (Crowley), March 3 – Chairman Abel VazquezTorres, Secretary Juan Vallejo Hernandez, Educational Director Rodney Passapera-Barbosa, Deck Delegate Kemer Rojas, Engine Delegate Christian Rosado, Steward Delegate Bryan Alvarez. Crew discussed vacation benefits and upgrading. Chairman reiterated importance of safety and thanked steward department for job well done. Secretary commended SIU executive board for their work on Capitol Hill. He praised Port Agent Amancio Crespo and SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez for their help in educating Puerto Rico residents and politicians about the Jones Act. Educational director urged members to keep documents current and to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), March 6 – Chairman Victor Eligio, Secre- tary Robert Seim, Educational Director Paul Pagano, Deck Delegate Milan Taigan, Engine Delegate Medardo Valerio, Steward Delegate Elida Miguel. Chairman reported a safe and well-working ship and announced payoff. Educational director reminded crew to keep documents in good standing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to all three departments for good teamwork. Next port: Houston. AMERICAN PHONEIX (Phoenix Crew Management), March 8 – Chairman Juan Ruiz Manaiza, Secretary Norman Jackson, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Latiffe Brooks. Ship arrived in port Monday. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was advised to check out union’s revamped website. As per contract, members aboard vessel should be paid room sanitation. AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) March 11 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Cynora Hunter, Educational Director Daniel Chisum-Coffey, Deck Delegate Mario Baja, Engine Delegate Marcus Brown. Chairman reviewed shipping rules and commended crew for job well done. Educational director reminded members to attend upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed new tonnage and Jones Act. Members expressed interests in increasing B-book tour to two years. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt May 2019 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Engineroom Resource Management June 29 BAPO May 25 June 21 July 20 August 16 June 22 June 28 FOWT June 22 July 19 August 17 September 19 Gap Closing Courses Leadership & Managerial Skills Engine Department Upgrading Courses July 5 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Junior Engineer June 22 August 16 Machinist June 29 July 19 Able Seafarer Deck June 22 July 19 Marine Electrician May 18 July 12 August 17 September 13 October 12 November 8 Marine Refer Tech July 13 August 23 AB to Mate Modules Modules must be taken in order. Those who MEECE June 1 June 14 are not in the mates program cannot apply for these courses. Contact the Admissions Pumpman July 20 July 26 Office for further details. ARPA May 25 May 31 September 28 October 4 Welding May 18 June 7 June 8 June 28 Steward Department Courses Bosun Recertification July 20 August 5 Advanced Galley Operations Crane Familiarization October 5 October 11 ECDIS June 1 June 7 Fast Rescue Boat June 1 June 7 July 20 July 26 August 17 August 23 GMDSS July 20 August 2 Lifeboat June 1 June 14 June 29 July 12 July 27 August 9 August 24 September 6 September 21 October 4 Radar Observer September 14 September 27 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office RFPNW May 25 June 21 July 20 August 16 September 14 October 11 November 9 December 6 100 Ton Master September 7 September 27 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers May 18 May 31 July 13 July 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. 20 Seafarers LOG June 22 July 19 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next class will start May 13. Chief Steward July 27 September 13 Galley Operations May 25 June 21 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 May 18 May 24 June 8 June 14 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 June 1 June 7 June 15 June 21 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training/Basic FF May 25 May 31 Basic Training Revalidation May 24 May 24 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 22 June 28 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 8 June 14 Government Vessels June 8 June 14 Medical Care Provider June 1 June 7 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL June 8 June 14 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG June 1 June 7 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, 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. 5/19 May 2019 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #846 – Graduated January 25 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Dominick Bach, Keegan Brown, Campbell Busbey, Evan Dize, Kevin Johnson Jr., Juwan Jones, Sophia Lewis, Paul Mena, Emir Omar Quinones Torres, Osmar Luis Ramos, Anthony Simpkins and Joseph Vaccarino. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Welding – Graduated November 16 (left in photo above): Isaac Nugen. Chris Raley, his instructor, is at right BAPO – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Clark Quimada Castrodes, Christian Fredrick, Helen Zenaida Martinez, Nicholas Sampson, Brian Wiley and Denard Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BAPO – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Dominique Archibald, Timothy Jones, Wayne Linnette IV, Marcus Lopez, Joshua Mann, Nelito Ronie Monteiro, Brandon Reed, Hyuk-Joong Kim Seeman, Harry Whitney IV and Kevin Willis. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Celestial Navigation – Graduated December 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Glenn Valera Agustin, Robert Bryson III, Shoal Nervo, Harry Schrefer III and Gavin Scott. Brian Moore, their instructor, is at the far left. UA to FOWT – Graduated November 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Alexander, Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez, Dion Cheeseborough, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, Christopher Hinton, Sherman Kennon Jr., Cody Klekar, Justin Krainis, Tommy McGahe, Dillon Nelson, Philip Pete, Tyler Summersill and Camonte Terrell. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated December 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Ritche Asumbrado Acuman, Secundino Abel Arzu, Steven Blair, Francis Brown, Roger Chrappa, Shardaysha Giles, Nassor Naeem James, Ty Lewis, Paul Newman, Bernardo Perez, Courtney Turner, Justin Enrique Valencia Rodriguez, Juan Jose Vallejo Hernandez, Oscar Jan Vencer, Raul Cabrera Ventanilla and Brian Wilder. May 2019 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Patrick Anderson Jr., Bradley Bagwell, Thomas Burch, James Douglas, Darren Elder, Mitchell Laskowsky, Christian Miguel Mercado Nunez, David Franz Pelczmann, Mykel Potter, Cole Vose and Seamus Woods. RFPNW – Graduated December 14: Eduardo Jaculan Jorge (above, left) and Javaris Wright. Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Elliot Duncan, Julio Gomez, Michael Gray, David Kelch, Mahare Kidane, Ann Mensch and Guiomar Rancel. Class instructor Mike Fay is third from the left. Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Arles Ballestero, Jeffrey Pacaldo Berame, Steven Blair, Rigoberto Boggeano Herrera, Randolph Cash Jr., Derrick Clark, Gregory Eady, Manolito Gener Garcia, Rene Fernando Guity, Nassor Naeem James, Dominique Johnson, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, James Martin Jr., Bashir Mohamed Nasser, Michael Papaioannou, Juan Jose Vallejo Hernandez, Oscar Jan Vencer and Edvaldo Cantao Viana. SUA (Galley Operations) – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Antonio Allamby, Nathan Brailsford, Daniel Cage, Jasmine Donahue, Paul Erickson Jr., Ronda Jackson, Gil Serrano and Lekesha Stevenson. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgrader) – Graduated December 7 (above) : Yolanda Williams. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting Upgraders) – Graduated November 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Jason Beckford, Matthew Brown, Carlos Omar Diaz-Torres, Robert Joyce, Ali Saleh Naser, Phillip Spencer Nichols, Erwin Renon, William Sulivan Jr., Clyde Sundberg and Denard Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated December 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Charles Atkins, Todd Curry, Jordan Harris and Algie Mayfield Jr. May 2019 �Paul Hall Center Classes Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated December 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Jatniel Cesar Aguilera Santiago, Jason Beckford, Reno Ibanez Duque, Gregory McNiel, Lonnie Myers Jr. and Ian Schluder. Galley Ops – Graduated December 14 (above): Phase III Apprentices Erjay Dimalanta Velasco (left) and Brian Kluth Jr. Certified Chief Cook Module 2 – Graduated November 16 (above): Gregory Watts (left) and Mohamed Ahmed Nour. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated November 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Gerald Archie, Toni Johnson, Frank Acoba Ramones, Dennis Skretta and Leanne Smith. Galley Ops – Graduated December 14 (above): Destany Howard (left) and Ama1do Paulito Estimada Angeles. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated December 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Banky III, Michael Carello, Leola Johnson and Esper Jordan. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated November 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Rene Fernando Guity, Johnnie McGill Jr., Erwin Renon and Juan Jose Vallejo Hernandez. May 2019 Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated December 14: Duane Washington. Seafarers LOG 23 �MAY 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 5 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O The photo at left shows the NOAA ship Gordon Gunter underway at sea. (Photo by Jennifer Gatzke) Aboard the vessel (photo above, from left) are Bosun Jerome Taylor, AB Angie Ullman, Fisherman Warren Brown, Junior Engineer Wynzavian Parker and Wiper Ty Ballance. With NOAA Crews in Mississippi Members of the SIU Government Services Division who sail aboard National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessels consistently meet the challenge of living up to the agency’s lofty goals. So said SIU Safety Director/Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain following recent visits to several NOAA vessels in their home port of Pascagoula, Mississippi. SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (based in Mobile, Alabama) also helped service the ships; the meetings included reviews of a new, five-year agreement covering the crews. According to the NOAA website, the agency, “enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep the public informed of the changing environment around them. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.” SIU NOAA crews do their part, said Spain, who cited three of the vessels serviced in Pascagoula. Mariners from the Oregon II (one of the vessels serviced in Pascagoula) assist in operations related to conducting varies fisheries, plankton and marine mammal surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Crews from the Gordon Gunter, operating in those same areas, help monitor the “health and abundance of fisheries resources and marine mam- mals,” according to the agency. And, NOAA crews also ably operate the Pisces, described by the agency as a “stateof-the-art, acoustically quiet fisheries survey vessel … built for a wide range of living marine resource surveys and ecosystem projects. The ship focuses primarily on U.S. waters from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and South Atlantic to North Carolina.” The Oregon II (photo above) is pictured at sunset (NOAA photo). Pictured aboard the vessel in photo balow are (back row, from left) SIU Safety Director/Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain, Skilled Fisherman Charles Godwin, AB John Kent, Junior Engineer James McDade, (front) Wiper O.C. Hill, Lead Fisherman Chris Nichols and Fisherman Christopher Rawley. Aboard the Pisces (standing, from left in photo above) are Fisherman Christopher Rowly, Second Cook Dana Reid, GVA Austin Patti, (seated) GVA Michael Fountain, Junior Engineer Travis Martin, Chief Bosun James Walker and Charles Knott. In photo below, the Pisces is shown dockside in Pascagoula, Mississippi. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2019 Description An account of the resource Headlines: LEGISLATORS PRONOUNCE BIPARTISAN BACKING OF JONES ACT TO PRESIDENT FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES RECORDS SUNSHINE STATE CELEBRATES JONES ACT MATSON TAKES DELIVERY OF KAIMANA HILA WORKMEN CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS ON JONES ACT CONTAINERSHIP IN TEXAS COAST GUARD COMMANDANT: 'THE JONES ACT IS IMPORTANT TO THE SECURITY OF THE NATION' ALLIES TESTIFY ON FUTURE OF MARITIME INDUSTRY REP. GARAMENDI, SEN. WICKER URGE SUPPORT OF AMERICAN MARITIME APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA BACKS JONES ACT, WWII MARINERS PAUL HALL CENTER APPRENTICE RECALLS OVAL OFFICE EXPERIENCE PEOPLE WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE INHERIT CONDITION FROM PARENTS MARINE SOCIETY HONORS SIU PRESIDENT SIU-BACKED FINAL RULE BOOSTS MARINER ACCESS AIRLINES DUB LUGGAGE WITH NON-REMOVABLE BATTERY A 'BIG NO-NO' NEW COURSE JOINS PINEY POINT LINEUP SIU CIVMARS SUPPORT PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2019 CULINARY 2.0 TRAINING STILL AVAILABLE AT PAUL HALL CENTER WITH NOAA CREWS IN MISSISSIPPI Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/1/2019 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 81, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d09afd736881f5a6ca4ab6c759a64d67.pdf 0555ee116f20062791828fa9cfbcb8ad PDF Text Text MAY 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O COVID-19 As the world grapples with the global spread of the COVID-19 virus, SIU members continue delivering vital cargoes and supporting American military personnel (generic image at immediate right). At press time, the only SIU-crewed vessels known to be out of service as a result of the pandemic were the cruise ship Pride of America and numerous NY Waterway passenger ferries. The hospital ships USNS Mercy (above, left) and USNS Comfort (above, right) have mobilized to provide relief by treating non-coronavirus patients in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. The civilian crews of the hospital ships include members of the SIU Government Services Division. The SIU has taken significant steps to help ensure members’ safety while also facilitating the flow of crucial commerce. Mariners have been declared essential workers by federal and state governments. Pages 2-4. (USNS Mercy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Adams; USNS Comfort photo by Bill Mesta. Maritime Strategy Issued Page 5 OSG Completes Purchase of Tankers Page 10 �President’s Report We’re Up to the Challenge As of this writing in early April, our country was bracing for what was expected to be a surge of confirmed coronavirus cases, despite nationwide efforts to limit their spread. You all know that the COVID-19 pandemic is tragic, complicated and unpredictable. It has upended what we recently considered “normal life” in so many ways. The loss of lives around the world has been devastating; the economic harm figures to be massive. There are two things above all else that I want SIU members and your families to know. First, every decision made by me and our other officials has been done first and foremost with your wellbeing in mind. We have been conducting weekly SIU video conferences (along with participating in what sometimes feels like a million conference calls with various agencies and operators). I open and close those SIU-specific Michael Sacco online meetings the same way: by telling everyone to keep safety at the absolute top of the list in every single action we take. The second main point is that we will indeed get through this together. Our organization has a rock-solid history of rising to the occasion, no matter the circumstances. Our members take a backseat to no one when it comes to serving as America’s fourth arm of defense. No one knows how long the pandemic will last, but better days lie ahead – and SIU-crewed vessels will help lead the way in the recovery. Meanwhile, please make sure you’re getting the latest union news from our website, from our text service if you’re so inclined, and definitely from the hiring halls, which are staffed as usual and reachable by phone and email even though they’re closed to walkins. As many of you know, we’re active on social media as well, so that’s another way to keep up with announcements. I know you’ll stick together, support each other, and keep up your wonderful professionalism aboard the ships. There’s a reason the U.S. Merchant Marine has been designated as an essential part of the workforce – and there is no doubt we’ll deliver. Jones Act Turns 100 On a much different note, next month marks the centennial for arguably the most important maritime law in U.S. history. The Jones Act always has been vital to America’s national, economic and homeland security. Without it, the American-flag fleet would be wiped out, as would the pool of U.S. citizen mariners who crew our commercial and military-support vessels. In turn, our country would face monumental security risks as foreign-flag vessels and boats and foreign crews had free reign on our rivers, waterways and coastlines. The Jones Act regularly comes under attack by foreign-flag interests and misguided free-traders who don’t give a damn about the U.S. Merchant Marine or America’s better interests. They conveniently overlook the bipartisan support enjoyed by the nation’s freight cabotage law, along with the top-level backing from our military leaders. And don’t expect the anti-Jones Act crowd to acknowledge the 653,000 American jobs supported by the law, or the fact that 91 nations around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. The Jones Act was exceptionally sound policy when it was enacted in June 1920. Today, it’s arguably more important than ever, and I’m proud to lead all of us in supporting it. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 5 May 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Maritime Labor Leaders Urge Congress: Protect Jones Act The heads of nine maritime-oriented labor organizations, including SIU President Michael Sacco, recently fired off a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Armed Services committees to preserve the nation’s freight cabotage law (the Jones Act) as they crafted legislation to help American workers and businesses caught in the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The letter arrived on Capitol Hill on March 19 as foreign-flag interests were scheming new ways to cripple the 100-year-old law that states cargo moved from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged vessels. As hotel, casino, restaurant, retail, transportation and manufacturing workers were being laid off, some were calling for financial assistance to the foreign-flag cruise ship industry, which pays little to no federal taxes. The letter reads: “As you may be aware, a number of groups and individuals are attempting to use the current coronavirus pandemic as a rationale to waive one or more of our nation’s maritime cabotage laws. We strongly oppose such efforts and ask your help to ensure that such harmful, unwarranted and unjustifiable waivers of the cabotage laws are not included in the various stimulus packages designed to help the American worker and American industries. “At a time when American workers and their families are facing economic hardship, the public health crisis should not be exploited to the benefit of foreignflagged industries that do not employ American workers, avoid paying U.S. taxes, pay substandard wages to their foreign employees and want to use these hard times to break into our nation’s vital industries,” the letter continued. “We oppose any efforts to waive the Jones Act that would undermine the wellbeing of American mariners and the domestic maritime workforce. When this crisis is over, irresponsibly weakening the fundamental laws governing the U.S. maritime industry would only contribute to the growing loss of American jobs to foreign interests. “We thank you for your consistent support for the American maritime worker and appreciate your efforts to protect American maritime jobs,” the letter concludes. It was signed by Sacco; MEBA President Marshall Ainley; SUP President Dave Connolly; AMO President Paul Doell; Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan; MM&P President Don Marcus; MFOW President Anthony Poplawski; IBU of the Pacific President Marina Secchitano; and Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis. Jones Act Support Evident in Hearing The leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration and a U.S. congressman both expressed strong backing for America’s freight cabotage law during a March 11 hearing on Capitol Hill. Their respective comments were made as the House Armed Services Subcommittees on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces conducted a joint hearing on Sealift and Mobility Requirements and the National Defense Strategy. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, stated, “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act. For a century the Jones Act has helped promote a robust domestic maritime industry while preserving our nation’s security. We are a maritime nation and the Jones Act is one of the foundation pillars of a strong maritime policy now and in the future.” Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby said, “We also remain committed to our domestic Jones Act fleet. Jones Act requirements support U.S. shipyards and repair facilities, sustained supply chains that produce and repair American-built ships and the employment of U.S. citizen mariners. It is the indispensable foundation of the U.S. maritime industry and our economic and national security.” The Jones Act, which supports approximately 650,000 American jobs, requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Approximately 90 nations around the world maintain some form of cabotage law. News Article Further Exposes Pitfalls of Runaway-Flags A story posted by Politico on March 11 focused on how the United States could not effectively deal with the recent coronavirus health scares aboard foreignflag cruise ships, even though a great many Americans were passengers. “The cruise industry disproportionately counts Americans as customers but operates primarily in international waters and avoids tough scrutiny by registering ships mostly in small Caribbean countries with little incentive to enforce international treaties,” wrote Tanya Snyder in an article titled “Coronavirus on the High Seas: Why the U.S. Can’t Touch Cruise Lines.” “That has led to a hodgepodge of loosely enforced standards, which regulators in the U.S. won’t be able to change quickly,” the story added. The article identifies the cruise lines sailing under so-called “flags of convenience,” a system the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has fought against for decades. (The SIU is affiliated with the London-based ITF, which is composed of more than 650 transportation-related unions from 150 countries.) The flag-of-convenience (FOC) system, also known as runaway flags, allows vessel owners from one nation to register their ships in a different country that features lower standards for worker qualifications, safety, pay and taxes, and hire crews from still other nations. (Like the ITF, the SIU also has fought against FOCs for many years.) “In essence, cruise ships are a regulatory black hole,” Snyder wrote. The Politico story listed several attempts by members of the Congress to upgrade the United States’ ability to better enforce health and safety policies on cruise ships with American passengers. These attempts have failed. More recently, international media focused on pas- sengers on several cruise ships being stranded aboard their vessels because the coronavirus was detected among both the crew and tourists. Once a ship docks, according to Politico, a country can apply some jurisdiction. “A Japanese infectious diseases expert was allowed onto the Diamond Princess, where more than 600 passengers were infected with the coronavirus, released a video on YouTube blasting the ‘chaotic’ process to try to control the spread of the disease on board the ship, conducted by people with no background in infection control,” Snyder wrote. Cruise lines have been among the hardest hit during the recent stock market downturn, which led to talk about a possible bailout for the industry, much of which is based in Florida. When Politico reached out to the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), regarding such a proposal, he replied, “They aren’t American. They don’t pay taxes in the United States of America. If they want to reflag their ships … and pay U.S. wages and pay U.S. taxes, then maybe.” FOC cruise lines did not receive money in the relief bill that was enacted in late March. Meanwhile, the ITF over the years has brought thousands of FOC cargo ships under ITF contract while striving to promote a genuine link between flag states and vessels. As pointed out by the ITF, for workers, runaway-flag shipping can mean “very low wages, poor on-board conditions, inadequate food and clean drinking water, and long periods of work without proper rest, leading to stress and fatigue.” The federation further notes that by “flagging out, shipowners can take advantage of minimal regulation, cheap registration fees, low or no taxes, and freedom to employ cheap labor from the global labor market.” May 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC SIU Members Deliver Despite Pandemic Deemed “essential workers” by the federal government, SIU members remained on the job as the world continued grappling with a devastating pandemic. By early April, the coronavirus outbreak had sickened hundreds of thousands around the world, killed tens of thousands, and severely damaged the global economy. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said the COVID-19 pandemic signaled a challenge unseen since World War II. “It is a combination, on one hand, of a disease that represents a threat to everybody in the world and, second, because it has an economic impact that will bring a recession that probably has no parallel in the recent past,” he said. “This is, indeed, the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War.” For the SIU, the pandemic has led to unprecedented steps aimed at protecting individual safety while still facilitating the flow of essential commerce along with military support. In late March, the union announced that its hiring halls were closed to nonemployees until further notice, although members can still conduct their union business by phone, email and fax. The SIU also publicized an agreement with many of its contracted companies that included temporary restrictions to ship, suspension of crew reliefs, and detailed protocols for combatting the virus. At press time, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan was finalizing modifications to various benefits in order to help members and their dependents. The union-affiliated Paul Hall Cen- Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly has his temperature read as part of a COVID-19 screening prior to a tour of the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Mercy in Los Angeles on March 31. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Natalie M. Byers) ter for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland, also had taken exceptional steps to protect apprentices, upgraders and employ- How to Obtain The Latest Union And Industry Info The SIU is promptly posting and otherwise circulating union- and industry-specific updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways members can stay informed: Visit the SIU home page: www.seafarers.org. The page includes a prominent section dedicated to COVID-19 news. Sign up for SIU text alerts. We use them sparingly, and anyone can opt out. To sign up, text the word “join” (without the quotation marks, and it’s not case-sensitive) to 97779. Stay in touch with your hiring hall. As reported elsewhere, the halls are closed to non-employees, but are still staffed by union officials and office workers. Call them or email them. For those on social media, check the SIU Facebook page (@SeafarersInternational). Our social-media sites also are linked on the home page of the SIU website. We’re also active on Twitter but generally don’t use that medium for time-sensitive communications to the membership. The SIU home page includes a section dedicated to updates about the pandemic. May 2020 ees. The school in mid-March cancelled or postponed all upcoming classes. However, the PHC also continued to conduct courses already underway, while giving students the option to drop the class and leave, without penalty. At press time, only around a dozen upgraders were at the school, along with around 50 apprentices. Many steps were being taken to keep classrooms, offices and other parts of the campus sanitized while observing “social distancing,” a term that has come to dominate modern dialogue. SIU headquarters cut back to a skeleton crew and was closed to visitors. Employees continued processing claims, pension checks and vacation applications. (Those Seafarers and retirees not already signed up for direct deposit were encouraged to enroll.) The membership assistance department and others also remained open, with reduced staff on hand and others teleworking. Incredibly, as of March 31, the only members who’d been formally diagnosed with the coronavirus were aboard the cruise ship Pride of America. A very small number of positive cases were being addressed aboard the vessel. According to regular communications between the union, company and crew members, morale remained good, and all concerned were handling the situation well. Similarly, rank-and-file reaction to the extraordinary circumstances largely seemed relatively upbeat and determined, notwithstanding questions about possible extra pay, restriction to ship, and crew changes. Seafarers on social media regularly encouraged each other, whether they were working or stuck at home because of various government orders. Members expressed a desire to rise to the occasion, stick together and get through the pandemic, and they clearly maintained a sense of humor despite the challenging circumstances. Recertified Steward Karl Meyer wrote, “Sitting on the hook off Tianjin, China, moving boxes. Commerce does not stop, nor do we.” Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau posted, “I’m on the beach, but being safe and prepared to relieve my shipmates when needed.” Chief Steward Jorcell Davis encouraged his fellow Seafarers with this popular post: “Steward depart, this is your time to do what you do best. People’s spirits are down and all they have to look forward to is three hot meals and a paycheck…. Put your foot on the gas and go above and beyond. We control the morale on the ships…. Bon voyage, stay safe out there.” While most SIU-crewed vessels (deep sea, Great Lakes and inland) remained in operation, there were at least two notable exceptions. One is the aforementioned Pride of America. The other, collectively, is the passenger ferries owned and operated by NY Waterway. Most of NY Waterway’s customers are daily commuters. With New York at the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., the company quickly went from having 180 captains and deckhands working aboard dozens of boats to only around a dozen mariners and two or three ferries. By contrast, the SIU-crewed hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort seemed to give the nation a boost when they were mobilized in late March. President Trump travelled to Norfolk, Virginia, to help see off the Comfort as it left for New York; Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly visited the Mercy in Los Angeles. Those vessels’ respective crews include members of the SIU Government Services Division; the Masters, Mates and Pilots; and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. The hospital ships were deployed to help relieve overcrowding at hospitals by taking on non-coronavirus patients. “This great ship behind me is a 70,000ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York, a place I know very well, a place I love,” Trump said, standing in front of the gleaming Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 3 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC SIU President Sends Message to Membership Editor’s note: This communication was posted to the SIU website on March 23, and also was sent to a number of SIU President Michael Sacco vessels, federal agencies, and ship-operating companies. Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and patience as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Through your sacrifices and service, you are writing a significant chapter in SIU history. While the worst part of the pandemic is, obviously, loss of life, I think the other greatest difficulty is not having many answers. People historically are very resilient when they understand the challenge. In this case, no one knows exactly what the “all clear” will look like or when it’ll happen, or even the best way to get there. But in the meantime, I cannot overemphasize this point: Every decision and every action the SIU takes is being done with your safety and health in mind. The health of you and your loved ones is my top priority. The same goes for our officials and employees. That is why, for instance, we not only didn’t object to temporarily stopping routine crew changes and implementing restriction to ship, we supported it. The inconveniences are a sacrifice that must be made in order to maximize your safety. In many ways, this is the shipboard version of helping “flatten curve” (slowing the virus’ spread). At the same time, and as you well know, our country depends on us. The U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to the nation’s national, economic and homeland security. That’s why it’s so important for you to keep up the good work and guard your health. At some point, we also undoubtedly will be at the tip of the spear of the country’s economic recovery. And, at all times, we still must be able to crew up ships if there’s an activation. The union is in virtually constant contact with our ship operators and the leaders at the Maritime Administration, TRANSCOM, and MSC. We’re all pulling together and will continue doing so. I’m sure you’re aware of some of the measures that have been implemented by those agencies, including travel, shore-leave and turnover restrictions. Like us, they’re taking extraordinary measures because these are extraordinary times. In that spirit, I well remember how SIU members realized that times had changed during the Middle East wars – and how you responded in outstanding fashion. I know you’ll do the same now. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates, and you can also stay in touch with your hiring hall. I also recommend periodically checking the National Maritime Center website – we’re re-posting their announcements (for example, the recent one about credential extensions), but of course the information will land there first. I also offer a special word of thanks to our members aboard the hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort – and indeed, to all of our CIVMARS throughout the fleet. Thank you for stepping up during this time of need. Last but definitely not least, I am sensitive to your concerns about your families as you make work-related sacrifices. This goes back to my main point: Every step the union takes is being done in order to maximize the chances of everyone reuniting in good health. Thank you for upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. In Solidarity, Michael Sacco President President Trump Signs $2.2 Trillion U.S. Stimulus Package into Law March 29 President Donald Trump on March 29 signed into law a massive $2.2 trillion stimulus package in an attempt to alleviate the worst effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the American public and the U.S. economy. According to several sources, the farreaching legislation stands as the largest emergency aid package in U.S. history. It represents an enormous financial injection into a struggling economy with provisions aimed at helping American workers, small businesses and industries grappling with the economic disruption. A centerpiece of the stimulus package is that it will provide direct financial assistance to Americans in the form of checks, with the amount received based on income. Individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less will get one-time direct payments of $1,200 each, with married couples earning up to $150,000 receiving $2,400 – and an additional $500 per child. The payment will scale down by income, phasing out entirely at $99,000 for singles and $198,000 for couples without children. It also gives money to directly to state governments, and bolsters the unemployment benefits program. Under the law, jobless benefits will be extended to those not normally covered, such as freelancers and workers in the gig economy. In addition, the package will provide billions of dollars in aid to hard-hit hospitals struggling to deal with the outbreak as well for state and local governments that are cash-strapped due to their response to coronavirus. The new law will also provide distressed businesses and industries with hundreds of billions of dollars – $500 billion to be exact – in zero-interest loans, tax breaks, and other emergency aid. That portion of the package sparked criticism from progressive 4 Seafarers LOG lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez (D-New York), who attacked it on the House floor as a corporate bailout. “We have to go into this vote eyes wide open. What did the Senate majority fight for,” she said. “One of the largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful! The greed of that fight is wrong for crumbs for our families. And the option that we have is to either let them suffer with nothing or to allow this greed and billions of dollars, which will be leveraged into trillions of dollars, to contribute to the largest income inequality gap in our future.” In a compromise move, the final deal provided for accountability through an independent Inspector General and congressional oversight panel regarding how these funds are dispersed. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, appearing on Fox Business, had a mixed reaction. “The (Senate) bill makes many important investments” but “it falls short in protecting frontline workers and does nothing to preserve America’s pensions,” he said. Service Employees President Mary Kay Henry agreed, calling the measure “a good first step to address the economic and health problems faced by working people of all races and ethnicities.” But it’s “no substitute” for coordinated administration action. “We still need to do more,” she said. “Congress should immediately begin work on a new bill that ensures every working American has paid sick days, everyone can get coronavirus testing and treatment free of charge, no matter their immigration status, and working people continue to come before corporations. In particular, continuing to bar Dreamers, TPS-holders, and undocumented families from access to testing and medical services will have devastating public health consequences.” In New York, Lt. Cmdr. Nevin Yazici demonstrates how to properly fit an N95 respiratory protective device aboard the Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort as the vessel prepares to admit patients March 31 in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sara Eshleman) Seafarers Continue to Perform Vital Mission Even With Worldwide Plague Continued from Page 3 white hull of the Comfort. “We’re here for you. We are fighting for you and we are with you all the way and we always will be. You have the unwavering support of the entire nation.” “I would like to personally thank the men and women embarked aboard Mercy,” said Modly. “I’m proud of the hard work and agility they demonstrated to get the Mercy to Los Angeles (from San Diego) and begin accepting patients almost immediately. “The white hull and red cross of this ship have been a welcome sight around the world, standing at the forefront of our humanitarian mission,” he continued. “And now this great ship is serving our own people in this time of need, providing critical surge hospital capacity to the people of Los Angeles. This is just one of the many ways the Department of the Navy is responding to protect the American people in this time of need.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center posted a series of updates about credentialing and customer service. All 17 of the agency’s regional examination centers and three monitoring units are closed to the public until further notice. Various extensions have been given for merchant mariner credentials, medical certificates and STCW endorsements. Drug-testing protocols also have been modified. May 2020 �DOT Releases National Maritime Strategy Report Spells Out Vital Need for Strong U.S. Merchant Marine America’s long-awaited national maritime strategy is here – and it supports taking aggressive steps to ensure the ongoing viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The Department of Transportation earlier this year issued the strategic document in the form of a report to Congress titled, “Goals and Objectives for a Stronger Maritime Nation.” As noted on its cover page, the report was developed by the DOT and its Maritime Administration “with interagency engagement through the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System.” Among other declarations and recommendations, the report expresses powerful backing of the Jones Act, the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), and cargo preference laws. It calls for boosting domestic shipbuilding, repeatedly cites the critical value of merchant mariners, and categorically states the need to recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Mandated by legislation from 2014, the report establishes four “strategic goals” with 39 “objectives” therein. The goals are to “strengthen U.S. Maritime Capabilities Essential to National Security and Economic Prosperity; Ensure the Availability of a U.S. Maritime Workforce that Will Support the Sea lift Resource Needs of the National Security Strategy; Support Enhancement of U.S. Port Infrastructure and Performance; and, Enable Maritime Industry Innovation in Information, Automation, Safety, Environmental Impact and Other Areas.” The DOT has committed to the following steps within one year: prioritize the 39 objectives for near, medium and long-term capability; develop an implementation plan for the near-term objectives; consider a timeline for addressing the medium and long-term objectives; and, review and report on regulations that impact the competitiveness of the U.S.-flag fleet. As noted in the report’s introduction, America’s military sealift capability al- Plans Administrator Issues Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan Notice As you may be aware, the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan’s (SMPPP) last valuation date was December 31, 2019. Since that date, the world has been experiencing a pandemic arising from the spread of COVID-19. A state of national emergency has been declared in the U.S. As a result of the health scare, the financial markets have experienced substantial loses. Unfortunately, the value of your defined contribution account between the valuation date and the disbursement date has been affected. Under federal law, the Plan’s Board of Trustees are required to act in the best interest of all Plan participants. This includes those who are now eligible for distributions from the SMPPP and all the other remaining participants in the Plan. Large withdrawals by few participants could have an unintended detrimental impact on the remaining participants. The Plan must balance the interest of those remaining participants with those who are currently withdrawing their benefits. In order to mitigate the potential size of the losses to the remaining participants, the Trustees have decided to temporarily withhold 20% from all current benefit payments. The Trustees will review this action in the future with the hope that the immediate financial crisis will be resolved, allowing the Plan to remit the balance in the future. Of course, this does not impact the mandatory 20% federal tax withholding that will also be deducted. I hope that you and your family will remain in good health throughout this emergency. – Margaret Bowen, Seafarers Plans Administrator ways has depended on private-sector crews and vessels. “Privately owned U.S.-flag ships in the international trades, the U.S. mariners they employ, and the U.S. shipyards and port facilities that support and sustain the ships’ operation and maintenance have long been relied upon as primary resources to serve as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency,” the report asserts. “These ships, mariners, and facilities have been integral and essential to the defense of our Nation.” In that vein, the report later states, “Maritime readiness supports national security and a more resilient economy. DOT strongly supports DOD and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in their missions to protect our citizens and national interests in times of crisis and natural disaster.” Instructively, the agency cites the historic reliability of U.S. mariners – but warns against any further erosion of the shipboard manpower pool. “The United States maintains a workforce of highly qualified maritime professionals, reflecting a strong tradition of maritime education and training,” DOT says. “As large U.S. flag commercial vessels have left the fleet and international credentialing and certification requirements have become more stringent and costly, it is possible that the size of the mariner workforce will decline. Any further decline of the mariner workforce increases the risk of not having a sufficient number of mariners with appropriate experience and credentials to support sustained operations of more than six months by the full U.S. Government surge sealift fleet, U.S. Government non-surge fleet, and U.S.-flag commercial fleet during a wartime emergency.” Later, the report spells out the aforementioned four goals and underlying objectives. That section includes: Goal 1: Strengthen U.S. Maritime Capabilities Essential to National Security and Economic Prosperity Objectives for Goal 1: 1.1 Leverage U.S. maritime policies to advance U.S. commercial interests in the global economy. 1.2 Increase the use of U.S.-flagged vessels in domestic energy transportation and international energy markets. 1.3 Develop and expand marine highway service options and facilitate their further integration into the current U.S. surface transportation system through the America’s Marine Highway Program, especially where water-based transport is the most efficient, effective and sustainable option. 1.4 Adapt organizational structures and related authorities, roles, and responsibilities to ensure the sustained ability to monitor the global performance of the U.S.-flagged fleet and the third-party organizations that perform delegated inspection and certification functions on the U.S. Government’s behalf. 1.5 Ensure effective use of third parties for inspection and certification by strengthening third-party oversight, auditing, and integrated risk management. 1.6 Address the challenges of the Arctic’s rapidly changing environment to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. marine transportation system. 1.7 Recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) with modern vessels as ships reach the end of their usable lives. 1.8 Improve the capability of U.S.-flag international trading vessels to better align with DOD and DOT sealift requirements through a combination of MSP funding, MSC chartering, enforcement of preference cargo requirements, regulatory reform and policy, and incentives to reduce vessel operating costs. 1.9 Examine new ways to support shipbuilding and repair facilities, and increase U.S. coastwise trade for eligible U.S.-flag vessels. 1.10 Enhance the U.S. shipyard base by fostering support for shipyard modernization and innovation, and promoting use of the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) and Construction Reserve Fund (CRF) programs. Continued on Page 11 SIU Regional VP Sends Message to American Steamship Crews Editor’s note: This communication was posted on the SIU website in early March. Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: On March 6, GATX Corporation formally notified the union that its subsidiary American Steamship Company (ASC) plans to operate all 11 vessels this season. This is what we anticipated, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that we received written confirmation. Further, and as many of you know, GATX is in the process of selling ASC to Rand Logistics, Inc. The transaction is not a certainty and may take many months to finalize, partly because it’s subject to review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. In any case, the sale will not affect your union contract, which remains in effect until June 15, 2020. The SIU will work with the new owners to secure a subsequent contract and to protect your jobs. In the meantime, please keep up the great work throughout this sailing season. Your continued professionalism will help everyone involved. Fraternally, Tom Orzechowski SIU VP Great Lakes and Inland Waters May 2020 SIU jobs are secure aboard American Steamship Co. vessels including the Walter J. McCarthy Jr., pictured in Superior, Wisconsin. Seafarers LOG 5 �PITCHING IN FOR COMMON GOOD – Prior to the temporary closures of the hiring halls, Jacksonville, Florida-area Seafarers help keep that facility sanitized. In addition to the work of the nighttime cleaning crew, Port Agent Ashley Nelson and staff “wiped down” the hall at least once per day. As usual, SIU members stepped up to help. Among those lending a hand were QMED Steve Wilson (above, left) and Bosun Robert Bryson (above, center). Also pitching in (photo at right, from left) were QMED Lawrence Brooks, AB John Paul and AB Mehdi Youssef. These photos were taken in mid-March. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) and SIU Representative Jesse Ruth (standing) meet with SIU Government Services Division members in late February at the CSU West Coast. WELCOME ASHORE IN BALTIMORE – Recertified Bosun Brian Fountain (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall, where he is congratulated by Port Agent John Hoskins. AT THE JACKSONVILLE HALL – Taking the union oath during the March membership meeting (from left) are QMED Antonio Griffin, OS Darryl Brown and QMED Justin D’Angelo. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. Brother Griffin received his A-seniority book; the other two Seafarers are B-seniority members who received their full books. ABOARD CROWLEY TUG – Cook/AB Marilyn Olson is pictured aboard the Ocean Wave in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 6 Seafarers LOG WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS – From left, Reefer Engineer Frank Buckman, OS Carlene Mitchell, OS Christian Howe and AB Eric Gardner are pictured aboard the Joshua Humphreys in Norfolk, Virginia, shortly after joining the SIU Government Services Division. May 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC – GUDE Husam Yahya (left in photo at left) receives his B-book from Port Agent Todd Brdak. In photo at center, ACU Ahmed Said (left) gets his A-book from Safety Director Gerret Jarman. (Said was scheduled to upgrade to chief cook.) In remaining photo at right, GUDE Abdulhamid Salem (left) receives his probationary B-book, while AB Abdo Alasaadi (right) picks up his A-book. They are pictured with Jarman. ABOARD OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES – Pictured March 1 aboard the OSG vessel in Richmond, California, are (photo at left, back row, from left) SA Jessie Espiritu, ABG Mohammed Haruna, GUDE Ahmed Saleh, AB Joseph Nicodemus, GUDE Salah Alosfur, (front) Chief Cook Keith Hall, Steward/Baker Johnny Sawyer, Recertified Bosun Teodulfo Alanano and SIU Oakland Port Agent Nick Marrone II AT THE HOUSTON HALL – AB Regina Ewing already was taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously when she stopped by the hall in mid-March. ABOARD SUNSHINE STATE – Pictured on the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are (from left) Recertified Bosun Marc Marcus, ABM Daniel Harris, ABM Randy Shaw and Third Mate Julian Martinez. The masks were for routine work-related reasons, not COVID-19. May 2020 EMPHASIZING SAFETY – Labor and management always team up at Watco to promote safe operations. Pictured at the company’s marine transfer station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, are (standing, from left) Watco supervisor Andrew Jones, Seafarers Scott Howe, Scott C. Smith, Scott Smith, Thomas Napoli and Watco manager Chris Jackson, and (front, from left) Seafarers Stephen Krupp, Michael Mazzone and Corey Hornig. Seafarers LOG 7 �Several World War II mariners (front row, in dark jackets) were honored at last year’s National Maritime Day ceremony in Washington, D.C. They and their comrades now are eligible for a Congressional Gold Medal. The photo above, taken right after the ceremony, also includes Paul Hall Center apprentices, featured speakers, SIU officials and others. Among those pictured are (back row, from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Port Agent Victor Nunez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, President Michael Sacco, Gen. Stephen Lyons (USA, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. New Law Honors WWII Mariners with Gold Medal The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II recently received some long-overdue recognition. President Donald Trump on March 13 signed into law the Merchant Mariners Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020. The legislation previously passed the House and Senate without objection. The measure provides for the award of a Congressional gold medal collectively, to the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. In an opinion piece published March 14 in the New York Post, Dr. Peter Navarro, assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, wrote, “Let this Congressional Gold Medal not only celebrate some of the most unsung heroes of World War II; let it also reawaken our interest in promoting U.S.flagged ships and credentialed merchant seamen and strengthening our shipyards and broader defense industrial base. Such a result would be a truly lasting tribute to those World War II merchant mariners who defended freedom then and a broad salute to our future merchant mariners who will defend us in the tomorrows to come.” As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the legislation leading to the act becoming law originally was co-sponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-California), Don Young (R-Alaska) and Susan W. Brooks (R-Indiana) and in the Senate by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Angus King, Jr. (I-Maine), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). The medal will be displayed in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Duplicates then will be struck and made available to the public. The SIU and the Transportation Institute, alongside a number of other backers, took lead roles in obtaining co-sponsors for both the House and Senate bills. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service during World War II. “Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the U.S. Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country,” said Garamendi. “The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered the highest per-capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988.” He added, “I had the opportunity to meet with three World War II Merchant Mariners in my office. These mariners put their lives on the line for this country, braving German and Japanese submarines in their Liberty ships as they delivered critical supplies to our service members in the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, their sacrifice is commonly overlooked. A Congressional Gold Medal would give them the recognition they deserve, and I’m pleased that this bill is poised to be signed into law to give these veterans and their families the honor and respect they are SIU Headquarters Gets State-Ordered Change of Address dress despite not having physically relocated their headquarters operations. As of April 22, and because of Maryland State Government-ordered action, the street name changed from Auth Way to Capital Gateway Drive. The numerical portion of the address, as well as all phone and fax numbers for the building, remain unchanged. The new address thus became: As previously announced in the Seafarers LOG, the union and the Seafarers Plans now have a new ad- 8 Seafarers LOG owed. Thank you to Senator Murkowski for championing this legislation in the Senate and for her partnership.” “Despite their loyalty and patriotic services and commitment to the United States, our World War II Merchant Mariners didn’t receive their veteran status until nearly 40 years after the war had ended,” Murkowski said. “The merchant mariners provided crucial services during World War II by transporting soldiers, tanks, airplanes, ammunition, fuel and food to aid soldiers on the front lines. This legislation recognizes the unsung heroes of the World War II conflict, for their loyalty and bravery, as they risked their lives to keep the Allied troops properly equipped. I’m thankful my Senate colleagues recognize the importance of honoring the brave merchant mariners for their pivotal role in our nation’s history and their efforts in defense of freedom.” There are approximately 4,000 World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners alive today, according to Murkowski’s office. AMMV Provides Answers To Growing List of ‘FAQs’ About Mariners’ Decoration Editor’s note: The American Merchant Marine Veterans organization developed the following list of frequently asked questions, which answers inquiries about the process for distribution of the recently approved Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Merchant Mariners. It was provided for publication by the American Maritime Partnership. Q: What does “collective medal” mean? A: It means that one Gold Medal will be presented collectively to the entire group of WWII U.S. Merchant Mariners (USMM) who are entitled to receive it. This medal will be housed in the Ameri5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. As members and most other stakeholders are aware, the old address, (since 1982, when the SIU relocated from New York) was 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. The union nor Seafarers Plans sought this address change. In fact, both petitioned responsible officials against it, but can Merchant Marine Museum in Kings Point, New York. The U.S. Mint and the American Merchant Marine Veterans organization (AMMV) will work together to design the final medal. Generally, the medal design process takes about 6-8 months. Q: Who is eligible to receive the Congressional Gold Medal? A: Any Merchant Marine Veteran who served Honorably at any time from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946. This includes all American merchant mariners in oceangoing service Continued on next page to no avail. Other organizations along the same street in Prince George’s County also are being forced to comply with the alteration. The street itself already had been named Capital Gateway Drive beyond the Seafarers building, which is next to a subway station. Mailings from headquarters are being sent to SIU pensioners and other interested parties, alerting them of this change. May 2020 �Labor Mourns Passing Of BCTGM President Durkee Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International President David B. Durkee passed away March 30 following an extended battle with cancer. He was 66 years old. Durkee was a 47-year member of the union, having started his career in his native Indiana. In announcing his passing, the union’s website stated, “There was no fight he wouldn’t lead, no adversary he wouldn’t confront, if the best interests of the BCTGM were at risk.” Durkee received the Paul Hall Award last year from the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York/New Jersey. He was a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council and had served on the Maritime Trades Department executive board prior to his becoming BCTGM president. “David Durkee always stood up for his members,” recalled MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a quiet, effective leader and will be greatly missed.” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, “The entire labor movement is saddened by the death of Dave Durkee. We have lost a brother, a friend and a fierce defender of working families. Dave spent his life fighting for workers’ rights and advocating for a fair and just society. His dedication to our movement and our country leaves a lasting legacy…. It is a sad day for those of us who had the privilege of knowing Dave. We mourn his passing and will continue to fight like hell for the values he held dear.” United Mine Workers of America International President Cecil E. Roberts stated, “David Durkee was one of my heroes in the labor movement. He fought like a lion on behalf of his members, unafraid to take on giant international corporations with courage, conviction and determination to preserve their jobs, their pensions and their communities. His ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions was an inspira- David Durkee (right) is pictured last year with MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan. tion not just to me, but to all who worked with him.” The BCTGM further described Durkee as “an amazing and sometimes radical union activist but also an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. A devoted family man, he always said the fight was about more than the gains we could win FAQ: Merchant Mariners Of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 for present union members; the fight was to make a better world for his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.” When he was honored by the port council, Durkee said the late Paul Hall (who served as SIU and MTD President from 1957 to 1980) stood for “strong and principled leadership … creativity, innovation and breaking new indicated, individual veterans desiring a medal may purchase them at a cost of about $54; family members of deceased mariners can purchase the CGM in their honor for the same price. Costs associated with the purchase of the bronze replica are beyond the scope of the government’s responsibility; however, a funding site possibly will be set up for donations so that each veteran will receive their medals free of cost. Continued from Page 8 during the period of armed conflict, December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945, and who meet the following prerequisites: „�Was employed by the War Shipping Administration or Office of Defense Transportation (or their agents) as a merchant seaman documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or the Department of Commerce (Merchant Mariner’s Document/Certificate of Service), or as a civil servant employed by the U.S. Army Transport Service (later redesignated U.S. Army Transportation Corps, Water Division) or the Naval Transportation Service, and „�Served satisfactorily as a crew member during the period of armed conflict (December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945) aboard merchant vessels in oceangoing—foreign, intercoastal, or coastwise—service (per 46 U.S.C. §§10301 and 10501) and further to include near foreign voyages between the United States and Canada, Mexico, or the West Indies via ocean routes, or public vessels in oceangoing service or foreign waters. Q: Will each eligible veteran receive a Congressional Gold Medal? A: No. Only one Congressional Gold Medal will be minted and housed at the Kings Point Merchant Marine Museum. Individual veterans desiring a medal must each apply for and purchase replica bronze medals at a cost of about $54 each. Family members of deceased mariners will be allowed to purchase a replica bronze medal on behalf of their family member. Q: Are veterans expected to pay for the bronze replica of the CGM? A: Yes. In accordance with the law, bronze replicas of the U.S. Merchant Marine CGM will be available for sale by mid-2021. These replicas and other CGMs are also available as the law allows for purchase via the U.S. Mint’s online catalog. As was previously May 2020 Q: Are families of deceased veterans eligible to receive a bronze replica of the CGM? A: Yes, the closest surviving relative of a deceased veteran may receive a bronze duplicate of the CGM on behalf of the veteran. It is the deceased veteran, however, (not the next of kin) who is the awardee of the CGM under Public Law 115-337 Q: How and when do I apply for this bronze replica? A: Currently, there is no time frame for when the application process or the medals will be complete. Usually, a veterans’ group, along with the government, will establish and implement a registration process. No such process exists yet. The AMMV will publish updated information on its website as it becomes available. Historically, individuals and groups approved for medals have received them approximately 8-10 months after earning them. As examples, the Filipino Scouts WWII were approved for the medal in December 2016 and were awarded their medals in October of 2017. The Chinese American WWII Veterans were approved for their medals in December 2018. They were slated to accept their medals in the fall of 2019; however, the ceremony has been changed to the Spring of 2020 (now cancelled) in Washington, D.C. Medal awards are normally a threeday program hosted by the government and include tours, dinners and ceremonies. Q: What if I cannot go to D.C. for the ceremony? A: To ensure that all veterans receive their medals, the plan is for several regional ceremonies to be conducted across the country. At this point, 12 regional ceremonies (covering almost every section of the nation) are in the works. Details will be made available as soon as possible. Q: What kind of information is required to qualify for the CGM? ground to improve the lives and standard of living of his members and their families … unflinching courage … an unyielding commitment to the highest values and standards of trade unionism. He was about labor solidarity and always being there for fellow union members and he never forgot where he came from.” A: The veteran’s military service can be verified by the following documentation: „�Submission of Honorable Discharge or Separation Papers (DD-214) „� Other forms of verification can be used, but these will not be made public until they are received from Congress. All documents must be scanned and uploaded. Veterans/family members should not mail in anything or send any original documents. Those who do not own or have access to scanners should visit any of the following sources to scan documents (once it is safe): university or college library; public library; retail outlets such as Kinko’s/FedEx, UPS Stores, Office Depot or Office Max; and neighbors or family members. Q: How do I get my relative’s DD-214? A: Three options are available through which family members may obtain their relatives’ DD-214: Option 1 – The easiest way is to contact your congressman. For those who don’t know who their congressperson is, visit www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative. Congressmen have access to all records and can get them more easily. Normally, congressmen are very accommodating in this regard. They may present medals directly to veterans or family members. Should this be the case, it’s a great idea to take photos or invite local media to attend the ceremony. Option 2 – For those who do not wish to go through their congressperson, DD-214s may be obtained through the mail. For those choosing this option, visit www.usmm.org/contact.htm1#contact2. This site contains all information required to obtain the needed form. Option 3 – Go to the U.S. Coast Guard website at www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/AssistantCommandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/National-Maritime-Center-NMC/record_request. This site contains a wealth information on mariner records and how to obtain them. Q: Where can I direct additional questions? A: Contact the AMMV’s national headquarters: P.O. Box 2024 Darien, CT 06820-2024 Phone: (475) 470-9200 Email: ammermarvets@gmail.com Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU President Issues Pre-Balloting Report May 4, 2020 Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting my Pre-Balloting Report. As everyone is aware, the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the adoption of procedural changes by most organizations and businesses around the world. The SIU Executive Board, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the membership and staff, has suspended inperson membership meetings until it is deemed safe to resume them. My pre-balloting report, by constitution and practice, is generally read at the regular May membership meetings; however, at this time it appears unlikely that we will be able to hold in-person meetings in May. We will endeavor to get the information contained in my report to the membership by all means reasonably possible. The following is my report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2021-2024 will commence on November 1, 2020 and continue through December 31, 2020. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective March 15, 2013, and such other voting procedures as our Secretary-Treasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the ever-changing demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2020 General Election of Officers for the term 2021–2024: „ 1 President „ 1 Executive Vice President „ 1 Secretary-Treasurer „ 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement „ 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast „ 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast „ 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast „ 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters „ 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters „ 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries „ 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) Port Agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney Point. In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2020 and close August 15, 2020. The foregoing constitutes your President’s PreBalloting Report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President Puerto Rico Rebuilds During Pandemic While the nation adjusts to new precautions stemming from the continuing outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), unions and their members are still hard at work helping the affected areas of Puerto Rico rebuild after a series of devastating earthquakes in January. Now, the union-led relief efforts are facing the added challenge of working to provide aid during this COVID-19 pandemic. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo said, “Our situation in Puerto Rico, pertaining to COVID-19, is no different than the mainland. The Puerto Rican governement has established a curfew, from 7 p.m. till 5 a.m., with no exceptions unless one works in the healthcare, transportation, or security industries.” Crespo continued, “As far our local membership, so far no one has informed me that they are sick with the virus, thank God. I’m in contact with the membership that’s returning to their respective jobs, assisting them with documents, clinicals and whatever else is required to return to work, and none of them have contracted the virus.” He concluded, “In other words, the work continues.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) pauses from unloading a cargo container of relief supplies to pose for a picture with other Seafarers. Historian Recalls Plight Of Mariners on High Seas During World War II Continued from Page 20 of the German Reich. We are not yielding and we do not propose to yield.” There were other incidents involving American ships prior to Pearl Harbor: the bombing of the Steel Seafarer in the Gulf of Suez; the sinking of the freighter Lehigh; the mysterious disappearance of the tanker Astral, and the sinking of the freighter Sagahodac only four days before the attack upon Honolulu. But it was in January 1942 that the merchant marine felt the full fury of the war at sea. And then, with a suddenness that found us totally unprepared, the U-boats struck – not in foreign waters nor on the convoy routes to Europe, but along the shores of our own Atlantic Coast. One of the first ships to feel this Nazi thrust in the western Atlantic was the SIU-manned City of Atlanta. U-Boat Lane There was a chill breeze and a long, glassy swell on the sea, as the SIU-manned Seatrain Texas came up the Carolina coast at full speed in the morning of January 19, 1942. Captain Albert Dalzell was on the bridge and every officer and unlicensed man aboard was on the alert, for Sparks had been receiving messages of ships being attacked by submarines. During the night there had been flashes of gunfire on the horizon and, though they supposed it was practice fire by the Navy or Coast Guard, they were taking no chances. The ship was holding as close to the shore as safe navigation would permit. The officer of the watch had just taken a bearing on Wimble Shoals buoy, when a call came from the lookout that there was wreckage on the water ahead. Captain Dalzell got his glasses and swept the sea in the direction toward which the lookout had pointed. There were small black specks bobbing on the long swells and, as he focused more clearly on the area, he saw a man’s hand wave from one of the bits of flotsam. It waved again, weakly. All he could see was the hand, for the man’s head and shoulders were too close to the water. Turning to the Mate, the Skipper ordered a boat prepared for lowering. The engine room telegraph jingled as speed was decreased, and the freighter ran swiftly up on the scattered wreckage now becoming more visible. They could see pieces of boards and shattered odds and ends of ship’s fittings strewn for a mile here and there across the undulating water, but careful scrutiny through the glasses revealed only five bodies amid the debris. One man was holding onto the frame of a wheelhouse door. As the Seatrain Texas came to a stop, the lifeboat was put quickly over the side in the well-coordinated movements of a veteran crew and was soon pulling through the water-soaked wreckage. The boat’s crew worked fast, for Captain Dalzell couldn’t endanger his vessel and her crew a minute longer than was necessary. For all they knew, a submarine was watching every movement they made. To Be Continued Overseas Shipholding Group Completes ATC Purchase Company Also Announces Plans to Build ATB Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) recently announced that its subsidiaries have completed the purchase of three SIU-crewed, U.S.-flagged tankers – the Alaskan Explorer, Alaskan Legend, and Alaskan Navigator – from BP Oil Shipping Company USA and BP AMI Leasing Inc. OSG has also entered into a bareboat charter with BP for a fourth vessel, the Alaskan Frontier, as well as completing the acquisition of Alaska Tanker Company LLC (ATC), which still serves as 10 Seafarers LOG the operator of the vessels. As previously reported, all SIU jobs remain secure aboard the ships. The vessels purchased will continue to be operated by ATC under time charters with BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc., with firm charter periods lasting until 2022, 2025, and 2026. Each charter also provides for five one-year extension options. OSG President and CEO Sam Norton stated, “The swift completion of this series of transactions within 80 days of reaching definitive agreements is a testimony to both the commitment of and co-operation among OSG and ATC personnel. All involved worked extremely hard to bring about the successful outcome that we are announcing today, an outcome that once again reflects well on both organizations’ focus on excellence in execution of all aspects of work undertaken. I am gratified to be part of such a dedicated team of professionals and salute their achievement.” Norton continued, “We have long viewed consolidation among owners of Jones Act tankers as an opportunity for OSG to build on its industry-leading franchise in serving the distribution needs of domestic oil producers and refiners. The addition of ATC and its operated vessels to OSG’s platform is a notable achievement in this context, providing the opportunity for substantial additional revenue in the years to come and cementing a long-standing presence in the highly demanding and important Alaskan crude oil trade.” Anil Mathur, ATC’s outgoing president and CEO, and special advisor to OSG, stated, “These are indeed exciting times for ATC. Being part of the OSG family provides new additional opportunities for ATC personnel. I am also pleased that we are retaining the shipboard and the shore support personnel directly responsible for the operations integrity of the tankers. This best provides for continuity of ATC’s strong safety and environmental performance.” Meanwhile, OSG in late March announced that it has finalized plans to build an articulated tug-barge (ATB) at Gunderson Marine in Portland, Oregon. The new tonnage is slated for delivery later this year. May 2020 �New Maritime Strategy Supports Ensuring Viability Of Strong Merchant Marine Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 3-April 2. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 3. Total Registered Continued from Page 5 Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A All Groups B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Goal 2: Ensure the Availability of a U.S. Maritime Workforce that Will Support the Sealift Resource Needs of the National Security Strategy Objectives for Goal 2: 2.1 Attract and equip mariners and other maritime workers with skills needed to support the Nation’s sealift and economic needs. 2.2 Develop an accurate roster of sealift-qualified mariner volunteers. 2.3 Foster innovation in maritime education and training…. 2.9 Support the training and education of unlicensed mariners (ratings) using domestic Centers of Maritime Excellence. 2.10 Incentivize the qualification of steam engineers to assure an adequate pool to support full RFF activation until full RRF recapitalization is achieved. 2.11 Engage with community colleges, K-12 schools, and non-SMA training institutions to promote the development of future mariners and other skilled maritime workers. 2.12 Work with interagency partners to improve credentialing processes for mariners, shipyard workers, port workers, and transitioning veterans. Before the report was finalized, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a related document explaining the background of the maritime policy mandate (and offering candid looks at why the report was delayed). In the course of its own reporting, the GAO underscored the importance of the Jones Act, pointing out that one purpose of the nation’s freight cabotage law “is to provide the nation with a strong domestic maritime industry that can serve as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.” Modifying or repealing the law would cripple the industry, according the Jones Act supporters, and while the GAO didn’t phrase the point as strongly, it did acknowledge that such steps would “affect the reliability of the industry and have a negative effect on the U.S.-flag maritime industry and national security.” Later, the GAO indirectly quoted Defense officials who cited the need for more U.S.-flag tankers, partly because “access to allied foreign-flag petroleum tankers is increasingly uncertain in the current geo-political environment.” ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD May 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered March 26 by upgraders at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some of your thoughts about the pandemic? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Lareesa Warren Chief Cook Honestly, being with the union, I think we lucked out being on this side, since we’re able to still have employment, whereas a lot of people with land jobs are having more of a struggle than we are. I feel a lot safer here at Piney Point than I would at home. Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Esperanza Crespo Chief Cook It’s dangerous. The whole world is suffering. Things are going fine at the school. We’re taking care of everything – washing our hands, maintaining distance from each other, things like that. I think it’s going to last a few more months, maybe even the whole year. BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Robert Hunter Chief Cook So far, since I’ve been at the school, I feel they are taking proper precautions to make sure we are safe. This is something to take seriously, but we as a country should have had things in place to prevent it from happening. I agree with slowly winding down, not taking in more upgraders. The union has taken the measures they need to take to make sure we’re safe. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG Myles Otis Chief Cook I’m glad that we made it to the school right before this started. A lot of people left, but I’m glad we were able to stay to complete our program. The pandemic is definitely crazy – I have to check on family and friends every day. Being a chief cook, I’ve been staying clean as normal. That’s routine to me, but some people aren’t as sanitary. I’m still in good spirits. All I can do is pray for anybody who has it. Ronald Williams Chief Cook It wasn’t as serious in the beginning, but now the seriousness is disturbing. I believe we’ll get through it. The school is going great, and in fact, this is one of the places I prefer to be now that the pandemic is going on. There are no active cases here, and the chances of running across a case are very slim. I like my chances here more so than in any city. Seth Alonzo Chief Cook I know everyone is worried, but I’m trying to keep focused and stay openminded and not go crazy. I’m being patient, taking it one step at time. It’s not too busy at school, since there are mainly just chief cooks and some staff here. I’d probably say half a year from now, roughly, we’ll be through it. Pic From The Past The Hoosier Mariner, pictured in 1953, carried an SIU crew and initially was operated by Isthmian. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, the vessel was one of the final ships designed by the U.S. Maritime Commission. “The Mariner-class (ships) did not go into production until after the U.S. government had reorganized the agency as the Maritime Administration under the Department of Commerce,” MARAD notes. The ships were “successors to the warera Victory ships and standard ‘C’ types.” The agency “built 29 Mariners for six of the larger U.S. shipping companies between 1952 and 1955.” Mariner-class ships were 564 feet long, had a capacity of 14,000 deadweight tons, and an operational speed of 20 knots. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2020 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JOEMAR ABAGAT Brother Joemar Abagat, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing on the Producer. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. Brother Abagat most recently sailed on the Liberty. He makes his home in San Diego. ROBERTA BLUM Sister Roberta Blum, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980 when she sailed aboard the Voyager. She was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Blum’s final vessel was the Eugene Obregon. She makes her home in New Rochelle, New York. CHRISTOPHER BROERMAN Brother Christopher Broerman, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979, initially shipping on the Aleutian Developer. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1988. Brother Broerman last sailed on the Tacoma in 2000. He resides in Bullhead City, Arizona. JAMES BURNS Brother James Burns, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Penny. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Burns last shipped on the Maersk Missouri. He calls Newbury Port, Massachusetts, home. LEOPOLDO CALDERON Brother Leopoldo Calderon, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 1999, when he sailed on the Silas Bent. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Calderon most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Denver. He resides in Richmond, Texas. FRANK CAMPOBASSO Brother Frank Campobasso, 67, started shipping with the union in 1973, initially sailing on the Brooklyn. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Campobasso’s final vessel was the Maersk Idaho. He lives in Tuckerton, New Jersey. BRIAN FOUNTAIN Brother Brian Fountain, 67, joined the union in 1980. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard the Cantigny. Brother Fountain upgraded often at the Piney May 2020 Point school. He most recently shipped on the Florida and settled in Baltimore. DONALD GILBERT Brother Donald Gilbert, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he sailed aboard the Galveston. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. Brother Gilbert’s final vessel was the Overseas New Orleans. He makes his home in Huntsville, Alabama. CRESCENCIO GONZALEZ Brother Crescencio Gonzalez, 66, signed on with the union in 2005, first sailing on the Sirius. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and was an engine department member. Brother Gonzalez’s last ship was the SBX. He resides in Miami. TINO GUITY Brother Tino Guity, 69, joined the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Chemical Pioneer. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Kinloss. Brother Guity lives in Bronx, New York. CHARLES HORTON Brother Charles Horton, 65, began shipping with the union in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Horton last shipped on the SBX. He resides in Mount Vernon, Missouri. JIMMIE JOSEPH Brother Jimmie Joseph, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002, first sailing on the Chemical Explorer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Joseph’s last vessel was the Green Ridge. He settled in Kennard, Texas. ROBERT MENSCHING Brother Robert Mensching, 60, signed on with the SIU in 1988. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Mensching upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the American Liberty. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. WILLIAM MOE Brother William Moe, 65, joined the union in 1982, first sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Moe most recently sailed aboard the Maunalei and settled in Henderson, Nevada. ROBERT MORRISON Brother Robert Morrison, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2005, initially shipping on the USNS Chesapeake. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Morrison last sailed aboard the Yorktown Express. He calls Grand Island, Florida, home. ARTIS PILGRIM Brother Artis Pilgrim, 57, started his career with the Seafarers in 1999 when he sailed on the Robert E. Lee. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Pilgrim’s final vessel was the Liberty Glory. He lives in Sugarland, Texas. ROBERT SMITH Brother Robert Smith, 65, joined the SIU in 1977, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Smith last sailed on the Virgo and makes his home in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. BENNIE SPENCER Brother Bennie Spencer, 61, signed on with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Cantigny. The deck department member upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Spencer most recently sailed aboard the Gopher State. He lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. RUSTY STEWART Brother Rusty Stewart, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1972. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Stewart’s first vessel was the Merrimac; his last, the Liberty. He calls Poulsbo, Washington, home. DELSRAEL WILLIAMS Brother Delsrael Williams, 48, began sailing with the union in 1998, initially working on the Bellatrix. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Williams last sailed on the Overseas Texas City. He resides in Hammond, Louisiana. MICHAEL ZOABI Brother Michael Zoabi, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Zoabi upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the SBX and settled in Honolulu. G&H Towing. Sailing in the engine department, he remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Cook makes his home in La Marque, Texas. LUIS GOMEZ Brother Luis Gomez, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. He was first employed by Crowley Puerto Rico and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Gomez most recently sailed with Puerto Rico Towing and Barge. He resides in Puerto Rico. GREAT LAKES CHARLES ALLEN Brother Charles Allen, 66, joined the union in 1975, when he shipped on the Sam Laud. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Allen concluded his career aboard the Padre Island and resides in Kingston, Washington. DENNIS FITZPATRICK Brother Dennis Fitzpatrick, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1974, initially sailing aboard the J.A. King. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Fitzpatrick most recently shipped on the American Mariner and settled in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND DONALD BOND Brother Donald Bond, 59, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1990. He was first employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Bond upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Penn Maritime and lives in Saucier, Mississippi. RILEY BUSH Brother Riley Bush, 62, joined the union in 1983. He first worked for HVIDE Marine and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Bush most recently shipped aboard the Zeus. He calls Jasper, Texas, home. HOWARD COOK Brother Howard Cook, 60, signed on with the SIU in 2000, working with BILLY HARROFF Brother Billy Harroff, 66, joined the SIU in 1978, first working for G&H Towing. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Harroff last sailed aboard the William Button in 1991. He settled in Mesquite, Texas. RICHARD HEATH Brother Richard Heath, 63, signed on with the union in 1981. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996. Brother Heath was employed by Moran Towing of Texas for the duration of his career. He resides in Kerens, Texas. ROBERT KIEFFER Brother Robert Kieffer, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Sugar Island. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kieffer’s final vessel was the Padre Island. He settled in Reno, Nevada. LAVERN MCDOWELL Brother Lavern McDowell, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1999 when he sailed aboard the Alaska. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother McDowell last shipped with Foss Maritime. He makes his home in Mobile, Alabama. NMU CYNTHIA SASSE Sister Cynthia Sasse, 69, signed on with the union in 2001. She sailed with the NMU prior to the SIU/ NMU merger. Sister Sasse sailed in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Liberator. She is a Houston resident. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA NASAR ALFAQIH Pensioner Nasar Alfaqih, 86, died February 23. He signed on with the SIU in 1969 and first shipped on the Frank Denton. Brother Alfaqih was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the Express and became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Alfaqih resided in Hamtramck, Michigan. PABLO ALVAREZ Pensioner Pablo Alvarez, 71, passed away February 29. He joined the SIU in 1989. A steward department member, Brother Alvarez first sailed aboard the Independence. He last shipped on the Harriette and went on pension in 2010. Brother Alvarez was a Houston resident. SILVERIO ARANA Pensioner Silverio Arana, 89, died February 1. He began sailing with the union in 1985 when he shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Arana was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the Robert E. Lee and retired in 2001. Brother Arana lived in Houston. MICHAEL BAUGHMAN Pensioner Michael Baughman, 70, passed away March 3. He began his career with the SIU in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Cape Jacob. Brother Baughman was an engine department member, and became a pensioner in 2014. He made his home in Grafton, West Virginia. Brother Boone was a steward department member and last sailed on the Robert E. Lee. He retired in 1991 and made his home in New Orleans. RAMON BORRERO Pensioner Ramon Borrero, 53, died March 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 when he sailed on the Libra. An engine department member, Brother Borrero concluded his career on the Isla Bella. He began collecting his pension in 2017 and resided in Puerto Rico. JIMMIE BROWN Pensioner Jimmie Brown, 80, passed away March 29. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1958 when he sailed with Ocean Cargo Ships Inc. An engine department member, Brother Brown last worked on the Consumer. He retired in 2011 and settled in Freeport, Florida. NORMAN DUBOIS Pensioner Norman Dubois, 95, died March 29. He started sailing with the SIU in 1953. Brother Dubois sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston. He became a pensioner in 1986 and resided in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. WILLIAM FEAZEL Pensioner William Feazel, 74, passed away March 6. He signed on with the SIU in 2000 when he sailed aboard the USNS Effective. Brother Feazel worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Paul Buck and went on pension in 2009. Brother Feazel lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. LAVERNE BERASIS Pensioner Laverne Berasis, 80, died March 27. She joined the union in 1998, and her first vessel was the Independence. Sister Berasis was a steward department member and last shipped on the USNS Charlton. She began collecting her pension in 2011 and settled in Honolulu. RICHARD HILBERT Pensioner Richard Hilbert, 74, died March 12. He joined the Seafarers in 1990, first sailing on the Cape Clear. Brother Hilbert was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Honor, and began collecting his pension in 2010. Brother Hilbert was a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida. DANIEL BOONE Pensioner Daniel Boone, 93, passed away March 12. He donned the SIU colors in 1959, initially working for Isco Inc. OGDEN LAFAYE Pensioner Ogden Lafaye, 79, passed away February 8. He began his career with the union 14 Seafarers LOG in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Liberator. Brother Lafaye shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Motivator before going on pension in 2009. Brother Lafaye called Roseburg, Virginia, home. JULIO LOBO Brother Julio Lobo, 65, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 2001 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Lobo’s first vessel was the Energy Enterprise; his last, the Maersk Saratoga. He resided in New Bedford, Massachusetts, WILLIE MADISON Pensioner Willie Madison, 74, died February 22. He started sailing with the SIU in 1967, initially shipping on the Mayaguez. Brother Madison sailed in the steward department and concluded his career on the Lightning. He retired in 2015 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. EFRAIN VELAZQUEZ Pensioner Efrain Velazquez, 83, passed away March 9. He joined the union in 1969 when he sailed aboard the Ames Victory. Brother Velazquez worked in both the steward and engine departments. He went on pension in 2001 after sailing on his final vessel, the Mayaguez. Brother Velazquez made his home in Deltona, Florida. GREAT LAKES MARVIN LARSON Pensioner Marvin Larson, 82, passed away March 7. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the American Republic. Brother Larson was a steward department member and concluded his career on the Buffalo. He went on pension in 2002 and called Alpena, Michigan, home. INLAND FELIX AGUILAR Pensioner Felix Aguilar, 81, died February 29. He donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico. Brother Aguilar was a member of the deck department and continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He retired in 2001 and lived in Puerto Rico. LARRY JAMIESON Pensioner Larry Jamieson, 69, passed away February 21. He started sailing with the SIU in 1979, initially working for Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Jamieson primarily shipped in the steward department. He last sailed for Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning, and went on pension in 2011. He resided in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. JAMES PRUITT Pensioner James Pruitt, 78, died March 7. Signing on with the SIU in 1969, he first worked for Steuart Transportation. Brother Pruitt was a member of the deck department. He last shipped with Express Marine, and became a pensioner in 2003. Brother Pruitt lived in Crisfield, Maryland. Towing of Virginia. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Roughton remained with the same company for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and was a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Canales, Esequiel Canu, Albert Derkits, Michael Funke, Fred Hamilton, Fred Jones, William Mendez, Rafael Pope, James Racine, Eustase AGE 98 96 94 87 84 94 90 90 97 DOD 03/15/2020 03/02/2020 03/07/2020 03/12/2020 03/01/2020 02/05/2020 10/19/2019 02/20/2020 03/18/2020 CHARLES ROUGHTON Pensioner Charles Roughton, 81, passed away February 22. He joined the SIU in 1962 when he worked for McAllister UNION PLUS CAN HELP COVID-19 has impacted all of us. Union Plus can help. Our Union Plus program partners have accommodations for members struggling during this public health crisis. Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or Supplemental Insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through the Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program and Union Plus Hardship Help. Visit unionplus.org and follow Union Plus on Facebook at facebook.com/unionplus for ongoing program updates and resources. Be well and stay healthy, The Union Plus team For details visit unionplus.org 5/20 May 2020 �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. Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), January 19 – Chairman Karl Mayhew, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational Director Darrell Goggins, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Leonardo Bagnol. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks for steward department for a job well done, including SA Leonardo Bagnol, who was nominated for January Safety Award. Daymen Rogelio Agustin and Mariano Lino were awarded the November and December Safety Awards, respectively. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), January 26 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Mohsen Ali Al-Adani, Educational Director Anthony Hulsey, Deck Delegate Michael Ross, Engine Delegate Jr Lee Eludo, Steward Delegate Michael Ray. Chairman advised crew to leave clean rooms for relief members and to stay on top of documents. Secretary reminded members to return dishes to galley. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more soda and snacks on board, a better selection of movies and a PlayStation 4 game console. New mattress support pads needed. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. Next port: Portland, Oregon. JOHN U.D. PAGE (Sealift Inc.), February 5 – Chairman Eugene Perez, Secretary Raymond Gordon, Engine Delegate Nathan Bryant, Steward Delegate Toddrick Harold. Members discussed Wi-Fi access aboard ship. Chairman thanked crew for working together at shipyard. Secretary reiterated importance of cleanliness on ship. Educational director mentioned Culinary 2.0 courses and recommended upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Crew requested company-provided coveralls and personal protective equipment for work conditions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were encouraged to donated to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), February 7 – Chairman Terry Hester, Secretary Ronoldo Torres, Educational Director Trever Cohn, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Engine Delegate Abdulnaser Saeed, Steward Delegate Erik Loret. Chairman encouraged crew to read President’s Report in Seafarers LOG (available online and in print). Vote of thanks given to the steward department for good food. Educational director advised members to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase in vacation pay and TVs in each stateroom. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. USNS BRUCE C. HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings), February 9 – Secretary Sean Outlaw, Ed- ucational Director Randy Corey, Steward Delegate Lizzy Robinson. Cargo hoist installation taking place on ship. Members were encouraged to maintain a healthy work environment. Chairman reminded crew to continue working safely. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over President’s Report from LOG. Members requested eight hours off for every 30 hours worked or 16 days for 30. In the (hypothetical) event of harassment, crew was directed to use proper chain of command and have the ability to provide valid facts, dates, times, etc. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Leroy Sierra, Secre- tary Oscar Gomez, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Steward Delegate Alfrancis Bauzon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed appreciation for Wi-Fi installation. New vacuum needed. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. Crew gave special thanks to captain for his support and putting extra money in the pot. Teaming up for Military Exercise The SIU-crewed Baldomero Lopez looms large as Navy personnel see an improved lighterage system in action Feb. 13 in Mayport, Florida. The offload operations were part of an exercise described by the Navy as training “critical expeditionary capabilities and facilitates bridging the seam between operations on land and sea.” The Lopez is operated by Crowley. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryin J. Venegas) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt May 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #858 – Graduated December 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Bradley, Eliezer Estremera, Joel Frederick, Stephen Fretwell, Steven Gray, Alexus Guillory, Joseph Horton, Cordera Looney, Julian Misla-Mendez, Taylor Rabb, Reinaldo Rivera, Johanns Rivera-Rivera, Kevin Santiago De Jesus, Kameron Sims, Melvin Singletary, Matthew Waiwaiole, Devon Watson and Herbert Weiss. Welding – Graduated January 31 (above, left): Hector Jose Ginel. With Ginel is his instructor, Chris Raley. Government Vessels (Apprentices) – Graduated January 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Edward Harnish, Kendall Harris, Robert Lange, Jamal Matthews, D’Artis Mitchell, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez and Juan Rafael SantiagoRobles. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated December 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Glennorris Alston III, Erik Bain, Marlon Brown, Johnathan Davis, Matthew Juan Domen, William Flores-Gueits, Cody Higgs, Joanna Hoyt, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana, Nicholas Jackson, Christopher Janics, Austin Leamer, Michael McDonald, Alexandre Mitchell, Ian Nichols, Christian Perito, Walter Sleva, Mykola Smirnov, Krystal Vancil, Enrique Velez, Steve Voth, Antonio Watson and Gary Williams. 16 Seafarers LOG May 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes BAPO – Graduated December 6: Javier Murillo (above, left) and Johnathan Davis. RFPNW – Graduated December 6: Hamlet Ferreras (above, left) and Jose Gonzalez. Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated December 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohamed Abdul Alomari, Christopher Baxter, Manolo Velasquez Delos Santos, Leopoldo Estrada Martinez, Jose Gonzalez, Richard Huffman, Tina Knox, Joseph Eligino Lacaden, Nathaniel Miller, Waverly Moore, Jason Newsham, Renaudo Pierce, Abel Rios Jr., Chester Roberson Jr., Christopher Lim Sanchez, Jose Smith, Dennis Vale and Duane Washington. MSC Ship Reaction Force – Graduated January 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Bell-Wright, Kees Elling, Joshua Hinton, Devin Hoerr, Michael Pockat II, Salvador Vela Jr., Davis Vickery, Aleksey Gavrilovich Vigovskiy and Samuel Watterson. Class instructors John Thomas and Matthew Rogers are at the far left and far right, respectively. May 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated January 10 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Brandy Baker, Jorge Arturo Corrales Barrantes, Thomas Cyrus Jr., Archie Eldridge Jr., Marvette Gallop, Devon Gray, Carter Powell, Hermano Rony Sillon, Benjamin Stanley and Nadiyah Taylor. Basic Motor Plant – Graduated November 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdul-Ghaffar Abu-Bakr, Rodney Holmes, Donte Sawyer, Reginald White and Saddam Mohamed Yahia. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated November 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Gonzalez, Kurt Walker and Jonathan White. 18 Seafarers LOG Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated December 13: Michael Covington (above). Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated November 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Antonio Jose Hernandez, Anthony Pace, Gennadiy Yuryevich Skripochenko, Rebecca Soriano and Edward Williams. May 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated January 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Howard Brooks Jr., Mashonda Corley, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Lebrena Simmons and Darius Williams. Certified Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated January 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven Eberspacher, Alberto Casintahan Insong, Fernando Javier Marques Ortiz and Michelle Taylor. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated January 31 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Earl Castain, Justo Rufino Lacayo, Simone Solomon and James Watson. Certified Chief Cook (Module 3) – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Howard Brooks Jr., Kristina Jones and Luis Sony Perez-Menendez Jr. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated February 7 (above, from left) Teresito Oflas Reyes, Edgar Villanueva Castillo and Marcelo Guevarra Param. Chief Steward – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryan Onill Alvarez, Johnson Ashun, Jesus Geovannie Ortiz-Rivera and Jayson Velez-Cruz. (Note: Not all are pictured.) May 2020 Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): John Greubel, Christina Mateer and Norma West. Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 5 MAY 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Union Document Recalls SIU’s War Effort Editor’s note: Coinciding with enactment of the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020, the LOG is reprinting excerpts from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the war. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Ready Then – Ready Now! As timely as the next call for duty is this brief story of the Seafarers in World War II. It’s a story of heroism and daring and a tremendous job ably done. Trained crews from the Seafarers International Union are ready now – just as they were in World War II – to sail the ships wherever the freights of war must go; to bring home those hundreds of vital materials indispensable to our industrial economy. Before any of the nation’s armed services were ready for all-out duty in World War II, the merchant marine and the men who manned it were on the front lines of global action. No executive manifestos, no formal enlistment, no testings of loyalty or pledges of devotion to their country’s service were required to put SIU crews into action or prove their willingness to face danger – and death. They helped to man the nation’s cargo carriers long before there were guns or convoys to protect them, inspired by that sense of patriotism and pride of profession which has characterized the maritime industry and its merchant seamen time and again throughout the nation’s history. As employees of a private industry which converted almost overnight to 100 percent war service, SIU crews did their jobs in World War II with an efficiency that saved the nation millions of dollars. They were paid at wage rates prevailing in shore-side industries for comparable skills and responsibilities, not to mention the great personal risk to which they were subjected in front line service. Throughout the war, SIU ships were crewed through the union’s hiring halls in an efficient system of manning which dispatched thousands of men to freighters, tugs, tankers and transports. The union also served as a practical means of recruiting personnel for the merchant service. Through a great expansion of facilities since the war, the SIU is well equipped to do the job of recruitment and manning even more completely in any future emergency. In these critical days when the nation’s armed forces are scattered over large parts of the world and we are becoming increasingly dependent on foreign lands for raw materials, the merchant marine is one of the country’s most vital assets. Historically resilient and tough of fiber, nurturing a race of men who are skillful and resourceful, the merchant marine is ever first to make available its men and facilities for the nation’s service. And the men of the Seafarers International Union are ready now as they were in 1942 to write another chapter of loy- The SIU-crewed Robin Moor is pictured in 1941 alty and able performance of duty into the annals of the American merchant service. The Robin Moor … Prelude To War This is the story of SIU ships in World War II – the thrilling saga of the cargo ships and the men who sailed them over the far-flung ocean tracks to write an epic chapter in American maritime history. Here is the story of the storm-swept, submarine-swept, bomb-packed road to Russia over the misty Arctic – the epic of the ships that sailed alone during the first hectic months after Pearl Harbor, when there were no coastal convoys and torpedoed tankers became faming pyres along our eastern seaboard; when the freight ships and the tankers went out unprotected and unarmed but never lacked for crews. Here, too, is the log of fighting freighters whose Oerlikon guns traced tales of high courage in a myriad of foreign skies. Wherever the freights of war were needed, these cargo carriers sailed them through. SIU ships freighted everything imaginable in the way of war goods and the necessities of life to our Allies, to our overseas garrisons, to the beachheads and the supply ports for the fighting fronts. Assorted Cargoes Ships left the States loaded deep with everything from cigarettes to Sherman tanks; with barbed wire, guns, powder, railroad cars, airplanes, dehydrated eggs, beans, grain, flour, bombs, trucks, clothing, oil, gasoline – and so many other items that a complete manifest could never be made of it all. In addition to supplying half the world with fuel, food and the tools of war, ships of the Seafarers International Union brought back to this, the world’s arsenal of democracy, the vital raw materials without which a war effort on such a tremendous scale would have been impossible. Little has been said about this homeward-bound traffic from foreign lands during the war, but it was just as important as the bombs, the grain and the cannon that were carried out of American ports in an endless stream for five warharried years. Our freighters and those of our Allies brought to this country manganese, burlap, mica, rubber, timber, bauxite, iron ore, sugar, jute, spices and hundreds of other industrial necessities, without which we would have found the fighting of a war not only most inconvenient but downright impossible. They also helped to carry what normal commerce there was between the United States and Caribbean, Central and South American countries, which depended upon us for the numerous requirements of daily existence. When the war at sea was finally through and bright lights shone through the open ports of ships at sea, on peaceful missions once again, the Seafarers International Union had paid a heavy price in ships and men. The merchant marine as a whole lost 6,000 seamen, dead or missing. A total of 1,554 America-flag ships were lost by torpedoing, bombing, mines and the varied other accidents of war. Of these, no less than 570 were lost in direct action with the enemy! Our merchant marine had its baptism of fire long before Pearl Harbor. The SS City of Rayville struck a mine and sank off Australia in 1940 to be followed by the Charles Pratt, a Standard Oil Company tanker, which was torpedoed off West Africa in December of the same year. Even before these actions, the SS City of Flint had made the headlines and caused an international furor when it was captured, while en route to Norway in October 1939, by the German pocket battleship Deutschland on the charge that it was carrying contraband. After the eventual release of this ship and her crew, it was still many months before Pearl Harbor. Then came the incident of the SIU-manned SS Robin Moor, bound for South Africa from New York, which was shelled and sunk by a German submarine, eliciting from President Roosevelt a historic pronouncement on freedom of the seas. Chief Officer Melvin Mundy was on the bridge of the Robin Moor at four o’clock in the morning of May 21, when he saw a light blinking on the horizon, signaling in international code the letters AAA or “what ship are you?” Mr. Mundy answered: “American steamship, Robin Moor.” Captain William W. Myers came on the bridge, and to the Moor’s question “Who are you?” the answer was signaled back “Submarine.” This was followed by the com- mand, “Don’t use your wireless.” A boat was then launched from the freighter, according to the U-boat’s orders, and pulled over to the submarine, where the Germans questioned First Mate Mundy about the vessel’s destination and cargo. The sub commander insisted that the Robin Moor carried contraband, despite Mr. Mundy’s assertions that the cargo included nothing more warlike than pleasure automobiles, engines, tin plate, and general merchandise for South African stores. Crew and passengers were given 20 minutes to dress and get into the boats, after which the sub put 33 shells into the ship, sinking her in 18 minutes and without any chance to dispatch an SOS. Until weeks later nothing was known of the freighter’s fate, for the submarine departed without reporting the incident and the 45 crew members and passengers were left adrift. Of the four lifeboats that got safely away from the ship, the first was picked up by a freighter 13 days later and the last was not found until it had sailed 700 miles, its occupants subsisting on a meager ration of biscuits and water. When the first survivors of the Robin Moor were landed and news of the sinking stirred the nation, President Roosevelt sent a special message to Congress. The date was June 20, 1941. Said the President: “I am under the necessity of bringing to the attention of the Congress the ruthless sinking by a German submarine of an American ship, the Robin Moor, in the South Atlantic Ocean (25 degrees and 40 minutes west, 6 degrees and 10 minutes north) while the vessel was on the high seas en route to Africa. ‘We are not Yielding’ “…. We must take it that notice has now been served upon us that no American ship or cargo on any of the seven seas can consider itself immune from the acts of piracy. Notice is served on us, in effect, that the German Reich proposes so to intimidate the United States that we would be dissuaded from carrying out our chosen policy of helping Britain to survive. “…. Were we to yield on this we would inevitably submit to world domination at the hands of the present leaders Continued on Page 10 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MARITIME LABOR LEADERS URGE CONGRESS: PROTECT JONES ACT JONES ACT SUPPORT EVIDENT IN HEARING NEWS ARTICLE FURTHER EXPOSES PITFALLS OF RUNAWAY-FLAGS SIU MEMBERS DELIVER DESPITE PANDEMIC SIU PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE TO MEMBERSHIP PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS $2.2 TRILLION U.S. STIMULUS PACKAGE INTO LAW MARCH 29 DOT RELEASES NATIONAL MARITIME STRATEGY PLANS ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN NOTICE SIU REGIONAL VP SENDS MESSAGE TO AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CREWS NEW LAW HONORS WWII MARINERS WITH GOLD MEDAL AMMV PROVIDES ANSWERS TO GROWING LIST OF 'FAQS' ABOUT MARINERS' DECORATION LABOR MOURNS PASSING OF BCTGM PRESIDENT DURKEE SIU PRESIDENT ISSUES PRE-BALLOTING REPORT PUERTO RICO REBUILDS DURING PANDEMIC OVERSEAS SHIPHOLDING GROUP COMPLETES ATC PURCHASE UNION DOCUMENT RECALLS SIU'S WAR EFFORT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/1/2020 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 82, No. 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8a9e1dfb4896ef6c30808aa43336dd8b.pdf c3b118c8ce2aebf3ca29a39b0cc7f6fb PDF Text Text MAY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Suez Snafu Shines Spotlight On Vital, Unheralded Industry The maritime industry rarely makes headlines unless there’s a crisis, and that proved true in late March when the flag-of-convenience ship Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal. For several days afterward, news outlets around the world took note of the industry’s critical contribution to everyday life. Several SIU-crewed ships were caught in the backup, including the Maersk Denver; Recertified Bosun James Walker is pictured (inset photo at left) aboard that ship, while the dominant image is a panoramic shot of the backup as seen from the Maersk Ohio (Bosun Nathaniel Sherrill took the photo). Page 3. Progress Made with Vaccinations COVID-19 vaccine availability in the U.S. continued ramping up last month, and many Seafarers took advantage of the opportunity to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their shipmates. The SIU also continued pushing for governments to prioritize mariners for the vaccines. That work particularly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers completed their respective vaccinations in April. That group included AB Jorge Nunez (photo at top left), SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (bottom left), and (group photo above) AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon, ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz, Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis Ramos Rosa and others. Page 7. Clarifications on Mask Mandates Page 4 Rescue at Sea Page 6 �President’s Report Rolling Up Our Sleeves At long last, I’m happy to report that I have completed my COVID-19 vaccinations. There’s no shortage of “getting back to normal” things I’m looking forward to as the year progresses, but visiting with all of my family tops the list. Vaccines are an everyday topic around the world. Personally, I’ve learned a lot about vaccines in general and COVID-19 vaccines in particular by reading material from the CDC, FDA and other sources I trust, from watching the news, and from listening to people discuss their experiences. Through the process of getting that education, I of course am aware that many people still have concerns and hesitations about getting vaccinated. Everyone will have to decide for themselves, but if you have any doubts at all, I strongly encourMichael Sacco age you to prioritize getting the facts. The CDC website is a great resource. Every major news organization covers the situation. We have also reported about vaccination safety on our website and in the LOG, in an attempt to take a sometimes-overwhelming topic and boil it down to essentials. To me, while there are questions about how long the vaccines will remain effective, I do not doubt their safety at all. I understand people may be wary because the vaccines were developed relatively quickly, but in doing my own research, I was reassured by several key points. First, we basically had scientists all over the world working on it around the clock, with no shortage of resources. Second, even though the COVID-19 pandemic itself is unprecedented in modern times, those scientists were not starting from scratch. Because of other, older variations of coronavirus, they had been working on a blueprint for such a vaccine for many years. In fact, they already developed a successful vaccine for an earlier coronavirus that surfaced in 2012, for example. As of this writing in mid-April, more than 170 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S. This has happened under what the CDC describes as “the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.” The agency further recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible, and the SIU wholeheartedly backs that advice. I’m encouraged by how many of our members already have either gotten vaccinated or have registered for the vaccine, and I look forward to those numbers steadily growing. Another concern I’ve read is that the vaccines have only been given the green light for “emergency use authorization” by the FDA. That’s because of basic protocols; vaccines can’t be fully, formally approved until longer-term clinical trials are completed. The standards for emergency use authorization are anything but lax. They’re vigorous, in fact, when it comes to safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. The vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in trials, and they’re working as intended. No matter how much I read or watch, I’ll only have a layman’s understanding of these vaccines. In no way am I pretending to be an expert. But you don’t have to be an expert to logically conclude that the vaccines are safe and effective. They most likely will prevent an individual from getting COVID-19, and if they don’t, the vaccines at least will almost certainly prevent severe cases. We’ll be having this discussion for a while. It’s still relatively new, not just for our union or our industry, but for our country and indeed our world. But I’m already firmly convinced that the vaccines are the way to go. I urge you to get the facts, roll up your sleeves and get the vaccine, for your safety and for the safety of your families and shipmates. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 5 May 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The 2021 Salute to Congress event took place online (screen grab above and at bottom of page) and counted the SIU among its sponsors ‘Salute to Congress’ Event Recognizes DeFazio, Buzby Honorees Enthusiastically Praise U.S. Merchant Marine The global COVID-19 pandemic continues affecting most if not all parts of life, and it prominently figured in the respective remarks of this year’s Salute to Congress honorees. The annual event, sponsored by the Propeller Club of the United States, is considered one of the maritime industry’s most prestigious gatherings. This year ’s honorees are U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) and Rear Adm. (ret) Mark Buzby, who recently retired as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration. They were recognized in a well-attended Zoom meeting April 1. Answering a question from the Seafarers LOG, DeFazio said the pandemic has underscored the importance of the U.S. maritime industry. “People are waking up after this COVID crisis and saying, ‘Wait a minute, we don’t have N-95 masks? We don’t have gowns? Why?’ Because it’s all been offshored,” DeFazio said. “Then they realize we’re having trouble moving the goods because we’re depending on foreign carriers. We need to be much more self-sufficient, including having a very robust maritime industry, and not just a one-way maritime industry (that only imports goods).” DeFazio said that maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet with American crews “is about really good jobs, it’s about national security, and it’s absolutely critical to the nation. In a time of crisis, are we going to call on the Chinese to transport our troops?” He expressed great confidence in the new administration and stated that, after successfully fending off attacks on the Jones Act in recent years, “now we’re going to build on it.” The congressman also said America must immediately move forward with rebuilding its infrastructure. “The world is leaving us behind in the dust or the concrete and the leaking water mains, or the obsolete ports that can’t handle [newer ships],” he said. “There are ways to fund this…. We’ve got to get this done.” Buzby, speaking with a World War II U.S. Merchant Marine poster directly behind him, said that when the pandemic began more than a year ago, “I don’t think one of us knew what direction it would take…. The rapidity … was eye-watering for us all. But a great team backed me up at MARAD. We came together early in all of this and [identified] agency’s role. Sitting back was not an option.” He applauded all segments of the industry for quickly getting together (usually via phone or video conference) “to share what we knew and what we could do. What evolved was a tremendous forum that allowed information to be shared in real time. We shared resources in a way that I think really cut through red tape to an extent I have not seen before.” Buzby repeatedly credited maritime unions for their efforts, and said the overall response to the pandemic-related challenges “shined a good light on how strong and close our industry is and how well we work tother. This was a level of cooperation I’ve never seen before.” Both he and DeFazio pointed out that the maritime industry didn’t get any financial relief from the various packages enacted by the previous or current congresses. “Yet we were able to keep the goods flowing and never stopped, when other industries were brought to their knees,” Buzby said. “That was happening on the backs of people working on the piers and working on ships. They have the same steely determination on their faces today” as the one seen on the World War II poster. Buzby also credited former Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao for being “a stalwart” in defending and promoting the U.S.-flag maritime industry while he served at MARAD. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG May 2021 �Suez Incident Causes Shipping Backlog SIU Ships Affected; ITF Weighs in on High-Profile Mishap Worldwide attention focused on the maritime industry in late March, as the runawayflag vessel Ever Given became wedged tight inside the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important shipping waterways. On March 23, the Ever Given was transiting the Suez Canal when it was caught in a sandstorm. The vessel lost control and ran aground, forcing the ships behind it to quickly stop to avoid a collision. Mariners aboard the vessel directly behind the Ever Given, the SIU-crewed Maersk Denver, reacted quickly to the situation. “The Denver crew really came through,” said Recertified Bosun James Walker. “The Denver was right behind the Ever Given. The captain and crew were able to get the ship stopped and tied to the side of the canal.” But there was almost a second collision on March 23, as Walker explained: “Our biggest threat wasn’t running into the Ever Given, it was being hit from behind by the Asia Ruby III. The ship came within 10 feet of our stern.” The Asia Ruby III, a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, reportedly suffered a loss of electrical power and nearly collided with the Maersk Denver. The Maersk Denver, along with the rest of the vessels in the canal at the time, was towed astern out of the canal, back to anchor and awaited the reopening of the canal. The crew was told that their vessel would be the first one into the canal upon reopening, and the Denver was the first U.S.-flag vessel to enter the canal northbound. For the other vessels waiting to pass through the canal – including the SIUcrewed Maersk Seletar, Maersk Ohio and Sagamore – the incident was a story of patience. The crews of those ships could do nothing but wait, hoping that the Ever Given would be freed soon, as the shipping companies weighed their options. Some vessels were ordered to redirect, and sail around the southern tip of Africa to avoid waiting for passage through the canal, but most simply waited for good news. When the Ever Given was freed from the canal on March 29, more than 360 vessels were at anchorage on either side of the waterway, an unprecedented backlog with an economic impact on trade estimated at greater than $9.5 billion. The backlog of waiting vessels was finally cleared on April 3, and investigations into the incident are still ongoing as of press time. The Ever Given flies the flag of Panama and employs a crew from India. The ship is owned by a Japanese company and managed by one based in Singapore. The view from the Maersk Denver, as the foreign-flagged Asia Ruby III narrowly avoids a collision due to its own reported mechanical failure When the canal was cleared, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary Stephen Cotton stated, “We welcome news that the Ever Given has been freed. That’s fantastic for the sake of all the seafarers on this ship and others who have been waiting to transit the Suez Canal.” The ITF’s union affiliates, including the SIU, represent more than a million seafarers and tugboat workers worldwide. “We want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the workers aboard the tug boat and towage vessels, and those performing the critical groundworks essential to resolving this situation,” said Cotton. “This operation has shown us how important tugboats are. There will be dozens of ships across the world that are right now beached, stuck or floating without engine power that are being assisted by tugboat and towage workers working around the clock. They should take pride in how their profession has helped resolve this situation in the world’s busiest waterway. I hope these workers get the recognition they deserve.” He added, “We express our solidarity with the seafarers, both on the Ever Given, and on the cargo ships who have been queued on either side of it. Seafarers have been expected to keep the world moving during this pandemic by getting all of us the supplies, food, and medicines we need, and then they have had this major blockage to add to their worries.” Cotton said that if ships were required to round the Cape of Good Hope, circumnavigating the African continent, the route would have added at least 26 days on to the typical cargo vessel’s journey, and more than $800,000 in fuel costs. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, said a full investigation was needed to examine if crew fatigue or other issues had been a factor in the events surrounding the vessel’s stranding, as it had been in other maritime accidents. “Let’s not rush to judgement until all the facts are laid bare,” he said. “An open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this event should be conducted, drawing on necessary input and expertise from the crew and their unions. Of course, the industry needs to learn any lessons that emerge from this incident. Too White House Identifies Key Offshore Wind Project Goals The Biden White House in late March released its plans for kickstarting offshore domestic wind farm projects that would “create thousands of jobs across the country with the choice to join a union.” Meeting with state officials, industry executives and labor leaders on March 29 were Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy. The cabinet officials outlined a program to move the nation toward greater availability of offshore domestic wind farms to meet the country’s energy needs. In its related statement, the White House noted, “Federal leadership, in close coordination with states and in partnership with the private sector, unions and other key stakeholders, is needed to catalyze the deployment of offshore wind at scale.” It laid out three objectives for the program: advance ambitious wind energy projects to create good-paying union jobs; investing in American infrastruc- May 2021 ture to strengthen the domestic supply chain and deploy offshore wind energy; and supporting critical research and development and data-sharing. Under its “advance ambitious wind energy projects to create good-paying union jobs” section, the Biden administration has “a target of employing tens of thousands of workers to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. Meeting this target will trigger more than $12 billion per year in capital investment in projects on both U.S. coasts, create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs, with more than 44,000 workers employed in offshore wind by 2030 and nearly 33,000 additional jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activities.” Included in its call for a massive supply chain for such an operation are “new port upgrade investments totaling more than $500 million; one-to-two new U.S. factories for each major wind farm component including wind turbine nacelles, blades, towers, foundations, and subsea cables; additional cumulative demand of more than seven million tons of steel – equivalent to four years of output for a typical U.S. steel mill, and the construction of four-to-six specialized turbine installation vessels in U.S. shipyards, each representing an investment between $250 and $500 million.” After the plan’s release, Buttigieg said, “Tackling the climate crisis is vital to our nation’s future. The Biden-Harris administration is taking actions that show how creating jobs and addressing climate change can and must go handin-hand. Today’s announcement makes a critical investment in our nation’s ports, which in turn builds up the resilience and sustainability of America’s economy.” During the 2009 Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention, the organization passed a resolution calling on Congress to “ensure that the development and operation of offshore renewable energy will benefit American workers and American companies constructing and servicing such facilities.” It also called upon MTD affiliates and Port Maritime Councils to “do everything within their power to ensure that the cabotage and other federal laws are applied to the development of offshore renewable energy in all respects.” (The SIU is an MTD affiliate, and SIU President Michael Sacco also is president of the MTD.) Bosun Cleofe Castro is pictured aboard the Maersk Seletar as he and fellow crew members await the clearing of the Suez Canal. often, seafarers are unfairly blamed for incidents at sea. When proper investigations are conducted, we are able to stand back and see the systematic factors which drive bad outcomes.” Heindel said the federation’s initial belief was that the ship ran aground due to high winds, but there has also been speculation that there may have been an engine failure. Such reports remained unconfirmed. “My hope is that this highly publicized event at the world’s busiest waterway can give everyone an opportunity to see what tremendous sacrifice seafarers make on a daily basis. The crew change crisis is still happening,” he concluded. New Contract With ASC Includes Noteworthy Gains After many arduous sessions of hard bargaining between the union and company over a nine-month period, the SIU on March 9 reached a tentative agreement with American Steamship Company (ASC) on a new four-year contract (2021-2025), which was subsequently ratified by the SIU membership employed by ASC. The union successfully fought off repeated attempts by the company to enact major, unprecedented concessions. The new agreement provides a modified manning nomenclature and wagescale model, with significant increases to all wage rates varying by position (averaging 14%), effective immediately, and annual increases to all wage rates in each subsequent year of the contract term. The pact maintains the current Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and Seafarers Pension Plan benefits at the top level (Core Plus), and the current level of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefit. The agreement also provides for increased room and board allowance, shipwreck compensation, and other enhancements. The SIU bargaining committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Associate General Counsel Stan Dubin, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Port Agent Chad Partridge, Safety Director Gerret Jarman, Patrolman Tyson Little, Recertified Bosuns Paul Gohs, Foaad Saleh and Salah Ahmed, and QMED Ricardo Frederick. Seafarers LOG 3 �Update to Marine Safety Information Bulletin Clarifies Mask Mandates for Maritime Industry The U.S. Coast Guard on March 22 issued a change to its previously released Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MISB) 02-21, which outlined the requirement for people to wear masks while aboard vessels and at transportation hubs. The change reflects the inclusion of mask requirements at seaports and provides additional information on the applicability for mask wear throughout the maritime transportation system. Under its original guidance (released Feb. 1), which implemented a previously issued federal order from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vessel and transportation hub operators were directed to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID19 by ensuring that everyone on a vessel wear a mask when boarding and/or disembarking for the duration of the travel. The original order caused confusion in some segments of the maritime industry, partly because it appeared inconsistent with the executive order upon which it was based. Nevertheless, depending on the circumstances, according to the CDC order and updated MSIB, best practices should include: n Boarding only those persons who wear masks; n Instructing persons that Federal law requires wearing a mask on the conveyance and failure to comply constitutes a violation of federal law; n Monitoring persons on board the conveyance for anyone who is not wearing a mask and seeking compliance from such person; n At the earliest opportunity, disembarking any person who refuses to comply; and n Providing persons with prominent and adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of this order to wear a mask. Digital platforms, such as on apps, websites, or email; posted signage in multiple languages with illustrations; printing the requirement on transit tickets; or other methods were suggested as possible avenues through which adequate notice could be given. Under the new guidance, operators of sea ports (maritime transportation hubs) now must also use best practices to ensure that any person entering or conducting business on the premises of the port wear masks. Depending on the circumstances, best practices for enforcing the latest mandate include, in essence, the same steps listed above. The CDC Mask Order exempts the following categories of persons: n A child under the age of 2 years; n A person with a disability who cannot wear Assistant Cook Alan Birnbaum (photo at right), a member of the SIU Government Services Division, wears a mask aboard the USNS Amelia Earhart. (U.S. Navy photo) The pandemic has resulted in masks being created with emblems for many organizations and professions, including the U.S. Merchant Marine (photo above). a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); n A person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations. The latest CDC update stipulates that vessel or facility operators, owners, or companies should provide clear guidance as to when wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace, health, safety or job duty for crew members and facility personnel. The company guidance should address specific tasks that cannot be accomplished safely while wearing a mask. A blanket policy cannot be issued to exempt all persons from wearing a mask at all times. Crew members and facility personnel may be exempt from wearing a mask only when actively performing the task and should immediately wear a mask when the task is complete. Since passengers should refrain from instances where wearing a mask may present a risk, this exemption does not extend to passengers. Despite the foregoing mandates, the requirement to wear a mask shall not apply under the following circumstances: n While eating, drinking, or taking medication, for brief periods; n While communicating with a person who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; n If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or CDC, U.S. Coast Guard Provide Q&As Addressing Mask Wear on Vessels Editor’s note: The following list of questions and answers on the mask order are provided to afford clarity to mariners with specific concerns. They were provided by the CDC and U.S. Coast Guard. Q: Does the mask order apply to all commercial maritime conveyance activity in the United States? A: Yes, the mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime conveyances into, within, or out of the United States and to all persons at U.S. seaports. The term commercial maritime conveyance means all forms of commercial maritime vessels, including but not limited to cargo ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, self-propelled barges, and all forms of passenger carrying vessels including ferries, river cruise ships, and those chartered for fishing trips, unless otherwise exempted. Q: Which maritime vessels are exempted from CDC’s mask order? A: Only the following maritime conveyances are exempted: n Private maritime conveyances operated solely for personal, non-commercial use (e.g., personal watercraft), n When the operator is the sole occupant on board the maritime conveyance, Mobile offshore drilling units and plat- 4 Seafarers LOG forms, to include floating and fixed Outer Continental Shelf facilities as defined in 33 CFR 140.10, and n Certain maritime conveyances excluded from the definition of vessels under 42 CFR 70.1: n Fishing boats including those used for shell-fishing (Fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and fish tender vessels as defined under 46 U.S.C § 2101 do not fall under this exemption including shell-fishing vessels. A “fishing boat” is an auxiliary craft as defined under 46 U.S.C § 4502(k) carried on board a fishing vessel.; n Tugs which operate only locally in specific harbors and adjacent waters (Tugs which operate only locally in specific harbors and adjacent waters means tug vessels operating exclusively within a worksite and that have been issued a worksite exemption by the U.S. Coast Guard); n Barges without means of self-propulsion; n Construction-equipment boats and dredges; and n Sand and gravel dredging and handling boats. Operators of the former maritime conveyances and other persons on board must observe CDC’s mask order while awaiting, boarding, or disembarking at the seaport. Q: How is CDC defining the term seaport in the mask order? otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or feeling winded, the mask may be removed temporarily until able to resume normal breathing with the mask. Vomiting or other illness may also require removal of the mask, according to the agencies. Other medical conditions and equipment may interfere with the ability to wear a mask; n When necessary to temporarily remove the mask to verify one’s identity such as during Transportation Security Administration screening or when asked to do so by a ticket or gate agent or any law enforcement official Moreover, people on board the following categories of vessels and vehicles are also exempt from the requirement to wear a mask: n Private vessels operated only for personal, non-commercial use; n Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck, or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team who all live in the same household and are the only persons in the vehicle; People on board the following categories of conveyances are exempt from the requirement to wear a mask: n Private conveyances operated only for personal, non-commercial use; n Commercial motor vehicles or trucks, if the driver is the only person in the vehicle or truck, or the vehicle or truck is operated by a team who all live in the same household and are the only persons in the vehicle; n Vessels operated or chartered by the U.S. A: The term seaport means any port of entry or any other place where persons await, board, or disembark all forms of maritime commercial conveyances (e.g., a marina or dock). Q: Are mariners on non-passenger commercial maritime conveyances exempt from wearing a mask under the exemption for “a person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations”? A: No, this exemption does not exempt mariners from the mask order simply by virtue of working on a non-passenger related commercial maritime conveyance. To be exempt, the mariner would need to be performing a duty that would, if a mask were worn, create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations. The exemption only applies while performing that duty. Q: Mariners on many non-passengerrelated commercial maritime conveyances (e.g., cargo and towing ships) live on board for weeks with little contact outside the crew. How should the mask order be applied onboard these conveyances during a voyage? A: Mariners on non-passenger commercial ships should be guided by CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Coro- Department of Defense (DOD) as long as the operator of the conveyance follows all DOD requirements to prevent spread of COVID19 that are equivalent to the requirements in CDC’s Order. Under Title 42 of the United States Code section 268, the Coast Guard is charged with assisting in enforcement of CDC quarantine orders. Operators of vessels and sea ports that fail to implement appropriate public health measures, including the mask-wearing order above, may be subject to civil or criminal penalties. Furthermore, based on the scientific determination of the CDC, the Coast Guard announced that it “finds that failure to implement appropriate health measures creates an undue safety risk by increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 between passengers, the crew of the vessel, and port workers.” The union and its contracted companies fought against the essentially full-time shipboard mandate, because the SIU believes it isn’t always necessary for the crews while at sea. The union also questions whether it is being consistently enforced when non-crew members are on the vessels in port. The SIU (and others) pointed out to the Coast Guard and the U.S. Transportation Command that most members in the deep-sea sector already quarantine prior to boarding a vessel, and also normally must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before climbing the gangway. This system has helped minimize the number of positive cases aboard ship. navirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in following the requirements of the mask order. Per the Interim Guidance, crew should wear masks when outside of their single occupancy cabin unless work duties prevent their safe use or necessitate personal protective equipment due to worksite hazards. Mariners would not be expected to wear a mask while they are alone and are eating, sleeping, or resting. Additionally, mariners must wear masks when other persons (e.g., visitors, pilots, inspectors) join the ship for any period of time and when mariners disembark the ship. During these activities, masks should be worn in addition to maintaining a distance of six feet between individuals. Q: Do I need to wear a mask in my stateroom? A: CDC guidance states that a mask should be worn when outside of individual cabins. The Coast Guard interprets this as a mask is not required within a private cabin. Q: Do I need to wear a mask while on watch? A: The CDC has noted that transportation hub employees do not need to wear a mask if they are the only person in the work area. The Coast Guard interprets this to mean that a mask is not required when one person is not in the same space as another person. As such, if a mariner is alone at their watch station, with no other person in the room with them, then a mask is not required May 2021 �AFL-CIO Leads National Day of Action for PRO Act Editor’s note: The following article was written by Mark Gruenberg, head of the Washington, D.C., bureau of People’s World and editor of Press Associates Inc., a union news service in Washington, D.C. It has been edited to conform to local style and sensitivities. The AFL-CIO on April 8 spearheaded a “National Day of Action” to organize workers to lobby senators to pass the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The mobilization was backed by dozens of AFL-CIO member unions, as well as Pride at Work, Unemployed Workers United, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Working Families Party, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Social Security Works, and many more organizations. To accomplish its objective, federation officials set up an automated system on its website to make it easy for participants to call senators and join in the lobbying action regardless of their locations. If four Democratic holdouts and one Independent can be turned around, the act will become law. The holdouts include Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, both from Arizona, Mark Warner from Virginia, Joe Manchin from West Virginia, and Independent Angus King from Maine, who caucuses with the Democrats. “All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise in full – and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it,” said President Joe Biden in a March 9 statement before the start of floor debate in the House on the measure. “That starts with rebuilding unions. “Unions give workers a stronger voice to increase wages, improve the quality of jobs and protect job security, protect against racial and all other forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and protect workers’ health, safety, and benefits in the workplace,” he said. “Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union. They are critical to strengthening our economic competitiveness. But too many employers and states prevent them from doing so through anti-union attacks. They know that without unions, they can run the table on workers–union and non-union alike. We should all remember the National Labor Relations Act didn’t just say we shouldn’t hamstring unions or merely tolerate them. It said we should encourage unions. The PRO Act would take critical steps to help restore this intent.” The measure would make organizing unions easier, ban such common corporate tactics as mandatory anti-union meetings, and make union recognition elections faster. It also would force the sunlight of disclosure on so-called “persuaders,” a.k.a. union-busters, increase fines for corporate labor law-breaking, make it easier to get court orders against such tactics, and order arbitration if, after the union wins and is recognized, the two sides can’t reach a first contract in a reasonable time. Winning passage in the Senate is proving difficult, and unless Democrats in that chamber do away with or evade the filibuster, the minority Republicans may be able to kill it. “We’re not going to let a minority in Pandemic Forces AFL-CIO To Alter Annual Observance Of Workers Memorial Day The labor movement once again was slated to observe Workers Memorial Day on April 28 (after press time), the latest chapter of an annual grassroots mobilization designed to remember workers killed or injured on the job and to continue the fight for strong safety and health protections. While the global pandemic presented logistical challenges for this year’s commemorations (there are usually various in-person events across the country), the key messages of Workers Memorial Day were expected to be amplified online, in print and (safely) also during some gatherings. Additionally, the AFL-CIO’s annual “Death on the Job” report was due for publication by the end of April. Prior to April 28 (the anniversary of the establishment of the Occupational Health and Safety Organization, in 1971), AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka sent a letter to federation affiliates (including the SIU) that explained the background – and ongoing importance – of Workers Memorial Day. “Fifty years ago, the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect after the tireless efforts of the labor movement, who drew major attention to work-related deaths and injuries, organized for safer working conditions and demanded action from their government,” Trumka noted. “The OSH Act and Mine Safety and Health Act promised workers the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality – winning protections that have made jobs safer and saved lives. After years of struggle, we won new rules to protect workers from deadly silica dust and beryllium, a stronger coal dust standard for miners, and stronger anti-retaliation protections for workers who report job injuries and defended them from corporate attacks. But there is much to be done before the promise to keep all workers safe on the job can be fulfilled.” Trumka, a longtime ally of the SIU, then pointed out that “decades of evidence shows that unionized workplaces are safer workplaces. This year, America’s labor movement and our allies are launching a full-scale national campaign to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would give the tens of millions AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (left) recently weighed in on the importance of workplace safety. He’s pictured with SIU President Michael Sacco at a 2017 meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. May 2021 of workers who want to form a union a fair path to do so. The popularity of unions is at 65% -- one of the highest marks since the OSH Act was implemented in 1971 – and 60 million nonunion workers say they would vote for a voice on the job today if given the chance.” The federation president said that the COVID-19 pandemic showed both the power of collective bargaining and the work that remains. He said workers and their unions won significant job-safety protections, “but the pandemic also exposed the weaknesses in the safety agencies’ abilities to ensure workers are protected on the job and the structural failures that have prevented workers from organizing in their workplaces to demand safer working conditions. We must continue to fight and push forward to ensure safe jobs for all workers through strong unions and strong laws.” He concluded, “Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more suffer injury or illness because of our jobs. Far too many workers die from preventable hazards and many more workers get sick from exposure to toxic chemicals. Many employers and workers never see OSHA in their workplace. Penalties are still too low to be a deterrent. Workplace safety agencies have been decimated by a reduction in staff and a stagnant budget. Workers are not adequately protected without retaliation to speak out against unsafe working conditions and to freely join a union. In the fiftieth year of OSHA this April 28, we focus on the need to renew the promise of safe jobs for all of America’s workers. The labor movement will renew our commitment to safe jobs for all and mobilize to pass the PRO Act, so that workers have a right to form a union and have a safety voice on the job…. The labor movement also will work to strengthen OSHA and MSHA, increase their budgets, enforcement and other resources, and call for them to renew their commitment to protecting workers for the next 50 years.” the Senate stop” the PRO Act, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka vowed at a press conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights during House debate on the measure. Trumka implied the PRO Act’s political foes would face trouble at the polls. “If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not strong enough, and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned. “And in an era of extreme polarization, nearly two-thirds of Americans -- 65% -- approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they were given the chance. That’s 60 million people knocking on our doors. The PRO Act would let them in.” The federation says the PRO Act would “empower workers to organize and bargain, hold corporations accountable for union-busting, and repeal ‘right to work’ laws, which were created during the Jim Crow era to keep white and Black workers from unionizing together.” Buttigieg: ‘I Strongly Support the Jones Act’ U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphatically voiced his backing of America’s freight cabotage law – and U.S. mariners – during a recent hearing on Capitol Hill. Buttigieg spoke March 25 as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee conducted a hearing titled, “The Administration’s Priorities for Transportation Infrastructure.” Rep. Kai Kahele (DHawaii) said to the secretary, “President Biden has expressed his strong support for the Jones Act, and as Chinese companies with state support become increasingly dominant in the shipping, shipbuilding, industry and maritime supply chain … will you continue to support the Jones Act and support a major investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, to Pete Buttigieg support good-paying union U.S. Transportation Secretary jobs, ensure the national security of the nation, and protect the stability of the U.S. shipbuilding industry?” Buttigieg responded, “I strongly support the Jones Act. As you mentioned, that’s the President’s view as well because it makes sure that cargoes moved between U.S. ports travel on vessels that are built, owned, and crewed by Americans. The Jones Act also ensures that we don’t lose our domestic shipbuilding capability so that we’re not in the situation, as you pointed out, where Chinese-flagged vessels could wind up being the only place we could turn to carry our domestic commerce on the Mississippi River or between Florida and New York. That, obviously, would have national security implications, that are not acceptable.” Buttigieg added, “If we lose our national maritime industry, it might not return, and the consequences would be devastating. So, I’m going to continue to ensure that the U.S. Maritime Administration and DOT are doing our part, recognizing that there are many U.S. agencies that are involved in the Jones Act. And we’ll be doing everything we can to support that industry, as well as our Merchant Marine.” The Jones Act enjoys bipartisan support, and is widely recognized as vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Since its inception, the Jones Act time and again has proven its value as an indispensable law that benefits American workers and the American economy. PricewaterhouseCoopers, in its 2019 study for the Transportation Institute titled “Contributions of the Jones Act Shipping Industry to the U.S. Economy,” found that the law helps maintain around 650,000 American jobs while contributing billions of dollars each year to the U.S. economy. Another benefit is that the Jones Act helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail on American-flag military support ships during times of crisis. Nearly 100 countries around the world also maintain cabotage laws. Seafarers LOG 5 �Pictured aboard the CS Dependable with Andrew Baillie (fourth from left) following his rescue in the Pacific are AB Evgueni Baechko, Second Mate Harry Klausner, Chief Mate Terry Simmons, Captain Yann Durieux, UA/GVA Sarah Wilson, Bosun Ronnie Rodriguez, Bosun Mate Steven Whiting and MDR Luke Mueller. The abandoned boat CS Dependable Crew Rescues Boater in Pacific How’s this for a sign of the times: Mariners from the SIU-crewed cable ship Dependable on March 21 rescued a boater in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – and the individual quickly reassured his liberators that he’d recently tested negative for COVID-19. While the pandemic added a new wrinkle to the rescue, the rest of the operation, though challenging, seemed relatively routine, according to Bosun Ronnie Rodriguez. The bosun teamed up with Bosun Mate Steven Whiting to hoist boater Andrew Baillie, 71, to safety aboard the SubCom-operated ship. With an assist from Paul Hall Center Apprentice Sarah Wilson, they also managed to salvage some of Baillie’s belongings before he left his sailboat Catamaran 2, which had become unseaworthy. “He made it safe and sound,” said Rodriguez, who joined the SIU in 2007. “At first it was hard to get to him, but it was a smooth rescue overall.” The Dependable is crewed by members of the SIU and the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO), respectively. Vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux reported that the ship received a distress call from the boat shortly before 2 a.m., while the Dependable was headed to Hawaii. They reached the disabled craft approximately 40 minutes later. “It took a bit of time to approach, as the sailor needed to keep making way until the last minute,” Durieux wrote. “He feared the boat would break apart if not heading into the waves. We recovered (some of) his gear and the sole individual on board. Great team effort.” The captain said notifications were sent “for the navigational safety of others” regarding the abandoned, damaged boat, which had been en route to Ecuador from San Pedro, California. Rodriguez was in his room when he was notified of the distress call. He summoned additional crew members “and went to the port gangway,” he recalled. “We saw what looked like a sailboat. The captain got close to it and we put the gangway down partially, in semirough seas. When we got close, I threw a line to tie his luggage, but it was too rough. He had two bags he put into a garbage bag, and threw it to us on the gangway. The ship kept bouncing around, but we finally got him off the sailboat. I held the bosun mate and he grabbed the man. It was a struggle to pull him onto the gangway but easy after that.” Baillie, an Argentinian who is a U.S. citizen, was predictably thankful, and he spent the next week or so aboard the Dependable while it finished the voyage to Hawaii. “I felt bad for him because that was a nice sailboat,” Rodriguez recalled, “but those are just material things that can be replaced.” This was the second rescue Rodriguez experienced. The first, in 2016, also involved the Dependable, which saved 14 Indian fishermen whose vessel sank near Mumbai. In both cases, he said, the training he and many of his shipmates received at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, truly made a difference. “It definitely helped,” said Rodriguez, a graduate of PHC Apprentice Class 701. “I tell all these guys when they come aboard, it starts at the school. All the drills, all the studies – it’ll haunt you if you don’t complete it. You never know; we may have to abandon ship, for example. You’d better know what you’re doing. Definitely, for sure, the school has a lot to do with how we’re succeeding.” Spotlight on Mariner Health Heartburn: Tough to Avoid, But It’s Usually Manageable Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain occurs when the stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Normally when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus relaxes to allow food to flow down into your stomach. Then, the muscle will tighten up again. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes due to weakness, then the stomach acid will flow back up (acid reflux) and cause heartburn. Heartburn is a common problem with most people and no cause for alarm, usually. People can manage it with a change in their diet, lifestyle modifications, more daily exercise, use of certain medications, and limiting alcohol and not smoking. Symptoms can occur as: a burning pain in the chest that usually happens after eating and mostly at night, pain that worsens when you lie down, and a bitter or acidic 6 Seafarers LOG taste in your mouth. Make an appointment with your doctor if you find these symptoms persist or get worse. For instance, if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, or have any difficulty swallowing, any nausea or vomiting, or weight loss because of a poor appetite, an appointment is in order. Certain foods and drinks may cause heartburn, including spicy meals or snacks, onions, citrus products, tomatoes, fatty or fried foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, sodas, coffee, and high-fat meals. Being overweight or pregnant can also increase your risk of having heartburn. Reflux is potentially serious in the long run. If the condition is prolonged, it causes irritation to the lining of the esophagus. Again in this case, an appointment with a doctor is a must. He or she may prescribe medications to decrease the acid. Special diets also can promote healing of the esophagus. Be alert to any problems with heartburn and act on them quickly in order to decrease the likelihood of future difficulties. Healthful Recipe Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish Servings: 24 Ingredients 24 whole salmon fillet, 6oz each 1/4 cup smart balance 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground Relish 5 cups fresh strawberries, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup fresh basil leaf, chopped 1/4 cup honey 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground Salmon Recipe Brush fillets with melted butter; sprinkle with granulated garlic salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fillets, skin side up, in batches if necessary; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. Place the seared salmon into 2” hotel pans, bake in a 350F oven for 5-7min.; until the fish is cooked and at the proper internal temp. Relish Recipe In a bowl, toss strawberries with basil, honey salt, and pepper. Top the cooked salmon with the relish. Per serving (excluding unknown items): 218 calories; 6g fat (25.5% calories from fat): 34g protein; 5g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 88mg cholesterol; 428mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 fruit; 0 fat; 0 other carbohydrates. (Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) May 2021 �COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in Full Swing Consistent with the goals laid out by the Biden Administration, the SIU has been leading the charge for mariners to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic. That aim became easier last month, as Biden announced that every adult in the U.S. became eligible to register for a vaccine. While the statistics change daily, as of April 8, an estimated 64.4 million people in the U.S. had been fully vaccinated; overall, 171 million doses had been administered. As of that same date, more than 558,000 Americans had died from COVID-19 since the pandemic’s onset last year. The SIU has worked with government officials at every level, and with international organizations, to try and get mariners placed in a higher priority group than they already were, and found success in places such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Norfolk. In particular, the SIU and other labor groups in Puerto Rico were highly successful in requisitioning and distributing vaccine doses to mariners and other union employees who work and/or live in the island territory. Nearly 100 percent of the mariners who wanted a vaccine in Puerto Rico have been fully vaccinated, as reported by SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, who coordinated much of the effort personally. In March, the Biden Administration instructed local governments to ensure that all Americans were eligible to receive a vaccine by May 1, though many state and local governments were already ahead of schedule. At press time, there are three different vaccines approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- A description of the two main types of COVID-19 vaccines and the differences between them, courtesy ITF. vention (CDC) to protect against the virus. For mariners, both the SIU and the CDC advise requesting the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine, as it is a single-dose vaccine that does not require a second dose after three weeks. While the long-term efficacy of the vaccines is unknown, what is certain is that all of the vaccines have been thoroughly researched and approved by the CDC as safe and effective. Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are reported to be relatively mild and short-lived, lasting up to 48 hours, and can occur after the first or second dose. Once vaccinated, it can take up to 12 days for protection to be in full effect; however, at this time, vaccinated persons must still wear face masks and follow all state and local health and safety guidelines. Physical distancing, washing hands with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizer, good respiratory hygiene, and use of a mask remain the main methods to prevent spread of COVID-19. Abundant information about the vaccines is available on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/ Additionally, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Intertanko and the International Maritime Health Association have teamed up to publish “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping Companies: A Practical Guide.” The document – available in PDF form on the SIU website – is a quick read containing lots of potentially useful and interesting information for the maritime community. It is linked in the COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATES section of the SIU website. AB Ricky Martinez (above) and Recertified Bosun Noel Otero (photo at immediate right) happily review their respective vaccination records aboard TOTE’s Perla Del Caribe. What to Do with Your Vaccination Record Card Once mariners receive their COVID-19 vaccination, they will also be given a paper vaccination record card. The card primarily serves as a reminder of when to schedule your second dose if you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but also potentially may be used as proof of your vaccination date. While the debate continues on the possibility of a U.S. government-backed vaccine passport, it would be May 2021 SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco converge in San Juan for their second vaccinations. QMED Jep Sumpter gets vaccinated in San Juan. prudent to make a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card and keep it in a safe place. Experts recommend taking a photo of your vaccine card with your cell phone, or otherwise scanning a digital copy into a personal computer. After that, if you want to laminate your card, or otherwise protect it from damage, there are many affordable options available. The CDC is also encouraging everyone who receives their vaccine to sign up for v-safe, a smartphone-based monitoring program used by the CDC to collect data on users’ post-vaccination symptoms and remind recipients of a two-dose vaccine when to schedule their second appointment. However, it may also serve as proof of vac- cination in the future. In addition, the SIU would suggest that you add a copy of your vaccine record to your existing medical records with the SHBP Medical Department. Feel free to bring your vaccine record to a hiring hall to have a copy made for your records. And, in case you’ve already damaged or lost yours, don’t worry: contact your vaccine provider, or your state health department, to get a new card. While it is currently unknown if you will need to add a periodic COVID-19 vaccine to your list of reoccurring vaccinations, what is certain is that you should hold on to your paper vaccination record card like you would for any other important medical document. Seafarers LOG 7 �Maritime Mourns Passing Of AMO Exec. VP Finnigan Former SIU Deep Sea Mariner Dies at Age 57 SIU members and officials were saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of American Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice President Mike Finnigan, who succumbed to a brain hemorrhage March 19 at his home in Palm Coast, Florida. He was 57. Well-known and highly regarded throughout the maritime industry, Finnigan took office in January 2019 after most recently sailing as a deepsea captain. He was an SIU member for several years beginning in the late 1980s, and sailed with the union as a bosun and AB before joining the AMO in 1994. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said he enjoyed working with Finnigan. “I worked with him as soon as he took office, and he definitely was willing to listen and learn,” Tellez stated. “He had a very noticeable enthusiasm for our industry and in particular for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Mike was a straight shooter and he absolutely will be missed.” “Mike was by far the best I had seen in this job in my 48 years of administrative service to AMO,” said AMO National President Paul Doell. “Mike was a brilliant colleague with great instinct, a big heart and a wide-open office door. He was an immediate friend to everyone his job here introduced him to, and we will miss him greatly.” Finnigan, the son of a tugboat cap- tain, grew up in his native Essex, Connecticut. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Susan Ziegler Finnigan, along with is mother, brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. Capt. William C. Barrere will complete Finnigan’s term. Barrere has been a member of the SIUNA-affiliated AMO since 1985, and had been working as the union’s West Coast representative since September 2016. “Mike Finnigan would be pleased with this appointment of his friend Willie Barrere as his relief,” Doell said. “Willie is thoughtful, thorough and transparent in his conversations with AMO members aboard ship and ashore – values Willie and Mike shared.” Mike Finnigan, AMO Exec. VP World Govts Need to Step Up, Confront Issues IMO Warns Crew-Change Crisis Far from Finished Kitack Lim IMO Secretary-General The crew change crisis caused by COVID-19 restrictions continues to cause challenges, despite some improvement in the numbers, the top official of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has warned. In a recent statement, Secretary-General Kitack Lim said that based on industry analysis, the numbers of mariners requiring repatriation after finishing their contracts had declined – from a high of around 400,000 in September 2020 – to around 200,000 as of March 2021, with a similar number waiting to join ships. He cautioned that the crisis is far from over, and added that “issues around vaccination need to be resolved.” Mariners worldwide should be designated as key workers “to ensure priority vaccination and access to safe transit and travel,” Lim said. He credited various components of the maritime industry for “collaboration and cooperation” that has mitigated some of the challenges caused by the pandemic, Powell Retains Position As Port Authority Official SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell recently was re-appointed to his position on the board of directors of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. The Wayne County (Michigan) Commission unanimously approved the four-year appointment (2021-2025) on March 18. Powell has served on the board since early 2017, and in the capacity of vice chairman since March 13, 2020. The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is self-described as “a government agency advancing southeast Michigan’s maritime and related industries with the purpose of delivering prosperity and economic benefit to citizens and businesses. For more than 35 years, the DWCPA has worked to bolster the community by being the connection between the maritime industry and the Great Lakes region, raising awareness of the importance of the Port of Detroit and how the cargo and vessel activity generates economic impact for the State of Michigan.” Port Authority Board Members serve four-year terms, without compensation. Powell launched his career with the SIU at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center, attending the apprenticeship pro- 8 Seafarers LOG gram in 1993. He then came ashore in 1999 to work as a union official. He is active with the Detroit Metro AFL-CIO and Michigan State AFL-CIO, as well as the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. and applauded crews for getting the job done despite unprecedented circumstances. “The maritime sector has continued to deliver the vital supplies that people need,” Lim stated. “Seafarers have worked tirelessly, at the heart of this trade, to keep goods flowing. Despite difficulties with port access, repatriation, crew changes and more, there can be no denying that seafarers have gone beyond the call of duty.” He added that despite whatever progress has been made, “we cannot be complacent. Fewer than 60 countries so far have heeded our call for seafarers to be designated as key workers. More countries need to do so if we are to resolve this crisis and ensure seafarers are treated fairly and so that their travel to and from their place of work is properly facilitated. There is still a long way to go before we are back to a normal crew change regime.” Lim said that as vaccine availability increases in many countries, he urges governments to prioritize mariners. “Governments should also identify and prepare for the challenges of the vaccination of seafarers who spend long periods of time away from their home countries,” he continued. “We need to continue to work together to develop relevant protocols and guidance around vaccine certification. This is particularly important as any barriers to travel created by national vaccine protocols may further complicate an already difficult crew-change situation.” Lim concluded, “On our voyage through this pandemic, which has been challenging for the whole world, I recognize that many seafarers have endured intense hardship as they have worked to keep trade flowing. I wholeheartedly thank seafarers for this. We will continue to work with our sister United Nations agencies, with industry bodies and with governments to address the ongoing needs of seafarers. We will also be looking towards taking the lessons learned going forward, so we can be better prepared in the future.” Congratulations on Safety Award Congrats are in order for SIU members on the deck crew aboard the Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.-operated USNS Pathfinder who won the company’s monthly safety award. Among those designated for recognition were Chief Mate David Johansen, Bosun Kelly Doyle, AB Antonio GonzalesEsteves, S TO S Mohtasim Muthala and STOS Macrino Campomanes. Pictured in these photos are some of those individuals. Shown in the photo at top left (from left) are Doyle and AB Brandon Kernodle Balboa Panama. Pictured in the other photo (from left) are AB Rodante Niebres, OS Armando Pillagara, AB Mark Bolitho, OS Macarino Campomanes and Bosun Doyle. Bryan Powell SIU Asst. VP May 2021 �Paul Hall Center Modifies Some Requirements for Galley Training In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its requirements for steward-department coursework. Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation (one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course. Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program. For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The letter is linked in a March 18 post. Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at (301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org. Survey Aims to Assist Mariners Seafarers are asked to consider participating in an anonymous online survey (“Mariner Mental Health Needs during COVID-19”) conducted by the University of Washington. As noted on the landing page: “Results from this survey will be used by federal agencies, vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime training institutions, seafarer welfare organizations and MTS stakeholders to develop effective solutions that benefit our mariners’ mental health.” The landing page further points out, “This survey is supported by Centers for Disease Prevention & Control (CDC) and the COVID-19 Working Group (C-19 WG) of the federal interagency U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS). The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP), whose members include vessel owners/operators, mariner unions, maritime academies, maritime training institutions, classification societies, other maritime industry stakeholders and government agencies, is actively supporting this project.” To access the survey – which closes on May 30, 2021 – visit the SIU website and type “survey” into the search feature, or look for a March 30 post in the News section. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. Correction The April 2021 edition of the LOG incorrectly reported that the yearly finance committee would be elected at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. The committee in fact will be elected at the May 3 meeting there, which was the schedule all along. April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: May 3, June 7 Algonac................................................Friday: May 7, June 11 Baltimore........................................Thursday: May 6 , June 10 Guam..............................................Thursday: May 20, June 24 Honolulu.............................................Friday: May 14, June 18 Houston.............................................Monday: May 10, June 14 Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Joliet...................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 Mobile........................................Wednesday: May 12, June 16 New Orleans.............................................Tuesday: May 11, June 15 Jersey City...................................................Tuesday: May 4, June 8 Norfolk.......................................................Friday: May 7, June 11 Oakland................................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 Philadelphia.........................................Wednesday: May 5, June 9 Port Everglades..................................Thursday: May 13, June 17 San Juan...................................................Thursday: May 6, June 10 St. Louis.....................................................Friday: May 14, June 18 Tacoma....................................................Friday: May 21, June 25 Wilmington..................................................Monday: May 17, June 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m May 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 12 - April 12. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 12. Total Registered Total Shipped Port All Groups A B All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 17 3 1 19 4 10 13 44 30 32 3 5 28 10 4 2 5 31 1 22 284 11 2 3 10 0 4 0 19 25 11 5 1 4 3 1 4 3 2 4 8 120 2 2 1 4 1 2 1 7 8 7 2 2 3 1 1 0 0 4 0 2 50 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 1 8 1 1 4 10 21 7 2 0 11 6 3 1 5 10 1 11 103 0 0 1 5 2 2 3 10 15 3 0 3 10 5 1 2 2 7 3 4 78 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 3 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 4 0 0 23 Engine Department 4 1 0 0 1 1 5 4 0 0 1 1 5 0 6 3 18 10 7 2 1 1 2 3 11 2 4 2 0 1 1 2 0 2 2 5 0 0 10 2 78 42 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 2 6 1 4 6 15 11 11 1 3 16 12 2 2 4 8 1 18 125 2 0 1 7 0 0 4 8 14 0 1 3 7 4 0 2 2 1 0 10 66 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 12 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 6 0 1 19 12 3 0 4 1 1 3 10 24 9 1 0 16 6 1 1 0 11 0 6 109 16 3 3 4 1 2 8 7 56 15 0 1 23 5 2 11 2 8 1 7 175 GRAND TOTAL: 531 373 260 Registered on Beach A All Groups B C 6 2 3 8 3 5 1 12 24 19 0 4 9 5 2 1 3 10 1 9 127 51 6 3 31 4 16 16 84 63 49 1 6 41 17 6 2 10 52 4 42 504 13 4 3 20 0 5 4 30 46 14 6 3 17 4 3 5 3 10 5 15 210 3 2 0 7 1 4 2 10 13 9 0 6 10 1 3 1 1 7 0 6 86 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 13 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 6 11 4 0 0 5 4 0 2 3 2 0 6 49 8 0 2 11 2 4 9 26 29 18 2 3 16 9 5 2 8 17 1 22 194 1 1 1 15 2 3 6 15 30 6 1 7 21 5 1 2 5 7 3 11 143 3 0 0 3 1 0 1 2 5 3 0 0 6 2 0 1 0 4 1 0 32 Steward Department 4 3 0 0 1 1 4 6 1 1 3 0 2 0 9 5 9 9 8 0 1 0 3 0 5 6 10 5 0 0 2 1 1 2 10 3 1 0 10 2 81 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 3 3 0 1 6 6 0 2 2 2 0 4 37 11 0 0 13 0 8 10 28 20 19 1 4 23 25 4 5 6 14 3 35 229 4 2 0 7 1 2 6 10 22 3 1 6 19 6 0 3 5 1 0 14 112 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 5 2 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 18 Entry Department 1 8 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 1 12 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 9 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 9 11 62 2 0 3 3 1 0 2 6 20 6 0 0 17 2 0 7 0 9 0 6 84 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 3 11 2 0 0 9 0 0 2 0 3 0 1 39 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 7 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 11 0 4 36 21 2 1 6 1 2 4 16 39 21 3 1 22 14 2 1 3 17 0 18 194 26 5 1 4 2 1 9 20 103 18 2 3 36 11 4 9 5 15 1 15 290 127 252 963 659 426 C Deck Department 9 12 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 13 3 2 3 0 0 9 4 1 4 1 0 20 16 1 15 17 9 29 7 1 4 3 1 8 3 2 20 6 2 8 2 0 1 0 1 2 3 0 4 4 0 11 6 2 0 3 1 18 7 2 180 101 28 350 252 Trip Reliefs Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Vessel master Capt. Christopher Kavanagh (SIU hawsepiper) applauded his crew for their work during a recent shipyard period in Bahrain. “They did a commendable job,” he said. “I don’t think I could have handpicked a better crew. We had a little celebration to acknowledge a safe, successful yard period.” Pictured from left in the group photo are Cadet Liam Cashmore, 3/M Sam Osgood, C/M Jen Phurchpean, AB Cheryl Lee, AB Aaron Shorter, AB Kevin Salter, AB Andre Irby, AB Jakeem Simmons and Bosun Nathaniel Sherrill. ABOARD WILLIAM BUTTON – Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos of Seafarers aboard the Crowley vessel. Jackson in particular commended the deck department for going “above and beyond” while the vessel spent time in two different shipyards. He’s in the center of the group photo above with fellow deck gang members including AB Harry Phillip, AB Noel Gemo, AB Robert Taylor, AB Octavio Henriques, AB Seamus Woods, OS Blake Stollenwerck, OS Peter Festa and OS Frank Muna. Chief Cook James Martin and Chief Steward Ed Bonefont are pictured in photo at right while the photo at left includes QMED Deralle Watson, Storekeeper Jason Devine, Electrician Braden Horne, GUDE David Argo, Pumpman Orlando Pajarillo and QMED Isaiah Thomas. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU JACKSONVILLE MEETING – These photos were taken during the March membership meeting. In photo at right, STOS Gladys Williams (left) receives her full book. Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. Chief Cook Gregory Brown is at left in photo below, receiving his A-book as Nelson gives the oath. The photo above shows a strong turnout. UPGRADING AT THE POINT – Chief Cook Pauline Crespo submitted these photos while attending class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. In photo at left, Crespo (right) is pictured with Pastry Chef/Instructor Hillary Dyson at the end of the class. Chief Cook Arjay Hermoso (left in center photo) and Chief Cook Anthony Jackson present their sweet and sour pork creations before serving it for lunch. The snapshot at right features Paul Hall Center Apprentices Laura Katschman, Isis Vasquez-Soto and Sira-Claire Hauanio. ALGONAC MEETING – Seafarers safely gather for the March membership meeting in Michigan. Pictured from left in photo at left are UIW VP Monte Burgett, SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell and SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2021 FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – Oiler Samuel Ayers (left) receives his full B-book last month at the membership meeting. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II. May 2021 WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Mott Arnold (left in photo above, left) and OMU Omer Sharif (left in other photo) pick up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right in both photos. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders who are attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: How did you decide to pursue a career in maritime? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Thomas Koncul GUDE I’m following in the footsteps of my brother (SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Joseph Koncul). I’ve heard lots of stories from my brother, and I hope to provide a stable income for myself with this career. Joesef Shaibi GUDE My dad sailed with the SIU for over 30 years. I was inspired by his sea stories, so I decided to sail and see the world for myself. I was also really drawn to the work schedule, being home a lot while you make good money. Liam Flanagan GUDE I saw the opportunity to make a career doing something not a lot of people get to do. My uncle is an engineer with the AMO, and he suggested I look into starting my career with the SIU. Randy Slue GUDE I found out about the SIU through my dad. He told me about the travel opportunities a career in the SIU provides, not to mention the pay. I’ve already been all over Europe during my career, and I’m just getting started. Blake Washington GUDE A friend of mine introduced me to his uncle, who told me all about the union. I’ve got a daughter, and I want to provide a good life for her. I didn’t want to work two jobs anymore, either. Calvetta Taylor GUDE I heard about the SIU from family friends. I wanted to be an inspiration to my brothers and sisters, and travel the world while making a good living for myself. I’ve been all over the world already while sailing with the union. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 The late NMU Bosun John Ivo Valjalo is pictured in 1962 aboard the SS American Clipper as the ship arrives in Boston from Liverpool. According to caption information on the back of the Kodachrome print, the temperature was 22 below zero. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG May 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ALI ALHADDAD Brother Ali Alhaddad, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1999 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Alhaddad last shipped aboard the President Kennedy. He makes his home in Hamtramck, Michigan. on the Maersk Ohio and resides in Bellaire, Texas. LARRY JOLLA Brother Larry Jolla, 66, signed on with the union in 1995 when he worked on the Eugene A. Obregon. A steward department member, he upgraded often at union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Jolla concluded his career aboard the Washington Express. He lives in Mableton, Georgia. ABDULRAHMEN AL-OKAISH CLARENCE LANGFORD Brother Abdulrahmen Al-Okaish, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Al-Okaish last shipped on the North Star. He resides in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Clarence Langford, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1975. He was an engine department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Langford’s first vessel was the Cove Navigator; his last, the Inspiration. He makes his home in St. Augustine, Florida. GLORIA BAKER Sister Gloria Baker, 65, began sailing with the union in 2001 when she shipped aboard the Maersk Arizona. She was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Baker’s final vessel was the Overseas New York. She makes her home in Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN FITZGERALD Brother John Fitzgerald, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed on the Point Margo. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fitzgerald most recently shipped aboard the Seabulk Arctic. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN LEAHEY Brother John Leahey, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He sailed in both the steward and engine departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Leahey last shipped on the Overseas Tampa. He lives in Houston. KENNETH LEWIN Brother Kenneth Lewin, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Lewin’s first vessel was the USNS Bowditch; his last, the Gem State. He is a resident of Tahoma, California. HAMDI HUSSEIN RODOLFO LUDOVICE Brother Hamdi Hussein, 68, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he shipped on the Global Sentinel. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hussein’s final vessel was the Magothy. He settled in Philadelphia. Brother Rodolfo Ludovice, 72, started shipping with the SIU in 2007, first sailing aboard the Pride of America. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed on the Gem State. Brother Ludovice resides in San Francisco. RODRIGO JIMENEZ Brother Jose MacAdaan, 65, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed on the Cape Horn. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school within his first year of membership and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother MacAdaan’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He is a resident of Long Beach, California. Brother Rodrigo Jimenez, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in both the deck and steward departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Jimenez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped May 2021 JOSE MACADAAN JOSEPH MCGEE Brother Joseph McGee, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he shipped aboard the Capricorn. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother McGee last shipped on the Anders Maersk in 1988. He calls Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, home. RUDOLPH MILLER Brother Rudolph Miller, 69, signed on with the union in 2000, initially sailing on the Global Mariner. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Miller most recently shipped on the West Virginia. He lives in Hollywood, Florida. ABDULHAMID MUSAED Brother Abdulhamid Musaed, 66, joined the SIU in 1979. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Musaed’s first vessel was the Westward Venture; his last, the Ocean Freedom. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama. LAMAR PARKER Brother Lamar Parker, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1989 when he was employed by Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Parker last shipped on the Cape Kennedy and makes his home in Jackson, Louisiana. JEFFRY STUART Brother Jeffry Stuart, 67, became a member of the SIU in 1991. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and was an engine department member. Brother Stuart’s first vessel was the Cape May; his last, the Gopher State. He lives in Key Largo, Florida. NATHANIEL TURMAN Brother Nathaniel Turman, 69, started sailing with the union in 2004 when he worked on the Green Lake. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Turman’s final vessel was the Maersk Atlanta. He resides in Spring Valley, California. FRANK VOGLER Brother Frank Vogler, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1982. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Vogler’s first vessel was the Gemini; his last, the Maersk Columbus. He is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. WAYNE WILSON Brother Wayne Wilson, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing on the American Merlin. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wilson last shipped on the Maersk Durban. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. EUSEBIO ZAPATA Brother Eusebio Zapata, 61, signed on with the union in 1988 when he shipped on the Economy. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Zapata’s last vessel was the Cape Kennedy. He is a Houston resident. GREAT LAKES NASSER ALJALHAM Brother Nasser Aljalham, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2000. He was a steward department member and initially sailed aboard the John Boland. Brother Aljalham’s final vessel was the American Republic. He makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. INLAND ERIC CORGEY Brother Eric Corgey, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Corgey worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Poolville, Texas. MONTE CROSS Brother Monte Cross, 65, joined the SIU in 1975. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Cross upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last worked for G&H Towing and resides in Woodlyn, Pennsylvania. RICHARD FINLEY Brother Richard Finley, 65, began his career with the union in 1975, first working for Steuart Transportation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Finley was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Dushore, Pennsylvania. MATTHEW FURMAN Brother Matthew Furman, 62, joined the SIU in 1978 when he worked with Interstate Oil. He was a deck department member and concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. Brother Furman resides in Cape Coral, Florida. ALAN WATTS Brother Alan Watts, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977. He sailed in the deck department and was initially employed by Steuart Transportation. Brother Watts upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Moran Towing of Maryland and lives in Joppa, Maryland. PATRICK WILLIAMS Brother Patrick Williams, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1975, initially working with Interstate Oil. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Williams concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He calls Glen Burnie, Maryland, home. GREGG WOLFFIS Brother Gregg Wolffis, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 2014. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Wolffis was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He resides in Bell, Florida. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA EMILIO ABABA Pensioner Emilio Ababa, 70, died March 20. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1996 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Ababa worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. He retired in 2015 and lived in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. LAWRENCE CRAIG Pensioner Lawrence Craig, 91, passed away February 23. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1952, initially sailing aboard the Mobilian. Brother Craig was a member of the engine department and last shipped on the Robert E. Lee. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Brooksville, Florida. RAUL GUERRA Pensioner Raul Guerra, 67, died February 6. He signed on with the union in 1973 and was a deck department member. Brother Guerra first shipped with G&H Towing. He last sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on pension in 2007. Brother Guerra resided in Texas City, Texas. WALTER HARRIS Pensioner Walter Harris, 80, passed away March 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1978 when he shipped aboard the Bradford Island. Brother Harris worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Decisive. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a Baltimore resident. MARCOS HILL Pensioner Marcos Hill, 73, died March 17. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968, initially sailing with Penn Tanker. Brother Hill was an engine department member and last shipped on the Horizon Falcon. He went on pension in 2011 and made his home in New Orleans. THOMAS JOHNSON Pensioner Thomas Johnson, 87, passed away February 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1956 when he shipped on the Steel Design. Brother Johnson primarily sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Quality before retiring in 1995. Brother Johnson lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. 14 Seafarers LOG LLOYD LAWRENCE Pensioner Lloyd Lawrence, 73, died March 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1972, first working for Inland Tugs. Brother Lawrence sailed in both the deck and steward departments. His final vessel was the Green Cove and he became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Lawrence resided in Dade City, Florida. FRANCES MAIELLOWADSWORTH Pensioner Frances Maiello-Wadsworth, 78, passed away February 23. She signed on with the union in 1991 and sailed in both the steward and engine departments. Sister MaielloWadsworth’s first vessel was the Abby G. She last shipped aboard the William Baugh and retired in 2007. Sister Maiello-Wadsworth made her home in Wilmington, North Carolina. HENRY MANNING Pensioner Henry Manning, 73, died March 4. Signing on with the union in 1967, he first sailed on the Ocean Pioneer. Brother Manning was a steward department member and last worked aboard the Charleston Express. He went on pension in 2012 and was a Houston resident. ABDUL MUFLIHI Pensioner Abdul Muflihi, 72, passed away January 25. He became an SIU member in 1981, initially shipping on the Massachusetts. Brother Muflihi sailed in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Evergreen State and went on pension in 2014. Brother Muflihi lived in Coldwater, Michigan. NASSER MUZAYYAD Pensioner Nasser Muzayyad, 66, died December 28. He joined the SIU in 1980 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Muzayyad sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Performance and retired in 2020. Brother Muzayyad lived in Melvindale, Michigan. MICHAEL NASH Pensioner Michael Nash, 92, passed away February 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1951, initially sailing with Colonial Steamship Company. Brother Nash sailed in the deck department and concluded his career working on a shore gang. He went on pension in 1986 and was a resident of Maitland, Florida. NORMAN OBEHI Pensioner Norman Obehi, 75, died March 23. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped on the Liberator. Brother Obehi worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Maersk Alabama before retiring in 2013. Brother Obehi lived Ridgewood, New York. CHARLES O’BRIEN Pensioner Charles O’Brien, 85, passed away February 15. He began his career with the SIU in 1958 when he sailed with Boston Towing Boat Company. Brother O’Brien worked in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Staten Island, New York. CLARENCE PRYOR Pensioner Clarence Pryor, 85, died April 1. He started shipping with the SIU in 1954, originally working for Waterman Steamship Corporation. A deck department member, Brother Pryor concluded his career on the Humacao. He retired in 1997 and settled in Citronelle, Alabama. RODNEY ROBERSON Pensioner Rodney Roberson, 60, passed away February 15. He signed on with the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assurance. A deck department member, Brother Roberson last worked for Watco. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Claymont, Delaware. TOM SAENZ Pensioner Tom Saenz, 83, died March 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1963 and was an engine department member. Brother Saenz’s first vessel was the Jefferson City; his last, the Overseas Vivian. He retired in 1995 and made his home in Houston. KAREL SUMILAT Pensioner Karel Sumilat, 74, passed away March 9. Signing on with the union in 1990, he first shipped aboard the Independence. Brother Sumilat was a member of the deck department and last sailed on the Commitment. He went on pension in 2008 and called Elmhurst, New York, home. HAROLD WARD Pensioner Harold Ward, 72, died February 20. He began his career with the SIU in 1970, first sailing aboard the Steel Voyager. Brother Ward was a steward department member and last shipped with USS Transport. He became a pensioner in 2014 and resided in Mobile, Alabama. GORDON WHEELER Pensioner Gordon Wheeler, 90, passed away February 26. He joined the union in 1951, initially sailing aboard the Alcoa Puritan. Brother Wheeler was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Atlantic. He retired in 1994 and was a Houston resident. JOHN ZIMMERMAN Pensioner John Zimmerman, 73, died November 19. He signed on with the union in 1978 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Zimmerman’s first vessel was the Mohawk; his last, the Trader. He went on pension in 2012 and lived in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. GREAT LAKES CORLISS MACRURY Pensioner Corliss MacRury, 94, passed away March 1. She joined the SIU in 1980 when she worked for H&M Lake Transport. A steward department member, Sister MacRury concluded her career aboard the Charles E. Wilson. She retired in 1995 and made her home in Fort Gratiot, Michigan. LEONARD VALENTINE Pensioner Leonard Valentine, 82, died March 28. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1972. Brother Valentine was a member of the deck department and was employed by Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2000 and lived in Saint Ignace, Michigan. INLAND JAMES ANDERSON Pensioner James Anderson, 67, passed away February 27. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1993 when he worked for Riverbus Inc. Brother Anderson’s final vessel was the Riverlink and he retired in 2015. He was a resident of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. KENNETH BRADY Brother Kenneth Brady, 63, died January 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1981. A deck department member, Brother Brady’s first ship was the Gulf Merchant. He last worked for OSG Ship Management and resided in Portsmouth, Virginia. JAMES FERGUSON Pensioner James Ferguson, 75, passed away October 8. A deck department member, he began sailing with the union in 1988. Brother Ferguson was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2012 and lived in Highlands, Texas. GERALD MILLER Pensioner Gerald Miller, 77, died March 22. He signed on with the SIU in 1967 and was first employed by Whiteman Towing. Brother Miller shipped in the engine department. He last worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage, and retired in 2004. Brother Miller was a resident of McIntosh, Alabama. MARVIN NETZEL Pensioner Marvin Netzel, 86, passed away February 10. He joined the union in 1968 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Netzel worked with Dixie Carriers for his entire career. He retired in 1996 and settled in Iowa Park, Texas. NMU ANGEL CRUZ Pensioner Angel Cruz, 74, died March 5. He joined the union during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Cruz sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Delaware Bay before going on pension in 2004. Brother Cruz was a New York resident. RAUL FLORES Pensioner Raul Flores, 71, passed away March 5. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Flores’s final vessel was the Maersk Vermont. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey. ION ION Pensioner Ion Ion, 83, died February 7. He joined the union during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Ion sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the Innovator before going on pension in 2002. Brother Ion lived in Signal Hill, California. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Alexander, Warren Brown, Lee Cairns, Andrew Connolly, Norman Cotton, Clarence De Grace, Marciano De Luise, Gennaro Edwards, James Ford, Anthony Giller, Norman Johnson, James Rickl, Louis Saralegui, Carlos Smith, Stanley Trejos, Carlos AGE 83 90 89 94 79 82 90 78 82 96 80 88 91 94 90 DOD 03/07/2021 03/09/2021 02/13/2021 01/18/2021 01/11/2021 03/08/2021 03/14/2021 01/25/2021 12/12/2020 03/25/2021 03/01/2021 02/20/2021 12/12/2020 03/23/2021 02/22/2021 May 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), February 14 – Chairman Romualdo Medina, Secretary Derrick Moore, Educational Director Tsawang Gyurme, Deck Delegate Lawrence Hernandez, Engine Delegate Ghadir Sarkis. New mattresses and WiFi needed aboard ship. Crew requested regular servicing from port agent or patrolman. Educational director encouraged members to attend safety training courses at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increase in allowance for safety shoes. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 21 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Donny Castillo, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Dindo Reforsado. Pay vouchers are not accurately printing tax deductions due to a computer glitch. Crew requested clarification on compensation procedures for missing-man wages. Deck and engine departments were thanked for their efforts. Educational director urged members to check for class availability at the Piney Point school. Courses are printed in the LOG and are posted on the SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Company covers travel expenses from 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. hiring hall to ship location but are exclusively using major international airports. Traveling to major airports can be both timely and expensive for members. Drinking fountain in crew mess and toilet in crew room are both in need of repair. Bosun plans to call and request a patrolman to visit ship in Washington. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), February 27 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Dylan Sapp, Engine Delegate David Smart. Members were instructed to secure everything in preparation for bad weather. Company is still restricting crew to ship. Members were directed to record restriction time and submit it with the overtime time sheet. Chairman reminded crew to wear masks aboard ship and when going ashore. Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to sign up for SIU text alerts. Secretary recommended visiting the SIU online portal for current updates on documents such as medical, direct deposit, vacation pay, etc. Educational director urged crew to enroll at Piney Point for LNG certificate as new LNG ships are figuratively on the horizon. Members were reminded to bring back all dishes from rooms. Crew requested improved WiFi aboard ship. Members reviewed vacation check procedures and suggested reducing the 60-day requirement to 30 to 45 days. USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean Shipholdings Inc), February 28 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Loretta Stewart, Deck Delegate Mark Bolitho, Engine Delegate Ronald Sease. Chairman informed crew there would be no port access in Norfolk, Virginia, at least through March 2. All departments received top scores from Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) survey. Secretary reiterated importance of dues payments. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed COVID-19 vaccines and asked for clarification on extra pay for gangway up. Next port: Norfolk, Virginia. USNS POLLUX (TOTE), March 1 – Chairman Chris Nagle, Secretary Robinson Eromosele, Educational Director Marcelo Solano. Crew emphasized importance of good pension and requested an increase to current prescription glasses allowance. Chairman discussed vacation rollover at the end of the contract year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed views pertaining to maternity leave and feel that spouses should qualify for time off. MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE), March 7 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Dennis Skretta, Educational Director Michael McGlone, Deck Delegate Bakr Elbana, Steward Delegate Robert Haggerty. Ice machine in crew mess has been replaced. Payoff at sea scheduled for March 11. Chairman reminded members to use the proper chain of command if problems occur and to be sure documents are up to date. He recommended turning papers in early to avoid potential delays caused by the pandemic. Educational director encouraged members to read the Seafarers LOG and to check SIU website for classes being offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed pension-related issues. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. OVERSEAS CASCADE (Overseas Ship Management), March 11 – Chairman Orvin Mejia, Secretary Anthony Jacobson, Educational Director Mario Standberry, Deck Delegate Ricardo Guevara, Engine Delegate Daryl Spicer, Steward Delegate Larry Bachelor. Bosun thanked galley gang. Secretary discussed procedures for medical benefit claims and reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school. Members were reminded to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for more involvement with contract negotiations, a lower age requirement for pen- sion and for WiFi to be added to ship. Next port: Mobile, Alabama. GREEN LAKE (Central Gulf Lines), March 20 – Chairman Anthony Newbill, Secretary Reshawn Solomon, Deck Delegate Dean Diaz, Engine Delegate Antonio De Luna, Steward Delegate Jasmin Franklin. Chairman congratulated all departments for a job well done and reminded members to keep documents up to date. He also discussed facts pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination shots. Members were encouraged to upgrade at Piney Point and to check portal and Seafarers LOG for updated information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested TV in rooms, DVD players, a deep fryer and bottled water. Crew needs latex gloves and other company-supplied PPE. Dishwasher in need of repair. Members asked for a reduction to retirement qualification days and 30 for 30 vacation days. Next port: Port Hueneme, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the May 3 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2020 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and May 2021 the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Title of Course Pumpman Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses May 24 November 8 May 28 November 12 Welding May 24 June 28 August 30 June 11 Juy 16 September 17 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook May 10 June 14 July 19 June 11 July 16 August 20 Advanced Galley Operations May 31 July 26 September 27 June 25 August 20 October 22 Chief Steward June 28 August 23 October 18 July 23 September 17 November 12 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 September 27 August 13 October 15 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting Fast Rescue Boat June 21 August 9 June 25 August 13 June 28 September 6 July 2 September 10 Medical Care Provider GMDSS July 12 July 23 July 5 September 13 July 9 September 17 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Basic Training Advanced Shiphandling June 21 July 2 May 24 June 7 July 26 May 28 June 11 July 30 Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16 Basic Training Revalidation Advanced Stability July 5 July 9 June 4 June 25 August 30 June 4 June 25 August 30 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7 October 25 June 11 October 29 Government Vessels May 10 May 24 June 7 June 14 June 28 July 19 May 14 May 28 June 11 June 18 July 2 July 23 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 10 July 5 October 18 May 14 July 9 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG June 28 August 23 September 27 December 13 July 2 August 27 October 1 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT May 31 July 26 June 25 August 20 Junior Engineer May 31 September 6 July 23 October 29 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Marine Reefer Tech July 26 September 3 Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 Machinist October 18 November 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. 16 Seafarers LOG Safety/Open Upgrading Courses COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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. 5/21 May 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #867 – Graduated March 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Casas, Jeyke Franciz Chiovarou, Matthew De Maria, Richard Dolan, Ashley Graham, Nathaniel Howard, Cristian L. Irizarry Aviles, Nicholas King and Michael Reardon. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Cristian Curet-Lara, Dennison Neil Forsman, Michael Jamal Garcia, Gabriel Kalima, Aaron Juan Moore Jr., Jose Pena, Makanaonalani Sing, Michael Taylor, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Jeffery Wixted. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the engine departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Important Notice To All Students May 2021 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated Feb. 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Hoisington, Roger Mathews, Tanner Page, Luke Isamu John Satsuma and Johnny Young. Each plans to work in the deck department of union-contracted vessels upon the completion of their training. Pumpman – Graduated March 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcus Brown, Kirk Chambers, Olivier Luc Especa, Patrick Montgomery and Dhahabi Abdulla Quraish. Instructor William Dodd is at the far left. Government Vessels – Graduated March 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Byrd, Daniel Flanagan, Jequinn Greenman, Crystal Higgs, Hubert Lawrence, Isaac Nugen and Liam Richey. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Refrigeration – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Bell Jr., Joel Boyd, Terren Fields, Nicolae Marinescu, Kyle Miller, Robert Neff, Charlie Wescott III, Kyle Williamson and Kevin Willis. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamal Campbell, Jonah Chambly Ryan Hatch, Kevin Hubble, Alexander Kostik, Bryce Ness and Timothy Scott. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Galley Operations – Graduated March 3 – (above, in alphabetical order): Leo De Los Reyes Bierneza, Kaberlyn Daniel, Anthony Parks, Wilma Smith, Nikia Stripling and Johathan Yates. May 2021 Galley Ops (Phase III) - Apprentice Devin Brashear, above, graduated from this course March 5. Once he completes his training, he plans to work in the steward departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Seafarers LOG 19 �MAY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 5 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ‘Be Ready for Life-Changing Adventure’ Alaska Resident Wins Crowley Safety Champion Award The latest recipient of a prestigious annual safety honor clearly has found a home in the U.S. Merchant Marine. AB Austin Duckworth recently earned the Crowley Petroleum Services Safety Champion award – the highest individual accolade available in the company’s safety recognition program. Crowley Vice President Boren Chambers said Duckworth is “a good shipmate that looks out for his fellow crew.” Duckworth, who often sails on the ATB Gulf Reliance/650-2, stated, “I feel good about receiving the award from Crowley because I know how they really try and uphold their safety standards. So many people have helped me, taught me and showed me how things should be done. I would say they are the real reason I won. In this environment, we all know not to be scared to say something if there’s anything that seems unsafe.” The award is a milestone for someone who grew up fishing and working on the water in Ketchikan, Alaska, but didn’t immediately pursue his dream of entering the U.S. Merchant Marine. Duckworth, 28, had successfully completed a deckhand certification program offered by his high school, but after graduation, he worked at a local fishing lodge for a few years. The supportive owners inspired him to continue his education – and Duckworth did so at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Duckworth readily credits the Lund Maritime Scholarship program for facilitating his training in Piney Point. Coordinated by SEA Link, Inc., which is based in Alaska, the program is open to local high school and GED graduates. Thinking back to the days before he first shipped out as an OS aboard the USNS Effective in 2016, Duckworth recalled, “I didn’t really know what to truly expect before entering this industry besides being gone for longer periods of time and making good money while traveling the world. But today, if someone wanted to enter this industry, I would say be ready for lifechanging adventure. You do have to prepare to be gone for long stretches, and also have an understanding that there are more opportunities out there if you’re willing to work for them.” Similarly, when recalling his extensive training at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School in 2015 and 2016, he recommends taking courses there – and being ready to fully apply oneself. “Piney Point’s expectations were to follow directions, understand the fundamentals of shipping and working in this industry and be able to overcome any discrepancies among one another to work together as a team,” Duckworth said. “If you have the time and your schedule permits it, you should take advantage of the free classes and housing (for eligible members) that Piney Point offers.” As for shipboard work, it also agrees with Duckworth, who spent his first few years with the SIU sailing aboard militarysupport ships and tankers. He eventually chose to work closer to home, and found employment on Crowley ATBs in the Pacific Northwest. “I love the fact that I am able to pump the barge with one other person and we can move millions of gallons from one place to another in just a matter of days, sometimes even hours,” he said. Seafarer Austin Duckworth (both photos above) is pictured on the job in Alaska. (Photos courtesy Crowley) “My most memorable voyage would be our trips out to Dutch Harbor (Alaska), taking the inside passageways to keep clear from storms and being able to see all the wildlife, and rocks protruding from the mountain formations going directly into the ocean.” He added that he has found SIU representatives helpful, and he’s had only positive experiences with the union. As for the award, the company reported that Duckworth “was chosen for his outstanding performance throughout the year,” which included earning a monthly safety honor. As part of this recognition, Duckworth was presented with a challenge coin, and received a video call from shoreside management personnel. For Duckworth, it’s an accolade that may not be his last. He plans to remain in the industry and eventually sail as a deep-sea captain. “I love being able to see the world and what beauties are on every continent and being paid while doing it,” he concluded. West Virginia Legislators Issue Resolution Backing Jones Act The West Virginia State Capitol is located in Charleston. A new, bipartisan resolution in the West Virginia government strongly supports the nation’s freight cabotage law. The concurrent resolution backing the Jones Act was adopted by the state senate March 19, and then was passed by the House on March 31. Its primary sponsor is State Senator Eric Nelson (R). Text of the senate document follows. The house version is virtually identical. Expressing support for the Jones Act and celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act. Whereas, West Virginia is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, effective, and efficient transportation system that enhances opportunity for the people and communities of West Virginia and the United States; and Whereas, The current pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of West Virginia; and Whereas, The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and Whereas, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically, depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and Whereas, Mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and Whereas, West Virginia is home to over 3,300 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, which generates $171.7 million in labor income; and Whereas, Maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and Whereas, The more than 40,000-vessel strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family wage jobs and over $154 billion in economic output nationally, and $800 million to the West Virginia economy; therefore, be it Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia: That the Senate expresses its support for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act; and, be it Further Resolved, That the Senate affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and in fostering a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to West Virginia’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security; and, be it Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to each member of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: 'SALUTE TO CONGRESS' EVENT RECOGNIZES DEFAZIO, BUZBY SUEZ INCIDENT CAUSES SHIPPING BACKLOG WHITE HOUSE IDENTIFIES KEY OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT GOALS UPDATE TO MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN CLARIFIES MASK MANDATES FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY AFL-CIO LEADS NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR PRO ACT PANDEMIC FORCES AFL-CIO TO ALTER ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY BUTTIGIEG: 'I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE JONES ACT' HEARTBURN: TOUGH TO AVOID, BUT IT'S USUALLY MANAGEABLE COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS IN FULL SWING MARITIME MOURNS PASSING OF AMO EXEC. VP FINNIGAN IMO WARNS CREW-CHANGE CRISIS FAR FROM FINISHED POWELL RETAINS POSITION AS PORT AUTHORITY OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS ON SAFETY AWARD PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENS FOR GALLEY TRAINING SURVEY AIMS TO ASSIST MARINERS 'BE READY FOR LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURE' WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATORS ISSUE RESOLUTION BACKING JONES ACT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 5 2021 Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6a8d5a538096e86814a1ec886a228d46.pdf 3900d65ed2868ae8a593cd227f4967ee PDF Text Text MAY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O U.S. House Hearing Underscores Need for Strong Maritime Industry Readiness Requires Reliance on ‘Commercial Industry Partners’ The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command and the acting head of the U.S. Maritime Administration recently told a key House subcommittee that the U.S. Merchant Marine remains vital to the nation’s security. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (left in photo at left) and Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley (right in same photo) also offered candid assessments of challenges facing the industry. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) (right in photo above) chaired the hearing. Page 3. U.S. Ready Reserve Force Becomes More Modern Modernization of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is underway, as the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration recently announced its purchase of two vessels: the Honor (below) and Freedom (photo at right), both roll-on/roll-off ships. Formerly part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, both ships will be renamed as they join the RRF. Page 4. Financial Committee Meets Page 2 Remembering Don Young Page 5 �President’s Report Union Yes The recent win by workers who formed a union at an Amazon distribution center in New York is excellent news in its own right, but it also signals even greater potential for employees across the country. For anyone who missed it, this was no April Fools’ Day joke: On April 1, more than 2,500 individuals voted to join the Amazon Labor Union. They won the election by more than 500 votes, overcoming a massive anti-union campaign and securing the first such victory in the company’s history. One prominent publication called it “one of the biggest wins for organized labor in a generation.” Whether an election happens at a large facility like the Amazon warehouse or at comparatively smaller ones like the various Starbucks locations that have recently unionized, it’s always heartening to see workers pulling together and choosing union representation. It also demonstrates that even though our nation’s labor laws remain severely outMichael Sacco dated, workers can in fact beat the odds and win. Labor unions have always served as the strongest employee advocate in any workplace. From factory floors to the federal government to the deckplates, union members have always counted on their organization to fight for their rights, wages, safety and health care. Through continual work and perseverance, unions will remain a cornerstone of the American workforce. It would be even better news if wins like the one at Amazon were the rule rather than the exception. And I believe that’ll be the case if the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act becomes law. This legislation, long overdue, would restore fairness to a process that gradually has become severely slanted in management’s favor. When workers want to form or join a union, they should be free to do so, without employer interference. The PRO Act would give them that chance. Meanwhile, kudos to the grassroots movement in New York that culminated in a spirit-lifting victory for workers. Industry Remains Vital Comments from the commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command during a recent congressional hearing clearly spelled out how our nation depends on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost reiterated her support of our industry – including our crews – saying the time is now for American-flag fleet revitalization. On the latter point, the Ready Reserve Force began taking steps in the right direction with the acquisitions of two newer ships. This is a good start, and I’m hopeful it’s just that: a start. The RRF is a critical component of our nation’s sealift. It should consist of modern vessels. Be sure to read our coverage of the hearing, which also included excellent remarks by Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and by representatives from both sides of the aisle. Upgrading in Piney Point I’ve recently had opportunities to spend a fair amount of time at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. It’s good to see our operations safely moving back towards something that resembles pre-pandemic times, even if we’re not totally there yet. As the school ramps up its course frequency, I encourage Seafarers to take advantage of everything it offers. The Paul Hall Center is the key to moving up, boosting your earning power, and staying on top of the requirements for your particular job. Check out the upgrading course schedule in the LOG or on the SIU website. If you need help getting started, contact the school, your port agent or the union’s membership assistance office. Plenty of people are ready and willing to help. I remain proud of the school, which has come a long, long way in its nearly 55 years of operation. It’s a first-class facility with modern equipment and a great staff, and it happens to be located on a very scenic spot. Utilize it for a brighter future. Committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work. Members Review Paperwork at Headquarters Rank-And-File Seafarers Approve Union’s 2021 Financial Records Seven SIU members in early April approved the union’s financial records for 2021. The SIU Constitution requires that a group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Accordingly, this process began with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the following days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2021 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s June membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (chairman), Chief Steward Richard Toth, QMED Riley Donahue, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Chief Steward Cayetano Toledo and Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo. They were elected April 4 at the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the an- nual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Finally, the union’s legal counsel met with the committee and made themselves available should the committee members have any questions. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 5 May 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Finance committee members and headquarters personnel are pictured as the group wrapped up its work. Seated (from left) are Chief Steward Cayetano Toledo, Chief Cook Marilou Toledo and QMED Riley Donahue. Standing (also from left) are Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Chief Steward Richard Toth, Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew (who chaired the committee), and Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer. May 2022 �U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost Commander, TRANSCOM Lucinda Lessley Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Military Readiness ‘Inextricably Linked’ To U.S. Commercial Maritime Industry House Hearing Emphasizes Need for U.S. Crews, Newer Ships A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives featured candid discussion about challenges facing the maritime industry, and also emphasized the critical need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Two individuals testified at the March 31 gathering, conducted by the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces: U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. Titled “Posture and Readiness of the Mobility Enterprise,” the hearing featured strong words of support for U.S. mariners, not just from the panelists but also from legislators. Chairman Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), after pointing out that U.S. “mobility forces” already had conducted more than 200 missions “in support of the effort to deliver weapons and supplies to the brave people fighting in Ukraine” expressed wide-ranging distress about sustaining the ability to execute such missions. “Today, the ships and aircraft that comprise our sealift and airlift capabilities are challenged by readiness shortfalls, obsolescence, and an evolving threat landscape,” he said. “Congress has acted on a bipartisan basis to address some of these issues….” For example, Courtney commended the recent securing of full authorization for the Tanker Security Program (TSP). Courtney also said he remains “very concerned about the path forward on recapitalizing our sealift fleet. In just a decade, nearly threequarters of our fleet will reach the end of their service life…. I remain firmly committed to the three-pronged strategy of cost-effective life extensions for current ships, the procurement of a discrete number of used ships and the start of a domestic new-build effort…. We will continue to look at an ‘all of the above plan’ for sealift, rather than the either-or choice between used or new ships.” Ranking Member Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) said of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “If there is anything in this war that we can use as a lesson learned, it is the value of our logistics forces and their need to pace with the combat forces…. I would propose a strategy that expands our Tanker Security Program; that ensures our intra-theater connector strategy is coupled with a prepositioned force appropriate for the Pacific distances our forces will be required to traverse; that has adequate surge sealift forces; and, that has adequate bulk fuel stores positioned at the correct locations….” Van Ovost stressed the military’s reliance on “our commercial industry partners” to help ensure ongoing readiness. She said the country’s ability to “project and sustain military forces anywhere on the globe at a time and place of our nation’s choosing … could not happen without our total force and civilian personnel, who are critical to our daily capacity and ability to seamlessly transition to a wartime footing. The DOD’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry. These industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements.” Emphasizing those points, the general added, “During times of war, 90% of our personnel are transported via commercially contracted air and 90% of our military cargo is transported by sealift vessels.” Van Ovost also said recapitalizing the sealift fleet must be a top priority. “By 2032, approximately 70% of government-owned surge sealift ships will approach the end of their service life and must be replaced,” she stated. “DOD, DOT, U.S. Navy and TRANSCOM made initial progress in executing the strategy to recapitalize the fleet with used sealift ships from the commercial market and are working through the process of the initial purchases. The Vessel Acquisition Manager will also survey additional ships authorized for purchase in FY22. These first ships are a welcome beginning to the recapitalization of vital square footage and capacity.” Lessley described many of the laws and programs that help maintain the U.S. maritime industry and then pointed out, “These programs are sustained by a strong and highly qualified U.S. Merchant Marine and shoreside personnel. As they always have during times of crisis in our nation’s history, U.S. Merchant Mariners and other critical transportation infrastructure workers – including longshore workers, truckers, rail workers, and warehouse workers – have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the effective operation of our maritime transportation system and our intermodal supply chains. These essential workers have moved record volumes of cargo often at great personal risk, and we remember their heroic efforts and sacrifices during the COVID19 pandemic.” Like other speakers, Lessley also described challenges to the nation’s strategic sealift capability, which she said includes “an aging fleet, operations in increasingly contested environments, a shortage of available mariners, and unprecedented readiness challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.” She pointed out, for instance, that the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) consists of just 41 government-owned vessels. “This is nearly the smallest the RRF has been since inception and provides only a fraction of the sealift needed by the DOD,” she said. Lessley added, “Due to the declining number of ships in the U.S.-flag oceangoing fleet, MARAD is concerned about our ability to quickly assemble an adequate number of qualified mariners to operate large ships for surge and sustainment sealift operations if an extended mobilization were to occur.” She then explained some of the steps the agency is taking for potential mitigation. Meeting With Ukrainian Ambassador SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (fifth from left), in his role as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, joined other officials in meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Singapore Kateryna Zelenko (fourth from right). During an April gathering in Singapore, they discussed current conditions for Ukrainian mariners and the suffering of citizens in Ukraine. ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton is between Heindel and the ambassador. Also pictured are (from left) John Canias, ITF Maritime Department; Simon Spacey, VP Human Resources, CMA-CGM; Guy Platten, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping; George Pitaoulis, Marine Personnel and Development Director, ABC Maritime; Vitalii Chaika, Group Crewing Director at ASP Ship Management; Capt. Belal Ahmed, Managing Director, Western Shipping; and Francesco Gargiulo, CEO, International Maritime Employers Council. May 2022 Seafarers LOG 3 �RRF Adds Two Newer Vessels to Fleet The Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a vital component of United States combat deployment capability, is set to receive some critically needed tonnage this year. The Honor and Freedom are expected to enter service this fall, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD). The two ships, formerly part of the American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) fleet, will be renamed the Cape Arundel and Cape Cortes, respectively, adding more than 432,000 square feet of total sealift capacity and 316,000 square feet of military cargo capacity, MARAD reported. Both vessels carried military cargoes (and SIU crews) for many years and participated in the Maritime Security Program (MSP). The two ships will replace older vessels retired in Fiscal Year 2022 and will be owned by the Department of Transportation. “The Ready Reserve Force is an essential element of U.S. national security,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are proud to use this innovative method to more quickly acquire two additional vessels and ensure America’s Ready Reserve Fleet is always ready to answer the call.” According to MARAD, “The Ready Reserve Force is a subset of vessels within MARAD’s National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) ready to support the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces. As a key element of Department of Defense (DOD) strategic sealift, the RRF primarily supports transport of Army and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support equipment, and initial resupply during critical surge periods – the period of time before commercial ships can be secured for similar support.” The Freedom is one of the new scheduled additions to the RRF. The current RRF is comprised of 41 vessels, which are required to be “at the ready,” defined by MARAD as “fully operational within their assigned five- and 10-day readiness status.” Most if not all of those ships include SIU crews, both during an activation as well as during periods of reduced operating status (ROS). “We selected these ships to continue the RRF recapitalization because each meets criteria set forth in the National Defense Authorization Act and provides a standard set of capabilities that we identified with the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, and U.S. Transportation Command,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “These vessels will provide reliable sealift capacity for years to come.” These vessels were purchased using a vessel acquisition manager (VAM), an integrated program office that includes MARAD and Naval Sea Systems Command members and leverages commercial practices, according to MARAD. This enables the Departments of Transportation and Defense “to partner with the industry to effectively and more quickly replace aging sealift vessels with newer ships to meet national security requirements,” the agency reported. Previous Maritime Administrator RADM Mark Buzby, speaking in 2018, explained the importance of the RRF when he noted, “From 2002 to June of 2008, 118 ship activations were called for in support of Operations Enduring Free- Mobilizing for Atlantic Resolve The SIU-crewed Endurance (below) and Liberty Passion (above) are among the vessels that recently began sailing in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, described by the U.S. Army as a “pre-planned, rotational force deployment (that) was announced in December 2021.” The Endurance (operated by TOTE Services for ARC) is pictured April 6 arriving in Denmark, while the Liberty Passion (Liberty Maritime) is shown March 21 in Greece as an M1 Abrams tank disembarks. According to the Army, “The rotation will include joint and multinational training events to build readiness, increase interoperability and enhance the bond between NATO Allies and regional partner nations.” (Endurance photo courtesy ARC; Liberty Passion photo by Spc. Austin Steinborn, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) 4 Seafarers LOG dom and Iraqi Freedom. In that period, there were 13,575 ship operating days with a reliability rate of 99 percent. Almost 25 percent of the initial equipment needed to support the U.S. armed forces operations in Iraq was moved by the RRF. By comparison, Military Sealift Command’s combined sealift fleet of large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) and fast sealift ships carried 29 percent of the cargo required for the invasion. “The RRF provides significant cost savings to the Department of Defense by maintaining shipping capacity in a reduced operating status until needed,” Buzby added. “These vessels also provide maximum flexibility to an already thinly stretched Navy.” NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo: Ditch Captive-Audience Meetings National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo on April 7 issued a memorandum to all field offices announcing that she will ask the board to find mandatory meetings in which employees are forced to listen to employer speech concerning the exercise of their statutory labor rights, including captive audience meetings, a violation of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Abruzzo explained that the board has long recognized that the NLRA protects employees’ right to listen to – or refrain from listening to – employer speech concerning their rights to act collectively to improve their workplace. “Forcing employees to attend captive audience meetings under threat of discipline discourages employees from exercising their right to refrain from listening to this speech and is therefore inconsistent with the NLRA,” the board announced. The memo asserted that years ago, the board incorrectly concluded that an employer does not violate the NLRA by compelling its employees to attend meetings in which it makes speeches urging them to reject union representation. As a result, employers commonly use explicit or implied threats to force employees into meetings about unionization or other statutorily protected activity. “This license to coerce is an anomaly in labor law, inconsistent with the Act’s protection of employees’ free choice. It is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of employers’ speech rights,” said Abruzzo. “I believe that the NLRB case precedent, Jennifer Abruzzo NLRB General Counsel which has tolerated such meetings, is at odds with fundamental labor-law principles, our statutory language, and our Congressional mandate. Because of this, I plan to urge the board to reconsider such precedent and find mandatory meetings of this sort unlawful.” She said she’ll urge the board to correct that anomaly and propose they adopt “sensible assurances that an employer must convey to employees in order to make clear that their attendance at these meetings is truly voluntary. Such an approach will appropriately protect employers’ free-speech rights to express views, arguments, or opinions concerning the employees’ exercise of their protected labor rights without unduly infringing on the rights of employees to refrain, or not, from listening to such expressions.” May 2022 �Young is pictured in 1998 (photo at right) addressing a Maritime Trades Department meeting, and (third from left in the photo above) in 2015 during the Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a yearly event (during non-pandemic times) that promotes the industry. Among those also in the photo are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right). Pro-Maritime Congressman Young Dies Alaska and the U.S. maritime industry lost a unique advocate March 18 when U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) died at age 88. “It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved. His beloved wife Anne was by his side,” said a statement from his spokesperson, Zach Brown. Young was an unwavering backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was the only member of Congress who was a licensed merchant mariner, from his days as a tugboat captain prior to becoming an elected official. He also spearheaded a direct connection between Alaska citizens and the apprentice program at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. President Joe Biden stated, “There is no doubt that few legislators have left a greater mark on their state. Don’s legacy lives on in the infrastructure projects he delighted in steering across Alaska; in the opportunities he advanced for his constituents; in the enhanced protections for Native tribes he championed. His legacy will continue in the America he loved.” “I had many meetings over the years with Don Young,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He truly was one of a kind. You always knew where you stood with him. And he always stood with us.” Young was born on June 9, 1933, in Meridian, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Chico State College in 1958. Young moved to Alaska in 1959, the same year Alaska became a state. After becoming mayor of Fort Yukon in 1964, he held various state-level offices until he was elected to the U.S. House in 1973. He remained U.S. Representative for nearly 50 years, and was the longestserving current member of Congress at the time of his death. Young spoke at the Executive Board meetings of the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO in both 1998 and 2003. He contributed his voice and presence in support of many key maritime programs and laws, such as the recently enacted Tanker Security Program, the Maritime Security Program, The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, and the Jones Act. “As a mariner myself, I recognize the crucial role the maritime industry plays in delivering goods to communities across the globe,” said Young in 2014. “I am a strong supporter of the Jones Act, which I believe is necessary to maintaining a viable U.S. Merchant Marine fleet that keeps Alaskan communities fueled and supplied even in some of the world’s most challenging conditions. Alaska’s maritime industry is not only critical to our state’s economy, it is also an important part of our state’s identity.” Paul Doell, president of the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers, said, “Don Young was a tough, blunt, reliable advocate of the U.S. merchant fleet and American merchant mariners in all trades, and he held close ties to AMO throughout his long service in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our union always had an open door to his office, and I was privileged to have been among AMO staff members to discuss maritime issues with him, reveling in his earthy perspective.” “Everybody knows Don Young,” Young himself said in a 2016 interview. “They may not like Don Young; they may love Don Young. But they all know Don Young.” UVC Gains Status as Official AFL-CIO Labor Constituency Group The Union Veterans Council (UVC) in mid-March got a boost from the AFLCIO. The federation’s executive council (SIU President Michael Sacco is the longest-serving member of that group) unanimously voted to recognize the UVC as the AFL-CIO’s seventh official labor constituency group. UVC Executive Director Will Attig noted, “During the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention, the AFL-CIO passed a resolution to form the Union Veterans Council. From its inception, the UVC was a force multiplier for union veterans and all working families in their fight for economic freedom and security. And we are proud to announce that because of our success and growth, the UVC is becoming its own nonprofit labor organization….” He continued, “This decision by the UVC board, with the support of the AFL-CIO, will allow us to scale our programmatic work and capacity to be even more effective as we fight to help union veterans and all working families better their lives. The Union Veterans Council’s foundation will remain unchanged and our mission to bring working-class vet- erans together to speak out on the issues that impact us most remains the same…. The Union Veterans Council was built to protect working-class veterans and their interests. We will continue to do so now with greater authority and reach. I want to thank everyone who was a part of this transition and for your continued support in the next part of our journey.” The related AFL-CIO Executive Council statement reads in part: “Union members in every industry, occupation and region of the country have proudly and bravely served in the armed forces of the United States…. Since its founding 13 years ago, the UVC has steadily and sustainably grown in its outreach, its effectiveness and its fundraising capacity. With a diligent focus on organizing – at the national and local level – coupled with the initiative and creative thinking of UVC leadership, the UVC has evolved into a force multiplier for federation and affiliate organizing, legislative and electoral campaigns, and other important initiatives. The UVC has now reached operational capacity that makes its status as a constituency organization more appropriate than its former project status.” Seafarers Contract Ratified at Inland Lakes Management May 2022 The federation’s other constituency groups are as follows (with descriptions from the AFL-CIO website: A. Philip Randolph Institute: APRI is an alliance between labor and the civil rights movement. Today, it fights for racial equality and economic justice. Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance: APALA is the nation’s first national organization of AAPI workers. It focuses on advancing worker, immigrant and civil rights. Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: CBTU is an independent voice for Black workers within the labor movement. Coalition of Labor Union Women: CLUW unifies union women to face shared concerns. The coalition focuses on action on issues important to women workers. Labor Council for Latin American Advancement: LCLAA represents 2 million Latino workers. The council organizes working people to protect the rights and expand the influence of Latinos. Pride At Work: Pride@Work brings together the labor movement and the LGBTQ community in pursuit of social and economic justice. A new four-year contract between the SIU and Inland Lakes Management (ILM) covering licensed mariners has been negotiated and ratified. ILM operates the SS Alpena on the Great Lakes. The vessel is a self-unloading bulk carrier that hauls cement. The contract is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2021 and runs through Oct. 31, 2025. It calls for annual wage in- Will Attig UVC Executive Director creases and maintains the current health and pension benefits. Additionally, the new agreement maintains the Paul Hall Center benefit for training and upgrading. Negotiating on behalf of the union were Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak. Seafarers LOG 5 �With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan Vessel master Capt. T. Pham submitted these snapshots from the U.S. Marine Management, Inc. vessel, which is operating in the Far East. The photo directly above with members holding flags includes ABDM Fernando Haber, ABW Harvey Carvajal, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, ABDM Tomas Calderon Robinson, ABW Peter Stoker and ABW Roy Enriquez. The tank-cleaning photo (immediate right) includes the aforementioned Seafarers plus Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMED Joshua Bonita, and QMED Elhassene Elkori, while the remaining photo at top right includes (almost) the whole crew. The Maersk Michigan is a 600-foot-long product tanker that was built in 2003 in Japan. It has a beam of 104 feet. Spotlight on Mariner Health Migraine: More Than a Headache, It’s a Disease Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. A migraine is not merely a headache, but a neurological disease that can cause debilitating attacks, often with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Episodic and chronic migraines are terms used to describe how many migraines a person has per day or per month. These attacks can last for several hours to days. Migraines are thought to result from changes in levels of the brain chemicals in certain regions of the brain. Symptoms vary at different stages of migraines, and they may occur in children and teenagers as well as adults. Warning signs that a migraine may be imminent might include mood swings, food cravings, increased thirst and frequent yawning. An aura may be experienced before or during the migraine. There can be changes in vision and hearing, and difficulty speaking. A headache is the actual phase of the migraine attack and may include pain on one or possibly both sides of the head, along with eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sounds and even smells. Treatment can range for taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol to heavy sedatives and narcotics. There are many medica- 6 Seafarers LOG tions on the market for treatment. Alternative treatments include hypnosis, relaxation tapes, head-bands, nasal sprays and acupuncture. Persistent migraines warrant an appointment with a specialist. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly have signs and symptoms of migraine, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches. Even if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different.” The organization further recommends immediate treatment if an individual experiences any of the following signs and symptoms, which may suggest an urgent medical situation: an abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap; headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke; headache after a head injury; a chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement. Moreover, the American Migraine Foundation estimates that at least 39 million Americans live with migraine, but “because many people do not get a diagnosis or the treatment they need, the actual number is probably higher.” Healthy Recipe Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Thighs Servings: 24 Ingredients 3/4 cup sriracha sauce, separated 1/4 cup & 1/2 cup 3/4 cup honey 7 pounds chicken thigh, boneless 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes 24 whole plums, cut into wedges 1/2 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Preparation Whisk together 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce and honey; set aside. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic storage container; add remaining 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and crushed red pepper. Seal container and turn to coat chicken. Let stand in refrigerator for 2 hours. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill with greased grill rack for direct cooking over medium heat. Drain chicken; discard marinade. Grill chicken 15 to 20 minutes or until done (165 degrees), turning several times and brushing with reserved Sriracha-honey mixture. Brush cut sides of plums with oil and grill, cut sides down, during the last 5 minutes of grilling or until slightly charred. Remove chicken and plums to platter. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle chicken with parsley, if desired. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 330 Calories: 21g Fat (56.4% calories from fat); 19g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate, 1g Dietary Fiber; 88mg Cholesterol; 198mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 2 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship May 2022 �Full Books in Alabama Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 10 - April 11. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 11. Port Chief Cook Jonte Crenshaw (left) and AB Daniel Flanagan (right) receive their full B-books. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White following the March membership meeting at the hall in Mobile. Update on SIU Text Alerts Beginning April 28, 2022, individuals who have signed up for SIU text alerts were scheduled to begin receiving messages from a new number: (412) 899-8989. (The prior number was 97779.) No action is required to maintain an existing subscription. The change is due to new industry regulations that essentially are mandating a move to a “10-digit long code” (abbreviated as 10DLC) for organizations that send text messages. In accordance with legal requirements, subscribers should have received a “goodbye” message from 97779 (which read, “The SIU is changing numbers. You’ll hear from 4128998989 after this. No action required by you to remain subscribed.”). Then, they should have gotten a “hello” message from the new number, which read: “SIU: Welcome to our new number. Thanks for being part of our mobile news network.” All of our opt-in keywords remain unchanged. To sign up for alerts, text the word “join” to 412-899-8989. May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: May 2, June 6 Algonac..............................................Friday: May 6, June 10 Baltimore.....................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Guam..........................................Thursday: May 19, June 23 Honolulu...........................................Friday: May 13, June 17 Houston.........................................Monday: May 9, June 13 Jacksonville........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Joliet............................................Thursday: May12, June 16 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 11, June 15 New Orleans......................................Tuesday: May 10, June 14 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 3, June 7 Norfolk...............................................Friday: May 6, June 10 Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 12, June 16 Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C A A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 2 5 17 1 9 8 35 32 23 2 4 18 6 3 1 3 25 2 14 230 5 3 2 4 1 8 1 21 18 7 1 5 11 5 2 3 1 7 1 5 111 3 0 0 4 1 3 0 7 3 1 2 0 4 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 34 Deck Department 14 4 1 0 4 1 4 1 0 18 7 3 1 0 0 8 7 1 3 1 0 28 11 4 28 16 3 20 4 3 0 0 1 4 3 0 11 6 3 3 1 0 0 4 0 1 2 0 4 2 0 13 5 1 1 0 0 24 8 0 185 86 21 2 2 3 11 0 5 1 15 16 13 0 3 3 2 1 1 3 11 0 8 100 36 6 5 31 3 16 9 52 54 53 1 10 33 24 4 1 7 35 2 37 419 6 3 4 6 2 11 4 30 32 12 3 7 14 6 3 2 1 3 1 21 171 2 0 0 7 1 3 0 10 7 2 1 0 4 2 1 1 2 5 0 0 48 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 2 3 11 0 4 6 12 13 9 1 1 12 7 2 2 3 13 1 10 115 2 0 3 2 0 2 4 6 14 6 0 4 11 5 1 4 2 6 0 5 77 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 2 0 6 23 Engine Department 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 5 2 0 0 2 0 3 2 0 5 0 1 12 5 1 15 9 1 5 4 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 8 9 1 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 4 3 0 6 3 2 1 1 0 6 6 2 82 61 11 1 0 1 6 0 2 1 8 10 3 0 2 6 4 1 1 2 5 0 5 58 4 2 3 15 0 4 14 19 21 16 3 4 16 8 4 3 7 18 4 17 182 1 1 1 5 0 1 8 11 17 7 0 1 14 8 4 5 2 8 1 5 100 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 2 6 1 1 1 6 3 0 0 0 3 0 6 34 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 2 7 0 2 4 19 29 8 1 1 10 11 0 5 2 6 0 18 130 1 1 0 5 1 0 1 6 11 2 0 3 8 4 1 1 4 5 0 9 63 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 2 0 2 6 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 21 Steward Department 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 8 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 11 4 0 17 9 4 6 1 1 1 0 1 2 3 0 8 6 1 10 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 6 0 6 1 1 0 0 0 16 3 0 92 43 12 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 8 6 3 0 2 6 1 0 1 2 2 0 12 47 9 0 1 14 1 3 12 25 30 16 1 4 18 18 0 8 3 12 1 25 201 5 1 0 10 0 0 2 8 19 3 0 5 16 8 1 3 4 5 1 16 107 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 5 1 1 3 2 0 0 1 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 14 8 0 0 2 1 2 2 11 10 11 1 0 8 2 2 1 0 16 0 19 96 4 1 2 1 1 2 1 15 55 11 0 0 20 5 1 11 0 1 0 12 143 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 9 Entry Department 4 1 1 0 0 3 2 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 7 14 16 37 9 9 0 0 0 0 3 10 0 1 2 0 2 11 0 0 8 7 0 0 9 6 63 106 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 10 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 2 0 3 35 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 21 14 3 0 2 1 5 5 16 30 22 3 0 18 7 0 1 0 23 0 24 174 8 1 0 1 0 2 2 16 89 21 1 2 33 10 1 8 0 8 0 16 219 347 221 368 240 823 552 323 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 4, June 8 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 12, June 16 San Juan...........................................Thursday: May 5, June 9 St. Louis................................................Friday: May 13, June 17 Tacoma...............................................Friday: May 20, June 24 Wilmington.........................Monday: May 16, *Tuesday : June 21 * Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m SPAD Works For You Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD May 2022 GRAND TOTAL:489 253 150 Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question answered by upgraders attending classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Has being a mariner measured up to what you thought it would be since you joined the union? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Nadine Nomed-Ryf Chief Cook Yes, it has, because I have learned a lot about the job, people and what being a mariner is really all about. I’m from France, so all of this was really new to me when I first started. I have been sailing for almost three years and I am very happy about what I have achieved so far. It’s been a rewarding experience. Samuel Ortiz Chief Cook Being a mariner is far more exciting and rewarding than I thought it would be when I joined. Put simply, it has changed my life in a real good way. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Dennis Vega Chief Cook It’s been awesome so far. Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot of new places and meet a lot of new people. The experiences have been great with some ups and downs, but mostly ups. Overall, it’s been a really great experience. Dewayne Thomas Chief Cook I have learned a lot since sailing as chief cook. And yes, being a mariner is everything that I thought it would be. I’ve sailed for the last three years as a chief cook and it has been a really good experience for me. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Kevin Santiago Chief Cook Being a mariner is way more than I expected it to be. Sailing has changed so many things in my life in a positive way. It’s really been a dream come true for me. Johanns Rivera Rivera Chief Cook Yes, it has. Being a merchant mariner so far has been an awesome career for me and I’m glad I chose it. Going to sea has made my life better and better and better. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 8 Seafarers LOG SIU pensioner Farid Zaharan submitted this photo, taken in July 1974 in Poti, Georgia. He’s standing third from right. “Some of the people were from the crew of the SS Eagle Traveler (Sea Transport Corp.) and the others were from the seamen’s club,” wrote Zaharan, an OS on that voyage and an active Seafarer from 1970-2008. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2022 �SUPPORTING PRO-LABOR CONGRESSMAN – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey) (second from left) greets SIU personnel during a campaign kickoff March 21. Pictured from left are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Pascrell, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Patrolman James Bast. TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSMAN – SIU Asst. VP Bryan Powell (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) during a labor gathering in Chicago in late March. They spoke at length about the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act, and America’s cargo preference laws and their collective importance to the nation’s security and economy. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime members recently called it a career in the Crescent City. Carl Gegenheimer (second from left in photo at left) retired from Crescent Towing after 47 years of service. He worked his way up from deckhand to captain and served as a union delegate. This photo was taken at his retirement luncheon. Pictured from left are SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Carl, Kurt Gegenheimer (Carl’s brother and also Crescent’s director of sourcing and procurement), and Crescent VP Eddie Pinner. The photo at right includes Chief Engineer Grant Wilkinson (center), pictured at the New Orleans hall with his wife, Lynn, and Westbrook. A Seafarer for 33 years, Grant spent most of his career sailing with Crescent Towing, but he also sailed in the deep-sea division, including during Operation Desert Storm. READY TO SHIP OUT – Seafarer Anthony Roman (right) displays the shipping card for his first relief steward job as he prepares to head to the Maersk Misaki. He’s following the footsteps of his brother, Jorge Roman, who also sails from the San Juan hall in the steward department. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at left. ABOARD CAPE WASHINGTON – Seafarers aboard the Crowley vessel recently delivered materiel overseas for a publicly reported, multinational military exercise. Some of the crew (and one lifeboat) are pictured here, including Recertified Bosun Rick James (above). May 2022 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Recertified Steward Perry McCall (left) receives his first pension check at the hall, from SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. McCall sailed with the SIU for nearly 40 years. NEW CONTRACT FOR NATIONAL GLORY – Seafarers in mid-March overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement covering the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship. The four-year contract includes yearly wage increases and maintains benefits. Among those pictured on the vessel are AB Roger Utter, AB Hernando Bansuelo, Recertified Bosun Jay White, QMED Keith Carswell, Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Bosun Richard Molina-Blackman, Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett, Electrician Linarys Castillo Ortiz, SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala. 10 Seafarers LOG FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Erik Ruiz (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall on March 29. SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick is at right. A-BOOK IN SUNSHINE STATE – Chief Steward Grazyna Tomaszewska (left) receives her A-seniority book at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall. SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins is at right. ABOARD OCEAN GLORY – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship in Richmond, California, in early March (photo below) are SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday, AB Oliver Vickers and AB Steven Sparenborg. May 2022 �ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Pictured on the SubCom vessel are (from left) Bosun’s Mate Richard Molina Blackman, AB/SJ Desmond Unutoa, AB/SJ Andre Barbary, GVA James Stanford, AB Jorge Alamo, AB Stokley Callender, GVA Darius Harley, Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman and AB Kyle Kinsley. A-BOOK IN GOLDEN STATE – QMED Yuri Hernandez (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Wilmington, California. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Seafarer James Wilkison (right), a tugboat captain with G&H Towing, picks up his first pension check at the hall. SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo is at left. ABOARD TAINO – Pictured in late March aboard the Crowley vessel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are (photo above, from left) Bosun Kemer Rojas, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, Crowley Chief Port Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Armando Garayua, Second Mate Germaine Williams and ABM Raymond Maldonado (all from San Juan). In the photo immediately below (also from left) are Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez, Recertified Steward Kim Strate and ABM Victor Cortes, stripping and waxing galley decks. ABOARD SEABULK ARCTIC – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right in photo above) is pictured with Pumpman Jeff Roddy aboard the Seabulk Tankers Inc. vessel, while the snapshot below includes (from left) Chief Steward Al Ramseur and Chief Cook George Burgos. A-BOOK IN JERSEY – QEE Nicholas Panagakos (right) picks up his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Jersey City hall with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. May 2022 Seafarers LOG 11 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA Bradenton, Florida. LILIA BARRACA JEFFRY CESVET Sister Lilia Barraca, 65, began her career with the SIU in 2001 when she sailed aboard the Allegiance. She sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Sister Barraca most recently shipped on the Pacific Collector. She makes her home in Kunia, Hawaii. Brother Jeffry Cesvet, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2005, first sailing aboard the RJ Pfeiffer. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Cesvet concluded his career on the Green Cove. He resides in Laguna Woods, California. JOHN BENNETT LESLIE CHOICE Brother John Bennett, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978, initially working for States Steamship. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bennett concluded his career aboard the Lurline. He lives in Sacramento, California. Brother Leslie Choice, 65, started sailing with the union in 1977, initially working for Dixie Carriers. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Choice last shipped on the OMI Star and settled in Houston. ROBERT BROWN Brother Robert Brown, 58, donned the SIU colors in 1982 when he shipped on the Taurus. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Brown was a steward department member and most recently worked on the Cape Washington. He calls Catonsville, Maryland, home. STEVEN BROWN Brother Steven Brown, 67, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Brown’s final vessel was the Tacoma. He is a resident of Ashford, Washington. GWENDOLYN CAMPBELL Sister Gwendolyn Campbell, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1976. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Campbell’s first vessel was the Santa Mariana; her last, the El Morro. She makes her home in 12 Seafarers LOG JAMES CLARK Brother James Clark, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1973 when he shipped on the Transpanama. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1976. Brother Clark’s final vessel was the Producer. He resides in Port Charlotte, Florida. KEVIN COMBS Brother Kevin Combs, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing on the Virgo. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Combs most recently shipped on the Maersk Idaho and lives in Gainesville, Florida. JAMES DAVIS Brother James Davis, 65, joined the SIU in 1998 when he sailed on the USNS American Osprey. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Davis concluded his career on the Maersk Carolina and makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. SAMUEL DAVIS Brother Samuel Davis, 65, signed on with the union in 1974. He first sailed aboard the Baltimore and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Davis upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Seabulk Trader and is a resident of Mobile, Alabama. DANIEL DEAN Brother Daniel Dean, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1978, initially shipping on the Columbia. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dean last shipped aboard the Safmarine Mafadi. He lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. MICHAEL FAY Brother Michael Fay, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1975 when he shipped on the Notre Dame. He worked in the engine department and upgraded the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Fay was last employed by Crowley. He lives in Westmont, New Jersey. VIRGILIO FUCANAN Brother Virgilio Fucanan, 67, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer and worked in the deck department. Brother Fucanan upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Charleston Express and is a Houston resident. FRANCISCO GAMBOA Brother Francisco Gamboa, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1997. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Gamboa upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped aboard the Puget Sound and resides in Honduras. RALPH GARNER Brother Ralph Garner, 60, started sailing with the union in 1986, initially working on an OMI ship. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Garner concluded his career aboard the Cape Knox and settled in Panama City, Florida. GREGORY HAMILTON Brother Gregory Hamilton, 66, joined the union in 1972 and first sailed aboard the Fairland. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Hamilton last shipped aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He lives in Vista, California. ROBERT IVANAUSKAS Brother Robert Ivanauskas, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973 when he shipped on the Brooklyn. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ivanauskas most recently shipped on the Integrity. He calls Bel Air, Maryland, home. DONALD LUMPKINS Brother Donald Lumpkins, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Anders Maersk. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Lumpkins last shipped on the USNS Stockham. He resides in Goose Greek, South Carolina. GREGORY MCNIEL Brother Gregory McNiel, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2006. He initially shipped aboard the Bonny and was a steward department member. Brother McNiel upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Texas and resides in Pompano Beach, Florida. DIANE MICHENER Sister Diane Michener, 65, joined the union in 1979 when she sailed aboard the El Paso Southern. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Michener’s final vessel was the Express. She lives in Athens, New York. CAROLYN MILSTEAD Sister Carolyn Milstead, 65, started her career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing on the Patriot. She worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Milstead most recently shipped on the Independence II. She calls Valdosta, Georgia, home. SCOTT OPSAHL Brother Scott Opsahl, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 and first sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Opsahl last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. DENNIS PICKERING Brother Dennis Pickering, 65, signed on with the union in 1978. He initially sailed on the Aries and worked in the deck department. Brother Pickering upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Liberator and is a resident of Harbor City, California. ALBERTO SEMEDO Brother Alberto Semedo, 69, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed on the Kenai. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Semedo most recently sailed on the Ocean Jazz and makes his home in Harbor City, California. CHARLES SNEED Brother Charles Sneed, 68, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He first shipped on the OverContinued on next page May 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Continued from Page 12 seas Marilyn and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sneed upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Philadelphia Express and calls Mobile, Alabama, home. ORLANDO SUAZO Brother Orlando Suazo, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2002. He sailed in the steward department and first shipped on the USNS Able. Brother Suazo upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Montana and lives in New York. TECUMSEH WILLIAMS Brother Tecumseh Williams, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing on the USNS Potomac. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Williams last shipped aboard the Maersk Ohio and resides in Green Cove Springs, Florida. GREAT LAKES JAN KAMINSKI Brother Jan Kaminski, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He initially sailed on the St. Clair and was a deck department member. Brother Kaminski last shipped aboard the Walter J. McCarthy and resides in Boca Raton, Florida. LIONEL TAYLOR Brother Lionel Taylor, 73, signed on with the SIU in 1999, first sailing aboard the Independence. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Taylor last shipped on the Ocean Gladiator. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. SANYBOY WHITING Brother Sanyboy Whiting, 60, joined the union in 1990. He was a deck department member and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Whiting’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Global Sentinel. He makes his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. JAMES WILLIAMS Brother James Williams, 69, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978 when he worked on the Galveston. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Williams concluded his career on the Horizon Pacific. He lives in Dayton, Ohio. May 2022 INLAND LUIS ALVAREZ PAGAN Brother Luis Alvarez Pagan, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1983. An engine department member, he was employed by Crowley Puerto Rico Services for his entire career. Brother Alvarez Pagan lives in Puerto Rico. FRANCIS ARNONA Brother Francis Arnona, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1975. He was a member of the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Arnona makes his home in Picayune, Mississippi. RAYMUNDO ESTAYA Brother Raymundo Estaya, 66, signed on with the union in 1990. His first vessel was the Sealift Atlantic and he sailed in the engine department. Brother Estaya upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last sailed aboard the Terrapin Island and settled in Richmond, Texas. CARL GEGENHEIMER Brother Carl Gegenheimer, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1975. A deck department member, he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Gegenheimer is a New Orleans resident. ANGEL GONZALEZ Brother Angel Gonzalez, 63, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Gonzalez worked for G&H Towing for most of his career. He resides in League City, Texas. MARK HAYES Brother Mark Hayes, 57, joined the SIU in 2000, initially working on the Dodge Island. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and was an engine department member. Brother Hayes concluded his career on the Padre Island and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. DALLAS HIGGINS Brother Dallas Higgins, 62, signed on with the union in 1978. He first sailed with Hvide Marine and was a member of the deck department. Brother Higgins upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He was last employed by Seabulk Tankers Inc. and makes his home in Nederland, Texas. MARK LASKOWSKI Brother Mark Laskowski, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 2006 when he worked on the Sound Reliance. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Laskowski’s final vessel was the Pacific Reliance. He lives in Vassalboro, Maine. BOBBY MALONE Brother Bobby Malone, 62, joined the SIU in 1981. He was first employed by Dravo Basic Materials and sailed in the deck department. Brother Malone concluded his career working for Martin Marietta and resides in Poplarville, Mississippi. FRANK MARTINE Brother Frank Martine, 60, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Martine most recently shipped with G&H Towing. He is a resident of Livingston, Texas. HAL OWEN Brother Hal Owen, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with Inland Tugs. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Owen was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Naples, Florida. ASCENCION PASTOR Brother Ascencion Pastor, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Mississippi Queen. Brother Pastor is a New York resident. JOHN PHILLIPS Brother John Phillips, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1977. An engine department member, he first sailed with Dixie Carriers. Brother Phillips upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage and settled in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ Brother Orlando Rodriguez, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977. He primarily sailed in the steward department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. Brother Rodriguez makes his home in Miami. ERIC SHORT Brother Eric Short, 62, signed on with the union in 1979. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1981. Brother Short worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He resides in Covington, Louisiana. MICHAEL STEPHENS Brother Michael Stephens, 60, joined the SIU in 1978, initially working for American Towing. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Stephens most recently shipped on the Resolve. He lives in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey. JAMES TOMLINSON Brother James Tomlinson, 64, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. A deck department member, Brother Tomlinson was last employed by Crowley in 2004. He calls Trinity, Texas, home. AUGUST WERDENBERG Brother August Werdenberg, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1984. The deck department member’s first vessel was the Northerly Island. Brother Werdenberg last shipped aboard the Dodge Island. He settled in Merritt Island, Florida. GRANT WILKINSON Brother Grant Wilkinson, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1990 when he sailed on the Stephen W. Pless. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2014. Brother Wilkinson was most recently employed with Crescent Towing & Salvage. He lives in Mandeville, Louisiana. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA THOMAS ALLEN Pensioner Thomas Allen, 86, died January 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2000. Initially sailing aboard the USNS Loyal, Brother Allen was a steward department member. He last shipped aboard the Cyprine and went on pension in 2015. Brother Allen was a resident of East Wareham, Massachusetts. FRANK CASBY Pensioner Frank Casby, 84, passed away January 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1979 and sailed in all three departments. Brother Casby’s first vessel was the Cove Engineer; his last, the USNS Bellatrix. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Franklinton, Louisiana. JEFFREY CHAPPELOW Pensioner Jeffrey Chappelow, 70, died November 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped on the Paul Buck. Brother Chappelow worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Lightning. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Ontario, California. HYDEN ELWIN Pensioner Hyden Elwin, 74, passed away January 22. Born in Honduras, he signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968. Brother Elwin initially sailed aboard the Steel Flyer and was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Arctic and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Elwin called Petal, Mississippi, home. BILLY HILL Pensioner Billy Hill, 64, died February 26. He joined the union in 1976 when he sailed aboard the Transeastern. Brother Hill worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Maersk California. He retired in 2016 and lived in Livingston, Texas. LESTER HOFFMAN Pensioner Lester Hoffman, 78, passed away March 7. Signing on with the SIU in 1967, he was first employed by Hudson Waterways. Brother Hoffman was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Algol before retiring in 2005. Brother Hoffman resided in Bay City, Michigan. JULIUS KOTAN Pensioner Julius Kotan, 80, died December 10. He started sailing with the union in 1965, initially working for Sea-Land. Brother Kotan sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Wabash and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Kotan lived in Daytona Beach, Florida. JULIUS COPELAND Pensioner Julius Copeland, 83, passed away January 24. He joined the union in 1972 and first sailed aboard the President Fillmore. A steward department member, Brother Copeland last shipped on the Achiever. He retired in 2005 and made his home in Clovis, California. ROBERT DAVIS Pensioner Robert Davis, 68, died February 8. He started sailing with the SIU in 1988. Brother Davis was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. He most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Promise and went on pension in 2021. Brother Davis resided in Montgomery, Texas. 14 Seafarers LOG PETE MACARAEG Brother Pete MacAraeg, 92, passed away January 12. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1968. Brother MacAraeg was a steward department member and first worked on the Santa Magdelena. He last sailed aboard the Liberator in 1985 and was a San Francisco resident. FRANK MARTIN Pensioner Frank Martin, 68, died January 4. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he shipped on the Kauai. Brother Martin worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the John U.D. Page in 2019. Brother Martin became a pensioner earlier this year and lived in Jacksonville, Tennessee. ODELL MURRAY Pensioner Odell Murray, 81, passed away January 30. An engine department member, he started sailing with the union in 2001. Brother Murray’s first vessel was the Marine Chemist; his last, the Resolve. He went on pension in 2011 and made his home in Houston. EDDY NEWMAN Pensioner Eddy Newman, 66, died February 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1990. Brother Newman was a member of the engine department and first shipped aboard the USNS De Steiguer. He last sailed aboard the Howard O. Lorenzen before retiring in 2019. Brother Newman resided in Las Vegas. JORGE OSORIO Pensioner Jorge Osorio, 83, passed away December 25. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1960. Brother Osorio initially sailed aboard the Titan. He worked in the deck department and last sailed on the J.E.B. Stuart. Brother Osorio retired in 1996 and lived in Costa Rica. ISMAEL PURGANAN Pensioner Ismael Purganan, 74, died January 25. He joined the SIU in 1995 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Purganan shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Horizon Kodiak. He became a pensioner in 2017 and resided in Renton, Washington. ment member, Brother Vazquez also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 2002 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. EFREN VILLAROSA Pensioner Accursio Balbo, 89, died February 2. He became a member of the SIU in 1980, initially sailing with Gloucester Fishermen. Brother Balbo retired in 1997 and settled in his hometown, Gloucester, Massachusetts. SAMUEL WOOTEN WILLIAM BOBAC Pensioner Samuel Wooten, 83, died February 13. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1988, first sailing aboard the USNS Triumph. Brother Wooten was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Developer before retiring in 2005. Brother Wooten called League City, Texas, home. Pensioner William Bobac, 99, passed away February 17. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1956. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Bobac first worked for Arundel Corporation. He was last employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore before going on pension in 1984. Brother Bobac was a Baltimore resident. NMU JEFFREY YAP Brother Jeffrey Yap, 61, passed away January 1. He started sailing with the SIU in 1980. Brother Yap was a deck department member and first shipped on the Oceanic Independence. He last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus in 2009 and resided in Kaunakakai, Hawaii. JOSEPH QUITUGUA EDGARDO VAZQUEZ Pensioner Edgardo Vazquez, 91, died September 22. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1963 when he worked with Waterman Steamship. A steward depart- ACCURSIO BALBO Pensioner Efren Villarosa, 85, passed away January 19. He signed on with the union in 1996 when he sailed on the Independence. An engine department member, Brother Villarosa last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2015 and was a resident of Honolulu. GREAT LAKES Pensioner Joseph Quitugua, 73, passed away January 21. He first sailed with the SIU in 2001, initially working on the Patriot. Brother Quitugua shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams and retired in 2019. Brother Quitugua lived in Guam. in both the deck and engine departments and worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Houston. MUSAID ISMAIL Pensioner Musaid Ismail, 86, died February 4. He joined the SIU in 1966 when he sailed on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Ismail worked in all three departments and last shipped on the John Boland. He retired in 2001 and lived in Yemen. INLAND RODGER ALLBRITTON Pensioner Rodger Allbritton, 76, passed away November 28. He began his career with the union in 1976. Brother Allbritton sailed JOHN MURRAY Pensioner John Murray, 96, died January 15. Born in Philadelphia, he sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Murray went on pension in 1968. He was a New York resident. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Anderson, Admiral 89 Batista, Ricardo 88 Bazile, George 94 Brenton, Michael 89 Calderon, Jose 92 Cardinale, Orazio 96 Cardriche, Jules 97 Carpio, Federico 84 Chaves, Antonio 87 Fafard, Alfred 74 Ford, Frank 96 Hernandez, Luis 77 Hobbs, Henry 96 Katz, John 97 Kerns, James 82 Kranz, Herbert 96 Lewis, Marvin 94 Martinez, Juan 87 Martins, Carlos 89 Perez, Juana 97 Rodriguez, Alexander 95 Santiago, Jose 91 Tanner, Samuel 88 Townsend, John 95 Vaneckelen, Emanuel 95 Wallace, Clarence 68 DOD 02/28/2022 03/16/2022 03/13/2022 07/28/2021 02/15/2022 01/04/2022 02/05/2022 01/28/2022 02/23/2022 01/29/2022 11/29/2021 02/18/2022 02/15/2022 01/25/2022 02/22/2022 12/19/2021 01/18/2022 12/31/2022 01/29/2022 02/26/2022 12/31/2021 01/14/2022 01/20/2022 02/17/2022 02/06/2022 01/17/2022 May 2022 �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. USNS MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), January 21 – Chairman Kenneth Steiner, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Jason Bentz, Engine Delegate Robert Varney, Steward Delegate Jose Sadaya. Crew still needs email access. Satellite phone is the only means of communication. Next port of call Suez Canal and over to Greece to drop supplies. Fueling to take place in Spain for trip to U.S. Ship scheduled for ROS in Virginia. Thirty-day stores received in Bahrain and possibly will take on more in Spain. BBQs will be held while at sea per secretary’s report. Educational director reminded members to update vaccine cards and to check requirements before applying to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed latest COVID-19 guidelines and ROS schedule. Ship in need of new washer and dryers. Members discussed 401K and pension benefits. Deck delegate reminded crew to check documents before expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members plan to include lobster and prime rib in future Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. LIBERTY PEACE (North Star Shipping Company), January 23 – Chairman German Nunez, Deck Delegate Ruben Lopez, Engine Delegate Lionel Alvarez Jr., Steward Delegate Nikia Stripling. Company still charging for Wi-Fi access. Crew requested more towels, wash cloths, fitted sheets and refrigerators in each room. Internet works only half of the time. Educational director urged members to upgrade whenever possible. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), February 6 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Ronaldo Torres, Educational Director Herman Castro, Engine Delegate Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez. Shipyard period postponed to June. Secretary reminded members to get COVID-19 vaccine booster to ship out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in retirement as well as prescription eyeglass coverage. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), February 13 – Chairman Ion Boros, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid. Chairman praised steward department for serving delicious meals and for their professionalism. Crew discussed safety protocols and requirements for attending courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases to the food budget, higher vacation pay, better internet connectivity, and the return of annual medical requirements. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), February 3 – Chairman Nagi Mihakel, Secretary Charles Sassone, Educational Director Randy Slue. Members revisited various topics from previous meeting. Chairman discussed overtime issues. Department delegates should receive one hour per meeting and members should receive one hour weekly for room sanitation. Crew should receive penalty pay for power washing or handling chemicals. Issues from last meeting are still ongoing. Educational director reminded crew to be mindful of internet usage and encouraged them to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Members requested equal internet accessibility, company-provided TVs, new mattresses and better pillows. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), February 20 – Chairman Hussein Mohamed, Secretary Arlene Thomas, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck Delegate Yamira Colon Del Moral, Engine Delegate Juan Rochez, Steward Delegate Frederick Conroy. Crew discussed possibility of acquiring larger TV and hopes for better reception and Wi-Fi. Chairman encouraged crew to renew documents as early as six months in advance. Vote of thanks given to steward department for working hard and serving good food. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Big washing machine needs to be fixed. Crew offered input on future contract negotiations. Members asked for 18 for 30 vacation days and a day off every 30 days. Crew requested 30-minute coffee time and a pay increase to reflect cost of living expenses. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift, Inc.), February 27 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Joshua King. Crew reviewed old business including Wi-Fi “vouchers” and satellite phones in lounge. Chairman mentioned the possibility of losing Wi-Fi and/or cell capabilities during March 14-March 18 exercise. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed ship-joining procedures and quarantine protocol. Ship gym in need of floor padding, new treadmill, equipment repairs and overall updating. Crew lounge couches need to be replaced. Next port: Jinhae-gu, South Korea. MAERSK DETROIT. (Maersk Line, Limited.), February 27 – Chairman William Barrett, Deck Delegate John Walsh. Educational director recommended members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested heaters, and TV repairs. Crew asked for 100% dental coverage, 30 for 30 vacation, pension eligibility after 20 years and an increase to food budget. MIDNIGHT SUN (TOTE Services), February 27 – Chairman Thomas MacGregor, Secretary Dennis Skretta, Educational Director Sutthipong Ticer, Deck Delegate Bakr Saber Elbana. Ship restrictions still in effect. MMC and medical certificates can be renewed online per chairman. Educational director advised crew to get the LNG endorsement to work on the North Star and Midnight Sun. He reminded everyone to check the Seafarers LOG and union portal for class dates and informed them of the latest COVID-19 vaccination requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed watch-standing scenarios and wiper wages. Members suggested a supply of personal hygiene products in the slop chest. With ship restrictions they are not able to go ashore to purchase their own. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), March 4 – Chairman Nagi Mihakel, Secretary Charles Sassone, Educational Director Randy Slue. Members continue to ask for internet access. Captain unwilling to approve any overtime over four hours per day. All previous overtime issues remain. Secretary asked crew to be mindful of disposable items and cleaning-supply usage. Keeping ship stocked is very challenging due to company budget cuts. Members were reminded to clean up after themselves. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to look out for one another. Engine department asked why there is no class to upgrade from QMED to 3AE. Company has allowed ship to order new linens but has deducted the cost from the consumable budget. Members requested new mattresses, better pillows, and company-provided TVs. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt May 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 Welding June 6 July 11 June 24 July 29 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Steward Department Upgrading Courses MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Certified Chief Cook May 30 July 11 August 15 July 1 August 12 September 16 ServSafe Management May 23 July 4 August 8 May 27 July 8 August 12 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 August 15 October 10 July 15 September 9 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 September 12 November 14 August 12 October 7 December 9 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Lifeboat/Water Survival May 23 August 29 October 17 November 28 June 10 September 16 November 4 December 16 June 6 August 1 August 29 September 26 October 24 November 21 June 17 August 12 September 9 October 7 November 4 December 2 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Fast Rescue Boat June 20 August 22 June 24 August 26 RFPNW June 27 July 25 September 26 July 15 August 12 October 14 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 19 October 21 December 9 FOWT June 13 August 29 July 8 September 23 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. 16 Seafarers LOG Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training June 6 August 8 June 10 August 12 Basic Training Revalidation June 3 June 10 July 8 July 11 June 3 June 10 July 8 Juy 11 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 December 12 September 2 December 16 Government Vessels June 13 June 27 July 18 August 1 August 15 June 17 July 1 July 22 August 5 August 19 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL June 27 October 24 July 1 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 23 August 15 October 31 May 27 August 19 November 4 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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. 5/22 May 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class # 880 – Graduated March 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Dale Armstrong III, Jonathan Cordova-Alonso, Kaylah Hill, Jerome Johnson Jr., Jacob Kitten, La’Terri Kohn, Samuel Lambert, John Rapoza, Felix Manuel Rivera Rodriguez, Dean Schrantz, Blake Seele and Brittney Sharp. Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated March 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Donovan Armstrong, Seth James, Bryce Kennebeck, Colin Sabitsky, Jesse Schecher, Kyle Smith, Alec Stensaa, Stuart Waite and Jason White. Their instructor, Dominic Hix, is second from the right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Important Notice To all Students May 2022 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Medical Care Provider – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bechtel II, Steven Benavides Jr., Christian Bryant, Aaron Burnett, Kenneth Cabrera, Carlos Mohler Vega, Patrick Montgomery, Karl Morrow Jr., and Kareem Walters. Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bechtel II, Steven Benavides Jr., Christian Bryant, Carlos Mohler Vega, Patrick Montgomery, Michael Norman and Kareem Walters. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Tyson Broussard and Mark Edgell Jr. Government Vessels – Graduated February 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Kierra Bradley, Patrick Montgomery, Karl Morrow Jr., Eric Van Mose, Gajatri Normatovea, Andrew Palmer, Blair Royal, Ronald Sease and Jamika Thomas. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated February 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Benjamin Capellan Almonte and Joseph Smith. FOWT – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Freeman Adamson, Cody Carroll, Nikita Featherston, Dennison Forsman, Anson Johny, Jacob Massie, Eriv Van Mose, Jose Pena, Tyson Richardson and Michael Taylor. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated March 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Robert Boomer, Kelly Doyle, Charles Drumm, Edward Mateo Galbis, Matthew Gillespie, Alonzo Griswell, Noel Lau, Kelsey Longhi, Louis Alberto Valencia and Liberato Zacarias Viray. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated March 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Mohamed Ali, Charlene Briggs, Keshyra Armani Brinkley, Paul Erickson Jr., Ahmed Mohamed Hussain, Mery Sofia Koch Lupa and Kristyn White. May 2022 Chief Steward – Loretta Stewart, above, graduated from this course March 25 Seafarers LOG 19 �MAY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 AMP: Industry Delivers Despite ‘Baseless Criticism’ The head of a major coalition recently pushed back against unfounded commentary about the domestic maritime industry. Ku’uhaku Park is president of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a group whose members include the SIU along with representatives from every component of the industry. In late March, he posted an editorial under the headline: “American Maritime Serves Nation In Face of Baseless Criticisms.” Park began, “There is an old yet familiar saying in politics that you should ‘never let a good crisis go to waste.’ As such, it has been no surprise to see the anti-Jones Act activists come out of the woodworks – yet again – as energy prices have increased around the globe in the wake of the war in Eastern Europe. “The anti-Jones Act ideologues and oil trader opportunists, ever predictably, are now calling for waivers to undermine America’s cornerstone maritime law,” he continued. “They claim that the Jones Act is responsible for the increased price at the pump across America. Not only are they wrong on the facts but doing away with the Jones Act could have severe unintended consequences for our nation’s national security, homeland security, and economic security.” He explained that gas prices have “skyrocketed in recent months in part due to uncertainty in global energy markets as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.” However, Park noted, “The fact of the matter is that, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price consumers face at the pump is directly correlated to the cost of crude oil – a global commodity. The fundamental relationship between crude oil price and gasoline price is consistent and fluctuates upwards and downwards in tandem. Similarly, when the price of wheat “While it has become reflexive for some to point to the Jones Act in every crisis, waiving this law simply would not have an impact on lowering the price of gas. However, it would put money in the pockets of oil traders and foreign interests at the expense of American national security and American workers.”---Ku’uhaku Park, president, American Maritime Partnership changes, so does the price of bread. They’re intertwined.” In February and March, Park said, crude oil prices increased by almost 57%. Given that the cost of crude correlates to around 56% of at-the-pump gasoline prices, “it’s clear what is actually responsible for the increased cost of gasoline. By contrast, the incremental increase in transportation costs during this same time period due to rising fuel prices has been minuscule. In general, the cost of transportation is a small fraction of the delivered cost of gasoline.” He then turned to a question often asked Tennessee Backs Jones Act General Assembly Adopts Resolution The Tennessee General Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Text of the resolution follows. WHEREAS, Tennessee’s 950-mile-long network of navigable water- Tennessee State Capitol 20 Seafarers LOG by other U.S.-flag advocates: Who might benefit from waiving the nation’s freight cabotage law? “The main group of people looking to line their pockets with a Jones Act waiver for gasoline would be oil traders,” Park wrote. “In the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a reporter for Reuters coined the phrase ‘disaster arbitrage’ to describe situations where oil traders use broad Jones Act waivers to pocket millions of dollars. Under a broad Jones Act waiver, oil is transported on foreign vessels that pay no U.S. taxes, employ foreign mariners at substandard wages, and avoid other U.S. laws even when American vessels are standing by and available to transport the goods. ‘The traders pocket the difference,’ Reuters said, never passing along any savings to consumers. Despite the Jones Act exemptions, gas prices remained high only to the benefit of a select group of profiteering fuel brokers.” While a waiver wouldn’t appreciably affect gasoline prices, it “could potentially have devastating consequences for our nation’s security, especially at a time of uncertainty around the world,” Park asserted. “If nothing else, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscores the importance of ensuring our nation’s ability to protect our economic and homeland security at home and to support our national security interests around the world. The Jones Act ensures that we have a domestic shipbuilding base as well as a pool of mariners to draw upon during cases of national emergency.” He pointed out that the domestic maritime industry “has kept our nation supplied during the pandemic and the resulting supply chain AMP President Ku’uhaku Park crisis with consistent, reliable service,” and called it “an insult … to take jobs away from these Americans now, at a time of rising inflation and global uncertainty.” Park concluded, “While it has become reflexive for some to point to the Jones Act in every crisis, waiving this law simply would not have an impact on lowering the price of gas. However, it would put money in the pockets of oil traders and foreign interests at the expense of American national security and American workers.” ways, including access to two of the nation’s largest rivers in the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers, makes it a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system; and WHEREAS, the current global pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services for the citizens and workforce of Tennessee; and WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally and supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as added eyes and ears monitoring the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and WHEREAS, Tennessee is home to 20,630 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, the eighth highest per capita among all states, which jobs generate $1.24 billion in worker income; and WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and WHEREAS, the more than 40,000-vessel-strong Jones Act fleet supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and more than $154 billion in economic output nationally and $4.5 billion to Tennessee’s economy; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that this body affirms its resolute support for the Jones Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Jones Act and its important role in fostering a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Tennessee’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and to national security. May 2022 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MAY 2022 Description An account of the resource RANK AND FILE SEAFARERS APPROVE UNION'S 2021 FINANCIAL RECORDS MILITARY READINESS 'INEXTRICABLY LINKED' TO U.S. COMMERCIAL MARITIME INDUSTRY RRF ADDS TWO NEWER VESSELS TO FLEET NLRB GENERAL COUNSEL ABRUZZO: DITCH CAPTIVE-AUDIENCE MEETINGS PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN YOUNG DIES UVC GAINS STATUS AS OFFICIAL AFL-CIO LABOR CONSTITUENCY GROUP SEAFARERS CONTRACT RATIFIED AT INLAND LAKES MANAGEMENT AMP: INDUSTRY DELIVERS DESPITE 'BASELESS CRITICISM' TENNESSEE BACKS JONES ACT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 84, NO. 5 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/02931b4e80d5fff782ac38af0ecd6d04.pdf d9fd8bb4a7abdc65e4e7c2aefe82e31a PDF Text Text MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Event Delivers Pro-Maritime Messages ‘Sail-In’ Returns to D.C. Following a pandemic-induced pause, the Maritime Congressional Sail-In returned to the nation’s capital March 30 – and the SIU turned out in force. Throughout the day, small groups of maritime labor and industry representatives met with members of Congress and their respective staffs. The maritime personnel explained or reiterated the importance of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured just before the meetings began are (from left) SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Pages 2, 10, 11. Seafarers to the Rescue (3 Times) It has been a busy stretch for SIU crews when it comes to rescues at sea. The SIU-crewed National Glory (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants (photo at left) and the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals, while the Seafarers-crewed Overseas Long Beach saved 12 migrants on March 30. Standing in the photo below are Bosun German Nunez (right) and GUDE Allan Castillo aboard the OSG ship. Page 7. (National Glory photo courtesy AMO) Paul Hall Center Earns Award Page 4 Michigan Stands Up for Workers Page 5 �President’s Report Promoting Our Union and Our Industry The SIU had an outstanding turnout March 30 as our industry resumed a crucial event known as the Maritime Congressional Sail-In. Prior to the pandemic, the Sail-In took place annually for a decade before being forced into a three-year break. The Sail-In involves meetings with members of Congress and their staffs throughout a very full day on Capitol Hill. We send small groups that include representatives from various sectors of the industry, including maritime unions, vessel operators, shipbuilders and more. I’m glad it’s back. My overriding thought during the meetings was that we could stand to do more of that kind of outreach. It is that important. And it’s an eye-opener that reinforces the need for us to regularly educate Congress about who we are, what we do and why it matters to the nation. The individual meetings are longer than an elevator pitch, but in the same David Heindel vein. We conducted more than 100 this time around. Seafarers know that our industry is heavily regulated. The U.S. Merchant Marine depends on federal statutes including the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference laws and more. In part, that’s because we play a critical role in national, economic and homeland security. But even if that’s common knowledge among some members of Congress, we cannot assume that all senators and congressmen and their staffs automatically know about the industry. Between the regular, election-generated turnover in D.C. and the constant attacks on U.S.-flag shipping, we have a mandate to remain politically active (not just at the federal level, either). We must speak up for ourselves in order to preserve your jobs and to keep the U.S. flag flying on the high seas, on the coasts and on our inland waterways. This is a never-ending part of the job and I’m proud of the SIU’s very active participation year-round, not just during special events like the Sail-In. Nevertheless, the Sail-In is a big deal for us, and we’re all better off with its resumption. Next year we hope to have some rank-and-file members join us on Capitol Hill to meet with your representatives and share your experiences as Seafarers and what they mean to you and your community. Recruiting the Next Generation Along those same lines, recruiting is a constant undertaking. We all know about manpower challenges in our industry and others, and the SIU is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to meet the moment. Most recently, this has involved outreach in Texas, California, New York, Washington State, Alaska and elsewhere. Recruiting has always been part of our operation, but it has taken on added importance since the pandemic. With that in mind, we’ve invested additional resources and worked even more closely with our affiliated school and with our contracted operators to attract people. Obviously, there’s not an overnight fix, but I believe we’re making progress. We will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Also, as mentioned in last month’s column, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of word-of-mouth, informal recruiting. That’s also been part of our identity for as long as we’ve been in business, and I encourage our SIU sisters and brothers to be on the lookout for prospective members and send them our way. Finance committee members convene at headquarters and begin their work. SIU Financial Committee Signs Off on 2022 Records The SIU Constitution stipulates that a seven-person contingent of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. That requirement was achieved this year in early April when seven SIU members successfully scrutinized and approved the union’s fiscal archives. After being duly elected by their brother and sisters during the union’s April membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, members of the seven-person team converged on SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, April 4 to conduct the audit. Over the next several days, committee members met and reviewed the union’s financial records. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2022 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Timothy Pillsworth (chairman), Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, AB Mark Stabler, Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly, Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr., and Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello. The members conducted their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their final report reads, “We find that the Headquarters of the Union is taking all steps possible to safeguard Union funds and to see that the disbursements of the Union are in accor- dance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU SecretaryTreasurer Tommy Orzechowski also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. In addition to Orzechowski, the union’s legal counsel also convened with committee members in the event any of them had questions. Progress Continues Last but not least, I’m happy to report that our Norfolk hiring hall renovation is moving along nicely. We remain on track for a reopening this summer, and I’m confident that our collective patience will be rewarded. Anyone who has been to that hall knows that the location is tough to beat. Renovating, rather than relocating, was the right call, and we’ll rechristen the building in style. After wrapping up their work, finance committee members joined SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tommy Orzechowski for this photo. Seated (from left) are Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello, Orzechowski, QMED Timothy Pillsworth and Chief Steward Thomas Cyrus Jr. Standing are Bosun Carl Pedersen, ABM Atm Zahid Reza, Chelsea Heindel from the office of the union’s secretary-treasurer, AB Mark Stabler and Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 5 May 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Garamendi Offers Bill to Boost American-Flag Fleet Legislation Would Guarantee Cargo for Vessels During Peacetime A longtime champion of the United States maritime industry has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the American-flag fleet. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on March 29, 2023, upon his introduction of the Rebuilding the U.S.-Flag International Fleet Act: I introduce the bipartisan “Rebuilding the United StatesFlag International Fleet Act.” This comprehensive legislation would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag international fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag vessels are available during wartime or emergencies. The United States has the world’s most capable navy able to operate in all five oceans, and we need an equally impressive fleet of commercial cargo vessels crewed by American mariners. For too long, Congress and both Democratic and Republican presidents have allowed the commercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of oceangoing U.S.-flagged vessels has declined more than 75 percent since 1985, following the 1982 treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The global supply chain crunch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade of Ukraine, and the People’s Republic of China’s island building in the South China Sea and saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States cannot remain reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience. The “Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act” offers Congress the chance to enact the first comprehensive reform of cargo preference laws in decades. Our legislation incorporates recommendations for the Maritime Administration from the Government Accountability Office’s report published on September 14, 2022, entitled “Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight.” Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of the House to join me in cosponsoring this critical legislation to address this crisis facing the U.S.-flag international fleet. May 2023 �U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Florida) Ann Phillips Maritime Administrator Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Military, Government Leaders Emphasize U.S. Reliance on Strong Sealift Capacity A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives focused on national defense capabilities, prominently including the crucial need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Jointly hosted by two subcommittees of the House Armed Services Committee (Readiness, and Seapower and Projection Forces), the hearing took place March 28. It featured testimony from Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and from Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. Also weighing in with their support for American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet were (among others) U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Florida), chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness; and U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. The hearing featured candid dialogue about the challenges facing not only the maritime industry but other components of the nation’s readiness systems. Waltz stated, “Recapitalization of our sealift fleet that we will rely on to carry ground platforms and materiel into theater is a pressing issue. Crewing these vessels is also of great concern. We have a significant shortage of credentialed mariners that, combined with poor vessel state, have resulted in less than impressive readiness rates during recent exercises. “We will also rely on this same pool of credentialed mariners to crew commercial vessels in the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program,” he continued. “We have a tough road ahead and I look forward to hearing how MARAD plans to administer these important programs and bolster the number of credentialed mariners.” Kelly noted, “I remain concerned with our aging sealift and air refueling fleet. This year’s budget includes money to purchase two additional sealift assets, but the fleet remains on average too old…. MARAD is also an organization punching above its weight. We are happy with the success of the Tanker Security Program and would like to hear your thoughts on increasing capacity…. Finally, I’m concerned with merchant mariner readiness and how we can increase the pool of credentialed mariners.” “The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry. Our industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military cargo will be transported via sealift.” - Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Van Ovost offered a comprehensive review of USTRANSCOM’s responsibilities and explained some of the threats facing the United States. She said that President Biden’s official National Security Strategy “makes clear that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia are working aggressively to undermine democracy and export a model of governance marked by repression at home and coercion abroad. In their own ways, both seek to erode the legitimacy of established international norms and laws that have persisted for almost a century. Geopolitically, the PRC remains our most consequential pacing challenge; followed closely by Russia, an acute threat. Other persistent threats including North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations are developing or acquiring new capabilities and pursuing strategies that could challenge our ability to deploy and sustain the Joint Force. “The Department of Defense’s ability to project military forces is inextricably linked to commercial industry,” she added. “Our industry partners provide critical transportation capacity and global networks to meet day-to-day and wartime requirements. Sealift is vital to delivering the decisive force. In wartime, 90 percent of military cargo will be transported via sealift.” SIU Jobs Secure Aboard T-AGS Vessels, LMSRs The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced two contract awards that signal job security for SIU members. May 2023 She then explained that there are concerns about the ages of many vessels in the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). “Therefore, USTRANSCOM supports the Navy’s strategy to recapitalize the government- owned fleet by acquiring foreign-built used sealift ships from the commercial market and further requests to provide the Secretary of Defense discretionary authority to purchase foreign-built ships to expeditiously replace the aging ships under more favorable market conditions,” Van Ovost said. “This includes removing the overall limit on the number of used sealift vessels DOD can procure, currently authorized at nine ships. We are already a generation late in recapitalizing a ready sealift fleet to meet our national objectives.” The general spelled out various steps her agency and MARAD have taken to bolster U.S. sealift capability, including vessel purchases, implementing the Tanker Security Program and more. She said that maintaining a sufficient pool of mariners “requires continued assessment to ensure an adequately trained supply to crew our surge fleet while minimizing impacts to commercial industry. The supply of contract mariners is sufficient to meet the initial sealift surge when government reserve ships are activated but will be challenged with the ability to sustain crewing requirements over an extended period. The post-COVID recovery has highlighted significant workforce concerns to maritime stakeholders to include recruiting and retention.” Phillips touched on components of In both instances, SIU-contracted companies were chosen to continue operating ships that they already had been managing. In early April, Ocean Shipholdings was selected to operate seven government-owned oceanographic survey (T-AGS) vessels. Those ships are the USNS Waters, USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Henson, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Mary Sears and USNS Marie Tharp (formerly named the Maury). President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request that pertain to upgrading the RRF, and why doing so is vital to national security. She noted a plan to grow the fleet from its current number of 45 vessels to 51. The maritime administrator also underscored the importance of the Maritime Security Program, Cable Ship Security Program, and Tanker Security Program. Turning to shipboard manpower, she said her agency “is partnering with our stakeholders, both federal and non-federal, to work to identify strategies to help address the mariner shortage and ensure their readiness. Last fall, I hosted a summit with industry and federal stakeholders to discuss the mariner shortfall. Participants identified the need to address barriers to entry in the merchant marine as well as the need to ensure quality of life aboard ships such as ensuring internet connectivity for crew members. “We also note that the existing Coast Guard licensing system relies on laborintensive paper copies and manual entries and is not set up to provide critical data regarding the number of and availability mariners with various credentials,” she added. “We fully support the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to modernize the system to enable efficient issuance of mariner credentials and provide enhanced querying capabilities.” Phillips stressed the agency’s focus on “supporting our U.S.-flagged fleet through opportunities to carry cargo. As I said last year in testimony before the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, put simply, without cargoes, ships will leave the U.S. flag, and our modest fleet will continue to dwindle…. We are working with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Made In America Office to help agencies understand cargo preference requirements. In addition, I have written to all federal departments and agencies explaining how MARAD can help them ensure they meet their obligations under cargo preference laws and regulations.” The agreement is expected to expire at the end of September 2024. Previously, in late March, U.S. Marine Management received a contract for the operation of three government-owned large, medium-speed, roll-on/ roll-off (LMSR) vessels. Those ships are the USNS Seay, USNS Pililaau and USNS Brittin. As with the other award, this one is expected to last through September 2024. Seafarers LOG 3 �Members of the executive working group meet in New Orleans. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, the labor representative, is second from right, in front. (Photo courtesy USTRANSCOM) Industry Group Examines U.S. Wartime Readiness Mariners Hailed as ‘Backbone of Our Maritime Capability’ Officials from the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Transportation (DOT), along with executives from the American maritime industry met in New Orleans in mid-March to discuss wartime readiness and strengthen their strategic relationships. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is the labor representative on the committee known as the executive working group, which is overseen by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). He took part in the recent sessions. “When our nation goes to war, so too does the maritime industry,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander of USTRANSCOM. “Maintaining an adequate fleet of seaworthy ships is critical to TRANSCOM’s ability to deploy forces in a major conflict, as nearly 90% of U.S. military equipment would move by ship.” Sullivan led the group and also was joined by senior leaders from the Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command, and executives from U.S. commercial sealift carriers. The group is a subcommittee under the National Defense Transportation Association, where its members weigh how the DOD can improve its global transportation enterprise – specifically sealift and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). Tellez has been part of the group for more than two decades. VISA is a partnership program between the U.S. government and maritime industry. The agreement was established in 1997 to provide Paul Hall Center Receives County Food Safety Award we feed for each meal. With the continuous rotation of upgraders and apprentices, for us to always get that job done is a tribute to the staff and students.” The award recipients make up approximately 20% of St. Mary’s County’s licensed food service facilities. According to the county, “The Gold Star Program has recognized food establishments for superior food safety practices since the program’s inception in 2007. Environmental health specialists at the health department regularly inspect more than 500 food service facilities in St. Mary’s County to ensure food safety is being adequately addressed. During 2022, more than 1,400 inspections were conducted.” “These food establishments deserve recognition for achieving such high standards for their attention to food safety and sanitation,” stated Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County health officer. “We appreciate their extra dedication to ensure our community members can not only enjoy their food, but also have confidence in its safe preparation.” The food establishments that achieve this high level of compliance receive a certificate and a window sticker designating them as Gold Star establishments. The requirements The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) recently received accolades from the St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Health Department. School personnel were on hand April 3 for a local ceremony honoring the PHC and other recipients of the county’s Gold Star Awards. Those honors are given annually “to food service facilities that achieve superior food safety standards,” according to the county. PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski, who attended the ceremony in Leonardtown, stated, “It’s always a team effort with the upgraders, trainees and crew (staff), coordinating a daily sanitation checklist along with observations that are addressed immediately.” He added that the school, located in Piney Point, sees no shortage of meals or diners. “The level of activity that we have here is amazing,” Hetmanski noted. “We do three meals a day and we have hundreds of people 4 Seafarers LOG the DOD with assured access to commercial sealift and intermodal capacity to support emergency deployment and sustainment of U.S. military forces. Intermodal capacity includes dry cargo ships, equipment, terminal facilities, and intermodal management services. Sullivan expressed appreciation for the historic contributions delivered by civilian seafarers. “U.S. Merchant Mariners are the backbone of our maritime capability,” he stated. “The qualified mariners you employ are the lifeblood we rely on to power our strategic sealift portfolio.” USTRANSCOM, in coordination with MARAD, manages a strategic sealift portfolio that includes privately owned ships plus governmentowned vessels. The privately owned ships enrolled in VISA are one element of the broader collection. to earn a Gold Star include: no critical violations (based on the Code of Maryland Regulations), no temperature violations cited during a monitoring inspection; all violations noted by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day The Maritime Security Program, a government retainer program for internationally trading ships, is another element of the commercial fleet, as the ships included in that program commit 100% of their capacity and support to VISA. According to USTRANSCOM, on any given day, approximately 30 commercial and military ships are providing support to the DOD, moving strategic resources and materiel worldwide. With that in mind, Sullivan said, “Sealift is essential not only in crisis, but in everyday operations.” He added, “Eighty percent of the 62 voyages supporting the delivery of aid and supplies to Ukraine were conducted by our commercial partners. While the air numbers (sorties flown) are larger, the largest volume has travelled by sea.” follow-up inspection, no confirmed unsafe food handling complaints, at least one food service worker completed a recognized and approved Food Service Sanitation and Safety Class within the last two years. Pictured at the awards ceremony are (from left) St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster and Paul Hall Center personnel Executive Chef John Hetmanski, Chef Robert Johnson, upgrader Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, and apprentices Cameron McNeil and Gregg Lamar Gethers. May 2023 �Michigan Lawmakers Deliver Legislative Victories for U.S. Unions, Working Families Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) on March 24 delivered a huge win for labor unions – and for all working families – across the United States when she signed legislation (Senate Bill 34 Restoring Workers Rights) that repealed the state’s so-called “right to work” law (RTW). In addition to this main bill, Whitmer also signed a pair of companion pieces of legislation. The first, House Bill 4004, erased the state’s RTW law for public-sector workers as well. That bill’s sponsors acknowledged public-sector unions will still be blocked from requiring government employees to join or pay dues under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Janus v. AFSCME. Finally, the governor signed a third bill (House Bill 4007) as part of Democrats’ pro-labor package, restoring Michigan’s prevailing wage law to set minimum pay requirements for workers involved in statefunded construction and infrastructure projects. “Michigan workers are the most talented and hard-working in the world and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Whitmer said in a statement released by her office. “These bills will protect health and safety, ensuring healthcare workers can put patient care ahead of profit, construction workers can speak up when there’s a safety issue, and employees can call attention to food safety threats and other problems. “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job and grow Michigan’s middle class,” the governor concluded after she signed the legislation. Reaction to the Michigan RTW law’s demise was swift, especially from those who supported the governor’s action. “Unions made Michigan a hub of American business, and an engine of America’s middle class,” tweeted President Joe Biden. “A strong middle class benefits everybody. Michigan is leading as a great place to be a worker and a great place to do business.” “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job and grow Michigan’s middle class,” - Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the U.S., also chimed in. “This is what happens when we elect union members to halls of power,” she said. “We fight and we WIN for working people. Right to work, hit the curb!” Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber issued a statement outlining his stance shortly after the RTW law met its demise. In part, that statement read: “After decades of anti-worker attacks, Michigan has restored the balance of power for working people by passing laws to protect their freedom to bargain for the good wages, good benefits, and safe workplaces they deserve. Ten years ago, Governor Whitmer was standing side by side with well over 10,000 working people who showed up in Lansing to protest the devastating attack on their rights. Today, she has demonstrated yet again her unwavering commitment to putting working families first. After decades of attacks on working people, it’s a new day in Michigan, and the future is bright.” Passed more than decade ago, the Michigan RTW statute allowed people in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues and fees as a condition of employment, even if the union represented them in negotiations. According to several sources, Michigan State Democrats had long viewed the law as contentious, arguing that it allowed for “free riders,” or people receiving union representation without having to pay fees or dues for it. With the law now abolished, unions can require all workers in all unionized workplaces to pay fees for the cost of representation in bargaining. Michigan, when the RTW law was enacted in 2012, enjoyed the nation’s seventh-highest percentage of unionized workers, but that plummeted to 11th in 2022. Union membership over the last decade in Michigan has decreased by 2.6 percentage points; U.S. union membership overall has been falling steadily for decades, reaching an all-time low last year of 10.1%. Michigan became the first state in 58 years to repeal a RTW law, with Indiana repealing its in 1965 before Republicans Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) there restored it in 2012. In 2017, Missouri’s Republican Legislature approved a RTW law, but it was blocked from going into effect before voters overwhelmingly rejected it the next year. In total, 26 states now have so-called RTW laws in place. Washington State Senate: Jones Act ‘Critical’ to Prosperity and Security The Washington State Capitol, located in Olympia May 2023 The Washington State Senate in early February passed a resolution that recognizes the vital role of the Jones Act in the state’s economy and national security. The Jones Act, which was authored by then-U.S. Senator for Washington State Wesley Jones, requires that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. locations be American-built, American-owned and American-crewed – a boon for U.S. national and economic security. The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by Senator Karen Keiser (D) and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Schoesler (R), emphasizes the critical role of the Jones Act in cultivating a robust American maritime industry that is essential to the state and country. The resolution also notes that Washington is home to an estimated 22,500 jobs supported by the Jones Act, and the American maritime fleet supports approximately 650,000 family-wage jobs nationwide. “It was an honor to have so many members of the maritime community join us in Olympia as we celebrated the legacy of the Jones Act and recognized the importance and history of the maritime industries to our state’s economy and culture,” said Senator Keiser of Washington’s 33rd Legislative District, during her floor speech celebrating the bill’s passage. The Jones Act fleet contributes more than $154 billion in economic output nationally and $6.1 billion to Washington’s economy, according to the latest statistics by the American Maritime Partnership. The impact goes beyond the men and women who work aboard vessels in the area, as it also includes shipbuilding and ship repair industries as well as America’s equipment manufacturers and vendors, dredgers and marine construction contractors. The resolution also noted that the pandemic has raised the “critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services to the citizens and workforce of Washington state.” Peter Schrappen, vice president – Pacific Region of the American Waterways Operators, commented, “The Jones Act is the foundational law that makes it possible for American maritime to make these and many other contributions to Washington’s economy, security, environment and quality of life.” He added that U.S.-flag industry, including the tugboat, towboat and barge components, is a “critical economic engine and a committed leader in environmental sustainability” in Washington State and across the United States. In addition, the Jones Act helps to ensure the nation’s security by maintaining a domestic maritime industry capable of providing support to the military in times of conflict or national emergency. This is particularly important for a state like Washington, which is home to major naval bases, including Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, to name a few, all of which provide important support to the Pacific Fleet and the services both in peace and war. As one industry group put it, “Given the current tensions with China after the U.S. military took down a Chinese spy balloon, maintaining a strong Pacific Northwest keeps the United States ready in the event of a conflict.” The Washington State resolution is the latest of several state resolutions that have passed in recent months recognizing the Jones Act for its role as a crucial pillar of the nation’s economic and national security. Supporters say the resolution is also a testament to its enduring importance to Washington State and an affirmation of Sen. Jones’ legacy. Seafarers LOG 5 �ITF Pushes Governments to Heed Pandemic Supply-Chain Lessons The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is urging governments to apply lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath to secure reliable maritime supply chains for their citizens and the climate. In a new report from the federation – titled “Opportunities for Seafarers and National Maritime Policies: Navigating Beyond the Chaos of the Pandemic” – industry experts identify specific examples and propose practical solutions for bolstering supply chains. The SIU is an affiliate of the Londonbased ITF. “During the pandemic, in many countries, consumers and businesses experienced shortages, including of critical goods like medicines and fuel supplies,” said Chris Given, secretary-treasurer of the Seafarers International Union of Canada and one of the report’s authors. “But what we see is that in other countries, specifically those with robust national maritime policies, governments were able to harness well-laid policy levers to get their people fed, fueled and on a quicker path back to economic and health recovery.” Throughout the pandemic, many of the world’s shipping containers had been scattered – found in locations far from their intended destinations, the federation reported. The disarray resulted in record-high shipping prices and persistent port conges- NMC Issues Notice About Credentials Lost in the Mail Editor’s note: The following news release was issued by the National Maritime Center on March 20. It’s available on the SIU website. Credentials Lost in the Mail The National Maritime Center (NMC) mails completed credentials via standard USPS mail, which does not include a means of tracking, and delivery can take up to 21 days. In some cases, the credential may be returned or irreparably lost in the mail for a variety of reasons. Following are some important things you can do to reduce the chances of this happening: • Validate your address. When applying for a credential, make sure the address on your application form is accurate and legible. If you change your address after the applica- 6 Seafarers LOG tion, which quickly led to mass shortages of finished goods and left consumers at the mercy of overstretched supply chains, according to the ITF. At the same time, upwards of 400,000 mariners were essentially trapped aboard vessels due to pandemic restrictions, unable to return home and be relieved by a fresh crew. Tired and weary, some seafarers were stuck on board for more than a year at the crew change crisis’ peak, the report stated. “Amidst the chaos, some countries were able to use national flag fleets to shift critical cargo and get supply chains moving again. We have to remember that these are supply chains that remained logjammed elsewhere,” Given said. “In writing this report, we asked ‘Why?’ What was different about some countries that saw them come through faster and stronger, while others were very negatively exposed by these crises?” The report also identifies governments whom the federation describes as “struggling to navigate the turbulent waters of the crises due to poor planning and policy.” For instance, according to the ITF, Australia’s federal government “could only look on as its lack of a strategic fleet caused the country’s businesses and consumers to become hostage to an incredibly volatile global market for shipping services. Firms, households and the public sector were at tion has been submitted, notify us as soon as possible before your credential is processed and mailed by contacting our Customer Service Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Note, after the credential has been processed and mailed, we cannot change the method used for mailing. • Consider using an expedited mailing option. We strongly recommend you use an expedited mailing option. Please note, the cost incurred for expedited mailing is the responsibility of the mariner. Think your credential is lost in the mail? A replacement credential will be issued, free of charge, to mariners whose credentials were lost in the mail prior to receipt through no fault of their own. Affected mariners should follow the steps below to obtain an expedited replacement credential: 1. Confirm that we mailed out your credential. You can use the Credential Application Status tool. 2. If you have not received your credential by 21 days after it was mailed, provide a CG-719B application for a Merchant Mariner the mercy of the markets and their recordhigh prices, even for cargo critical to the nation’s economic or physical health.” “COVID-19 and the supply chain shocks which followed laid bare just how fragile our global supply chains are,” said SIU President David Heindel, who also heads the ITF Seafarers’ Section. “Sensible national maritime policies are an important insurance to safeguard a country’s economic, health, security, and environmental interests. After what the world has been through, what kind of government wouldn’t want that insurance for their people?” He added, “In the absence of sensible national maritime policies, governments put their economies and their communities at extreme – and unnecessary – risk. There is another way.” Heindel said some countries have already shown they had taken note of the pitfalls of an unprepared national maritime sector. The ITF’s report highlights recent moves by Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, South Africa, the UK and the United States to strengthen support for cabotage and other sensible national maritime policies in their domestic legislation and planning. “The standout performance of our domestic shipping sectors, not only in the U.S. but elsewhere too, throughout these cr ises shows that when you invest in your people … and your industry, you are better prepared to provide for your citizens come what may in the global headwinds,” Heindel concluded. Given added, “Ours is a success story. But there is more we can do, with more governments supporting our critical sector all over the world.” ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith agreed. “If the world is to step up to the collective challenge of cutting carbon emissions to a safe level, then shipping needs to do our part,” she said. “We can’t do that, however, if there aren’t seafarers coming through with the right skills to handle the fuels and ships of the future.” Smith said that up to 800,000 seafarers would require some form of retraining or familiarization by 2030 as the industry rapidly decarbonizes. “Now is the time for governments to invest in a secure future by putting in place sensible national maritime policies. They should do this not only for people but also Credential and affidavit of loss to the NMC within 60 days of mailing of the original credential in person or via e-mail to your servicing Regional Examination Center. The affidavit should contain the following: a. Mariner’s full name b. Mariner’s date of birth c. Mariner’s reference number d. The mailing address the replacement credential should be sent to e. Current phone number and/or e-mail address that the NMC can use to contact the mariner with questions, if necessary f. Description of the circumstances surrounding the loss, i.e., never received the initial credential. We will make every effort to have replacement credentials mailed out as soon as possible. If your original credential is subsequently received, you must immediately return the credential to the NMC. PLEASE NOTE: E-mailing your application is the preferred method. While the Coast Guard can accommodate e-mails with attachments up to 35 MB in size, verify any size restrictions your e-mail provider may have prior to sending. Miss- for the planet,” Smith said. The ITF has more than 700 affiliated trade unions from 153 countries. Collectively, they represent millions of workers. International Maritime Officials Tour PHC Campus, Facilities The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in late March hosted guests from the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and Nautilus International. Pictured during a tour of the school in Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left in photo above) SIU President David Heindel and Oleg Grigoryuk, president of the Ukrainian maritime union; and, from left in photo below, Maya Schwiegershausen-Güth and Anne Lindsay of the ITF along with Danny McGowan of Nautilus. Tomas Abrahamsson of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust also visited as part of the same group. ing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected. If you have questions regarding duplicate or replacement credentials, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center via our online chat system (scan the QR code below to open the chat website) or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). May 2023 �One of the doomed craft, filling with water after the migrants had been safely brought aboard the National Glory Some of the migrants are pictured aboard the SIU-crewed National Glory following their rescue on March 4. National Glory Crew Saves Lives – Twice The M/V National Glory, operated by SIU-contracted Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, was called upon to rescue two vessels full of migrants within a month. On March 4, the National Glory saved 15 Cuban migrants, adrift aboard a powerless raft near the Straits of Florida; and, just a month prior, the Seafarers-crewed vessel rescued 21 people from a doomed makeshift sailboat in the same region. SIU members sailing aboard the National Glory during the rescues included: Recertified Bosun Joseph White, ABs Kerry Bodden, Delroy Jose Fernandez Fernandez and Carlos Lasso, STOSs Dexter Arriola Arzu, Jet Delfin and Carlos Jones, QMED Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Oilers Reinaldo Timbal Fostanes, Mohammed Alam Gir and Benjamin Scott, Steward/Baker Cole Briggs and Chief Cook Yoaquin Antonio Gonzalez Dejesus. In the early hours of March 4, watchstanders noticed a flickering light among the waves. Once it was determined to be a signal for help, the crew was alerted and rushed into action as the National Glory created a lee to shield the raft from the waves. The stranded boaters were then brought aboard to safety, as the crew provided medical aid to one of the rescued migrants, who was having difficulty breathing. According to White, the bosun, “Our training is just what we do. We’re professional seamen, and I’ve been involved in maybe 20 rescues in my life. We just automatically kick into gear, and my crews have a system down at this point. It’s second nature.” The third mate, who was fluent in Spanish, served as a translator between the crew and the rescued migrants. He was told by the migrants that their craft’s engine had died and they had been drifting powerless for five days, and had run out of food and water. “They always say they’re sinking, and so we treat every rescue as if it’s life and death,” White explained. “One group was pretty far away from shore, and I don’t know if they would have made it without us.” He added that the Cuban Coast Guard personnel (to whom the migrants were transferred) were friendly and helpful, as usual. In both recent instances, the migrants were provided with food and dry clothing as the crew awaited the arrival of a Coast Guard vessel to transport the rescued boaters into Cuban custody. “You look at their boats, just plywood stuck together with no fiberglass on the outside, and it’s pretty clear that boat wasn’t going to make it,” White added. “But an American seaman is never going to leave anyone stranded in the water, not in a million years.” These snapshots, submitted by Bosun German Nunez, show the rescue operation involving the Overseas Long Beach. Overseas Long Beach Crew Rescues 12 On March 30, the crew of the OSG-operated Overseas Long Beach diverted course to rescue 12 individuals stranded on an adrift vessel approximately 185 nautical miles south of Louisiana. The SIU crew aboard the Overseas Long Beach included: Bosun German Nunez; ABs Kar Lee Arrington Jr., Kevin Chan and Elben Sandoval; OSs Samuel Lambert and LaMario McGhee; QMED Gilbert Johnson; GUDE Ahmed Ali and Allan Castillo; Chief Steward Jose Norales; Chief Cook Edgardo Padagdag; SA Tony Washington; and Apprentices Coleman Brewer and Anthony Harrell. According to OSG: “The Overseas Long Beach was on a voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksonville, Florida, when at 1645 LT, the 4x8 lookout watch on the bridge spotted a small craft approximately 1.5 miles away with May 2023 occupants waving their arms. The officer on watch took immediate action notifying the Master and diverted from course to render assistance as necessary while the Master mustered the crew. The Master of the Overseas Long Beach maneuvered the ship close to the distressed craft to establish communications. U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans was immediately notified, and the craft with 12 persons aboard was brought alongside to assess the situation and to transfer food, water, first-aid supplies, blankets, flashlights, emergency signals and life jackets while awaiting further guidance from Sector New Orleans.” After consulting with the Coast Guard, the crew worked to bring all 12 migrants aboard. Then, following a security and medical evaluation, the rescued boaters were provided food, water, blankets and mattresses in the crew lounge. The rescued individuals relayed through a bilingual crew member that the doomed craft had been at sea for 12 days, and that they had run out of food a week prior to being saved. After 36 hours on board, the migrants were transferred to a Coast Guard Cutter off Key West, at which time the vessel returned to its original route. OSG CEO Sam Norton congratulated the crew, stating: “Universal human rights are protected in international law, but their effective enforcement is not universal. In similar circumstances, some may have chosen the easy way out of a potentially complex situation by turning a blind eye to the existence of a vessel in distress. The Overseas Long Beach did not choose this path. Rather, all on board chose to act with honest concern and empathy for those in need in a manner which affirms, in the most visible way possible, the standards of ethics and transparency that lie at the core of OSG’s culture. Thanks to the individuals involved for a job well done, for the care and attention that were offered those in distress, and for the level of professionalism exhibited by all in handling this matter effectively.” Seafarers LOG 7 �SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE – Houston-based members of Team SIU are on the recruiting trail, as reflected in these recent photos. Pictured at the conference table in photo above are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Houston City Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes and SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. They discussed recruiting opportunities in District F. The snapshot at right includes SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (standing) along with Bob Silva of AMO and Evangeline Broome of OSI. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU RECRUITING IN LAST FRONTIER – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp (left) welcomes a prospective member to a career fair in Anchorage, Alaska. ABOARD GEM STATE – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (seated at center) meets with SIU members March 20 aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessel. Marrone thanked the Seafarers for their dedication in answering the call when MARAD activated the ship. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Dave “Hoss” Henson (right) is pictured at the hiring hall as he picks up his first pension check. He retired from Crescent Towing as a licensed engineer after 44 years of service. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook is at left. REPRESENTING SIU – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson recently served on a NY/NJ Port Authority Workforce panel. He’s at the front table, far right (nearest the podium), with Capt. Jeffrey Spillane of SUNY Maritime and Sean Kerwick of Hudson County College. Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY and NJ served as moderator. Panelists and other attendees discussed various aspects of local transportation jobs, including retention and how different sectors can more effectively work together. ABOARD USNS CAPELLA – Pictured in late March aboard the Ocean Duchess vessel in San Francisco are (from left) SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, GUDE Rolando Dinong, SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Electrician Salah Saleh, Recertified Steward Dante Cruz and Electrician Alex Canada. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2023 �FULL BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers received their respective B-books at the March membership meeting. They are (from left in photo at left) AB Jamison Pierce, Chief Cook Maurice Henry and (left in photo above) AB Kenneth Townsend. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right in both photos. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU MILESTONE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Gervacio Antonio Simon (left) receives his A-seniority book from SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. WELCOME ABOARD – Chief Cook Elizebeth Chavez (second from left) receives her full book at the hall in Oakland, California. A graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s CCAP program, she’s pictured with (from left) SIU Patrolman Kathy Chester, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera. BOOKS RECEIVED IN GARDEN STATE – AB Yoland Legaspi (left in photo at left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, while Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (left in photo directly above) receives his B-book. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Newly certified Chief Cook Ramon Hilerio (left) receives his B-book in late March. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE HALL – AB Rossitza Zahariev (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. BOOKS GALORE IN WILMINGTON – Three Seafarers recently secured their respective full B-seniority books at the hiring hall. They are: AB Carlomagno Surigao (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman), QMED Jorge Valencia Bon (center photo) and Chief Cook Shadonna Jones (right in photo at right, also with Jarman). May 2023 SEAFARERS TEAM UP – The SIU-crewed, Pasha-operated Jean Anne (above) gets an assist from the SIUcrewed Crowley tug Scout in San Diego. Seafarers LOG 9 �Sail-In Sets Participation Record In Return to Nation’s Capital Event Carries Pro-Maritime Message to Capitol Hill Pictured left to right: SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and SIU Executive VP Augustin Tellez. Pictured above: SIU Representative Shane Sterry (second from right), U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) (middle), AMO’s Captain Kevin Stith, Winston & Strawn’s Bryant Gardner and Cottrell Contracting VP Government Relations Devon Carlock. Above: SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right), MM&P Pilot Capt. Nate Lammers, International Ship Masters’ Association Chairman of Legislative Communications Scott Skrzypczak, USMMA’s Jeff Surrell, Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley and a member of Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s (R-Minnesota) staff. 10 Seafarers LOG Gathering for a photo in between meetings, from left to right: USMMA Alumni Brian Foy, Hapag Lloyd USA Senior Sales Manager Gina Rivera and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. In the photo above: SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (third from right), SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right), U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois), Schuyler Lines CEO Dion Nicely, APL President Tony Padilla and MEBA President Adam Vokac. T he SIU strongly contributed to a record turnout as maritime industry leaders met with members of Congress and their respective staffs on March 30, in a return to the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In event which had been on hiatus since the onset of the pandemic. In total, 138 members of the maritime community – including 28 SIU executives and representatives – sat down with 139 senators, congressional representatives or their staffs, making this iteration of the event the largest in its 11-year history. Representing the SIU at the day-long outreach: President David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski; Vice Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell; Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Michael Russo and Joe Vincenzo; Political Consultants Terry Turner and Lanier Avant; Port Agents Joe Baselice, James Bast, Todd Brdak, DeCarlo Harris, Ray Henderson, John Hoskins, Gerret Jarman, Ashley Nelson, J.B. Niday, Mario Torrey, Chris Westbrook and Jimmy White; and Representative Shane Sterry. The Sail-In allows the maritime community to come together and speak to lawmakers on the issues that matter most to the industry. Each group typically features at least In the photo above: SIU Vice President Atlantic Region Joe Soresi (second from right), SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (third from left), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) (third from right), Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Senior Vice President Bill Hanson, MM&P Rep Keith Poissant and USMMA Alumni Mark Remijan. Above: SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (third from right), MEBA VP Gulf Adam Smith, MM&P VP Jeremy Hope, Texas A&M Maritime’s RADM Mike Fossum and two legislative assistants from Rep. Lizzie Fletcher’s (D-Texas) staff. In the photo above: SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left), Euro-America Shipping President Obaid Ahmad, Transportation Institute’s John Flynn and APL Trade Support Specialist Hannah Hass. one member from a different component of the maritime industry, including labor, management, retired Naval officers, and educators. This year, participants discussed (among other topics) the Maritime Security Program, and that it should be fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of $318 million; the Tanker Security Program being fully funded at the congressionally authorized level of $120 million; and increasing funding for international food aid programs, such as PL-480. They also touched on the numerous benefits of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, which protects U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (second from right), American Maritime Congress President Fair Kim, Schuyler Lines Counsel Emily Jones, Liberty Maritime Corporation VP Operations William Campbell and a member of Rep. Rick Crawford’s (R-Arkansas) staff. Pictured above: SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio Crespo (second from left), Crowley VP Caribbean Logistics Sal Menoyo, TOTE Maritime VP Caribbean Services Eduardo Pagan, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department’s Dale Troll and a member of Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon’s (R-Puerto Rico) staff. In the photo above: SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (second from left), U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) (middle), ARC’s Charles Diorio, USMMA Alumni Walter Egee IV and Federal Pilots’ Hank Webster. May 2023 Among those pictured: SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left), International Propeller Club Executive VP Adm. Joel Whitehead, Maersk General Counsel Pat McCaffery, USMMA Alumni Senior VP Marilyn Livi, Seacor’s Chris Johnsen, and a member of Rep. Andrew Clyde’s (R-Georgia) legislative staff. May 2023 From left to right: SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, SIU Port Agent James Bast, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. Pictured above: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left), Rep. David Valadao (R-California) (middle), K&L Gates Government Affairs Counselor Jim Sartucci, Great Lakes Pilot Captain Jon Olney and Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s Captain Michael Surgalski. Pictured are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (second from right), Crowley VP Maritime Solutions Gavin Hughes, USMMA Alumni Braddock Parks, DC Propeller Club President Jeff Vogel, and a member of Rep. David Rouzer’s (R-North Carolina) staff. Pictured above: SIU Port Agent James Bast (left), U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) (third from right), OSG VP and General Counsel Susan Allen, K&L Gates’ Brody Garland, Liberty Global Logistics Executive VP Paul “Chip” Jaenichen and Patriot Contract Services CEO Ryan Pereyda. From left to right: MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha, SUNY Maritime Chief of Staff Mark Wooley, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (DNew Jersey) and SIU Executive VP Augustin Tellez. From left to right: Transportation Institute VP Pacific Coast Operations Sarah Scherer, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, U.S. Rep. Marie Perez (DWashington), MM&P’s Dan Twohig and SIU Assistant VP Joe Vincenzo. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer David 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 This month’s question was answered by apprentices at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why did you apply for the apprentice program, and how’s the training going so far? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Robert O’Neal Apprentice I have family in the industry. The program is going great. At times, it feels tough, but it’s a good career and the SIU takes care of their people. It’s a good opportunity making amazing money. Jesus Fernandez Apprentice I signed up because I knew I needed a change in my life. It’s going great so far. We take our tests Friday and some people have ships (lined up) as soon as they head out. It’s been life-changing. Frances Mendez Apprentice I have family that works in the industry, and they told me it’s worthwhile. I think I’ll like the lifestyle. The training is really good. They prepare you for everything you’ll do on the ship. Wade Henry Apprentice I was in banking for five years before this. I signed up because that wasn’t my passion. So far, it’s better than I expected. I’m getting a lot of value and I feel more knowledgeable. It’s paying off for me. Darlenzo Hines Apprentice I really have a passion for the sea. I grew up fishing in the panhandle, and it’s second-nature to me. It’s more like a home than a job. I love the training – I’m learning a lot and doing a lot. The SIU is definitely delivering. Randall Cox Apprentice The apprenticeship is going really good. I signed up to further my education in a mechanical trade. I was an electrician before coming here, and just want to work my way up in the union. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (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 In this 1954 snapshot, SIU members on the Western Trader listen as the delegate (with envelope) presents a U.S. Army chaplain in Korea with donations from the crew for a new chapel. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG May 2023 �Supporting Our Troops Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 16, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023. Port These photos of the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pomeroy (Patriot) were taken March 22 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina (vessel is in the background in photo at right). The ship was preparing to load materiel as part of the U.S. Army’s Prepositioned Stocks Programs. (Photos by Airman 1st Class Caleb Parker) Important Notice to Seafarers: Make Sure Your Flu Vaccines Are Approved by the U.S. FDA The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) requires an annual flu vaccine for all mariners who sail aboard MSCcontracted ships. Specifically, the flu vaccine must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is due to other countries using different flu strains in their respective vaccines which may not be as effective against the types of flu seen in the U.S. If you are getting a flu shot in order to sail on MSC-contracted vessels, it is best to receive it in the U.S. (states or terri- tories). That is the only way to be certain that the vaccine is U.S. FDA-approved. Veterans who can access care on overseas U.S. military medical facilities may be able to obtain an FDA-approved vaccine, but in that case, be sure to verify its status. Flu vaccines administered in other countries are unlikely to be U.S. FDA-approved. Questions may be directed to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department at (301) 994-0010 or shbpmedical@seafarers.org May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: May 8, June 5 Algonac..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9 Baltimore............................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Guam.............................................Thursday: May 25, June 22 Honolulu..............................................Friday: May 19, June 16 Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups Jacksonville......................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Joliet...............................................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: May 17, June 14 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: May 16, June 13 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: May 9, June 6 Norfolk..................................................Friday: May 12, June 9 Oakland...........................................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: May 10, June 7 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: May 18, June 15 San Juan.........................................Thursday: May 11, June 8 St. Louis............................................Friday: May 19, June 16 Tacoma.............................................Friday: May 26, June 23 Wilmington.......................Monday: May 22, *Tuesday: June 20 *Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m B C A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 14 2 2 11 3 7 5 23 22 18 4 6 20 5 5 3 4 19 1 20 194 4 2 1 14 0 6 2 16 22 7 2 2 8 1 0 5 1 8 0 9 110 4 0 0 3 1 1 0 6 5 1 0 2 9 0 0 1 2 6 1 1 43 Deck Department 8 2 2 3 2 0 2 1 0 7 6 3 2 0 0 9 4 2 6 2 0 17 7 2 28 16 2 17 4 1 2 2 0 6 4 1 13 5 4 5 2 0 1 2 0 1 4 1 3 1 0 19 7 2 1 0 1 11 6 0 161 77 21 1 1 2 2 0 4 3 12 15 8 0 4 6 1 1 2 1 6 0 10 79 34 3 2 24 4 12 9 43 36 38 4 10 27 14 7 3 13 28 1 52 364 9 2 2 23 0 7 4 22 30 12 0 2 9 2 1 1 5 11 2 16 160 3 0 0 3 1 2 0 8 7 1 0 3 6 0 0 1 1 6 0 6 48 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 3 6 1 2 2 15 17 8 1 0 12 11 1 2 5 12 1 11 115 1 0 1 2 0 3 2 7 12 2 3 1 10 3 0 3 0 7 2 3 62 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 0 1 6 2 0 1 0 2 0 2 25 Engine Department 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 9 3 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 4 0 0 8 3 1 12 10 0 9 1 1 1 1 1 5 1 0 6 4 7 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 4 4 0 1 0 0 6 3 4 79 39 16 2 0 0 4 0 2 1 5 8 6 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 2 40 7 3 1 10 2 2 6 15 20 13 3 3 13 11 3 2 5 16 3 18 156 3 0 2 10 0 5 5 16 13 4 2 2 16 3 1 4 2 12 3 2 105 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 0 2 7 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 30 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 0 7 1 3 3 11 16 10 1 1 13 13 1 2 4 6 0 15 110 3 0 0 5 1 0 2 4 13 5 1 1 9 7 1 8 7 5 1 5 78 0 1 3 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 19 Steward Department 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 7 4 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 3 0 1 8 5 1 10 14 1 7 4 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 11 11 0 9 2 1 0 0 0 4 3 1 1 3 1 6 3 2 1 1 0 6 6 0 83 60 14 0 2 0 6 0 0 1 3 7 5 0 2 3 1 0 1 1 4 1 4 41 5 0 0 10 1 3 7 20 29 14 2 2 20 18 2 3 6 14 1 29 186 2 0 1 7 1 1 3 4 23 5 1 2 15 9 1 5 8 6 1 7 102 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 5 3 0 3 1 1 0 4 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 16 5 2 0 3 1 2 2 8 22 6 0 0 10 4 1 4 0 9 1 10 90 6 0 1 8 3 2 1 13 64 14 1 0 22 5 1 17 0 6 1 4 169 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 5 Entry Department 3 3 1 0 0 2 5 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 7 7 10 39 5 12 2 0 0 2 8 13 1 0 1 0 7 10 0 0 4 1 0 0 5 3 62 99 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 6 10 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 24 2 1 0 0 0 3 1 3 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 2 25 15 2 0 3 0 2 6 18 47 13 0 0 17 8 0 2 1 15 2 20 171 15 1 2 10 2 2 1 26 110 20 3 1 31 10 2 11 3 10 2 10 272 340 256 328 184 731 538 373 May 2023 GRAND TOTAL: 435 238 C 150 Reliefs All Groups A Houston...............................................Monday: May 15, June 12 B Registered on Beach Trip A B C Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 8 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Educational Director Imran Khan, Engine Delegate Saddam Yahia, Steward Delegate Roberto Coronado. Crew requested upgraded Wi-Fi to better maintain internet connection. Members applauded the new changes to medical benefits. Chairman reminded crew to be mindful of rules at the halls and on vessels. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, and reviewed the requirements to sign up for courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew displeased with delays in medical reports from CHS. Members are reportedly having a hard time receiving communications and have not been receiving their “FFD” status on time to join vessels. Crew also discussed penalty pay. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), February 11 – Chairman Hanapiah Ismail, Secretary Ali Matari, Educational Director Kelly Percy, Engine Delegate Troy Hubbard, Steward Delegate Christopher Coston. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for members who will be signing on. Secretary thanked everyone for separating garbage. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation time and a 10G data plan. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), February 18 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Educational Director Terry Taylor, Deck Delegate Richard Flores, 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. Steward Delegate Charles Crawford. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is affiliated with the SIU. Beef reported between bosun and OSI about bonus check requirements. No OT disputes reported. Members wished SIU President Emeritus Mike Sacco a wonderful retirement and gave a warm welcome to the SIU’s new president, David Heindel. Crew reviewed repairs needed for galley. Vote of thanks given to chief cook for a job well done. If members take flights to ship that exceed twelve hours, rest is needed before signing on. Aboard Perla Del Caribe AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management) February 26 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Gamal Asaad, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Michael Garcia. Crew discussed various concerns pertaining to getting timely reliefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members very pleased with food provided by steward department. Crew requested faster internet service. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), March 1 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Erwin Renon, Educational Director Imran Khan, Deck Delegate Nathaniel Rivera, Engine Delegate Saddam Yahia, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. TVs have been installed in crew state rooms. Bosun talked about new contract. He went over the course schedule at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and advised crew to upgrade. Chairman discussed procedures available to mariners for expedited passport renewals, and thanked the steward department for Many thanks to Chief Mate Doug Voss for these snapshots from the SIU-crewed TOTE vessel. The individual photo (bottom left) shows Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez running mooring winches. Pictured in the fire fighting drill (top left) are SA Edna Bakhos, Oiler Eric Jackson, AB Julio Perez and AB Mark Smith. The remaining photo (above) includes QMED Ronaldo Quinones, AB Pedro De Jesus, SA Bakhos and Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz prepping for lifeboat drills. good meals. Steward department thanked crew for maintaining good housekeeping. Steward delegate reviewed shipping rules with members. If a mariner receives a job assignment and rejects it after 48 hours, their shipping registration card shall be forfeited for the next 60 days. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew still waiting for improved Wi-Fi service aboard ship. Members requested 30 for 30 vacation days, better dental and eye care coverage and for all entry level positions to be at an equal pay scale. Next port: Long Beach, California. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), March 6 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Dapiriye Oruamabo, Educational Director George Velez, Deck Delegate Melvin Smalls, Engine Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward Delegate Milton Sivells. Chairman extended thanks to all departments and especially thanked the steward department. Crew discussed various shipboard conduct including interactions between officers and unlicensed personnel. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested TVs in each room, a washer and dryer and coffee machines. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- 14 Seafarers LOG ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 May 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA TAWRENCE ABRAMS Brother Tawrence Abrams, 57, started his career with the union in 2001. He first shipped on the Global Link and sailed in the engine department. Brother Abrams upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Cape May and makes his home in Baltimore. STEPHEN ACKLEY Brother Stephen Ackley, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 and initially sailed aboard the Delta Venezuela. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ackley shipped in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked as the lead bosun on Matson’s shore gang in Tacoma, Washington, and is a resident of Olympia, Washington. ROBERT BOOMER Brother Robert Boomer, 71, joined the union in 2006, initially sailing aboard the Coastal Reliance. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Boomer most recently sailed on the Resolve. He calls Mariposa, California, home. CHARLES BROOKS Brother Charles Brooks, 58, signed on with the SIU in 1986 when he sailed on the USNS Desteiguer. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Brooks’ final vessel was the Maersk Sentosa. He resides in Bluefield, West Virginia. WILLIAM DOWZICKY Brother William Dowzicky, 65, joined the union in 1978, initially sailing on an Alton Steamship vessel. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Dowzicky most recently shipped on the Cape Wrath and makes his home in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. May 2023 MICHAEL FUNK Brother Michael Funk, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1987 and first worked on the Charles L. Brown. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1990. Brother Funk’s final vessel was the Gus W. Darnell. He resides in Merrick, New York. KENNETH MARICH Brother Kenneth Marich, 65, became a member of the union in 1988. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the USNS Assertive. Brother Marich upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Able and lives in Wamsutter, Wyoming. ALVIN MARTIN Brother Alvin Martin, 68, joined the Seafarers in 2001. He initially sailed on the Kenai and was a member of the deck department. Brother Martin upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Alaskan Legend and lives in Prairieville, Louisiana. DOMINGO MARTINEZ REYES Brother Domingo Martinez Reyes, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped on the Overseas Santorini. Brother Martinez Reyes is a resident of Naples, Florida. DIONICIO MEJIA Brother Dionicio Mejia, 65, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he initially shipped on the Mormacsun. Brother Mejia concluded his career aboard the Overseas Houston. He resides in Cypress, Texas. ANTHONY OBESEM Brother Anthony Obesem, 67, signed on with the SIU in 2004. He first sailed aboard the USNS Heezen and worked in the deck department. Brother Obesem upgraded at the Paul Hall Center the same year he joined the union. He most recently shipped on the Liberty Peace and is a New Orleans resident. FLOYD PATTERSON Brother Floyd Patterson, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Cape Clear. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Patterson’s final vessel was the Golden State. He makes his home in Liberty, Mississippi. CONRADO QUILAO Brother Conrado Quilao, 65, started his career with the union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bowditch. A steward department member, he last shipped on the USNS Dahl. Brother Quilao lives in Murrieta, California. RANDY SNAY Brother Randy Snay, 65, became an SIU member in 1982 when he worked with Michigan Interstate Railway. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002 and worked in the engine department. Brother Snay’s final vessel was the Overseas Philadelphia. He resides in Miami. STANLEY WILLIAMS Brother Stanley Williams, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially sailing on the El Paso Southern. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Williams last shipped on the Seabulk Trader and calls Pearland, Texas, home. GREAT LAKES KEVIN HOLLENBECK Brother Kevin Hollenbeck, 60, signed on with the SIU in 1984. He was employed by Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career and sailed in the deck department. Brother Hollenbeck upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He settled in Frankfort, Michigan. DAVE JARVIS Brother Dave Jarvis, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped on the J.A.W. Igle- hart. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped aboard the American Mariner. Brother Jarvis makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND CURTIS CARRABY Brother Curtis Carraby, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1981. He sailed in the steward department and worked with Delta Queen Steamboat Company for the duration of his career. Brother Carraby is a resident of La Place, Louisiana. DAVID HENSON Brother David Henson, 64, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Henson was employed with Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He makes his home in Covington, Louisiana. GEORGE HOFMANN Brother George Hofmann, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He initially sailed aboard the Long Lines and was a deck department member. Brother Hofmann upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Dodge Island and resides in Callahan, Florida. DAVID JANKOWIAK Brother David Jankowiak, 69, started his career with the SIU in 1971. He was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for most of his career and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident. began sailing with the SIU in 1971. He first shipped on the Rob Trent and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother McClenton upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Island and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. CHRIS MCKAY Brother Chris McKay, 62, signed on with the union in 1989. He first sailed with Stc Little Curtis Company. Brother McKay shipped in the deck department. He last sailed with Penn Maritime and makes his home in Scotland, Maryland. JAMES MCNEIL Brother James McNeil, 58, started his career with the SIU in 1984, initially working with Higman Barge Lines. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1995. Brother McNeil’s final vessel was the Athena. He lives in Orange, Texas. ROBERT SADLER Brother Robert Sadler, 59, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991 when he worked for Virginia Pilot Corporation. He sailed in the deck department and continued to work for the same company for his entire career. Brother Sadler resides in Norfolk, Virginia. LEE WALLACE Brother Lee Wallace, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Wallace is a resident of Sulphur, Louisiana. DAVID LYTLE Brother David Lytle, 67, joined the Seafarers in 2002 when he sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation. He primarily sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Lytle resides in Gray, Louisiana. BRET MATTEI Brother Bret Mattei, 62, became a member of the union in 1981. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mattei worked for Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He calls Metairie, Louisiana, home. NMU PATRICK MCGAUGHEY Brother Patrick McGaughey, 67, embarked on his SIU career in 1980. He shipped in the engine department and was last employed by Woods Hole Shipping. Brother McGaughey lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts. TIMOTHY WATKINS Brother Timothy Watkins, 65, began sailing in 1978. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. Brother Watkins last worked with Boston Towing and Transportation. He resides in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. RICKY MCCLENTON Brother Ricky McClenton, 68, Seafarers LOG 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DANA BROOKS Pensioner Dana Brooks, 64, passed away February 8. She signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A deck department member, Sister Brooks first sailed aboard the Lykes Explorer. She last shipped on the Ocean Glory in 2016. Sister Brooks began collecting her pension the following year and settled in New Orleans, her birthplace. MICHAEL CLAPSHAW Pensioner Michael Clapshaw, 80, died January 9. He started sailing with the union in 1978, initially working for Anchorage Tankship. Brother Clapshaw primarily sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career with American Service Technology and went on pension in 2007. Brother Clapshaw was a resident of Port Angeles, Washington. ALPHONSO DIXON Pensioner Alphonso Dixon, 66, passed away March 14. He joined the SIU in 1986 when he sailed on the USNS Dutton. Brother Dixon was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Maui. He became a pensioner in 2016 and made his home in Alpharetta, Georgia. MITCHELL FRENCH Pensioner Mitchell French, 66, died March 2. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1990. Brother French first shipped on the Sealift Arctic and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Kodiak and retired in 2021. Brother French resided in Bellingham, Washington. SALIM IBRAHIM Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed away March 31. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1976. Brother Ibrahim’s first vessel was the Overseas Joyce; his last, the Maersk Ohio. He 16 Seafarers LOG went on pension in 2012 and made his home in Kissimmee, Florida. in 2020 and made his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. sioner in 2000. Brother Potts lived in Orange, Texas. ABUBAKAR IDRIS MANUEL TAN WILLARD RANSOM Pensioner Abubakar Idris, 71, died March 24. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing on the Overseas Philadelphia. Brother Idris was a deck department member and last shipped on the Overseas Key West in 2019. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and lived in Beaumont, Texas. Pensioner Manuel Tan, 84, passed away March 17. Sailing first aboard the Mobile, he donned the SIU colors in 1980. Brother Tan sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He most recently was employed by World Crane Services before going on pension in 2002. Brother Tan resided in Lancaster, California. Pensioner Willard Ransom, 79, died March 21. He embarked on his career with the union in 1966 and shipped in the engine department. Brother Ransom worked with G&H Towing for most of his career. He retired in 2021 and resided in Pearland, Texas. KONSTANTINOS KOSTOUROS FERDINAND VINIEGRA Pensioner Konstantinos Kostouros, 88, passed away February 16. Born in Athens, Greece, he donned the SIU colors in 1968. Brother Kostouros first shipped on the Western Hunter and worked in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Frances Hammer in 1999. Brother Kostouros became a pensioner the same year and settled in Fort Myers, Florida. Brother Ferdinand Viniegra, 68, died November 18. He joined the union in 1997 when he sailed aboard the USNS Gilliand. Brother Viniegra was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Mercury and lived in Chester, Virginia. ROMULO DIAZ JOHN MARTH Pensioner John Marth, 73, died March 8. He became a member of the union in 1968 and worked in the deck department. Brother Marth’s first vessel was the Volusia; his last, the Value. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and lived in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania. CARLOS PEREZ Brother Carlos Perez, 57, passed away February 20. Born in Camden, New Jersey, he signed on with the SIU in 1990. Brother Perez was an engine department member and first sailed aboard the Overseas Valdez. He concluded his career aboard the Steven L. Bennet and was a resident of Crestview, Florida. MARK RUHL Pensioner Mark Ruhl, 68, died February 24. He was born in Washington, D.C., and joined the Seafarers International Union in 1974. Brother Ruhl first shipped on the Yukon and sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career on the Cape Washington in 1997. Brother Ruhl became a pensioner JOHN WILLIAMSON NMU Pensioner Romulo Diaz, 103, passed away February 8. Brother Diaz was born in Venezuela and started sailing in 1942. His first vessel was the Spidoleine; his last, the Texaco Montana. Brother Diaz became a pensioner in 1985 and settled in Garland, Texas. WILLIAM DENNY INLAND WILLIAM HEILIG Pensioner William Denny, 92, died March 3. Brother Denny was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined the union in 1963 and first sailed aboard the Pioneer Tide. Brother Denny was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the American Hawaii. He went on pension in 1987 and lived in Cheriton, Virginia. Pensioner William Heilig, 79, died January 10. Brother Heilig sailed in the deck department, and last shipped aboard the Greenpoint. He retired in 2008 and made his home in Boston. Pensioner Connie Peters 82, died March 4. He joined the union in 1963 and initially sailed with Dravo Basic Materials. A deck department member, Brother Peters concluded his career with Higman Barge Lines. He went on pension in 1997 and called Iota, Louisiana, home. Pensioner Larry Mann, 83, passed away March 6. Brother Mann shipped in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Kennedy before going on pension in 1997. Brother Mann lived in Kissimmee, Florida. WELDON POTTS GEORGE MARTIN Pensioner Weldon Potts, 84, passed away March 19. He started his career with the SIU in 1966. Brother Potts worked in the deck department and was first employed by Higman Barge Lines. He last worked with Seabulk and became a pen- CHARLES POLK Pensioner Charles Polk, 88, died January 11. Sailing in the deck department, he concluded his career aboard the Adabelle Lykes in 1988. Brother Polk made his home in New Orleans. JOHN SLOAN Pensioner John Williamson, 68, passed away March 17. Born in Boston, he signed on with the Seafarers in 1971. Brother Williamson sailed in the deck department. One of his first vessels was the Sealand Newark. He last sailed on the Pearl and became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Williamson resided in Passadumkeag, Maine. CONNIE PETERS Moody last sailed on the Thompson Lykes. He went on pension in 1998 and resided in Emporia, Virginia. LARRY MANN Pensioner George Martin, 94, died March 13. A deck department member, Brother Martin last shipped on the American Resolute in 1986. He became a pensioner the following year and called Norfolk, Virginia, home. Pensioner John Sloan, 82, passed away February 14. He was a member of the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Kittanning. Brother Sloan became a pensioner in 1996. He was a Philadelphia resident. ALEXANDRU TOLNACI Pensioner Alexandru Tolnaci, 81, died February 7. He last shipped on the Lykes Liberator and worked in the engine department. Brother Tolnaci retired in 2006 and lived in Romania. FREDERICK WOLFMAN Pensioner Frederick Wolfman, 97, passed away February 21. He worked in the deck department and shipped on his final vessel, the Almeria Lykes, in 1989. Brother Wolfman went on pension the following year and settled in Houston. GRAHAM WRIGHT Pensioner Graham Wright, 92, died February 16. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Cape Diamond. Brother Wright retired in 1994 and lived in Perry, Florida. WILLIAM WYLIE Pensioner William Wylie, 75, passed away February 1. He concluded his career with Woods Hole Shipping and went on pension in 2012. Brother Wylie called Fairhaven, Massachusetts, home. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Cormier, Joseph 86 Davis, Van 95 Figueroa, Hermene 87 Kenney, John 78 Sanchez, Rafael 96 DOD 02/07/2023 03/16/2023 01/17/2023 05/02/2021 02/28/2023 WILLIAM MOODY Pensioner William Moody, 78, passed away February 10. Brother May 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding June 5 June 23 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 10 August 21 September 25 October 30 December 4 July 7 August 11 September 22 October 27 December 1 January 5 ServSafe Management May 29 July 3 August 7 September 18 October 23 November 27 June 2 July 7 August 11 September 22 October 27 December 1 Able Seafarer-Deck June 5 July 17 August 28 October 23 June 23 August 4 September 15 November 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival June 5 July 3 July 31 June 16 July 14 August 11 RFPNW May 15 June 26 August 14 June 2 July 14 September 1 Advanced Galley Operations Fast Rescue Boat July 17 August 28 July 21 September 1 May 22 July 31 October 16 June 16 August 25 November 10 Chief Steward Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 June 26 September 11 November 13 July 21 October 6 December 8 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Basic Training Revalidation May 22 June 2 June 19 July 14 May 22 June 2 June 19 July 14 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Government Vessels May 22 June 5 June 12 June 19 July 17 July 31 May 26 June 9 June 16 June 23 July 21 August 4 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 June 12 September 18 May 26 June 16 September 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 June 19 September 25 May 19 June 23 September 29 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW May 15 August 14 June 9 September 8 FOWT June 12 October 2 July 7 October 27 Junior Engineer Program June 5 August 21 July 28 October 13 Marine Electrician September 18 October 20 Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15 Advanced Refer Containers July 31 October 23 August 11 November 3 Pumpman September 18 September 22 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. May 2023 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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. 5/23 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #892 – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Abubakar Bockarie, Dayshaun Brown, Marc Joseph Dadich, Ricky Gamble Jr., Gregg Gethers, Dajah Gosha, Jon Kavanagh, Harry McKever II, Cameron McNeil, Sara Mesa, Tyrone Simms and Danielle Vidal-Garrido. Able Seaman Deck – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Spencer Bailey, Laura Bess, William Borders, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallagher, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren, Justin McClellan, Alexander Reay and Jaime Rios. Course instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. 18 Seafarers LOG May 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel Brown-Faulkner, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christopher Marsh Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Michael Marrero, Julio Cesar Martinez, Juan Rigor Nogot McCakeren and Samuel Tilles. Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Patrick Dean, Lamonte McKinnon, Patrick Schoenberger and Edwin Velez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms – 9MM – Graduated March 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Tomas Merel, Deja Lashay Taylor and Robert Lee White III. Certified Chief Cook Module 5 – Graduated March 24 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Cris Arsenio, Kevin Bozis, Ervin Flynn, Ramon Hilerio Rosa, Austin Leamer, Raymond Murphy, Abraham Pena, Lenford Royes, Wilma Lunzaga Smith, Tyler Willette and Arkala Williams. May 2023 Seafarers LOG 19 �MAY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 5 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 President Joe Biden Congratulates President Emeritus Sacco on Retirement President Sacco is pictured (below) at the union’s headquarters building shortly after taking office in 1988, and (above) at a Maritime Trades Department meeting in mid-February in Florida, which took place the week he retired. Congressman Thompson Honors Retired SIU President Sacco U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (DMississippi) entered the following remarks into the U.S. Congressional Record on March 22, 2023. Whereas, Sacco is universally recognized throughout the American maritime industry as one of its most effective leaders; and longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, where his guidance proved beneficial to numerous other labor leaders; and Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record the following proclamation honoring the career of Michael Sacco, who recently retired after serving for nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union. Whereas, his long list of noteworthy achievements includes helping secure enactment of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, leading the historic merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union, powerfully defending the Jones Act, and protecting mariners’ rights not only in the United States but also around the globe; and Whereas, Sacco also played a crucial role in helping develop the SIU’s affiliated school – the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – into one of the world’s finest, most modern facilities for new and experienced seafarers alike; and Whereas, Michael Sacco recently retired following nearly 35 years as president of the Seafarers International Union; and 20 Seafarers LOG Whereas, Sacco also had been the Whereas, Sacco proficiently promoted the success of his union’s contracted companies, though never at the expense of his own rank-and-file members; and Whereas, Sacco’s immense popularity both within the union and throughout the labor movement and the maritime industry reflected a healthy respect and admiration for his lifetime of service; now, therefore be it Resolved, That the United States Congress salutes Michael Sacco for his work, his dedication, and his achievements. I appreciate everything he has done on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I wish him the best in retirement. May 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource MARITIME CONGRESSIONAL SAIL-IN RETURNS TO D.C. SIU JOBS SECURE ABOARD T-AGS VESSELS, LMSRS INDUSTRY GROUP EXAMINES U.S. WARTIME READINESS PAUL HALL CENTER RECEIVES COUNTY FOOD SAFETY AWARD WASHINGTON STATE SUPPORTS JONES ACT NATIONAL GLORY SAVES LIVES -- TWICE OVERSEAS LONG BEACH CREW RESCUES 12 WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESS HONOR SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS SACCO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 85, No. 5 Title A name given to the resource May 2023 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f7c388e934bcc4b00b633d031388066b.pdf cce0233c1eabdd9c4ad4fe7535692453 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 5 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO New Ship Joins Waterman Fleet The SIU recently helped welcome the M/V Green Ocean (background in photo above) into the Seafarers-crewed fleet. The roll-on/roll-off newbuild, operated by Waterman, is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Pictured in Baltimore following a late-March ceremony commemorating the ship are SIU members and officials including President David Heindel (far right), Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left) and Port Agent John Hoskins (second from right). Page 24 (back page). SIU Delivers Pro-Maritime Message Annual ‘Sail-In’ Promotes Seafarers in Nation’s Capital Widely regarded as a vital day of grassroots action for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In for 2024 took place April 10 – and it featured a solid SIU contingent, as usual. Union personnel (members and officials) took part in dozens of meetings with senators, congressional representatives and staff members, always with the aim of promoting Seafarers, domestic shipbuilding and other crucial parts of the industry. Gathering for a snapshot before the all-day outreach are (from left) Chief Mate Lindsey Austin, President David Heindel, VP Bryan Powell, AB Jimmy Hargrove, Asst. VP Mike Russo, VP Nicholas Celona, Exec. VP Augie Tellez and Port Agent Todd Brdak. Coverage begins on page 3; President Heindel also touches on the event in his monthly column on page 2. PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT • PAGE 6 // WILMINGTON HALL HOSTS CONFERENCE • PAGE 10 �President’s Report Let’s Look Out for Each Other I recently read a joke about two crows who figured out they were looking at a scarecrow rather than a real person, based on one single condition: The dummy didn’t have a cell phone in his hand. Connectivity, of course, is an important part of everyday life. Whether it’s being used for work, for research on a personal project, for other forms of productivity or even just following along with a sports scoreboard, web and email access often feel essential. That’s why our union successfully bargained for widespread internet connectivity during our most recent standardcontract negotiations. As many of you know, I have spent almost my David Heindel entire life with the SIU, going back to my teenage years. I sometimes marvel at how much our industry and our union have changed in order to keep up with the times. And while I have no interest in trying to turn back the clock, I’m hopeful that the aforementioned connectivity, combined with dwindling port time and smaller crews, won’t take too much of a toll on the uniqueness of the shipboard work environment any more than it already has. As a rank-and-file member, I enjoyed the camaraderie that existed both aboard ship and at the hiring halls. Quite often, friendships would develop. At other times, the relationships were all business, and it also certainly wasn’t unheard-of for members to butt heads. But there was always a feeling that we had each other’s backs. We looked out for each other, both at sea and ashore. There was a very strong, if informal, mentoring system on many if not most vessels. A lot of the old salts – even if they sometimes seemed gruff on the outside – made a point of showing the ropes to the next generation. We still have those opportunities, and while it goes without saying that the focus in any workplace should start with safety and productivity, I encourage Thanking President Biden SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) meets with President Biden at a March 21 gathering in Houston. Biden, the most pro-union president in U.S. history, also is an ardent supporter of the Jones Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. Corgey conveyed the union’s thanks for the president’s unwavering support. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 5 our members to continue picking each other up. We’re a unique organization in a distinctive industry. From the nature of the work to the freedom in scheduling, and from the worldwide destinations to the regular opportunities for vocational upgrading, I’d say we’ve got a good thing going. Please continue treating your fellow Seafarers with respect, and if you have a chance to lend a helping hand, please do so. Both in the short and long runs, looking out for each other will only boost our strength while also making the jobs themselves more enjoyable. Promoting Maritime As reported elsewhere in this edition, the SIU was out in force last month at our annual Congressional Maritime Sail-In on Capitol Hill. Whatever else may change in our industry, one constant is that we absolutely must promote the U.S. Merchant Marine in Congress (which is the focus of the Sail-In). Your jobs depend on it. The most recent Sail-In was fairly typical but very successful. Those are long, worthwhile days of outreach, and I’m especially glad to note that rank-and-file Seafarers participated this year. We plan to continue that new tradition, hopefully with even larger numbers of SIU members. We’ve long said that our best promoters are Seafarers themselves, and that belief was reinforced last month. At press time, we were also gearing up for two other important happenings in our nation’s capital. First is the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meeting (scheduled for late April), followed a few weeks later by the National Maritime Day ceremony at Department of Transportation headquarters. Both of those gatherings signify additional chances to promote SIU members and continue building support for the U.S. Merchant Marine, domestic shipbuilding, and workers’ rights. Keep an eye on our website for coverage of both events, and of course we’ll include them in upcoming editions of the LOG. In the meantime, sisters and brothers, keep up the great work, and let’s continue to watch each other’s backs. Financial Committee Okays 2023 Records The SIU Constitution specifies that, once a year, a seven-person group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. That requirement was met this year in early April when seven SIU members reviewed and approved the union’s monetary records for 2023. The Seafarers were elected by fellow members during the union’s April meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Beginning the next day, they convened at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, to conduct the audit. That same week, the committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2023 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Recertified Bosun Gerard Costello (chairman), Steward-Baker Lamont Faulks, Chief Cook Raymond Alexander, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Chief Cook Kenneth Kelly, Electrician Donald Christian, and Chief Steward Emanuel Spain. The members conducted their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. In addition to Orzechowski, the union’s legal counsel also convened with committee members in the event any of them had questions. May 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Pictured from left are (seated) Raymond Alexander, Emanuel Spain, Gerard Costello, (standing) Donald Christian, Lamont Faulks, Orzechowski, Exxl Ronquillo, and Kenneth Kelly. MAY 2024 �2024 Maritime Congressional Sail-In SIU to Congress: America Needs A Strong U.S. Merchant Marine Union Members, Officials Team Up for ‘Sail-In’ SIU members and officials on April 10 helped promote the U.S. Merchant Marine during a day-long series of meetings on Capitol Hill. Those gatherings were part of the yearly Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a grassroots bipartisan effort that has become an industry staple (during non-pandemic times). Representing the SIU were Chief Mate Lindsey Austin, AB Jimmy Hargrove, President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President Mike Russo, Port Agents Ray Henderson and Todd Brdak, and Political Director Brian Schoeneman. While it’s hardly unique for any industry’s representatives to spend time advocating their respective causes in the nation’s capital, the Sail-In has been described as distinctive. That’s because it features small teams, each with representatives from different segments of the industry and from labor and management. The unified approach has made favorable impressions throughout the event’s dozen years. This year’s Sail-In included 122 individuals who work in the U.S. maritime industry. They were split into 29 groups; collectively, they had 126 meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. The experience proved worthwhile for the rankand-file Seafarers who participated, each for the first time. “It was an eye-opening and educational experience,” Hargrove stated. “To see this side of our industry was an honor. So much goes into the fight to defend the Jones Act and other crucial maritime laws and programs in Washington, and to be able to be a part of it and see a day in the life of the U.S. maritime industry in D.C. firsthand was an amazing experience.” Austin noted, “What I find most worthwhile about the Congressional Sail-In is the opportunity for the maritime industry to educate or remind our nation’s leaders of the importance of a well-supported U.S. merchant fleet. The strength of our merchant fleet is directly proportional to our national security.” She described the SIU’s year-round outreach as “such a positive investment that directly impacts our job security.” Austin added, “My main takeaway from this event is that it’s imperative for our union body, our sailors, to be involved and well-informed on the issues that impact our livelihood. We can all contribute, from recruiting new mariners to donating to SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund) to getting out to vote. We need to continue to advocate for what we have.” In addition to representatives from several maritime unions, the Sail-In included employees from U.S.-flag shipping companies, maritime academies, the Maritime Trades Department, Transportation Trades Department, and other advocacy groups. They explained the importance of U.S. mariners, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, cargo preference laws, domestic shipbuilding and more. In some cases, they asked for backing on specific current or upcoming legislation. Similarly, depending on the individual meeting host’s familiarity with the industry, the Sail-In groups tailored their messages accordingly. During a reception after the meetings, the coalition USA Maritime (the SIU is an affiliate) presented its inaugural Maritime Leadership Award to U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) for his longtime backing of U.S.-flag vessels operating in international trades. Chris Johnsen, chair of USA Maritime, stated, “The U.S.-flag deep sea fleet and its cadre of American mariners have no better friend and stronger supporter than Congressman Rob Wittman.” Additional photos on pages 4-5. MAY 2024 From left: MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha, SIU President David Heindel, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York), Maersk’s Aram Dosdourian, James Tobin of the USMMA. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from right) is pictured with staff members from the office off Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) along with fellow group members Erick Siahaan of MEBA, Chip Jaenichen of Liberty Maritime, and David Zimmerman of Hapag Lloyd USA. From right: SIU VP George Tricker, Legislative Assistant Kei Fujisawa from the office of U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Washington), John Kaskin of the Navy League, Gary Carpentier of PWN Environmental, Rich Berkowitz of the Transportation Institute. SIU VP Dean Corgey (right) and his group are pictured with a staff member from the office of U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas). SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �2024 Maritime Congressional Sail-In SIU VP Bryan Powell (right) and his group meet with a representative from the office of Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee). From right: SIU VP Nicholas Celona, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois), Art Mead of Crowley, Mark Vlaun of ARC. SIU member Lindsey Austin (second from left) and her team meet with representatives from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawaii) office. SIU member Jimmy Hargrove (second from left) and his group meet with a staff member from the office of U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Michigan). SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right) and his group meet with Legislative Assistant Emilio Contrares (second from left), from the office of U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Virginia). SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from right) and his group meet with Deputy Chief of Staff/Legislative Director Janet Rossi (far left) from the office of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas). From right: SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Greg Doyle of APL, MM&P President Don Marcus, Ryan Pereyda of Patriot. From left: SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, Gary Gilbert of the USMMA, U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kansas), ASC President Kevin McMonagle, Transportation Institute VP Sara Fuentes 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 From left: APL VP Adam Peterson, Mark Ruge of K&L Gates, Louis Carrillo (staff member from the office of U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada), Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent Adm. Jerry Achenbach, SIU hawsepiper and Western Great Lakes Pilot Association President Capt. Chris Edyvean, Maritime Trades Department Executive Sec.-Treas. Mark Clements. MAY 2024 �2024 Maritime Congressional Sail-In From left: Maersk’s Aram Dosdourian, SIU President David Heindel, USMMA’s James Tobin, Jimmy Ballard of the office of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri), MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) From right: SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman, Deputy Chief of Staff Reed Craddock of U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly’s (R-Missippi) office, Greg Doyle of APL, MM&P President Don Marcus, Ryan Pereyda of Patriot. SIU President David Heindel (second from right) makes a point during a meeting with U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-New York) (left). U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida), SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (left) (R-Virginia) accepts an award from USA Maritime Chairman Chris Johnsen. The congressman is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. MAY 2024 From left: SIU President David Heindel, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-New York), MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �SIU President Issues Pre-Balloting Report Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my PreBalloting Report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2025-2028 will commence on November 1, 2024 and continue through December 31, 2024. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective March 15, 2013, and such other voting procedures as our Secretary-Treasurer may direct. I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward meeting the everchanging demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2024 General Election of Officers for the term 2024–2027: • 1 President • 1 Executive Vice President • 1 Secretary-Treasurer • 1 Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement • • • • 1 Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters • 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters • 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries • 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) Port Agent in the following ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Algonac, Oakland, St. Louis and Piney Point.* In accordance with the above-mentioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, a regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2024 and close August 15, 2024. The foregoing constitutes your President's Pre-Balloting Report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, David Heindel President *Editor’s note: Seafarers in 2023 approved the President’s and subsequent Executive Board recommendation to add four constitutional ports: Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma. Notwithstanding that approval, the union is legally bound to offer constitutional amendments in order to formalize everything. When and if approval takes place in this year’s voting, the port agent positions for those respective ports will be added to future ballots (starting in 2028). Latest on Key Bridge Collapse and Recovery On March 26, the Key Bridge outside the Port of Baltimore was struck by a Singapore-flagged vessel Dali, causing the bridge to collapse into the channel and killing six construction workers. Until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes their investigation into the allision, the cause of the vessel’s change of course is unknown. NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy told a Senate panel in April that the board was looking at the electrical systems of the Dali, and specifically mentioned the circuit breakers as a potential point of failure. As of April 15, the FBI has also begun their criminal investigation into the crash, stating their agents were, “presently aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity.” It is estimated that repairing the bridge could take years, though the operation to clear debris from the waterway is already underway. Early last month, some relatively small, temporary channels reopened in the harbor, but those are only large enough for tugs and barges. In addition, federal and state resources are being devoted to also establishing a temporary alternate channel on the northeast side of the main channel, for commercial vessels. While the SIU certainly has been affected by the accident, the union does not necessarily anticipate any loss of work as a result. Other than most of the Baltimore-based RRF ships, the rest of the SIUcrewed vessels that call on Baltimore were away from the port when the accident occurred. These include the TOTE-operated ARC car carriers and SubCom’s cable ships. At press time, the union was still working with their contracted operators regarding the new logistics involving those vessels. As usual, we will transmit any timely updates via our online outlets and possibly through our text-alert service. One possible exception to the foregoing information is that the union represents workers employed by the Association of Maryland Pilots. It is unknown at this time whether some of them may eventually face layoffs. The union already has taken steps to ensure that in the event of any layoffs, those members will be considered for any applicable state and federal relief programs. Meanwhile, the SIU offers a heartfelt thank you to Maryland Governor Wes Moore and his administration for being very inclusive of the labor movement as Baltimore recovers. The Governor himself quickly reached out to SIU President David Heindel to ascertain how the accident might affect our union, and Moore’s staff members regularly followed up with all of the unions that have a presence in the city, again including the SIU. These were anything but cursory communications, and the SIU appreciates their mindfulness and eagerness to help. The Dali is not a flag-of-convenience vessel. Its owners are based in Singapore. The vessel itself is a containership and was being chartered by Denmark-based Maersk. Federation Honors President Sacco Editor’s note: The AFL-CIO Executive Council (SIU President David Heindel is a member) recently adopted the following statement during its first meeting since SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco passed away late last year. On the Passing of Michael Sacco The entire AFL-CIO family mourns the passing of Michael Sacco, our brother and friend, who was the longest-serving president in the history of the Seafarers International Union (SIU). During his more than three decades as international president and over six decades of membership with the SIU, Sacco was a staunch champion for generations of merchant mariners and America’s working families. A native of the Brooklyn borough of New York City, Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and then working aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels. In 1960, he came ashore to serve the SIU in a succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. He served as vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979, and helped prepare the next generation of merchant mariners. From 1980 to 1988, Sacco directed the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president, and in June 1988, the Seafarers International Union of North America Executive Board appointed him president, a post he would hold for nearly 35 years. In November 1991, Sacco was elected to the AFLCIO Executive Council, beginning his tenure as its longest-serving member. His leadership, including serving as president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, brought security and stability to the Seafarers, a successful merger with the National Maritime Union, and solidarity with the numerous maritime trade unions. The AFL-CIO Executive Council salutes Mike 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Michael Sacco Sacco for a lifetime of distinguished service to working people and furthering the values of trade unionism. MAY 2024 �All Hands Safe After USNS Button Incident SIU members from the USNS Button are pictured with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (left). The remaining photo (below) includes Bosun Samuel Thatcher (right) and White. SIU members helped extinguish a shipboard fire March 28 near Mobile, Alabama, on the USNS Sgt. William R. Button (Crowley). No injuries were reported and, while the formal investigation hasn’t been finalized, indications are that the mishap involved equipment failure rather than human error. The 673-foot-long ship was successfully towed back into port from about 24 miles off the coast of Dauphin Island. SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White regularly met with the SIU crew following the incident. Bosun Samuel Thatcher noted, “I would like to take the time to thank and publicly state how proud I am of the crew on the Button. After a fire broke out in the engine room while underway, the alarms sounded and the entire crew sprang quickly into action. Within minutes, people were on station, boundary cooling … before dumping the C02 system was performed. Due to everyone’s training and performance of their duties, the fire in the main engine space was quickly contained and extinguished, preventing further damage to the ship.” Thatcher continued, “These actions were performed with the highest degree of professionalism, and with no injuries. In the aftermath, the crew worked long, irregular hours with zero complaints for two days. The crew truly embodied the saying, Brotherhood of the Sea.” Task Force Honors Sen. Stabenow The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF, to which the SIU is affiliated) recently saluted the work of a pro-maritime legislator. The group on April 10 recognized “the significant contributions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) has made throughout her Congressional career protecting the Great Navigation System and supporting American jobs with investment in U.S.-flagged Great Lakes shipping. Sen. Stabenow, who co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, has been the driving force behind the protection of our largest freshwater resource and the maritime highway that supports U.S. jobs through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) which was first authored in 2010 and has since received $3.8 billion in funding,” the task force said in a news release. According to the GLMTF, “The GLRI has been a major success with funds provided for over 6,800 projects throughout the region protecting the Great Lakes and its waterways against its greatest threats, and addressing problems that impact public health and safety.” “Our U.S. sailors, port, shipyard, and manufacturing employees depend on the Great Lakes and its connecting waterways for the raw material supply chain to support good-paying jobs and their families live here too. Senator Stabenow’s work for over a decade has proved to be a game changer ensuring our fresh waters are restored and protected for generations to come,” MAY 2024 U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) stated Jim Weakley, vice president of the GLMTF and President of the Lake Carriers Association. Stabenow “has been a critical champion for arguably the most important North American infrastructure project in several years with the construction of a large new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan,” the task force added. “Nearly all domestically produced high strength steel is made with iron ore that transits the current large lock, the Poe, built in 1969. A study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security concluded that a six-month unscheduled outage of the Poe Lock would result in 11 million jobs lost and a $1.1 trillion economic impact. Recognizing the vital national economic importance and the reality that it is an aging single point of failure for North American manufacturing, Sen. Stabenow tirelessly advocated for funding authorization and continued efficient funding of the estimated $3.2 billion mega project securing large annual appropriations to keep the project on track.” The award presentation took place at the senator’s office in the nation’s capital. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly 80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for the Great Lakes Navigation System. Advocating for domestic and international shipping, its members represent labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry supports more than 147,000 American jobs in eight Great Lakes states and generates more than $36 billion in economic activity. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �Beasley Family Finds a Home with SIU T he well-known saying goes “blood is thicker than water,” but what if being on the water happens to be in your blood? The Beasley family’s enduring seafaring legacy fits both descriptions — their long tradition of sailing with the SIU began with their patriarch Felsher Sr. Initially, he started his career with the Navy. After 15 years, he exited and sailed with the NMU (which later merged into the SIU) until he retired. Although Felsher Sr. was not a Seafarer himself during his career, he had heard of the union and viewed it very favorably. When he encouraged his children to follow in his footsteps and sail, he urged his sons to join the SIU, in hopes that it would avail them to more jobs and opportunities. In the words of Recertified Steward Jeff Beasley Sr. (he’s the younger of Felsher Sr.'s two seafaring sons), he was told, “Don’t join my union, join Seafarers. They’re a newer union, and they’re better and stronger.” Jeff Sr. took his father’s advice to heart. He joined the SIU in 1981 and has recently become a member of the SIU's community of pensioners along with his older brother Recertified Bosun Felsher A. Beasley Sr., a.k.a. Tony. Overall, seven members of the family sailed with the SIU (or NMU); some are still active with the union. The Starting Seafarer Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley (Felsher A. Sr.) was the first of the Beasleys to join the SIU in 1979, inspired by his father’s recommendation. His SIU origin story began that year in Lifeboat class 282 and recently culminated in him becoming a pensioner in June 2023. After completing his training, Tony began his seafaring journey with the inland program, later making the switch to deep sea. He grew up hearing stories his father would tell him about his voyages, cherishing the postcards and trinkets he'd send him from around the world. It created a spark within him which inspired Tony to continue his father's seafaring tradition; he’d later encourage his own children to do the same. Two of Tony's sons, Aaron Beasley and Felsher A. Beasley Jr., are also SIU members. Tony and Felsher Jr. once sailed together on a coastwise voyage covering parts of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and Texas. It proved to be an educational experience for Felsher Jr., who got some pro-tips from his father about the seafaring life, including various best practices for safety procedures and how to be prepared for anything that could happen aboard a vessel. Although he wasn't sure which department he wanted to sail in at first, Felsher Jr. hopes to one day become a bosun like his father. Carving Out a New Path Like a certain Fresh Prince, Jeff Sr. was born in west Philadelphia. While he was growing up in the 1970s, job prospects were grim. Still, because BREC Tony Beasley standing in front of Bungalow Three during his time at Piney Point. ABM Felsher Beasley Jr. (left) and his dad BREC Tony Beasley (right) on their father-son shipping voyage. AB Julian Beasley (left) and SREC Jeffrey Beasley Sr. (right) show off some large red snappers. of the stories his father and uncle would tell his siblings (four brothers and one sister) about their time sailing with NMU, he had ideas about starting his sailing career. In fact, Jeff Sr. knew before he even graduated high school that a life at sea would be his destiny; he noted aspirations of becoming a merchant mariner in his high school yearbook when asked what he’d like to do after he graduated. But, Jeff Sr. and his brother Tony, the recent adolescents-turned-young-adults, found themselves in a bit of legal trouble in their home state. Jeff Sr., only 18 years old and still determined to follow his dreams of being a merchant mariner, made his way down to Piney Point, Maryland, to start taking classes at the Paul Hall Center anyway. He arrived at the picturesque but isolated campus and enrolled for courses. One day, he was pulled out of class by Trainee Commandant Ken Conklin, a former Marine known for his supportive but no-nonsense, direct approach. Conklin talked to Jeff Sr. and learned about the legal considerations. He eventually sent him back to finish his class. According to Jeff Sr., he finished his schooling and embarked on his first journey at sea with SIU. Aboard the vessel, there was a familiar steward who kept in contact with Conklin for the duration of the journey in order to help maximize his chances for success. Once the ship reached port in Jacksonville, Florida, Jeff Sr. flew home. Shortly after, the time arrived for his and his brother’s appearance in court. Much to his surprise, their cases ended up being thrown out and the pair left the courtroom as fast as they could. “Even the police present in the courtroom were confused,” Jeff Sr. recalled. Though he isn’t exactly sure why the judge arrived at that particular verdict, he surmises that Conklin and his membership with the SIU had something to do with his favorable outcome. “No union is perfect, but the SIU gives people an outlet and a chance to turn their lives around and become something more. There are tons of members with stories like mine,” Jeff Sr. said. “I am eternally indebted to this union.” Becoming a member of the SIU quite literally changed Jeff Sr.’s life. So much so that he encouraged his younger relatives to change their lives and join up as well, much like his father did with him and his brother. His youngest son is now enrolled in SUNY Maritime, and his son ABB Jeff Jr. also sailed with the SIU for 10 years. For the last three years, Jeff Jr. has sailed with the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO). AB Julian Beasley has been with SIU for 15 years. Four of Jeff Sr.’s younger relatives (ABM Felsher A. Jr., ABB Jeffrey Jr., AB Julian, and AB/GUDE Aaron Beasley) all sail or have sailed with the SIU. Chris Beasley also started with the SIU and got his seaman’s papers. He sailed for five years and has gone on to own his own truck and flatbed business that is well known around the Philadelphia area. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Gaining Work Experience with SIU AB/GUDE Aaron Beasley also joined the union in 2015, galvanized to pursue a life at sea by postcards his father Tony sent home from his travels. He sailed as a GUDE/engineer, and as an AB previously. Aaron’s specialty is fiberoptic work, which he learned about while working aboard a TOTE ship. “Shipping was the fastest way to become an engineer and get hands-on experience,” he said. He paused his shipping career with SIU in 2019 and began advancing his new skillset on land at Buckley Cable, where he is currently employed as a coax splicer. His initial plan to continue sailing was delayed due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aaron has since made his return to sea, and has shipped on two barges through a crewing service as recently as 2022. He joined the union in high school, a story which mirrors his uncle’s. Inspired by Jeff Beasley Sr.’s tale of turning his life around after joining the SIU, he joined the SIU under a contingency agreement. To get back into the swing of things at the SIU, Aaron plans to renew his credentials and take classes at Piney Point. SIU Now and Then All of the Beasleys had great things to say about how SIU has grown and changed over the years they Chris Beasley (left) in a photo with his ship’s Chief Steward MAY 2024 �ABB Jeff Beasley Jr. aboard a vessel. Felsher Beasley Sr. (left), the Beasley family patriarch whose seafaring life inspired a continuing family legacy, pictured with his wife, Shirley. had been sailing. Working with SIU and receiving training in various specialties have given the Beasleys who have not yet retired an invaluable skillset that enables them to provide for their growing families, whether they accept jobs on land or at sea. When asked what he thinks of how the union has grown and developed over the years, Jeff Sr. said he noticed that wages have continuously improved during his career and that he has never had a problem finding work. “SIU is a union that has your back in any situation. I’ve always felt taken care of, like I was a part of a family,” Jeff Sr. said. "The Philadelphia hall staff is the best – (Port Agent) Joe Basilice, Vice President Joe Soresi, and (now-President) Dave Heindel, who was originally from the Philadelphia hall. When I was coming up and I needed to call the hall for something, they always called back.” One of his critiques of newer merchant mariners who join is that they would do well to learn the history of the union and that it should be emphasized to newer members. He also suggests that they learn from older mariners who have been sailing longer than they have. Tony has seen the SIU evolve in many ways since he first became a member. “The companies are improving, and wellbeing regulations have improved, as well as safety measures. More things are automated these days and wages remain competitive,” he said. Tony also noted the vast technological advancements that have changed the merchant mariner experience, too: “Back in the day, an agent used to go on the ship to take and deliver the mail to people. Nowadays on coastwise ships, cell service is in range and the ships also have Wi-Fi.” He recalls gathering with his shipmates to watch movies projected on bulkheads, and other ways that people used to entertain themselves while at sea. People used to spend more of their time working, using the gym, listening to music or reading books, he recalled. “Ships are faster now than they were then. It used to take an average of three weeks to be in a port; now it only takes a few days,” he said. “We used to rely on phonebooths. When ships would dock, the crew would go out and get in line to use them so they could reach out to their families from wherever they were. Radio officers sent messages with the telex machine in an emergency.” Aaron has met a lot of good friends aboard ship. He also has seen many examples of individuals making a career at sea or using those skills as a springboard to run their own businesses at home. “The SIU definitely listens to sailors and what A polaroid of BREC Tony Beasley posing alongside the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil. Although he and his son GUDE/AB Aaron Beasley have never sailed on a ship together, they do each have a photo from their separate sailing journeys near the same location, which Aaron visited in 2016 during the Brazil Olympics while sailing aboard the Tyco Decisive. MAY 2024 they want,” Aaron said of the union’s efforts to meet the ever-evolving needs of its members, especially in regards to improving accommodations aboard vessels. “Modernization is coming together, and the availability of internet is getting better.” Although he hasn't sailed quite as long as his father and uncle, Felsher Jr. has noticed some positive changes at the SIU since he first began sailing: "More jobs and opportunities have opened up as far as classes are concerned. Piney Point is really good for that. The training program helps you learn more in detail and prepare for all of the things you might encounter when you are on a ship. As long as you go up there and get your time, you can upgrade.” The Legacy Endures Will this legacy which spans three generations continue? If it’s up to the younger Beasleys, they plan to pass the torch. Aaron hopes to eventually pass on the SIU legacy to his young son. “I wonder if my son will ever find interest in sailing when he's older. I guess time will tell,” he said. Inspired by his father, who was encouraged by his father, Felsher A. Jr. also hopes to bequeath the Beasley family's longstanding love of sailing to his own children. Recently, he went on a trip to see a RO/RO ship in Philadelphia with his 10-year-old son. After a day of discovery and learning about life at sea, he asked his son what he thought. The young man responded by saying that one day, he'd like to become a captain. Jordan Beasley (left), Jeff Jr.’s youngest son, pictured with his school’s harbor commander. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �Third Time’s the Charm for Wilmington Two previously scheduled benefits conferences in Wilmington, California, had been postponed due to inclement weather, but the gathering finally took place April 3 at the hiring hall. The well-attended conference, conducted by Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen with assistance from SIU officials including SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski and Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, formally marked the end of a series that began last summer. The coastto-coast meetings – 14 in all – offered information about various benefits for staff and for rank-and-file Seafarers, pensioners and dependents. Bowen said the Wilmington conference went as smoothly as the others and featured a typical assortment of excellent questions from various participants. She added that although no exact future dates have been identified, her intent is for another series of benefits conferences to happen at the halls. In addition to the Wilmington conference, others took place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; Jersey City, New Jersey; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Algonac, Michigan. While the subject matter was wide-ranging within the scope of the various Plans, the overall aim was straightforward, Bowen said. She and the other Plans representatives and union officials were on hand to help ensure that people understand, and get the most from, their respective benefits. GUDE Anpeng Sun (second from left) not only attended the conference but also obtained his B-book. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. (Sun is the son of Chief Steward Maili Wang.) SIU members and officials along with Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (third from left, in front) converge at the Wilmington hall. U.S. Trade Representative Backs Investigation The government on April 17 announced that after review of a petition filed with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by five national labor organizations – including the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department – the USTR is initiating an investigation of acts, policies, and practices of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. “The petition presents serious and concerning allegations of the PRC’s longstanding efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, cataloguing the PRC’s use of unfair, nonmarket policies and practices to achieve those goals,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The allegations reflect what we have already seen across other sectors, where the PRC utilizes a wide range of non-market policies and practices to undermine fair competition and dominate the market, both in China and globally. I pledge to undertake a full and thorough investigation into the unions’ concerns.” As explained in a formal notice, the USTR is seeking public comments and will conduct a public hearing in connection with this investigation. Days before the announcement, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler submitted a letter supporting the petition. In part, the communication reads, “On behalf of the 60 affiliates of the AFL-CIO, representing 12.5 million working people across our economy, I am writing today in support of the Section 301 petition filed on March 12, 2024, regarding the Chinese government’s policies in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sector. This petition was filed by the United Steelworkers (USW), Machinists (IAM), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “For decades, the People’s Republic of China has had a comprehensive strategy to dominate global transportation and logistics networks – threatening both U.S. economic and national security,” Shuler continued. “The PRC provided more than $130 billion in funding to support its shipbuilding between 2010 and 2018. China’s shipbuilding orders have grown to more than 50% of world production. In just the first half of 2023, Chinese shipyards received more than 72% of the world’s newly received orders for ships.” A longtime friend of the SIU, Shuler added, “The PRC’s predatory trade and economic practices tilt the playing field against our shipbuilding industry, hurting workers not only at our shipyards but also throughout the domestic supply chains vital to this sector. In 1975, U.S. shipyards employed more than 180,000 workers and had orders for more than 70 commercial ships. Over the past several decades, the United States lost more than 70,000 shipyard jobs, and key upstream supply chains deteriorated. In 2022, the United States had only five large oceangoing vessels under construction, while the PRC had more than 1,700. The PRC has more than 5,500 flagged merchant vessels in oceangoing service; the United States has fewer than 80 United States–flagged vessels in international service.” She also underscored the U.S. Merchant Marine’s crucial role as America’s fourth arm of defense: “The vast majority of military supplies transit on commercial shipping vessels. In times of crisis and conflict, commercial ships are critical to the movement of military personnel, supplies, food and fuel. A healthy commercial shipbuilding industry is also key to supporting the national network of upstream industries, their workers and the communities they support. Large oceangoing ships require an immense amount of steel, paint, glass, rubber, aluminum, electronics and countless other manufactured inputs. These vessels are an important driver for our economy and provide capacity critical to ensuring our emergency preparedness and national security.” SIU Celebrates George II 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SIU officials took part in an April 2 ceremony in Long Beach, California, where the containership George II (formerly Horizon Reliance) was christened by Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii. Named after the company’s founder, the ship has been retrofitted to run on liquefied natural gas. According to the company, this was the first-ever steam-to-LNG combustion conversion. Pictured from left in the group photo are Pasha Hawaii President/CEO George Pasha IV, Senior VP of Fleet Operations Ed Washburn, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, and SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 MAY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU CATCHING UP – Following the benefits conference earlier this year in Algonac, Michigan, members and officials gather for a snapshot. From left are ACU Abdulwali Mugalli, Recertified Bosun Foaad Saleh, SIU President David Heindel, QEE Ahmed Sharif, and SIU VP Great Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell. CONGRESSIONAL BACKING – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) meets with U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) at a maritime gathering in the nation’s capital. Carbajal is a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. WELCOME ASHORE IN SUNSHINE STATE – Recertified Steward Andy Hagan (left) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He began sailing with the SIU in 1980, and is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. AT OAKLAND HALL ‒ STOS Abdelrahim Salih (right) receives his B-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Duane Akers. MILESTONE IN PUERTO RICO – AB Christian Perez (right) receives his A-seniority book at the San Juan hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo (left) volunteers at a recent career fair in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, where she helped spread the word about the U.S. Merchant Marine. WITH MEMBERS IN NYC ‒ SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson submitted these photos from a recent servicing at Seafarers-contracted Covanta in Manhattan. He’s at right in the posed photo, presenting Timothy Winn with his full book. Winn is the lead crane maintenance electrician. The remaining photos include (second from left) Crane Operators Nicholas Hamosfakidis, (left) Emmanuel Essien, and (remaining photo) Trevor Patterson. MAY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux recently thanked longtime Seafarer Joel Saul (individual photo) for his decades of service aboard the cable ships by presenting a personalized plaque. “He has always been a skilled seaman,” Durieux noted. “I wanted to commend him for his 37 years of good work with the company.” Saul, currently sailing as an AB/Splicer-Joiner on the SubCom ship, started his SIU career in 1982 and began sailing on cable ships in 1987. Pictured in the group photo with Saul and Yann are Bosun Harge Semilla, AB/SJ Arsenio Brecio, AB/SJ Alejandro Cusi, OSs Jorge Garcia-Gutierrez, Stephan Beckford, Recardo Harris, Ammr Ali, Timothy Gallion and Kahliek Gould, and Paul Hall Center Apprentices Nature Torrey and Syncere Swinson. ABOARD ISLA BELLA ‒ Safety Director Ricky Rivera (left) meets with Seafarers aboard the TOTE vessel in Puerto Rico. Starting second from left: Recertified Bosun Junior Augustin, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SA Juan Santiago, AB Angel Pagan. ABOARD MAERSK IOWA – Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Egidio Ferreira, SIU Norfolk Patrolman Josh Rawls and ABM Allan Green. WEST COAST HIGHLIGHT – AB Paul Nelson (right) obtains his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Wilmington, California, hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII – QMED Mark Canada (left), pictured at the Honolulu hall with Safey Director Amber Akana, picks up his first pension check. He joined the union in 1992. PROMOTING MARITIME – Union officials helped advocate for the industry during two recent gatherings in New Jersey. Pictured from left in the group photo above, right, are SIU Patrolman James Bast, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-New Jersey), and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. Henderson is also at right the snapshot above, left, with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, at the same event. In the remaining photo, whether one calls it an informal spot or a brilliant selection (or both), the Ercolano Deli in Jersey City served as the gathering place for (from left) Henderson, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-New Jersey), deli owner Natale Rescigno, and Soresi. The SIU personnel thanked the congressman for his solid support of the Jones Act. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • MAY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PATRIOT – Pictured from left in the crew mess of the TOTE ship are Paul Hall Center Apprentices Brenda Gonzales Potash and Marshall Whitcraft, OS Jordon Degraffenreidt, and SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson. The solo pic in the galley is of Chief Cook Chad Sikorski. At the security station are ABG Sammuel Yazzie (left) and Nelson. Pictured from left in the remaining photo are Steward/Baker Souleymane Tamla and Safety Director Adam Bucalo. UNIONS, MSC MEET– The SIU on March 28 hosted a quarterly labor-management B-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – STOS Toriano Lawson (right) and GUDE Jose Perez Davila (center) take the oath at the hiring hall in Jacksonville. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. meeting at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring representatives from the SIU Government Services Division, MEBA, MM&P and MSC. Among those pictured are SIU VP Nicholas Celona (fifth from right, front), SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (far left), SIU Representative Sam Spain (second from right, in back) and SIU Counsel Jon Madden. WITH SEAFARERS ON WEST COAST – These photos are from a recent servicing aboard the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessels Keystone State and Gem State. ROS crew members pictured are Bosun John Young, QEE Milan Dzurek, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu, AB Ali Naser, GUDE Dakura Smith, and GUDE Norrell Casey. FULL BOOK IN ALGONAC ‒ OS Ryan Heimberger (left) receives his full book from SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski at the hiring hall. 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MAY 2024 WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – OMU Rolando Bundang (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. He started sailing with the SIU in 1993. LONE STAR STATE OUTREACH ‒ SIU Patrolmen Kelly Krick (left) and J.B. Niday (right) team up with Carol Berry from SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings for a recruiting event in Harris County, Texas. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2023 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2024, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 18,342. Of this number, 7,101 were current employees, 6,838 were retired and receiving benefits, and 4,403 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers' contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan's Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERMAY 2023 14 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 16 - April 15, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 16, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 11 1 5 12 2 7 3 19 28 12 5 3 16 9 3 1 3 19 2 18 3 2 1 4 1 3 0 25 24 6 2 2 13 3 3 1 1 3 1 9 1 0 0 5 0 2 0 9 11 1 2 5 8 1 0 0 0 3 2 5 14 1 4 9 1 5 3 21 16 15 0 4 10 4 1 0 2 13 1 14 5 1 1 3 0 3 1 16 23 8 0 5 9 2 0 1 1 7 0 5 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 7 1 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 2 5 0 2 1 11 8 9 0 4 7 1 1 0 0 7 1 7 38 3 5 24 3 9 9 42 38 34 7 4 20 13 5 2 8 27 2 44 12 2 4 9 1 7 3 26 24 10 3 2 14 7 5 0 1 5 2 15 2 0 1 6 0 7 0 11 5 3 2 1 10 2 0 0 0 7 1 7 TOTAL 179 107 55 138 91 24 70 337 152 65 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 3 0 4 3 1 1 5 10 11 2 0 0 12 3 2 2 0 2 2 9 72 1 0 3 0 1 0 2 6 15 3 2 3 9 1 0 2 0 1 1 5 55 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 3 21 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 5 1 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 24 7 0 3 13 1 5 9 17 20 9 3 3 19 8 1 2 2 9 3 15 149 2 1 1 5 1 1 3 10 17 8 1 3 6 2 0 2 1 4 1 8 77 2 1 1 2 0 1 1 4 3 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 1 2 1 2 29 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 2 6 3 0 3 2 1 0 2 1 1 1 5 33 11 0 1 12 2 2 10 15 20 16 2 5 23 15 1 4 5 10 2 27 183 3 2 0 3 0 4 3 7 25 4 0 1 20 4 2 4 8 7 1 15 113 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 4 7 2 0 0 7 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 30 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 3 1 2 2 1 1 4 7 12 4 2 0 10 0 1 0 2 2 1 5 60 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 6 13 1 1 1 10 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 46 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 18 Steward Department May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: May 6, June 3 Friday: May 10, June 7 Thursday: May 9, June 6 Thursday: May 23, June 20 Friday: May 17, June 14 Monday: May 13, June 10 Thursday: May 9, June 6 Thursday: May 16, June 13 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Wednesday: May 15, June 12 Tuesday: May 14, June 11 Tuesday: May 7, June 4 Friday: May 10, June 7 Oakland Thursday: May 16, June 13 Philadelphia Wednesday: May 8, June 5 Port Everglades Thursday: May 16, June 13 San Juan Thursday: May 9, June 6 St. Louis Friday: May 17, June 14 Tacoma Friday: May 24, June 21 Wilmington Monday: May 20, June 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. MAY 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 1 5 1 1 4 10 15 7 1 3 14 10 0 0 2 5 2 9 95 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 18 3 0 2 17 5 1 2 3 4 1 7 76 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 6 2 0 0 6 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 21 3 0 1 4 2 1 4 4 10 3 0 2 8 6 0 0 2 6 1 10 67 0 1 0 2 0 2 1 4 12 2 0 2 9 2 0 2 0 4 0 3 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 11 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 6 4 1 3 1 2 1 15 26 9 1 2 5 6 0 12 0 5 1 7 10 0 1 3 4 1 4 13 52 13 3 2 20 6 0 8 1 6 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 1 1 3 0 2 1 9 20 2 0 0 3 3 0 12 0 1 0 4 6 0 2 1 2 2 3 7 21 10 0 3 20 4 2 9 1 5 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 3 0 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 2 12 5 0 5 1 6 4 21 38 15 1 2 10 10 2 4 0 15 1 26 25 1 2 10 3 4 4 35 110 21 3 5 38 12 2 4 0 13 2 14 TOTAL 8 107 156 5 64 103 24 19 178 308 GRAND TOTAL 354 345 253 270 247 156 151 688 520 432 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What are some things you like about this school? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Shaun Wood AB/Storekeeper Wilson Palacios Chief Cook This school gives you the opportunity to upgrade. There are some great classes and they’re always adding classes. Just the quality of the classes and allowing us to increase our earning potential. I’ve been learning from the moment I got here. This is my first time here as an upgrader and it’s incredible. Good teachers. This is a great opportunity. Deyni Camacho Chief Cook Rey Agapay Chief Steward The instructors are great. They take their time to make sure you’re learning, and you can tell they enjoy what they’re doing. They teach you the proper skills. I definitely appreciate the curriculum and the instructors here in Piney Point. The school is constantly improving and has changed for the better over the years. Deshawn Montana Chief Cook Kajaun Gamble GUDE It’s an awesome school. Everything’s good. You definitely get what you come for. I’ve been here twice and it’s obvious the school is progressing. They provide us with everything we need. This is the best career I’ve ever had, and the school is a big part of it. I just learned a lot in the government vessels course. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 OS Herbert “Frenchy” Deboissiere stands near Waterman’s Andrew Jackson in 1967. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA LAWRENCE BANKS Brother Lawrence Banks, 63, signed on with the SIU in 1985 when he sailed on the Maine. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Banks’ final vessel was the Overseas Mykonos. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. MARTIN BUCK Brother Martin Buck, 65, joined the union in 1979. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Aries. Brother Buck upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the APL Islander and lives in Pompano Beach, Florida. ROLANDO BUNDANG Brother Rolando Bundang, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1993. He initially sailed on the Independence and was a member of the engine department. Brother Bundang upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the American Freedom and lives in Poulsbo, Washington. FERDINAND CHARITE Brother Ferdinand Charite, 77, donned the SIU colors in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Cornhusker State. He was a steward department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Charite concluded his career aboard the Ocean Trader. He is a resident of Lehigh Acres, Florida. CLINTON CROWDEN Brother Clinton Crowden, 70, started his career with the union in 1987, initially sailing with Dixie Carriers. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Crowden last shipped on the American Liberty. He is a New Orleans resident. PATRICK DURNIN Brother Patrick Durnin, 71, became a Seafarer in 1977. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Durnin upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and is a resident of Gig Harbor, Washington. MAY 2024 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. GREAT LAKES ISABELO FERNANDEZ Brother Isabelo Fernandez, 67, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1991, when he sailed on the Independence. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fernandez last shipped on the Horizon Enterprise and lives in Pearl City, Hawaii. DONALD HEATH CARL HERRMANN Brother Carl Herrmann, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2001, initially working aboard the Overseas New York. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Herrmann last shipped on the USNS Pililaau. He lives in Honolulu. Brother Carlos James, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Arecibo and primarily worked in the engine department. Brother James upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the USNS Altair and is a Houston resident. Brother William Rackley, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Joyce. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Rackley’s final vessel was the Fisher. He lives in Honolulu. ANTHONY SABATINI Brother Anthony Sabatini, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when he worked on the Lawrence Gianella. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Sabatini most recently shipped on the Marjorie C. and settled in San Diego. Brother Donald Heath, 72, donned the union colors in 1983 when he worked with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for his entire career. Brother Heath calls Hampton, Virginia, home. REINALDO MEDINA CARLOS JAMES WILLIAM RACKLEY INLAND Brother Richard Guerra, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1980. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Guerra upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career and lives in La Marque, Texas. Brother Roberto Flauta, 61, started sailing with the SIU in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Flauta upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He concluded his career aboard the Gem State and settled in Livermore, California. Brother Ricky Pettaway, 61, became a member of the union in 1991. He shipped in the engine department and first sailed on the Sealift Indian Ocean. Brother Pettaway upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the USNS Capella and settled in Mobile, Alabama. Brother Robert Wojtaszek, 65, became an SIU member in 1977. He first shipped on the Detroit Edison and worked in the deck department. Brother Wojtaszek’s final vessel was the Buffalo. He makes his home in Rogers City, Michigan. RICHARD GUERRA ROBERTO FLAUTA RICKY PETTAWAY ROBERT WOJTASZEK Brother Reinaldo Medina, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1983. He sailed in the engine department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. Brother Medina resides in Carolina, Puerto Rico. DAVID MONTGOMERY Brother David Montgomery, 62, joined the union in 1990 when he worked with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Montgomery was a deck department member. He last worked with Moran Towing of Texas and settled in Hayes, Virginia. STEVEN RUSSELL Brother Steven Russell, 62, signed on with the union in 1981 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Russell was employed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Slidell, Louisiana. LOWELL TOPHAM Brother Lowell Topham, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Topham worked for OSG Ship Management for his entire career. He lives in Tampa, Florida. STEVEN WOODS Brother Steven Woods, 69, signed on with the union in 1973. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Woods makes his home in Amite, Louisiana. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA AWADH AHMED Pensioner Awadh Ahmed, 61, passed away February 14. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Midnight Sun. A deck department member, Brother Ahmed last shipped with Keystone Ocean Services. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Dearborn, Michigan. LONDON CURRY Pensioner London Curry, 89, died February 7. He joined the union in 1977 and initially sailed aboard the Long Lines. Brother Curry worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Defender before retiring in 2000. Brother Curry resided in Lancaster, California. RONALD DAILEY Pensioner Ronald Dailey, 90, passed away January 12. He started shipping with the SIU in 1977 when he sailed with Dixie Carriers. Brother Dailey was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Newark Bay. He became a pensioner in 1999 and made his home in Spring Hill, Florida. KONSTANTY DUCZYMINSKI Pensioner Konstanty Duczyminski, 83, died November 29. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1998. Brother Duczyminski first shipped on the Steven L. Bennett and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez, before retiring in 2014. Brother Duczyminski resided in Gdynia, Poland. ARTHUR ELLIOTT Pensioner Arthur Elliott, 87, passed away January 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1958 and first shipped with Boston Towing Boat Company. A member of the deck department, Brother Elliott concluded his career aboard the Arecibo. He became a pensioner in 2001 and settled in Rockaway Point, New York. CLEMENTE FIGUEROA Pensioner Clemente Figueroa, 85, died January 28. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Horace. Brother Figueroa worked in all three departments. He last sailed aboard the Charleston and became a pensioner in 1997. Brother Figueroa resided in Lakeland, Florida. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. BERNARD HUTCHING JAINE SERRANO Pensioner Bernard Hutching, 66, passed away January 19. He started sailing with the union in 1979, initially working aboard the Puerto Rico. Brother Hutching sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the John Boland in 2004. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and made his home in Leonardtown, Maryland. Pensioner Jaine Serrano, 76, died December 27. A steward department member, he joined the union in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Cleveland. Brother Serrano’s final vessel was the Comet. He became a pensioner in 2014 and made his home in Hoquiam, Washington. STUART INGALLS Pensioner Stuart Ingalls, 74, died January 29. He donned the SIU colors in 2000. A steward department member, Brother Ingalls first shipped on the USNS Loyal. He last sailed aboard the USNS Bowditch and became a pensioner in 2021. Brother Ingalls lived in Universal City, Texas. MARCOS LEGASPI Brother Marcos Legaspi, 88, passed away December 16. Signing on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968, he first shipped with Michigan Tankers. Brother Legaspi was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Mokihana in 1999 and settled in San Francisco. THOMAS MOOSE Pensioner Thomas Moose, 95, passed away January 8. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1952 when he sailed on the Thomas Stone. Brother Moose was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Adventurer. He became a pensioner in 1985 and lived in Kannapolis, North Carolina. JAMES MURPHY Pensioner James Murphy, 66, died January 25. He began sailing with the SIU in 1978. A deck department member, Brother Murphy was first employed with States Steamship Company. He most recently sailed aboard the Empire State and retired in 2021. Brother Murphy was a resident of Garberville, California. JUAN ORTIZ Pensioner Juan Ortiz, 88, died January 28. He became a member of the union in 1979. Brother Ortiz first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He worked in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Humacao. Brother Ortiz went on pension in 2000 and resided in Ponce, Puerto Rico. DANNY PARKER Brother Danny Parker, 40, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2019 when he sailed aboard the Endurance. Brother Parker most recently shipped on the Texas. He lived in Portland, Oregon. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DEVALENCE SMILEY Pensioner Devalence Smiley, 66, passed away January 1. He donned the SIU colors in 2004, initially sailing on the USNS Antares. Brother Smiley worked in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Liberty Pride. He went on pension in 2023 and was a Miami resident. RICHARD STUVERUD Pensioner Richard Stuverud, 79, died February 18. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. Brother Stuverud sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed with American Service Technology and began collecting his pension in 2009. Brother Stuverud lived in Federal Way, Washington. INLAND DAVID AUD Pensioner David Aud, 71, died February 1. Signing on with the SIU in 1971, he was initially employed with Steuart Transportation Company. Brother Aud was a member of the deck department. He last worked with Piney Point Transportation in 1997. Brother Aud went on pension in 2018 and resided in Mechanicsville, Maryland. TRACY REED Pensioner Tracy Reed, 63, passed away January 9. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Baldomero Lopez. A deck department member, Brother Reed was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation before going on pension in 2015. He called Van Buren, Arkansas, home. NMU AVELL BROWN Pensioner Avell Brown, 77, passed away December 21. Brother Brown was a member of the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Liberator and retired in 2007. Brother Brown was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. MAY 2024 �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. LONE STAR STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 22 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Clifford Simril, Educational Director Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate Santiago Ruiz. Bosun gave thanks to deck department for a job well done getting deck ready for inspection. He asked ABs to be patient while they wait to be properly relieved. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned to increase retirement pay and suggested reducing the length of the school’s AB program. Crew would like vacation pay to be 15 for 30. Members were encouraged to recruit any family or friends that might be interested in shipboard work. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift, Inc.), December 10 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Lawrence Wright. Chairman reviewed new contract, including wage increases, and talked about Union Plus programs that are available to Seafarers and their families. Members requested reimbursements for safety shoes, wage increases for all positions, new shower heads, external deep freezer for food waste, TVs for rooms and raises in vacation pay. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), January 19 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary Bernard Butts, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck Delegate Gustavo Arzu, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Crew discussed hazardous duty pay. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Crew requested increases in vacation days and for retirement requirements be lowered. Members want compensation during times they are unable to get relief. Crew asked for new vacuums for each deck, working TVs in each room and new pillows and linens. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), January 28 – Chairman Arsenio Obenza, Secretary Noel Segovia, Deck Delegate Julio Martinez, Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Members still asking for new TVs in all crew rooms and for reliable Wi-Fi signal. Chairman encouraged members to read the Seafarers LOG and thanked everyone for getting along and working well together. He reminded members to clean their rooms and leave fresh linen for onboarding crew. Secretary thanked everyone for a safe trip. He advised crew to upgrade their credentials before coming to hiring halls for jobs. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new towels and reclining chairs in rooms. Crew thanked the steward department for a good job preparing food and refreshments. MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), January 28 – Chairman Ali Alhamyari, Secretary Gerard Cox, Educational Director Wordell Prescott, Deck Delegate Harsono Saratoga, Engine Delegate Sammy Montana, Steward Delegate Diogenes Derecho. Chairman advised crew to read the president’s report from the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed hazardous duty and requested pay increases for hazardous areas. Members asked to be reimbursed for work shoes more than once a year. Crew requested better chair for steward’s room. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. EDWARD A. CARTER, JR. (Sealift, Inc.), January 29 – Chairman Daron Tinney, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director Liam Richey. Members talked about monthly room inspections. They suggested having overtime allotments either weekly or monthly to allow crew time to clean rooms. Members reported inconsistencies with payroll during captain changeover. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), February 7 – Chairman Michael Stein, Secretary Darrisha Bryant, Educational Director Kyle Williamson, Deck Delegate Darvin Brown, Engine Delegate Ghadir Sarkis, Steward Delegate John Ward. Crew went over letter of understanding from SIU regarding Red Sea transit. Secretary requested more official paperwork on ship. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep up with documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Freeport, Texas. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), February 24 – Chairman Anwar Martinez Norales, Secretary Tania Ramirez-Diego, Educational Director Akim Davis-Griffin, Deck Delegate James Eastman, Engine Delegate Nicolya Johnson. Chairman reminded members to follow proper chain of command to resolve issues and reviewed details about vacation pay. Everyone working well together per chairman’s report. Secretary praised crew for a job well done. Educational director reiterated the importance of attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Crew received positive feedback from officers and captain. SA needed for help in galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members talked about bringing aboard additional members and discussed penalty pay for certain jobs. Water from galley will be bottled, no longer tap. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return MAY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �Fun Savings just for you Union Plus Entertainment Discounts offer savings to union families on everything from theme parks and the zoo to movie tickets and sporting events. Savings for union families on amusements parks Save big bucks on attractions See more at unionplus.org SIU-AM-04-18-24 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates 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 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES July 8 September 23 November 4 July 26 October 11 November 22 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES August 26 Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Adv. Refer Containers Latest Course Dates Basic Training Revalidation May 31 June 10 June 14 May 31 June 10 June 14 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 4 Government Vessels June 10 June 24 June 14 June 28 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 September 6 Junior Engineer June 10 September 9 August 2 November 1 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 Machinist August 26 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Pumpman September 16 September 20 Welding June 3 July 15 August 19 September 23 October 28 June 21 August 2 September 6 October 11 November 15 FOWT July 8 September 23 August 2 October 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook June 10 July 15 August 19 September 23 November 4 July 12 August 16 September 20 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management June 3 July 8 August 12 June 7 July 12 August 16 Advanced Galley Ops June 3 June 28 Chief Steward July 15 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ 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 _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. MAY 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #906 – Graduated March 1: Jose Abreu Jr., Raymond Barnhart II, Boaventura Barros III, Wilson Bernardez, Broderick Brown II, Monica Burney, Reyes Gonzalez Jr., Carl Griffin III, Jalon Jones, Tariq Mamudu, Justice Marques Da Silva, Henry Middleton III, Samuel Penn, Chantanique Reid, Cristian Salazar, Collyn Swopes and Ty-rrell Washington. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated March 8: Reynaldo Agapay, Deyni Camacho Fernandez, Nyasa Henry, Tamara Houston, Deshawn Montana, Wilson Palacios Arriola and Keauni Pullett. ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION – Graduated March 22: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated March 8 (not all are pictured): Xavier Burgos, Julian De Los Santos, Michael Page, Marquisha Simmons and Ronald Williams. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 29: Anton Lewis Gonsalves (right) and David Pacheco. GOVERNMENT VESSELS– Graduated March 8 (not all are pictured): Tomas Faller, Thomas Flores Garcia, Timothy Jackson, Jayante McBryde, Tommy McGahe, Michael Mendoza, Luis Ojeda Galeana, Keny Perez Zapata, Schehera Poole, Rudy Puerto Sr., Terrell Redmond, Arturo Reyes, Saleh Saeed, Skyler Tommila, Joseph Toth, Cruz Valentin Garcia, Noel Veloso and Clifford Williams IV. 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS MAY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated March 29: Brize Agbayani, Andrew Brown, Justin Brown, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Nirel Escalante, Eliza Fitzgerald, Christopher Flood, Kenny Galeno, Nathan Goodhart, Jonathan Graham, Nayor Griffin-Taylor, Giveric Henderson, Victor Mak, Andrew Mentzer, Arkadiusz Mochocki-Klusik, Jacob Rhoney, Tavon Spence, Juan Velasquez Jr. and Cedric Wallace Jr. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated March 15 (left to right): Julian De Los Santos and Kajaun Gamble. WELDING – Graduated March 22: Alexander Boothby (middle) and Julian Rubbo (left). Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. UA TO ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Above: Tahjarian Campbell, Abdiel Cintron Crespo, Manuel Delgado, Christian Felton, Tyree Harris, Stephen Hoskins, Kumasi Johnson, Juliette Mandal, Caleb Miller, Jawuam Mixon, Malik Oxendine Jr., Jack Pier, Julian Ramirez, Nick Randall, Blake Seele, James Shoats, Betty Sirait and Alexis Walker. Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at far left. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 29 (not all are pictured): Danilo Achacoso, Jarrett Andrews Jr., John Cairns, Benjamin Ines, Kristina Jones, Chad Klingensmith, Jason Overly, Wilson Palacios Arriola, Juan Ruiz Manaiza, Kurtz Sausman, Louis Sorito Jr., Brandon Thomas, Tara Trillo, Larry Troutman Jr., Bob Tuilaepa, Lavon White Jr. and Jonathan Yates. MAY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �MAY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 5 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO New Tonnage Enters SIU Fleet The SIU in late March helped welcome the new Waterman ship M/V Green Ocean into the Seafarerscrewed fleet. A “Maiden Voyage Celebration” ceremony took place March 25 in Baltimore (just one day before the tragic allision involving the foreign-flag vessel Dali and the Key Bridge). SIU President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, and Port Agent John Hoskins were on hand for the occasion, along with the SIU crew. Built in 2023, the Green Ocean replaces the Green Ridge in Waterman’s Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet. At press time, the company also was readying to add the newbuild Green Wave in place of the Green Lake. A roll-on/roll-off ship, the Green Ocean is 655 feet long, has a breadth of 125 feet and features a dozen decks. Speakers at the Baltimore ceremony included (in order) Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels; Waterman Logistics President Henry Nuzum; U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan; and Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. The MSP is widely regarded as a crucial, costeffective component of U.S. sealift capability. Seafarers, SIU officials and other attendees gather near the vessel. Among those pictured are SIU President David Heindel (sixth from left) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left). Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Bosun Vasily Semes are pictured near the vessel in Brunswick, Georgia, in late March. Waterman Logistics President Henry Nuzum SA Catherine Lirio, Chief Cook Brittany Harris, SB John Canson Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2024 Description An account of the resource FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKAYS 2023 RECORDS SIU TO CONGRESS: AMERICA NEEDS A STRONG U.S. MERCHANT MARINE SIU PRESIDENT ISSUES PREBALLOTING REPORT LATEST ON KEY BRIDGE COLLAPSE AND RECOVERY FEDERATION HONORS PRESIDENT SACCO ALL HANDS SAFE AFTER USNS BUTTON INCIDENT TASK FORCE HONORS STABENOW BEASLEY FAMILY FINDS A HOME WITH SIU THIRD TIMES THE CHARM FOR WILMINGTON U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE BACKS INVESTIGATION SIU CELEBRATES GEORGE II NEW TONNAGE ENTERS SIU FLEET Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86, NO. 5 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c7798c896a43703e7ef91daecf529cca.pdf d98d3780dfd5f22dfb9c56a4ad4305b7 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 5 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Strong SIU Turnout for Sail-In SIU Members, Officials Meet With Congress to Promote Seafaring Jobs This year’s Maritime Congressional Sail-In saw 140 individuals from throughout the industry – including 25 SIU members and officials – converge on Capitol Hill. They met with members of Congress and key staff during what is widely regarded as a vital event to promote the U.S. Merchant Marine. Pictured below are SIU participants, including one spouse of a Seafarer. SIU President David Heindel is in front, sixth from right (brown jacket). Pages 3-6. PRO-WORKER LEGISLATION INTRODUCED • PAGE 7 // MARITIME EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMED AT GROWTH • PAGE 24 �President’s Report Great Promise for Maritime’s Future These are genuinely exciting and promising times for the American maritime industry, due in large part to the impending re-introduction of the SHIPS for America Act, along with a recently issued executive order aimed at boosting domestic shipbuilding while addressing shipboard manpower concerns. We got word right around press time that the bipartisan SHIPS Act is expected to drop in late April. At worst, I think we can expect it to happen no later than National Maritime Day (May 22), based on everything we’ve been told. We’ve reported on the SHIPS Act fairly David Heindel extensively, going back to when it first was introduced in the last Congress. It is both comprehensive and ambitious, and the SIU fully supports it. The White House’s pro-maritime executive order, issued last month, has some overlap with components of the SHIPS Act, which can be helpful in moving things along. Anyone who’s spent time working in the nation’s capital undoubtedly knows that advancing new legislation and directives often feels glacial in pace, but I’m hopeful that this will be an exception. There’s no fully accurate way to gauge it, but maritime truly may be the most bipartisan issue right now on Capitol Hill. Collectively, our industry has gotten the attention and support we’ll need to grow the manpower pool, revitalize our shipbuilding, and strengthen existing pro-maritime laws while adding sensible new ones. With that said, even if things move along relatively quickly, it’ll take time. No undertaking of such a massive scope happens overnight. The SIU will remain fully engaged in promoting your interests, and we’ll keep you posted via our usual channels, including our website, the LOG, and the monthly membership meetings. I’m very optimistic about the future of the SIU and that of the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. Not all of the news from D.C. has been uplifting, though. As you probably know, a separate executive order has taken away collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of federal-sector workers. The extent to which this will affect members of the SIU Government Services Division is still being evaluated, and in the meantime, we are working with allies in the labor movement and the military and in Congress to maintain our members’ rights. That’s in addition to supporting new, bipartisan legislation that would overturn the order. Finally, and also at press time, an important update was expected from the U.S. Trade Representative concerning recommendations that follow a U.S. investigation of China’s maritime practices. We will post and publish updates. More Kudos I recently read the following quote from the captain of the SIU-crewed Stena Immaculate, and wanted to share it with anyone who hadn’t seen it. Speaking about the heroic firefighting efforts and successful abandon-ship operation, Capt. Thomas M. Leaf (a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers) stated, “I have never sailed with a more dedicated, professional crew in my career. In the 35 years that I have been sailing, I cannot praise a crew with more drive, competence, ability and unity. Every person, to a man and woman, made sure that everything and everyone was safely accounted for and attended to.” I’m guessing pretty much everyone reading this column is already aware of the Stena Immaculate incident, but if you’re not familiar with the saga, check out last month’s LOG or go to our website. You’ll be inspired. Be Safe Out There While I fully realize that SIU members keep their documents and related paperwork in order, I wanted to offer some extra encouragement to all of our members in the deep-sea sector to triple check your portfolio before shipping out. Given the tensions between our country and some others, we want to take every precaution in the event of, say, a port-state control inspection. That’s definitely not to say we expect harassment or other problems, but things feel a bit unsettled these days. Better to have your ducks in a row and to minimize the chances of any misunderstandings overseas. Financial Committee Approves 2024 Records The SIU Constitution specifies that, once a year, a seven-person group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. That requirement was met this year in early April when seven SIU members reviewed and approved the union’s monetary records for 2024. The Seafarers were elected by their peers during the union’s April meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Beginning the next day, they convened at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, to conduct the audit. That same week, the committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2024 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s May membership meetings. Serving on the committee were Bosun Johnny Dozier III (chairman), OS Ryan Heimberger, Chief Cook Tommy Cyrus, Bosun Joe Bowen, QMED Mike Joel, Chief Cook Gerard Cox, and AB James Osborne. The members conducted their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 5 May 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org These photos were taken at the union’s headquarters building during the first full week of April, as the committee wrapped up its work. Pictured from left in the posed photo are (seated) OS Ryan Heimberger, Chief Cook Tommy Cyrus, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Bosun Joe Bowen, (standing) QMED Mike Joel, Chief Cook Gerard Cox, Bosun Johnny Dozier III (chairman), and AB James Osborne. The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. In addition to Orzechowski, the union’s legal counsel also convened with committee members in the event any of them had questions. The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 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. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG MAY 2025 �SIU Makes Capitol Hill Port of Call Annual Maritime Sail-In Promotes Industry to Lawmakers SIU officials, members and staff eagerly participated in this year’s record-breaking Congressional Sail-In event, which took place on April 8. Over 140 members of the maritime industry met with Congressional members and their staffers and discussed the most pressing issues presently facing Seafarers. Participating from the SIU: President David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez; Vice Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi and Joe Vincenzo; Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant Vice Presidents Todd Brdak, Amancio Crespo, Ray Henderson and Michael Russo; and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Additionally, the SIU was fully represented this year by the following members: Chief Mate Lindsey Austin; Recertified Bosuns Billy Hill, Juan Ruiz-Manaiza, Redentor Borja, Ryan Scott, Roy Madrio and Kelly Doyle; Recertified Stewards Dylan Faile, Raul Napoles, Roberto Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, Matthew Conyac, and George Egbert. This marked the first time a large number of rank-and-file members joined the officials in the meetings, providing their unique perspectives as working mariners during the discussions. “I'm grateful to represent the working seafarer and the union at our nation's capital,” said Austin. “Our union works diligently on political activities to protect our jobs now, and to secure our jobs for the future American seafarers. During Sail-In, we got the opportunity to speak with state representatives on important topics like the Tanker Security Program, Maritime Security Program, Food for Peace, the SHIPS for America Act and the Jones Act.” The meetings concluded with a reception for participants and guests, which this year included Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-California), John Garamendi (D-California) and Rick Larsen (D-Washington). During the reception, Sen. Kelly and Rep. Garamendi were present to accept the USA Maritime Leadership Award, which was awarded to the five cosponsors of the SHIPS for America Act (Kelly, Garamendi, Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana), Congressman Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz). Additional photos on Pages 4-6 Pictured with Congressman Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) (seated): SIU President David Heindel (second from left), Chris Johnsen, Gary Carpentier, Macy Blakely and David Wood. Pictured with a staffer of Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana): SIU Executive Vice-President Augustin Tellez (left), Jonathan Kaskin, Nicole Greenway, Monica Malone and Mike Surgalski. Congressman John Garamendi (D-California) (right) accepting his USA Maritime Leadership Award, presented by SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. MAY 2025 Pictured with a staffer of Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Washington): SIU Vice President Nick Marrone (third from left), MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Brittanie Potter (left), Jason Silve, Erin Gantt and Will Walgren. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Seafarers Bring Crucial Perspectives to D.C. This year’s SIU group at the Maritime Congressional Sail-In featured a record number of rank-and-file Seafarers, including six bosuns and six stewards from the combined recertification class that wrapped up April 7. The photos on this page were taken at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The quotes were collected subsequent to the Sail-In. Members were asked for their impressions of the event. Ryan Scott Recertified Bosun I enjoyed the experience of the whole Congressional Sail-In. I enjoyed talking with the members and their staffs about our industry, and informing them on all the programs we would like them to support: from MSP, TSP, CSP, Cargo Preference, and Food for Peace (PL-480). It was great to explore the halls of Congress and how crazy it can be there at times. Billy Hill Recertified Bosun I had a good experience. My group had six different meetings, and I spoke in every one of them. It was a little overwhelming at first, but we learned a lot. One thing that stood out was how we can all work together; even if the other people (in a given group) aren’t SIU, we’re all part of the maritime industry. Roberto Coronado Recertified Steward Dylan Faile Recertified Steward It was a great learning experience for me. Participating in the Sail-in helped me realize how important what we do in the maritime industry is. We should be promoting the industry and legislation that will ensure our job security, because of how important the maritime industry is to our nation’s security. Participating in the Sail-in also allowed me to see firsthand how hard our union officials work and how much they do to support us. I enjoyed my Sail-In experience. It was a great opportunity to see what we learned in our recertification class about the intricacies of the maritime industry in action. I mainly have experience with the MSP fleet, and I spoke in all five of the meetings our group attended. It gave me a chance to share real-life experience I’ve gained through working in maritime with legislative members who only had experience with think tanks, and I think they appreciated my point of view. Matthew Conyac Recertified Steward Juan Ruiz-Manaiza Recertified Bosun Redentor Borja Recertified Bosun It was a great experience. I was proud to be part of it. I’ll remember being able to express my thoughts – the staffs we met with were very helpful and were absolutely interested in what I had to say. My experience at the Sail-In was really amazing. It made me realize that we have our own people who represent our union in the nation’s capital and who work hard to create more job opportunities to keep us strong. Roy Madrio Recertified Bosun Kelly Doyle Recertified Bosun Aurelio Esperanza Recertified Steward We now have a better idea of how to promote our industry. I met with one senator; at first it was a little scary, but it was exciting. I learned a lot. It’s important to be active with grassroots politics. It was fantastic. The trip up to Capitol Hill was phenomenal. It was beyond my expectations. The meetings went well. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, learning what goes on behind the scenes. It was a really good experience. I got to go along with the officials to meet with senators and talk about the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, and the Tanker Security Program. I was also able to hear about a lot of things that are going on with the industry. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG I actually spoke up and talked to some of the representatives and enjoyed it. It was nice to bring a face to the discussion as an actual sailor and not just a lobbyist. I was able to talk about the importance of funding for mariner jobs as well as discuss how we are America’s Fourth Arm of Defense. Raul Napoles Recertified Steward Our team leader was really good. She (Brenda Otterson) took the lead in the conversations with the congress members, representatives, and legislative staff since she knew the political side of things, but I did get to talk in all of the meetings and introduce myself as a merchant mariner who has worked in the steward department for 25 years. I think what I learned in my recertification class came in handy. George Egbert Recertified Steward I learned so much. It was the first time in my life I have ever met with those people and it was a really great experience. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER MAY 2023 4 2025 �2025 Congressional Sail-In Pictured with a staffer of Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-California): SIU Vice President George Tricker (center), Patrick Gillette, Matt Henning and Lars Turner. Pictured after a meeting with staffers of Congressman Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey): SIU Vice President Joseph Soresi (center), Steve Wines, Brody Garland, Marilyn Levi and Trish Skoglund. Pictured with a staffer of Congresswoman Julie Johnson (D-Texas): SIU Vice President Dean Corgey (second from left), Recertified Bosun Billy Hill (third from left), Matt Woodruff, Leo Bonser, Tyler Heffernan and Allan Post. Pictured with staffers of Congressman Daniel Webster (R-Florida): SIU Trustee Tony Naccarato (third from right), Brenda Otterson and SIU Recertified Stewards Raul Napoles (second from right) and Roberto Coronado (right). Pictured with Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-New York) (third from right): SIU Vice President Joe Vincenzo (third from left), Brian Foy, Sean Murphy, Andrew Rabuse and Joel Whitehead. Pictured after a meeting with staffers of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma): SIU Asst. Vice President Todd Brdak (second from right), Jim Weakley, Former Seafarer Chris Edyvean, Brendan O'Connor and Mary Sabuda. Pictured with Congressman John Garamendi (D-California) (center): SIU Asst. Vice President Ray Henderson (right), Recertified Bosun Kelly Doyle (left), Charlie Papavizas, Alex Butler, Sean Moroney and Melaney Velleca. Pictured after a meeting with staffers of Congressman Eli Crane (R-Arizona): SIU Asst. Vice President Michael Russo (center), Jeff Vogel, Gary Gilbert, Patrick McCaffery and Jeff Richards. MAY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �2025 Congressional Sail-In Pictured before a meeting with Congressman Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina): SIU Asst. Vice President Amancio Pictured after a meeting with a staffer of Congressman Vince Fong (R-California): SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from right), Andy Mueller, Jared Henry, JP Crespo (left), Recertified Bosun Redentor Borja (second from right), Caitlyn Tierney, Capt. Aaron Arabski and Marcantonio and James Tobin. Jonathan Doucot. Pictured with a staffer of Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan): Chief Mate Lindsey Austin (second from left), Erick Siahaan, Melissa Dorre, Anthony Poplawski and Dan Twohig. Pictured before a meeting with Congresswoman Chelli Pingree (D-Maine): Transportation Institute VP Sara Fuentes (center), Paul "Chip" Jaenichen, Craig Johnson, Tom Larkin and Elle Stuart. Pictured with a staffer of Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii): Recertified Steward Aurelio Esperanza (second from right), Roland "Rex" Rexha, Dave Carroll, Ryan Pereyda and Marissa Strawbridge. Pictured with a staffer of Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Illinois): Recertified Bosun Juan RuizManaiza (right), Recertified Steward Dylan Faile (second from left), Jim Sartucci, Elizabeth Mack, Bill Hanson and William Thornton. 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Pictured before a meeting with a staffer of Congresswoman Sheila CherfilusMcCormick (D-Florida): Recertified Bosun Ryan Scott (second from left), Mark Vlaun, Willie Barrere and Braddock Parks. Pictured during a meeting with a staffer of Congressman Don Bacon (R-Nebraska): Recertified Steward Matthew Conyac (second from right), Bryant Gardner, Chris Barber, Joseph Schwartzstein and Christain Spain. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 MAY 2025 �Vandegrift, Galbiso are SIU’s Newest VPs The union’s executive board has unanimously approved recent personnel recommendations from SIU President David Heindel to fill a handful of positions. These openings resulted (directly or indirectly) from rank-and-file membership approval of constitutional amendments that were part of the most recent SIU election. Pat Vandegrift and Hazel Galbiso are the union’s newest vice presidents, while Ray Henderson, Warren Asp, and Todd Brdak were promoted to assistant vice president. Vandegrift had been serving as an assistant vice president and as acting vice president of the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland. The others all were working as port agents. Three other assistant vice presidents – Amancio Crespo, Chris Westbrook, and Michael Russo – will retain those primary job titles while shifting to other areas of responsibility. The constitutional amendments created the two new vice president slots along with corresponding assistant vice president positions. In a letter to the aforementioned officials plus the others who were elected or re-elected (balloting concluded at the end of last year) and to union staff members, Heindel wrote in part, “These appointments reflect our ongoing devotion to progress, unity, and the bright future of the SIU…. Moving forward, I am confident that under our shared leadership, and with the continued support of our great membership, the SIU will thrive and evolve, meeting future challenges while upholding the proud traditions that define us. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your vision, and your unwavering commitment to our members and our principles.” Vandegrift, a native of southern Maryland, served in the U.S. Navy from 1987-1992, then completed the PHC’s trainee program in 1993. He sailed in the deck department, most recently as a bosun, before becoming the trainee commandant. Since then, he has served both the school and the union in wide-ranging capacities. Vandegrift’s jobs have included those of patrolman, safety director, instructor, port agent, and assistant vice president. He also has represented the SIU on International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) committees, among other work. Raised on the Northshore of Oahu, Galbiso sailed in the steward department for 15 years before coming ashore in 2004 to work for the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). She soon added SIU patrolwoman and dispatcher to her job titles. She has been the Honolulu port agent since 2011. Beyond her direct work with the SIU, Galbiso is the secretary-treasurer of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, part of the Maritime Trades Department; is an executive board member of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO; and is a committee member of the state federation’s Labor Community Services Committee, among other activities. Henderson served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1989-1995, then completed the PHC’s apprentice program in 1996. He joined the SIU in Brooklyn, New York (“where I was yelled at by the great Bobby Selzer (late SIU port agent) for the first time”) and sailed in the deck department. Henderson became a recertified bosun in April 2007. After eventually sailing to every continent, he came ashore to work for the union in 2015, most recently as the port agent in Jersey City, New Jersey. He also serves on the New York City Central Labor Council and on a New York-based maritime security committee. Brdak has worked for the SIU for a quarter-century, starting in 1996 as a representative based in Algonac, Michigan. He became safety director in 2000, then began serving as port agent in 2006. His duties have included negotiating and enforcing SIU contracts, handling grievances, and representing the union with various organizations including the Michigan AFL-CIO, the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, the Southeast Michigan Area Maritime Security Committee, and the Michigan Maritime Trades Port Council. Brdak graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Prior to commencing his SIU career, he served as a staff representative for U.S. Rep. David Bonior (D-Michigan). Asp joined the SIU in Honolulu in 2002. He sailed for nine years, both as an AB and as a bosun. In early 2004, he was part of the inaugural crew that reflagged the Pride of Aloha in Puerto Rico and brought it to the Hawaiian Islands. After three years with NCL America, he was among the first Seafarers to sail abord the Hawaii Superferry. He later sailed on oil tankers and eventually came ashore as a safety director in Honolulu in 2011. Asp in 2014 relocated to Tacoma, Washington, to work as a patrolman. He became port agent in 2019. Since early 2023, he has been a trustee on the South Puget Sound Port Council. SIU VP Pat Vandegrift SIU VP Hazel Galbiso Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Federal Workers U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) on April 1 joined together to introduce the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at restoring collective bargaining rights for unionized federal employees. The legislation would reverse the executive order titled “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” which aimed to eliminate collective bargaining rights across multiple federal agencies. Specifically, the order targeted employees in the Departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Energy, as well as certain employees in the Departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior, and Agriculture. In total, the order impacted roughly 67% of the federal workforce, according to independent reports. “Improving government efficiency is essential – but sweeping exclusions from collective bargaining are a blunt instrument that risk weakening the very stability and performance we aim to strengthen,” Fitzpatrick said. “The Protect America’s Workforce Act restores a balanced, targeted approach – protecting bargaining rights where they pose no threat to national security and reinforcing their proven role in supporting morale, accountability, and effective governance. We can defend our national security MAY 2025 without silencing those who serve it. Efficiency and fairness are not mutually exclusive, and this legislation ensures we uphold both.” Golden stated, “In his order, President Trump said that federal workers’ rights are incompatible with national security. He is wrong. Union workers make America stronger every single day, including more than 6,000 federal workers in Maine. Throughout our history, unions have ensured workers got their fair share of this nation’s prosperity. Unions built our middle class, and are key to strengthening its future. We cannot have a government that undermines workers’ rights.” Reacting to the executive order, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Donald Trump is trying to end collective bargaining for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, silencing their voices and ripping up their contracts. This order would strike a blow to every American’s fundamental right of freedom of speech and association. More than 70 percent of Americans and nearly nine in 10 young people support unions; no one voted to attack the freedom to organize with our co-workers for a better life. We commend the leadership of Reps. Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick for using Congress’ power to reverse this executive order. The labor movement is 100 percent behind this bill and we call on every member of Congress, Democrat and Republican, to take a stand in support of our fundamental rights by backing this critical legislation.” In addition to the AFL-CIO, the Protect America’s Workforce Act has the support of numerous unions representing federal employees, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), according to a joint news release from Golden and Fitzpatrick. Federal workers already face limitations in some of their labor rights. Unlike their counterparts in the private sector, they are prohibited by law from bargaining over wages, benefits, or job classifications, and are barred from striking. Their collective bargaining rights are restricted to matters related to working conditions. Notably, approximately one-third of unionized federal employees are U.S. military veterans. The congressmen concluded, “The Protect America’s Workforce Act reaffirms a core principle: a government that serves the people must also respect the rights of those who serve within it.” SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �In Their Own Words: SIU Women at Sea ‘Something Different’ Becomes Worthwhile Second Career for MacDonald Editor’s note: This article by SIU member Diane MacDonald is the first in an occasional series spotlighting female mariners. Our aim is to increase awareness about maritime career opportunities, and in particular to underscore the fact that the U.S. Merchant Marine is a viable path for women and men alike. The questions that are included in the article were asked by LOG staff. MacDonald started sailing with the SIU in 2018. She has sailed as an SA, third cook, and chief cook. SIU member Diane MacDonald enjoys some time ashore in Japan. For most of my career, I’ve worked in the food and beverage industry, including a position with a campus dining company managing union staff for 20 years. I always admired the union’s benefit package and compensation and, in many cases, the protection the members received. After my parents passed away, I wanted to do something different. I was now free to explore options without any worries of leaving them behind. I took a job with NCL America and was sent for the week-long training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. It was there I became aware of the possibility of working as a union member on merchant ships, but didn’t know much else about it. As luck would have it, I sprained my ankle just prior to joining the Pride of America. While it was healing, I applied and was accepted to a 12-week program exclusively for the steward department being offered in Piney Point at the time. For the past six years, I have upgraded multiple times, have traveled all over the world, enjoyed monetary success, a flexible work schedule, multiple benefits through insurance, built a retirement portfolio, and received various discounts (the latter through Union Plus). Instead of working 12 months a year with three weeks off, I now work seven months a year with five months off while being compensated the same as I was prior to joining the SIU. Not only that, I’ve also accumulated a significant amount of money in retirement fund investments over the past six years, and that’s in addition to becoming vested in both the Seafarers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. The maritime industry has afforded me the experience to get a taste of different cultures, engaging with people from different walks of life, see the world, experience the awesome nature of the sea and be part of a brother/sisterhood while making an honest wage. SIU Supports ITF Efforts Promoting Women at Sea As a show of solidarity and support for the SIU’s own population of our sister Seafarers as well as those across the globe, union representatives attended a group Zoom call hosted by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on March 7, preceding International Women’s Day (March 8). They discussed the state of affairs for seafaring women, the invisible barriers and challenges they face, and what steps companies, unions and the greater shipping industry can take to make maritime careers more attractive to other women who may have an interest in sailing. SIU participants included Jersey City Representative Jordan Esopa, Media Coordinator Lauren Liles, and Oakland Patrolwoman Kathy Chester. The ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated, launched their Women at Sea network back in February, but the federation and its affiliates heavily promoted their outreach in March to coincide with Women’s History Month. This effort, which includes the creation of a new section of their website as well as newly minted groups and programming made to connect women seafarers from various backgrounds, is meant to honor women working in the maritime industry, and to make sure their rights are protected. “I know personally, to further my involvement, I joined several national organizations for women and am truly impressed with network and support [the ITF has] offered,” said Liles. “Seeing this expand to a global network with the launch of the ITF's Women at Sea website, with not only the resources it offers, but the issues they seek to highlight, is a wonderful and exciting thing to be a part of and bear witness as it develops.” Additionally, the federation hopes to encourage other women to join the fold with the assurance that they can have successful careers in what has historically been a male-dominated industry. Careers at sea are still skew heavily male, with only 2% of seafarers worldwide being women, according to statistics shared by the ITF. “As a member of our recruiting team, I’ve always been appreciative that the SIU’s numbers surrounding women are higher than global industry standard and our ever-present goal to increase, not only this, but the overall diversity of our candidates, drives our efforts,” said Liles. Indeed, the percentage of new female seafarers attending apprenticeship classes through the SIU’s affiliated school in southern Maryland has trended upward, to about 15% over the past year. ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith chaired the Zoom call, which consisted of speakers from various organizations within the shipping industry. Among those addressing the meeting were Lydia Ferrad (International Maritime Organization representative to the ITF), Elisza Chomi (who sails as a chief engineer), Lena Dyring (Norwegian Seafarers Union, Chair of the ITF Cruise Ship Task Force), Amalie Grevsen (Marine Culture Lead, Maersk), Lorena de Silva (ITF Seafarers’ Section Committee Women’s representative), Arsenio Dominguez (International Maritime Organization Secretary General), and Sarah Lovell (Technical Content Development Manager, International Chamber of Shipping). Some of the call focused on promoting new endeavors meant to encourage the existing population of female seafarers to get connected and discuss retention and recruitment efforts, while another portion focused on discussing current issues that affect women at sea. “I think Women at Sea is an incredible resource for women working in maritime,” said the SIU’s Esopa. “The ‘network’ page is a great way to connect women in the industry and build a sense of community for our sisters feeling isolated while they are away at work.” The female mariners on the panel shared a combination of their own personal experiences sailing along with resources and advice for other women who work in maritime roles. Esopa found the personal stories from female seafarers most impactful. “There is certainly a unique set of challenges female seafarers face not only working in a male-dominated industry but also working in an industry that by its nature is quite isolating,” she said. Chomi mentioned that some of the challenges discussed during the meeting mirror those faced by women in other professions. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 Question: Globally, this is an overwhelmingly male industry. Only about two percent of the world’s mariners are female, although upwards of 15 percent of the applicants to the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program are women. Did this discourage you at all from entering the industry? It did not deter me. I already had vast experience in an industry where at times it was male-dominated. It didn’t matter who was at the helm so to speak. I would take my orders from my boss, whether it was male or female. Question: In your experience, are female SIU members treated properly by their colleagues aboard ship? Are they treated as equals? I have never had an issue with SASH. At times, I think female mariners may be held to a higher standard than some of their male shipmates, and that’s possibly attributable to the fact that there are fewer of us on the vessels. Question: What advice would you give to a female who’s considering entering the industry? I would highly recommend anyone become a merchant mariner and enjoy a safe, fun, fascinating and unique adventure of a seafaring lifestyle. If you join the SIU, take advantage of the Seafarers 401(k) and Roth plans with Empower (the fund manager). Ferrad shared that she would prefer that her shipmates see her for her role and competence rather than be treated differently or held to different standards simply for being a woman. Other speakers throughout the duration of the call echoed Ferrad’s sentiment that further regulations and training are needed to ensure a safer workplace for her fellow female seafarers, along with more enforcement. “More colleagues and superiors need training to help people go through filing report processes for bullying, harassment etc.,” said Grevsen. In the foreign-flag fleet, current practices aimed at combatting harassment, according to people on the call, commonly consist of companies ignoring complaints or simply signing off on reports made about improper behavior, without taking any further action. Other suggestions made during the call included ships carrying personal protective equipment specifically tailored to women (such as masks and boots), and more shipboard accommodations such as women’s restrooms and the provision of sanitary materials. IMO Secretary Dominguez agreed that “outdated attitudes” toward women who sail need to change, and that companies should encourage individuals to speak up and take appropriate action when concerns arise. Participants also mentioned the difficulties involved in enforcing a standard of inclusion for women in an industry that spans many countries and cultural differences. “Empowerment of women needs to come from the country first,” said Chomi. Chomi spoke about addressing the fear of reporting instances of bullying/harassment, saying that women who might be apprehensive to make a report should instead see it as an act of courage. She expressed that many women are deterred from reporting harassment for fear of judgment or mistreatment after the fact. She recognized it’ll take patience and persistence to boost the shipboard culture worldwide, but that the industry should push for “small wins over time” until the maritime sector becomes more equitable. Chomi emphasized that companies with inclusive workplaces attract better talent, too. MAY 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD AMERICAN ENERGY ‒ SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and Safety Director Ricky Rivera meet with Seafarers aboard the Crowley LNG carrier upon the vessel’s first call at Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. Crespo is second from left, between two officers. Also pictured (from left, starting fourth from left) are Chief Cook Carlos Colon, Rivera, Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont, (in front) SA Nadia Forester, Bosun Raul Colon, AB Victor Cortes, and QEE Edwin Velez. MOMENTOUS OCCASION ‒ Chief Cook Bernard Nieves (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the March membership meeting in Oakland, California, with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. WELCOME ABOARD ‒ Seafarer Eric Valdez (left) receives his full book from SIU Assistant VP Ray Henderson in New York. ABOARD BRITTIN ‒ Pictured aboard the Pasha vessel are (front) Chief Cook Jolanta Jankowski, (from left) Recertified Steward Erwin Renon, Bosun Francis Miller, GUDE Jacek Biela, ABM Xavier Brown, and QEDW Karl Morrow. ABOARD ATB PRIDE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Fairwater vessel are Capt. Patrick Ciulla and Chief Engineer Eric Vieira. WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII ‒ Chief Cook Henry Wright (left) picks up his first pension check at the Honolulu hall. He sailed with the SIU for 35 years, most recently aboard the George III (Sunrise Operations). Congratulating him is SIU VP Hazel Galbiso. WELCOME ASHORE IN TEXAS ‒ Bosun George Godiciu (center) is pictured at the Houston hall as he wraps up an SIU career that spanned almost 30 years. Joining him are (from left) Patrolmen J.B. Niday and Kirk Pegan, Port Agent Joe Zavala, and Patrolman Kelly Krick. BOOKS GALORE IN MICHIGAN ‒ Pictured at the hiring hall, from left to right, starting with photo at far left: OS Nassim Alkassemi receives his B book from Safety Director Jason Brown; AB Ali Ghalib gets his A book from Port Representative Rachel Tuttle; AB Amar Algahmee recieves his B book from Brown; SA Khaled Ali obtains his B book; and Chief Cook Dee Anne Merriman receives her A-seniority book. MAY 2025 SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS OBTAINED IN HOUSTON ‒ Pictured at the hiring hall, starting with photo at far left: ABM Henry Bermudez (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. The remaining members pictured received their respective full B books. Standing from left in the three-person photo are Krick, GUDE Arvin Ampit, and SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan. The remaining photos include AB Sotero Ruel Cabahug (white shirt, with Pegan), and OMU Khamsin Alkhag (jacket, with Krick). ABOARD MV JOHN STEVENS ‒ The Easter spirit is evident aboard the SIU-crewed NY Waterway vessel. Pictured from left are Senior Deckhands Nestor Martinez, Modesto Penton and Geraldo Torres, Capt. Tim Bryan, and Deckhand David Reeves. CONFERRING IN DC ‒ Safety Director Kevin Sykes (right) represented the SIU during a recent, wellattended American Association of Port Authorities gathering in the nation’s capital. He’s pictured with (from left) James Dumont, director of grants for Crowley, and Capt. Jeff Flumingan, director of the Office of Maritime and Intermodal Outreach for the Maritime Administration. AS SEEN IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST ‒ AB Chris Linsley snapped this photo of the TOTE-operated North Star. WELCOME ASHORE IN ALABAMA ‒ ABOARD MAUNAWILI ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Matson ship are Steward/Baker Roberto Coronado, Chief Cook Reno Duque, and ACU Roberto Firme. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Many thanks to C/M Doug Voss for this snapshot of (from left) GUDE Raenell Brewster and Electrician Chris Bryant aboard the TOTE vessel, which usually sails between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico. Voss commended the Seafarers for their hard work. Longtime Seafarer Kevin Samuels (right), pictured at the Mobile hall with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White, recently called it a career after sailing with the SIU for 38 years, most recently as a chief engineer aboard the Rocketship SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 MAY 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PRESIDENT GRANT ‒ Pictured from left aboard the APL vessel are Steward/Baker Rommel Reston, Chief Cook Algie Mayfield, and ACU David Simon. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL ‒ Chief Cook Reinaldo Rivera (left) receives his full B book. He’s pictured with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. RETIREE OUTREACH ‒ Sailors Snug Harbor Executive Director Jay Brooks (standing third from left) recently stopped by the Norfolk hall to explain his organization’s services. Pictured at the gathering are (standing, from left) retirees Clay Brown and Michael Pooler, Brooks, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, retirees John Cooper, Jose Guzman, (front, also from left) James Corprew, and Frank Washington. ABOARD SUNSHINE STATE ‒ These photos are from a recent servicing of the Intrepid ship in the Pacific Northwest. Pictured from left in the galley are SA Tonesha Adams, Chief Cook Shawnda Hall, and Steward/Baker David Johnson. Bosun Augusto Barbareno is in the solo pic. MILESTONE IN FLORIDA‒Chief Cook Simone Smith (left) receives her A-seniority book in Jacksonville. Congratulating her is SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD USNS CURTISS ‒. This photo was taken during a mid-March servicing of the Intrepid vessel in the Pacific Northwest. Pictured from left are GVA Mosa Kassem, Safety Director Danielle Woodward, and GUDE Jeavis Harris. ABOARD SEABULK PRIDE ‒ Photo was taken on Ash Wednesday aboard the Eco Tankers vessel. Pictured from left are QMED Dennis Malaran, Fr. Sinclair Oubre (Stella Maris Chaplain, Diocese of Beaumont, and also a Seafarer), Pumpman Manolito Garcia, and AB Rommel Dela Vega. FULL BOOK IN NORFOLK ‒ AB Terrill Tyler (right) receives his book at the hall in Virginia. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. ABOARD USNS WATKINS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Patriot ship are Chief Storekeeper Lloyd Walton, Chief Cook Shafreda Thigpen, Steward/Baker William Moran, SA Salvatore Gotti, and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon. ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured from left in the larger group photo from the Intrepid vessel are Relief Steward Esperanza Crespo, ABW Garrett Williams, SA Kajuan Gamble, Recertified Bosun Donley Johnson, ABM Reisa Martinez, Chief Cook Derick Morales, and Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas. Pictured in the remaining photo (also from left) are SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, Electrician Carlos Parrilla, SREC Cardenas, and Esperanza Crespo. MAY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �Recertified Seafarers Credit Union, School Pictured at the Paul Hall Center shortly after graduation are (from left) Seafarers George Egbert, Raul Napoles, Roy Madrio, Redentor Borja, (front) Ryan Scott, Juan Ruiz-Manaiza, Billy Hill, Dylan Faile, Matthew Conyac, (back) Roberto Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, and Kelly Doyle. T welve SIU members recently completed a combined recertification class at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland – and they had plenty of good things to say about their career choice. Six bosuns and six stewards graduated April 7, following two weeks of blended and department-specific training. They met with a number of instructors, union officials and staff, and with other personnel from the Paul Hall Center throughout the course. Earning status as recertified members were Bosuns Billy Hill, Juan Ruiz-Manaiza, Redentor Borja, Ryan Scott, Roy Madrio and Kelly Doyle, along with Stewards Dylan Faile, Raul Napoles, Roberto Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, Matthew Conyac, and George Egbert. As reported elsewhere in this edition, all 12 Seafarers stuck around for the annual Maritime Congressional Sail-In the following day in Washington, D.C. Following are highlights from the graduation speeches, in the order they occurred at the April membership meeting in Piney Point. Billy Hill Hill noted he began his maritime journey as a member of Class 681 in Piney Point in March 2006. A fifth-generation Seafarer, he sailed with his father for a couple of years – a period he described as “the best time in my career so far.” “The SIU has been great to me and my family,” Hill stated. “What other job can you work when you want to, have great benefits and make six figures?” With nearly 4,000 days of sea time under his belt, Hill spoke from experience when he told the apprentices at the meeting, “I would say go out, show up early, leave your phones in your room, learn as much as you can. You’re not going to know everything on one ship; it’s going to take some time. Start (participating in) the Seafarers 401K, and your older self will thank your younger self! Stay on top of your documents. Don’t rely on social media for input – always ask your bosun or, when you’re home, call the port and speak to your port agent. They will have the correct answers for you.” He concluded by thanking SIU President David Heindel and the union’s executive board “for all they have done for the SIU.” George Egbert Egbert said he has stuck with the SIU because of job security and the union’s role in supporting national security. “The fundamental concept here is about safeguarding our nation’s interests, including its citizens, economy and institutions from all internal and external threats,” he said. “We cannot afford to let foreign-flag ships [compromise] our safety.” Egbert noted that his SIU career has enabled him “to provide for the financial needs of my family. Additionally, I was able to see the world for free.” He encouraged his fellow members to upgrade and to support SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. He concluded, “When you are out there on a ship, you will experience all types of attitudes. All of us fail somewhere in our life, but for me, my definition of failure is when you quit. There is an old saying that every cloud has a silver lining. Just keep moving forward, despite having temporary setbacks in life.” Redentor Borja In his brief graduation speech, Borja recalled shipping out for the first time in 1993, aboard a cruise ship. “It was a big challenge for me because, at that time, I wasn’t sure where I was heading,” he said. “But the more ships I worked on, as the days and years went by, it made me realize that you are who you work for. I am a Seafarer for the SIU.” He added, “I just want to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for keeping me safe out there; and the SIU board and staff for creating more jobs and for your dedication to the union.” Borja also thanked his wife and family for their support, and he encouraged fellow members to support SPAD, “which helps keep our jobs secure.” Kelly Doyle After opening with a prayer, Doyle thanked SIU Assistant Vice Presidents Chris Westbrook and Michael Russo for their support. “I hope that everyone will have a long and profitable career such as the one I have had so far,” he stated. “I also would like to mention everyone I’ve met along the way who passed on and are with us here only in spirit.” Doyle also thanked the school instructors and staff for making the recertification class worthwhile. Raul Napoles Upon joining the union in 1999, Napoles first sailed on a cruise ship. He subsequently worked aboard a wide variety of vessels. “I would like thank the president of our, union, Dave Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez; Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski; and Vice President Contracts George Tricker,” he said. “I also want to thank all staff at the school and the union staff for working so hard for all of us. I really appreciate it and I’m so grateful and thankful to all here in the school and at 12• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 headquarters. They have given us an opportunity to succeed. These benefits will help us for years to come. He concluded with an appeal to fellow Seafarers to support SPAD and to stand up for the Jones Act, a vital maritime law. Roberto Coronado “This recertification is more than just a title,” Coronado said. “It’s a reminder of the responsibilities I hold, and the trust placed in me to serve my crew and my ship with excellence, leadership, and accountability. It reflects not only my hard work but also the collective support and guidance I’ve received from my union, my mentors, and my fellow mariners along the way.” He said that on the job, he takes “pride in contributing to the wellbeing of the crew and ensuring that every voyage is a successful one. This recertification inspires me to continue striving for improvement, to uphold the highest standards, and to serve with integrity, both on and off the ship.” Coronado wrapped up his remarks by thanking the SIU for its “continued commitment to supporting us as merchant mariners. I am proud to be part of this community and look forward to carrying this honor with me as I continue to grow in this role.” Ryan Scott Although more than 20 years have passed since Scott first arrived in Piney Point for the apprentice program, “I remember the day like it was yesterday,” he said. He thanked Tacoma, Washington-based officials SIU Vice President Joe Vincenzo and Assistant Vice President Warren Asp along with the patrolmen and office staff for their efforts. Scott said he has sailed on many different kinds of vessels, but one thing they have in common is most if not all of the related jobs wouldn’t exist without the Jones Act. “I would like to give a big thanks to the executive board and other union leadership for working so hard to maintain the Jones Act and all the other laws that we have in place that keep our jobs safe,” he said. Scott emphasized the importance of mentoring the next generation of Seafarers before telling the apprentices, “Put your head down and listen to your supervisors on the ships. Work hard and you will make it.” He concluded, “The SIU has afforded my wife and myself the life we have today, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.” Aurelio Esperanza Recalling his arrival to the U.S. as an immigrant almost 15 years ago, Esperanza said, “I was full of hopes and dreams for a brighter future for MAY 2025 �me and my family. I promised myself that I would never give up, no matter how bumpy the road would be to fulfill those dreams…. When I joined the SIU, I knew I was on the right track. I am so grateful that the SIU gave me an opportunity.” Esperanza said that he found great value in each of his upgrading experiences. “Education is the best investment,” he stated. “The SIU provides us not only a free education and job opportunities to better our lives as mariners, but also protection to keep our industry going. I am encouraging you, my brothers and sisters, to support SPAD.” Esperanza also thanked his family and shipmates before concluding, “Always treat each other with respect, no matter what position a person is in. Embrace ‘heart work’ – if we put our hearts in what we do, everything will be easy.” Juan Ruiz-Manaiza A second-generation Seafarer, Ruiz-Manaiza said he was “raised on SIU wages. I joined the union in 2002 as an OS and I worked my way forward to where I am now. “I would like to share with you the gratefulness that I feel for being an SIU member,” he continued. “Being an SIU member is the best thing that has happened to me in my life, not only because I have made a successful career out of it but also because I have had the chance to see and explore the world, all the while making good wages. For this, I am very grateful and thankful to our union leaders.” Like his classmates, Ruiz-Manaiza stressed the importance of SPAD and the Jones Act. Addressing the apprentices, he said, “I encourage you to take this opportunity that you have before you to advance in the world and to give your very best to this career – not only for your own gain, but also for the success of our great union.” Matthew Conyac “My SIU journey started after several attempts to find a secure career,” Conyac said. “I had several jobs, from bartending to casino supervision, and even completed a college degree after hearing that it would open doors. It didn’t.” After what he described as “a series of random encounters and events,” he enrolled in the apprentice program (Class 768) and age 43. “The training I have received over the years has been paramount to achieving the success I have had in the galley,” he said. “You get out of it what you put into it. When starting a sea job at entry level, accept direction from your superiors. As you progress in your career be a mentor and a leader, not just a boss. Take advantage of the classes offered at the school. These classes increase your knowledge and earning potential.” Conyac also encouraged fellow members to support SPAD, attend union meetings, and if called “to fill a job in case of an unexpected event, take that job. It builds your credibility as someone they can count on.” He concluded, “The SIU has given me a solid career with health benefits, a pension, and being able to travel the world. I thank the SIU for everything it has given me.” Roy Madrio Having previously sailed on foreign-flag ships, Madrio said he deeply appreciates the wages, benefits and working conditions aboard SIU-contracted vessels. “The difference between my time as a seafarer in the Philippines and the time I’ve spent with the SIU here was dramatic,” he stated. “The SIU offers flexible times, short contracts, better pay, and much more upward mobility. As a result of that, so many doors in my life opened. Through the SIU, I was able to breathe easy and lift a pressure off me. Thanks to the reliability and dependability I found in the SIU, my family and I bought our first house, our first car, and built a strong foundation for the rest of our lives here in America. Without the SIU, none of this would have been possible.” Madrio secured his third mate’s license through the program at the Paul Hall Center, and he extolled the benefits of upgrading: “The security and stability you’ll find in the SIU now will continue to stay and grow with you as long as you have your drive and dedication.” He said that his SIU career enabled him to put his daughter through college and that his son is enrolled as a freshman. “The security, stability, adaptability, and benefits provided by the SIU have been key reasons for what have kept me sailing with them for so long,” he said. Dylan Faile Last to the podium, Faile said that during his decade with the SIU, he has become “proof that the ability to grow and move up in the industry quickly is readily accessible. All it takes is a little tenacity and a few sea days.” He said that upgrading is vital, and that his career “has afforded me the opportunity to see the world, and experience different cultures that otherwise I may have not been able to do; at this point I’ve been to more countries than states. “None of this would have been possible without all of the sailors that have come before me that fought to make this union possible, as well as the board that continues to fight for us every day,” he continued. “The last few weeks have been eye-opening, seeing all the different parts that go into making it possible for us to go to sea and continue to provide for our families.” Faile thanked the executive board, port-level officials, instructors, and “all the people in the background with thankless jobs that we don’t even know about that make our union run as efficiently as it does.” In the top photo, SIU President David Heindel (second from left) and SIU VP Pat Vandegrift (left) meet with members of the combined recertification class and Paul Hall Center apprentices during a townhall-style gathering on campus in Piney Point, Maryland. Directly above, the upgraders take turns answering questions. MAY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �Sea Stories Ashton Luuloa – Apprentice Seafarer Editor’s note: Rafael Alvarez recently crossed the North Atlantic on the Maersk Ohio as a correspondent for the Seafarers LOG, and filed this story. The son of a lifetime SIU member who sailed as chief engineer, Alvarez has been a working reporter Rafael Alvarez 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 Ashton Luuloa – Paul Hall Center Class No. 914 – didn’t think they were playing it straight when he applied to a forestry program in search of a career a few years ago. He was raised in Temecula and the curriculum took place in California. Promises were made. “They offered training, certifications and experience while getting paid,” said Luuloa earlier this year, sailing as an apprentice ordinary seaman on the Maersk Ohio from Norfolk, Virginia, to Northern Europe. He hoped the Golden State program would pave the way for a career as an electrician. “I felt it was somewhat deceitful,” he said, “because the main priority was to increase manpower for natural disasters like fires and floods.” After six months – sensing that a primary objective of the program was to “get kids off the street” – he quit. The experience made him somewhat wary of the training and benefits the SIU told him he could expect as a United States merchant mariner. The Luuloa family enjoys gambling, holding reunions in Las Vegas. Always interested in a life at sea, Ashton thought he might find work on a cruise ship dealing blackjack, “wondering what it would be like to be behind the table instead of in front of it.” After thinking it over, he rolled the dice with the SIU and found the odds in his favor. “They stuck to their word,” said Luuloa, single and 27, the average age of apprentices entering the Paul Hall Center last year. “Online, there were so many people who [posted] a positive experience validating the legitimacy of the program.” Apprentice/OS Ashton Luuloa He chose the deck department, sensing a (Photo courtesy Macon Street Books) greater opportunity to get jobs. On the Maersk negligent checking the integrity of the lines” Ohio, his first trip in January to Antwerp, Rotbefore shoving off. terdam and Bremerhaven and back, he learned Now back at Piney Point before his next trip the ropes from the bosun, a veteran of several and graduation later this year, Luuloa rememdecades, and shipmate Blake Braye, an AB with bered “getting right into the work” aboard a dozen years at sea. the Ohio. “Everything I learned in school was “I work with Blake every day,” said Luuloa. applied the first day,” he said. “I realized I had “I’m able to ask him for advice or confirmation a lot of knowledge but lacked some wisdom. It that I’m doing my job correctly. Teamwork has took about two weeks to get adjusted and settle been a consistent factor in whatever task I’m in.” given. It not only helps the actual ship but the Some things he learned on the job, like how crew I live with. It reminds me of playing sports to tie a variety of knots more secure than the when I was growing up.” standard “clove hitch,” depending on what was His advice to others just starting out in the being secured. “I watched how the bosun tied deck department: If you’re crossing the Atlantic knots in specific scenarios so I knew what to in winter, bring the proper clothes. “Handling lines on the bow early in the morn- do when it was my turn to do a similar task,” he stated. ing is a fast way to find out,” he said. “I should He also learned when to hold his horses: have brought a better jacket and insulated work “There were times where I jumped the gun and gloves, maybe even a better pair of work pants.” tried to do things one step ahead. It’s better to At first a bit nervous that a line might snap, swallow your pride and ask for help than possihe was assured by the second mate that it bly do it incorrectly. I learned if the bosun didn’t was a very rare occurrence and almost certell me to do it, don’t do it.” tainly wouldn’t happen “unless everyone was Got a good sea story for The LOG? E-mail Alvarez via orlo.leini@gmail.com Preventing, Treating Pancreatitis The pancreas is a 6-inch-long gland in the upper part of the abdomen near the liver and gall bladder. It controls many hormones and is involved in enzyme secretions. It helps to regulate blood sugar with insulin and glucagon. It secretes enzymes that regulate the digestion of food. Insulin is secreted to lower blood glucose and glucagon is released in order to increase the glucose levels if the blood sugar drops too low. The enzymes that are released from the pancreas are Lipase to digest fats, Amylase to digest carbohydrates and Chymotrypsin/trypsin for the digestion of proteins. There are many conditions that can affect the function of the pancreas. One is diabetes and the other is something that can aggravate the tissues of the pancreas-causing Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreatic tissues. This is caused by the early release of pancreatic enzymes for causes that may not be known and those enzymes start to work inside the pancreas instead of being released into the gastrointestinal tract where they should be working on the food for digestion. Acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by gallstones or anything that can block the main pancreatic duct. It can also be cause by excessive alcohol intake, a tumor or a cancer, or a possible stricture itself in the bile duct. This can last for a few days and appear very suddenly. It can also turn into a chronic condition if it happens continuously! Pancreatitis symptoms will include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea with vomiting, change in lab values, weakness, skin color changes to a yellow hue, confusion, and many others. Treatment is important and should be done quickly. Intravenous fluids, medications, clear liquid diet that will slowly advance to a low-fat diet are among the options. Pain meds are very important to help the patient regain his/her stamina. Keep your pancreas healthy by maintaining a diet low in fat, keeping your weight down, exercising, taking all meds as directed by your doctor, drinking plenty of water/fluids, limiting alcohol consumption, stop smoking any tobacco products, and schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. On April 12, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s online public access uscg.mil. To aid in providing a faster response, include ‘CredenNMC: portal, Homeport, was taken offline permanently. Listed below tial Verification’ in the subject line of your e-mail along with the primary mariner credentialing services affected by this mariner name(s) and mariner reference number(s) in the body of HOMEPORT are change and the alternate methods for service currently available: the e-mail. Note, processing times at the NMC will vary based on • Merchant Mariner Application Status: To check on the status e-mail volume. NO LONGER of an • Mariner Training and Assessment Data (MTAD): Course curapplication for a merchant mariner credential or medical AVAILABLE certificate, contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) at 1-888- ricula and course certificate modification requests should be 427-5662, IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or via Live Chat. NMC customer service agents are available M-F, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. eastern time zone. The NMC experiences its busiest times around midday. If e-mailing for application status, include ‘Status’ in the subject line of your e-mail along with the mariner name(s) and mariner reference number(s) in the body of the e-mail. Note, processing times at the NMC will vary based on e-mail volume. • Merchant Mariner Credential Verification: To verify the authenticity of a merchant mariner credential, e-mail IASKNMC@ 14 • SEAFARERS LOG sent to NMCCourses@uscg.mil. Note, to prevent delays in mariner applications, course and program completions should be documented through the issuance of completion certificates. Completion certificate format and content should match that approved by the NMC during the approval process. For questions related to Mariner Training and Assessment, contact the NMC at 206-815-6893. We will provide updates to the status of these services as they are established. Thank you for your patience. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 MAY 2025 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice Important Reminder for Seafarers and Pensioners Seafarers and SIU pensioners are strongly encouraged to make sure that their beneficiary designations are up to date and accurate. If outdated beneficiary information remains on file, it may result in benefits being paid to one or more individuals no longer intended by the member or pensioner to receive those benefits. Unintended consequences may arise if, for example, a designated beneficiary has passed away, or if a member’s or pensioner’s marital status has changed. Seafarers and pensioners can update their designated beneficiaries by contacting the SIU Member Assistance Program (MAP) by phone: 1-(800) 252-4674 Option 2, or by email: map@seafarers.org in order to obtain beneficiary forms. “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from March 14 - April 15, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 16, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 21 Anchorage 3 Baltimore 4 Fort Lauderdale 24 Guam 1 Harvey 8 Honolulu 6 Houston 30 Jacksonville 25 Jersey City 19 Joliet 3 Mobile 5 Norfolk 11 Oakland 6 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 6 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 16 Wilmington 24 7 1 5 9 0 5 2 19 28 11 5 3 11 6 1 4 5 2 3 7 4 0 0 7 0 3 0 14 10 4 2 5 9 1 1 0 1 2 3 5 18 4 2 12 0 4 1 23 23 18 1 5 8 11 2 2 3 2 17 20 4 0 4 9 0 2 1 13 18 9 2 2 8 2 0 3 3 1 7 10 3 0 0 6 1 1 0 7 7 1 3 6 6 2 1 0 0 1 2 2 2 0 4 11 0 3 0 17 14 14 0 5 4 3 1 1 3 0 11 17 38 4 5 31 4 14 11 53 48 28 6 12 23 8 1 3 10 1 25 51 11 1 3 5 1 9 4 30 31 11 4 4 17 5 1 4 2 1 5 10 4 0 0 6 0 7 0 20 8 5 1 6 13 2 0 0 1 2 2 7 TOTAL 218 134 71 176 98 49 110 376 159 84 Algonac 6 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 5 Fort Lauderdale 4 Guam 1 Harvey 1 Honolulu 9 Houston 10 Jacksonville 14 Jersey City 6 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 14 Oakland 3 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 1 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 5 Wilmington 9 TOTAL 96 4 0 4 7 0 2 0 5 11 8 1 0 12 4 2 1 0 0 4 5 70 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 6 4 2 0 1 7 4 0 2 0 0 1 3 35 0 0 3 5 1 3 2 4 6 4 0 0 8 2 1 0 1 0 3 3 46 5 1 5 8 1 2 10 9 24 10 2 2 16 7 2 2 2 1 8 21 138 7 1 3 6 1 3 0 10 22 8 1 1 14 5 1 0 1 1 5 5 95 2 1 0 2 0 2 3 7 4 2 0 0 9 2 0 1 1 0 0 9 45 Algonac 6 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 0 Harvey 2 Honolulu 4 Houston 18 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 4 Joliet 1 Mobile 5 Norfolk 11 Oakland 10 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 20 TOTAL 125 0 1 2 5 2 7 4 7 7 2 0 2 7 2 0 5 8 3 1 5 70 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 4 2 0 0 6 2 0 2 0 0 1 3 26 3 0 0 1 1 3 8 10 25 6 1 3 9 9 3 3 1 1 6 21 114 0 0 0 2 1 1 3 4 8 4 0 3 5 2 2 1 2 1 2 11 52 9 0 1 9 2 3 5 20 28 10 1 5 21 15 0 3 6 1 13 38 190 1 0 2 5 1 11 4 11 17 2 2 1 15 2 0 3 12 0 5 5 99 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 5 8 0 0 0 9 3 1 0 1 0 1 8 40 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 2 Jacksonville 1 Jersey City 1 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 1 5 2 2 6 1 2 1 15 31 14 0 2 5 3 0 1 0 0 5 10 16 1 2 11 0 5 2 18 59 13 1 4 23 11 2 3 0 0 5 22 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 3 3 0 0 0 4 16 12 3 0 10 2 1 0 0 0 3 4 6 1 0 6 1 1 2 6 34 5 0 1 16 7 2 2 0 0 5 15 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 4 2 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 1 12 2 2 6 1 2 1 27 54 20 1 2 9 9 0 4 0 0 13 12 23 2 3 9 1 5 6 26 104 33 2 3 41 17 1 3 1 0 12 30 TOTAL 8 105 198 5 67 110 22 18 177 322 GRAND TOTAL 447 379 330 371 266 185 230 722 530 491 Engine Department 9 0 2 6 1 2 2 7 12 4 0 0 10 1 2 1 1 3 6 7 76 0 0 1 7 0 2 2 3 7 5 1 2 6 1 0 2 0 0 3 5 47 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 15 Steward Department May & June Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: May 5, June 2 Thursday: May 15, June 12 Thursday: May 8, June 5 Thursday: May 22, Friday: June 20 Honolulu Friday: May 16, June 13 Houston Monday: May 12, June 9 Jacksonville Thursday: May 8, June 5 Joliet Thursday: May 15, June 12 Mobile Wednesday: May 14, June 11 New Orleans Tuesday: May 13, June 10 Jersey City Tuesday: May 6, June 3 Norfolk Friday: May 9, June 6 Oakland Thursday: May 15, June 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: May 7, June 4 Port Everglades Thursday: May 15, June 12 San Juan Thursday: May 8, June 5 St. Louis Friday: May 16, June 13 Tacoma Friday: May 23, June 20 Wilmington Monday: May 19, June 16 Schedule change due to holiday observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. MAY 2025 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 4 13 3 0 2 8 1 0 2 2 2 1 7 54 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 11 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David 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 This month’s question was answered by members at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Some of the responses incorporate answers to a follow-up question or two. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question: What are some things you like about your career? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Navonte Pritchard SA Larry Mann Bosun/AB Traveling. Seeing different things, getting out of your state that you’ve been in for years. It’s just seeing things that most people won’t see in their lifetime. Rota, Spain, was one of my favorite stops. The beach was nice. It’s not about the money with me, it’s just the shipping life, period. All I know is sailing, and my passion is to move forward and advance. The career is a blessing from God, to be honest. Jalen Jones OS Rasha Warthem SA Traveling, making money, taking care of my family, seeing different things, and working with different people. I also enjoy learning new things. I’ve been sailing for two years. I enjoy getting to meet new people from different walks of life, and just the brotherhood of the union. I enjoy traveling to different places and experiencing different cultures. The flexibility, too. Aaron Moore Oiler Nadiyah Jackson QMED Traveling, seeing the world, learning different things about the vessels. Those are the biggest things. I’ve been sailing for three years. The ongoing learning experience keeps me coming back. I like the fact that I get to work for a period of time, and then when I’m home, I’m with family and don’t have to worry about a nine-to-five. I like learning new things about how the ship works. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past 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 This 1984 snapshot taken aboard the Cove Liberty (Cove Shipping Company) includes SIU members Floyd Acord, Patrick Amo, Jerry Westphal, Sal Lagare, and Errol Nicholson. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MAY 2025 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA LAURA DEEBACH Sister Laura Deebach, 69, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1982 when she shipped on the Independence. Sister Deebach worked in the steward department and upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. She most recently shipped aboard the Vision and settled in Blaine, Washington. REGINA EWING Sister Regina Ewing, 64, joined the union in 1986, initially sailing aboard an OMI vessel. She worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Ewing concluded her career on the Washington Express and resides in Hialeah, Florida. ORLANDO GUZMAN Brother Orlando Guzman, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school multiple occasions. Brother Guzman’s first vessel was the Denali; his last, the Mohegan. He makes his home in Long Beach, California. ANDREW PEPRAH Brother Andrew Peprah, 65, joined the union in 2000, initially sailing aboard the USNS Watson. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and shipped as an engine department member. Brother Peprah most recently sailed aboard the USNS Fred W Stockham. He resides in the Bronx, New York. JUBERTO PEREZ Brother Juberto Perez, 65, became a member of the union in 2009 when he sailed aboard the Maersk Michigan. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Perez concluded his career aboard the West Virginia. He lives in Elmhurst, New York. JOHN RIZZO Brother John Rizzo, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He first sailed aboard the Bayamon, and worked in the engine department. Brother Rizzo upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the John Paul Bobo and makes his home in Staten Island, New York. MAY 2025 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. DORRAY SABERON STEPHEN GRAY Sister Dorray Saberon, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1984, initially working on the Charger. A steward department member, she upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Sister Saberon last sailed aboard the Pacific Reliance. She resides in Port Monmouth, New Jersey. Brother Stephen Gray, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 2005. He was an engine department member and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2011. Brother Gray was employed with Allied Transportation for his entire career. He makes his home in Smithfield, Virginia. SACARIAS SUAZO KENNETH HUDGINS Brother Sacarias Suazo, 65, embarked on his SIU career in 1999 when he shipped on the USNS Antares. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Suazo’s final vessel was the Maersk Denver. He makes his home in the Bronx, New York. Brother Kenneth Hudgins, 64, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hudgins was first employed by Virginia Pilot Corporation. He last worked with Moran Towing of Maryland and settled in Gates, North Carolina. HENRY WRIGHT Brother Toby Jones, 62, joined the union in 1980. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Jones was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana. TOBY JONES Brother Henry Wright, 66, joined the union in 1989. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Wright first sailed on the Independence. He most recently shipped on the George III and settled in Honolulu. PHILLIP MAY Brother Phillip May, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 2008. A deck department member, he sailed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother May lives in Canyon Lake, Texas. GREAT LAKES ARCHIE LAHTI Brother Archie Lahti, 65, joined the union in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Frank Denton. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. Brother Lahti last sailed on the Indiana Harbor. He makes his home in Maple, Wisconsin. INLAND JOSEPH MESYNA Brother Joseph Mesyna, 64, donned the union colors in 2009 when he sailed aboard the Pride. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mesyna’s final vessel was the Innovation. He resides in Danielson, Connecticut. KEVIN SAMUELS JASON BRYAN Brother Jason Bryan, 56, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1995. He worked in the deck department and shipped with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the majority of his career. Brother Bryan is a resident of Metairie, Louisiana. Brother Kevin Samuels, 58, joined the Seafarers in 1986. He worked in the engine department and initially sailed aboard an OMI vessel. Brother Samuels upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the Rocketship and resides in Mobile, Alabama. GARY BURKE ALBERT SHELTON Brother Gary Burke, 62, joined the SIU in 1987. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Burke was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He resides in Long Beach, California. Brother Albert Shelton, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1993 when he worked with Higman Barge Lines. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Shelton calls Leesville, Louisiana, home. ONEIL THERIOT BARRY CROFFITT Brother Barry Croffitt, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1998 when he sailed on the Delta Queen. He worked in the deck department. Brother Croffitt concluded his career with American West Steamboat Company. He lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Brother Oneil Theriot, 62, joined the union in 1994. He was an engine department member and worked for Westboat Riverboat Services for the duration of his career. Brother Theriot makes his home in Chauvin, Louisiana. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVID DINGMAN Brother David Dingman, 53, died January 24. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Dingman was a steward department member. He most recently sailed on the Ohio and called Sparks, Nevada, home. JOHN ELLIOTT Pensioner John Elliott, 98, passed away January 27. He became a member of the SIU in 1945 when he worked with Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal Railroad. Brother Elliott sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Transindiana and became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Elliott made his home in Neponsit, New York. ANGEL FIGUEROA Pensioner Angel Figueroa, 80, died January 29. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Nedlloyd Holland. Brother Figueroa sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Horizon Challenger before retiring in 2011. Brother Figueroa lived in Long Beach, California. RUTLAND GALE Pensioner Rutland Gale, 80, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2004 when he sailed aboard the Green Dale. Brother Gale worked in the engine department and most recently sailed aboard the Endurance. He went on pension in 2015 and resided in Miami. KENNETH GILSON Pensioner Kenneth Gilson, 70, died January 27. He joined the SIU in 1978 and first shipped on the Aleutian Developer. Brother Gilson sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Liberty Sun. He became a pensioner in 2019 and made his home in Jackson, Mississippi. CARSON JORDAN Pensioner Carson Jordan, 74, passed away February 6. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1972, initially working on the Bradford Island. Brother Jordan was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Green Bay. He began collecting his pension in 2010 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. RENATO MIGUEL Pensioner Renato Miguel, 80, died January 28. He donned the SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, Brother Miguel first shipped on the Charleston. He last sailed aboard the Atlantic and became a pensioner in 2009. Brother Miguel lived in Jersey City, New Jersey. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND ROBERT O’CONNELL Brother Robert O’Connell, 56, passed away December 16. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed aboard the Cape Mendocino. Brother O’Connell was a deck department member. He most recently shipped on the State of Maine and resided in Cookeville, Tennessee. MIKHAIL PINCHEVSKIY Pensioner Mikhail Pinchevskiy, 73, died November 7. He became a member of the SIU in 2000. Brother Pinchevskiy initially sailed aboard the Global Mariner. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Resolve. Brother Pinchevskiy went on pension in 2020 and settled in Hallandale Beach, Florida. TREVOR ROBERTSON Brother Trevor Robertson, 85, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1961 when he worked with Texas City Refining. Brother Robertson sailed in the deck department and concluded his career working with the union as a patrolman. He made his home in Berkley, California. ANTJUAN WEBB JR. Brother Antjuan Webb Jr., 20, has passed away. He joined the union in 2023 and initially shipped on the Stena Immaculate. Brother Webb sailed in the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the American Freedom. He was a resident of Rodeo, California. GREAT LAKES DAVID BECK Brother David Beck, 71, passed away December 6. He began his career with the SIU in 1971 when he sailed on the Kinsman Independent. Brother Beck worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He called Fort McCoy, Florida, home. SALEH NAGI MARK BUTLER Brother Mark Butler, 66, died October 30. He started sailing with the SIU in 1991 when he worked on the Dynachem. Brother Butler was a member of the deck department. He was most recently employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and resided in Beaumont, Texas. JOSEPH RIGGS Pensioner Joseph Riggs, 72, passed away February 1. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1989. Brother Riggs was a deck department member. He was employed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Riggs became a pensioner in 2017 and made his home in Statesboro, Georgia. NMU SILAS JEFFERSON Pensioner Silas Jefferson, 78, has passed away. Brother Jefferson was a steward department member. He last sailed aboard the Mormacsun before going on pension in 2001. Brother Jefferson was a resident of Lake Jackson, Texas. DAISY JOSEPH Sister Daisy Joseph, 99, passed away January 27. Sister Joseph worked in the steward department. She last sailed aboard the Green Cove and became a pensioner in 1996. Sister Joseph called Mineral, Virginia, home. JUAN PADILLA Pensioner Juan Padilla, 94, died January 23. Brother Padilla started sailing in 1964. He sailed in all three departments. Brother Padilla became a pensioner in 1992 after concluding his career aboard the Marjorie Lykes. He was a New Orleans resident. Pensioner Saleh Nagi, 86, died January 7. He joined the SIU in 1966 when he sailed on the Bob-Lo Island. Brother Nagi primarily sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Charles E. Wilson. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and resided in Dearborn, Michigan. CHESTER STOVALL DEMETRIOS PITSAS Pensioner George Wret, 95, died February 5. Brother Wret sailed in the deck department and last worked on the Marine Chemist. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Los Angeles. Pensioner Demetrios Pitsas, 91, passed away January 28. He embarked on his career with the union in 1967. A deck department member, Brother Pitsas worked with Great Lakes Towing for most of his career. He retired in 1995 and lived in Munster, Indiana. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Pensioner Chester Stovall, 86, passed away January 16. Brother Stovall worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Santa Adela and retired in 1993. Brother Stovall made his home in Philadelphia. GEORGE WRET MAY 2025 �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. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), January 24 – Chairman Godocel Pascua, Secretary William Fortner, Deck Delegate Harold Borden, Steward Delegate Aaron Searcy. Chairman reviewed signoff procedures. Members discussed the importance of holding union shipboard meetings to not only address any beefs but also for general union education. Steward delegate suggested increasing contractual rate for extra meals to reflect increase in inflation. Members asked about overtime policies. According to contract, no overtime work shall be done without the approval of department head. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested additional Wi-Fi routers to be installed on each deck for stronger internet signal. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations, LLC), January 27 – Chairman Gerardo Arroyo, Secretary Najeeb Ginah, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin, Steward Delegate Rachael Zavala. Chairman thanked crew for their hard work. Secretary reminded members to renew merchant mariner credentials at least six weeks ahead of expiration. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 20 for 30 vacation days. BRENTON REEF (Eco-Tankers Crew Management, LLC), February 2 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Francisco Madsen, Educational Director Daryl Morris, Deck Delegate Alton Glapion, Engine Delegate Jorge Lawrence, Steward Delegate Lamarai Jones. Chairman thanked steward department for a job well done. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. For future contract negotiations, members discussed potential requests for boot allowances, missing-man pay, penalty pay for handling and burning trash, and compensation for working through meal hours. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), February 2 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Jose Outeiral Rodriguez, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Mark Richardson, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Members reported difficulties getting reliefs, especially ABs. Crew would like the union to consider the upcoming contract as an opportunity to address unresolved issues, including paid holidays and additional vacation days. Any items needed that are not already on board can be requested through ship secretary. Educational director reminded crew to check documents and to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed the president’s column in the LOG and noted how good con- tracts help retain and recruit members. Bosun asked crew to unplug electrical items when not in use including TVs, laptops, etc. Crew morale has been very high since the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), February 9 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary James McLeod, Deck Delegate Eddie Thomas, Steward Delegate Carl Royster. Chairman announced payoff schedule. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation time and to lower sea time requirements for retirement. Crew requested new TVs for rooms. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), February 16 – Chairman Koksal Demir, Secretary Ali Matari, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Deck Delegate Waleed Mohsin. Bosun thanked crew for a safe voyage and commended steward department for providing good food and keeping ship clean. Secretary reminded members to leave clean rooms for onboarding crew. Educational director recommended that members upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school and gave instructions for inquiring about sea time and using the SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to deck and engine departments. Members requested increases in pension and vacation benefits and for physicals to be required only once per year. Washing machine in need of repair. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines, LLC), February 22 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Jason Powell. Crew reviewed old business including $250 shoe allowance, sea time limits for retirees and union dues increase. Medical certificates and TWIC can be renewed through email. Chairman announced payoff schedule and encouraged crew to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Educational director talked about serving on the SIU tallying committee and reported that it was a very secure process. He mentioned the option for Piney Point to submit discharges for members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for new toasters in mess hall and crew lounge. Coffee maker in crew lounge in need of repair and new faucet handle needed on ADM. Members would like increases in pension compensation, 20 for 30 vacation and for vacation checks to be collected at 45 days or make all relief jobs 60 days. Crew asked for clarification on time-off procedures and requested upgraded Wi-Fi. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for a job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: 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, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official 19 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MAYSEAFARERS 2025 union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. 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 including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 19 LOG • 19 �Union Plus Benefits How do you want to save money today? Mortgage Program Wireless Discounts Auto Buying Service Cash Back Shopping See more at unionplus.org SIU-MULTI-4-3-25 20 20 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MAY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates 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 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 30 Sept. 29 July 11 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck June 9 Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Dec. 1 June 27 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Dec. 19 Latest Course Dates OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Aug. 15 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Welding June 2 July 14 Aug. 25 Oct. 6 June 20 Aug. 1 Sept. 12 Oct. 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 ServSafe Management June 30 Sept. 8 Nov. 17 July 4 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations July 21 Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Nov. 10 Aug. 15 Sept. 12 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward June 23 Oct. 13 Dec. 8 July 18 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Engineers Needed Chief Engineer/Engine Instructor (full- or part-time) Basic Training June 23 Sept. 22 June 27 Sept. 26 Basic Training Revalidation June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Government Vessels June 2 June 6 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has opportunities for qualified individuals to come ashore and use their seagoing experience to help prepare the next generation of mariners. Our instructors’ professionalism helps sustain a unique and dynamic environment throughout our campus in Piney Point, Maryland. If you’re potentially interested in applying to be an instructor, please email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ 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  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this 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. MAY 2025 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits 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. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #918 – Recently graduating: Redhwon Abdullah, Micah Acosta, Raheem 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, Stephen Pagan Laureano. Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott, Monique Smith and Jacob Watson. RFPEW – Graduated March 7: Jevon Hill, Dereon Ivory, Nicholas Livingston, Adarius Simpson, Escrovan Tisdale-Anderson and Ronnie Ward Jr. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 14: Fuad Ali, Sincere Davenport, Dominick Davis, Ralpheal Evans, Travis Flippin, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Harry Hurley, Reon James, Tomeria Kendrick, Karen Lira, Eric Nieves Jr., Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Demetrius Soto, Ishay Thomas, Trey Traughber, Noah Welch and Timothy Wheeler. RFPNW – Graduated March 14: Anneliza Brown, Kyra Buggs, Brian Downey, Arthur Kinsman and Trevon McCauley. Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at the far right. MARINE REFRIGERATION – Graduated March 14: Micah Champion, Danielle Gore, Eric Hondel, Damon Johnson, Justin Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Zion Lyons, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Tyson Richardson and Sean Wilson. GOVERNMENT VESSELS (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 21: Karen Allen, Alexander WELDING – Graduated March 14: Jacob Devers, Peter Espinosa, Jose Gari, Alexis Martinez, Wilson Montero Centeno, Matthew Quinones and Emma Wang. Instructor Chris Raley is at left. 22 22 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Bennett, Eddy Chevalier Cesar, Michael Collins, Juan David, Elhadji Diop, Brian Downey, Nykelle Gisbert, Raequan Grier, Kimonta Hall, Marcos Rochez Mena, Delanoe Trent, Chadon Williams and Jessica Williams. MAY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated March 28: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris, Joseph Prather and Ayinde Richards. SERVE SAFE MANAGEMENT – Graduated March 21, from left to right: Eric RFPNW – Graduated March 28: Redhwon Abdullah, Raheem Ali, David Henneken, Darren Joseph, Robert Kitchen III, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Stephen Pagan Laureano, Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott and Jacob Watson. RFPNW (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 28, left to right: Jacob Kemper and ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated March 28: Julian Abreu, Jonte Crenshaw, Deon Greenidge, Destany Howard, Myles White and Joel Williams. GALLEY OPS (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 7: Simone Cid, Nykelle Gisbert, RFPEW (UPGRADERS) – Graduated March 7, left to right: Nasir Harrell and Aaron Quainoo. Nieves Jr. and Karen Lira. Ian Trefry. Marquis Hill and Yolanda Oliver. MAY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 23 SEAFARERS LOG • 23 �MAY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 5 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Executive Order Aims to Boost U.S. Maritime Editor’s note: The White House on April 9 issued an executive order titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.” Excerpts from the order follow; the QR code is linked to the full directive. Several key components of the order are consistent with the SHIPS for America Act, which is expected to be reintroduced in Congress this month. The order largely focuses on shipbuilding but also addresses shipboard manpower and other topics. Section 1. Purpose. The commercial shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce of the United States has been weakened by decades of Government neglect, leading to the decline of a once strong industrial base while simultaneously empowering our adversaries and eroding United States national security. Both our allies and our strategic competitors produce ships for a fraction of the cost needed in the United States. Recent data shows that the United States constructs less than one percent of commercial ships globally, while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is responsible for producing approximately half. Rectifying these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes securing consistent, predictable, and durable Federal funding, making United States-flagged and built vessels commercially competitive in international commerce, rebuilding America’s maritime manufacturing ca p ab i l it i e s (the M a r it i m e Industrial Base), and expanding and strengthening the recruitment, training, and retention of the relevant workforce. Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce to promote national security and economic prosperity. Sec. 3. Maritime Action Plan. (a) Within 210 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) the APNSA deems appropriate, shall submit a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to the President, through the APNSA and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) to achieve the policy set forth in this order. Sec. 4. Ensure the Security and Resilience of the Maritime Industrial Base. Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary shipped into the United States is not of Commerce, the Secretary of substantially transformed from its Transportation, and the Secretary of condition at the time of arrival into Homeland Security, shall provide to the country of land transit (with the the APNSA and the OMB Director for discretion for such decisions to be inclusion in the MAP an assessment determined by CBP). Sec. 8. Reduce Dependence on of options both for the use of available authorities and resources, such as Adversaries through Allies and Defense Production Act Title III Partners. Within 90 days of the date of authorities, and for the use of private this order, the Secretary of Commerce, capital to the maximum extent possible in consultation with the Assistant to to invest in and expand the Maritime the President for Economic Policy, shall recommend to the I n du s t r i a l Base APNSA and the OMB including, but not Director for inclusion limited to, investment in the MAP all available and expansion of incentives to help co m m e rc i a l and shipbuilders domiciled defense shipbuilding in allied nations capabilities, partner to undertake component supply capital investment in chains, ship repair and the United States to marine transportation help strengthen the capabilities, port shipbuilding capacity infrastructure, of the United States. and the adjacent Sec. 9. Launch a workforce. T h e The above QR code links to the full Maritime Security Secretary of Defense text of the Executive Order. Tr u st Fu n d . In shall pursue using the Office of Strategic Capital loan program conjunction with the formulation to improve the shipbuilding industrial of the President’s Budget, the OMB Director shall, in coordination with base. Sec. 6. Enforce Collection of Harbor the Secretary of Transportation, Maintenance Fee and Other Charges. develop a legislative proposal, which In order to prevent cargo carriers shall be described in detail in the from circumventing the Harbor MAP, to establish a Maritime Security Maintenance Fee (HMF) on imported Trust Fund that can serve as a reliable goods through the practice of making funding source to deliver consistent port in Canada or Mexico and sending support for MAP programs. This their cargo into the United States proposal shall consider how new or through land borders, and to ensure existing tariff revenue, fines, fees, or the collection of other charges as tax revenue could further the goal of applicable, the Secretary of Homeland establishing a more reliable, dedicated Security shall take all necessary steps, funding source for programs support including proposing new legislation, as by the MAP. Sec. 10. Shipbuilding Financial permitted by law to: (a) require all foreign-origin cargo Incentives Program. In conjunction arriving by vessel to clear the Customs with the formulation of the President’s and Border Protection (CBP) entry Budget and consistent with the process at a United States port of findings of the report required under entry for security and collection of all section 12 of this order, the Secretary applicable duties, customs, taxes, fees, of Transportation shall submit a legislative proposal to the APNSA interest, and other charges; and (b) ensure any foreign-origin and the OMB Director, which shall be cargo first arriving by vessel to North described in detail in the MAP, that America clearing the CBP process at establishes a financial incentives an inland location from the country program with broad flexibility to of land transit (Canada or Mexico) is incentivize private investment in assessed applicable customs, duties, the construction of commercial taxes, fees (including the HMF), components, parts, and vessels; capital interest, and other charges plus a 10 improvements to commercial vessel percent service fee for additional costs shipyards; capital improvements to to the CBP, so long as the cargo being commercial vessel repair facilities and drydocks through grants; and Federal Credit Reform Act-compliant loans and loan guarantees. Such proposal may augment or replace existing programs with similar purpose including the Small Shipyard Grant Program and the Federal Ship Financing (Title XI) Program. Sec. 12. Report on Maritime Industry Needs. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other agencies as appropriate, shall deliver a report to the OMB Director and APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that inventories Federal programs that could be used to sustain and grow the supply of and demand for the United States maritime industry. Sec. 13. Expand Mariner Training and Education. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a report to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP with recommendations to address workforce challenges in the maritime sector through maritime educational institutions and workforce transitions. Sec. 17. Increase the Fleet of Commercial Vessels Trading Internationally under the flag of the United States. Within 180 days of the date of this order, in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP that: (a) is designed to ensure that adequate cubed footage and gross tonnage of United States-flagged commercial vessels can be called upon in times of crisis, while limiting the likelihood of Government waste; (b) provides incentives that will: (i) grow the fleet of United States built, crewed, and flagged vessels that serve as readily deployable assets for national security purposes; and (ii) increase the participation of United States commercial vessels in international trade; and (c) enhances existing subsidies to include coverage of certain construction or modification costs in a manner designed to enhance incentives for the commercial shipping industry to operate militarily useful ships that trade internationally under the flag of the United States. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MAY 2025 Description An account of the resource STRONG SIU TURNOUT FOR SAIL IN FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES 2024 RECORDS SIU MAKES CAPITOL HILL PORT OF CALL SEAFARERS BRING CRUCIAL PERSPECTIVES TO DC VANDEGRIFT, GALBISO ARE SIU'S NEWEST VPS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO RESTORE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR FEDERAL WORKERS 'SOMETHING DIFFERENT' BECOMES WORTHWHILE SECOND CAREER FOR MACDONALD SIU SUPPORTS ITF EFFORTS PROMOTING WOMEN AT SEA RECERTIFIED SEAFARERS CREDIT UNION, SCHOOL ASHTON LUULOA APPRENTICE SEAFARER PREVENTING, TREATING PANCREATITIS EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMS TO BOOST US MARITIME Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO 5 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/23cf9102e34e97a880277cf8894edca4.PDF 89e7c437703052a8dd2fcaff3f5b84de PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. X NEW YORK. N. Y„ FRIDAY. MAY 21. 1948 T-H Act Slows NLRB Work, Delays Cities Service Case NEW YORK—^For over a month now, since the last Cities Service protest was overruled by the National Labor Relations Board, the Seafarers International Union has been awaiting certification as collective bargaining agent for the unlicensed personnel in the CS fleet. In the normal course of events, such certification would have been re­ Do It Now By .an overwhelming vole on the Referendum Ballot, the membership of the Sea­ farers International Union. A&G District, went on rec­ ord to protect itself in the hard days to come by build­ ing up a strike fund and by providing shoreside oper­ ating bases. That means a $10.00 Strike Assessment and a SIOJN) Building Assessment. Al­ ready many members have paid these sums. The operators will move without warning. It is our duty to be prepared. Pay the assessments im­ mediately. It is our insur­ ance for the future growth and strength of the Umon. No. 21 Seafarers Signs Tanker Outfit, Tweifth In Year ceived by now, but with the tre-« NE*W YORK—^With the signing of the U. S. Water­ While the Cities Service case, mendous backlog of work which ways Corporation ro a standard SIU tanker agreement. has piled up on the NLRB, there which would grant collective bar­ Headquarters of the Union this week announced that in is no telling when the final wore gaining rights to many tmlicensed seamen who really re­ will be forthcoming. the past year twelve new tanker companies had been Before the passage of the Taft- quire such i-epresentation, kicks brought under contract. At the same time last year, the Hartley law, the national of­ around the NLM offices, the SIU did not have a single contract in the tanker field. fices of the NLRB handled ap­ Taft-Hartleyites will be figuring proximately 600 to 700 cases per out how the Board and unions The additions, besides U. S. Waterways Corporation, are month, and the backlog never ex­ can be stymied even more effec­ Tanker Sag Harbor Corporation; Petrol Tanker Indusceeded 5058 cases. That was bac tively. ttries, Incorporated; J. M. Carras, enough, but not as serious as the Incorporated; American Tramp situation, has become today. Shipping Development Corpora­ To day the NLRB is more than tion; Philadelphia Marine Corpo­ 12,000 cases behind, and is only ration; U. S. Peti-oleum Carriers, able to process half the work it Incorporated; Strathmore Ship­ did before enactment of the T-H ping Company, Incorporated; law. Intercontinental Steamship Com­ Most of the delay is caused by pany; Federal Motorship Cor­ the law's requirement that unions the lead of New York employers eligible for unemployment insur­ poration; Metro Petroleum Ship­ By JOSEPH VOLPIAN must go through special election Here is the history of the situa­ ance after the proper* period. Special Services Representative ping Corporation; and Palmer procedures before requesting em­ tion. This view was followed in New Shipping Corporation. ployers to institute a union shop NEW YORK—The shipowners York and elsewhere until New In 1946 when seamen first be­ This represents close to fifty contract. Even Representative in their greed for extra profits York State began to pay back to came eligible for imemployment ships, with more to be added in Fred Hartley, co-author of the have discovered a new way to insurance, a group of big wheels the employers the money left the near future. In addition, law admits that this is unneces­ drop the boom on seamen.. Using from the New York State bu­ over in the unemployment insur­ certification in the Cities Service sary. little legal skullduggery they reau handling the matter came to ance fimd at the end of the year. fleet is pending, and that will In the fii'st 6,000 cases, less than 50 shops voted against the are trying to welsh on unemploy­ SIU headquarters to get the facts There was $168 million for all mean sixteen more ships. Other employers, shipowners included. companies are in the process of on our hiring practices. ** union shop, and adds Robert ment insurance. The shipowners saw their chance being organized, but the names Denham, chief counsel for the .AGREEMENT and pounced. They are contending that if must be withheld at this time NLRB, "There's no reason to be­ After an extensive investigathey can come up with a phony Not only would they profit for strategic reasons. lieve there will be any change in claim that they offered a man a ation of the nature of seafaring from the rebate, but if they could The U. S. Waterways Corporathose figures." ob for another voyage the in general, the traditional as­ find ,a twist to make seamen (Continued on Page 3) man is not eligible for unem­ pects of the articles, the Hiring ineligible for unemployrhent The brutality which had characterized the Di Giorgio ployment compensation because Hall, Rotary shipping and other compensation on the beach they le is "quitting without just matters, these state officials could make the rebates even Farms strike flared again cause." The SIU is moving fast agreed that the end of the ar­ larger. In short, they decided to this week with the shooting ticles or the payoff constituted rob the poor-box. And, quite to counteract them. of James Price. Pres. of termination of a c(^ntract. naturally, shipowners in other An this started in New York Local 218, National Farm states fell in line. This meant that if a man came State where most of the steam­ Labor Union, AFL. For fur­ ther details on this strike, ship companies have headquar­ off a ship at the end of articles Here is the way it works in The importance of the SIU's ters. Unemployment insurance is he definitely was not "quitting New York. A man on the beach drive to organize tanker fleets see page 4. primarily a state matter but ship without just cause.'5 Nor was he finds that he needs unemploy­ is made clear by recent world^ ment compensation and goes up ship statistics showing that tank- , ~ Of course Senator Joseph Ball ownei's and operators in other being "fired for ipidconduct." of Minnesota, the "watch-dog' states have been quick to follow What was mofe, he was to apply for it. The insurance ers now constitute a quarter ef" people get in touch with the the world's total tonnage. of the Joint Committee on Labor . -i-company which sends back a let­ Management Relations, is not In addition, more tankers are ter saying that the man refused prepared to accept this as proof to sign on again and that he is being built, in the United States that workingmen want the union not eligible. He quit his job as well as abroad; because of the ' shop. without just cause, the company growing demand for petroleum He says that maybe the answer and the extended supply lines ; says. is to forbid the imion shop en­ to the Persian Gulf and else­ The Staten Island Marine Hos­ such delays > result in incon­ tirely, and he will begin hearings where. SHAKY GROUND venience and confusion, suggest on Monday, May 24, on how the pital requests that out-patients Of tonnage now under con­ that better medical service can Taft-Hartley law can be tight­ come for treatment on Wednes­ The companies have taken struction throughout the worldp be rendered if out-patients, visits ened up. days, Thursdays and Fridays their position knowing full well is a In addition to taking up the whenever possible from now on. are spread over the entire work that they are trying to deprive one ton in every five tanker ton. At present, about day and through the whole week. whole question of the union shop, seamen of what is rightfully 8d Reason for the request is that If you are an out-patient at theirs under law. Moreover, they 450 tankers are being operated the hearings will consider ways under the American flat,' and an­ the Out-Patient Department is Staten Island, try scheduling and means of giving' employers iJcnow that they are violating a other 30 are being built by pri­ even rnore latitude in influencing carrying a very heavy load. Be­ your visits for Wednesdays, maritime tradition by which em­ vate operators. or coercing workers to vote cause almost everybody arrives Thursdays and Fridays between ployment ends with the articles. First tanker ever built came against the union, and will also for treatment on Mondays and 9:00 and 10:30, a.m. or between They know they are on very down the ways in 1886 and was Tuesdays between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. . seek to find ways to amend the shaky ground when they con­ described as a "petroleum 3:00 p.m., there often are long That way you'll find the doc­ tend that a man is "quitting law so that employers will be denied the right to bargain with delays in getting to" individual tors less busy, and much better without just cause" because he steamer." Called the Gluckauf, she was German designed and * able to give your case the full tmions about jointly administered patients. British built. Hospital officials, aware that attention it. deserves. welfare funds. (Continwi from Page 3) •at Sm Fights For Right Of Seamen To Get Unemployment Insuranre -• • i Tanker Tonnage now Comprises Quarter Of lUorlil Bottoms Staten island Hospital Arranges New Schedule For Out-Patients q -M �Page Two '•V( • 'hi' SEAFARERS LOG m- : ik'^' ifc:;:. THE SEA V A HERS LOG Fjriday. jMay 2L 1948 ^ 7WP NBXT MOt^£ ^ Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Phony Advertising * There was rarely a day during the depression when the newspapers weren't full of pictures showing helmeted National Guardsmen clubbing strikers, or persuading them to stop picketing by thrusting sharp bayonets at them. Prom one end of the country to the other, the NG was called out to break strikes and , strikers, so that the boss coiild continue to pay sweat-shop wages. The strength of labor, however, could not be denied. Many politicians have said that it was the New Deal which made it possible for labor to organize. That is just so much poppy-cock. It was the power of the workingmen themselves, joined into solid unions, which forced the government to institute reforms. Now we see the black days, which we had thought were behind us, starting to overtake us again. Pick up the newspapers any day and see the pictures of the police and' National Guard units brutally felling strikers and split­ ting picketlines. In the May 14 issue of the LOG, a Brother wrote an article warning the younger members of the SIU against joining the National Guard. He pointed out that the NG is used for strike-breaking, and that many men would find themselves lighting members of their own families, one on the picketline, and the other being forced to bust it. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegsdes by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Built on the same principle as the National Guard is the Naval Reserve, which has been carrying on a re­ cruiting campaign in the merchant marine. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marhe Hospitals : There is a strong possibility that the maritime unions in this country will be forced to strike to preserve the These are the Union Broihers currently in the marine hospitals, Hiring Hall and the Rotary Shipping principle. In that as reported by the Port Agents, These Brothers find time hanging case, the Naval Reserve will in all probability be ordered heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by by the President to sail the ships. writing to them. l) . This is no pipe dream. The threat to use the Navy k as strikebreakers was made when the CMU hit the bricks. , Then only the SIU stand that such a move would be conr.T-sidered a lockout caused the authorities to change their plans. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the same actics will be tried this time. Already the newspapers whipping up anti-union sentiment against seamen's fejS™-Organizations. The National'Guard and the Naval Reserve, in adyertisements, play up the healthful advantages of mem' bership in either of those organizations. In glowing terms 1"; the ads speak of the smart uniforms, the snappy drilling I and the two weeks vacation in the country each year. : Not a single word about the strike-breaking activities that have made the NG hated by labor all over the nation. Not a single word about the time the President threatened fcil Naval Reserve to break a maritime strike. - More and more Americans are waking up to the threat posed by the National Guard and the Naval Re­ serve, two groups, which might be the strong force of repression, in the United States. As trade unionists, the members of the Seafarers International Union should have nothing to do with these gpyernment agenci^v which have in the past, and can be in the future, used to MOBILE HOSPITAL J. B. McGUFFIN E. J. SILLIN A. M. MCDOWELL E. B. HALL H. ALLMAN TIM BURKE GALVESTON HOSPITAL JAMES BLACK (SUP) E. LERMA • . CLAYTON KELLY ROBERT FRENCH COMMON (SUP) JENKINS W. M. GUY (SUP)^ NEILS M. COLSTRUPP X % % STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL P. LOPEZ J. RODRIGUEZ E. CASTRO E. WILISCH J. GORDON . P. FRANKMANIS E. OLSEN ' G. FINKLEA S. HEIDUCKI J. W. McNEELY ' ^ ^ ^ A. JENSBY . . i!' : J: L.ROBERTS •' G. R. MITCHELL I f . F.-NERING- • , P. R. J. QUIMERA W. J. WOLFE J. OVERTON J. W. McCASLIN H. CHRISTENSEN J. PACHECO R. M. KYLE I. B. GRIERSON J. H. MURRAY C. NANGLE •G. VECCHIO H. CORDES t ft 4. SAVANNAH HOSPITAL G. R. ANDERSON J. H. FERGUSON W. H. KUMKE TROY THOMAS J. R. BATSON W. JUST J. R. ROLIN J. NEELY ft ft ft NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL F. GARRETSON ' A. LOOPER J. DENNIS C. MASON A. LIPARI P. D. VAUGHN A. AMUNDSEN ' N. A. GENdVESE G. BRADY •L. D, WEBB -'''ii'd.- •asr-," You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday —• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors.) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) R. BUNCH A. EDEFORS E. H. IVARRA L. CLARKE E. DRIGGERS J. GAINSLAND Jpi. B. DUFFY E. HEBERT J. KENNAIR J. H. ASHURST J. E. MAYHART L. A. HOLMES C. PETTERSON T. DAILEY « A. OLSEN R. E. GRAYAY •v. S. LeBLANC M. PETERSON M. FITZGERALDft ft ft BRIGHTON MARINE •HOSP,^i%, R. LORD A. BONTI J. PENSWICK W. CAREY J. CONNOLLY J. KORY R. KING J. LEES J- CijARRETTE' �Friday. May 21, 1948 THE SEAFARERS Operation Chow Raised No Beefs When the Seafarers went to •the assistance of the United Fin­ ancial Employes in the Wall Street beef, it definitely estab­ lished the effectiveness of its strike machinery. Notable was the smooth-functioning feeding setup, which kept the thousands of pickets amply fed throughout the strike. Responsible in a large measure for the success of this always important a.spect of strike acti­ vity ,was Seafarer George Whale, Chief Steward. Brother Whale had complete charge of the feed­ ing operation, fx-om the purchas­ ing of the food to its distribu­ tion. NO CHOW BEEFS ; Probably no sounder evidence GEORGE WHALE of the good job done' by Brother Whale and the rest of the men , engaged in feeding the pickets George joined the SIU in 1943, is the fact that this is the first when he returned to sea- after beef when there were no chow working shoreside since 1927. He beefs. started sailing in 1912. In 1947 . While it is true that coffee he was a member of the rank was occasionally slow in reach­ and file committee which worked ing the picketlines, it was not out Stewai-ds Department rules a. production problem. There changes to be incorporated in just weren't enough cars avail­ the contract. able at all times to transport the Brother Whale stayed on the beach for the entire period of food. .In pitching in on the UFE the UFE strike in order to see beef. Brother Whale drew on his the job through to the finish. He SiU strike experiences, among appeared well satisfied when it these being the 194^ General was all over. Strike and last year's Isthmian "Everything went off smoothly according to plan," he said. strike. Russia's Merchant Vessels Marltime's Latest Mystery \ U.S. fleet. However, the move­ ments of only about 110 ships ai'e reported. Where the rest go and what they cari-y is a Soviet secret. The reason that the movements of the 110 can be recorded by the western nations is they touch foreign ports and so find their way into American, British and other registers. Apparently the i-est of the fleet travels only between Soviet ports or Soviet-controlled ports in which ship arrivals and de­ partures can be covered by censorshipOf the 87 American-built ships which went to the Soviet Union under lend-lease and later State Department sale only 23 can be (Continued from Page 1) located. Among the "missing tion operates two tankers, and is dickering for others. The ones are 27 Libertys. STRANGE VOYAGES already in action are the John The movements of the 110 So­ H. Marion and the Eugene W. viet ships hitting non-Soviet Hilgard. Mar-Trade Corporation ports are rather mystifying in is the general agent for the com­ themselves. These ships cer­ pany. tainly are not operated econ­ Included, in the contract is the omically, maritime economists new higher wage scale, which point out. has been written into all agree­ They sail no regular runs, and ments signed since approximately their voyages are too hap-hazard a month ago. Companies already and ^ too extended for effective under contract will be pi-esented tramping. with the increased wage scale For instance a ship will bring veiy soon. a cargo of Russian manganese Starting from scratch, and with from the Black Sea to Baltimore. not even a toehold in the tanker Instead of returning to the industry, the SIU has, in the Black Sea, the ship will wander period of a short year, estab­ up and down the U.S. eastern lished itself as a dominant force. seaboard picking up a little SIU contracts are tops in the in­ cargo here, , a little moi'e . there, dustry, and the way Cities Serv­ then go through the Canal to ice seamen flocked to sign pledge the Pacific Coast to finish loadcards is.sufficient evidence of the ng. From the Pacific Coast the Seafarers reputation among tank- ship will- depart for Vladivostok. Such irregular and uneconomic ermen. The approrimately 1,500 new operations, have led to the sus­ jobs which have been added as picion that the ships are used to a result of the tanker organizing train naval pex'sonnel, as well as drive • wil|l also • prove to be a merchant seamen to man the ves­ strong wAll against impending sels planned under the Soviet unemploynient: on the American Union's huge . shipbuilding pror gram. watei^ront Top mystery of the maritime world is the exact aim and na­ ture of the Soviet Union's mei'chant fleet which operates be­ hind an "iron curtain," like everything else in the USSR. The .Soviets are believed to have the world's fourth largest fleet consisting of approximately 600 ships, a little less than third of the number in the active Seafarers Signs Tanker Companv, Tuielfth In Vear LOG Page Three Seafarers Must Prepare Now For Dark Days That Lie Ahead By AUSSIE SHRIMPTON, mings for the pui-pose of break­ Luckily for us, we have a ing the seamen's unions and re­ barometer by which we can see The pages of history ai-e scored turning the balance of power to how things are going. What throughout with cases of guys the shipowners. happens to the NMU, whose con- , and gals who refused to take a The first to come up will be tracts expire before ours,* will be warning of what was in store for the NMU, whose members are so tried on us. them. busy fighting among themselves, BE PREPARED From the biblical chap who re­ and are so torn on matters of fused to heed the handwriting on internal policy that they may We enjoy, through the use of. the wall right to the fellow who well crack under the first on­ job action, quite fair relations thinks he is going to be the next slaught and give up completely with most of our contracted com­ President of the United States, or, what is worse,'compromise. panies. But if the NMU com­ one and all have failed to under­ There can be no compromise panies win, you can bet your stand what was shown to them about the essentials over which bottom dollar that the SIU com­ and told to them. this battle will be fought, namely panies will get set for, the kill. Fellows, it can happen to us the Hii-ing Hall and Rotary Ship­ If they try it, they have some unless we are prepared for what ping. These constitute the jugu­ rude shocks coming. We are by, is to come. The writing is on lar vein of the seamen's unions. no means unprepared, and that the wall for all to see, and only If they go, we go, and shipping big Taft-Hax-tley stick doesn't a mental ostrich who persists in scai-e us. putting his head in the sands of retuiTis to the dark days of back­ We have been alex-ted and our complacency can fail to see it. door jobs, company favoi-ites, bad membership is ready. But if we food, bad accommodations add DARK DAYS COMING precious little overtime to boot. have to act, aU hands must make • Let's face facts. Dark days All that we have fought fox- a 100 pex-cent effox-t. How can you help now? First lie ahead of us, and it's damned will be whisked away in the by kicking in that 10-dollar lucky for us that we realize it twinkling of an eye. The "Cap­ and are preparing for the worst. tain Blighs" of the Merchant It certainly is not enough for "Marine will come out of their us to sit back and say, "Leave it rat-holes whex-e they have rested to the officials. Those guys in retirement, start dusting •"off know what they are doing." their gold braid and start getting They do know what they are their log books ready. doing, but at the same time the rank-and-file can get behind this thing right now, and start push­ ing so that the shipowners will know that we intend to stand no shoving around come next August. Here is the score. Manage­ ment has made the biggest cud­ Strike Assessment that you voted gel it ever had in order to beat (Continued from Page 1) for. Kick it in NOW. down labor. It was manufac­ does not stay aboard ship after The Union Strike Fund is a4 tured "for" them by the firm of the payoff. a very healthy level, but the ex­ Taft, Hartley & Company, and , Perhaps the ship has been out' tra assessment is going to raise doubtless cost a'lot of dough. It on a hard voyage of several it to an even healthier one so was given a few preliminary months duration. Dux-ing the' that we cannot be intimidated swishes and found to be all that war, even government agencies through our bellies if the heel management had hoped for. recognized that seamen needed drags out. A number of unions big and a pexiod ashore between voy­ The second way you can help small already have felt the bite ages. is by being personally prepared of the Taft-Hartley Act. But Mox-eover, there is no proof for what is to come. There can't right now, it is obvious that this that the phony offer of employ­ be any petty excuses, any finagl­ law is being cai-efully greased ment advanced by the company ing out of picket duty or any and oiled for its first big test means the same conditions. Per­ muttexing and moaning in the against the seamen this summer. haps the ship will be himgry. ranks. WITH TRIMMINGS Or pex-haps it will switch to a One and all of us mxist be in The stage is being set. All the tropical run, or to some other there fighting to keep all that we forces of a lying press and other run that some men don't like or, have won, and all that we hold most dear guaranteed by decent forms of phony pi-opaganda al­ worse, can't stand. Actually, the trick is not work­ contracts for us as seamen of the ready are at work. There is go­ ing to be a knock-down and ing in New York quite the way American Merchant Marine. drag-out affair with all the trim­ the owners thought it woxxld. New York State officials are not Praises Shipmates taking the shipownex-s "evi­ Second-Year Man dence" without allowing a sea­ man claiming insurance a fxxll hearing. And in a good many instances the seamen ax-e getting their compensation. When New York State de­ cides on a fixed policy it will be reported in the LOG. FORM LETTER In other states, however, sea­ men are being disqualified left and right. When they apply the company sends a forxix letter say­ ing that they refused employ­ ment and there goes their com­ pensation money—out the win­ dow so. far as they are con­ cerned. Until the Union can get this mess straightened out, we make the following suggestion. Benjamin Mignano, AB. who paid off the SS Pennmar re­ If you are faced with such a Clarence Lohne. who is now cently. had words of praise for company stand when you apply in his second year as a mem­ ber of the SIU. makes up for for compensation, demand a the strong Union spirit of his Make the company shipmates; his lack of years by his un­ hearing. "The fellows really did a ion enthusiasm. He's all the come to the hearing with some way for the SIU and with good real evidence that you qxiit good job on that ship." he said. Brother Mignano, a member reason—SIU wages. and con­ without just cause. If you take ditions are the best in the a firm stand you can help the of the SIU since 1944, specific­ industry. Brother Lohne re­ whole membersh^ defeat this ally mentioned Gerald Stilley. cently paid off the Benjamin money-grabbing move by the Deck iDelegate. "for his good unionism." owners. Lundy. He sails as Wiper. SiU Fights For Seamen's Right To Jobless Pay '•'i' V, •fl �• • V •• • mmm Hp . fas S £ 4 Page Four R S RS toe Ftidar, 21, W*S A Report It has gfent agents to Texas to farming and corporation agricul-, enlist and employ strike A brother AFL union, the National Farm Labor Union, ture. are moving to crush, imionbreake'rs. < led by H. L. Mitchell, has been on strike against the Di Giorgio ism in the central valley of Cali­ There is a strike. The corpora­ Farms in California for more than eight months. The Di fornia. The Di Giorgio Fruit Corpora­ tion can no longer blink at this Giorgio interests are nation'wide. from farms in California fo Agamst formidable opposition tion's 12,000 acre ranch in Kern fact. the strikers have reason to be shipping on the East Coast. County, located 18 miles from The corporation has now in Violence and brutality have marked the strike. The eighteen- conf. lent. Twice since the strike feakersfield, California, is one of its' employ hundreds of "scabs". mile long picketlines, which extend all around the farm, ham began the AFL unions of the . the largest enterprises of its kind They pass through the picket been broken many times by the police and by paid strike­ state have sent relief caravans, in the United States. It is the lines in the presence of a heavy breakers. In violation of the law, scabs have been brought carrying food, clothes and funds backbone of a $20,000,000 busi- police guard that is on duty at across the state lines, from Texas and New Mexico, and in to the strikei's and their families. ' ness owned by Joseph Di Gio- all times. The sheriff's supply of some cases across the national boundary, from Mexico. LABOR BRIDGE , • gio's family corporation. reserve arms and strike breaking Organized labor in California, and throughout the rest of The California American' Fed­ Di Giorgio requires some 1,200 equipment is kept in a trailer the_ country, has aided the strikers. Food end money have been eration pf Labor has declared employees to operate this ranch. just inside the corporation yard collected from coast-to-coast. Caravans bearing food and cloth­ that the distance between indus­ At the peak of the season he Di Giorgio has drawn his strike ing have brought much needed assistance to the starving farm trial and agricultural workers is "hires additional field hands and breaking crews from the "skid laborers. being bridged by this demonstra­ packers. Many of these full rows" of the valley towns and Their plight is desperate, but although they have been tion of solidarity. time workers live in the towns from Texas. Signed statements offered bribes to scab, not a single man or woman has crawled Union organization is making of Ai-vin and Lamont, a short are on record showing that many back to work since the picketlines were first set up> headway in the San Joaquin •distance fi-om the corporation's of these men were hired without In tribute to these gallant strikers, and in order to give VaUey. One attempt at wage fields and packing sheds. knowledge .of the strike. their story the widest circulation, the LOG is proud to print cutting has been stopped. . Other workers live in BakersAs long as the corporation can a special article, written by' Ernesto Galarza. Educationai field. Still others drift in with successfully cross hundreds of The strikers have shown that Director of the NFLU. the tide of migratory labor that strike breakers through the they can conduct a peaceful /rises and falls with every change picket line it will probably re­ campaign in the face 'of violent of the California seasons. The attempt to demonstration was apparently in­ ings of the Committee, h61d in provocation. frain from using violence. On October 1, 1947, over 1,100 It has not always been so con­ tended to provoke mass violence, Los Angeles on February 18, arouse community feeling against of these workers called a strike. siderate. On one occasion a mob which was avoided by the pres­ 1948, were a disappointment to the strikers has failed. Chamber They had organized a union and of forty persons ran out of the ence of mind of the caravan Di Giorgio. The union got a of Commerce officials in Kem had voted to strike for union corporation yard armed with tire ieaders. clean bill of health. Its officers County have met in conference recognition, collective bargaining irons and clubs and severely beat While the strikei's are deter­ answered all questions. The case with the president of the union ?: and better pay. mined to keep the peace on the of the corporation was so weak and expressed a willingness to three pickets. The strike is now in its eighth The day before this incident picket line, they have been fore­ that Di Giorgio himself failed to support extension of unemploy­ month. ment insurance to agricultural took place, Di Giorgio had or­ warned that violence may be appear. 20-MILE LINE ganized a motorized column used again. 'More recently, the suggestion woi-kers in the state. Di Giorgio has sought to place against the relief caravan sent has been Advanced in the nature The sti'ikters have focused pub­ , ' Joseph Di Giorgio keeps a sil­ •the label of communism on the of a veiled threat, that the in­ lic attention, not merely on .their ent watch on the picket line from by California trade unions. As the caravan passed the strikers. Already the state legis- vestigation be continued by Con­ own plight, but beyond that on . a. vantage point 3,000 miles away at his headquarters, 66 Harrison main gates of the Di Giorgio ature, through the TenneyXom- gress. Union official > have wel­ the basic issues that face millions • St., New York City. He con­ ranch, a hostile line of trucks mittee, has held hearings to in­ comed this proposal. of Amei'ican citizens whose labor This is a brief summary of the raises the crops :that feed -the tends, through his lawyers, that and cars moved in the opposite: vestigate alleged communist fi­ nation and a starving world. •"There is no strike. There are direction on the same road. The nancing of the union. The hear­ forces behind which finance no issues." But the determination of the men and women who have kept %dgil on a 20 mile picket line for more than seven months has forced Di Giorgio to recognize that there is a strike, a problem • .and an issue. Di Giorgio has recognized the facts of the situation in deeds, if not' in words. The Corporation has hired hundreds of strike , breakers. ^ It has used Mexican contract QUESTION: Now that shipboard promotions have been done away with, except in em­ workers, imported from Mexico under the auspices of the Mexi­ ergency cases, what do you think of requiring members to register in just one rating? By ERNESTO GALARZA . Educational Director. National Farm Labor Union, AFL. THOMAS RODGERS. Bofun: By registering in just one rat­ ing there will be more oppor­ tunity for men holding just one rating to get a job. There wiU then be a greater pick of those jobs on the board. Men no long­ er will zegistez in a dozen rat­ ings and then go down the list when jobs are in short supply. It's not fair for a man having six or seven ratings to take u job from a man registered in just one rating. The odds aren't fair when, for example, a man can bid for six jobs and another member for just one. If a man holds .a high rating he should ship in that rating. can and United State govern­ ments, to work behind the picket line. It has harbored a mob that set upon and beat, peaceful union ^^pickets. ; It has refused to sit down with state and federal conciliators. It has tried to prejudice citiADD GILHAM. Ni. Ck.-Bk.: zens of good will against the • union by distributing a state- That is the only way for a —^iiTcnt entitled, "A Community man to register. There should Arou.sed." • be no question about it. This It has attacked the strikers be- way, when registering, a man f - fore Congress and before the na­ will be bidding for the job he tion through the Congressional knows best. Chances are that he knows this job best and will do ' Hecoi'd, ' It has organized hostile public a better job aboard ship. If a jdemonstra'ilons against relief man has the skill to hold sev­ . caravans sent by organized labor eral ratings, he should ship only at the top one. He gets more to aid the strikers. : It has caused to be published pay and leaves the less-skilled full page newspaper advertise- jobs to the rest of the member­ ments stating its side of the case. ship. Too, I'm in favor of the It has persuaded the stat^ membership registering in just legislature to investigate the one rating because jobs are not : ^ Union for alleged communist ac- in great supply now and men are tivities. '''lA avgU^lg ir. aU ratings. yV \ • GEORGE THORNHILL, Ch. St.! Registering in one rating is beneficial to the whole member­ ship.. When and if a higher rat­ ing is called front the board a man holding that, rating is the only one who can take it. When a dower rating is called it is not right for him to have first crack at that job, too. As long as there is an 'abundance of men around for all ratings and no shortage exists, men should register and sail at their top rating and no lower, thereby giving men with lower ratings a crack at the other jobs. It's the proper way to 'give every one an equal chance at the available jobs. • // /jrt, liiiiiiill WAtmmmim WILLIAM TODD, Jr. Eng.: That's a good idea. It gives other fellows a belter chance to grab ships. If men holding sev­ eral rating—I hold all rating in the Engine Department except Deck Engineer knd Electrician—i are in a hurry to ship they can register as FWT and get out in a hurry. If they're in no particu­ lar hurry, they can register at their top rating—Jr. Engineer, in . my case—and wait it out a bit./ I register all around no:w. but I. don't think it is fair to all. Men work hard to get higher ratings,, so they should always ship in their highest rating. / �•- mn-'" rHdity. 2!i^ IWr L&(^ Page Five Seafarers Celebrate Opening Of New Hall in Port New Orleans By EARL SHEPPARD NEW ORLEANS — The new ports drop in for the festivities, SIU building here in this port 'and bring their wives and girl is at long last ready to move I friends. People from other trade unions are also Welcome. into. And just in time, too, to Beer and sandwiches will be keep the Brothers from sweat­ served—the beer by the genero­ ing it out this summer in the sity of local gin mills — and a bid Hall at 339 Chartres Street. good time is guaranteed to all. As of right now, our new ad­ Shipping has been pretty good dress is 523 Bienville Street, al- here lately and should even show jlhough for a few days the Dis­ signs of improvement. Seven patcher is at the old location im- ships paid off last week, includ­ til the telephones can be changed ing two passenger vessels, the and a few minor repairs made Alcoa Clipper and the SS Del Mar, Mississippi. These two, and to the entrances and floors. the freighters, -took on new The recreation and meeting crewmerabers, and that relieved floor has been set up with plenty ' of tables and chau-s, writing shipping considerably. facilities, radio and loudspeak- Beefs were minor, and all squared away right at the pay­ offs. They consisted of fumiga­ I <30TTA MAKE THE tion gripes, ship's stores, etc. OPENlHS OF THE AIEW But all were settled to the satis­ OR1.EAMS »4AU.! faction of the crews involved. On Overtime To insure payment, all claims for overtime must be turned in to the heads of de­ partments no later than 72 hours following' the comple­ tion of the overtime work. As soon as the penalty work is done, a record should be given to the Department head, and one copy held by theiman doing the job. In addition the depart­ mental delegates should check on all overtime sheets 72 hours before the ship makes port. Shipping Good In Puerto Rico; Maritime Trades Council Formed By SAL COLLS SAN JUAN — Although we have had no actual payoffs or sign ons in this port, we have shipped enough replacements to Bull and Waterman vessels to let us say that shipping is fairly good . We had a couple of beefs to handle last week, and we got them settled. There was an AB who flew here after missing the Kathryn, one of the Bull ships, in New York. He had to get' off. ' Another AB who was onr Waterman's Monarch of the Seas^ declared his willingness to sail, as Deck Maintenance, a ratinghe held. So it was a simple i-Mii matter to take him off the ship and send him back out as Deck Maintenance. So perhaps this, wasn't really a beef. Biggest thing we haye had to. contend with here has been the dispute between the ILA and the UTM about dividing up the. •v -'!t longshore work in Arroyo. How-ever, that has been squared now' aside a ne.st egg to tide him and they are splitting the jobs over a week or two in case 50-50. We sat in on a meeting of offi= something should happen. cials from both unions from There still are a lot of aliens ports all over Puerto Rico when who haven't filled out the SIU they settled the problem. On questionnaire on the alien ques­ April 30, we loaned the San tion. This questionnaire is part Juan Hall to ILA officials -who of a Union program to help the were planning their policy on alien members get squared away. the situation. The Union can't do much until is has all the information about One thing that came out of this settlement is a brand new AFI. the aliens it can get. Here is a litye general advice Mal-itime Trades Council which' to all aliens. If you have five we have just organized for this years or more in this country, port. We are waiting for a make every effort to get your charter now, when we get it weH let you know. papers. Shipping is slow and your pa­ We have a committee out look­ pers can help you ship. More- ing around town for a suitable ovei-, all aliens who can certain­ building which can be bought ly should obtain visas so they at the right price. The commit­ can sail coastwise once in a tee is acting in accord with in­ structions from Headquarters. while. We'll wind up by passing on On the education front we are some congratulations to the New I making-' sure that the members Orleans branch for the new. Hall here understand the new ship­ down that way. We hear it is ping rules voted on the referenone swell place and that the I dum ballot. We haven't been able boys have fixed it up right. The to go beyond that recently, be-" whole membership will be proud cause the ILA-UTM dispute kept of the bright and shining struc­ us from holding , pur last sched­ ture. uled meeting. Shipping is At Sttmdstiii in New York By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK The long expect­ ed slump finally caught up with us in this port. Suddenly ship­ ers. There will be ample space ping all but stood stiH. In fact, to seat the membership at meet­ so far as the Stewards Depart­ ings, instead of having half the ment "is concerned, there just isn't any shipping, none to speak Brothers stand. The lavatories have been, of anyway. equipped with showers, and any Is this situation permanent? Brother wanting a shower has Or is it temporary? Will things only to walk in and turn on get a whole lot better when that Marshall Plan really gets up the faucet. steam? The. answer to all three PROUD PEOPLE questions is easy: we don't In general the membership know. hereabouts is. proud of the new Right now, the chartered ships Hall and frequent comparisons are being turned back to the are made to other Halls. The Maritime Commission, and towed general feeling is that all Bran­ away to the boneyards because ches should have new Halls, as there are no cargoes to putdnto EOdn as possible, so that all SIHi them. jnen- can enjoy the privileges of j But let's go to more pleasant their own Halls. things. Let's look at the payoffs. There will be the formal open­ We have had some payoffs de­ ing and dedication of the Hall spite the sad state of shipping, after the regular meeting of and, for once anyway, there Wednesday, May 19. The fellas weren't any sour ones. here ask that Brothers in other NO BEEFS Galveston Good ToBookmembers man Taylor at the American Merchant Marine Institute seems to be saying. Just how he figures things, we don't know. All we can say is that, if what. he claims is cor­ rect, SIU members are getting cheated. Perhaps they ought to apply to the AMMI for the dif­ ference between what they ac­ tually get and what the AMMI spokesman «ays they are paid. These people who claim sea­ men make too much money al­ ways overlook a lot of things. For one thing, they forget that sailing is hard work and that it takes a lot of savvy. And they AtWAVS Sc»vieTWI»V& Tt>J50! T Among the best was the pay­ off of the Maiden Victory, a Wa­ terman vessel in from an inter- forget that few seamen can coastal run. There was nothing, count on 12 months' pay a year. wrong with her, except a few If seamen are making too of the minor" things that always much money, what about the By CHARLES STARLING By KEITH ALSOP can be settled in a few minutest shipowners? The United States GALVESTON — Shipping con­ j About as good was the payoff Lines announced its profit for SAVANNAH—This port Agent or six weeks, but still and all it" tinues to be good for bookmen of the Afoundria, another Wa­ last year. The total was more; feels like the warden of Sing gives us something to look for-' millions of dollars than anybody Sing who watches the men walk ward to. here, although we had only one terman. She was ih from a for­ ever saw all at once. the last mile to the electric WORD TO" WISE payoff and one sign on last week. eign trip. chair. We don't watch anybody U. S. Lines is not an SIU Two Isthmians came in from We would like to tip off the Moreover, we expect things to be a little better for at least the the Far East for very clean pay­ company, but there is no rea­ walk that last mile, but we do boys who sail as OS, Messman offs. These two-, the George son to think that other steam­ payoff ships and then see them or Wiper to staj*^ away from this' next couple of weeks. Chamberlain and the Steel Di­ ship companies, including those start that forlorn journey to the port until shipping improves. We Tlie payoff was on the SS Caleb rector, had signed on their crews contracted to the SIU, aren't boneyard. have plenty of men on hand^ Strong, and she signed right on on the West Coast, but they making similar profits. Next week we have four pay­ from Jacksonville and Charles­ again. We notice that a few of the offs, and two of the vessels are ton, not to mention the mencame here to payoff. _ The only beef was about some The Alcoa Cavalier came in country's biggest industrial out-| overtime that had not been without a beef again. She's a fits are beginning to talk about to be taken out of active service. from right around here who can turned in withip the 72' hour nice ship now and we are' go­ cutting prices. They're doing this One is of the Arnold Bernstein rough it out until they get. a limit. However, we got it ing. to be sorry when we lose just because the working men| line, and the other belongs to berth. The way shipping is now one. squared to everybo^Tr^^p.' satisfac­ her. Now that she's in good SIU and women are- asking for a South Atlantic. tion. Incidentally, the ship shape, she is going to start sign­ little bit more money to meet However, an. Overlakes ship would think that the days of will payoff in Jacksonville, and jumping ship were over. But went out with a new Skipper. • ing on in New Orleans and pay­ the weekly grocery bill. then head for Germany, and the What is expected to hold this ing off in Mobile. Why didn't these guys do some SS Southwind will payoff here every now and then we run into some characters who still go in port up for a while is the fact Despite the poor shipping the price cutting last year? If thaj' and go right out again. for that line of stuff. that there still are a lot of grain Patrolmen here are as busy as had, things might be a lot dif-j Picture their surprise when Now for a little piece of good cargoes scheduled to leave from ever. If they don't have a payoff ferent now. They just didn't look news. It looks like the new they come into the Hall and we the Texas coast for Europe. That to attend, they have plenty of very far ahead. Hall we have been looking for tell them that they have au­ grain fills a lot of holds. work to do keeping Headquar­ STAY GEARED will be ours at last. For the tomatically plastered a $50.00 Meanwhile, we keep' going ters' records straightened out. last few days we have been fine on themselves—which has That's a big job in itself. Meanwhile, we have to keep after the tankers and that is dickering for a newer location, to be paid before .shipping "cut ourselves geared for action in plenty to do, for a lot of tankers TOO MUCH MONEY and aU who have seen it think again. case we have to go out and fight hit these ports. They really cry the blues. But ; Other than the above, things The other day we found out for the Hiring-Hall and Rotary it will be just the place for us. are quiet in the Galveston area, something we didn't know — Shipping in the middle of this Of comse, we don't have it yet, so far, we haven't run into any both for the Seafarers and for Seamen are making too much summer. It might not be a bad and if arid when we get it we second offenders, 'so the cure money. At lea^, that's what this I idea for every member to set won't be abfe to move in for five must work. the whole-labor movement. Savannah Gets The Boneyard Run I' Jf �IW Pag« Six TBS SEAFARERS LOG Mobile Shipping Holds Steady, But Beach Still Overcrowded A TOUCH OF XMAS By CAL TANNER i: IS: •'• t- TAAssf, M&7 21, 1948' The Patrolmen Say— MOBILE — Shipping here re­ ^ The sign ons were accom­ mained steady for the past week plished easily enough. We just Two-Skipper Ship with about 190 men shipping out. had to see that a few repairs NEW YORK — A short while However, we have upward of 700 were made here and there, and men on the beach, so don't rush that the slopchests were in good ago we paid off the tanker shap. down. Petrolite, which had just re­ One ship which the boys who . The Marshall Plan cargoes ac­ turned from almost eleven tually are beginning to move were lucky enough to make her months of shuttling between the from here, but not in enough really snapped up was the Robin Persian Qulf and ports in France volume yet to warrant pulling Kettering. She was the answer and Belgium.^ to a seaman's prayer. any ships from the boneyard. Perhaps that development will She had innerspring mat­ • Overall, this wagon had a come some day. tresses, great big lockers and pretty good crew aboard. That There were seven payoffs in every modern convenience. More­ is, except for the Skipper. If it Mobile during the past week and over, she seemed to have a good weren't for this guy, the payoff, six sign ons. Most of the pay- bunch of officers. pffs were Watermans. as usual, The Kettering is one of the could -be written off as a good and the rest were Alcoa and jobs that the Robin Line has re­ one with a fine crew aboard. fSS;SSS™-':> i fi5:;:>Sp;:vsg:,x Bernstein. converted from wartime baby However, the crew found that ' The only one that was any flattops, and she sure is a beau­ iiiiiiii doing business with this guy was trouble Was the SB William tiful ship. no easy matter. Carter of the Bernstein Com­ We had a Waterman that was pany, and the trouble on her a swell ship too. This was the Of course, he had a million was largely technicaL * Madaket which came in, paid off alibis for his conduct. He was In case the weather gets hot in the next few days, this in Gulfport, signed right on again MONEY FLIES blessed with a gift of gab that picture of the SS Knox Victory should cool you off. This was would pale a Union Square spell­ The company had to fly the and sailed for Bremen. Her taken on a crossing of the-Knox from Maine to Bremerhaven, binder. We had heard his kind payoff money down from New Stewards Department especially by Brother E. W. Monahan. •* before, so his longwinded spiels York and, while the boys were was on the ball. didn't cause us to swoon. PASSENGER JOBS KNOCK 'EM OUT One Waterman touched here in transit. She was the Winslow He had logged the majority of Homer and she took a few re­ the crew for any infraction that placements to run codstwise. came to mind, but, fortunately, Beginning after the first of we were able to knock but the July there will be an Alcoa pas­ By WILLIAM (Curly) RENTZ bulk of the logs without too senger ship in Mobile every much difficulty — thanks to the week. There will be a payoff BALTIMORE — While ship­ along here are beginning "hand aid of the U.S. Shipping Com­ every Monday. We can count on ping is still going on in this to mouth" loading, something missioner, who was really on the plenty of jobs on those ships, port it is on a slow schedule that no seaman likes to see. That ball and could see how phony most of them in the Stewards I means just one thing — slow most of the logs were. with little hope of a pick up in I shipping. i Department. However, considering the waiting for it, the Master was I The weather here is getting a the immediate future. The members here, as well as length of the trip, it is our imable to issue a draw. This wee dab warm. Consequently, We've had a few ships in for all people connected with mari­ made things pretty awkward. we are getting our fans fixed up. payoffs and a few for sign-ons, time, are beginning to wonder opinion that the crew behaved very well and, in all probability, In addition, when the pay­ At present we have three large where the Marshall Plan goods master finally arrived, we dis­ fans in the Hall, and we hope but the tempo is not that of a are. The ERP, which was sup­ with a decent Skipper a lot of covered that he had no au­ . they will keep us comfortable few months ago. According to posed to breathe life into the the above-mentioned bunk would thority to settle any overtime when it really gets hot. a survey made recently in this starved American merchant ma­ have been avoided. beefs. There a few oldtimers here port, the amount of goods on rine, hasn't come through with Incidentally, the Skipper had The upshot was that the crew whom a'lot of the members re­ hand here to be loaded on the the cargoes. his wife "with him during the en­ carried a handful of minor beefs member, among them A. Sulli­ ships is the lowest since before Of course it is early, but re­ tire voyage. From what the crow back up the east coast with van, G. Saucier, E. C. Gillespie, ports coming in here have it that said the ship had two Skippers them. They'll straighten them J. Alves, G. Troche, S. Turner, the war in 1939. instead of one. It can easily be There is no backlog of goods foreign ships are loading Mar­ seen that eleven months of sail­ iout when they hit an east coast S. Karlson, J. A. Ryan, D. Alexto be loaded. In fact, the ships shall Plan goods regularly. If ing under a team like this would port. ' ander, L. Culbertson. we don't start carrying the goods shortly, there is a good be enough to drive the best crew possibility that the 50 percent to the wall. clause in the Marshall Plan is Louis Gofiin just so much bunk. Jimmy Purcell By LLOYD GARDNER in transit. We're generally able supports the company, since the to square away whatever beefs men signed on for , an ' InterFAR, FAR AWAY PHILADELPHIA — This week crop up, but most of them are coastal run, back to Baltimore. in the City of Brotherly Love of a minor nature. It's only a few miles from finds us still running on the slow NO TROUBLE here to Washington, but as far bell as far as shipping is con­ as Congress is concerned it seems TWO DONTS So, Brothers, if you don't want to be a million miles away. cerned. We have- quite a few After next April 1 there will men registered in all ratings, Right here and now there are to sail those ships, please don't Give the ships away, give the and every day more men drift two points I would like to men­ sign pn them in Baltimore. If jobs away, give everything away. be a change aboard ship. Sparks tion. Quite frequently we re­ you do, then you'll have to make in here from other ports. Just make sure there is nothing is going to be a full fledged of-ceive a phone call from some­ the trip. I would advise anyone who one on a ship laying down in left for the American seaman. fleer, and there will be no April wants to ship in a hurry to stay Wilmington, Delaware, or Pauls- Otherwise, these ships give us That seems to be the state of! fool about it. away from this port. At least boro. New Jersey. The crew no trouble. They store up here mind in Washington. Last week. President Trumapin Philadelphia, and we always for a little while. wants a Patrolman to come down have a Patrolman on hand to This port's payoffs numbered signed a bill calling for the.c Of course, if a man is in no to square away a beef. make sure that they are stored four: Robin Gray, Robin; Monroe' licensing of radio telegi'aphers as liurry to get out, and has a few In most cases we find that correctly. Victory and Columbia Victory,; bucks in his kick, then he the ship is due to payoff in Bal­ Isthmian; and Pennmar, Calmar. t ships' officers, effective April 1," Now that all this is off my 1949. should come here to enjoy the timore or New York within a mind, I want to bring the mem­ There were a few beefs on the fine weather, the friendly atmo­ day or two. There is absolutely bers some good news. Our poor, ships, but nothing that wasn't The new law applies to radio sphere and the baseball games. no point in those cases of send­ misguided Patrolman, Bob Pohle, settled at the payoff to the satis­ operators on all merchant ships On the waterfront everything ing a Patrolman. walked the last mile Saturday faction of all hands. of 100 gross tons or more, ex-. been going along smoothly. Sign-ons numbered but three, If the ship is sailing for for­ cep't ships operating splely on We hit all the ships which pay­ all Isthmians: Monroe Victory, the Great Lakes. Actually, the off, sign on, or just come through eign ports, then of course we Columbia Victory and Steel send a Union representative, but law makes no great change in Maker. to send a man down to those far the status of radio men, but rec­ off places to settle a beef when In transit we had thg usual ognizes a situation that has long membership's money. number of Watermans and Alcoa existed. , vessels up from the Gulf area. The other item on my mind is If you don't find linen These ships usually make their When the President signed the this: Calmar Line ships crew up stay short, but we manage to bill, Fred M. Howe, general sec­ when you go aboard your and sign on in Baltimore. When get tomeone down to handle any retary-treasurer of the Radio Of­ ship, notify the Hall at once. the ships hit Philly to top off beefs that have arisen since the ficers Union, AFL, commented as before sailing for the West Coast, follows: A telegram from Le Havre or port of departure. That's the one some members of the crews want won't do you any Singapore way to. handle beefs: Keep at "The signing of this bill rec­ to quit, for one reason or, an­ ognizes in Federal law what the good. It's your bed and you other. ' them' ; whenever the ships . hit : unions have fought fb^r since 1931 afternoon. He got married, and have to lie in it. The 'company refuses to pay 80 we aU wish hiitt smooth sail­ port and they'll be settled quick-' "and what is in fact the common them off, and the Commissioner ing all the way. ly before any sore spots develop., practice on merchant vessels." - Ship Cargoes Fall To New Low For Postwar Years In Baltimore Philly No Place For Guys Without Stake Radio Operators Get Status Of Officers AHENTION! �A hOG P<9« iSeTea III When The SIU Delivered The Goods •41 •31 Last week, some slightly faded pictures, accompanied by a-letter, were delivered to the LOG office. The letter saidi, in part, "Here are sbhie pictures taken a few years back on a couple of rusfbuckets. jTust sending these in so you can put them in the LOG. They should bring back memories to some of the Brothers." It was signed by H. W. Greenlee, of Huntington, West Virginia. We think that Brother Greenlee is'right, and so here are the shots. Picture at left shows Oiler Whitey Mason between two Australian soldiers aboard the SS Ipwich in the Spring of 194^1; Picture above sjiows the funeral service for Brother Cecil McCann. This took place on the SS Antinous, in the Red Sea, 1940. ' i A ship in the Red Sea, under fire, as it struggled to get away from a plane high in the air. At times the jsky was full of gun puffs, created as the vessel threw shells into the air to defend itself. Although niany merchant ships tra­ velled in convoy, quite a few of them made dangerous runs all alone. Even in convoy there was plenty of danger. ~ The Ipswich carried plenty of the tools of war to the American forces fighting all over the world. This shot shmV^ the good ship plowing through the waves - on the way to Port Sudan, loaded with' airplanes and plane parts. Many other-trips were made by this gallant ship before the war finally came to an end. More implements of war, carried by United States ships tO the.far comers of the eartm Before the U.S. was forced into the conflict, American ships, man­ ned by Amerieeti crews, carried food, clothing and armaments tp the people aU over the Vrprld After I^aH i'l. • .i'". - T-": States'continued to supply the world, , and at the same time manufactured enough fighting weapons to equip its own forces. It was the American mer­ chant navy which- tran^orted the materials of war. U.S. merchant seamen were the first tO.fi^it in World War II, just as they were in World" War 1. �Page Eiglii * f BIB'S E Ar ARERS LOG Friday. May 21. 1948 SHIPS'MIMIITES AND MEWS f ft!..' mH:-y Wetmore Nearly Lost In Storm That Took Houston Wood's Life ON THE GOOD SHIP FRANCIS The eleventh and twelth days of March were tough ones for the crew of the SS James A. Wetmore, a Water­ man Liberty. The eleventh was the day the ship ran smack into a full-fledged hurricane in mid-Atlantic at 51 degrees 30 Dqllas T. Terry, 22-yearold member of the SIU, was drowned April 30 in Lake Smith at princess Anne, Vir­ ginia, the LOG has been in­ minutes west, 39 degrees 20 X minutes north, a couple of hun- it foUows one of several rather dred miles or more northeast of weU-defined tracks. In general they move first from the south­ Bermuda. east toward the northwest then That was the storm in which swing around toward the north­ Seafarer Houston Wood, whose east sometimes ending up in the death was reported in the LOG vicinity of Iceland; of May 7, lost his life. New de­ tails concerning the storm and the circumstances of Brother Wood's passing have now be­ come available." The only thing that saved the ship itself was the fact that the steam steering en­ gine continued to run under eight feet of water for a full five hours and a half. A full accoimt of the Wet. more's stem tussle with the At­ lantic's wildest fury was ob­ tained by Seafarer Jerry Palmer in a letter from Trafton Hutchins who was the Wetmore's Chief Mate. Palmer turned the infor­ mation over to the LOG. -r-.-:' ..1^ - SOUND ALARM The alarm was sovmded im­ mediately and the Captain or•^efed the ship turned about. AU hands stood by while the raging seas were searched, but there was no sign of Wood and gath­ ering darkness finaUy made fur­ ther, search fruitless. Hurricanes • are storms that form along what is called the "inter-tropical" or "equatorial fronti" the low pressure through which divides the air of the southern hemisphere from that of the northern. In the Atlantic they are believed to form fre­ quently in the vicinity of the Cape Verde Islands. Once such a stoim is formed Speaking for the Seafarers aboard the Bull Line's SS Francis, Ship's Delegate George Clark said "all hands enjoyed a very good trip." A good crew, he added, makes for a good voyage. He submitted these photos of some of the happy hands aboard. Making up musical quintet in top photo are (left to right): Juan Villafante. Francisco Agos- formed. While driving along the Lake­ side Highway, his automobile went out of control and plung­ ed over the bank into the, water. Three companions riding with him made their escape from the car and swam ashore, after an attempted rescue of Terry prov­ ed futile. LIVED IN NORFOLK Terry, who sailed in the deck department on SIU ships, is sur­ vived by his wife, Mrs. Lucille Terry and a daughter, Mary Ann, 19 months old. He made his home in Norfolk. A member of the Seafarers since 1944, he was in good stand­ ing at the time of his death. Death benefits will be paid. Steward Cooks Up Sound Reason For 2-Tone Sausages ROUGH SEAS Heavy seas washed completely over the war-built Liberty, carry­ ing away the booby hatch cover r and aU the fantaU ventilators. "When the storm began to sub­ side, the Mate and a six-man deck detail went aft and spent two hours watching through the engine room and shaft alley to make sure that no more se^ •were climbing over the fantail before they ventured out to on the deck to start covering the booby hatch with a mattress and canvas, after first rigging life­ lines. After they went outside, the Mate sent tliree men back for more canvass. It was then that disaster struck, and it was the Mate's own impatience that saved him from personal tragedy. Anxious to get the new can­ vas, he went inside himself to urge the men he had sent back to hurry up. Just as he stepped in­ side a tremendous sea swept across the fantail carrying Bro­ ther Wood with it. The other two still on the iantafi. Bosun ^Ea-Tyrell and John Zigray, AB, managed to cling to the rail until the sea subsided. Dallas Terry Dies In Auto. Mishap In Va. to, J. R. Ayala, G. Garcia and Juan Colon— all of the Stewards Department. Deck men in photo above are (kneeling, left to right): George Clark, DM; D. de Jesus, AB, and Julio Evans, Bosun; (standing, left to right): Fabian Cruz, OS; B. Bonafont; Daniel Butts, AB. and Alfonso Rivera, DM. At the rail in photo right is Lou Tabarrini, Black Gang Delegate. Hitting Port Said? Avoid Fantasio Cafe Seafarer Anthony M. Atkie'^icz has a little good advice for SIU men hitting * -i*.' »•' •' •' i Port Said: Stay away from the Fantasio Bar and keep clear of the Isthmian agent's Egyptian doctor. • However, avoid the first pit­ took him out to a carriage to fall, and you stand a pretty fair head for the ship. But the chance of missing the second driver had other ideas and drove completely, if Atkiewicz' experi­ off in another direction. Eventu­ ally the carriage was stopped by ence is any criterion. Atkiewicz went ashore from the police because Atkiewicz' the SS Harry L. Glucksman, an shipmates were trying to make Isthmian scow that had been the driver take him to Pier 20 kicking around the Persian Gulf where the Glucksnian was tied . and the Indian coast for a-few- up. The police sent Atkiewicz idght months. The trip hadn't been to a hospital. He was in bed 11 too pleasant a one, he says, and days from the poisoned drink. when shore leave came up at When he was released by the Port Said, the boys were ready hospital he caught the SS Steel for a little fun. Flyer, another Isthmian, and Atkiewicz, who was sailing eventually made his own ship on Oiler, and a couple of shipmates this side in plenty of time for made the Fantasio Bar where the payoff. However, he had to they sat at a table for a drink. get up the jack for his own hos­ Then Atkiewicz went up to the pital bill. bar. Where the agent's favorite doc­ He fell into conversation with tor made his entry was in the a two limeys, a Chief Mate and case of Atkiewicz' two ship­ a Chief Engineer. The^ British­ mates. ers bought him a drink and that First the Port Said cops tried was what "made the trouble, for to hold them because of the the drink turned out later to argument they, had with the have been methyl alcohol. Arab hackie, but the American Atkiewicz became sick im­ Consul stopped that. However, the G1 u c k a m a n mediately, and his two shipmates pulled out before they could be released and the cops brought a charge of illegal entry against them. The Isthmian agent had the answer for that one—or thought he did. He got hold of the Egyp­ tian doctor whom Atkiewicz be­ lieves is kept on call for just such situations. The doctor went to the police station to tell the two Seafarers that he could get them out of the pokey and into a hospital if he would let him say they both had VD which neither one had. The hospital was a lot nicer than the bull pen, so the boys let the doctor try his trick. There were two things wrong, however. In the first place, the trick didn't work. In the second place, when the two men Irit the states after joining Atkiewicz on the Steel Flyer, they discovered to their dismay that they owed the phony doctor 40 dollars apiece thrpugh Isthmian's Port Said agent. This was 80- bucks for just nothing, they. said, em­ phatically. '' 'i' iks A couple of discolored saus­ ages touched off a minor beef at a recent crew meeting aboard the SS Del Sud but a somewhat scientific explanation by the Chief Steward brought a satis-, factory conclusion. The suspicious-looking mem­ bers of the bologna family made their appearance at a night lunch, the minutes reveal, and crewmembers present dfecided something smelled on the Del Sud. "There tainted," they said, and forthwith brought the matter up at the shipboard session. STILL BOLOGNA Chief Steward Gerdes refused to be ruffled. "T'aint so," he de­ clared. Reason for all the ruckus, ac­ cording to Brother Gerdes' ex? planation, was very simple. The discoloration noted in the sausages, he said, was caused by "the garlic seasoning contained therein." When the sausages are exposed to the atmosphere there's a chemical reaction, which results in a change of coloi', he added. But the discoloration notwith­ standing it's still bologna. All hands left the meeting feeling much better. �Fridair, Ma^ 21. 1948 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine' Digested Minutes Of Sill Ship Meetings MORNING LIGHT. Feb. 9— HAWSER EYE. Feb. 22— Chairman Ralph T. Whitley: Chairman Blackie Marshall: Sec­ Secretary Charles Goldsmith. retary Sylvester Barnes. Few Voted for extra fans, new mat­ disputed hours reported. Ice tresses and new pillows. Stew­ boxes to be repaired and that ards Department praised for do­ new 'supply of meat to be pro­ ing fine job, everybody being cured. Voted several measures happy with the feeding. Minute designed to keep ship cleaner. of silence for Brothers lost at sea. Minute of silence for departed Brothers lost at sea. i. 4 4" ROBIN GOODFELLOW. Feb. % % % 1 — Chairman Marvin Lotto: BUCYRUS VICTORY. Jan. 12 Secretary Martin McCranie. Mo­ —Chairman Matthew Bruno: tion by Salter, seconded by De Secretary John J. Schaller. No Rocco, carried that Master be beefs on overtime. Subject of notified of shortage of stores and Ordinaries' conduct referred to [HE SEAFARERS UXSby Grantham. seconded by that new stores be obtained in Good and Welfare. Question was IS PUBLISHED-ID Young and carried that Steward Durban, the Steward to check asked, who tore down the list of "PUBLICIZE UM/ON supervise all cooking and bak­ them carefully when they come fines. It was explained that fines MEWS AND TO PROVIDE ing personally or be brought up aboard. Discussion of need for were imposed to make sure that A FORUM WHERE THE. chip was kept clean in SIU style. on charges. Cook and Baker put greater cooperation in Stewards MEMBERSHIP CAN PRESGMJ JO EACH OTHER OPINIONS , BEEFS, SUSSESTIONS, ARTICLES, Matter of Ordinaries straightened on probation for .balance of trip. Department to keep quarters (•SERIOUS AND HUMORO(jS> AND — VES, POETfif/. but. Minute of silence for de­ Passed motion that men missing clean. Minute of silence for Bro­ meetings be fined. Permits to thers lost at sea. parted Brothers. be given Union literature. Voted \lo\iR BROTHERS ARE INTERESTED IM WHAT VOU 4 4 4 t 4that all ships going to the Far ARE THINKING AND DaN©, so LET'S HEAR YARMOUTH. Mar. 21—Chair­ ARICKAREE. Feb. 15—Chair­ East be especially checked for FROM you. man Hanson: Secretary H. N. man Thomas Fleming; Secretary Smith. Special meeting called Floyd Bonnell. Voted that men stores. CANO X)0AJ'T FORGET TO SEND THOSE ^ * by Engine Delegate Murphy to coming off watch keep messhall JAMES W. CANNON. Feb. 3— find whether Murphy's efforts as ^ SHIPS'MlNUTHS!3> clean. Man failing to report for Chairman Lolloway: Secretary J. Delegate met crew's satisfaction. watch pay out of pocket or face charges, such men to be fined Lowrie. Few hours of overtime Unanimous vote of confidence in three dollars plus overtime. Gave that galley range did not work Murphy. vote of thanks to Stewards de- disputed. Chief Cook complained pai'tment. Decided on donation properly and that the Chief En­ for men in Brighton: Hospital. gineer was interfering with it anyway. Ship's Delegate Kline By HANK finally settled beef. Bookmen You still have a chance, today and tomorrow, to see the are setting fine example for per­ New York National Marine Exposition, displaying maritime prod­ 'A mit men. Stewards getting as •i ucts and steamship lines, from bilge cleaners to radar sets, at the many fresh vegetables as pos­ 4 4 4 SETON HALL VICTORY. Feb. Grand Central Palace, Lexington Avenue, 46th Street. Today— sible. — Chairman Joseph Faircloth: from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tomorrow, the last day—^from 11 a.m. to 4 4 4 GEORGE CHAFFEY. Feb. 8— Secretary James Lawlor. No dis­ 6 p.m. ...Hugo Rogers, representing Mayor O'Dwyer, after opening Chairman J. D. Allen: Secretary puted overtime at all. Vote of the Book Drive of the American Merchant Marine Library Asso-. ALCOA PEGASUS. Mar. 13— L. Paradeu. Discussion of log­ thanks to delegates for good job ciation (which supplies free libraries of books and magazines Chairman P. Morris; Secretary ging of man, report that log may done on voyage. Voted to have from many American ports to our ships) characterized the life of •4 W. Hope. Both elected by ac­ be dropped. Voted investigation milk twice a day until it is gone. the American seaman as "tough, tedious and lonely." What the clamation. No beefs of any kind of stores, medical stores and slop- Quiet asked so that men on 12- people weren't told and don't know is the big unemployment in the departments. Discussion chest. Voted that men from to-4 watch can sleep. Minute of hitting the sailors right now—due to ships being laid up, etc.— on use of P. O. mess as recreation Stewards Department check any silence for departed Brothers. and that the shipowners will be trying to bust the maritime room, three men assigned to new stores brought aboard. Min­ unions this year with the Taft-Hartley Law. daily sanitary duty to take turns ute of silence for Brothers lost ALLEGHENY^VICTORY. Feb. s 4 4 of one week each keeping it and at sea. 14 — Chairman F. F. Smith: .ti Although the ERP says 50 per cent of ERP cargoes for laundry shipshape. Minute of Secretary A. Jones. Deck Dele­ foreign nations must be carried in American ship, a new silence for Brothers lost at sea. gate B. Schesnol reported that agency was created to protect this law—due to some nations ^ % X matter of Mate's working on demanding that their ERP cargoes should be carried in their EDITH. Jan. 19 — Chairman deck referred to ^Baltimore ships. Granville Conway, former War Shipping official, created Williams: Secretary Rizzi. Ship's Patrolman. Engine Delegate the agency which every 30 days will have customs officials Delegate Williams said new fan Smith and Stewards Delegate handing in the Marshall Plan tonnage leaving American ports. received, and Skipper would al­ Jones reported no beefs, and If 50 per cent is not being allowed American ships then ton­ low men to paint own foc'sles Stewards Delegate added that nage for foreign ships will be reduced until there's a balance! provided good job was done. missing items had been put Deck Delegate reported deck aboard. Smith elected Ship's 4 4 4 head out of order, no overtime Delegate unanimously. Discus­ Bi'other Eddie Mooney, the smiling waiter, will be indulging 4 4 4 beefs. Engine and Stewards MONARCH OF THE SEAS. sion of shifting Junior Engi­ into his 19th trip aboard his home, smooth, home, the SS Cavalier. Delegates had ho beefs. All de­ Mar. 16 — Chairman A. Smith: neer's room, and of repairs. Re­ Eddie asked if Norman "Ozzie" Okray was in town. And sure partments reported men getting Recording Secretary H. E. Vial. solved not to sign on for new enough he was—after a four-month Isthmian voyage... Bosun off. Discussion of Mate who had No overtime disputed. Members voyage until repairs completed. Tom Rogers is in town—waiting for another voyage—since his habit of working on deck. Ship's urged to pay attention to new Minute of silence for Brothers recent one... "Little Frenchy" Joe Marcoux sailed in. He's still Delegate to straighten it out if resolutions. Steward to see that lost at sea. on his coastwise trips... "Tex" Morton, he with the rose and the possible, report situation to there is plenty of coffee at all coins in his ears, is becoming a Chilean tourist. He's stowing Patrolman if necessary. times. Electrician said Steward regular on those Ore ships to Chile, etc. Right now, Brothers, the should make fresh coffee for each SIU has negotiated the best agreements in many years for those meal. Screen doors to be closed Calmar ships and the Oi-e ships! in port, men leaving them open 4 4 4 4 4 4 to be penalized. Trip cards to MARORE. Mar. 8 — Chairman Brother George Whale, the Steward, is still in town,, be checked carefully for time L. King; Recording Secretary E. wrapped as usual in cigar smoke...Here are some oldtimers limits. Minute of silence for L. Ericksen. Special meeting, i i who may be still in town: O. Guerra. Steward Michael Miller. called to order by temporary CORNELIA. Feb. 8 — Chair­ Brothers lost at sea. Steward Jack McCranie of the Gulf. F. T. Turner. E. Hawks. man Paul Spinney: Secretary J. chairman Rhod^arger to con­ 4 4 4 E. Rubio. O. ^aldaneu M. Gordils. John De Abreu. R. Garcia. ROBIN HOOD. Feb. IS^Chair- sider question of Steward taking Relive. Accepted Spinney's re­ Joseph Hilton. A. Weir. J. Hassin. J. Segobia, Bosun Sal Volpi. port as Ship's Delegate. Deck man John Vrowley: Secretary E. coffee to Master at 7 a.m. with­ A. Miranda. Paul Belows. B. Ledo. F. Piniero. C. Flessau. E. Department's overtime beef con­ F. Allen. No overtime in dis­ out claiming overtime. Secretary Benson. C E.. Brady. George Fensom. M. Richelson, M. George. cerning painting to be referred pute. Voted that all repaus read the Stewards Department C. R. Hart. R. Humphrey, E, Greaux. J. Escalante. Bosun Leo Motion by to Patrolman, as is problem of must be completed before sign- working rules. Rice. R. Bonich. Fred BelL D. Bragg. T. Baracliff, J. O'Neill. ship's stores, gear and slopchest. on. Extended discussion of poor Rhodabarger, seconded by ManA. Amelia, W. McKay. W. Hartman. E. Nordstrom. P. Williams. Committee to investigate food menus, shortage of milk and gon. to bring Steward up on 4 4 4 problem. Library to be brought vegetables. charges passed without opposi­ The following brothers will be receiving the LOG weekly: tion. Minutes endorsed by six aboard. 4 4 4 Walter Girvin, of Florida; Louis Neira, of Alabama; W. Roberts, BLUE ISLAND VICTORY, BEAVER VICTORY. Feb. 27— bookmen. of Maryland; David Umphlett, of Maryland; Melvin Condino, of Feb 3=Chairman Cy Kean; Sec­ Chairman J. Ralph? Secretary S. 4 4 4 retary Bob Parks. Deck Delegate Schuyler. Voted to have store EVANGELINE. Jan. 13— Tennessee; Ronald Goakes, of California; John Napoli, of New reported that Master would put room inspected and fumigated Chairman Calzia: Chairman Vil- York; Lucien Elie, of Maine; James Baker, of North Carolina; out a draw, meeting being in before next trip. Suggestion lanueva. Voted improvements James Fleming, of Alabama; Robert Broom, of Alabama; |Cen made that life jackets should be Shanghai. Motion by Grantham, in menu. No passengers to be Weekes, of New York; James Moore, of South Carolina; Paul seconded by Mullins. and car­ cleaned and tested before de­ allowed in galley at night. Voted Suhr, of Pennsylvania; E. Monahan, of Massachusetts; John Poloried, that report go to Headquar­ parture of next voyage. Voted that delegates should have copies wczuk, of Pennsylvania; Robert Dera, of New Jersey; Harold ters about guns being on the ship to have Delegates contact Patrol­ of agreement. Any man Using Larsen, of Pennsylvania; Anthony Ambrosia, of Michigan; Roy and being pulled on crew mem­ man immediately on arrival in profanity in front of passengers Schwendeman, of Ohio; Herbert Frost, of Missouri; James McCasbers by officers. Discussion of Boston to settle beefs. Minute to be put off ship. Voted cleaning land, of Mississippi; Andrew Junkins, of Alabama; Don Renfro, of fact that Steward runs out of of silence for Brothers lost at and repair list. Discussion of California; Ronal4 Henrickson, of New York; Joseph Aimee, of New York, and Victor Jordan, of Peimsylvania. West Coast rules. food during meal hours. Motion sea. gYFASTAMIL.. Ui CUT and RUN �Page Ten f mi $ i i P AAilk k LOG flMat. MkT 21' 1^4^ VBE MEMBERSmP SPEAKS SS Pegasus Ends Trip With Clean Record; Skipper Lauds Crew As 'Good Union Men' Td the Editor: Being an avid reader of the LOG, I have noticed many ar­ ticles depicting the action taken against the crewmembers who perform and the phony captains and officers. While I wholeheartedly believe in this policy, which, by weeding out the performers and freeload­ ers, is the only way we can pro­ tect and demand respect for ou^ organization, I believe that we all too' seldom hear about the miany trips that are made by fine crews and officers with no beefs bi> disputes. If there are any beefs, on those trips, they are settled in a sensible way. CREW'S REQUEST At the request of the crew I write this in the hope that you may find spate for it in the near ffiture, as all hands agree this Considerable credit for making the Alcoa Pegasus' jour­ ship is a home. ney an outstanding one goes to these men of the Stewards Deparlment. In front row are (left to right): F. E. Sturkey, We have just finished a rum and coke on the SS Alcoa Pega- Steward; J. T. Spivey. Ch. Cttok; T. Anglos, Night Cook and stts of which Captain E. A. Baker; J. Carrol, 2hd Cook. Hear row (lef! 16 right): D. Chafin. Messman; H. Giimore, Messman: W. Walker, Messman; P. H. WUcke -is master, Eugene Peoples, G. Utffity; L. M. Melvlii. KfoMmah; F. JOnes. Utility, atio, Chief Mate; John R. Keai> ifey, Chief Engineer, and Floyd and E. Green, Utility, K Starkey, Steward, We believe aboard ship were done at once these men should have honorable QJJJ. wishes to Brother mention as they are all dam jjj j^gw business and forth- and all were pleasant shipmates. good Joes, who went out of their I gQjjjing marriage. In was a On the last day of the voy­ way to keep everyone happy and pleasure to work under his cap- age, the captain called the crew, contented. able and imderstanding supervi­ officers and passengers together As Deck Delegate, I fomd it a sion and 4 can truthfully say he on the boat deck and praised the pleasure to work with the chief is a good NUnion man and ship­ crew for conducting themselves mate, who was always willing mate. as good seamen and said that to be shown and abide by the To our Stewards Department they were all good Union men. section of the agreement pertain­ goes a good deal of the credit He said further that this was ing to the particular problem at for making this such a good trip. They were always on the ball.. his first trip in many years as hand. At the conclusion of the trip, And they outdid'themselves put­ master that he could, upon ter­ all overtime in aU departments ting tasty dishes before us. Never mination of the voyage, turn in was a Stewards Department his log book to the shipping com­ was approved and paid.' cleaner or more willing to co­ missioner, without a single log or GOOD BOSUN operate with the rest of the even a reprimand of any crew1 have heard, oh several occa- crew than this one. member aboard. siuns, the deck crew compliment CREW PRAISED ova Bosun, Charles O. Lee, of Incidentally, all but a few of ^mpa, Fla. Also the captain, The Engine Department had no the crew are still aboard at the mate, and Port Captain Devine difficulties below. In fact, things start of this, our second voyage, t^on arrival in the port of Mo­ ran so smoothly that you hardly knew they were aboard. Any re- and should a job appear on the bile. . ITie crew asked me to express ' pairs that could be effected board. Brothers, grab it and stake yourselves out a claim to a homestead. It's a damn, good i ship—or should I say yacht? WiUiam J. Hope Deck Delegate /N FRIENDLY, CONTEST^ Seafarer Roscoe Heath (left) waits his turn while shipmate Willie York heaves a qUoit on deck of the SS San Angelo during recent trip in Persian Gulf. No score was submitted with photo but from recreational standpoint, at least both lads apparently were satisfied. Oldster Bids New Members Guard Hard-Won SIU Gains To the Editor: Only a few years ago the seame'h won their emancipation from shipping crimps and ship­ ping board officers; the unions arose as the ahswer to the prob­ lems oi seamett. They have proved themselves the most valu­ able possesion of every man who sails the seas. Oldtimers who' took part in the struggles for a modern ship­ ping system ' know this from practical experience. New, mem­ bers who have come into the in­ dustry since the rise of the SIU are fortunate. "They found the Union built and at their service; conditions and w^e scales estab­ lished. They escaped the hard­ ships of the formative years. But these conditions must be held and the job must rest squarely upon the shoulders of the newcomers; oldtimers can't last forever; Contracts must btet improved as. time goes on. Conditions must not slip back to the standards of pre-Union days." All those who weaken the imioh in any way are unknowingly helping to tear down c'onditiohis and are paving the way for the return of the open shop and crimp shipping. Performers aboard ship are do- , ing their part to the same end. Non-payment, of dues weakens the imioh's power. Even non-. al'tendahce at union meetings and; lack of interest in the issues fac-' irijg the industry, as voiced' thfOligh the Union, has the effect' of breaking down the unity and ' fighting strength of the Union. Unionism" means vigilance and: responsibility along with the ability to cope with situations as they arise. The men at sea de­ pend upon their officials ashore ' to keep their union on a straight ' course and a true American pat-' tern, In a sense, the setting up of . the union and wringing contracts by direct action from John Shipowner was the easiest part. The ; job today" calls for labor statesmanship and a high degree of, tact. The SIU has grown lip, and " it is with pleasure that I note . the fact'that it is handled in an increasingly efficient manner without losing sight of the fact that it was foimded to achieve decent standards in the industry. The members have every reason to be proud of the SIU,' Bert Smith •.' •I These are the Union-wise members of the Pegasus Deck Department. In lop row are (left to right): Brothers Oberlin, Rayford, Morgan, Addison and Stokes. From left to right ih bottom row ace: Brothers Ward, Lee, Morris, Reeves, and Ash. Bill Hope, Deck Delegate, Wai oh the wheel when photo was takem Aboard practically every 3IU ship there's a Seafarer with a camera. They lake some pretty good pictures,too. The photos—and stories —ought to be sent to the LOG for publication. ' How about it. brothers. And send along identification—nanies make- news, yoti know. Well return pictures^ if you wish* The addess is SEAFARERS LOG, 5L Beaver St., New York 4. N. Y. Maybe you dsn do it right 'now, eh?' BROlTIEIt REQUESTS ON HOW to RETIRE BOOK I J TO the Editor: J What is the SIU procedure for retiring a full book? Please give ^ the complete details as to dUes payments and assessments. ''-iL. B. Maready ANSWtiR: To retire a book dues must be paid up through the current month as well as all Jback assessments and fines, if . any. A man also must be strike-clear for ! the 1948 General . ' ' Strike and the 1947 Isthmian Strike. If these rules are met a retirement card will be issued, which is to be held by the brother-until he decides to reactivate his book. "To reactivate a book retired less than six months, all back . dues and assessments through the current month must be paid; for books :^etired mbre than six .months, only the current month's dues- and back assessments must be paid. Retirement ' cim be handled in person at any SIU Hall or through the ma(| to Records Department, 6th i'lbor, SIU Headquarters, 51 Beavef StxTOt, New York 4,-N,,Y.,j: �Friday. May 21. 1848 THE SEAFARERS L O Q Full Blown Sound-Wired Electrician Sparks Big Power Drive Page Eleven Midway Hills Crew Insists All Hands Work Together To the Editor: was then asked by a spokesmarf for the crew: "Will you continue to do your work and cooperate with us fully as a Union member should?" He stood silently at such length that he had to be coaxed into an answer, finally saying that he wanted to be taken out of the galley and would do any other kind of work the Steward had for him. He was told this could not be done while at sea. . Again he was asked if hewould do his work without fur-' ther trouble. He insisted that he . wanted a Patrolman's decision befoi'e committing himself. To Ihe Editor: This is an account of a meet= In regards to the last several issues of the LOG, I am writing ing held in the four—to-eight this letter on behalf of several Electricians, one being myself. foc'sle of Abe Midway Hills Several of the brothers ask for a few paltry conditions, which I on March 28. believe we most decidedly deserve. On that date, between the When on the beach I propose that Electricians get a better meal hours of 7:30 and 8:30 A. break from the Union Hall. By that I mean that we shall have M. a crewmember returned by our own entrance to the Hall and that uniformed attendants be messboy a plate of scrambled there to greet us. Too, we should bave our own shipping hall, eggs to the galley with the in­ and to eliminate congestion, I suggest that the Secretary-Treasurer structions, "that these eggs are move into the basement or out on the roof. unfit for human consumption" We should be provided with free cigarettes and beer. When and that he would like to have * dispatched to a job we should others in place of them. be furnished with a free cab to The Second Cook and Baker, our homes and then to the ship. lliiiiiiili,, a permitman, on duty at the After all, we are big shots and time, declared that he'd be chould be treated as such. We damned if he "would fry any olso should have ten days in Some time or another most more eggs for the crewmember." L. C. Knowles. Chairman . which to make up our minds as guys take a crack at culti­ The Deck Delegate who was Frank W. Ardnt, Sec. , , to whether we stay on the ship vating their stubble just to sitting at the table at the time, or not. see how they look—and Bill went into the galley and in­ • A sore spot at the meetings Todd (above) was no excep­ structed the cook that it was 5s that we don't recognize the tion. Now that he knows it his duty to fry some eggs that Electricians enough, so I recom­ could be done. Bill no longer could be eaten. mend that we have one minute gardens in that area of dense of silence for Electricians on the LIVELY DEBATE vegetation. If you want to see and a vote of thanks for the gallant job we are doing. The minutes of a meeting held ' how Bill looks deforested, turn The Cook replied that he was aboard an SIU ship recently con- •> KICK IN. BOYS to the feature "Here's What I not there to cater to any indi­ I also recommend that there shall be a $50 assessment (ex­ tained a request which we would •• Think." vidual. In the heat of the de­ like to see granted. However, we cluding Electricians, of course), so when we, the highest paid bate that ensued, the Deck Dele­ must rely upon the membership's men of the unlicensed personnel, are on the beach, we can draw gate told this Second Cook that response to do so. a stipend of $100 a week. This is necessary so we can live in if he refused to do his work the style to which we are accustomed. The crew, under Good andr cooperatively he was poor Union Welfare, suggested that the SEA- .> The Electricians should be able to look over the new crewmaterial and that it was un­ FARERS LOG devote two pages members coming aboard a ship to see" if they are acceptable to likely he would sail if he per­ in the LOG to cheerful news,' , him and if not, he shall have the power to send the rejected men sisted in that attitude. back to the Hall. praise of men and crews and in­ To which the Second Cook teresting experiences instead o£ Incidentally, I would like right now to stop the rumor that replied: "That's okay with me moans, groans and beefs. the Chief Electricians have given the world 24 hours to get out. To the Editor: if I never sail again." Another sore spot is that the calling of nicknames shall be Well, we still want to hear Just a few lines from a SIU limited. Henceforth the Electricians shall be called Mister or Sir, In this meeting in the foc'sle, from Seafarers who have beefs definitely not "Sparks," "Juice," "Kilowatt," "Volts" or "Hot brother flat on his back. I've which was comprised of all book —they serve a good purpose— been here, in the Savannah Ma­ members, it was pointed out Amps." rine Hospital for two weeks but that they were not to deal with Speaking of names, the Union should urge or strike if necesI haven't had a chance to write personalties but rather to find saryi to name ships after electricity, electrical terms find Electri­ until now. cians. For instance, for the Seatrain Lines, we could call them out if this man was good Union is-.! Hats off to the United Finan­ material and he was soon due the Seatrain Cutler-Hammer, Seatrain General Electric -and Seacial Employes for the fight they for a probationary book. train Westinghouse. put up to get what is rightfully "STEEL SAD SACK" At no time had we found theirs. They deserve praise and Then the Isthmian Steel ships will become the SS Chief anything wrong with his cook­ Electrician Jones, The SS Chief Electrician Smith, etc., until we congratulations for their stand. ing' or baking. He did, however, name all the Chief Electricians. Then Bull Line can keep their have several outbursts of temp­ but as the crew mentioned.' GOOD NEWS ships named after girls, but they will become SS Chief Electrician erament, which on one occasion cheerful news is just as inter­ I was glad to read in the LOG Jones' Girl Friend Margie, and so on. We'll give and take a little had netted a severe reprimand esting and we'd like to print' that all four amendments were on Bull Line ships. from the master of the vessel. more of it. I believe all Chief Electricians' books shall be engraved in okayed by the Brothers. That's where you come in. I am being transferred to CAN'T HURT UNION solid gold, but, of course, the paying of dues by Electricians is Something unusual is always, Baltimore sometime next week to useless—there' are so few of us. This permitman was then in­ happening to seamen and crews ^ The new contract shall read; "The Chief Engineer shall be have the sawbones pick around structed that refusal to work wherever they drop the anchor.' responsible to the Electrican, inside my head. was not considered the coopera­ That incident ashore in the last I would welcome any of my Wipers shall wash their clothing, tive spirit and that such an at­ port gave the whole gang a and the Captain wiU be allowed buddies that hit the shore in titude was a detriment to the laugh. It'll probably meter a to sit next to the Electrician in Baltimore. Be seeing you again Union. He was also told that guffaw or two in the LOG. ' soon, I hope. the saloon. Union members would not toler­ In the words of the big ad-.^ William Kumke "By written request from ate bickerings inside so as to vertising outfits: Don't hide your the Purser, signed by five offi­ (Ed. Note: All hands join in upset all the good done on ships light under a l^sket. cers, crewmembers may visit the wishing Brother Kumke a for other members. Just give us the details, pic-1 Electrician in his room. All ships speedy return to shipping. He was also given to under­ tures, too, if possible .and we'll ' will carry five Assistant Electri­ Meanwhile, those of his friends stand that since he was a trip- do the rest. The address is: SEA­ cians so as to eliminate any who are in Baltimore might card man that a continued ag-.^ FARERS LOG, 51 Beaver SL> physical exertion by the Chief. pay him a visit in the Balti­ gressive attitude would necessi­ New York 4, N.Y. Of course, we will see to it more Marine Hospital.) tate the pulling of his card. He that our assistants work from • bell to bell and never collect overtime as that would put the company out of business. I be­ lieve the electricians should" have several rooms on the ship so as to eliminate further congestion. Naturally, we will switch with SS GEORGE CHAFFEY the Captain. Room service too should be provided—after all, look , .iT7 TRIESTE. ITALY who vwe,are. The Electricians should eat in the saloon and if they eat elsewhere they should be brought up on charges as bad Union But did you know that on the seas. "Just an old beat-up Liberty." men. Radios should be furnished by the Union to all Electricians Most all we saw were Libertys. —You've heard that phrase before— for their personal use. Slowly steams across the sea '.'•rn SALUTE. PLEASE To distant ports of an alien shore. To keep the Electricians in line they should be fined for not Rust, scale, corrosion, war scars— wearing their uniforms. Confidentially, I always wear one—seven A proper port list well-intentioned. stripes too—and if you go on 42nd Street, you can get all the Manned by seamen, good tars medals you want for a few bucks, look real nice. And first-trippers (they may be mentioned). By the way. Editor, how about doing us a favor and change The soothing throb of the "up and down." the flag of the LOG to the "Electricians Journal," instead of the That only a sailor man understands, old SEAFARERS LOG? They turned them out in record time. A piston slap will bring a frown"Alec Trission" • We needed them in 'forty-three. Not just to the Chief, but to all hands. ' (Name withheld by request) From artic zone to tropic clime. A Liberty ship is a famous one. (Ed. Note: The pseudonym "Alee Trission" is that of a Before the sureness of Victory. She 'played her part in the war. well-known Seafarer, who is a member in good standing of I've done my best in poetic story. Her cargoes moved -from sun to sun. the SIU and has sailed as Chief Electrician for many years, Written on a far-ofi shore. Peacetime finds her job not o'er.. • H& says his letter was inspired by Hie attitude of the memThe Liberty ship won't hog the glory. Sure the Victerys^ Tankers and the C's . bership to whsi- he calls some of the "ridiculous" requests made Too many rest on the ocean floor. AccompUihed'Work to aedaimed, :> ; by EUk^trididis; in the^ i /•. * . Got A Story? Send It In! Kuntke Shifts To Baltimore For Repairs i; Log-A-Rhythms By Cy Magnan A SHIP TO SAIL J J, ' �Page Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG 'Right To Work' Backer Phony, Member Shows ' To the Editor: Lately I've been following Friday, May 21. 1948 HARDWORKING BUNCH ON ISTHMIAN'S �MARINE ARROW why he· s kn ocking himself out . . . this Job, it goes. back to the t i me several years ago that the radio artists union levied a $1 I in a · i II assessment, little matter in the nc•\vispapers which I be lie v e \Vill interest al While the Marine Arrow was Shanghsi recently, Sea­ farer R a y m o n d o S p a r k s which he refused to in In c a se vou 'vc been pay. sea and a w<:y fru1n th(' ' The Union had him tossed off newspapers, here is \\'hRt ha� brothers. out to on. been going rest of the membership. You Seafarers who have been worrying to bat som.eone about for Labor can let to took his go down your him furrowed brow relax. The man yo u work." He's busy ing at the "right daily, line the to hit the DeMille and court courts Only road. to have a new law. Congressman plead­ song Hartley, and Hartley against <my h e? none other than Whv ' fabricator of cowboy and union way entering always to the fri end a prevent All wants shop be take n who in pickets scab a struck plant. stiff. against unions . concerned isn't I · to do with the right to work. 'FOR FINKS ONLY Wh'b then does he want to be guaranteed the , P_ .n • . I ' right to Ah, that's the joker. : To the Editor: In meeting with the Wate.rman Steamship Company on our fro m ' < · DeMille I · r . · I · Joe "Fin­ guys next agreement why not try to statemen t that a fr i "' nd get the Bosun and the Deck En. the work 111g st 1 ff h ad come gineer placed in foc'sles of their 0f along, I really meant that he is own. Here is supposed to be a moda friend of the scab working by the DeMille. , Frank, Bosun Needs Olive Oil To Get In Bunk, Asks More Space ern ·with work? He me1·ely I . . I _I . � not heard of any workmg stiffs . rallymg I . · _ . to his ca use. Mayb e �e are just lazy and don't want t e r i ght to work. Bill Carrington wants the right to work guaranI News Of Old _ . ks and sea b s wh en teed :to tm a Sh. 1ps Please plant-or ship for that matterI To the Editor: is bei ng struck. . · i Shipmates, B rother C-2, Waterman SS Azalea City, of living version, with the two men between the in one foc'sle. There is 30 inches, meth , and a decided that a neat, the fact that strikes are called . of puttmg the k mfe to . only after the majority of the . orgamze� lab�r is to ?ass a union members agree in secret law ai anteemg the " i. ight to � ballot. He doesn't care if these work.' . d , people leave their jobs to better It sounds fme, but he oesn t I t1ieir · lives · and t l1c 1'l\, es o f ti1en . . . , to b e I mean that C\·. eiy man is wives and kids. He wants to prov ided with a job when work\ r te c t that slim y m monty eage r gets scarce. No, he s not m fato make a fast buck at the ex. vor of that Somebodv asked him pense of others. . what happened to workers when We call them ftnks, bul De. their employer decided to move . M ille wants to glonfy tht:m as : ·. his plant to another part of the I' ex. . . erc1smg th Ir guarante ed Country What then happens 1.o "nght to work.' their igh t to work? To the It's a funny thmg but . 1 h av(· . . n1ovie n1ogul this had nothing o_d Mate) gang be­ Left to r ight Bill, Pas­ quales, Johnnie, Buzz and Art. joy Company. Sorry to disappoint you I All joking aside, this charact· and , has the boys are: More of the deck l ow that now is that the union and out.lawed action mania left, Johnnie, gers." last MAN dance and millionaire our a (2nd There he has been going into his h as told his committee in congress. of er At Franco, He knc,w right LOVE THAT B. away picked him out of the gutter Who <incl put him on display before w ork. WANT THE. RIG�T Cecil gang friend to union-busters in need, TOWOR't(..? that injun movies, deck where to go to see about it too. AN'(SO'DY IN -n-n:RE js tures. all if his case is against the law. let's ing with them to guarantee Joe Worker the right to the to his suit out of cc,urt. Now his tactics are buttonhol­ work congressmen case the from their tasks for these pic­ week th e Supreme Court threv,, has finally come along. This "champion of the \\'Orking sti ff" is putting up a valiant battle to ,guarantee coaxed the air until he paid up like the HAS LOWER The writer I neer. 1 ' has the I rear , I I space bunks and the lockers. end hits · who is Deck Engi· lower bunk. the lockers I'm getting out of bed. 1magme · the · Bosun My whe n You can makmg -a · conto1 t10rnst out of h'1mself t ry. · · mg to get out · of · the upper, b unk . Now l1ere " s the po111t. The ship's hospital ;s aft. It should . . be m1dsh1ps w.iere a sick man · . GoodFeedingShipAHapp�yOne, Stelvard Says And Proves Point could be properly attended to. rn l , W 1y don t we h ave vv aterman To the Editor· sue Brother , • move the hospital midships on these vessels where a very large room is now utilized as a linen locker. Then t hree they clay is hospital move could men now, back and where move Enclosed Charles Wa r field , Alcoa, and also the a copy of our menu for the Sunda:v. the Bosun into the daymen's foc'sle. j you will find minutes· of a meeting held aboard the SS '\Ve Easter dinner. · eating on the Mandan Victory that makes us wish holidays came every day . ) Up From The Depths are in Bordeaux and h a ing a very pleasant trip. v >wder gave us an account of the Fourth of July are We NEED OILING He sees a chance for legalized I am writing in request of the will arrive back in Mobile about strike-breaking by urging a fed- LOG. I a m a memlrer in good They could also foc'sle one of I ave 'law allowing nion. the s c a b s the ·standing with eral U h the passenger quarters for they May 15 . .:right to work at other men's e ti r ed my book but I am still are nearly always empty. I say, I am still following my old jobs while they are out ·pound- interested in what is going on in to hell with passen ers anywa . g y motto: there is nothing too good ing the bricks. To hell with the 'maritime and the Union. Let's a ow the members of th e for my boys. Give them any­ I like the LOG very much as SIU to live in comfortable quar­ striker, let him starve. To hell thing they want to eat, I say, for with the worker when times are ' it often mentions an old member ters sardine cans-unless not r ll i ! and no work is available. whom I know and ships that I Waterman will furnish olive oil a good feeding ship is a happy Just see that th at scab is given 1 have been on. Would you please to help squeeze. us into our ship. ' the right to go through the send the paper to my home? Check the LOG of .July 18, bunks. L. G. Tidwell picketlines to take another man's Incidentally, on this ship there 1947, for the write-up of my de­ hard job. That's all he asks. Just in case you're i r cu ious I Oak (Ed. Note: Grove, La. You bet we will..) i ;; a dets." foc'sle marked "Ca- partment when I was on the SS Thi:; space would make a Mandan Victory. large fine hospital whexe the Old Man Tell all the Stewards Depart­ could be in ahend�nce to a sick ment Patrolmen hello fo1· man at all times. This means They will remember me. that if the company persuaded to do it, could be the present With all good wishes , A. W. Gowder linen locker could be made into Bound volumes of the SEAFARERS LOG for the a foc'sle. for cooks. At present, the cooks have a six-months from July through December 1947 have just very hot place. It's right over arrived from the binders. Members may purchase them­ the boilers, and is an inside as long as they last at the cost price, which is $2.50 per foc'sle at that with only an after copy. port for ventilation. I don't Also available are some copies of previous bound mean it's warm, I mean it's hot. editions at the same price. Bindings on all volumes are of, We are on our way to Manila and Shanghai now <i.ncl should sturdy buckram with dates lettered in gold. hit the States the first part of All Seafarers who wish to set up a permanent file August. This crew just voted to with a minimum of effort should act promptly. The hang Taft-Hartley by the you­ bound volumes may be purchased at the Headquarters know-what. Lucien R. Elie baggage room, 4th floor, 51 Beaver Street, New York City. me. Chie-f (Ed. as we Believe it or not, this smil­ mouth Our Note: waters Steward read Brother Gowder's Easter menu. It has ing Seafarer cleaning has distilled just finished water just about everything, starting No name was given wilh would soup and ending with tanks aboard a Cities Service tanker. recognize him but who anyway. nu.ts. In between, we find roast Wonder how he would look if ribs he went into a real dirty tank. of beef, baked Virginia ham with plenty of vegetables, fruit them. and salad to Moreover, accompany our mouth the When Fleet comes Cities under Service the SIU banner the LOG will give due to the SIU members keeps right on watering when credit we check back to the LOG of sailing these ships, doing a job July 18 last year. For .that is- for the Union. �Ftiday. May 21, IMS TBB SEATARBBS B&G POST PAYOFF ACTIVITY ^ Joy appears unrestrained for these crewm3mbers of the SS Frank Norris, shown here celebrating in a Mobile bistro after a trying pxYoS. Everything was squared away, however, by SIU representatives in that port, after a two-day tussle. Identification accompanying photo was not given in order, but here are the names of those pictured: J. B. Schutte, Deck Eng.: J. S. Guerra, AB; P. J. Potuo, AB; Jimmey Fulgham (in checkered dress, we think): Harry Byrd, Oiler: F. Cabaruluas, Ch. Cook: Red Smith, a local cabbie: Sylvestre Cardona, OS: W. E. McGhee, in whose tavern photo was taken: Paul Winterly: Ricardo Fuentes: S. Newman, 3rd Cook: T. Querke: Frank Vitale: Ernesto Ruiz, Pantry Util­ ity, and Harold Spicer. Phonys Using Officials' Names To Evade Rules Rate Dressing Down, Member Says To the Editor: charges for being a gashound bringing these matters to the and sluffing off his work on his ^tention of all hands so they shipmates. may be on the alert and profit by his experience. We'd like When he was x-eprimanded by more brothers to air their the crew, he said, "Aw, I know a views on this and other sub­ piecard." And then he men­ jects of benefit to the mem­ tioned one of the New York offi­ bership.) cials by name. Later on, during the trial this same official hap­ pened to walk into the commit­ tee room. ••»r'-' -' V •^'''v••'•'•'!t'?v-'-' .-': - •••-=• TliiiSaaa SIU Growth Stirs Oldtimer; Sees Survival Fight Ahead To the Editor: hard, regardless of the union I am one of the original mem­ they may belong to. bers of the Seafarers and I It is with extreme regret that sailed for a period during the ,I realize I shall not be able to war. But then I was among participate in the struggles which those unfortunate guys who all seamen's unions will probably happened to be tossed into the be engaged in within the next army. As a result of, injuries I 12 months. received while in army service, Nevertheless, I shall be watch­ l ean no longer go to sea. So I ing the battle closely and root­ am working ashore and have ing hard for my Union—^with been doing so for the past four great confidence, too For I know years. ' the manner in which the SIU I get the SEAFARERS LOG has fought other battles, big and regularly sincp I am stUl vei-y small I know the Seafarers will much interested in my Union be the victors in the one ahead. and former shipmates. Reading They must be; it wiU be the big­ the paper over the past four gest battle of them all — the years—and the last couple of Battle of Survival. years, especially—I have noticed Dan Folks ~ several things I think are worthy of combat. First of all, and the most amazing, I think, is the way the Union has grown. I well remem­ ber when the SIU was a very small outfit, inexperienced and was looked upon with scofn by the so-called large unions. But To the Editor: that's past history. Having a few moments to Now, all over the country, peo­ ple have become familiar with spare I thought I'd drop a line the SlU, know what it is and to the LOG to say something what it stands for. Even out about one of the things that has here in the mid-West where I been appearing in the paper' am (Wisconsin), you only have lately. I'm referring to the page to mention the name of the SIU which has been running a round­ and every trade-imionist knows up of the SIU branch meetings in all ports, and the breakdown what you're talking about. Even though I belong to the of the men registered and ship­ CIO now—and that's because the ped in each port. plant where I'm working is CIO This is darned good informa­ —and I believe in being a Union tion for the membership to have. , man — the guys working with Now we can all see at a glance men have the highest regard for how shipping is in the different ports. We can also keep up with the SIU record.. Yes, it's a wondei-ful thing : the proceedings of the port meetthat the Union has amassed the ings. So if a guy is out at sea strength it now has and that it he knows what's going on in the •'Mi has within its reach the re- Union ashore. sources so important to its suc­ KEEP IT UPl cess. It is indeed, fortunate, at I'm strongly in favor of con­ this time, especially. tinuing this stuff because I thiifl You can see the pattern being it's one of the most interesting established all over the nation features we ever ran in the LOG. as being strongly anti-union. And If I'm right—^uid I think I am— attempts ai*e. already under way ^ we're the only union anywhere to smash the unions, from using ^ that gives such a detailed acthe National Guard to the Coast count of shipping information Guard. No doubt but what the and port happenings, bosses will take on the Unions It's just one more sign of the in the maritime industry last of [ way the Seafarers membership all because they know when is kept informed, seamen fight, they generally fight Jim Rhymer Branch Minutes, Job Data Called Bang-Up Feature I've just been wondering how njany of the members have run into some of these blowhards on board ship,'who ar-e always try­ ing to impress the rest of us by saying they know this officiah or that official. From what I have been able to see, these hot air broadcasts are generally the tip off to some phony stunt, be­ cause you'll usually find that ON HIS TOES shortly after these introductions they'll borrow a bunch of dough, The chairman of the trial com­ then jump ship without, paying it mittee was a pretty sharp guy, back. Or they'll pull another and he turned to the guy on charges and asked him. "Do you d^al just as phony. know this fellow here," and he •I don't want any of the fel­ pointed to the union official. To the Editor: lows to think this is a blast The guy on" charges looked at On behalf of the entire crew against our officials. After all they're entirely innocent of the him, then said: of the SS William Caxier, of the "Noi I don't think so. I never whole thing and it's not their Bernstein Shipping Company, I fault that guys go around trying saw him around." to impress shipmates by using I guess you can imagine what want to express our thanks to union officials' names. We've happened when the chairman of the Agent and other officials of got a damn good bunch of guys the committee broke the bad the Mobile branch for the co­ in' office and it's a shame to hear news to this character .that the operation they gave us when we CONGRATS FOR A GOOD JOB some phoneys using their names guy he was bragging about paid off recently in that port. knowing personally and whose in vain. ' While we were waiting for the name he used so he could break WATCH OUTI shipboard rules was the guy he ship toTae paid off, the company was .unable to furnish a draw, as The membership should be on just said he didn't know. they had to get the money down But you don't have to guess its toes for this kind of stuff. If from the main office, they do, they won't get stuck so what happened to this phony easy. When these professional when the committee gave a de­ We, therefore, contacted Cal Tanner, the Agent in the Port "Knowers" start hollering about cision. how many officials they know, This incident has a moral. For of Mobile, and he made arrange­ shipmates should point out to my dough, regardless of who a ments to advance us enough them that knowing SIU officials guy knows, he is an SIU man money out of his owrt pocket to doesn't mean a damn thing. I and he must conduct himself as tide us over until the payoff. think everybody will agi-ee with such at all times. Nobody gets SIU STYLE, me when I say that the rules are an special treatment. This is a % made for everybody to live by— Union, not a social club and if a At the payoff the Patrolmen officials as well as members. guy knows everybody in an offi­ did everything they could to I'm blowing off on this matter cial job from the Secretary- represent the men in a firstbecause things like this not only Treasurer to the Janitor, it class manner. Despite the diffi­ put some of our officials in a doesn't mean a damn thing to culty of doing business with a bad light—which is not good for, the rest of the membei'S. If he paymaster who did not have the the Union as a whole—but it has foiils up, he'll have, to pay the authority to settle beefs our also caused many of them to get penalty according to the rules we representatives did .a bang-up job in paying off this ship. sore as hell. And I guess I all set up and abide by. would, too. That's the way I look at it. • We would appreciate having R. Wright you publish this at the very first I Maybe I'm taking up a lot of opportunity, as the men on the space but while I'm at it I would Seafarer Phil Reis, Chief Baker on the SS Del Mar, looks (Ed. Note: Brother Wright— Carter want the membership to like to give an example of what or any member like him, who at artistic bit of baking he and the other bakers produced know we received first-class co­ I mean. for passengers' farewell celebration as he accepts congratulais trying to strengthen our operation from the Mobile 'tions from skipper. The Del Mar, one of Mississippi's top is not "taking up branch. Sometime ago I liappened to be Union flight cruise ships is manned by competent Seafarers crew on a trial committee in the Port space." We think he is do­ Oliver H. Headley and skipper took time out to tell Phil exactly that. Photo ing his brothers a good turn of" New York, a job I take seri­ submitted by Frank Borkowski, Del Mar's S6;:ond Baker. ously. A guy was brought, up on and benefitting the Union by SS WiUiam Carter Carter Crew Lauds Mobile Representation w i-sFjia �Pag* Fourleen THE SEAFARERS Fridar, Mar 2i; i#i9 LOG I Commodore's Lady Takes Over § Jock the Captain, big and bur­ the master of this ship!" he the press of canvas, could no I At noon, after a squall had it and held her head. Nay, the ly, had sailed the seven seas for shouted. "I'm the commodore longer run. She shook, shivered, passed over with a piercing ship began to gather way; she shriek, Maggie made her ap­ shipped seas, steered wild. 20 years, driving ships and men. captain in the company!" rose on a wave, cleared her £n 1910, when seven rf us, able Suddenly the cabin door swung Sail had to be shortened. Men pearance on the poop and, giv­ flooded lee side and sailed on­ seamen all, had shipped on his open wide, and out stepped Mag- crawled aloft and spent hours on ing a. glance to windward aloft, ward, free. All hands heaved a the swinging footropes, battling motioned to Jock with her hand. sigh of relief. old hooker, Westgate, we did not with the stiff, ballooning sail Jock saw the sign and bowed know that he had just sent seven low. Maggie turned her back In the evening, after the sec­ beating in the face. men of his crew to jail. They furled the sails at last and went below. She was the ond dog watch, when the fo'c'sle One day, off the Horn, while and, unseen in the night, crawl­ Captain, so it seemed, to all hands —"' tired, bruised but un­ running before the westerly gale, ed down a tired lot, to listen aboard; and, evidently, she be­ a big sea had smashed through came the Captain on her wed­ again to the howling wind. the galley door. Jock rushed in ding day, when Jock became her Dawn came. It found us hove Mate. the galley through a lot of to under goose winged lo'er tops'l Indeed, Maggie had hardly steam. 'You've spoiled my flour and storrn stays'l, the ship list­ gone when Jock, eager to carry in the bin!" he cried. ing over, laboring in the trougji out her wish, passed the order The cook, a placid Australian, of the sea and with lee dead- to all hands: "Shake out the smiled and said: "No, sir. The eyes awash. Jock stood planted goose wing! Then set fore and sea has washed the galley clean. on the poop near the wheel and mizzen lo'er tops'ls!" You'-ve lost, sir, a few roaches." gic! She wore an old dress with bawled at the helmsman as if Once again the men had to Jock shook his fist. "You god­ a greasy apron. seized by an unholy spell: go aloft. They went struggling dam kangaroo, I'll use the be­ "John, go on the poop!" she "Damn your eyes! To hell up the rigging, flattened against laying pin on you!" he threat said in a voice, sharp and firm. with the compass! 'Watch her the ratlines and, with their arms ened and swore, "Til log you a There was a moment of sur­ head! Don't let her fall off and spread out, holding on grimly month's pay!" prised, stillness. Maggie turned drown all hands!" to the shrouds. Jock was down on cooks, ever upon Scotty, the spokesman. It was an awful moment. The They worked out on footropes bowed—went below to snatch a since that day in Frisco, seven "All right, men," she said, still men, weather beaten and in and, swinging dizzily aloft, loos­ wink of sleep, they shout^ years ago, aboard his ship, when firm, "Til give you some bully Cape Horn rig, stood under-the ened the sails, then held on praise: "Maggie is a good sailor!" he had suddenly taken ill, after beef from cabin stores." break of the poop, hanging on against the violent shocks of Soon after, a sleepy voice ex­ he had eaten the steak on grill. "Thank you. Madam!". Scotty to lifelines and looking aloft, beating canvas-—while other men claimed from a berth: "If it He had never trusted any replied, touching his cap. fi-om under their sou' westers, as on deck, with water washing up hadn't been for Maggie ordering cooks since then. So Maggie, his In a moment Maggie was gone; if spellbound by the mournful to their waists, pulled down on Jock about, we would still be wife whom he had begged to she had stepped into the pass­ melody of. the wind rushing the sheets to the wailing "hey- on deck, standin' by and hangin' come in a hurry from Melbourne, age way. "Bob, come here!" we through the shrouds. way, long an'strong!" cry from on to the lifelines!" did all the cooking for him on heard her calling the cabin boy, Meantime, Maggie dressed in the forehand standing on the Then a voice drawled, going the coal stove he had installed giving the order. black sat in the chartroom, five-rail. off in a doze: "It takes Maggie in the cabin. Old Jock opened his mouth, watching the barometer or, get­ A sea boarded and sent the Jock did not mind the smell ready to' swear. No words came; ting up, looked through the port­ men sprawling in scuppers. The to tame 'hell raising Jock'...'! of grease and smoke in his cab mouth remained open. He turned hole, watching the weather, the men struggled to their feet and, "To run the Commodore, you in as he sat at the table under away his face, and climbed with ship, the sea. spluttering and blowing like mean!" someone interjected. a cloud of blue smoke, while heavy feet the poop ladder to She was pale, serious, atten­ porpoises, finally hauled home There was laughter, assent­ Maggie was frying his rancid windward. y. tive. She had weathered many a the clews. The sails were set. ing, and quiet. Midnight- came. , It . blew a gale since the day when, having Lo and behold! The ship Weststorm, a wild night. Something sold her bar, "Ship Ahoy!'", she gate, thanks to Maggie's seaman­ Capt. R. J. Peterson. had to be done. The ship, under had married Jock. MM&P Local 88 ship, made a better weather of I: li«i 1 wonder if the membership or not. If you didn't pay, you has been watching the struggles didn't ship out. various AFL and CIO unions Some of the companies had no throughout the nation are nolv crimps. If you wanted a job on engaged in to defend their or­ one of their vessels, you went ganizations and hiring halls. aboard and hung around the The current wave of attacks on alleyways with your hat in one the fundamental rights of trade hand and your discharges in the unions is the beginning of the other, waiting for the Mate or employers' use of the TaftEngineer to look you over. If Hartley law to break down all you passed muster, the job was our hard-won gains, notably the yours. several months before ^ou got a was New York. In that port you hiring hall. TOPS ALL They are trying desperately for chance to ship out of the famous generally shaped up outside the docks in all kinds of weather. There wei-e even more fantas­ a return to the "good old days."^ 'shipping board fink halls." And some shipowners would like Meanwhile, you'd watch cow­ You just hoped and prayed that tic, slave-like procedures to be followed in procuring a job in nothing better. boys with high-heeled boots ship WilAT AMI eiOOA those days—-like on the Amer­ As someone so aptly put it, out. And I'm not kidding when \ -WIS WIWA ? ican France line, for- example, Let's look at the record" of the tell you that many of them which by the way probably takes good old days. The oldtimers re­ carried their saddles with them the cake for outrageous abuses. member them well, and the when they went aboard. If you wanted a job on one of youngsters have heard or read Swinging over to Ncw 'Qrleans, their ships, you made a trip as of them. But all hands could you ran into the famed "slave a workaway. Then you worked probably stand a refresher. So market." If you were a seamen like hell on the way over and heie goes: and wanted a job, you reported back, waiting for someone to PORTLAND to the old "Marker" everyday. quit or get fired so you could In those days, the story was ,'When this character thought you take hjs place on the payroll. the same, no matter what poi't were lean and hungi-y he would Sure, it's hard to believe those you were in. Take Portland, ship you, providing, of course, the crimp would pick you -out. indignities could ever have been Oregon, for instance. It was al­ you were a nice- boy. ways "Portland ships for Port­ Conditions were not much dif­ "The various companies operating practiced on seamen, especially land boys" and, brother, you had ferent in the Port of Mobile in out of New York had their own as we enjoy the Union Hiring Hall and rotary system of ship­ one sweet time trying to squeeze those dsfys. To the younger Sea­ hiring procedures. ping. Nevertheless, they did on a States Line ship, unless you farers among us who "have only SHAPE-UP lived in the town. This outfit, shipped from the Union hiring At United States Lines, for in­ exist. And they are exactly, the con­ incidentally, used a swastika for hall under the rotary system, stance, you would stand outside a house flag symbol up until' the some of the goings-on of the the offices and after having ditions the Taft-Hartley law last war. pre-Union years may seem fan­ "shaped up" for a few ships backers hope to return to. That's No doubt there are men in the tastic. But they have only to wearing your dungarees and a what they are trying to accom; Seafarers who remember the ask any oldtimer to bear out dirty shirt thgre was a good plish to help the poor, down­ trodden shipowners who are Pacific steamship owners' ship­ what I am saying here. ) chance of making a job. down to their last 20 billions of ping hall in Frisco, where you / tVhen a job came in down in Another possibility existed. the dough made during the war. had to go to register for a job on Mobile, the local shipping crimp Vou could meet the Engineer or But wesee hoW the cards are one of their wagons. would look over the crowd, while the Mate in a gin mill and buy This was the ill-famed but he sang outr "Any Mobilians in him a few drinks. They would being dealt and that's Why we well-named, "Fink Hall." There the house " then speak to the crimp and are building up our strike fund. We are increasing our insurance they had a blacklist that was a If none was' present, he would have you shipped. honey, and which had few equals then cry: "Any Alabamans in the To get a job on the United against the return of those "good anywhere. house?" If he still .got no Fruit, Porto Rico and 'Ward lines old days," for we're determined If you were looking for a ship answer, he'd say,- "All right, now you had to pay a certain board­ they shall never again prevail in ings-house keeper for room and the maritime industry. down in the Gulf area in those we'll take the furriners." , JAMES PURCELL days, you'd cool your heels for Perhaps the worst spot of all . board whether you stayed there DAYS bacon. He would be smoking - his meerschaum pipe like a chimney and spitting like an old gypsy living in a tent. We don't know how Maggie - : felt about Jock's manners; she kept very much to herself. They were a sloppy couple, childless and mean, especially Jock. Mon­ ey—they had plenty: On business , ashore, Jock hardly ever bought a newspaper. >• BAD BEEF The old hooker, stripped to . lo'er tops'ls and fores'l, drow rushing to the Eastward before a freshening gale; the seas fol­ lowed rising astern, and the wake foamed free. In the first dog watch on Sunday, south of the Horn, we, the fo'c'sle hands, had trooped aft to see old Jock. "The salt Jiorse for supper is rotten, Captain!" Bpoke up Scotty, an elderly seaman. "Here, smell it, sir!" he said, holding " up a chunk of the horse, called beef. Jock, pug-nosed and surly, jjf^^narled like a dog. There was a pause. Then he suddenly roar­ ed: "I give you what I damn 1^^ well choose!" "Do you mean to say, sii'," the iseaman asked grimly, "that this here beef is all right?" "Get to hell forrad or I'll brain you with a belaying pin!*' Jock said with violence. "I'm �Friday. May 21,1848 Page Fiftefn S B E '-SMiAS A R EJR S UP ^ SIU Contracted Companies: Mar-Trade To better acquaint the SIU membenhip with the ihips they sail and the SIU contracted companies behind them, a series of short articles on these companies and their ships is being run in the LOG. Some of the companies haye long and interestihg recpi^ds in American maritime hxstory^-some of that history was made with SIU crews aboard the ships. '• 1 Much has been written about only recently; but like the the fruits of the organizational other companies under the SIU drive conducted by the Union banner they are up to the standduring the past years. Outstand- ard of the regular agreements, ing company to come into the FINE RELATIONS ranks of the Seafarers was of . of' being in American course, the Isthmian Steamship ^pg^^^ions but a short time, the Corporation. relations between the Union and The gaining of - Isthmian, and the company -have been excel­ all the publicity attached, far lent in all matters concerning overshadowed the many other working conditions and wages. companies added to the SIU Usually there are kinks and rolls in recent months. thorns encountered in first deal­ One of the less-heralded, but ing with a company, but Marcertainly not insignificant, com­ Trade has proved to be an ex­ panies to be signed up is the ception. Due to the practical at­ Mar-Trade Corporation, agents titude taken by the operations and operators for various small­ manager. Captain Charles D. er outfits. Wright, the SIU has had no While the corporation operates reason to resort to direct action. but six ships at present, its fleet All matters of concern to the The Sanford B. Dole, Metro Petroleum Shipping Company, one of the liberty-tankers ope­ is by no means complete. Plans I Union and the company have rated by Mar-Trade Corporation, as she appeared while being fitted out in the yard of the are already in--motion for the hgen thrashed out peacefully Maryland Drydock Company in Baltimore. acquiring of three more ships, j around the conference table. At this number will be added to no time has the Union been un- up of the corporation is its di­ life aboard ship as pleasant as tanker and four are Liberty and eventually. able to sit down with the com­ rector, Captain D. Dritsas. Him-, possible through fully equipped tankers. All are engaged in Mar-Trade is relatively new pany and man to man settle all self a 30-year' -veteran of the recreation rooms, adequate slopworld-wide tramp operations. in American maritime. The cor­ problems to- the satisfaction of seas. Captain Dritsas is in a chests and the maintenance of The dry-cargo vessel is the poration for many years has all. position to better understand the genial relations between the Sea Trader, the T-2 .tanker is handled Greek and Panamanian Captain Wright, Mar-Trade's relations of a company toward crews and topside. the Sweetwater and the Liberty vessels, but it was less than two operations manager, has been the men who sail the ships. The corporation's six vessels tankers are the John Stagg, San­ years ago that it began the cooperative and has at no time Always cooperative, at present are as varied as their runs. One ford B. Dole, John H. Marion operation of ships for American resorted to the hard-timing, he is undertaking to make the is a dry cargo ship, one a T-2 and Andrew Marschalk. though fruitless, practices which corporations. The SIU has held contracts are stock in trade to some com­ with the company for only a few panies. months, some of them signed While the corporation is for the most part operated by Greek The following men. have com­ VERNON STREET C .E, MURPHY maritime men. Captain Wright ing from Smith-Johnson SS Co. Get in touch with the records is an American with long ex­ They can collect at the company department, SIU Headquarters, Get in touch with Harold C. m Banks, SUP, 105 Market St., San perience on the bridge and at office, 60 Beaver St. 6th Floor, 51 Beaver Street, New Francisco; Calif. SIU, A&G District the operations desk. SS EDWARD G. JANEWAY York. tit He first went to sea in 1930 Carroll, Fred W., $5.65; Fiore, BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. JOHN KRUSE William Rentz, Agent Calvert 4530 and after a lay-off for a few R., .25; Hai-ris, Thomas, $7.12; LEWIS D^ MULLIS BOSTON 276 State St. You are asked to write Mrs. Hitchcock, Martin J., .85;'John­ Your mother, is anxious to hear James Sipes or Bob, who is Walter Siekmann, Agent Bowdoin 4455 son, Earl D., $6.36; Marcoux, from you. Her address is MonGALVESTON aosvi—23rd st. ready to leave for Seattle and Joseph P., $32.98; Melle, Erling, I'oe, N. C., Route 6, Box 669-B. Keith Alsop, Agent Phone 2-8448 wishes to see you. $16.86; Michaels, William J., MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Gal Tanner, Agent Phone 2-1754 $12.72; Quimby, Harold, $13.06; JOSEPH^BRIANT HAROLD^ NELSON NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St. Reyes, Francisco M., j$5.30; SandJerry Palmer left your sea­ E. Sheppard, Agent Magnolia 61126113 Your mother wishes to know strom, T., $2.12; Schop, Lloyd G., men's papers in the New York NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. your whereabouts. Important. .57; Szoblik, F., $6.36; Thompson, Hall. You can get them at the 1ii Joe Algina, Agent HAnover 2-2784 tit Roy, $2.55. baggage room. •::4: NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St.| ROBERT MOTT SS JAMES M. GILLIS Ben Rees, Agent' Phone 4 1083' t- t. i. PHILADELPHIA 614-16 N. 13th St. Get in touch with your mother. Braun, F. E., $2.33; Domin- CHARLES H. MONTGOMERY Lloyd Gardner, Agent Poplar 5-1217 Get in touch with your sister quez, Jose N., $13.31; Froom, tit SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. C. E. MURPHY Paul N., $12.30; Greer, Sam, Mrs. Jos. P. Sticht, 726 4th St., Steve Cardullo, Agent Douglas 2-5475 $17.54; Gunn, Zeland T., $11.74; West Elizabeth, Penn. as your SAN JUAN, P.R 252 Ponce de Leon Get in touch with Hal Banks, .-Sal Colls, Agent San Juan 2-5996 Gurganus, Jay M., $16.28; Kneiss, daughter expects to be married SIU Hall, ^105 Market Street, SaA SAVANNAH '...220 East Bay St John E., $6.43; Lutz, Dennis L,, in June. Francisco, Calif. Charles Starling, Agent Phone 3-1728 $16.95; Rote,-. Henry iJ., •$7;54; TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. Stevens, Greer C., $14.92; Claude Simmons, Agent Phone M-1323 '•331 Thomas, Cecil, .84; Watkins, Rob­ HEADQUARTERS. .51 Beaver St., N.Y.C HAnover 2-2784 ert H., $3.31. SECRETARY-TREASURER The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea­ SS JOHN A. DONALD Paul Hail farers International Union is available to all memb^s who wis^ Coleccki, Steve, .28; HenningDIRECTOR OF ORGAN1Z.ATION Mar-Trade vessels can be sen, Agner, .91; Kaeliwai, George to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of Lindsey Williams recognized by a black stack N., $14.12; Rochester, Gareth H., their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to havm ASSIST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS 'Robert Matthews ' J. P. Shuler upon which is imposed a white .91; Steward^ Jack P., .28; Sval- the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at everyJoseph Volpian square. In the square is a red land, Gunnar K., $4.35; Temple- SIU branch for this purpose. circle having blue guide lines. ton, Robert G., .91; Ucci, Peter However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU SUP HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. The block letter is blue and A., $5.40; "Yorke, Peter, $9.62; hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG, Phone 58777 varies according to the corpo­ which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51,. Zouvelos, Steve, $4.35. PORTLAND 111 W. Burnside St. ration vessel being operated by Beaver Street, New York 4 ,N. Y. SS JOHN GALLUP Beacon 4336 RICHMOND, Calif \ .267 8th St. Mar-Trade. In this case the Geiling, Richard "V., $10.16; PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION Phone 2509 "M" stands for Metro Petro­ Gonzales, Paul, $1.97; Mikaljunas, ^N FRANCISCO 59 Clay St. leum Shipping Company. J., $11.47; Stenmo, Otto J., $12.35; To the Editor: 1 Douglas 25475 Veider, Karl A., $14.12. SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the Main 0290 years to attend school, he re­ SS THOMAS J. LYONS WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. turned at the outbreak of the A b o 1 i n e, Alexander, $15.23; address below: Terminal 4-3131 war. Torpedoed once, his ship, Bond, E. v., $31.33; CUfton, the City of Birmingham, went to Douglas W., .88; Dominquez, VinGt. Lakes District Name PJFFALO 10 Exchange St. the bottom in less than three cent M., $12.15; Ellsworth, Morse, Cleveland 7391 minutes off the coast of Ber- $2.79; Fall, Robert E., $12.15; Street Address CHICAGO, 111. 3261 East 92nd St. muda. Graham, James J., $4.66; HutchPhone: Essex 2410 • - 'C Unusual in the sinking was iris, Herbert R., .70; Lowry, CLEVELAND 2602 Carroll St. State City Main 0147 the exceedingly speedy evac- ! George W., .84; Paxson, Orville ItETROIT 1038 Third St. nation of 325 passengers H., $5.83; Sierra, BUeran O., Cadillac 6857 without the loss of a single life, $5.47; Syrex, PhUip, $11.81; Thlu, Signed DULUTH.... 531 W. Michigan St. record unequalled in both Goon Pay, $6.38; Thompson, Ivan Melrose 4110 a Book No. D., $18.83; Vaughari, William P., TOLEDO..............615 Summit Sb wsrs. • Carfield 2112 Another feature of the make- $2.80. " - MONEY HUE PERSONALS SIU HALLS 3:, Notice Te All SIU Members .fi �Page Sixteen - THE S E AF ARERS '? Friday, May 21. 1948 LOG ;li?; iv,; OHOI^AHltBO rAmCBflMEH • im- ^ m. •Krili*: :»i r• 5K' •'/••l^.v . -!S •y'-vr-'^. IV , "i r' • ' • JK;5:'tv.vV-:; S ' '- fc.^ :• • 'irm • ; 0. vm^ • 1 VOU eANTCASH PROMISES ... 4 •' ' /ill f"r 1-;": l?iSA\ VOU CAM'T BAT COMPANY PATERNALISM IF yOVRB A esoolD Boy, >*^P VOM'TASKfottA/irrHnh.ibO WOAf'T BC OlSAPfO/AJlHD I >, .'r . ••••.•'i — BUT VOU CAW F/WP vJOB ^CCURITV, THE BEST WORKIAJGCOA)PmOA)S,AWD THE H»SHESr WAGES IWTHETAAIKERF/fiLD, IW THE SEAFARERS IWTERWATIOWAL t/AJlO^] OFM.A. -API... JOST COMPARE -—THE TAAIKER WAGE SCALES \/40A) ©t' THE A aS. OISIRIGTOF THE ^.i.U. WlfH THOSE OFlWE AJ-M U — is. SIU Scale Rating Bosun ,$270.00 Carpenter ..... 270.00 AB . . . . . 220.00 AB Maintenance 235.00 OS ;. . .: 185.00 Electrician ..... 350.00 Chief Pumpman . . . 290.00 Engine Maintenance ... 265.00 Oiler — ... 220.00 Fireman-Watertender • • • • ... 220.00 Wiper . . . . . 208.00 Steward . . . .. 285.00 Chief Cook • • ..... 265.00 Second Cook ..... 230.00 Galleyman ... 185.00 Messman i.. Utility ..... 185.00 NMU Scale $266.95 251.88 212.96 230.71 183.39 348.43 280.40 256.74 212.96 212.96 218.88 278.04 254.38 224.79 183.39 177.47 177.47 In addition, Seafarers get the following: Overtime for ratings receiving less than $223.23 monthly is $1.15 per hour. Overtime for ratings receiving $223.23 or more per month is $1.45 per hour. fc, J ^ 4f^ is ~ •-,'"v0*. "V"' � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 21 , 1948 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. X, No. 21 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS SIGNS TANKER OUTFIT,TWELFTH IN YEAR T-H ACT SLOWS NLRB WORK,DELAYS CITIES SERVICE CASE SIU FIGHTS FOR RIGHT OF SEAMEN TO GET UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TANKER TONNAGE NOW COMPROMISE QUARTER OF WORLD BOTTOMS STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL ARRANGES NEW SCHEDULE FOR OUT-PATIENTS SEAFAARERS MUST PREPARE NOW FOR DARK DAYS THAT LIE AHEAD RUSSIA'S MERCHANT MARITIME'S LATEST MYSTERY SEAFARERS SIGNS TANKER COMPANY TWELFTH IN YEAR A REPORT ON THE DIGIORGIO STRIKE SEAFARERS CELEBRATE OPENING OF NEW HALL IN PORT NEW ORLEANS SHIPPING IS AT STANDSTILL IN NEW YORK SHIPPING GOO IN PUERTO RICO;MARITIME TRADES COUNCIL FORMED GALVESTON GOOD TO BOOKMEMBERS SAVANNAH GET THE BONEYARD RUN MOBILE SHIPPING HOLDS STEADY,BUT BEACH STILL OVERCROWDED SHIP CARGOES FALL TO NEW LOW FOR POSTWAR YEARS IN BALTIMORE PHILLY NO PLACE FOR GUYS WITHOUT STAKE WHEN THE SIU DELIVERED THE GOODS WETMORE NEARLY LOST IN STORM THAT TOOK HOUSTON WOODS LIFE DALLAS TERRY DIES IN AOTO IN MISHAP IN VA COMMODORE'S LADT TAKES OVER SIU CONTRRACTED COMPANIES:MAR-TRADE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/21/1948 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1948 Periodicals Seafarers Log